Best Dysfunctional University Podcasts (2025)

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Ari Gold on what happens when 'live cinema' meets family dysfunction 28:57

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4d ago28:57

28:57

Filmmaker Ari Gold turns the camera on his own family in "Brother Verses Brother," an ambitious one-shot musical that follows him and his identical twin brother searching for meaning through the streets of San Francisco's North Beach, alongside their 99-year-old novelist father, Herb. Gold explains how this experimental work, executive produced by …

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Episode 194: Bending Not Breaking

5d ago

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In "Bending Not Breaking," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent layoffs and layoff reversals at the CDC, comments from the administration on the MMR vaccine, and the latest respiratory virus data. Dr. Osterholm also shares an update on pertussis cases and answers an ID Query about herd immunity.Resources for vaccine and public heal…

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Dina Gilio-Whitaker on how California commodified Native identity 29:05

11d ago29:05

29:05

Dina Gilio-Whitaker, author of the new book "Who Gets to Be Indian?" explores how California became ground zero for Native American identity fraud — from Hollywood's early film lots to today's casino capitalism and tribal disenrollment crisis. The state's confluence of entertainment industry, counterculture movements, federal relocation programs, a…

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Chetana Sabnis on The Intimacy Contract and the Indian State 51:24

12d ago51:24

51:24

Our third scholar in the series is Chetana Sabnis, who is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Political Science at Yale University. Her research focuses on how states regulate intimate relationships and construct hierarchies of familial belonging. We spoke about her job market paper titled, The Intimacy Contract in Action: How Indian Courts D…

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Rehab Rewind: Disk Disease with Dr. Gena Silver 32:20

14d ago32:20

32:20

Learn from premier veterinary neurologist, Gena Silver, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology,) all about intervertebral disk disease (IVDD,) a common neurological disease in all pets. What is it? Can it be prevented? How do you recognize it? What do you do when your pet gets it? Explained in a clear and understandable fashion for all pet lovers. To learn mor…

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Mike Magee on building the world's most innovative university 26:48

18d ago26:48

26:48

Mike Magee is the president of Minerva University, which has earned the No. 1 ranking in the World University Rankings for Innovation for four consecutive years. Founded in San Francisco in 2012, Minerva reimagined higher education — eliminating campuses, lectures, and tenure while sending students to live and study across seven global cities. Mage…

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Episode 193: Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods

19d ago

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In "Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall break down the CDC’s recent ACIP meeting and the ongoing uncertainty around updated vaccine recommendations. Dr. Osterhom discusses state-level differences in vaccine access, possible changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and reviews the latest data on CO…

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Tim Higgins on the battle to take down Apple 45:18

25d ago45:18

45:18

Tim Higgins discusses his new book "iWar," examining how one of California's corporate crown jewels, Apple, faces an unprecedented rebellion. Tech leaders such as Spotify's Daniel Ek and Epic's Tim Sweeney are waging a legal war over what they have portrayed as a shakedown operation — the 30% App Store cut that generates massive profits for Apple w…

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Sunny Rai on Using Large Language Models to Understand the Depiction of Shame and Pride in Bollywood versus Hollywood 38:01

26d ago38:01

38:01

Our second scholar in the series is Sunny Rai, who is a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Computer and Information Science University of Pennsylvania. She received her Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from University of Delhi. Her research focuses on misinformation, mental health and cross-cultural variations in human language. We spoke about h…

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Wheek Wisdom: A Guide to Guinea Pig Care and Companionship with Kim Smothermon 57:59

28d ago57:59

57:59

PetAbility Podcast welcomes Kim Smothermon, the director of the Guinea Pig Sanctuary, to the show to share insider insights from life at the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, MA. Together with Cathy and Chris, Kim dives into everything you need to know about guinea pigs—whether you’re a curious first-timer, a seasoned pet parent, or simply fascina…

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Special Update: Dysfunction at ACIP

29d ago

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In this special update, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall recap the events of last week's ACIP meeting and what it means for COVID, MMRV, and hepatitis B vaccine availability.Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project

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Jeff Chang on Bruce Lee and the emergence of Asian American pride 26:45

1M ago26:45

26:45

Jeff Chang, in his new biography "Water Mirror Echo," explores how the short of life of Bruce Lee helped make Asian America. Born in San Francisco's Chinatown, Lee was denied the lead role in Warner Bros.'s 1970s TV series "Kung Fu," which was given instead to David Carradine in yellowface. Lee's collision with Hollywood rejection became a catalyst…

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Episode 192: Ice Cream and Shark Attacks

