Best Rudy Kong Podcasts (2025)

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How a Monk’s Wine Became Scotland’s Most Feared Beverage | Ep. 122 33:47

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1d ago33:47

33:47

What happens when monks, caffeine, and alcohol collide? Buckfast Tonic Wine has been called "wreck the hoose juice" for a reason, and we’re here to find out why. From its bizarre monastic origins to its unholy connection to Scottish street crime, this stuff has serious lore. Matt, Jason, and Drew dig into the story behind Buckfast while getting way…

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What the Hell Is Sciacchetrà? The Sweet Secret of Cinque Terre | The Spill 12:02

3d ago12:02

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In this Spill, Matt surprises Jason with a bottle of Sciacchetrà: a rare, golden, sweet dessert wine made on the cliffs of Cinque Terre, Italy. It’s fermented from sun-dried grapes, aged by tradition, and produced in such tiny quantities it’s practically liquid folklore. We break down the ancient passito method, the grueling cliffside harvest, and …

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July 6. 2025 Special: Ask Us Anything 54:54

4d ago54:54

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What happens when ancient wisdom meets modern questions? When a rabbi, priest, professor, and millennial tackle your deepest spiritual curiosities, the result is a fascinating exploration of faith that transcends traditional boundaries. Tonight's episode takes a different approach as our interfaith panel responds to listener questions about everyth…

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The Fire That Burned a City and Killed No One (Almost) | Ep. 121 25:18

8d ago25:18

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In 1875, a warehouse in Dublin’s Liberties district exploded into flames, igniting more than 5,000 barrels of whiskey and unleashing a river of fire through the streets. But the fire itself didn’t kill anyone. The whiskey did. This episode dives into the wild true story of the Dublin Whiskey Fire, where: 🔥 Streets flowed with flaming booze 🍺 Locals…

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June 22, 2025 When Matter Becomes Holy: Our Relationship with Sacred Objects 54:42

10d ago54:42

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What makes an object sacred? Is it divine designation, human recognition, or something else entirely? Our interfaith panel dives deep into the fascinating world of sacred objects and their role in connecting us to the transcendent. Father Mario offers a compelling metaphor: at creation, all matter possessed a mirror-like quality designed to reflect…

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The Bourbon Strike You Never Heard About (But Should Have) | The Spill 15:46

10d ago15:46

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In 2021, one of the biggest names in bourbon, Heaven Hill Distillery, was at the center of a massive labor strike that shook the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon industry. In this Spill, Matt and Jason dig into how the strike started, why nearly 420 union workers walked out, and what was really at stake: healthcare, overtime, family time, and the soul o…

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Divorcing a Narcissist: Samantha Boss on Surviving the Chaos 39:57

11d ago39:57

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Samantha Boss went through a brutal four-year divorce with over 300 court filings and a high-conflict ex who made co-parenting feel impossible. Now she helps other moms avoid the same mistakes. In this episode, Samantha joins Dennis to talk about what really happens when you’re dealing with a toxic ex and how to protect yourself, your kids, and you…

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The Bootlegger King Who Killed His Wife and Got Away With It | Ep. 120 27:38

15d ago27:38

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George Remus made millions bootlegging during Prohibition, lived like Gatsby, married a woman named Imogene, then murdered her in broad daylight. The kicker? He defended himself in court…and walked free. This episode of Arsenic Culture dives into one of the wildest real-life crime sagas in American history: 💰 The “King of the Bootleggers” 🚘 A high-…

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The Cult of Dirty Soda: From Mormons to KFC | The Spill 13:33

17d ago13:33

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Welcome to the sweet, syrupy, slightly unhinged world of Dirty Soda: a drink that somehow combines Diet Coke, coconut syrup, cream, and religious guilt. In this Spill, Matt and Jason break down how a Mormon workaround for coffee and booze turned into a national flavor phenomenon, complete with TikTok trends, sugar bombs, and yes… KFC’s Peaches & Cr…

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Arsenic Bread: The Hong Kong Mass Poisoning Scandal | Ep. 119 30:06

22d ago30:06

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In 1857, nearly 10% of Hong Kong’s European population was poisoned by bakery bread laced with arsenic. Was it political sabotage, racism-fueled hysteria, or just one hell of a bakery blunder? In this episode, we dive into the chaos of colonial paranoia, courtroom drama, and the wild trial of Cheong Ah-lum, a baker who offered to behead himself and…

