The Joyful Friar Podcast explores the soulful, the meaningful, and the mystical in three different ways. First, Afterlife, Interrupted stories, in which someone who died suddenly and traumatically seeks my help and the help of my prayer partners. Second, Compassionate Responses, to readers’ and listeners’ questions and concerns that arise from those stories. And third, Spiritual Practices, influenced by the Catholic Christian tradition I’ve been shaped by that reveal how goodness is at work ...
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Interrupted Death Experience Podcasts
What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this award-winning podcast, cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar explores how we experience change and strategies we can use to better navigate moments of upheaval. Maya’s life took a dramatic turn when an injury ended her career as a violinist and inspired her to study the science of change. Named Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year, A Slight Change of Plans features deeply personal stories and scientific insights about who we are an ...
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The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker and Joel Anderson catch you up on the biggest media stories, from sports to politics and everything in between.
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How Zohran Mamdani Won the Hearts and Minds of the Media (and New York City)
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1:00:15Bryan and Joel are together in the studio to discuss Zohran Mamdani in the 17th edition of their 25 for 25 series (2:00). They discuss Mamdani as a political phenomenon (6:12), a media phenomenon (21:03), and someone who is signaling generation change (0:00). Later they welcome Eric Lach of The New Yorker, who profiled Mamdani for the magazine. Lac…
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Spiritual Practice: Lupe, Angel Shelley, and Jane Stanford
32:51
32:51
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32:51Fr. Nathan shares the spiritual response to college student Lupe, Angel Shelley, and Jane Stanford. This story is in Afterlife, Interrupted Book Three: Please Let Me Explain, available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bIai64v *Warning: this episode discusses suicide. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Support the…
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An NBA TV Mega-Preview, Good News About The Washington Post, and Your Favorite NFL Clichés
57:47
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57:47An NBA TV Mega-Preview, Good News About The Washington Post, and Your Favorite NFL Clichés Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back to discuss the worst response issued by the White House to a reporter's question, some good news about The Washington Post, and issues at Indiana University’s student newspaper (00:35). The two then dig into th…
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It’s been more than a decade since Malala Yousafzai, then a 15-year-old student and advocate for girls education, survived an assassination attempt. Malala is 28 now, and she’s written an intimate new memoir called “Finding My Way,” revealing sides of her the world has never seen before. In today’s episode, Maya sits down with Malala to explore the…
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Zohran Mamdani Goes on Fox News, the Great Pentagon Walkout, and Awkward NFL Coach Audio
1:07:04
1:07:04
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1:07:04Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss the almost entirely unanimous media walkout at the Pentagon after new rules and guidelines were presented to reporters (0:48); Olivia Nuzzi's return, which will now include a book deal (19:52); and Zohran Mamdani's interview with Fox News' Martha MacCallum (26:22). Then they discuss some awkward NFL he…
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Compassionate Response: Lupe, Angel Shelley, and Jane Stanford
38:19
38:19
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38:19Fr. Nathan shares the compassionate responses to college student Lupe, Angel Shelley, and Jane Stanford. This story is in Afterlife, Interrupted Book Three: Please Let Me Explain, available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bIai64v *Warning: this episode discusses suicide. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Suppor…
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Bari Weiss’s Memo, Marc Maron’s Goodbye, and College Football’s Most Interesting Coach
57:18
57:18
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57:18Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back to discuss Bari Weiss’s memo to her new employees and whether it is threatening. Then they talk about Marc Maron’s farewell podcast with Barack Obama. The two discuss Obama’s social media reluctance and why he isn’t he speaking out more (00:21). They also play the football audio of the week: Indiana …
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Jen Psaki on the Democrats and the Future of MSNBC. Plus, Paul Finebaum vs. ESPN and the End of LeBron’s Media Headlock
1:31:37
1:31:37
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1:31:37Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel cover LeBron’s “big” news, Paul Finebaum a week after his OutKick interview, yet another Bill Belichick story out of UNC, and a bizarre Katie Porter interview (0:45). Then Joel and Bryan talk with MSNBC's Jen Psaki about the Democratic Party, how politicians can effectively communicate their message, modernizi…
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Afterlife, Interrupted: Lupe, Angel Shelley, and Jane Stanford
35:00
35:00
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35:00Fr. Nathan introduces us to college student Lupe, Angel Shelley, and Jane Stanford. This story is in Afterlife, Interrupted Book Three: Please Let Me Explain, available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bIai64v *Warning: this episode discusses suicide. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Support the show Connect w…
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Bari Weiss’s First Day at CBS, Reporting on Mark Sanchez, and the GOAT-dom of Chris Berman
1:05:22
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1:05:22By The Ringer
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What If Finding Community Wasn't So Hard?
