Best Brad McLeod Podcasts (2025)

1
NPR’s Tamara Keith Has Strong Yet Soothing Opinions On Pie 39:44

5h ago39:44

39:44

You know Tamara Keith as NPR’s Senior White House Correspondent and as one of the hosts of the NPR Politics Podcast. You can count on her to deliver up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the most dramatic beat in journalism, even if it’s news that you may find very alarming. But there’s nothing alarming or upsetting about Tamara’s thoughts on the v…

1
From Blackouts To Sobriety- Matt's Story 57:27

18h ago57:27

57:27

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad is joined by Matt, who shares growing up in a challenging environment due to constant relocation, his struggles with alcohol and his eventual path towards sobriety. Matt discusses his early experiences with alcohol and other substances during high school and college, how working in the restauran…

1
15 Years Sober: Chris Takes Us Back To The Madness Of Addiction 49:33

7d ago49:33

49:33

In this episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, Chris shares his powerful journey to sobriety. Chris recounts memories from his childhood, dealing with an alcoholic father, and how high school brought its own set of challenges. He discusses his early drinking days, his deep dive into addiction during college, and the subsequent move to Los Angeles…

1
Tamara Yajia: Brad Pitt’s Charcuterie Pal 38:34

7d ago38:34

38:34

Comedian, actor, and author Tamara Yajia has a new book Cry for Me, Argentina: My Life as a Failed Child Star that doesn’t spend all that much time on the subject of charcuterie boards. But that’s what our discussion is for. Learn about Tamara’s grandfather’s extensive and somewhat emotionally charged boards and how they inspired her to make vast b…

1
A Second Chance: Living A Sober Life With Garrett 1:03:14

13d ago1:03:14

1:03:14

In this episode, Garrett shares his inspiring journey from a troubled childhood marked by addiction to starting his sober journey in 2020. Garrett discusses growing up in a family plagued by addiction, his own struggles with alcohol and drug use from a young age, and the turning point that led him to take back his life. Garrett's story is a testame…

1
Hanif Abdurraqib Has 90 Band Shirts. Which We Think You’ll Agree Is a Lot. 46:59

14d ago46:59

46:59

Hanif Abdurraqib is a poet, cultural critic, and author of numerous books, including They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, A Little Devil in America, and There’s Always This Year. He’s very passionate about music, as is evidenced in his massive collection, purchased online and at concert venues, of concert t-shirts, band sweatshirts, and other vin…

1
At 30 Alcohol Almost Killed Adriana. 50:29

19d ago50:29

50:29

In this episode, we welcome Adriana, who shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey through alcohol addiction. Adriana opens up about her troubled teenage years, early experimentation with alcohol, and the dangerous path it led her down, including life-threatening health issues. Despite almost dying at the age of 30 due to her addiction, it took se…

1
Nate DiMeo of The Memory Palace Has THOUGHTS on Sports Team Names and Logos 49:55

21d ago49:55

49:55

If you love history, you already know about the lovely podcast The Memory Palace, which celebrates the quirky and intriguing elements of stuff that has happened. If you haven’t heard it, go listen. But first, hear honey-voiced host Nate DiMeo explain his complex and impassioned opinions on team names, logos, the nefarious nature of image consultant…

1
The Sober Journey - Updates from Melissa and Tiffany 52:09

27d ago52:09

52:09

In this episode, we catch up with two previous guests, Melissa and Tiffany Jenkins, to hear about their progress and insights since they last appeared on the show. The discussion includes experiences of sobriety, community support, personal growth, and life after addiction. Melissa shares her achievements and the sense of freedom she feels living s…

1
NPR’s Linda Holmes Takes You on a Sleepy Tour of Beverly Hills, 90210 41:24

28d ago41:24

41:24

Nobody knows pop culture better than Linda Holmes, one of the hosts of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, and culture doesn’t get much more pop than the nineties teen prime time soap Beverly Hills, 90210. Let Linda guide you to sleep while she introduces you to Brandon, Brenda, Kelly, Steve, Donna, and even Scott, who we frankly didn’t even know existed…

