Best John M. Collins Podcasts (2025)

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592. The Best of Greg Egan Part 1 (with Anthony Ha) 2:24:07

6d ago2:24:07

2:24:07

Anthony Ha joins us to discuss the first eight stories in the book The Best of Greg Egan, part of the SF Masterworks series of science fiction classics. Stories discussed: "Learning to Be Me" (20:42), "Axiomatic" (44:03), "Appropriate Love" (50:10), "Into Darkness" (1:00:30), "Unstable Orbits in the Space of Lies" (1:14:47), "Closer" (1:26:42), "Ch…

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#90: A Conversation with Jeff Asher on Crime Data, Trends, and Reporting Challenges 32:07

8d ago32:07

32:07

John Collins speaks with Jeff Asher, a data-analytics expert and Substack writer specializing in - as Jeff puts it - crime, data, and crime data. Jeff has an impressive history working in the Department of Defense and the CIA, among others. In this episode, John and Jeff discuss the measurement of crime in the United States, how it is done, and the…

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Episode 19: Anna Julia Cooper (w/ Joanna M. Briley) 1:05:51

11d ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Tickets are available for our upcoming dates in Boston, Detroit, and Brooklyn at www.drunkblackhistory.com! Hope to see ya'll on the road! On this month's episode, Brandon is joined by comedian and Black Woman in Comedy Laff-Fest Joanna M. Briley to discuss her work elevating the voice of Black women in comedy and the legacy of prominent author and…

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591. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 3 (with Tom Gerencer) 2:39:59

20d ago2:39:59

2:39:59

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Top of the Volcano: The Award-Winning Stories of Harlan Ellison, which contains 11 stories not included in Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. Stories discussed: "A Boy and His Dog" (1:39), "The Region Between" (37:12), "Basilisk" (48:29), "Adrift Just Off the Islets of Langerhans: Latitude 38° 54' N, Longi…

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#89: Dr. Nancy La Vigne - A Conversation with the Dean of Rutgers’ School of Criminal Justice 45:27

22d ago45:27

45:27

Nancy La Vigne is the Dean of the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice, based at the campus in Newark, New Jersey. In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins and Dr. La Vigne discuss her new responsibilities at Rutgers, as well as contemporary priorities in criminal justice research, technology, and education. Dr. La Vigne also shares h…

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#88: Preventing Catastrophic Misconduct in Accredited Forensic Science Laboratories (Part 2 of 2) 1:00:19

1M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

In this episode, John Collins builds on the themes and recommendations covered in episode 87, with regards to forensic laboratory accreditation and its strengths and limitations. Seven policy priorities are discussed to help forensic science laboratories, their parent agencies, and their jurisdictions prevent instances of catastrophic misconduct be…

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590. The Best of Larry Niven Part 1 (with Mercurio D. Rivera) 1:48:40

1M ago1:48:40

1:48:40

Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss the first nine stories in the short story collection The Best of Larry Niven, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Stories discussed: "Becalmed in Hell" (5:10), "Bordered in Black" (17:54), "Neutron Star" (26:35), "The Soft Weapon" (38:16), "The Jigsaw Man" (56:27), "The Deadlier Weapon" (1:02:55), "All the Myriad Ways…

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Episode 18: Drunk Black History - Los Angeles (Feb. 2025) 56:31

1M ago56:31

56:31

Get tickets for the upcoming LIVE "Drunk Black History" shows in Boston (5/23), Brooklyn (6/19), and Detroit (6/20) at www.drunkblackhistory.com! Comedian Brandon Collins (New York Comedy Festival) is joined by special guest co-host Rell Battle for this special Los Angeles show! Host(s): Brandon Collins - https://www.instagram.com/frodo_blackins Re…

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589. Dune Prophecy Season 1 Review (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Rajan Khanna) 1:37:16

2M ago1:37:16

1:37:16

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss Season 1 of the HBO series Dune: Prophecy, a prequel set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#87: When Catastrophic Misconduct Happens in a Forensic Science Laboratory (Part 1 of 2) 35:57

2M ago35:57

35:57

John Collins answers an email from an audience member who wonders: What’s the point of accreditation if a catastrophic failure or major act of misconduct can still happen under the radar. Season: 5 Episode: 87 Duration: 35:57 YOUTUBE CHANNELSMain Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSORLearn About the Innovators at Promega International …

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588. The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe Book Club (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer) 1:27:33

2M ago1:27:33

1:27:33

James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Urth of the New Sun, a sequel to The Book of the New Sun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Episode 17: Malcolm X (w/ Jamie Roberts) 1:08:41

2M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

Get tickets for the upcoming "Drunk Black History" shows in Austin (3/6), Boston, Detroit, and more at www.drunkblackhistory.com! On this month's episode, Brandon is joined by "Comedy in Harlem" comedy club owner Jamie Roberts to discuss the life and legacy of Malcolm X, owning a business meant to give back to the community, and staying ready so yo…

