Welcome to Pessimistic at Best, a podcast for those with a penchant for frequent frustrations, personal gripes, unpopular opinions, honest observations, and the like. Hosted by Sam, your resident Pessimistic Patty, this weekly show dares to ask the question—have we tried listening to women? Each week, Sam sits down with a guest to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly. A surprisingly good country album by your favorite pop artist, a bad bang trim you gave yourself during a manic episode, a ...
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Your Listening SUPERPOWER podcast will help become a more impactful communicator by listening effectively and in surprising ways. Join your host and listening catalyst Raquel Ark to be inspired by listening researchers and professionals as we share tips and stories on how to work smarter and feel better by growing our listening superpower together. Your listening SUPERPOWER podcast is much more than listening. It’s practical knowledge and inspiration that you can use right away. If you’re th ...
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Chip and Jeff have a lot of fun with their special guests chatting about movies that were very important to them when they were young.
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Introducing "Amazing Stories with Zaki the Hoopoe!" 🎉 Get ready for a storytelling adventure that’s not just for kids, but for the whole family—including parents! Zaki, the lively and clever hoopoe bird, invites everyone to explore the wonders of ancient tales, where prophets, brave animals, and magical moments come to life. 🌟 Tailored for kids aged 5-8, but with plenty of fun, humor, and fascinating lessons to keep parents entertained, too! Zaki's adventures take you to deserts, seas, and e ...
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You ever feel like you’re thinking too much? Like you see what’s happening in the world—your life, this culture, these routines we swear by—and you just can’t pretend it makes sense? Good. Because same. I’m Karmen Michael Smith, your Overthinker-in-Chief, spiraling publicly so you don’t have to. This isn’t self-help. This isn’t hot takes. This is a disruption of the ordinary. One day, it’s the gym and why my body resists going. The next, it’s what happened to Starbucks? And sometimes? It’s c ...
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Welcome to The Horth House, a podcast for women navigating life without a father figure. Created for women by women, we explore relationships, family dynamics, mental health, and self-discovery with honesty, empathy, and a touch of humor. Each episode offers a safe, judgment-free space to reflect, heal, and grow. Join our supportive community as we embrace our journeys and create a path to wholeness. You’re not alone—your story matters. Tune in bi-weekly on your favorite podcast platform, an ...
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Welcome to Oh No, Ross and Carrie, the show where we don’t just report on fringe science, spirituality, and claims of the paranormal, but take part ourselves. Follow us as we join religions, undergo alternative treatments, seek out the paranormal, and always find the humor in life's biggest mysteries. We show up - so you don’t have to.
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This week, I’m spiraling into rest. After months of non-stop building — the book, the sermons, the business — I finally paused. A spontaneous trip. A sacred moment in the ocean. A realization that rest isn’t failure, it’s part of the strategy. And then I saw Beyoncé live… and something clicked. We talk hustle. We glamorize grind. But what if your b…
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When the world tried to silence him, he spoke one word that echoed through history… In this powerful true story from early Islam, Zaki, Suhail, and Noora explore the life of Bilal ibn Rabah, a man born into slavery who found the greatest freedom of all—faith in One God. As Bilal endures cruelty for his belief, he repeats a single word: “Ahad” (One)…
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Makkah, 615 CE. The message of Islam has gone public—and the Quraysh aren’t happy. In this powerful and emotional story, Zaki, Captain Suhail, and Noora share the true tale of Ammar ibn Yasir and his parents, Sumayyah and Yasir—the first family to be persecuted for their faith. As the pressure mounts and cruelty rises, their quiet courage teaches u…
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Essence Festival, Economics, and the End of an Era
7:34
7:34
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7:34ssence Fest felt... off. Fewer crowds. Quiet spending. And a familiar echo: “It’s not the same.” But maybe it’s not just the festival — maybe it’s us. The world is shifting beneath our feet, and some of us are still waiting for a band that isn’t coming. From the economy to culture, the signs are everywhere. And in this episode, I ask: if the world …
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When Silence Speaks: Transforming Turbulent Times Through Deep Listening with Martin Farrell
55:08
55:08
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55:08Too many leaders miss the opportunity to have impact when it truly matters: the transformation that takes place when someone feels genuinely heard. This is especially important during turbulent times. It’s not just about reacting to a crisis, it’s about pausing for a moment to listen deeply. Without it, leaders risk isolation, poor decisions, and m…
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Guidance Counselors, Gen Z, and the Great Drift
7:46
7:46
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7:46What do you tell students when the future you promised no longer exists? This week, we spiral into the silence — the collective uncertainty around work, purpose, and how to live in a world we didn’t prepare the next generation to inherit. From kids who feel lost, to parents who gave everything but forgot to pass on wisdom, to institutions that no l…
