Best Phenomena Nations Podcast Network Podcasts (2025)

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S2E18 - Running VFX at a Major Studio and the Future of Visual Storytelling 44:53

Play Pause

28d ago44:53

44:53

From developing custom tools to create over 200 VFX shots on his own award-winning indie to supervising globally at major studios like DreamWorks and Sony Animation where he is now, hear Chris Browne's story and spot on advice for creativity that won't quit. Learn more about Chris here: http://www.chrisbrownedigital.com/projects.html Written, direc…

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S2E17 - Elite Women’s Networks: Do They Work? 38:32

1M ago38:32

38:32

Are women’s networks working? What’s right about them and what can be improved? And why can't we always connect the way we intend to? Host Chauncey Zalkin reflects on these questions before diving into a conversation with Lindsay Kaplan, co-founder of the best-in-class professional women’s network, Chief, who stepped down this year. Together, they …

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S2E16- The Origins of Brit Cool and The Creative Community We Need Now 1:18:25

2M ago1:18:25

1:18:25

Welcome to a conversation with a true pioneer in elevating the best design in the world. Piers Roberts offers profound reflections on the distance we've fallen from conscious consumerism and where to go from here with a strong emphasis on uplifting neurodivergent ways of thinking. For over 20 years, Piers has played a significant role in contributi…

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S2E15 - Bro Show: The Question of Men 22:46

3M ago22:46

22:46

Welcome to an imperfect episode about imperfect times. You can call it the 'Boys to Men Episode', 'The Man Show', 'How The Boys Will Thrive 2025', or 'The Bro Show'. It's a musing on boys and men from the perspective of a GenX woman raised in an all female household now raising only daughters herself. In this monologue episode, among the bombardmen…

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S2E14 - Moral Injury in Healthcare and the Entire Nation 58:32

4M ago58:32

58:32

Chauncey Zalkin sits down with Dr. Jennie Byrne, a psychiatrist working with clinicians who sees a painful trend in healthcare but first Chauncey explores why she thinks the wound has spread to the entire nation and why it's time to exile virtue signaling and embrace anger signaling. Like immediately. Written, directed, and executive produced by Ch…

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S2E13 - Creative Agency and the Youth Fallacy 50:50

4M ago50:50

50:50

An ad agency called Geezer is flipping the 50 plus narrative on its head to something more accurate. It's about time. Join us for a conversation with Founder, Karen McKinley, CEO, Brent Rivard, and CCO, John Kieselhorst. More on Geezer can be found on their website. The report on 50+ population referenced in the episode can be found here: Harvard J…

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S2E12 - A Vision for The Next-Gen Economy through the lens of Essentialist Design 44:54

4M ago44:54

44:54

Each creative discipline offers a piece of the puzzle of human creativity. In this episode, host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with three time "International Designer of the Year" award winner and Fast Company board member Todd Bracher to talk about how we can shift the emphasis from needless crap to creating a better future for everyone from an essent…

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S2E11 - Blue Bracelets, Pussyhats, and Other Good Intentions: Where We Go from Here 52:18

5M ago52:18

52:18

In this episode Chauncey Zalkin sits down with guest and advocate for Black women in the workplace, Jessica Pharm, to take an unflinching look at the complexities of race, gender, and trust for liberal America as we face Trump's second term. Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Ph…

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S2E10 - Female Leaders in Advertising: Taking Control in an Uneven Playing Field 37:18

6M ago37:18

37:18

Life isn't fair. So what are you going to do about it? In this episode, Jill Brinsdon shares her journey as a creative director and prominent leader in New Zealand's advertising industry. She talks when to play the game and when to jump ship and the importance of personal agency in shaping your career and driving change. She also talks about the im…

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S2E9 - Moving Beyond Polarization + Feel Good Viewing & Listening 24:25

6M ago24:25

24:25

Host Chauncey Zalkin defines Actual People for its second year but not before diving into the movies, tv, and music that held the keys to change in 2025. Despite a backdrop of sadness and uncertainty, we will start anew like we always do. Actual People is about TRANSITIONS, EVOLUTIONS, NEW CHAPTERS, from the personal to the global. Topics Include: …

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S2E8 - Neurodiversity and Individuality 48:38

