Best Volar Podcasts (2025)

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NEWSDESK: DRAW! FIFA World Cup & Concacaf Champions Cup 2026 Draws Set 1:00:13

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16d ago1:00:13

1:00:13

The guys get back together to talk through the FIFA World Cup Draw, from the nonsense that was the draw itself to the results for our Concacaf member nations. The path for Mexico, Canada, USA, Curacao, Haiti and Panama is set, while we wait on March's playoff for Jamaica and Suriname. Then, the Concacaf Champions Cup draw is discussed (44:08), addr…

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🎧 Underdubs – Episode 9: What Have We Been Listening To? 🎧 53:06

22d ago53:06

53:06

In this episode, we reconnect after a long hiatus to dive deep into our evolving music listening habits, personal discoveries, and reflections on how technology has reshaped the way we consume music. From classic rock revivals and progressive rock favorites to experimental artists, ECM soundscapes, Bandcamp gems, and even 70s elevator music, this e…

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New Show: The "Spanish Listening Practice Podcast"! 0:57

2M ago0:57

0:57

Spanish listening practice that actually works! The Spanish Listening Practice Podcast will help you understand real-life, native Spanish. Each episode features authentic Spanish stories and articles, written and performed by native Spanish-speaking humans. This show focuses on core, everyday Spanish — the top 1000 Spanish words that are spoken in …

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Episode 25 | Como Apoyar a los Padres de Adopción y de Cuidado de Crianza 12:57

2M ago12:57

12:57

Send us a text Como puedo apoyar a mis clientes, estudiantes, o amigos que son padres adoptivos o de cuidado de crianza? Escuche este episodio para aprender más. Support the show Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate. Speakin…

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NEWSDESK: US, Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica Join Bid for 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup & More 38:16

2M ago38:16

38:16

Back from the dead for Halloween, the boys finally get back together to talk about some things going on in soccer around Concacaf. With our hearts sending love to Jamaica and the other islands impacted by the storms in the Caribbean, topics including the four countries teaming up to bid for the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup, the latest in 2026 FIFA W…

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Beneath the Sky Shard, Part 7 - "In Our 𝘓𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘪𝘴 Era" 56:15

2M ago56:15

56:15

The party ascends to the Sky Shard and begins their attack! Nyx masterfully plays the pan pipes. Bob reunites with his wind chime tiny servant "Timothy Chime-amet." Angelica reminds everyone of the plan (Spoiler Alert: They go with a different plan). Hugo makes everyone sneaky.

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Episode 24 | 5 Equity-Minding Teaching Strategies 23:24

3M ago23:24

23:24

Send us a text Teachers, professors, and educators: Let’s get real about how we can increase access to the curriculum for all students, including foster/homeless youth, adoptees, and other vulnerable populations. In this episode, I share 5 practical techniques for enhancing equity in the classroom. Support the show Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina Dr. Zayd…

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Episode 23 | Nonprofits Making a Difference: Interview with Dexter O'Connell, Safe Place for Youth 29:36

4M ago29:36

29:36

Send us a text This episode highlights the vital role nonprofits play in addressing youth homelessness in Los Angeles. We’re joined by Guest Dexter O’Connell, Director of Youth Policy and Advocacy at Safe Place for Youth (SPY), who shares with us the impactful work that SPY is doing to address youth homelessness and the secret ingredient that makes…

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Beneath the Sky Shard, Part 6 - Our Anti-Stalking Special Episode 1:05:57

4M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

The party continues to battle the invisible stalkers that guard the Alighthouse. Bob senses something unsettling about the elementals. Angelica keeps being vengeful. Hugo gets a little snarky. No one told Nyx to be a pixie.

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NEWSDESK: World Cup Qualifying & USMNT News, Notes and POSTCARDS 54:22

4M ago54:22

54:22

Donald and Eric check in with some updates around Concacaf, as the fall World Cup Qualifying schedule is set, Puerto Rico nabs a huge friendly opponent and the USMNT roster drama continues. The guys also answer some POSTCARDS TO THE POD, as listeners ask about very normal things like fan culture, the Marshall Islands and the big Taylor Swift news. …

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Episode 22 | Nonprofits Making a Difference: Interview with Christian Quijano and Chino Quinlan, My Friend's Place 39:45

