Best Cinematic Country Podcasts (2026)

On this episode, my millennial cohosts drag me kicking and screaming back to the prequels to review Star Wars Episode 2 Attack of the Clones. Is this the worst movie of the franchise?? Listen to find out!

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Stepping Into 2026: Purpose, Balance & Reinvention 1:08:25

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6d ago1:08:25

1:08:25

As we close out 2025 and step into a brand‑new year, many of us are asking the same questions: How do we pursue our passions without burning out? How do we align our purpose with our well‑being? And what does sustainable success look like in 2026? In this special New Year’s Eve episode of One More Thing Before You Go, host Michael Herst welcomes Cl…

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Restoring Civility in our Politics (on The Middle) 52:29

6d ago52:29

52:29

This week Nick appears on The Middle, with Jeremy Hobson. The topic is civility in politics, and they're joined by former New Hampshire State Legislator Doug Teschner and Citizens Count Executive Director Anna Brown. This episode was recorded live at the Bank of NH Stage in Concord, NH and features audience questions and comments. Write to us at ci…

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Holiday Message From Us to You 1:47

1d ago1:47

1:47

As the holiday season arrives, One More Thing Before You Go takes a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible year we’ve shared together. With more than 100 conversations released this year—featuring remarkable people and the journeys that shaped their lives—we hope these stories brought you joy, entertainment, insight, closure, and th…

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Is A Christmas Story a major award for millennials? 39:18

2d ago39:18

39:18

On this episode, my millennial cohosts watch the holiday classic A Christmas Story to see if it is worth the hype or have us old movie lovers been fooled by the nostalgia?

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Probable Claus: Is Santa a Criminal? 23:26

14d ago23:26

23:26

Today we answer this question from a listener, "Is Santa a criminal?" We get to the bottom of the myriad actions of the jolly old elf, and whether he could reasonably be tried for civil and criminal violations, including but not limited to trespassing, breaking and entering, voyeurism, stalking, surveillance, burglary, tax evasion, bad labor practi…

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Episode #178: Hamlet (1990) 2:11:09

5d ago2:11:09

2:11:09

Joe, James and Rhys take a look at Franco Zeffirelli's 1990 movie, HAMLET, based on the Shakespeare play of the same name and starring, er, Mel Gibson. ALSO: Pluribus, Murderbot, Radiohead (!?) and more! You can get this episode ad-free by signing up at http://patreon.com/cinematicuniverse NOTE: We recorded this before the shocking death of Rob Rei…

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The Slate Culture Gift Guide 49:44

19d ago49:44

49:44

Hark, the holiday season is upon us—and with it the most solemn of festive traditions: a gift guide! In this video and podcast special, Slate hosts Dana Stevens, Chris Molanphy, and Willa Paskin beam-in from their collective hearths to deliver unto the internet their favorite gifts for culture lovers this holiday. In addition to sharing gifts, they…

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The Sanctuary of Poros: A Journey to Spiritual Restoration 1:03:59

20d ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Ancient Greece offers profound insights into the art of healing, particularly through the exploration of dreams, visions, and sacred spaces. In this episode, we delve into these timeless questions alongside Dr. Edward Tick, a preeminent transformational psychotherapist and expert in PTSD. His extensive experience, encapsulated in his recent work "P…

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Decoder Ring | Mailbag: Yo-Yos, Sandboxes, and Encores 1:06:41

19d ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Decoder Ring listeners write in with some excellent mysteries, and for our last episode of the year we’re solving three of them. Why do children play in boxes full of sand? Why do rock bands pretend like the show is over when everybody knows they’re coming back for an encore? And what was up with those school assemblies where you’d get to skip clas…

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What is the filibuster? 27:51

21d ago27:51

27:51

Why does it take, in practice, 60 votes for a bill to pass in the Senate? Why doesn't it seem like anyone is up there talking for days anymore? And why do we even have it in the first place? Today is all about the filibuster; from its benign origins to its use and misuse, the arguments for and against it, and what it would take to eliminate it enti…

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The Transformative Power of Travel: Insights and Perspectives-Revisit 43:01

11d ago43:01

43:01

As we move closer to the holidays—a season of reflection, journeys, and connection—I’m bringing back a conversation that perfectly embodies the new direction of One More Thing Before You Go. In this replay, we ask: What is it about travel that transforms us? Is it escape, or is it enlightenment? Douglas Brouwer, seasoned traveler and author of The …

