Best Stories by Christopher Smith Podcasts (2025)

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The Plaidchat: Hilary Yager & the September Issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine 54:31

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24h ago54:31

54:31

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Hilary Yager who is the Program Director of Kind Wins at the Washington International Horse Show. I also talk to Plaid Horse Magazine Deputy Editor Marley Lie…

201
STANFORD SERIAL KILLER // John Author Getreu 38:58

2d ago38:58

38:58

John Author Getreu was the son of an Army Sergeant Major. John committed a heinous crime while a dependent at a German installation and after serving time was deported back to the U.S. He found himself in California. He married twice and appeared to be living his best life, until he was tied to 2 murders in the 1970s at Stanford. This is the story …

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Michael Beach Nichols: Perfect Wife 1:03:52

3d ago1:03:52

1:03:52

Most of us have heard about Sherri Papini. She’s the woman who faked her own kidnapping in 2016, which terrified her husband and soon sparked outrage in her Northern California community. Michael Beach Nichols is the director and producer of the Hulu series, “Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini.” He tells US about his experi…

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735 Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (with Mark Hussey) | My Last Book with Graham Watson 1:23:55

2d ago1:23:55

1:23:55

Jacke talks to author Mark Hussey (Mrs Dalloway: Biography of a Novel) about Virginia Woolf's beloved novel Mrs Dalloway, which turned 100 earlier this year. PLUS author Graham Watson (The Invention of Charlotte Bronte) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup open thr…

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Conversations - David Agranoff 1:19:40

3d ago1:19:40

1:19:40

This in-depth interview explores the work and creative philosophy of author David Agranoff, known for blending horror, science fiction, and political commentary. The discussion covers his literary influences—ranging from heavy metal and punk rock to authors like Alistair MacLean and Philip K. Dick—and how they inform his fast-paced, visceral writin…

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The Wrong Side Of The Argument: Employment Attorney Talks Charlie Kirk Fallout 14:01

5d ago14:01

14:01

In this week's Legal Speak episode, labor and employment law attorney Michael Elkins of MLE Law offers feedback on how lawyers should approach fallout surrounding the September 10th assassination of American right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk. Hosts: Cedra Mayfield & Patrick Smith Guest: Michael Elkins Producer: Charles Garnar…

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Ken Krome by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services 25:43

5d ago25:43

25:43

Piper speaks with legendary course designer Ken Krome about the upcoming Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse Guest: Ken Krome has been involved with horses his whole life, having grown up on his family’s farm. He earned a rodeo…

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Anastasia Kobekina on Bach's Cello Suites | Gramophone Podcast 38:25

5d ago38:25

38:25

In this week's Gramophone Podcast, cellist Anastasia Kobekina talks about her new recording of one of the most revered series of works for her instrument - Bach's Solo Cello Suites. While the album isn't released by Sony Classical until next Friday (September 26), three movements are already available as singles, and in this side ranging conversati…

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734 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (#16 GBOAT) | 1925 - A Literary Encyclopedia (with Tom Lutz) 56:09

7d ago56:09

56:09

Jacke talks to author Tom Lutz about 1925: A Literary Encyclopedia, which provides a fascinating window into a year when literature was arguably at its peak centrality. PLUS a look at J.R.R. Tolkien and his influential Lord of the Rings, #16 on the list of the Greatest Books of All Time. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup open th…

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Conversations - Greg F. Gifune 1:31:24

8d ago1:31:24

1:31:24

In this in-depth conversation, acclaimed horror author Greg F. Gifune discusses his literary journey, publishing experiences, writing philosophy, and the psychological themes that define his work. From early magazine publications to film adaptations, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the mind of one of dark fiction’s most nuanced storyt…

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Plaidcast in Person at Sweet Briar College with Mimi Wroten, President Hutson, Dr. Alyson Ainsworth & Dr. Christopher Smith 1:25:50

8d ago1:25:50

1:25:50

Piper hosts Plaidcast in Person in front of a live studio audience at Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA with guests Mimi Wroten, President Mary Pope Maybank Hutson, Dr. Alyson Ainsworth & Dr. Christopher Smith. Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse Guest: Mimi Wroten is the director of the riding program and head coach of the Sweet B…

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CAMP PENDLETON // Josephine Jimenez (CA v. Codi Slayton) 44:42

10d ago44:42

44:42

The search for missing 16-year old Josephine Jimenez lasted 10 days. When her body was discovered in an orchard - suspicion quickly fell on a local boy she hung out with the day she vanished. But a call from NCIS investigating a sextortion scheme by one of their own marines flipped the case on its head. Dig in with Margot, as she tells you this tra…

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Bryan Burrough: The Gunfighters 50:22

