Best Difficulty Class Podcasts (2026)

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Bonus Episode: Tangents Ep. 12: These Characters F**k ...in a Taco Bell 1:12:46

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16h ago1:12:46

1:12:46

This week Erin, B. Dave, and Treavor decide if fictional characters make love, fuck, or think they fuck.If you want to listen to more Tangents episodes you can join our Patreon at patreon.com/writingaboutdragons

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Bonus Episode: Tangents Ep. 5: Say Hi to Your Milky 6 For Me 59:23

7d ago59:23

59:23

We're off the last two weeks of the year - so to make up for that here is a bonus episode that was a Patreon Exclusive! This week Erin talks about a misunderstanding and Treavor and B. Dave yell about the Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker for 40 minutes. If you want to hear more of our Tangent episodes you can join our Patreon at patreon.com/writinga…

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Ep. 181: Magic & Factions 1:07:07

15d ago1:07:07

1:07:07

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis answer two questions about Magic Systems and Making Factions! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Starring: Erin M Evans (Empire of Exiles, Brimstone Angels) https://bsky.app/profile/erinmevans.bsky.social B. Dave Walters (A Darkened Wish, Black Dice Society) htt…

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51. What can a shallow pond teach us about ethics? With David Edmonds 41:33

19d ago41:33

41:33

Imagine this: You’re walking past a shallow pond and spot a toddler thrashing around in the water, in obvious danger of drowning. You look around for her parents, but nobody is there. You’re the only person who can save her and you must act immediately. But as you approach the pond you remember that you’re wearing your most expensive shoes. Wading …

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Ep. 180: Worldbuilding Revisited Part 3 1:05:10

22d ago1:05:10

1:05:10

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis conclude their Revisit to Worldbuilding! Thank you to everyone who wrote in! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Starring: Erin M Evans (Empire of Exiles, Brimstone Angels) https://bsky.app/profile/erinmevans.bsky.social B. Dave Walters (A Darkened Wish, Black Di…

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Ep. 179: Worldbuilding Revisited Part 2 55:13

29d ago55:13

55:13

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis continue to Revisit Worldbuilding! Lots of Tangerinos wrote in with their questions and there are plenty more to answer next week! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Starring: Erin M Evans (Empire of Exiles, Brimstone Angels) https://bsky.app/profile/erinmevans.…

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How autistic is your child? | Kieran Rose 1:55:23

1M ago1:55:23

1:55:23

This week, Mark is joined once again by the brilliant Kieran Rose, AKA The Autistic Advocate – writer, educator, and parent of three neurodivergent children. Together, they take a deep (and sometimes uncomfortable) dive into one of the most contentious topics in neurodiversity parenting: labels. What do we mean when we describe someone as “severely…

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50. What can comics such as Heartstopper teach us about ethics? With Simon Meisch 39:59

1M ago39:59

39:59

A really interesting conversation with Simon Meisch this week. Simon is a Senior Lecturer for Applied Ethics at the Ethics Centre of the University of Tubingen, and until recently was also a visiting scholar here at IDEA. It's an unusual episode of the podcast in that we aren't talking about a specific ethical issue. Instead, we talk about a partic…

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Ep. 178: Worldbuilding Revisited Part 1 1:01:41

1M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis Revisit Worldbuilding! Lots of Tangerinos wrote in with their questions and there are plenty more to answer next week! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Starring: Erin M Evans (Empire of Exiles, Brimstone Angels) https://bsky.app/profile/erinmevans.bsky.social …

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Kids refusing medical help | Michelle Parton 1:22:59

1M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

This week, Mark is joined by Michelle Parton – a long-time Neuroshambles listener and parent of two neurodivergent children. They explore one of the more baffling challenges of raising our kids: why do so many of them flat-out refuse medical assistance? From hiding lava lamp injuries to meltdown-inducing blood tests, Mark and Michelle swap tales of…

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49. Are We Deceiving Future Generations About Environmental Crises? With Catriona McKinnon 45:34

2M ago45:34

45:34

In this episode I talk to Professor Catriona McKinnon, a political philosopher based at the University of Exeter. The topic is the various environmental crises facing humanity today. Obviously lots to discuss there, but Catriona wants to highlight one issue in particular, which is the way one generation can, with or without knowing it, conceal info…

