S5 Episode 16: Allan Pinkerton-America’s First Detective
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You may have heard of “The Pinkertons,” the infamous detective and spy agency that dealt with matters of national intelligence and security, labor union disputes and much more. But what do you know about Allan Pinkerton, the founder of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency? Author Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones explores the life and adventures of Pinkerton in his latest book, “Allan Pinkerton: America’s Legendary Detective and the Birth of Private Security.” With Rhodri, we trace Pinkerton’s unlikely rise from a Scottish immigrant to America’s first “detective,” his role in...
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S5 Episode 15: Deep Sleep
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Step inside one of the most disturbing chapters in modern psychiatry. In this episode, author and journalist Jon Stock joins us to discuss his book The Sleep Room: A Sadistic Psychiatrist and the Women Who Survived Him, an investigation into the shocking experiments of Dr. William Sargant in 1960s London. Sargant’s so-called treatments—prolonged drug-induced sleep, electroconvulsive therapy, and other invasive procedures—left deep scars on the women subjected to them, many without their consent. We also hear from Mary, a survivor of the Sleep Room, who shares her firsthand...
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S5 Episode 14: The Untold Story of East New York
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In the early 1990s, East New York was known as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America, a place dubbed “The Killing Fields” after a wave of murders shook Brooklyn. What if the real crime story started decades earlier, in boardrooms and banks? Author Stacy Horn takes us inside her new book, The Killing Fields of East New York, to uncover how a well-intentioned housing policy in the late 1960s spiraled into America’s first subprime mortgage scandal. When most people think of a subprime crisis, they think of 2008. But long before that, East New York became ground zero for greed,...
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S5 Episode 13: Intel - Secrets and Civil Liberties
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What does it mean to live in a country built on freedom but shaped by secrecy? Intelligence work is often hidden in the shadows—but its impact shapes every facet of our public and private lives. We chat with Dr. Jeffrey Rogg, a historian who offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how American intelligence has evolved—and why it matters more than ever today. Jeff is Senior Research Fellow at the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute. Previously, he served as an assistant professor at the Joint Special Operations University (U.S. Special Operations...
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S5 Episode 12: Interview with the Psychopath
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What does it feel like to live without empathy—or guilt? Sociopathy is one of the most misunderstood diagnoses in psychology. We chat with Jamie who offers a rare, first-person glimpse into life with antisocial personality disorder. We discuss stigma, resilience, and the complexity of being “different” in a world built for emotional connection. Jamie, also known by the pen name M.E. Thomas, is the author of Confessions of a Sociopath, A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight. She is a former law professor who has written extensively on music copyright issues, a current California...
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S5 Episode 11: The Differences Between Us
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Is race written in our DNA—or is that one of the most dangerous myths of modern science? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rina Bliss, sociologist and author of What’s Real About Race: The New Genetics and the Future of Racism. With Rina, we challenge long-held assumptions about biology and race, revealing how cutting-edge genetic research is being misinterpreted in ways that reinforce inequality. We discuss why race is not a biological truth but a social construct—and why that distinction matters more than ever in the age of consumer DNA tests, precision medicine, and tech-driven...
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S5 Episode 10: Breaking the Silence - Surviving the Golden State Killer
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Kris Pedretti is the 10th known survivor of the Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo. After remaining silent for 42 years, she now courageously shares her journey of post-traumatic growth. In this episode, Kris opens up about what it took to confront her trauma decades later, how she found her voice, and why she’s dedicated her life to empowering other survivors. Kris is a powerful voice for survivor advocacy, participating in national podcasts, documentaries, and public speaking engagements to raise awareness and promote healing. She travels the country speaking at conferences on...
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S5 Episode 9: Are the Kids Alright?
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Why does parenting feel so much harder today? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Runyon, a former child psychotherapist turned parent coach, author, and keynote speaker with over 22 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health. Nicole brings a rare ability to bridge the gap between generations, helping adults truly understand what’s going on inside the minds of today’s kids. We talk about how technology is reshaping childhood, the emotional toll of growing up in today’s world, and why so much mainstream parenting advice misses the mark. Nicole shares practical insights...
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S5 Episode 8: Celebrating the Weird and Wonderful - Windy City Paranormal Fest
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What happens when the paranormal meets storytelling and community? Welcome to Windy City Paranormal Fest, Chicago’s celebration of all things strange and unexplained. In this episode, two of the creators, Franky Everleigh and Christina Rappel, share the story behind this unique fest, which brings together the curious and the courageous to explore everything from spirits and cryptids to psychic phenomena and UFOs. Franky and Christina are passionate about uplifting underrepresented voices in the paranormal world and fostering a community that honors both the fun and the historical weight of...
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S5 Episode 7: Health - Fad, Fact and Fiction
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What does it truly mean to be healthy in today’s world, where diet culture and social pressures shape our perceptions of wellness? Martina Cartwright helps us break down the myths surrounding "perfect" health and wellness, offering empowering insights on how to reclaim a balanced, self-compassionate approach to living well. Martina is a registered dietitian and expert with over 26 years of experience in clinical practice, research, and education. She has worked in diverse fields—from pharmaceutical research to clinical dermatology—and is a pioneer in understanding how external...
info_outlineWhy does parenting feel so much harder today? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Runyon, a former child psychotherapist turned parent coach, author, and keynote speaker with over 22 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health. Nicole brings a rare ability to bridge the gap between generations, helping adults truly understand what’s going on inside the minds of today’s kids.
We talk about how technology is reshaping childhood, the emotional toll of growing up in today’s world, and why so much mainstream parenting advice misses the mark. Nicole shares practical insights on how to build stronger, more connected relationships with children, plus a few hilarious stories from her own life as a parent. Whether you're raising kids, teaching them, or just trying to relate to the young people in your life, this conversation will leave you feeling more informed and a little more hopeful.