Best Alaina And Jason Podcasts (2025)

1
With Ken Cloke. 58:10

3d ago58:10

58:10

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left is Ken Cloke. Ken is a renowned mediator, arbitrator, and expert in conflict resolution. As the Director of the Center for Dispute Resolution, Ken has spent decades navigating complex disputes, fostering dialogue, and advocating for transformative mediation practices. His work spans labor disputes, polit…

1
"Twice the Pride, Double the Fall" 3:03:03

3d ago3:03:03

3:03:03

Happy 2-year anniversary to Narcissists Talking! Your favorite hosts, Lainie and Jason, are giving you a special treat… 2x the length of a normal ep!! Thankfully for them, they have a lot to talk about. Topics include: Overcompensating, Adults, Addison, Traitors cast reveal, Paris is Burning, Angelina the Crow death and resurrection, Life of Chuck,…

1
"You Just Got ‘Stiltskinned!" 1:41:13

16d ago1:41:13

1:41:13

Hey, Legends, Jason and Lainie are back with another hit podcast. From Reputation TV to polycules to hot dog water, this episode truly covers everything. The Narcissists discuss recent watches (Final Destination: Bloodlines, and Overcompensating), our worlds biggest mysteries (Amelia Earhart death, Eel reproduction in the Sargasso Sea (yes again,) …

1
“Left Half My Sloppy Joe in Havana Oh Na Na” 1:26:49

23d ago1:26:49

1:26:49

From Sloppy Joe’s to Ernest Hemingway, this episode has it all! Welcome back, Legends. Jason and Lane Dog, cannot wait for Taylor to announce Reputation (Taylor’s Version) at the AMA’s tonight! Until that happens, they talk Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning, white people music, Final Destination (1-5), Saturn Return, feathering, bleeding, ghostin…

1
With Thorne Dreyer and Alice Embree. 58:49

25d ago58:49

58:49

Joining Mike on this episde of Hitting Left are Texas 60's activists and authors Thorne Dreyer and Alice Embree.

1
"Stick Shift Summer" 1:41:17

1M ago1:41:17

1:41:17

Hey legends! Welcome back to Narcissists Talking with Jason and Lainie. Today’s topics: dry cleaning, dog sitting, Alaina’s New York City trip, the Met Gala, SNL’s future, Kate Berlant, Andor, Broadway tea, and stick shift summer (to prepare for the Amazing Race). They also discuss for the second time what fairy they would be in Pixie Hollow. Good …

1
Cross-Collaborative Exploration of Psilocybin's Effects ft. Odilia Lu, Dr. Robert Malenka & Dr. Boris Heifets 58:14

1M ago58:14

58:14

The final episode of Season 4 of Psychedelic Brain Science discusses a recent preprint that gets at the heart of reproducibility in science. Dr. Jaster is joined by Berkeley PhD candidate Odilia Lu, Stanford researcher and professor Dr. Robert Malenka, and anesthesiologist and Stanford researcher Dr. Boris Heifets, all representing the laboratories…

1
"Can’t Find Purchase in the Spring" 1:37:40

2M ago1:37:40

1:37:40

Hey, Legends. Jason and Alaina are back to report on culture and a whole lot of other fun stuff. Topics include: name of the months, Fun Home musical, Andor s2, Jason’s Madison Beer Nachos playlist, Survivor, Harriet Tubman, Sing Sing, Chinese Moon Goddess mythology, and Zombies 4 teaser trailer. It’s Gnarly!! Email George Glass at narcissiststalki…

1
With Bill Ayers 58:57

2M ago58:57

58:57

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left is Bill Ayers, teacher, activist, and author. They discuss the current assault on academic freedom.

