Best William Cole Smith Podcasts (2025)

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Why We Resist Change (and What to Do About It) with Ross Ellenhorn 55:06

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19m ago55:06

55:06

In this episode, Ross Ellenhorn explores the complexities of why we resist change and what to do about it. As Ross explains in this conversation, “staying the same protects you from the insult of small steps.” He shows us why these tiny steps can sometimes feel insulting and demoralizing. Ross also delves into the fear of raising expectations, the …

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From Apache Pilot to Capitol Hill, John James’s Blueprint for Success: Mission First, People Always! 22:46

6h ago22:46

22:46

Send us a text “Mission first, people always.” In this episode of 13th & Park, Congressman John James—West Point graduate, former Apache helicopter pilot, and Michigan’s U.S. Representative—shares how his background in military leadership and business shapes his approach to public service. From insights on resilient supply chains and bipartisan sol…

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Angela Hammond & Joanne Pedersen: The Final Call 40:06

1d ago40:06

40:06

We're going to talk about two disappearances where people were abducted at pay phones. No trace of them has even been found. What happened to them after that final call?

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How to Create Change at Work Without Losing Yourself with Melody Wilding 1:03:17

4d ago1:03:17

1:03:17

In this episode, Melody Wilding discusses how to create change at work without losing yourself. She challenges the idea that you’re powerless at work, even in tough cultures. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate office politics, or if there’s a way to work with integrity even when you’re not in charge, this conversation will give you both practi…

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Can Radical Hope Save Us from Despair in a Fractured World? with Jamie Wheal 1:02:42

6d ago1:02:42

1:02:42

In this episode, Jamie Wheal explores the question of “Can radical hope save us from despair in a fractured world?” He argues that most of the feel-good positivity we are sold is useless when facing real crises, from climate collapse to meaninglessness. But there is a kind of hope that survives contact with brutal reality. Get Weekly Bites of Wisdo…

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Nathan Hochman, LA’s New DA, on Reforming the System, Combating Crime & Restoring Public Trust 20:20

7d ago20:20

20:20

Send us a text Nathan Hochman, newly sworn-in LA County DA, joins 13th & Park to discuss crime reform, public safety, and justice system accountability. A former federal prosecutor and Assistant US Attorney General, Hochman lays out his vision for a balanced approach—holding violent offenders accountable while rebuilding trust, tackling homelessnes…

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Is Stress Speeding Up Your Aging? What You Can Do About It Today with Elissa Epel 33:29

10d ago33:29

33:29

In this episode, Elissa Epel explores how stress can speed up aging and what you can do about it. She explains telomeres, which are those protective caps on our chromosomes, shorten with stress and poor habits, speeding up aging and disease. She also delves into the science of how thought patterns, diet, and even our response to daily challenges ca…

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From “Why Me?” to “What Now?”: A New Approach to Pain and Growth with Scott Barry Kaufman 56:56

14d ago56:56

56:56

In this episode, Scott Barry Kaufman challenges us to go from asking ourselves “Why Me?” to “What Now?” as he unpacks a new approach to pain and growth. Scott explains how the real work happens in the messy middle as we unpack the dangers of black and white thinking, and why genuine change isn’t about a single epiphany, but a thousand small choices…

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From the Citadel to Congress: Nancy Mace on Courage, Women in Politics & South Carolina’s Future 20:41

15d ago20:41

20:41

Send us a text @RepNancyMace joins 13th & Park to share her remarkable story—from high school dropout to the first female graduate of The Citadel and now one of the most talked-about voices in American politics. She opens up about overcoming trauma, challenging party lines, protecting women, and pushing for innovation in Washington. A raw, inspir…

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Tim, Scott, Greg & Steven: Road Trip 43:45

16d ago43:45

43:45

In today's podcast we're going to talk about 4 lesser known cases of young men who get in their car and drive off without letting anyone know. Their cars would all be found eventually at puzzling locations far away from where they left with no trace of them inside. What really happened during these road trips?…

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Purposeful Living: Strategies to Align Your Values and Actions with Victor Strecher 1:04:18

18d ago1:04:18

1:04:18

In this episode, Victor Strecher discusses purposeful living and strategies to align your values and actions. Vic shares his imperfect journey back to meaning and to living for what matters most after losing his daughter. He explores what it means to be purposeful versus just having a purpose, how energy and vitality play a role in living out our v…

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Escape the Goal Trap: Embrace Curiosity and Tiny Experiments with Anne-Laure Le Cunff 54:40

21d ago54:40

54:40

In this episode, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, discusses how to go from procrastination to action using the power of tiny experiments. Most advice about self-improvement assumes you know where you’re going, but what if you don’t? Anne-Laure suggests that’s not a flaw, it’s actually the starting point. Her new book, Tiny Experiments, offers a way to explore …

