Best Emily Preston Podcasts (2025)

1
Chama Mechtaly — Using Art to Deradicalize the Middle East 35:30

9d ago35:30

35:30

Chama Mechtaly is the Founder of The Emma Lazarus Institute for Liberty and Tolerance, an action tank bridging media and policy gaps between the Middle-East and the Democratic West. She is a policy advisor, public speaker, artist, entrepreneur and activist working in service of conflict transformation, deradicalization and regional integration in M…

1
25: Author Series: Emily Dickinson And Virginia Woolf 1:39:10

12d ago1:39:10

1:39:10

In this episode, hosts Sarah and Drew explore the lives and impacts of literary icons Emily Dickinson and Virginia Woolf. The hosts delve into Dickinson's family background, her struggles with mental health, and the societal expectations of women in the 1800s, drawing parallels to Woolf's experiences. This conversation delves into the life of Virgi…

1
Ep 163 - Vibes Based w/ Wes Ward 51:24

19d ago51:24

51:24

This week, Wes Ward returns to the podcast! Wes is a staple of the comedy scene here and has been at it for about 15 years. Wes will be recording a special at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle on Thursday, July 3rd. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Wes Ward Instagram : @weswardcomedy Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rac…

1
Tiffany Yu — Smashing Stereotypes and Building a Disability-Inclusive World 30:23

23d ago30:23

30:23

Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride; the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, a monthly micro-grant that has awarded $92.5k to 93 disability projects in 11 countries; and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and B…

1
24: Pee Wee Herman Special 1:34:15

26d ago1:34:15

1:34:15

In this episode, Sarah and Drew dive into the documentary 'Pee-wee as Himself,' exploring the life and career of Paul Rubens, the man behind the iconic Pee-wee Herman character. They discuss their lifelong admiration for Pee-wee, the complexities of his character development, and the influence of his childhood and family on his artistic journey. So…

1
Princess Noor Pahlavi - Advocating for a Democratic Iran 32:09

29d ago32:09

32:09

Princess Noor Pahlavi was born into the Iranian royal family as the eldest child of the Crown Prince. She heard the call to civic duty from an early age, inspired by the legacy of her grandfather, the last Shah of Iran, along with her grandmother, The Empress of Iran. But she was not content to sit on the sidelines, and decided to use her place of …

1
Ep 162 - The Good Carls w/ Carl Sobel 53:38

1M ago53:38

53:38

This week, Carl Sobel returns again! Carl is a Grand Rapids comedian. Carl runs his own room at the River City Saloon and it's one of the best mics in the state! He regularly opens for T.J Miller when he's in town. Carl is a fantastic storyteller comedian! Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Carl Sobel Instagram : @carl_sobel_comedy Music Jesse Passage Inst…

1
The Goodwill You Don't Know with CEO Steve Preston 29:53

1M ago29:53

29:53

Steve Preston is the CEO of Goodwill Industries. Though Goodwill is known for big stores where people can donate clothes and buy them secondhand, those stores are just the first level of what Goodwill Industries are about. Those stores fund an international organization that provides job training, employment placement services and other community-b…

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23: Author Series: Tennessee Williams And Walt Whitman 1:39:27

1M ago1:39:27

1:39:27

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives,' hosts Drew and Sarah explore various themes related to LGBTQ history and representation. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Walt Whitman, exploring his early challenges, innovative teaching methods, and eventual transition to writing. It highlights his struggles with alcoholism…

1
Ep 161 - Everyone's Done With This w/ Andrew Yang 53:57

1M ago53:57

53:57

We're back and this week Carl sits down with the very funny, Andrew Yang! Andrew makes his third appearance after a while. He's the creator of the Blind Pig Comedy Night in Ann Arbor and regularly works across the Midwest. Andrew has opened up for some of the best comics working including Jackie Kashian and Mary Mack. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff And…