1
"Pope Vert" 1:58:58

2M ago1:58:58

1:58:58

Welcome back Legends, or if you’re new, welcome Xenia. Jason and Lainie are fresh off a long weekend of fun, only to for it to end with Papa Francisco dying. There’s much to unpack there. They then go into Addison Rae, bar crawling, and Sinners, the best movie of the year (so far). Other topics include: Andor, Eternals, books we read in AP Lit, str…

1
With Marie Newman. 58:44

2M ago58:44

58:44

Joining Mike on this editon of Hitting Left is former Congresswomen Marie Newman who returns to the studio to talk about her new book, A Life Made from Scratch. We used to call her the “machine buster.”

1
With Elizabeth Todd-Breland. 56:12

2M ago56:12

56:12

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left is educator, author, and Chicago Board of Ed member, Elizabeth Todd-Breland. She's written a biography of the late, great, former CTU President, Karen Lewis.

1
The Christian Episode 1:26:35

2M ago1:26:35

1:26:35

Legends, welcome back. Jason and Lainie have survived the weekend and are ready to report on White Lotus, Yellow Jackets, Coachella, and more pop culture fun. Before that happens they go IN on a Holy Week breakdown, followed by the 10 plagues of Egypt, followed by the 12 apostles. If you love the lord (or Lorde) this is a great ep for you. If not, …

1
Touch in Psychedelic Therapy ft. Kayla Greenstien 1:03:36

2M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

In this episode, Dr. Jaster is joined by Kayla Greenstien, a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney researching touch in psychedelic therapy. They'll define different types of touch, theoretical frameworks behind focused bodywork and the ideas surrounding consent to touch in psychedelic therapy. Given the nature of this discussion, there is ment…

1
“Boy Bullets at the Girl Gun Store (BBATGGS)" 1:37:34

2M ago1:37:34

1:37:34

Legends, welcome to Narcissists Talking with Jason and Lainie (she’s rebranding). This week the Narcissists talk about absolutely nothing and it’s fun! Lots of music this ep. Jason shares his amazing party ideas. They open mail. It’s incredible how things happen. We hope you enjoy Miss Saigon, Americana marches, Into the Woods, our future biopic mu…

1
With Jason Rieger, Tom Grace and Jerry Harris. 56:24

2M ago56:24

56:24

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left are Jason Rieger from Indivisible Chicago, Tom Grace, historian, author, and veteran of the Kent State shootings of 1970, and Jerry Harris, author and prominent figure in the study of globalization and its impact on society.

1
Operation Italy, Year of the Clock 2:08:44

3M ago2:08:44

2:08:44

Ciao, Legends! The narcissists are BACK after Jason’s European adventure. Time to catch up! They go through all the TV shows they’ve seen: White Lotus, Bachelor, Survivor, Severance, and Yellowjackets. Other topics include the new Hunger Games book, Life of Pi, Mayhem, Chase Icon, Wings, Mickey 17, Thunderhead, and “The Year of Clocking.” Lots of m…

1
With Fred Klonsky 59:11

3M ago59:11

59:11

Brother Fred joins Mike in this edition of Hitting Left to discuss New York mayoral politics, the spineless national Democrats and Signalgate.

1
With former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. 57:49

3M ago57:49

57:49

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left is former Chicago Mayor Lori LIghtfoot to discuss Trump's attack on the cities.

1
Science Under Threat! ft. Dr. Hilary Marusak & Dr. Christine Rabinak 59:07

3M ago59:07

59:07

In this special episode of Psychedelic Brain Science, Dr. Alaina Jaster is joined by Dr. Hilary Marusak, host of BrainSTEM and Principle Investigator in the THINK lab at Wayne State University. They are also joined by Dr. Christine Rabinak, a world-leading PTSD researcher, who brings a unique perspective on the impact of recent federal funding cuts…

1
"Red Delicious, K*ll Yourself" 1:39:16

4M ago1:39:16

1:39:16

Legends, welcome back. Or if this is your first time with the narcissists… dear god. Today Jason and Lainie (she’s trying to go by Lainie, but Jason is refusing) have lots to cover. They chat Oscars, recent movies (Flow, Nickel Boys, A Complete Unknown) and the million of TV shows on right now. Jason explains BlackPink lore, they decide who has to …

