Wherever pop culture and politics collide, Ira Madison III and Louis Virtel are on hand to examine the gorgeous wreckage from their uniquely queer perspective. Each week, our “Princes of Pop Culture” are joined by the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Hunter Doohan, John Boyega, Connie Britton, Gabrielle Union, and Sheryl Lee Ralph to unpack the latest controversies, laude character actress appreciation, and all the shade that’s fit to throw. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
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On each episode of Critically Speaking, your host, Dr. Therese Markow, interviews foremost experts in a range of fields. We discuss, in everyday language that we all can understand, fundamental issues that impact our health, our society, and our planet. Join our weekly journey where we separate fact from fantasy for topics both current and controversial.
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Life’s unmentioned, mentioned. Welcome to the Thoughts and Found Podcast where we discuss life's less talked about moments, expectations vs. realities, and realize that we live somewhere in between. No topic is off-limits and we hit them hard, with humour and candour. Hope to have you join us, at life’s ‘in between’. If you have questions or suggestions for topics or guests, let us know (thoughtsandfoundpodcast at gmail.com), or on Facebook (ThoughtsandFound) and Instagram (thoughtsandfound).
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Dan Mackenzie hosts wide-ranging conversations exploring emergent paradigms of masculinity, the healthy evolution of men and new conceptions of manhood and maleness with a variety of compelling guests. Daniel has intentionally appropriated the rare and vaguely defined term OMEGA MALE, rebranding it to represent the emergent, kinder, more balanced ideal for male-ness which he hopes will gradually supplant the antiquated, compulsively dominant ”alpha male”.
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The Beach Boys & Materialists with Danielle Deadwyler
1:36:49
1:36:49
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1:36:49Ira and Louis discuss Celine Song’s new romantic film Materialists, the best protest films, rude Emmy rules, new Grammys country music categories, Ryan Tedder’s tribute to the U.S. Army, and the passings of Brian Wilson, Sly Stone, and Ananda Lewis. Danielle Deadwyler joins to discuss her new film 40 Acres and the art that inspires her creative pro…
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Dr. Diane Tober: Egg Donation Can Exploit Donors
46:11
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46:11In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Diane Tober discuss the global egg donation industry, highlighting its lack of regulations and exploitative nature. Dr. Tober details some of her research on egg donors, revealing severe risks and some life-threatening complications that can affect 10-12% of donors. They discuss how donors are often uninforme…
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The Tonys, BET Awards and New Pop Releases with Benito Skinner
1:36:24
1:36:24
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1:36:24Ira and Louis discuss the Tony Awards, BET Awards, J Lo at World Pride, Gen Z trend pieces, and new music from Addison Rae, Mariah Carey, Sabrina Carpenter, and Madonna. Benito Skinner joins to discuss Overcompensating, translating millennial life to television, and more.By Keep It!
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Kim Mutcherson: Millions of Frozen Embryos!
