Best Weirder Things Podcasts (2025)

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She Died and Saw Hell – Heather’s Story (Part 1) | EP. 13 41:20

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8h ago41:20

41:20

In this raw and powerful episode, we sit down with Heather Poffenberger to hear her story of addiction, trauma, and a near-death experience that led her to believe she saw hell. From being introduced to alcohol at just two years old to enduring horrific loss, abuse, and repeated overdoses, Heather’s testimony is both heartbreaking and inspiring. We…

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Why Destroy Harvard? 1:16:01

4d ago1:16:01

1:16:01

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss this week’s Supreme Court decision that validates Trump’s firing of 2 officials without cause thus stealth-overruling a key check on presidents, the power dynamics around who benefits from Trump’s attempts to destroy Harvard, and the challenges and rewards of male friendship in moder…

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First Love Mixtape: Side A (Encore) 21:06

5d ago21:06

21:06

This episode of “Modern Love” features Lisa Selin Davis’s essay “What Lou Reed Taught Me About Love.” She writes about how the song “I’ll Be Your Mirror” became the soundtrack to her summer romance with a floppy-haired “rocker kid” who inadvertently helped her find healing. Then, we hear from some members of the “Modern Love” team about the songs t…

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Is the World Getting Weirder? | EP. 12 39:51

7d ago39:51

39:51

Is it just us, or is the world getting a little...weirder? In this episode of You Can Handle the Truth!, we get real about the cultural confusion taking over Gen Z and Millennial life - from gender identity debates to cancel culture, “my truth” mantras, and "DIY religion." But through the chaos, there’s a bigger story unfolding, one where Jesus sti…

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Big and Beautiful or Huge and Horrendous 1:09:17

11d ago1:09:17

1:09:17

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the huge House tax bill and its broad economic implications with Harvard economist Jason Furman, the DOJ’s selective investigation and prosecution of officials as a method of intimidation, and the Heritage Foundation’s “Project Esther” as the Trump administration’s blueprint for shut…

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Friends for 16 Years. Lovers for One Night. 39:43

12d ago39:43

39:43

Elizabeth and Jeff were best friends. They did everything together, from early-morning runs to late-night karaoke sessions. They came up with secret code names for each other and went on undercover missions in their neighborhood. They fought, and made up, and fought some more. Beneath their playful dynamic, an attraction was growing between them, b…

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Gen Z Is Coming Back to Church… Are We Ready? | EP. 11 39:27

14d ago39:27

39:27

Gen Z is showing up to church again - and that’s good news. But are we ready to welcome them with humility, or are we holding onto pride and judgment that pushes them away? In this episode, we talk candidly about why humility is at the heart of real Christianity and how the church must shift to meet a hurting generation with compassion, not critici…

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Gabfest Reads | How to Create an Exceptional Family 38:50

17d ago38:50

38:50

Emily Bazelon talks with author Susan Dominus about her new book, The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success. They discuss the commonalities among families that have multiple high-achieving children, what we can learn from these unique families, and more. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at [email protected].…

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Just a Modest $400 Million Gift 1:13:52

18d ago1:13:52

1:13:52

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss how Trump’s trip to the Middle East is wildly off the scale of any past corruption and offensive to American tradition, the Supreme Court hearing arguments in the first case in Trump’s attempts to limit birthright citizenship, and the buzz about a new book from Jake Tapper and Alex T…

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Why Boys and Men Are Floundering, According to Relationship Therapist Terry Real 37:15

19d ago37:15

37:15

A session with Terry Real, a marriage and family therapist, can get uncomfortable. He’s known to mirror and amplify the emotions of his clients, sometimes cursing and nearly yelling, often in an attempt to get men in touch with the emotions they’re not used to honoring. Real says men are often pushed to shut off their expression of vulnerability wh…

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Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? | EP. 10 37:07

21d ago37:07

37:07

In this episode of You Can Handle the Truth!, we go back to the very beginning—Genesis. We explore why the world feels so broken, why bad things happen, and what Moses tells us about humanity's separation from God. We unpack the story of Adam and Eve, free will, the serpent’s deception, and how Jesus’ sacrifice brings redemption where we first fell…

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Trump Backlash, Australian-Style 1:05:28

25d ago1:05:28

1:05:28

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss anti-Trump sentiment in foreign elections with former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, why the Trump administration has done relatively little about medication abortion so far and whether it will last, and how looming Medicaid cuts will hurt millions of Americans. For this…

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A Mother’s Fierce, Extravagant Love (Encore) 22:18

26d ago22:18

22:18

In honor of Mother’s Day this week, we revisit the story of one mom who went to extraordinary lengths to make sure her daughter always felt her love, even after she was gone. Each time Genevieve Kingston reached a milestone — a birthday, her first period, high school graduation, she’d reach into the box her mom had packed for her and pull out the n…

