Best Blue Box Studio Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 258: Is She “The Worst Person in the World” (2021)? Exploring Modern Love & A Messy Protagonist 30:10

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12h ago30:10

30:10

In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' Laura and Stephen conclude their Summer of Love series with a discussion on “The Worst Person in the World,” Norway's 2021 entry into the Oscar Best International Film Race. Set in Oslo, the film follows protagonist Julie as she navigates career changes, relationships, and self-discovery. Julie's journey highligh…

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#524 | Solar Ordinance Delay & Voter List Fiasco! | The Political Spotlight 2:01:58

10h ago2:01:58

2:01:58

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey covers the Delaware County Commissioners' meeting held earlier this morning (Monday, September 15, 2025). For many residents of Delaware County, the top item on the Commissioners' agenda was the Solar Ordinance. However, instead of voting on the ordinance, the Commissioners decided to table it again to revise the language…

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Songwriter Cass McCombs Addresses the Mundane and the Mythic 29:16

2d ago29:16

29:16

Distinctive songwriter Cass McCombs takes a broad view of the American experience – from the mundane to the mythic. His new songs from a wide-ranging double album - Interior Live Oak contain “specific detail amid strange painterly settings” (The Guardian) and remain hopeful despite the feeling of listening to someone who has lived the extreme aspec…

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#523 | Out of the Box, No Turning Back! | The Political Spotlight 1:53:23

5h ago1:53:23

1:53:23

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey previews a busy week of upcoming public meetings in Muncie, Delaware County, and other parts of east central Indiana. Bilbrey also shares his thoughts on where America stands following the tragic events of last week. Additionally, Bilbrey discusses his stance on people saying horrible things about the death of Charlie Kir…

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#522 | Extradition Waived! & A Killer Caught! | The Political Spotlight 2:37:54

8h ago2:37:54

2:37:54

It's been a long and emotional week... Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey discusses the update on the Steven Sumner arrest. Sumner, the former Madison County Councilor, has been a fugitive from justice for the past two years until his arrest on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Sumner waived extradition and has now been taken back to the Madison County, Indiana,…

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EP152 - Sebastian Kelle & Bob Owens of Starcruiser - "Germany" 56:47

6h ago56:47

56:47

Sven chats with Sebastian Kelle (He/Him) and Bob Owens (He/Him) of Starcruiser about their song "Germany" off of the album "Autopilot," the Champaign-Urbana music scene, and their favorite non-musical things.By Blue Box Studio

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Ep 257: Reviewing “Carol” (2015) Todd Haynes’ Period Masterpiece of 1950s Forbidden Love 30:49

4d ago30:49

30:49

Join Laura and Stephen as they continue their Summer of Love series with a deep dive into the 2015 period romance film “Carol.” Directed by Todd Haynes and starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, this episode explores the emotionally rich and visually stunning story of a transformative romance in the conservative era of 1950s America. Through thei…

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Omar Sosa Trio Goes Outside the Box, In-Studio 41:50

6d ago41:50

41:50

Pianist and composer Omar Sosa draws on his own Afro-Cuban heritage, American jazz, and spiritual and meditative practices from around the world to create music that defies categorization. He’s traveled widely, especially in Africa, recording the sounds of the people, the animals, and the instruments of those places and sometimes incorporating them…

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#521 | The Death of Intelligence! | The Political Spotlight 1:39:17

5h ago1:39:17

1:39:17

Political commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed earlier today, Wednesday, September 10, 2025, while engaging in political discourse at Utah Valley University. And of course, since it's 2025 and the culture is what it is, some are mourning this loss while others are cheering for it and hoping for more violence to occur. Host Kristopher H. Bil…

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#520 | Wanted Fugitive From Madison County Steven Sumner — CAPTURED! | The Political Spotlight 1:49:34

5h ago1:49:34

1:49:34

BREAKING NEWS WANTED FUGITIVE FROM MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA, STEVEN "STEVE" CRAIG SUMNER HAS BEEN CAPTURED! As The Political Spotlight has covered in past episodes, former Madison County Councilor Steven Sumner was arrested and charged with several serious sex crimes against children in 2021. While navigating the start of Madison County's "Mickey Mo…

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Ep 256: “WALL-E” Astrology — What Star Signs Are These Classic PIXAR Characters (Mini) 18:46