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Ep. 177: Schrödinger’s Brilliance with Amanda Cherry 59:09

2M ago59:09

59:09

This week Erin M. Evans and Treavor Bettis are joined by Amanda Cherry! Together they record the most ADHD filled episode yet and eventually talk about Amanda’s Proccess and Moraly Grey Characters! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Special Guest: Amanda Cherry (FEMMES FATALE) https://www.thegingervillain.com/ Starring: E…

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Difficulty with transitions - Part 2 | Pete Wharmby 1:36:15

2M ago1:36:15

1:36:15

In part two of this deep dive into transitions, Mark reunites with author, trainer, and neurodiversity advocate Pete Wharmby to look at more reasons they can cause such a monumental challenge for autistic, ADHD and PDA kids (and adults). From difficulties pulling our kids away from screen-time and replacing a broken fridge, to the regular flashpoin…

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Ep. 176: “I Got a Big Spaceship and I Need a Plot” with Rhiannon Held 1:00:05

2M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis are joined by Rhiannon Held! Together they talk about Brainstorming and Writing Groups! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Special Guest: Rhiannon Held (Dungeon Scrawlers) https://twitter.com/RhiannonHeld Starring: Erin M Evans (Empire of Exiles, Brimstone Angel…

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48. How should you act as an in-house lawyer? With Sharon Bridglalsingh 42:44

2M ago42:44

42:44

For the last year and a half, Jim Baxter and the consulting team at IDEA, The Ethics Centre at the University of Leeds, have been working with the Law Society of England and Wales on a project looking at the ethics of in-house law. That project has involved talking to lots of lawyers who are both passionate and insightful about the job and the ethi…

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Ep. 175: Gothic Horror with Beth the Bard 56:45

2M ago56:45

56:45

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis are joined by Beth the Bard! Together they talk about what make Gothic Horror so horrific as well as a little bit about game writing! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Special Guest: Beth the Bard (She is the Ancient) https://beththebard.com/ Starring: Erin M E…

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Difficulty with transitions - Part 1 | Pete Wharmby 1:25:55

2M ago1:25:55

1:25:55

This episode of Neuroshambles, will resonate will all parents of neurodifferent kids, as Mark discusses difficulties with transition with the wonderful autism advocate, Pete Wharmby. Together, they delve into the messy, stressful, and often misunderstood world of transitions – from seemingly small everyday routines to major life changes. Whether it…

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47. Should we be worried about cancel culture? With Alfred Archer and Georgie Mills 47:26

2M ago47:26

47:26

Cancelling and cancel culture are terms that we hear a lot these days, and it's one of the many areas where there seems to be more heat than light. The phenomenon of cancelling has become a front in the so-called culture wars, with one side claiming it's a healthy form of protest, or simply confronting people with the consequences of their actions,…

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Ep. 174: Taking on Too Much with Brandon Crilly 1:00:32

3M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis are joined by Brandon Crilly! Together they talk about taking on WAY too much - something absolutely no one on this show has done at all. Ever. You can’t prove anything. Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Special Guest: Brandon Crilly (Catalyst) https://brandonc…

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Chiefs, Bucs, and Drake Maye Are Big Winners. Plus, Danny Kanell on Penn State’s Overreaction, Indiana’s Biggest Win, and the SEC’s Problem. 2:00:02

3M ago2:00:02

2:00:02

Russillo starts with some thoughts on the NFL weekend, including whether the Chiefs or Bucs had the better win and the fact that Drake Maye is looking like the best QB in the 2024 class. Next, he chats with old friend Danny Kanell about Indiana’s massive win over Oregon, whether Penn State made a mistake by firing James Franklin, and the big proble…

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Prime-Time Giants! NBA GM Survey Thoughts. Plus: Jeff Darlington on Baker’s Career Turnaround, Shanahan Love, and Belichick’s future. 2:01:27

3M ago2:01:27

2:01:27

Russillo starts with a rare fun Giants prime-time game and why he’s still unsure about Jalen Hurts. Then, he and Ceruti talk about the most interesting parts of the latest NBA GM survey. Next, ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington stops by to talk about this weekend's 49ers-Bucs matchup, the banged up Ravens, eventually taking the Jaguars seriously, th…

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Ep. 173: Monster Behavior with Keith Ammann 1:03:50

3M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis are joined by Keith Ammann! Together they talk about how monsters could behave and what narrative you can tell in D&D with combat. Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Special Guest: Keith Ammann (The Monsters Know What They Are Doing, Making Enemies) https://www.…

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The Giannis-Knicks Flirtation. Plus, Jeff Passan on Judge Saving the Yankees, More MLB Playoffs, and Life Advice! 1:43:36

3M ago1:43:36

1:43:36

Russillo opens with the Giannis-Knicks story and the biggest red flags for the Bucks, even if it’s unlikely to happen. Then, ESPN baseball writer Jeff Passan stops by to talk about Aaron Judge saving the Yankees, the disappointing Phillies, and more MLB playoffs. Plus, he sticks around for some Life Advice, including questions about a major hater a…

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Managing the work/shambles balance | Mark Holborow 1:31:16

3M ago1:31:16

1:31:16

By Mark Allen

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Broncos or Pats for the Best Win? Plus, the Best Coach Right Now and the Team Misery Index With Mike Sando and Ryen’s First CFB Top 12 Playoff Rankings! 1:45:06

3M ago1:45:06

1:45:06

By The Ringer

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46. Should we be worried about words changing their meaning? With Robbie Morgan 46:39

3M ago46:39

46:39

Words such as 'woke', 'emotional labour' and 'gaslighting' get bandied around a lot, especially in online discourse. And as they get bandied around, their meaning can change over time. Of course, changes in the meaning of words are natural, inevitable and, usually harmless. However, Robbie Morgan, back for his record-setting third appearance on Eth…

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Yanks Pack Up the Sox, the Strange 4-0 Eagles, and Fixing the Ravens With Kevin Clark. Plus, Is Kyle Shanahan a $30M coach? 1:22:12

3M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Russillo opens the show talking about Cam Schlittler’s incredible performance last night to eliminate the Red Sox. Then ESPN’s Kevin Clark stops by to discuss the 49ers' win over the Rams and just how impressive Kyle Shanahan is at maximizing QBs. They also discuss the Eagles' poor stats despite remaining undefeated through four weeks, the upcoming…

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Ep. 172: Plot Twists 2: What a Twist! 1:05:07

3M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis are joined by Melissa Caruso! Together they talk about a fan favorite topic–Plot Twists! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Special Guest: Melissa Caruso (The Last Hour Between Worlds, The Obsidian Tower) https://melissacaruso.net/ Starring: Erin M Evans (Empire…

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Talkin’ Baseball! Plus, Oregon, Ohio State, and Miami or the Field? And the Top CFB Stadiums With Fox’s Chris Fallica. 1:33:48

3M ago1:33:48

1:33:48

Russillo starts with some baseball talk, getting into why it’s so easy to get hooked on the playoffs. Then, he chats with Fox’s Chris Fallica about who the real contenders are in college football, how he’d rank the SEC right now, why this week is massive for Arch Manning and Texas, and the top stadium atmospheres. Finally, the guys close it out wit…

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The Packers' Worst Loss, the Chiefs' Best Win, and a Tough Jalen Hurts Convo With Sheil Kapadia. Plus, Same Old Penn State? 1:53:19

3M ago1:53:19

1:53:19

Russillo starts with his best win and worst loss from the NFL weekend and talks through the Ravens' and Packers' struggles and why we need to chill a little on Jaxson Dart’s debut. Then, he chats with Sheil Kapadia about the big questions around Jalen Hurts and the 4-0 Eagles, whether Puka Nacua is a top-three receiver, the Rams' place in the NFC, …

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Actor Tom Pelphrey Talks ‘Task’, Being a Giants Fan and Throwing Out a First Pitch. Plus Some 'TNF', Texans, and Cam Ward Thoughts. 1:36:05

3M ago1:36:05

1:36:05

Russillo starts with some thoughts on 'Thursday Night Football', including how to judge the start to Marvin Harrison Jr’s career. Plus, can the Texans' season be saved? Shedeur Sanders comments on being ready, and Cam Ward’s struggles. Then Russillo chats with actor Tom Pelphrey about his new hit show “Task”, plus the struggles of being a Giants fa…

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Dart and Caleb Outlooks, and the Disappointing 2026 QB Class With Coach Quincy Avery. Plus, Ryder Cup Talk With Michael Kim 1:40:41