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#86: Caitlin Burchill, Investigative Reporter with NBC Connecticut 40:30

2M ago40:30

40:30

Caitlin Burchill is an investigative reporter with NBC Connecticut and a proud member of the production team that created the documentary, Traces of Doubt: The Forensics of Dr. Henry Lee, which is now available in its entirety on YouTube. Caitlin speaks with John Collins about her life and career as an investigative reporter, and sheds light on her…

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587. Movie Review: Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, Alphaville 1:51:20

3M ago1:51:20

1:51:20

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the science fiction noir movies Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, and Alphaville. Time stamps: Dark City (3:25), Strange Days (28:55), The Thirteenth Floor (48:19), Looker (1:00:43), Alphaville (1:16:19). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho…

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85# Sarah Chu on Forensic Evidence and Post-Conviction Advocacy 59:02

3M ago59:02

59:02

Dr. Sarah Chu is the Director of Policy and Reform at the Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice at the Cordoza School of Law in New York. In her role at the center, she applies her own extensive background in science and public policy to take an active lead on advancing our criminal justice system's efforts to utilize forensic evidence with maximum e…

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Episode 16: John Singleton (w/ Abdul Malik Abbott) 57:12

3M ago57:12

57:12

Get tickets for the upcoming "Drunk Black History" shows in LA (2/21), NYC (2/25 and 2/28), Austin (3/6) and more at www.drunkblackhistory.com! Livestream tickets are available for the LA show! On this month's episode, Brandon is joined by "State Property" director, producer, and AAFCA member Abdul Malik Abbott to discuss the legacy of the John Sin…

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586. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 2 (with Tom Gerencer) 1:58:04

3M ago1:58:04

1:58:04

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the second half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "On the Downhill Side" (2:34), "Paladin of the Lost Hour" (12:00), "The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World" (30:08), "I'm Looking for Kadak" (39:10), "How Interesting:…

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#84: Forensics - A Different Kind of Science, and Here's Why 43:22

3M ago43:22

43:22

In Episode 84 of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins explores why forensic science is distinct from traditional sciences and often misunderstood. He examines how forensic methods—such as fingerprint and bullet comparisons—are rooted in stochastics, the study of randomness and unique patterns. Addressing past criticisms, Collins argues that forens…

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#83: Remembering a Forensic Science Pioneer - John Murdock 26:03

4M ago26:03

26:03

The profession of forensic science has lost one its greatest thinkers and pioneers. His name is John Murdock, and his body of work contributed to the professionalization and trustworthiness of the evidentiary analyses performed by forensic science laboratories all over the world. In this update, your host John Collins commemorates the life and care…

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#82: One Officer, One Bullet, and Two Critical Lessons on Police Culture 34:24

4M ago34:24

34:24

In this inaugural episode of Crime and the Coutroom, John Collins shares what he describes as "the craziest case I ever experienced in a forensic science laboratory." As he explains, sometime in late 1995 or early 1996, John conducted what started as a routine forensic analysis of a firearm used by a police officer in a shooting invovling an armed …

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Episode 15: Drunk Black History - 2024 New York Comedy Festival 53:25

4M ago53:25

53:25

Get tickets for the upcoming Black History Month LIVE "Drunk Black History" shows in LA (2/21), NYC (2/28), and Austin (3/6) at www.drunkblackhistory.com! Livestream tickets are available for the LA show! Comedian Brandon Collins (SXSW) is joined by special guest co-host Rell Battle for this special New York Comedy Festival event! Host(s): Brandon …

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Episode 14: Duane Jones (w/ Jazzmin and Kathleen from "Girl, That's Scary") 54:56

4M ago54:56

54:56

Get tickets for the upcoming Black History Month LIVE "Drunk Black History" shows in LA (2/21) and NYC (2/28) at www.drunkblackhistory.com! Livestream tickets are available for the LA show! On this month's episode, Brandon is joined by podcasters Jazzmin and Kathleen from the "Girl, That's Scary" podcast to discuss the short career of groundbreakin…

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585. Philip Gelatt, writer of The Europa Report and The Spine of Night 1:05:22

4M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

Philip Gelatt joins us to discuss writing the hard science fiction film The Europa Report and the animated sword & sorcery film The Spine of Night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#81: One thing kids must learn to keep themselves safe (Update) 5:34

5M ago5:34

5:34

In this quick holiday update, John Collins shares what he argues is the one key message to teach children so that they can grow up as attentive, cautious adults who can take care of themselves.By John M. Collins

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584. The Making of Secret Level (with J.T. Petty) 58:45

5M ago58:45

58:45

J.T. Petty joins us to discuss serving as executive producer on the new Amazon series Secret Level, a collection of animated shorts set in the worlds of popular video games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Episode 43: Jeff Barth, PhD, John Edward Fowler Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences 53:50