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Exploring the Intersection of Pop Culture and Storytelling 1:01:57

16d ago1:01:57

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Pop culture, movies, sports, and politics profoundly influence the narratives we construct, shaping both the content and the context of storytelling in contemporary society. In our dialogue with John David, a debut author with extensive experience in public relations and crisis communications, we delve into how these elements intertwine to craft co…

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The Lottery: How it happened, and what it pays for 30:58

28d ago30:58

30:58

The lottery generates over $70 billion in revenue each year. Today on Civics 101 we explore how we got here; from failed lotteries in the Revolutionary War to the Golden Octopus to the Numbers Game to a Mega Millions ticket from your neighborhood shop. Where does all of that money GO? And why are states so dependent on them in the first place? Taki…

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Kilmurry House & The Highwayman 2:50

17d ago2:50

2:50

The abandoned Kilmurry House is located in Co. Cork.By The Cinematic Country

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Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Retro Review 47:09

20d ago47:09

47:09

In this episode, we take on the first of the Star Wars prequels, with The Phantom Menace! Do my millennial cohosts see the movie through nostalgia-colored glasses and can I show them the error of their ways? You have to Listen to Find out!

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Sara Alessandrini: From Rome to LA, Rewriting the Narrative 50:51

1M ago50:51

50:51

What drives someone to leave behind engineering in Rome, leap into filmmaking, and cross continents to Los Angeles? For Sara Alessandrini, it was tenacity, vision, and the belief that stories can change the way we see the world. Her journey from Italy to Hollywood, and from feature film to award‑winning docuseries, is a masterclass in resilience an…

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Decoder Ring | “Videomate: Men” (Encore) 39:03

1M ago39:03

39:03

Videomate: Men was a VHS tape released in 1987 featuring 60 single men pitching themselves as dates to women on the other side of the TV screen: “The love of your life could be on your TV tonight!” the box reads. In retrospect, Videomate: Men is a bizarre and hilarious time capsule, but at the time it was one of many manifestations of what was know…

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What is SNAP? 33:45

1M ago33:45

33:45

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, once upon a time called food stamps, helps nearly 42 million Americans every month. While the 2025 government shutdown showed us what happens when SNAP dries up, we have yet to see the effects of major new legislative changes to the program. So what, exactly, is SNAP? How does it work? Who gets it? Why…

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Embracing Life's Banquet: A Journey of Gratitude and Growth 47:23

1M ago47:23

47:23

What if living in the moment, truly being present was the key to unlocking your purpose? My next guest has built his life around saying yes instead of no, embracing both the highs and the lows, and savoring every experience like it’s part of life’s banquet. We're going to show you how you can achieve this as well. In this episode we explore Living …

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Is Beverly Hills Cop too 80s for today's audience? 30:07

1M ago30:07

30:07

On this episode, we see if the Eddie Murphy classic Beverly Hills Cop can make my millennial cohosts laugh out loud, or are they too easily offended by 80s humor?

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How did the Epstein Files Transparency Act happen? 23:52

1M ago23:52

23:52

Today we talk about the myriad procedures involved in getting the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed in record time. How do discharge petitions work? What did HR 581 do exactly? How did it get through the Senate so quickly? And while we're at it, why did it take a record seven weeks to swear in a new representative? Here is the discharge petitio…

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Discover the 7 Levels of True Purpose in Life with Bill Heinrich 58:36

1M ago58:36

58:36

As we approach Thanksgiving—a season of gratitude, reflection, and reconnecting with what truly matters—we’re revisiting one of our most meaningful episodes from April 2023. It’s a conversation that reminds us how purpose and thankfulness go hand in hand. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why am I here?” or “What am I meant to do?”—this episod…

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Turning Dreams Into Reality: The Chrissy Tasker Story 41:49

2M ago41:49

41:49

In this episode of we explore the transformative power of resilience, vision, and community through the extraordinary journey of Chrissy Tasker—author, publisher, entrepreneur, and relentless dream-chaser. Chrissy’s story is more than a tale of success; it’s a blueprint for turning aspirations into tangible achievements, even when life throws its h…

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Decoder Ring | How Protein Muscled Its Way to the Top 44:50

2M ago44:50

44:50

Americans are currently besotted with protein. It’s touted as being good for muscle growth, weight loss, skincare, mental acuity, longevity, and much else besides. It’s sold to men, women, children, the elderly— you can even buy protein for your pets. The protein supplement market alone is worth $21 billion and growing—and extra protein is being ad…

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What can we learn from the American Revolution? 42:32

2M ago42:32

42:32

Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein spent nearly a decade making a twelve-hour documentary on the American Revolution. This is what they learned from the thousands of stories and events that resulted in the United States of America. It's a story of world-changing ideas, contradictory figures, myths that do us no good and what it means to be in pursuit of …

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Nashville 911: Country, Chaos, and Complicated Families 25:51

2M ago25:51

25:51

In this episode of One More Thing Before You Go, we dive into the newest addition to the 9-1-1 universe—Nashville 911. Set in the heart of Music City, this spinoff brings high-stakes rescues, tangled family dynamics, and a Southern twist to the beloved franchise. We explore the show’s central characters, including Captain Don Hart (Chris O’Donnell)…

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Episode #177: Near Dark (1987) 2:00:46

1M ago2:00:46

2:00:46

Rhys, James and Joe return to look at the latest movie news and catch up with Kathryn Bigelow's vampire western, Near Dark - is it the best vampire movie from 1987? We'll be back in a couple of weeks with our next movie (revealed in this episode, and let me tell you: it is an ODD shout even by Joe's standards) before we're back for our regular roun…

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Is No Country for Old Men strictly for old men? 40:33

2M ago40:33

40:33

On this episode, my millennial cohosts venture into Academy Award winning movie territory with No Country for Old Men. Can this Coen Brothers classic win over today's youth or is it time to retire this flick? Give a listen to find out!!!

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A Compassionate Feast for Thought: Rethinking Veganism This Thanksgiving 1:05:13

2M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving season, it’s the perfect time to reflect not only on gratitude—but also on the impact of our food choices. In this special replay of one of our most thought-provoking episodes, we explore the ethical, environmental, and deeply personal dimensions of veganism with Dr. Matthew Halteman, philosopher and …

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Billionaires 24:40

2M ago24:40

24:40

In sixty years, we have gone from 2 billionaires in the United States to just under 2,000. How on earth did that happen? Today, Timothy Noah from the New Republic takes us all the way from our framers fearing excessive wealth to the country's first (potential) trillionaire. To learn about their proliferation, their desires, and their outsized effec…

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Can Millennials handle the awesomeness of Predator? 37:29

2M ago37:29

37:29

On this episode, I challenge some young millennials to watch 1987s Predator to see if they can handle the manliness of this classic Arnold movie! Give a listen to see if they survive.

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A Soldier’s Journey of Healing: Throwback Sunday: 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

In honor of the upcoming Veterans Day, we pause to recognize and thank all the brave men and women—past and present—who have stood for democracy, protected our freedoms, and defended those who cannot protect themselves across the globe. Your courage and sacrifice are deeply honored. This special throwback episode features the extraordinary journey …

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Qigong for Inner Healing: How Daoist Wisdom Transforms Mind and Body 56:44

2M ago56:44

56:44

Life is not merely a series of challenges to conquer; rather, it is an intricate dance to embrace, replete with its myriad twists, falls, and unexpected turns. In this enlightening discourse, we are graced by the presence of Sifu Boggie, a Daoist guide, healer, and storyteller, whose extensive journey through diverse disciplines and experiences ins…

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Decoder Ring | Cozy Autumn Mysteries 55:01

2M ago55:01

55:01

Autumn may have more cozy signifiers than any other season—though we all have our own favorites. Maybe for you it’s sweater weather, football games, spooky season, apple picking, leaf peeping, or mainlining candy corn. Whatever it is, in today’s episode we’re looking closely at three of these autumnal staples. First, we get to the bottom of a recur…

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Why are so many voters sitting out this week? 28:04

2M ago28:04

28:04

Off-year elections -- as in, not a presidential or a midterm -- have fairly dismal voter turnout. Yet they matter a great deal. Most of our lives are lived at the local, not the national, level. So why do so many skip their state and local elections? We spoke with Luis Lozada, the CEO of Democracy Works, to understand why people don't show and why …

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A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors Retro Review 38:51

2M ago38:51

38:51

On this episode, we travel back to the dream world to fight it out with Freddy Krueger as we review A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. Don't miss this episode, or Freddy will come for you!!!

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Special: Ireland's Most Haunted Places 29:27

2M ago29:27

29:27

In this episode I explore the most haunted sites around the country.By The Cinematic Country

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Section 8, Stigma, and the Woman Who’s Changing the Conversation 40:11

2M ago40:11

40:11

What if the key to solving homelessness isn’t just policy—but personal story? And what happens when someone who once needed shelter becomes the architect of housing solutions for thousands? The essence of resolving homelessness may reside not solely in policy reform, but also in the profound impact of personal narratives. In this episode, we engage…

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Project 2025: What it is and what it's doing 27:59

2M ago27:59

27:59

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has published a Mandate for Leadership since 1981, making policy recommendations to the federal government. The latest edition is part of something much bigger: Project 2025. The newest Mandate is part of a four-pillar project designed to fundamentally change the federal government from the inside…

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Before Season 2… Let’s Rewind Nobody Wants This 40:40

2M ago40:40

40:40

As Netflix gears up for the highly anticipated Season 2 of Nobody Wants This (arriving mid‑2025), we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations from Season 1! Originally aired in October 2024, this fan‑favorite episode dives into the show’s irresistible blend of comedy, romance, and cultural insight that made it an instant hit. Join hosts Mich…

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A Nightmare on Elm Street Retro Review 43:49

2M ago43:49

43:49

On this episode, I am joined by two youngsters to see if the classic 1984 film A Nightmare on Elm Street, lives up to the hype or is just another cheesy 80s flick. Tune in to see if Freddy can win these kids over!!

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Spiritual but Not Religious: Can Ancient Wisdom Heal Our Modern Crisis? 1:10:08

3M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

The crisis of our age may not be rooted in the political, economic, or technological realms, but rather in a profound spiritual void. As more individuals identify as "spiritual but not religious," the quest for meaning amid rampant materialism has intensified. I n today's dialogue, we explore the rational embrace of the supernatural and seek to unc…

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Decoder Ring | The Red String Board Conspiracy 51:21

3M ago51:21

51:21

There’s a ubiquitous prop in just about every police procedural and conspiracy thriller: a cork board pinned with documents, newspaper clippings, and Polaroid photos, all connected by a web of red string. They go by many names, including pin boards, string boards, evidence boards, investigation walls, conspiracy walls, and walls of crazy. These boa…

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Who's the most outdoorsy president? (A trivia crossover) 32:24

3M ago32:24

32:24

This episode is a crossover with our sister NHPR podcast, Outside/In. What do pastries have to do with environmental justice? Cat butts with the climate crisis? And what US president ate a half-chewed piece of salmon leftover from a bear on reality TV? Grab a pencil (and maybe a pint?) and get ready for the inaugural Outside/In trivia episode we’re…

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Unfiltered: Redefining Intimacy, Masculinity, and the Stories We Hide 44:23

3M ago44:23

44:23

What if our deepest human desire wasn’t sex… but connection? And what if fantasy wasn’t something to hide, but a doorway to understanding who we really are? In this week’s episode of One More Thing Before You Go, I sit down with Pepper Kat—former news producer turned adult creator, podcast host, and founder of Design Your Dreamgirl™. Her journey fr…

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The government is shut down....again. But what does that mean? 24:22

3M ago24:22

24:22

In this episode, we give a brief explanation of what's behind the current government shutdown. The, we explain all the ins and outs of government shutdowns. Have they always been part of our legislative process? How do they happen? And what happens when they happen? Our guest is Charles Tiefer, professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law…

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When We All Get to Heaven | Setting the Table 25:12

3M ago25:12

25:12

In 1993, more than 10 years into the AIDS epidemic, the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco (MCC-SF) tries to remember all they’ve lost. We think about remembering too after encountering an archive of 1,200 cassette recordings of this queer church’s services during the height of the epidemic. Whether you’re a regular church goer or would…

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Healing through Conscious Media: Redefining Spirituality: 1:02:02

3M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

What if one’s most profound breakdown served as the gateway to their highest calling? In this enlightening discourse, we delve into the transformative experiences of Will Rodriguez, whose spiritual awakening was catalyzed by a life-altering cancer diagnosis, and Karen Endsley, whose astute intuition complements Will’s insights as they co-host the a…