54:48
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54:48In this episode, Therese Markow and Kim Mutcherson discuss the legal and ethical implications of the increasing number of frozen embryos and the complications of assisted reproductive technologies. With an estimated over 1 million frozen embryos in the United States, this is a complex topic, particularly around state laws, embryo disposition, the f…
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Mission: Impossible & Miley Cyrus with Owen Thiele
1:33:23
1:33:23
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1:33:23Ira and Louis discuss the final Mission: Impossible, And Just Like That’s new season, Patti LuPone’s New Yorker profile and apology, WeHo Pride, Miley’s new album, Wear Whatever the F You Want, and Tennis’ farewell tour. Owen Thiele joins to discuss his pair of new shows Adults and Overcompensating, podcasting in the middle of the night, and more. …
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Dr. Chris Beyrer: Cuts to USAID Harm the Health and Prosperity of US Citizens
40:57
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40:57The opinions expressed by Dr. Beyrer are his own and not those of his employer. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Chris Beyrer discuss the importance of USAID, highlighting its role in global health and development, particularly through programs like PEPFAR, which has saved 25 million lives and prevented millions of HIV infections. Dr. Beyrer…
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Dr. Adam Berinsky: Political Rumors and Misinformation
53:05
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53:05In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Adam Berinsky discuss political rumors and misinformation. Dr. Berinsky defines rumors as unsubstantiated claims without evidence, emphasizing their social transmission. He identifies two factors influencing rumor belief: conspiratorial thinking and partisan polarization. Berinsky's research reveals that whil…
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Overcompensating & Cannes with Jake Shane
1:43:14
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1:43:14Ira and Louis discuss the Cannes Film Festival, Eurovision's winner, Overcompensating, Morgan Wallen, and internet cookbooks. Jake Shane joins to discuss his new tour, LA versus NY, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. James Alcock discuss what near-death experiences are and the increase in them in recent years due to improvements in medical technology. While near-death experiences (NDEs) have been known about for a long time, we, as a scientific community, are starting to understand more about what they mean for neurologic…
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Pope Leo XIV & Drag Race with Rosie O'Donnell & Adam Rippon
1:51:11
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1:51:11Ira, Louis, and guest co-host Adam Rippon discuss Pope Leo XIV and their favorite Catholic films, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, You’s final season, Netflix’s Madonna series, Cynthia Erivo’s Dracula, and Cooper Koch’s Calvin Klein ad. Rosie O’Donnell joins to discuss her new documentary Unleashing Hope, moving to Ireland, why she’s such a fan of pop…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Deborah Lang discuss the rise of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, and its causes. Dr. Lang explains that skin cancers are derived from different skin cells: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, both linked to UV exposure, and melanoma, which can be UV-independent and linked to genetic suscepti…
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The Met Gala & Tony Nominations with Darren Criss & Juan A. Ramírez
1:56:11
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1:56:11Ira, Louis, and guest co-host Juan A. Ramírez discuss the 2025 Met Gala, Tony nominations and the new Broadway season, Make America Film Again, Trump cutting theatre funding, and more. Darren Criss joins to discuss his Tony nominated role in Maybe Happy Ending and how he manages to see every show on Broadway while starring in his own. Subscribe to …
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Dr. Anice Lowen: Bird Flu - Should We Worry?
18:36
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18:36In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Anice Lowen discuss the bird flu outbreak, highlighting the virus’s spread from birds to dairy cattle and recorded cases of human infection. Dr. Lowen explains the differences between influenza A and influenza B viruses, talks about which type causes pandemics, and what we can do to try to prevent future pand…
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Lorde's Return and YouTube's 20th Anniversary with Jillian Bell
1:24:47
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1:24:47Ira and Louis discuss Lorde’s return to music, their favorite YouTube videos in honor of the site’s 20th anniversary, 10 Things I Hate About You the Musical, Terrence Howard refusing to play Gaye, and avoiding Cowboy Carter spoilers. Jillian Bell joins to discuss her directorial debut Summer of 69, how a Demi Moore movie helped her through a breaku…
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Dr. Joshua Weitz: Asymptomatic COVID-19 Spreaders
32:23