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45:29
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45:29When Dr. Vivek Murthy first appeared on the show a few years back, he and Maya discussed the science of loneliness and its impact on our long term health. Now, the former U.S. Surgeon General is back to share simple, practical steps we can take to nurture more meaningful relationships—and why making even small changes can help us feel more connecte…
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The Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates Showdown, Floating Paul Finebaum for Senate, and the Meaning of Kamala’s Book Sales
1:20:53
1:20:53
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1:20:53Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel take a deep dive into the spirited discussion between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates centered on their disagreements about Charlie Kirk and some of his eulogists (1:27). Then they discuss the unexpected news that ESPN's Paul Finebaum is considering running as a Republican senator for Alabama, the numbers for …
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In the run up to the release of her book, The Other Side of Change, Maya is starting an Ambassadors Program! Ambassadors will get access to all sorts of exclusive content – like a companion journal, an invitation to an intimate conversation with Maya, sneak peaks of the book, and more. Join a community of people who are passionate about change and …
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A 25 for 25 Double Feature: Dean Jelani Cobb on the Future of J-School. Plus, Spencer Hall on “Weird Internet.”
1:47:24
1:47:24
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1:47:24Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel preview today’s double-feature episode (0:45), before Joel is joined by Columbia Journalism School dean Jelani Cobb to discuss the future of journalism education (7:44). Then, Bryan and Joel have a quick interview postgame (47:42) before introducing Joel’s conversation with writer Spencer Hall on how his remar…
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Fr. Nathan shares the spiritual practices arising from Counselor Gene's 'Afterlife, Interrupted' story. This story is new and being heard here for the first time, and it is not included in any of the 'Afterlife, Interrupted' book series. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Support the show Connect with Fat…
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A Report From the Cowboys-Packers Tie, the Rise of the Bernie Bio, and Barbecue Notes From Texas
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54:38
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54:38Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back to discuss Bryan’s quick trip to Dallas for the Micah Parsons return game. He lets you in on the dirty secret of football reporting, gets into the differences between the Micah trade and the Luka Doncic trade, and gives some barbecue reviews (00:24). Then they share some football audio from the weeke…
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Jimmy Kimmel’s Return, the Fox-Barstool College Football Experiment, and Kamala’s Book Tour. Plus: Noah Eagle.
1:22:34
1:22:34
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1:22:34Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss the return of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on Tuesday night (0:46) before reexamining the Fox-Barstool college football experiment and Kamala Harris's book tour (25:50). Finally, they are joined by NBC's Noah Eagle to discuss the highly anticipated Oregon–Penn State matchup this Saturday, capturing wacky finis…
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Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Pet with Donna Rebadow
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47:57
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47:57Fr. Nathan and prayer partner Donna Rebadow discuss how to cope with the loss of a beloved pet. Stay tuned after the podcast for pictures of Toto and a short video about Sadie. Connect with Donna Rebadow: [email protected] https://exploreconsciousness.com "Wednesdays with Sadie, The Miracle Dog" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/cNkr4zX Donna Rebadow …
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Fear After the Jimmy Kimmel Suspension, the Return of Olivia Nuzzi, and Presidential Campaign of Andy Beshear
1:04:11
1:04:11
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1:04:11Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss Vanity Fair hiring Olivia Nuzzi after she parted ways with New York magazine last year, continue untangling the Jimmy Kimmel situation, discuss the new rules for covering the Pentagon, and more (00:26). Then they share some football audio from the weekend, including Joe Davis’s call of Eagles defensiv…
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Felicia Hsu grew up dreaming of becoming a doctor. Years of relentless dedication brought that dream within reach, but the toll it took left her wondering whether it was finally time to let it go. Have you had a slight change of plans you think we should know about? Send us a voice memo or an email at [email protected]. Sign up for Maya's fre…
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Jimmy Kimmel Is Suspended, Molly Qerim Leaves ESPN, and Ivan Maisel on the Cult of the College Football Coach
1:32:41
1:32:41
