Best Josh Hooper Podcasts (2025)

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Trump’s Iran Rollout, Game 7’s Injury TV, and Andrew Schulz vs. The New York Times 1:18:25

Play Pause

3d ago1:18:25

1:18:25

Hello, media consumers! Joel (in for David) and Bryan put a wrap on ESPN's presentation of the NBA Finals (0:41), before discussing the Trump administration's press tour after carrying out air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites (18:00), some puzzling New York City mayoral primary coverage, Andrew Schulz's thought-provoking conversation with the NYT a…

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Tucker Carlson Vs. Ted Cruz, the Finals Goes 7, and the Media A-Team 1:28:55

6d ago1:28:55

1:28:55

Hello, media consumers! On this Friday edition of the show, Bryan helps Joel wrestle with a question: "Should I subscribe to The Washington Post if it is my local paper?" (1:41). They then tackle some headlines, including the ambiguity of the USA's involvement with the Israel–Iran War and Tucker Carlson's instantly viral interview with Ted Cruz (17…

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147 - AI Becoming God, Alien Mummies & Heavenly Beings w/ UNDEROATH 1:54:51

6d ago1:54:51

1:54:51

This week on Ninjas Are Butterflies, we’re joined by Tim and Grant from the legendary band Underoath for a wild ride through aliens, AI, and everything in between. We dig into the mysterious three-fingered Peruvian alien mummies—are they ancient extraterrestrials, elaborate hoaxes, or something even weirder? Then we shift gears and talk about the r…

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Episode 58: Josh Morris – The Electorate 53:11

7d ago53:11

53:11

For a few years now, the Australian music industry has been home to a band whose current iteration has roots spanning back decades. In the early '90s, the Sydney scene featured an indie-rock trio dubbed The Templebears. Issuing three releases across as many years, the group never released a debut album, ultimately splitting around 1992. Its members…

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Solidarity With Stephen A., The Washington Post’s Latest Reboot, and Gustavo Arellano on Covering the L.A. Protests 57:38

10d ago57:38

57:38

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss another Washington Post "reboot," this time for its opinion section (0:41). They go on to offer some low-hanging fruit for ESPN's lackluster NBA Finals coverage and discuss Stephen A. Smith, who was seen playing solitaire during Game 4; a noticeable shift in the norms of Washington, D.C., reporting; a…

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146 - The Forgotten Female Pope, Biblical Miracles, & The Future of AI 1:46:01

13d ago1:46:01

1:46:01

In this episode of Ninjas Are Butterflies, things get weird—in the best way. We dive into the legend of Pope Joan, the mysterious 9th-century woman who may have secretly ruled the Vatican. Then we switch gears and try to crack the code on what billionaires aren’t telling us. Underground bunkers? Mars colonies? Secret lizard meetings? Nothing’s off …

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Episode 57: Crystal Choi & Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent – Phoebe Rings 42:45

14d ago42:45

42:45

If you're someone who likes their music a little bit dreamy, a little bit hazy, and a whole lot of brilliant, then you need to point your peepers toward New Zealand, where Auckland's Phoebe Rings have been providing just that for some years now. Initially beginning as something of a solo project for Crystal Choi, it swiftly expanded, bringing toget…

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L.A. Protests and the NBA’s Storytelling Problem. Plus: Logan Murdock on Gen Z Hoopers. 1:17:34

14d ago1:17:34

1:17:34

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel tackle some leftover 'The Simpsons' vs. 'The Cosby Show' thoughts in today's J-School (0:47), before they are joined by Logan Murdock to discuss The Athletic's anonymous players survey, why the NBA keeps finding itself in the crosshairs of criticism, and ESPN's biggest mistake while broadcasting the Finals. Th…

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Trump-Musk Fallout and ESPN's Finals Coverage. Plus: Alan Siegel on 'The Simpsons.' 1:08:23

17d ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David parse through the very public Donald Trump–Elon Musk breakup (0:41) before sharing some notes on Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals; Warner Bros. Discovery, which is splitting into two companies; ABC's Terry Moran's suspension; and a hefty edition of "sliding doors" metaphors (15:28). Finally, The Ringer's Alan …

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145 - Stargate Project, Deep Dark Oxygen, & The Tuberculosis Conspiracy 1:47:58

20d ago1:47:58

1:47:58

Episode 145 of Ninjas Are Butterflies dives deep—literally and metaphorically.This week, we uncover the United Nations’ secretive mission to harvest dark energy from the ocean floor and explore the mysterious technology possibly powering it. Then, we head to Michigan where a new Bigfoot sighting isn’t just a local legend—it’s connected to both bibl…

