Best Ready Set Grit Podcasts (2025)

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Why Do People Still Hunt Whales? (Update) 37:32

5d ago37:32

37:32

For years, whale oil was used as lighting fuel, industrial lubricant, and the main ingredient in (yum!) margarine. Whale meat was also on a few menus. But today, demand for whale products is at a historic low. And yet some countries still have a whaling industry. We find out why. (Part 2 of “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”) SOURCES: Jay A…

1
When Someone You Love Is in a Gang—The Hidden Cost of Association 12:38

8d ago12:38

12:38

Send us a text "Sometimes, you don’t have to be the one in the gang for it to change your life. Sometimes, just knowing the wrong person is enough to pull you into a world you never asked to be in." Maybe you’re listening to this right now because you’re in that situation. Maybe you feel trapped between loyalty and self-preservation. Or maybe you’v…

1
Iron Cliff: Viridian BS 54:12

8d ago54:12

54:12

From prisons of the Witchwood to heroes of Iron Cliff. Check out our archive of episodes @ https://readysetroll1.podbean.comSupport us @ https://www.patreon.com/ReadySetRoll1Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/readysetroll1X http://twitter.com/readysetroll20We all like shirts get yours at http://rsrmerch.comGet your set of Dice at https://bit.l…

1
The First Great American Industry (Update) 45:02

13d ago45:02

45:02

Whaling was, in the words of one scholar, “early capitalism unleashed on the high seas.” How did the U.S. come to dominate the whale market? Why did whale hunting die out here — and continue to grow elsewhere? And is that whale vomit in your perfume? (Part 1 of “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”) SOURCES: Eric Hilt, professor of economics a…

1
Why Does Tipping Still Exist? (Update) 47:25

16d ago47:25

47:25

It’s a haphazard way of paying workers, and yet it keeps expanding. With federal tax policy shifting in a pro-tip direction, we revisit an episode from 2019 to find out why. SOURCES: John List, economist at the University of Chicago. Michael Lynn, professor of consumer behavior and marketing at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. U…

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643. Why Do Candles Still Exist? 47:22

20d ago47:22

47:22

They should have died out when the lightbulb was invented. Instead they’re a $10 billion industry. What does it mean that we still want tiny fires inside our homes? SOURCES: Tim Cooper, professor emeritus of sustainable design and consumption at Nottingham Trent University. Gökçe Günel, professor of anthropology at Rice University. Steve Horenzi…

1
Honor & Grit 1:11:26

23d ago1:11:26

1:11:26

In this episode we play a game we created hope you enjoy Check out our archive of episodes @ https://readysetroll1.podbean.comSupport us @ https://www.patreon.com/ReadySetRoll1Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/readysetroll1X http://twitter.com/readysetroll20We all like shirts get yours at http://rsrmerch.comGet your set of Dice at https://bit…

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642. How to Wage Peace, According to Tony Blinken 1:06:28

27d ago1:06:28

1:06:28

The former secretary of state isn’t a flamethrower, but he certainly has strong opinions. In this wide-ranging conversation with Stephen Dubner, he gives them all: on Israel, Gaza, China, Iran, Russia, Biden, Trump — and the rest of the world. SOURCES: Antony Blinken, former Secretary of State. RESOURCES: "Evaluating the impact of two decades of US…

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Unbugbearable: Viridian SS 46:29

29d ago46:29

46:29

Leaf and Mortimer make pans with the Goblins to hold up their end of the deal. Check out our archive of episodes @ https://readysetroll1.podbean.comSupport us @ https://www.patreon.com/ReadySetRoll1 Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/readysetroll1X http://twitter.com/readysetroll20We all like shirts get yours at http://rsrmerch.com Minnect wit…

1
Why Does One Tiny State Set the Rules for Everyone? (Update) 47:02

30d ago47:02

47:02

Until recently, Delaware was almost universally agreed to be the best place for companies to incorporate. Now, with Elon Musk leading a corporate stampede out of the First State, we revisit an episode from 2023 that asked if Delaware’s “franchise” is wildly corrupt, wildly efficient … or both? SOURCES: John Cassara, retired Special Agent detailee t…