7d ago18:46

18:46

In this Midday Mini episode, hosts Laura and Stephen engage in a whimsical discussion about assigning astrological signs to the main characters from Pixar's 2008 film, WALL-E. They explore the traits of characters like WALL-E, Eve, Mo, and others, correlating their characteristics with Aquarius, Capricorn, Virgo, and more. The hosts analyze the sig…

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#519 | September 8, 2025 - Muncie City Council Meeting Review! | The Political Spotlight 2:12:51

8d ago2:12:51

2:12:51

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey reviews and gives his commentary on the Muncie, Indiana, City Council meeting from Monday, September 8, 2025. ============================ VIDEO version of Ep 519: https://youtube.com/live/DXNJlFRmUGQ ============================ Subscribe: https://bit.ly/subTPS Become a Member: https://bit.ly/MembershipTPS Merch: https:/…

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Plainspoken Texas Troubadour Rodney Crowell Lives for the Moment 37:26

9d ago37:26

37:26

“Failed bull-rider turned seminal songwriter” (Red Light Management), native Texan Rodney Crowell is considered to be one of the chief architects of Americana music, and a songwriter admired by good songwriters. Crowell has had an eventful career in his half century of writing songs, making records and helping create the style that’s come to be kno…

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#518 | Come One Come All to the Muncie City Council Mtg (Monday 09.08.25)! | The Political Spotlight 1:48:48

6d ago1:48:48

1:48:48

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey issues his final call to action for the Muncie City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025. The meeting begins at 645 p.m., and Muncie residents are encouraged to attend to voice their opinions on the proposed 2026 budget and Resolution 16-25. Resolution 16-25 initiates the process to build a second fire …

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#517 | The City of Muncie’s Continuing Struggle With Transparency! | The Political Spotlight 1:00:59

8d ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey and the team have all been feeling under the weather; however, it seems like they might be on the mend! And just in time for some City of Muncie nonsense! Tune in to this 517th episode as Bilbrey discusses the details of the City's second Finance Committee meeting held at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025. The one that …

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Ep 255: Reviewing “WALL·E” (2008) PIXAR’s 21st-Century Robot Masterpiece 29:26

8d ago29:26

29:26

Laura and Stephen continue their "Summer of Love" series with a deep dive into Pixar’s 2008 masterpiece, WALL·E. They explore the film’s themes of love, corporatocracy, climate collapse, and the power of being yourself—even if you’re a robot. The hosts discuss the film’s visual storytelling, its critique of convenience culture, and why WALL·E stand…

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Guitarist Mary Halvorson and Drummer Tomas Fujiwara, From the 2025 New York Guitar Festival 31:48

13d ago31:48

31:48

From the 2025 New York Guitar Festival, listen to a live set by the adventurous guitarist/composer Mary Halvorson along with drummer/composer Tomas Fujiwara, playing their original works. This show was recorded at the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn, as part of the New Sounds Live concert series, and was also a co-presentation of…

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#516 | City of Muncie 2026 Budget Review! | The Political Spotlight 2:21:06

6d ago2:21:06

2:21:06

In this 516th episode of 'The Political Spotlight,' Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey discusses the proposed 2026 budget for the City of Muncie. This is the budget that Mayor Dan Ridenour and his Administration have submitted to the City Council for their review and possible passage. The Council, which was previously under Democratic control (6 to 3), is …

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Ep 254: “Alien: Earth” (2025, Hulu) An Alien Prequel Questing for Immortality (Mini) 9:39

7d ago9:39

9:39

Laura and Stephen discuss FX's new series, “Alien: Earth,” a prequel set two years before the original 1979 Alien film. Streaming on Hulu, the series depicts a dystopian world of 2120 controlled by five corporations, including Weyland-Yutani, and a new player called Prodigy. Prodigy, led by the young trillionaire Boy Cavalier, focuses on turning te…

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A Kind of Nordic Blues From Tord Gustavsen Trio (Archives) 34:05

16d ago34:05

34:05

Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen and his trio, featuring new bassist Sigurd Hole and long-time collaborator, drummer Jarle Vespestad, combine together folk influences and church music for unhurried embraces of melody. Expressive and reflective, Gustavsen’s ‘Nordic blues’ slowly unfurls passages of delicate lyricism, with enough space for contemplat…

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#515 | Happy Labor Day 2025! | The Political Spotlight 1:14:20

