Best SurTHRIVER Podcasts (2026)

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UBMC 236: NEW YEAR'S SURTHRIVAL GUIDE 1:20:18

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7h ago1:20:18

1:20:18

New Year, New Leigh and Lor (maybe). Moving into 2026, UBMC is set on one thing: SURTHRIVAL. We chat highlights and pitfalls of the past year, plans for the future, and share our magical pop culture guides for 2026. Keep an eye on our website - 2026 Lily Dale, NY Retreat Passes drop January 26th! LINKS: ⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠PATREON⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠UBMC IG⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LEIGH’S …

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Break Your Shell 9:39

9d ago9:39

9:39

Break Your Shell In this episode of Conversations with Thomas, Thomas shares a powerful story from his childhood about the moment he unknowingly absorbed the belief that money and happiness could not coexist. Decades later, that inherited message was still shaping his life in ways he never saw coming. Through therapy, coaching, and one very uncomfo…

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The Courage to Be Stupid 10:54

25d ago10:54

10:54

The Courage to Be Stupid We spend so much of life trying not to look foolish. We polish our words, perfect our image, and perform certainty — all to hide the places we feel unsure. But what if the moments we call stupid are actually moments of sacred openness? In this tender conversation, Thomas explores the lifelong pattern of masking vulnerabilit…

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UBMC 235: GHOST BUSTING WITH BRIDGET MARQUARDT 1:14:11

22d ago1:14:11

1:14:11

Say hello to the Ghost Bunny herself! UBMC sits down with pop-culture icon Bridget Marquardt to discuss The Playboy Mansion, haunted Hollywood, paranormal investigations, and Lily Dale experiences. Keep an eye on our website - 2026 Retreat Passes drop January 26th! WATCH PART ONE OF OUR GHOST BUNNY COLLAB HERE! LINKS: Ghost Bunny Podcast YouTube Gh…

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UBMC 234: WILD AT HEART 1:29:12

30d ago1:29:12

1:29:12

Welcome to the fifth annual NIC CAGE NOVEMBER! This year, we wade deep into strange waters with David Lynch’s 1990 neo-noir black comedy crime film Wild at Heart. It's an episode full of cigarettes, fire, and frivolity, with Lor’s potty mouth on full display. WATCH PART ONE OF OUR GHOST BUNNY COLLAB HERE! LINKS: ⁠WEBSITE PATREON ⁠UBMC IG⁠ ⁠LEIGH’S …

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SurThriving - The Space Between 14:02

1M ago14:02

14:02

What if thriving isn’t the opposite of surviving? In this episode, Thomas explores the beautiful tension between the two, a hybrid he calls SurThriving. With warmth, humor, and a dose of neuroscience, he unpacks how endurance becomes evolution and how survival itself can be sacred. Thomas shares a personal story from his memoir Little Fag: A Story …

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LifeQuakes 12:08

2M ago12:08

12:08

What if the moments that shook your world weren’t breakdowns at all, but breakthroughs in disguise? In this episode of Conversations with Thomas, we explore lifequakes—those soul-rattling events that crack open who we thought we were so something more authentic can emerge. Thomas shares a deeply personal story from his football years, where a singl…

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UBMC 233: ARMY OF DARKNESS (LIVE FROM ROCHESTER, NY) 30:49

2M ago30:49

30:49

Hail to the king, baby! In this week’s very special episode, Lor and Leigh join you live from The Little Theatre in Rochester, New York for a deep dive on 1992’s Army of Darkness and the Danse Macabre, a medieval artistic concept that reminds us all of the universality of death. Thank you to everyone at The Little for helping UBMC feel right at hom…

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Chasing Real Dopamine 7:56

2M ago7:56

7:56

S2E4: Chasing Real Dopamine In this episode of Conversations with Thomas, Thomas dives into our modern obsession with dopamine — that tiny “pleasure chemical” that makes scrolling, notifications, and binge-watching feel thrilling. He blends heart, humor, science, and neuroscience to explore the difference between cheap, rented hits and real dopamin…

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UBMC 232: EVIL DEAD (1981) & EVIL DEAD 2 (1987) 1:40:15