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1:32:41Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss ABC's decision to indefinitely suspend 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' (0:46), why The Washington Post fired columnist Karen Attiah, Molly Qerim's abrupt departure from ESPN, Tom Brady's glaring conflict of interest, and more (38:32). Then Bryan is joined by sports journalist and author Ivan Maisel to discuss his…
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Fr. Nathan shares the compassionate response to Counselor Gene's 'Afterlife, Interrupted' story. This story is new and being heard here for the first time, and it is not included in any of the 'Afterlife, Interrupted' book series. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Support the show Connect with Father Nat…
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Our Broken Media Ecosystem, Replay Reviews for Everyone, and Lachlan Cartwright of Breaker
51:02
51:02
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51:02Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David examine the ways in which information about Charlie Kirk's killing has come out to the public (0:20), before they share some audio from the weekend in football, including Pat McAfee's rousing 'College GameDay' monologue, some instant replay insight from Clemson–Georgia Tech, the tush push getting on everyone'…
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The Killing of Charlie Kirk, the Murdochs’ Real-Life Succession, and Three More Years of ‘Pardon the Interruption’
1:01:46
1:01:46
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1:01:46Bryan and Joel discuss the whirlwind of coverage around the killing of Charlie Kirk (1:13) before they give updates on the Trump vs. The Wall Street Journal saga (23:32), the extension for ESPN's 'Pardon the Interruption' (29:59), Rupert Murdoch's succession plan (38:54), the reporter caught in the middle of the college football AP poll outrage (44…
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Fr. Nathan shares Counselor Gene's 'Afterlife, Interrupted' story. This story is new and not included in any of the 'Afterlife, Interrupted' book series. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Support the show Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.: http://www.nathan-castle.com https://www.facebook.com/fathe…
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NFL Opening Weekend Audio, the CBS News Blues, and Our Review of ‘The Paper’
53:27
53:27
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53:27Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss news from CBS News, including more issues with edited interviews and Bari Weiss’s reported arrival (0:20). Then, they get into a tense moment on ‘Get Up!’ between Ryan Clark and Peter Schrager, some audio from NFL Week 1, J.J. Watt’s broadcast debut, and more (12:28). They also share their thoughts on…
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Anna Sale is what you might call a professional “haver of hard conversations”. As the creator of the podcast “Death, Sex, & Money,” she’s spent years exploring the big questions and taboo topics people tend to shy away from. In this episode, Anna reflects on what she’s learned from all of those conversations – what’s helped, what hasn’t, and what s…
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Eagles-Cowboys Audio and the Hock Heard Round the World. Plus, a New 25 for '25 With ESPN’s Domonique Foxworth.
1:45:32
1:45:32
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1:45:32Hello media consumers! Joel and Bryan discuss some of their many takeaways from the Eagles-Cowboys NFL opener (5:35), and a NFL TV preview covering Mike Tirico's first Super Bowl, the RedZone ad crisis, Tom Brady's second year at FOX, and J.J. Watt moving to the CBS booth (22:44). Then in a new edition of 25 for '25, Joel talks with Domonique Foxwo…
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The Cloudy Future of 'Inside the NBA,' Gavin Newsom Could Run for President Like Marshawn Lynch, and More Tortured Acronyms
58:17
58:17
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58:17Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David share some notes from Lee Corso's emotional 'College GameDay' sign-off and a new edition of "Manning face" (0:20), before they react to some sounds from the weekend in college football, including Florida State's upset win over Alabama and Bill Belichick and UNC's blowout loss to TCU. They also get into Charle…
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Finding Joy with Guest: Dr. Bruce Greyson
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42:08
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42:08This encore episode of The Joyful Friar shares last year's episode of Dr. Bruce Greyson in honor of the conclusion of the IANDS Conference, which he co-founded. Dr. Bruce Greyson is the Chester Carlson Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia. He was previously on the medical faculty at the Univers…
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Doris Burke's Demotion, a Massive College Football TV Preview, and Adam Friedland's Star Turn
1:07:14
1:07:14
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1:07:14Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel begin today’s show with J-School, talking about Cam Newton’s new expanded role at ESPN and some criticisms of the Cowboys documentary. Then they dive into the headlines, discussing Doris Burke’s demotion at ESPN (13:58), a mega college football TV preview (21:51), and much more. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel An…
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Ohio State and Barstool, the Great Film Critic Shortage, and the MS NOW Acronym Challenge. Plus: Michael M. Grynbaum on the Past and Future of Condé Nast.