1
Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus ft. Dr. Jason Luoma 48:10

4M ago48:10

48:10

On this weeks ISRP Speaker Spotlight Alaina is joined by psychologist and co-founder of the Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus (OPEN), Dr. Jason Luoma. They discuss evaluation of psychedelic assisted therapy in the real world following legalization in Portland, Oregon. Register for ISRP at https://www.ISRPsych.org to catch Dr. Luoma's presentation M…

1
With Ray Long and Alaina Hampton 57:34

4M ago57:34

57:34

Joining Mike this edition of Hitting Left is Chicago Tribune reporter Ray Long and Democratic Party consultant Alaina Hampton to disucuss convicted former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and Illinois' culture of corruption

1
2024 Narcissist Talking Legend Awards Ceremony 42:15

4M ago42:15

42:15

It’s Hollywood’s biggest night! Welcome to the 2024 Narcissist Talking Legend Award Ceremony, hosted by esteemed narcissists Jason and Alaina. The results are in! Will your favorite snatch a coveted NTLA? Probably! Email the narcissists at [email protected] for all comments.By Alaina and Jason

1
Ibogaine & Ocular Dominance Plasticity ft. Alejo Acuña 36:02

4M ago36:02

36:02

This weeks ISRP Speaker Spotlight is Alejo Acuña, a PhD student in Biology at the Neuroplasticity Unit of the Laboratorio de Neurociencias, University of the Republic, Uruguay. Alejo's project focuses on atypical psychedelic, Ibogaine, and how it can enhance ocular dominance plasticity in the mouse visual cortex, as part of a broader effort to unde…

1
"Fridays Are For Clenching" 1:41:43

4M ago1:41:43

1:41:43

As RuPaul says, “Hello, hello, hello,” legends! Jason and Alaina are reunited at last. There are a million shows out right now that they are watching like Love is Blind, Severance, Yellowjackets, White Lotus, & the Traitors. They also talk at length about alligators/crocodiles. Other topics include: burnt toast, bushel as a measure, foaming from th…

1
Psychedelic Therapy... in Rodents? ft. Kate Lawson 41:34

4M ago41:34

41:34

This episode is the first of three in our special ISRP Speaker Spotlight series. We've decided to showcase some amazing scientists that will be presenting at the virtual International Society for Psychedelic Research Conference March 7! It's not too late to register at: https://www.isrpsych.org/conferences Our first feature is Kate Lawson, a PhD st…

1
What is a Psychedelic? ft. Dr. Boris Heifets 1:03:23

4M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

In this episode, Alaina discusses the evolving language about some of our favorite substances and how we got to the term psychedelic. In the first segment, she highlights some historical names for psychedelic substances in western medicine. In the second segment, she is joined by Stanford anesthesiologist and psychedelic researcher Dr. Boris Heifet…

1
Special Episode: Charting a Path Forward ft. Dr. Gill Bedi & Dr. Neşe Devenot 42:37

4M ago42:37

42:37

This special episode includes presentations from a recent workshop, where Dr. Alaina Jaster, Dr. Neşe Devenot of Johns Hopkins and Dr. Gill Bedi of University of Melbourne presented their expertise and perspectives on how the psychedelic research field can move forward from the recent FDA rejection of MDMA-AT. Dr. Jaster's presentation sets the ton…

1
Seeing Through the Smoke ft. Dr. Peter Grinspoon 54:41

4M ago54:41

54:41

Alaina is joined by physician, author, activist and educator Dr. Peter Grinspoon to discuss the use of psychedelics and cannabis in recovery, the stigma associated with drug use and the idea of "california sober." Have questions or want to read his book? Check out Dr. Grinspoon's website https://www.petergrinspoon.com/…

1
With Hilton Obenzinger 58:51

4M ago58:51

58:51

Joining Mike and Susan on this edition of Hitting left is author ands poet Hilton Obenzinger. They discuss the Judaism v. Zionism debate, Trump's plan for a Gaza Riviera, and other madman MAGA tactics.