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The Man Who Wouldn’t Die: The Insane Story of Michael Malloy | The Spill 14:46

24d ago14:46

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Let’s get this out of the way: Michael Malloy should not have survived. But somehow, this Irish-born New York City drunkard became the most hilariously unkillable man in Prohibition-era history. In this episode of The Spill, Matt, Jason, and Kendra unravel the unbelievable tale of Michael Malloy, a man so dedicated to booze, and so impervious to de…

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Oregon Liquor Scandal: Inside the Bourbon Hoarding Corruption Scheme | Ep. 118 28:32

29d ago28:32

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Oregon’s liquor agency was caught hoarding rare bourbon for themselves, and you won’t believe how deep the favoritism and sketchy behavior went. In this episode of Arsenic Culture, Matt, Jason, and Kendra break down the OLCC scandal, the shady bourbon allocation system, and what it reveals about liquor politics in America. Are these “rare bottle lo…

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What Is Pisco? Chile and Peru’s Booziest Feud | The Spill 13:04

1M ago13:04

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Welcome to another episode of The Spill, where Arsenic Culture dives deep into the boozy drama behind Pisco, a brandy-like spirit that's at the center of a long-standing rivalry between Peru and Chile. Matt, Jason, and Kendra sip, squabble, and sort through history, origin myths, and flavor notes to figure out: who actually owns Pisco? If you've ev…

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June 8, 2025 Challenging History: Cycles, Progress, and Transgression 54:46

1M ago54:46

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What happens when a society rejects both cyclical fatalism and divine purpose in favor of progress defined solely by transgression? Our panel dives deep into the philosophical roots of today's cultural battles by examining how our understanding of history shapes everything around us. Before Judaism introduced its revolutionary concept of linear tim…

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Murder Solved by a Beer Can? | Ep. 117Episode 22:14

1M ago22:14

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A 25-year-old cold case. One beer can. And a DNA match that cracked the case, this is one of our wildest Heavy Pours yet. In this true crime twist, Kendra takes us through the bizarre and tragic murder of Dustin Kjersem, finally solved when police linked DNA from a tossed beer can to the killer: Daren Christopher. This isn’t your average murder mys…

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Metaxa: Greece’s Mysterious Spirit of War | The Spill 12:06

1M ago12:06

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What do a warrior medallion, an ancient amphora, and a secret blend of Mediterranean botanicals have in common? They’re all part of the mysterious and bold story of Metaxa—Greece’s signature spirit that defies easy categorization. Matt and Jason sip through Metaxa’s layered history, from its roots in 1888 to its ties with the Salamina Warrior Emble…

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The Whiskey Trust: America’s Most Corrupt Alcohol Empire | Ep. 116 29:13

1M ago29:13

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The Whiskey Trust wasn’t just about bourbon—it was a full-blown criminal syndicate. From strong-arm tactics and price-fixing to actual attempted bombings of rival distilleries, this was a booze empire built on intimidation and greed. Matt, Jason, and Kendra unpack the chaos behind America’s most corrupt alcohol monopoly, reveal how it tried to murd…

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The Most F*cked Up Booze We’ve Ever Heard Of | The Spill 13:51

2M ago13:51

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This episode is not for the faint of liver. We asked: what alcohol is — or should be — illegal? From neon tourist trap moonshine to actual fermented spit beer (yes, really), we run down the worst offenders in the booze world. Also featured: 🧪 Bilk (beer + milk, why?) 🐎 Kumis (fermented horse milk, apparently a laxative) 🦶 The Sourtoe Cocktail (it’s…

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May 25, 2025 Entrusted, Not Owned: Rethinking Our Bodies 54:47

2M ago54:47

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What if our bodies aren't really ours? This question launches an illuminating interfaith exploration of physical existence that challenges our culture's deeply individualistic approach to health and wellness. "You did not create yourself," reminds one panelist, prompting us to consider a revolutionary perspective: perhaps we're not owners but stewa…

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Dan Aykroyd’s Vodka Is Filtered Through 500-Million-Year-Old Crystals | Ep. 115 25:52

