Best Julia and Shane Podcasts (2025)

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69: What Are Kindergarten Reading Levels? The Hidden Problems Behind Levels A–D 21:12

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17h ago21:12

21:12

In this solo episode, we take an honest, unflinching look at what are traditionally called Kindergarten Reading Levels: Guided Reading Levels A, B, C, and D — and why these levels do not reflect how children actually learn to read. If you’re a kindergarten teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or a parent of a beginning reader, this episode wil…

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"Benedict Cumberbatch" 1:12:27

3d ago1:12:27

1:12:27

Step into our stretch limousine — it’s Benedict Cumberbatch. Corndogs, Nature vs. Nurture, and [very lightly touching upon] How-To Clean Yourself. It’s a podcast, folks… and it’s called SmartLess, k? Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by …

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Ep 97 – How to Fight the Winter Blues 10:24

7d ago10:24

10:24

🎧 How to Fight the Winter Blues | Feeling low on energy as the days get shorter? You’re not alone. In this episode, Julia and Shane talk about how to beat the winter blues, that heavy, unmotivated feeling that often sneaks in during the darker months. They open up about their own struggles with seasonal dips in mood and share practical, easy-to-try…

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68. It’s Never Too Late: Helping Older Struggling Readers Succeed with Linda Farrell & Michael Hunter of Readsters 1:07:44

9d ago1:07:44

1:07:44

In this powerful episode, Michelle is joined by legendary reading experts Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter, Founding Partners at Readsters. With more than 40 years of experience helping struggling readers — from kindergarten through adulthood — Linda and Michael break down what effective intervention truly looks like, why older learners often conti…

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"Claire Danes" 1:03:52

10d ago1:03:52

1:03:52

It’s our start-gift: Claire Danes. Cursed cows, Moroccan cats, a Kentucky Schnoodle, and “very cute dirt.” It’s another episode of ‘How To Remain Employed and Local,’ also known (in some circles) as SmartLess. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podca…

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"RE-RELEASE: Jenny Slate" 44:21

14d ago44:21

44:21

Our lovely surprise guest Jenny Slate joins from a supply closet to give us the 5-day weather outlook, the difference between drop and dropper, texts about ‘the patriarchy,’ and so much more. Come ruin your minds with us, here at Chateau SmartLess. This episode was originally released on 6/27/2022. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new e…

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Jays Draw Attention at GM Meetings in Vegas ft. Ben Nicholson-Smith 36:29

14d ago36:29

36:29

The MLB GM Meetings are well underway in Las Vegas, and with a lot of offseason shopping to be done, where do the Blue Jays stand with the biggest free agents? Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson Smith joins Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi from the lobby of the Cosmopolitan Hotel to discuss the Jays and how they are perceived with other teams around the leag…

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67. Small Groups, Big Results with Dr. Julia B. Lindsey 59:26

15d ago59:26

59:26

In this episode, Michelle talks with Dr. Julia Lindsey about her brand-new book “Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading ”, a practical guide to designing effective small-group instruction with the Science of Reading in mind. Julia shares her journey to researcher and author, and explains why the “leveled-text …

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"Tom Freston" 1:03:34

17d ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Take the Jimmy Jet to Timbuktu: it’s Tom Freston. No experience in television, selling toilet paper, various red-light districts, and a Bob Marley ring-tone. It’s really good to be with you… on an all-new SmartLess. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple…

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INTRODUCING: I Need You Guys with Gabe Liedman, Jenny Slate and Max Silvestri (w/ Sean Hayes) 34:43

21d ago34:43

34:43

Sean Hayes (from SmartLess, one of our podcast dads) is here! We get into Gleem toothpaste commercials and weird 1-800 hotlines, and give Jenny advice on a meme featuring her getting some seriously unwanted attention. Plus: hear Gabe and Max try out their Delco accents. You can call us with your etiquette question and leave a voicemail at 949-441-1…

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Shane Bieber Opts In for 2026 19:41

21d ago19:41

19:41

With the news that Shane Bieber has exercised his $16-million player option for 2026, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (1:14) stops by to chat with Sho Alli and Zack Bodenstein. They get into reasons why he might opt in, what it says about his own abilities, whether or not the strong clubhouse culture played a role in the decision, and what it means for the …

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66. Writing Instruction: When You Have the Strategies but Not the System with LaNesha Tabb 42:03