5M ago39:45

39:45

Send us a text About the Episode This episode highlights the vital role nonprofits play in addressing youth homelessness in Los Angeles. We’re joined by Christian Quijano, Associate Director of Program Innovation and Impact at My Friend’s Place, and Chino Quinlan, a former participant of the organization and now a Coordinator at the LA LGBT Center.…

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#31 - Cayman Islands 43:57

5M ago43:57

43:57

We're back with another CONCACAF LASER FOCUS, this time heading to the tax haven known as the Cayman Islands. Donald and Eric recall their trip to Truman Bodden Sports Complex for the inaugural Nations League group stage, and shout out to Coconut Joe's. Eric is up on REAL TEAM OR FAKE TEAM, and no, we still don't know what happened with the coach. …

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Beneath the Sky Shard, part 5 - Settling an Existential Grudge 58:39

5M ago58:39

58:39

The party remembers about shadow wights. Angelica has a good attack roll from last time. Tyrannosaurus Nyx makes another appearance. Hugo definitely saw Angelica's fail. Bob believes that Angelica is doing a great job.

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Episode 21 | Foster Parent Trainings in LA County: Interview with Researchers Kathleen (Kate) Soto Gisler and Kaili Farhat 18:53

6M ago18:53

18:53

Send us a text In this episode we have guests Kaili Farhat and Kathleen (Kate) Soto Gisler present their master’s thesis on foster parent training programs in Los Angeles County. As home to one of the largest child welfare systems in the United States, LA County offers a wide range of trainings for foster parents. However, notable gaps remain in th…

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Beneath the Sky Shard, Part 4 - Alighthouse Encounter 1:06:56

6M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

The party faces Ambassador Hetheal at the Alighthouse. Nyx forments a rebellion. Angelica has a 4-step plan. Hugo has trouble with stairs. Bob loses his wallet.

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Episode 20 | Libertad? 14:41

7M ago14:41

14:41

Send us a text What is freedom? This episode presents a profound critique of freedom drawing upon key concepts in Nichiren Buddism and the story of Tsunesaburō Makiguchi. Que es la libertad? Este episodio presenta una crítica profunda de la libertad por recurrir al Buddismo Nichiren y el cuento de Tsunesaburō Makiguchi. Support the show Dr. Zayda S…

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NEWSDESK: Concacaf 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Update, Second Round Preview 36:19

7M ago36:19

36:19

A year after the second round of Concacaf 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification began, it concludes... now! With 12 spots in the third and final round of qualifying up for grabs, Eric and Donald run through the six groups and touch on ALL 30 TEAMS remaining in Concacaf in just over half an hour to get you ready for the games of this window. From Cayman…

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NEWSDESK: Catching Up On Concacaf 33:11

7M ago33:11

33:11

It's been a minute but the boys are back! Donald and Eric get together to catch up and talk about some of the stuff going on around the region. The guys touch on March's Nations League Finals, commemorate a major anniversary for the global game, catch you up on the Unity Cup featuring Trinidad & Tobago and the club happenings in Concacaf Champions …

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Episode 19 | Foster Care License Requirements: Interview with Researchers Jasmine Mitchell and Maggie Reddington 24:17

8M ago24:17

24:17

Send us a text Happy foster care awareness month! In this episode, child welfare workers and Maggie Reddington and Jasmine Mitchell disseminate their research from their master's thesis, which examines the exclusionary requirements of the U.S. foster care licensing process. If you've ever wondered, what is the process to become a foster parent, thi…

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Episode 18 | Becoming a Foster Parent: 5 Things I Wish I Knew 19:16

9M ago19:16

19:16

Send us a text Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent? Save yourself a headache and tune in to these five things you need to know before becoming a foster parent. Support the show Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and ad…

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Episode 16 | Cuento Infantil: Alas Para Volar 8:32

9M ago8:32

8:32

Send us a text This story is for children as much as it is for adults, inviting the listener to tap into their inner child to cultivate imagination. Alas para volar means wings to fly in Spanish. This is a special episode release to recognize International Multilingual Day on March 27th. I practice multilingual parenting, and this story that I shar…

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Episode 17 | Child Story: Wings to Fly 7:51

9M ago7:51

7:51

Send us a text This story is for children as much as it is for adults, inviting the listener to tap into their inner child to cultivate imagination. Alas para volar means wings to fly in Spanish. This is a special episode release to recognize International Multilingual Day on March 27th. I practice multilingual parenting, and this story that I shar…

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NEWSDESK: VOLAR! and Concacaf Nations League Finals Preview 43:57

10M ago43:57

43:57

Eric and Donald head to the NEWSDESK to chat about the beautiful nonsense around Concacaf. The guys preview the Concacaf Nations League Finals, talk about Concacaf's debut of VOLAR, the confederation's new mascot and run down the upcoming Gold Cup qualification matches. If you're looking for a podcast talking about an animorphic seabird that featur…

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Episode 15 | DEI Explained 18:21

10M ago18:21

18:21

Send us a text Have you ever wondered: What is DEI? There is a lot of misinformation about what it is and what it is not. In this episode, I present a basic definition of DEI in lay terms. Stay tuned for the special episode release on March 27th in recognition of International Multi-lingual Day! I will be sharing a cuento infantil, or child story. …

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#30 - Bermuda 36:14

10M ago36:14

36:14

The next CONCACAF LASER FOCUS is where we get lost talking about the Bermuda Triangle, as we chat Gombey Warriors and the island nation of Bermuda. Jonathan gets to take a guess on REAL TEAM OR FAKE TEAM (26:53). Support the podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/podcacaf Follow us on Bluesky at @podcacaf.bsky.social…

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Episode 14 | Podcast Name Change 3:09

10M ago3:09

3:09

Send us a text This podcast is an official announcement regarding the podcast's name change, from "The Voice" to "Foster Care, Adoption and Beyond: Untold Stories", also revealing in more detail what this podcast is about and what you can expect. Support the show Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, fo…

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Episode 13 | Self-Love: A Lifelong Journey 14:36

11M ago14:36

14:36

Send us a text How can I love myself? What is self-love? This episode provides a basic definition of self-love and strategies to embark on a life long journey of self-love. Support the show Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advoca…

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#29 - Saint Martin 33:01

11M ago33:01

33:01

At long last, we're back with another CONCACAF LASER FOCUS as we return to Saint Martin (the island) to talk about Saint Martin (the French side). We talk about the history, Eric talks about his brief visit, and then the soccer. On REAL TEAM OR FAKE TEAM (22:29), Jonathan and Eric have Donald seeing stars... lots of them. Follow us on Bluesky at po…

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Beneath the Sky Shard, Part 3 - "Uptown Downtown Adventures" 1:19:17

11M ago1:19:17

1:19:17

The party speaks to the mistral elf Windspeaker. Nyx wants to be honest (for once). Angelica is persuasive, as a noble. Hugo on the other hand, is not persuasive. Bob doesn't even know what a fife is.

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Los Angeles: An Unexpected Love 14:48

11M ago14:48

14:48

When Megan moved to Los Angeles in 2019, she thought she would fall in love with her job, not the city where her job brought her. If you’re wondering how you can help Los Angeles move toward recovery after the wildfires, you can donate to: California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund American Red Cross Los Angeles Fire Department Founda…

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NEWSDESK: Back for 2025! News, Notes & Postcards 32:24

12M ago32:24

32:24

New year, same Concacaf nonsense. Donald, Eric and Jonathan are back with a quick update on some of the recent stories around Concacaf, from exiled Quebec amateur leaguer Matko Miljevic getting called into the senior US Men's National Team to the legendary Miguel Herrera getting the Costa Rica job and Saudi Arabia getting a Gold Cup invite. After t…

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Episode 12 | A Poem Dedicated to Birth Moms 7:23

12M ago7:23

7:23

Send us a text This episode presents a poem and song dedicated to all birth mothers, and especially birth mothers who had their child taken away. This episode is inspired by my experience as a former foster and homeless youth, adoptive parent, and professor of social work. Share this episode with someone who you believe can resonate. Support the sh…

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The Show That Was Never Published 18:57

12M ago18:57

18:57

Back in 2021, LA-born TV and podcast writer, director, and producer Erick Galindo and I worked together making podcasts and coming up with different ideas. We made pitches and pilots — some of them saw the light of day, others did not. Today, I’m sharing an idea for a show that was never published. “Close to the Sun” a show about real places and pe…

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067. From Opera to Comedy: Episodic Depression, External Validation & Career Change | Mari Volar (EST) 1:20:45

1y ago1:20:45

1:20:45

Estonian comedian Mari Volar opens up about her unexpected journey from pursuing opera to finding her voice in comedy. We dive into the realities of living with episodic depression, the constant hunt for external validation, and the messy process of changing careers. Whether you're questioning your career path or just trying to figure out why you n…