1:25:52
1:25:52
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1:25:52Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David open up the show by talking about Rich Eisen’s return to the 'SportsCenter' desk. Then they discuss a report that Dave Portnoy was banned from Ohio Stadium (6:17) and talk about the state of local film critics (16:50). They also check in on their MS NOW challenge (31:28) and run through the Overworked Twitter…
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Finding Joy with Guest: Dr. Raymond Moody
1:01:42
1:01:42
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1:01:42This encore episode of The Joyful Friar honors the 50th anniversary of Dr. Raymond Moody’s groundbreaking book Life After Life. As the IANDS Conference begins this week, Fr. Nathan and Dr. Moody reflect on the origins of this influential research and share insights into what first inspired the exploration of near-death experiences. Click this link …
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The Legend of Lee Corso, the Man Who Created "GameDay," with ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit
1:04:01
1:04:01
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1:04:01Hello, media consumers! Ahead of Lee Corso's final appearance on College Gameday, Bryan and Joel briefly talk about the history of College Gameday and what has made Corso such a special figure for almost 40 years. Then, Bryan is joined by Kirk Herbstreit to talk about how he got on College Gameday, what his relationship with Corso has been like ove…
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The Dallas Cowboys, the Netflix Doc, and Jerry Jones With Ed Werder
1:25:58
1:25:58
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1:25:58Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel start this Dallas Cowboys–centric show with their thoughts on Netflix’s ‘America’s Team’ documentary. They reminisce about the ’90s era of football and the media landscape then, discuss people’s affection for the Cowboys, and talk about why the documentary works. Next, Bryan and Joel welcome longtime reporter …
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The Cringey MSNBC Rebrand, Gavin Newsom’s Twitter Account, and the Death of the Longform Podcast
1:05:56
1:05:56
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1:05:56Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss the end of summer and showing pop culture treasures from their youth to their children. Then they tackle the headlines, starting with the MSNBC rebrand (8:30), before talking about a Rolling Stone article about the death of the narrative podcast (26:28). Then in the notebook dump, they talk about what…
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In this episode, host and prayer partner Anna Babin opens the mailbag and answers listener questions as Fr. Nathan responds to the question, "What is the Dominican Order?" "How do you enter into protective prayer?" and more. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Support the show Connect with Father Nathan Ca…
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The Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift Show, Jimmy Pitaro’s ESPN, and the Worst Question Asked at the White House
57:12
57:12
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57:12Hello media consumers! It’s a Monday show on a Thursday! Bryan fills David in on his Connecticut hotdog tour earlier this week (0:16), before discussing Taylor Swift’s appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s ‘New Heights’ podcast, and a few thoughts on Monday’s Jimmy Pitaro interview (11:23). Then they run through the Overworked Twitter Joke of the …
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It’s not every day that Maya gets to coach a literal superhero…but tomorrow is that day! Tune in Friday, August 15, to see Maya featured as a neuroscience expert on Chris Hemsworth’s TV show, “Limitless: Live Better Now”. The series streams on Disney+ and Hulu. Curious to hear what it was like to film with Chris? Want to hear more about brain-boost…
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Spiritual Practice: Sergeant Mason and Archangel Michael
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39:38Fr. Nathan shares the spiritual practice from Sergeant Mason and Archangel Michael. This is a new story that has not been published in his 'Afterlife, Interrupted' books. You are hearing this for the first time. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Support the show Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.: h…
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25 for 25: Jimmy Pitaro on ESPN's NFL and WWE Deals, Pat McAfee, and the State of the Company in 2025
52:59
52:59
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52:59Hello, media consumers! Bryan heads to the ESPN HQ in Bristol, Connecticut, to sit down with ESPN's chairman, Jimmy Pitaro. They discuss the highly anticipated launch of ESPN's direct-to-consumer app, the massive deals ESPN made with the NFL and WWE, hiring talent vs. developing talent, preparing for ESPN's first Super Bowl, the state of ESPN in 20…
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A Readout on ESPN’s Deals With the NFL and WWE. Plus: NBA Mouthpiece Summer and the New York Post Comes to L.A.