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When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ receives a command from Allah to share the message of Islam with all of Makkah, he climbs Mount Safa to make a bold, public call for truth. But not everyone is happy to hear it—including his own uncle, Abu Lahab. In this powerful episode, Zaki, Captain Suhail, and Noora explore the courage it takes to speak up, even when…
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Anna Wintour is stepping down… or is she? In this week’s episode, I spiral into what it really means to let go of authority, the illusion of legacy, and why some people can’t release power, even when the moment demands it. From boardrooms to Broadway, faculty lounges to faith communities, we talk about what happens when you become your performance……
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When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) invites his family to a humble dinner with a world-changing message, silence fills the room—until one young voice rises above them all. Join Zaki, Captain Suhail, and Noora for a story of faith, courage, and the very first stand for Islam. A cinematic tale of family, truth, and the bravery of a thirteen…
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In this episode, I unpack the global moment we're in through the lens of prophecy, personal disruption, and spiritual survival. From U.S. military conflict to James Baldwin to Noah’s ark, we’re spiraling into what it means to prepare for uncertainty, live in truth, and stop calling fear “faith.” Because make no mistake: the fire is here. But what s…
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In this episode, Zaki, Noora, and Captain Suhail journey to 7th-century Makkah to uncover the earliest days of Islam. While the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shares the message of Tawheed in secret, a small group—including Khadijah, Ali, and Zayd—quietly embrace faith. Inside Dar al-Arqam, the teachings of the Qur’an begin to transform heart…
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The 15-Second Rule That Transforms Leadership: Why Pausing Beats Advice Every Time with Jonno White
38:59
38:59
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38:59We often believe that great leadership comes from being an exceptional speaker, someone who can command a room and deliver compelling presentations. But what if the real superpower lies in the opposite skill? In this episode of the Listening Superpower podcast, join me in conversation with Jonno White, an Australian leadership coach, podcast host, …
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Walking on Water, The Soft Life, and Hard Things
9:54
9:54
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9:54This week, the spiral starts with a coaching session… and ends at Juneteenth. From frustration to grace, Karmen unpacks what it really means to want freedom, follow Jesus, and live the “soft life.” Because here’s the truth: disruption is a hard thing. And trust? That might be the hardest thing of all.…
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When the world was dark and quiet, one man climbed a mountain searching for truth—and came down with a message that would change history forever. Join Zaki, Suhail, and Noora as they journey to the Cave of Hira to witness the very first revelation of the Qur’an. With wonder, warmth, and heart, this episode tells the story of how the Prophet Muhamma…
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Playing “Ticket Worthy” with Chip and Jeff
1:17:45
1:17:45
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1:17:45How much would you pay to see a band you like? How much would you need to be paid to see a band you don’t like?By Junk Miles with Chip and Jeff
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Plastic on the Sofa, Black Homophobia, and Supremacy and Certainty.
10:12
10:12
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10:12What if some of our most deeply held beliefs aren’t culture... but control? This week on Overthinking, we spiral into the unspoken scripts we call tradition, the fear that disguises itself as morality, and what freedom might look like if we finally stop performing. Don’t press play unless you’re ready to question everything and possibly lose your B…
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Episode 10: The Black Stone – A Test of Wisdom When Makkah’s tribes nearly go to war over one sacred stone, a young man named Muhammad steps in with a plan that changes everything. Can wisdom stop a fight? Join Zaki, Noora, and Captain Suhail to find out!By Meraj Digital
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Breaking the Algorithm, Colman Domingo, and Fitting In
8:58
8:58
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8:58Colman Domingo said bring your love, your hope, and your dedication—with no guarantee it’ll ever work. This week, I’m spiraling on what happens when you stop chasing the algorithm and start honoring your truth. Because trying to fit in won’t get you free.By Karmen Michael Smith
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In this powerful and tender episode, Zaki takes us back to the sacred city of Makkah, where a woman filled with hope and faith approaches the Ka’bah with a prayer on her lips and a child stirring within her.By Meraj Digital
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DC Black Pride, Chasing Pleasure, and Freedom Ain't Free
9:14
9:14
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9:14This week, your Overthinker-in-Chief Karmen Michael Smith spirals into a layered reflection on freedom—not just political, but personal, embodied, and spiritual. From a conversation about emotional well-being, to the joy and tension of DC’s Black Pride, to the cost of sexual liberation in a world that polices Black queer bodies, this episode asks: …
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Zaki’s having a feather-flipping panic—until Suhail shares the story of how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Lady Khadijah built a love based on trust and kindness. A heartwarming tale for the whole family! Moral: True love is built on trust, not charm. 🎧 Perfect for Ages: 5–12 (and their grown-up sidekicks!)By Meraj Digital