10d ago50:22

50:22

We’ve heard from my buddy Bryan Burrough before for one of his Audible books based on a true crime story. His new book is very different. It’s called The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild. Enough said. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/4gF2K18 See more information on my boo…

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733 Haruki Murakami (with Mike Palindrome | To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (#17 GBOAT) | A Letter from Tehran 1:24:11

10d ago1:24:11

1:24:11

Haruki Murakami (b. 1949) is one of the rare writers who combines literary admiration with widespread appeal. Host Jacke Wilson is joined by lifelong Murakami fan Mike Palindrome to discuss what makes his novels so compelling, so mysterious, and so popular. Works discussed include The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and …

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Here's How To Leverage ChatGPT For Legal Marketing 18:59

12d ago18:59

18:59

In this week's Legal Speak episode, Spotlight Marketing and Branding Co-Founder Danny Decker reveals three steps attorneys and law firm operators can deploy to help attract potential clients via ChatGPT. In addition to explaining a shift in how users seeking legal information are leveraging generative AI, the North Carolina-based marketing expert s…

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Havens Schatt by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services 44:08

12d ago44:08

44:08

Piper speaks with top hunter rider and trainer Havens Schatt of Milestone Farm about her most recent big win at HITS Hudson Valley in the $200,000 ClipMyHorse.TV Hunter Classic and her approach on bringing along green horses. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse Guest: Havens Schatt is…

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732 The Bible (#18 GBOAT) | The Diaries of Samuel Pepys (with Kate Loveman) | Health Advice 1:13:35

14d ago1:13:35

1:13:35

Jacke starts the episode by looking at the different ways that ten writers have viewed the Bible, #18 on the list of the Greatest Books of All Time. Then he's joined by scholar Kate Loveman, one of the few people in the world who's been able to read the diaries of Samuel Pepys in the original shorthand, for a discussion of her book The Strange Hist…

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Composer John Rutter: a birthday conversation 56:00

14d ago56:00

56:00

One of the most-performed composers of our time, Sir John Rutter, celebrates his 80th birthday on September 24. To mark the occasion Harmonia Mundi has released an album of his choral music sung by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, directed by Graham Ross – ‘John Rutter: A Clare College Celebration’. And next week Decca releases an all-orchest…

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The Plaidchat: Sonja Ochadlik on Pony Jumpers 35:01

15d ago35:01

35:01

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Piper speaks with Sonja Ochadlik about the exciting growth of the pony jumper divisions at USEF Pony Finals this year. Listen in and share with friends! Host: Piper Klemm, publisher o…

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James Polchin: Shadow Men 59:21

17d ago59:21

59:21

Our story this week is set in the 1920s in Westchester County, New York…it’s a Jazz Age mystery. A young ex-sailor is found dead on a desolate road. A suspect from a wealthy family admits to the murder, but he claims that he was trying to protect a dangerous secret. Author James Polchin’s book, Shadow Men unravels a mystery more than a century old.…

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731 The Brothers Karamazov Reclaimed (#19 Greatest Book of All Time) 1:21:06

17d ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Responding to a special request from a listener, Jacke discusses Fyodor Dostoevsky, his novel The Brothers Karamazov, and the search for meaning in a meaningless world. This episode was originally released as episode #250 on October 7, 2020. For reasons Jacke discusses, it has not been available for several years. One show note: at several points i…

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Hinckley Allen's Jim Tuxbury on Winning the Largest SOX Settlement Ever and How It Took a Decade to Cut Through the Red Tape 37:10

20d ago37:10

37:10

Jim Tuxbury is a litigator at Boston-based firm Hinckley Allen. In 2014, he picked up a ‘whistleblower’ case against SunEdison and its owned subsidiaries, Terraform Global and Terraform Power, brought by the former president and CEO of both companies, Carlos Domenech Zornoza. Zornoza was fired shortly after attempting to go to SunEdison about what …

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Tonya Johnston's Inside Your Ride- Mental Skills Q & A Part 2 by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services 58:58

19d ago58:58

58:58

Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach answers more mental skills for riding questions from our listeners. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services Sponsors: Purina, Washington International Horse Show, Great…

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Money Matters 334- The Man Behind the 4% Rule W/ Bill Bengen 20:31

19d ago20:31

20:31

🎙️ Episode #334 – The Man Behind the 4% Rule: Bill Bengen on Inflation, Flexibility, and a Richer Retirement What if the greatest risk to your retirement portfolio isn't a market crash—but inflation? In this episode of Money Matters, Christopher Hensley, RICP®, sits down with Bill Bengen, the creator of the legendary 4% Rule for safe withdrawal rat…

