Best Chris Liddle Podcasts (2025)

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Paul Buono on OCD, Fear, Identity & Becoming a Fully Human Coach 56:54

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7d ago56:54

56:54

In this deeply human conversation, coach Paul Buono opens up about identity, perfectionism, OCD, lupus, disordered eating, fear-based avoidance, and the path to becoming a more integrated person. The episode explores how tunnel vision—whether toward fitness, career, or health—can disconnect us from friendships, opportunities, and fully living. We a…

1
Ben Fogle; Sarah Hall; Terry Deary; Stuart Maconie; Holly Brooke; Smith and Liddle 36:16

1h ago36:16

36:16

Loose Ends is cavorting among the snow-caps of Cumbria at the Kendal Mountain Festival this week. Chef d'Equipe Stuart Maconie reaches for the summit of chat with navigation from the adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle - celebrating twenty five years since he was Castaway on a remote Scottish island for the BBC reality TV show that he says is more…

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John Lloyd, Valene Kane, Kit Green, Luvcat, Jessica Swale 37:10

3d ago37:10

37:10

What's a Kentucky? Comedy legend John Lloyd is here to reveal all, in honour of the 42nd anniversary of his cult dictionary 'The Meaning of Liff', co-written with the much missed Douglas Adams, Jessica Swale is the writer behind the new Paddington musical and she tells us about her emotional first meeting with the bear. Jessica Valene stars as a wo…

1
John Cleese, Sue Perkins, Clive Anderson, Judi Love, Tom Smith, Hugh Dennis, Natalie Duncan Trio 35:57

3d ago35:57

35:57

Clive Anderson is joined by a giggle of comics or should that be a brace of jokers in the Loose Ends studio this week. Fawlty Towers creator John Cleese recalls being told his nascent sitcom - 50 years old this year - would fail if they didn't "get it out of the hotel more". Sue Perkins describes the urge to get out on a stand up tour again after a…

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Danny Robins, Garth Marenghi, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, Donna Thompson, The New Eves 35:18

23d ago35:18

35:18

It's a particulary spooky edition of Loose Ends as we're joined by Danny Robins - host of Uncanny and writer of 2.22 a Ghost Story and cult horror author Garth Marenghi. But which of them is the real king of horror? Rebecca Lucy Taylor, AKA Self Esteem brings us her literary debut, A Complicated Woman and there's music from The New Eves with a song…

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Exploring Empathy and Adventure with Liv Á Argjahøvda 42:32

28d ago42:32

42:32

I got to visit Liv and her family last summer in Denmark, and it really left a mark on me. In this episode, we talk about growing up between cultures, raising grounded kids in a digital world, and how empathy can be a guiding principle when you’re unsure where to go next. Liv brings a quiet wisdom that’s been shaped by travel, parenthood, and a lif…

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Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden; Jake Arnott; Kerry Godliman; India Knight; Kiri Pritchard-McLean 36:26

30d ago36:26

36:26

Kiri Pritchard-McLean loves a bit of crime - so much so that she hosts a podcast about serial killers. So she's right at home on Loose Ends this week talking cosy crime and laminating machines with actor and comedian Kerry Godliman, who stars as the charming private detective and oyster-shucking restaurateur Pearl Nolan in TV drama Whitstable Pearl…

1
Brian Bilston, Chris Smither, Teresa Livingstone, Jolene O'Hara, Stick in the Wheel, AOIBHA 37:48

1M ago37:48

37:48

Clive kicks off in Belfast's Black Box as the Belfast International Arts Festival begins to light up venues around the city. Poet Brian Bilston is in town after putting some of his poetry to music with the help of The Catenary Wires. US folk and blues musician Chris Smither tells all about his musical journey spanning over six decades. Someone else…

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Dom Joly, Lauren Lyle, Lorn Macdonald, Sarah Rankin, Tide Lines, Cara Rose 36:25

26d ago36:25

36:25

Clive Anderson is joined in Glasgow by comedian Dom Joly who first introduced the world to the concept of a very loud man yelling in to a giant mobile phone 25 years ago. He’s celebrating Trigger Happy TV on a national tour. Lauren Lyle is used to an investigation in her role as Val McDermid's Karen Pirie, and in new psychological thriller The Ridg…

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When Consistency Feels Impossible, but You Show Up Anyway 1:15:15

1M ago1:15:15

1:15:15

Some days, consistency isn’t a choice—it’s a non-negotiable. In this solo episode, I open up about what’s been pulling at me lately, from health challenges to identity shifts, and why I’m still hitting record. I share the behind-the-scenes of staying committed when it feels easier to step back, and how I’m learning to honor both momentum and rest w…

