Best Pat Benincasa Podcasts (2025)

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Running Toward the Fire: The Many Lives of Kristianne Schultz 48:04

1d ago48:04

48:04

Send us a text What kind of person runs toward the fire — not away? Kristianne Schultz has lived many lifetimes in one: firefighter, EMT, surgical tech, acupuncturist, healer. But behind every role is one relentless search — for healing, for wholeness, for a self-reclaimed from childhood pain and trauma. In this episode, Kristianne opens up about s…

1
When DNA Unlocks a Prison Door 41:55

24d ago41:55

41:55

Send us a text What happens when the justice system gets it wrong—devastatingly wrong? In this riveting episode of Fill To Capacity, attorney Chris Renz shares the harrowing story of how his legal team at Chestnut Cambronne—working with the Great North Innocence Project—helped exonerate Robert “Bobby” Bintz, who spent 25 years behind bars for a bru…

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The Fierce Quiet of Truth- Joan of Arc Today 9:45

1M ago9:45

9:45

Send us a text ⚖️ When truth stands alone, it still stands—just ask Joan of Arc. 🛡️⚜️ Joan of Arc Scroll Medal This brass alloy medal can be worn on a necklace, a keychain, dogtags, on a bag, or in your car. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please Note: The v…

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Legacy In Action: Rosalynn Carter and the Power of Care 46:26

2M ago46:26

46:26

Send us a text Who cares for the caregiver? In this powerful and tender conversation, Mandy Barr—President Carter’s great-niece and Engagement Specialist at the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers—opens a door into the heart of caregiving in America today. With raw honesty and lived experience—as a caregiver, military spouse, and mother of a m…

1
Silent Storms: Parental Burnout To Breakthrough 49:30

2M ago49:30

49:30

Send us a text In this revealing episode, we go to the heart of a crisis too many parents carry in silence. Dr. Kate Gawlik—Doctor of Nursing Practice, researcher, professor, and mother of four—exposes the quiet toll of parenting—burnout and the loneliness no one talks about. We dig into what the data reveals, how the pandemic reshaped family life,…

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We Came From Somewhere 23:38

2M ago23:38

23:38

Send us a text What do Bugs Bunny, a book of Italian love poems, and a burned diploma have in common? Me. And Papaco. In this episode, I trace a line from my grandfather’s one-armed resilience to my own battle with shame, dyslexia, and teachers who said, “college isn’t for you.” From Calabria’s poverty to the Welland Canal’s brutal cost, from war-t…

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Depave the Way: Restoring Land, Reconnecting Communities 42:21

2M ago42:21

42:21

Send us a text Pavement is everywhere—trapping heat, polluting water, and cutting us off from nature. But what if we could tear it up and bring life back to our cities? Enter Depave, a dynamo organization transforming urban spaces by tearing out unnecessary pavement and replacing it with thriving green landscapes. In this episode, Katherine Rose of…

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A Dialogue Across Time and Absence With Aidan Ryan 37:41

3M ago37:41

37:41

Send us a text In this moving episode, Aidan Ryan—writer, publisher, and filmmaker discusses his deeply personal book, I Am Here - You Are Not - I Love You. The book unearths the extraordinary yet overlooked lives of Cindy Suffoletto and Andy Topolski, two groundbreaking artists who came out of Buffalo’s raw, experimental 1970s art scene and made t…

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Don’t Get Played- Get MediaWise With Brittani Kollar 39:12

3M ago39:12

39:12

Send us a text Misinformation floods the internet. Can you separate fact from fiction? In this must-hear episode, Brittani Kollar, Deputy Director of MediaWise at the Poynter Institute, breaks down the rise of online deception—and how you can fight back. · The biggest red flags of online misinformation · How AI, deepfakes, and clickbait are changin…

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Riding Through The Storm: Finding Strength In Chaos With Risa August 50:46

4M ago50:46

50:46

Send us a text What happens when a top-tier athlete, defined by discipline and control, is faced with a rare illness and the collapse of an 18-year marriage? Risa August got off her couch, named her tumor “Bubba,” grabbed her bike, and rode 1,845 miles down the Pacific Coast, battling pain, gale-force winds, and heartbreak. In this gripping episode…