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Send us a love letter (or hate mail, your choice!) Picture this: the year is 2006, and Disney's three-episode crossover series 'That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana' is releasing its first episode at 8/7 central, and you're SAT, ready to witness a piece of history. James and I take to the podcast to nerd out over iconic crossover episodes, spiral…
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What Survives the Fire: Kim Burrell, Tamar Braxton, Orlando Brown, and the Performance of Pain
8:22
8:22
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8:22They make us laugh. They make us cringe. Sometimes they make us mad. But what do Kim Burrell, Tamar Braxton, and Orlando Brown all have in common? They’ve all been crowned “too much.” Too dramatic. Too messy. Too unpredictable. And yet… we can’t look away. In this episode of Overthinking with Karmen, your Overthinker-in-Chief Karmen Michael Smith s…
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In the bustling markets of ancient Makkah, one young man stood out—not by shouting the loudest, but by being the most honest. In this heartfelt episode, Zaki and Suhail take us into the story of how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ earned the title Al-Amin—The Trustworthy—long before he became a prophet. With playful banter, moral tests, and a visit from someone…
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Send us a love letter (or hate mail, your choice!) We're all secretly afraid that our kids will be losers, and listen, I'm here to tell you that if that happened to me? I wouldn't talk to him either! James and I jump on the podcast to toast to bar games (think pool, darts, shuffleboard, yktv!!!), lament the fact that our thousand-dollar pocket comp…
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Raw Dogging, Barebacking & the Return to Reality
6:20
6:20
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6:20What do Gen Z’s “barebacking” trend, raw dogging flights, and the future of social media all have in common? Spiral with me as we explore the quiet rebellion against distraction, the power of presence, and why the next revolution won’t be posted—it’ll be lived.By Karmen Michael Smith
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When a traveler leaves a bag of gold with young Muhammad (peace be upon him), a quiet test of trust begins. Join Zaki and Captain Suhail as they uncover a story of honesty, patience, and the meaning of true integrity. Even the smallest choices can reveal the biggest truths!By Meraj Digital
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Send us a love letter (or hate mail, your choice!) Why did breakfast box itself into such narrow thinking? The day's most important meal could be so much more than eggs, if only we let it become fully realized!!! Sadie and I jump on the podcast to chat about nicknames we love, bike lanes we loathe, and our deep dissatisfaction with the oppressive e…
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E13: Jobs, Dropouts, and Disappearing in America
8:51
8:51
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8:51What do being unemployed, your cousin dropping out of high school, and feeling invisible all have in common? Spiral with me as we unpack how capitalism confuses labor with worth, why the system ejects those who can’t conform, and why being pushed out might be the first step toward designing a life that’s actually yours.…
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When a traveling merchant is treated unfairly in the heart of Makkah, no one dares to help—until a few brave voices rise to do what’s right. Zaki tells the powerful true story of a promise that changed everything: Hilf al-Fudul, the Pact of Justice. Even young Muhammad (peace be upon him) joined this stand for fairness—long before he became a Proph…
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Send us a love letter (or hate mail, your choice!) If there's a viral snack collab unfolding, Lilly is on the scene! Mountain Dew x Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? Sign her up. Swedish Fish Oreos? She's buying 'em, and nobody can stop her, damn it! Lilly and I take to the podcast to indulge in absurd snack innovations, spiral about accumulating too much “stuf…
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E12: The Met Gala, Janet Jackson, and Grandma’s House
7:08
7:08
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7:08What do the Met Gala, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation, and Grandma’s house have in common? Spiral with me as we explore how Black aesthetic has never just been about looking good—it’s been survival, sanctuary, and spiritual resistance in a world that never meant for us to thrive.By Karmen Michael Smith
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A boy, a monk, and a big decision! Join Zaki and Captain Suhail as they journey across the desert sands to uncover a secret that could change the world. When true greatness is discovered, Abu Talib must make a brave choice—protect his precious nephew, no matter the danger or the cost. A story of courage, trust, and the quiet kind of heroism that sh…
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E11: Unemployment, Ryan Coogler, and Strange Earthquakes
6:32
6:32
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6:32What do unemployment, Ryan Coogler, and your strange earthqukes have in common? Spiral with me as we explore why real freedom feels terrifying at first, why unprecedented moves often get mistaken for mistakes, and why stepping into a life with no blueprint might just be the real revolution.By Karmen Michael Smith
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Send us a love letter (or hate mail, your choice!) Who eats sardines straight from the tin, carries a wad of rubberband-bound singles, and is in “talks” with the Italian government? Depends on who's asking. Adam and I take to the podcast to toast to tinned fish, raise a stink about early morning construction, and pour one out for the many folks who…
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The Art of Listening and The Power of Humor: A Conversation Connecting Life Experiences with Cartoonist Dave Coverly