1M ago

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In "Ice Cream and Shark Attacks," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the FDA’s recent decision to authorize updated COVID-19 vaccines for limited groups, the confusion around access for those under 65, and the uncertain outcomes of this week’s ACIP meeting. They also cover ongoing upheaval at the CDC, provide updates on COVID-19 and measles, a…

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Satsuki Ina on echoes of Japanese incarceration 36:14

1M ago36:14

36:14

Satsuki Ina was born behind barbed wire at Tule Lake, where she became one of roughly 120,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. Her parents, both U.S. citizens, lost their freedom and faith in America, leaving a legacy of silence and trauma. Today, as immigrant families are again separated and detained, Ina’s memoir "The Poet and…

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The Universal Reaction That Exposes Toxic People 6:54

1M ago6:54

6:54

TOXIC PODCAST: The Universal Reaction That Exposes Toxic People In this episode of Toxic, Jonathan Murphy, PMHNP explores the immediate, involuntary nervous system reaction that toxic people display the moment you set any boundary. Learn why this instant response reveals someone's true nature before their conscious mind can mask it. Key topics cove…

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Kartik Srivastava on Referral-Based Hiring, Caste Networks, and Breaking Barriers in India's Labor Markets 47:41

1M ago47:41

47:41

Our first scholar in the series is Kartik Srivastava, who is a PhD candidate at the Kennedy School at Harvard University. Before this, he received his bachelor's degree from Yale University, where he majored in Economics and Engineering Sciences. His research focuses on development economics, labor economics, and political economy. We spoke about h…

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Four-Step Boundary Blueprint for Toxic Relationships 11:21

1M ago11:21

11:21

Why most "boundary advice" fails: Understanding the neuroscience of toxic relationships Tired of advice that ignores what's really happening in your body and brain when facing toxic people? This episode delivers a research-backed, four-step framework that fuses neuroscience and attachment theory to create boundaries that actually stick. Most bounda…

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Rehab Rewind! Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome with Dr. Bronwyn Riggs 50:13

1M ago50:13

50:13

Join us as we revisit our conversation with Dr. Bronwyn Riggs about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Why is my 13 y.o. dog seeming so confused by every day tasks? She doesn't seem to recognize me anymore and went to the window to be let outside. Then she seemed to get lost on our usual walk and became quite anxious. She is pacing all night long and th…

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Peter Jones explores privilege and vulnerability at a school for sons of the Los Angeles elite 28:51

2M ago28:51

28:51

Peter Jones turned his camera on his former classmates from the Harvard School for Boys, a former military academy for boys in Los Angeles, for his new documentary "Fortunate Sons," chronicling the lives of the 1974 graduating class through their 50th reunion. What started as pandemic Zoom calls became surprisingly honest conversations about addict…

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Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning

2M ago

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In this week's special episode, Chris Dall interviews Dr. Osterholm and his coauthor Mark Olshaker on their new book The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics. They are also joined by Ann Hennigan Grace and CIDRAP's Dr. Sydney Redepenning who both conducted research and fact-checking for the book.The Big One is…

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Eve Quesnel on how nature always shows up 22:27

2M ago22:27

22:27

Eve Quesnel, author of the new book "Snow Fleas and Chickadees: Everyday Observations in the Sierra," joins us from her home in Truckee. For more than two decades, she's been paying close attention to the Sierra Nevada, finding evidence that "nature will show up" everywhere — even in urban cracks and sidewalks. Quesnel discusses making a conscious …

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Narayani Basu on K. M. Panikkar: India’s Impossible Man 1:20:03

2M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

Today my guest is Narayani Basu, who is a historian and the author of the latest book, A Man for All Seasons: The Life of K. M. Panikkar. Her last book was a biography of V.P. Menon: The Unsung Architect of Modern India. We talked about KM Panikkar, his comparison with VP Menon, the Indian nationalist movement in the interwar years, the origins of …

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Taking Back Your Name and Space 8:13

2M ago8:13

8:13

In this powerful solo episode, Jonathan Murphy reveals how even our names can become weapons in toxic family systems. Jonathan shares his personal journey of diminishing himself by going by "Jon" - a pattern that began with his mother's taunting sing-song use of his full name and continued long after he left home. Through raw, honest storytelling, …

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Scott Alan Lucas on San Francisco, misinformation, and the killing of Bob Lee 40:04

2M ago40:04

40:04

By Jeff Schechtman

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Episode 190: Courage Over Fear

2M ago

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In "Courage Over Fear," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the critical Vaccine Integrity Project respiratory virus immunization meeting, recent federal actions to sow disinformation on vaccines, and encourage public servants, including those at CDC, who are facing fear amidst violence. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest COVID data and revie…