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Why Modern Women Feel Lost | EP. 9 39:55

28d ago39:55

39:55

In this episode of You Can Handle the Truth!, we dive into the emotional reality behind Gen Z dating culture, the struggles of women in leadership, and the quiet battle between empowerment and compassion. We explore why so many young women feel used, disconnected, or disillusioned—and how Christian values offer a radically different path forward. W…

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Only 100 Days 1:10:47

1M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Trump administration’s first 100 days and recent polls, the state of American health policy and underlying DOGE cuts with reporter Dan Diamond, and a potential radical shift in American life if the Supreme Court allows a religious charter school in Oklahoma. For this week’s Slate…

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Miranda July Knew Exactly What She Was Doing 36:17

1M ago36:17

36:17

It’s been almost a year since Miranda July released her hit novel, “All Fours.” The novel features a woman in her mid-40s who heads out on a solo road trip across the country, only to stop at a roadside motel 30 minutes from her home. She winds up staying there for three weeks, exploring and questioning what she actually wants and needs out of midl…

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The Lie Behind “Try Before You Buy” | EP. 8 47:04

1M ago47:04

47:04

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most personal, controversial, and confusing topics in today’s culture: sex. (00:00) Welcome & Spring (01:36) The Bathing Suit Struggle (05:18) Jesus Appeared to Women First—Here’s Why That Matters (07:15) From Free-Range Kids to Bubble-Wrapped Teens (10:38) Social Media, FOMO & Body Image (13:27) L…

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One Thing Even Trump Won’t Do 1:08:19

1M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

This week, Emily Bazelon and David Plotz are joined by Henry Blodget to discuss the financial and political fallout from the President’s threats to fire Fed Chair Powell and subsequent retreat; a Supreme Court case over free exercise of religion that could have broad implications; and why Trump stands by Hegseth after Signalgate Part 2. For this we…

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You’re Probably Thinking About Boundaries All Wrong 39:29

1M ago39:29

39:29

KC Davis is a therapist and author known for her practical, empathetic advice on dealing with clutter, even when you are feeling like too much of a mess yourself to take care of the mess in your home. Her TikTok videos on the subject have been viewed millions of times. But lately, Davis has been talking and writing about our relationships not just …

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Failure Isn't Final | EP. 7 39:32

1M ago39:32

39:32

Thanks for tuning in! He came back. So can you. In our comeback episode, Kathy and Annabelle celebrate the greatest plot twist in history—Jesus rising from the dead—and the surprisingly relatable redemption arc of the Apostle Peter (a man who fumbled hard and still got the mic at Pentecost). We’re talking comebacks: biblical, personal, and celebrit…

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Gabfest Reads | How to Turn the Creative Process Into “Good Trouble” 50:57

1M ago50:57

50:57

John Dickerson talks with author Maggie Smith about her new book, Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life. They talk about the essential elements of all creative projects, when you know a project is “done”, how to stay “porous” in the world, and more. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at [email protected]. (M…

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Trump vs. Harvard 1:10:13

2M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Trump administration’s ramped up attacks on Harvard and international students, the courts flirting with findings of contempt after the administration ignores and mocks court orders, and the ways the Trump tariffs and exemptions invite corruption and “swampiness.” For this week’s…

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Gen X? More Like Gen Sex. 37:29

2M ago37:29

37:29

Mireille Silcoff recently wrote an article for The New York Times Magazine titled “Why Gen X Women Are Having the Best Sex.” At a time of life when many women describe feeling less visible and less desirable, Silcoff said, her life instead “exploded in a detonation of sex confetti.” On today’s episode, Silcoff shares the juicy back story to her pop…

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Is It A Good Friday? | EP. 6 43:57

2M ago43:57

43:57

Thanks for tuning in! It’s Holy Week, people, and it’s not just palm leaves and pretty dresses. This week we dive deep into the final atonement (yes, the moment that changed everything), and we are not holding back on folks who toss Jesus’ name around like it’s just punctuation. Spoiler: He’s not your cuss word. We’re also talking through the most …

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The Bond Market Shrieks 1:02:31

2M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the self-inflicted chaos of Trump’s tariffs and an escalating trade war with China; the Supreme Court’s careful responses to deportations without due process which leave key questions unanswered; and the brazen attempted heist of a North Carolina Supreme Court seat by Republicans. Em…

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Let Yourself Rage With Poet Laureate Ada Limón 34:35

2M ago34:35

34:35

As U.S. poet laureate, Ada Limón has had a far-reaching impact. She has visited readers and writers across the country, installed poems at majestic sites in national parks, and she even wrote a poem that’s engraved inside a NASA spacecraft on its way to Jupiter. Today on the show, though, our host Anna Martin talks with Limón about something more p…

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Are You Lost in the Wilderness? | EP. 5 45:18

