Best NST Podcasts (2025)

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NST: DS9 - Melora - Season 2, Episode 6 1:54:08

Play Pause

22h ago1:54:08

1:54:08

Melora! Star Trek's re-attempt at telling a story about a disabled person! Because the original writer of this episode, Evan Carlos Somers, definitely didn't like the portrayal of disability in Ethics. Y'know, the one with Worf and the barrel. Does DS9 handle such topics better than TNG? Let's dive in and find out! We have a YouTube Membership and …

1
Playoff X-factors now that the Cubs know they will face the Padres 33:24

2d ago33:24

33:24

The Cubs still want to make sure this wild-card series will be played at Wrigley Field, but their playoff opponent is now set. In some ways, the Padres are a lot like the Cubs heading into the postseason. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give you their early scouting report and the storylines they are already monitoring, beginning w…

1
The Cubs picked a bad time to have their worst stretch 29:05

4d ago29:05

29:05

How concerned should Cubs fans be right now? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney try to separate it all out during the final week of the regular season. Instead of cruising into the playoffs, the Cubs are dealing with a Cade Horton situation and a still uncertain timeline for Kyle Tucker. There is also added context around Matt Shaw’s …

1
Why are modern statues so bad? 39:58

4d ago39:58

39:58

Why does it seem so common that modern sculptures of iconic figures look so bad? Soccer star Ronaldo, NBA legend Dwyane Wade, and even the great Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. have been frankly disgraced by sub-par and strange renditions. Is creating a great statue a lost art, or are we being unfair? This week, we talk to a real sculptor to find …

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Is this the letdown after the Cubs clinched their playoff spot? 29:13

6d ago29:13

29:13

Following their big celebration in Pittsburgh, the Cubs were swept out of Cincinnati. The final week of the regular season continues with the Cubs on their longest losing streak of the year. How concerned should Cubs fans be right now? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing in and around the clubhouse as October…

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How the Cubs are lined up for October 32:59

9d ago32:59

32:59

Is the offense still a concern heading into the playoffs? And why would anyone other than Cade Horton start Game 1 for the Cubs? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney dig into those questions and more, assessing a lineup that’s missing Kyle Horton, and tracking Horton’s development into one of the sport’s best young pitchers. Internally,…

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The clubhouse scene as the Cubs clinched their playoff spot 32:14

10d ago32:14

32:14

The Cubs are advancing to the postseason for the first time since 2020, an achievement that the team celebrated wildly in Pittsburgh. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take you behind the scenes to capture the sights, sounds and smells from PNC’s visiting clubhouse. The moment revealed so many parts of the team’s identity, and served…

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Do you need therapy? 45:50

11d ago45:50

45:50

What is therapy exactly, and what is it supposed to do? How do you know if you need therapy? If you’re in therapy, how do you know if it’s working? NO SUCH THING talks to Lilly Kaplan, therapist and author of the Reality Test newsletter, who gracefully demystifies the practice of therapy for us and answers a barrage of questions. Have a question yo…

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Cubs close to switching over to playoff mode 30:43

12d ago30:43

30:43

It feels inevitable. The Cubs are so close to clinching their first playoff berth since 2020 that even the people in uniform are thinking ahead and looking beyond that night’s game. For a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it’s like in the clubhouse right now, listen to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney. The beat reporters explain…

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NST: TNG - Phantasms - Season 7, Episode 6 1:18:17

8d ago1:18:17

1:18:17

Phantasms! That's right. The Deanna cake episode. And it comes with a new shirt from us! And also a bunch of other really seemingly random imagery that becomes over-explained by the time the episode wraps. But hey, it's fun to see Data answer a phone call from his chest, or see Beverly drink out Riker's brains through a straw, or seeing Sigmund Fre…

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Cubs mailbag: The postseason rotation, Kyle Tucker plans and more 34:35

16d ago34:35

34:35

With the playoffs approaching, you have questions, and Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have answers. The Athletic’s Cubs writers respond to listeners who want to know who will be starting Game 1 at Wrigley Field: Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton or Shota Imanaga? Plus a look at who might be the Opening Day right fielder next year, and what the Cubs will…

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Anthony Rizzo is back where he belongs 29:25

17d ago29:25

29:25

One of the most popular players in franchise history is returning to Wrigley Field. Ahead of the ceremonial weekend marking Anthony Rizzo’s retirement and new role as a Cubs ambassador, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney look back on what made that era so special, and why people gravitated toward the big first baseman. The Athletic’s Cubs writers al…

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Was that actually food poisoning? 41:46

