Best F Factor Podcasts (2025)

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Listen Now: Flesh and Code 8:58

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3d ago8:58

8:58

If you missed our announcement... we have a brand new podcast! Flesh and Code is a 6-part miniseries, where we investigate how technology is being used to exploit our most human desires, and the price we pay for perfect understanding. If you enjoyed our teaser, search and follow 'Flesh and Code' wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you can't w…

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Why America's Nuclear Deterrence Strategy Needs to Change 46:22

14d ago46:22

46:22

Dmitri Alperovitch talks with Vipin Narang, a former Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, a portfolio which includes U.S nuclear weapons employment strategy, about why we are now entering the New Nuclear Age and the urgent changes that the United States has to make to its nuclear deterrence posture and strategy. They also debate …

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Assessing the Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Program 37:23

26d ago37:23

37:23

Dmitri Alperovitch talks with Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, a nuclear nonproliferation expert, to assess the damage that has been inflicted upon the Iranian nuclear program over the course of the past 11 days and potential for reconstitution. 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Assessment of Damage to Each Part of the Iranian Nuclear Program 07:34 What is the Level of D…

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Listen Now: Liberty Lost 5:55

28d ago5:55

5:55

In Evangelical homes across the United States, sex outside of marriage is a sin against God. So, when Abbi becomes pregnant at 16, her devout parents hide her away at the Liberty Godparent Home, a little-known facility for pregnant teens on the campus of Liberty University. The Home says it helps girls decide what comes next – whether that’s parent…

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The Israel-Iran War: Possibilities and the Dangers of Overreach 28:21

1M ago28:21

28:21

Dmitri Alperovitch talks with Israeli Gen Amos Yadlin (Ret.), perhaps the world's only person who has participated in the destruction of three Middle Eastern nuclear weapons programs: first, as an F-16 pilot in 1981 against Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak, as Head of Military Intelligence in 2007 against Syrian nuclear reactor Al Kibar, and in vari…

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What if Your Alone Season is Actually Your Becoming Season? 37:44

2M ago37:44

37:44

Send us a text We explore the transformative difference between loneliness and solitude, revealing how embracing time alone can lead to self-discovery, personal growth, and healthier relationships. • Examining society's negative perception of being alone and how it stems from primal survival instincts • Distinguishing between loneliness (feeling in…

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Rest Is Not Weakness 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

Send us a text We explore why rest feels hard and why doing nothing feels like failure in our overstimulated world. Stillness often brings up what we've been avoiding, making vulnerability feel scary. • Our addiction to being overstimulated comes from inherited beliefs around productivity • "Capitalism and trauma pairing" describes how our culture …

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"Who The F --- am I now?" : A Journey Through Grief 46:17

2M ago46:17

46:17

Send us a text What happens when your entire life changes in a single week? After 30 years in high-tech, 27 years of marriage, and raising two children, Nicole Rousseau suddenly found herself navigating life as both a new widow and recent retiree—all within five days. Nicole's story reveals the raw, messy, and often unspoken truth about grief in Am…

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Stop Explaining Yourself: The Revolutionary Act of Being Still 31:44

3M ago31:44

31:44

Send us a text Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable silence can be? In this deeply reflective episode, we explore why quiet feels so threatening in our noise-filled world and how reclaiming silence might be the most radical power move of all. Growing up in vibrant, expressive cultural households meant we learned early that to be seen, we needed …

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What Happens When You Stop Lying to Yourself? 42:43

3M ago42:43

42:43

Send us a text Chad Aranzonzo, veteran and cousin of host Noel, shares his powerful journey from rock bottom to recovery after waking up in the hospital from alcohol poisoning and seeing the pain on his mother's face. • Serving in the military taught Chad to accept death, creating a mindset he couldn't turn off in civilian life • After returning ho…

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Stop Setting Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm 38:49

3M ago38:49

38:49

Send us a text We reframe boundary-setting as an act of self-respect and relational clarity rather than rejection or selfishness, offering practical strategies for honoring personal limits while maintaining healthy connections. • Boundaries aren't mean—they're maintenance for healthy relationships • Many of us, especially women, have been taught th…

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Stuck on the Starting Line: Breaking Free from Analysis Paralysis 34:12

4M ago34:12

34:12

Send us a text Noel and Lena explore how to overcome analysis paralysis and break free from overthinking that leaves us stuck on the starting line. They share personal experiences with getting caught in decision loops and offer practical strategies to move forward with confidence. • Analysis paralysis occurs when we become overwhelmed with thoughts…

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Perception vs. Perspective: The Key to Emotional Freedom 28:56

5M ago28:56

28:56

Send us a text The episode highlights the significance of distinguishing between perception and perspective in shaping our emotional responses and relationships. We explore how perception can be reactive and emotionally charged, while perspective offers a proactive lens for understanding situations and experiences. - Examining the concepts of perce…

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Mental Diets: What Are You Feeding Your Mind? 31:15

5M ago31:15

31:15

Send us a text Today’s discussion dives into the concept of “mental diet” and how it affects our overall well-being. We explore the importance of what we consume—emotionally, mentally, and socially—including media, conversations, and personal interactions. • Defining mental diet and its relevance • The impact of media consumption on emotional healt…

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Shift the Gaps In Communication With One Question 33:25

5M ago33:25

33:25

Send us a text Unlock the secret to more fulfilling communication by mastering the art of knowing when to listen and when to offer advice. On this episode of the Let That Shift Go podcast, we tackle the transformative power of a simple question that can prevent up to 90% of communication breakdowns. Begin with us on a light-hearted journey using "s…

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Divine Discontent : What If It's Not Just Burnout or Frustration? 34:06

6M ago34:06

34:06

Send us a text We're navigating the intense feelings of discomfort that many of us are experiencing lately as a call for change and growth. The conversation uncovers methods to process unease, embrace self-awareness, and ultimately transform our challenges into opportunities for personal evolution. • Emphasizing the feeling of being 'squeezed' by l…

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Why North Korea Is Planning a Second Korean War and How to Stop It 1:20:21

6M ago1:20:21

1:20:21

Dmitri Alperovitch sits down with Andrei Lankov, one of the west’s foremost experts on North Korea, and Sergey Radchenko, a leading Cold War historian, for a deep dive into North Korea. They discuss the threats posed by North Korea's nuclear program and possibility of a new war, the chances of a Trump-brokered peace deal with Kim Jong Un, and the n…

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Embracing Vulnerability: The Path to Genuine Connection and Self-Compassion 39:37

6M ago39:37

39:37

Send us a text What if the key to deeper connections and less anxiety lies in understanding vulnerability versus transparency? Join us, Noel and Lena, on a reflective journey as we explore how embracing vulnerability allows us to rewrite personal stories and foster genuine relationships. Through personal growth and gratitude, we highlight how shift…

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From Hustle to Harmony 30:18

6M ago30:18

30:18

Send us a text Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the endless pursuit of goals, leaving little room to celebrate your victories? In this episode, we share personal reflections through the lens of "Skin Deep" cards, questioning how we wish to be remembered while wrestling with the pressures of constantly setting new aspirations. We challenge you to p…

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The One Factor That Could Crash the Russian Economy 1:02:17

7M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Dmitri Alperovitch talks with Russian economy expert Chris Weafer about the state of the Russian economy in 2025. They talk about inflation and its impact on people and business, why the ruble is collapsing, which sanctions have been the most impactful, and the one thing that could potentially trigger a crash and give Ukraine leverage to negotiate …

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Rediscovering Sibling Bonds with Aging Parents 37:06

7M ago37:06

37:06

Send us a text Ever felt the weight of family expectations as your parents age? Join us, Noel and Lena, as we navigate the emotional labyrinth of family dynamics that come with aging parents and siblings. Our own personal journeys of relinquishing control, discovering grace, and facing the challenge of maintaining neutrality in a sea of alpha perso…

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Don't Let The Holidays Go To Shift! : The Art of Staying Calm 33:42

8M ago33:42

33:42

Send us a text Ever found yourself dreading family gatherings during the holidays? You're not alone. Join us as we uncover the hidden dynamics that can turn festive seasons into battlegrounds of past grievances and clashing opinions. In this episode of Let that Shift Go, we sit down with Danny DeMaio, a talented musician and writer who shares his f…

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Putin’s Nuclear Meltdown 43:28

8M ago43:28

43:28

Dmitri Alperovitch talks all things nukes with Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, an expert in arms control and nuclear and missile nonproliferation, currently a professor at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and director of the CNS East Asia Nonproliferation Program. They discuss…

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Conscious Uncoupling: Transforming Endings into New Beginnings 35:17

8M ago35:17

35:17

Send us a text What if the end of a relationship could be a source of growth rather than pain? This episode invites you to explore the revolutionary concept of conscious uncoupling and its transformative impact on evolving relationships. We reflect on how this mindful approach can lead to more compassionate connections, starting with our own siblin…

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Balancing Boundaries: Prioritizing Self-Care in Family Dynamics 32:34

9M ago32:34

32:34

Send us a text Can setting boundaries with family actually transform your mental health? Tune into this heartfelt episode of the Let that Shift Go podcast, where Lina and I unpack the emotional layers of establishing boundaries with those closest to us. Through a candid conversation sparked by the Skin Deep cards, we reflect on the pivotal moments …

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“Good Vibes Only? The Dark Side of Toxic Positivity” 31:28

9M ago31:28

31:28

Send us a text Ever felt like the "good vibes only" mantra is more suffocating than liberating? Join us as we unpack the hidden dangers of toxic positivity, sharing personal stories from my career as a flight nurse and a memorable family dinner. We challenge the idea that positivity should be prioritized over genuine emotional expression, highlight…

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Secure in Self, Secure in Connection 33:03

9M ago33:03

33:03

Send us a text What happens when the quest for intimacy challenges your sense of self? Join us as we unravel the beautiful complexity of relationships where vulnerability meets self-awareness. Inspired by the profound insights of Dr. Andrew Huberman and Esther Perel, we navigate the delicate balance of being truly known by a partner without losing …

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Inside the Drone War Arms Race in Ukraine 1:03:30

9M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Dmitri Alperovitch talks with Andrey Liscovich (UkraineDefenseFund.org) about the latest updates in the evolution of drone warfare on the battlefields in Ukraine. They discuss: - How Ground Unmanned Vehicles (GUVs) are being used in battle - 3rd Generation FPV drones - Quadcopter bombers - Mass-market EW systems - Fiber optics C2 - EW recon units -…

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Balancing Life Stories: Celebrating Innocence and Growth 28:26

10M ago28:26

28:26

Send us a text Imagine reclaiming the boundless joy and creativity of your childhood—sounds like a dream, right? On this episode of "Let that Shift Go," Noel and Lena take us on a journey to reconnect with the essence of our inner child. We open with Skin Deep card questions that spark reflections on our relationships and the love we have for our f…

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The Authenticity Shift: Embracing Your True Self in a World of Expectations 35:54

10M ago35:54

35:54

Send us a text Living authentically isn't just a buzzword; it's a transformative journey that brings profound freedom and well-being. This week on Let that Shift Go, we kick off with a heartfelt, fun activity using Skin Deep cards to guess each other’s top three priorities. Through this, we uncover surprising insights about our interactions and ref…

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Shifting From "Fixer" To "Listener : The Listening Transformation 37:37

10M ago37:37

37:37

Send us a text How often do we truly listen without the urge to fix? Join us in this heartfelt episode as I share intimate moments with my sister Lena, revealing how our bond has deepened through genuine understanding. Using skin-deep cards, we uncover the power of feeling safe and seen, and I recount my transformative experience at Transcendence i…

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Shift Your Judgment: Embracing Empathy and Compassion for Deeper Connections 26:27

11M ago26:27

26:27

Send us a text Have you ever wondered why we often feel the need to be right, even at the cost of our relationships? Join us on this episode of "Let that Shift Go" as Noel and Lena tackle the challenging topic of judgment, inspired by their own experiences and a recent retreat with Alok Appadurai. We kick off with an engaging activity using skin de…

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Ukraine Invades Russia: What’s Next? Interview with Ukrainian Combat Vet 45:01

11M ago45:01

45:01

Dmitri Alperovitch talks with Constantine Kalinovskiy (@Teoyaomiquu), a Ukrainian combat vet with friends currently in battle, about how the Ukrainian Armed Forces were able to achieve tactical surprise with their August 6th offensive into Russian Kursk oblast, the achievable objectives of this operation and the risks that it brings. They discussed…

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Taking a Toxic Shift: Healing Toxic Relationships and Embracing Self-Worth 37:27

11M ago37:27

37:27

Send us a text Have you ever felt trapped in the same toxic relationship patterns, unsure how to break free? Noelle and Lena start this week's episode with an honest and reflective exercise using Skin Deep cards, setting the stage for a raw discussion on toxic behaviors like gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and physical abuse. We share personal…

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Ukraine Finally Has F-16s. What Now? 56:37

12M ago56:37

56:37

After many months long wait, F-16s have finally arrived in Ukraine. How are the Ukrainians likely to use them and what are the challenges and opportunities presented by the introduction of this new weapons platform? Dmitri Alperovitch talks with Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow for Airpower and Technology at RUSI and and the editor of a just re…

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When Friends Can’t Handle Your Shine: Jealousy in Friendships 33:41

12M ago33:41

33:41

Send us a text What happens when workplace jealousy forces you to reassess your entire career path? Lena, a flight nurse, shares her compelling journey through professional envy and how it led her to a more fulfilling life. Inspired by an Oprah quote, we dive deep into the complexities of jealousy in friendships and the critical need to address the…

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Lessons in Love: Teaching Kids by Example, Not Fear 28:05

12M ago28:05

28:05

Send us a text What if the key to personal growth lies in the lessons we learn from children? Join us as we uncover the profound insights that come from parenting and the continual journey of self-healing. In this episode of the Let that Shift Go podcast, we start with a thought-provoking conversation using Skin Deep healing edition cards, where we…

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Breath, Mindset, Movement: Unlocking Your Potential with Dr. Jason Fraser 32:58

1y ago32:58

32:58

Send us a text What if you could unlock your body's infinite healing potential without resorting to invasive surgeries? In this captivating episode, we sit down with Dr. Jason Fraser, a doctor of chiropractic and former injured athlete, who shares his inspiring journey from debilitating injuries to discovering the revolutionary power of chiropracti…

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"I was angry that I wasn't angry" Mastering the Art of Self-Awareness 28:01

1y ago28:01

28:01

Send us a text What if you could turn even the most hostile confrontations into opportunities for growth? In this enlightening episode of "Let that Shift Go," Noel and Lena share personal stories and transformative insights that showcase the power of self-awareness and emotional resilience. The episode kicks off with a playful and revealing exchang…

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People Prefer the Versions of You They Can Control 30:36

1y ago30:36

30:36

Send us a text When was the last time you felt truly free? Join Lena and Noel in this episode of Let That Shift Go as they unravel their personal journeys of transformation, from Lena's exhilarating liberation after quitting her job to Noel's youthful realization of independence. We dive into the complexities of personal growth and how these shifts…

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The Shimmer of Self-Reflection: Navigating Conflict and Social Media's Mental Toll 24:38

1y ago24:38

24:38

Send us a text Can self-reflection turn a quick-to-anger fighter into a master of conflict resolution? Join Noel and Lena in this thought-provoking episode of Let That Shift Go as they share their personal journeys with the new Amusing deck of Skin Deep cards. Noel opens up about his transformation from someone quick to flare-up to a more measured …

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Your Per "Mission", Should You Choose To Accept It... 13:14

1y ago13:14

13:14

In this episode we're making it our mission to give ourselves permission as recovering people pleasers to live life on our own terms. Permission to assert ourselves when needed, permission to take risks even when it feels scary, and permission to simply play this game of life in accordance with our inner desires. It may sound like mission impossibl…

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The Hidden Cost of Expectations: Building Better Relationships 33:00

1y ago33:00

33:00

Send us a text Are unspoken expectations silently sabotaging your relationships? This episode of Let That Shift Go podcast unpacks the complexities of unspoken expectations versus boundaries. We start with an engaging warm-up using skin deep cards to reveal personal truths, which sets a reflective tone for our conversation. Drawing inspiration from…

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Shift on Deck !: Sergio Cardenas on Mental Health and the Art of Self-Metamorphosis 56:21

1y ago56:21

56:21

Send us a text Have you ever stood at the edge of change, heart pounding with the raw reality of transformation and growth? Sergio Cardenas, a seasoned flight nurse with Mercy Air and my soul brother, joins us on a powerful journey that delves into the essence of mental health and the art of personal metamorphosis. Through candid stories of his own…

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This Shift Doesn't Make Sense: Choosing a Familiar Hell Over an Unknown Heaven 35:15

1y ago35:15

35:15

Send us a text Have you ever felt chained to patterns in your life that seem to replay like a broken record, yet can't quite figure out how to stop the music? That's what we're unpacking today, as we venture into the hidden alleys of our past and present choices. We've all been there, in that space where the familiar becomes a little too cozy, even…

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Forgiving Death: Dr. Adam Rizvi on the Dance with Death and the Healing Power of Presence 36:57

1y ago36:57

36:57

Send us a text When Dr. Adam Rizvi, a neurointensivist with an intriguing passion for the spiritual dimensions of healing, joins us, the conversation transcends the ordinary. His "Forgiving Death" workshop, rooted in his intensive care unit experiences, teaches us to embrace presence and empathy when life dwindles to its last breaths. With stories …

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"The Shift That comes Outta Your Mouth" The Subtle Art of Parenting and the Power of Listening 32:55

1y ago32:55

32:55

Send us a text When my marriage began to crumble, it felt like my world was ending. But as I navigated through the chaos of heartbreak and self-discovery, a startling truth emerged—one that would ultimately stitch the fabric of my family back together and teach us the invaluable lessons hidden within our missteps. This episode is an intimate journe…

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How China Might Invade Taiwan: A World on the Brink Scenario 58:36

1y ago58:36

58:36

Dmitri Alperovitch and his co-author Garrett Graff discuss their upcoming book “World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century” and include an exclusive audiobook excerpt from the book that lays out in great detail how China is likely to go about its invasion of Taiwan. In addition, Dmitri and Garrett discus…

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Think and Shift Rich ! Beyond Money Mindset to a Life of Abundant Possibilities 39:21

1y ago39:21

39:21

Send us a text Ever wondered how financial intelligence can reshape your life? Join us, Noel and Lena, as we guide you through a transformative journey of self-discovery and mastery over the art of conversation. Our latest episode is a trove of insights starting with a thought-provoking exercise from Skin Deep cards that urges us to self-reflect on…

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Healing and Hope: Esme Saleh's Journey Through Loss and the Rediscovery of Life's Sacred Moments 58:22

1+ y ago58:22

58:22

Send us a text Have you ever pondered the life-altering revelations that can emerge from the deepest of losses? Esme Saleh's story is a beacon for anyone navigating through life's darkest tunnels, proving that even when perfectionism and unspeakable tragedy collide, there is a path to healing and hope. Our heart-to-heart with this remarkable journa…