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Souvankham Thammavongsa Reads Samanta Schweblin 48:30

21d ago48:30

48:30

Souvankham Thammavongsa joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “The Size of Things,” by Samanta Schweblin (translated, from the Spanish, by Megan McDowell), which was published in The New Yorker in 2017. Thammavongsa is a Laotian Canadian writer. Her publications include the poetry collections “Light” and “Cluster” and the story collection “How…

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Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan on Defending the Border, Fixing Immigration & Saving Lives 20:02

22d ago20:02

20:02

Send us a text In this exclusive interview, Tom Homan—Trump’s Border Czar and current White House Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations—joins 13th & Park to break down the crisis at America’s southern border. From the surge in illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking to his front-line experiences leading ICE, Homan …

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The Hidden Cause of Procrastination and How to Finally Move Forward with Taylor Jacobson 52:32

25d ago52:32

52:32

In this episode, Taylor Jacobson discusses the hidden cause of procrastination and how to finally move forward in your life. He explores how transformation rarely feels graceful, how repressed emotions shape our behavior, and what it takes to live a life true to your inner compass. It’s a vulnerable, grounded conversation about fear, reinvention, a…

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Rep. Mike Lawler on SALT Reform, Iran, and Leading as a Commonsense Republican in New York 16:21

28d ago16:21

16:21

Send us a text Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, joins 13th & Park to talk about what it takes to lead from the middle. From SALT reform and 9/11 health benefits to his work on Israel and Iran policy, Lawler shares his approach to bipartisanship in one of the most competitive districts in America. He also open…

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The Quiet Pain of Self-Loathing and Finding the Courage to Face It with Sarah Gormley 1:02:08

28d ago1:02:08

1:02:08

In this episode, Sarah Gormley discusses the quiet pain of self-loathing and finding the courage to face it. Sarah had it all – a thriving corporate career, success, and admiration. But beneath was a quiet, relentless self-loathing she couldn’t shake. In her memoir, The Order of Things, Sarah shares the profound turning point at 40 when she finally…

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Clayton Mark Bussiere: The Final Fare 27:12

1M ago27:12

27:12

A cab driver ends a normal shift and leaves to meet with a friend. He never shows - but there is an eyewitness sighting. So where did he and his distinct cab really go that night and why can't either of them be found more than 40 years later?

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Why We Stop Noticing What Matters and How to Feel Alive Again with Tali Sharot 1:01:35

1M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

In this episode, Tali Sharot explains why we stop noticing what matters and how to start feeling alive again. She describes what habituation is and how our minds normalize what once moved us. Tali also explores ways that we can reawaken joy, purpose, and even moral clarity. It’s an eye-opening look at the subtle ways we lose and then can reclaim ou…

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Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Life: Finding Ease and Clarity with Charlie Gilkey 51:44

1M ago51:44

51:44

You're doing everything right, staying productive, chasing growth, keeping up. But what if the discomfort you feel isn't a sign that you need to do more, but a signal to let go? In this episode, Charlie Gilkey and I explore the Tao Te Ching, which is one of my favorite books of all time, but not as a relic from the past, but as a guide for navigati…

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How to Recognize the Hidden Signs of Burnout with Leah Weiss 57:56

1M ago57:56

57:56

What if the very thing that gives your life meaning is also what's burning you out? That's the paradox. Leah Weiss found herself in teaching compassionate leadership at Stanford. Working with organizations inspired by the Dalai Lama. Doing the kind of work most of us dream of. And yet she was falling apart. In today's conversation, we unpacked the …

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Janet Alvarez on America's Economic Revolution, AI & Closing the Wealth Gap 21:02

1M ago21:02

21:02

Send us a text Janet Alvarez, SiriusXM host and CNBC business journalist, joins 13th & Park to break down America’s economic transformation—from the rise of AI and reshaped trade policy to the future of financial literacy and middle-class opportunity. In this episode, she discusses growing up poor, finding her voice in financial media, and how ever…

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The Nobility of Service: Finding Magic and Connection in the Smallest Gestures with Will Guidara 1:00:34

1M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

What do a fine dining maitre d. A magician burying cards in a backyard and a toddler looking for Elsa have in common? They all show us that magic still exists. If we’re willing to care more, than seems reasonable. In this episode, Will Guidara, who’s a former co-owner of 11 Madison Park, which was once named the best restaurant in the world, the au…

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Henry Moreno: From Grand Opening to Gone 37:47

1M ago37:47

37:47

An entrepreneur dedicates years of his life to renovate and open his dream restaurant. So what would have made him disappear before it even opened? We'll also talk about another mysterious case of a restaurant owner vanishing.

