Best Rachaels First Week Podcasts (2025)

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Ashes Boxing Day Test: Day 2 Wrap - England's Insignificant Win 26:31

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8m ago26:31

26:31

England have finally won a Test in Australia — but on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test, the result is overshadowed by a surface that turned the match into a two-day lottery. This episode breaks down how a disastrous MCG pitch distorted the contest, cost Cricket Australia millions, and robbed fans of what should be a marquee Test match. It covers Austra…

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Ashes Boxing Day Test: Day 1 Wrap - Record Crowd Watches Test Spiral Out of Control 22:47

32m ago22:47

22:47

A jaw-dropping Day 1 at the MCG saw 20 wickets fall in front of a record Boxing Day crowd, with both Australia and England bowled out in a single day on a controversial, grass-laden pitch. Menners breaks down how Australia were skittled for 152, England collapsed for 110 in just 2.5 hours, and why the state of the surface has put Cricket Australia …

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Ashes Boxing Day Test: Selection Calls, Noosa Fallout & Why Australia Are Clear Favourites 23:20

5d ago23:20

23:20

Recorded on Christmas Day, Menners jumps on Cricket Unfiltered to react to a flood of news ahead of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. He breaks down Australia’s likely XI, selection calls around Cameron Green, Usman Khawaja and the bowling attack, and why Steve Smith’s comments on the MCG pitch matter. There’s also a blunt assessment of England’s spiralli…

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Australia Announce Boxing Day Ashes Squad — England Still Talking Shite 26:31

2d ago26:31

26:31

Australia retain the Ashes in record time and the reaction from England is every bit as messy as their cricket. Menners tears into Ben Stokes, Bazball spin, and the latest round of “moral victory” nonsense, before turning to Australia’s Boxing Day Ashes squad announcement. With injuries to Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins, the episode breaks down the lo…

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Ashes 3rd Test: Day 5 – Australia Embarrasses the Bazballers 24:46

4d ago24:46

24:46

Australia seal the Ashes in ruthless fashion, wrapping up the 3rd Test on Day 5 to go 3–0 up in just 11 days of cricket. Menners reacts to a dominant Australian performance, dismantling the Bazball narrative as England’s plans unravel once again. Mitchell Starc leads the charge on the final day, Alex Carey is deservedly named Player of the Match, a…

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Ashes 3rd Test: Day 4 Wrap - Lyon's Magic 21:46

5d ago21:46

21:46

Australia moved to the brink of retaining the Ashes with a dominant Day 4 performance in Adelaide. After setting England a daunting world-record chase, the match swung decisively in the final session as Pat Cummins ripped through the top order before Nathan Lyon produced a spell of elite off-spin to crush England’s resistance. Menners breaks down T…

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Ashes 3rd Test: Day 3 Wrap - Head Destroys Abysmal England Again! 22:48

6d ago22:48

22:48

Australia take complete control of the Adelaide Test as Travis Head and Alex Carey deliver a defining day with the bat, pushing England to the brink and all but sealing Ashes retention. Head’s commanding century and Carey’s composed support highlight a South Australian masterclass, while England’s tactics — and Bazball philosophy — unravel badly un…

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Ashes 3rd Test: Day 2 - Cummins and Lyon Destroy Hopeless Bazball Losers 28:04

7d ago28:04

28:04

Australia tightened their grip on the Ashes on Day 2 in Adelaide as England’s Bazball bravado collapsed once again. After Australia were bowled out for 371, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon returned with venom, ripping through England’s top order on a hot, flat pitch that should have favoured batting. England’s frustrations were compounded by ongoing DR…

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Ashes 3rd Test – Day 1: Carey Century Steals the Show 33:33

8d ago33:33

33:33

Australia finish Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test eight for 326 after a dramatic opening day in Adelaide, dominated by a superb hometown century from Alex Carey. With Steve Smith ruled out late due to vertigo, Usman Khawaja earns a reprieve and responds with a crucial 82 at number four, while England stay in the contest thanks largely to Australian soft…

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The Urn Before Christmas 56:53

15d ago56:53

56:53

Australia surge to a dominant 2–0 Ashes lead, and Menners and Damien break down everything from Hazlewood and Wood being ruled out, to selection headaches, England’s unraveling, and record-breaking TV ratings. They dive into Australia’s bowling depth, the Head/Weatherald opening debate, Baz McCullum’s pressure cooker, and why England’s tour is bord…

