Best George Fleck Podcasts (2026)

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ReThinking: The George Washington story you haven’t heard with Ken Burns (Part 1) 36:12

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1h ago36:12

36:12

Ken Burns has won countless awards for his documentary films on Mark Twain, Jackie Robinson, the American buffalo, baseball, the Civil War—and his latest takes on the American Revolution. In this two-part episode, Adam and Ken discuss the importance of origin stories and how they help us to construct a collective identity and narrative about oursel…

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ReThinking: Overcoming status anxiety with Alain de Botton and RaQuel Hopkins 35:17

7d ago35:17

35:17

Alain de Botton is a philosopher, bestselling author, and cofounder of The School of Life, known for his fearless engagement with the complexity of human existence. In this special episode, Adam co-hosts alongside former guest RaQuel Hopkins, a therapist, social media star, and fan of Alain’s work. They discuss the roots of and remedies for status …

1
ReThinking: Raising a new generation of readers with Shannon Hale 39:43

14d ago39:43

39:43

Shannon Hale is the author of more than 50 books for all ages, including the Princess Academy series and her graphic novel memoirs. In this episode, Adam and his daughter Joanna (a longtime fan of Shannon’s books) talk to Shannon about the powerful lessons books teach us about empathy, and take a closer look at how stories can either reinforce or d…

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Fairy Tails Mixdown EP 329 10:00

19d ago10:00

10:00

By Bill Conrad

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ReThinking: Margaret Atwood on what AI can’t replace 42:41

21d ago42:41

42:41

Margaret Atwood is best known as the author of The Handmaid’s Tale, and she’s won a slew of awards for her novels, poetry collections, and children’s books. Now, at the age of 86, she’s written her first memoir, The Book of Lives. In this episode, Adam and Margaret break down her perspective on what creative jobs AI will and won’t threaten and disc…

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ReThinking: Busting longevity myths with Eric Topol 39:14

1M ago39:14

39:14

Slowing the process of aging is something many people are interested in—and there’s a lot of pseudoscience out there about how to do it. Eric Topol is a cardiologist at Scripps and a prolific researcher on the genetics of longevity. In this episode, Eric debunks some common myths about how to live a longer life and shares his surprising findings ab…

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ReThinking: Building confidence with mentalist Oz Pearlman 32:50

1M ago32:50

32:50

Oz Pearlman has been called the World’s Greatest Mentalist—he’s performed for some of the world’s top celebrities and made it to the finals on America’s Got Talent. In this episode, Oz joins Adam live at Authors@Wharton to show off his tricks and discuss the real skills behind his rise to success. The two reflect on Oz’s time working on Wall Street…

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ReThinking: Why are people acting like everything’s fine? with Rahaf Harfoush 41:21

1M ago41:21

41:21

In our rapidly changing world, it might make you feel crazy to look around and see others going about life as usual. There’s actually a term for this phenomenon: hypernormalization. In this episode, Adam talks with Rahaf Harfoush, a digital anthropologist and expert on toxic productivity culture, about the immense pressures of living through “unpre…

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ReThinking: Talking people out of hate with Daryl Davis and former neo-Nazi Jeff Schoep 41:39

2M ago41:39

41:39

The Ku Klux Klan is one of the tightest-knit White supremacist groups in America—once someone joins, they’re usually in for life. But since the 1980s, over 200 members have renounced their affiliation, and all give credit to the same man: a Black jazz musician named Daryl Davis. In this episode, Adam is joined by Daryl and Jeff Schoep, a former lea…

3M ago3:09

3:09

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ReThinking: What being a lawyer taught John Grisham about writing novels 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

John Grisham is the author of over 50 #1 bestselling novels, including A Time To Kill and The Pelican Brief—but before he became the preeminent writer of legal thrillers, he had a tumultuous career as a lawyer. Adam and John discuss how John’s experience in the courtroom inspires his fiction, and how it has continued to shape his perspective on sto…