8d ago1:14:20

1:14:20

It's Labor Day 2025 Weekend... and Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey pops on to tell the audience HAPPY LABOR DAY! ============================ VIDEO version of Ep 515: https://youtube.com/live/OAvgeb0sXm0 . . . ============================ Enjoy our content? Give us a like or a review! Dig our content? Subscribe to the show! ============================ …

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#514 | Everything, All the Time, All at Once! | The Political Spotlight 2:06:29

18d ago2:06:29

2:06:29

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey is dealing with a lot... budgets, record requests, councilors, and other public officials. In this 514th episode of 'The Political Spotlight,' he examines it all! NONSTOP POLITICS! Everything, All the Time, All at Once! ============================ VIDEO version of Ep 514: https://youtube.com/live/ZzXQdSE_-TI . . . ======…

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Ep 253: Unraveling “Phantom Thread” (2017, Paul Thomas Anderson) and the Toxin Politics of Love 31:06

20d ago31:06

31:06

In this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen delve into Paul Thomas Anderson's 2017 film “Phantom Thread,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Krieps. As part of their 'Summer of Love' series, they explore the complex relationship between a fastidious 1950s fashion designer and an iron-willed waitress. The discussion extends to themes of pow…

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Adrian Quesada Revives Dramatic Vintage Latin Pop, With Guest Vocalists 33:51

20d ago33:51

33:51

Adrian Quesada is probably best known as one of the two co-founders of the psychedelic soul band Black Pumas, but the guitarist and producer has also been part of Grupo Fantasma, Brownout and Ocote Soul Sounds. Lately, he’s also been pursuing another musical project called Boleros Psicodélicos, an homage to the phenomenon of balada music that bloss…

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#513 | City of Muncie's 2026 Budget Time! | The Political Spotlight 1:28:00

13d ago1:28:00

1:28:00

In this 513Th episode of 'The Political Spotlight,' Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey reviews Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour's press conference held earlier today (Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 3 p.m.) on the steps of City Hall in Muncie, Indiana. The point of the presser was for the Mayor to unveil his proposed budget for the 2026 year. This draft will then be…

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Ep 252: Are We “Materialists”? Love, Capitalism, and Modern Relationships (Mini) 14:07

14d ago14:07

14:07

In this episode, Laura and Stephen delve into “Materialists” (2025), a film written and directed by Celine Song, centered around a New York matchmaker named Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, who finds herself in a love triangle with two men, John (Chris Evans) and Harry (Pedro Pascal). Through this exploration, the hosts discuss the film's deep theme…

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#512 | H2Oooh Boy, More Water Trouble in Madison County! | The Political Spotlight 2:16:15

14d ago2:16:15

2:16:15

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey welcomes contributing correspondent, Dr. Katherine Callahan, to the show, along with Lisa Mullins-Summers, to discuss ongoing serious water issues within Madison County, Indiana. ============================ VIDEO version of Ep 512: https://youtube.com/live/fEF1NnFgZkY . . . ============================ Enjoy our content?…

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Anand Wilder's Sonic Adventures in Psych-Pop, In-Studio 40:19

23d ago40:19

40:19

The New York-based singer, songwriter, and producer Anand Wilder was a cofounder of the experimental indie band Yeasayer, and more recently has pursued a wide-ranging solo career. His 2022 solo debut, I Don’t Know My Words, was a genuine solo project, with Anand playing everything himself. Now, though, Anand Wilder has a new record called Psychic L…

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#511 | MFD's Internal Fires! | The Political Spotlight 2:31:25

15d ago2:31:25

2:31:25

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey examines several issues that have come to light within the City of Muncie Fire Department over the past few weeks and months, some stretching back years. These new controversies, along with previously known issues, seriously undermine the stability and leadership of the Muncie City Fire Department! Although some of these …

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#510 | More Blackford Co. Questions! Lt Gov Town Hall Fiasco! & More! | The Political Spotlight 2:31:09

18d ago2:31:09

2:31:09

Information has been pouring into 'The Political Spotlight' team from all directions over the last couple of days! So, this 510th episode will once again be packed with some of the hottest political commentary out there! First, Bilbrrey discusses the two arrests made on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at a Town Hall for Indiana's Lt. Governor, Micah Be…

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Ep 251: Reviewing “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) Romance in the Age of Revolution 22:23

20d ago22:23

22:23

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the 2019 French romantic drama “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” directed by Céline Sciamma. They highlight the film's historical accuracy, its exploration of 18th-century life, and the profound romantic connection between the characters Marianne and Heloise. The discussion also touches …

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Inuk Singer-Songwriter Elisapie Transforms Her Heritage 40:47

27d ago40:47

40:47

The singer Elisapie is an Inuk musician, filmmaker, advocate, and writer who has become a nationally-celebrated figure in Canada – her portrait appears on a postage stamp in that country’s Indigenous leaders series. Her latest album, Inuktitut, is notable for a couple of reasons: first, it’s sung in the language called Inuktitut, and second, it is …

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#509 | Gagged! But Why? | The Political Spotlight 2:07:05

20d ago2:07:05

2:07:05

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey investigates allegations of wrongdoing in Blackford County, Indiana, related to the murder of 21-year-old Mike Norris. Norris was shot and killed at a party that spiraled out of control on the night of Saturday, June 28, 2025, into the early morning hours of Sunday, June 29, 2025. The party prompted responses from the Bla…

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Ep 250: Let’s Talk About “KPop Demon Hunters” (Netflix, 2025) 10:38

22d ago10:38

10:38

In this Midday Mini, hosts Stephen and Laura discuss their (and the internet’s) latest obsession, “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” the top-ranking 2025 Netflix animated movie. They highlight its unique blend of K-pop, musicals, Korean folklore, and anime elements, praising its captivating songs and relatable characters. Directed by Maggie Kang, the movie int…

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#508 | Blackford Co Record Request Snag! & Indiana Redistricting Nonsense! | The Political Spotlight 1:56:58

21d ago1:56:58

1:56:58

In this 508th episode of 'The Political Spotlight,' host Kristopher H. Bilbrey discusses the ridiculous, ongoing effort to redistrict Indiana's Congressional District maps, even though almost everyone opposes it! He also shares the disappointing response he received about the Record Requests sent to Blackford County, Indiana. Lastly, he shares the …

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Guitar-Oriented Rock Band We Are Scientists' Twist on Nostalgia, In-Studio 35:26

30d ago35:26

35:26

Named after being mis-identified while returning a uHaul, the pop’n’roll band We Are Scientists has been making melancholic, nostalgic, and melodic songs, familiar and fun, for some 20 years. Since their debut album With Love And Squalor, they’ve wandered into the worlds of comedy and English soccer while continuing their own spin on indie rock wit…

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#507 | Public Disservice! | The Political Spotlight 1:13:17

28d ago1:13:17

1:13:17

In this 507th episode of 'The Political Spotlight,' Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey examines the ongoing "Public Disservice" being forced upon us. First, Bilbrey talks about Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour's admission that there will be no progress on Southway Plaza. It has only taken him three and a half years to admit what the public has known for almost th…

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Ep 249: 25 Best Netflix Original Series According to Entertainment Weekly (Part 2) 27:37

27d ago27:37

27:37

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the top 12 best Netflix original series according to Entertainment Weekly. The podcast covers a diverse range of shows, from cultural phenomena like 'Stranger Things' and 'Bridgerton' to critical hits such as 'The Haunting of Hill House' and 'When They See Us.' They provide insights,…

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Eleanor Friedberger Is (Goth) Dancing (Mostly) on Her Own (Archives) 28:16

1M ago28:16

28:16

Eleanor Friedberger, best known as one half of the indie rock duo The Fiery Furnaces, has recently shifted her musical landscape, swapping out live instruments in favor of drum programming and synths for a sound that she can create mostly on her own. (Part of her desire to be more self-reliant, in the wake of the 2016 election.) On her 2018 record,…

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#506 | Meetings Review: (ARC), (MCC), & (DMMPC)! | The Political Spotlight 3:08:15

26d ago3:08:15

3:08:15

This 506th episode of 'The Political Spotlight' will review not only three important meetings across three different municipalities but also examine what's wrong with government in these areas and many others! For this task, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey invites contributing correspondent Dr. Katherine Callahan to join him! Bilbrey and Callahan review…

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Ep 248: Entertainment Weekly’s List of 25 Best Netflix Original Series (Part 1) 17:57