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Episode 56: Ciarann Babbington – Bakers Eddy 46:54

21d ago46:54

46:54

Are you someone who likes their music with a bit of energy and a bit of fun? Then let me point you towards Bakers Eddy. Formed in Wellington, New Zealand when its members were still quite young, the group found itself crafting a pop-punk sound and issuing a few tracks and an EP before heading west and relocating to Melbourne, Australia. Since 2017,…

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25 for 25: Noah Eagle. Plus, NBA Finals Notes, and WaPo Becomes HuffPo. 1:34:18

21d ago1:34:18

1:34:18

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss some NBA Finals thoughts, Oklahoma City as a host city, reports of Doris Burke's uncertain future in ESPN's broadcast booth, Cam'ron the journalist, and more (2:47). Then they discuss The Washington Post's puzzling new strategy and Pablo Torre's Bill Belichick–Jordon Hudson investigation (30:05). Then …

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Farewell to the NBA On TNT. Plus: Mark Kriegel on Mike Tyson and the Future of Sports Biographies. 1:51:20

24d ago1:51:20

1:51:20

Hello media consumers! This week, Bryan and David discuss a bevy of “now they tell us” stories, some from the NBA and some from Washington (1:00), before coining a new segment called the “Pulled Punch Effect” (26:00). Then, they share a few more listener-submitted “sliding doors” metaphors (30:00), before Bryan is joined by Mark Kriegel to discuss …

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144 - The Hollow Earth Cult Nobody’s Talking About (Until Now) 1:44:01

27d ago1:44:01

1:44:01

Strap in Ninjas, this week, we spiral deep into the weirdest corners of the conspiracy world. In Episode 144, we uncover a real Hollow Earth cult operating in (where else?) Florida, examine some of the most compelling alien encounter stories we’ve ever heard, and decode the mystery of the newest crop circles in 2025. Are they elaborate pranks, alie…

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Episode 55: Nick Thomas – The Spill Canvas 31:14

28d ago31:14

31:14

For over 20 years now, music-lovers of the world have been lucky enough to exist within the same timeline as The Spill Canvas. Formed by Nick Thomas back in 2001, the group rose to fame throughout the decade, with their work equally being categorised as alternative rock, emo, pop rock, and more. Thanks to releases like the 'Denial Feels So Good' EP…

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The Democrats Are (Still) Looking for the Left’s Joe Rogan. Plus: Texas Barbecue Rankings! 1:01:47

28d ago1:01:47

1:01:47

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel return on this Thursday edition of the podcast to discuss the Democrats’ deliberate investment in building a liberal infrastructure of influencers, podcasters, and new media (23:00). Then, they discuss the state of podcast interviews and whether or not listeners are making distinctions between the kinds of sho…

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The Reign of the Three-Man Booth, Why ‘Mission: Impossible’ Is Getting a Pass, and More Sliding Doors Metaphors 53:50

30d ago53:50

53:50

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David come to you on this Press Box Monday (Tuesday) edition with some thoughts on the NBA’s gradual acceptance of the three-man announcer booth (1:30), Elon Musk’s media blitz (13:00), the coverage and criticism of the latest installment in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise (24:00), more sliding doors metaphors …

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143 - Apocalyptic Volcano, Billionaires Utopia, & The Florida Skunk Ape 1:42:03

1M ago1:42:03

1:42:03

WE'RE ON TOUR! Get Your Tickets Here: https://floridatourida.com/ In this episode of Ninjas Are Butterflies, we dive into the wildest headlines that feel like they were ripped straight from a sci-fi novel.First, we unpack the bizarre plan of a Walmart billionaire who wants to build a utopian city from scratch in the middle of the desert. Is it the …

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Episode 54: Chris Penney – Private Function 1:35:29

1M ago1:35:29

1:35:29

When it comes to explaining Private Function in just a few short paragraphs, there's a lot of difficulty at play. After all, they're a Melbourne punk outfit who have been around for close to a decade now, pumping out blistering tunes while employing a visceral sense of humour as they use their platform to succeed in the rock world while simultaneou…

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Tyrese Haliburton Goes Full Reggie Miller. Plus: A Final Farewell to ‘Around the Horn.’ 58:31