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641. What Does It Cost to Lead a Creative Life? 46:22

1M ago46:22

46:22

For years, the playwright David Adjmi was considered “polarizing and difficult.” But creating Stereophonic seems to have healed him. Stephen Dubner gets the story — and sorts out what Adjmi has in common with Richard Wagner. SOURCES: David Adjmi, author and playwright. RESOURCES: "The West End is enjoying a theatre revival. Can Broadway keep up?" b…

1
The Grit, the Glam, the Grass: Wimbledon 2025 Recap 46:57

1M ago46:57

46:57

It’s soft girl summer, baby—and we’re serving it up with a side of grass stains and grand slams. In this episode of Outwide, Resh and Stef break down all the Wimbledon 2025 drama—from shocking upsets and major comebacks to Iga Swiatek’s grass-court glow-up. We talk Amanda Anisimova’s inspiring return, the not-so-cute side of online sports fandom, a…

1
Product marketing realities: From brown boxes to brand recognition 29:09

1M ago29:09

29:09

What happens when you need to rebrand thousands of physical products across global markets? For companies like Logitech and ResMed, changing a logo isn't just about updating a website - it's about retooling manufacturing lines, redesigning packaging for millions of units, and navigating complex regulatory requirements. Join brand leaders Paige Lutt…

1
Let’s do it Live! 1:21:18

1M ago1:21:18

1:21:18

we finally got out of our basement and into the real world. we want to thank Geek Out Cafe for hosting us.By Ready Set Roll

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640. Why Governments Are Betting Big on Sports 50:12

1M ago50:12

50:12

The Gulf States and China are spending billions to build stadiums and buy up teams — but what are they really buying? And can an entrepreneur from Cincinnati make his own billions by bringing baseball to Dubai? SOURCES: Simon Chadwick, professor of afroeurasian sport at Emlyon Business School. Derek Fisher, high school basketball coach, former N.B.…

1
The Prison Journal Ep 2: "The Strip Search and Opal" 15:04

1M ago15:04

15:04

Send us a text The moment I opened my mother's handwritten prison journal from 1993, I knew this wasn't just about uncovering her story – it was about breaking generational chains of shame that keep us all silent. Reading her perfect cursive now as a 43-year-old mother myself feels wildly different than anything my 11-year-old self could have proce…

1
How to Make Your Own Luck (Update) 58:07

1M ago58:07

58:07

Before she decided to become a poker pro, Maria Konnikova didn’t know how many cards are in a deck. But she did have a Ph.D. in psychology, a brilliant coach, and a burning desire to know whether life is driven more by skill or chance. She found some answers in poker — and she’s willing to tell us everything she learned. SOURCES: Maria Konnikova, a…

1
Episode 6; “Grit, Guts, Grace: Business Skills You Can’t Learn in School” 9:59

2M ago9:59

9:59

Send us a text Today, we’re diving into a powerful conversation: the real-world business skills that you can’t learn in school. This one’s personal, raw, and full of heart — because it’s rooted in my own story, the one I shared in The New Zealand Dream: The Healing. I call this one: Grit, Guts, and Grace. Let’s talk about the tools you gain in the …

1
639. “This Country Kicks My Ass All the Time” 53:46

2M ago53:46

53:46

Cory Booker on the politics of fear, the politics of hope, and how to split the difference. SOURCES: Cory Booker, senior United States Senator from New Jersey. RESOURCES: "'When Are More Americans Going to Speak Up?'" by The New Yorker Radio Hour (2025). "Cory Booker’s Marathon Floor Speech," (2025). "Facebook Knows Instagram Is Toxic for Teen Girl…

1
Strings Cut, Shadows Remain: Viridian BS 1:01:36

2M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Steel clashes, horrors roar, and the Watchers rise — the final battle in the Witchwood rages as our heroes confront the Duke in a brutal showdown. But as his body falls and silence returns to the forest, a grim truth is revealed: this was never his game to play. The arc ends not with peace, but with a question: who held the leash? Check out our arc…

