Best Queer As Fact Podcasts (2025)

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80s TV Legends: Golden Girls, Love Boat and Jim Colucci Forever 1:11:37

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2d ago1:11:37

1:11:37

Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson on 80s TV Ladies, where they chat with Jim Colucci, TV writer, author, and entertainment journalist, known for his deep dive into the cultural impact of the Golden Girls. In this episode, Jim discusses his unauthorized retrospective book, 'Golden Girls Forever,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories and…

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Radical Self-Care in a World Built on White Norms (with Dr. Jonathan M. Lassiter) 46:41

2d ago46:41

46:41

Woke Mind Virus? How about the Whiteness Mindset! JVN welcomes psychologist and author Dr. Jonathan Mathias Lassiter to dig into his new book, How I Know White People Are Crazy and Other Stories, and explore how a “whiteness mindset” shows up in everyday life. We talk about what it is, who exhibits it, how it drives control and denial, feeds our co…

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The Russia House by John le Carré Explored – Part 1 32:00

43m ago32:00

32:00

In this episode, writer and podcaster Keir Graff joins to discuss John le Carré’s novel The Russia House. We talk about whether book people would make good spies and le Carré’s eye for local details. We also discuss whether this book has more P.G. Wodehouse than other le Carré novels. Plus, would an editor nowadays cut the first 50 pages? All that …

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Mayor Mamdani’s Megawatt Smile, The Simpson’s Fortnite Takeover, Body Contouring 29:29

5d ago29:29

29:29

This week, we’re talking: Elyse Myers making The NY Times Best Seller List, Unisex Bathrooms, our TikTok round up, scorned Trump supporter centrists, the election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, taxing billionaires and corporations, and answering your listener question! Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon…

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What It’s Like to Get an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult (with Elyse Myers) 50:32

9d ago50:32

50:32

Elyse Myers, (writer/creator) stopped by to talk to JVN all about her new book That's A Great Question, I'd Love To Tell You, living with ADHD, and navigating parenthood after being diagnosed with Autism as an adult. From masking and people-pleasing to boundaries and self-acceptance, Elyse shares the before/after of getting language following her d…

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The Truth About SNAP Benefits and the Nuance of Lily Allen’s “West End Girl” 33:00

11d ago33:00

33:00

This week, we’re talking: money confidence, JVN Hair Update: Air Dry Cream…in tubs!, lazy headlines around GLP-1s, the return of Chris’ bob, pig & cow content, whistling, Poot Lovato, attacks on Same-Sex marriage, cis-gendered nuance, "West End Girl," Thanksgiving advice, and our Hot Bitch of the Week. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive conten…

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90. The Ultimate Savasana: Dying & Deathwork with Scott Kirschenbaum 55:21

7d ago55:21

55:21

There’s one transition we’ll all experience but hardly talk about: Death. Whether out of fear or taboo, so much of our culture and communities shy away from the topic. Still, it lingers in the back of our mind and flutters in our subconscious. On the topic of dying and deathwork we interview Scott Kirschenbaum, known for his stunning documentaries …

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Stan Zimmerman: From Golden Girls to Gilmore Girls - A Writer's Journey Through 80s TV 1:14:33

17d ago1:14:33

1:14:33

Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they welcome back prolific writer, director, producer, and actor Stan Zimmerman. Known for his work on iconic female-driven comedies like 'The Golden Girls,' 'Roseanne,' and 'Gilmore Girls,' Stan shares insights from his illustrious career and discusses his new book, The Girls: From Golden to Gil…

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How To Build Financial Self Confidence with Financial Feminist 47:07

17d ago47:07

47:07

Money isn’t just about math — it’s about mindset. This week, JVN welcomes back financial educator, Her First $100K founder, and Financial Feminist Podcast host Tori Dunlap to the pod to talk about how we can break free from money shame and finally feel confident with our cash! From debt and credit cards to saving, investing, and taxes, Tori breaks …

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White House Ballroom, Kristi Noem’s Private Jet, Louvre Thieves 38:36