18d ago41:46

41:46

Why do some people seem to suffer the ills of foodborne illness at an alarming frequency, while others cruise through rare steaks unimpeded? In this episode, we bravely (or foolishly) ask: does food poisoning actually exist? This week, we talk to food safety experts to find out what food poisoning actually is, where it comes from, and what you can …

1
The Cubs have to deal with some glaring issues 33:07

19d ago33:07

33:07

Where to begin? Cubs closer Daniel Palencia is now on the injured list, though his recent performance was already putting his bullpen role in doubt. Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong seemed to benefit from their mental resets, but then the All-Star outfielders got hurt. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain how Cubs manager Cra…

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NST: DS9 - Cardassians - Season 2, Episode 5 1:51:36

15d ago1:51:36

1:51:36

Cardassians! The most generic title of any Star Trek episode ever? Seriously, what would you guess that this episode would be about from a title like "Cardassians"? If you guessed a child custody battle between a Bajoran stepfather and a Cardassian politican over the politician's biological son combined with a romping adventure with Julian and Gara…

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The Cubs mailbag is back with more of your questions 36:59

23d ago36:59

36:59

As the Cubs prepare for October, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are here to answer questions from listeners who want to know about the Cade Horton plan and what it could look like in the playoffs. Pitching is a focus throughout the episode, explaining how Craig Counsell and his staff could map things out in a postseason series. Al…

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Cubs news and notes from Wrigley Field 32:35

24d ago32:35

32:35

With Chicago’s playoff odds holding steady, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back for a rundown on some of the club’s most important players. How the Cubs handle Kyle Tucker’s latest injury issue will be interesting. The hope is that Pete Crow-Armstrong will benefit from the kind of reset that Tucker took recently. And what has …

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Are the weather apps getting worse? 43:50

25d ago43:50

43:50

This week, we’re turning our attention to our weather apps. Are they getting worse? Are Trump’s DOGE cuts to blame? Why don’t we use feels like as the default temp? And what does the percentage of precipitation (PoP) actually mean? Then, we answer a listener's question on how Spotify’s shuffle feature actually works. Check out Heather McCalden’s “T…

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How the Cubs are positioned at the start of September 35:55

26d ago35:55

35:55

With the wild-card odds overwhelmingly in their favor, the Cubs can use this final month of the season to their advantage. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney start with Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has cooled off considerably after an MVP-level stretch that carried the team. What does Kevin Alcántara’s promotion from Triple-A Iowa mean fo…

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NST: TNG - Gambit, Part II - Season 7, Episode 5 1:32:48

23d ago1:32:48

1:32:48

Gambit, Part II! Now that the jig is up and the show finally admits that Picard is alive, let's get back down to business, which is watching space pirate carry out a Cannon movies-esque super weapon heist while the Enterprise kinda follows long and basketball player James Worthy towers over Worf. Yup. Back to basics. We have a YouTube Membership an…

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Cubs mailbag: The lineup, pitching outlook and more 31:45

1M ago31:45

31:45

You have questions, we have answers. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with another edition of their mailbag, which not surprisingly revolves around Craig Counsell’s decisions at a time when the offense is struggling. The Athletic writers explain what the Cubs manager is thinking and what they’re observing in the clubhouse. In addition to …

1
Cubs news and notes plus the “Mount Rushmore of Cubs pitchers” 33:19

1M ago33:19

33:19

With a West Coast trip in full swing, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get together to bring you the latest on the Cubs. There are updates on Jameson Taillon and the club’s pitching plans for October, vibe checks in San Francisco, and first impressions of the 2026 schedule that just got released. Inspired by pitching Tommy Hottovy – who recently p…

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NST Mailbag: The RIGHT way to load a dishwasher (& more) 41:37

1M ago41:37

41:37

This week we settle your dumb arguments. Yup, it’s mailbag time. We’ll argue about the RIGHT way to load a dishwasher, revisit a right-wing conspiracy theory about cat litter in schools, solve an intersection conundrum involving a funeral procession and a school bus, and finally reveal how this beautiful friendship actually began. Have a question y…

1
The Cubs believe Kyle Tucker is back 31:39

1M ago31:39

31:39

After a mental reset/three-game benching, Kyle Tucker again looked like the difference-maker the Cubs will need to go on a long playoff run. How did it get to this point? And what were the reactions in the clubhouse and the dugout? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney compare notes and share reporting from Angel Stadium after a three-ga…

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NST: DS9 - Invasive Procedures - Season 2, Episode 4 1:30:20

1M ago1:30:20

1:30:20

Invasive Procedures! Man, this guy really wants a worm in him. So much so that he's willing to steal another worm from another lady in order to get that worm in him. Man, what a dummy. I hope Sisko beats the crap out of him, or at least that Sisko beats the crap outta somebody. Come on! We have a YouTube Membership and a Patreon! Both get you early…

