S5 Episode 4: A Very Furry Episode
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The Furry subculture is a subculture that’s often misunderstood, misrepresented and wrapped in myth. So, what’s the real story behind the fandom? With Dr. Courtney Plante and others, we hear about the world of furries - the creativity, community, and identity of it all. Courtney is a social psychologist and co-founder of FurScience, the leading research group dedicated to studying the furry community. As an associate professor at Bishop’s University, he's spent years researching the psychology of fandoms, identity, and the power of belonging. He helps us break down common...
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S5 Episode 3: Exploring America - The Gullah Geechee Corridor
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The Gullah Geechee Corridor spans multiple states throughout the southeastern U.S. and is comprised of a deep and rich history, culture, language and lifestyle. The Gullah Geechee people are the descendants of enslaved Africans who worked on rice, indigo and cotton plantations throughout the south. Being enslaved on plantations on remote coastal islands allowed for them to develop and retain a strong, deep culture that is evident in their music, food, language, artwork and more. Luana Graves Sellars is the founder of the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation. She is an activist and...
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S5 Episode 2: Mob Cops
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Two NYPD detectives sworn to uphold the law—yet deeply entangled in the world of organized crime. Journalist and acclaimed author Michael Cannell is back with us to discuss his gripping new book, Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation. Michael uncovers the shocking true story of two NYPD officers who secretly worked for the mob, carrying out hits and leaking information to some of the most dangerous crime families in New York. How did these cops manage to operate in plain sight? What led to their eventual downfall? And how did their crimes...
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S5 Episode 1: Weekend Adventures with Emma
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Imagine setting foot in a place you've never been, meeting people from all walks of life, and facing challenges that push you beyond your limits—only to discover the incredible impact travel has on one's life. We're joined by Emma Wong-Stephens, an avid traveler and blogger who has turned her passion for exploring the world into a platform for storytelling and inspiration. From bustling cities to remote landscapes, Emma shares her most memorable adventures, her favorite places in the world, the challenges she’s faced on the road, and the fascinating people she’s encountered along...
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S4 Episode 27: Genetic Disorders Decoded
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Genetic disorders can be a mystery to many, but for those living with them, they’re a daily reality. In this episode, we talk to Melissa, who shares her life with Senior-Løken Syndrome — a rare condition that affects her vision and kidney function. Melissa opens up about her experiences, challenges, and triumphs as she navigates a world not designed for people like her. We’re also joined by Dr. Julian Barwell, a geneticist who helps us understand the science behind genetic disorders. He breaks down the importance of genetic research, early diagnosis, and how advancements in medicine are...
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Minisode 8 - Deeper Into the Nightmare
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This mini episode includes even more sleep paralysis stories. Some of these stories are more stories from the guests featured in episode 26 and some are brand new!
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S4 Episode 26: Welcome to the Nightmare
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Sleep paralysis is a condition that blurs the lines between dreams and waking life, leaving those who experience it frozen in fear. In this episode, we delve into the eerie and fascinating world of sleep paralysis by talking to individuals who’ve faced this mysterious phenomenon. Our featured guest, Ranita Roy, shares her vivid and haunting experiences, providing a glimpse into what it feels like to be awake but unable to move, all while encountering surreal, shadowy figures. Alongside Ranita’s story, we hear from others whose accounts range from unsettling to oddly enlightening,...
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S4 Episode 25: Cultural Variations in Psychosomatic Disorders
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Have you ever wondered why certain illnesses only seem to appear in specific cultures? How do cultural beliefs shape our experience of health and illness? In this episode, we explore the world of culture-bound syndromes with medical anthropologist, Peter Guarnaccia. These intriguing, culturally specific disorders—such as susto, koro, and ataque de nervios—offer unique insights into how mental health, the body, and culture intersect. Peter helps us explore the rich and varied ways different societies interpret psychological distress, physical ailments, and healing practices that...
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S4 Episode 24: DONNAVILLE
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Step into the surreal and fiercely imaginative world of DONNAVILLE, the latest novel by award-winning writer Donna Minkowitz. In this episode, Donna uncovers the layers of her unique, genre-defying book—a world where personal history, fantasy, and feminist themes converge. Donna is a writer of fantasy, memoir, and journalism lauded by Lilith Magazine for her “fierce imagination and compelling prose.” DONNAVILLE is published by Indolent Books. Donna is also the author of the memoirs FEROCIOUS ROMANCE, which won a Lambda Literary Award, and GROWING UP GOLEM, which was a finalist for a...
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S4 Episode 23: All Hallows' Eve with Lisa Morton
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Ever wondered how Halloween evolved from its ancient origins to the costume-filled celebration we know today? In this Halloween special, we sat down with the incredible Lisa Morton, author, historian, and one of the world’s leading experts on Halloween. From ancient Celtic traditions to the modern-day thrill of haunted houses and costumes, Lisa takes us on a journey through the fascinating evolution of Halloween. Explore how this once-sacred festival honoring the dead transformed into the spooky celebration we know today, uncover ghost stories, rituals, and the cultural shifts that kept...
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