Best Sally Swift Podcasts (2025)

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Elizabeth Gray: Birdwatching Is for Everyone 24:54

Play Pause

16h ago24:54

24:54

What do pigeons, volcanoes, and climate change have in common? For Dr. Elizabeth Gray, they’ve all been part of her unlikely journey from bird nerd to CEO of the National Audubon Society. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Gray shares how birds led her to science, conservation, and climate advocacy, and why she believes birds can unite …

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Cow Copter vs Cruise Corn 39:06

3d ago39:06

39:06

This week, our MaxFun friends Helen Hong and Kevin Avery join Dave for Nintendo trivia, LGBTQ+ anthems, and Sesame Street pitches. Helen Hong would like to plug Go Fact Yourself and Belly Laughs Festival Kevin Avery would like to plug Maximum Film and The Great North and recommends Kara Morgan And finally Dave is on Bluesky! Find us on Instagram an…

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Dr. Nikki Romanik: RFK Jr., Vaccine Misinformation, and the Consequences for Public Health 50:26

7d ago50:26

50:26

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reverses his stance on COVID-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, the stakes of vaccine misinformation have never felt higher. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Nikki Romanik — former Chief of Staff & Deputy Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy…

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Sally Ann Ranney: How a Tree Taught Me Everything 27:09

20d ago27:09

27:09

Conservation leader Sally Ann Ranney joins the Scientista Podcast to share the surprising story that started it all—napping inside a tree as a child—and how that deep connection to nature led her to spearhead a bold international campaign: a 10-year moratorium on Arctic development. She talks with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina about what …

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Gollum vs Jan Brady 57:47

21d ago57:47

57:47

This week, our friends Teri Gamble and Jessica Lynn Verdi join Dave for TV spinoff trivia, improvised song sequels, and movie sequel bidding wars. Teri Gamble would like to plug Horror Movie Survival Guide and Horror X and recommends Today in Gay Jessica Lynn Verdi would like to plug Mission Log: The Orville and recommends Naming Your Little Geek a…

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Whitney W. Strauss: Why Healthy Kids Need Healthy Communities 21:29

27d ago21:29

21:29

Dr. Whitney Strauss, Executive Director, AdvoCare Foundation; Philanthropist, Food Systems Expert, and Author, joins us to talk about food systems, health equity, and what it takes to drive real change. From the fight for healthier food access to battling misinformation and building trust at the community level, Whitney shares lessons from her care…

1
Adam Met: How Taylor Swift (and you) Can Help Power the Climate Movement 35:23

1M ago35:23

35:23

Musician, activist, and climate advocate Adam Met joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about using the power of music—and the influence of artists like Taylor Swift—to mobilize fans for climate action. From street performances in Central Park to sold-out arenas and a PhD in climate policy, Adam shares his unique journey blending entertainment and a…

1
Shaq Poo vs Rizzy Shakespeare 42:37

1M ago42:37

42:37

This week, our guests Shanna Christmas and Mangesh Hattikudur join Dave Holmes for some songs about women in interesting places, cornfield horror flicks, and Sanrio character trivia. Shanna Christmas would like to plug her upcoming special Highly Intelligent and her monthly comedy show and recommends The Comedy Reviewers Mangesh Hattikudur would li…

1
Jennifer Klein: Fighting for the 28th Amendment and a More Equal Future 30:26

1M ago30:26

30:26

Jennifer Klein, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia SIPA and former Director of the White House Gender Policy Council, joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about fighting for the 28th Amendment, confronting the global backlash against gender equality, and why it mattered to be the first person to say “menopause” in the Oval Office. A con…

1
Charlotte Clymer: Service, Identity, and Speaking the Truth 34:06

2M ago34:06

34:06

From enlisting in the Army at 19 to becoming one of the nation’s most powerful voices for LGBTQ rights, Charlotte Clymer has never taken the easy path. In this episode, she joins the Scientista Podcast to reflect on her journey, what service taught her, and how her identity as a trans woman, a veteran, and a person of faith shapes her advocacy toda…