3M ago1:40:15

1:40:15

Since we're cracking open the doors to our first-ever live show watching Army of Darkness, we thought it was time for a refresher. In place of the usual magic lessons, Leigh and Lori walk through the bloody and bizarre plots of The Evil Dead (1981) and Evil Dead 2 (1987). Join in as we celebrate the legacy of Ash Williams, get a little handsy, and …

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Satisfyable AF 11:39

3M ago11:39

11:39

In this episode of Conversations with Thomas, Thomas dives into a surprisingly underrated life skill: being satisfyable—learning to feel genuinely content without endlessly chasing “more.” He blends heart, humor, science, and philosophy to explore how gratitude, presence, and boundaries on desire can transform your experience of life. He unpacks th…

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UBMC 231: LILY DALE '25 RECAP 2:06:18

3M ago2:06:18

2:06:18

Surprised to see us? Things may have seemed a bit quiet, but we’ve been BUSY behind the scenes. Listen as we recap Lily Dale ‘25, get a little bit emotional, and yap like we never left. We’re glad to be back, friends. COME SEE OUR VERY FIRST LIVE SHOW AT THE LITTLE IN ROCHESTER, NEW YORK! LINKS: WEBSITE PATREON UBMC IG LEIGH’S IG LORI’S IG THE RIGH…

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Listening as Your Accomplice 14:11

3M ago14:11

14:11

The Transformative Power of Deep Listening In this episode, Thomas (he/him) invites you into one of the most underrated life skills: listening, not just the polite nod or the distracted scroll, but listening as your accomplice, a transformative act that moves heart, mind and soul. Drawing from a powerful moment on a Maui, Hawai’i beach with a dream…

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Pop Quizzes from the Universe 16:47

4M ago16:47

16:47

Welcome to Season Two of Conversations with Thomas! This season is deeper, braver, and more brilliantly human—where we’ll laugh, reflect, and sit honestly with the lessons that life insists on repeating. In this first episode, Pop Quizzes from the Universe, we explore the idea that repetition is not failure—it’s refinement. Drawing on wisdom from M…

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Season 2 Trailer - Conversations That Heal, Awaken & Set You Free - Conversations with Thomas 1:15

4M ago1:15

1:15

Welcome to Season 2 of Conversations with Thomas—where healing gets louder, truth gets bolder, and your heart gets braver. 💫 This season kicks the door wide open on: + Emotional healing and generational transformation + Heart-centered coaching and soulful self-discovery + Breaking old stories and rewriting your truth + Queer wisdom, kindfulness, an…

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JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out 14:24

4M ago14:24

14:24

In this episode, Thomas dives into the antidote to modern life’s relentless hustle: JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out. He unpacks how the fear of missing out (FOMO) hijacks our brains, triggering stress and anxiety as we compare our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reels. Thomas explores how choosing JOMO is an intentional act of self-care…

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From Pressure To Power: Choice vs. Decision 15:07

5M ago15:07

15:07

Ever find yourself five decisions deep into a life that doesn’t feel like yours? In this episode we dive into the deceptively subtle—but wildly transformative—difference between making decisions and living by choice. (Spoiler: only one of them usually involves panic-sweating while pretending to be fine.) From neuroscience to spiritual wisdom, child…

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Pain Points to Your Power 15:36

5M ago15:36

15:36

In this episode of Conversations with Thomas, we get intimate with the emotional bruises that won’t stop showing up—the patterns, inner critics, and silent spirals that keep tugging at our peace. Thomas explores the concept of pain points—not just passing discomforts, but persistent sore spots that often hold the key to our healing and personal pow…

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Your Truth Doesn't Need Approval 19:38

6M ago19:38

19:38

In this bold, heartfelt, and hilariously honest episode, Thomas dives deep into the powerful realization that your truth doesn’t need to be applauded to be valid. With wisdom, wit, and a touch of science, he unpacks how approval-seeking can quietly hijack your identity—and what it really costs when you silence your truth to fit in. Drawing from his…

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Start with How You Failed 17:53

6M ago17:53

17:53

A Gentle Note Before You Begin to Listen This space holds truth—and sometimes, truth is tender. The story I share here includes reflections on suicidal thoughts and lived experiences with mental health struggles. If this is a sensitive subject for you, please honor your heart as you read or listen. You have full permission to pause, skip, or return…