5M ago53:50

53:50

Dr. Jeff Barth, the creator of sport concussion research, joins us to discuss his groundbreaking work that has reshaped athlete safety worldwide. From his roots in New Jersey playing basketball and lacrosse to founding the UVA Brain Injury and Sports Concussion Institute, Dr. Barth shares his journey, his impact on professional sports, and his visi…

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#80: Forensic Evidence in the Luigi Mangione Investigation 14:25

5M ago14:25

14:25

John Collins discusses emerging forensic results in the investigation of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and why one evidentiary issue might allow the defense to make some noise. References Mangione attorney says he will challenge forensic results’ admissibility, accuracy Crime Lab Report (2019, Academic Press)…

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#79: Announcing Major Change to Podcast Name and Format 14:26

5M ago14:26

14:26

A major decision has been made to expand the reach of our podcast while continuing to prioritize the challenges and opportunities facing the forensic laboratory community. In this final CoachCast update of 2024, John Collins explains the changes that are taking effect, and the strategic basis for those changes. The result will be an expanded audien…

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583. Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits Part 1 (with Tom Gerencer) 1:57:08

5M ago1:57:08

1:57:08

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the first half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "'Repent Harlequin,' Said the Ticktockman" (13:08), "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" (26:00), "The Deathbird" (37:17), "Chatting with Anubis" (47:39), "The Whimper of Whipped Dogs…

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Ethel Waters (w/ Mia Jackson) 1:00:32

5M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

On this month's episode, Brandon is joined by comedian Mia Jackson (Hulu) to discuss the life and career of Ethel Waters, the first Black woman to have her own television show. DBH Links: - https://www.instagram.com/officialdrunkblackhistory - https://www.drunkblackhistory.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/@drunkblackhistory - https://www.teepublic.co…

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#78: CoachCast Update and Tip on Thinking Strategically 11:13

5M ago11:13

11:13

John Collins, in a special Crime Lab CoachCast update, reflects on the importance of creating conditions for the criminal justice system to be elevated by professionals with the right expertise, attitudes, and leadership skills. He emphasizes the significance of executing consequential roles in striving for personal success, and the need to careful…

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582. The Fifth Head of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe Book Club (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer) 1:32:12

5M ago1:32:12

1:32:12

James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Fifth Head of Cerberus, about two planets that may or may not be inhabited by shapeshifting aliens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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581. Andrew Niccol Movies: Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, Anon 1:56:51

6M ago1:56:51

1:56:51

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the movies Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, and Anon, all of which were written by Andrew Niccol. Time stamps: Gattaca (11:57), The Truman Show (45:09), Simone (1:03:13), In Time (1:18:08), Anon (1:25:59). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#77: It's Strategy Season! | Conflicts of Interest in Outside Employment 46:47

6M ago46:47

46:47

We are entering "strategy season" here at Critical Victories. John Collins discusses how to take advantage of the opportunity to plan your coming year and the positive psychological impact it can have on yourself and your organization. John also provides some follow-up to his comments in episode #75 by discussing some of the inherent conflicts of i…

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Episode 42: Geoff Manley, MD, PhD, Chief of Neurosurgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Professor and Vice Chairman of Neurological Surgery at UCSF 51:19

6M ago51:19

51:19

In this episode, we explore the inspiring path of Dr. Geoff Manley—Chief of Neurosurgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Vice Chair of Neurological Surgery at UCSF. Dr. Manley shares how growing up in Kentucky with a love for fixing things shaped his unique journey into medicine. Dr. Manley’s work spans groundbreaking TBI research,…

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Episode 13: George Edwin Taylor (w/ Rell Battle) 38:42

6M ago38:42

38:42

Tickets are available for our New York Comedy Festival edition of the critically acclaimed show, "Drunk Black History" at www.drunkblackhistory.com! Show is on Friday, November 8th at Littlefield in Brooklyn, New York! On this month's episode, Brandon is joined by comedian Rell Battle (Peacock's "Killing It") to discuss the legacy of George Edwin T…

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#76: Historic DNA Analysis Breakthrough | When Technical Units Don't Play Nice 46:56

6M ago46:56

46:56

In today's coaching session, John discusses the problem of technical units and their supervisors not playing nice with their laboratory administrators, the damage this causes, and approaches to dealing with it - and preventing it - effectively. We also enjoy a conversation with Bob McClaren, Director of R&D in Genetic Identity at the Promega corpor…

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580. The New Mexico Mafia (with Melinda M. Snodgrass) 1:23:59

6M ago1:23:59

1:23:59

Melinda M. Snodgrass joins us to discuss the New Mexico Mafia, a tight-knit community of fantasy & science fiction writers that formed in New Mexico in the 1970s and 1980s, a group that included George R. R. Martin, Roger Zelazny, Stephen R. Donaldson, and Fred Saberhagen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 12: Bonus Mini-Ep: Fannie Lou Hamer 19:50

