Thomas Lux — Refrigerator, 1957

Stare death in the eye with Theo Von and seasoned death investigator Toby Savoy in "This Past Weekend," as they unravel the intricacies of coronial duties in Louisiana. Savoy, bringing years of experience to the table, delves into the multifaceted responsibilities of his role—from scrupulous scene analysis to the sensitive coordination of mass casualty events like Hurricane Katrina. Exposing how he navigates limited resources with uncovered grit, the show reveals the hidden adaptability and resourcefulness required in the field of death investigation.

Further cementing insights into public health, Savoy shares the grim realities of the opioid crisis, its roots, and the harrowing effects of drugs like fentanyl on the community. His proactive stance speaks volumes as he advises on safety during cultural peaks, such as Mardi Gras, to prevent tragedy. Balancing the solemnity of his job, Savoy also shares his coping mechanisms, where humor and humility inject a dose of levity into a field shadowed by loss. Behind the scenes, Theo Von interlaces the dialogue with personal endorsements, granting listeners special savings while creating dialogue on critical safety and prevention issues. Join them for a conversation that not only peels back the layers of death investigation but also reflects on its foundational role in serving and protecting the community.

Dive into an exploration of humor's profound capacity with Michael Malice on the Lex Fridman Podcast, where the unexpected intersections of mirth, censorship, rebellion, and resilience are thoroughly unpacked. Malice, joined by host Lex Fridman, reveals how laughter has served as a clandestine weapon in societies besieged by totalitarian regimes, from North Korea to the Soviet Union. Paying homage to comedic mavens such as Norm Macdonald and Roseanne Barr, this episode augments the understanding of humor as a defiant spotlight on societal issues, reminding us that a joke can often be more than it seems.

The conversation doesn't stop at comedy; it's a sweeping journey through historical discourse, societal issues, cultural artifacts, and the art of interviewing. As intriguing as it is intimate, the podcast peels back the layers on Malice's personal philosophy of anarchism, his fascination with daily rituals, and the artistry of living. In sharing personal narratives intertwined with notions of trust, gratitude, friendships, and the nuances of human emotions, Malice and Fridman transport the listener to a space of profound introspection and optimistic outlook towards life's endless adventures.

Dive into "Cut the Camera with the Sturniolo Triplets" where hosts Nick, Matt, and Chris take listeners on a hilarious and heartfelt journey through their personal narratives, cultural critiques, and everyday experiences. This episode sees the trio tackle everything from an eerie escape room escapade to the joys of homemade garlic bread, revealing their down-to-earth preferences and the intimate connection they share with their audience. They offer a lighter, humorous perspective on life that resonates with those who find solace in the simplicity of cherished rituals and shared discomforts.

Touching on broader social observations, the Sturniolo Triplets engage in frank discussions about mall etiquette, teenage loitering, and the authenticity of cultural performances. With anecdotes ranging from the nostalgia of Scholastic Book Fairs to the unexpected allure of celebrity actors, and sharp commentary on public displays of affection, this episode is a testament to their skill at blending humor with insightful cultural analysis. Eavesdrop on their dynamic conversation that illustrates not just the quirks of everyday life, but also the deeper threads of connection that weave through our personal and public spheres.

Do you prefer to listen to sad songs? Do you seek out beauty in everyday life? If so, you may have a bittersweet disposition. In Bittersweet, Susan Cain defines bittersweetness as the state of experiencing intense joy, sadness, and yearning simultaneously. She argues that you can glean greater meaning and wisdom from life when you embrace bittersweetness, even if you don’t naturally have a bittersweet disposition.

In this guide, we’ll explore different facets of bittersweetness, starting with the link between bittersweetness and our yearning for love and belonging. We’ll also discuss the hidden power of sadness for fostering empathy and creativity. Finally, we’ll examine how awareness of life’s impermanence can help us find deeper meaning in our relationships and everyday lives. In our commentary, we’ll discuss the science behind bittersweet emotions, different perspectives on how to think about impermanence, and further suggestions for coping with grief.

Do you want to learn to get more out of the novels you read? Are you interested in learning how authors communicate through literary devices like symbols, archetypes, and allusions?

How to Read Literature Like a Professor is a crash course in the art of reading intelligently. In this book, you’ll learn how to identify common literary conventions and gain the skills necessary to analyze them like a professor would. You’ll discover why Goose had to die in Top Gun and why sex scenes aren’t always about sex in literature.

The Happiness Hypothesis explores the nature of human happiness, blending the philosophical and theological wisdom of ancient thinkers with insights from the field of positive psychology. Our satisfaction is driven by how our mental filters interpret the events in our lives, with the human brain perpetually divided against itself in the struggle between the desires created by our emotions and the attempts of reason to control them. The key to happiness is to use reason to focus the mind away from desires that will only bring fleeting happiness, while giving in to those desires that will bring lasting fulfillment.

Dive into the mysterious life of one of America's most cryptic literary figures with Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant in the "Stuff You Should Know" podcast. They peel back the layers of J.D. Salinger's existence, from his early days in Manhattan's upper echelons to the trenchant influence of his years in World War II. Their examination takes listeners into the heart of Salinger's formative experiences, his transformative education, and the very raw encounters that would shape his unique narrative voice and thus, his illustrious writing career.

As the episode unravels Salinger's ascent to prominence with the overwhelming success of "The Catcher in the Rye," Clark and Bryant also delve into his tumultuous personal life—from his unorthodox marriages to his quest for spiritual peace and the extreme measures he took to preserve his privacy. Their retrospective portrays Salinger's deep connections with local communities and how that informed the authenticity of his work while also touching on the diverse views of his own children, Margaret and Matt. Uncover the depth of Salinger's desire for literary integrity and the profound impact of his tales on culture, as "Stuff You Should Know" contemplates the conceptual richness of "The Catcher in the Rye."

Do you want to learn to get more out of the novels you read? Are you interested in learning how authors communicate through literary devices like symbols, archetypes, and allusions?

How to Read Literature Like a Professor is a crash course in the art of reading intelligently. In this book, you’ll learn how to identify common literary conventions and gain the skills necessary to analyze them like a professor would. You’ll discover why Goose had to die in Top Gun and why sex scenes aren’t always about sex in literature.

In this profound and emotionally charged episode of "The Daily," speakers Wyatt Mason and Prentice Onayemi dive deep into the distressing story of Stanley and his son, Shane McCray. Unraveling the complexities of a childhood marred by abduction, racial prejudice, and deception, they shed light on McCray's struggle with identity. McCray's life began in turmoil, amidst familial tensions and racial stigma, his journey from being abducted and indoctrinated with a false narrative by his grandparents to re-establishing contact with his father after thirteen years is nothing short of phenomenal.

Described as a journey of resilience and an exploration of identity, McCray's life straddles between traumatic memories and commendable accomplishments. McCray's ever-evolving relationship with poetry serves as both an outlet for his suffering and a platform for expressing his experiences. Covering McCray's evolution as a promising poet, his endeavors in education, his newfound faith, and its impact on his work, this captivating narrative podcast is a testament to the strength of human spirit and the transformative power of art.