Best We Interrupt This Program Podcasts (2025)

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We Interrupt This Program: The Challenger Disaster 58:45

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3d ago58:45

58:45

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! A caregiver makes a hard call, the internet sharpens its knives, and an entire generation remembers the day a teacher aimed to teach from orbit. We kick off with real talk about Emma Heming Willis, the relentless scrutiny women face around caregiving, and why “do everything alone” is a dangerous myth. From online b…

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We Interrupt This Program: The Regan Assassination Attempt 51:58

17d ago51:58

51:58

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Welcome back! On "Who Died This Week?" Megan and Lesley talk about the ever so talented and foxy, Robert Redford (1936-2025) (though we have a terrible time remembering his filmography). In this latest episode Megan asks, "Where were you when Reagan was shot?" For many Gen X kids, the 1981 assassination attempt mar…

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Devil's Playground: The Satanic Panic and Its Gen X Legacy 52:04

1M ago52:04

52:04

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when your Dungeons & Dragons dice might summon demons and heavy metal albums contained secret Satanic messages? If you grew up in the 1980s, you lived through one of America's strangest cultural moments – the Satanic Panic. We're taking a deep dive into this bizarre phenomenon that had parents checking und…

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A Gen X After School Special: Grab your Garanimals & Lunch Boxes! It's Labor Day Weekend! 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when summer vacation actually lasted until Labor Day? When your biggest back-to-school worry wasn't active shooter drills but whether your Trapper Keeper matched your folders? We're diving deep into the nostalgia of Gen X school experiences this week as we honor the passing of Loni Anderson and reflect on …

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Tupperware Dreams and Vitamin Schemes 1:01:33

2M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember that moment when your neighbor invited you over for "just wine and apps with the girls," only to ambush you with a sales pitch for overpriced leggings or miracle vitamins? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural phenomenon of multi-level marketing schemes that targeted Gen X women…

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When Heroes Fall: Childhood Icons Gone Bad 1:05:28

2M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! What happens when the stars who shaped our childhoods turn out to be deeply flawed, problematic, or even criminal? Megan and Lesley dive deep into the emotional complexity of reconciling nostalgic memories with disturbing revelations about our once-beloved celebrities. Fresh from their summer break, they tackle thi…

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Wet Hot Summer Soaps REWIND! We will see you in August! 41:47

3M ago41:47

41:47

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Enjoy this episode from last summer while we get our shit together and take some vacations! We take a nostalgic dive into the world of soap operas and their impact on Gen X women's lives, exploring both daytime dramas and primetime sensations that dominated television from the 1970s through the 1990s. • Daytime soa…

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We're Taking a Breather While the World Burns (But We'll Be Back) 4:45

3M ago4:45

4:45

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Need a summer laugh while we take a quick breather? Lesley's holding down the fort this week as Megan vacations with the mouse at Disney, and she's got some hot recommendations from our back catalog to keep you entertained. The summer heat is no match for perimenopausal hot flashes, and Lesley candidly admits she's…

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Surviving the Messy 70s and 80s - A Gen X Reality Check 1:05:51

4M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when your parents smoked in the car with the windows up? When teachers could paddle students in front of the class? When asbestos was in our schools and lead was in our paint? Megan and Lesley strip away the nostalgia to examine the genuinely problematic aspects of growing up in the 70s and 80s that shaped…

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Tucker & Dale review pt 2: college kids 30:17

4M ago30:17

30:17

Ebony Williams and Vern Cooper delve into the film 'Tucker and Dale vs Evil', exploring its unique blend of horror and comedy. They discuss character dynamics, the role of miscommunication, and the subversion of traditional horror tropes, particularly regarding race and class. The conversation highlights how the film uses humor to address serious s…

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School's Out for Summer (We Had Three Months Off and Nobody Died) 51:41

4M ago51:41

51:41

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when summer lasted forever? Megan and Lesley take you back to those glorious days when school let out on Memorial Day and didn't resume until after Labor Day—a true three-month break that today's kids can only dream about. The hosts share their wildly different summer experiences, from Megan's structured d…

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Tucker & Dale vs Evil Review: Part 1 31:54

4M ago31:54

31:54

Summary Ebony and Vern explore the film 'Tucker and Dale vs. Evil,' discussing its unique blend of comedy and horror, character dynamics, and the themes of miscommunication, identity, and perception. They delve into how the film plays with horror tropes, the significance of costuming, and the impact of prejudice and stereotypes. The discussion high…

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Decoding "Sinners", pt 2. 29:50