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32:23In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Joshua Weitz discuss his book "Asymptomatic: The Silent Spread of COVID-19 and the Future of Pandemics" and his work in understanding the risk of COVID spread from as early as spring of 2020. He highlights the double-edged sword of asymptomatic infections, discusses what governments could do to help mitigate …
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The Pope, Sinners & Time 100 with Tina Knowles
1:34:05
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1:34:05Ira and Louis discuss Pope Francis’ death, Sinners’ turnout at the box office, the Time 100 list, Kristi Noem’s stolen bag, and the Academy’s new rules for Oscar voters. Tina Knowles joins Ira to discuss her memoir, Matriarch. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at You…
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Dr. Ajit Nirmal: Arms Race Against Cancer
18:31
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18:31When we hear the term tumor or cancer, the image that often comes to mind is a bunch of bad cells next to normal ones, and growing. Like many things, it's just not that simple. How do the normal cells turn bad? Can our immune systems detect the cancer cell and kill it? Why does some initially successful chemotherapy stop working? Why does cancer sp…
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Coachella & Sports Movie Draft with Ellen Pompeo & Katie Nolan
1:29:37
1:29:37
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1:29:37Ira and Louis discuss Coachella and Lady Gaga’s massive performance, Katy Perry’s space race, and Cate Blanchett’s plans to quit acting. Katie Nolan joins to create the ultimate sports movie draft. Ellen Pompeo joins to discuss her new limited series Good American Family, playing Meredith Grey for two decades, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouT…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Jodi Gilman discuss the implications of cannabis use on health and safety. Dr. Gilman explains that THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, affecting areas involved in emotion, memory, and decision-making. Cannabis use can lead to long-term brain alteratio…
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The White Lotus & John Mulaney with Marsai Martin
1:19:05
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1:19:05Ira and Louis discuss The White Lotus finale, John Mulaney and talk shows, Val Kilmer, RHOA, and the best movie franchises. Marsai Martin joins to discuss G20, working with icons like Viola Davis and Regina Hall, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube…
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Dr. Robert Meade: Health Dangers from Rising Heat
22:23
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22:23In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Robert Meade, an expert in thermal physiology, discuss the dangers posed to human health by the rising heat. Dr Meade explains that extreme heat is a combination of air temperature and humidity, which can strain the body's ability to regulate temperature. He notes that older adults and women may be more vulne…
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The Studio, Avengers Doomsday, & Pop the Balloon with Elisabeth Moss & Jay Jurden
1:32:52
1:32:52
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1:32:52Ira and guest co-host Jay Jurden discuss the Avengers: Doomsday cast, Apple TV+'s new comedy The Studio, Urban Outfitters dipping into Black Y2K fashion, Morgan Wallen's SNL tantrum, Elon Musk meddling in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election; and Pop the Balloon, Kill Tony, and the YouTube to TV series pipeline. Elisabeth Moss joins to discuss the …
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Dr. Brandon Sparks: Incels - Involuntary Celibacy
30:45
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30:45In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Brandon Sparks discuss the phenomenon of involuntary celibacy (incels). Dr. Sparks, an applied forensic psychologist, explains that incels are men experiencing long-term involuntary celibacy, often due to social exclusion and bullying during adolescence. Incels, primarily aged 18-30, are less likely to be in …
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Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco & The White Lotus with Rosamund Pike
1:26:32
1:26:32
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1:26:32Ira and Louis discuss Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's joint album, Tate McRae's tour, The White Lotus, The Residence, Lizzo's comeback, and Slayyyter teaming up with Azealia Banks. Rosamund Pike joins to discuss the new season of her Prime Video series The Wheel of Time, moving between screen and audio roles, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTu…
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In this episode, Therese Markow discusses the impact of budgetary cuts on scientific research and the Nations Report Card from the Department of Education. She explains what the funding from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation supports, and argues how cutting overhead costs to 15% shuts down scientific progress. She al…
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Snow White & Sex Work Onscreen with Nathan Lane and Jeffery Self
1:27:42
1:27:42
