Best Iheartpodcasts And Novel Podcasts (2025)

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Very Special Episodes: How a Three-Point Shot Saved Thousands of Lives [Re-Release] 44:16

4d ago44:16

44:16

Mykal Riley’s name isn’t mentioned alongside Stephen Curry or Larry Bird. But neither of those guys can say they hit a three-pointer that literally saved thousands of lives. * VERY SPECIAL CREDITS Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, Jason English Written by Dave Roos Produced by Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Mixing and Ma…

1
Ep 31: The Politics of Healing - Featuring Rickey Smiley 1:12:49

4d ago1:12:49

1:12:49

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele examines the 5-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, reflecting on how athletes' activism helped power a worldwide movement and why their efforts weren't sustained. Jemele is then joined by actor and comedian Rickey Smiley, whose network comedy special “Fool-ish” premieres on Hulu on May 30. Smiley explains wh…

1
How a Three-Point Shot Saved Thousands of Lives [Re-Release] 44:16

5d ago44:16

44:16

Mykal Riley’s name isn’t mentioned alongside Stephen Curry or Larry Bird. But neither of those guys can say they hit a three-pointer that literally saved thousands of lives. * VERY SPECIAL CREDITS Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, Jason English Written by Dave Roos Produced by Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Mixing and Ma…

1
The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E8: Nadya & Pussy Riot Punk the President 41:49

7d ago41:49

41:49

When Nadya Tolokonnikova saw her country Russia change under President Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime, she knew she had to do something. She started the iconic ski-mask-wearing art protest collective Pussy Riot. On February 21st, 2012, they performed their anti-Putin protest song, Punk Prayer, in a Moscow church, launching Nadya into overnig…

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Ep 30: The Politics of Around the Horn - Featuring Tony Reali 1:28:14

11d ago1:28:14

1:28:14

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele weighs in on the latest drama surrounding Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, including the back-and-forth commentary between former NFL players Ryan Clark and Robert Griffin III. Jemele is then joined by Tony Reali, host of ESPN’s popular show, Around the Horn. Reali discusses the show ending after over 20 years, how w…

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David Chase's Wonder Years 34:40

12d ago34:40

34:40

Sopranos creator David Chase wrote an episode of The Wonder Years that was deemed too intense for network television. The internet says it's because the script involved hard core drug use. But we asked the legendary TV writer, and the truth is a whole lot stranger. Thanks to Nicole Lambert of Chase Films for making today's interview happen! Hosted …

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The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E7: Eilís Runs the Ball Barn 42:28

14d ago42:28

42:28

As a trans woman, Eilís Ní Fhlannagáin didn’t have much faith in mainstream health care. So when she wanted gender affirming surgery to remove her testicles, she turned to her best friend and trainee doctor Willow, and asked her to perform the operation in her living room… From this humble beginning, Eilís and Willow built a whole clinic dedicated …

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Ep 29: The Politics of Negotiating Like A Girl - Featuring Amy Trask 1:04:42

18d ago1:04:42

1:04:42

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele answers a provocative question: Was the NBA draft lottery rigged so that the Dallas Mavericks could get the No 1 pick just months after trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers? Later, Jemele is joined by Amy Trask, who was the first female CEO in the NFL. Amy covers her 20-year career with the Las V…

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The Night the Harlem Globetrotters Finally Lost 50:14

19d ago50:14

50:14

The Harlem Globetrotters always beat the Washington Generals. It's just what they do. As of 1971, they’d done it 2,495 times. But for one gloriously confusing night that January, the underdogs got to raise their hands in victory. Today on Very Special Episodes, the untold story of the greatest upset in sports history. * Very Special Thanks to Israe…

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Ep 28: The Politics of Black Business Ownership - Featuring Lanny Smith 1:31:55

25d ago1:31:55

1:31:55

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a deep dive into Bill Belichick’s controversial relationship with his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson and whether the relationship is changing how people view the future NFL Hall of Famer. Jemele is then joined by Lanny Smith, the founder of the popular fitness brand, Actively Black. Lanny, a former Hous…

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Operation Lunar Eclipse [Re-Release] 46:37

26d ago46:37

46:37

In 1973, NASA gifted a piece of the moon to a teenage astronomy fan, inadvertently pulling him into the seedy underground moonrock trade. Hello VSE friends! We published a new episode on Monday, so we're playing a rerun in our regular Wednesday slot. 'Operation Lunar Eclipse' is one of our early favorites and originally ran in February 2024. Questi…

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The Popsicle Kings of Mexico 15:17

28d ago15:17

15:17

Happy Cinco de Mayo! To celebrate, Zaron Burnett is here with a mini-episode about the frozen treat that is quietly and quickly taking over the world. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason English Written by Dave Roos Produced by Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Jonathan Washington Mixing and Mastering by Jonathan Washington Ad…