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UBMC WITCH WHISPER 163: THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE 35:36

7M ago35:36

35:36

Leigh’s taking over all things TAROT! In the coming weeks, she'll work through the Major Arcana, deep-diving into the lore, interpretations, hidden meanings, and pop culture associations behind each card. Next up - The Wheel of Fortune, a card of luck, destiny, and cosmic cycles. RESOURCES: https://uscpr.org/StopGazaGenocide/ https://www.aclu.org/k…

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Flawsome 13:15

7M ago13:15

13:15

Best for: Humans. Especially the ones trying really hard not to be. Ever felt like a beautiful disaster wrapped in a hoodie of self-doubt? Good. You’re in the right place. In this heart-cracking, belly-laughing episode, Thomas explores the liberating concept of being flawsome—that sacred sweet spot where your mess meets your magic. Popularized by T…

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Rituals That Bind Us 12:24

7M ago12:24

12:24

Rituals That Bind Us In this soulful and insightful episode, Thomas Kevin Dolan explores the quiet power of ritual—the small, sacred acts that tether us to meaning, to one another, and to ourselves. Broadcasting from Honolulu, Hawai`i, Thomas begins with a heartfelt land acknowledgment and a warm welcome into a conversation that blends research, pe…

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UBMC 230: THE RETURN OF THE KING 1:26:00

7M ago1:26:00

1:26:00

Welcome to the Middle-earth celebration: week three—and the end of our epic journey! In this episode, the UBMC crew tackles the emotional wrecking ball that is 2003’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Expect ghost armies, dashing wigs, and daddy issues—plus a little unexpected help from an old friend. It’s our final stop in Middle-eart…

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UBMC 229: THE TWO TOWERS 1:26:08

8M ago1:26:08

1:26:08

Welcome to Middle-earth celebration: week two! In this episode, Leigh takes on the underrated plot of 2002’s The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, while Lor digs into the forest floor to explore the Slavic myth of the Leshy. FACT CHECKS: Gandalf is an Istari, an angelic being (Maiar) sent to Middle-earth as a wizard during the Third Age. Brad Duri…

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Thanking Our Mistakes 13:43

8M ago13:43

13:43

Thanking Our Mistakes What if your biggest mistakes were actually your best teachers? In this heartful (and slightly sparkly) episode of Conversations With Thomas, we explore the radical idea of not just learning from our faults—but actually thanking them. You'll hear: • Why mistakes are neurologically good for us (yes, science backs your awkward m…

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UBMC 228: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING 1:09:38

8M ago1:09:38

1:09:38

Uncle Bob’s turns five! In this very special episode, Lor packs her pipeweed and dives into the plot of 2001’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring to kick off an epic three-part journey through Middle-earth, while Leigh traces the Norse myth of Andvaranaut—the cursed ring that inspired Tolkien. CELEBRATE OUR ANNIVERSARY WITH SOME UBMC…

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UBMC 227: EVER AFTER 1:07:31

8M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Once upon a time, UBMC finally covered 1998’s Ever After! Leigh puts on her fairy wings to explore the plot of this romantic period drama film, while Lor takes inspiration from Cinderella’s infamous glass slipper by investigating the history and folklore of magical shoes. NEWS & RESOURCES: https://www.npr.org https://www.bbc.com https://www.them.us…

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The Platinum Rule 16:02

8M ago16:02

16:02

The Platinum Rule In this episode of Conversations with Thomas, we explore a powerful shift in how we relate to one another: from the Golden Rule to the Platinum Rule—"Treat others the way they want to be treated." Thomas Kevin Dolan invites you into a soulful conversation blending science, story, and spirit. You'll hear insights from psychology, q…

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UBMC 226: INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE 1:12:22

8M ago1:12:22

1:12:22

Welcome to New Orleans! This week, Lor enters the world of Anne Rice to vamp out with Lestat and Louis for the plot of 1994’s gothic horror film Interview with the Vampire, while Leigh investigates two haunted NOLA tales surrounding creatures of the night: the Casket Girls and Jacques St. Germain. This episode is sponsored by US Ghost Adventures. W…

