Best Bashing Buttons Podcasts (2025)

1
You collect what?! The joy of bread clips, fire alarms & umbrella covers 49:09

1d ago49:09

49:09

What do bread clips, fire alarms, and umbrella covers have in common? Most people toss them, but not our guests. Diana Mendoza has spent nearly 20 years collecting bread clips and helps moderate a global research community dedicated to their study. Tim Zhang, a recent high school grad, has over 400 fire alarms and a booming YouTube channel. And on …

1
The magic never ends for Disney adults 49:09

8d ago49:09

49:09

Hey, kids! Did you know there are grown ups who are just as obsessed with Disney as you? There's an adult out there who has full-sleeve tattoos of Disney characters, another who’s spent tens of thousands of dollars on merch, and one guy even set a world record for visiting Disneyland for almost 3,000 days in a row! Those are just some of the Disney…

1
Roller skating as community, competition, and transformation 49:08

15d ago49:08

49:08

Remember how fun roller skating was as a kid? Well, the adults you’ll meet this hour are still having a good time on roller skates, but they take that fun to the next level! Takina Pollack Shafer brings pop-up skating events to her hometown of Bridgeport, CT, where she creates space for people of all stripes to forget their worries and experience t…

1
Audacious Live! Show & Tell birthday bash in Hartford 49:09

22d ago49:09

49:09

It was part birthday party, part storytelling spectacle, and 100% Audacious! We threw a live Show & Tell at Dead Language Beer Project in Hartford, and invited public radio fans to bring an object they love, and the story that makes it matter. From a PEZ dispenser with family ties, to a holy (literally) beer mug, to walnut shell art that has mesmer…

1
Five years of Audacious: Where are they now? 49:09

29d ago49:09

49:09

To celebrate five years of Audacious, we reconnect with a few unforgettable guests. Ari Cobb, now 13, reflects on how his relationship with stuttering has evolved since we first met him at age 8. Toby Dorr shares how the death of her former partner, whom she once broke out of prison, reshaped her purpose. Jeffrey Marsh returns with powerful insight…

1
Birdwatching Legend Peter Kaestner's Journey to 10,000 Birds 49:09

1M ago49:09

49:09

You know how sometimes you look outside, see a bird, and think, “Oh, hey! A cardinal! A blue jay! A robin!“ Happens all the time. Now imagine what your life would be like if you traveled the world as part of a lifelong quest to become the first person to see 10,000 bird species. Get to know Peter Kaestner. He shares the surprising story of how he c…

1
It all adds up: The joy of micro-philanthropy 49:09

1M ago49:09

49:09

When you hear “philanthropy,” you might think of millionaires, black-tie galas, or buildings named after donors. But what if you could be a philanthropist without being wealthy? In this episode, you’ll meet people who donate small amounts to hundreds of places, hand out cash on city streets, and send money directly to people in poverty, no strings …

1
The surprising ways we ritual 48:54

2M ago48:54

48:54

Some rituals are spiritual. Some are silly. Some are inherited, and some are self-made. Casper ter Kuile, author of The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices, walks us through how we create all sorts of meaningful, grounding rituals. And you'll hear clips from past two years of Audacious guests who have shared the ritu…

1
Common objects, uncommon phobias: Grass, reflections, and buttons 49:09

2M ago49:09

49:09

What if it wasn’t spiders, heights, or flying… but grass, buttons, or your own reflection that made your hands clammy and your heart race? Meet Bettina, a romantic comedy author who avoids lawns at all costs; Marcos, who dreads reflections and shaves in the shower to escape the mirror; and Mark, who hasn’t worn a shirt with buttons since he was a k…

1
After the fire: Stories of what the flames couldn’t destroy 49:09

2M ago49:09

49:09

Meet people whose lives were upended by fire - and transformed by resilience. From the recent Los Angeles fires, we hear from Casey Colvin, who searched for days to find his beloved dog, Oreo, and 10-year-old Grayson Roberts, who lost his home, his Braille materials, and his drum kits - but not his spirit. We also talk to RoseMarie Wallace, who ref…