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Vinay Gupta of Renew Financial on Fixing America’s Housing Crisis with Innovation, Equity & Access 11:47

2M ago11:47

11:47

Send us a text Homeownership is getting harder—rising insurance premiums, aging infrastructure, and unaffordable repairs are pricing Americans out. Vinay Gupta, CEO of Renew Financial, joins 13th & Park to break down how innovative financing and “home hardening” can help families preserve their American Dream. From PACE programs to natural disaster…

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Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 2) 1:00:08

2M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

In part one of this two-part conversation, we walked along the edge of paradox where effort gives way to ease and the search itself becomes the obstacle. In this second part of my conversation with Zen teacher Henry Shukman, the way begins to reveal itself, not as something we grasp, but something we live. We talk about awakening, the collapse of s…

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Antonio Villaraigosa on California's Future, His Governor Bid & Leading as a Proven Problem Solver 18:43

2M ago18:43

18:43

Send us a text Antonio Villaraigosa, former mayor of Los Angeles, joins 13th & Park to share how California can tackle its biggest challenges. From homelessness and a housing crisis, to infrastructure, crime, and climate change, Villaraigosa brings decades of public service experience and a track record as a proven problem solver. As he eyes a poss…

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Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1) 1:00:25

2M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

In this episode, Henry Shukman discusses how to embrace the chaos and find clarity through meditation while exploring themes of self-development and self-love. Henry emphasizes the balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice, highlighting the interplay between sudden insights (satori) and gradual progress. He also discuss the import…

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Edwidge Danticat Reads Zadie Smith 44:06

2M ago44:06

44:06

Edwidge Danticat joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “Two Men Arrive in a Village,” by Zadie Smith, which was published in The New Yorker in 2016. Danticat, a MacArthur Fellow and a winner of the Vilcek Prize in Literature, has published six books of fiction, including “Breath, Eyes, Memory,” “The Farming of Bones,” “Claire of the Sea Light,…

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Navigating Fear and Hope: the Everyday Courage That Shapes Our Lives with Ryan Holiday 52:41

2M ago52:41

52:41

In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores navigating fear and hope and the everyday courage that shapes our lives. He unpacks how to confront our fears and how we need to do so, over and over. With great stories and insights, we are reminded that we don’t have to be fearless, we just have to begin. Key Takeaways: The concept of courage and its signifi…

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Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, on Fighting Hate, Antisemitism & Healing America’s Divide 27:03

2M ago27:03

27:03

Send us a text Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, joins 13th & Park to break down the rising tide of antisemitism, the challenge of free speech on college campuses, and how society must respond to hate. From his time in the White House to leading the ADL, Greenblatt shares personal stories, startling data, and a roadmap for bui…

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Failure as Fertilizer: Learning to Bloom Again with Debbie Millman 59:56

2M ago59:56

59:56

In this episode, Debbie Millman explores how we can use failure as fertilizer and learn to bloom again. Debbie's book and this conversation is about more than just gardening tips or tools, it's about what happens when we let ourselves be bad at something, especially later in life. Debbie opens up about learning to grow and why failure might be the …

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Couples in Cars: Together Forever 44:10

2M ago44:10

44:10

Today's podcast is about 4 lesser known cases of couples who leave in cars and never return. Could they be tragic accidents or something more sinister?

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Untold Perspectives on the White House from Trump Veterans Hunter Morgen and William Russell 28:18

2M ago28:18

28:18

Send us a text Will Russell and Hunter Morgen, veterans of the Trump White House, join 13th and Park to offer a rare behind-the-scenes look into America's President. Will led on-the-ground operations as part of the presidential advance team, while Hunter helped shape the administration’s policy and communications strategy from inside the West Wing.…

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From Benches to Breakthroughs: A New Approach to Mental Health with Dixon Chibanda 54:52

2M ago54:52

54:52

In this episode, Dr. Dixon Chibanda explores from benches to breakthroughs: a new approach to mental health. He explains why storytelling, radical empathy, and solving daily-life problems often outperform medication-first approaches; how three simple steps—opening the mind, uplifting, strengthening—turn elders into community healers; and why hope, …

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Beyond Anxiety: How Curiosity Turns Fear Into Fuel with Martha Beck 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

In this episode, Martha Beck explores how to move beyond anxiety and how curiosity turns fear into fuel. Martha dives into why anxiety can’t simply be silenced. It has to be replaced with things like creativity, curiosity, and a deep kindness towards ourselves. Key Takeaways: Discussion of anxiety versus fear and their psychological implications. E…

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Lt. Governor Dan Patrick on Defending Faith, School Choice & the Power of Texas Leadership 27:16

2M ago27:16

27:16

Send us a text Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick joins 13th and Park to reflect on his journey from inner-city Baltimore to talk radio, television, and ultimately one of the most powerful political positions in the state. He shares his views on protecting religious liberty, championing school choice, addressing teacher accountability, and securing the…

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Move Your Body, Free Your Mind: The Science of Movement and Mental Health with Caroline Williams 1:07:20