6M ago48:38

48:38

This episode, Host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with friend and British Futurist Melissa Sterry who combines a passion for fashion and art with multiple degrees in sustainability, architecture and science. The two met through the A Small World network in the mid 00s while Chauncey lived in Paris and Melissa in the UK. A lot has changed since then. The…

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S02E7 - Multigenerational Women Facing Our Current Climate Together 42:59

7M ago42:59

42:59

From divergent thoughts, convergent thoughts, indecision loops, and 'a ha moments' to touring middle schools, this discussion starts off with soul searching and moves on to the soul freeing way a woman named Amy Reinert is able to embrace all phases of her life and connect with other women through pure honesty. Topics Discussed: Postpartum Depressi…

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S2E6 - Non-Linear Career Paths: Smashing the Ageism Hurdle 56:36

7M ago56:36

56:36

Psychoanalyst. Mother. Clogger. Playwright.. Meet my mom's college friend who never stops learning and growing: an interview with Tarpley Long and a road map for Gen X women who never cared much for the linear path. Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitche…

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S2E5 - The Toll of Election Anxiety and How To Engage Meaningfully 15:28

8M ago15:28

15:28

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Fears of Totalitarianism, and Finding Paradise Spooky season is still not over: In this episode host Chauncey Zalkin covers Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Gorging on Political Wonkery, and Where Beauty and Meaning Really Come From. Topics Covered: Election Anxiety: Chauncey opens up about her deep concern over political div…

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S2E4 - The New Networking: How to Promote Yourself as a Creative Now (hint: it's not just social media) 50:51

8M ago50:51

50:51

A New Vibration - The Optimism and Renewed Passion of Creative Boom Founder Katy Cowan This is a special one. Katy was Chauncey's first pick for a guest episode when launching her podcast almost a year ago and finally it's here. In this episode of Actual People, host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with the ever-so-charming Katy Cowan, founder of UK-base…

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S2E3 - Our National Compromise - From Hope to Hanging On (And How to Get Back on Path) 29:12

9M ago29:12

29:12

Host Chauncey Zalkin recounts a trip to the grocery store with her daughter reminiscing on Obama era ideals realizing, we've largely abandoned them. Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen. Want to go deeper? Fol…

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S2E2 - Gen Z, AI, and a Permanently Shifting Workplace Dynamic 40:08

9M ago40:08

40:08

A conversation with Harris Poll Chief Strategy Officer, Libby Rodney. Could the future of AI monetize creativity rather than exploit it? Is there a future version of capitalism where we ditch artificial scarcity and all get a piece of the pie? Did Gen Z change the workplace dynamic forever? And can businesses finally end their love affair with the …

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S2E1 - Divorce and Motherhood: Reacquainting Yourself with You 19:04

10M ago19:04

19:04

On A Desire For More: The Summertime Sadness of the Single Mom + The Fire in the Pants That is Kamala's Art of War. In the season premiere, Chauncey Zalkin reflects on her solo summer trip to New Zealand while her kids were with their father. Navigating the emotions of sudden solitude, she finds herself reacquainting with her pre-motherhood identit…

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017 - Hot Menopause Summer!! - Three Women, Three Stories (one is an aging expert!) 1:04:48

11M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

💃🏻 Welcome to the mega 'season finale' episode featuring three personal and honest conversations about what menopause, aging, strength, and vitality mean to women facing this new era. Join us as we dive into discussions of the changing mindset and deeper understanding and acceptance of menopause, aging, beauty, and mortality. We also got jokes. Thi…

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016 - Collaboration, Conflict Resolution, and Our Macro and Micro Futures 25:58

12M ago25:58

25:58

Welcome to Episode 16! We are nearing the end of Season 1 of Actual People. In this episode, host Chauncey Zalkin muses on conflict resolution from a cul-de-sac baseball game between 5-10 year olds to two daft elderly men squabbling on national TV about their golf game when we're worried about the future of our country and who will run it. (hint: i…

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015 - A Career in Storytelling from Kate Tellers of The Moth 29:22

1y ago29:22

29:22

Musing on Loss of Organic Culture & Interview with Kate Tellers of The Storytelling Platform the Moth Sense making. It's one of the deepest human drives. We desperately want to make sense of our world and our role in it. Host Chauncey Zalkin delves into this topic in the episode before this (Ep 14) and reads her own story as a writer using allegory…

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014 - How Constant Self Help Can Harm Creativity 48:00

1y ago48:00

48:00

Self-Helping Yourself with Allegory 🐾 With excerpt of novel in progress, Claw 🐾 We're pushing lots of buttons. We're clicking and liking and commenting. We're beeping and booping, scrolling and scheduling. We're drinking from a fire hose of advice, opinions and external standards for how we should live our lives. Where's it all getting us? Welcome …

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013 - An Ad Agency Executive With A Strategic Plan for Living 45:26

1y ago45:26

45:26

Get Curious, Get Clear - Writing a Life Brief with Bonnie Wan. Today host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with the author of "The Life Brief ". Her guest, Bonnie Wan, has been the head of brand strategy at famed agency Goodby, Silverstein and Partners for over 13 years - and she took that talent for zeroing in on making meaning for major brands and parla…

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012 - Actual People - Finding Elijah - Mother's Day Edition 16:56

1y ago16:56

16:56

In this special Mother's Day edition of "Actual People," host Chauncey Zalkin shares a real-life story of serendipity and chance encounters in the mom era of her life. Three weeks ago, a Saturday morning bagel run turns into an unforeseen adventure when our host and her daughter Sky discover Elijah, a scarred, malnourished, and beautiful older pit …

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011 - How to Collaborate Like a TV Writer 49:57

1y ago49:57

49:57

The Anatomy of Collaboration: Insights from a Writer's Room Veteran. Meet Oscar-nominated writer and director, Rob Pearlstein, known for his work in both advertising and television, MacGyver, Scorpion, Someone Marry Barry, and more. Join Rob and Chauncey as they delve into the dynamics of collaboration exploring the intense, intricate world of writ…

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010 - An Influencer Marketing Expert Quits Tech & Finds Peace 45:04

1y ago45:04

45:04

Tech Free in NYC? How One Super Successful Digital Marketer and City Mom Gave it All Up And Went For Broke . In the latest episode of "Actual People," host Chauncey Zalkin talks to the author of "Raising Hell and Living Well: Freedom from Influence in a World Where Everyone Wants Something From You, Including Me." Their discussion explores the perv…

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009 - Breaking Up With Bad Love for Good 30:26

1y ago30:26

30:26

Welcome to this week's episode of Actual People, hosted by Chauncey Zalkin. Today, we delve into the intricate world of relationships, trauma, and the journey towards healing and self-love with relationship and trauma therapist Jasmonae Joyriel PsyD LP, brings her expertise in navigating the aftermath of toxic relationships and sheds light on the p…

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008 - Being BRCA+ with Reflections on Grieving My Father 23:07

1y ago23:07

23:07

Blue Ridge Mountain Edition - On Perfection, Grief and Hindsight Being 20/20 - An Essay That Looks Back on My Father. Today's episode started out as a reading of an essay I wrote about my father's death of Prostate Cancer in 2019 with a title inspired by the Tame Impala song, "Let It Happen" which I heard performed live in Atlanta two days before h…

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007 - Beauty Culture and The Tech Gaze with Elise Hu 40:57

1+ y ago40:57

40:57

Future Features: A Deep Dive into K Beauty and Beyond - Interview with Flawless Author Elise Hu Join us on our voyage to the uncanny valley and back as we discuss the trajectory of beauty’s “cyborgian” future with TED Talks host and author of “Flawless, Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital,” Elise Hu. In this captivating episode o…

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006 - Exploring Beauty Standards from a Gen X Miami + New York Coming of Age 19:13

1+ y ago19:13

19:13

Beauty is a short lived tyranny. - Socrates "I put the silver stiletto in the trash. The blade started to churn and I heard the snap of wood and strain of leather rending within its metal jaws..." Beauty is sublime, rejuvenating, restorative! but impossible beauty standards can have quite an opposite and deleterious impact. How do we foster self lo…

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005 - Fearless Creativity in the Age of A.I. 40:59

1+ y ago40:59

40:59

In this enlightening episode of "Actual People," host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with former architect and designer turned generative AI educator, Lori Mazor. As of the date of this episode, Lori has guided over 3000 business leaders through the maze of generative AI. With a newsletter called "Humans of AI" and an upcoming book called "Temperature: …