1
Comedian, Actor, and Podcaster Sierra Katow Gently Takes You Grocery Shopping 46:30

1M ago46:30

46:30

There are many places to acquire food and household items in the greater Los Angeles area. You could go to Costco, you could go to Ralphs, you could even swing by 99 Ranch. Or if you listen to this episode with the delightful Sierra Katow, you could visit all these places and let Sierra do the driving while you zonk off to sleep, sated with the aud…

1
Quitting Alcohol Gave Emma The Chance To Show Up Differently In Her Kids Life 49:49

1M ago49:49

49:49

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, host Brad interviews Emma, who shares her compelling journey from a childhood surrounded by a relaxed attitude towards alcohol to her eventual decision to quit drinking for good. Emma details the influence of her university years and the impact of her media career in the '90s on her alcohol consumpti…

1
Alcohol Free Life with Jason and DJ. 59:20

1M ago59:20

59:20

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, host Brad catches up with Jason and DJ for updates on their sobriety journeys. Jason discusses the transformative impact of quitting alcohol on his personal and professional life, including his role as a new business owner and a father. DJ shares his progress since their last conversation, highlighti…

1
Hanging Out at Airports with Roxane Gay 36:20

1M ago36:20

36:20

Roxane Gay is one of the greatest writers in the world today. Everyone knows this. We’re so thrilled that she agreed to be on our show. Roxane is the author of books like Bad Feminist and Hunger, writes for the New York Times, is a respected social critic and noted professor. All this means that she travels a lot and she joins us, using a very soot…

1
Campin’ About with Allan McLeod of Walkin’ About 39:54

2M ago39:54

39:54

Allan McLeod is an actor who has appeared on Parks & Recreation and You’re the Worst. He’s a podcaster who appears regularly as host on Walkin’ About, here on Maximum Fun. And, for our purposes on this episode, he’s a camper, who appears pretty often at campgrounds around California. Allan walks us through his incredibly detailed and quite lengthy …

1
Navigating Sober Living with Torie: From Not Drinking Alcohol to Healing 1:05:24

2M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

In this episode, Torie shares her journey from growing up surrounded by alcohol in Rhode Island. Torie discusses her struggles with self-judgment, societal pressures, and quiet drinking. She embarked on international travels and hoped it would fill the void and change things. Torie recounts her turning point in 2021, when she decided to quit drinki…

1
Philosophy Tube’s Abigail Thorn Takes You Scuba Diving 43:45

2M ago43:45

43:45

Whether you know her from the phenomenally popular YouTube channel Philosophy Tube or from her acting appearances in House of the Dragon or The Acolyte, chances are Abigail Thorn was dry when you saw her and above the surface of the water. Just know that this is not where she prefers to be. Abigail is a scuba diver and is here to send you to sleep …

1
Quitting Alcohol And Getting Sober Changed Everything for Madeline, Pete and Mary Updates. 1:18:03

2M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Inspiring Sobriety Journeys with Madeline, Pete, and Mary. Madeline discusses her sober travels and community support, Pete shares his 13-year sobriety journey and career progress, and Mary talks about her retreats and the healing power of nature. They all emphasize the importance of community, personal growth, and not giving up. Support the Show b…

1
Sobriety changed everything for Luc and Mailinn - Updates on the sober life. 54:14

2M ago54:14

54:14

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, we catch up with two inspiring guests, Mailinn and Luc, who share their profound sobriety journeys and the immense gratitude they feel for their transformed lives. Mailinn, from Norway, celebrates five years of sobriety and reflects on overcoming severe health challenges and rediscovering herself. Lu…

1
Queen Priyanka on Crazy-Ass Dog Ownership 41:53

2M ago41:53

41:53

Queen Priyanka is many things: singer, drag queen, Canadian television personality. But today we talk about her role as dog owner and keen observer of the quirks and personality facets of other dog owners, specifically the kind of dog owner that can be characterized as “crazy-ass dog owner.” If you like dogs, are fascinated by the eclectic habits o…