2M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

In this episode, Caroline Williams shares how moving your body can free your mind as she dives into the surprising science of movement and mental health. Caroline spent years studying the brain until she realized she was ignoring half the equation. She explains how movement of all kinds, walking, stretching, dancing, and even laughter can reshape o…

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Navigating the Messy Parts of Life: Embracing Imperfection and Growth with Josh Radnor 50:14

2M ago50:14

50:14

In this episode, Josh Radnor discusses the messy parts of life and embracing imperfection and growth. Josh Radnor explains how, even outward success, fame, acclaim, creative fulfillment isn’t enough to quiet the deeper battles within. He shares how real freedom comes not from achieving perfection, but from making peace with the messy, unfinished pa…

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Senator Ron Johnson on Taking On Washington, Border Battles & Saving America’s Future 14:18

2M ago14:18

14:18

Send us a text Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin joins 13th and Park to reflect on his journey from businessman to one of Washington’s most outspoken voices on government spending, border security, and defending freedom. Johnson discusses America’s political divides, the urgent need for fiscal reform, and the personal stories that shaped his landmar…

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Why Community and Courage Matter More Than Ever with Laura McKowen 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

In this episode, Laura McKowen explores why community and courage matter more than ever in making change in your life. She dives into the “messy midle” – theu ncertain space between giving up what umbs us and becoming someone new. She shares the story of the Luckiest Club, a global sobriety community. Key Takeaways: Understanding that real transfor…

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Charlotte, Cinda & Misty - Final "Fair"well 32:54

3M ago32:54

32:54

When we think of a night at a fair we think of a good time. Here are some cases of teenage girls disappearances at a fair that were not only shocking but heartbreaking.

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Anxiety, Beauty, and the Unknown: A Map to Emotional Resilience with David Whyte 57:53

3M ago57:53

57:53

In this episode, David Whyte explores anxiety, beauty, and the unknown as a true map to emotional resilience. David shares how anxiety can be a doorway to deeper understanding and connection. He and Eric discuss the paradox of holding both joy and struggle, the surprising wisdom hidden in everyday emotions, and how poetry and language can bring us …

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Christopher White Reveals the Sacred Process Behind Choosing the Next Pope 17:21

3M ago17:21

17:21

Send us a text Go behind Vatican walls with Christopher White, Vatican correspondent for NCR, as he shares rare insights into papal elections, the legacy of Pope Francis, and the future of the Catholic Church. From traveling with the Pope to covering the most secretive election in the world, White unpacks the tensions of unity vs. diversity, the Ch…

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Vivek Ramaswamy on What He Learned Running for President & the Next Big Fight for America 20:06

3M ago20:06

20:06

Send us a text Vivek Ramaswamy, biotech entrepreneur, former presidential candidate, and current Ohio gubernatorial candidate, joins 13th and Park to reflect on the lessons learned from the campaign trail, the myth of division in America, and why free speech matters now more than ever. Ramaswamy shares stories from the road, surprising moments with…

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Unlock Your Inner Anthem: A Tribute to Mike Peters 38:07

3M ago38:07

38:07

This is a special episode from our archives with one of my favorite musicians, Mike Peters. Mike recently passed away, and this episode is more than a conversation; it’s a tribute to a beautiful soul. In our chat, we explored the idea of our lives being anthems; how defiance, hope, and inner strength were a soundtrack for his formative years, and l…

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Yiyun Li Reads William Trevor 1:11:01

3M ago1:11:01

1:11:01

Yiyun Li joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “The Piano Tuner’s Wives,” by William Trevor, which was published in The New Yorker in 1995. Li has published eight books of fiction, including the novels “Must I Go” and “Book of Goose,” a winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, and the story collection “Wednesday’s Child,” which was a fina…

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How Anthony Shriver Built Best Buddies and Sparked a Worldwide Movement for Inclusion | 13th & Park 21:41

3M ago21:41

21:41

Send us a text Anthony Shriver, founder of Best Buddies International and member of the Kennedy family, shares how he built a global movement rooted in inclusion, friendship, and opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. On 13th and Park, Shriver reflects on the personal journey that shaped his life’s mission, the inf…

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Fluke or Fate? Embracing Uncertainty to Live a Fuller Life with Brian Klaas 56:53

3M ago56:53

56:53

In this episode, Brian Klaas explains the concept of whether things are a fluke or fate, and explores how embracing uncertainty can lead to a living a fuller life. Brian makes the case that randomness and chaos might be exactly what makes our lives matter so much, and how we tend to worship at the “Altar of Progress in the Church of Control.” We ma…

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Mabel, Marion & Cindy - Gone In The Night 42:53

3M ago42:53

42:53

Today's podcast profiles 3 lesser known cases from Canada where young women go missing in the dead of night? There are no clues and no trace of them found decades later.