1
Gary Sinise: Doing More for Our veterans with the Gary Sinise Foundation 27:29

2M ago27:29

27:29

Gary Sinise is an award winning actor, on the stage, TV and big screen. He is best known for playing Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. Inspired by this role and his family members, Gary is now the head of the Gary Sinise Foundation, which offers support for service members who need help with mental wellness, trauma, physical recovery, and loss. He Al…

1
22: Author Series: Truman Capote And Oscar Wilde 1:43:45

2M ago1:43:45

1:43:45

In this episode of 'These Are the Gays of Our Lives', hosts Sarah and Drew explore the lives of LGBTQ authors, focusing on Oscar Wilde. They discuss various media representations of gay culture, share positive news for the community, and delve into Wilde's literary contributions and personal struggles with identity. The conversation highlights the …

1
Ep 160 - Scratching the Itch w/ Stu McCallister 1:09:25

2M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

We're back after a bit of a hiatus! This week, Grand Rapids comedian, Stu McCallister, is on the podcast! Stu was a pillar in the GR comedy community for years and was the house emcee at Dr. Grins comedy club before taking 5 years off from comedy. Now he's back! Stu also hosts his own podcast called the LMNOPodcast! Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny …

1
Ashlyn So: Combating AAPI/Asian- Hate Through Peaceful Protest & Fashion 26:54

2M ago26:54

26:54

Ashlyn So is a remarkable rising star in the design world, already showcasing collections at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks by age 16. She powerfully combines her striking fashion with dedicated activism, driven by the belief that fashion provides both identity and a voice. This conviction fuels her work speaking out against bullying and AAPI/Asi…

1
21: THE GRACE JONES PART 2 1:52:41

2M ago1:52:41

1:52:41

In this episode, Drew and Sarah delve into the life and legacy of Grace Jones, exploring her journey from Jamaica to becoming a disco icon. They discuss her relationships, the impact of her Jamaican roots on her identity and music, and the challenges she faced during her pregnancy. The conversation highlights Grace's unique persona, her influence o…

1
Eli Beer & United Hatzalah: Saving Lives in 90 seconds or Less 30:20

3M ago30:20

30:20

Eli Beer is a pioneer, social entrepreneur, President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel. In thirty years, the organization has grown to more than 6,500 volunteers who unite together to provide immediate, life-saving care to anyone in need - regardless of race or religion. This community EMS force network treats over 730,000 incidents per yea…

1
20: THE GRACE JONES Part 1 1:42:30

3M ago1:42:30

1:42:30

In this episode, Sarah and Drew delve into the life and legacy of Grace Jones, exploring her early years, cultural impact, and the significance of her work in the LGBTQ+ community. They discuss her memoir, iconic status, and the representation of queer stories in media, while also engaging in light-hearted segments about pop culture. In this conver…

1
Ep 159 - Open Mats w/ Steve Widzinski 44:29

3M ago44:29

44:29

This week, Carl sits down with new face, Steve Widzinski! Steve has been hitting the stages hard over the last 13 months. He's a sharp writer with a unique stage presence. Steve is a regular at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and recently did his first hosting weekend there. He'll also be working at Ridley's Comedy Castle this month as well. Instagra…

1
Professional football player Jonathan Jones: Mentorship and Making an Impact in Your Community 22:49

3M ago22:49

22:49

Jonathan Jones is an NFL cornerback for the Washington Commanders who rose from the undrafted ranks to become two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, a businessman, philanthropist, and licensed pilot. In 2019, Jonathan founded the Jonathan Jones Next Step Foundation in 2019, a platform dedicated to empowering youth through educa…

1
19: Musician Series: Billy Preston And Dusty Springfield 1:21:49

3M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

In this episode of 'These Are the Gays of Our Lives', hosts Sarah and Drew delve into the world of musicians, focusing on lesser-known figures like Sister Rosetta Tharp and the cultural impact of rock and roll icons. They discuss the evolution of media representation, particularly in relation to LGBTQ themes, and reflect on classic comedy's role in…