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Ashes 2nd Test Review: The Day After Australia’s Dominant Victory 40:28

18d ago40:28

40:28

It’s the day after Australia’s emphatic Ashes victory, and the mood is bright. Menners and Gav Joshi break down how Australia surged to a 2–0 lead with discipline, smarts and big moments—while England unravelled under pressure. They analyse Michael Neser’s dream Test, Alex Carey’s world-class keeping, Smith’s stunning catch, and the impact of Austr…

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Ashes 2nd Test Day 4: Australia Go 2–0 Up with Neser’s Magic & Smith’s Stunning Catch 20:39

22d ago20:39

20:39

Australia storm to a 2–0 Ashes lead after a dramatic Day 3 at the Gabba. Menners breaks down a dominant all-round performance: Michael Neser’s career-defining five-wicket haul, Steve Smith’s extraordinary match-turning slip catch, Alex Carey’s superb work behind the stumps, and England’s continued struggles under Bazball. From tense morning resista…

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Ashes 2nd Test Day 3 Wrap: A Day of Pure Mental Disintegration 20:31

19d ago20:31

20:31

Australia put on a clinic in old-fashioned Test match domination on Day 3 at the Gabba. A patient, grinding batting display — led by Mitchell Starc’s superb 77 — pushed the total to 511 before the bowlers ripped through England under lights. Mental disintegration, tactical brilliance, and relentless pressure defined the day as England collapsed fro…

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Ashes 2nd Test: Day 2 Wrap Weatherald Ignites Australia’s Charge 26:51

20d ago26:51

26:51

Australia finished Day 2 of the Second Ashes Test in a strong position after racing to 6/378 from just 73 overs, taking a 44-run lead over England. Jake Weatherald set the tone with a vibrant maiden Test fifty, supported by contributions from Labuschagne, Smith, and Green — though none went on to a defining score. England’s wayward bowling and five…

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Ashes 2nd Test: Gabba Day 1 Wrap 34:17

21d ago34:17

34:17

England recover from early trouble to reach 9/325 on Day 1 of the Gabba day-night Test, driven by a superb unbeaten century from Joe Root (135*) and a relentless spell from Mitchell Starc (6/71). Australia’s selection calls (no Lyon, Cummins rested) and a dramatic final-hour stall become key storylines, while standout fielding moments and some self…

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Ashes Second Test Preview: Australia’s Selection Puzzle & England Under Pressure 1:04:45

26d ago1:04:45

1:04:45

On the eve of the Second Ashes Test, Cricket Unfiltered breaks down all the chaos, controversy and selection intrigue surrounding Australia and England. Menners and Damian Watson dissect Australia’s secretive team decisions, including Usman Khawaja’s injury, the Travis Head opening experiment, and the possible return of Pat Cummins. England’s turmo…

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Ashes Mailbag: Cummins still out, Khawaja on the brink 33:34

26d ago33:34

33:34

Menners opens the Ashes Mailbag with breaking squad news as Pat Cummins’ fitness clouds the Second Test and Usman Khawaja’s place comes under serious scrutiny. Listener questions drive a wide-ranging episode: from Travis Head’s push to open and why Khawaja is running out of road, to English fan frustration after Perth and a brutal assessment of Baz…

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Ashes Mayhem: Tim Wigmore on England’s Crisis After the First Test 25:46

1M ago25:46

25:46

In this rapid-fire Ashes debrief, Menners is joined by journalist and author Tim Wigmore to unpack one of the most chaotic and unprecedented first Tests in Ashes history. They explore England’s collapse, Travis Head’s extraordinary fourth-innings burst, Mitchell Starc’s growing legacy as a great left-arm quick, and the rising scrutiny on Bazball af…

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Two-Day Test Madness: Australia Pulverise Bazball 32:17

1M ago32:17

32:17

Australia’s furious two-day demolition of England in Perth leaves the Ashes opener as one of the most remarkable Tests in modern history. Menners breaks down the carnage: Travis Head’s breathtaking fourth-innings century, Mitchell Starc’s 10-wicket masterpiece, Scott Boland’s match-turning spell, and the tactical blunders that left Bazball shattere…

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Ashes 1st Test: Day 2 Wrap – Head & Boland Demolish a Hapless England 29:06