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Tiffany Earley-Spadoni, "Landscapes of Warfare: Urartu and Assyria in the Ancient Middle East" (UP of Colorado, 2025) 58:49

20d ago58:49

58:49

Landscapes of Warfare: Urartu and Assyria in the Ancient Middle East (University Press of Colorado, 2025) by Dr. Tiffany Earley-Spadoni offers an in-depth exploration of the Urartian empire, which occupied the highlands of present-day Turkey, Armenia, and Iran in the early first millennium BCE. Lesser known than its rival, the Neo-Assyrian empire, …

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730 "To Autumn" by John Keats | The Invention of Charlotte Brontë (with Graham Watson) | My Last Book with Sara Charles 1:06:20

21d ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Jacke looks forward to a new season by exploring the language and imagery of John Keats's famous ode to autumn. Then he talks to Graham Watson about his new book The Invention of Charlotte Brontë: A New Life, which tells the story of how how Charlotte reinvented herself as an acclaimed author, a mysterious celebrity, and a passionate lover. PLUS Sa…

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The Plaidchat: TPH August Cover Story Harlow Bottarini & Dr. Stefanie Mazer, PsyD 44:51

22d ago44:51

44:51

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with TPH August cover story Harlow Bottarini and longtime hunter/jumper trainer and psychologist, Dr. Stefanie Mazer. Listen in and share with your friends! Host: …

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Rowan Pierce on recording Bach, Handel and Vivaldi | Gramophone Podcast 28:44

22d ago28:44

28:44

Soprano Rowan Pierce joins Jonathan Whiting to reflect on the intimacy of making chamber-scale Baroque music without a conductor, the challenges of Bach’s expansive recitatives, and the almost operatic drama of Handel’s 'Tra le fiamme'. She also speaks about her long collaboration with Ashley Solomon, the ensemble’s director, and about finding new …

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Dan Slater: The Incorruptibles 59:01

24d ago59:01

59:01

New York in the early 1900s was filled with people trying to make their lives better. But for many, the rise of organized crime kept them in constant fear. On the Lower East Side, Jewish criminals from Eastern Europe formed crime syndicates. There were gangs of horse poisoners, casino owners, thieves and thugs. But then a group of Jewish uptowners …

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729 Milton the Revolutionary (with Orlando Reade) | My Last Book with Jodi Picoult | More Exciting News 1:07:45

24d ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Since the publication of John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost in 1667, readers and critics have noted the relationship between the poem and the author's political and personal struggles. What has been less prominent - at least until now - is how the poem came to haunt various political struggles over the next four centuries. In this episode, Jacke…

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Conversations - The Book Graveyard 1:00:43

24d ago1:00:43

1:00:43

The Paperback Warrior collides with The Book Graveyard for another "Guide to Gothics" episode. On this show, Eric and Nick discuss a 1972 Dell Gothic paperback titled, "Decoy in Diamonds". The episode includes a review of the book, discussion of the author Natalie Gates, the Cincinnati Reds, the New York Giants, and a showcase of 10 Gothic paperbac…

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HEADLINES // Fort Stewart And The Montana Bar Shooting, FL Teen Killed Parents, 1974 Cold Case Solved, A Marine Allegedly Spikes Drink With Abortion Pills? 43:38

25d ago43:38

43:38

These are 5 of the top headlines in military news. NOTE: All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Today I cover these 5 headlines: -August 2025 Fort Stewart Mass Shooting (all victims survived) -Montana Owl Bar Shooting and Manhunt -14-year old Allegedly Shot His Parents Then Called 911 From A Church -1974 German Cold Case Fi…

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Composer Jake Heggie on 25 years of writing operas 33:28

26d ago33:28

33:28

Composer jake Heggie joins Hattie Butterworth to speak about the recording release of ‘Intelligence’, an opera premiered at Houston Grand Opera in 2023 and out now on the LSO Live label. They also look back on 25 years since Heggie’s first opera ‘Dead Man Walking’ was premiered and ahead to a new production of the work at English National Opera in …

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Brianne Goutal-Marteau & Archie Cox by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services 42:41

26d ago42:41

42:41

Piper speaks with top trainers Brianne Goutal-Marteau and Archie Cox about the upcoming 2025 Washington International Horse Show, presented by MARS Equestrian™. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse Guest: Brianne Goutal-Marteau grew up competing at the Washington International Horse Sh…

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Special Episode: Michael Tokaruk on Green Incentive & Derby Finals by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services 36:14

28d ago36:14

36:14

Piper speaks with top rider, trainer and judge Michael Tokaruk about this year's Green Incentive and Derby Finals. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse Guest: Michael Tokaruk is a top rider, trainer and judge who also runs a training and sales business, Tokaruk Show Stables, out of Ten…