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The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E6: Madison and Christine Become Digital Detectives 45:34

28d ago45:34

45:34

Madison Conradis had her life turned upside down when someone began posting naked photos of her online. Soon, the abuse intensified with anonymous messages and calls to her family, friends and even her boss… The police didn’t seem to care, so Madison turned to her twin sister Christine for help. Together, they transformed into online sleuths, track…

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Ep 27: The Politics of Finding Peace - Featuring Alexis Belton 1:18:04

1M ago1:18:04

1:18:04

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele addresses the Shedeur Sanders draft controversy, making a compelling case for why Sanders’ fall in the draft was a talent-based decision. Jemele is later joined by professional golfer Alexis Belton, a World Long Drive Tour champion who keeps it real about the challenges of pursuing a professional golf career. Alexi…

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North by North Korea 1:07:59

1M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

When two of the most influential figures in film become the personal hostages of Kim Jong Il, they have two objectives: to elevate North Korean cinema on the world stage, and to plot their daring escape. SOURCES + FURTHER READING/LISTENING/VIEWING A Kim Jong-Il Production, by Paul Fisher The Observant, by Ravi Mangla Michelle Cho, assistant profess…

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The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E5: Rose Solves, At Least, 86 Cold Cases 40:56

1M ago40:56

40:56

Rose Brady’s job running Baltimore County’s SVU was a frustrating one. The sexual violence crimes she and her team were investigating were just the tip of the iceberg. Her department was sitting on thousands of unsolved rape cases, dating back decades - with little hope of ever finding the perpetrators. That was until Rose made an incredible discov…

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Ep 26: The Politics of Play By Play - Featuring Tiffany Greene 1:17:08

1M ago1:17:08

1:17:08

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a deep dive into how some in sports are using their money to curry influence with this presidential administration. Jemele is later joined by ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Tiffany Greene, the first Black woman to do play-by-play in college football on a major network. Tiffany shares how she fell in love with …

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Spies and Dolls 49:44

1M ago49:44

49:44

Velvalee Dickinson ran a doll shop on Madison Avenue that catered to wealthy collectors. But in one of the strangest espionage cases of World War II, Dickinson's clients had no idea she was using correspondence about doll orders to transmit coded U.S. military intelligence to the Japanese. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English…

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The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E4: June Rocks America 46:27

1M ago46:27

46:27

From the moment she heard a guitar being played in an empty classroom at her convent school in the Philippines in 1961, June Millington knew what she wanted to do with her life: rock and roll. So when a girl called up June and her sister and asked if they wanted to start a band, the answer was hell yeah. They went on to become Fanny, the first all-…

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Ep 25: The Politics of Civil Disobedience - Featuring Chris Kluwe 1:14:09

2M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele jumps into the case of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who held out from team meetings and practices because he reportedly sought to raise his salary from $2.4 million to $4 million. Iamaleave and Tennsessee parted ways, but is this the new reality for college football? Jemele is later joined by former NFL pl…

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The Pizza Funeral 31:15

2M ago31:15

31:15

On a cold day in 1973, a crowd gathered on a farm for one of history's strangest funerals. It was an elite group, including the Governor of Michigan, bank presidents, and local dignitaries. Even Walter Cronkite sent a correspondent. But they weren’t mourning anyone human. No, this was a pizza-based catastrophe. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burn…

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The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E3: Nelly Goes Undercover 41:27

2M ago41:27

41:27

Nellie Bly was a true trailblazer. In late 19th century America, women were expected to get married and become housewives, or go into a suitable career like teaching. But Nellie didn’t do any of that. Instead, she changed journalism forever, becoming one of the world’s first female investigative journalists, and paving the way for a generation of i…

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Ep 24: The Politics of Lawyering - Featuring Andrew Brandt 1:06:51

2M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes the Los Angeles Dodgers to task for visiting the White House after Donald Trump’s administration temporarily erased Jackie Robinson’s military history on the Department of Defense’s website. Jemele is then joined by sports business guru Andrew Brandt, who has worked in a NFL front office, negotiated player co…

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Very Special Episodes: How Gatsby Went From Total Flop to Great American Novel 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

When he published The Great Gatsby 100 years ago this week, F. Scott Fitzgerald thought he'd written the Great American Novel. But it was a commercial flop. The year Fitzgerald died, he received a royalty check for a paltry seven copies. It would take an unlikely series of events to posthumously pluck a masterpiece from obscurity. * On the Very Spe…

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How Gatsby Went From Total Flop to Great American Novel 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

When he published The Great Gatsby 100 years ago this week, F. Scott Fitzgerald thought he'd written the Great American Novel. But it was a commercial flop. The year Fitzgerald died, he received a royalty check for a paltry seven copies. It would take an unlikely series of events to posthumously pluck a masterpiece from obscurity. * Very special th…