1
Why the warm-up comic is the most underrated job in show biz 49:09

2M ago49:09

49:09

Before a sitcom rolls tape, someone has to turn a roomful of strangers into a laughing, clapping, totally-on-board studio audience. That someone? A warm-up comedian. Meet Mark Sweet, who’s spent nearly 40 years getting audiences hyped for shows like Cheers, Roseanne, and The Big Bang Theory. And Joyelle Nicole Johnson shares how warming up the crow…

1
Intersex advocacy and the fight for bodily autonomy with Pidgeon Pagonis 49:09

3M ago49:09

49:09

UPDATE: This episode originally aired June 28, 2024. Since its airing, Chion Wolf and the Audacious team were awarded a Gracie Award in the Portrait/Biography category for this episode. "The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment. They also acknowledge the i…

1
How regret teaches us to live 42:04

3M ago42:04

42:04

What do you regret? Explore the human experience of looking back with Daniel H. Pink, author of The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. Poet David Whyte offers his take on regret, drawing from Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. We’ll also reconnect with “Tracy” from Maryland and Storm…

1
Forget meet-cutes: How lasting love can blossom in unexpected places 49:09

3M ago49:09

49:09

Forget the typical meet-cute; this episode features individuals whose paths crossed in extraordinarily unique circumstances. Alex and Sue Tatham met each other on the globally televised dating show "Blind Date" in the UK, leading to a wedding watched by millions. Heather and Tony are Disney enthusiasts who found love across continents thanks to a d…

1
What horses teach us about being human 49:09

3M ago49:09

49:09

Explore the extraordinary impact of horses on our lives. From the unique community of Pony Play and the athleticism of hobby-horsing to the therapeutic power of horses, and a neuroscientist's exploration of life after death, this episode dives deep into how horses shape our lives. Suggested episodes: We The Dog Wings, pouches, and snouts: The world…

1
New Ways to See, New Ways to Move: The Tech That’s Changing Disability 49:09

4M ago49:09

49:09

Technology is rapidly reshaping the world, but for people with disabilities, it’s doing something even more profound - it’s redefining what’s possible. Explore how cutting-edge assistive technologies are breaking barriers, restoring independence, and revolutionizing the way people navigate the world. Sam Seavey, creator of “The Blind Life” YouTube …

1
Awe yeah! Exploring the magic of mind-blowing moments 49:09

4M ago49:09

49:09

What makes your jaw drop? A celestial event? A powerful piece of music? In this episode, explore awe in its many forms, from a total solar eclipse to the psychology of wonder. Psychologist Dacher Keltner breaks down the science of awe, cellist Yumi Kendall shares how music transports us, and Audacious listeners share their most treasured moments of…

1
How delusional infestation makes you feel bugs that aren’t there 49:09

4M ago49:09

49:09

Imagine feeling an unbearable itch, convinced that tiny insects are crawling under your skin. But no doctor believes you. You try to prove it, collecting samples, documenting everything. But under a microscope? Nothing is there. That was Paula Cox’s experience with delusional infestation, a rare disorder where people are absolutely certain they’re …

1
Meet Prince & Elvis tribute artists who are finding fame, fans, and their own voice 49:09

4M ago49:09

49:09

What’s it like to live in the shadow of legends and still shine? Meet Marshall Charloff, a Prince tribute artist with a personal connection to the artist himself. And Rick Torres, an Elvis impersonator whose two decades as the King has brought him to some surprising places. From the joy and empowerment of embodying their heroes to navigating the ch…

1
Shocking protests: A look at the impact of bold action 49:09

4M ago49:09

49:09

In 2022, Just Stop Oil protestors threw tomato soup on a Van Gogh painting in London. The world collectively gasped, but some UK lawmakers responded by supporting fewer investments in new oil projects. On this episode, meet one of those soup-throwers, and hear from two other people who have been part of creative protests: a spokesperson from an ant…

