Best Annecy Podcasts (2026)

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Annecy FAQ: Answers for First-Timers (Badges, MIFA, Travel, Lodging, Etc) 13:18

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4d ago13:18

13:18

If you’re going to the Annecy Festival for the first time (or you already bought your ticket and you’re realizing how huge it is), this video is the FAQ companion to my full day-by-day recap.Here I answer the practical questions people always have. This is meant to be a quick-reference, “save this for later” guide—so you feel oriented before you st…

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Annecy-le Grand Bornand Recap - Penalty Loop Biathlon Podcast Episode 156 1:24:46

12d ago1:24:46

1:24:46

RJ may be in Mexico but we won't let a little tropical vacation get in the way of a great week of biathlon! After a raucous week in le Grand Bornand we had a lot to chat about including: - This was Lou's weekend from start to finish - Justus' heartbreak but encouraging signs for Germany - Maren's incredible power - Good 1st trimester performances f…

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What 2025 Taught Me And How I’m Approaching 2026 - 1/1/2026: Vlog 41:30

2d ago41:30

41:30

2025 was a year of perseverance, recalibration, and quiet progress — not just for me, but for many people I know. In this vlog, I take time to honestly reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m carrying forward into 2026.I walk through a reflection practice that looks at four core areas of life — mind, body, home, and soul — revisiting the …

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Films of 2025 I Can’t Stop Thinking About 21:02

3d ago21:02

21:02

Every year, we see endless “Top 10” lists — but art isn’t a sport, and ranking films as the best has always felt arbitrary to me. So instead, this episode is about my 10 favorite films of 2025 — the ones that lingered, surprised me, challenged me, or simply stayed with me long after the credits rolled.A few ground rules up front:-These are favorite…

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Annecy Festival for First-Timers: What to Expect (Day-by-Day Guide + MIFA Tips) 1:07:08

5d ago1:07:08

1:07:08

I went to the Annecy Festival for the first time and recorded a full day-by-day recap so you know what it actually feels like on the ground—especially if you’ve got a ticket and you’re wondering, “Wait… what am I walking into?”In this episode, I break down what Annecy really is (festival screenings + MIFA market + exhibits + panels + networking), w…

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The Via Francigena: Slow Travel, History, and Self-Discovery on Foot 58:59

1h ago58:59

58:59

In "Via Francigena: Slow Travel, History, and Self-Discovery on Foot," host Annie Sargent chats with Olivier Andrieu about his incredible 100-day journey along the Via Francigena. Olivier, a former corporate sales director, decided to quit his job and walk from Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy. He wanted a fresh start and a challenge, and the Vi…

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“I Am Wrong” Is One Of The Most Liberating Sentences Ever 2:35

7d ago2:35

2:35

Most of us can admit we were wrong—yesterday, last year, “back then.” But Agnes Callard’s Open Socrates points to something far more confronting (and far more freeing): Socrates didn’t want you to say “I was wrong.” He wanted you to say “I am wrong.”That tiny shift into present tense hits the ego like a flashbang. Because now it’s not a distant mis…

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Living the Examined Life: A Socratic Inquiry into Agnes Callard’s Open Socrates with Chuck McCaughan 1:11:11

11d ago1:11:11

1:11:11

Chuck McCaughan and I use Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life by Agnes Callard as a jumping-off point to explore what it actually means to live an examined life.We dig into the Socratic method—not as an abstract philosophical exercise, but as a lived practice—and discuss where it fits (or doesn’t) in today’s culture. Why do people avoi…

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Between Worlds: Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani on Craft, Culture & Creative Agency 35:19

12d ago35:19

35:19

I chat with filmmaker and producer Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani (https://www.saelhassani.com/portfolio & https://www.instagram.com/saelhassani/?hl=en) to explore her journey from growing up in Casablanca—within a rich oral storytelling tradition—to producing bold, emotionally resonant work across film, advertising, and animation on a global scale.We …

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40 Trips to France: Plus a French Christmas Feast with Annie & Elyse 1:04:02