1
638. Are You Ready for the Elder Swell? 54:53

2M ago54:53

54:53

In the U.S., there will soon be more people over 65 than there are under 18 — and it’s not just lifespan that’s improving, it’s “healthspan” too. Unfortunately, the American approach to aging is stuck in the 20th century. In less than an hour, we try to unstick it. (Part three of a three-part series, “Cradle to Grave.”) SOURCES: James Chappel, prof…

1
The Duke’s Last Stand: Viridian BS 1:19:19

2M ago1:19:19

1:19:19

The battle for the forest reaches its peak. As the Duke's monstrous ambitions threaten to consume everything, the crew make their final push—just as the Church of Iron and Steel’s reinforcements arrive. In this action-packed episode of our D&D actual play podcast, the Viridian BS squad faces the Duke and his deadly Honor Guard in a brutal showdown,…

1
What Do Medieval Nuns and Bo Jackson Have in Common? (Update) 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

In this episode from 2013, we look at whether spite pays — and if it even exists. SOURCES: Benedikt Herrmann, research officer at the European Commission. Steve Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics and host of People I (Mostly) Admire. Dave O'Connor, president of Times Studios. Lisi Oliver, professor of English at Louisiana State University. E.O. Wils…

1
637. What It’s Like to Be Middle-Aged (in the Middle Ages) 45:54

2M ago45:54

45:54

The simplicity of life back then is appealing today, as long as you don’t mind Church hegemony, the occasional plague, trial by gossip — and the lack of ibuprofen. (Part two of a three-part series, “Cradle to Grave.”) SOURCES: Jordan Cavalier, performer at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire. Matt Schwarz, harpist at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire. …

1
Unpacking My Mother's Prison Diary: The Journal, Ep.1 8:31

2M ago8:31

8:31

Send us a text What happens when you finally open the box you've been dragging for 19 years? That's exactly what I explore in this deeply personal episode as I reveal a family secret I've held close for decades—my mother's prison journal. When I was just eleven years old, my world changed forever as my mother was sentenced to federal prison for emb…

1
CocoLitos Wins the French! 1:09:01

2M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

Resh & Stef serve up a spicy set of tennis takes, from the WTA’s groundbreaking fertility policy (babies and backhands? yes please!) to Coco Gauff’s domination at Roland Garros—manifesting her way to victory like the tennis wizard she is. They roast the French Open for sidelining women’s matches, gently drag the McEnroe bros for their “hot mic, col…

1
Battle for the Forest – Watchers Rise: Viridian BS 1:07:14

2M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

The Watchers have answered the call. In this episode of Viridian BS, the forest erupts into war as the party and their unlikely allies clash with the Duke’s advancing forces. With morale and HP on the line, every move counts — and the battlefield shifts with each passing round. Will the Watchers turn the tide, or will the woods fall to steel? Tune …

1
636. Why Aren’t We Having More Babies? 50:28

2M ago50:28

50:28

For decades, the great fear was overpopulation. Now it’s the opposite. How did this happen — and what’s being done about it? (Part one of a three-part series, “Cradle to Grave.”) SOURCES: Matthias Doepke, professor of economics at the London School of Economics. Amy Froide, professor of history at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Diana…

1
An Economics Lesson from a Talking Pencil (Update) 39:52

2M ago39:52

39:52

A famous essay argues that “not a single person on the face of this earth” knows how to make a pencil. How true is that? In this 2016 episode, we looked at what pencil-making can teach us about global manufacturing — and the proper role of government in the economy. SOURCES: Caroline Weaver, creator of the Locavore Guide. Matt Ridley, science write…

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635. Can a Museum Be the Conscience of a Nation? 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

Nicholas Cullinan, the new director of the British Museum, seems to think so. “I'm not afraid of the past,” he says — which means talking about looted objects, the basement storerooms, and the leaking roof. We take the guided tour. SOURCES: Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum. RESOURCES: "Inside the British Museum: stolen treasures an…