1
BONUS MINI-SODE: Naps with Normies: Bikram Chatterji 12:26

2M ago12:26

12:26

Being the CEO of Maximum Fun is not as glamorous as you might expect. In fact, it involves a lot of running reports. That’s what we found out from Bikram Chatterji in our latest and final installment of our Naps with Normies series. Tune in and drift off for a quick snooze while the big boss of the whole shebang reveals how shockingly normal his wo…

1
Sobriety Updates and Insights with Sober Dave, Kristen, and Manny - was it worth it? 1:01:11

2M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

In this episode, we hear updates from Sober Dave, Kristen, and Manny as they share their inspiring stories of recovery and sobriety: - Dave Wilson: Known as Sober Dave, he discusses his journey to becoming a trauma-informed coach and the challenges he faces bringing sobriety talks into corporate settings. - Kristen: Celebrating four years of sobrie…

1
BONUS MINI-SODE: Naps with Normies: April Pendergraft 5:55

2M ago5:55

5:55

You’ve heard of the Max Fun Drive. Perhaps you’ve heard us mention it eight billion times. We have to. It’s how we are able to exist. The person who runs the whole drive is April and while she won’t extoll you to donate during this edition of Naps with Normies, she will tell you all about all the spreadsheets and reports she has to run. Just a cons…

1
Astronaut and Dog Lover Leland Melvin on Dogs, Space, and Building Campers 49:46

2M ago49:46

49:46

You’ve likely seen some of the famous pictures of former astronaut and NFL player Leland Melvin with his two beloved and boisterous dogs, Jake and Scout, Leland is wearing a space suit, the dogs are showering him with affection. It’s really wonderful. Leland, WHO HAS BEEN TO SPACE, tells us all about the dogs he’s had, what it’s like to orbit the e…

1
BONUS MINI-SODE: Naps with Normies: Danny Baruela 10:57

2M ago10:57

10:57

Danny Baruela is responsible for you being able to hear your favorite shows at Maximum Fun, serving as the company’s Technology and Data Specialist. Unlike many people who we have as guests, he’s not a celebrity. Has no movie to promote nor album to plug. He’s a normie, with tasks to perform, a life to live, and a great deal of complicated computer…

1
Sober Life Updates from Ryan, Todd, and Jerzey Mike 1:09:35

2M ago1:09:35

1:09:35

In this episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, previous guests Ryan, Todd, and 'Jerzey' Mike share their powerful stories of life in sobriety. Each offers insights into their journeys, including milestones, challenges, and transformations. From repairing relationships to finding joy in sober vacations and starting new families, these updates prov…

1
BONUS CONTENT PREVIEW: The Celebrity Parade of Dreams Supershow 5:18

2M ago5:18

5:18

When you become a member of Maximum Fun at even the $5/month level, you get access to our entire library of Bonus Content, including this year’s Sleeping with Celebrities special: The Celebrity Parade of Dreams Supershow. We asked guests from the last year of the show to tell us their weirdest and funniest dreams to lay the groundwork for dream of …

1
BONUS MINI-SODE: Naps with Normies: Swish 6:42

2M ago6:42

6:42

Laura Swisher, also known as Swish, is a senior producer at Maximum Fun, overseeing several shows, including ours. Unlike many people who we have as guests, she’s not a celebrity. Has no movie to promote nor album to plug. She’s a normie, with tasks to perform, a life to live, and so many dogs to sit. Get to know Swish as you settle in for a nap. W…

1
BEDTIME STORY MINI-SODE: Ducky the Dog and His Many Couches 11:42

3M ago11:42

11:42

During the Max Fun Drive, we’re offering you special mini-sodes in our regular feed. In this one, host John Moe tells of fostering a rescue dog named Ducky who is really moved by being allowed up on the couch. So much so that he builds a vast network of used and donated couches for dogs to lie down and relax on. It’s a really impressive business mo…

1
BEDTIME STORY MINI-SODE: The All-Iguana Band 10:40

3M ago10:40

10:40

Certain movies would have you believe the dogs can play football but I think we all agree iguanas shouldn’t. They’re too delicate. They can, however, form eclectic musical ensembles and play mid-tempo music on bugle, triangle, oboe, and woodblock. This is the story of one band that did just that and was much beloved by a local football team, especi…

