Best Cool Side Productions Podcasts (2025)

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How to Sleep Through the Night: The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia 39:37

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18h ago39:37

39:37

Why can’t women sleep? From tossing and turning through the night, to the 3AM wake-up call that feels impossible to recover from, insomnia is one of the most common issues women face — especially during perimenopause and menopause. Molly and Emese sit down with leading sleep expert Dr. Shelby Harris to unpack the science of women’s sleep and the re…

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OTL #991: Ending political maps in Illinois?, Fewer wrongful convictions overturned, Share Our Spare helps families 39:40

1h ago39:40

39:40

Mike Stephen learns about the effort to end politically drawn voting maps in Illinois from Chicago Magazine writer Ted McClelland, discusses the slowdown in overturning wrongful convictions in Cook County with Injustice Watch reporter Dan Hinkel, and highlights the important work of Share Our Spare in supporting young children and families with int…

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Saturday Spill | She Walked In On Him Cheating 12:03

1h ago12:03

12:03

Listen to the full 45 min episode and get your Free 7 days Patreon trail go here http://Chalene.com/more Imagine walking into your own living room… and finding your husband having sex with someone else. Oh, and it’s so much worse than you could possibly imagine. This is part of a little experiment I like to call The Saturday Spill series. For the n…

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The 10K Step Myth | Why Progressive Walking Equals Weight Loss - 1236 37:38

5d ago37:38

37:38

If you’ve been walking every day and still not losing weight, this episode is for you. Fitness expert Chalene Johnson reveals the truth about the 10,000 steps a day myth and why walking more doesn’t always mean burning more fat. She shares how her own weight loss stalled at 20,000 steps a day, what causes walking plateaus, and how to fix them with …

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How to Elevate Your Everyday Look with J. Crew’s Creative Director 40:02

1d ago40:02

40:02

By Sony Music Entertainment

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Our Family Vacation at Hubbard Lake with Stories You Truly Can’t Make Up - 1235 47:19

7d ago47:19

47:19

Recorded while hiking through Northern Michigan this past Patreon episode is pure family chaos and nostalgia. Chalene and Bret swap stories about wakeboarding delays, indecisive dinner plans, and the perfectly unorganized rhythm of Chalene’s family at Hubbard Lake. Chalene also shares how her sister met her now-husband at 12, plus the wild chapter …

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Ed Nabrotzky, CEO and Co-Founder, Dot Ai – Connecting the Dots: How asset intelligence can boost efficiency and productivity 28:24

7d ago28:24

28:24

When you're running a large industrial operation, tracking all of the elements of your process to know where they are and what they're doing in real-time, can be a huge challenge. Today, we're spotlighting a company whose revolutionary platform can help solve that problem. Ed Nabrotzky is the CEO and co-founder of Dot Ai, a company specializing in …

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OTL #990: Accessory dwelling units are legal (mostly), Federal government funding cuts for CPS, TaskForce celebrates inclusion in the West Side and beyond 40:44

4d ago40:44

40:44

Mike Stephen learns about Chicago’s new ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units in certain areas from Illinois Answers Project reporter Alex Nitkin, discusses the federal funding cuts to Chicago Public Schools with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea, and gets the lowdown on how TaskForce works to promote inclusion on the city’s West Sid…

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8 Natural Weight Loss Supplements | Other Than Ozempic - 1234 37:51

5d ago37:51

37:51

By Chalene Johnson

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Betrayal, Pivots, And Girls Body Found In Singer D4vd’s Trunk - 1233 1:07:38

14d ago1:07:38

1:07:38

Midlife updates, business pivots, and a true crime twist you won’t see coming. In this walk-and-talk episode, Chalene Johnson shares candid family updates, why she stepped away from certain businesses, and how betrayal trauma can shake your ability to trust. She opens up about stories listeners sent in after her recent financial fraud episode and e…

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George Tomeski, CEO, Helfie.ai – Paging Dr. iPhone: Using AI to help you take control of your health 28:02

14d ago28:02

28:02

Summary: In today's medical system, getting a proper diagnosis and course of treatment can take ages, with potentially disastrous consequences for your health. Today, we're spotlighting a company that's trying to change that paradigm, using the power of AI. George Tomeski is the CEO of Helfie.ai, a company whose platform will allow you to assess a …

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Fall Fashion & Beauty Must-Haves: The Essentials We’re Obsessed With 53:54

15d ago53:54

53:54

Nothing feels better than a seasonal reset and fall is the perfect time to do it. This week, Molly and Emese are diving into their ultimate fall edit: the beauty upgrades and outfit staples they can’t stop reaching for. From the bronzers and skin tints that give you that just-back-from-vacation glow, to the cozy layers, denim, and under-$100 finds …

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OTL #989: A Chicago TIF update, New local music with a worldwide influence, Previewing the Black Fine Art Faire 43:07

11d ago43:07

43:07

Mike Stephen gets an update on the latest Chicago TIF numbers from Tom Tresser of the TIF Illumination Project, chats with local musician Carlo Basile about his local music with a worldwide influence, and previews the Back Fine Art Faire with Patricia Andrews-Keenan, founder of Pigment International.…

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Cellulite Update: What Works And What’s A Total Scam - 1232 29:15

19d ago29:15

29:15

Cellulite is something almost every woman deals with, but the beauty industry keeps pushing overpriced creams, scrubs, and wraps that really do not deliver. In this episode, Chalene Johnson breaks down what cellulite actually is, why it shows up, and the real ways you can make it less noticeable. She shares lifestyle habits that help, the best exer…

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Space World 2000 1:52:00

14d ago1:52:00

1:52:00

25 years ago Nintendo held their annual Space World to announce some games and technology that would forever change the gaming industry. The GameCube and GameBoy Advance were revealed to the public for the first time (with a slightly different GCN controller!). Tech demos were all the rage with a dark, ocarina-like Zelda, 128 Marios on the screen a…

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Our Advisor Stole Millions Part 2: FBI, SEC, and FINRA Involvement- 1231 1:09:32

21d ago1:09:32

1:09:32

A trusted advisor. Years of history. Then the gut punch of a fraud that traces through Raj Markan, Merrill Lynch, Hilltop Securities, and a pitch invoking Bain Capital. In this follow up, Chalene Johnson lays out new receipts, what the FBI and SEC have already done, and how the scheme used off-channel communications to look legitimate. You will hea…

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Aimée Lapic, CEO, Hanna Andersson – Growing Up and Showing Up: How rewarding customer loyalty has helped this children's clothing brand stand the test of time 27:04

21d ago27:04

27:04

Summary: Since the 1980s, beloved children's clothing brand Hanna Andersson has been delivery quality and durability to happy customers. Now, Aimée Lapic leads the company as CEO and is using her deep experience in apparel, retail, and omnichannel marketing to turn the legacy brand into a digital powerhouse. Today, they're building on their long-st…

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Martha Stewart Unfiltered: Ageless Beauty, Confidence, and the Myth Behind the Mogul 48:37

22d ago48:37

48:37

Martha. Freaking. Stewart. The icon, the legend, and in her words, the “OG trad wife” joins Molly and Emese for an unfiltered masterclass in work ethic, evolution, and how she is rewriting the rules for aging. What makes this conversation truly special is how it reveals Martha as a paradox: the homemaker and the mogul, the apron at the table and fi…

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OTL #988: How the Chicago area gets its news, Exploring the brain science locally, The Secret History of Lani Hall 43:03

19d ago43:03

43:03

Mike Stephen discusses the results of a new report on how Chicago gets its news with Medill professors Tim Franklin and Stephanie Edgerly, gets a preview of some upcoming local events about the brain from Illinois Science Council founder Monica Metzler, and discovers the Secret History of Lani Hall.By Mike Stephen

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Weighted Vest Controversy: Do They Really Help With Bone Density - 1230 37:17

26d ago37:17

37:17

Millions of women in perimenopause and menopause worry about osteoporosis, bone loss, and hip fractures. Weighted vests are suddenly everywhere on TikTok, Instagram, and even in doctor’s offices. But do they really build bone density for women over 40 and 50, or is resistance training still the most effective way to prevent osteoporosis? In this ep…

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Ultimate Spider-Man 1:22:40

21d ago1:22:40

1:22:40

It's time to once again talk some Spidey. 5 years ago the boys covered all the Spider-Man games for the GameCube but only had time to talk about this gem for 15 minutes! Well, now to celebrate it's 20th Anniversary, Neil and Mike are back to bring justice to Ultimate Spider-Man and celebrate 20 years of the friendly neighbourhood spider. Join Mike …

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I’m No Longer Staying Silent: Our Advisor Stole Millions And Our Trust - 1229 54:24

28d ago54:24

54:24

A trusted financial advisor. A private equity deal that looked rock solid. Then the shocking discovery of financial advisor fraud and a devastating investment scam. In this raw, walk-and-talk episode, Chalene Johnson exposes the red flags, the fake receipts, and the exact steps she took to protect victims and demand accountability. If you’ve ever w…

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John O'Donnell, Founder, Johnnie-O – Up to Par: An iconic golf clothing brand blends 'east coast prep' with 'west coast cool' 25:42

28d ago25:42

25:42

When John O'Donnell founded Johnnie-O in 2005, his goal was to create a brand that combined East Coast prep with West Coast surf culture. 20 years later, you'll find their surfer logo in golf pro-shops and menswear stores across the country. Today, John joins us to share his incredible journey from being a walk-on on the UCLA golf team to founding …

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The Truth About Ozempic Face, Filler Mistakes, and Fixing Your Skin 50:18

29d ago50:18

50:18

If you’ve ever stared in the mirror and wondered if your skincare routine is helping or hurting, this one’s for you. From acne that won’t quit to the rise of “Ozempic face,” we’re cutting through the chaos to bring you the truth about what actually works.Molly and Emese sit down with one of NYC’s most in-demand dermatologists, Dr. Kiran Mian (yes, …

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OTL #987: Trying to avoid an Illinois transit fiscal cliff, New “emergency” rules for prison communication 42:30

25d ago42:30

42:30

Mike Stephen discusses the work being done to avoid a transit fiscal cliff in Illinois with state representative Kam Buckner (26th) and John Greenfield, editor of Streetsblog Chicago. Then, John Howard Association executive director Jennifer Vollen-Katz discusses new “emergency” rules put in place to regulate communication with those who are incarc…

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Handling Toxic People, Trolls, and Critics Without Losing Your Cool - 1228 34:05

1M ago34:05

34:05

Negativity stings the most when it comes from people you love, trust, or admire. In this episode of The Chalene Show, discover how to rise above criticism, deal with toxic people, and stop letting online trolls or family drama steal your confidence. Chalene shares personal stories, practical boundaries, and mindset shifts to help you protect your e…

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Burnout Series 1:59:34

28d ago1:59:34

1:59:34

Get ready to live dangerously or die trying here on the Switch 2 The Past and we finally make a return to the Burnout series. Way back in 2020 Mike & Neil first talked about Burnout 1 and 2 for a whole 15 minutes, barely doing this franchise justice. Now joining the show is racing game expert Ali who dives into the two GameCube classics as well as …

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How To Spot A Narcissist And DIY Home Projects - 1227 55:09

1M ago55:09

55:09

What really makes someone a narcissist, and why is it so hard to spot the red flags when you’re the one in the relationship? In this episode, Chalene Johnson mixes storytelling with real talk about intuition, manipulation, and how predators can fool not just their victims but everyone around them. From DIY headboard projects gone sideways to a Hulu…

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Syed "Raj" Imteaz, Head of ICR's Convertible and Equity Derivatives Advisory – Convertibles Demystified: How ICR is helping clients navigate a white-hot convert market 22:26

1M ago22:26

22:26

Issuing convertible derivatives can be a great way for companies to raise capital, but issuance can be complex and daunting. Today's guest, Syed "Raj" Imteaz, has made a career out of demystifying that process. Raj is the head of ICR's Convertible and Equity Derivatives Advisory. During his career at ICR, Barclays and Lehman Brothers, he has worked…

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The Cool-Girl’s Guide to Fall: Marci Hirshleifer on Blazers, Denim, Bags & Timeless Investments 38:02

1M ago38:02

38:02

This week on Lipstick on the Rim we sit down with fashion insider Marci Hirshleifer, Global Personal Shopping Director and fifth generation force behind Hirschleifers, the legendary family-run boutique known as a true fashion destination. Marci shares her secrets for building the perfect fall wardrobe, the five pieces every woman needs, and the tre…

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OTL #986: A look into Illinois’ finances, The 100K Project wants you to run for office, The Secret History of Henry Threadgill 36:08

1M ago36:08

36:08

Mike Stephen learns about a new way to explore Illinois finances through the Fiscal Futures data hub with UIC professor David Merriman, gets an update on the 100K Project, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago avant-garde jazz musician Henry Threadgill.By Mike Stephen

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How Influencers’ False Claims About Castor Oil Got The FDA’s Attention - 1226 31:12

1M ago31:12

31:12

Castor oil blew up on social media, but the hype brought wild claims and even an FDA crackdown that left people confused. In this episode, Chalene Johnson keeps it real about what castor oil actually does, what the science supports, and what is just plain risky. Listeners will hear how she first started using it when her skin changed during perimen…

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Ep. 256: Mike Milliron | “We Made It Cool to Care”: From CX Resistance to Results 11:39

1M ago11:39

11:39

Episode 256: What turns CX skeptics into advocates? A listening engine that makes caring for those you serve the gold standard. At IMG Academy, a private sports academy and boarding school in Florida, Chief Operating Officer Mike Milliron led the launch of a centralized experience team. “Not interested,” said everyone from athletics, academics, ath…

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Super Mario Galaxy - Part II 1:22:46

1M ago1:22:46

1:22:46

It's part two of our Galaxy adventure here at Switch 2 The Past. Josh of Still Loading Podcast is back on the show to continue his chats about his memories, his favourite galaxies, and of course the absolutely beautiful and iconic soundtrack of this game. One of the first fully orchestrated soundtracks in video games, Super Mario Galaxy shines so m…

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Unknown Number The High School Catfish | Let’s Break This Down - 1225 58:38

1M ago58:38

58:38

Everyone is talking about the Netflix documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish and this episode breaks it all down. Chalene takes you through the shocking twists, the small-town drama, and the disturbing cyberstalking that pushed two teens to the brink, then reveals how investigators finally uncovered the truth. You’ll hear jaw-dropping …

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Rhonda Levene, CEO, Ziosk – Check Please: How a pioneer in pay-at-the-table technology uses innovation to boost restaurant efficiency 29:10

1M ago29:10

29:10

Ziosk's pioneering pay-at-the-table solutions mean that customers at their partner restaurants are never stuck waiting for the bill. And now they're working to leverage their treasure trove of data to boost efficiency and improve customer experience, in ways that go far beyond payment. Rhonda Levene is the CEO of Ziosk, a leading digital hospitalit…

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Goodles Is Serving Nostalgia—with a Side of Nutrition 48:28

1M ago48:28

48:28

We’re joined by Jennifer Zeszut, 4x CEO and founder of Goodles—the cult-favorite mac & cheese brand that’s making nostalgia nutritious. Jennifer shares how she spotted white space in the market and reimagined everyone’s favorite comfort food with protein, fiber, and real ingredients that fuel you (and your family). From tackling picky eaters at hom…

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OTL #985: Chicago’s new public housing museum, The Chicago Immigrant Orchestra’s new music, The Secret History of Nancy Faust 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of preserving public housing history with Dr. Lisa Yun Lee, the executive director of the National Public Housing Museum, learns about new music from the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra with band co-director Fareed Haque, and discovers the Secret History of local stadium organist Nancy Faust.…

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Cardio or Weights? The Answer Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Hear w/ Expert Dr. Vonda Wright - 1224 1:13:56

2M ago1:13:56

1:13:56

When it comes to fat loss, bone health, and aging powerfully, what’s better for women over 40 cardio or weights? In this episode, Chalene Johnson sits down with world-renowned orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert Dr. Vonda Wright to reveal the truth. They break down myths about menopause, muscle, and midlife workouts, why strength training is es…

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Super Mario Galaxy - Part I 1:11:43

2M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

SUPER MARIOOO GALAXYYY. One of the greatest games of the Wii era, this 2007 classic gets the two-parter treatment here on Switch 2 The Past. Friend of the show Josh of the Still Loading Podcast joins the show to talk about his memories, Rosalina's storybook, and the chair that he'll forever associate Galaxy with. Put on your Mario Boo suit moustach…

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Feeling Overwhelmed? These No-BS AI Prompts Work Like a Life Coach - 1223 41:22

2M ago41:22

41:22

Overwhelmed by endless to-do lists and questioning your direction in life? Chalene Johnson shares powerful AI prompts that act like a no-BS life coach to help you cut through the chaos, uncover blind spots, and finally get clarity. In this episode, discover how to use ChatGPT for self coaching, personal growth, stronger relationships, stress and bu…

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Ciaran Long, CEO, a.k.a. Brands – Dress Rehearsal: Using a 'test and repeat' strategy to adapt quickly to consumer trends 22:52

2M ago22:52

22:52

Summary: a.k.a. Brands have seen incredible success bringing their digitally native brands into the physical marketplace. A big part of that success comes from their 'test and repeat' retail strategy, which allows them to gauge and adapt to consumer trends extremely quickly. Ciaran Long has been serving as the CEO of a.k.a brands for more than two …

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Why You’re So Effing Tired: Fixing Fatigue, Balancing Hormones, and Beating Bloat for Good 49:22

2M ago49:22

49:22

Fatigue, cravings, dull skin, bloating—it’s not just bad luck. It’s your body trying to tell you something. In this episode, Dr. Amy Shah, author of I’m So Effing Tired, reveals the science behind your low energy and skin struggles—and how to fix them. From hormone balancing and gut healing to fasting tips and smart supplementation, she shares the …

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OTL #984: Faulty DUI science, The push to pay student teachers in Illinois 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

Mike Stephen chats with Injustice Watch senior investigative reporter Maya Dukmasova about a local lab practicing faulty science that resulted in wrongful DUI convictions and then discusses the push to pay student teachers in Illinois with Percy Julian Middle School teacher Ashley Kannan.By Mike Stephen

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5 Things I Used for 1 Year to Improve My Skin and Reduce Wrinkles - 1222 28:15

2M ago28:15

28:15

Estrogen cream for the face is one of the most talked-about menopause skin care trends, and Chalene Johnson has been using it for a full year. After first sharing her 90-day results, she’s back with the 1-year update. Did it really improve her skin? Is it safe, and who should avoid it? Chalene also reveals five other affordable, non-surgical treatm…

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Ep. 255: Jason Guardino and Karen San | How Turning 18 Can Break Your Relationship With Healthcare 20:54

2M ago20:54

20:54

Episode 255: One of healthcare’s biggest blind spots? When patients turn 18. It’s the moment they age out of pediatrics and fall headfirst into a system designed to prioritize older, sicker adults. Physicians, stretched thin, reserve energy for complex cases, giving young adults shorter visits and less attention. That means early signs of medical t…

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My Biggest Loser Experience | The Ugly Truth - 1221 56:56

2M ago56:56

56:56

If you watched The Biggest Loser doc and thought it was wild, you still have not heard the half of it. In this episode, Chalene spills a never before told story about a season 4 contestant who moved in with the Johnsons and what it revealed about the gamification of weight loss, reality TV rules, and those dramatic before and after photos. She conn…

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Steve Kislow, CEO, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – Controlled Burn: Achieving consistent growth in the restaurant sector without sacrificing quality 27:59

2M ago27:59

27:59

Summary: There are a lot of different brands fighting for market share in the "polished" segment of the restaurant industry. To stand out, you need to offer great food, at great value, in a great atmosphere. But above all, you need to make sure you have the right people at your side. And if anyone knows the value of people, it's Steve Kislow, the C…