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Chiefs, Bucs, and Drake Maye Are Big Winners. Plus, Danny Kanell on Penn State’s Overreaction, Indiana’s Biggest Win, and the SEC’s Problem. 2:00:02

3M ago2:00:02

2:00:02

Russillo starts with some thoughts on the NFL weekend, including whether the Chiefs or Bucs had the better win and the fact that Drake Maye is looking like the best QB in the 2024 class. Next, he chats with old friend Danny Kanell about Indiana’s massive win over Oregon, whether Penn State made a mistake by firing James Franklin, and the big proble…

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Prime-Time Giants! NBA GM Survey Thoughts. Plus: Jeff Darlington on Baker’s Career Turnaround, Shanahan Love, and Belichick’s future. 2:01:27

3M ago2:01:27

2:01:27

Russillo starts with a rare fun Giants prime-time game and why he’s still unsure about Jalen Hurts. Then, he and Ceruti talk about the most interesting parts of the latest NBA GM survey. Next, ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington stops by to talk about this weekend's 49ers-Bucs matchup, the banged up Ravens, eventually taking the Jaguars seriously, th…

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The Giannis-Knicks Flirtation. Plus, Jeff Passan on Judge Saving the Yankees, More MLB Playoffs, and Life Advice! 1:43:36

3M ago1:43:36

1:43:36

Russillo opens with the Giannis-Knicks story and the biggest red flags for the Bucks, even if it’s unlikely to happen. Then, ESPN baseball writer Jeff Passan stops by to talk about Aaron Judge saving the Yankees, the disappointing Phillies, and more MLB playoffs. Plus, he sticks around for some Life Advice, including questions about a major hater a…

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ReThinking: What we’re getting wrong about mental health with RaQuel Hopkins 33:53

3M ago33:53

33:53

RaQuel Hopkins is a therapist and HR professional whose hot takes on growth and well-being have challenged how many people talk and think about mental health. In this episode, Adam and RaQuel explore how some people use mental health labels as a crutch, discuss ways to expand our capacity instead of simply coping with emotional wounds, and address …

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Broncos or Pats for the Best Win? Plus, the Best Coach Right Now and the Team Misery Index With Mike Sando and Ryen’s First CFB Top 12 Playoff Rankings! 1:45:06

3M ago1:45:06

1:45:06

By The Ringer

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Yanks Pack Up the Sox, the Strange 4-0 Eagles, and Fixing the Ravens With Kevin Clark. Plus, Is Kyle Shanahan a $30M coach? 1:22:12

3M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Russillo opens the show talking about Cam Schlittler’s incredible performance last night to eliminate the Red Sox. Then ESPN’s Kevin Clark stops by to discuss the 49ers' win over the Rams and just how impressive Kyle Shanahan is at maximizing QBs. They also discuss the Eagles' poor stats despite remaining undefeated through four weeks, the upcoming…

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Talkin’ Baseball! Plus, Oregon, Ohio State, and Miami or the Field? And the Top CFB Stadiums With Fox’s Chris Fallica. 1:33:48

3M ago1:33:48

1:33:48

Russillo starts with some baseball talk, getting into why it’s so easy to get hooked on the playoffs. Then, he chats with Fox’s Chris Fallica about who the real contenders are in college football, how he’d rank the SEC right now, why this week is massive for Arch Manning and Texas, and the top stadium atmospheres. Finally, the guys close it out wit…

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ReThinking: Brené Brown on courageous leadership 41:22

3M ago41:22

41:22

Brené Brown is a researcher, storyteller, and author who hosts the podcast Dare to Lead and has given some of the most popular TED Talks of all time. Brené joins Adam live at Authors@Wharton to talk about her new book, Strong Ground. They discuss how to identify your core values, what courageous leadership looks like, and whether vulnerability has …

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The Packers' Worst Loss, the Chiefs' Best Win, and a Tough Jalen Hurts Convo With Sheil Kapadia. Plus, Same Old Penn State? 1:53:19

3M ago1:53:19

1:53:19

Russillo starts with his best win and worst loss from the NFL weekend and talks through the Ravens' and Packers' struggles and why we need to chill a little on Jaxson Dart’s debut. Then, he chats with Sheil Kapadia about the big questions around Jalen Hurts and the 4-0 Eagles, whether Puka Nacua is a top-three receiver, the Rams' place in the NFC, …

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Actor Tom Pelphrey Talks ‘Task’, Being a Giants Fan and Throwing Out a First Pitch. Plus Some 'TNF', Texans, and Cam Ward Thoughts. 1:36:05

4M ago1:36:05

1:36:05

Russillo starts with some thoughts on 'Thursday Night Football', including how to judge the start to Marvin Harrison Jr’s career. Plus, can the Texans' season be saved? Shedeur Sanders comments on being ready, and Cam Ward’s struggles. Then Russillo chats with actor Tom Pelphrey about his new hit show “Task”, plus the struggles of being a Giants fa…

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Dart and Caleb Outlooks, and the Disappointing 2026 QB Class With Coach Quincy Avery. Plus, Ryder Cup Talk With Michael Kim 1:40:41

4M ago1:40:41

1:40:41

Russillo is first joined by QB Coach Quincy Avery to discuss the Giants giving Jaxson Dart the starting job, why Caleb Williams's ceiling is still so high, and the disappointing state of some college quarterback prospects, including Arch, Nussmeier, Klubnik, and more. He then chats with pro golfer Michael Kim, fresh off a win at the Open de France,…

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ReThinking: Matthew McConaughey on avoiding cynicism and finding gratitude 34:41

4M ago34:41

34:41

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, or Interstellar. But he’s not just an actor—he’s also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his journal entries, poems, and life lessons learned. In this episode, Matth…

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Are the Eagles the New Chiefs? And Herbert Defenders, Stand Up! Plus, Todd McShay on Improved Indiana, Scary Miami, and More. 1:21:49

4M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

Russillo opens with some NFL Week 3 thoughts, including how the Rams lost to the Eagles, whether the Eagles are the new Chiefs, why Herbert defenders have been so stubborn, and why Caleb Williams is working his way back to being the best QB from the 2024 draft class. Plus, Todd McShay stops by to talk college football, including Indiana being even …

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Another Brutal Tua Pick, Plus Best Rookies and the 2026 QB Class With Daniel Jeremiah 1:40:15

4M ago1:40:15

1:40:15

Russillo starts with a recap of Dolphins-Bills and what essentially was the game-losing interception from Tua. Then he’s joined by the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah for more on Tua’s issues, plus why Josh Allen may have ruined our thoughts on QB development, his favorite rookies so far, and an early look at the 2026 QB draft class. Finally, the guy…

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Best CFB Transfers and Arch's Issues With Max Olson. Plus, a Deep Dive on the Chiefs' Struggles With Mitchell Schwartz. 1:37:45

4M ago1:37:45

1:37:45

Russillo is joined by Max Olson to talk about the best transfer acquisitions in college football, preview this weekend’s biggest games, and reveal the teams that have surprised them the most this season. Then, Mitchell Schwartz comes on to break down O-line play leaguewide, discuss the Chiefs' issues, and talk about stories from his playing days. P…

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ReThinking: Igniting curiosity with Sean The Science Kid 34:03

4M ago34:03

34:03

At just 10 years old, Sean The Science Kid is our youngest guest ever. Sean is an internet educator with a voracious appetite for learning and a contagious passion for sharing his knowledge. In this episode, Adam chats with Sean and his mother Eunice about the origins of Sean’s curiosity, his strategies for breaking down complex science concepts, a…

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Chiefs 0-2, Tush Push Drama (Again), Joe Burrow's Injury, and the Dolphins' Mess With Dianna Russini. Plus, Should Miami Be Ranked No. 1? 1:48:04