22d ago42:03

42:03

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed teaching writing, you’re not alone. In this episode, Michelle sits down with educator, author, and founder of Reimagine Writing, LaNesha Tabb, to talk about her framework in building confident, independent writers. For years, LaNesha admits she either “barely taught writing” or avoided it altogether — not because she…

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A Special Jays Year Ends in Heartbreak + Incoming Offseason Plans 1:40:12

23d ago1:40:12

1:40:12

On a special Monday afternoon edition of Jays Talk, Sho Alli takes a final look back at Game 7 of the World Series, and takes your texts on the ending for the 2025 Blue Jays. He chats with Daniele Franceschi (6:02), Jesse Rubinoff (27:24), Zach Worden (52:33), and Ian Harrison (1:19:21) to get their thoughts on the final game of the season, and to …

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JTP: Saying Goodbye to the 2025 Blue Jays 1:39:54

23d ago1:39:54

1:39:54

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Game 7 and are joined by Dan Shulman (27:07), Shi Davidi (49:49) and Ben Shulman (1:09:26) to reflect on the season, crucial moments of the postseason run and look at tough roster decisions ahead for the front office, including whether Bo Bichette, Chris Bassitt, Shane Bieber, among others, will be back with the f…

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"David Duchovny" 1:07:43

24d ago1:07:43

1:07:43

Ok with the pretzels; it’s David Duchovny. A ship of fools, Dads’ novels, making music, and finalllllly teaching Jason how to read. “I mean, dishwashing liquid is pretty good.” …on an all-new SmartLess. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or …

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A Crushing Game 7 Jays Loss Ends the 2025 MLB Season 1:31:13

25d ago1:31:13

1:31:13

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 5-4 extra-innings loss to the Dodgers to end the season in crushing defeat, as the Dodgers win the World Series. They take your calls and texts, and discuss this wild game, including Miguel Rojas' game-tying blast off Jeff Hoffman with two outs remaining in the top of the ninth, Ernie Clement's …

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An Abrupt Ending Forces Game 7 in Toronto 1:04:54

26d ago1:04:54

1:04:54

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 3-1 loss to the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Saturday night. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the bizarre ninth inning, which included a wedged ball in the outfield wall to stop play on what would have been a game-tying hit from Addis…

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JTP: Gausman vs. Yamamoto + Lance Lynn & Chris Young 1:39:53

26d ago1:39:53

1:39:53

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz start the show by recapping the series. 2011 World Series champion Lance Lynn (25:04) joins to discuss Trey Yesavage, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and how pitchers can have good outings but poor luck. Sportsnet’s Madison Shipman (41:11) gives her thoughts on Yamamoto and Kevin Gausman against the Dodgers’ bats again. MLB Network…

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65. Supporting Students with Dyslexia Online with Michelle Breitenbach, Read to Rewire (Dyslexia Awareness Month) 1:02:30

26d ago1:02:30

1:02:30

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and today’s conversation shines a light on the power of online instruction to reach and teach our one in five students with dyslexia. In this episode, I’m chatting with Michelle Breitenbach, founder of Read to Rewire, certified dyslexia practitioner, and creator of the Online with Ease Academy, where she trains …

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JTP: A Win Away! 1:39:53

27d ago1:39:53

1:39:53

Julia Kreuz and Sho Alli recap the massive Game 5 win vs. the Dodgers. They touch on Trey Yesavage’s outing, the back-to-back homers from Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., along with the run production late in the game (31:11). They’re joined by former Blue Jay Rance Mulliniks (50:28) to discuss Toronto’s brand of baseball, winning in the …

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Yesavage Notches 12 Ks, Jays One Win from World Series Title 1:00:21

28d ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-1 win over the Dodgers to take a 3-2 World Series lead as they head back to Toronto! They take your calls and texts, and get right to the man of the hour in Trey Yesavage, who carved the Dodgers for 12 Ks and no walks over 7.0 IP - with the context of the World Series, is that one of the best …

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JTP: Bieber and Vladdy Deliver + Game 5 Preview 1:39:50

28d ago1:39:50

1:39:50

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s huge homer off Shohei Ohtani, Shane Bieber getting in done under pressure and the bottom of the order showing up again for Toronto (30:48). The Score’s Jonah Birenbaum (52:19) pops in to talk Mason Fluharty, Chris Bassitt and more. Afterwards, Fangraphs Michael Baumann (1:18:57) previews Ga…