1
A Soothing Nighttime Edition with Steve Inskeep of NPR’s Morning Edition 50:16

3M ago50:16

50:16

For many people, Steve Inskeep is a voice you hear in the morning on NPR in intermittent bursts, sometimes telling you about alarming news. We switch that around with Steve, bringing him to you for a bedtime appearance and speaking at length about things that are benign or even pleasant. Steve discusses the state of Indiana, Abraham Lincoln, the pr…

1
BEDTIME STORY MINI-SODE: Louie the Tugboat’s Teriyaki Restaurant 12:51

3M ago12:51

12:51

Obviously, Seattle has a rich and vibrant wizard scene. We all know this. Well, one day, one of the wizards turned a tugboat named Louie into a human being and Louie decided to do one of the most Seattle things possible: open a teriyaki restaurant. He was really good at it. The meat was not too soggy but not burnt, the glaze was sweet and just a li…

1
Alcohol Addiction Is Progressive - Meredith's Story 1:04:28

3M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Meredith shares her story of growing up in a seemingly typical household, struggling with anxiety and alcoholism, and ultimately finding sobriety. She discusses the pressures of her corporate career, her battles with anxiety medications, and the impact of an alcoholic relationship. Meredith's journey…

1
BEDTIME STORY MINI-SODE: Ed’s House of Many Onions (and Dancing) 12:11

3M ago12:11

12:11

During the Max Fun Drive, we’re offering you special mini-sodes in our regular feed. In this one, host John Moe tells one of his improvised and semi-drowsy bedtime stories. It’s about an onionman named Ed, who opens the shop of his dreams, selling all 21 types of onions. But in the effort to market his shop, he finds a love even greater than onions…

1
No One Can Force Us To Get Sober - Kevin's Story 50:39

3M ago50:39

50:39

Kevin shares his powerful story of struggling with alcohol addiction and experiencing multiple rock bottoms. Kevin details his journey through treatments, car accidents, and personal battles, ultimately finding sobriety and purpose through unwavering support and self-discovery. Join us as Kevin recounts how he rebuilds his life and relationships an…

1
A Calm and Soothing Trip to Escape Rooms with Mary Holland 40:05

3M ago40:05

40:05

You may know actress and comedian Mary Holland from the new movie Nightbitch or from TV shows like Veep, Bob’s Burgers, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Or you might know her from literally hundreds of escape rooms around the country, where she absolutely loves solving puzzles, cracking codes, and figuring out how to escape the room. And then…

1
Behind The Mask: Dean McDermott's Sobriety Story 57:02

3M ago57:02

57:02

On the episode, we are joined by Dean McDermott, who shares his rocky road to sobriety. He opens up about his traumatic childhood and his rise to fame. Over the years, Dean had numerous failed attempts at sobriety, and it wasn’t until he was willing to surrender that things changed. This is Dean’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast. ---------- D…

1
Alcohol was David's best friend, Sobriety Changed Everything. 1:20:01

3M ago1:20:01

1:20:01

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad interviews David, who shares his raw and emotional journey from a challenging childhood growing up in New Mexico. David excelled at football, but after an injury, it was time to hang up the cleats, and his alcohol drinking escalated. David describes alcohol as his best friend, and it wasn’t unti…

1
Just Picking Up Some Stuff at the Drugstore with Samantha Irby 47:27

3M ago47:27

47:27

Samantha Irby, best-selling author of several hilarious books of essays, is one of the funniest and most delightful people you’re likely to come across. In this episode, we talk about all the things she likes to buy as well as the things she avoids on a routine trip to her local drugstore. We even comb through some of the newspaper circulars for he…

1
Rebecca Quit Alcohol And Never Looked Back. 1:04:24

3M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Rebecca, who shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to building a thriving bakery business. Despite her success, Rebecca struggled with alcohol and sugar, which she realized were masking deeper emotional traumas. Her unique story demonstrates that one doesn't need to hit rock bottom to make l…