4M ago1:48:04

1:48:04

Russillo starts the show with his awards for Week 2 in the NFL. Then he’s joined by Dianna Russini to learn more about Joe Burrow’s injury, break down Philadelphia’s big win over the Chiefs, and discuss the rise in QB play this week. Then, Ryen shares his thoughts on the updated AP poll and which teams have impressed in college football. Plus, Life…

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The Packers' Ceiling, the Contenders' Biggest Flaws, and the Best Play Callers With Ted Nguyen 1:22:15

4M ago1:22:15

1:22:15

Russillo is joined by Ted Nguyen to break down the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl rematch, discuss the biggest flaws among the contenders, and share how NFL defensive coordinators ranked the best offensive minds in the league. Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russillo Podcast! (1:56) Russillo welcomes in Ted Nguyen (5:23…

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Caleb Williams Panic Meter, Cardinals Tight End Trey McBride, and 'Task' Creator Brad Ingelsby 1:59:52

4M ago1:59:52

1:59:52

Russillo opens the show with some concerning stats about Caleb Williams. Then, he’s joined by Trey McBride to discuss his hometown, his college career, and why he’s trying to stop hurdling people. Then, ‘Task’ creator Brad Ingelsby comes on to share some inside details about the pilot, the show in general, and whether he’s thought about a second se…

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ReThinking: Facing your fears with cliff diver Molly Carlson 38:49

4M ago38:49

38:49

Molly Carlson is a professional high diver, three-time runner-up at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, and the founder of Brave Gang, an online community of people who encourage each other to face their fears together. In this episode, Molly and Adam reflect on anxiety and motivation, the functions and dysfunctions of fear, and how to harness …

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Are the Ravens Actually Chokers? NFL Week 1 With Mike Sando. Plus, Oklahoma Is Relevant Again and More From Week 2 of College Football. 1:48:14

4M ago1:48:14

1:48:14

Russillo opens the show by recapping Week 1 of the NFL and giving out his best win and worst loss. Then, Mike Sando joins to break down what Buffalo’s comeback means for both teams, discuss the Packers’ massive win, and preview Monday Night Football. Next, Russillo shares his thoughts on this week’s college football action, including Oklahoma’s win…

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Eagles Win, But Hope For the Cowboys? Plus, 32 NFL Team Questions and Super Bowl Picks With Willie Colon. 2:00:11

4M ago2:00:11

2:00:11

Russillo starts the show with his thoughts on DAL-PHI before being joined by Ceruti to answer one question about every NFL team. Then, Willie Colon comes on to recap Dak Prescott’s performance, share his Super Bowl pick, and preview how Aaron Rodgers will look in Pittsburgh. Finally, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russ…

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Belichick-Brady Legacy Update, Arch’s Struggles, Bama In Trouble, and More from CFB Week 1 With Todd McShay and Danny Kanell 2:11:14

4M ago2:11:14

2:11:14

Russillo opens the show with his thoughts on the biggest Week 1 matchups in college football and an update on his Belichick-Brady legacy tracker. Then, Todd McShay joins to break down the QB performances and reveal which teams he believes should be ranked highest. Next, Russillo is joined by Danny Kanell for a victory lap after Florida State’s upse…

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ReThinking: Fixing social media with Pinterest CEO Bill Ready 35:20

4M ago35:20

35:20

On social media, enragement is often used to drive engagement. But what if the algorithm was tuned to what makes us feel good? As the CEO of Pinterest, Bill Ready is leading changes to his platform in the hopes of inspiring change in the tech industry. He and Adam examine steps for improving online interactions, consider solutions for protecting ki…

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Part 2: Béla Fleck on the Banjo, His Journey, and Handling Success 41:02

4M ago41:02

41:02

Russillo is joined by Béla Fleck to discuss how he chose the banjo, his path to success, and what it’s like to have other artists look up to him. (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russillo Podcast! (4:03) How did you become proficient at the banjo? (6:30) When did you feel like you were taking this instrument in a different direction? (12:44) How did your…

