Best Michael J Russ Podcasts (2025)

1
Is Ace Playing His Cards Right? Plus, Raja’s Richter Scale for Recent Trades. 1:01:39

2d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell discuss the first round of the 2025 NBA draft and in particular the Ace Bailey story. Ace didn't work out for any teams before the draft and landed with the Utah Jazz at no. 5. Did Ace make the right decision by not working out for teams and still ending up as a top-five pick? Raja questions the mentality of some of the …

1
#162 The back of beyond: Way Station (1963) by Clifford D. Simak 8:11

2d ago8:11

8:11

The backwoods of Wisconsin may not seem like the likeliest place for humanity's future in the stars to be decided, but only outside of a Clifford D. Simak story. Wisconsin was his preferred setting, particularly the woodsy Wisconsin of his youth. With his novel Way Station, he parlayed this nostalgic affection into the 1964 Hugo Award for Best Nove…

1
The Bizarre Deals of Draft Night, Atlanta’s Chances in the East, and Offseason Teams to Watch | Group Chat 1:22:47

3d ago1:22:47

1:22:47

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here after night one of the draft to talk about some of the deals that happened. They start with the Blazers' surprising selection of Yang Hansen. Then, they discuss the Pelicans' trade to move up and draft Derik Queen, the Celtics' recent trades, the Hawks' moves and how good they can be now, and much more. Hosts: Justin V…

1
Are the Thunder Primed to Repeat? Plus, KD Lands in Houston. Is This His Last Stop? | Real Ones 1:13:49

5d ago1:13:49

1:13:49

Logan, Raja, and Howard are back, and they open the pod with a discussion about Oklahoma City and the Thunder’s championship celebration. Would Raja have celebrated the same way OKC did? Plus, Jrue Holiday was traded to the Blazers for Anfernee Simons. What will the Celtics do with Simons, who’s on an expiring contract? Kevin Durant was finally tra…

1
What are Your Perceptions Creating? 32:20

6d ago32:20

32:20

Your experience of life is a relection of your perceptions and beliefs. In this episode, Michael reveals how you can align your perceptions to transform how you feel about yourself and your life experiences. Michael's Etsy Shop: SovereignWords.Etsy.com The Connect2Love Podcast, with Michael and Lisa.…

1
What are Your Perceptions Creating? 32:20

6d ago32:20

32:20

Your experience of life is a relection of your perceptions and beliefs. In this episode, Michael reveals how you can align your perceptions to transform how you feel about yourself and your life experiences. Michael's Etsy Shop: SovereignWords.Etsy.com The Connect2Love Podcast, with Michael and Lisa.…

1
The Thunder Are Your 2025 NBA Champions. Plus, What’s Houston’s Ceiling With KD? | The Group Chat 1:25:10

6d ago1:25:10

1:25:10

Justin, Rob, and Wos celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder becoming the 2025 NBA champions. They discuss the Thunder’s defense, Tyrese Haliburton’s heartbreaking injury, and much more. Then, they briefly look ahead to what next season looks like for both teams. They wrap up with the massive news from earlier in the day of Kevin Durant being traded to…

1
How to Be a Super Ager (with Eric Topol) 1:01:24

3d ago1:01:24

1:01:24

What if we could delay--or even prevent--Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease? What if much of what you know about aging is wrong? Listen as cardiologist and author Eric Topol of the Scripps Research Institute talks about his new book Super Agers with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. They discuss why your genes matter less than you think, how your immune…

1
Seven Questions That Will Decide Game 7 of the Finals. Plus, the Lakers Sale. | Group Chat 1:15:43

9d ago1:15:43

1:15:43

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here to preview Game 7 by answering seven questions as we head into Sunday’s game. They talk about what they learned from Game 6 (15:35), who the finals MVP will be (48:50), some predictions (52:10), and much more. They wrap up by giving their thoughts on the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers (55:45). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Ro…

1
Pacers Annihilate Thunder In Game 6. Game 7, Here We Come! | Real Ones 54:47

10d ago54:47

54:47

Logan is joined by The Ringer's Tyler Parker (Oklahoma native and Thunder fan) to discuss the dismantling that was Game 6. The Thunder looked great in the very early portion of the game, but things unraveled for them very quickly. What did the Pacers do to make the high-powered Thunder offense look pedestrian. Has the media overdone it with player …