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57:06
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57:06Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel start the show with J-School, discussing the new threats to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as well as the ongoing Texas redistricting fight (01:43). Next, they dive into some headlines, starting with the deals made by ESPN this week. First, they go through all the details from the ESPN-NFL deal, including what …
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Compassionate Response: Sergeant Mason and Archangel Michael.
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27:14Fr. Nathan shares the compassionate responses to Sergeant Mason and Archangel Michael. This is a new story that has not been published in his 'Afterlife, Interrupted' books. You are hearing this for the first time. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Support the show Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.…
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Who Won the ESPN-NFL Deal? Plus, the WaPo Exodus Continues and a Report From SummerSlam
1:01:19
1:01:19
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1:01:19Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Davis recount their trip to Part 2 of SummerSlam last night (0:20) before tackling some headlines, including ESPN and NFL moving forward with their proposed blockbuster media deal, more heavy hitters leaving The Washington Post, and an upcoming Kamala Harris book (22:00). They also discuss Bryan's brief time in use…
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Jessica Slice spent years working towards the day when she might actually like herself. If she just tried a little harder, achieved a little more, ate a little healthier, she thought she could earn her own self-respect. But after experiencing a sudden health crisis, Jessica was forced to put all that work on indefinite pause, and to remake her rela…
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The Fall of Shannon Sharpe, the End of Sports and Late-Night TV, and the 2025 Media Diet With Bomani Jones
1:03:41
1:03:41
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1:03:41Hello, media consumers! Joel Anderson is joined by Bomani Jones to discuss a few media headlines, including ESPN's decision to part ways with Shannon Sharpe and the serious gambling allegations against Gilbert Arenas (4:09), before they look at the future (or lack thereof) of sports television, being a generalist vs. a specialist in 2025, the rise …
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Afterlife, Interrupted: Sergeant Mason and Archangel Michael
24:29
24:29
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24:29Fr. Nathan introduces us to Sergeant Mason and Archangel Michael. This is a new story that has not been published in his 'Afterlife, Interrupted' books. You are hearing this for the first time. Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast! Support the show Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.: http://www.nathan-c…
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Hulk Hogan Vs. Gawker, Bill Belichick Fever, and the New Washington Post Exodus
54:32
54:32
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54:32Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David cover some headlines, including the approval of the Paramount-SkyDance merger, a discouraging new study about google searches and AI, Bill Belichick rapidly approaching his first game as a college head coach, the WaPo exodus (cont.), and more (9:45), Then, they discuss the wide-ranging obituaries of the late …
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The ESPN-NFL Wedding, Hunter Biden Speaks, and Pat McAfee’s Apology
1:13:43
1:13:43
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1:13:43Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel start the show with J-School, reexamining Zach Baron's interview on profile writing, before discussing the news of Hulk Hogan's death at the age of 71 (1:03). Next, they run through some headlines, including the possible marriage of ESPN and the NFL, what exactly is going on regarding the Epstein files, and Hu…
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Finding Joy with Guests: Karen Saliba and Kim Sharp
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59:12Fr. Nathan is accompanied by therapist and prayer partners Karen Saliba and Kim Sharp as they discuss practical steps for finding joy in difficult times. Karen Saliba, PsyD, MFT, is a psychoanalyst, working with couples and individuals who want to live in healthy harmony with one another, their families, and their communities. She believes that we …
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