1
Ep 158 - The Clip Era w/ Alex Bozinovic 51:08

3M ago51:08

51:08

After some time off, the podcast is back! Carl sits down with his good pal, Alex Bozinovic. Alex makes his third appearance on the pod. He's one of the best comedians in the scene. He's performed at a ton of festivals and co-hosts his own podcast called "Good Morning We're Dying". Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Alex Bozinovic Instagram : @alexbozinovic…

1
Jay Ruderman - How to Find Your Fight & Drive Social Change 32:17

4M ago32:17

32:17

Jay is more than just the host of All About Change podcast. He is a lawyer and international activist, who has focused his life’s work on seeking social justice by advocating for the rights of people with disabilities worldwide. On the special episode of All About Change, Mijon Zulu, the managing producer of the "All About Change" podcast, is takin…

1
18: Musician Series- Esquerita And Sister Rosetta Tharpe 1:16:40

4M ago1:16:40

1:16:40

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives,' Drew and Sarah explore the rich history of LGBTQ+ musicians, highlighting the importance of representation in music and media. The episode culminates in a tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharp, the godmother of rock and roll, whose influence on music is profound and often overlooked. This conversation…

1
Alexis Tutunnique of United Ukrainian Ballet - Ukrainian Cultural Resistance 26:52

4M ago26:52

26:52

Alexis Tutunnique is a ballet dancer, a graduate of the Kyiv National Ballet School, a member of the United Ukrainian Ballet Company, and the subject of the recent documentary Front Row. In Front Row, Alexis befriends and invites Sascha, a former Ukrainian soldier who lost his legs in a bombing, to join the dance troupe for a performance in LA. Jay…

1
Ep 157 - Come For My Nuggets w/ Emma Stevenson 55:53

4M ago55:53

55:53

Carl returns with the funny, Emma Stevenson! Emma makes her third appearance on the podcast! She's a strong joke writer and one of the more underrated comedians in the scene. Emma is a regular and the Independent Comedy Club and Ridley's Comedy Castle. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Emma Stevenson Instagram : @emstev14 Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @…

1
17 Musician Series: Bessie Smith And Josephine Baker 1:26:50

4M ago1:26:50

1:26:50

In this episode, Sarah and Drew explore the lives of LGBTQ musicians, starting with Bessie Smith and Josephine Baker. This conversation delves into the life of Bessie Smith, a pioneering blues singer known for her complex personality, turbulent relationships, and significant impact on music and culture. The discussion highlights her rise to fame, s…

1
Chris Nowinski - Protecting Athletes from Head Injuries & Preventing CTE 27:28

4M ago27:28

27:28

Chris Nowinski is a former football player at Harvard University and professional wrestler with WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment. After enduring a career-ending head injury, Chris has dedicated his professional life to serving patients and families affected by brain trauma, particularly Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a progressive neur…

1
Dan Bronson - The TMG Interview, Part 3: Shout at the Devil 35:48

5M ago35:48

35:48

Author Dan Bronson triumphantly returns to The TMG Interview with Movie Guys Paul and Ray to talk about his new book Shout at the Devil. The book continues the story of Hollywood fixer Jack Shannon and his latest entanglement, this time with actress Karen Scott and a blackmail demand gone wrong. We could talk to Dan forever, but we do get into his …

1
16: Bayard Rustin And Nell Carter 1:34:44

5M ago1:34:44

1:34:44

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives', Drew and Sarah explore the stories of LGBTQ figures, focusing on the legacy of Prince, the campy nature of Batman films, and recent positive developments for the LGBTQ community. They also share surprising experiences from Kansas City, highlighting its unexpected inclusivity and representation. …

1
Ep 156 - Melancholic Slay Queen w/ Emily Clark 56:14

5M ago56:14

56:14

This week, Carl talks to newcomer, Emily Clark! Emily is very funny for only being 6 months into comedy. She's ahead of the game. She has a background in acting and improv which contributes to that. Emily is in the process of taking her second class at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle as well. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Emily Clark Instagram : @eminee18…