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Trailblazing Triumph: Rewriting Healthcare for Women 65+ 43:58

4M ago43:58

43:58

Send us a text Reimagine women’s healthcare! This episode explores the groundbreaking work of Herself Health, redefining care for women 65+ with a bold, whole-person approach. Join Becca Kummer, Clinic Manager, and Morgan Lange, Physician Assistant, as they share how they’re charting new paths with empathy, connection, and innovative value-based ca…

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FTC in-btwn #16: Bad-Ass Crow: Flight Path To Defiance 4:41

4M ago4:41

4:41

Send us a text What happens when a crow with serious attitude takes to the skies? A flight path you won’t believe! Sometimes, it’s in the smallest acts of defiance that we find our truest strength. Joan of Arc Scroll Medal This brass alloy medal can be worn on a necklace, a keychain, dogtags, on a bag, or in your car. Disclaimer: This post contains…

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From Carbondale to Coral Reefs: Bold Science, Big Impact 34:16

5M ago34:16

34:16

Send us a text What do coral reefs, the Heartland and a student at Southern Illinois Univ. have in common? A groundbreaking journey to save our oceans. Dive deep with Ashlynn Shea, a zoology senior and coral conservation advocate, whose work in a landlocked lab is transforming the future of marine biology. From studying coral microbiomes to dreamin…

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FTC in-btwn #15: Sacred Motions and Rebel Metronomes 4:15

5M ago4:15

4:15

Send us a text What do metronomes, circles, and chemical reactions have to do with the new year? Find out in this 5-minute episode where anxiety meets purpose, and the sacred takes center stage. Joan of Arc Scroll Medal This brass alloy medal can be worn on a necklace, a keychain, dogtags, on a bag, or in your car. Disclaimer: This post contains af…

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The Radical Power of Art: Saving History, Shaping Futures 54:47

5M ago54:47

54:47

Send us a text Listen as Joan Vorderbruggen, a visionary force in public art and creative place-making reveals how art can revolutionize communities. Through Minnesota's beloved Dayton's holiday displays and the new Twin Cities Public TV (TPT) documentary "Remember the Magic," she weaves together cultural preservation, community transformation, and…

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Hammers, Hearts & Hope: A Housing Revolution With Cheri Witt-Brown 56:05

6M ago56:05

56:05

Send us a text In this riveting episode, Cheri Witt-Brown, a visionary leader, shares how she transformed Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity into a beacon of innovation and hope. Building has always been in her DNA—from childhood days on her dad’s construction sites to leading the charge on groundbreaking affordable housing solutions. A devastating …

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FTC in-btwn # 14: The Weight of What Holds Us 7:55

6M ago7:55

7:55

Send us a text When the world spins out of control, how do you find your center? Join me for an 8-minute journey that turns a snow globe into a radical map for surviving chaos. Joan of Arc Scroll Medal This brass alloy medal can be worn on a necklace, a keychain, dogtags, on a bag, or in your car. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If …

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The Intersection of Climate Change, Immigration and Hope 40:27

6M ago40:27

40:27

Send us a text In this riveting episode, Laura Danielson, a seasoned immigration lawyer, confronts the global crisis of climate refugees. She reveals how climate change is forcibly displacing millions, exposing critical weaknesses in current immigration policies. From Haiti to Central America’s Dry Corridor and South Asia’s sinking coasts, Laura hi…

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Stardom, Struggle and Stolen Slippers: The Legacy of Judy Garland 37:31

7M ago37:31

37:31

Send us a text In this deeply moving episode, we journey into the life and legacy of Judy Garland. As Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, she traveled a road of uncertainty and danger, yet held fast to her core self. Joined by Judy Garland Museum’s Founding Director, John Kelsch, and Executive Director, Janie Heitz, we explore Garland’s life and story of …

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Heroes Behind Your Ballot, Who Are They? 53:18

7M ago53:18

53:18

Send us a text Journey into the heart of democracy with Michelle Witte, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Minnesota, as she reveals how this powerful engine of civic engagement shapes our future. From its suffrage movement roots—championed by trailblazers like Nellie Griswold Francis and generations of African American women activ…