1
The Reel That Triggered the Internet (and Set Me Free): Pro tips on Projection 11:26

3M ago11:26

11:26

Send us a text Have you ever dimmed your light because someone else couldn't handle your shine? In this raw, powerful episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of what happened when my celebratory weight loss reel went viral – and not always in the kindest corners of the internet. When the comments started flooding in, some supportive but many crue…

1
Beyond the swoosh: Leading with purpose at Nike and beyond 59:34

3M ago59:34

59:34

What happens when companies chase metrics instead of meaning? Former Nike marketing leader Lisel Welden shares powerful insights from her decade-long journey shaping iconic brands like Nike, Lyft, and Stitch Fix. Drawing from her experience leading Nike's first unified Black History Month campaign across all business units, Welden reveals how authe…

1
Viridian SS. Taken 53:13

3M ago53:13

53:13

on this 13th episode of Superstar Mortimer, Tank, and Benson have a particular set of skills and I would hate to be the person that takes their friend Leaf. Check out our archive of episodes @ https://readysetroll1.podbean.com Support us @ https://www.patreon.com/ReadySetRoll1 Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/readysetroll1 X http://twitter.c…

1
634. “Fault-Finder Is a Minimum-Wage Job” 1:02:15

3M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, is less reserved than the average banker. He explains why vibes are overrated, why the Fed’s independence is non-negotiable, and why tariffs could bring the economy back to the Covid era. SOURCES: Austan Goolsbee, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of …

1
Confessions of a Chronic People-Pleaser: The Exhausting Art of Shapeshifting 8:16

3M ago8:16

8:16

Send us a text The constant pressure to adjust who we are for the comfort of others is a silent drain on our authenticity and energy. In this raw and vulnerable episode, I take you on a deeply personal journey through my own pattern of shapeshifting – that exhausting habit of becoming whoever the room needs me to be. This pattern didn't emerge in a…

1
Viridian SS. Terry the Tiefling 59:50

3M ago59:50

59:50

On the 12th episode Mortimer seals the deal with the goblins in spite of Tank and Benson doing everything that they can to mess it up. Check out our archive of episodes @ https://readysetroll1.podbean.com Support us @ https://www.patreon.com/ReadySetRoll1 Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/readysetroll1 X http://twitter.com/readysetroll20 We a…

1
Episode 5: Healing Is not perfection 14:28

3M ago14:28

14:28

Send us a text 🎧 Listen In As We Explore: “Healing isn’t a straight path—and it was never meant to be. But you were never meant to walk it alone, either.” In this raw and hope-filled episode, Elise shares the truth about healing—it’s not a linear journey, and that’s okay. Drawing from her own lived experiences of trauma, chronic illness, and rebuil…

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Roland Garros 2025: Serve, Sass, and Showdowns 1:14:08

3M ago1:14:08

1:14:08

In this jam-packed episode of the OutWide Podcast, Resh and Stef go full clay mode as they preview Roland Garros 2025—and yes, they’re gay for Garros! From the emotional highs of Rafa Nadal’s farewell tribute to the fierce rise of Jasmine Paolini, the hosts break down all the key WTA storylines heading into the French Open. They dive into Coco Gauf…

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633. The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of 1:05:42

3M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Just beneath the surface of the global economy, there is a hidden layer of dealmakers for whom war, chaos, and sanctions can be a great business opportunity. Javier Blas and Jack Farchy, the authors of The World for Sale, help us shine a light on the shadowy realm of commodity traders. SOURCES: Javier Blas, opinion columnist at Bloomberg News. Jack…

1
They Called You Higher..and You Got Mad. 6:27

3M ago6:27

6:27

Send us a text Have you ever felt that immediate defensive reaction when someone suggests you're capable of more? That instant tightening in your chest, the flood of justifications, the urge to prove why you're doing enough already? You're not alone. In this deeply personal episode, I share a transformative moment when someone I respect looked me i…