1M ago58:31

58:31

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel are back on this Press Box Thursday Edition to discuss peak sports media beef (2:00), Reggie Miller’s unique perspective on the Eastern Conference finals and Tyrese Haliburton’s choke sign (17:00), and Draymond Green being added to ‘Inside the NBA’ for the ECF (23:00). Then, they discuss another wave of pieces…

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How Sports Ate TV. Plus: Journalism’s Triumphant Return! 53:30

1M ago53:30

53:30

Hello, media consumers! On this Press Box Monday edition, Bryan and David discuss Journalism, the official horse of The Press Box, winning the Preakness (1:00) before discussing the end of TNT’s era of broadcasting the NBA and what they’ll miss most about it (6:00). Then, they discuss the career of legendary WWE announcer Jim Ross after learning ab…

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142 - New Pope’s Rise to Power, The Boston Massacre, and WWII Dinosaurs 1:38:45

1M ago1:38:45

1:38:45

Welcome to episode 142 of Ninjas Are Butterflies, the comedy and conspiracy podcast that boldly connects dots that absolutely should not be connected. This week, we kick things off with the rise of the new Pope. Who is he? Where did he come from? Then we head to Boston in 1919 to revisit a forgotten disaster that sounds made up but is very, very re…

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The Tell-All Book Haunting Washington. Plus: Can Podcasts Become the New Magazines? 1:18:23

1M ago1:18:23

1:18:23

Hello, media consumers! This week, Bryan and Joel go to J-School to discuss the reactions to and coverage of the Jayson Tatum injury (1:00). Then, they digest the various news ripples that have come from excerpts of ‘Original Sin,’ Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s book about Joe Biden’s decision to run for reelection (10:00). Next, they react to a r…

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Episode 53: Craig Finn – The Hold Steady 36:05

1M ago36:05

36:05

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good lyricist, and then that means you should definitely know the great Craig Finn. For the uninitiated, Craig was the man behind the likes of Lifter Puller, and following their split in 2000, he moved from Minneapolis to New York City and, well, didn't do much. That was, until he formed The Hold Steady after…

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An American Pope Media Frenzy, Jayson Tatum Take-a-Palooza, and the Reemergence of Joe Biden 1:01:41

1M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back on this Monday edition to talk about the election of a new Pope and the media frenzy it spawned (1:00), the week of Jayson Tatum takes (8:00), NBC’s plans for the future of its basketball coverage, including Michael Jordan (17:00), and new media ventures being unable to come up with compelling names …

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141 - Real ID, The Antichrist, and Government Built Underground Cities! 1:44:54

2M ago1:44:54

1:44:54

In this hilarious episode of Ninjas Are Butterflies, the boys dive headfirst into some of the wildest theories and news stories circling the internet. Is the Real ID program just convenient identification—or a step toward government overreach? Did someone actually find the Antichrist? Are there hidden underground tunnels and a secret city beneath W…

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Episode 52: Chris Hannah – Propagandhi 35:33

2M ago35:33

35:33

If you're someone who hasn't yet listened to Propagandhi, then I'm sure you're about to have the time of your life as you discover their eclectic and celebrated discography. Forming in Canada back in 1986, they've been a going concern for close to four decades now, though it wasn't until 1993 that they released their first album. After a few years,…

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25 for 25: Brian Windhorst on the Future of NBA Reporting 1:20:54

2M ago1:20:54

1:20:54

Hello media consumers! This week, please enjoy a little J-School (1:00) before Bryan and Joel are joined by ESPN basketball reporter Brian Windhorst to talk about his path to ESPN and whether it’s replicable, the place good reporting has in our modern media ecosystem, the dreaded aggregators, Gregg Popovich stories, and what direction he sees the f…

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Sports Media’s Familial Obsession, a Fascinating John Fetterman Profile, and Cold-Calling the President 1:28:24

2M ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are here this Monday to discuss sports media’s evolving coverage of athletes’ families and significant others after recent stories about Bill Belichick, Jax Ulbrich, and John Haliburton (1:00). Then, they run through a handful of bite-size topics, including a new entry in the running for worst question ever a…

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140 - New Popes, Ancient Aliens, Mountain Mysteries, & the Kraken Found 1:44:59

2M ago1:44:59

1:44:59

In Episode 140 of Ninjas Are Butterflies, we dig into some of the most bizarre and fascinating topics on the edge of global conspiracy, advanced technology, and ancient legends: World Economic Forum: What’s really happening behind closed doors? We explore the growing theories around global control, elite agendas, and the WEF’s influence on the futu…

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Episode 51: Steve Sladkowski – PUP 46:16