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What would realignment mean for the Cubs? 30:27

1M ago30:27

30:27

In a recent TV appearance, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred fueled talk about expansion and reconfigured divisions. How would that impact the Cubs? Even if these concepts are off in the distance, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have some ideas. The Athletic’s Cubs beat writers also get into the state of the pitching staff and the id…

1
The Cubs missed their opportunity against the Brewers 31:11

1M ago31:11

31:11

Recognizing that a moment had slipped away, Cubs manager Craig Counsell was not overly enthusiastic after his club won a five-game series against the division leader. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney analyze where things stand after the Cubs did not gain a lot of ground on Milwaukee. Plus more on the Kyle Tucker situation and the or…

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Amid boos and a brutal slump, Cubs star Kyle Tucker gets a reset 34:25

1M ago34:25

34:25

What once would have seemed unthinkable suddenly became inevitable. With Kyle Tucker going through the worst offensive stretch of his career – and the Wrigley Field crowds turning on him – Cubs manager Craig Counsell decided to give him a break during a huge series against the first-place Brewers. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney an…

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Is dating an AI chatbot cheating? 53:13

1M ago53:13

53:13

In this episode, Manny, Noah, and Devan revive a debate from almost a decade ago, albeit with modern framing: if you're in a relationship, and you're romancing an AI chatbot, should that be considered cheating? They chat to Tatum Hunter, tech reporter for the Washington Post, and couples therapist Jeff Guenther, better known as Therapy Jeff. And fi…

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Cubs mailbag: Why are they talking about 2032? 35:34

2M ago35:34

35:34

The fallout from an underwhelming trade deadline continues. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to take more questions from listeners, beginning with Carter Hawkins’ recent comments to ESPN. What did the Cubs general manager mean by the 2032 quote that has gone viral? Plus, much more on what makes the Brewers so good, and so f…

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The negativity is surrounding the Cubs right now 32:05

2M ago32:05

32:05

At this point, it’s not an overreaction. The Cubs are playing an uninspired brand of baseball while continuing to lose ground in the National League Central. It’s time to sound the alarm bells. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the current mood within the clubhouse as well as the larger organizational forces that have created…

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Inside the violent world of online pedophile hunters 47:58

2M ago47:58

47:58

You might remember To Catch a Predator with Chris Hansen, but now streamers are making their own version, and they’re a lot more violent. New York Times reporter Aric Toler takes us inside the world of modern-day “pedophile hunters,” while Stefan Turkheimer, VP of Public Policy at RAINN, shares what justice could—and should—look like for survivors.…

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NST: TNG - Gambit, Part I - Season 7, Episode 4 1:29:38

2M ago1:29:38

1:29:38

Gambit, Part I! Gene Roddenberry wouldn't allow space pirates in Star Trek, but now he's DEAD. It turns out, space pirate stories are a ton of fun and TNG probably should've done it a while ago. So Picard's murdered, Riker has to solve his mystery, he gets captured by Richard Lynch, and Data ends up acting captain, doing the Mr. Burns fingers. Oh a…

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The Brewers are pulling away from the Cubs in the division race 37:08

2M ago37:08

37:08

It’s happening again. That small-market team in Milwaukee has taken control of the National League Central, leaving the Cubs to play catch-up and making their recent performance look even worse. What’s the current mood inside the clubhouse? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their insights and explain whether it’s time to panic.…

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Cubs mailbag: What happened to this offense? 33:02

2M ago33:02

33:02

After another rough showing by the offense Friday night in St. Louis, Sahadev takes your questions about why this group always has extended slumps at the plate, whether the lack of deadline moves impacted this team mentally and more. Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood, wherever you call home, by going to joinbilt.com/FOUL. Download th…

1
What’s going on with Kyle Tucker? 32:25

2M ago32:25

32:25

After an MVP-level start carried the Cubs into the summer, and fueled more talk about the huge contract he could command this winter, Kyle Tucker has slumped at an inopportune time. Is this a physical issue, a mechanical flaw or simply just the nature of a long baseball season? Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney pass along what they’re hearing. The …

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Maybe the Cubs should’ve gotten another pitcher at the trade deadline 30:27

2M ago30:27

30:27

Hindsight is 20/20, but this was an immediate question following MLB’s trade deadline: Why didn’t the Cubs acquire another starter for the stretch run? Michael Soroka’s shoulder injury only amplified those concerns. What did the Cubs know about his time with the Nationals? How did his velocity dip factor into the deal? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma…

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Why can’t adults order from the kids menu? 32:59