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Breaking the Cycle: How to Parent After Narcissistic Abuse and Cut Financial Control Ties 16:36

2M ago16:36

16:36

Welcome back to Toxic - the podcast that goes deep on narcissistic family dynamics where other platforms can't. This is part of the Compass Point Institute podcast network. This isn't therapy, and it's definitely not another "forgive and move on" narrative. This is reality-based insight from someone who's lived it and professionally understands the…

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Tuning In to Your Pet: Acoustic Healing for Pain & Mobility with Dr. Laurie McCauley 53:26

2M ago53:26

53:26

Can sound really help your dog heal? In this fascinating episode of PetAbility, we sit down with Dr. McCauley, a trailblazer in veterinary rehabilitation, to explore the emerging world of acoustic therapy for pets. Using tuning forks, this gentle, non-invasive technique can relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore mobility—helping dogs feel bett…

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Jim Newton on freedom, community, Jerry Garcia, and the Grateful Dead 36:14

2M ago36:14

36:14

Jim Newton joins us to discuss his new book "Here Beside the Rising Tide," exploring how Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead emerged from 1960s California to become unlikely architects of America's counterculture. Newton reveals Garcia as a reluctant icon who feared leadership yet created a multigenerational community that thrives decades after his …

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Scapegoat Survival: Owning the Role That Shaped You 14:06

2M ago14:06

14:06

Welcome back to Toxic - the podcast that goes deep on narcissistic family dynamics where other platforms can't. This is part of the Compass Point Institute podcast network. This isn't therapy, and it's definitely not another "forgive and move on" narrative. This is reality-based insight from someone who's lived it and professionally understands the…

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Yamini Aiyar Schools Us on Education Policy in India 1:29:25

2M ago1:29:25

1:29:25

Today my guest is Yamini Aiyar, who is currently a Visiting Senior Fellow at the Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia at Brown University and the author of the recent book Lessons in State Capacity from Delhi’s Schools. Her main research interests are contemporary politics, state capacity, welfare policy, and federalism. We talked about the ch…

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Episode 189: Are We at Risk of Losing Our Vaccines?

2M ago

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In "Are We At Risk of Losing Our Vaccines?", Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss declining childhood vaccination rates, a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics on non-medical exemptions for mandated vaccines, and the recent termination of $500 million in mRNA vaccine research contracts. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest COVID dat…

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Rehab Rewind: Biome - The Gut-Brain Connection with Dr. Tonya Cooksey 47:19

3M ago47:19

47:19

Join us as we revisit our interview with Dr. Tonya Cooksey "You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s o…

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3 Reasons Toxic People Hate You (And Why That's Actually Good) 7:08

3M ago7:08

7:08

Jon breaks down the exact reasons toxic people lose their minds over your mere existence - and why their hatred is actually proof you're doing something right. Reason #1: You have interests that don't revolve around them (how dare you take pottery classes without permission!) Reason #2: You're effortlessly authentic while they're exhausted method a…

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Sam Yebri on L.A.'s decline and a path forward 26:44

3M ago26:44

26:44

Sam Yebri, a young Yale-educated labor attorney and board president of the civic organization Thrive LA, offers a stark assessment of Los Angeles's decline. Yerbi arrived as a refugee from Iran to L.A., where he has embodied the American dream in a city that has served as a beacon for immigrants and dreamers. But he paints a not-so hopeful picture …

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Rathin Roy on How India Slices the Fiscal Pie 1:28:44

3M ago1:28:44

1:28:44

Today my guest is Rathin Roy, who's a Distinguished Fellow at the Kautilya School of Public Policy and a Visiting Senior Fellow at ODI Global. His main research interests are political economy, public finance, and development economics, and he also served on the 13th Finance Commission. We talked about India's fiscal resources are distributed acros…

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Matt Ritter and Michael Kauffmann on California's iconic native trees 30:20

3M ago30:20

30:20

Matt Ritter, a botany professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Michael Kauffmann, a research plant ecologist, have written a new definitive guide to California's 95 native tree species, "California Trees." The authors discuss their field work across the state, from the rare conifers of the Klamath Mountains to the Joshua trees of the Southern Cal…

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Episode 188: Finding the Light

3M ago

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In "Finding the Light," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss a recent study on aluminum in childhood vaccines, the latest COVID variant data, and the recent approval of the Moderna COVID vaccine for children at risk of severe disease. Dr. Osterholm also provides an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project and shares the latest "This Week in …