2M ago25:52

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Dan Aykroyd didn’t just star in Ghostbusters—he believes in ghosts, aliens, and psychic energy. Naturally, he made a vodka filtered through ancient crystals and bottled in a glass skull. In this Heavy Pour, Matt, Jason, and Kendra explore the paranormal backstory behind Crystal Head Vodka, including the legend of the Mitchell-Hedges skull, ancient …

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Buffalo Turkey: The Bourbon Wild Turkey Rejected… and Everyone Else Paid For | The Spill 15:10

2M ago15:10

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Wild Turkey asked Buffalo Trace for help. Buffalo Trace said, “Sure, we’ll use your recipe... but we’re gonna do it our way.” Fourteen years later, Wild Turkey tasted the final product and basically said, “Yeah, this ain’t it.” What followed is a bourbon hand-me-down saga involving secret barrels, shady brokers, inflated secondary prices, and a bun…

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Wedding Red Flags You Should Never Ignore with Charlotte Guernsey 21:00

2M ago21:00

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Are you missing major red flags before walking down the aisle? In this episode of The DRV Law Show, divorce attorney Dennis Vetrano sits with his wife, Charlotte Guernsey, who co-owns Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique and Venue. Together, they reveal the relationship warning signs she sees all the time while working with engaged couples. From financial co…

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May 18, 2025 Holy Rules or School Fools? The Texas Ten Commandments Debate 54:50

2M ago54:50

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The boundary between religious tradition and indoctrination takes center stage as we tackle Texas Senate Bill 10—a controversial measure requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom across the state. Our conversation begins with a delightful detour as Rudy shares the publication of his new book, "Lasting Scars," g…

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The Greatest Wine Scam Ever | Rudy Kurniawan’s Fraud Exposed | Ep. 114 35:06

2M ago35:06

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We crack open a bottle of Burgundy and uncork one of the wildest scams in wine history: the rise and fall of Rudy Kurniawan—the man who sold millions in fake bottles to billionaires, auction houses, and wine snobs alike. Matt takes Jason (and you) through Rudy’s rise from mystery man to collector god, his infamous $24.7 million wine auction, and th…

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We Got Scammed? The Old Forester Barrel Pick Controversy | The Spill 11:26

2M ago11:26

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What happens when a liquor store claims they landed the oldest Old Forester barrel pick ever — and then quietly walks it back? In this episode of The Spill, Matt and Jason dive into a controversial New York store pick that was supposed to be 11 years old… but wasn’t. We break down: How this pick blew up on the secondary market The age statement “mi…

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May 11, 2025 The American Pope: Leo XIV's Unprecedented Election 54:52

2M ago54:52

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The surprise election of Pope Leo XIV has sent ripples through the Catholic world and beyond. Born Robert Prevost in Chicago's south side, he represents a historic first—an American Pope—defying longstanding assumptions that the universal church would never select a pontiff from the United States due to concerns about concentrating too much influen…

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Bourbon Secondary 101: The Underground Economy of Rare Whiskey | Ep. 113 36:48

2M ago36:48

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Welcome to Arsenic Culture. This Heavy Pour dives deep into the elusive, “allegedly illegal” world of the bourbon secondary market. From Facebook secret groups and coded lingo to John Wick status bottles and $2,000 price tags, this episode exposes how rare bourbon gets bought, sold, and—maybe—smuggled in the modern age. We talk insider etiquette, s…

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330 Calories a Shot? The Truth About Crème Liqueurs | The Spill 13:02

2M ago13:02

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Are crème liqueurs the ultimate guilty pleasure—or just boozy sugar bombs disguised as dessert? In this episode of The Spill, Matt and Jason crack open two neon-colored, cereal-inspired cream liqueurs—Bedrock Bliss (Fruity Pebbles) and King Cake Cream—and get brutally honest about what’s actually inside these indulgent drinks. From the science behi…

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May 4, 2025 The Line Priests Won't Cross: Faith vs Government Mandate 55:46

2M ago55:46

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The line between religious freedom and government regulation has been drawn in stark relief as Washington State enacts a law requiring clergy to report child abuse disclosed during confession. This contentious legislation strikes at the heart of Catholic sacramental practice, challenging a tradition dating back to Jesus's instruction to the apostle…