1
Jalen Williams Drops 40 in a Statement Game. Plus, What’s Going on With Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury? | Real Ones 1:14:48

12d ago1:14:48

1:14:48

Fresh off of minimal sleep and deadlines to meet, Logan Murdock and Howard Beck are back with another edition of 'Real Ones' from their hotel rooms in Oklahoma City. OKC’s All-Star forward Jalen Williams erupted for 40 points, helping OKC to a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals. What was the environment like at Paycom Center witnessing that performance? Wh…

1
J-Dub’s Shining Moment Has OKC on the Brink of a Title. Plus, Does the Desmond Bane Trade Make Orlando a Contender? | Group Chat 1:09:11

13d ago1:09:11

1:09:11

Justin, Rob, and Wos are reunited just in time to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder move one win away from an NBA championship. They discuss Jalen Williams’s monster 40-point game that paired beautifully with SGA’s 31-point performance, before getting into Tyrese Haliburton’s injury-riddled night that left him without a field goal in Game 5.They clos…

1
Leon Kass on the Wisdom of Rousseau 1:17:07

13d ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Does technology liberate us or enslave us? How do our social interactions affect our sense of self and our emotional health? Listen as author and master teacher Leon Kass and EconTalk's Russ Roberts do a close reading of a few paragraphs of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and explore some of the deepest aspects of our relationships with each other and with o…

1
The Thunder Out-Pacer the Pacers to Tie the Finals | Group Chat 1:08:20

16d ago1:08:20

1:08:20

Justin and Rob are joined by Tyler Parker to recap the Thunder pulling off their own shocking comeback to tie the series 2-2. They discuss SGA’s excellent fourth quarter, Jalen Williams’s and Chet’s major contributions, and much more. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney Guest: Tyler Parker Producers: Isaiah Blakely, John Richter, Victoria Valenci…

1
The Knicks’ Coaching Crossroads and KD’s Next Chapter | Real Ones 1:04:58

16d ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard mf’n Beck are back with another Friday edition of Real Ones. Who will be the next head coach of the New York Knicks? After firing Tom Thibodeau and seemingly being denied the opportunity to speak to the head coach of any other franchise in the NBA, what direction will they go in? Does Leon Rose deserve the benef…

1
#161 Cognitive shock: five concepts to enhance your science fiction reading 15:45

17d ago15:45

15:45

Rather than looking at a specific work of classic SF, this episode takes a wider view. It's my personal introduction to five concepts which I think can help enhance your science fiction reading, to boost your understanding and appreciation. Most of these concepts are highly specific to SF, and represent aspects of what makes it a unique genre with …

1
“The Pacemakers” Take Game 3. Plus, Predicting Offseason Headlines. | Group Chat 1:12:16

18d ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Justin, Rob, and Wos return to react to the Pacers taking a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals. They discuss another great Tyrese Haliburton performance, Bennedict Mathurin and TJ McConnell's vital contributions off the bench, and more. Then, they take a look at some hypothetical offseason headlines about the Knicks' coaching search, Kevin Durant trade des…

1
What You Speak, You Sow 20:16

18d ago20:16

20:16

In these often challenging days, it is important that you be mindful of how you are speaking to and about yourself. Why, because what you say "I" to, you become! In this episode, Michael delves into the nuts and bolts of self-talk which supports, instead of hinders, your efforts to experience happiness, love, excitement, passion, dreams, goals, and…

1
What You Speak, You Sow 20:16

18d ago20:16

20:16

In these often challenging days, it is important that you be mindful of how you are speaking to and about yourself. Why, because what you say "I" to, you become! In this episode, Michael delves into the nuts and bolts of self-talk which supports, instead of hinders, your efforts to experience happiness, love, excitement, passion, dreams, goals, and…

1
Will SGA Continue to Dominate the Pacers? Plus, the Knicks Search for a New Voice. | Real Ones 1:09:58

19d ago1:09:58

1:09:58

After falling to Tyrese Haliburton’s miracle shot with 0.3 seconds left in Game 1, the Thunder bounced back in a major way in Game 2 with a dominant victory thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34-point effort. What was the difference from Game 1 to Game 2, and which team has control going forward in this series? Haliburton hasn't had a dominant ser…