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004 - Cultural Examination of Song Lyrics and Love 16:13

1+ y ago16:13

16:13

From Lost In Love to Boy Bye - How Changing Lyrics Reflect Our Changing Attitudes Toward Love. We used to have ballads. Epic sweeping syrupy sweet songs of undying devotion. Then love grew up - or grew jaded, depending on how you look at it. One thing's for certain, the love song as we knew it is long dead and not coming back. In this episode, I ta…

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003 - What's Next for Media and Publishing Careers? 29:28

1+ y ago29:28

29:28

What's Next for Us?- Media and Publishing - The Anna Holmes Interview From Jezebel shuttering and resurrecting last year to the 20,000+ layoffs in media, 2023 was a scary year for people working in creative fields, and then 2024 came along... In this 3rd episode of Actual People, we bring you our first interview which is with Anna Holmes, the creat…

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002 - Fear is a Tool. Despair is What's Scary. 26:22

1+ y ago26:22

26:22

In the second episode of "Actual People," I dive into how fear and darkness are useful tools for conjuring the spirits of hope and creativity and how despair is the real monster under the bed. I touch upon the occult, post industrial Manchester, true crime, my 80s Miami childhood (again) and how the artist Jelly Roll, who just gave a rousing speech…

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001 - Suddenly 50: Where We Are & What's Next As Gen X 23:50

1+ y ago23:50

23:50

In this first episode, I reflect on the shock and freedom of turning 50 at a time in history where nothing is what it was. Gen X is the unsung renegade generation reinventing once again. What will we do next? Welcome to the very first episode of "Actual People" where I take you on a journey of discovery, reflection, and understanding of the unique …

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Welcome to Actual People! ...The Trailer 2:28

1+ y ago2:28

2:28

Welcome to Actual People, an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change. In this podcast, I’ll open up about my own experiences in order to dive into social and cultural phenomena, positive developments, and collective pain. We’ll look at survival, endurance, strength, triumph and despair while …

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Ep.129 Doom Machine’s ‘ Somewhere, Between, The Truth And The Void’, an Interview With Doom Machine, And More! 1:49:44

3y ago1:49:44

1:49:44

Today on Phenomena Nations Podcast, I take a look at the new full length from sludge/doom/hard rock band Doom Machine called ‘Somewhere, Between, The Truth And The Void’. The. I have the immense pleasure of being able to sit down with 2/3s of who was behind that masterpiece. I also talk about deja vù and more! Check out all things Phenomena Nations…

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Ep.128 Bobnoxious’ Two Fisted Twisted Rock’N’Roll, Guitar Stuff, and more! 55:08

3y ago55:08

55:08

Today on Phenomena Nation, I re-take a look at one of my favourite albums of all time, talk about guitar stuff and more!Check out all things Phenomena Nations and buy merch on the Linktree here: https://linktr.ee/pnpodParler: PhenomenaNationsPodMixlr: http://mixlr.com/phenomena-nations-podcastCampcasters- https://www.campcasters.ca/The Music:Ghost …

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Ep.127 Seum’s ‘Winterized’, Hanging With Against The Sun, And Birthday Buttstuff Report! 1:20:16

3y ago1:20:16

1:20:16

Today on Phenomena Nation, I take a look at the Montreal based, bass only sludge band Seum’s Winterized. An absolute banger. And after that I hang out with Against The Sun to discuss their new single. A re-recording of one of their old songs called Chelsea Said. And to end it out I go over the birthday buttstuff report. Check out all things Phenome…

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Ep.126 4 Year Anniversary!, and Skegss’ My Own Mess 53:06

3y ago53:06

53:06

On this day exactly 4 years ago, a monumental act was made. I created and published the first episode of Phenomena Nations Podcast. And if sucked ass. But it was an important step to get me to where I am now. So, I offer some insight into the show itself. As well, I review one of my new favourite albums. The debut from the band Skegss, ‘My Own Mess…

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Ep.125 Jake Vaadeland’s ‘Retro Man’, and Hangin’ With Andre Wright! 1:37:08