2M ago46:16

46:16

For 15 years now, Canadian outfit PUP have been defying the concept that their name stands for a Pathetic Use of Potential and have been proving all and sundry wrong as they travel around the world with their unique blend of alt-rock and punk. Formed in 2010 as Topanga, PUP issued their self-titled album in 2013, with 'The Dream Is Over' following …

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The Bill Belichick Interview Heard Round the World, Plus: Mike Tirico on a Horse Named "Journalism" 1:22:14

2M ago1:22:14

1:22:14

Hello media consumers! On this Press Box Thursday edition, Bryan and Joel dig deeper into the strange Bill Belichick CBS news interview that recently went viral after Jordon Hudson, his girlfriend, interrupted the interview multiple times (1:00). Then, they discuss the fallout and media fervor from the Jax Ulbrich–Shedeur Sanders NFL draft prank ca…

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A Deluge of Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Takes. Plus: Kara Voght on the Embattled White House Correspondents' Dinner. 1:08:17

2M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Hello media consumers! Bryan and David are back to opine on the overwhelming amount of content that has come from Shedeur Sanders sliding in the NFL draft (1:00), including a bizarre story line about the son of the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator prank-calling Sanders (22:00). Then, they run through a handful of smaller stories from the week…

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139 - Mount Kailash Mystery, Katy Perry in Space, & Area 51 Secrets 1:44:19

2M ago1:44:19

1:44:19

This week on Ninjas Are Butterflies, we blast off into some seriously strange territory—and we’re not just talking about Area 51. First up, we uncover an ancient mountain mystery, where the entrance to Shambhala may be guarded by some sort of time bending super power. Then, we discuss Blue Origin, where Katy Perry allegedly went to space, and of co…

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Episode 50: Jesse Coulter – Grenadiers 45:28

2M ago45:28

45:28

There’s no denying the fact that Adelaide is just one of those cities that can’t help itself but breed amazing bands. Sure, you can look at groups like The Angels, Cold Chisel, and more, but why not look at groups like Stolen Youth, The Rivalry, Sleeptalker, and Dick Wolf? They’re also amazing bands, and for the trainspotters amongst us, you might …

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How the Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit Is Being Covered. Plus, the NFL Draft Media Economy. 1:06:24

2M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Hello, media consumers! On this Press Box Thursday, Bryan and Joel discuss the Shannon Sharpe lawsuit, Stephen A. Smith’s role in negotiating ESPN’s public response to it, and how the rest of the media world has reacted to this news (10:00). Then, they assess new entries in the “worst question asked at the White House” genre (32:00) and talk about …

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25 for 25: Chris Ryan on the Birth, Death, and Rebirth of Blogging 52:51

2M ago52:51

52:51

Hello, media consumers! In our latest 25 for 25 installment, Bryan is joined by Ringer superstar Chris Ryan to discuss his come up in the mid-2000s blog world, how it set up the rest of his career and changed media forever, where the energy of blogging was dispersed, and whether there will be a revival of blogging. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Chris R…

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138 - Hollow Earths Entrance Found, Ancient Spiral UFO, & The Dire Wolf 1:47:57

2M ago1:47:57

1:47:57

Buckle up, Butterflies. This week, we’re cracking open more conspiracies than a Reddit thread at 3AM. In Episode 138, we uncover, The mysterious and probably too fancy Council of 300 — are they controlling the world, or just really bad at group projects? The spiral in the sky over Europe, alien light show or someone spinning a fidget spinner in the…

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Episode 49: Ella & Jesse Hooper – Killing Heidi 39:12

2M ago39:12

39:12

If you’re anything like me, the name Killing Heidi was one that was synonymous with the Australian music scene at the turn of the millennium. Formed in regional Victoria by siblings Ella and Jesse Hooper, Killing Heidi first rose to fame as part of triple j’s Unearthed series, with the track ‘Kettle’ featuring a newly-teenaged Ella on vocals. This …

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Lee Corso’s Legendary 'College GameDay' Run. Plus: The White House's Attack on the Associated Press. 1:01:00

2M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Hello, media consumers! This Press Box Thursday edition includes a J-School on bylines, steak sauce, and nonprofit media (1:00). Then, Bryan and Joel dig into Lee Corso’s retirement from 'College GameDay' (20:00), Trump’s attempt to prevent the AP from covering the White House (33:00), and Nico Harrison’s bizarre closed-door press conference (40:00…