1M ago29:06

29:06

A wild second day in Perth ends with Australia stealing a famous victory after a staggering post-lunch collapse from England. Travis Head blasts a legendary 123 from 83 balls to chase down 205 at better than a run-a-ball, while Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc rip through England to flip the match on its head. Manners breaks down the turning points:…

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Ashes 1st Test -Day 1 Wrap - Chaos in Perth 30:58

1M ago30:58

30:58

A wild opening day of the Ashes in Perth saw 19 wickets fall as Mitchell Starc ripped through England with a sensational 7/58, rescuing Australia’s depleted attack and setting the stadium alight. England were skittled for 172, but Australia failed to capitalise, collapsing to 9/121 at stumps after a brutal examination from Wood, Archer and Stokes —…

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Perth Test Eve: Australia Lock In Their XI 19:47

1M ago19:47

19:47

A day out from the first Ashes Test in Perth, Menners reports from outside the stadium with a full breakdown of Australia’s XI, the debut stories of Jake Wetherald and Brendan Doggett, and why the selectors “made a meal” of the opening position. He recaps Steve Smith’s press-conference sledge at Monty Panesar, Ben Stokes’ comments on Bazball and le…

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Ashes Week - From Burnout to The Oval Heroics with Ashley Giles 43:09

1M ago43:09

43:09

🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 Former England spinner Ashley Giles joins Menners for a wide-ranging Ashes Week conversation. Giles reflects on England’s optimism heading into this year’s series, compares today’s side with the 2005 Ashes team, and sh…

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Ashes Week - Can England Really Win Three Tests Here? 1:04:30

1M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

🌎Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ↣ https://nordvpn.com/cricketunfiltered It’s risk- free with Nord’s 30-day money back guarantee! 👍 It’s Ashes Week on Cricket Unfiltered, and Menners is joined by Gav Joshi for a full, fiery preview of Australia vs England. They break down the massive build-up, the fallout from Josh Hazlewood’s injury, Australia’s s…

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Emergency Ashes Update: Hazlewood OUT of First Test 21:59

1M ago21:59

21:59

Australia has been rocked on the eve of the Ashes with confirmation that Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the First Test, joining Pat Cummins on the sidelines. In this emergency episode, Menners breaks down what the injury means for Australia, how England will respond, and the huge opportunity now in front of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and d…

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Ashes 2025 Preview: Steve Smith in Form, Cummins Update & Remembering Barry Knight 1:03:11

2M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

With the Ashes just around the corner, Menners and Damian Watson dive head-first into the hype, headlines, and history — joined by English cricket writer Alex Bowden, co-author of The 50 Most Ridiculous Ashes Moments. The trio relive hilarious and chaotic Ashes memories, unpack the latest injury news and selection updates for both teams, and reflec…

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Ashes Update | Menners’ Apology, India’s Win & Keep the Ball Finally! 49:11

2M ago49:11

49:11

The Ashes countdown begins with Menners and Gav Joshi diving into all the cricket news from Australia and beyond. Menners opens the show with a rare apology to English fans after last week’s passionate rant — but the rivalry is heating up fast with the first Test just days away. The duo break down India’s T20 series win over Australia, dissect the …

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Ashes Squad Revealed | Waugh Blasts Selectors | Aussies Crash Out of World Cup 54:56

2M ago54:56

54:56

The Ashes squad is out — and the debates begin. Menners and Damian unpack the big selection calls, including Jake Weatherald’s surprise inclusion, Cameron Green vs Beau Webster, and Steve Waugh’s pointed criticism of George Bailey. They also discuss the fallout from Australia’s Women’s World Cup semi-final loss to India, Ashwin’s BBL injury blow, a…

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Rewind: In-Laws and Tricky Relationship Changes After Baby with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish ⁠⁠@drtracyd⁠⁠ 39:55

2M ago39:55

39:55

Have you ever found yourself navigating a tricky situation with your in-laws? In this conversation, Rachael interviews Dr. Tracy, a psychologist and couples therapist, all about the topic of in-laws and how they can affect relationships with significant others. Dr. Tracy provides lots of tips for communication and speaking up in uncomfortable situa…

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Ashes Form Guide: Smith, Doggett, and the All-Rounder Conundrum 50:06

