Best T Rec Podcast Podcasts (2025)

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Carolyn Talks 'Boxcutter' with Director Reza Dahya and Lead Cast Ashton James and Zoe Lewis 1:04:51

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1d ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Toronto Director Reza Dahya and lease cast Ashton James and Zoe Lewis joined me for #CarolynTalks to chat about their film BOXCUTTER, which follows aspiring musician Rome, and artist Janaya from the west site of the bustling city to its heart at Yong & Dundas as they confront what it means to be an artist in today's social media driven society how …

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014 - The American Dream [unscripted] 56:06

2d ago56:06

56:06

Ages ago (on the 9th of April, 2025) we recorded an unscripted episode about "the American Dream," what it means or ought to mean, whether it exists, and if so, where it can be found. We're hosting it as a very special July 3rd episode, mostly because nothing else we've attempted recently has been passible. Cheers. - An increasingly complex world i…

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Ep. 43: Lit It or Quit It: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas 1:18:05

5d ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Send us a text Join Kelsey and Amanda on as they dissect 'A Court of Wings and Ruin,' reveling in its fantasy chaos, heated drama, and the endless parade of devastatingly attractive characters. With equal parts laughter and critique, they explore the series' surprises, character arcs, and the ultimate fate of faeries and their mates. 00:00 Welcome …

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013 - Iran (rec 6/23) 50:53

10d ago50:53

50:53

Hot takes and projections in light of the recent American "intervention," plus the usual context and grifts. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contempora…

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Carolyn Talks 'Cells at Work!' with Director Takeuchi Hideki and Producer Takeguchi Ikumi 29:25

12d ago29:25

29:25

CELLS AT WORK! はたらく細胞 Director Takeuchi Hideki and producer Takeguchi Ikumi of WB Japan, sat with me for the 2025 Toronto Japanese Film Festival premiere of the first live-action feature film adaptation of the famous manga and anime series created by Shimizu Akane. #HatarakuSaibo #Manga #Anime #CarolynTalks #Interview #FilmCritic #JapaneseFilm #Cel…

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Ep. 42: Lit Chats: Bookish Would You Rather? 44:05

13d ago44:05

44:05

Send us a text Join Amanda and Kelsey of Lit Vibes Only as they dive into a fun 'Would You Rather' game with bookish twists. From debating whether to live in a fictional world or date a fictional character to considering whether to read only 500-page books, this episode is filled with laughter, candid confessions, and a whole lot of book love. Tune…

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012 - Ukraine, past and present 55:53

17d ago55:53

55:53

Returning to the subject of the war in Ukraine. Thomas gives an overview of modern Ukrainian history and contextualizes the conflict in its context. We tackle several overarching narrative grifts that are pervasive in contemporary coverage of the crisis. As always, thank you for listening. Send your questions, comments, and feedback to deGRIFTify@g…

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Ep. 41: Lit It or Quit It: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon 1:21:39

20d ago1:21:39

1:21:39

Send us a text Join Kelsey and Amanda as they explore 'The Frozen River' by Ariel Lawhon, discussing the intriguing blend of historical fiction, mystery, and midwifery. They navigate its complex characters and plot, tackle criticisms, and ponder the accuracy of historical depictions, offering a nuanced take on this richly detailed novel. 00:00 Cont…

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011 - "Nepo-reps," no-tax-increase pledges, weakness, and the complexity ratchet, Thomas and Joel's top five Congressional grifts pt. 3 50:17

22d ago50:17

50:17

Final episode of our congressional grift cycle. Send us stuff at [email protected]. Thanks for listening! Wilson-Hayes matrix https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z7nwk3NzVjai-hQb2k2KiyLLsjGyH0y9/view?usp=sharing - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast inte…

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Ep. 40: Lit Recs: Pride Month 46:08

26d ago46:08

46:08

Send us a text Join Amanda and Kelsey as they explore the vibrant world of LGBTQ+ literature, featuring discussions on books such as 'Gideon the Ninth' and 'Charm Offensive'. Dive into insightful conversations about representation, mental health, and the power of diverse storytelling in this special Pride Month episode! 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes O…

