Podcast

Jun 6, 2023

Ep 256: Keeping Journalism – and Journalists – Alive with Elisa Lees Muñoz

For journalists, it’s a jungle out there – both in the actual jungle and, increasingly, in Anytown USA. So we’ve got Elisa Lees Muñoz of the International Women’s Media Foundation here to tell us how to train journalists to serve (all of us) and protect (themselves!). And then it’s time ... Read More

May 30, 2023

Ep 255: Michelangelo: The Naked Truth

Lately we’ve been partying like it’s 1499 – in that certain works of art are STILL too hot to handle. But was Michelangelo’s “David” always scandalous? And what was our favorite ninja turtle’s namesake really like? Professor and Michelangelo scholar William Wallace is here to enlighten us. Or, um, renaissance ... Read More

May 23, 2023

Ep 254: Hitting the Debt Ceiling with Kathleen Day

As our nation strolls towards financial catastrophe with the debt ceiling negotiations, we ask Professor Kathleen Day the hard questions: What is the debt ceiling? And should we be negotiating it at all? And then: we’ve got a new website, and you’re using it not just to buy our incredible ... Read More

May 16, 2023

Ep 253: Truth in Advertising with the FTC’s Serena Viswanathan

On this 100% guaranteed best-ever podcast, which can also cure scurvy, we talk to the Federal Trade Commission’s Serena Viswanathan to find out just how much advertisers are allowed to bend the truth. And then, the new segment that is 200% guaranteed to mend your lifestyle – it’s “Life Hacks ... Read More

May 9, 2023

Ep 252: TV Violence with Dr. Cynthia Vinney

Violence on television. The big question of course, is: Is there enough of it? And also – what effect does it have on us and our kids? Should we make Paula stop watching “Breaking Bad?” Dr. Cynthia Vinney is here to lay down the law (non-violently). And then – it’s ... Read More

May 2, 2023

Ep 251: Opening the Suggestion Box

Your call is important to us. So is your email. Please stand by, because it’s time for a very special episode wherein we entertain all your entertaining ideas for our beloved podcast. It’s time for Mailbag! Suggestion Box Edition. HOUSE BAND Cory Springhorn http://www.coryspringhorn.com/why-the-trumpet Sponsor: CARAWAY: Good looking, clean cooking.  ... Read More

Apr 25, 2023

Ep 250: Our Microbial Overlords with Eleanor Spicer Rice!

The conspiracy theorists were right – there ARE shadowy forces controlling us… but they’re microscopic. We explore the bizarre world of microbes with our superguest, Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice! And once we’ve got all the info, we get more – along with some disinfo. It’s time for Paula’s Fact Finding Fiesta! GUEST ... Read More

Apr 18, 2023

Ep 249: Pursuing Happiness with Dr. Laurie Santos

Can money buy happiness, and if not, can we at least rent it? We’ve got Yale professor and the host of “The Happiness Lab”, Dr. Laurie Santos, here to drop some breadcrumbs along the trail to Happytown! And now that we’ve made you happy, prepare to be slightly annoyed, as ... Read More

Apr 11, 2023

Ep 248: Will Sommer Takes us to Planet QAnon

QAnon – is it a conspiracy theory, or a cult, or are we saying that because we’re in on it!? Will Sommer, who literally wrote the book on Q, is here to explain this fundamentally inexplicable new belief system! And then, speaking of disinformation – your reviews of our podcast are fantastic. ... Read More

Apr 4, 2023

Ep 247: Banning the Banners with a School Librarian!

This weird political climate has highlighted a class of superheroes that have been there all along. School librarians: Holding the line for truth, intellectual freedom, and a reasonably quiet working environment! Amy Hermon of School Librarians United is here to talk about the new climate of censorship and how to ... Read More

Mar 28, 2023

Ep 246: Your Brain In Love… with Dr. Philip Stieg

Love is a many-splendored thing, love is a drug, love is all you need… but what is it, really? What does love look like in your brain and body? Dr Philip Stieg is here to explain the physiological effects of Cupid’s arrow. Also, you had some strong reactions to Bonnie ... Read More

Mar 21, 2023

Ep 245: Elaine Swann on Post-Pandemic Etiquette!

Of all the things Covid took from us, what we tend to ignore is our manners. How do we behave now that we haven’t HAD to behave for a couple of years? Returning champion Elaine Swann is here to school us on the niceties of niceties. Plus, for your information… it’s ... Read More

Mar 14, 2023

Ep 244: How to Vegan with Alyssa Fontaine

The endless dilemma for diet- and planet-conscious omnivores is this: “Okay, but I love _____! How do I replace that and still enjoy life?” Vegan nutritionist Alyssa Fontaine is here to walk us down the Garden Path. And speaking of garden paths, our own Bonnie Burns tries to green up ... Read More

Mar 7, 2023

Ep 243: Congressional Ethics? with Paul Solis

“Congressional Ethics” sounds like an oxymoron, which is why Former Deputy Chief Counsel for the Office of Congressional Ethics Paul Solis’ old job is so important. And why some congressmen are trying eliminate it, naturally. He’s here to talk all about it. And after we unravel that riddle, it’s time for another ... Read More

Feb 28, 2023

Ep 242: We’d Like to Thank the Academy – No, Really!

The history of film is too long and deep to be captured by any one source… — plot twist! — OR IS IT!? We’ve got Randy Haberkamp, the EVP of the library and archives of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to talk about all the classic movies Adam won’t ... Read More

Feb 21, 2023

Ep 241: It’s Exactly Rocket Science

Actual rocket scientist Julie Zingerman is here to tell us all about how to make a graceful exit from the Earth’s atmosphere and go bang, zoom, to the moon! And then we go somewhere arguably more dangerous, as Toni Anita Hull finally hits that local watering hole – it’s Toni’s Big Bar ... Read More

Feb 14, 2023

Ep 240: (Cross) Checking In with a Flight Attendant

What’s it like on the front lines of in-flight passenger interaction? How do you deal with the angry guy in seat 17D? Why don’t they bring on ice that’s pre-chopped? Former flight attendant/instructor David Johnson flies in to answer our questions. Plus… dim the lights, slip on something comfortable, and ... Read More

Feb 7, 2023

Ep 239: How to Become a MacArthur Genius

First, we don’t officially use the term “MacArthur Genius.” Second, there’s a lot more to know about the MacArthur fellows Program, and it’s director, Marlies Carruth is here to tell us all about it! And then, speaking of genius, you, our lovable and perceptive listeners have some expert advice on ... Read More

Jan 31, 2023

Ep 238: Changing It Up with Jill Schlesinger

We talk about career changes a lot, but how do you really make it happen? How do you manage your life and your money? We have no idea, but returning champion (and author of the new book “The GreatMoney Reset”) Jill Schlesinger does! Plus – we’ve thrown Quote Parties, but ... Read More

Jan 24, 2023

Ep 237: Michael McKean takes Paula “Outside the Actors Studio”

The amazing Michael McKean has to draw on all his experience – from “Laverne and Shirley” to “This is Spinal Tap,” all the way to “ Better Call Saul” – in order to help Paula in her quest to finally nail an audition. Will Paula finally find that thin line ... Read More