1
Unapologetic Love For Cabbage Patch Kids with Mike O’Connell 34:51

3M ago34:51

34:51

Is it weird for a grown man to own lots and lots and lots of Cabbage Patch Kids? No. No, it is not. Therefore, comedian Mike O’Connell, who has amassed an adorable army of the pretend children that dominate his southern California home, is not a weird person. He is instead a person who thinks that to love something nice and sweet is a nice and swee…

1
Nine Questions to Reflect on If You're Struggling with Leaving Alcohol Behind 10:47

3M ago10:47

10:47

In this episode, we explore nine critical questions designed to help those struggling with sobriety consider their relationship with alcohol. Addressing the personal and emotional costs, the episode delves into the importance of support systems, the fallacy of 'doing it alone,' the pitfalls of waiting for the perfect time to quit, and the common ye…

1
Warm and Pleasant Thoughts of Summer Camp with Anna Sale 42:03

4M ago42:03

42:03

You might know Anna Sale as the host of Slate’s podcast Death, Sex, and Money, which digs deep into topics that a lot of people would rather avoid. If you attended Camp Alleghany in West Virginia, you might know Anna as one of the many campers, spending idyllic summer days and nights having wholesome fun in the great outdoors. At the request of our…

1
Organizing Bookshelves with Mallory O’Meara and Brea Grant 41:09

4M ago41:09

41:09

You might know our guests, Mallory O’Meara and Brea Grant, from their podcast Reading Glasses, their new podcast Reading Smut (debuting on Valentine’s Day), or from their overloaded physical and digital bookshelves that groan to support all that literary knowledge. Brea and Mallory share with us, in tones dulcet and sleep-inducing, how to sort thro…

1
Alcohol and Cocaine brought Sarah to a place of self-hatred, would sobriety change things? 1:01:33

4M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

In this episode, we have Dr. Sarah Michaud who shares her deeply personal and transformative journey through addiction and codependency. Sarah opens up about her childhood marked by alcoholism, her struggles with substance abuse, and the life-altering moments that led her to seek help. She discusses the hardships of growing up in a chaotic environm…

1
From pints with the boys to the operating table, Steven’s battle with alcohol. 56:03

4M ago56:03

56:03

In this episode we have Steven who shares his journey battling alcohol addiction. Steven shares how his normal childhood quickly spiraled into heavy drinking during his early police career, leading to decades of escalating dependency and withdrawal struggles. He recounts staring death in the eye after drinking took a massive toll on his health and …

1
Super Bowl Special with Chris Kluwe, NFL Punting Legend 1:05:42

4M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

We wanted to be ready for the Super Bowl so we called up NFL veteran punter Chris Kluwe for a lesson on all that goes into punting the ball to the other team. How much goes into punting? Turns out A LOT. Chris, who is a published author and game designer as well, guides us through each minute step of the punting process (and there are maybe, conser…

1
Melissa struggled with binge drinking until she learned to trust the process of sobriety. 1:05:29

4M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

In this episode, we have Melissa, who opens up about her upbringing in Appleton, Wisconsin and how a great childhood led to struggles with alcohol. Despite not encountering drinking in her family, Melissa recounts her early experiences with alcohol, the toxic relationships, and the eventual descent into binge drinking and drug use. Melissa shares h…

1
Jamie Loftus Learns Capitalism Through NeoPets 42:43

4M ago42:43

42:43

Comedian, podcaster, author, and all-around delightful celebrity Jamie Loftus is in the process of rediscovering her love of NeoPets. She values the lessons they taught her about the stock market, war preparation, and the complexities of a capital-driven economy. She also likes that the electronic pets are impossible to kill. It’s true, all you can…

1
Simon's lifestyle was killing him and alcohol played a massive role. Sobriety changed everything. 56:35

4M ago56:35

56:35

In this episode, we have Simon, who shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey from teenage grief to getting sober and completing Ironman's. Simon opens up about his struggles with alcohol and painkillers, the wake-up calls that spurred his transformation, and the profound emotional rewards of his sobering journey. Simon’s story underscores the tra…

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