52:10
52:10
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52:10Imagine a cartoon opening a door to transform a challenging conversation into a productive and meaningful conversation in your team. In this episode, we explore how listening and observation can engage humor which can shift our mindset and enhance our ability to engage with others meaningfully. Dave Coverly is the award-winning creator of the inter…
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The Shepard in the Desert When Zaki gets stuck watching a noisy baby bird, he thinks it's the worst job ever—until he learns about the early life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a young shepherd. Through the quiet hills of Makkah, we discover how caring for sheep helped shape the heart of a future Prophet. With a little help (and a lot o…
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E10: Beyonce, Oxtails, and Generational Wealth
7:52
7:52
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7:52Why did Beyoncé pull her music off TikTok? Why are oxtails $40 a plate? And why are you giving away your family’s inheritance for free? Spiral with me as we unpack how protecting your legacy—your creativity, your culture, your voice—isn’t gatekeeping. It’s survival. Generational wealth isn’t just about making money; it’s about knowing what’s worth …
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Send us a love letter (or hate mail, your choice!) It’s important to remember that the SUR experience has little to do with the food. Its true specialties lie in campy ambiance, overpriced cocktails, and the chance to share a room with some of reality TV’s messiest players—pure bliss! Matt and I jump on the podcast to honor our favorite divorce alb…
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E9: DEI, Yoga, and Learning to Live on Purpose
10:40
10:40
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10:40What do job loss, noisy windows, Instagram fatigue, and skipping a yoga session with Black Q+ men have in common? Spiral with me as we talk about what it means to design a life you're actually living, not performing, and why the ones who really want to find you… will.By Karmen Michael Smith
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Before he was a Prophet, Muhammad faced deep loss. Discover how love, faith, and quiet strength shaped a boy who would one day change the world.By Meraj Digital
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Send us a love letter (or hate mail, your choice!) Picture this: You're freshly thirteen, you've got your brand new Ocean Pacific swimsuit on, and you're patiently making your way up the wooden staircase with your tube in hand. What's waiting for you at the top, you ask? None other than the Wilderness' most infamous waterslide, the Hurricane. Talk …
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E8: Being Stood Up, Missy Elliott, and Rising Costs
10:22
10:22
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10:22What do a second date that never happened, Missy Elliott’s Coachella performance, and high costs have in common? Spiral with me as we unpack the premium price we’re all paying for presence—how we spend big to be seen, but rarely show up for what matters. And why being rare isn’t the problem, but the world’s inability to value it just might be.…
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🎙️ Season 2, Episode 1 – The Night of Hope Welcome back, young adventurers! In this magical season opener of Amazing Stories with Zaki the Hoopoe, we journey to a quiet night in Makkah—a night filled with stars, whispers of destiny, and the birth of someone who would change the world forever. After the miracle of the Year of the Elephant, something…
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Wrestling Is the Straight Man’s Drag
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1:00:40
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1:00:40Send us a love letter (or hate mail, your choice!) Name something more c*nty than a giant chiseled man with a spray tan and platinum blonde blowout strutting to the ring in a bedazzled outfit to the tune of "Real American"—you can't! Rohan and I take to the podcast to celebrate grown men finding an outlet for self-expression, reject the creation of…
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E7: Halle Berry, Star Trek, Paradise on Hulu, and the Illusion of Black Excellence
9:14
9:14
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9:14What do Halle Berry, Star Trek’s holodeck, Hulu’s Paradise, and modern Black excellence all have in common? Spiral with me as we explore how illusion, approval, and identity collide—and why everything that looks like liberation might actually be a well-designed trap.By Karmen Michael Smith
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E6: Starbucks, Sugar, and the Death of the Third Place
6:31
6:31
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6:31What do Starbucks, sugar, and the death of the Third Place have in common? Spiral with me as we explore what we actually need from our spaces—and why good coffee might not be enough to save them.By Karmen Michael Smith
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Send us a love letter (or hate mail, your choice!) If I have to use my own cellphone to pull up the menu at the restaurant, I'm clocking in because I work here now. I said what I said! James and I return to the podcast to celebrate Flow's Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (s/o to Latvia, a real place that exists!), dismantle the Digital Menu …
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E5: The Gym, My Mind, and the Battle Between Them
7:08
7:08
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7:08What does the gym, my mind, and the battle between them really mean? Spiral with me as we explore why showing up for ourselves—physically and mentally—is the real workout.By Karmen Michael Smith
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What do Ryan Davis, Amazon, and the "Church" have in common?By Karmen Michael Smith
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