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Gold Medals, Broken Corks, and Champagne Royalty | Ep. 112 32:40

2M ago32:40

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🥂 We’re popping bottles, telling tales, and maybe (definitely) trying to saber a champagne bottle! This Heavy Pour celebrates our friends at The Void Sake Brewery winning gold at the SBANA People's Choice Awards, while diving into the incredible story of Madame Clicquot — the woman who revolutionized champagne forever. Learn about her rise to power…

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Cinco de Mayo: Margaritas, Myths and Massive Mistakes | The Spill 11:08

2M ago11:08

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Margaritas, myths, and some questionable decisions — welcome to our Cinco de Mayo Spill! 🍻 We break down what Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates, why America turned it into a drinking holiday, and some of our favorite chaotic Mexican restaurant traditions. From giant Corona-ritas to cheese dip overdoses, we’re covering it all. Whether you're here fo…

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April 27, 2025 Life's Cycles 54:54

3M ago54:54

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When flags flew at half-staff across Texas following Pope Benedict XVI's passing, it offered a striking reminder that faith rituals transcend religious boundaries to touch something universally human. What makes us pause collectively to honor life's pivotal transitions? Our multi-faith panel explores the ceremonial markers that guide us through exi…

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A.H. Hirsch Bourbon: Opening The Legendary White Whale | Ep. 111 32:25

3M ago32:25

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This week, Matt and Jason open one of the most legendary bottles in bourbon history: A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16-Year Bourbon. Distilled in 1974 at the now-lost Michter’s Distillery in Pennsylvania, Hirsch is one of the rarest and most sought-after unicorns among bourbon collectors. We walk you through the wild backstory — from its humble Pennsylvania b…

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Drinking Overproof Rum in Jamaica Might’ve Been a Mistake | The Spill 24:02

3M ago24:02

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We flew to Jamaica, stayed at Sandals Montego Bay, and did what any irresponsible podcast would do — cracked open a bottle of Wray & Nephew overproof rum and tested the limits of good judgment. This 126-proof Jamaican staple is everywhere on the island, and locals had one reaction when they saw us with it: "Good luck, white boys." In this episode o…

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April 20, 2025 Sacred Melodies: How Music Shapes Religious Experience 54:55

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Music bypasses our intellectual defenses and speaks directly to our hearts in ways that sermons and teachings rarely achieve. This profound spiritual reality was the focus of our latest conversation, where our interfaith panel explored why sacred songs become so deeply embedded in our religious experiences. Rabbi Stuart opened with a revealing obse…

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How Fortaleza Tequila Resurrected a 150 Year Old Distillery | Ep. 110 28:14

3M ago28:14

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We dive into the incredible history of Fortaleza Tequila — from its roots in the Sauza family to its modern-day revival of a 19th-century microdistillery. Is this the best artisanal tequila you can buy today? Join Matt and Jason as they sip through Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo expressions, sharing tasting notes, regional history, and the TikTok-fuel…

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Bruce Russell on the Return of Wild Turkey 101 8-Year | The Spill 20:41

3M ago20:41

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In this special Spill episode, Jason sits down with Bruce Russell of Wild Turkey—alongside Anthony and Kenny from The Mashup podcast—to talk bourbon heritage, brand legacy, and the much-anticipated return of Wild Turkey 101 8-Year Bourbon. From family tradition to label decisions, Bruce shares what it means to carry the Russell name into the next g…

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April 13, 2025 Spiritual Practices: Reshaping Your Soul Through Discipline 54:53

3M ago54:53

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What does it take to transform ourselves spiritually? In this thought-provoking episode, we unpack how spiritual practices shape our souls like exercise shapes our bodies. The conversation begins with a compelling analogy: a man in his 40s who decided to transform his physical appearance through disciplined diet, exercise, and sleep habits. Similar…

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The White Witch Of Rose Hall | Ep. 109 26:56

3M ago26:56

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We finally made it to Rose Hall… and yes, we drank the Witch’s Brew 😬 Ghost stories, haunted booze, and a possible murderer named Annie? You know we had to cover this one. What’s your theory—real witch or just a badass with bad PR? 👻👇 We take you inside the haunted halls of Rose Hall, Jamaica’s most infamous plantation, to unravel the chilling lege…

