Best Vera M Podcasts (2026)

Isabel Eliashev grew up in Venezuela and came to the United States as an international student, eventually earning a track scholarship at the New York Institute of Technology, all before becoming a U.S. citizen. She went from learning English through her track coach to building a lifelong career in education. Today, in addition to teaching Spanish …

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#573 The Art of Reinvention - Featuring Michael Sharkey 24:05

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10d ago24:05

24:05

A 75-year-old Army veteran and lifelong outdoorsman, Michael Sharkey spent years hiking, fishing, and skiing. More recently, he has taken up trap shooting, and he recently earned a silver medal at the Huntsman World Senior Games, hitting 80 out of 100 clay targets. Michael is also an avid gravel and road cyclist, traveling across the country and ev…

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TRUE #027 | AJ Armstrong 1:09:43

11d ago1:09:43

1:09:43

When former NFL linebacker Antonio Armstrong and his wife Dawn were found shot in their beds in the summer of 2016, cops looked no further than their son AJ and arrested him immediately. The evidence against him however was debunked by his strong legal defense team, leaving a hung jury in his first two trials. He wasn't convicted until his third tr…

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#572 The Universe Will Always Say Yes: What is Your Mindset? - Featuring Rocky Jackson 25:50

17d ago25:50

25:50

Rocky Jackson has always enjoyed staying active. He was an employment labor attorney for 43 years, and at age 19, he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1969 out of Yakima Valley Community College, which he jokes makes him the oldest living holdout of the team now called the Cleveland Guardians. He spent his college years playing against future…

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TRUE #026 | Wayne Williams 1:08:53

18d ago1:08:53

1:08:53

Though never officially convicted, Wayne Williams has been the prime suspect in the Atlanta Child Murders. He's already serving a life sentence for two other homicides, and these adult victims were killed in the same exact manner as the nearly 30 other children in the area, all of which occurred in the span of only two years. Williams claims he is …

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TRUE #025 | "The BTK Killer" (Dennis Rader) 1:02:49

25d ago1:02:49

1:02:49

Dennis Rader was a family man; active in his local church and community in Wichita. Over the years, his rigidity, odd behavior, and nasty temper caused suspicion among neighbors. And they were right, something was up. But it wasn't until Rader branded himself as 'BTK' (Bind, Torture, Kill) in a pathetic effort to get attention for his disturbing, s…

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#571 Precision, Perseverance, and Possibility of a Champion - Featuring Vera Koo 25:50

26d ago25:50

25:50

Vera Koo is a first-generation Chinese American woman whose life reads like an adventure in courage and reinvention. She is a 79-year-old wife, mother of three and grandmother of six, author, entrepreneur, and retired professional athlete who broke barriers in action pistol shooting. Through her adulthood, she has enjoyed a variety of outdoor activ…

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TRUE #024 | Aileen Wuornos 1:18:52

1M ago1:18:52

1:18:52

Aileen Wuornos is the exception to the 'traditional' serial killer. Not only was she a woman, but her targets were also middle aged white men, something you don't typically see. Aileen's MO was mostly financial and self-proclaimed self-defense, but once you know her tragic backstory, you understand the rage that motivated her. While on trial, Ailee…

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#570 When I Could Run Again, I Didn't Stop - Featuring Margie Mettenet 25:50

1M ago25:50

25:50

At just eight years old, Margie Mettenet survived a devastating car accident that left her in traction for months. Once she could walk again, she learned to run and didn’t stop: competing in track in the Junior Olympics, high school, and college. Margie also competed in high school basketball and volleyball at BYU, but after college, her 45-year lo…

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#569 Foundation of a Healthy Life: Consistency, Nutrition, and Optimism - Featuring Tim McMahon 25:50

1M ago25:50

25:50

Former Junior Olympian and college football player Tim McMahon has been a masters track athlete since age 32, having competed nationwide in sprints, hurdles, long jump, and decathlon. He recently expanded his athletic pursuits by competing in masters swimming for the first time at the Huntsman World Senior Games. Just three years ago, Tim was diagn…