19d ago38:36

38:36

This week, we’re talking: some big considerations following last week’s hypnosis episode, Halloween, money shame, soft-pitching “The Cancelistas,” speaking on panels, smoked fish, Ralph Lauren Christmas, the continued government shutdown, SNAP benefits, the White House Ballroom renovation, $230 Million from the Justice Department, Kristi Noem’s pri…

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Helen Lewis – The Genius Myth 55:00

11d ago55:00

55:00

In this episode, we talk with Helen Lewis and her new book, The Genius Myth. We talk about how to think about artists with problematic pasts, the influence of wives on “geniuses” and how to create a legacy. Plus, what would a le Carré video game look like? All that and more in this episode. Helen’s Substack – https://helenlewis.substack.com/ Helen’…

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Can Hypnosis Really Rewire Your Brain? 53:15

24d ago53:15

53:15

Hypnosis is not just swinging watches, stage magic, or Scooby Doo fodder - it's a tool we can all use to help rewire our brains. This week, JVN talks with Melissa Tiers, founder of The Center for Integrative Hypnosis in New York City. Melissa is a hypnotist whose work spans decades and has helped people effectively rewire their brains for the bette…

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Leaked Young Republicans Telegram Chat, Wigs, the Price of Milk 40:20

26d ago40:20

40:20

This week, we’re talking: Warning labels on wigs, The Drowsy Chaperone at Carnegie Hall, what hypnosis can do for you, the Politico article on Young Republican leaders and their White supremacist, racist, and deeply offensive Telegram chat, the world gymnastics championship, our love of Peacock, Sunday Scaries, apple cider & apple cider donut flavo…

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An Iconic Voice | The Last Golden Girl Cindy Fee on the Art of TV Themes 1:14:22

1M ago1:14:22

1:14:22

In this captivating episode of 80s TV Ladies, hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem interview the legendary Cindy Fee, best known for singing the iconic theme song for 'The Golden Girls'. The conversation covers Cindy's extensive career, beginning with her professional singing at a young age, and her work with notable artists such as Kenny R…

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Let’s Stop Weaponizing Therapy-Speak (and Start Communicating Better) 49:50

1M ago49:50

49:50

We’re living in a time when mental health terms are EVERYWHERE. But is our obsession with therapy-speak helping us grow, or just confusing us more? This week, JVN sits down with psychotherapist and author Joe Nucci to talk about his new book PSYCHOBABBLE and the rise of pop psychology online. Together, they unpack what a psychotherapist really does…

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The Left Hand of Darkness (1969) 2:06:12

1M ago2:06:12

2:06:12

Today we are discussing Ursula K. Le Guin's Hugo and Nebula award-winning 1969 science fiction novel, The Left Hand of Darkness. Join us to hear about ambisexual beings who defy gender norms, the initially sexist man who comes to love them and a sexually charged journey across a glacier. Check out our website, where you can find our sources, as wel…

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Federico Varese on – Tradecraft: Writers on John le Carré 37:28

27d ago37:28

37:28

In this episode, we welcome Federico Varese to the show. Federico is the co-curator of the new exhibition being held by the Bodelian Libraries showing off some of the materials the library has in the John le Carré archive. He also served as editor of Tradecraft: Writers on John le Carré a new collection of essays looking at le Carré’s writing and r…

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Life of a Showgirl Debrief, Plenary Authority, Prosecuting Political Enemies 31:26

1M ago31:26

31:26

This week, we’re talking: a National amendment to enshrine abortion access as healthcare, JVN Holiday Box Gift sets, navigating online “therapy speak,” The Drowsy Chaperone at Carnegie Hall, the fate of Ophelia music video, Tiktoks overtaking our algorithm, the unfolding ceasefire, prosecuting political enemies, supporting NPR, Dylan Mulvaney’s one…

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Celebrating The Golden Girls: 50 Fast Facts and Their Lasting Legacy 53:54

1M ago53:54

53:54

Hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson dive deep into the beloved 'The Golden Girls' with a delightful overview and 50 fun facts about the show. Discover fascinating show details, cast secrets, and notable legacy moments as they share their passion for this iconic series. Learn about the iconic characters played by Bea Arthur (Dorothy Zbornak…