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The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E1: Tracy Hits the Bullseye 47:50

2M ago47:50

47:50

In 2019 Tracy Otto was a college student in Tampa, and a fitness fanatic. Then a violent attack by an ex-boyfriend changed her life forever. She was left paralysed from the chest down, and lost her left eye. But that’s only the beginning of Tracy’s story. In the aftermath of the attack, she rebuilt her life through sheer force of will, and discover…

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The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E2: Lu Ann Escapes the Order 49:15

2M ago49:15

49:15

When Lu Ann Cooper was just fifteen years old, she was told to drop out of school and marry her first cousin. She would be his fourth wife. Lu Ann grew up inside the so-called Kingston Clan, a religious sect where, Lu Ann claims, every man is expected to have many wives, and every woman is expected to have many children. All with the aim of buildin…

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Ep 23: The Politics of Audacity - Featuring Kenny Mayne 1:17:54

2M ago1:17:54

1:17:54

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a 360-degree view of the transfer portal, looking at its impact on college basketball, including the upcoming men’s and women’s Final Four. Jemele is then joined by former SportsCenter anchor Kenny Mayne in a wide-ranging interview that covers Kenny’s career journey, the bold moves that led him to ESPN, the d…

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The Improbable Life and Mysterious Death of Andy, the Sneaker-Wearing Goose 37:57

2M ago37:57

37:57

Gene Fleming and his pet goose Andy made headlines around the world. They brought out the best in the people of Hastings, Nebraska. But amid all this attention, Andy also brought out the worst. And three decades later, Andy's legacy is still reverberating around their hometown. Note: This episode includes the murder of a beloved goose. * Very Speci…

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Introducing The Girlfriends: Spotlight 2:45

2M ago2:45

2:45

Our brand new series The Girlfriends: Spotlight launches on Monday April 7th. Here's a taste of the incredible stories you can expect to hear... The Girlfriends: Spotlight is produced by Novel for iHeartPodcasts. For more from Novel visit Novel.Audio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Ep 22: The Politics of Loneliness - Featuring Roy Wood Jr. 1:29:09

2M ago1:29:09

1:29:09

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele breaks down what’s wrong with Fox Sports’ list of greatest women’s college basketball players ever and shares her own list. She is then joined by comedian Roy Wood Jr., who shares his passion for baseball, thoughts on why the sport needs a major African-American star, and his observations about the state of politic…

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Night of a Thousand Weddings 47:33

2M ago47:33

47:33

On August 26, 1965, LBJ issued a surprise executive order eliminating marriage as grounds for deferment from the Vietnam draft. The announcement set off a panic across the country. The problem was, nearly every state required blood tests or a waiting period — every state, that is, except Nevada. If you could somehow convince someone to marry you, g…

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The Girlfriends: Spotlight... Coming Soon 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

In Season 1, The Girlfriends told the story of how a group of incredible women came together to bring down one bad ex-boyfriend and seek justice for the murder of Gail Katz. In Season 2, we found the truth about a torso washed up on Staten Island, and gave Heidi Balch the memorial she deserved. Now, we want to introduce you to a global gang of girl…

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Ep 21: The Politics of Building Wealth - Featuring Troy Millings & Rashad Bilal 1:09:48

2M ago1:09:48

1:09:48

On this week's opening filibuster, Jemele breaks down the Department of Defense temporarily deleting the military history of Jackie Robinson. Later, she is joined by Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal, the creators of the Earn Your Leisure platform. Rashad and Troy discuss their new book, You Deserve To Be Rich, a step-by-step guide that teaches people…

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Ep 20: The Politics of Storytelling - Featuring Matthew Hatchette 1:16:52

3M ago1:16:52

1:16:52

With the NFL’s free agency in full swing, on this week’s filibuster Jemele remembers Curt Flood, the Major League Baseball player whose fight for free agency became the blueprint for other players to fight for their freedom. Jemele also explains why Flood deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame based on how his court battle with MLB changed t…

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Ep 19: The Politics of Athlete Activism - Featuring Etan Thomas 1:25:05

3M ago1:25:05

1:25:05

On this week’s opening filibuster, Jemele makes the case for why MLB legend Pete Rose shouldn’t be inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously, despite pressure from Donald Trump. Jemele is then joined by Etan Thomas, a college star and former NBA veteran who has become one of the leading athlete-activists. Etan explains why speaking up always has …

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BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of the GOAT - Featuring LaChina Robinson 46:28

3M ago46:28

46:28

Jemele is joined by ESPN women’s basketball analyst LaChina Robinson to discuss the incredible career of basketball legend Diana Taurasi, who recently announced her retirement from the sport. Jemele and LaChina discuss Taurasi’s place in history, including whether she is the greatest women’s player ever. They also discuss who should be the favorite…