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#568 The Cardiovascular Conversation - Featuring James Neider 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

James Neider is the Executive Director of Cardiovascular Services for Intermountain Health’s Desert Region, leading a team of more than 75 cardiology providers and 300 caregivers. He focuses on advancing cardiovascular care, operational excellence, and team development across the region. Previously, James directed the Heart Specialty Care & Transpl…

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#567 Buzzing Around the World for Pickleball - Featuring Bee Kilgore 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

At 70 years old, Bee Kilgore is proof that adventure doesn’t come with an expiration date. A retired trauma ICU nurse of 20 years who completed three international medical missions, she’s also a mountain climber and a regular on 100-mile cattle drives. Bee began competing in tennis at age eight and was a highly-ranked player from the ages of 8-21 b…

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TRUE #023 | Infamous Heists 1:01:29

2M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

This year, during museum hours, robbers entered the Louvre and in 7 minutes, left with $100M worth of crown jewels. The heist shocked the world because of how brazen it was - the thieves blended in plain sight, descended out of a window down a construction ladder, and fled on motorcycles. With heightened security and DNA, it's not likely someone co…

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#566 I Brainwashed Myself into Loving Fitness - Featuring Debbie Barry 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

At 65, Debbie Barry is a powerhouse and benefactor of people who believed in her. Once a high school drum major and avid reader, she didn’t start her fitness journey until age 39, when she lost over 50 pounds with the help of a friend. Debbie ran distance races, including a marathon and several half marathons, cycled, and learned to swim. When she …

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TRUE #022 | The Murdaughs (w/ Brendan Sagalow) 1:04:39

2M ago1:04:39

1:04:39

One of our fav comedians, Brendan Sagalow (AKA Sagdaddy), joins Na'im and Xia in the studio this week! They discuss the Murdaughs - a family that was once a big fish in a little pond. A prominent law dynasty spanning four generations in South Carolina, the Murdaughs quickly fell from grace after patriarch Alex was tied to a series of deaths and fin…

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#565 Fitness is My Anti-Drug - Featuring Merilee Bingham 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

Merilee Bingham is a first-year gift shop superstar at the Huntsman World Senior Games and a passionate, certified group fitness instructor who has turned her own journey into inspiration for others. While helping her children through some struggles, she realized she too should make some changes; as a result, she erased an unhealthy habit and repla…

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TRUE #021 | Aleister Crowley (w/ Jim Norton) 1:04:58

2M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

This week on a very special episode of True Dat, we have legendary comedian Jim Norton in the house! He, Xia, and Na'im discuss Aleister Crowley - an English occultist who earned the reputation of being 'the wickedest man in the world' in the early 20th century. Although Crowley was never convicted of a specific crime, his bisexuality, prolific dru…

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#564 What is Your Everest? Try 29029 Everesting - Featuring Larry Kiser 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

Larry Kiser is a lifelong athlete whose passion for movement started on the football field, where he walked on, played, and lettered at Brigham Young University. These days, you’ll find him golfing with friends, hiking, or mountain biking around St. George, Utah. After surviving a heart attack in 2020, Larry made a commitment to take control of wha…

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TRUE #020 | Ed Gein 1:15:00

3M ago1:15:00

1:15:00

Ed Gein is very much abuzz right now due to the recent Netflix show about him, but even after watching 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story', his true character remains a mystery. What we do know is that Gein was an emotionally stunted man with schizophrenia who believed he could resurrect his mother from the dead by making a skin suit out of corpses. But w…

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#563 International Hospitality at our Games - Featuring Mindy Case 25:50

3M ago25:50

25:50

This week's show features an update on our 2025 Games and features our Director of International Hospitality, Mindy Case. Mindy and Kyle discuss how our Games provide translation and transportation to anyone participating in our event for free. Mindy also discusses a recent undertaking called "Dear Sport," where athletes were invited to write a let…