4M ago29:50

29:50

Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners,' exploring its themes of colonialism, spirituality, and the cultural significance of music. They discuss the characters' coping mechanisms, the film's moral complexities, and the impact of historical context on contemporary narratives. The dialogue highlights the importance of cultural ap…

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The Last of Us s2 Finale: Wherever you go, there you are 51:50

5M ago51:50

51:50

Vern and Ebony delve into the season finale of The Last of Us, exploring character dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of Ellie's actions. They discuss themes of parenthood, community, and the cyclical nature of violence, while reflecting on the emotional weight of the narrative and its implications for future seasons. Takeaways The fina…

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Decoding "Sinners": A Deep Dive into Ryan Coogler's Latest Film (Part 1) 31:56

5M ago31:56

31:56

Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners' directed by Ryan Coogler, exploring its themes of representation, music, colonialism, and identity. They discuss the significance of the Great Migration, the portrayal of monsters as metaphors for societal issues, and the concept of 'sinners' as a reflection of ideological control. The di…

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GenX - No Retirement, No Supervision, No Ponies 48:57

5M ago48:57

48:57

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when a birthday party meant friends, pizza, and a Mylar balloon that floated in your house for months? When financial advice was more reassuring than "we just don't know"? When the sound of race cars echoed through an entire city on Memorial Day weekend? In this episode, Megan and Lesley dive into the uniq…

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TLOU2e6: Manful Tears of Pedro Pascal (appreciative) 46:26

5M ago46:26

46:26

Vern and Ebony delve into the emotional complexities of the characters in 'The Last of Us', particularly focusing on Joel and Ellie's relationship. They explore themes of generational trauma, the significance of birthdays, and the challenges of parenting in a post-apocalyptic world. The conversation highlights the characters' growth, the impact of …

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TLOU2e5: What will Ellie choose and where the F*ck is Shimmer 54:16

5M ago54:16

54:16

In this episode review of 'The Last of Us', hosts Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the intricate character relationships, emotional stakes, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. They explore the tension between Ellie and Dina, the impact of trauma on their lives, and the choices that lead to consequences. The discussion also highligh…

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The White Iron Barb 3: The Barbenclaw 48:23

5M ago48:23

48:23

Vern and Ebony reflect on their previous discussions about films, particularly focusing on 'Barbie' and 'Iron Claw.' They explore themes of masculinity, patriarchy, and representation in media, discussing how these films critique societal norms. The conversation delves into personal reflections on identity and the impact of media on their lives, as…

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Is Kermit a Zaddy? Could Kurt Loder be my Dad? Who's old? Not us! 51:44

5M ago51:44

51:44

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Megan and Lesley dive into the surprising disconnect between celebrity ages and our mental images of them, sparked by discovering Kurt Loder recently turned 80 years old. • Lesley shares her harrowing experience with a stomach virus that left her with a "puke baby" • Discussion of the new American Pope Leo XIV, his…

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TLOU2e4: Ebony is Psychic!! 51:49

5M ago51:49

51:49

In this episode of 'We Interrupt This Program,' hosts Ebony and Vern delve into the latest episode of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of psychic predictions, character dynamics, horror elements, childhood development, and the complexities of relationships. They analyze the technical aspects of filmmaking, the emotional depth of the characters, a…

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TLOU2e3: The Who What When Wherewolves of Seattle 53:52

6M ago53:52

53:52

Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the themes of The Last of Us Season Two, exploring the significance of representation, the impact of grief and loss, and the complexities of character relationships. They discuss the polarized reactions from fans, the importance of community and leadership, and the ongoing exploration of morality and agency…

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The White Iron Barb: Remember Barbie? Feel old yet? We do! 45:34

6M ago45:34

45:34

Vern and Ebony delve into the themes and cultural implications of the Barbie movie. They explore its campy elements, the portrayal of masculinity and patriarchy, representation and tokenism, emotional depth, and the intersectionality highlighted in America Ferrera's speech. The discussion also touches on class representation through the character o…

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Friday Night Was for More than Videos! 52:35

6M ago52:35

52:35

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when Friday nights didn't require checking your phone every five minutes? When plans were made in person at school and then you just showed up somewhere? Megan and Lesley take us back to their teenage weekend rituals in the 1980s and early '90s, and the nostalgia hits like a caffeine rush from those bottom…

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WItP: The Last of Us is back! s2e1 review 1:02:47

6M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

In this conversation, Vern and Ebony discuss the premiere of Season Two of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of storytelling, character development, violence, moral relativism, and the impact of trauma. They reflect on the dynamics between characters, the introduction of new threats, and the significance of queerness and therapy in the narrative. …

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TLOU2 Episode 2: Abby the Vengeful 58:16

6M ago58:16

58:16

In this conversation, Ebony Williams and Vern discuss the emotional impact of Season Two of The Last of Us, focusing on character development, themes of violence, grief, and the importance of community. They explore the complexities of forgiveness and the evolution of Ellie as a character, while also reflecting on the performances of Pedro Pascal a…

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From The Vault: TLOU Intervention 56:21

6M ago56:21

56:21

Unpublished ep from a year ago. Proof that we never stopped raving about The Last Of Us! And just in time for our regular review eps. Subscribe for Thursday's S2E1 review!By We Interrupt This Program

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We Were Promised Robot Maids and Underwater Cities, But All We Got Was This Lousy Smartphone 1:02:23

6M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! We reflect on what we thought the future would be like when we were kids, compared to the reality of our current world. • Tribute to Val Kilmer, discussing his iconic roles from Real Genius to Tombstone • Expectations vs reality of technology—where are our flying cars and robot maids? • Childhood predictions about …

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Puppies, Periods, and Pac-Man Cereal: An After School Special 56:45

7M ago56:45

56:45

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! What do breakfast cereals, women's health concerns, and government overreach have in common? They're all part of the rich tapestry of Gen X experiences that Megan and Lesley explore in this wide-ranging, authentic conversation. The episode opens with exciting puppy news as Megan introduces her new emotional support…

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We are Super Sick of This Shit - Let's Go to Casa Bonita! 1:05:43

7M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Ever wondered why those kitschy themed restaurants of the 80s and 90s still hold such a special place in our hearts? That yearning for escape isn't just nostalgia—it's a lifeline for the sandwich generation.Between advocating for our own health and caring for everyone else, Gen X women are desperately seeki…

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Clash of the Dragon Jellies, Release the Sex Drive 50:07

8M ago50:07

50:07

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Join us as we explore the nostalgia of 80s escapism through films, cartoons and personal stories. We laugh about our memories of past fantasy films, how they helped us survive adolescence and how they can bring us joy and hope now. • Discuss the re-release of 'Purple Rain' March 5th • Share thoughts on the current …

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Love in the 80s, Romance Scams & Gamer Girls Gone Mildly Wild 1:15:21

8M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! LOVE! What is it good for? Gossip and a billion dollar scam industry. Get Megan and Lesley's GenX take on lots of vital (hyper-specific to our own experience) nonsense including the following: Cursing Groundhog Day (fucking winter) BS and Hot Gos: Gossip about 80s celebrity couples and their influences Whose dead N…

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History of Programming: Babbage to Hopper (ft. Uncle Bob) 1:26:40

8M ago1:26:40

1:26:40

### LINKS Code Rabbit: Review your code, find bugs and ship FASTER!Check it out here: https://www.coderabbit.ai/ - Use promo code TOPSHELF !Sentry: Application performance monitoring for developers & software teams to see errors clearer, solve issues faster & continue learning continuously.Use code topshelf for $100 off (3 months of team plan, or 1…

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Season TWO! Episode ONE! "Where's the Bean?" Will you be my GenX Valentine? 1:07:26

9M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Megan and Lesley here, back from a holiday break and feelin' spunky. We have made no improvements or changes to this podcast during our time away. We defied capitalism and rested. So, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit." It's cold as fuck and our streets look like Hoth but we made it to the studio just…

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A Prayer for Our Youth + Young Adults 13:20

9M ago13:20

13:20

Send us a Text or Prayer Request! This is a special episode that is dedicated to our children and young adults. Join me for a special time of declaring God's Word over our children. Support the show Stay connected and know when Tiffany is coming to your town by joining Tiffany’s mailing list: www.simplytiffany.net For bookings or to share how this …

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Mitchell Hashimoto: Creator of Ghostty talks Zig, OSS and Terminals 1:20:25

9M ago1:20:25

1:20:25

Thanks to the sponsor for today's video - Graphite!Check out stacked PRs, code review tools and more: gt.dev/topshelf

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Finding Safety 15:10

9M ago15:10

15:10

Send us a Text or Prayer Request! It's only the beginning of 2025 and still, there is so much turmoil, tragedy, and transition that is shaking up the lives of men and women all over this world. So what do you do? What do you do when life is lifin'? What do you do when you feel like your enemies are pursuing you? How do you not focus on the bad or w…

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Prepared for the Best: God's Best 8:33

10M ago8:33

8:33

Send us a Text or Prayer Request! As we close 2024, let's make sure that we close 2024. We've heard it before: "How well you start depends on how well you close." In this episode, God had a message that will prayerfully strengthen and ignite you as we close this year so that you're ready to conquer next year. I had no notes. No computer. Just God. …

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Episode 15! Leg Warmers & Lawn Ornaments: A Very Gen X Holiday 1:33:54

10M ago1:33:54

1:33:54

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Navigating the complexities of holiday obligations often brings up feelings of nostalgia and frustration. In a heartfelt discussion, Megan and Lesley explore their memories of holiday traditions, share experiences of unwrapping gifts, and highlight the struggle between maintaining cherished customs and the need for…

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Episode 0: Water 0, Cat 1 56:01

10M ago56:01

56:01

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Get to know Megan and Lesley as they find themselves suddenly making a podcast *GASP*. In this episode Megan and Lesley learn about levels and volume consistency. Megan and Lesley get upstaged by a cat. Megan and Lesley ramble on about high school and try to figure out what in the hell they are actually doing and i…

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The Holiday Blues: The Singles Edition 15:14

10M ago15:14

15:14

Send us a Text or Prayer Request! We're living in a world that it is easy to compare ourselves to others; and if we are not careful, we can desire what other people have and end up settling for something less than God's best because comparison caused us to get out of God's timing. Today, I am giving you the answer on how to thrive in this season (a…

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Jose Valim: Creator of Elixir 2:00:41

10M ago2:00:41

2:00:41

Today's Sponsors:Code Rabbit: https://www.coderabbit.ai - Use promo code TOPSHELF !Boot dot dev: https://boot.dev/btwTwitch https://twitch.tv/ThePrimeagenDiscord https://discord.gg/ThePrimeagen

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Episode 14: Where Did You Put The D? 1:01:26

10M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Megan and Lesley talk about holiday movies past and present. Support the show Get your hands on our MERCH!!! DONATION SCHEDULE! We donate $1 per item sold with a minimum of $200 to each organization! Jan-Feb 2025 - Center for Reproductive Rights March-April - Planned Parenthood May-June 2025 - Indy Pride July-Augus…

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Brain Surgery (featuring Shane Deleon) 33:11

10M ago33:11

33:11

Send us a Text or Prayer Request! In this week's episode, Shane talks more about his brain surgery due to the diagnosis of Chiari Malformation. As Shane shares his story about having Brain Surgery, my prayer is that your mind will be transformed. Shane is the definition of "count it all joy when you fall into various trials." (James 1:2 NKJV) Join …

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Why Not You? (featuring Shane Deleon) 29:58

11M ago29:58

29:58

Send us a Text or Prayer Request! Have you ever asked God, "Why me?" It's a common question, but have you sat still long enough to hear His answer? Have you ever considered that he trusted you like He trusted Job and chose you to endure a situation because He knew that you had what it takes to get through? He could be saying, "Why not you?" Althoug…

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Church Hurt (feat. Homer Denson) 34:54

11M ago34:54

34:54

Send us a Text or Prayer Request! Hello listeners! We are back with Part II with Mr. Homer Denson. I thought we were coming together for something else on this podcast, but God had something different in mind that may change the future direction of this podcast. Stay tuned... but in the meantime, listen to this and be inspired and healed. Support t…

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Episode 13: Pass Me The Micro Magic 1:13:03

11M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! It's almost Thanksgiving in the U.S. and this episode is all about food! (Please don't forget BOTH of these women have ADHD.) Listen to Lesley and Megan while they 'talk shit about shit'. (This episode starts around 13:30.) They deep dive into the "Foods of the Past" like T.V. Dinners, Micro Magic, Chef Boyardee an…

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Ryan Dahl: Creator of Node & Deno talks Deno 2.0 1:30:32

11M ago1:30:32

1:30:32

Today we had Ryan Dahl on the podcast and talk about the history of Node, Deno and so much more. Really hope you enjoy this talk with him! Thanks everyone. Big thanks to the sponsor of today's episode: Code Rabbit https://coderabbit.ai/.

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Episode 12: It's the Most Wonderful Time...on T.V. 54:26

11M ago54:26

54:26

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Megan and Lesley wander down yet ANOTHER long sealed tunnel in their minds to dust off the holiday specials of the 70s and 80s (which were from the 50s?) and an little 90s nostalgia thrown in. Learn about the talent that crosses over generations and genres. We are back at it with a full-length episode including: "B…

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We interrupt this program... 10:38

11M ago10:38

10:38

Send us a Text or Prayer Request! We are in the middle of a series, but the LORD interrupted my plans to share this with you. Want to know how to thrive? And keep thriving? You need to listen to this. Sometimes interruptions are necessary. Support the show Stay connected and know when Tiffany is coming to your town by joining Tiffany’s mailing list…