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1:27:42Ira and Louis discuss Ira's tenure on The Floor, the drama surrounding Snow White, the chilling new series Adolescence and ticket prices for Othello on Broadway. Jeffery Self joins them to discuss the best portrayals of sex workers in film, his own history as a sex worker, and his new memoir Self-Sabotage: And Other Ways I've Spent My Time. Nathan …
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We all believe in something, from Santa Claus, to the global shape of the earth, to babies needing to be taken care of for survival. While some of our beliefs are intuitive or have evidence, many are not. Sometimes the evidence that we believe to be true is faulty. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. James Alcock discuss how these beliefs are b…
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Lady Gaga's Mayhem & Mickey 17 with Aja Naomi King
1:29:23
1:29:23
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1:29:23Ira and Louis discuss Lady Gaga’s new album Mayhem, Bong Joon-Ho’s Mickey 17, SXSW, The Traitors finale, Bruno Mars teaming up with Sexyy Red, and Meghan McCain’s tweets. Aja Naomi King joins to discuss her new series Grosse Pointe Garden Society, what she learned from Viola Davis and Kerry Washington, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to c…
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Dr. Loretta Mayer: Contraceptive Rat Control
29:23
29:23
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29:23In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Loretta Mayer discuss the growing problem of urban rat populations, exacerbated by climate change and the ineffectiveness of traditional poisoning methods. Dr. Mayer discusses the non-lethal contraceptive method for rats and mice, developed from her research on reproductive physiology, and successful field te…
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EPISODE 12: WILL HENSHALL partner and CEO of METAL, a premiere community for men
43:03
43:03
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43:03Most of us are familiar with the concept of a men's group, which generally brings to mind a small, intimate circle of men sharing openly with each other, supporting each other and generally connecting on a deeper level. The concept of a bigger men's club might, in contrast, evoke images of sports-related organizations, poker nights, or even those o…
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This week, Ira and Louis discuss highlights from the 97th Academy Awards, including Conan O’ Brien, Anora’s sweep, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, the James Bond tribute, the Quincy Jones tribute, the Wicked opener, and Mikey Madison’s shocking win. Then, Brenda Song joins to discuss her love story with Macaulay Culkin and her new Netflix series Runni…
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Charles Piller: Alzheimer's Treatments Slow in Coming
41:14
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41:14In this episode, Therese Markow and Charles Piller discuss the slow progress of Alzheimer’s treatments. Based on his research and findings as an investigative journalist, as well as his newest book, Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer’s, they discuss the complexity of the disease, msiconduct in the research, and t…
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The SAG Awards & TV Moms with Melanie Lynskey & Emily St. James
1:43:58
1:43:58
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1:43:58Ira and Louis discuss the SAG Awards, Roberta Flack, The Hollywood Reporter’s Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni cover, the AI photo of Trump sucking Elon Musk’s toes, and their favorite TV moms with critic Emily St. James (author of the new novel Woodworking). Melanie Lynskey joins Louis to discuss the new season of Yellowjackets and more. Subscribe …
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Dr. Paul Offit: Hidden Dangers of Measles
24:56
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24:56In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Paul Offit discuss the MMR vaccine, the history of it, and the current decay of measles herd immunity today. Many parents are refusing to vaccinate their children, referencing politicians, actors, and social activists who lack correct information regarding the vaccine. Even if an unvaccinated child recovers f…
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The White Lotus and SNL's 50th Anniversary with Sabrina Brier
1:35:39
1:35:39
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1:35:39Ira and Louis discuss SNL’s 50th anniversary, The White Lotus, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Variety’s 100 Best Performances, and America’s airplane crisis. Sabrina Brier joins to discuss her new audiobook That Friend, holding hands with Drew Barrymore, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community e…
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Dr. Jamie Lo, MD: Marijuana and the Fetal Brain
25:49
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25:49In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Jamie Lo discuss the complex topic of marijuana and the fetal brain. Dr. Lo explains some of the findings from a study of over 3 million pregnant individuals in California, why pregnant individuals may choose to use marijuana, the links between THC exposure in the fetal brain and long-term neurodevelopmental …
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Pure Innocent 2000s (Live from Boston!)