7d ago1:04:02

1:04:02

40 Trips to France: Plus a French Christmas Feast with Annie & Elyse opens with host Annie Sargent welcoming back longtime traveler Janice Chung, who has now visited France 40 times. This episode explores why France keeps calling people back and how repeat travel changes the way you experience the country. Listen to this episode ad-free Janice expl…

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Cozy Fantasy 101 — Emily Krempholtz on the Genre’s Magic 2:31

15d ago2:31

2:31

Author Emily Krempholtz explains what cozy fantasy really means—why the genre is comforting, character-driven, community-centered, and focused on emotional warmth over epic battles. She breaks down the storytelling values that define it: gentle magic, small-town settings, internal growth, and an emphasis on healing, hope, and everyday wonder.This s…

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How to Start a Book Club — Emily Krempholtz’s Simple, Fun Approach 4:15

16d ago4:15

4:15

Author Emily Krempholtz shares her practical, down-to-earth advice on how to begin your own book club—from choosing the right group and setting expectations to keeping it fun, flexible, and sustainable.This moment comes from our larger interview with Emily about her debut cozy fantasy romance, Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore, where we …

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The AI Hype Cycle: Why I’m Not Rushing to Adopt (And Maybe You Don’t Need To Either) 14:19

17d ago14:19

14:19

I unpack my growing frustration with AI—not from a place of fear, but from lived creative experience. Everyone keeps insisting AI is the future and that we all need to jump onboard right now, but I’m not convinced that being an early adopter is automatically the smart move… especially when even the companies building these tools aren’t demonstratin…

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Ghostwriter to Novelist: Emily Krempholtz on Crafting Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore 1:00:16

18d ago1:00:16

1:00:16

In this inspiring and joy-filled conversation, Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and I sit down with author Emily Krempholtz to discuss her debut cozy fantasy romance, Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore—a magical, heart-forward story about second chances, redemption, and what it truly means to be a good person.Emily shares her creative journe…

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Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore — Redemption, Romance & Cozy Fantasy (Book Club) 1:00:36

19d ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Phil Svitek and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) dive into Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by debut author Emily Krempholtz, a warm, whimsical cozy fantasy romance about second chances, self-forgiveness, and the transformative power of community. We explore the novel’s “grumpy × sunshine” dynamic, the slow-burn romance between Violet and …

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Hochfilzen 2025-2026 Recap - Penalty Loop Biathlon Podcast Episode 155 1:26:15

17d ago1:26:15

1:26:15

Another fun weekend of biathlon racing is completed and RJ and Jordan are back to discuss it all! On today's recap: - Starting with our complicated feelings seeing Julia Simon racing again - Nice weekends for our home federations of Canada and the USA! - Celebrating Anna Magnusson with her biggest fan - The cream of the crop rising on the men's sid…

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Charles de Gaulle: The Man Who Saved France and Shaped Modern Europe 1:00:08

14d ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Ever wondered how one man could shape an entire nation's destiny? In this episode of Join Us in France, host Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks dive into the extraordinary life of Charles de Gaulle—the towering general who refused to let France fall. From his early days in Lille to his fiery WWII radio broadcasts from Lond…

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A Full November: Summits, Celebrations, Seattle, and The Arbiters’ Next Steps - 12/8/2025: Vlog 38:21

26d ago38:21

38:21

In this vlog, I recap everything that made November such a full and meaningful stretch.I start with the Film Finance Summit, sharing the biggest takeaways on how indie films like The Arbiters actually get funded. Then I cover my birthday celebration, this year’s American Film Market, and why the World Animation Summit continues to be one of my favo…

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Östersund 25-26 Week 2 - Penalty Loop Biathlon Podcast Episode 154 1:25:36

18d ago1:25:36

1:25:36

After a fun week in Östersund full of fan favorite performances we already have so much to talk about! In this episode we discuss: - The incredible women's Pursuit contested with our some of our personal favorite athletes - Suvi Minkkinen with a career weekend takes Yellow - Lisa Hauser looks better than she has in several years - Dorothea Wierer i…

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Home Exchange in France: Real Experiences & Secrets to Affordable Travel 1:01:40

18d ago1:01:40

1:01:40

"Home Exchange in France: Real Experiences & Secrets to Affordable Travel" – Ever wish you could explore France without breaking the bank? In this episode of Join Us in France, host Annie Sargent talks with Mali Arnstad, a home exchange expert with 14 years of experience swapping homes across France and beyond. Together, they reveal how you can tra…