1
Weezer vs Sappho 50:51

2M ago50:51

50:51

This week, our guests Riley Silverman and Amy Spalding join Dave Holmes for some cubic trivia, wordcloud karaoke, and tax write off justifications. Riley Silverman would like to plug Tales From The Vortex and recommends The Joy Who Lived Amy Spalding would like to plug On Her Terms and recommends Cover Story by Celia Laskey And finally Dave is on B…

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Gina McCarthy: The EPA, the White House, and the Fight for Our Future 29:42

2M ago29:42

29:42

On this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Gina McCarthy—former EPA Administrator and the first-ever White House National Climate Advisor—for a candid, urgent conversation about what’s at stake for science, health, and the planet. From her early days in local government to leading historic climate action under President Biden, Gina…

1
Astro Teller: Why Pippi Longstocking Is My Role Model 32:32

2M ago32:32

32:32

Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots at X (Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory), joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about bold ideas, big failures, and why Pippi Longstocking is still his role model. From AI to innovation culture, Astro shares what it takes to lead with humility, audacity, and purpose—and how embracing failure might be the key to building …

1
King vs Rebels 42:09

2M ago42:09

42:09

This week our friends Oscar Montoya and Mike Drucker join Dave for some garbled videogame tunes, Wario-ized celebrities, and videogame movie trivia. Mike Drucker would like to plug Good Game No Rematch and recommends Two Point Museum Oscar Montoya would like to plug Eurovangelists and Drag Her! and recommends Infinity Nikki And finally Dave is on B…

1
Katharine Hayhoe — How to Talk About Climate So People Listen 21:02

2M ago21:02

21:02

Climate scientist and communicator Dr. Katharine Hayhoe joins the Scientista Podcast to break down the most powerful climate solution we have: our voice. In this episode, she shares how to make climate conversations more effective—and more human—by starting with what people already care about. From disinformation to hope, this is a must-listen for …

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UNLOCKED: Troubled Waters x Secretly Incredibly Fascinating BoCo 2023 41:12

2M ago41:12

41:12

For MaxFunDrive 2025 we thought it'd be fun to release an older piece of bonus content from behind the paywall! Enjoy!By Maximum Fun

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MaxFunDrive 2025 Bonus Preview! 6:27

2M ago6:27

6:27

Here's a little sneak peek at this year's bonus content! It's a Motivational Speeches special, featuring a ton of MaxFun favorites! If you'd like to hear the rest, go on over to maximumfun.org/join and become a member TODAY! It's the MaxFunDrive, the one time of year where your dollar goes the furthest! Get great gifts and support the shows you lov…

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How One Bird Changed Everything: Patricia Zurita on Her Path to Global Conservation Leadership 27:21

3M ago27:21

27:21

What does a bright-red bird have to do with global conservation? For Patricia Zurita, Chief Strategy Officer at Conservation International, it was the Andean cock-of-the-rock that first sparked her passion for protecting nature. In this episode, Patricia shares how that pivotal moment in Ecuador’s cloud forests led her to a career at the intersecti…

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Inside the Climate Fight: Lora Snyder on Defending Progress and What’s Next 25:25

3M ago25:25

25:25

How do we protect the climate policies that shape our future? Lora Snyder, former Staff Director for the House Natural Resources Committee, joins The Scientista Podcast to break down the fight for renewable energy, coastal restoration, and conservation policy. From defending the Inflation Reduction Act to countering fossil fuel interests, she share…

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A Life of Service: Tamara Wilds Lawson on Leadership and Impact 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

How does representation shape leadership? In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, Tamara Wilds Lawson, President & CEO of the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, shares how growing up around strong women in leadership shaped her path. From her family’s legacy of activism to her work advancing gender and racial equity, she discusses why visibilit…

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Pasadena vs Luxembourg 58:36

3M ago58:36

58:36

It's MaxFunDrive time again!!! If you like Troubled Waters and want to support the show, become a member of Maximum Fun! You can join for as low as $5/month and get access to some great bonus content from us and every show on Maximum Fun! This week, MaxFun hosts Allan McLeod and Dimitry Pompee join Dave for some celebrity name bidding, Shrek recast…