1
Two Cheers for Libertarianism and Econ 101 (with Noah Smith) 1:22:06

20d ago1:22:06

1:22:06

Economist Noah Smith was so focused on libertarianism's theoretical flaws, he overlooked its political importance. Trump's tariff policy opened his eyes and made him re-assess the virtues of both libertarianism and Econ 101. Listen as he and EconTalk's Russ Roberts explore the way political competition has shaped economic policy in surprising ways …

1
#160 Illusion, USA: Time Out of Joint (1959) by Philip K. Dick 7:49

23d ago7:49

7:49

Science fiction icon Philip K. Dick is such a well known figure now - over 40 years after his death - that it is possible to lose sight of the struggles he faced in his career. Back in the 1950s, he longed to break into the mainstream fiction market but was frustrated at every turn. His lifeline was Ace Books, for whom he produced a string of short…

1
The Unkillable Pacers Storm Back Again to Win Game 1 of the Finals | Group Chat 50:44

24d ago50:44

50:44

Justin, Rob, and Wos record together in L.A. immediately after Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers pull off another late comeback, and this time, they take a 1-0 lead in the Finals. They discuss how the Pacers continue to do this, what adjustments the Thunder can make, and much more. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isai…

1
Okamoto & Bao on hepatic PKA mediating liver and pancreatic α-cell cross talk, Kowalski on the effect of small blood glucose increases on endogenous glucose production, Sweet Talk with the 2025 Outstanding ... 55:11

25d ago55:11

55:11

Haruka Okamoto & Kehan Bao on hepatic PKA mediating liver and pancreatic α-cell cross talk, Greg Kowalski on the effect of small blood glucose increases on endogenous glucose production, and “Sweet Talk” with the 2025 Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award recipient Shingo Kajimura. Welcome to the June 2025 episode of DiabetesBio—the American Dia…

1
NBA Finals Verrierables! Plus, Who Should Replace Thibs in New York? | Group Chat 1:24:14

25d ago1:24:14

1:24:14

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here, and the Verrierables are back, to preview the NBA Finals. They start with the news of the Knicks firing Tom Thibodeau (3:12). Then they dive into the Verrierables (17:40), getting into how each team matches up with the other, some legacy talk (1:01:42), predictions (1:15:05), and much more. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob …

1
Thibs Gone?! Knicks Turmoil, Finals Preview, the 'Inside the NBA' Farewell at Turner | Real Ones 2:15:11

26d ago2:15:11

2:15:11

Tom Thibodeau was relieved of his duties as the head coach of the New York Knicks after the team made a conference finals run for the first time in 25 years. Logan Murdock and Howard Beck react to the news and try to figure out what ultimately led to Thibs's firing after having a fairly successful run and bringing the Knicks out of mediocrity? Can …

1
Empowering Moves in a Chaotic World Part VI-Sovereignty Rules! 17:09

27d ago17:09

17:09

In this final episode of the "Empowering Moves" series, Michael shares why it is vital that you take absolute control over your Sovereignty NOW, if love, joy, happiness, and excitement are important to you going forward. Link to Michael's Etsy Shop Connect 2 Love Podcast with Michael and Lisa LeroseBy Michael J Russ

1
Empowering Moves in a Chaotic World Part VI-Sovereignty Rules! 17:09

27d ago17:09

17:09

In this final episode of the "Empowering Moves" series, Michael shares why it is vital that you take absolute control over your Sovereignty NOW, if love, joy, happiness, and excitement are important to you going forward. Link to Michael's Etsy Shop Connect 2 Love Podcast with Michael and Lisa LeroseBy Michael J Russ

1
EconTalk #1000 (with Russ Roberts) 1:08:49

27d ago1:08:49

1:08:49

In honor of EconTalk's 1,000th episode, host Russ Roberts reflects on his long, strange journey from pioneer of the podcast format to weekly interviewer of leading economists, authors, and thinkers. Hear him answer your--and Chat GPT's--questions about why he got started, how he preps, and how he picks guests. He also explains why debate gave way t…