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How to Stay Hopeful (and Powerful) When Rights Are Under Threat — with Planned Parenthood’s Alexis McGill Johnson 48:42

1M ago48:42

48:42

Planned Parenthood President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson is here and we are fired up! Alexis is leading the fight to protect reproductive freedom at a time when access to healthcare is under attack across the U.S.—and she’s breaking it all down for us. JVN sat down with Alexis to talk about the real-world impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,…

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Presenting Heavyweight: The Messenger 38:47

30d ago38:47

38:47

By Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness

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AI Trump Memes, OBBBA Tax Breaks & Healthcare Cuts 31:21

1M ago31:21

31:21

We’re talking: WAYWARD’s No. 1 spot on Netflix, celeb sightings at The Corner Store, Figure Skating & Gymnastics on Peacock, bag etiquette, AI Trump posts, One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax breaks & healthcare cuts, what extreme gender ideology actually is, situationship ghosting, Libra season, Diet Coke with Lime, and ponytails in baseball hats. Tikt…

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Dr. Jessica Douthwaite on the exhibition – John le Carré: Tradecraft 44:01

1M ago44:01

44:01

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jessica Douthwaite to the show. Jessica is the co-curator of the new exhibition being held by the Bodelian Libraries showing off some of the materials the library has in the John le Carré archive. We talk about how Jessica became involved, what a curator does, and how the exhibition became focused on le Carré’s resea…

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From WAYWARD Teen to Comedy Legend with Mae Martin 51:55

1M ago51:55

51:55

Comedian, actor, and writer Mae Martin joins the podcast for a wild ride through their journey — from discovering Ace Ventura as a kid, to cutting their teeth in comedy clubs, to creating the hit Netflix series Wayward. In this episode, Mae opens up about how identity, rejection, and resilience have shaped their comedy and storytelling, and why Way…

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Tu'er Shen 57:06

1M ago57:06

57:06

In today's episode, we discuss the Daoist god Tu'er Shen, who is considered to be a patron god of homosexuality. Join us to learn about intimacy between men in 18th century China, a secret gay statue, and one Daoist priest's desire to create a safe space for queer youth. Check out our website, where you can find our sources, as well as everything t…

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The Non-Rapture, JVN on FOX News, Mariah Carey’s “Here For It All” 48:37

2M ago48:37

48:37

We’re talking: JVN’s singing career crossover, the Rapture (or lack thereof), our FOX News feature, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 Premiere, razor blade COVID, NDM-CRE bacteria, the dismantling of our Healthcare System, Government Shutdown, Jimmy Kimmel’s return (except Quincy, IL), Mariah Carey’s 16th studio album Here For It All, find…

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Warrior Women & RJ Stewart: Xena and Gabrielle's Impact on 90s TV 1:21:33

2M ago1:21:33

1:21:33

Join hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem for an exciting episode as they take an in-depth look at the legendary 90s TV show, Xena: Warrior Princess. This episode features special guests RJ Stewart, head writer and co-creator of the series, and Anna Schekel, an artist and lifelong Xena fan. The discussion covers the evolution and impact of …

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JVN Gets a Lesson in Singing & Finding Confidence with Vocal Coach Cheryl Porter 54:19

2M ago54:19

54:19

Vocal coach, and now Broadway star in “& Juliet.”, Cheryl Porter sits down with Jonathan Van Ness for an unforgettable voice lesson that’s about more than just singing. Cheryl doesn’t just teach notes — she teaches confidence, positivity, and how to let go of shame to truly find your voice. They dive into Cheryl’s decades long career in Italy, watc…

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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – 50 years, 50 facts – 11 to 20 1:08:57

2M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

In this episode we continue to celebrate 50 years of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by counting up to 50 interesting things about the book. For numbers eleven to twenty point five I’m welcoming Matthew Bradford back to the podcast. We talk that about some of our favorite characters in the novel. From Connie Sachs to George Smiley, we cover them all. All…

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LGB Separation, Haircuts & Mental Health, Practical Magic 2 24:19

2M ago24:19

24:19

We’re talking: Jeffree Star & the LGB separation, Larry the Cat updates, StyleFix Stick Launch at JVN Hair, rewatching Designing Women, our favorite Britney Spears clips, haircuts & mental health, and Practical Magic 2. Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris New video epis…