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Rory McIlroy’s Long-Awaited Masters Win, the Barstool Apology Tour, and the Nico Iamaleava Saga 56:49

2M ago56:49

56:49

Hello, media consumers! This week, Bryan and David discuss the intense back and forth of Rory McIlroy’s first win at Augusta National (1:00), before running through a number of short items, including: The faux reluctant update about Stephen A. Smith’s presidential campaign (17:50) The bevy of Barstool personalities releasing apologies for their dis…

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137 - The Giants of Death Valley, CIA's Ark Cover-up, & Government Lies 1:40:53

3M ago1:40:53

1:40:53

What do Death Valley giants, a mysterious CIA ark cover-up, and a suspicious number of “coincidences” have in common? They’re all on today’s episode of Ninjas Are Butterflies — the podcast where chaos meets conspiracy. Whether you're a seasoned truth seeker or just here for the chaos, this episode will blow your mind—and maybe get us on a watchlist…

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Episode 48: Jesse F. Keeler – Death From Above 1979, MSTRKRFT 56:28

3M ago56:28

56:28

There was a period of time in the early ‘00s when one of the most exciting bands in the game was Canada’s own Death From Above. Well, that’s what they were called at first, but by the time they released their debut album ‘You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine,’ Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler had lengthened their name to Death From Above 1979 due to…

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25 for 25: The New York Times’ Jamelle Bouie on the Future of the Opinion Columnist 1:27:20

3M ago1:27:20

1:27:20

Hello, media consumers! This week, Bryan and Joel are joined by Jamelle Bouie, opinion columnist at the New York Times, to discuss a number of timely media topics before backtracking and talking through Bouie’s career, writing an opinion column in this era of the internet, the relationship between his TikTok and his journalistic work, and more. Hos…

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Catching up on the Atlantic Mega-Scoop and Stephen A. vs. LeBron. Plus: Bryan’s Southwest Travelogue. 1:06:45

3M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss the highlights, lowlights, and books bought during Bryan’s family vacation across the American Southwest (1:30). Then, they dig deep into three stories that Bryan missed while he was out: Jeffrey Goldberg’s Signal scoop of the Trump administration’s war plans (15:00) The latest chapter of the LeBron v…

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136 - Pyramid Secrets Uncovered, Quantum Teleportation, & The Carolina Cryptids 1:40:31

3M ago1:40:31

1:40:31

Ancient pyramids with electric coils beneath them? Quantum teleportation experiments that actually work? Mysterious Cryptids lurking in the Carolinas?? This episode of Ninjas Are Butterflies is absolutely WILD. We dive into the latest mind-blowing discoveries about the Great Pyramid of Egypt—could it be an ancient power plant? We also explore the s…

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Episode 47: Damian Cowell – TISM, Damian Cowell's Disco Machine, The Arseless Chaps 2:00:04

3M ago2:00:04

2:00:04

When it comes to Damian Cowell, the only word that accurately sums up his career is ‘prolific.’ A staple of the Melbourne music scene for close to five decades now, Cowell has been involved in more bands than I’ve had hot dinners. On the prehistoric side of things, there’s bands such as Tall Stories and I Can Run, and then there’s a rather well-kno…

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Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis on Launching the Sports Gabfest, the Benefit of Mutually Reinforcing Weirdo Tendencies, and Why They Hate the Hall of Fame 1:33:52

3M ago1:33:52

1:33:52

Hello, media consumers! Bryan is still out on vacation, but Joel is here with two former colleagues, Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis. They kick off the show by discussing the first time Joel joined them on a podcast (0:44). Then they discuss the following: ‘Hang Up and Listen,’ a sports show that was produced by a non-sports publication (14:00) The re…

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25 for 25 Industry in Memoriam: Remembering the Publications Lost in the 21st Century 2:00:45

3M ago2:00:45

2:00:45

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel are back with the second edition of The Press Box's 25 for 25. Today, they look back at the publications lost in the 21st century—including ESPN the Magazine, Gawker, and many others—and ask: What do we lose when a media company disappears? And how should we remember them, if at all? Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Jo…

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135 - Rockefeller Conspiracy, Russian Ancient Library, & Sonic Weapons 1:42:40

3M ago1:42:40

1:42:40

What do the Rockefellers, a mysterious blood moon, and a UFO shaped like a Tic Tac have in common? Absolutely nothing… unless you listen to this episode. This week, we unravel the secrets of one of history’s richest (and possibly shadiest?) families, question why Mars is serving up intergalactic breath mints, and take a very disturbing look at the …