1:29:21
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1:29:21Ira and Louis return to the stage for a live show in the great home of our bro-iest actors, Boston. Louis grills Ira about writing Pure Innocent Fun, his first memoir-in-essays (on sale now!). Then Ira and Louis countdown the biggest moments of the 2000s, and they wrap it all up with a giant Keep It to Boston, and a few more Keep Its from the audie…
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The Super Bowl & Valentine's Day Watchlist with Yura Borisov
1:17:47
1:17:47
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1:17:47Ira and Louis discuss Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance, movies that make us believe in straight love, Seal's Mountain Dew commercial, and unfortunately, Kanye’s latest antics. Yura Borisov joins to discuss Anora, why he loves Forrest Gump, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community even…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Natalie Wexler discuss the poor reading skills of American students, as evidenced by NAEP test results. Natalie highlights the ineffectiveness of current reading programs and the focus on skills over content. She also talks about the discrepancies between students of different backgrounds, and how The Matthew Eff…
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The Grammys & Karla Sofia Gascón with Edward Norton
1:28:35
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1:28:35Ira and Louis discuss the Grammys and Beyoncé’s long-awaited Album of the Year win, Karla Sofia Gascon’s wild tweets, the Buffy reboot, and more. Edward Norton joins to discuss portraying Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown, what Spike Lee means to him, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other com…
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Dr. Amy Cooter: Militias in the United States Today
25:51
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25:51In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Amy Cooter discuss the complexities and variations within militia groups in the United States, citing examples of constitutional militias, millenarian militias, and border militias noting their varying beliefs and tendencies. Dr. Cooter also highlights how the role of nostalgia and protecting the Second Amend…
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Oscar Nominations with Christina Milian
1:30:15
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1:30:15Ira and Louis discuss the best and worst Oscar nominations, FKA Twigs’ Eusexua, Timothee Chalamet on SNL, Super Bowl ads, and Paul Reubens posthumous outing. Christina Milian joins to discuss her role in Dexter: Original Sin, meeting Patrick Dempsey after starring in 2003’s Can’t Buy Me Love remake, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catc…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Richard Conniff discuss his book "Ending Epidemics," which explores the history of infectious diseases and vaccines. Richard highlights the evolution from ancient humoral theories, which thrived for nearly 2000 years, to modern germ theory, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and vaccination. He recounts th…
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David Lynch, TikTok, & Trump's Inauguration with Graham Norton
1:34:54
1:34:54
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1:34:54Ira and Louis discuss the life and filmography of David Lynch, Trump’s inauguration, Elon Musk’s sieg heil, and awful product placement on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Graham Norton returns to discuss his new novel Frankie. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@Ke…
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Dr. MacKenzie Pellin: Cancer in Your Dog or Cat
30:17
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30:17In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. MacKenzie Pellin discuss the cancer rates in dogs and cats, the types of cancer we tend to see in our four-legged friends, and the challenges of diagnosing cancer in pets. Dr. Pellin also breaks down some of the main differences of cancer in breeds of dogs and cats, and the reasons why those types of cancer a…
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An Ode to LA Cinema with Robbie Williams
1:30:12
1:30:12
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1:30:12Ira and Louis discuss the Los Angeles wildfire disaster tragedy and share their favorite films set in LA, Carrie Underwood performing at Trump's inauguration, and the new season of The Traitors. Robbie Williams joins Ira to discuss his new film Better Man and translating his life into an unexpected biopic with a simian twist. Subscribe to Keep It o…
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Dr. John Hutton: Reading to Babies Helps Their Brains
52:42
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52:42In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. John Hutton discuss the impact of early reading exposure on brain development in infants and young children. He explains that babies are born with 100 billion brain cells, each with around 1,000 connections and that these connections are shaped by experiences. Dr. Hutton emphasizes the importance of a nurturi…
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Golden Globes with Marianne Jean-Baptiste
1:27:18
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1:27:18Ira and Louis discuss the 82nd annual Golden Globes, Oscar predictions, Beyoncé appearing in I Love the ‘80s, Cher’s memoir, and Selling the City. Marianne Jean-Baptiste joins to discuss her role in Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths, memories of her ‘97 Oscar nomination, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, an…
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Dr. Adina Wise: Parkinson's - Environmental Risks
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29:19In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Adina Wise discuss the complexities of Parkinson’s disease, including its causes, symptoms, and the role of environmental factors, such as air pollution. They discuss who Parkinson’s primarily affects, the genetic factors at play, the higher incidents in specific regions, and the increase in the frequency of …
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Most of us take for granted that the seafood we eat is healthy and better for the atmosphere. But there are hidden costs in our increasing consumption of seafood that we don’t see. Why? Because these costs are accrued on the high seas and under the sea where few journalists endeavor to cover them. Sea slavery, overfishing, pollution, and loss of re…
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