1
The Nacho Episode 1:41:53

4M ago1:41:53

1:41:53

Hey, Legends. Alaina and Jason are back in the studio, delivering high-caliber nachos once again. They recap the Grammys, a Star Wars Burlesque show, and read emails, before getting into their long promised Exploration: Live segment, where surprise, they are very funny and clever. Other topics include: Lady Gaga’s return, the term “nachos,” Alaina’…

1
"Double Double Toilet Trouble" 1:46:44

5M ago1:46:44

1:46:44

Hey, beautiful Legends! Welcome back to Narcissists Talking with Jason and Alaina. Today they cover the Oscars nominations and all the controversies surrounding it. Other topics include: their trip to NYC, Romeo & Juliet, Exploration Live: Live Show, Parade, Dìdi, The Wild Robot, The Brutalist, and The Jungle Book. They also chat Traitors, Matt Jam…

1
With Ryan Alexander-Tanner and Sandra Castilo. 58:53

5M ago58:53

58:53

Joining MIke as cohost this editon of Hitting Left is Susan Klonsky. The guests are the author and cartoon artist Ryan Alexander-Tanner and immigrant rights activist Rev. Sandra Castillo. Ryan Alexander-Tanner has written and illustrated a book about Muhammad Ali. Susan and Mike will get the latest update on President Trump’s threatened assault on …

1
NTLA Nomination Ceremony + After-party 46:25

5M ago46:25

46:25

Welcome to the second annual Narcissist Talking Legend Award Nomination Ceremony with your hosts, Jason and Alaina. It’s Hollywood’s biggest night! Unlike the Emmys, Grammys, MTV Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Oscars, and the National Dog Show, the NTLA is the only award worth getting. Congrats to those lucky enough to receive a nomination! Because th…

1
With Liz Futrell, Renaldo Hudson and Stanley Howard. 57:58

5M ago57:58

57:58

Former death row inmates, now Chicago anti-death-penalty activists Renaldo Hudson and Stanley Howard joined by Liz Futrell, author of "Lessons from Death Row."

1
"Raising Our Ya Ya Yas Into the Wee Hours" 1:29:13

5M ago1:29:13

1:29:13

Welcome to 2025, Legends! The Narcissists (Jason and Alaina btw) are loving this year so much. Lots of good culture already! They discuss Babygirl, Nosferatu, Drag Race and share New Year’s resolutions. Then they go into their “ins and outs” for 2025. Other topics include: their Golden Globes Kylie Jenner pregnancy debut prediction, Jason’s connect…

1
“Correct Until Proven Incorrect” 1:36:51

6M ago1:36:51

1:36:51

Hello legends. Hope you had a good 2024! The Narcissists, Jason and Alaina, had a blast! Today they recap the predictions they made for the year, and share what 2025 surely has in store. They also spill their top 10 films of the years, as well as chat culture. Topics include: Squid Games 2, popcorn butter hacks, Jason’s duvet cover, Dune Prophecy, …

1
"#epicchristmas" 2:13:45

6M ago2:13:45

2:13:45

Happy holiday, legends! Welcome to the Narcissists’ official Christmas episode. This year they are ranking the top 12 Christmas songs. And of course they couldn’t pick 12, so they created an entire Xmas playlist for you to enjoy, check the link below. They open some mail, review a couple movies, sing songs, chat books — a joyous time was had by all…

1
"Sh*t From a Butt" + 2024 NTLA Category Announcement 1:44:23

6M ago1:44:23

1:44:23

Welcome, Legends, to the start of the NT award season! Narcissists, Alaina and Jason, take to the stage and announce the official categories for the 2024 Narcissists Talking Legend Awards AKA the NTLAs. Vote down below! They also talk about new movies they’ve seen (Queer, Interstellar, Gladiator 2, After Hours) and some shit from a butt (conveyor b…

1
With Rus Bradburd and Floyd Webb. 56:42

6M ago56:42

56:42

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left is basketball coach turned novelist Rus Bradburd and filmmaker Floyd Webb. Floyd and Mike will be talking about the Black Panthers on the 55th anniversary of the murder of Illinois Black Panther Chairman, Fred Hampton.

