The Pod Files - Sunday 22 June 2025

 

The ‘casts -

(Notes spoken to Siri, and edited later if I remember

(Changed tactic now where starred dialogue denotes quoting from the show’s own notes

Acting President - season 1 episode 3: 27 April 2025: *Momentum - As Bennett grapples with the Secret Service agent's questions, news of the Pope's death and President Stillman's trip to Rome dominate the headlines, overshadowing the plummeting stock market. After meeting with Harding's mysterious associates, Bennett finds himself drawn deeper into their conspiracy despite his misgivings. When Pantheon Plus organizes a special screening of "The Insurgent" in Times Square, what should be a simple promotional event transforms into something more politically charged as attendees arrive with "Course Correction" signs and anti-Stillman messaging. Bennett's unease grows as the network distributes branded t-shirts and fans blur the line between fictional entertainment and real-world politics. Meanwhile, Garrett Fisher's podcast dissects the latest episode of the streaming drama, noting eerie parallels to current events. As "Course Correction" rallies begin forming organically across the country, Bennett receives an ominous text from Harding about military convoys near Washington D.C., suggesting that what began as television fiction might be evolving into dangerous reality.

Eastwood Reloaded - season 1 episode 6: 22 June 2025: *Million Dollar Baby - A boxing movie that wasn't really about boxing. A story about dreams that was really about limits. A film about a trainer and fighter that became something much more profound—a meditation on love, sacrifice, and the terrible choices we make for the people we care about. / We explore how Eastwood applied everything he learned from Unforgiven to a completely different genre, creating a film that proved he had evolved from entertainer to artist. / Through the relationship between Frankie Dunn and Maggie Fitzgerald, Million Dollar Baby examined chosen family, the meaning of dignity, and the ultimate expression of love. / From Hilary Swank's transformative performance to the film's controversial final act, we examine how Eastwood created a movie that operated on multiple levels—as sports drama, family story, and ethical thriller—while refusing to provide easy answers to impossible moral questions.

BirdNote Daily - 25 August 2022: *August Molt - By August, many birds have just completed the intense rigors of nesting and raising young and now undergo a complete moult. / Moult is a cyclic process of feather growth. As new feathers grow in, they push the old ones out. Why molt? Because feathers wear out. / Songbirds that migrate long distances need to complete this process on a tight schedule, to be ready when it's time to strike out in September. You might not even recognize this American Goldfinch in its winter plumage. / More info and transcript at BirdNote.org

7 Good Minutes - 24 May 2025: Transform Your Morning Routine for Maximum Energy

The Stupid History Minute - 22 June 2025: CamelBak 

The Night's End Podcast - season 1 episode 4: 13 June 2025: *In the Blood - You've been listening to the night's end podcast which is a production of Dissonance media. / In the Blood was written by K.C. McIntosh For more stories by K.C. McIntosh find them on X, Instagram and Facebook @realkcmac. / Narration was performed by Rebecca Struzyna from The West London Witch podcast. Search for it wherever you find podcasts. / Jimmy Horrors was performed by James Barnett / This episode was produced by James Barnett

7 Good Minutes - 24 May 2025: Extra - Transforming your morning routine boosts...

Unknown and Mysterious Creatures - Episode 23: 21 June 2025: *Shadow People - They linger in your peripheral vision. / Watching. Waiting. In this episode of Unknown and Mysterious Creatures, JV Torres delves into the eerie phenomenon of Shadow People-dark, human-like silhouettes reported by thousands across the globe. Are they spirits, inter-dimensional beings, or manifestations of something far more sinister? From ancient lore to chilling modern-day encounters, discover why these fleeting figures may be more than just shadows.

Daily Tips That May or May Not Help You with Arielle and Ned - season 2 episode 150: 20 June 2025: A Tip for Keeping Your Linkedin Network Valuable - LinkedIn networking only works when connections are meaningful. Discover why adding only people you actually know creates a more powerful network for job hunting and business growth. Learn how maintaining a quality network improves your ability to get valuable introductions and referrals.

Daily Dad Jokes - 2 May 2025 

Science Quickly - 21 August 2014: *Sack Sulphates to Preserve Sewers - Sulphates used in water treatment become sulphuric acid in our sewers, eating away at the concrete infrastructure. Cynthia Graber reports.

Seaside Pod Review - episode 56: 2 November 2023: “are you ready to start podding?” Kev let Randy down again because he didn’t watch a game that Randy was involved in. Randy teaches Kev some phrases and words that you could shout out at a sports ball match. You see, I know absolutely nothing at all about the sport they’re on about, so I’ve just come up with something that I’ve guessed there by calling it a match. I wouldn’t know the difference between sports ball and polo! “On this day in 1975, Bohemian Rhapsody was released.” Kev got hold of a recently re-issued special edition of the Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers album, Mojo. After the catch up, chat, they look at listener feedback in response to the previous episodes song, which was the song, the miracle. “More washed up weekends!” After the feedback they go onto the song for this episode, which is the b-side Hang On In There, which backed up I Want It All. Credited to all four Queen members, based around a jam. I had never thought that before, but Kev is right, ended, it does even to me sound a little bit like Mike and the mechanics at the beginning, but then it will change after the introduction in a way. Also, Randy points out that it is in the key of F. After going through the song they vote whether it’s a champion or bites the dust. This song has always been a 90% champion to me. It should have been on the main album! Randy would be left on his own by aliens because of his farting. 

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day - 22 June 2025: bemuse

Hitmaker Chronicles - 31 January 2024: *Miley Cyrus - "Flowers" Grammy Winner - In this episode of "Hitmaker Chronicles", we dive into Miley Cyrus's empowering anthem "Flowers," a standout track from her album "Endless Summer Vacation." From her early days as Hannah Montana to her bold musical transitions, Miley has captivated audiences with her versatility and raw talent. "Flowers" marks a significant moment in her career, symbolizing themes of self-love and independence. This episode explores the song's catchy melody, poignant lyrics, and the journey of personal growth and resilience it represents. Miley's evolution from a teen idol to a fearless artist is mirrored in the narrative of "Flowers," offering listeners a message of empowerment and self-discovery. Discover how Miley Cyrus's unique voice and artistic exploration connect with fans worldwide, making "Flowers" a testament to her continued relevance and influence in the music industry. Join us as we celebrate Miley Cyrus's journey and the profound impact of "Flowers" on her audience.

StarDate - 21 June 2025: Moon and Venus

BirdNote Daily - 26 August 2022: *At the Escarpment - Long, upward slopes called escarpments offer a good chance of seeing some of the many raptor species found in Belize. Shaped like a compact Red-tailed Hawk, White Hawks are white overall with black markings and scan the landscape for reptile prey. Bat Falcons have a darkly barred chest and cinnamon belly, and chase down swifts, dragonflies, and the bats that give them their name. Ornate Hawk-Eagles stand over two feet tall and are capable of catching monkeys. / More info and transcript at BirdNote.org

New Podcasts - 17 June 2025: *Grumpy Wizdom - Grumpy Wizdom is a new podcast hosted by Talib Jasir, the founder of the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival. With poetic narration, lived truths, and soundscapes that breathe, Grumpy Wizdom walks with you through the hard-earned lessons on becoming, belonging, survival, and the words we live by. This isn't self-help. It's self-remembering.

Hitmaker Chronicles - 5 February 2024: *Taylor Swift - "Anti-Hero" Grammy Nominee - On this episode of "Hitmaker Chronicles", we dive deep into Taylor Swift's introspective masterpiece "Anti-Hero" from her album "Midnights." This episode delves into Swift's evolution from a country star to a global pop icon, highlighting her narrative-driven songwriting that resonates deeply with fans worldwide. "Midnights" represents a new chapter in Swift's career, exploring themes of self-reflection and vulnerability. "Anti-Hero," in particular, stands out with its candid lyrics on Swift's innermost fears and insecurities, offering a raw look into her self-doubt and the challenges of fame. Through a mix of melancholic melodies and pop rhythms, Swift crafts an introspective yet relatable anthem that's captivated fans and sparked widespread discussion on mental health and self-acceptance. Join us as we dissect the cultural significance and emotional depth of "Anti-Hero," showcasing Swift's unmatched ability to connect with her audience through music. Tune in for an insightful journey into one of Taylor Swift's most personal and impactful songs.

Daily Tips That May or May Not Help You with Arielle and Ned - season 2 episode 151: 22 June 2025: *A Tip For Keeping Your Opportunities Alive - Ever missed an important email because it was buried in your spam folder? Ned shares a personal experience about nearly missing a job opportunity because an important email was filtered as spam. This quick but crucial tip could save you from missing out on life-changing messages hiding in your digital junk drawer.

MinuteEarth - 6 January 2025: Orchids: The Masters Of Lying, Cheating & Stealing 

The Podcast Top 5 - season 1 episode 22: 21 June 2025: *Podcast Breakups, Brutal Crimes, and Discovery Drama - This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule dives into the latest podcast power moves and plot twists. From Spotify losing Trevor Noah to Marc Maron calling it quits after 16 years of WTF, the industry's getting a shake-up. Plus, YouTube dominates news podcast listening in the US, and Spotify rolls out new podcast discovery features (but... how do they actually work?). / And for Podcast of the Week, we're spotlighting Devil in the Desert—a gripping true story of betrayal, brutality, and a manhunt that spans the globe. You'll be on the edge of your seat. / News, tea, and top pods? You're in the right place. Let's hit play.

Hitmaker Chronicles - 5 February 2024: *Lana Del Ray - "A&W" Grammy Nominee - Dive into the enigmatic world of Lana Del Rey's "A&W" on today's episode of "Hitmaker Chronicles." Renowned for her cinematic style and culturally charged lyrics, Del Rey has captivated the music scene since her debut. / "A&W," her latest offering from the album "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard," exemplifies her evolution as an artist. This track, produced with Jack Antonoff, marries folk influences with a trap-oriented beat, showcasing Del Rey's versatility and depth. The song cleverly navigates themes of Americana and personal narrative, peppered with cultural references that enrich its storytelling. Critics have hailed “A&W" as a masterpiece for its experimental production and poignant lyrics, marking it as one of 2023's standout tracks. Join us as we dissect "A&W," revealing the intricacies of Lana Del Rey's artistry and the profound impact of her music on the industry and listeners alike. Tune in for an exploration of a song that is as thought-provoking as it is melodious, highlighting Del Rey's unmatched ability to weave complex, emotionally resonant stories through her music.

New Podcasts - 17 June 2025: *IRL: Online Life is Real Life - IRL: Online Life is Real Life returns for a new season, produced with PRX. This season - there are fears about Al taking our jobs or becoming too intelligent in the future. But what about the Al that's already here, just beneath the surface of our daily lives? Bridget Todd goes deep into the ways Al has infiltrated our social relationships and human rituals, from finding love to being our neighbour.

Add to Playlist - 26 November 2021: *Dele Sosimi and Clare Norburn on Afrobeat and a Medieval visionary - For the final episode of this series, Afrobeat musician Dele Sosimi and soprano Clare Norburn talk us through the importance of building a track's opening, and celebrate a visionary Abbess from the 12th century. / This takes the playlist of this series to 40, chosen and curated by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye. / Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald / This week's five tracks added to the playlist: ‘O Frondens Virga’ by Hildegard von Bingen, sung by Emily D'Angelo, ‘Chariots of Fire’ by Vangelis, ‘Take me to the Mardi Gras’ by Bob James, ‘Riders on the Storm’ by The Doors, and ‘It's Raining Men’ by The Weather Girls. 

BirdNote Daily - 27 August 2022: *Jays Identify Good Nuts by Shaking Them - Some birds stash unopened seeds for use later. But how do they know which seeds are worth the trouble, before expending the energy to open them? A team of scientists from South Korea and Poland may have an answer. As part of a series of experiments, the scientists observed the behavior of Mexican Jays presented with peanuts in their shells. The research team documented the birds shaking nuts in their beaks to assess the weight and possibly listening for the nuts rattling. In other words, jays use the same types of sensory cues that humans do when choosing a melon in the supermarket. / More info and transcript at BirdNote.org 

Daily Life Pro Tips - 27 June 2024

New Podcasts - 17 June 2025: *Devil in the Desert - In 2012, a woman was found with her hands bound in the Mojave desert; but it wasn't the only crime that had took place there. Devil in the Desert unravels the tangled life of Hossein Nayeri, the mastermind behind one of the most brutal crimes in California history. / It's new today from ABC Audio and 20/20, and is hosted by ABC News chief national correspondent Matt Gutman.

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - 31 August 2021: *Big Bertha Drum - She's about 8 feet wide and 500 pounds. And her history spans all the way from the stockyards of Chicago...to a nuclear test during the Manhattan Project...to a stadium at the University of Texas at Austin. / READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/big-bertha-drum

A Daily Dose of History - 19 February 2024

Rock n Roll Book and Documentary Reviews - Episode 70: 27 May 2025: *Slacker: 1991, Teen Spirit Angst, and the Generation It Created: Book Review - The last genre that truly changed everything? / Author Rob Janicke's book Slacker tells how grunge didn't just change music—It changed people.

BirdNote Daily - 28 August 2022: *Cedar Waxwings - Sleek and Handsome - When courting in spring, male and female Cedar Waxwings communicate with distinctly different calls and, perched side by side, often pass back and forth between them a berry or other small fruit or even a flower petal. Waxwings display a wealth of eye-catching plumage. If you relish the company of Cedar Waxwings, plant fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. Find native plants for your garden at Audubon's Native Plant Database. / More info and transcript at BirdNote.org

Wikipedia Featured Article of the Day - 2 April 2024: Morgan Bulkeley

New Podcasts - 18 June 2025: *Enlightened Entrepreneur | Lessons in Business | Actionable Strategies For Confidence & Growth - Enlightened Entrepreneur is a new show asking you to stop second guessing yourself and start leading your business confidently. / Leandra Nisbet brings her 15+ years of hands-on expertise and real-world experience, to talk all things money, mindset and strategy so you can start approaching, and leading, your business with confidence, clarity and ease.

Fanzone from TrueFans - Season 1 Episode 25: 22 May 2025: *Funding - You can financially support your favourite podcasters with one-off payments, monthly subscriptions, and by the minute.

In this episode find out about the options you might be presented with when you click on the heart and hand icon in TrueFans.

Daily Facts - 27 June 2024

Stories To Tell with Richard Marx - Episode 6: 25 March 2025: *Titus Welliver - This week, Titus Welliver joins Richard to talk Al Pacino, 'Deadwood', his artistic roots in painting, and mixing the perfect cocktail for Frank Sinatra... Just in time for the 'Bosch: Legacy' final season premiere, this Friday.

Toppermost of the Poppermost - forthcoming episode 

7 Good Minutes - 25 May 2025: Cultivate Joy: Unlock Daily Happiness Through the Power of Gratitude

Hitmaker Chronicles - 5 February 2024: *Olivia Rodrigo - "Vampire" Grammy Nominee - Dive into the haunting world of Olivia Rodrigo's "Vampire" on today's episode of "Hitmaker chronicles." We'll take a deep dive into this evocative track that explores the dark dynamics of a toxic relationship, using the metaphor of a vampire to depict emotional entrapment. From her breakout with "drivers license" to the versatile pop-punk and balladry of her debut album "SOUR," Rodrigo has captured the essence of teenage turmoil and vulnerability. "Vampire" continues this journey, blending poetic lyrics with melancholic melodies to paint a vivid narrative of love's consuming nature. We'll unpack the poignant lyrics and harmonious arrangements that make "Vampire" a striking testament to Rodrigo's talent for making deeply personal emotions universally relatable. Join us as we explore the complex emotional terrain Rodrigo navigates in "Vampire," reflecting on her significant impact and evolution in the music industry. Tune in for an insightful journey into one of Olivia Rodrigo's most introspective and compelling tracks.

BirdNote Daily - 29 August 2022: *Owls Migrate, Too - When you think of bird migrations, you might think of a bluebird or a robin first. But some owls do migrate - such as the Short-eared Owl, which flies south for the winter. Northern Saw-whet Owls were once thought non-migratory, but in fact they travel at night, unseen. Snowy Owls breed in the Arctic then wander toward the south, staying wherever they can find food. Some Burrowing Owls spend their whole life in one place. But others migrate every spring and fall with the regularity of a bluebird. / More info and transcript at BirdNote.org

New Podcasts - 18 June 2025: *A Matter of Conscience: GI Resistance During the Vietnam War - In A Matter of Conscience hosts Bill Short and Willa Seidenberg draw from firsthand experience to reveal a hidden chapter of the Vietnam war — one shaped by resistance from within. In this opening episode, the stage is set for the rise of the GI anti-war movement, spotlighting acts of courage and defiance by soldiers who faced internal conflicts between their duty and their conscience.

7 Good Minutes - 25 May 2025: Extra - Joy blooms when...

Phase Hero - episode 66: 18 June 2025: *Superman, Clayface, and Supergirl Updates | DC Universe News - Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow officially got a new title, Clayface has been cast, Lanterns is wrapping up, and a Mister Miracle animated series is on the way. This episode of Phase Hero rounds up all of the DC Universe news and discourse as Superman just a couple of weeks away from hitting theaters! Plus, the Phase Hero crew gets honest on their thoughts about how some Snyder cultists plan to ruin people's experience seeing the new Superman movie. It's the first time Phase Hero has dedicated an entire episode to one major franchise, with an MCU-centric episode being available this week, as well!

Composers Datebook - 22 June 2025: Wagner in New York (and Philadelphia)

BirdNote Daily - 30 August 2022: *Male Mallards Disappear - By late summer, the male Mallard's need for fancy feathers to attract the females has passed. These birds have molted, and their bright feathers are replaced with mottled brown ones. Subdued colors help camouflage the male ducks, protecting them from predators. Come fall, the male Mallards will molt again and become the colorful dandies we remember. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org

The Puzzler with AJ Jacobs - 10 February 2025: "Tom Hanks' Hanky" w/ Mike Reiss