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How To Actually Make An Impact with Rep. Jasmine Crockett 52:23

2M ago52:23

52:23

What happens when a razor-sharp elected official and a relentlessly curious host sit down to discuss what it takes to make lasting change? This week, JVN is joined by the unstoppable Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett — U.S. Representative from Texas, lawyer, lay it on the line truth-teller, and rising voice in the Democratic Party. Together, they unpa…

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JVN talks NYFW, Updates on the Epstein Birthday Book, Mariah Carey in the Amazon 22:48

2M ago22:48

22:48

We’re talking: gun violence, New York Fashion Week Hair, Sylvia Browne resurgence, fist fights on the FYP, Epstein’s Birthday Book, pink dolphins, and Mariah Carey in the Amazon. Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wedn…

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Sherlock Holmes 1:15:34

2M ago1:15:34

1:15:34

Today's episode is on Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic consulting detective! Join us as we talk about aromanticism, turn-of-the-century masculinity,and whether Watson is, in fact, a woman. Link to the article Watson was a Woman? discussed in the episode Check out our website, where you can find our sources, as well as everything the…

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89. From Poached to Protected: Exploring Sea Turtle Fact & Folklore In Costa Rica 46:46

2M ago46:46

46:46

Seated in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is Finca Ganadito, an eco-living space committed to regenerative agriculture and increasing biodiversity. But their work doesn’t stop with the birds and soil — it extends to the seas, with impressive efforts to protect sea turtles.Rob "Tortugo" — known locally as the “sea turtle man” — is a key player in th…

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Season 4 Premiere | Epic 90s Challenge: Xena vs Buffy TV Showdown 32:03

2M ago32:03

32:03

"Listeners, what would be the answer for you? Is it Buffy or Xena?” Welcome to Season Four of 80s TV Ladies with hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem. In this episode, we dive into a nostalgic showdown between two iconic 90s TV heroines: Xena, the Warrior Princess, and Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. Susan and Sharon discuss the origins, cultura…

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Make Oversharing Your Superpower with Tefi Pessoa 53:02

2M ago53:02

53:02

What happens when two professional oversharers get together? Pure magic... and a little chaos. JVN is joined by the incomparable Tefi Pessoa — culture commentator, internet big sister, and now host of her brand-new podcast Tefi Talks. Come for the tea, stay for the wisdom, and leave with a little extra permission to embrace your inner oversharer. T…

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Queer Betrayal in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy 48:26

2M ago48:26

48:26

In this episode, we continue our year long look at Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Tiffany Babb. We talk about her article “Because He Loved You”: The Queer Betrayal of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. We explore how queerness is portrayed in the novel, the complex relationship between Bill and Jim, and why le Carré’s approach stands out from other spy fi…

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Clearing Up the GOP's Smoke Screen Defense of Women’s Rights + Epstein Victims Speak Out 35:46

2M ago35:46

35:46

We’re talking: See You Next Tuesday’s, Creative Arts Emmy Awards 2025, aging out of concerts, the Epstein victims at the capitol building, US Open underdog stories, and answering your listener questions. Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris New video episodes Getting Bet…

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FRIENDSHIP, LAUGHTER, AND LEGENDARY LADIES | OUR SEASON 4 PREVIEW 8:24

2M ago8:24

8:24

“It’s not just because it’s a masterclass in comedy or because it has one of the greatest television theme songs of all time, I think it’s because it’s about friendship.” Get ready for a brand new season of 80s TV Ladies! In this special sneak peek, hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem dish out all the details on what’s coming up in Season …

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Aly & AJ: Gun Reform in America, 20 Years of Music, and a DCOM Sequel? 51:40

2M ago51:40

51:40

It took too long, it took too long, it took too long - for Aly & AJ to come on the pod! What keeps a band together for 20 years? How do sisters turn harmonies into a creative language all their own? And what does it look like to balance joy, artistry, and activism while living life on the road? This week, JVN sits down with Aly & AJ to celebrate tw…

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Our Game by John le Carré Explored – Part 2 34:34