1
"A Controlled Goon" 1:50:10

6M ago1:50:10

1:50:10

Legends, sit back and relax, while the narcissists guide you through new and exciting culture. After running into Timotheé Chalamet, Jason and Alaina are scrambling to know where to go from here. Lots of movies this week (Gladiator 2, Y2K, Hundreds of Beavers, Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and more) as well as musicals (Les Mis, Great Comet). Other topic…

1
Psychedelic Circuits: The Amygdala ft. Dr. Devin Effinger 53:09

7M ago53:09

53:09

This episode is the last of the Psychedelic Circuits mini-series! Today, Alaina gives a brief overview on circuits involved in stress responses. Then Dr. Devin Effinger deep dives into his work with the amygdala, paraventricular nucleus and how these regions send signals to relay important information about threat, stress and more. This circuit goe…

1
With co-host Susan Klonsky and guest Rabbi Brant Rosen. 56:26

7M ago56:26

56:26

Joining Mike and co-host Susan Klonsky on this edition of Hitting Left is Rabbi Brant Rosen from Chicago's anti-Zionist Tzedek Congregation. Gaza, Lebanon, and resistance to war and genocide in the Trump era are the topics for discussion.

1
"Time Flies When You’re Sticky" w/ Jenna and Brother Adam 2:31:40

7M ago2:31:40

2:31:40

Goonhive, you’re in for a treat! The narcissists are joined by brother of the pod, Adam, and overall mother, Jenna, for a long awaited episode of FUN! This is the longest episode to date! The haters are seething rn… Topics include: Gopher football, rowing, types of boats, pirates benefits, Wicked, Breaking Bad, Megalopolis, Ambercrombie, Goodreads,…

1
“The Kitchen Took a Slitch” 1:42:13

7M ago1:42:13

1:42:13

Legends, let us be glad! The narcissists are recapping Wicked and, spoiler alert, they loved it. This takes up most of the episode tbh. They also discuss the activating journey of watching Emilia Pérez. They look to the western sky about upcoming movies, discuss the symphony, the Marauders, simple machines, Dune Prophecy, and what they’re thankful …

1
Special Episode: Tales from the DEA Hearing ft. Jack Gorsline 1:42:01

7M ago1:42:01

1:42:01

Welcome to a super extra special episode of Psychedelic Brain Science! Dr. Jaster has finally settled back into real life after spending a week at DEA HQ fighting with Students for Sensible Drug Policy and many other scientists to keep DOI and DOC legal. She's joined today by psychedelic journalist Jack Gorsline, who was embedded with the team. The…

1
With Rashid Khalidi. 56:08

7M ago56:08

56:08

Joining Hitting Left host Mike Klonsky onthis edition is Rashid Khalidi, a Palestinian-American historian of the Middle East and the Edward Said Professor Emeritus of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University.

1
Psychedelic Circuits: The Spinal Cord ft. Dr. Raul Ramos 53:40

7M ago53:40

53:40

This episode is the second installment of the mini-series focused on brain circuits outside of the typical frontal cortex conversation. Today, we hear from Alaina on the basics of pain and touch perception, as well as how our nerves send information to our brains. Alaina is then joined by Dr. Raul Ramos of UC Berkeley, an expert on studying sensory…

1
“Overdrafted on Vodka Cran" w/ Seth 2:12:59

7M ago2:12:59

2:12:59

Bello, legends. The Narcissists have had a great week filled with Alaina’s birthday celebrations. Speaking of birthdays, welcome fellow birthday boy, Seth Holland, to your ears! Boy oh boy do they get into it this week! Topics include: Obama-era clubbing music, sidebangs, German culture, popemobile suggestions, breakfast in Italy, People’s Sexiest …

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Alaina And Jason Podcasts

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