7M ago19:50

19:50

Tickets are available for our New York Comedy Festival edition of the critically acclaimed show, "Drunk Black History" at www.drunkblackhistory.com! Join us on Friday, November 8th at Littlefield in Brooklyn, New York! On this bonus mini episode, Brandon touches on the legacy of American voting and women's rights activist, community organizer, and …

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#75: Emotional Pain and its Threat to Quality 1:09:16

7M ago1:09:16

1:09:16

There are times when life confronts us with great loss or the threat of loss, and the emotions we feel can be overwhelming. Deep emotional pain, however, can have adverse effects on the brain that threaten the quality of a sufferer's work. In this episode of the CoachCast, John Collins provides insight and tips for dealing with emotional pain, and …

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579. The Future of Demographic Collapse (with Malcolm Collins) 1:17:54

7M ago1:17:54

1:17:54

Malcolm Collins, co-host of the Based Camp podcast, joins us to discuss future scenarios involving demographic collapse, genetic engineering, and AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Episode 41: Carolyn Emery, Professor and Chair of the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary 35:01

7M ago35:01

35:01

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carolyn Emery, a leading expert in injury prevention in youth sports and concussion research. Growing up in Ottawa, Dr. Emery's love for sports ranging from alpine ski racing to water polo fueled her career in physiotherapy, which later sparked her transition into injury epidemiology. Hear how her journey from …

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Episode 11: Stormé DeLarverie (w/ Janicia Francis) 1:11:25

7M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

Tickets are available for our New York Comedy Festival edition of the critically acclaimed show, "Drunk Black History" at www.drunkblackhistory.com! Show is on Friday, November 8th at Littlefield in Brooklyn, New York! On this month's episode, Brandon is joined by co-host of "Tea with Queen and J", Janicia Francis to discuss the history of Stormé D…

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#74: Interview Sabotage by Restrictive HR Policies 45:53

7M ago45:53

45:53

Coming off a recent tour of workshops and presentations on the subject, John Collins discusses the threat of excessively restrictive policies that prevent hiring managers from really getting to know their job candidates. When forensic science laboratories are forced to follow a structured "script" that prohibits a conversational connection with int…

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578. Terminator Zero Season 1 Review (with Daniel H. Wilson, Zach Chapman) 1:24:50

7M ago1:24:50

1:24:50

Daniel H. Wilson and Zach Chapman join us to discuss the Netflix series Terminator Zero, an animated spinoff of the classic films Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Episode 40: Jiří Dvořák, MD, Renowned Czech-Swiss Neurologist and Former FIFA Chief Medical Officer 1:04:31

7M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

In this episode, we sit down with Czech-Swiss neurologist Dr. Jiří Dvořák, one of the world's foremost experts in sports medicine and spinal health. Born in a small village in Czechoslovakia, Jiří's path changed dramatically after the Soviet invasion in 1968, leading him to complete his medical studies in Switzerland. Over his 40-year career at the…

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#73: CoachCast Update - Live from AFQAM 2024 9:17

8M ago9:17

9:17

This is a Crime Lab CoachCast Update for Monday September 30, 2024. Live from the 2024 meeting of the Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers. Coach's Message for Today "Honorable and competent work performance arise from professionals who know how much they truly matter."By John M. Collins

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#72: National Association of Forensic Science Boards | Kermit Channel and Jennifer Naugle 55:22

8M ago55:22

55:22

The newest forensic science organization got off the ground in November 2023. The National Association of Forensic Science Boards is now set to host its 2nd annual meeting in Albany, New York. In this episode of the CoachCast, John speaks with Kermit Channell and Jennifer Naugle about the organization's mission, future, and upcoming meeting. John a…

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Episode 10: Announcing Drunk Black History as part of the 2024 New York Comedy Festival! 3:10

8M ago3:10

3:10

Tickets are available for our New York Comedy Festival edition of the critically acclaimed show, "Drunk Black History" at www.drunkblackhistory.com! Show is on Friday, November 8th at Littlefield in Brooklyn, New York! Sponsors: The Cappy on Amazon The Cappy (4 Pack): https://a.co/d/07I6h6p2 The Cappy (12 Pack): https://a.co/d/0jh0HP0r DBH Links: -…

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Episode 9: Hannah Elias (Johan the American) 59:41

8M ago59:41

59:41

On this month's episode, Brandon is joined by podcaster Johan the American to discuss Hannah Elias, an American sex worker and landlord who became one of the richest Black women in the world during her lifetime! They discuss Elias' incredible journey, Johan's love and appreciation of history, and why people drink on the show. Sponsors: The Cappy on…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

John M. Collins Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen