S3E2: A Different Point of View

A little girl growing up alone in the lush marshes of the North Carolina coast. A young woman who falls in love and experiences the anguish of a broken heart. A promise of marriage. A betrayal that leads to death. In Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens reveals these moments along Kya Clark’s journey to survive after her family abandons her as a child. Owens’s prose is as lush as the environment she describes, making you feel you are with Kya every step of the way. As Kya deals with discrimination and torment by the local townspeople, she must also navigate matters of the heart and decide if opening her heart is worth the risk when all she’s known is loss.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a poignant story about a man named Eddie’s journey after death. In heaven, he meets five people who teach him about the meaning and value of his own life. Through their stories and lessons, Eddie learns about connection, forgiveness, sacrifice, and love.

Through this book, you’ll have the chance to imagine your own life’s purpose and the lives you’ve touched along the way. The author is Mitch Albom, best-selling author of Tuesdays with Morrie and The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto.

Orange Is the New Black is Piper Kerman’s memoir of her year at a federal women’s prison. Convicted on drug charges, the privileged, well-educated, white, upper-middle-class Piper is sent to prison in Danbury, Connecticut. There, she finds herself part of a community of women whose backgrounds and life experiences seem vastly different from her own. During her sentence, however, Piper comes to recognize the biases of her privilege; find community and family with her fellow inmates; and discover the systemic failures, gross power disparities, and overall injustices of the prison system.

Join Henry Zebrowski and Marcus Parks in a thrilling exploration of the unexplained on Last Podcast On The Left, as they delve into bizarre extraterrestrial claims and dissect the encounters with the unknown. In their episode "Side Stories: Peruvian Alien Mummies," they kick off with laughs and live show excitement before diving headfirst into a UFO presentation by Jaime Maussan. As they unravel the mystery surrounding ancient mummies claimed to be non-human, Zebrowski and Parks bring their unique blend of skepticism and humor to question the authenticity of Maussan's unearthly discoveries, all while navigating the murky waters of cultural heritage and potential legal entanglements.

Beyond the alien enigmas, the speakers weave humor into supernatural phenomena, with strands of Gaia Inc.'s "alien mummy" findings to the skepticism around Project Scorpio and Tesla's inventions. The hosts lampoon modern tech's effect on spooky experiences and take a jab at pop culture, lamenting on the nostalgia machine stifling creativity. Listener stories add a personal touch with eerie and odd tales, and our charismatic hosts round off the episode by offering cultural critiques, sharing personal anecdotes, and imparting wisdom on embracing life’s unpredictable nature. Immerse yourself in this episode of Last Podcast On The Left, where humor meets the otherworldly, and nothing is too sacred to scrutinize.

At the age of 24, New York Post reporter Susannah Cahalan is stricken with a terrible disease. In a matter of weeks, it morphs from paranoia into hallucinations, seizures, and psychosis. It resists diagnosis even by the most prestigious doctors in the US. Only when Susannah becomes catatonic, staring death in the face, do two brilliant neurologists discover the problem: Susannah is suffering from an autoimmune disease that’s causing her antibodies to attack her own brain.

Cahalan’s harrowing portrait shows how frail disease makes us, ready to accept any diagnosis, even when we know it’s wrong; how the US healthcare system serves some patients better than others; and how maintaining a positive attitude is critical to recovery.

In What Happened to You?, Oprah Winfrey and renowned psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry discuss how childhood trauma can have a severe and lasting impact on the brain—and thus our worldview, health, and behavior—sometimes without us even realizing it. They discuss why the developing brain is so susceptible to trauma, why trauma survivors often experience flashbacks, and why it’s so important to address your trauma to live a healthy and happy life. They also describe how to begin the healing process with compassion for yourself and others.

Throughout our guide, we’ll connect Perry and Winfrey’s ideas to those in other popular books on trauma, such as Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score. We’ll also elaborate on the authors’ main themes, such as trauma’s impact and the healing process. Finally, we’ll provide information and resources to help those struggling with trauma find high-quality care.

One of the most influential books of the last 50 years, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance demystifies the foundations of our modern ideas and values—and teaches us how to find fulfillment in any aspect of our lives. It combines a narrative of a father and son on a motorcycle journey across the country, along with philosophical musings on the human relationship with technology, metaphysics, and how to live a life of meaning.