2M ago32:59

32:59

This week, we take a deep dive into the frustrating conundrum of the kids menu. Why would a restaurant show me they’re capable of making a delicious and adorably small offering of chicken nuggets, only to restrict it to those fortunate to be 12 years old or younger? Are these restrictions an economic necessity, a moralizing judgment, or something e…

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NST: DS9 - The Siege - Season 2, Episode 3 1:28:47

2M ago1:28:47

1:28:47

The Siege! Not Under Siege, but also kind of like Under Siege? Also kind of like Star Wars! Also, combat rations instead of French onion soup! Boy, there's a lot going on in this episode. We have a YouTube Membership and a Patreon! Both get you early access to new episodes, access to the private Newbie Star Trek Discord, and a bunch of other perks!…

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Trade deadline recap: Did the Cubs pass or fail? 38:00

2M ago38:00

38:00

Both of these things can be true: The Cubs significantly improved their roster and missed a great opportunity. Time will tell whether the Cubs made the right moves at the trade deadline, but Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are here to give you their instant analysis. The Athletic writers break down each deal, relay what Jed Hoyer’s front office w…

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Breaking down Jed Hoyer’s contract extension 25:08

2M ago25:08

25:08

With the trade deadline looming, the Cubs took one potential distraction off the table, finalizing a deal with president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. What does this mean? And where do the Cubs go from here? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the timing, assess the Hoyer era thus far and describe the clubhouse reactions. W…

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Why we're sick of franchise movies 31:52

2M ago31:52

31:52

On this episode, we discuss the fatigue people have been feeling around franchise movies, particularly the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But where did franchise movies come from, and how did virtually all of Hollywood become so fixated on this kind of film? Walt Hickey, author of You Are What You Watch: How Movies and TV Affect Everything, walks us th…

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Remembering Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg 24:13

2M ago24:13

24:13

The death of “Ryno” hit people hard. The Hall of Famer bonded generations of Cubs fans who watched him perform at Wrigley Field and on the WGN superstation. More than that, though, Ryne Dee Sandberg carried himself with grace and humility, playing the game the right way, as he so eloquently described in a memorable Cooperstown speech. For perspecti…

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NST: TNG - Interface - Season 7, Episode 3 1:36:33

2M ago1:36:33

1:36:33

Interface! On the one hand, we have the premise of Geordi being plugged into a new remotely-controlled holographic drone thing that's controlled through a neural interface straight out of Lawnmower Man. Neat. On the other hand, we have the premise of Geordi's mom going missing, leading to an exploration of Geordi's backstory with his family and him…

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Cubs mailbag: Trade deadline, Wrigley Field vibes and more 38:48

2M ago38:48

38:48

As the baseball industry heats up in late July, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to answer more questions from listeners. The trade deadline, of course, remains the big topic. Why have things been relatively quiet so far? What would it take to move Owen Caissie in a deal? Could the Cubs put some major-league players on the …

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As Cubs look for more pitching, 22 trade names for the deadline 41:06

2M ago41:06

41:06

It’s no secret that the Cubs are actively searching for more pitching and trying to make deals within this final week before the trade deadline. Between injuries, organizational pressure and a neck-and-neck race with the Brewers, it’s inevitable that the Cubs will make additions to their rotation and bullpen. Who is on their radar? Virtually every …

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NST: DS9 - The Circle - Season 2, Episode 2 1:40:05

2M ago1:40:05

1:40:05

The Circle! Will the Circle be unbroken? Well, if Minister Jaro and Vedek Winn get their way, they certainly will! This second-act episode sets up Kira's ejection from DS9, a Bajoran coup, and a potential showdown between the Cardassians' proxy Bajoran army and the Federation. Also, weird sexy dream between Kira and Vedek Bareil? What's goin' on he…

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The trade deadline chatter around the Cubs is picking up 35:02

2M ago35:02

35:02

The Brewers will not let up, forcing the Cubs to stay on top of their game and turning this into a true division race. With the July 31 trade deadline fast approaching, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney empty their notebooks and share what they’re hearing about the situation at third base, some new pitching names on the radar and how…

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Cubs news and notes: The latest on Kyle Tucker and their trade chips for the deadline 35:10

2M ago35:10

35:10

Looking ahead to the second half, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what Kyle Tucker has brought to the Cubs and the expectations that both sides have at this point. With Tucker being the potential No. 1 free agent this offseason, the Cubs have to maximize their time with the All-Star outfielder. What sort of trade chips will…

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Cubs mailbag: Trade deadline, Jed Hoyer’s future, pitching outlook and more 30:12

2M ago30:12

30:12

With the All-Star break almost over, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners about the Cubs’ plans for the trade deadline and whether president of president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has already earned a contract extension. Plus a few more updates on what to expect in the second half. Get 20% off your…