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#562 Diamonds, Dinks, and Double Plays - Featuring Joe Gray 25:50

3M ago25:50

25:50

Born in New York and raised in Texas, Joe Gray, has spent a lifetime blending passion for competition with dedication to teamwork. A lifelong ballplayer, he started on the baseball diamond and never really left it, transitioning into softball, where he’s been part of two senior national championships, a senior world championship, and countless regi…

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TRUE #019 | Creepy Female Teachers 1:11:55

3M ago1:11:55

1:11:55

Sexual misconduct in schools is nothing new, and while the majority of perps are male, there seems to be a growing number of female teachers who have been making headlines for similar offenses. Perhaps the most well-recognized case that exemplifies this trend is that of Mary Kay Letourneau, who groomed and eventually married her 12 year old student…

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TRUE #018 | The "Dexter Killer" (Mark Twitchell) 54:23

3M ago54:23

54:23

In an attempt to 'blur the lines between fiction and reality', amateur filmmaker Mark Twitchell acted out his fantasy by pretending to be the TV character Dexter Morgan. Only instead of taking out a 'bad guy' under the guise of vigilantism and getting away with it because it's a TV show, Twitchell lured an unsuspecting victim into a rented garage, …

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#561 Cycling Solo from Washington to Maine - Featuring Pat Davies 25:50

3M ago25:50

25:50

Pat Davies enjoyed participating in a variety of sports in his youth, including Little League and swimming. As an adult, he found new outlets for his competitive spirit, spending a decade in karate, moving into marathons and ultrarunning, hiking, and even competing in the unique “ride and tie” races that combine running with endurance horseback rid…

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TRUE #017 | JonBenét Ramsey 1:22:55

3M ago1:22:55

1:22:55

The case JonBenét Ramsey is considered by many to be the biggest unsolved murder in contemporary American history. In the 90s, her face was on the cover of every tabloid on the supermarket checkout line. The public, demanding justice, blamed the Ramsey parents for her death and subsequently dragged the family through the mud. There are a few theori…

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#560 Ping Pong vs Table Tennis - Featuring Steve Claflin 25:50

3M ago25:50

25:50

Steve Claflin’s life in racket sports is one of resilience, reinvention, and passion. A former nationally-ranked table tennis champion and Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Steve’s competitive career was nearly ended by a devastating knee injury and infection in 2002. After years of rehabilitation, he found his way back to the game in 2010 t…

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TRUE #016 | Carl Panzram 55:33

4M ago55:33

55:33

Carl Panzram may not be the most famous criminal in US history, but once you learn about him, it's impossible to forget his name. Born in Minnesota in 1891 and executed in Kansas in 1930, Panzram managed to commit just about every crime in the book in his short 39 years on earth. And he didn't let borders stop him - he committed heinous acts abroad…

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#559 Disc-rupting the World - Featuring Tita Ugalde 25:50

4M ago25:50

25:50

For 50 years, Tita Ugalde has been lifting up the sport of disc golf with skill, passion, and a contagious smile. PDGA #83, she first discovered the game in 1975 at the world’s very first disc golf course in Pasadena, and she hasn’t stopped throwing since. A two-time World Champion and seven-time Major winner, Tita now dedicates much of her energy …

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TRUE #015 | Kansas City Chiefs Fans 53:58

4M ago53:58

53:58

Three days after the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl in 2024, the bodies of Clayton McGeeney, Ricky Johnson, and David Harrington were found frozen in the backyard of their friend Joran Willis' house. While their deaths were certainly suspicious, there was no evidence of foul play - though the internet was ripe with theories at the time. It w…

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#558 Pickleball Literally Saved My Life - Featuring Mark Walters 25:50

4M ago25:50

25:50

In June 2022, Mark Walters suffered a stroke on the pickleball court, an ordeal that doctors said left him in the 99.9th percentile of survival with remarkable mental and physical acuity. Though he continues to live with lingering effects such as numbness and diminished taste, Mark has not only returned to the court but continues to improve his gam…