2M ago50:06

50:06

In this week’s episode, Menners is joined by CricBlog’s Charbel Coorey to unpack all the major cricket stories dominating the headlines. The pair dive into Steve Smith’s sublime Shield century, Brendan Doggett’s match-winning return, and the selectors’ looming dilemma: Cameron Green vs Beau Webster. They also discuss the tragic death of young Victo…

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Smith to Lead Australia | Renshaw’s Test Hopes & ODI Wrap 1:02:08

2M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins has officially been ruled out of the first Ashes Test — so what does that mean for the team balance and leadership? Menners and Gav Joshi break down the implications, including Steve Smith’s return as captain, Renshaw’s push for selection, and early Shield form. The pair also unpack the India–Australia ODI serie…

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3I/ATLAS, CKM Syndrome, And Mosquitos’ Final Frontier 34:27

2M ago34:27

34:27

This week on Break It Down: a potential environmental trigger for autism has been identified, interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is doing weird things with its tail, 90 percent of people are at risk of a newly recognized syndrome, why we know the Denisovans didn’t hook up with the Jomon, as Iceland falls, mosquitos have just one place left on Earth they’…

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Rewind: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman 51:29

2M ago51:29

51:29

What does it mean to raise boys in a world where masculinity feels impossible to get right? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by author and cultural critic Ruth Whippman to talk about her powerful new book, BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity. We’re digging deep into the unspoken challenges of parenting boy…

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Menners Masterclass - Mike Whitney Returns 1:22:01

2M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

In this episode of Menners Masterclass, Andrew Menczel sits down with legendary Australian cricketer and TV personality Mike Whitney for part two of their conversation. Whitney reflects on his post-cricket life, including his successful media career hosting Sydney Weekender and Who Dares Wins, and shares how those unexpected turns shaped him beyond…

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Ashes 2025: Australia’s Top 6 Looks Locked In 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

Menners is joined by Gav Joshi to lock in Australia’s likely top six for the upcoming Ashes, debate whether Cameron Green should bat at three or four, and discuss how the selectors might balance form, fitness, and experience. They also assess Pat Cummins’ injury and Steve Smith’s return, highlight emerging pace options like Jack Edwards and Matt Ke…

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Rewind: We Have Good Reason to Be Angry with Yara Heary 42:09

2M ago42:09

42:09

Did you feel totally unprepared for just how angry you might feel after becoming a mom? You’re not alone. In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychologist Yara Heary to unpack why anger shows up so often in early motherhood and why it’s not something to feel ashamed of. Together, they explore the identity shifts that happen postpartum, the stra…

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Broad’s Absurd Claim Meets Menners’ Fury 51:12

3M ago51:12

51:12

Menners and Damien Watson unpack a massive week in cricket — from Kerry O’Keeffe’s bold Ashes XI and the ongoing “Marnus dilemma,” to the Sheffield Shield bat-off, injuries testing Australia’s bowling depth, and Rachel Haynes’ news on Babar Azam. They also react to Stuart Broad’s claim that this is Australia’s “worst team since 2010,” debate Cummin…

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Summer Preview with Kerry O'Keefe, Ravi Shastri and Rachael Haynes 34:52

2M ago34:52

34:52

A huge summer of cricket is here, and Menners kicks things off with a packed episode recorded at the Kayo Sports and Fox Cricket launch. He breaks down Pat Cummins’ fitness update and selectors’ sensitivity over the story before chatting with three major names in the game — Ravi Shastri, Kerry O’Keefe, and Rachael Haynes. From Ashes insights to the…

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A Two-Headed Fossil, 50/50 Spider, And World-First Butt Drag 32:34

3M ago32:34

32:34

This week on Break It Down: 3I/ATLAS is a 10 billion-year-old time capsule, a world-first fossil captures the moment a rock hyrax dragged its butt 126,000 years ago, a living person received a pig liver transplant for the first time, the “oldest human habit” might not be what it seems, a rare gynandromorph spider is a 50/50 wonder, and what is this…

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Rewind: How to Fight for Your Rights at Work with Daphne Delvaux 49:01

3M ago49:01

49:01

In this episode, Rachael sits down with attorney and women’s rights advocate Daphne Delvaux to uncover what every working parent needs to know about their rights in the workplace. Known as The Mamattorney, Daphne has built her career fighting for fair treatment, equal pay, and family-friendly policies and she’s here to share the essential tools you…

