Best F J Network Podcasts (2025)

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

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1d 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…

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Lucas F. W. Wilson, "At Home with the Holocaust: Postmemory, Domestic Space, and Second-Generation Holocaust Narratives" (Rutgers UP, 2025) 48:38

1d ago48:38

48:38

At Home with the Holocaust: Postmemory, Domestic Space, and Second-Generation Holocaust Narratives (Rutgers UP, 2025) examines the relationship between intergenerational trauma and domestic space, focusing on how Holocaust survivors’ homes became extensions of their traumatized psyches that their children “inhabited.” Analyzing second- and third-ge…

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Carolina Panthers start training camp with one major concern 22:44

2d ago22:44

22:44

Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss how the Carolina Panthers have yet to sign 2nd Round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft Nic Scourton to a rookie contract, as well as concerns in the secondary. Plus, how the offense should take another step this coming season under Dave Canales & Bryce Young.

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“Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen (f/Trevor Leonard and Jim Logrando) 52:31

1d ago52:31

52:31

This week, we're finally diving into the unhinged surf-rock chaos of The Trashmen’s “Surfin’ Bird”—a Patreon pick that, frankly, we can’t believe we haven’t covered until now. This 1963 burst of raw energy, stitched together from two Rivingtons songs, has been called everything from a novelty hit to an early blueprint for punk rock. With its unforg…

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Volha Bartash, Tomasz Kamusella, and Viktor Shapoval eds., "Papusza/Bronislawa Wajs. Tears of Blood: A Poet's Witness Account of the Nazi Genocide of Roma" (Brill, 2024) 1:09:20

3d ago1:09:20

1:09:20

Papusza / Bronisława Wajs. Tears of Blood: A Poet’s Witness Account of the Nazi Genocide of Roma (Brill, 2024) is nothing less of an academic, literary, and historical miracle. It is dedicated to a key figure of Romani literature, Bronisława Wajs, also known as Papusza. This book offers—for the very first time in history—the full version of Papusza…

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Anahid Matossian, "Syrian-Armenian Women Migrants in Armenia: Gender, Identity and Painful Belonging" (Bloomsbury, 2025) 1:15:53

4d ago1:15:53

1:15:53

After the outbreak of the 2011 Syrian War, a number Syrian-Armenians who had lived in the territory for generations, fled to the Republic of Armenia. This book traces the experiences of Syrian-Armenian women as they navigated their changing and gendered identities from their adopted 'homeland' to their socially constructed new 'ancestral' home in A…

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Sonja Stahlhammer, "Sonja’s Journey: Through Life and the Death Camps" (2022) 1:13:11

6d ago1:13:11

1:13:11

The Nazis invade Poland. The young, cheerful and zestful Sonja Stahlhammer (born Zysa Mariem Kohn) is forced together with her family and relatives into the Łódź Ghetto where most of them die of disease, starvation, executions or are deported to Auschwitz. The only members of Sonja's family who are alive at the liquidation of the Ghetto are Sonja a…

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

8d 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.…

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Expectations for Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young this season 19:42

9d ago19:42

19:42

Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss realistic expectations for Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young for the 2025 NFL season.

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“Your Love” by The Outfield (f/ Johnny Yetsconish) 1:06:20

9d ago1:06:20

1:06:20

This week, Johnny Yetsconish joins us to celebrate The Outfield’s timeless 1986 hit, “Your Love.” Though the British trio enjoyed a string of modest successes in the '80s, it's this power-pop anthem—with its unforgettable opening lyric and soaring vocals—that has etched itself into the fabric of pop culture. From its origins on the triple-platinum …

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Episode 193: On Conversion, or Arousing the Bodhi-Mind 1:28:24

10d ago1:28:24

1:28:24

How do you become religious? What is a conversion experience? Does it happen all at once or gradually? What's the point of religion, anyway? These are questions that JF (a Catholic) and Phil (a Zennist) have often been asked since starting Weird Studies, and in this episode they attempt some answers. Image: "Small Candle Flame" by Le Priyavrat, via…

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

10d 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…

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Genocide Studies International Partners with New Books Network 39:02

11d ago39:02

39:02

Today I’m thrilled to announce a new partnership with Genocide Studies International. GSI is one of the preeminent journals in the field of Genocide Studies. Published by the University of Toronto Press and housed in the Zoryan Institute, GSI is dedicated to “to raising knowledge and awareness among scholars, policy makers, and civil society actors…

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

15d 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…

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Carolina Panthers Early 53-man roster projections 25:03

16d ago25:03

25:03

Dennis Cox & Chris Lea give early projections for the Carolina Panthers 53-man roster as training camp approaches, including questions at wide receiver, defensive back, and tight end.