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Vladdy Jr. Goes Yard, Jays Pull Even vs. Dodgers in World Series 1:08:47

29d ago1:08:47

1:08:47

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 win over the Dodgers in Game 4 of the World Series to pull even at two games apiece! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the Jays bouncing back after the 18-inning loss earlier in the day - how important is it that the World Series is now a best-of-three, with two of those games pote…

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JTP: 18-Inning Thriller + Game 4 Preview 1:39:57

29d ago1:39:57

1:39:57

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the incredible 18-inning Game 3, where the Blue Jays’ pinch-hitting left their lineup lacking offensive juice, Eric Lauer was incredible, Shohei Ohtani’s was intentionally walked a lot but potentially not enough and more (25:41). Foul Territory’s Erik Kratz (51:14) discusses the Blue Jays’ locker room after the ma…

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64. My SOR Betrayal List (and the Podcast's 1st Birthday!) 24:50

29d ago24:50

24:50

Literacy in Color is officially ONE year old! I’d like to start this anniversary episode from a place of gratitude with a huge THANK YOU to my Top 10 Guest Episodes of the Year: Dr. Stephanie Stollar, Justin Browning, Lindsay Kemeny, Sarah Paul, Fiona Hamilton with Rebecca Loveless, Dr. David Kilpatrick, Dr. Molly Ness, Dr. Treasa Bowe, Christina W…

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Jays Suffer Heartbreaking Loss in 18-inning World Series Marathon 55:50

30d ago55:50

55:50

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-5 walk-off loss vs. the Dodgers in a marathon 18-inning Game 3 of the World Series. They take your calls and texts, and debate where this game was won and lost - does this fall on John Schneider over-managing with early hooks for Bo Bichette, Alejandro Kirk, and Addison Barger, or does it fall…

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JTP: Game 3 Preview, Shawn Green & World Series Weekend 1:39:52

1M ago1:39:52

1:39:52

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Games 1 and 2 and the spectacle that was World Series Weekend in Toronto. They also touch on the starts of Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s gem in Game 2 (35:09). Afterwards, former Blue Jay Shawn Green (50:56) breaks down the series as it moves to Dodger Stadium and the keys for each respecti…

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"Oscar Isaac" 59:09

1M ago59:09

59:09

Get your claws out: it’s Oscar Isaac. Memory, dance belts, Travis picking, and the buddy system. The river doesn’t dam itself… on an all-new SmartLess. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Si…

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Jays Bats Silenced, Depart for LA w/ World Series Tied at 1 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 5-1 loss vs. the Dodgers in Game 2 of the World Series. They take your calls and texts, and discuss the masterful performance from Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto - what more could the Jays' bats have done against him in this game? Was this a 'tip your cap' moment with Yamamoto looki…

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Barger Blasts Grand Slam, Jays Strike First in World Series 1:08:35

1M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 11-4 win over the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Addison Barger's grand slam, the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history! They discuss Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk both going yard in the win, the bats pushing Blake Snell o…

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JTP: World Series Preview, Bo Bichette Back & Rosters 1:40:06

1M ago1:40:06

1:40:06

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz discuss their excitement ahead of Game 1 and news of the Blue Jays’ roster release. They’re joined by MLB.com’s Sonja Chen (32:48) to discuss the Dodgers roster, their starting pitching rotation and more. Next, Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (51:35) discusses Bo Bichette’s return, bullpen usage and the lead-up to Game 1. Lastly…

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63. The Power of Parent Advocacy with Melanie Brethour, Soar with Dyslexia (Dyslexia Awareness Month) 35:24

1M ago35:24

35:24

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and every Friday Michelle is highlighting voices who are changing the landscape for students with dyslexia and their families. In this episode, Michelle sits down with Melanie Brethour, a Montreal-based resource teacher, founder of Decoding Dyslexia Quebec, and the voice behind Soar With Dyslexia. Inspired by he…

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JTP: Buck Martinez, Ricky Romero & Dodgers Preview 1:40:03

1M ago1:40:03

1:40:03

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez to discuss why this Blue Jays team is special and his confidence level that Toronto can win the World Series. MLB.com’s Ayako Oikawa (20:08) discusses the fandom for the Dodgers in Japan. Former Blue Jay Ricky Romero discusses attending Game 7 and why he’s rooting for the Blue Jay…

Julia And Shane Podcasts