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Cummins in Doubt: England’s Hopes Rise 51:31

3M ago51:31

51:31

Pat Cummins’ Ashes campaign is in serious doubt after scans revealed his back is still healing. Menners and Damien break down what this means for Australia’s summer — from who replaces Cummins to whether Steve Smith should retake the captaincy. They also dissect Mitch Marsh’s dominant series in New Zealand, the new white-ball squads for India, and …

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Ashwin's BBL Boost | Harjas Singh Smashes 314 | Batting Race Update 23:01

3M ago23:01

23:01

A lively solo episode from Menners recorded on a quiet Sydney Sunday night, packed with breaking cricket news and analysis. He begins by correcting his earlier take on Ravichandran Ashwin’s Big Bash availability, reacts to Harjas Singh’s record-shattering 314 in NSW Premier Cricket, and updates the Sheffield Shield batting race — weighing up conten…

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Mummified Cheetahs, Skin Cells Turn Into Eggs, And Almost Life On Enceladus 38:57

3M ago38:57

38:57

This week on Break It Down: the second oldest use of the color blue ever has been discovered in Europe dating back 13,000 years, “chemical fossils” suggest the oldest life on Earth may have been sponges 541 million years ago, skin cells have been turned into fertilizable egg cells thanks to some pretty nifty genetics research, the world’s first nat…

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Rewind: Fostering a Secure Attachment with Michelle Charriere 41:39

3M ago41:39

41:39

Rachael chats with birth-to-five mental health specialist Michelle Charriere about what it really takes to build (and repair) a secure attachment with your child. They cover the four attachment styles, why repair matters more than perfection, and how to choose childcare that supports connection...plus real talk on daycare and sleep training without…

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Ashwin’s Big Bash Stint, Pakistan Blocks NOCs & Lyon Leads NSW 45:05

3M ago45:05

45:05

Menners and Damian Watson cover a massive week of cricket: Ashwin’s short Big Bash stint, Pakistan’s NOC ban and its impact on overseas stars, Australia A’s mixed results in India, the Chappell–Hadlee T20 series build-up, and Nathan Lyon’s captaincy debut for NSW. They also break down the new injury sub rules in the Sheffield Shield, the start of t…

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Rewind: Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa & Xander Marin 36:30

3M ago36:30

36:30

Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa & Xander Marin Parenthood changes a lot, including your relationship. In this episode, Rachael sits down with New York Times bestselling authors (and real-life couple) Vanessa and Xander Marin to talk about keeping intimacy alive after kids, the infamous “roommate phase,” and why honest conversations abo…

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England Name Ashes Squad & Farewell Dickie Bird 37:31

3M ago37:31

37:31

In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, Menners and Damien Watson reflect on the life and legacy of legendary umpire Dickie Bird, who has passed away at 92. They break down England’s newly announced Ashes squad, weigh up the domestic cricket form lines ahead of the summer, and assess Australia’s batting order dilemmas. The show also covers the Women…

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Ashes Rivalry Heats Up with Jon Norman from Talksport 37:54

3M ago37:54

37:54

TalkSport’s Jon Norman joins to preview the Ashes in Australia. From England’s growing belief and Australia’s top-order questions, to the fallout from Lord’s and whether Bazball can deliver under pressure, Menners and Jon cover the big storylines shaping the rivalry. (1:15) – Jon Norman on Ashes hype and England’s best chance in years (5:21) – Less…

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Neanderthal Noises, Dome-Headed Dinosaurs, And Mystery Larvae 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

This week on Break It Down: Homo habilis might not have been the apex predator we thought it was, the oldest and most complete pachycephalosaur reveals why they were so weirdly dome-headed, we’ve been able to track an asteroid’s full life story for the first time, nobody knows what these mysterious larvae grow up to be, humans are in the middle of …

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Rewind: Bridging Separation at Bedtime with Dr. Gordon Neufeld 42:06

3M ago42:06

42:06

Bridging Separation at Bedtime with Dr. Gordon Neufeld ⁠@neufeldinstitute⁠ This week Rachael has a very special guest, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, to discuss the importance of attachment and the challenges parents face when it comes to bedtime and sleep. Dr. Neufeld is a renowned authority on child development and you will learn so much in this powerful ep…