1
Tyler Merritt - Before You Call the Cops, Storytelling and Empathy Driven Social Justice 30:59

5M ago30:59

30:59

Tyler Merritt is a Nashville-based actor, comedian, vocalist, and creator of The Tyler Merritt Project. He believes empathy is a powerful tool to fight injustice and encourages people to step out of the anonymity of social media and engage in face-to-face conversations. Using his creativity, Tyler Merritt challenges racism and promotes empathy. In …

1
15: Anne Lister And Sally Ride 1:38:24

5M ago1:38:24

1:38:24

In this episode, Sarah and Drew explore the lives of historical figures in LGBTQ+ history. This conversation explores the lives of two remarkable women: Anne Lister, a 19th-century landowner known for her diaries that documented her lesbian relationships, and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. The discussion delves into Anne's adventuro…

1
Ep 155 - Wind Chime Bomb w/ Rachel Leigh 1:03:59

5M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

This week, Carl welcomes Ohio comedian, Rachel Leigh! Rachel is super funny and a regular at Grumpy Dave's in Bowling Green. She is a sharp writer with strong stage presence. The two discuss her eventually crossing state lines, a horrifying heckler at Grumpy Dave's and of course, her worst bomb. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Rachel Leigh Instagra…

1
Joe Bates - Indigenous Resistance Against Big Oil 26:31

5M ago26:31

26:31

Joe Bates is a member of the Bad River Band, a Native American Tribe residing along Lake Superior in Wisconsin. He and his community have been embroiled in a long-standing legal and public relations battle against Enbridge, a Canadian energy company, to protect their ancestral lands. This struggle has been documented in "Bad River," a documentary f…

1
Ep 154 - Whiskey Pond w/ Preston Hart 57:10

6M ago57:10

57:10

This week, Carl welcomes first timer, Preston Hart! Preston is one of the more consistent comedians in the scene. Preston is to put it simply...underrated. You want nose down, well written jokes, then book him! The two discuss Preston's upcoming big move and he also tells one of Carl's favorite bombing stories to date. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfun…

1
14: Isaac Newton And Alan Turing 1:33:09

6M ago1:33:09

1:33:09

In this episode of 'These Are the Gays of Our Lives,' hosts Drew and Sarah explore various themes, including the stories of historical figures, media moments that resonate with LGBTQ culture, and the representation of queer identities in film and literature. They discuss the gay undertones in the James Bond film 'Octopussy,' highlight a queer femin…

1
Ep 153 - Drama Queen w/ Mary Spencer 54:58

6M ago54:58

54:58

This week, Mary Spencer, returns to the podcast again! Mary is a fantastic joke writer that has made some waves in the comedy scene the last few years. Mary is all over the place performing. She has performed at the Tree Town Comedy Festival and recently closed out her first show at Bombs Away! Comedy at the Comet in Cincinnati. Instagram : @carljo…

1
Yuriy Boyechko - Hope for Ukraine in 2025 31:13

6M ago31:13

31:13

In 2016, Yuriy Boyechko founded Hope for Ukraine to raise awareness for voices not heard in Ukraine, especially children affected by HIV and AIDS. Providing medical care for children with disabilities as well as food and clothing for families that live in extreme poverty. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Yuriy’s work surged in…

1
13: White Christmas Special Episode!! 1:05:18

6M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

In this episode, Drew and Sarah dive into the classic holiday film 'White Christmas,' exploring its oddities, the cast, and the cultural impact it has had over the years. They discuss the film's musical numbers, the backgrounds of the main actors, and the subtext that runs throughout the movie, including its connections to LGBTQ themes. The convers…

1
Ep 152 - Gimmie Some Sauce w/ Hannah Osborne 56:37

6M ago56:37

56:37

This week, Hannah Osborne returns! Hannah is a comedian from Monroe and is one of the funniest up and coming people in the scene. She is a regular at the Toledo Funny Bone and Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle and has opened up for some big names. Hannah is also going to be performing at this year's Tree Town Comedy Festival in Ann Arbor in March! Instag…

1
Ep 151 - Big Year w/ Blain Hill 1:00:23

6M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

This week, one of the funniest, Blain Hill, returns to the podcast! Blain had a big year in 2024. He headlined the Detroit House of Comedy and the infamous Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Blain is one of the hardest working comedians and one of the best joke writers. Blain also produces/appears on Brad Wenzel’s podcast called “Moment of Wenz”. Instagr…

1
Vicki Sokolik - Fighting for Unhoused Youth 32:35

6M ago32:35

32:35

Vicki Sokolik refuses to be an Ostrich. Her son brought to her attention the crisis of unhoused youth — youth unhoused, not living with a parent/guardian, and not in foster care — in America, and she has been fighting to support this vulnerable population every since. Most active in Tampa Bay, Florida, Vicki is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit …

1
12: Historical Figures: Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo 1:27:52

6M ago1:27:52

1:27:52

In this episode, Sarah and Drew explore lesser-known figures from the LGBTQIA+ community, discuss media representations that resonate with queer culture, and highlight positive initiatives within the community. They delve into the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci, examining his artistic genius, innovative inventions, and groundbreaking anatomica…

1
Ep 150 - Can You Hear My Face w/ Patty Rooney 52:55

7M ago52:55

52:55

One of Carl's favorites, the very funny Patty Rooney returns again! Patty has been doing comedy for about 3 years now and has done well for herself in that time. She is a regular at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and has also worked at the Toledo Funny Bone opening the shows. She has a background in acting and sketch comedy as well. Instagram : @car…

1
Lee Asher - How Rescuing Dogs Rescue Us 38:57

7M ago38:57

38:57

All About Change is on break for the holidays. For now, we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes, Jay’s conversation with fellow dog lover, Lee Asher. Lee Asher is known for his positive presence. Visit the Asher House page and you'll be met with countless videos of Lee greeting animals getting a second chance at his Oregon sanctuary. But Lee'…

1
Ep 149 - Getting To The Meat w/ Amber Maeda 47:46

7M ago47:46

47:46

This week, Amber Maeda returns to the podcast after quite some time! Amber started comedy in Ohio and made her way to the mitten. She is a producer at the Independent Comedy Club and can be seen there regularly. Carl and Amber skip the small talk and get right to it. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Amber Maeda Instagram : @ambermaedajoke Music Jesse Pas…

1
11: Historical Figures: Hatshepsut And Alexander The Great 1:30:46

7M ago1:30:46

1:30:46

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives', hosts Drew and Sarah explore various themes related to LGBTQ+ representation in media and history.. In this conversation, Drew and Sarah delve into the fascinating life of Hatshepsut, the longest-reigning female pharaoh of ancient Egypt. They explore the fluid concepts of gender in ancient Egypt…

1
Ep 148 - Sad Edit w/ Dave Crumbley 59:32

7M ago59:32

59:32

This week, Carl talks with Toledo comedian and producer, Dave Crumbley! Dave has been doing stand up comedy for 8 years but has recently made a name for himself in the Toledo comedy scene for producing some of the best shows. The two dive into that, recent news and more! Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Dave Crumbley Instagram : @davecrumbley Produced Sh…

1
Peter Egan - International Animal Activism 36:03

7M ago36:03

36:03

Like many activists, Peter Egan found his cause by chance. When a labrador named Custard collapsed outside the Downton Abbey actor’s house, his wife jumped into action, taking the animal to a vet, and eventually the family adopted the dog. For Egan, this moment opened his eyes to the crisis of surplus pets in the UK, and it served as his initiation…

1
10: Kristy McNichol And Robert Reed 1:23:42

7M ago1:23:42

1:23:42

In this episode of 'These Are the Gays of Our Lives', hosts Sarah and Drew explore various themes related to LGBTQ+ representation in media, political moments that resonate with the community, and the cultural impact of iconic TV shows like 'The Brady Bunch'. This conversation delves into the lives and careers of Robert Reed and Kristi McNichol, tw…

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