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The Plaidchat: Dr. Anna Pesta Dunaway of Purina Animal Nutrition 34:59

29d ago34:59

34:59

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Dr. Anna Pesta Dunaway of Purina Animal Nutrition about some common myths in equine nutrition. Listen in and share with your friends! Host: Piper Klemm, publi…

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BORDER PATROL SERIAL KILLER // Juan David Ortiz 55:13

1M ago55:13

55:13

In 2018, Border Patrol agent Juan David Ortiz was unmasked as a serial killer in Laredo, Texas. Over the course of two weeks, he brutally murdered four women—Melissa Ramirez, Claudine Anne Luera, Guiselda Alicia Cantu, and Janelle Ortiz—targeting vulnerable victims he lured into his truck. His crimes sent shockwaves through the community and raised…

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Walter Scheidel, "What Is Ancient History?" (Princeton UP, 2025) 59:20

1M ago59:20

59:20

It’s easy to think that ancient history is, well, ancient history—obsolete, irrelevant, unjustifiably focused on Greece and Rome, and at risk of extinction. In What Is Ancient History?, Walter Scheidel presents a compelling case for a new kind of ancient history—a global history that captures antiquity’s pivotal role as a decisive phase in human de…

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Tanya Talaga: The Knowing 56:48

1M ago56:48

56:48

If you’ve ever dug deep into your family history, you know that there are sometimes surprises. Author Tanya Talaga discovered that the life of her great-great grandmother Annie Carpenter was mostly unknown because she was Indigenous. It’s a struggle that many Indigenous people in Canada have: how do you learn about your family’s past without crucia…

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728 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (#20 GBOAT) | Lorraine Hansberry - RECLAIMED 1:30:35

1M ago1:30:35

1:30:35

As part of the "25 for '25" series, Jacke starts the episode with a look at #20 on the list of Greatest Books of All Time, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain. Then he reclaims a previous episode devoted to Lorraine Hansberry, author of A Raisin in the Sun, a brilliant playwright who died at the tragically young age of 34. (The Hansbe…

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Episode 124: William R. Cox 28:10

1M ago28:10

28:10

This podcast episode features William R. Cox, a prolific author of over 1,000 pulp stories known for his crime-fiction, sports, and western novels. It also includes a review of a 1967 vintage suspense-thriller by John Farris. Listen today! Follow all the vintage fiction reviews, articles, and video links on PaperbackWarrior.com…

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Hanson Bridget's Kristina Lawson on Leading (and Growing) During Tumult 41:29

1M ago41:29

41:29

In this week's Legal Speak episode, Samson Amore speaks with Hanson Bridgett managing partner Kristina Lawson, who has been the CEO of the Am Law 200 firm since 2020. Lawson spoke with us about her role shepherding the California-based firm through numerous political and environmental crises. She also shared her perspective on Hanson Bridgett's fut…

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David Reichert by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services 47:00

1M ago47:00

47:00

Piper speaks with David Reichert of the United Dressage and Jumping Club on how they are trying to change the way we train and compete at horse shows in the United States. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse Guest: David Reichert is a German-born professional rider and trainer who has…

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Cellist Alisa Weilerstein on recording new concertos by Gabriela Ortiz and Richard Blackford 23:58

1M ago23:58

23:58

During the 2024-25 season, Alisa Weilerstein premiered three new cello concertos – Richard Blackford’s The Recovery of Paradise (which she has recorded for Pentatone with the Czech Philharmonic conducted by Tomáš Netopil), Gabriela Ortiz’s Dzonot (recorded for Platoon with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel) and Thomas Larcher’s Retur…

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727 Earthly Paradise in Old French Verse (with Jacob Abell) | My Last Book with Victorian Literature Expert Allen MacDuffie | A Dueling Neapolitan Passionate for Poetry 1:04:12

1M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

What happened to Eden? While today we might view the story of Adam and Eve as metaphorical, for many generations of Christians, the Earthly Paradise was a vibrant symbol at the heart of the cosmos. In this episode, Jacke talks to Jacob Abell about his book Spiritual and Material Boundaries in Old French Verse: Contemplating the Walls of the Earthly…

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL // How To Protect Your Kids Online (with Expert Tom Arnold) 52:23

1M ago52:23

52:23

In this special episode, Margot is joined by Tom Arnold, a cybersecurity expert and author of the children's book 'The Digital Detective'. The duo discusses the importance of protecting kids online, especially during the back-to-school season. They highlight real-life frightening cases involving Roblox, emphasizing the need for parents to be vigila…

Stories By Christopher Smith Podcasts