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The 1985 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft 1:02:58

17d ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Get ready for a battle of musical nostalgia in The 1985 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft, where Chris and Matt are joined by fellow music lovers Matthew Milligan and Tony Hartman to bid on the best albums of a stacked year in music. From blockbuster releases like Songs from the Big Chair and No Jacket Required to cult favorites like Tim and Dare to Be …

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33. Race, Faith, and the Slippery Slope toward Authoritarianism 50:35

19d ago50:35

50:35

Angie and Peter explore race, biblical interpretation, and the slippery slope from authority to authoritarianism. Along the way, they reflect on their personal journeys toward a more diverse and expansive vision of theology.By F+J Network

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Jack Snyder, "Human Rights for Pragmatists: Social Power in Modern Times" (Princeton UP, 2024) 48:03

19d ago48:03

48:03

Human rights are among our most pressing issues today. But rights promoters have reached an impasse in their effort to achieve rights for all. Human Rights for Pragmatists (Princeton University Press, 2022) explains why: activists prioritize universal legal and moral norms, backed by the public shaming of violators, but in fact, rights prevail only…

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Andrea Graziosi and Frank E. Sysyn, "Communism and Hunger: The Ukrainian, Chinese, Kazakh, and Soviet Famines in Comparative Perspective" (CIUS Press, 2016) 1:13:33

21d ago1:13:33

1:13:33

In this volume, leading specialists examine the affinities and differences between the pan-Soviet famine of 1931–1933, the Ukrainian Holodomor, the Kazakh great hunger, and the famine in China in 1959–1961. The contributors presented papers at a conference organized by the Holodomor Research and Education Consortium in 2014. Learn more about your a…

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

22d 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…

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Antonio J. Muñoz, "Hitler's War Against the Partisans During the Stalingrad Offensive: Spring 1942 to the Spring of 1943" (Frontline, 2025) 1:39:18

22d ago1:39:18

1:39:18

Dr. Antonio J. Muñoz's Hitler’s War Against the Partisans During The Stalingrad Offensive: Spring 1942 to the Spring of 1943 (Frontline Books, 2025) explores the brutal and widespread partisan warfare on the Eastern Front during 1942-1943, detailing the Axis forces' anti-partisan efforts and the impact on the Soviet war effort. From the start of th…

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Should the Carolina Panthers trade for Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals? 20:56

23d ago20:56

20:56

Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss Carolina Panthers being a potential landing spot for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, and if going after Hendrickson would be a good move for GM Dan Morgan.

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"Space Lord" by Monster Magnet (f/Jim Logrando) 53:10

24d ago53:10

53:10

This week, Jim Logrando sits in to discuss the spaced-out swagger of Monster Magnet’s 1998 hit “Space Lord.” As a loyal listener since discovering the band in the late '90s, Jim brings his passion for these groove metal pioneers to the table as we dig into their unlikely brush with mainstream success. With its psychedelic riffs, tongue-in-cheek bra…

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Episode 192 - A Dream of Landscape: On Walking 1:13:13

24d ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Phil and JF first explored the mysteries of walking back in episode 59. That episode felt like a mere introduction—a tentative first step on a long and winding path. Now, 133 episodes later, they return to the theme as they prepare to lead a six-week course on the art of walking and its affinity with the Weird. This conversation touches on meditati…

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

24d 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…

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Halfway to Christmas 2025 | Top 5 Christmas Movie Character Swaps 1:40:03

24d ago1:40:03

1:40:03

It’s beginning to look a little like Christmas… because we’re officially HALFWAY THERE! That’s right, in this extra merry Dasher Day special, your favorite festive duo Eric Petersen and Danny Jordan are back to celebrate the 6-month countdown with a sleigh-full of holiday fun! 🎄 ⁠JOIN OUR PATREON HERE⁠ 🎄 ⁠FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS HERE This episode’…

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

29d 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. …

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Carolina Panthers still have position holes to address 26:28

1M ago26:28

26:28

Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss Carolina Panthers needs as training camp approaches for the 2025 NFL Season, including possibly signing safety Justin Simmons.

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“Down (feat. Lil Wayne)” by Jay Sean (f/ Andrés) 1:04:12

1M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

Back in the fall of 2009, an unexpected voice from the UK took over American radio when Jay Sean’s “Down” (featuring Lil Wayne) knocked the Black Eyed Peas off the top of the charts after their epic run. This week on One Hit Thunder, Andrés joins us to revisit that moment in time—when ringtone sales mattered, Cash Money Records was everywhere, and …

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Special Episode: Theory, Philosophy, and Uranus 1:01:59

1M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

This conversation was originally recorded in August 2024 and released for our Patreon supporters. Weird Studies will be back with a new episode on June 25, 2025. What is cultural theory? How is philosophy "a preparation for death?" What sort of planet is Phil Ford from? These burning questions and more find answers in this free-wheeling conversatio…

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Allison Agwu, MD, ScM, FAAP, FIDSA - Unlocking the Potential of Long-Acting PrEP to Halt HIV Transmissions 36:03

1M ago36:03

36:03

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups. For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/CPE/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/…

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Allison Agwu, MD, ScM, FAAP, FIDSA - Unlocking the Potential of Long-Acting PrEP to Halt HIV Transmissions 36:11

1M ago36:11

36:11

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups. For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/CPE/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/…

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

1M 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…

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Carolina Panthers minicamp observations, and Jalen Coker exclusive 25:24

1M ago25:24

25:24

Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss Carolina Panthers mandatory minicamp, observations & highlights from Charlotte, NC, and how head coach Dave Canales & RB Chuba Hubbard feel about the continuity from last season. Plus, an exclusive interview with WR Jalen Coker.

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“My Boo” by Ghost Town DJs 35:44

1M ago35:44

35:44

This week, we explore the surprising journey of Ghost Town DJs’ 1996 single “My Boo,” a track that quietly debuted on the So So Def Bass All-Stars compilation before becoming a Top 40 hit. Though the group disbanded after two underperforming albums, this smooth blend of R&B vocals and Miami bass beats found new life two decades later, thanks to the…