29d ago17:57

17:57

In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' hosts Laura and Stephen review and discuss Entertainment Weekly's list of the 25 best Netflix original series. They start with number 25, 'The Upshaws,' and go through to number 13, 'Midnight Mass,' providing descriptions and personal insights on each show. The hosts aim to help listeners narrow down their Netfli…

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#505 | Ty'ray Wilson's Charges! Lt. Gov. on WoWo! & Tuesday-Meeting Day! | The Political Spotlight 2:08:08

28d ago2:08:08

2:08:08

This 505th episode of 'The Political Spotlight' is jam-packed, and Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey is fired up, so let's cut through all the noise and get right to it! First up, in preparation for tomorrow's busy meeting day (Tuesday, August 12, 2025), Bilbrey sets the stage with the first meeting at 5 p.m., when the Anderson Redevelopment Commission wi…

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Rachael & Vilray Serve New Old-Timey Songs With a Sly Wink, In-Studio 34:55

1M ago34:55

34:55

The duo of Rachael & Vilray turns the idea of "Everything old is new again" on its head – making new things that sound really old. Over the course of three albums they offer a contemporary take on tin pan alley, the great American songbook, and vintage small combo jazz. The duo’s latest album is West of Broadway and it brings Rachael & Vilray back …

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#504 | The Feds Arrest a Cop! The Local GOP Holds a Picnic! & Much More! | The Political Spotlight 1:35:03

29d ago1:35:03

1:35:03

On this 504th episode of 'The Political Spotlight,' Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey discusses the arrest of an Anderson City Police Officer. The officer was taken into custody by the FBI in a relatively quiet manner. Then, Bilbrey covers the picnic hosted by the local Delaware County Republican Party. They'll say it went off wonderfully, but anyone with…

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#503 | Big Resignation in Lt Gov's Office, Judge Arnett News, & More! | The Political Spotlight 1:04:29

1M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

"Resignation Shock" from Indiana's second-highest office, "Disciplinary Charges" filed against Randolph County Judge, and "Political Spin" from the one and only, "evil" Ed Soliday, Indiana State Representative. On this 503rd episode of 'The Political Spotlight,' Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey explores the latest "breaking news" from the Indiana Lieuten…

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Ep 247: Exploring “Past Lives” (2023): Destiny, Love, and Cultural Identity 32:47

1M ago32:47

32:47

💕 WELCOME TO THE SUMMER OF LOVE — REVIEWING THE BEST ROMANCES OF THE 21ST CENTURY💕 In this episode of “Midday Movies,” Laura and Stephen discuss the Oscar-nominated film “Past Lives,” written and directed by Celine Song. This episode delves into the intricacies of a love story spanning 24 years, focusing on themes of fate (“in-yeon”) , destiny, cul…

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The Expansive Textured Ambient Songs of Vines, In-Studio 40:56

1M ago40:56

40:56

New York based composer Cassie Wieland first unveiled her ambient songwriting project she calls Vines in 2023. Now she’s released a full LP under the name Vines – that record, called I’ll be here, is full of atmospheric, textural washes of sound and processed vocals that suggest a story rather than actually telling you one. The live version of Vine…

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#502 | Wave of Complete Insanity - State of Indiana! | The Political Spotlight 2:01:30

1M ago2:01:30

2:01:30

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey explores the latest chaos and turmoil emerging from Indiana state government in this 502nd episode of 'The Political Spotlight.' First up, Bilbrey looks at the deepfake AI scandal that has been reported to have taken place in the Indiana Lt. Governor's Office. Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith finds himself at the center of a g…

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Ep 246: Reviewing “Almost Famous” (2000) Cameron Crowe’s Love Letter to 70s Rock 33:14

1M ago33:14

33:14

💕 WELCOME TO THE SUMMER OF LOVE — REVIEWING THE BEST ROMANCES OF THE 21ST CENTURY💕 In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' Laura and Stephen take a lunch break to discuss Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical masterpiece “Almost Famous” (2000). They delve into the film's journey of a teenage rock journalist following an up-and-coming band, band politic…

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#501 | The Flip Has Flopped! | The Political Spotlight 2:08:55

1M ago2:08:55

2:08:55

In this 501st episode of 'The Political Spotlight,' Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey discusses two major local government meetings held today, Monday, August 4, 2025. While several meetings took place across Indiana this morning—including the Delaware County Commissioners, Randolph County Commissioners, and Grant County Commissioners—Bilbrey focuses on t…