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TRUE #014 | Karen Read 1:25:48

4M ago1:25:48

1:25:48

The retrial and acquittal of Karen Read has been a media sensation, mostly because this was one of a few cases in recent history in which the defendant's innocence was glaringly obvious. And although Read is now a free woman (save for a minor DUI charge), there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the death of her boyfriend, John O'Keefe…

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#557 What Are You Feeding Yourself? - Featuring "Nina Cucina" (Nina Pucillo) 25:50

4M ago25:50

25:50

Nina Pucillo, known as “Nina Cucina,” is a health coach, culinary expert, and founder of the Nina Cucina Lifestyle Jumpstart, a program helping women over 50 reclaim vitality through clean, flavorful eating, and sustainable wellness practices. Her journey began with a deeply personal mission: using nutrition to transform her ex-husband’s health, an…

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TRUE #013 | Delimar Vera (w/ Lemaire Lee) 1:22:15

4M ago1:22:15

1:22:15

Episode 13 of True Dat features a special guest, comedian LeMaire Lee!! The trio covers the unbelievable story of Delimar Vera, a girl who was kidnapped from her burning home at just 10 days old by a distant relative and raised under a different name. While authorities concluded that the baby succumbed to the fire, her birth mother knew in her hear…

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#556 Hike High and Sleep Low - Featuring Gawynn Dutson 25:50

4M ago25:50

25:50

At 66, Salt Lake City native Gawynn Dutson now lives in Hildale, Washington County, UT and proves that age is no barrier to adventure. What began as a click on a Facebook ad in 2021 launched a high-altitude journey from Utah’s trails to the Himalayas. Since then, Gawynn has trekked to Everest Base Camp, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and summited Nepal…

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TRUE #012 | Nicholas "SMUSH" Samudio 1:28:37

5M ago1:28:37

1:28:37

Episode 12 of True Dat covers Nicholas Samudio AKA "Smush" - a Chicago-based gang member with Down's Syndrome, accused of gunning down 2 people in 2023. Na'im and Xia discuss whether or not someone with Smush's mental capacity should be held responsible for their actions, and how gang culture can prey on the most vulnerable people. Plus, stick arou…

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#555 Bullet-Proof Your Body with Resistance Training - Featuring Rachel Prairie 25:50

5M ago25:50

25:50

Rachel Prairie brings over 20 years of experience in health and fitness to her work, offering health coaching for women, immersive wellness retreats, sound healing, and guided wilderness adventures in Southern Utah. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Catherine and focused certifications in strength training, pain management…

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TRUE #011 | "Fast Eddie" 1:11:40

5M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Back in the day, if you were a young man who wanted to make a quick buck in Philly, word on the street was that you could go see 'Fast Eddie' AKA Ed Savitz. Savitz was a successful business man and well-known child predator who operated for decades in West Philadelphia, relatively unscathed. By the time he was caught, 'Fast Eddie' had developed a h…

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#554 You've Gotta Shoot It Straight - Featuring James Pauley 25:50

5M ago25:50

25:50

James Pauley has dedicated his life to mastering the art of shooting a basketball. Widely regarded as the world’s top-ranked active free throw shooter, regardless of age, James has made over 3,000 free throws in a row twice and more than 100 three-pointers consecutively on 29 occasions, with a personal best of 283 straight. He has held every basket…

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TRUE #010 | Chris Benoit 59:36

5M ago59:36

59:36

Chris Benoit's story is a prime example of what CTE can do to people. Over the course of one weekend in 2007, Benoit went from being one of the top wrestlers in the WWE, to a man who annihilated his family, and finally, himself. Because of his heinous crimes, the WWE has tried to erase him from their history books, yet it's hard to ignore the fact …

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#553 Benefits of Technology in Urologic Procedures - Featuring Dr. Dave Ludlow 25:50

5M ago25:50

25:50

Urologist Dr. Dave Ludlow practices all aspects of general urology in Las Vegas, Nevada including minimally invasive and robotic techniques to treat urologic cancers, BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), and kidney stones. He has published research articles and presented at multiple national conferences. Dr. Ludlow received his undergraduate degree …

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TRUE #009 | Ellen Greenberg 1:24:51

5M ago1:24:51

1:24:51

Episode 9 of True Dat covers the death of Ellen Greenberg, an elementary school teacher from Philadelphia who was found deceased in her apartment by her boyfriend in 2011. Her case was deemed a suicide despite her autopsy report, which strongly suggests otherwise. Ellen's parents are still fighting to get her case reopened based on this evidence, a…

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#552 I Run Around with Fast Women - Featuring Florence Anderson 25:50

5M ago25:50

25:50

At 86, Florence Anderson is an inspiring mother of six children, grandmother of 24, and great grandmother of 38! She runs every morning, a practice that began in 1973 when she started jogging laps around a high school track to reclaim her fitness. With determination and a neighbor’s encouragement, her first marathon was completed barely under the f…

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TRUE #008 | The "Iceman" (Richard Kuklinksi) 1:54:23

6M ago1:54:23

1:54:23

Welcome back to True Dat! This week's episode is a meaty one - it's about Richard Kuklinski AKA 'The Iceman'. Part 1 covers the highlights of this real life horror story, whereas part 2 is more of Na'im and Xia's take on it. And be sure to stay tuned for 'Florida or Fiction' and 'Last Words' at the end! Air Date: 07/25/25…

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#551 Bringing Out the Best in You! - Featuring Joyce Jackson 25:50

6M ago25:50

25:50

Joyce Jackson attended a very small private school in Selah, Washington and enjoyed playing team sports for fun. When she moved to a public high school her senior year, she made the varsity volleyball team, and this sparked her lifelong engagement with fitness. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 23, Joyce turned adversity into purpose by becoming a …

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TRUE #007 | The "Yuba County Five" 1:05:59

6M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

The story of 'Yuba County Five' is still a mystery, 50 years later. Na'im and Xia attempt to theorize what they think happened to the young men who took a detour on their way home one night, then succumbed to the elements. Was it something they saw? The town bully? An alien attack? Perhaps we'll never know. In either case, be sure to stay tuned -- …

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#550 Master of Consistency in Running and Life - Featuring Todd Yerkes 25:50

6M ago25:50

25:50

Todd Yerkes transformed himself from an underdeveloped high school basketball player into an honorable mention All-State athlete through sheer grit, ultimately playing NCAA DIII basketball. In his 30s, he turned to endurance running—starting with a 4:52 marathon and grinding his way to a 2:56 PR at age 54. Todd has now completed over 55 marathons, …

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#549 Lock, Load, and Longevity - Featuring Walt Becher 25:50

6M ago25:50

25:50

University of California Berkeley graduate and U.S. Army Reserve veteran Walt Becher built a successful career spanning public service, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship. At age 65, he joined a boutique consulting firm where he continues to work today, helping companies align talent with opportunity. Since relocating to St. George nine yea…

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TRUE #006 | The "Great Flood of 1993" 1:08:08

6M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

Have you ever done something small that ended up having catastrophic consequences? Well, James Scott did, and that's who we're talking about in episode 6 of True Dat! Scott is one of a handful of Americans charged with 'causing a catastrophe' - he's currently serving life in prison, bearing the responsibility for the 'Great Flood of 1993'. The floo…

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#548 The Life of the RideGuy: Snowboarder and Mountain Biker - Featuring Paul Madeen 25:50

6M ago25:50

25:50

Paul Madeen is a passionate snowboarder and mountain biker who has built his lifestyle around outdoor adventure and seasonal freedom. In the 2024–25 season, he was one of 11 individuals honored at Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado for making at least one run every single day—148 consecutive days on the mountain. A Montana native with a forestry degr…