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BONUS: Dave Holmes hosts MFD Spring Break 1:19:17

3M ago1:19:17

1:19:17

It’s not MaxFunDrive without a wild kickoff spectacular! Former real-life VJ and host of MTV's Spring Break 1999, Dave Holmes, takes your favorite MaxFun hosts through some wacky ‘90s- and Spring Break-themed mini games!! Featuring: Dave Holmes, Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya, Dimitry Pompée, Tom Lum, Ellen Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, Brenda Snell, Drea…

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Behind the Scenes of Pandemic Response: Dr. Nikki Romanik on Science, Policy, and Trust 29:58

3M ago29:58

29:58

How do you stop the next pandemic before it starts? Dr. Nikki Romanik, former Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness, has spent her career answering that question. In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, she takes us behind the scenes of pandemic response, from Ebola to COVID-19, and reveals what i…

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From Mom to Movement Builder: Ebony Twilley Martin’s Fight for Environmental Justice 26:15

3M ago26:15

26:15

What happens when the air your child breathes makes them sick? For Ebony Twilley Martin, it sparked a journey from concerned mother to climate justice leader. In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, the former Executive Director of Greenpeace USA shares how environmental racism, activism, and leadership intersect—and why frontline communities mu…

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The Godmother of Climate and Security: Sherri Goodman on the National Security Risks of a Warming Planet 24:27

3M ago24:27

24:27

Sherri Goodman: The Godmother of Climate and Security Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a national security risk. In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, Sherri Goodman, the expert who coined the term “threat multiplier,” explains how climate-driven disasters are reshaping global defense strategies. As a former Deputy Underse…

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Ne Zha 2 vs Hackman 57:03

3M ago57:03

57:03

This week, our friends Daniel Van Kirk and Brian Konowal join Dave for some acceptance speeches, celebrity/veggie combos, and songs about winning and losing. Brian Konowal would like to plug 1923 season 2 and recommends Starling Street and the podcast Guardians of the Palaxy Daniel Van Kirk would like to plug his upcoming tour dates, his special Ro…

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Aliens vs Vampires 37:07

4M ago37:07

37:07

This week our friends Erin Judge and Jenny Chalikian join Dave for some motivational speeches, Sparks songs vs This American Life episodes, and twin/vampire trivia. Erin Judge would like to plug Romantic Comedy at the Ripped Bodice and Queens of the Dead and recommends Tomas Matos Jenny Chalikian would also like to plug Romantic Comedy at the Rippe…

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Peens vs Jeans 44:32

4M ago44:32

44:32

This week our friends Zabeth Russell and Mel Stephens join Dave for some celebrity portmanteaus, Robbie Williams weirdo lyrics, and some dystopian airlines. Mel Stephens would like to plug Overshare Comedy and recommends the concept of Daniel Van Kirk Zabeth Russell would like to plug Community Cookbook Roundup and Fiasco at the Elysian and recomme…

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Oops All MaxFunsters! 51:03

4M ago51:03

51:03

We weren't able to record the show this week because of the ongoing LA wildfires, but we made a clip show for yall with some of our favorite segments with fellow MaxFun hosts! Featuring our pals Manolo Moreno, Renee Colvert, Ella McLeod, Tom Lum, Brenda Snell, Jackie Kashian, Dimitry Pompee, and Katie Goldin! Dave is on Bluesky! Find us on Instagra…

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Cheese Heist vs Marine-Grade Polymer 57:49

5M ago57:49

57:49

Happy New Year! Our friends Danielle Koenig and Ben Paddon join Dave for some 2023/2024 trivia, music turning 25 years old, and give a year-in-review for 2025. Ben Paddon would like to plug Good Chaotic and Jump Leads and recommends Stitches in Time Danielle Koenig would like to plug How To Survive with Danielle and Kristine and recommends Go Fact …

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Fire vs Tree 50:24

6M ago50:24

50:24

This week our friends Jacob Givens and Des Bishop join Dave for our annual Troubled Waters Holiday Spectacular! We get into Muppets Christmas Carol, Hallmark Christmas movies, and do our best to pretend to like some very bad gifts. Jacob Givens would like to plug his podcast Waterproof Records Des Bishop would like to plug his upcoming live dates a…

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Bear Claw vs Moo Deng 51:31

6M ago51:31

51:31

This week, our friends Matthew Broussard and Gregory Lay join Dave for some word cloud singing, Zucc puns, and Tickle Me Elmo trivia. Matthew Broussard would like to plug his special Hyperbolic and recommends 3Blue1Brown Gregory Lay would like to plug Greg in LA and recommends Tom Sibley's Substack Dave is on Bluesky! Find us on Instagram! We are @…

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Sub vs Squibb 55:47

7M ago55:47

55:47

This week our pals Chris Grace and Jordan Morris join Dave for some mundane Thanksgiving revelations, learn about some colorful characters, and hear a few new turkey noises. Jordan Morris would like to plug Free With Ads, Jordan Jesse Go, and Youth Group and recommends Family Time by Thien Pham Chris Grace would like to plug Chris Grace: As Scarlet…

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Mariah vs Skye Riley 38:08

7M ago38:08

38:08

This week, our pals Danielle Radford and Allen Strickland Williams join Dave for some real and fake villainous books, motivational speeches, and punny biopics. Allen Strickland Williams would like to plug his new album Ran Through and recommends No Name by Jack White Danielle Radford would like to plug Goblin Mode and her Dropout appearances and re…

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Predator vs Candyman 41:29

8M ago41:29

41:29

This week, our MaxFun pals Oscar Montoya and Mallory O'Meara join Dave for spooky movie pitches, sexy monster lingerie, and music about ghosts and butts. Oscar Montoya would like to plug Eurovangelists and recommends Brain Damage, Frankenhooker, and Basket Case Mallory O'Meara would like to plug Reading Glasses and the upcoming books Daughter of Da…

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Letterboxd vs Pocketpair 40:00

8M ago40:00

40:00

This week, our MaxFun pals Steven Ray Morris and Brenda Snell join Dave for some witchy trivia, bootleg zoo animals, and Mandy Moore appreciation. Steven Ray Morris would like to plug See Jurassic Right and Jordan, Jesse, Go, and recommends Video Visions at Videoteque Brenda Snell would like to plug Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries and recommends…

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Chaos vs Seacrest 49:00

9M ago49:00

49:00

Our friends Megan Sass and Mike Cabellon join Dave for some celebrity/toy biopics, an "It" musical, and critique some bad dishes. Mike Cabellon would like to plug TV Chef Fantasy League and recommends Artisan LA Jewelry Megan Sass would like to plug Recolonizers and recommends Kinky Comedy And finally, Dave Holmes is on Twitter @DaveHolmes.Dave wou…

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Head of Whale vs No Email 53:09

9M ago53:09

53:09

This week, it's another MaxFun crossover! Dimitry Pompee of Eurovangelists and Katie Goldin of Secretly Incredibly Fascinating join Dave for some ChatGPT reviews, fake locations roll call, and a list of things you can and cannot touch. Katie would like to plug Secretly Incredibly Fascinating and Creature Feature and recommends Dane Pavitt's bird di…

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Cat Quest vs Hubrits 51:40

10M ago51:40

51:40

MAXFUN CROSSOVER ALERT! Our MaxFun friends Ella Hubber and Alex Schmidt join Dave for drag queen/marijuana strain trivia, back to school movie "facts" and songs about dogs and summer. Alex Schmidt would like to plug Secretly Incredibly Fascinating and SIF LIVE in London and recommends David Squires Ella Hubber would like to plug Let's Learn Everyth…

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Wienermobile vs Cocaine Sharks 49:58

10M ago49:58

49:58

Laura Merli and Chris Duffy join Dave for some motivational speeches, trivia on movies based on books, and twisted up songs. Laura Merli would like to plug Belly Slappin' Fun and recommends Cora Bora Chris Duffy would like to plug Let's Hang Out and recommends Liz Glazer And finally, Dave Holmes is on Twitter @DaveHolmes. Dave would like to recomme…

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Near Beer vs Drool 40:47

11M ago40:47

40:47

Bethany Hall and George Motz join Dave for some chef trivia, musical athletes, and long gaps between sequels. Bethany Hall would like to plug About Those Miscarriages I Had and Other Messes I've Made and recommends Bluey George Motz would like to plug Hamburger America and recommends his kid's crossword puzzles And finally, Dave Holmes is on Twitte…

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Kitchen Beds vs Tonys 38:23

11M ago38:23

38:23

This week, our friends Emily Catalano and Jen Kober join Dave for some Legend of Zelda wordplay, Chappell Roan trivia, and strange summer festivals from around the world. Emily Catalano would like to plug HEY and recommends Godzilla Minus One Jen Kober would like to plug No Flies on Me and recommends Bitch And finally, Dave Holmes is on Twitter @Da…

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Alamo vs Alam-no 46:02

12M ago46:02

46:02

This week our friends Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brien join Dave Holmes for some made up lyrics, international cover song trivia, and pop city wordplay. Christian Dueñas would like to plug Primer and Troubled Waters here on Maximum Fun and recommends The People's Joker Casey O'Brien would like to plug 14 Stories in a Bathroom and recommends Pri…

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Sherman vs Sherpa 46:34

1y ago46:34

46:34

This week, our friends Jim O'Heir and Greg Levine of the podcast Parks and Recollection join host Dave Holmes for some graduation speeches, mockumentary trivia, and TV show recap podcasts. Greg Levine would like to plug Parks and Recollection and recommends Selling Sunset Jim O'Heir would like to plug Parks and Recollection and his upcoming book We…

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Soldier vs Reindeer 41:07

1y ago41:07

41:07

This week, our friends Daniel Van Kirk and Jenn Harris join Dave for some cat actor trivia, musical word clouds, and Met Gala fashion critiques. Daniel Van Kirk would like to plug Rose Gold and recommends The Offer Jenn Harris would like to plug She's Clean and recommends Oh, Mary! And Finally, Dave Holmes is on Twitter @DaveHolmes Find us on Twitt…

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Phish vs Lobster 43:18

1y ago43:18

43:18

This week Richard Sarvate and Kevin Casey White join Dave Holmes for very long titles to the Planet of the Apes franchise, bird call competitions, and LGBTQIA+ trivia in comics. Richard Sarvate would like to plug his album They're Gonna Know and recommends Drug Church and Paul Morrissey's Ice Cream vs Everything Kevin Casey White would like to plug…

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Skins vs Shourtney 44:19

1y ago44:19

44:19

This week, Ellie Hino and Jupiter Zirkua join host Dave Holmes for some romcom wordplay, horror comedy trivia, and motivational speeches Ellie Hino would like to plug her debut album Soft Bones and recommends Troll Hole Jupiter Zirkua would like to plug their album Ganymede Gives Up The Ghost and recommends Teddy Hold On and the Gabey Lucas And Fin…

1
LeVar vs Martha 1:14:03

1y ago1:14:03

1:14:03

It’s MaxFunDrive, folks! If you like Troubled Waters and want to support the show, please consider becoming a member of Maximum Fun for as low as $5/month and get access to some great bonus content from us and all of the shows on Maximum Fun! This week, fellow MaxFun hosts Ben Harrison and Christian Duguay join host Dave Holmes for some Ghostbuster…

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MaxFunDrive 2024 BoCo Sneak Peek! 28:09

1y ago28:09

28:09

It's MaxFunDrive! Here is a sneak peek at our bonus content: a special throwback episode with Jordan Morris and Sarah Morgan! If you wanna listen to the whole thing and support Troubled Waters and Maximum Fun, go to maximumfun.org/join and become a member!By Maximum Fun

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Sally vs Helle 1:05:27

1y ago1:05:27

1:05:27

It's MaxFunDrive, folks! If you like Troubled Waters and want to support the show, please consider becoming a member of Maximum Fun for as low as $5/month and get access to some great bonus content from us and all of the shows on Maximum Fun! This week, fellow MaxFun hosts Brenda Snell and Jackie Kashian join Dave Holmes to learn what U2 have been …