In this summary, you’ll discover an intellectual thrill unlike any other: part family tragedy, part insightful meditation on the ways we think, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is nourishment for both heart and mind.

Immerse yourself into the intriguing yet chilling world of 'Last Podcast On The Left' as Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, and Ed Larson meticulously dissect one of the most scandalous murder cases of American history. This episode delves into the dramatic and harrowing saga of Jeffrey MacDonald, a former army surgeon convicted of brutally murdering his pregnant wife and their two daughters. With an emphasis on MacDonald’s complex personality, startling family dynamics, and the controversial investigation that initially overlooked significant pieces of evidence, this deep-dive podcast episode will leave you questioning the very fabric of criminal justice.

Not only does this episode focus on the intricacies of the MacDonald case, but it also sheds light on various personal anecdotes from the hosts in an attempt to alleviate the intense atmosphere. Despite the severity of the subject matter, hosts Parks, Zebrowski, and Larson skillfully inject light-hearted banter and unrelated discussions that lend moments of relief amidst the detailed exploration into macabre facts and events. Tune into 'Last Podcast On The Left' and get ready to question everything you thought you knew about the Jeffrey MacDonald case.

Venture into the chilling world of unsolved mysteries with Ashleigh Kelly and Alaina Urquhart in the third episode of their gripping podcast, 'Morbid'. This particular episode pulls you into the timeless enigma of the Dyatlov Pass Incident, where nine experienced Russian explorers met implausible tragedy. Our charismatic hosts weave an atmospheric narrative of the chilling event, unravelling the multi-layered complexities of deviated itinerary, unsettling autopsy reports, and hasty escape attempts that make the incident macabrely fascinating.

Beyond the investigation, versatile hosts Ashleigh Kelly and Alaina Urquhart build a palpable connection with their audience, inviting them to contribute topics and continue the discourse on social media. They affirm their commitment to crafting a deeply engaging and interactive true crime podcast that resonates with their listeners, taking the narrative from mere recitation to an immersive mystery-solving experience for their followers, ensuring 'Morbid' is more than just a podcast; it's a community of curious minds unfolding the world's most eerie enigma.

Embark on a mysterious journey with Shawn Ryan and Congressman Tim Burchett in the latest installment of the "Shawn Ryan Show," as they delve deep into the shadowy world of UFO and UAP government programs. In a candid conversation, Burchett, known for his pivotal role in shifting the governmental stance from one of ridicule to that of gravity and concern, reveals the long road that has led to the eminent investigative hearings now being reopened under Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Listeners are invited to gain an unprecedented glimpse into the dilemmas faced by those at the intersection of the unexplained and the political.

Through the course of their talk, Burchett offers his unique blend of personal anecdotes, biblical interpretations, and a historical lens on infamous incidents such as Roswell. This episode does more than just entertain; it challenges the very fabric of societal and theologic norms, addresses the treatment of whistleblowers within veteran affairs, and exposes the sprawling influence and potential corruption in political dynamics. Engage with the show as it navigates the intricate webs of misinformation, encourages accountability, and balances healthy skepticism with openness toward the UFO community—all curated by a Congressman unyielding in his quest for clarity and truth in an ever-expanding universe of questions.

At the age of 24, New York Post reporter Susannah Cahalan is stricken with a terrible disease. In a matter of weeks, it morphs from paranoia into hallucinations, seizures, and psychosis. It resists diagnosis even by the most prestigious doctors in the US. Only when Susannah becomes catatonic, staring death in the face, do two brilliant neurologists discover the problem: Susannah is suffering from an autoimmune disease that’s causing her antibodies to attack her own brain.

Cahalan’s harrowing portrait shows how frail disease makes us, ready to accept any diagnosis, even when we know it’s wrong; how the US healthcare system serves some patients better than others; and how maintaining a positive attitude is critical to recovery.

Join Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart as they venture into the shadowy psyche of Edmund Kemper, the notorious "Coed Killer," in "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast." With chilling precision, the co-hosts recount his brutal crimes and early displays of malcontent, painting a portrait of a disturbed individual shaped by an abusive childhood and societal missteps. By starting the episode with Kemper's own unnerving words, they construct an atmosphere that is both captivating and cautionary, ensuring listeners are acutely aware of the explicit and haunting journey ahead.