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Cosmic High-Fives: Coincidence & Synchronicity With Sophia Demas 46:29

8M ago46:29

46:29

Send us a text Ever had a day when the universe seemed to be playing cosmic peek-a-boo? Buckle up, buttercup! Sophia Demas is here to spill the celestial tea on those "no way!" moments that are actually the universe's way of saying, "Psst, over here!" Sophia reveals how problem-solving, and spirituality link her diverse experiences - from her archi…

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19 Countries, One Home: A Story of Cultural Exchange 53:58

8M ago53:58

53:58

Send us a text Ever wonder how opening your home to strangers from across the globe could change your life? Join Marlis Lambson as she shares 9 years of hosting international students, transforming her home into an eclectic hub of cultures, creativity, and deep connections. Listen as she used zany strategies during the pandemic to create unforgetta…

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One Dam At A Time: When Rivers Run Free With Marty Holtgren 42:17

9M ago42:17

42:17

Send us a text Discover how removing dams isn't just about freeing water—it's about liberating the very soul of our landscapes. Journey with Marty Holtgren, a visionary fisheries biologist and social scientist, as he delves into the revolutionary world of river restoration. From the historic reconnection of Michigan’s Maple River to global dam remo…

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Bold Strokes: The Art & Heart of Taylor Rae Hillestad 35:39

9M ago35:39

35:39

Send us a text What does Boy George, Anthony Edwards and a beloved grandfather have to do with a young artist’s creative journey? Find out in this captivating episode with Taylor Rae Hillestad, a dynamic artist and graphic designer who blends vibrant colors and mixed media to create unforgettable portraits that resonate with both subject and viewer…

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The Butterfly Effect: Making Butterfly Magic 41:49

10M ago41:49

41:49

Send us a text Jump into the enchanting world of monarch butterflies—nature's neon nomads! In this episode, Professor Emilie Snell-Rood from University of Minnesota explores the captivating and fragile world of monarch butterflies. Tackling the critical challenges posed by climate change, drought, and pesticides, Emilie shares her deep expertise, p…

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From Firefighting To Forests: A Wild Woodland Journey 43:31

11M ago43:31

43:31

Send us a text Discover the secrets of revolutionary forest management with Brian Huberty, a seasoned expert whose career spans from firefighting to pioneering digital mapping systems that monitor our planet’s landscapes. Brian unpacks how the Minnesota Forestry Association boosts forest management, fire safety, and carbon storage. We compare famil…

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Dementia and the Long Goodbye: Care & Coping With Jennifer Awinda 36:41

11M ago36:41

36:41

Send us a text In this riveting episode, Jennifer Awinda, shatters myths about dementia and aging. As a senior living and dementia practitioner, she shares moving stories of her grandparent’s battles with dementia that brought her to this work. Jennifer's insights will help you clearly understand the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s and…

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Menagerie of Mischief: Who Rescues Who? 32:52

12M ago32:52

32:52

Send us a text How do unexpected friends become our greatest healers? Join Emily Couture, known to squirrel enthusiasts as Emily Gordon, where home for her is a bustling hub of both indoor and outdoor animal adventures, capturing hearts and sparking laughter across the digital landscape! Hear how Lily the squirrel profoundly impacted Emily during h…

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Beyond the ER: The Wisdom Quest With Dr. Laura Gabayan 41:12

12M ago41:12

41:12

Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Laura Gabayan, a leader in ER medicine and wisdom research at UCLA, shares insights from her groundbreaking book "Common Wisdom." Born to Kurdish immigrants and having faced numerous life challenges herself, Dr. Gabayan embarked on a quest to understand the essence of wisdom by interviewing 60 i…

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Purpose Over Peril: Roadmap for Teen Mental Wellness With Dr. Scott Kolbaba 44:26

1y ago44:26

44:26

Send us a text In this gripping episode, Dr. Scott Kolbaba, a renowned physician, and author, takes us on a profound journey into the heart of teen mental health. With his work in an adolescent psych unit and personal experiences as a father of seven, Dr. Kolbaba exposes multifaceted challenges facing today's youth, from the relentless pressures of…

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Two Moms, One Mission: Inclusive Fashion For All 34:50

1y ago34:50

34:50

Send us a text In this episode, Joanne DiCamillo and Nikki Puzzo, founders of befree, an innovative adaptive clothing line designed for people with limited mobility share their unstoppable journey! Inspired by Nikki’s daughter Stella’s post-surgery needs, Joanne and Nikki transformed a simple idea, zipOns into a groundbreaking solution that offers …

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Extreme Terrain: Inner Maps & Northern Resilience With Paul Gaines 39:28

1y ago39:28

39:28

Send us a text In this episode, Paul Gaines, talks of the wild beauty and daunting challenges of Alaska's mental health scene. In candid conversation, Paul recounts his work at the College of Visual Arts (St. Paul. MN) to becoming a Behavioral Health Director in Fairbanks. Alaska’s tough environment requires mental health professionals who can hand…

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Designing A Life: From Galway to Gondolas With Orna O'Reilly 37:40

1y ago37:40

37:40

Send us a text Orna O’Reilly, accomplished interior designer shares her journey from Ireland to thrilling days in South Africa, where she queued 5 hours to vote for Nelson Mandela to perilous times dodging danger in Mozambique. Once back in Ireland, she felt the irresistible pull to the place of her dreams: Italy. Her passion for Italian landscapes…

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Calm In A Crisis- First of the First Responders 53:05

1y ago53:05

53:05

Send us a text “ Never seen but always heard!” Jump headfirst into the high-stakes world of 911 dispatch with Marlis X with who navigates rapid-fire decisions and vital communications. Discover the daily work of emergency dispatch, where multitasking and calm coexist. Marlis talks about the mental gymnastics required to balance incoming calls, coor…

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Memory Keepers: Honoring The Forgotten With Natalie Zett 47:11

1y ago47:11

47:11

Send us a text In this episode, Natalie Zett shares a riveting narrative where she goes from storyteller to conduit for the voices that time almost silenced. She scours ethnic and neighborhood newspapers, offering an intimate look into the lives of immigrant families. Her translations of historical documents, reveal the rich, culturally diverse voi…

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iNunca Es Tarde Para Bailar! 43:35

1+ y ago43:35

43:35

Send us a text El baile no es solo movimiento al ritmo de la música; es la celebración de Liz Pimentel-Gopal de la identidad cultural y la autoreinvención. Desde las vibrantes calles de México hasta el foco de la NBA, la historia de Liz es un vívido bis de la vida a más de 55 años. Este episodio rastrea su resiliente ritmo desde una recién encontra…

1
Never Too Late To Dance! 43:07

1+ y ago43:07

43:07

Send us a text Dance isn't just movement to music; it's Liz Pimentel-Gopal's celebration of cultural identity and self-reinvention. From Mexico's vibrant streets to the NBA's spotlight, Liz's story is a vivid encore of life at 55+. This episode traces her resilient beat from a newfound American identity to breaking stereotypes with the Golden State…

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Nothing IS Etched in Stone? 2:16

1+ y ago2:16

2:16

Send us a text Objects that anchor us - do you have one? I’ve journeyed with an etched stone for 20+ years. It's been a silent guide through change, a puzzle in constancy, and a testament to life's irony. Joan of Arc Scroll Medal This brass alloy medal can be worn on a necklace, a keychain, dogtags, on a bag, or in your car. Disclaimer: This post c…

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From Bench to Community- Sparking Change Through Connection 41:34

1+ y ago41:34

41:34

Send us a text Explore the wisdom, humor, and focus of strategic change-making with Shaun Floerke. As a judge, he shaped innovative specialty courts and programs fostering family unity within the legal system, but at the helm of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, he has shaped a proactive, compassionate outreach, highlighting the power …

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Reclaiming Self: A Holistic Journey with Cancer 31:47

1+ y ago31:47

31:47

Send us a text When Alice Grasset faced breast cancer at 40, her world was upended, leaving a corporate career to co-found the Yapura Wellness Center in North Carolina. This personal and professional collision led to the creation of 'Sparkles of Grace' – a holistic program guiding women through the emotional and physical labyrinth of cancer recover…