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Stop Sharing Folders Before They’re Uploaded: A Small Habit That Saves Big Headaches 2:26

30d ago2:26

2:26

In this episode, I tackle a deceptively simple workflow issue that has major consequences: sharing a Google Drive or Dropbox folder before the files finish uploading. It’s an easy mistake — you drag in your assets, hit “share,” and move on with your day. But for the person on the receiving end, this creates confusion, missed files, inconsistent dow…

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Episode 62 - The Disappearance of Brian Shaffer 43:08

21d ago43:08

43:08

This week we discuss the disappearance of Brian Shaffer.

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The Hidden Costs of Development: What Filmmakers Don’t See Coming 8:13

1M ago8:13

8:13

Most filmmakers think development is just “writing the script.” In reality, it’s the quiet money pit no one warns you about — from lawyer fees and talent outreach to pitch deck design, travel to festivals, industry events, budgeting specialists, and even the technological tools required. In this episode, I break down the real hidden costs of gettin…

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Östersund Week 1 - Penalty Loop Podcast Episode 153 1:09:06

1M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

World Cup Biathlon is back and so are the weekly recaps! In this case we saw so much fun in the first two days of the season that we couldn't wait to start this next week. We had to start right away! It was a fantastic couple of days so we had a lot to discuss including: - Our favorite things including great races from our offseason guests! - Campb…

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Tobias Torgersen Interview November 2025 - Penalty Loop Biathlon Podcast Episode 151 1:16:49

25d ago1:16:49

1:16:49

A week later than intended (solely due to Jordan's very slow editing) our interview with Polish Women's Head Coach Tobias Torgersen is up! This was recorded the week before the season began so it does not cover anything that happened in the first two days of racing in Östersund. But there is still tons of good stuff in this conversation including: …

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EP. 255: Inside ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS with Nasir Dean 1:19:20

24d ago1:19:20

1:19:20

Launched on the weekend of New York Comic Con 2025, the One Piece x Mercer Labs immersive exhibition transported visitors into the world of the series through 11 rooms featuring a variety of digital and physical installations themed around the Wano arc. LumRanmaYasha sat down for two interviews with Nasir Dean, the Manager of Special Projects at Me…

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Vegetarian in Paris: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Dining & Hidden Gems 1:05:32

25d ago1:05:32

1:05:32

"Vegetarian in Paris with Amber Haggerty" is your ultimate guide to eating meat-free in the City of Light—and trust me, it's easier (and tastier) than you think! In this episode of Join Us in France, host Annie Sargent chats with Amber Haggerty, the expert behind The Vegetarian in Paris blog, about where to find the best plant-based meals in Paris.…

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Exile and the Kingdom by Albert Camus: Isolation, Revolt, Search for Meaning (Bookmarked: Book Club) 1:01:58

1M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Phil Svitek and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) dive into Albert Camus’ Exile and the Kingdom, a collection of six vivid, unsettling, and deeply human short stories exploring what it means to be isolated yet yearning for connection. Written in 1957 against the backdrop of the Algerian War, these stories capture individuals at decisive moments—moments…

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2025-2026 Biathlon Season Preview! - Penalty Loop Podcast Episode 152 (151 coming soon!) 1:29:54

1M ago1:29:54

1:29:54

We did it! The 2025-2026 biathlon season starts this week! We got together for our first regular weekly episode of the season to get ourselves ready for all of the excitement. We covered: - Discussing how an Olympic season differs from a regular season - Discussed the events of the selection races in Idre Fjall, Geilo, Bessans, and Ruhpolding and h…

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Renting a Boat on the Canal du Midi: A Dreamy Slow Travel Adventure in France 1:02:57

1M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

"Renting a Boat on the Canal du Midi with Bobbi Heath" is your ultimate guide to one of France's most magical slow travel experiences. In this episode, host Annie Sargent chats with Bobbi Heath, a passionate traveler and boating enthusiast, about her week-long adventure renting a boat on the Canal du Midi. If you've ever dreamed of cruising through…