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Joanna Lumley; James Graham; Esther Walker; Bret McKenzie; Nxdia; Clive Anderson 37:19

2M ago37:19

37:19

There's plenty of treasures, national and otherwise in this week's Loose Ends. Joanna Lumley describes selecting from a lifetime's worth of lists, poems and anecdotes to create a thoughtful, moving and often hilarious anthology that she says describes the workings of her mind perfectly. Playwright James Graham on updating his play Dear England to s…

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Nigel Planer; Rowan McCabe; Bryony Kimmings; Emma-Jean Thackray; Studio Electrophonique 0:06

2M ago0:06

0:06

Loose Ends this week is full of people who aren't afraid to say or do difficult things in the name of entertainment. The actor Nigel Planer will forever be associated with the character Neil from The Young Ones, so much so that Nigel's Mum thought he was vegetarian because Neil was, though Nigel definitely isn't. At least, he says, she remembered h…

1
Neil Hannon & The Divine Comedy, Mark Gatiss, Kate Fox, AA Dhand, Edith Bowman 35:59

2M ago35:59

35:59

Edith Bowman is your host for a special Loose Ends live at the BBC's Contains Strong Language Festival in Bradford. Guests include the celebrated actor - from Sherlock to Mission Impossible - and writer - from Dr Who to Bookish - Mark Gatiss. He's at the festival starring in a Radio 4 comedy drama written by his League of Gentlemen colleague Jeremy…

1
Moira Buffini, Josh Jones, George Egg, Urielle Klein-Mekongo, Black Country, New Road 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

Stuart Maconie's guests in Salford include comedian Josh Jones on his new tour 'I Haven't Won The Lottery So here's Another Show'. We find out what happens if he wins the lottery mid-run. Actor and writer Moira Buffini has just won the YA Book Prize for her debut novel Songlight. George Egg is the Snack Hacker, brining us goodies from his kitchen a…

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From Fit Set Pass to Ninja Gyms & Turf Business | Catching Up with Tim Gourlay 54:45

2M ago54:45

54:45

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I reconnect with longtime friend and returning guest Tim Gourlay, who last joined me back in 2018. A lot has changed since then—both for Tim and for the businesses he’s built. We talk about the transition from Fit Set Pass to Fit Set Ninja, the growth of ninja obstacle sports across Canada, and the surprisi…

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Robert Webb, Cecelia Ahern, Patrick Marber, Curtis Stigers, Nova Twins 36:18

3M ago36:18

36:18

Clive Anderson is joined by the multi-platinum selling American Jazz singer Curtis Stigers, Rob Webb on Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping, best-selling Irish novelist Cecila Ahern, author of P.S I Love you, on her new book Paper Heart, director Patrick Marber discusses his spin on Mel Brook's musical The Producers and Mercury prize shortlisted rock d…

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From Business to Bisping: Canadian Filmmaker Shane Fennessey on Storytelling, Mental Health & Making Docs 58:53

3M ago58:53

58:53

🎙️ Chasing Common Ground with Shane Fennessey: A Deep Dive into Storytelling, Mental Resilience & Documentary Filmmaking in Canada In this episode, Chris Liddle chats with Canadian filmmaker and documentary producer Shane Fennessey about the power of storytelling, navigating mental health, and building a creative career through persistence, purpose…

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Mark Radcliffe, Andi Osho, Adele Parks, Amy Webber, The 7:45s 36:36

2M ago36:36

36:36

Stuart Maconie is joined by his 6Music weekend breakfast co-host Mark Radcliffe who's here to talk about his new book Et Tu, Cavapoo - all about Mark’s springtime sojourn to Rome alongside his dog Arlo. Andi Osho is taking on the role of Tedra in the RSC's production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Fat Ham and prolific novelist Adele Parks is wi…

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Sustainable Fat Loss, Confidence Without Rules & Coaching with Purpose ft. Nolan Vannata 55:13

3M ago55:13

55:13

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I’m joined by coach Nolan Vannata, who’s on a mission to simplify sustainable fat loss—and show the internet that you can enjoy ice cream and lose weight. We talk about his journey into coaching, what he learned from the Real Coaches Summit, and his takeaways from running an unconventional “Ben & Jerry’s + …

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Jon Culshaw, Harriet Dyer, Jon Watts, Nadia Reid, Yazmin Lacey 36:46