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How to Succeed at Failing, Part 4: Extreme Resiliency (Update) 52:50

3M ago52:50

52:50

Everyone makes mistakes. How do we learn from them? Lessons from the classroom, the Air Force, and the world’s deadliest infectious disease. (Part four of a four-part series.) SOURCES: Will Coleman, founder and C.E.O. of Alto. Amy Edmondson, professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Babak Javid, physician-scientist and associat…

1
Viridian BS. Buff Boys 1:01:57

3M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

On the 13th ep. of Black star the group see what the Duke has his eye on next. Check out our archive of episodes @ https://readysetroll1.podbean.com Support us @ https://www.patreon.com/ReadySetRoll1 Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/readysetroll1 X http://twitter.com/readysetroll20 We all like shirts get yours at http://rsrmerch.com Get your…

1
How to Succeed at Failing, Part 3: Grit vs. Quit (Update) 1:03:37

3M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Giving up can be painful. That's why we need to talk about it. Today: stories about glitchy apps, leaky paint cans, broken sculptures — and a quest for the perfect bowl of ramen. (Part three of a four-part series.) SOURCES: John Boykin, website designer and failed paint can re-inventor. Angela Duckworth, host of No Stupid Questions, co-founder of C…

1
The Power Of Your Word: How Trust is Built (or Broken) 9:28

3M ago9:28

9:28

Send us a text Ever had that gut feeling when someone says "I promise" that they won't follow through? Or maybe you're the one who means well but consistently falls short on your commitments? This raw, honest conversation digs into the true cost of broken promises and why your word matters more than you might realize. Trust isn't just broken by dra…

1
How to Succeed at Failing, Part 2: Life and Death (Update) 53:19

3M ago53:19

53:19

In medicine, failure can be catastrophic. It can also produce discoveries that save millions of lives. Tales from the front line, the lab, and the I.T. department. (Part two of a four-part series.) SOURCES: Amy Edmondson, professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Carole Hemmelgarn, co-founder of Patients for Patient Safety U.S.…

1
Viridian BS Hootenanny 49:50

3M ago49:50

49:50

on the 12th ep. of Black star the group head back to witch hazel and are shocked at what the duke has done. Check out our archive of episodes @ https://readysetroll1.podbean.com Support us @ https://www.patreon.com/ReadySetRoll1 Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/readysetroll1 X http://twitter.com/readysetroll20 We all like shirts get yours at…

1
Back to Basics with Chayne Walker shares her story 21:57

3M ago21:57

21:57

Send us a text Chayne is a 31-year-old solo mum to three beautiful kids, living in rural New Zealand. She's built a massive, supportive community by teaching the lost art of getting back to basics — from growing your own fruit and veggies, to clever money-saving tips, personal growth insights, and recipes that will seriously make your mouth water. …

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How to Succeed at Failing, Part 1: The Chain of Events (Update) 55:38

3M ago55:38

55:38

We tend to think of tragedies as a single terrible moment, rather than the result of multiple bad decisions. Can this pattern be reversed? We try — with stories about wildfires, school shootings, and love. (Part one of a four-part series.) SOURCES: Amy Edmondson, professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Helen Fisher, former se…

1
Breaking the Comparison Trap: How To Stop Decorating Your Ditch 7:16

4M ago7:16

7:16

Send us a text Ever found yourself in a comparison spiral that left you feeling totally paralyzed? You're scrolling through social media when suddenly you're questioning everything about your life, wondering why everyone else seems to have it all figured out while you're struggling just to keep up. That's exactly where I found myself this week, and…

1
Viridian SS. Chaos Crag 51:38

4M ago51:38

51:38

on ep.13 of Superstar Mortimer has some quick thinking to get past the goblin inspection and find themselves in the Chaos Crag Check out our archive of episodes @ https://readysetroll1.podbean.com Support us @ https://www.patreon.com/ReadySetRoll1 Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/readysetroll1 X http://twitter.com/readysetroll20 We all like …

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