3M ago1:40:41

1:40:41

Russillo is first joined by QB Coach Quincy Avery to discuss the Giants giving Jaxson Dart the starting job, why Caleb Williams's ceiling is still so high, and the disappointing state of some college quarterback prospects, including Arch, Nussmeier, Klubnik, and more. He then chats with pro golfer Michael Kim, fresh off a win at the Open de France,…

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Swearing | Heidi Mavir 1:28:20

3M ago1:28:20

1:28:20

To kick off Season 3, Mark welcomes back Neuroshambles favourite Heidi Mavir - bestselling author, speaker, fearless advocate and proud neurodivergent parent - for a lively and cathartic deep dive into swearing. From F-bombs on the trampoline to grandparent-safe alternatives, they explore how language, context, and neurodivergent wiring all shape h…

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Are the Eagles the New Chiefs? And Herbert Defenders, Stand Up! Plus, Todd McShay on Improved Indiana, Scary Miami, and More. 1:21:49

3M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

Russillo opens with some NFL Week 3 thoughts, including how the Rams lost to the Eagles, whether the Eagles are the new Chiefs, why Herbert defenders have been so stubborn, and why Caleb Williams is working his way back to being the best QB from the 2024 draft class. Plus, Todd McShay stops by to talk college football, including Indiana being even …

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Another Brutal Tua Pick, Plus Best Rookies and the 2026 QB Class With Daniel Jeremiah 1:40:15

4M ago1:40:15

1:40:15

Russillo starts with a recap of Dolphins-Bills and what essentially was the game-losing interception from Tua. Then he’s joined by the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah for more on Tua’s issues, plus why Josh Allen may have ruined our thoughts on QB development, his favorite rookies so far, and an early look at the 2026 QB draft class. Finally, the guy…

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Ep. 171: Finding Your Arc 1:06:55

4M ago1:06:55

1:06:55

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis revisit Character Arcs and answer a connected listener question! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Starring: Erin M Evans (Empire of Exiles, Brimstone Angels) https://bsky.app/profile/erinmevans.bsky.social B. Dave Walters (A Darkened Wish, Black Dice Society) …

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Best CFB Transfers and Arch's Issues With Max Olson. Plus, a Deep Dive on the Chiefs' Struggles With Mitchell Schwartz. 1:37:45

4M ago1:37:45

1:37:45

Russillo is joined by Max Olson to talk about the best transfer acquisitions in college football, preview this weekend’s biggest games, and reveal the teams that have surprised them the most this season. Then, Mitchell Schwartz comes on to break down O-line play leaguewide, discuss the Chiefs' issues, and talk about stories from his playing days. P…

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Chiefs 0-2, Tush Push Drama (Again), Joe Burrow's Injury, and the Dolphins' Mess With Dianna Russini. Plus, Should Miami Be Ranked No. 1? 1:48:04

4M ago1:48:04

1:48:04

Russillo starts the show with his awards for Week 2 in the NFL. Then he’s joined by Dianna Russini to learn more about Joe Burrow’s injury, break down Philadelphia’s big win over the Chiefs, and discuss the rise in QB play this week. Then, Ryen shares his thoughts on the updated AP poll and which teams have impressed in college football. Plus, Life…

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45. Are ethicists paying enough attention to social class? With Orla Carlin 45:23

4M ago45:23

45:23

Epistemic injustice is a broad category of injustice relating to knowledge. It can involve people from marginalised or oppressed groups being excluded, silenced, misrepresented, or not taken seriously — in conversations, education, or professional settings — because of their membership to that group. In academic contexts, this kind of injustice can…

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Ep. 170: Drunken First Draft 1:01:09

4M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis answer try something new and revisit an old topic! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Starring: Erin M Evans (Empire of Exiles, Brimstone Angels) https://bsky.app/profile/erinmevans.bsky.social B. Dave Walters (A Darkened Wish, Black Dice Society) https://bsky.a…

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The Packers' Ceiling, the Contenders' Biggest Flaws, and the Best Play Callers With Ted Nguyen 1:22:15

4M ago1:22:15

1:22:15

Russillo is joined by Ted Nguyen to break down the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl rematch, discuss the biggest flaws among the contenders, and share how NFL defensive coordinators ranked the best offensive minds in the league. Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russillo Podcast! (1:56) Russillo welcomes in Ted Nguyen (5:23…