3y ago1:37:08

1:37:08

Today on Phenomena Nations after a few week break Mac is back with a review of the modern classic Retro Man by Jake Vaadeland and The Sturgeon River Boys. After that we have an awesome interview with the one and only Andre Wright. Singer, Songwriter, and musician extraordinaire. Check out Andre Wright here- https://instagram.com/andre_wright_the_ax…

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Ep.124 Aliens, Simulations, and Prank Calls 1:26:00

3+ y ago1:26:00

1:26:00

In a little bit of a different format Max, Luke, Dylan, and Michael just chill and discuss whatever and stuff. Check out all things Phenomena Nations and buy merch on the Linktree here: https://linktr.ee/pnpod Parler: PhenomenaNationsPod Mixlr: http://mixlr.com/phenomena-nations-podcast Our Coverart was done by Mutant Christ, check him out here: ht…

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Two Maxes!? Hanging out With Max Feltham 1:35:56

3+ y ago1:35:56

1:35:56

As part of episode 123 here is the isolated interview with Max Feltham of Bloodprint and his solo stuff Checan it out! Secrets of the Underworld by Max Feltham- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GAUCOOJhr34 cuu3rpDi1GSc976KTKbT --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pnpod/message…

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Ep.123 Infectious Grooves’ “Sarsippius’ Ark”, Hanging Out With Max Feltham, and More! 2:19:59

3+ y ago2:19:59

2:19:59

After a very long hiatus, I am back! Here to penetrate your sexy earholes with my magnificent voice. We’ve got an album review of Infectious Groove’ Sarsippius’ Ark, which is a banger, and sit down with another Max! That is Max Feltham from Bloodprint as well as some solo projects! So now that its finally time to come back sit back and enjoy! Check…

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Ep.122 The Phenomena Nations Christmas Special 1:01:46

3+ y ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Merry Christmas! Tis the most wonderful time of the year and here’s a Christmas special from your favourite podcast! I talk about everything from a pregnant Weird Al, reading The Night Before Christmas and more!Check out all things Phenomena Nations and buy merch on the Linktree here: https://linktr.ee/pnpod Parler: PhenomenaNationsPod Mixlr: http:…

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Hanging Out With Bloodprint 1:12:44

3+ y ago1:12:44

1:12:44

I sit down with Bloodprint to discuss the EP. We also talk about books, movies, and music! Check Out Bloodprint here: https://linktr.ee/Bloodprint--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pnpod/message

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Ep.121 Bloodprint’s Scorched, An Interview With Bloodprint, Implements of Hell, and More! 2:07:57

3+ y ago2:07:57

2:07:57

Today on Phenomena Nations Podcast, I review the debut EP from Nova Scotia metal band, Bloodprint. It’s called Scorched, and it is awesome! Possibly one of the greatest albums I’ve ever listened to, and to add to that coolness I sit down with Bloodprint to discuss the EP. We also talk about books, movies, and music! And even before that I talk abou…

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Hanging out with Against The Sun 59:53

3+ y ago59:53

59:53

I hang out with some of the coolest dudes I’ve ever had the pleasure of talking with. I sat down with 3/4 of the Punk/Hard Rock/Metalcore band Against The Sun! Check that out and more in the new episode! Check out ATS here! https://open.spotify.com/track/26v0Nrz7CAPmIDtFqvnyKe?si=RNOSeBdmRo2tVwA8E3Bxdg&nd=1&utm_medium=organic&_branch_referrer=H4sIA…

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Ep.120 Gnarkill’s ‘GNARKILL’, An Interview With Against The Sun, and More! 1:39:18

3+ y ago1:39:18

1:39:18

On episode 120 of Phenomena Nations Podcast, I take a look into one of the weirdest albums I’ve heard in a whil. GNARKILL by Gnarkill. I don’t know what to make of it but it’s pretty damn funny! And after that I hang out with some of the coolest dudes I’ve ever had the pleasure of talking with. I sat down with 3/4 of the Punk/Hard Rock/Metalcore ba…

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An interview with New Kids On Your Mom 1:05:03

3+ y ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Today I sit down with Miley Mo, Kirky J, and DJ Eggshell (kinda) from the comedy music group, New Kids On Your Mom! Check out NKOYM here https://linktr.ee/newkidsonyourmom--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pnpod/message