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010 - Term limits, auto-filibuster, PAYGO, and insider trading, Thomas and Joel's top five Congressional grifts pt. 2 45:33

29d ago45:33

45:33

Working independently, we each came up with five major problems related to the Congressional branch of the government. In this episode we discuss "Gerrymandering," what it is, how it affects you, and to a very limited extent what sort of things might be done about it. Now soliciting feedback, comments, and requests at [email protected]. If there…

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009 - Gerrymandering (& class conflict), Thomas and Joel's top five Congressional grifts pt. 1 43:34

1M ago43:34

43:34

Working independently, we each came up with five major problems related to the Congressional branch of the government. In this episode we discuss "Gerrymandering," what it is, how it affects you, and to a very limited extent what sort of things might be done about it. Thomas & Joel's top 5: I. Gerrymandering II. Term limits, "auto-filibuster" III. …

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Ep. 39: Lit It or Quit It: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins 1:05:38

1M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

Send us a text Join Kelsey and Amanda as they dive into the gut-wrenching and gruesome details of Hamish Abernathy's backstory in 'Sunrise on the Reaping'. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of dark humor, song critique, and heartfelt commentary on why this prequel is both a devastating and nostalgic ride for Hunger Games fans. 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vib…

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Carolyn Talks 'Village Keeper' with Filmmaker Karen Chapman and Producer Enrique Baniqued 37:38

1M ago37:38

37:38

Award-winning Filmmaker Karen Chapman and first-time producer Enrique Miguel Baniqued of VILLAGE KEEPER joined me to discuss the creative, logistical, and chaotic process of producing an independent film in Toronto. #VillageKeeperFilm #CarolynTalks #Interview #CanadianFilm #Toronto #VillageKeeper won the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award a…

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Carolyn Talks 'The Old Woman with The Knife 파과' Film Review 35:15

1M ago35:15

35:15

In this new episode of Carolyn Talks Film Review, I chat about director Min Kyu-dong's action THE OLD WOMAN WITH THE KNIFE 파과, starring Lee Hye-young and as deadly assassin Hornclaw and Kim Sung-cheol as her nemesis. #TheOldWomanWithTheKnife #파과 is based film Gu Byung-mo's 2013 novel of the same name translated into English by Kim Chi-young. Co-sta…

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008 - H.R.1 (the BBB) and Its Future 46:13

1M ago46:13

46:13

The One Big, Beautiful Bill and consequences will be a disaster for (etc.) Recorded 05-22. Catching up on some editing; sorry for the delay. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize …

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Ep. 38: Lit Chats: Zodiac Book Recs (Part 2) 42:44

1M ago42:44

42:44

Send us a text Join Amanda and Kelsey as they hilariously match books to zodiac signs, proving that both star signs and book preferences can't be put in a box. Dive into this mix of literary gems and astrology insights, all served with an extra helping of laughs and debates. 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes Only 00:22 Engage with Us on Social Media= 01:2…

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Ep. 37: Lit It Or Quit It: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters 1:01:08

2M ago1:01:08

1:01:08

Send us a text Join Kelsey and Amanda as they dive into Amanda Peters' 'The Berry Pickers,' a poignant family saga about loss, love, and healing from Indigenous and First Nations perspectives. Hear Kelsey's comically harsh take on its 'snooze fest' pacing while Amanda defends its emotional depth. 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes Only! 00:41 Follow Us on …

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007 - Egypt, Israel, and Foreign Aid (ft. tariff update) 44:44

2M ago44:44

44:44

With an initial digression into the latest twist in our collective tariff troubles. We get numerous dates wrong in this episode, though usually only slightly. Sorry. USA foreign aid data table https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uBdYn-IWa_WYU-U_zIZmHW3BRRp0u1Xi/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115775887288997073359&rtpof=true&sd=true (populated from https…

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Carolyn Talks 'Art For Everybody' with Documentary Filmmaker Miranda Yousef 43:34

2M ago43:34

43:34

Director and editor Miranda Yousef joined me for #CarolynTalks, to discuss her debut feature documentary ART FOR EVERYBODY about the life, work, and consumption of Thomas Kincade, one of America's and modern history's most prolific and commercialized artists. #ArtForEverybody #FilmCritic #interview Follow me on social media @CarrieCnh12 paypal.com/…

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Ep. 36: Lit Recs: AANHPI Heritage Month 38:08

2M ago38:08

38:08

Send us a text Join Amanda and Kelsey as they navigate BookTok drama, celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, and share their top book recommendations. You'll love their witty banter as they dive deep into memorable reads that honor the diverse stories of AANHPI communities. 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes Only! 00:16 Engage with Us on Social Media 02:38 BookT…

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006 - A recent IndoPak happening, recorded 05/07 38:31

2M ago38:31

38:31

TL;DR nothing ever happens unless there's mass mobilization. An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting na…

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HotDocs 2025 - Carolyn Talks 'Betrayal' with Documentary Filmmaker Lena MacDonald 46:43

2M ago46:43

46:43

Documentary filmmaker Lena MacDonald joined me for #CarolynTalks to discuss her film BETRAYAL, about the life and isolation of Cindor Reeves, a man who risked and lost everything when he decided to turn state's evidence against his brother-in-law, Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia tried and convicted of committing war crimes by The Ha…

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Ep. 35: Lit It or Quit It: The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava 56:30

2M ago56:30

56:30

Send us a text Join Kelsey and Amanda as they dive into 'The Truth According to Ember' by Danica Nava, the first Indigenous romcom novel. With differing perspectives, they explore themes of representation, cultural nuances, and the protagonist's complex journey, debating whether this pioneering story is a hit or miss. 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes Onl…

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HotDocs 2025 - Carolyn Talks 'Red Girl Rising' with First Nations Activist Joyce Crone 37:40

2M ago37:40

37:40

Haudenosaunee, Mohawk activist and educator Joyce Jonathan Crone joined me for the #HotDocs festival premiere of RED GIRL RISING, the documentary short about her work as an Indigenous communities advocate and founder of www.hopearises.ca. #RedGirlRising was directed by Faith Howe and Kim Stadfeld. #HotDocs #ShortFilm #CarolynTalks #FirstNations #in…

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Carolyn Talks 'Before You' with Filmmaker and Producer Lauren Melinda 1:04:33

2M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Filmmaker Lauren Melina joined me for #CarolynTalks to discuss her short film BEFORE YOU, in which a young mother Maya (Tala Ash) looking back to a past abortion and the way the perceptions of her own memories change through sound, colours, and emotions. 'Before You' costars Adam Rodrigues as Avi, Maya's husband who's own grief and anger plays a pa…

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Carolyn Talks 'Where We Stay' with Filmmaker Florence Bouvy 1:12:30

2M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Writer and director Florence Bouvy joined me for #CarolynTalks, to discuss her short film WHERE WE STAY, about two best friends, Daniel (Emmanuel Ohene Boafo) and Carry (Michael Muller) discovering their love for each other deepening into something more as Carry's life draws to an end after a long battle with terminal illness. #QueerFilm #LGBTQ #In…

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005 - Things gettin' iffy: economic projections for May, recorded 4/28 42:04

2M ago42:04

42:04

What we're expecting, what's coming down the pipe. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives…

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004 - DOGE, separation of powers, and Gen Z [unscripted] 1:01:20

2M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

A DOGE episode, recorded April 10th. Though no episode of deGRIFTify can really be called scripted, every week Thomas and Joel record a conversation intended to travel to unexpected places. Sometimes these conversations become episodes. The episodes tagged as [unscripted] are the result of this process. We hope that you will enjoy this occasional b…

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003 - Business loans and campaign finance reform [unscripted] 38:23

2M ago38:23

38:23

Two seemingly unrelated subjects, potentially joined by the question "How's it different when you're rich?" Though no episode of deGRIFTify can really be called scripted, every week Thomas and Joel record a conversation intended to travel to unexpected places. Sometimes these conversations become episodes. The episodes tagged as [unscripted] are th…

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002 - Soft power (2/2) 36:10

2M ago36:10

36:10

Why is soft power in the interest of individual Americans, not just us collectively? What is 'intelligence' in the geopolitical context? These and other questions. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Tho…

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001 - Soft power (1/2) 36:29

2M ago36:29

36:29

Soft Power. What is it good for? Absolutely...something. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narr…

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Ep. 34: Lit Chats: Zodiac Book Recs (Part 1) 46:44

2M ago46:44

46:44

Send us a text Join Amanda and Kelsey on as they navigate the stars to recommend books for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, and Virgo. Expect chaos, laughs, and some dramatic book suggestions tailored to your celestial personality. And then come back next month for Part 2! 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes Only 00:44 Engage with Us on Social Media 02:4…

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Carolyn Talks 'Sinners' with Production Designer Hannah Beachler 35:50

2M ago35:50

35:50

Oscar winning Production Designer Hannah Beachler joined me for #CarolynTalks to discuss her stunning work on #SINNERS the multi-genre period feature by filmmaker Ryan Coogler. We spoke how she used the concept of duality, colour schemes, history, and spirituality as inspiration for the eye-catching set pieces. #SINNERSMovie #RyanCoogler #MichaelBJ…

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Carolyn Talks 'Canadian Adobo' with Filmmaker Ken Donguines for National Canadian Film Day 1:05:44

2M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

To celebrate the 2025 National Canadian Film Day, writer, director, and producer Kent Donguines joined me to discuss hos feature documentary CANADIAN ADOBO, and how his Filipino heritage and culture inspires his art and career. National Canadian Film Day is an annual that was created in 2012 by Reel Canada to celebrate and raise awareness of all th…

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First Time at The Masters, Jordan Brand Golf Vibes, & What's The Next Big Storyline in Golf? 22:52

2M ago22:52

22:52

This week on Beyond The Fairway, Will and Doug pull up fresh from their first trip to the Masters—and trust us, the experience did not disappoint. From Amen Corner to the concessions to those infamous no-phone rules, we’re giving you the real behind Augusta’s mystique. 👀 Then we dive into our exclusive look at the Jordan Brand Golf collection—and y…

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Ep. 33: Lit It or Quit It: The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson 1:11:39

3M ago1:11:39

1:11:39

Send us a text Join Kelsey and Amanda as they unravel the twisty plot of 'The Reappearance of Rachel Price,' dive deep into its complex family dynamics, and debate whether the protagonists are brilliantly complex or just utterly insufferable. 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes Only! 00:25 Follow Us on Social Media 02:57 Current Reads 09:48 Summary of 'The …

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Episode 3 It's Pat 1:14:02

3M ago1:14:02

1:14:02

IIn this episode, Jesse engages with photographer Pat Gorraiz, exploring his journey and passion for art photography. Pat recounts the formative experiences that sparked his interest in capturing life’s moments, beginning with childhood discoveries of old family photographs and receiving his first camera as a gift. Pat highlights various projects, …

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Carolyn Talks 'National Canadian Film Day' with Reel Canada Founders Jack Blum and Sharon Croder 30:43

3M ago30:43

30:43

Reel Canada founders Jack Blum and Sharon Corder joined me to discuss creating the organisation and the National Canadian Film Day program (held April 16th this year), and using film to teach Canadian students and immigrants new to the country, about Canada and the Canadian film industry. #ReelCanada #CanFilmDay #Interview #FilmCritic #CanadianFilm…

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Ep. 32: Lit Recs: Neurodiversity Awareness Month 45:31

3M ago45:31

45:31

Send us a text Join Amanda and Kelsey as they navigate through BookTok drama, shamelessly promote their socials, and share heartwarming neurodiverse book recommendations with a spicy twist. Laugh along as they debate fictional men, discuss cozy fantasies, and occasionally invent phrases like 'hands on the ground.' 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes Only 00…

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Masters Preview, LIV vs PGA Creator Drama, and Our First Trip to Augusta! 24:42

3M ago24:42

24:42

In this episode of Beyond The Fairway, the guys tee up a bold preview of the 2025 Masters Tournament, breaking down who’s hot, who’s not making the cut, and who’s got a real shot at the green jacket this year. Plus, we get real about the tension between content creators and the traditional golf world following LIV Duels Miami. And yeah… we finally …

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Ep. 31: Lit Or Quit It: Powerless by Lauren Roberts 1:09:33

3M ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Send us a text Ep. 31: Lit Or Quit It: Powerless by Lauren Roberts Join Kelsey and Amanda as they clash over 'Powerless' by Lauren Roberts, a book that Amanda dubs as a glorified mashup of popular tropes and poor writing, while Kelsey remains an unflinching fan of its chaotic romance and trials. Expect an episode filled with fiery critiques, impass…

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Ep. 30: Lit It Or Quit It: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas 1:04:45

3M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

Send us a text Join Kelsey and Amanda as they dive into 'A Court of Mist and Fury,' discussing the romantic and traumatic journeys of Feyre, Tamlin, and Rhysand while hilariously addressing fan-favorite quotes, character transformations, and of course, the saucy moments that had readers swooning and critiquing. 00:00 Introduction and Social Media P…

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Golf needs VILLAINS, PGA Tour Pros vs. the Media, and Creator Classic Shanks 23:41

3M ago23:41

23:41

Beyond The Fairway is BACK! Will and Doug discuss PGA tour pros breaking and throwing clubs at the Valspar Championship, Collin Morikawa not owing the media anything after losing at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Rick Pitino's viral speech on adversity, and what was missing from the Creator Classic. Beyond The Fairway is a laid-back, outside-the-r…

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Ep. 29: Lit Chats: What Makes A Great Bookstore? 46:52

3M ago46:52

46:52

Send us a text Join Amanda and Kelsey as they navigate BookTok drama, reveal their favorite bookstores in Seattle and Portland, and debate the essentials of the perfect store. Delight in their tangents, cramped bookstore dilemmas, and dreams of running their own literary haven. Follow us on TikTok & Youtube @litvibesonlypodcast and on Instagram @li…

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Carolyn Talks 'Memories of Love Returned' with Filmmaker Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine 33:07

4M ago33:07

33:07

For #CarolynTalks, director, actor, and photographer, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine joined me to talk about his award-winning documentary MEMORIES OF LOVE RETURNED. Ntare shared the challenges of his 22 years long journey to creating this film to pay homage to Uganda photographer Kibaate Aloysius Ssalongo, who for 50 years took hundreds of thousands of be…

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Ep. 28: Lit It or Quit It: The Women by Kristin Hannah 1:17:11

4M ago1:17:11

1:17:11

Send us a text Join Kelsey and Amanda as they delve into Kristin Hannah's 'The Women,' exploring the untold stories of female nurses in the Vietnam War. Listen in as they clash over its portrayal of privilege, romantic subplots, and representation, while unpacking powerful themes of trauma, friendship, and historical insight. 00:00 Welcome to Lit V…

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Ep. 27: Lit Recs: Women’s History Month 46:22

4M ago46:22

46:22

Send us a text Join Kelsey and Amanda as they share some fantastic book recommendations for Women's History Month, from wartime heroines to millennial mishaps. Expect thoughtful discussions, heartwarming moments, and a focus on celebrating women through literature. 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes Only 00:24 Social Media Plugs 03:23 Book Talk w/ Amanda &…

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Carolyn Talks 'My Dead Friend Zoe' with Filmmaker Kyle Hausmann-Stokes 37:52

4M ago37:52

37:52

In this episode of #CarolynTalks, filmmaker Kyle Hausmann-Stokes joined me to discuss his debut feature film MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE, which is based on Kyle's own life, starring Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales as Merit and Zoe, to best friends whose complicated feelings for each other keeps them tethered through their life in the U.S. Army and …

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Ep. 26: Lit It or Quit It: Bride by Ali Hazelwood 58:24

4M ago58:24

58:24

Send us a text Join Amanda and Kelsey as they navigate the cringe-worthy, smut-filled world of 'Bride' by Ali Hazelwood. Watch Amanda's suffering and Kelsey's laughter as they dissect this controversial romance, complete with knot-ty werewolves and dry humor. 00:00 Welcome to Lit Vibes Only! 01:21 Book Talk w/ Amanda & Kelsey 07:36 Book Discussion:…