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Ep 18: The Politics of Authenticity - Featuring RaMell Ross 1:07:00

3M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

On this week’s opening filibuster, Jemele explains the historical significance of Howard University swimming and diving team recently winning their second Northeast Conference championship in three years. Jemele then has a wide-reaching conversation with filmmaker and former Georgetown basketball player RaMell Ross, whose movie, ‘Nickel Boys’ is no…

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Ep 17: The Politics of Healthy Arrogance - Featuring Will Packer 54:12

3M ago54:12

54:12

On this week’s opening filibuster, Jemele shares the story of Bill Nunn, the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers scout who was the architect of the Steelers infamous “Steel Curtain” defense, which led to Pittsburgh’s four Super Bowls. Jemele also has a conversation with mega producer Will Packer, who talks about his new book, “Who Better Than You: The Art…

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Very Special Episodes: Live From New York, It's Your Grandmother 51:21

4M ago51:21

51:21

During its first 50 seasons, Saturday Night Live has welcomed legendary actors, superstar athletes, and notable politicians. But for one memorable night in 1977, Lorne Michaels turned the show over to an 80-year-old amateur. * On the Very Special Episodes podcast, we tell one incredible story each week. Follow Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jaso…

1
Live From New York, It's Your Grandmother 51:21

4M ago51:21

51:21

During its first 50 seasons, Saturday Night Live has welcomed legendary actors, superstar athletes, and notable politicians. But for one memorable night in 1977, Lorne Michaels turned the show over to an 80-year-old amateur. * Special thanks to Connie Crawford for sharing her story. And thanks to the great Bill Carter for stopping by! You can read …

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Ep 16: The Politics of Creating Your Own Lane - Featuring Josiah Johnson 1:10:32

4M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

On this week's opening filibuster, Jemele shares the inspiring story of Rose Robinson, who is believed to be the first Black athlete to protest against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem. Jemele is joined by social media influencer Josiah Johnson, who also is host and executive producer of Gil’s Arena, the digital basketball sh…

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BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of Super Bowl LIX - Featuring Carron J. Phillips 49:43

4M ago49:43

49:43

Jemele is joined by journalist Carron J. Phillips to discuss the Eagles dominating win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl, the overall political themes, if the Eagles are on the verge of dynasty, and a breakdown of Kendrick Lamar’s performance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Ep 15: The Politics of A Second Wind - Featuring Marion Jones 1:07:50

4M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele explains how the Super Bowl halftime show became so popular. Jemele is joined by Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones, who discuss her appearance this season on FOX's reality competition show, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Jones explains the grueling physical and mental rigors she went through on the show, w…

1
Super Streaker 51:05

4M ago51:05

51:05

Mark Roberts is the world's most notorious streaker. He’s spent more time naked than most Greek statues. And in February 2004, he set his sights on the Super Bowl. To make streaking history, he just needs to dodge the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, SWAT teams, and 250-pound linebackers. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason…

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Ep 14: The Politics of Perseverance - Featuring Taylor Townsend 1:09:21

4M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

This week in Jemele’s opening filibuster, Jemele addresses whether the NFL’s Rooney Rule — their version of DEI for coaches and front office personnel — should be abolished. Her guest this week is tennis pro Taylor Townsend, who recently won the Australian Open doubles championship. Taylor shares what prompted her to begin a tennis career, how she …

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Ep 13: The Politics of Laughter - Featuring Ryan Davis 1:29:56

4M ago1:29:56

1:29:56

This week, Jemele answers some of her critics over an old tweet about Caitlin Clark in her opening filibuster. Jemele is joined by actor and comedian Ryan Davis, who is co-hosting a comedy series on Vice with Chris Spencer and Tiffany Haddish called “Black Comedy in America” that includes blockbuster interviews with Will Smith, Kevin Hart, and Stev…

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Ep 12: The Politics of Athlete Empowerment - Featuring Paul McDonald 53:48

5M ago53:48

53:48

This week, Jemele’s opening filibuster focuses on the origin story on how the NCAA came to be one of the most powerful and lucrative organizations in sports. Jemele is joined by attorney Paul McDonald, co-lead counsel for college athletes plaintiffs in the Johnson vs NCAA lawsuit, which, if successful, would force college and universities to classi…

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Ep 11: The Politics of Fandom - Featuring Jake Tapper 48:38

5M ago48:38

48:38

This week, Jemele’s “The Filibuster” focuses on the NFL MVP race between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Then, CNN anchor and rabid Philadelphia sports fan Jake Tapper joins Jemele to discuss the state of sports in Philly. Tapper takes Jemele through the origin and evolution of his superstitious Philly fandom, and he shares a special message for Joel…

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ANNOUCEMENT 0:53

5M ago0:53

0:53

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts and Reasoned Choice

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