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Writing Sci-Fi At Sea – A World Building Adventure With Liz Shipton 40:26

1+ y ago40:26

40:26

Send us a text In this episode, we set sail on a voyage into the heart of storytelling and sea-bound living with Liz Shipton, an indie author who has carved out a life that's as unconventional as it is inspiring. Living with her boyfriend Trevor, and their dog Aloy on their 43’ sailboat, Liz gives us a glimpse into the realities of her day-to-day l…

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Kris Frykman: Melding Materials & Emotions in Art 41:17

1+ y ago41:17

41:17

Send us a text Explore the power of creativity in self-discovery and healing with Kris Frykman, an acclaimed artist, educator, and art therapist. In this engaging podcast, Kris unveils how art therapy goes beyond aesthetics, becoming a vital tool for self-expression, healing, and coping with life's complexities. Discover her transformative work wit…

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The Unmuted Path: Sibling Bonds to Published Memoir- A Conversation with Mick Cochrane 58:51

1+ y ago58:51

58:51

Send us a text What if resilience and compassion were life tools forged in a violent childhood where poverty, alcohol and illness were constants? Could they pave the way for an unshakable sibling bond that becomes a journey of purpose and connection? Listen as Mick Cochrane, acclaimed writer and professor answers this question in his captivating na…

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Extreme Weather: A Path of Artistry and Authenticity 46:25

1+ y ago46:25

46:25

Send us a text Get ready for this electrifying episode with Lori Grace Bailey, professional photographer, and storm chaser who not only survived being struck by lightning but has an incredible story to tell! 🌩️ In this eye-opening conversation, we delve into Lori's incredible journey, from chasing tornadoes and capturing lightning strikes to facing…

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"A Woman From Elsewhere" 39:40

1+ y ago39:40

39:40

Send us a text Join us on a journey of cultural exploration with Vesna Kittelson, a tri-located citizen of the world, gracefully navigating Croatia, Cambridge, and Minneapolis. Raised in Communist Yugoslavia, her compelling life story reflects the power of curiosity, offering unique perspectives on the world. Vesna’s artistic journey transcends not…

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The Wind Spinner’s Tale: Rod Read’s Energy Revolution 39:37

1+ y ago39:37

39:37

Send us a text Ready to ride the winds of innovation? Explore Windswept Kite Turbines, a game-changing technology led by visionary CEO Rod Read, located in the Shetland islands. Discover how these trailblazing kites are reshaping renewable energy by harnessing high altitude winds and their adaptability to various land or ocean locations. Rod shares…

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Aviator & Mentor: Mina Carlson's Remarkable Flight Path 54:00

1+ y ago54:00

54:00

Send us a text Ready for takeoff? Join us as we soar into the captivating world of aviation with Mina Carlson. From high school dreams to becoming a certified private and commercial pilot, flight instructor, and serving in the Air Force Reserves as a flight engineer, Mina shares her remarkable journey while balancing multiple roles. Explore the fut…

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Beyond DNA: Peter Hurley's Italian Odyssey 37:52

1+ y ago37:52

37:52

Send us a text Peter Hurley’s journey to Mangone is where roots meet route. It's a trip where genealogy and family research become a roadmap to understanding. He proves that when you dig deep into your family tree, you don't just find names and dates—you find destinations. Peter sets off on a 28-day odyssey to Mangone, his mother's ancestral villag…

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Unbridled Potential: The Power of Equine Therapy 57:39

1+ y ago57:39

57:39

Send us a text Step into the world of equine therapy, guided by the inspiring Lynn Moore, CEO of Acres for Life Therapy & Wellness Center. Listen to Lynn’s own transformative tale, one marked by mental health struggles and search for meaningful connection. Take a virtual tour of Acres sprawling, verdant pastures where horses - each with a personali…

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FTC in-btwn #12: Is Routine the Enemy of Change? 8:27

2y ago8:27

8:27

Send us a text Ever feel trapped in the same old routine, and everything becomes a chore? Discover the delicate balance between comfort and creativity and decipher what a rut really means. Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster. Follow me on Instagram!…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Pat Benincasa Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen