Best Franz Friends Podcasts (2026)

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Statin the Obvious with Dr. Diala Steitieh — On "Bad" Cholesterol, Calcium Score, and The Heart-Healthy Diet 40:57

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1d ago40:57

40:57

The human heart is a tireless biomechanical marvel—an exquisitely engineered pump powered by both mechanical precision and an intrinsic electrical system, beating over 100,000 times a day to sustain life. But like any machine, despite having an electrical mind of its own, it is not infallible—when its rhythm drifts or its mechanics strain, the impa…

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764 Two Thousand Years of Roman History (with Edward J. Watts) | My Last Book with Nathan Hensley 1:19:13

10h ago1:19:13

1:19:13

What do we talk about when we talk about ancient Romans? For many of us, it's typically a fairly narrow slice of history: the toga-clad figures of Cicero and Caesar, perhaps, as their republic shades into empire before collapsing at the hands of barbarians a few hundred years later. In this episode, Jacke talks to Edward J. Watts, whose book The Ro…

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Everyone’s Friend: A Conversation with Peter Garthe 18:32

13h ago18:32

18:32

Peter Garthe is a true Traverse City original—someone who embodies community in every sense. Known for his incredible memory, Peter can recall names, numbers, and graduation years with ease, and he does mental math faster than most people can open an app. But what makes him unforgettable isn’t his mind—it’s his warmth. Peter has a smile that shows …

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763 Emily's Desk Drawer 56:18

4d ago56:18

56:18

After the publication of her debut novel Wuthering Heights in December of 1847, Emily Brontë - still writing under her pen name Ellis Bell - joined Currer and Acton Bell (her sisters Charlotte and Anne) as promising and intriguing young writers. Sadly, Emily would die barely a year later. How did the public view her and her writing during this brie…

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762 The History of the Sonnet 55:36

8d ago55:36

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“A sonnet,” said the poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti, “is a moment’s monument.” But who invented the sonnet? Who brought it to prominence? How has it changed over the years? And why does this form continue to be so compelling? In this episode of the History of Literature, we take a brief look at one of literature's most enduring forms, from its inventi…

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761 The Story of the Nativity (with Stephen Mitchell) | The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (#4 Greatest Book of All Time) 1:17:45

12d ago1:17:45

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Stephen Mitchell has translated or adapted some of the world's most beautiful and spiritually rich texts, including The Gospel According to Jesus, The Book of Job, Gilgamesh, Tao Te Ching, Bhagavad Gita, The Iliad, The Odyssey, Beowulf, The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet, and The Way of Forgiveness. In his la…

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Nonstick and Nervous with Dr. Tim Tiutan — On Cancer Risk, Microplastics, and Kimchi (?!) 42:53

10d ago42:53

42:53

From microplastics and “forever chemicals” in household items—from our kitchens to our bathrooms—to the charred bits of meat on a barbecue grill, to the smoke and fumes we inhale simply by walking through a city, and recently even kimchi (?!), concern about cancer risk seems to be everywhere. Like cancer metastasis itself, the conversation is rapid…

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219 - A Very No Dumb Questions Christmas Special 31:18

3d ago31:18

31:18

Thanks for considering supporting on Patreon. PATREON - patreon.com/nodumbquestions NDQ EMAIL LIST - https://www.nodumbquestions.fm/email-list STUFF IN THIS EPISODE: Rapid City Dinosaur Hill Isaiah 9:2-7 Micah 5:2-5 Isaiah 40:1-5 Luke 1:26-38 Rich Mullins - My Deliverer The Magnificat Luke 2:1-20 John 1:1-8 John 1:9-14…

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760 Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, and Ebeneezer Scrooge 1:13:57

14d ago1:13:57

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In this holiday-themed episode, a sentimental Jacke takes a look at Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol (1843), and the creation of Ebeneezer Scrooge. A version of this episode first aired in December 2020. That episode has not been available in our archives for several years. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow lite…

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Stepping up to Step Up with Cathy O'Connor 31:02

6d ago31:02

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Cathy is the founder of Step Up Northern Michigan, a local nonprofit that supports six school-based food and basic-needs pantries throughout the region. Food insecurity and lack of transportation create significant barriers for many students and families, often limiting students’ ability to reach their full potential. For more than a decade, Step U…

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759 The Godfather (with Karen Spence) | My Last Book with Elyse Graham 1:04:39

19d ago1:04:39

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Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece The Godfather routinely tops lists of the greatest films ever made - and when it doesn't, it's often because its sequel, The Godfather II, has replaced it. In this episode, Jacke talks to author Karen Spence about her new book, The Companion Guide to the Godfather Trilogy: Betrayal, Loyalty, and Family. PLUS Elyse…

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Face the Facts with Dr. Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science) — On Collagen, Parabens, and Benzene in Sunscreen 51:54

9d ago51:54

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“Paraben-free,” “non-comedogenic,” “medical-grade skincare,” "collagen-boosting," "benzene-free," “fragrance-free,” and “dermatologist-tested” are among the most commonly used terms in cosmetic and skincare marketing worldwide. These familiar labels are often treated as shortcuts for trust, quality, and clinical legitimacy—yet without consistent re…

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218 - What is a Shibboleth? 49:15

9d ago49:15

49:15

Thanks for considering supporting on Patreon. PATREON - patreon.com/nodumbquestions NDQ EMAIL LIST - https://www.nodumbquestions.fm/email-list STUFF IN THIS EPISODE: Judges 12 Shamgar Shibboleth 100 Hz Test Tone CONNECT WITH NO DUMB QUESTIONS: Thank you for considering supporting No Dumb Questions on Patreon. Discuss this episode here NDQ Subreddit…

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758 Jane Austen in 41 Objects (with Kathryn Sutherland) | 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (#5 Greatest Book of All Time) 57:21

21d ago57:21

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How well can we know someone through the objects they encountered? In this episode, Jacke talks to Kathryn Sutherland, Senior Research fellow at St. Anne's College, Oxford, about her new book Jane Austen in 41 Objects, which examines the objects Jane Austen encountered during her life alongside newer memorabilia inspired by the life she lived. PLUS…

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Elevating Community: The Mt. Holiday Impact with Jordyn Ross 14:37

13d ago14:37

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Jordyn Ross, I’m the Development Director at Mt. Holiday, where I lead fundraising, sponsorships, and community engagement to support our mission of providing accessible year-round recreation for all. My focus is on building strong partnerships, expanding donor support, and developing programs that connect local families, youth, and organizations t…

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757 George Orwell's 1984 (#6 Greatest Book of All Time) 1:07:22

25d ago1:07:22

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In 1949, American critic Lionel Trilling, writing in the New Yorker, was quick to recognize the achievement of George Orwell's new novel. "[P]rofound, terrifying, and wholly fascinating," he said. 1984 "confirms its author in the special, honorable place he holds in our intellectual life." And while the Cold War and the book's primary satirical tar…

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Pore Decisions with Dr. Connie Yang — On "Clean Beauty," Beef Tallow, and NAD+ for Cellular Aging 34:52

23d ago34:52

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In today's skin-obsessed world, we are met with ever-emerging beauty trends, viral products, and buzzy cosmetic treatments that aim to do one thing: delay and reverse the dermal signs of aging, while preserving and nourishing the skin barrier. From beef tallow to NAD+ IV therapy to rosemary oil for hair loss and even what seems to be more benign ma…

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756 Newly Discovered Stories by Virginia Woolf (with Urmila Seshagiri) | My Last Book with Jake Poller 58:07

28d ago58:07

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Did you think we already knew everything there was to know about Virginia Woolf? Think again! In this episode, Jacke talks to scholar and editor Urmila Seshagiri about The Life of Violet: Three Early Stories, which presents three interconnected comic stories chronicling the adventures of a giantess named Violet, which Woolf wrote in 1907, eight yea…

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Wheels, Water & Wide Angles: Rediscovering TC with Tyler Franz 19:53

21d ago19:53

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Tyler Franz is a Traverse City native whose story proves you sometimes have to leave home to truly see it. After years away, Tyler returned with a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the lakes, landscapes, and people that make this place special. Today, he channels that inspiration into two passions that connect him deeply with the com…

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755 The Chinese Tragedy of King Lear (with Nan Z. Da) | My Last Book with Iris Jamahl Dunkle 42:51

1M ago42:51

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At the start of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, King Lear promises to divide his kingdom based on his daughters’ professions of love, but he portions it out before hearing all of their answers. For Nan Da, a professor of English literature who emigrated from China to the United States as a child in the 1990s, this startling opening scene sparked a re…

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"Fishy" Beauty Secrets from Dr. Lanna Cheuck — On PDRN (Salmon Sperm DNA) and Achieving Glass Skin 46:46

23d ago46:46

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How far are people willing to go for glass skin and a clear face? For years, we have witnessed adventurous — and sometimes extreme — pursuits within skincare and cosmetic treatments in the quest for ageless beauty. We’ve heard it all: the Vampire Facial, human placenta for collagen, snail slime, and, in recent years, salmon sperm DNA. From celebrit…

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754 Christopher Marlowe (with Stephen Greenblatt) | My Last Book with Eric White 55:43

1M ago55:43

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Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) was born into relative obscurity and died in mysterious circumstances at the age of 29. And yet, somehow this ambitious cobbler's son brought about a spectacular explosion of English literature, language, and culture. In this episode, Jacke talks to Stephen Greenblatt about his book Dark Renaissance: The Dangerous Ti…

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217 - When Was Peak Comedy? 58:48

25d ago58:48

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Thanks for considering supporting on Patreon. PATREON - patreon.com/nodumbquestions NDQ EMAIL LIST - https://www.nodumbquestions.fm/email-list STUFF IN THIS EPISODE: The Cosby Show ABC TGIF Charles in Charge Seinfeld Friends Arrested Development The Office (American) The Office (British) 30 Rock Community Parks and Recreation Ice Ice Baby Jerry Sei…

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Restaurant and Automotive Business in Traverse City with Nick Mueller 29:22

28d ago29:22

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I was born and raised in Traverse City. Attended Central High School, later on attending NMC and FSU. Working my way through college at Red Ginger, eventually starting with Busters as an installer. I worked these 2 jobs for 3 years, eventually going to just Busters as it grew. Helping scale the business I knew this was a path I wanted to go down. C…

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753 Tenth-Anniversary Special (with Mike Palindrome and Laurie Frankel) | Giving Thanks | My Last Book with Eve Dunbar 1:17:22

1M ago1:17:22

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When Jacke started the podcast in 2015, he decided to privilege books that were at least fifty years old. (Longtime listeners will know he's made a few exceptions, but for the most part, that's been the policy.) Last month, the History of Literature Podcast celebrated its tenth anniversary - which means there are ten years' worth of books that are …

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Seoul Searching for That Glow with Dr. Young Ho Park (RAUM) — On Hanbang (한방), Traditional K-Beauty, and Facial Acupuncture 52:43

1M ago52:43

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Korean skincare and cosmetics have truly become a global phenomenon, taking the beauty world by storm. Rooted in the preventive philosophies of Hanbang (한방), or Traditional Korean Medicine, Korean beauty has introduced a cultural mindset of proactive skincare, consistent routines, and understanding your skin’s needs before issues arise. Now, as it …

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216 - How to Music 1:20:38

1M ago1:20:38

1:20:38

Thanks for considering supporting on Patreon. PATREON - patreon.com/nodumbquestions NDQ EMAIL LIST - https://www.nodumbquestions.fm/email-list STUFF IN THIS EPISODE: Rooktown Jeff Foote - Sea of Tranquility Bleach Plankeye Smiley Kids Jesse and the Rockers Rick Beato "What Makes This Song Great?" Cakewalk Logic Pro Johann Sebastian Bach Phonograph …

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752 The Brontes' Sibling Rivalry (with Catherine Rayner) | My Last Book with Keith Cooper 1:01:28

1M ago1:01:28

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Charlotte Brontë wasn't born the eldest child, but she was thrust into a leadership role at the age of ten, as the Brontë children dealt with the tragic deaths of their mother and two eldest sisters. How did this affect their family dynamic? And when the younger two sisters, Emily and Anne, had their novels accepted while Charlotte's alone was reje…

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Reviving golf in Northern Michigan with Rod Trump 23:33

1M ago23:33

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Rod Trump, a Florida-based tech entrepreneur and angel investor, is reviving High Pointe with Tom Doak on board for a $24 million course renovation. Trump, who holds a leadership position at Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach, decided to spearhead the revival effort. Read more about it here! https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikedojc/2023/02/16/high-p…

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751 Covering Iran's Women-Led Uprising (with Nilo Tabrizy) | My Last Book with Sharmila Sen 1:02:37

2M ago1:02:37

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In September 2022, a young Kurdish woman, Mahsa Jîna Amini, died after being beaten by police officers who arrested her for not adhering to the Islamic Republic’s dress code. Her death galvanized thousands of Iranians—mostly women—who took to the streets in one of the country’s largest uprisings in decades: the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. In thi…

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Bed, Bath, & Beyond the Baby with Dr. Kristal Lau — On Zuò Yuè Zi (Postnatal Confinement) and Postpartum Depression 1:02:56

2M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

In many East Asian cultures, childbirth marks not just a beginning, but a sacred period of recovery known as Zuò Yuè Zi, or “sitting the month.” Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this postnatal confinement practice emphasizes rest, warmth, and nourishment to restore balance and vitality after delivery, which is said to deplete the mother's qi…

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750 A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway (with Mark Cirino) | Joyce Carol Oates vs the Trillionaire | My Last Book with Ken Krimstein 1:28:09

2M ago1:28:09

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It's the 750th episode of the History of Literature, and what better way to celebrate than to talk some Hemingway with repeat guest Mark Cirino? In this episode, Jacke talks to Mark about Hemingway's classic love-and-war novel A Farewell to Arms, including the recent Norton Library edition of the book, which Mark edited. PLUS Jacke takes a look at …

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The Golf World of Traverse City with Adam Schriber 21:27

1M ago21:27

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By Julie Brons and Don Piche

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749 Willing and Will-Making in the English Renaissance (with Douglas Clark) | #7 Greatest Book of All Time 1:06:00

2M ago1:06:00

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When Hamlet, in his famous soliloquy, pondered the "dread of something after death, / the undiscovered country," he noted that such thoughts "puzzles the will." (Earlier editions of the play had this as a "hope of something after death" that "puzzles the brain." What's the significance for an Elizabethan writer (and audience) of the change from hop…

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From Worry to Whoa with Dr. Mai Shimada (Isha Health) — On Ketamine Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD 38:54

1M ago38:54

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Originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine has reemerged as one of modern psychiatry’s most promising tools for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Its superpower lies in working with your brain's glutamate receptors to create antidepressant effects. What does the future of psychedelic-assi…

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748 Katherine Mansfield (with Gerri Kimber) | The Poet and the Sex Worker Who Burgled Him | My Last Book with Emerson Expert Kenneth Sacks 55:47

2M ago55:47

55:47

Katherine Mansfield's writing, said Virginia Woolf, "was the only writing I was ever jealous of." In this episode, Jacke talks to author Gerri Kimber about Katherine Mansfield: A Hidden Life, which explores the life and work of one of literary modernism's most significant writers. PLUS Jacke takes a look at the unusual friendship between poet W.H. …

3M ago1:17:41

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It's October, the perfect month to celebrate the master of mystery and the macabre. In this episode, Jacke talks to author Richard Kopley about his book Edgar Allan Poe: A Life, a comprehensive critical biography that combines a narrative of Poe's enduring challenges (including his difficult foster father, poverty, alcoholism, depression, and his n…