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Caleb Williams Panic Meter, Cardinals Tight End Trey McBride, and 'Task' Creator Brad Ingelsby 1:59:52

4M ago1:59:52

1:59:52

Russillo opens the show with some concerning stats about Caleb Williams. Then, he’s joined by Trey McBride to discuss his hometown, his college career, and why he’s trying to stop hurdling people. Then, ‘Task’ creator Brad Ingelsby comes on to share some inside details about the pilot, the show in general, and whether he’s thought about a second se…

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Are the Ravens Actually Chokers? NFL Week 1 With Mike Sando. Plus, Oklahoma Is Relevant Again and More From Week 2 of College Football. 1:48:14

4M ago1:48:14

1:48:14

Russillo opens the show by recapping Week 1 of the NFL and giving out his best win and worst loss. Then, Mike Sando joins to break down what Buffalo’s comeback means for both teams, discuss the Packers’ massive win, and preview Monday Night Football. Next, Russillo shares his thoughts on this week’s college football action, including Oklahoma’s win…

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Eagles Win, But Hope For the Cowboys? Plus, 32 NFL Team Questions and Super Bowl Picks With Willie Colon. 2:00:11

4M ago2:00:11

2:00:11

Russillo starts the show with his thoughts on DAL-PHI before being joined by Ceruti to answer one question about every NFL team. Then, Willie Colon comes on to recap Dak Prescott’s performance, share his Super Bowl pick, and preview how Aaron Rodgers will look in Pittsburgh. Finally, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russ…

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Belichick-Brady Legacy Update, Arch’s Struggles, Bama In Trouble, and More from CFB Week 1 With Todd McShay and Danny Kanell 2:11:14

4M ago2:11:14

2:11:14

Russillo opens the show with his thoughts on the biggest Week 1 matchups in college football and an update on his Belichick-Brady legacy tracker. Then, Todd McShay joins to break down the QB performances and reveal which teams he believes should be ranked highest. Next, Russillo is joined by Danny Kanell for a victory lap after Florida State’s upse…

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44. Do large language models gossip? With Lucy Osler 41:23

4M ago41:23

41:23

Gossip is an ethically interesting phenomenon when humans do it. It creates a bond between the people doing the gossiping, but it does so by implicitly excluding the person being gossiped about, and can cause harm, especially when the gossip is malicious, or simply isn't true. What I hadn't realised until I spoke to Lucy Osler, a Lecturer in Philos…

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Ep. 169: Back in the Day 1:14:22

4M ago1:14:22

1:14:22

This week Erin M. Evans, B. Dave Walters, and Treavor Bettis answer questions about Web Comics, TV/Movie Scripts, Making Monsters, and more! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/writingaboutdragons Starring: Erin M Evans (Empire of Exiles, Brimstone Angels) https://bsky.app/profile/erinmevans.bsky.social B. Dave Walters (A Darkened Wish, Black…

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Part 2: Béla Fleck on the Banjo, His Journey, and Handling Success 41:02

4M ago41:02

41:02

Russillo is joined by Béla Fleck to discuss how he chose the banjo, his path to success, and what it’s like to have other artists look up to him. (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russillo Podcast! (4:03) How did you become proficient at the banjo? (6:30) When did you feel like you were taking this instrument in a different direction? (12:44) How did your…

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True CFB Title Contenders and Week 1 Thoughts With David Pollack. Plus, Adnan Virk Wrote a Book! 2:04:59

4M ago2:04:59

2:04:59

Russillo is joined by David Pollack to share his thoughts on the SEC, preview LSU-Clemson, and break down his favorite QBs. Hear more from David Pollack on his show See Ball Get Ball. Then, Adnan Virk comes on to discuss his new book, how it felt being at the 2017 Oscars, and the feeling of chasing his white whale interview. Plus, Life Advice with …

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Annual NFL Top Five at Every Position With Sheil Kapadia. Plus, Stanford Steve Previews Texas–Ohio State and CFB Week 1. 2:17:05

4M ago2:17:05

2:17:05

Russillo is joined by Sheil Kapadia for the annual rankings of the top five at every position in the NFL! They go through each position and discuss what Josh Allen needs to do to be considered the best QB in the NFL. Then, Stanford Steve comes on to share the teams that could have the biggest variance this season, preview the biggest matchups of We…