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Tokaji Wine: The Legendary Royal Drink of Hungary | Ep. 108 27:26

3M ago27:26

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Once called “the wine of kings and the king of wines,” Tokaji wine has been sipped by emperors, popes, and power-hungry nobility for centuries. In this episode, we uncork the story behind Tokaji Aszú, Hungary’s iconic dessert wine—why it was once Europe’s most sought-after bottle, how it nearly disappeared, and why it's making a comeback today. We …

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March 30, 2025 Many Nations Under God 54:43

3M ago54:43

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What does religious faith have to say about immigration, borders, and national identity? Our panel tackles one of today's most polarizing moral questions with nuance and compassion, moving beyond typical political talking points to explore deeper ethical principles. At the heart of our conversation is the theological concept of "Ordo Amoris" or the…

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Bourbon Aged In 300 Year Old Oak | Ep. 107 27:33

4M ago27:33

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Join us on our latest episode where we try a bourbon that was finished in barrels made from 300 year old oak. Cathedral French Oak Barrel Finish bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company is featured. This one is a blend of 5 different aged bourbons (with different recipes) that range from 9 years to 18 years old. The bourbon was then finished for 14 m…

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Faith Through Words: Quotations That Shape Our Lives 54:56

4M ago54:56

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Tucked within ancient scriptures, philosophical musings, and even secular thought lies transformative wisdom that can change our perspective in an instant. This episode invites you into an intimate exploration of the quotations that have profoundly shaped our hosts' spiritual journeys. Rabbi Stuart shares his personal maxim—"Choose your theology ca…

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The Great Booze Scam: Is "Premium" Worth It? | Ep. 106 35:27

4M ago35:27

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Join us on as we dedicate an entire episode to tasting alcohol completely blind! We try a common bottle and a "rare" bottle from vodka, rum, tequila and bourbon. Our goal is to determine if premium is really worth it. Can we tell a difference? Are premium/rare drinks worth the elevated price point? Only one way to find out... Joining us on this epi…

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This Whiskey Is Made With Beaver Musk-E105 31:14

4M ago31:14

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Join us on our latest episode where we talk about beavers and whiskey, and even better...a whiskey made from a beaver? Featured spirit: Eau de Musc from Tamworth Distilling. Description per their website: Eau de Musc proudly features an old-world flavoring technique that uses the oil extract from the castor gland of the North American beaver, which…

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March 9, 2025 We are dust, and to dust we shall return. 54:47

4M ago54:47

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Why do humans crave tangible expressions of their faith? From the mark of ashes on foreheads to the kippah on a Jewish man's head, religious symbols offer powerful reminders of our spiritual commitments in a physical world. Our conversation begins with Ash Wednesday and its curious popularity - it's not a day of obligation for Catholics, yet church…

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Go Home America, You're Drunk (and Side Project part 3)-E104 34:07

4M ago34:07

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Join us on our latest episode where we talk about all things alcohol, with a special emphasis on alcohol history in the United States. And of course we try a new beverage during our discussion. Another one from Side Project Brewing out of Maplewood, Missouri. Featured beer: 10 Year Barleywine, a 17% barrel aged English Barleywine from Side Project …

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March 2, 2025 The Sound of Peace and War 54:48

4M ago54:48

54:48

What does it mean to pursue peace in a world shadowed by conflict? In this episode of A Show of Faith, we tackle this complex question through insightful dialogues among our diverse panel. As we often see global tensions rise, particularly with ongoing situations like the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, our hosts reflect on the intricate relat…

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This Country Drinks More Whiskey Than Anyone (It’s Not America)-E103 29:51

4M ago29:51

29:51

Join us on our latest episode where we talk about all things Indian Whisky. In this episode we try and review 2 single malt Indian whiskies from Rampur. Is Indian Whisky any good? How do they compare to Scotch? American Whiskey? Are any of them worth it? Only one way to find out... Featured are: 1. Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky https…

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February 23, 2025 Borders of Faith: Exploring the Morality of Immigration 55:02

5M ago55:02

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Join us in this captivating discussion as we explore one of the most contentious and pressing issues of our time—immigration. In this episode, our diverse panel delves into the moral and ethical complexities surrounding immigration policies in the United States. We dissect the contrasting attitudes between current political leadership, discuss the …