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The #1 Thing Ruining Panels & How To Fix It 7:04

1M ago7:04

7:04

Panels are supposed to deliver insights, inspiration, and real value… but too often, a huge chunk of the time gets eaten by long, bloated introductions. Some it takes up 20 minutes out of a 45 minute panel! Today, I break down why panel introductions need to be much, much shorter and how “context over credits” is a rule that changes everything. Thi…

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Easiest Way to Password Protect a WordPress Page 2:52

1M ago2:52

2:52

In this episode, I show you the quickest and easiest way to password-protect a page in WordPress — no plugins, no coding, no complicated settings. If you’re working on client projects, managing private content, or building exclusive experiences, this is one of the most useful features built right into WordPress. Why password-protect a WordPress pag…

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How I Finally Cleaned Up My Messy Google Drive (Step-By-Step Method) 6:32

2M ago6:32

6:32

My Google Drive had gotten messy — duplicate folders, random uploads, files mislabeled, and years’ worth of assets scattered everywhere. And with limited local storage and very specific permission needs, the usual “Sync & Mirror” option didn’t work for me. So I created my own one-off cleanup method, and after hours of experimenting, it finally work…

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Karoline Knotten November 2025 Interview - Penalty Loop Podcast Episode 150 1:11:31

1M ago1:11:31

1:11:31

Karoline Knotten graciously joined us last week from her training in Livigno before the races took place in Geilo. It was a very friendly visit and we can't wait to have her on again soon! For now we covered: - Charting her own course outside the national training roster this summer - Updates on her personal fitness - Goals for 2025-2026 - Finding …

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Van Gogh's Tragic Genius: The Untold Story of His Life in France 1:11:57

1M ago1:11:57

1:11:57

Join Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin as they dive deep into the tragic and brilliant life of Vincent van Gogh. This episode isn't just about his iconic paintings—it's about the man behind the masterpieces. Elyse, with her deep knowledge of art history and her gift for storytelling, guides us through Van Gogh's tumultuous journey. From his early strug…

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Inside the World Animation Summit: Why It’s One of the Best Events for Creators 4:00

2M ago4:00

4:00

The World Animation Summit is one of my favorite industry events — and not because I’m paid to say so. In this episode, I share why this intimate three-day gathering is such a gem for anyone passionate about animation. Hosted annually by Animation Magazine in mid-November, the summit brings together around 500 attendees ranging from emerging creato…

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The Real Key to Growth Podcast Growth: Stop Overthinking Small Details 5:46

2M ago5:46

5:46

When it comes to podcasting, most creators waste time tweaking the wrong things — obsessing over intro music, rearranging episode order, or chasing the mythical “X factor” that’ll suddenly explode their downloads. In this episode, I break down the biggest mistake podcasters make: over-focusing on minutiae instead of consistency, purpose, and audien…

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Keep Going: The Quiet Power of Perseverance When Progress Feels Invisible 19:56

2M ago19:56

19:56

In this reflective episode, I expand on my Substack essay “Keep Going: The Quiet Power of Perseverance When Progress Feels Invisible” (https://philsvitek.substack.com/p/keep-going-the-quiet-power-of-perseverance). I explore one of the hardest truths of any creative journey — that progress often happens beneath the surface. Whether you’re pitching a…

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What I Really Want for My Birthday (and How You Can Help Make It Happen) 12:35

2M ago12:35

12:35

It’s my birthday! 🎉 Instead of gifts or a night out, I’m focusing on something more meaningful — supporting independent art and pushing The Arbiters, my hand-drawn animated feature film, closer to full funding. In this video, I share a few ways you can support not just me, but the creative ecosystem I’m part of: 1️⃣ Support authors and artists I lo…

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Niklas Hartweg November 2025 Interview - Penalty Loop Podcast Episode 149 1:30:00

2M ago1:30:00

1:30:00

Nik Hartweg joins the podcast once again for his first recorded episode with us in two seasons. There has been a LOT that has happened with Nik and biathlon in that period so we had a lot to discuss including: - Prep, current form, and plans for the 2025-2026 seasons - Goals and checkpoints for this season leading to the 2026 Olympics - Memories of…

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Are You Considering Getting a Talent or Freelance Visa to Live in France? 1:02:22

2M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

In this week's episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Annie Sargent talks with immigration lawyer Daniel Tostado and guests Brenna and Jeff, a couple exploring how to make their dream of moving to France a reality. Listen to this episode ad-free They dive deep into what the Talent Visa France really is, how it differs from the Freelance V…

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EP. 254: Young Magazine USA (Part 2) 2:40:04

2M ago2:40:04

2:40:04

On this episode of Manga Mavericks, Colton, Lum and Sakaki continue to read through and discuss the back half of Kodansha's Young Magazine USA! Starting off with the baffling post apocalyptic, sci-fi epic, Protocol Ryugu from Daisaku Tsuru, and then bookended with another equally as baffling horror adventure with Into The Dark by Anri Morikuma! Get…

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Money & Momentum: From Film Financing to Real-World Frustrations - 11/3/2025: Vlog 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

This week’s vlog is all about money — in filmmaking and in life.On the creative front, I share major updates on The Arbiters: our budget is finalized, the investor package is complete, and we’re now actively taking the project to investors. I’ve also been interviewing entertainment lawyers in preparation for closing deals and finding the right part…

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Campbell Wright November 2025 Interview - Penalty Loop Biathlon Podcast Episode 148 51:07

2M ago51:07

51:07

The most entertaining man in biathlon - Campbell Wright - returns for another preseason chat! As always he was an absolute blast as we covered a lot in a relatively short period including: - Loop One - his thoughts on the event and would he do it again? - Updates on summer training and how he's feeling with now less than 1 month until the 2025-2026…

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Versailles with Kids and the Grand Ball: A Magical Family Adventure 57:03

2M ago57:03

57:03

In Versailles with Kids and the Grand Ball: A Magical Family Adventure, host Annie Sargent talks with Katie Danger, an American mom who has lived in Versailles for more than a decade. Katie knows the palace and its surroundings inside and out — and she shares all her best tips for families who want to enjoy this iconic destination without the stres…

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Animal Farm by George Orwell - Power, Propaganda, and Why It Still Hits Today (Bookmarked: Book Club) 29:22

2M ago29:22

29:22

Phil Svitek and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) do a bonus Bookmarked episode on George Orwell’s Animal Farm—a quick-hit companion to our 1984 episode. We share overall reactions (Marisa read it right after 1984; Phil revisited it for the first time since high school) and dig into the big stuff: how a “fairy story” becomes a razor-sharp satire of rev…

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Exploring “Brida” by Paulo Coelho – Destiny, Duality, and the Courage to Choose (Bookmarked: A Monthly Book Club) 1:00:04

2M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Phil Svitek and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) unpack Paulo Coelho’s Brida, a spiritual coming-of-age novel that blends witchcraft, love, and the search for destiny. We trace Coelho’s remarkable journey—from rebellious lyricist and political prisoner to world-renowned author of The Alchemist—and how his fascination with faith, mysticism, and persona…

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EP. 253: Young Magazine USA (Part 1) 3:10:39

2M ago3:10:39

3:10:39

On this episode of Manga Mavericks, Colton, Lum and Sakaki all get together to take a look at the special US edition of Kodansha's Young Magazine and attempt to spotlight and discuss every first chapter featured! Though as you can clearly see, we had definitely bit off more than we can chew! So much so, that we have to split this up into TWO PARTS!…

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Starting Over: A Widow's Bold Move to Rural France 56:18

2M ago56:18

56:18

In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with Abigail Carter, a writer and YouTube creator who made a huge life change. Abigail lost her husband in the 9/11 attacks. She raised her two young children in Seattle. Then the pandemic hit and forced her to rethink everything. She realized she wanted a new chapter…

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Long Story Short Season 1 Spoiler Talk: Family, Memory & Compassion in Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s Series 24:13

2M ago24:13

24:13

Phil and Madina sit down for a full-spoiler conversation about Long Story Short, the new adult animated comedy-drama created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg (BoJack Horseman and Undone). The series premiered on Netflix on August 22, 2025, and has already been renewed for a second season.Set across a non-linear timeline, Long Story Short follows the middle-…