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True CFB Title Contenders and Week 1 Thoughts With David Pollack. Plus, Adnan Virk Wrote a Book! 2:04:59

4M ago2:04:59

2:04:59

Russillo is joined by David Pollack to share his thoughts on the SEC, preview LSU-Clemson, and break down his favorite QBs. Hear more from David Pollack on his show See Ball Get Ball. Then, Adnan Virk comes on to discuss his new book, how it felt being at the 2017 Oscars, and the feeling of chasing his white whale interview. Plus, Life Advice with …

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Annual NFL Top Five at Every Position With Sheil Kapadia. Plus, Stanford Steve Previews Texas–Ohio State and CFB Week 1. 2:17:05

5M ago2:17:05

2:17:05

Russillo is joined by Sheil Kapadia for the annual rankings of the top five at every position in the NFL! They go through each position and discuss what Josh Allen needs to do to be considered the best QB in the NFL. Then, Stanford Steve comes on to share the teams that could have the biggest variance this season, preview the biggest matchups of We…

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ReThinking: How you can do more for others with Rutger Bregman 33:29

4M ago33:29

33:29

What are you doing to make the world around you better? Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and the author of the new book Moral Ambition. He joins Adam live in the Authors@Wharton series to discuss how to stop capable people from wasting their talents, lessons from great moral pioneers, and what it means to be a good person. They also consider how…

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Russillo on the Road: St. Barts Travelogue 1:29:21

5M ago1:29:21

1:29:21

Russillo gives a day-by-day account of his solo trip to St. Barts. Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Ryen Russillo Producers: S…

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Rob Gronkowski Talks Belichick in College and His Favorite Young Tight End. Plus, Freddie Gibbs on His Biggest Rap Inspirations and More. 2:02:35

5M ago2:02:35

2:02:35

Russillo is joined by Rob Gronkowski to discuss why Bill Belichick will be appealing to younger players, explain why we shouldn’t write off the Chiefs, and share the young tight end he says reminds him of a young Gronk. Then, rapper Freddie Gibbs joins the show to reveal his rapping inspirations, explain what he has left to accomplish, and talk abo…

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CFB's Latest Terrible Idea, Colts Pick Jones Over Richardson, and the Best Defense in the NFL With Booger McFarland 1:37:08

5M ago1:37:08

1:37:08

Russillo starts the show with thoughts on the Big Ten’s proposed College Football Playoff expansion. Then, Booger McFarland comes on to add his thoughts to the playoff expansion debate, reveal which new college QBs have the best chance to break out, and discuss the Colts' decision to name Daniel Jones as their starting QB. Plus, Life Advice with Ce…

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ReThinking: The myth of genius with Helen Lewis 33:01

5M ago33:01

33:01

What does it mean to be a genius? Journalist Helen Lewis is the author of the new book The Genius Myth, which offers a provocative analysis of how we put brainiacs on a pedestal. In this episode, Helen and Adam unpack our cultural myths about geniuses and explore the dangers of treating them like demigods. They also discuss what Helen learned from …

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Long-term Concern for Caleb Williams? QB Tiers With Mike Sando and Domonique Foxworth on the Difficulty of Being a Two-Way Player. 1:47:03

5M ago1:47:03

1:47:03

Russillo is joined by Mike Sando to break down his latest QB tiers and explain how they came to this consensus. Then, Domonique Foxworth joins the show to share why he’ll be rooting for Travis Hunter and discuss the intricacies of CBAs. Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to the Ryen Russillo Podcast! (0:45) Russillo welcomes in …

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College Football Conference Picks, Best QB, Breakout Players, and the Title Picture With Danny Kanell and Bruce Feldman 2:07:11

5M ago2:07:11

2:07:11

Russillo is joined by Danny Kanell to discuss Penn State’s title chances, the uncertain QB landscape, and the SEC. Then, Bruce Feldman comes on to share the team he thinks is best, break down Arch Manning, and explain why we’re always bullish on new coaches. Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russillo Podcast! (0:56)…