2M ago34:34

34:34

In this episode, novelist Michael Idov returns to discuss John le Carré’s novel Our Game. Michael has written for numerous publications, was the Editor in chief of GQ Russia, is also a screenwriter and director and author of the new spy novel The Collaborators. We talk about where Our Game should fit in the le Carré canon and what is going on in Ru…

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Cardi B In Court, Benson Boone Sings Adele, Nancy Mace’s Anti-Trans Attacks Explained 35:23

2M ago35:23

35:23

This week, we're talking: medical misinformation, Anna Wintour sightings, the US Open, Benson Boone Kelly Clarkson-ing Adele, Nancy Mace’s anti-trans rhetoric, Princess Diana’s time capsule, answering late night texts, “Man’s Best Friend,” and the joy of autumn. Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior prod…

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Gavin Arthur and the Circle of Sex 55:09

2M ago55:09

55:09

In today's episode, we're discussing the Circle of Sex, a 1960s astrological representation of sexuality, and its eccentric creator Gavin Arthur. Join us to hear about how to have sex à la Walt Whitman, how to figure out if you're a Sappho or a Club Woman, and whether there is a faint possibility, just maybe, that the Circle is a tiny bit flawed. I…

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RERUN: Say Gay! Exploring LGBTQ Representation in 70s, 80s, and 90s TV | Matt Baume 1:05:07

3M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Dive into the fascinating world of LGBTQ representation in 70s, 80s, and 90s television with hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem on '80s TV Ladies.' This special summer rerun, featuring expert Matt Baume, highlights iconic queer moments and characters. Originally aired on June 7th, 2023, the episode covers groundbreaking shows like 'Bewitc…

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Will Cancer Ever Be Cured? An Oncologist Weighs In 53:35

3M ago53:35

53:35

What really causes cancer? Will we ever find a cure? And why does our mistrust of medicine and obsession with big pharma conspiracies have such a grip on the way we think about it? In this episode, Jonathan Van Ness sits down with oncologist Dr. Stacy Wentworth to explore the biggest questions surrounding cancer—what science can tell us, what it ca…

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Gerrymandering in Texas and HIV Criminalization Battles 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

This week on The Monday Edit we’re talking: the Hurricane Katrina documentary, Amanda Seales & Jubilee, Texas & California redistricting, HIV segregation in prisons, and the Correct the Map campaign,. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: ⁠www.patreon.com/jvn⁠ Follow us on Ins…

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RERUN: Reflecting on Scarecrow and Mrs. King: An Interview with Martha Smith 1:19:24

3M ago1:19:24

1:19:24

In this episode, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson revisit season one, episode six of 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King,' originally launched on September 28, 2022. The rerun features actress Martha Smith, the first actress/celebrity guest on 80s TV Ladies. They dive into Smith's experiences and roles, from her motion picture debut in 'Animal Hou…

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Are They a Walking Red Flag? Case Kenny on Maturity, Relationships, and Self Worth 48:27

3M ago48:27

48:27

JVN sat down with Case Kenny, host of the podcast New Mindset, Who Dis?, to talk all things dating, relationships, self-worth, and confidence. Together, they dive into the surprising power of language, how the words we use shape our lives, and what it really takes to build healthy relationships in today’s world.From unpacking the ways straight men …

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Same-Sex Marriage Rights, JVN’s Gilded Age Finale Breakdown, 3I/ATLAS 35:53

3M ago35:53

35:53

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn This week on The Monday Edit: Kim Davis Lore, Same-Sex Marriage Rights, our comprehensive breakdown of the Season 3 Finale of Gilded Age, 3I/ATLAS, TikTok's on our algorithm, listener questions, and our HBOTW! Follow us…

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88. Understanding And Healing Religious Trauma With Ann Russo (LCSW, MA Theology) 57:16

3M ago57:16

57:16

Is there an ethical way to do religion? That’s one of the many topics we explore in the newest podcast episode with Ann Russo, LCSW, founder and clinical director of AMR Therapy. As a queer phycologist with a MA in Theology, Ann speaks to what religious trauma is, how it affects the body and brain, and how to navigate and heal from religious trauma…