Best Espresso Science Podcasts (2025)

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S10 Ep2: Uncovering Germany’s Cold War Spy Missions with Florian Flade 1:14:07

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1h ago1:14:07

1:14:07

On this week’s episode, investigative journalist Florian Flade joins Chris to uncover three little-known German intelligence operations from the Cold War and their aftermath: supporting the Mujahideen in Afghanistan, secretly buying Soviet weapons from demoralized troops in East Germany, and covertly shipping GDR arms to Israel. Florian explains ho…

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Brown's Hotel and the Mayfair Bun 13:20

4h ago13:20

13:20

Welcome to a special edition of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History, and Hospitality. Host Margaret McSweeney takes you to the heart of London's Mayfair, a place synonymous with timeless elegance, to visit the incomparable Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Property, https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/brown-s-hotel/ Brown's is more …

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Make Oversharing Your Superpower with Tefi Pessoa 53:02

4d ago53:02

53:02

What happens when two professional oversharers get together? Pure magic... and a little chaos. JVN is joined by the incomparable Tefi Pessoa — culture commentator, internet big sister, and now host of her brand-new podcast Tefi Talks. Come for the tea, stay for the wisdom, and leave with a little extra permission to embrace your inner oversharer. T…

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Clearing Up the GOP's Smoke Screen Defense of Women’s Rights + Epstein Victims Speak Out 35:46

6d ago35:46

35:46

We’re talking: See You Next Tuesday’s, Creative Arts Emmy Awards 2025, aging out of concerts, the Epstein victims at the capitol building, US Open underdog stories, and answering your listener questions. Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris New video episodes Getting Bet…

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S10 Ep1: Espresso Martini | Britain’s Flag Fight, America’s Role in Post-War Ukraine, Gabbard’s Purge, and a New Zealand Spy Trial 1:21:23

8d ago1:21:23

1:21:23

Flags are flying across Britain—but behind the bunting lurks a far-right campaign. Chris and Matt kick off Season 10 with a look at "Operation Raise the Colours," the extremist-led push to turn patriotism into intimidation. From there, they move to Ukraine, where the US has signaled willingness to offer critical support to a potential European-led …

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Aly & AJ: Gun Reform in America, 20 Years of Music, and a DCOM Sequel? 51:40

11d ago51:40

51:40

It took too long, it took too long, it took too long - for Aly & AJ to come on the pod! What keeps a band together for 20 years? How do sisters turn harmonies into a creative language all their own? And what does it look like to balance joy, artistry, and activism while living life on the road? This week, JVN sits down with Aly & AJ to celebrate tw…

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Cardi B In Court, Benson Boone Sings Adele, Nancy Mace’s Anti-Trans Attacks Explained 35:23

13d ago35:23

35:23

This week, we're talking: medical misinformation, Anna Wintour sightings, the US Open, Benson Boone Kelly Clarkson-ing Adele, Nancy Mace’s anti-trans rhetoric, Princess Diana’s time capsule, answering late night texts, “Man’s Best Friend,” and the joy of autumn. Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior prod…

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S9 Ep66: How a Murder in Coal Country Toppled an American Dictator with Nicolo Majnoni 55:09

10d ago55:09

55:09

In this episode, Matt speaks with Nicolo Majnoni, creator of The Shadow Kingdom podcast, about his new season investigating the murder of union reformer Jock Yablonski and the battle to reclaim America’s most powerful coal union from corruption and violence. They explore how union boss Tony Boyle turned the United Mine Workers into a personal fiefd…

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The Meathead Method: The Art, Soul and Science of Outdoor Cooking 19:23

13d ago19:23

19:23

"I like to think that whatever you cook indoors. you can cook it even better outdoors" Meathead Goldwyn. On this special episode of Kitchen Chat, host Margaret McSweeney visits the living legend of grilling in his kitchen for an insightful conversation and a Masterclass on one of America’s most revered traditions. She is joined by the celebrated pi…

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Will Cancer Ever Be Cured? An Oncologist Weighs In 53:35

18d ago53:35

53:35

What really causes cancer? Will we ever find a cure? And why does our mistrust of medicine and obsession with big pharma conspiracies have such a grip on the way we think about it? In this episode, Jonathan Van Ness sits down with oncologist Dr. Stacy Wentworth to explore the biggest questions surrounding cancer—what science can tell us, what it ca…

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Gerrymandering in Texas and HIV Criminalization Battles 29:34

20d ago29:34

29:34

This week on The Monday Edit we’re talking: the Hurricane Katrina documentary, Amanda Seales & Jubilee, Texas & California redistricting, HIV segregation in prisons, and the Correct the Map campaign,. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: ⁠www.patreon.com/jvn⁠ Follow us on Ins…

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S9 Ep65: The Persuasion Game and How Influence Peddlers Target Democracy with Chad Lewis 1:48:33

17d ago1:48:33

1:48:33

In this episode, Chris speaks with Chad Lewis, author of The Persuasion Game, about how foreign influence operations exploit Western political vulnerabilities. Chad discusses the rise of Kremlin-backed disinformation campaigns, the use of political operatives and lobbyists to bypass formal institutions using shadow diplomacy. The conversation explo…

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Are They a Walking Red Flag? Case Kenny on Maturity, Relationships, and Self Worth 48:27

25d ago48:27

48:27

JVN sat down with Case Kenny, host of the podcast New Mindset, Who Dis?, to talk all things dating, relationships, self-worth, and confidence. Together, they dive into the surprising power of language, how the words we use shape our lives, and what it really takes to build healthy relationships in today’s world.From unpacking the ways straight men …

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Fashion Icon Nigel Barker Launches an Espresso Martini 13:22

24d ago13:22

13:22

Step onto the runway of flavor and fashion in this special episode of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality. Host Margaret McSweeney joins world-renowned fashion photographer and TV personality Nigel Barker at a Chicago philanthropic fashion show benefiting WINGS Program Inc. Discover how Nigel turned his creative eye from coutur…

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Same-Sex Marriage Rights, JVN’s Gilded Age Finale Breakdown, 3I/ATLAS 35:53

27d ago35:53

35:53

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn This week on The Monday Edit: Kim Davis Lore, Same-Sex Marriage Rights, our comprehensive breakdown of the Season 3 Finale of Gilded Age, 3I/ATLAS, TikTok's on our algorithm, listener questions, and our HBOTW! Follow us…

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S9 Ep64: China’s Long Arm: Uyghur Repression From Xinjiang to Washington with John Beck 47:48

27d ago47:48

47:48

Award-winning journalist John Beck joins Chris to discuss Those Who Should Be Seized Should Be Seized, his harrowing account of China’s campaign against Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and other Muslim minorities. Beck traces the lives of four people—from re-education camps in Xinjiang to exile in Turkey, Kazakhstan, and the US—revealing how Beijing’s rea…

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How to Overcome Burnout and Find Joy at Work 50:33

1M ago50:33

50:33

Ever feel like you’re counting down the minutes to Friday? You’re not alone—but it doesn’t have to be that way! This week, JVN is joined by Bree Groff: workplace transformation expert and sought-after consultant for companies like Google, Microsoft, and Calvin Klein. Bree offers tools for navigating toxic bosses, seven game-changing rules to live b…

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The Market at Pepper Place: A Culinary Renaissance 5:04

27d ago5:04

5:04

On this very special episode of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality, host Margaret McSweeney takes us on a sweet, very personal journey home. Broadcasting from the vibrant culinary heart of her beloved hometown, Birmingham, Alabama, Margaret has a Kitchen Chat with Leigh Sloss-Corra, the dynamic Executive Director of The Market…

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Marjorie Taylor Greene, Mike Flood’s Town Hall 31:15

1M ago31:15

31:15

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn This week on The Monday Edit we're talking: Marjorie Taylor Greene, Mike Flood’s disastrous town hall, sports coverage on Peacock, Gilded Age takeaways - plus! answering your listener questions… Follow us on Instagram @…

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S9 Ep63: How Global Finance Influences Geopolitics with Emmanuel Daniel 58:01

1M ago58:01

58:01

How does financial architecture shape the global order? Chris is joined by Emmanuel Daniel—author of The Great Transition and founder of TAB Global—for a sweeping look at how banking, capital markets, and emerging technologies are redefining geopolitics. They explore the evolution of the US dollar, the impact of digital currencies, and whether Chin…

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Great British Tea Party and Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality 10:21

1M ago10:21

10:21

Through their shared passion for the rich traditions of afternoon tea, Margaret and Claire celebrate the global success of the GBTP, a global community Myers-Lamptey built which now connects nearly 300,000 enthusiasts worldwide, and to make a very important announcement. Kitchen Chat will now also air on Great British Tea Party's Facebook page. The…

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Stressed TF Out? Here’s How to Get Your Mind Back—Fast with Dr. Caroline Leaf 49:02

1M ago49:02

49:02

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn Feeling like your brain’s in a blender? You’re not alone—and there is a way out. This week, JVN is joined by Dr. Caroline Leaf: cognitive neuroscientist, mental health expert, and bestselling author of Help in a Hurry, …

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S9 Ep62: The Information Animal: Humans, Technology, and the Competition for Reality with Alicia Wanless 1:21:02

1M ago1:21:02

1:21:02

How do we make sense of truth in a world saturated with content? This week, Chris speaks with Alicia Wanless—director of the Information Environment Project at the Carnegie Endowment and author of The Information Animal—to explore how humans have always wrestled with information, long before the internet. They unpack the patterns that emerge when n…

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South Park, Sydney Sweeney’s Jeans, Youngest Medalist Ever 25:28

1M ago25:28

25:28

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn This week on The Monday Edit: Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad, Jeffrey Epstein’s cell, the Paramount merger, South Park’s own of the administration - plus! answering your listener questions… Follow us on Instagram @g…

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S9 Ep53: Terror Without a Cause: Nihilism, Youth, and the New Extremist Threat with Jacob Ware 58:21

2M ago58:21

58:21

This week, Matt is joined by terrorism researcher Jacob Ware to unpack the rise of nihilistic violent extremism—attacks carried out by disaffected young men radicalized online without any clear political goal. They explore how social media fuels this chaotic new threat, why the FBI created a new classification for it, and what makes networks like 7…

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S9 Ep60: QAnon and the Mainstreaming of Extremism with Mike Rothschild 47:38

1M ago47:38

47:38

Author and conspiracy researcher Mike Rothschild joins Chris to unpack the rise, evolution, and enduring influence of QAnon. They explore its blend of old and new conspiracies, its gamified social appeal, and the algorithmic fuel behind its viral spread. Mike explains how QAnon adapted across borders, embedded itself into mainstream politics, and f…

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Brain Power, Toxic Masculinity , Procrastination: ICYMI 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn This week, we’re diving into the Getting Better archives with excerpts from: Dr. Wendy Suzuki: Memory & the Brain-Changing Benefits of Sleep Yung Pueblo: Want to Love Better? Start Here Marie Forleo: 3 Procrastination H…

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How specialty coffee woke up to water’s role in flavour 25:39

2M ago25:39

25:39

For the longest time, the coffee community only cared about water’s impact ruining espresso machine boilers and kettles. But what about water’s impact on coffee flavour? In this episode, I tell the story of how the specialty coffee community came to understand water chemistry: the pioneering work of the computational chemist Christopher Hendon and …

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Fact Checking the Epstein Files Talking Points, Devil Wears Prada 2 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn This week on The Monday Edit: we’re giving you a timeline of the MAGA camp’s Epstein talking points, Devil Wears Prada 2 filming updates, TSA woes, and Venus Williams victory. Sources: Fire and Fury Podcast Zyndisel1 CP…

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The two ingredients in water that ruin your coffee, and the ancient story behind them 38:40

2M ago38:40

38:40

550 million years ago, earth was perfect. We had perfect water for coffee AND we were living in a vegetarian paradise! But then Earth changed—violently. The planet shifted from a peaceful, plant-eating paradise to a darker, more brutal world. And in this new world, the chemistry of water was forever altered. This is the wild story of how earth-shak…

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S9 Ep61: Epstein Spy Rumors, Arctic Power Plays, and Trump’s Ukraine Reversal | Espresso Martini 1:06:38

2M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

The MAGA movement cracks as Trump’s name surfaces in the Epstein files and his administration fails to deliver the promised disclosures. We unpack the backlash, the conspiracies, and the lingering question of an intelligence connection to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. Plus: a bizarre UK spy case involving Russia, a USB stick, and a bicycle seat; the Ar…

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What No One Tells You About Death (But Everyone Should Know) 50:51

2M ago50:51

50:51

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn What actually happens at the end of life—and why are we so afraid to talk about it? This week, JVN is joined by Hospice Nurse Julie: palliative care expert, educator, and social media sensation known for her compassiona…

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The Attack on Education, MAGA Backlash, JVN Hair Ulta Launch, Celine Dion 29:55

2M ago29:55

29:55

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn This week on The Monday Edit: JVN Hair Launches at Ulta, Birkin TikTokers, MAGA Whiplash, Taco Bell, Bleeding Love, and the multi-pronged attack on education. Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Ins…

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The Flavor Science 12:34

2M ago12:34

12:34

Unlock the secrets behind the tastes you love. In this episode, The Flavor Science, James and Hope guide listeners through the fascinating world of coffee flavor perception. From decoding tasting notes on bags to understanding how different brewing methods and roast levels impact what you actually taste in your cup, this episode is a hands-on journ…

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Service Announcement: Chris and Matt on DogShirtTV. No Espresso Martini this week, and a QAnon episode instead 1:29

2M ago1:29

1:29

Hi eveyone. Chris & Matt will be on Benjamin Wittes & Alicia Wanless's YouTube show "Dog Shirt TV", talking about Secrets & Spies, its origins, our interest in espionage and our thoughts on Spy Fiction. You can watch the show here: https://youtu.be/QVKAQf7p_Fs?si=TruFrM4-jsg0iQMq There won't be an Espresso Martini this week and instead we will be s…

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Why Menopause is Political with Tamsen Fadal 48:03

2M ago48:03

48:03

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn What actually happens during menopause—and why aren’t we talking about it more? This week, JVN is joined by Emmy-winning journalist, author, menopause advocate, and host of The Tamsen Show: Tamsen Fadal! Tamsen shares h…

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Getting great water for coffee, step-by-step. Part 2: How to measure and treat your water 43:17

2M ago43:17

43:17

Water massively impacts your coffee’s flavours. But most of us struggle to fix our water because water science is confusing… …until now! In this special collaboration with Lucia Solis (Making Coffee podcast), I guide her through the two most important concepts you need to understand to get great-tasting water for coffee: hardness and alkalinity. We…

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Final Season of Queer Eye, Texas Floods, JoJo Siwa’s “Bette Davis Eyes” 33:56

2M ago33:56

33:56

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn This week on The Monday Edit: the Texas floods, JoJo Siwa’s “Bette Davis Eyes,” the great prison conception, summer travel recommendations, and the final season of Queer Eye. To help support the Texas floods relief, che…

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Getting great water for coffee, step-by-step. Part 1: Alkalinity, hardness and why it matters 26:20

2M ago26:20

26:20

Water massively impacts your coffee’s flavours. But most of us struggle to fix our water because water science is confusing… …until now! In this special collaboration with Lucia Solis (Making Coffee podcast), I guide her through the two most important concepts you need to understand to get great-tasting water for coffee: hardness and alkalinity. We…

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Coffee & Mindfulness 10:08

2M ago10:08

10:08

In this soul-soothing episode of Mugside – The Opaqa Coffee Podcast, James and Hope explore how mindful coffee rituals, especially during the sacred golden hours of morning and evening, can elevate both mental well-being and sensory pleasure. From the stillness of sunrise to the quiet reflection of sunset, we discuss how slowing down with a cup of …

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S9 Ep59: The Mission: The CIA in the 21st Century with Tim Weiner 1:02:57

2M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tim Weiner joins Matt to discuss The Mission, his new history of the CIA in the 21st century. They explore the agency’s quiet successes and moral failings, from dismantling the AQ Khan network to abetting torture and losing its way in Iraq. Weiner recounts how the CIA reoriented after the 2016 Russian election inte…

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S9 Ep58: Iran’s Nuclear Future and Why Bombs Won’t Stop it with Joe Cirincione 47:04

2M ago47:04

47:04

Matt is joined by nonproliferation expert Joe Cirincione to unpack what the recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran actually achieved—and what they didn’t. They discuss the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program, why military action alone can’t stop a country from getting the bomb, and what a viable diplomatic path forward might look like. Jo…

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Are You Trapped In High-Functioning Depression? with Dr. Judith Joseph 50:23

2M ago50:23

50:23

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn JVN is joined by the brilliant Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and researcher, to explore high-functioning depression — what it is, how to recognize it, and why so many people struggle with it in silen…

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Baccarat New York: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality 16:05

2M ago16:05

16:05

Join Kitchen Chat host Margaret McSweeney as she visits the truly sparkling Baccarat Hotel New York. Margaret is known to spotlight the brightest and most brilliant examples of Luxury, History, and Hospitality, and this hotel, a stunning blend of heritage and modern opulence aptly fits this description. Opened in 2015, this Manhattan gem is the fir…

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Presenting: “Mantra with Jemma Sbeg" 11:47

2M ago11:47

11:47

Ready to take a fresh path to self-discovery? Every Monday, Jemma Sbeg brings you a new mantra and shares how you can apply it to your own life. Whether you’re facing a major transition or just looking to evolve your everyday routine, Mantra is the podcast for you. Join Jemma every week for reflections, practical tips, and personal insights that’ll…

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Big Beautiful Bill, Future of Planned Parenthood, and A Potential Cure for HIV 30:43

2M ago30:43

30:43

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn This week on The Monday Edit: the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill, updates on the Idaho Four Case, JVN’s life as Pet Parent, beating the summer heat and sun, and a potential cure for HIV. Not A Phase. Trans Lifeline Fo…

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Mastering The Art of Iced Coffee 13:34

2M ago13:34

13:34

Summer is here, and it’s time to chill, literally. In this refreshing new episode of Mugside – The Opaqa Coffee Podcast, James and Hope dive headfirst into the world of iced coffee, guiding you through the essentials of brewing the perfect cup for those hot days. Whether you’re team flash-chilled or cold brew all the way, this episode has everythin…

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S9 Ep57: Espresso Martini | NATO Navigates Trump, Presidential War Powers, and Ukraine Under Strain 1:13:45

2M ago1:13:45

1:13:45

This week, Matt and Chris break down the recent NATO summit, where Trump’s presence loomed large—even as the alliance bent over backwards to avoid a blow-up. Matt argues that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s cringe-worthy text to Trump might’ve been politically shrewd, and the guys dive into Europe’s growing defense commitments, defense-industri…

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S9 Ep56: The Iran Intel and Tulsi Gabbard’s Future as DNI with Shane Harris 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

The U.S. just carried out its most significant strikes on Iran in 45 years. President Trump declared victory, but his intelligence agencies aren’t so sure. This week, Matt is joined by The Atlantic’s Shane Harris to unpack what we actually know about the strikes’ effectiveness, the fractured intel picture behind them, and how DNI Tulsi Gabbard has …

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Get In the Fight Against White Christian Nationalism 53:42

2M ago53:42

53:42

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn Separation of Church and State is under attack, and the spread of White Christian Nationalism is ever present. Luckily, organizations like Americans United for Separation of Church and State are on the ground and fighti…