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066. Self-Doubt, Social Anxiety, BURNOUT | Eve Ellenbogen (USA) 1:28:24

1y ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Comedians Eve Ellenbogen and Moni Zhang dive deep into the dark side of being a performer - from crippling self-doubt to complete burnout. Eve opens up about processing childhood trauma through comedy while Moni shares her breaking point after Edinburgh Fringe that led her to quit everything. A raw conversation about mental health in comedy, featur…

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What Do You Do When You Want Kids, But The Timing Never Feels Right? 36:04

1y ago36:04

36:04

In this episode of Dear Millennial, host Megan Tan answers a question from a listener who finds herself at a crossroads — eager to become a mom but unsure whether the timing is right, especially in a volatile career in media. Joining Megan is Elvia Garcia, co-owner of the James Beard-nominated Evil Cooks, a dynamic culinary business that has overco…

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065. From Jehovah's Witness to Gay Comic | Chris Ford (UK) @ edfringe 2024 53:02

1y ago53:02

53:02

Former Jehovah's Witness Chris Ford shares his transformation from living in religious constraints to embracing his sexuality. This interview explores religious trauma, self-discovery, and the courage to start over. Watch how Chris overcame homelessness, rebuilt his life through nursing, and found his voice in comedy. An unique story about choosing…

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Announcement from Timothy: New Course! 1:25

1y ago1:25

1:25

Join the Spanish In One Month challenge!

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064. High-Functioning Anxiety: Stress, Perfectionism, Social Overthinking | Catherine Lindsay (USA) @ edfringe 2024 43:42

1y ago43:42

43:42

💡 Discover how Catherine maintains her successful career while managing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depression, and ADHD. From childhood bullying to corporate success, this conversation proves that mental health challenges don't define your potential.🎯 This episode covers:- The three manifestations of her anxiety (perfectionism, time …

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How Do You Move On From a Friendship Breakup? 24:24

1y ago24:24

24:24

In this episode of Dear Millennial, Megan responds to a letter from a listener about a longtime friendship that has been tested by loyalty, boundaries, and new relationships. Senior Producer Amor Yates shares her own experience from over a decade ago, reflecting on how she faced a similar dilemma and found a way to heal after a friendship ended. De…

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063. The ADHD Experience: Time Blindness, Gay Panic & Comedy | John Robles (USA) @ edfringe 2024 1:18:11

1y ago1:18:11

1:18:11

What happens when two comedians with ADHD sit down to talk mental health? Pure chaos and pure honesty. John Robles shares his journey from feeling "just dumb" to understanding his neurodivergent brain, while we explore the messy reality of making it in comedy while managing mental health. Follow us on Instagram: @moni.zhang.comedy@blowmybackoutdotc…

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Episode 11 | How to Support First Gen Students 18:16

1y ago18:16

18:16

Send us a text This episode sheds light on the role of caring adults in paving the way for first generation college students and tips for success for first gen college students. Support the show Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and a…

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062. Emetophobia/OCD: Fear of Vomiting | Emily Markoe (USA) @ Edfringe 2024 1:05:59

1y ago1:05:59

1:05:59

"I Haven't Thrown Up Since 1998" In this candid conversation, LA comedian Emily Markoe unpacks life with OCD and emetophobia. With disarming honesty and humor, Emily shares how her intense fear of vomiting has influenced everything from her marriage to potential motherhood, while revealing how therapy helped her face her fears. Follow us on Instagr…

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061. Living with Schizophrenia: Comedy, Laughs, and Hallucinations | Auz Thompson (UK) @ Edfringe 2024 1:06:30

1y ago1:06:30

1:06:30

A raw and honest chat with comedian Auz Thompson about life with schizophrenia. Recorded in a rainy park at Edinburgh Fringe 2024, we dive into everything from early diagnosis, the reality of hallucinations, to finding humor in the darkness. Also features an unexpected umbrella situation and some very British weather management.Follow us on Instagr…

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060. PhD, ADHD, Comedy | Jordan Thomas Gray (USA) @ Edfringe 2024 43:48

1y ago43:48

43:48

Two comedians with ADHD have an unfiltered conversation about turning their "weaknesses" into strengths on stage. Jordan Thomas Gray (USA) and Moni Zhang dive into the messy reality of creative life with ADHD. No sugar coating here - just real talk about finding your place when your brain works differently. Plus, we laugh about failed attempts at b…