As they weave through Kemper's life—from his contemptuous relationship with his overbearing mother to his cunning double life that fooled even law enforcement—Ash and Alaina offer profound insights into the criminal mind. They dissect institutional failures and naivete that allowed Kemper to exploit the system, examine his impact on forensic psychology, and end with reflections on the precarious balance between normalcy and the hidden darkness within. This gripping episode not only lays bare the extremes of human behavior but sets the stage for future explorations of mystery, beginning with a teaser of the perplexing Dyatlov Pass incident.

Join Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant in the eerie corridors of their latest spooky installment from "Stuff You Should Know"—an annual tribute to the haunting allure of Halloween. In "The 14th Annual Halloween Spooktacular," the hosts weave through the chilling narratives of classic ghost stories to explore the timeless human fascination with fear and the supernatural. With tales penned by H.G. Wells and J.D. Beresford, they paint a gothic scene that will have listeners examining the shadows with a sense of wary curiosity.

As they dive into these dark tales, Josh and Chuck bring each scene to life with their signature storytelling style. From "The Red Room" to "The Misanthrope," they dissect the psychological impacts of terror and solitude, engrossing listeners with their interpretations and light-hearted banter. The episode reaches unsettling peaks, exploring the grim realities revealed by twisted perception, and concludes on an ambiguous note, leaving ears tingling and imaginations sparked. Celebrate Halloween with the 'Stuff You Should Know' team—and discover why their spooky narratives continue to thrill and delight, season after spine-chilling season.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a poignant story about a man named Eddie’s journey after death. In heaven, he meets five people who teach him about the meaning and value of his own life. Through their stories and lessons, Eddie learns about connection, forgiveness, sacrifice, and love.

Through this book, you’ll have the chance to imagine your own life’s purpose and the lives you’ve touched along the way. The author is Mitch Albom, best-selling author of Tuesdays with Morrie and The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto.

In a soul-stirring episode of "Rotten Mango," hosted by the compassionate Stephanie Soo, a deep dive into the heart-wrenching Itaewon Halloween Tragedy of 2022 is presented, where a celebratory night in South Korea ended with the loss of 159 lives. Soo masterfully crafts a narrative that delves beyond the headlines, providing a vivid recount of the events that transpired, the lives that were affected, and the systemic breakdowns that contributed to the disaster. With each word, she paints a harrowing picture of personal loss, societal issues, and acts of heroism that emerged from the chaos.

The podcast also boldly uncovers the aftermath of the tragedy—the collective grief, public outcry for accountability, and demanding justice for the victims. Through Soo's empathetic storytelling, listeners are invited to engage with the intricate tales of survivors, witness the tenacity of the local community, and confront the stark reality of operational failures and political controversies. "Rotten Mango" offers not only a poignant reflection on the events of that fateful night but also a call for change to ensure better crowd management and a more compassionate societal response in the future.

Brace yourself for an intense and insightful episode of "The Shawn Ryan Show," where former CIA agent, Tony Cowden identifies the dynamics of a horrific incident—surviving a devastating IED blast—and the arduous, yet transformative healing journey that led him to a selfless and renewed outlook on life. Cowden's account sheds light on the potentialities of unconventional healing methods, including the seemingly bizarre, such as inhaling venom from a Sonoran Toad Frog and engaging in psychedelic therapy. Listeners will learn about the ensuing mental transformation that prompted him to approach life with generosity, despite seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The conversation with Tony Cowden doesn't end at personal recovery; it delves into his political aspirations, the current political landscape's inherent dishonesty, and societal trends. In their rigorous exchange, Cowden and Shawn Ryan discuss potential shifts towards digital currency, the alarming trend of minors making irreversible decisions like gender transitioning, and the hope lying in the strength and resilience witnessed in rural communities. As they share their perspectives on the socio-cultural landscape of America, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and future direction of society and politics.

Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Catch Predators is journalist Ronan Farrow’s memoir of his experiences uncovering one of Hollywood’s biggest scandals—the decades of sexual abuse and assault by entertainment industry power broker Harvey Weinstein. Farrow overcame surveillance, intimidation, blackmail, and even the resistance of his employers at NBC to break this story. He and the women who came forward to share their experiences exposed how Weinstein was able to use his power, wealth, and influence to intimidate and silence his victims, and how the media and legal systems allowed him to operate with impunity for decades.