2M ago45:18

45:18

Thanks for tuning in! Glamping? Try God-led camping with no bathroom, no map, and no snacks. Welcome to the wilderness season, where the only thing flowing is manna and maybe your tears. Our mother-daughter duo deep dive into Moses, the wilderness, and why God sometimes makes us wait (and wait... and wait). Why did an 11-day trip take 40 years? In …

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The Democrats Had A Good Day 1:08:17

2M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss liberal judge Susan Crawford’s sweeping victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race; Trump’s new, nearly universal massive tariffs; and the dangerously casual standards the government is using to deport alleged gang members despite acknowledged mistakes. Here are this week’s chatters…

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My Brother Has Schizophrenia. This Is How I Love Him. 35:57

2M ago35:57

35:57

Growing up, Jamie Shandro was interested in science, while her younger brother, Tim, liked art. When they were in their twenties, they both landed in Seattle: Jamie for medical school and Tim for art school. They were closer than ever. But as Jamie was finishing up a rotation in psychiatry, Tim started behaving strangely. In this episode of Modern …

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ChatGPT and Mom: The Unofficial Love Story | EP. 4 46:03

2M ago46:03

46:03

Thanks for tuning in! In this episode of You Can Handle the Truth, we dive into the dangers of crowd mentality, cancel culture, and the consequences of following emotions over truth. Kathy recalls a striking childhood memory—seeing Bobby Kennedy just days before his assassination—shedding light on how easily people get swept up in movements without…

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Houthi PC Small Group 57:46

2M ago57:46

57:46

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the hilarious-if-it-wasn’t-so-terrifying accidental sending of secret attack plans from Trump administration officials to a journalist; the chilling capitulation of big law firms to Trump’s onslaught; and similar aggressive efforts to intimidate higher education in the United States.…

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I Got Addicted to Love and Came Out the Other Side 34:42

2M ago34:42

34:42

If you know one thing about Orville Peck, it’s probably that he wears a mask. The country musician has long kept himself shrouded in mystery, shielding his face from the public and revealing few details about his past. His music, however, is full of emotional honesty and vulnerability — he told the Modern Love podcast that most of his lyrics are ab…

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Following People vs. Truth | EP. 3 42:00

2M ago42:00

42:00

Thanks for tuning in! Are you following people or following truth? In this episode of You Can Handle the Truth, we dive into one of the biggest challenges in today’s world—discerning truth when emotions, trends, and social pressures try to dictate our beliefs. (00:00) Intro (02:06) Following Feelings vs. Following Truth (04:35) Why So Many Young Pe…

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The “Constitutional Crisis Is Here” 1:08:40

2M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

This week, John Dickerson and David Plotz are joined by Ruth Marcus to discuss the showdown over mass deportation and the government’s defiant response to court orders; a deep data dive by Ezra Klein and David Shor about why Trump won the 2024 election; and this week’s so-called “negotiation” call between Trump and Putin. Listener chatter from Kevi…

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How I Decentered Men and Learned to Center Myself 32:26

3M ago32:26

32:26

Natasha Rothwell plays characters who are constantly trying to improve and to better understand their desires. This season on “The White Lotus,” Rothwell, an Emmy-nominated actress, is back playing Belinda, a striving spa manager with dreams of becoming her own boss. Ambitions like these are relatable to Rothwell, who created and starred in her own…

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Broadway to a Miracle in a Mall – Kathy’s Search for Truth (Part 2) | EP. 2 40:10

3M ago40:10

40:10

In Part 2 of Mom’s testimony - from Broadway actress to searching for truth, her journey takes a life-altering turn—with a bold prayer and an undeniable miracle in a mall. 💍 She prays for a husband… and gets an unexpected answer. 🛍️ A real, no-holds-barred miracle happens between the food court and the clearance rack. 🙏 God moves in the most unexpe…

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Gabfest Reads | The Day the Challenger Fell From the Sky 39:13

3M ago39:13

39:13

David Plotz talks with author Adam Higginbotham about his new book, Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space. They discuss the feats of engineering that took place, the political cynicism and cost-cutting that played a role in the tragedy, the heroism and tragic loss of the people on board the shuttle, and more. Tweet u…

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What Happens When Government Breaks 1:10:14

3M ago1:10:14

1:10:14

This week, John Dickerson and David Plotz are joined by Juliette Kayyem to discuss how Elon Musk and DOGE are endangering Americans; the Trump administration’s attacks on universities and the arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil; and the politics of the measles outbreak centered on West Texas. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus episode, John…

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How to Get Talking Again, With Lucy Dacus of boygenius 35:27

3M ago35:27

35:27

On her fourth solo album, “Forever Is a Feeling” (out March 28), Lucy Dacus contemplates the fears and delights that go along with falling hard for someone. The song “Best Guess” celebrates the leap of faith involved in committing to a partner with the knowledge that both of you will change over time. And in another track called “Talk,” a couple re…