Best Annabelle Gurwitch Podcasts (2025)

1
Taking Inspiration from Greek History With Evaggelos Vallianatos 49:03

2M ago49:03

49:03

The ancient Greeks had a profound influence not only on their own world, but also on what would become Western culture as a whole. In this episode of Point of Inquiry, Jim chats with Evaggelos Villianatos, a Greek scholar who sheds an interesting light on how his ancestors helped shape the science, arts, language and governments of the modern world…

1
A Primer on Cold Reading 37:39

3M ago37:39

37:39

The art of cold reading has convinced millions of people that gimmicks like crystal balls, palm reading, tarot cards, and other alleged paranormal abilities are real. People walk away from astrologers, mediums, and psychics saying "there's no way he could have known that" or other exclamations of amazement. But are these skills really paranormal, o…

1
David Miles on Point of Inquiry 54:50

5M ago54:50

54:50

For most of human history, infectious diseases have wreaked havoc on humans. But beginning in the late 18th century, more and more of us beat back illness by getting immunized with vaccines. Today, vaccines are -- or should be – a part of every thinking person’s health regimen. But exactly what are vaccines and how do they work? How are they tested…

1
Steve Hill on Point of Inquiry 1:05:19

10M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

When a business owner, ex-marine, and retired peace office is questioned and later arrested for what appear to be bigoted reasons, there should be recourse in our system of justice to right such a wrong. But Steve Hill is having a hell of a time finding help with his well-documented struggles. Should the fact that he is a black man and a member of …

1
Robert Sapolsky POI 54:43

11M ago54:43

54:43

1
Leo Igwe on Point of Inquiry 1:01:58

12M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

1
There Are Definitely Atheists in Fox Holes 54:26

1y ago54:26

54:26

1
Kate Cohen on Atheism and the Rewards of Honesty 1:00:09

1y ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Almost 30 percent of the U.S. population is religiously unaffiliated, but only a fraction of those so-called "Nones" identify as atheist or agnostic. Fewer still feel comfortable revealing to the people in their lives that they don't believe in God. Kate Cohen was one of those people. Though she had determined that God was a human-made fiction from…

1
Sarah An Myers on Secularism and the Millennial Mind 38:15

1+ y ago38:15

38:15

Members of Gen X and older grew up in an America in which being religious was the default and atheism was, as best, on the fringes. A lot has changed in the last couple of decades, and for many Millennials and members of Gen Z, being nonreligious is really no big deal. Folks in younger generations are accustomed to living among people of various re…

1
Vaccine Hesitancy With Filmmaker Scott Kennedy 1:03:09

1+ y ago1:03:09

1:03:09

In 2019, Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Scott Kennedy was working on a film about the years-long anti-vaxxer movement. Filming with top public health officials–including Tony Fauci–as well as rare interviews with anti-vaccine activists who were persuading parents by the millions to refuse vaccines for their children. And then COVID h…

1
To The Temple of Tranquility, and Step on It 32:32

1+ y ago32:32

32:32

1
It's Been Beautiful 24:05

1+ y ago24:05

24:05

On this, our final episode, we hear from a new listener who discovered Tiny Victories a mere week or two ago…and still called in with her Tiny Victories-related tiny victory. As Annabelle points out, the caller has 158 more episodes that she can enjoy. As podcasts go, this is but a tiny little show, and yet in the course of three years, it’s helped…

1
¡Nuestro Episodio Penúltima! 23:06

1+ y ago23:06

23:06

It’s Tiny Victories’ penultimate episode and listeners are reaching out to Annabelle and Laura with heartfelt messages of what this show has meant to them. Plus, a listener calls in with a victory en Español. Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week We don’t have free will DINKS A Vermont town banning influencers Do YOU have a tiny victory t…

1
Supreme Injustice 1:01:41

1+ y ago1:01:41

1:01:41

The U.S. Supreme Court -- that over sixty years ago ruled against state-led prayer in public schools -- has swung back the other way with a vengeance. The ultra-conservative majority on the current court has reversed 60 years of progress and put the rights of non-believers in jeopardy. In this episode, Jim Underdown speaks to Nick Little, former Di…

1
Breakfast, The Breakfast Club & Basquiat 20:14

1+ y ago20:14

20:14

If you like breakfast and Basquiat, you’ll LOVE this episode of Tiny Victories. First up, Annabelle tells us about her experience staying at a hotel in Singapore that featured breakfasts from around the world. As she traveled the world, her taste buds traveled even further. Plus, after missing the Keith Haring exhibit by just 1 day, Laura gets back…

1
Dr. Juhem Navarro-Rivera on the Challenge of Rallying the Nones 54:08

1+ y ago54:08

54:08

The Nones are on the rise! When asked about their religious affiliation, year after year, more and more Americans are choosing “none of the above.” The number of religiously unaffiliated Americans, which includes atheists and agnostics, has been rocketing up over the past couple of decades, and today these Nones make up about one-third of the Ameri…

1
F*ck the Enchanted Forest 20:00

1+ y ago20:00

20:00

Annabelle has returned from her multi-country tour that took her to Singapore, Tel Aviv and Uganda. In this episode, she’ll tell us about her plans for the Uganda trip that were thwarted almost immediately, and how she learned how to let it go, and accept life on life’s terms. Plus, Lisa from Raleigh calls in with what Laura House describes as “an …

1
Laurie Kilmartin Is Ready for Her Push-ups 21:27

1+ y ago21:27

21:27

This week Laurie Kilmartin joins Laura House and the two L-s have perhaps the longest introductory conversation in Tiny Victories history about a subject that’s super personal to both of them. And for anyone who’s even thinking of challenging Laurie to a push-up contest, just don’t. It’s not worth it, man. Things You Should Stop Worrying About This…

1
My First Shovel (ft. Laurie Kilmartin) 19:28

1+ y ago19:28

19:28

You know how you start talking gardening tools and next thing you know you’re swapping stories about how fathers born in the thirties never really talk about themselves? Well that happened in this week’s episode with Laura House’s guest co-host Laurie Kilmartin. Two victories in one tiny episode! Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week Acci…

1
The Paddle Boarder: Liver of Life! (ft. Stefanie Wilder-Taylor) 24:25

1+ y ago24:25

24:25

This episode could also have been titled, “And It All Started with My Dog’s Eye Infection”. The “it” here would be everything that happened after she had to cancel a proper vacation to tend to an eye infection afflicting Millie. Stefanie Wilder-Taylor filled in for Annabelle again for the second week in a row, and tells us about every step of the j…

1
Rage But Don’t Engage (ft. Stefanie Wilder-Taylor) 19:56

1+ y ago19:56

19:56

This week, guest host Stefanie Wilder-Taylor joins Laura House while Annabelle travels the globe. Laura and Stefanie establish their “dog people” bona fides as House relates the huge sacrifice she made on Minnie’s behalf. Stefanie confesses to almost canceling out the tiny victory she shares, but she musters up the intestinal fortitude to hold the …

1
When in Rome, Look Up 21:48

1+ y ago21:48

21:48

You know how some people collect sand or rocks from the places they travel? Annabelle collects sounds. At the beginning of summer, she toured with a band that played a huge music festival in The Netherlands, and one souvenir of that trip was the croaking of Belgian frogs. She’s recently-returned from Rome, Italy, with two new sounds, and her sights…

1
It’s Alright to Cryyyy 19:32

1+ y ago19:32

19:32

The hosts are both traveling this week so they’ve selected a favorite episode to run. “Back-up” vibrators: Should you get one? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, and then wondered, ‘How would someone who’s not me answer this?’, then this, our 77th episode, is for you. Well, 5% – 8% of this episode is for you, and it comes in the second ha…

1
Answering the Call for an Able-Bodied Volunteer 20:41

1+ y ago20:41

20:41

Are you the type of person who says, “I’m the type of person who…”? This week Guest host Maggie Rowe tells us about a recent experience where she challenged herself, and answered the call for “able-bodied” volunteers at the Zen Center to help move some rather large items. Annabelle recounts a cohabitation-with-the-boyfriend tiny victory that marks …

1
Spontaneous Dance Party w/ Maggie Rowe 17:01

1+ y ago17:01

17:01

You know what goes well with a difficult divorce? A dance party. But don’t think it’s a matter of simply throwing a dance party, because that’s now how this works. Annabelle and guest host Maggie Rowe give us the anatomy of a spontaneous dance party. Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week Having a ‘Lazy Girl’ job The Smithsonian’s ill-gott…

1
Karaoke Machines Equal Joy…or Do They? 16:58

1+ y ago16:58

16:58

If you’re someone who finds joy singing karaoke, this is the episode for you! Similarly, if you’re someone whose hell would be to sing karaoke, this is the episode for you. Could the world be broken up into people who see karaoke machines as joy factories and those who see them as nightmare weavers? Plus, does it have to be hard to take a vacation?…

1
Getting to Know US Congressman Jared Huffman 36:54

1+ y ago36:54

36:54

Of the 535 Members of Congress, only one is an out-of-the-closet atheist. His name is Jared Huffman, and he is a U.S. Representative from Northern California. He is also the co-chair (with Rep. Jamie Raskin) of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, a group all secular Americans should know about and support. In this episode, Jim Underdown chats wit…

1
Keep Saying Yes 20:19

1+ y ago20:19

20:19

Annabelle travels to Sardinia without leaving her home, and she continues to benefit from simple advice: Keep saying yes. Plus, House deals with Minnie eye issues, and may have found her forever vet. Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week Bears enjoying your pool Time Travel worms Space on Demand This episode is sponsored by… Microdose Gum…

1
Coffee Shop Tales of Heroism and Vicarious Euphoria 16:52

2y ago16:52

16:52

You know the dread you feel when you realize you left your purse or wallet at a location you visited earlier in the day? Now imagine going back to the location to search for it while Laura House stares you down, only in this scenario you don’t actually know who Laura House is. She’s just some woman who seems very invested in your every move. In thi…

1
So Happy for Your Mishap! 17:58

2y ago17:58

17:58

Let’s go ahead and put this out on the table now: there’s a LOT of drama behind the scenes at Tiny Victories. Well, a lot of tech drama. One of the hosts has a pretty good relationship with technology, and the other does not. This means that sometimes there are tech delays, and the start time gets pushed back. Last week was such a week. And this we…

1
The Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project 58:07

2y ago58:07

58:07

What happens when a group of skeptics from across the globe keeps score of over twenty years of psychic predictions? Any guesses? In this episode of Point of Inquiry, host Jim Underdown speaks to Rob Palmer and Richard Saunders of the Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project about this ambitious effort to track the accuracy of those who claim to…

1
The Three Components of Great Writing 17:15

2y ago17:15

17:15

This week, Gurwitch falls hard for author Lorrie Moore’s latest book, “I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home”. What makes this collection of short stories great? Well, three three things, which Annabelle lists, including examples of each of those things. Plus, the sweet, sweet sound of car honk support. Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Wee…

1
The Kindness of Crafters 15:30

2y ago15:30

15:30

This week, Annabelle is moved by a group of really crafty people with big hearts. And if you, like Laura House, wonder if Annabelle was moved by a group of schemers as opposed to people into the craft arts, you are mistaken. Plus, a listener writes in with a pillow breakthrough. It’s a feel-good episode from start to finish! Things You Should Stop …

1
Minnie’s Upright Canines Brigade Routine 16:27

2y ago16:27

16:27

Might as well get this out of the way: Laura House’s bull dog Minnie is more than a dogfluencer. She’s a student of improv as well. The dog’s got verve and moxie and “it”. But underneath her cute exterior, is a lil’ ball of feelings. This episode is for anyone who cares about their pets’ feelings. Plus, listener Julian writes in with a call-in vict…

1
Three Glorious Words: “You Were Right” 19:43

2y ago19:43

19:43

This week’s episode is likely to give you the feels. Annabelle and Laura get into the differences between playing the short game versus the long game, and share personal victories in both categories, including a parenthood win. Plus, Liz calls in with a victory that takes the cake! Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week The end of robot-de…

1
The Dolls That Moved into a Mailbox 15:16

2y ago15:16

15:16

This week Annabelle tells Laura about an article in the Washington Post that she’s read over and over again because it’s just that delightful. It concerns a family of dolls that moved into an Orchard Lake, Michigan mailbox in the dead of night. Plus, hotline caller Lou has an issue with being late, and may or may not have had a tiny victory about i…

1
The Joy & Personal Hell of Bird Songs 17:18

2y ago17:18

17:18

This is a particularly polarizing episode of Tiny Victories during which we learn that Laura is not a fan of the birds. While she’s happy that Annabelle has found a tiny victory in some recent bird news, for some people (esp. dog people), birds are a flying, squawking menace. Plus, we got a Hotline Email from Jesse that’s super chill. Things You Sh…

1
Our Plumber Is the Coolest! 18:33

2y ago18:33

18:33

Laura House tells Annabelle how plumber Frank did great work on her and Brian’s home…and their hearts (platonically). And now that Annabelle is back from her book leave, House dusts off the Tiny Victories hotline to play one of the calls that came in while AG was out. Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week Woman keying cars Offending New Z…

1
When Los Angeles Gives You Lemons 16:43

2y ago16:43

16:43

This week, we have a few tiny victories that happen to share a theme: Mother Nature giveth, and taketh away. This is one thing Annabelle knows all too well as someone who tends to her own, private orchard (read: two fruit trees). And we have a hotline call about a choir fire. Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week You should stop worrying …

1
Blocked by the Royal Family & New Bra 20:21

2y ago20:21

20:21

Laurie Kilmartin is back again this week, filling in for Annabelle who is still on book leave. We learn that Laurie is obsessed with the Royal Family, and that the Royal Family has blocked her on Twitter. And House may or may not have had a tiny victory with a new bra. Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week Your potassium level Cheating fi…

1
There’s No Sexting on Barham 20:36

2y ago20:36

20:36

Filling in for Annabelle while she’s on book leave is Laurie Kilmartin of The Jackie & Laurie Show, and author of the book Dead People Suck. This week–and likely the next few foreseeable weeks–Laurie and Laura are walking the picket lines for the ongoing WGA Writer’s Strike. Though they would no doubt prefer NOT to strike, while they are striking, …

1
MG Lord on the Weird and Wonderful History of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory 50:48

2y ago50:48

50:48

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California may be the world's premiere space exploration facility. From the earliest days of rocketry, JPL has been at the vanguard of designing and building rockets and spaceships. But the lab has a colorful history, and some of its founders broke the stereotypes of what a rocket scientist might be.…

1
Oprah, Malala and the Crass Gardener 21:16

2y ago21:16

21:16

Jackie Kashian fills in again for Anabelle while she’s on book leave and working hard. In this week’s episode, Laura recounts her run-ins with Oprah and Malala, only one of which reduced her to tears. Plus, an NSFW tiny victory involving squash. This episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh With HelloFresh, you get farm-fresh, pre-portioned ingredients …

1
An Audible Arrangement and Workout Woes 17:48

2y ago17:48

17:48

This week the delightful Jackie Kashian of The Jackie and Laurie Show is filling in for Annabelle. House has a victory so tiny she’s almost embarrassed to bring it up, but Tiny Victories is a shame-free zone, so her tiny victory about working out may actually inspire a listener or two. Jackie takes advantage of an Audible arrangement she has with h…

1
The Importance of Shallow Friendships 18:20

2y ago18:20

18:20

This week, Annabelle tells Laura about a recent interaction she had with a sanitation worker who covers her neighborhood. This relatively brief interaction could prove to be life changing…in a tiny way. This encounter brought to mind a study about the importance of these types of “shallow” relationships, and why you should be grateful for the denti…

1
Succession Obsession 19:33

2y ago19:33

19:33

**Spoiler Alert** There is Succession talk ahead and a reference to something from a recent episode. If you’re not caught up, consider bookmarking this episode and coming back to it once you are caught up. Or don’t! Up to you 🙂 How is HBO’s Succession so good?! No matter. It’s dark. It’s funny. It’s all House can think about. And the only thing to …

1
Jennifer Michael Hecht on the Power of Poetry and the Weirdness of Existence 1:07:11

2y ago1:07:11

1:07:11

“Many of us who are happy to live outside religion still suffer from a lack of things religion gives its members,” writes historian and poet Jennifer Michael Hecht. “It seems to me the remedy to this suffering is a shift in the way we think about ritual and the poetry of our lives.” Hecht is our guest on this episode of Point of Inquiry. She’s the …

1
Edit Thyself Thusly: A tiny Breakthrough 18:05

2y ago18:05

18:05

Writing is hard, so why do writers make it so much harder by not following simple advice? This week Annabelle tells us about a minor adjustment she made in her writing process that anyone who has wrestled with words will be able to appreciate. Plus, a magnetic tiny victory for a mom. This episode is sponsored by…Lumi Labs Microdose Gummies Microdos…

1
The Mystery...Drug House? 17:10

2y ago17:10

17:10

Plus, Adam has what might be the tiniest victory we’ve had to date, involving his couch. Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week A ban on nudity in showers The pope eating pizza Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski accident trial Do YOU have a tiny victory to share? Call the Tiny Victories Hotline: (323) 285-1675 We want folks to share their tiny victorie…

1
Brea Grant & jarrett hill Did What Had to Be Done 19:41

2y ago19:41

19:41

For week two of the MaxFunDrive, fellow MaxFun hosts Brea Grant and jarrett hill each share a tiny victory about doing what needed to be done. These are (tiny) tales of growth, grit and perseverance. The Maximum Fun Drive occurs just two weeks out of the year, and it’s when we ask our listeners to support the shows they love. Tiny Victories, like a…

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Annabelle Gurwitch Podcasts

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