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UBMC 225: PENELOPE 1:18:14

8M ago1:18:14

1:18:14

Reminder: what makes us different, makes us beautiful! This week, Leigh gets whimsical with the plot of 2006’s underrated fairytale fantasy film Penelope, while Lor celebrates our friend the pig by investigating their folklore and mythology from around the world! NEWS & RESOURCES: https://www.npr.org https://www.bbc.com https://www.them.us https://…

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UBMC WITCH WHISPER 162: THE HERMIT 42:00

9M ago42:00

42:00

Leigh’s taking over all things TAROT! In the coming weeks, she'll work through all of the Major Arcana, deep-diving into the lore, interpretations, hidden meanings, and pop culture associations behind each card. NEXT UP - The Hermit, a card of solitude, introspection, and fulfillment.

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UBMC 224: MALLRATS 1:31:46

9M ago1:31:46

1:31:46

Snooch to the nooch! This week, Lor grabs some green and a handful of chocolate-covered pretzels for a journey into Kevin Smith’s 1995 romantic comedy film Mallrats, while Leigh takes inspiration from main character Brodie Bruce by investigating the history of comics in the United States! NEWS & RESOURCES: Giraffe Demonstrates Stages of Grief / Res…

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KindFULLness 13:15

9M ago13:15

13:15

In this warm, witty, and wisdom-packed episode of Conversations with Thomas, host Thomas Kevin Dolan explores the tender art of kindFULLness—a powerful blend of mindfulness and self-compassion. Through vulnerable storytelling, science-backed insight, and just the right dash of humor, Thomas shows how practicing kindFULLness isn’t about escaping lif…

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UBMC 223: THE LAST OF US 1:28:01

9M ago1:28:01

1:28:01

Watch out for that fungi! This week, Leigh searches for light in the darkness with the plot of 2023’s post-apocalyptic drama series The Last of Us (season one) while Lor dons her mycologist lab coat to separate cordyceps fact and fiction. FACT CHECK: Yes, they are called Clickers. NEWS & RESOURCES: https://www.npr.org https://www.bbc.com https://ww…

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UBMC 222: SPRING SURVIVAL GUIDE 2 1:13:09

9M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

Spring has sprung at Uncle Bob’s! This week, the girls answer listener questions and dish out advice on everything from bugs to magical practices. Don’t miss their seasonal survival guides for personal movie/show/book recommendations and more! Follow UBMC on Instagram to share YOUR Spring Survival Guide! NEWS & RESOURCES: Check out Leigh's profile …

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UBMC 221: MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL 1:16:56

9M ago1:16:56

1:16:56

Welcome to Savannah, sport! This week, Leigh revisits the thrilling and mysterious plot of the 1997 crime drama film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, while Lor throws on her ghost-hunting gear to investigate the real haunted history behind the story. This episode is sponsored by US Ghost Adventures. Whether you're a spooky thrill-seeker or …

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AI Meets Co-Parenting: Anne Wintemute Reveals How Tech Can Help You Navigate Divorce

9M ago

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Subscribe in a reader http://ia600607.us.archive.org/19/items/ai-meets-co-parenting-anne-wintemute-reveals-how-tech-can-help-you-navigate-divorce_202503/AI%20Meets%20Co-Parenting_%20Anne%20Wintemute%20Reveals%20How%20Tech%20Can%20Help%20You%20Navigate%20Divorce.mp3 In this episode, Anne Wintemute, founder of Amy Says, joins us to explore how AI mee…

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Bridge Burning 21:37

10M ago21:37

21:37

Bridge Burning How often have you heard quotes like these: “Keep burning those bridges. It’s going to be lonely on that island of yours.” “Don’t burn bridges you may have to cross later.” Or my favorite: “Don’t burn a bridge and expect them to send a boat.” Usually, this is pretty sound advice. The one thing they are all missing is that little aste…

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UBMC 220: LISA FRANKENSTEIN 1:13:24

10M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

You can use a limited offer now to get up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases of Magic Mind with code UNCLEBOB20 at checkout! Claim it at: https://magicmind.com/unclebob20 It’s time to make the perfect boyfriend! This week, Lor blasts us back to the 80s for the plot of 2024’s horror comedy film Lisa Frankenstein while L…

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The Hidden Weapon in Divorce: Paulette Rigo on How a Coach Can Save You Time, Money & Sanity