3M ago36:46

36:46

Stuart is joined by Jon Culshaw, the star of the much loved comedy series Dead Ringers, which is about to hit the road for its 25th anniversary tour. Harriet Dyer is Easily Distra.... so let's hope she doesn't wander off halfway through the show. Jon Watts discovered his love of cooking in custody. After being taken under the wing of Jamie Oliver h…

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Reinventing Longevity & Leadership in Fitness Coaching with Zach Pello 49:26

3M ago49:26

49:26

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, Chris Liddle sits down with longtime coach and family man Zach Pello to unpack two decades of insight in fitness, mental health, personal growth—and how redefining success in midlife reshapes the way you coach. We talk about: * Getting unstuck professionally and personally * Mental health challenges as a co…

1
Ruth Jones, Jordan Gray, Jamie MacDonald, Dylan Adler, Hot Mess, James Emmanuel 35:46

3M ago35:46

35:46

Clive Anderson hosts a Loose Ends party with some of the many musicians, comedians, writers and stars of the stage lighting up the Edinburgh Festivals. Ruth Jones’ latest book By Your Side is partly set in Scotland, and she’ll be in the capital sharing some of her pet peeves that have found their way on to its pages. Comedian and actor Jordan Gray …

1
Jeb Stuart Johnston on Time, Relationships & Living a Life of Service 1:04:07

3M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

This week on Chasing Common Ground, I’m joined by strength coach and nutritionist Jeb Stuart Johnston to explore how our perception of time, our relationships, and the ability to embrace discomfort shape the lives we live. We discuss: * How viewing time differently changes your choices * Building relationships that last decades in fitness & busines…

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Tom Rosenthal, Thanyia Moore, Karine Polwart, Michael Elsener, Niall Moorjani, Couplet 35:50

3M ago35:50

35:50

Clive Anderson hosts a Loose Ends party with some of the many musicians, comedians, writers and stars of the stage lighting up the Edinburgh Festivals. Tom Rosenthal is a comedian best known as Jonny on Friday Night Dinner, though I suppose you can describe him however you’d like as his new show is Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am. Thanyi…

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Bertie Carvel; Jo Wood; Lost Chimes; Tori Allen-Martin; Rajiv Karia; RIYA 36:02

3M ago36:02

36:02

Listen up as Nihal unfolds the Beyoncé/Destiny's Child theme he's spotted in this weeks' Loose Ends. He's humming "Irreplaceable" for the heroine of author Jo Wood’s debut novel - The Resurrection of Flo - who's left her cheating husband Max (“To the left, to the left”). It's "I'm a Survivor" for the actor Bertie Carvel who is playing King Leontes …

1
From Gym Life to Classroom Wisdom: Dean Guedo on Teaching, Parenting, and Purposeful Fitness 56:00

4M ago56:00

56:00

Dean Guedo returns for his fifth appearance—his first since the show’s rebrand. This time, the mic is flipped toward life lessons, shifting priorities, and the quiet power of showing up when it’s not glamorous. Dean talks candidly about returning to teaching, evolving as a dad, coaching high school football, and why he’s doubling down on movement t…

1
Tiff Stevenson, Sam Palladio, Ella Al-Shamahi, Chris Grace, The Miki Berenyi Trio 35:37

4M ago35:37

35:37

Clive Anderson is joined in Salford by a Post-Coital (that's the name of her new show) Tiff Stevenson and by Sam Palladio is finally acting in his own accent in 'The Couple Next Door' after playing Texan Gunnar Scott in 'Nashville' for six seasons. Ella Al-Shamahi has been in search of what makes us 'Human' for her new BBC Two series. American acto…

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Selling Longevity & Finding Purpose After 50 with Jay Croft 53:22

4M ago53:22

53:22

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Jay Croft — a journalist-turned-fitness content strategist helping gyms serve adults over 50. We talk about his new book Selling Longevity, why older clients are the future of fitness, and how life pivots can lead to deeper purpose. We cover:✅ Why gyms struggle to serve adults 50+✅ The turni…

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Burn the Boats: What It Really Means to Commit 12:57

4M ago12:57

12:57

In this solo reflection, I explore one of the most repeated motivational phrases—burn the boats. But what does it actually mean when those boats are your comfort, identity, or backup plan? I walk through the moments where I truly committed, the times I hesitated, and how it shaped my growth—personally and professionally. From quitting my job to pur…

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Simon Armitage, Paula Hawkins, Ria Lina, Bill Ryder Jones, Stuart Maconie 34:41

4M ago34:41

34:41

Loose Ends is the guest of Durham Brass Festival this week, providing flugelhorns, euphoniums and an enthusiastic audience at the newly refurbished 110 year old Redhills Miners Hall, once known as "the Pitman's Parliament". Far from brassed off to be with him is the poet laureate Simon Armitage who finds exactly the right words to describe the magi…

1
Tim Key, Lucy Porter, Leonie Elliott, Shabaz Ali, Billy Nomates, Bruno Berle 37:03

5M ago37:03

37:03

This week Stuart is joined by comedian and poet Tim Key who takes us to LA Baby in his new book, Lucy Porter who is learning to let go in her new stand up show, and Shabaz Ali: the Tik Tok sensation with his takedowns of the super-rich. Eastenders and Call the Midwife star Leonie Elliott is starring in a new play, Liberation. There's music from Bil…

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Unplug to Reconnect: Lessons on Aging, Purpose, and Choosing What Matters with Mark Zarate 1:01:31

5M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, Chris reconnects with long-time friend and fellow coach Mark Zarate. They reflect on the past two years of life, growth, aging, and all the messy middle parts that come with being in your 30s and 40s. From the therapeutic power of trees to navigating burnout, digital overstimulation, and learning how to act…

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Mel Giedroyc, Debbie Wiseman, Mike Gayle, Rachel Parris, Clive Anderson 38:27

5M ago38:27

38:27

It's mostly lollipops, ribbons and cakes for Clive Anderson this week as he meets Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc, Jane Austen improviser Rachel Parris and Romantic Novelist Mike Gayle (the only man to win the Romantic Writers Association's top award). But not all.... Mel Giedroyc's new podcast - and she emphasises it's a comedy one - is taking over fro…

1
Steve Lutz on Losing 170 lbs, Quitting Alcohol, and Rebuilding Purpose from the Ground Up 51:52

5M ago51:52

51:52

Today’s episode is one of the most powerful I’ve recorded—because it’s so real. Meet Steve Lutz—first-time podcast guest, fitness coach, and someone who’s walked through fire. At one point, Steve was 381 pounds, drinking heavily every day, and living abroad in deep isolation during the pandemic. Now? He’s a coach helping others change their lives—a…

1
Dawn French, Fern Britton, Edward Rowe, Gwenno 35:56

5M ago35:56

35:56

This week Loose Ends is coming from the Homecoming festival at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. Clive Anderson is joined by comedian, actor and writer Dawn French, who moved to Cornwall to give her more space to write and Fern Britton, who has written eleven novels set in Cornwall, and has lived here on and off since starting her career in …

1
Building Life Momentum: Lessons from Minecraft 49:00

5M ago49:00

49:00

🧱 What can a pixelated video game about punching trees teach us about fitness, mindset, and life momentum? In this solo episode, I break down surprising parallels between Minecraft and the real-life pursuit of meaningful goals—especially in fitness, health, and career. Whether you’ve never played the game or you’re an everyday adventurer, this epis…

1
Jenny Colgan, Douglas Maxwell, Zara Gladman, Michael Mullen, James Yorkston, Rachel Newton 35:57

5M ago35:57

35:57

It's 20 years since Jenny Colgan became a published author and since then her books have been translated across the globe, from Brazil to Bulgaria. Her latest novel is Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages. Playwright Douglas Maxwell is back at the Tron in Glasgow, a theatre that kickstarted his professional career 25 years ago. His one-man show Man’s Be…

1
Ore Oduba, Amy Macdonald, Kim Blythe, Tom Newlands, Rose Room 36:30

6M ago36:30

36:30

Ore Oduba switched broadcasting for the stage after his 2016 Strictly win. His latest production is the adaptation of Peter James’ Picture You Dead book which is on tour across the country. Tom Newlands' debut novel Only Here, Only set in a fictional Fife town has received many plaudits in the UK and beyond. It's coming out in paperback later in Ju…

1
Adam Buxton, Tanita Tikaram, Jimi Famurewa, Kiran Landa and Honeyglaze 34:41

6M ago34:41

34:41

This week Clive Anderson is talking playing with toys, settling scores and saying goodbyes with OG podcaster Adam Buxton. Tanita Tikaram has finally recorded the follow up to her multi-millions selling 1988 album 'Ancient Heart', called 'LIAR' Jimi Famurewa tells us how you go from stuffing mashed potato in your pocket to appearing on Masterchef. K…

1
Debunking Misconceptions in Hormone Health with Dr. Ashley Dwyer 52:19

6M ago52:19

52:19

In this episode, I reconnect with Dr. Ashley Dwyer to dive into hormone health and its common misconceptions. Dr. Dwyer breaks down the importance of lifestyle choices over quick fixes and provides actionable advice for managing hormones like cortisol and insulin. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity and integrity in the …

1
Patrick Grant, Jason Donovan, Sophie McCartney, The Young'Uns, Mychelle, Stuart Maconie 38:55

6M ago38:55

38:55

Jason Donovan won the hearts of millions alongside Kylie Minogue in the Australian soap Neighbours; then his debut album was the biggest seller of 1989 and he topped the UK singles chart 4 times. In the 1990s he reinvented himself in musical theatre with acclaimed roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Priscilla Queen of the Desert …

1
Paloma Faith, Mike Bubbins, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Helen Carr, Euros Childs, Kizzy Crawford 36:17

6M ago36:17

36:17

Clive Anderson brings us Loose Ends from the Hay Festival. Joining Clive in front of a Hay audience are singer Paloma Faith who last year released her most personal album 'The Glorification of Sadness'. She also published her first book 'MILF' (no, not that one), a rousing call to arms for women to take up space, based on her experiences in the mus…

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Jess Gillam, Stevie Martin, Georgia Ruth, Emma Jane Unsworth, Ben Aitken, Stuart Maconie 35:29

6M ago35:29

35:29

The comedian and podcaster Stevie Martin is currently battling it out in the latest series of Channel 4’s award winning show Taskmaster - you might have enjoyed her "most snooty possession" which was a portrait of her pet tortoise in military uniform. She'll be here to tell us all about getting "the call" and her favourite games...sorry... tasks. I…

1
Building Better Health with Science and Support with Dr. Allan Bacon 1:05:37

6M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Dr. Allan Bacon, fitness coach, industry educator, and founder of Maui Athletics. Known for his calm, no-BS approach to health, Dr. Bacon unpacks the often overwhelming world of fitness advice—and how to navigate it without burning out. From breaking down creatine myths to managing stress an…

1
Gruff Rhys, Phina Oruche, Kate Mossman, Divina De Campo, Joe Kent-Walters 38:45

7M ago38:45

38:45

Joining Stuart Maconie in the Salford studio are the actress Phina Oruche who began her career modelling in America. She's best known for playing Liberty Baker in Footballers Wives. Phina is currently on stage at the Liverpool Everyman in Nathan Powell's new play 'Takeaway', where she stars as Carol, the matriach behind Hyltons Caribbean takeaway. …

1
Chasing Change: Overcoming Fitness and Life Plateaus with Alex McBrairty 1:01:00

7M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

In this special episode, Chris reconnects with longtime friend and fitness coach Alex McBrairty. Over the past four to five years, Chris and Alex have shared numerous conversations, making Alex a vital part of the show's community. Today, they dive deep into the challenges and barriers to change, motivation, and the importance of context in progres…

1
Alex Horne and The Horne Section, Susie Dent, Anoushka Shankar, Kate Wiliams, Callum Scott Howells, Clive Anderson 37:14

6M ago37:14

37:14

Taskmaster star, comic and sitcom actor Alex Horne joins Clive Anderson to talk about season two of his sitcom, to introduce his comedic band The Horne Section and tell us why he's never running out of taskmaster tasks. The lexicographer and broadcaster Susie Dent is now a mystery thriller writer too, she'll be with us to talk about twisty word clu…

1
Unpacking Burnout and Transformation with Coach Jayme Shiarla What It Takes to Rebuild Your Life 1:05:10

7M ago1:05:10

1:05:10

In this episode I'm talking to Jayme Shiarla, a coach dedicated to helping high achievers escape burnout and realign their success with genuine happiness. I connected with her at the Real Coaches Summit I attended a few weeks ago and she had a great down-to-earth energy that really resonated with me. Jayme shares her own journey, emphasizing the im…

1
Rachel Joyce, Matilda Mann, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Levison Wood, Maya Delilah, Stuart Maconie 36:34

7M ago36:34

36:34

Rachel Joyce’s debut novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was a bestseller in 30 languages, became a much-loved film with Jim Broadbent and is about to become a stage musical. She's also got a new novel, a sun-soaked family drama called The Homemade God which has already been hailed by one critic as "the perfect holiday read". Levison Wood h…

1
Beyond Agreement: The Heart of Human Connection 27:11

7M ago27:11

27:11

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the critical question of whether it's possible to understand someone you disagree with. Through a personal story from 2010 about my 'Free Hugs' initiative in Edmonton, I share my experiences regarding the importance of human connection, community, and empathy. This episode reflects on the experiences of bridging …