Best Blank Check Productions Podcasts (2025)

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What do China’s climate commitments mean for energy? 50:41

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20h ago50:41

50:41

For COP30, the international climate talks in Brazil in November, the countries of the world are supposed to roll out their new Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs: their commitments to cut emissions. China’s NDC is particularly eagerly awaited: it is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Its NDC has been described as the most im…

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Everyone is talking (again!) about a coming revival in nuclear power. What needs to change to make it happen? | More from New York Climate Week 47:50

1d ago47:50

47:50

At Climate Week NYC continues, the hottest topic is the question of how to meet growing demand for electricity while cutting emissions. In New York State, electricity use is expected to increase by 25% over the next 15 years. To meet that demand, the state plans to add tens of gigawatts or renewables. But that is not enough. It also wants more “dis…

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As the pressure for climate action fades, what is driving investment in clean energy? | The big talking points from New York Climate Week 36:03

3d ago36:03

36:03

It’s New York Climate Week this week, and we’re bringing you highlights from all the key debates and discussions. Climate Week NYC is one of the most important gatherings in the energy calendar, bringing together business leaders, investors, scientists, campaigners and policymakers to discuss the global effort to prevent catastrophic global warming…

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Carbon capture could be an important tool for tackling climate change. Can we find productive ways to use that carbon? 42:58

5d ago42:58

42:58

As fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, there is renewed interest in what can be done to capture carbon dioxide. Until now, most of the investment in carbon capture has gone into projects to take those emissions and store them underground forever. But what if we could make use of that captured carbon? To find out what role…

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Tools for the Family Jewels: Gender Bending Brands 27:29

4d ago27:29

27:29

From our Season 12 Archives... This week, we look at companies that have spent decades advertising to only one gender - then suddenly decide to approach the opposite sex. L’Oreal is now marketing makeup to men. Scotch distillers are now targeting women. And lingerie companies are now designing intimates for men. It’s a brand new, gender-bending wor…

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Data centers for AI will need to embrace flexibility if our electricity system is going to cope. How can large loads support the grid? 50:43

10d ago50:43

50:43

AI is adding to US electricity consumption at a pace not seen in decades. That demand growth is creating new strains on the grid in many parts of the country. But what if AI could instead help keep the system running? Varun Sivaram is a founder & CEO of Emerald AI and a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He says that far from underm…

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78 - Are You Wasting Your Peak Energy Time on Low Value Tasks? Find Your Chronotype Peak Zone and 4X Your Productivity 18:40

9d ago18:40

18:40

Do you feel like your days slip away before you ever get into a state of true focus? The problem might not be time—it’s energy. In this episode of Productivity MD, we dive into the concept of energy arbitrage—mastering your chronotype, aligning your day to your natural rhythms, and using intentional flow blocks to get more done with less struggle. …

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Hard Days & Golden Knights: The World of Brand Twins 28:07

13d ago28:07

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From our Season 12 Archives. Even though brand names are often protected by trademarks and copyrights, it’s remarkable how many times companies end up with the same names. And they either get along – or they sue each other into oblivion. This week, we look at “Brand Twins.” We’ll talk about when Guns N’ Roses sued Guns and Rosé. We’ll explain why t…

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Conjuring Up Note Deals - T.A.P.E.S. 33:53

14d ago33:53

33:53

Conjure Up Deals from the Beyond: How to Attract High-Return Notes to Your Inbox! 👻 📝 Ready to banish the demons of deal drought and summon an abundance of profitable notes? Join Scott Carson as he reveals his "T.A.P.E.S." system for attracting high-return deals to your inbox – no soul-selling required! Learn how to ditch outdated marketing tactics…

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You Can Check In, But You Can't Check Out: Branded Hotel Rooms 27:58

18d ago27:58

27:58

From our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we talk about hotel marketing. Specifically, how some hotels attract guests by advertising specific rooms. Some of those rooms are decorated like TV shows, some are inspired by movies, and some hotels advertise the fact something famous – or infamous - happened in their rooms. Hosted on…

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What will the COP30 climate talks mean for energy? 49:58

22d ago49:58

49:58

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Dish Night at the Movies: Marketing Motion Pictures 27:27

25d ago27:27

27:27

From our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites This week, we’re talking about the creative ways Hollywood markets films. We’ll talk about how a low-budget horror movie got a ton of press just by asking people to smile. And we’ll examine the marketing of Top Gun: Maverick – the Tom Cruise sequel that Steven Spielberg says single-handedly saved t…

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The Very First Episode of "Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe" Podcast 43:17

27d ago43:17

43:17

People often tell me they love the storytelling in Under the Influence. One of my favourite storytellers of all time is the late, great Stuart McLean. Which is why it’s been such a joy for our network to partner with Stuart’s long-time producer Jess Milton and the Vinyl Cafe team to bring you the podcast “Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe.” Today we are …

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77 - Do You Want To Become a Time Creator_ Start with Life Vision, Wheel of Life, and 5 Goals for the Year 24:51

29d ago24:51

24:51

Most people feel like there’s never enough time—but what if you could create it? Being a Time Creator means designing a life where your hours serve your vision, not the other way around. In this episode, we break down the exact steps you can take to guide clients through conversations that help them rethink how they spend their days, who they spend…

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Petrostates, electrostates, and the energy transition. Gerard Reid of the Redefining Energy podcast visits the Energy Gang 1:03:57

1M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Is the global transition to low-carbon energy accelerating or slowing down? One answer is that it depends where you look. In the US, energy policy has shifted away from support for low-carbon technologies, but China is continuing with record installations of solar, wind, and batteries, and record sales of EVs. With AI emerging as the central arena …

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When You've Got It, Flaunt It: The George Lois Story 27:38

1M ago27:38

27:38

From our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites. In this episode, we talk about one of the legends of the advertising business – George Lois. Out-spoken and fearless, he launched Xerox, helped elect Robert F. Kennedy, designed famous Esquire magazine covers and even once climbed out onto a window ledge to convince a client to buy an idea. Hosted…

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Grieving a Child – Kyla Thomson’s Story 53:16

1M ago53:16

53:16

In this emotional episode, Dr. Nick and Benny talk with Kyla Thomson, mother of Bella Brave, about life after the loss of her 10-year-old daughter. Kyla shares her journey of grief, the challenges of navigating such a profound loss, and how she is dedicated to continuing Bella’s legacy. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about love, resilience, a…

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Gold, Silver & Spinach: TV Shows As Marketing 30:11

2M ago30:11

30:11

From our Season 12 Archives.... one of our favourites. With multiple ways to skip commercials at our fingertips, advertisers have found a new way to reach the public. They’re jumping out of commercial breaks and into the storylines of television shows. This week, we look at a list of popular TV shows that aren’t just entertainment. They’re big mark…

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Planning the grid to meet future energy demand | A discussion on the future of the grid, AI, energy innovation, and delivering the electricity supply we will need in the coming decades 1:11:07

2M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

The grid “is designed for the core components - supplying electricity - but we are definitely pushing it to its limits,” says Melissa Lott, Partner for energy technologies at Microsoft*. The electricity grid has been described as one of the greatest achievements of human civilisation, because of its complexity, scale, and essential role in our soci…

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Real Estate Investor Showdown: Notes vs Rentals 25:14

2M ago25:14

25:14

Tired of Toilets & Trash? Notes vs. Rentals: The Ultimate Investor Showdown! 🏡 ➡️ 📝 Are you a landlord dreaming of a more passive income stream? Or a newbie investor trying to decide between the hands-on world of rentals and the potentially lucrative realm of notes? Join Scott Carson in this information-packed episode as he breaks down the age-old …

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History of the Goalie Mask 33:43

2M ago33:43

33:43

We thought you might enjoy an episode from our sister podcast, “We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast” - this week it’s the history of the goalie mask. Coaches didn’t want them, managers rejected them, the NHL didn’t want them - but one goalie did. The rest is history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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How to Tap Into Probate Leads with Micah Nicholes from US Leads List 30:18

2M ago30:18

30:18

Hey Note Investors! Scott Carson here, and I’m fired up about today’s episode. We’re diving deep into the world of probate leads—a niche that's been a secret weapon for savvy investors, and it's finally getting some well-deserved attention! Forget those tired old foreclosure lists; we're talking about a treasure trove of opportunities most investor…

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Long Overdue: The Creative Boom of Library Marketing 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

From our Season 11 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we look at the ways libraries market themselves. If you think libraries are quiet, you’ve got another thing coming. We’ll talk about a library video series that played like a TV cop show - and - we’ll look at library wars - when libraries battle each other on social media. Hosted on Aca…

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What will energy look like 5 years after the 'Big Beautiful Bill?' The Energy Gang report from 2030. 1:14:57

2M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

In this episode, we take a trip in a time machine, five years into the future. 2030 has been set as a deadline for many climate goals, and is a milestone for checking progress towards a low-carbon energy system. Ed Crooks, Amy Myers Jaffe and Melissa Lott imagine themselves five years from now, and look back at how the US energy industry has change…

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76 - How to Boost Income With Locums Medical Work and Short-Term Rentals With Dr. Ryan Mallory 27:37

2M ago27:37

27:37

Feeling stuck in the grind of full-time clinical work? You're not alone—and there is another way. In this episode, Dr. Ann Tsung is joined by an interventional cardiologist, STR business owner, SuperDad, and founder of Halftime Freedom, , Dr. Ryan Mallory. Dr. Ryan shares how he transitioned from a traditional full-time role into locum tenens while…

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Fish Where The Fish Are: Surprising Help Wanted Ads 26:44

2M ago26:44

26:44

From our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we take a look at the most creative “help wanted” ads in the world. We’ll talk about how IKEA recruited new workers without needing to buy an ad. How VW found new mechanics by posting ads in the most unusual place. And the amazing ways the intelligence community recruits spies and code …

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Getting ready for Trustcon 2025 with Alice Hunsberger 41:29

2M ago41:29

41:29

Safety is Sexy is back with a special TrustCon 2025 episode! This week Matt sits down with the insightful Alice Hunsberger to dive into what makes TrustCon such a meaningful gathering for the trust and safety community. From practical conference tips and awkward networking moments to fashion debates and session previews, Matt and Alice bring warmth…

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Singer Dion DiMucci 45:51

2M ago45:51

45:51

Now that we’ve moved the Beatlology Interviews to its own feed, you might not be caught up. Thought you might like to hear one of my favourite episodes - singer Dion DiMucci is one of only five people still alive who are on the cover of Sgt. Pepper. Dion was also supposed to be on the plane with Buddy Holly that fateful night - and he tells us that…

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Benny Reacts to HBO’s The Mortician 34:50

3M ago34:50

34:50

Dr. Nick and Benny react to the shocking new HBO Max series The Mortician. Benny breaks down the wild story and shares his thoughts on it from a funeral professional’s perspective. ***Spoiler Alert*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Inside the ‘crazy grid’: why the future of energy needs everything, everywhere, all at once 1:12:37

3M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

Building out the electricity grid was traditionally a predictable and straightforward business. Now it’s like trying to land a jet on a moving aircraft carrier in the dark. That’s a quote from this week’s guest Quinn Nakayama. He’s the senior director of Grid Research and Innovation at Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). He joins host Ed Crooks and regu…

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The Willy Wonka Secret: Candy Bar Advertising 27:17

3M ago27:17

27:17

From our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we look at candy bar advertising. Millions are spent marketing candy bars every year. We'll talk about how the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was owned by a candy company. And we'll reveal whether it really was Phil Collins inside that gorilla costume in that famous Cadbury…

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The Big Beautiful Bill is close to passing. What would it mean for clean energy in the US? 1:09:38

3M ago1:09:38

1:09:38

This week the US budget reconciliation legislation, dubbed the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, squeaked through the Senate on a 51/50 vote. The bill has wide-ranging implications for energy in the US, including an imminent end to tax credits for wind and solar power. To discuss what the new legislation means, host Ed Crooks is joined by regular guest Amy…

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Arbitrage Case Study: Texas Performing Note Breakdown 25:44

3M ago25:44

25:44

Yeehaw, y'all! Scott Carson's back with a performing note case study breakdown that'll make you shout "Show Me the Money!" This week we're diving DEEP into a South Texas arbitrage deal that left students shouting Eureka at the last workshop! It's a note in Floresville, Texas! It's land! It's a mobile home! It's a performing note with a huge discoun…

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Note Investing 2025: 10 Strategies for Beginners 33:27

3M ago33:27

33:27

Ready to supercharge your note investing business in the second half of 2025? In this action-packed episode of Note Night in America, Scott Carson shares 10 actionable strategies to find more deals, raise capital, and effectively market your services. Here's what you'll discover: Act Like A Professional: Create an LLC and use Namechk.com to ensure …

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Selling Love: The Business of Online Dating 28:42

3M ago28:42

28:42

From our Season 11 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we explore how dating agencies Sell Love. We’ll talk about the very first dating service in history, we’ll explore one app that is more about lust than love and we’ll talk about how heartthrob Reynolds created one of the best dating commercials of the last 10 years. -------- Get an excl…

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EBOS: the unsung hero that’s accelerating clean energy deployment | How Shoals is improving utility-scale solar performance 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

Sponsored content from Shoals Technologies Group. EBOS – electrical balance of systems – includes everything that carries electricity from solar panels to the grid: wiring, switches, connector boxes and other components. It might not grab headlines, but it’s the backbone of every solar and storage project, and is essential to performance, reliabili…

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Ask Terry 2025 27:51

3M ago27:51

27:51

This week, it’s our annual Ask Terry episode. As we do every year, we open the show to questions from our listeners. This week, we’ll answer a question about the longest-lasting slogans in history, we’ll explore why there is so much dancing going on in commercials these days, and we’ll play a fun game where you have to guess the celebrity voice. Ho…

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How do we adapt to a warming world? 1:06:10

3M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

The world is experiencing a new reality: infrastructure, agriculture, and supply chains were built for a historical climate that no longer exists. Last year the average global surface temperature was about 1.47° C warmer than in the late 19th century, according to NASA. On current trends we are on course for perhaps 2.7° C of warming by the end of …

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75 - How to Double Dip on Gains Tax-Free Using Indexed Universal Life Insurance 41:03

3M ago41:03

41:03

You don’t have to follow the traditional financial playbook to grow lasting wealth. In fact, the smartest strategies often involve tools most people overlook—like life insurance. In this episode, Ann Tsung sits down with Brenyn McConnell, Wealth Strategist at Money Insights, to demystify how alternative assets and well-structured life insurance pol…

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Gone in 60 Seconds: Crazy Automobile Stunt Commercials 27:23

3M ago27:23

27:23

Dramatic car stunts are not just the stuff of movies. They’re also the stuff of car commercials. We’ll talk about one ad where skydivers risked their lives spelling out the word “Honda” in the sky, a commercial where a car speeds on the roof of a skyscraper, and a story about a car that was dropped from an airplane - and the parachute didn’t work. …

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Geothermal, dealmaking, and the future of clean energy finance | live from the ACORE Finance Forum in New York 1:11:40

4M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

In the third and final special episode recorded live from the ACORE Finance Forum, host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe talk to industry leaders to explore some key issues in renewable energy technology and finance. Amy starts the episode by speaking with David Ulrey, CFO of Fervo Energy, an innovative geothermal startup. David shares i…

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Yes I Can: Marketing to People with Disabilities 28:13

4M ago28:13

28:13

This week, we explore how advertisers market to people with disabilities. Disabled people are usually ignored in advertising campaigns. Yet people with disabilities control half a trillion dollars in spending money. We’ll look at four powerful campaigns that not only feature people with disabilities, but these commercials are disrupting the public’…

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Energy and the ‘big beautiful bill’ | live from day 2 of the ACORE Finance Forum in New York 1:14:44

4M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

As the US races against China to develop the most advanced capabilities in AI, energy is critical. In this second episode from the ACORE finance forum, we speak to experts about how US energy policy, and in particular the reconciliation bill now being debated in Congress, might affect that race. Host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe talk…

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Clean energy finance in uncertain times | live from day 1 of the ACORE Finance Forum in New York 59:00

4M ago59:00

59:00

The Energy Gang are at The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Finance Forum in New York City, which brings together industry leaders, investors, and bankers to discuss the hottest issues in clean energy. Host Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe talk to ACORE Chief Executive and President Ray Long about the uncertainty hanging over…

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Brand Envy (2025) 26:54

4M ago26:54

26:54

This week, it’s our annual Brand Envy episode. We look at four brands that I admire. One is a cosmetics empire started by a woman in an era when women couldn’t even vote. One is a band I have a soft spot for. Another is a family-owned business that has lasted 88 years. The fourth is a TV show that broke records. And they all have one thing in commo…

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74 - How to Avoid Burning Out Your Nervous System and Achieve High Performance—In Body and Mind with Tania St. Laurent 39:39

4M ago39:39

39:39

Pushing harder isn’t always the answer. Sustainable high performance comes from aligning your mind and body—not burning them out. In this episode, holistic coach Tania St-Laurent—a certified osteopath in Canada with a degree in microbiology and over 20 years of experience as a movement specialist—shares how true performance begins with doing things…

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It’s looking bleak for clean energy in the US as Congress threatens to shred the Inflation Reduction Act 1:15:13

4M ago1:15:13

1:15:13

Legislation with massive implications for clean energy in the US has been making progress in Congress. The Republican party’s “big beautiful bill”, introducing sweeping changes to taxes and government spending, would phase out most of the tax credits for low-carbon energy that were created, expanded or extended in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) …

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Is a Sliding Door Shower Screen Right for My HDB Bathroom? 0:16

4M ago0:16

0:16

Many homeowners in Singapore want to improve their HDB bathrooms. A popular upgrade is the sliding door shower screen. It is space-saving, easy to clean, and gives the bathroom a modern look. This article explains how a sliding door shower screen works, its pros and cons, and why many people search for showerscreensingapore to find the right produc…

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Bonus Episode: How to do Experiments to Figure Out a Career Change 47:42

4M ago47:42

47:42

In earlier episodes of Have a Nice Life, Pippi and Hadassah talked about running experiments on your ideas and testing prototypes to get more information to help you make decisions. There’s so much to say about this, and in this bonus episode, we go into more detail on exactly what we mean by a career change experiment, its specific question and pr…

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CAT-alogues & DOG-alogues: Pet Marketing 27:14

4M ago27:14

27:14

This week, we talk about Pet Marketing. The pet products industry is worth about $150 billion dollars. And when you love a pet, money is no object. We’ll listen to a pet food campaign that had dogs conduct a symphony orchestra. We’ll flip through IKEA’s CAT-alogues and DOG-alogues. And we’ll explore Dolly Parton’s “Doggy Parton” fashion line. Hoste…