1
From wingsuit BASE jumping to record-breaking South Pole expeditions with Ellen Brennan Frat and Liv Arnesen 49:09

5M ago49:09

49:09

What drives someone to ski solo across Antarctica or leap off cliffs in a wingsuit? Meet Liv Arnesen, the first woman to ski alone and unsupported to the South Pole, and Ellen Brennan Frat, the ‘Fastest Flying Woman in the World.’ From battling -30°F winds to soaring at 100 mph, these women share their extraordinary journeys of courage, resilience,…

1
Mentalist Dr. Kruti Parekh on mind reading and tapping into intuition 49:09

5M ago49:09

49:09

Ever had someone finish your sentence before you even opened your mouth? Now imagine they knew what you were going to say before you did. That’s what it’s like to experience Dr. Kruti Parekh in action. Through a mix of psychology, intuition, and age-old wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic traditions, Dr. Parekh believes we all have the potentia…

1
MasterChef winner Christine Ha and poet Edward Hirsch on turning blindness into brilliance 49:09

5M ago49:09

49:09

What can you gain when you lose your vision? Christine Ha was in her early 20s when she began losing her sight. Instead of giving up on her dreams, she taught herself how to cook - so well, in fact, that she became the first and only person who is blind to win MasterChef. Now, she’s a celebrated chef and author who’s proving that great cooking is a…

1
BONUS: MasterChef's Christine Ha answers questions from Ashley Cook 4:45

5M ago4:45

4:45

We just aired an episode about blindness featuring the poet Edward Hirsch, and chef, Christine Ha. If you're a fan of Gordon Ramsay's cooking competition show, MasterChef, then you know exactly who Christine Ha is. But if you don't, she's the first - and only - person with blindness to win it! Now you'll hear so much more of our conversation in our…

1
Nothing goes as planned: A first-time offender’s prison story from arrest to release 49:09

5M ago49:09

49:09

It all began with a single Reddit post: A Connecticut man, overwhelmed and uncertain, sought advice about what to expect as a first-time, non-violent offender facing prison. He invited us to chronicle his life before, during, and after incarceration, pulling back the curtain on a world most of us only glimpse in movies or headlines. Discover how hi…

1
Snakes in their mouths and venom in their veins: Why two snake pioneers do what they do 49:08

6M ago49:08

49:08

Delve into the extraordinary lives of two men whose worlds are centered on venomous snakes. Jackie Bibby, a record-setting daredevil, set multiple world records, including the astonishing feat of holding 13 live rattlesnakes in his mouth. And Tim Friede has spent nearly two decades intentionally subjecting himself to hundreds of bites from some of …

1
Life advice, one Audacious guest at a time 49:09

6M ago49:09

49:09

For the past two years, at the end of every interview, I asked every guest to tell me their favorite piece of life advice. We took dozens of our favorite clips and brought them together in this very special episode. And we also hear from Connecticut Public employees! Email your favorite piece of advice: [email protected] For a full transcript …

1
Spectrosexuality: When a spirit is your spouse 49:08

6M ago49:08

49:08

On past episodes of our Audacious Love series, we’ve talked with people who’ve been married for over 50 years, people who’ve fallen in love with synthetic companions, people who’ve fallen in love with objects, and today, you’ll meet four people who are married to spirits, ancestors, or gods. Listen to our past Audacious Love episodes: Married Over …

1
New Years Bash Preview! 1:18:25

6M ago1:18:25

1:18:25

Send us a text New Years Bash Preview!By David Rocklein, Jason Smith, Nate Atkinson, and Chris Burton

1
"Negativity be gone!": Artists igniting joy on social media 48:59

6M ago48:59

48:59

We hear a lot about the harm of social media. But what about the good? Meet two artists who started off on social media by showing their artwork… But once they revealed the hope and kindness and positivity in their hearts? The views, shares and likes piled up in ways they never expected. Hear how they both are grappling with the newfound pressure o…

1
The weight of family secrets: Finding freedom in the truth 49:00

7M ago49:00

49:00

Family secrets are often kept to protect, but hiding the truth can sometimes cause more harm than good. When Michael Hainey’s father died, the explanation he was given never quite added up. Decades later, uncovering the real story changed his life, and inspired him to write a memoir. Melissa Daniels faced a different kind of revelation: the man she…

1
The journey of a lifetime.... - Jason Smith 55:50

7M ago55:50

55:50

Send us a text We talk to our very own, Jason Smith, about his long struggle with alcohol and how he is now winning the battle.By David Rocklein, Jason Smith, Nate Atkinson, and Chris Burton

1
storymark LIVE: Congressman Ritchie Torres, Progress Not Perfection 26:17

7M ago26:17

26:17

Raised by a single mother, Congressman Ritchie Torres overcame poverty, personal trauma, and systemic barriers to forge a path of advocacy and leadership. Torres shares his inspiring journey, which began in public housing in the Bronx. His civic interest guided him into politics, and he now serves in the U.S. Congress as one of the first openly gay…

1
When every face you see is distorted: Living with PMO 49:01

7M ago49:01

49:01

Imagine waking up one morning and seeing every face around you as demonic - twisted, distorted, and unrecognizable. Are you hallucinating? Would you think people were possessed? Should you call 911? Now, what if it’s not demons you’re seeing, but constantly shifting facial features on everyone, including yourself? And what if this has been your rea…

1
This is the Snowball Derby Show!!! 55:22

7M ago55:22

55:22

Send us a text We talk to our own co host, Chris Burton, about his weekend spotting for Stephen Nasse! He walks us through winning the Snowflake on Saturday and coming up one spot short in The Snowball Derby on Sunday.By David Rocklein, Jason Smith, Nate Atkinson, and Chris Burton

1
Yariv Bash, CEO & Co-Founder FlyTrex, Founder SpaceIL | To the Moon and Back 27:21

7M ago27:21

27:21

As an engineering student, Yariv Bash dedicated countless hours to hands-on work, sacrificing top grades in order to open doors for out-of-this-world opportunities. After co-founding SpaceIL, Yariv and his team entered the Google Lunar XPrize competition on little more than a whim and a little bit of whiskey. They built and launched Beresheet, the …

1
Salaar Stateside! Following a Pakistani high school student’s year in the US 49:00

7M ago49:00

49:00

Imagine you’re 16 years old, living in Lahore, Pakistan, and preparing for the adventure of a lifetime: A high school exchange year in Rockville, Maryland. Just as you’re getting ready to leave, a public radio show in Connecticut asks to document your journey! This is the story of Salaar Muhammad - before, during, and after his transformative year …

1
Ashager Araro, Content Creator, Battae Founder | Dreaming of Home 30:27

7M ago30:27

30:27

Ashager Araro's reverence for dreams extends far beyond mere aspirations or poetic musings; for her, they hold profound significance embedded in Israel’s history, her ancestral roots, and her personal journey. Born in Ethiopia, Ashager’s family yearned for a life in Jerusalem for generations. However, upon reaching their longed-for destination, the…

1
Audacious Live! Show & Tell in Stamford 49:00

7M ago49:00

49:00

Remember the joy of “Show and Tell” at school? Now why should only the kids have all the fun? Listeners to Audacious (and staff members of Connecticut Public!) gathered at Third Place by Half Full Brewery on March 13th, 2024, for an opportunity to share their story! Special thanks to PJ Kennedy of HeyStamford.com for sharing our event, and for keep…

1
Uri Buri, Restaurateur | Thinking not Following 31:15

7M ago31:15

31:15

Today, Uri Buri’s eponymous restaurant “Uri Buri” has garnered international acclaim - but his culinary journey began just steps from home, on Israel’s stunning seaside. Deeply influenced by his family’s tradition of hosting guests from around the world, Uri cultivated a lifelong passion for cooking and community. So, fueled by ambition from a youn…

1
Cart Talk: Conversations with Trader Joe's and Costco Aficionados 49:00

7M ago49:00

49:00

We all know people who love Costco or Trader Joe’s. But what compels someone to devote their time and travel to visiting as many stores as possible, to wrap so much of their identity around these massive shopping chains? Meet three people whose lives brighten the moment they put their hands on a Trader Joe’s or Costco grocery cart. For a transcript…

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Just let go of the button... Jeff Striegle 1:21:23

8M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

Send us a text Jeff Striegle is our guest! We find out how he went from unknown PA announcer to a pillar of the Nascar radio broadcast team at MRN. We also talk about his decision to hang up the headphones and what he is gonna do with his time now.By David Rocklein, Jason Smith, Nate Atkinson, and Chris Burton

1
Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh, Journalist & Politician, Emissary for The Jewish Agency | Success at the Collective Level 19:19

8M ago19:19

19:19

Pioneer. Trailblazer. Groundbreaker. These words epitomize today’s guest, Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh. As a member of Israel's Druze religious minority, Gadeer stands out as a symbol of courage, breaking barriers for Druze women and other Israeli minorities alike. Her groundbreaking achievements include being the first non-Jewish anchorwoman to deliver the …

1
Who decides? Ethicists help doctors and patients answer big, nuanced questions 49:00

8M ago49:00

49:00

Brains are weird. Bodies are weird. People are weird! Brains, bodies, and people together in a psychological or medical setting? Man, it can get REAL weird. Ethical conundrums abound, like navigating boundaries, bias in treatment, managing power dynamics… And that's just the tip of the iceberg! So who's in charge of figuring out the ethics behind a…

1
storymark LIVE: Nuseir Yassin, Content Creator, Nas Daily | Everything Has a Price 33:36

8M ago33:36

33:36

Growing up as a Palestinian in Israel, Nuseir Yassin grappled with the complexities of his identity, often feeling adrift between two worlds. It wasn’t until he reached Harvard University, 5,500 miles away from home, that he encountered his first Jewish friend. Despite his new location, the weight of Nuseir’s identity remained palpable, presenting …

1
Animal psychics reveal what our pets really think 48:58

8M ago48:58

48:58

Sometimes it’s like you and your pet are perfectly in sync, reading each other’s minds… and other times, you’re staring at them thinking, “Seriously? Why do you keep licking the couch?” But what if you could actually read your pet’s mind? Would you treat them differently… or would you just confirm that dogs think every meal is their last, and that …

1
Breaking ancestral chains: Healing as children of incest 49:00

8M ago49:00

49:00

Incest is one of the most challenging topics to discuss, yet our guests are opening up about the truth behind their origin stories. Meet Steve Edsel, who always knew he was adopted. But when he set out to uncover the identities of his birth parents, he stumbled upon painful truths. Now, he and his wife work with an organization dedicated to support…

1
We build race cars to race, and sometimes shit is gonna happen... - Cole Butcher 1:22:17

8M ago1:22:17

1:22:17

Send us a text Cole Butcher is our guest this week! We find out how he got to North Carolina and how he has positioned himself to be able to win some of the biggest super late model and pro late model races around!By David Rocklein, Jason Smith, Nate Atkinson, and Chris Burton

1
Jackpot! A lottery winner and a savvy lawyer talk about life after luck 49:00

8M ago49:00

49:00

We’ve all imagined holding a winning lottery ticket, but what happens next? Hear from a man known as The Lottery Lawyer, who shares the most common mistakes people make when trying to claim their winnings. Plus, a man who scored a $28 million Powerball jackpot at just 21 years old reveals what life was like after the win—the highs, the surprises, a…

1
I was hoping to win a race and finish top 5 in points... - Luke Baldwin 1:07:28

8M ago1:07:28

1:07:28

Send us a text Luke Baldwin comes on the show to talk to us about his recent championship in the Smart Modified Tour. We also talk about the final race of CARS Tour Season.By David Rocklein, Jason Smith, Nate Atkinson, and Chris Burton

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