10M ago

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Subscribe in a reader http://ia802907.us.archive.org/35/items/the-hidden-weapon-in-divorce-paulette-rigo-on-how-a-coach-can-save-you-time-money-sanity_202503/The%20Hidden%20Weapon%20in%20Divorce_%20Paulette%20Rigo%20on%20How%20a%20Coach%20Can%20Save%20You%20Time%2C%20Money%20%26%20Sanity.mp3 The hidden weapon in divorce is having the right guidance…

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Why People Sabotage Themselves in High-Conflict Divorce | with Ronald Bavero

10M ago

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Subscribe in a reader http://ia802906.us.archive.org/25/items/why-people-sabotage-themselves-in-high-conflict-divorce-with-ronald-bavero/Why%20People%20Sabotage%20Themselves%20in%20High-Conflict%20Divorce%20_%20with%20Ronald%20Bavero.mp3 In this episode, I sit down with Ronald Bavero to discuss how people sabotage themselves, especially in high-con…

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UBMC 219: DARBY O'GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE 51:22

10M ago51:22

51:22

You can use a limited offer now to get up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases of Magic Mind with code UNCLEBOB20 at checkout! Claim it at: https://magicmind.com/unclebob20 Happy St. Patrick’s Day, friends! This week, Leigh and Lori celebrate all things Irish with a deep dive into the 1959 Disney classic Darby O’Gill and…

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Grind or Ground 22:33

10M ago22:33

22:33

Grind or Ground Grounding allows you to develop the capacity to appreciate your genuine rhythm and feel a natural, relaxing flow in both your internal and exterior worlds. Grind Culture is not really about Making It to The Top. It’s about trying to compensate for a lack of self-worth built in by a society that wants you to feel this way so that it …

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UBMC 218: SMART HOUSE 1:01:07

10M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

You can use a limited offer now to get up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases of Magic Mind with code UNCLEBOB20 at checkout! Claim it at: https://magicmind.com/unclebob20 Hey PAT, play UBMC! This week, Lor gets the party jumpin’ with the plot of Disney’s 1999 Sci-Fi film Smart House, while Leigh bravely guides us throu…

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UBMC WITCH WHISPER 161: STRENGTH 20:59

10M ago20:59

20:59

Leigh’s taking over all things TAROT! In the coming weeks, she'll work through the Major Arcana, deep-diving into the lore, interpretations, hidden meanings, and pop culture associations behind each card. Next up - Strength, a card of courage, resilience, and compassion. FACT CHECK: magnanimity - mag·na·nim·i·ty JOIN US IN LILY DALE: Our 2025 Lily …

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Don’t Get Cheated in Divorce! Financial Tips from Melissa Murphy Pavone

10M ago

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Subscribe in a reader http://ia601702.us.archive.org/29/items/dont-get-cheated-in-divorce-financial-tips-from-melissa-murphy-pavone/Don%E2%80%99t%20Get%20Cheated%20in%20Divorce%21%20Financial%20Tips%20from%20Melissa%20Murphy%20Pavone.mp3 Are you worried about getting cheated in divorce? In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Murphy Pavone, a Cert…

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The 18-Inch Journey 20:39

10M ago20:39

20:39

The 18 Inch Journey From this inner knowing comes great wisdom of understanding of the truth of your experience and your nature. When we look into our hearts, we are able to access that deep wisdom and use it to inform our minds with crucial information it does not receive from the outside world. It is easy to allow the heart to take a backseat bec…

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UBMC 217: NOPE 1:06:20

11M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Let’s take an otherworldly trip to Jupiter’s Claim! This week, Leigh bravely walks us through the complex plot of Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi/horror film Nope, while Lor finds inspiration from horses and their magical mythology. FACT CHECK: No, Aaron Paul did not voice the horse in BoJack Horseman - it was Will Arnett. JOIN US IN LILY DALE: Our 2025…

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UBMC 216: ROSE RED 1:18:45

11M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

Strap in, friends... This one is full of haunted houses, psychic secrets, and more! Lor investigates abandoned mansions and paranormal phenomena with the plot of 2002’s horror/mystery mini-series Rose Red, while Leigh throws on her parapsychology lab coat to talk Psychometry, the ability to gain accurate knowledge of an object's history through phy…