1
The Improbable Pacers Finish Off the Knicks. Plus, an Early Finals Lookahead. | Group Chat 54:03

29d ago54:03

54:03

Justin, Rob, and Wos react to the Pacers punching their ticket to the NBA Finals with their win in Game 6 over the Knicks. They discuss Conference Finals MVP Pascal Siakam’s excellent series, Tyrese Haliburton and much more. Then they look ahead to what’s next for the Knicks this offseason (21:50) and wrap up with some early thoughts on the NBA Fin…

1
The Knicks Push the Eastern Conference Finals to Six. Plus, What’s Missing in Minnesota? | Real Ones 1:11:36

1M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Logan, Raja, and Howard open the pod with some Miami traffic talk and a debate on which NBA cities have the worst traffic. The guys then recap Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, in which the Knicks defeated the Pacers and staved off elimination. What did the Knicks do differently in Game 5 to secure victory against the Pacers? Does the duo of…

1
#159 Built-in obedience: Nekropolis (2001) by Maureen F. McHugh 6:55

1M ago6:55

6:55

Science fiction has seen many audacious heroes who use their wit and guile to overthrow dictatorships, bring the truth to light, and save the world. While this kind of wish fulfilment has its place, so too do stories in which protagonists know only too well that they cannot change the status quo. Maureen F. McHugh made her name with a story of this…

1
Thunder Punch Their Finals Ticket. Can Any West Team Stop Them From Here? | Group Chat 1:12:42

1M ago1:12:42

1:12:42

Justin, Rob, and Wos react to the Thunder winning the Western Conference and advancing to the NBA Finals. They also discuss how teams could plan to stop them in the future. Then, they discuss the Wolves' offseason questions and how the roster could change this summer. Lastly, they wrap up with some quick thoughts on Tyrese Haliburton’s flawless Gam…

1
Thunder Just One Win Away From an NBA Finals Appearance. Plus, Can the Knicks Reclaim Home Court? | Real Ones 1:16:59

1M ago1:16:59

1:16:59

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell start the pod by reminiscing about Allen Iverson's Philly days, and then they immediately shift to the Western Conference finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the WCF following a Game 4 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves Monday night. How has OKC taken Anthony Edwards out of his offe…

1
Nature vs. Nurture (with Paul Bloom) 1:07:44

1M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

How much of our success or failure is written in our genes? How much is under our control? Is it nature or nurture or is that dichotomy too simplistic? Hear EconTalk's Russ Roberts and psychologist Paul Bloom discuss why the nature vs. nurture question is actually worth taking seriously and how by understanding it we can help ourselves and others.…

1
Wolves Wallop the Thunder. Plus, How a Pacers Finals Run Could Alter the East Long-Term. | Group Chat 1:12:29

1M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here to react to another blowout in the Western Conference Finals. They discuss what went right for the Timberwolves and what happens next in this series. After that, they talk about the Pacers' 2-0 series lead over the Knicks. Then, they take a bigger picture look at what lessons teams can learn from the Pacers in terms of…

1
Empowering Moves in a Chaotic World Part V-Managing Change 30:59

1M ago30:59

30:59

In this episode, Michael shares his favorite Life Moves for managing any form of change, be it to your personally or outside of you in the world you now perceive as chaotic and disfunctional. If you ever wanted to know exactly how to deal with change you are experiencing, this is the episode you want to hear. Share it with your friends and family, …

1
Empowering Moves in a Chaotic World Part V-Managing Change 30:59

1M ago30:59

30:59

In this episode, Michael shares his favorite Life Moves for managing any form of change, be it to your personally or outside of you in the world you now perceive as chaotic and disfunctional. If you ever wanted to know exactly how to deal with change you are experiencing, this is the episode you want to hear. Share it with your friends and family, …

1
Thunder Surge and Take a 2-0 Lead in the Western Conference Finals. Knicks Face Pressure After Humbling Game 1 Loss. | Real Ones 1:25:33

1M ago1:25:33

1:25:33

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones to discuss both conference finals series. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are currently up 2-0 on the Minnesota Timberwolves. How have they been able to bottle up Minnesota's offense while hitting another gear late in games. Wi…

1
#158 Built different: The Rod of Light (1985) by Barrington J. Bayley 7:43

1M ago7:43

7:43

A soulful sequel to The Soul of the Robot (1974) In episode 119, I took a look at The Soul of the Robot from 1974, the best-known novel by the little-known British SF author Barrington J. Bayley. As I continue to explore Bayley's strange, anarchic works, it is time to address his only sequel. Published in 1985, just before Bayley went on a long hia…

1
Knicks Choke Away Game 1. Plus, Has SGA’s Foul-Drawing Reached Harden Territory? | Group Chat 1:04:57

1M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

Justin, Rob, and Wos immediately give their thoughts on an instant-classic Game 1 which saw the Pacers make another incredible comeback to take a 1-0 series lead over the Knicks. Then, they discuss the Thunder-Wolves series. They discuss the foul-drawing going on, and if there are any concerns for Minnesota after Game 1. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob …

1
NBA Conference Finals Preview and Predictions. Plus, What’s Next for the Denver Nuggets? | Real Ones 1:11:06

1M ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Logan and Raja are back to dive into the Thunder's decisive Game 7 win against Denver to head to the conference finals. It seems like Denver ran out of gas for the second straight year, this time against the young and spry Thunder. Has OKC met expectations so far? What’s next for the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic? Has Shai entered another level of super…

1
The Greatest Conference Final Preview of All Time | Group Chat 1:29:53

1M ago1:29:53

1:29:53

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back to give their thoughts on the Thunder’s Game 7 win over the Nuggets before previewing the conference finals. They start with the West and then move to the Eastern Conference final between the Knicks and Pacers. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fuj…

1
Empowering Moves in a Chaotic World-Part VI-Detach and Stay Happy 13:49

1M ago13:49

13:49

In this ongoing series about how to remain empowered in a world you see at the very least, chaotic, Michael shares a simple move you can start making to reduce emotionally draining people and events.By Michael J Russ

1
Empowering Moves in a Chaotic World-Part VI-Detach and Stay Happy 13:49

1M ago13:49

13:49

In this ongoing series about how to remain empowered in a world you see at the very least, chaotic, Michael shares a simple move you can start making to reduce emotionally draining people and events.By Michael J Russ

1
Empowering Moves in a Chaotic World-Part III-Control! 14:30

1M ago14:30

14:30

In this third segment of Michael's series about how to remain empowered when you interpret the world around you seems to be in chaos, he shares another way you can control your thoughts, feelings, and responses. Michael's Etsy ShopBy Michael J Russ

1
Empowering Moves in a Chaotic World-Part III-Control! 14:30

1M ago14:30

14:30

In this third segment of Michael's series about how to remain empowered when you interpret the world around you seems to be in chaos, he shares another way you can control your thoughts, feelings, and responses. Michael's Etsy ShopBy Michael J Russ

1
Inside the Mysterious World of Credit Cards (with Patrick McKenzie) 1:15:14

1M ago1:15:14

1:15:14

Patrick McKenzie explains to EconTalk's Russ Roberts how credit cards work, who makes money from them and how, and gives his take on whether cash customers and debit card users subsidize the users of credit cards with reward programs.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

1
Who Will Win the Giannis Sweepstakes? Plus, What Will the Offseason Look Like in Laker Land? | Real Ones 1:22:36

1M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

Sam Amick of The Athletic joined Logan and Howard to discuss some major looming offseason storylines. Will Giannis stay put in Milwaukee, or will he be headed for greener pastures elsewhere? What are the offseason priorities for the Lakers? LeBron most likely will be returning, but in what capacity? Is there a chance that Luka doesn't re-sign with …

1
#157 Spirit and science: The Shadow Hunter (1982) by Pat Murphy 7:55

2M ago7:55

7:55

A clash of the deep past and the near future Featured in episode 107, Pat Murphy's 1986 novel The Falling Woman was one of my favourite reads of 2024. This episode covers her debut novel, The Shadow Hunter, originally published in 1982. While fairly obscure, it is every bit as good as The Falling Woman, and arguably deserves to be seen as a classic…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Michael J Russ Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide