Each week, Matt and Chris get one attempt each at an interactive fiction book until they read every single ending. Will they ever choose every adventure? Will anyone listen?! Join them on their descent into a madness of their own design.
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Chris Yule Podcasts
The History of Fun explores the hidden backstories behind the things you enjoy. This season, we’re diving into the amazing origins of your favorite holiday traditions. Join Polygon’s Russ Frushtick, Allegra Frank, and Chris Plante each week as they embark on a new quest to uncover these common-yet-mysterious customs. Produced by Polygon and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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The Begin Again Podcast is a space for redemption, resilience, and raw truth. Hosted by Gary Menkes, each episode dives deep into the powerful, unfiltered stories of people who have faced addiction — and chosen to rise. These aren’t just stories of sobriety. They’re stories of spiritual awakenings, shattered stigmas, and second chances that turned into extraordinary lives. Through heartfelt, often spiritual conversations, we explore what it truly means to begin again — not just once, but eve ...
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This is it! Will Chris and Matt find the last two endings of this book and deliver a Creeptobscare to remember? Will Matt pass his final Creeptobscare Challenge? Is anyone even READY for a Creeptobscare Sad Pizza Party? Neck of pony! Vibe of hog! Let the creepy culmination commence! https://archive.org/download/339-final/339%20final.mp3 Also, Matt …
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This week, Matt accidentally uses tough love to teach a big lesson, Chris discovers something earth-shattering about creature biology, and your mind will be blown by a hot new concept in Halloween costuming! https://archive.org/download/338-bounce/338%20bounce.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a scary movie-themed round of the Synonym Quiz, Matt l…
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This week, Creeptobscare continues to barrel along as Matt doubles his trouble, Chris gets into the movie picture business, and someone can’t name a single person from the entire last year of pop culture! https://archive.org/download/336-final/336%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a Stephen King-themed round of the Mishy Mashy Quiz, Chris …
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This week, Matt learns that the Creature is the least of their worries, Chris goes for quite a spin, and the Creeptobscare challenges continue! Are you prepared for multiple The Prestiges? Is anyone?! https://archive.org/download/336-final/336%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a User-generated round of the One Word Witch Quiz (thanks, Ty!)…
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BOO! Blow the dust off that ol’ bowl of candy corn, it’s Creeptobscare time again! This year, the bros are going 5 straight weeks in fish monster heaven! But will they be able to find all 10 endings and finish the book before Creeptobscare ends? WILL THEY?! https://archive.org/download/335-final/335%20final.mp3 Also, Chris is challenged to a round …
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This week, it’s back-to-school time! Matt makes two whole choices, and Chris gets a read where everything turns out fine. Or does it?! And then, OR DOES IT AGAIN?! https://archive.org/download/334-final/334%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a round of Interactive Fiction is a License Plate (see plate “numbers” below), the guys get to Think…
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🦋EP 111 - Breaking the Stigma: Ali Yule’s Journey Through Sobriety
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In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary sits down with Ali Yule, who will be celebrating three years of sobriety in August. Ali shares her deeply personal journey from growing up with anxiety and substance abuse in her family to falling in love with sobriety. Despite experimenting with alcohol in high school, it was a traumat…
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This week, there are two endings left but Matt isn’t feeling so great about his read. Why, it would take a straight-up book miracle for the guys to finish this book in this episode! An honest-to-gosh BOOK MIRACLE. Who could harness the powers of chaos to complete such a mighty task? Maybe SOMEONE?! https://archive.org/download/333-final/333%20final…
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🔄EP 110 - Facing the Abyss: Josh Datant's Redemption Story
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In this compelling episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Josh Datant, a talented musician and powerful advocate for recovery. Josh shares his harrowing journey through addiction, which began at the tender age of 15 when he first tried heroin. From heavy alcohol use to engaging in identity theft and fraudulent checks, J…
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This week, Chris becomes famous! Matt brings joy and the thrill of discovery to an entire civilization! But are these the same ending? Dang you guys it’s getting hard at the end of this book! https://archive.org/download/332-final/332%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a User-generated round of Which Yule Are You? (thanks, Mouse on a Moose!…
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💡EP 109 - Life Overhaul: Gabe Cohen's Path to Redemption
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In this heart-wrenching and inspiring episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Gabe Cohen, a man whose journey through addiction and multiple incarcerations has led him to become a passionate advocate for recovery. Gabe shares his raw and personal experiences, from getting arrested at 15 for a shooting incident and grappl…
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Ep. 331. National Park Monster Ranger: Week 21 #HACKMYCPAP
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Can it be?! Is it possible?! Could the dummy brothers get the same exact read two episodes in a row? Or will one brother dig deep and save the day with a thrilling twist?! IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW! (Yes.) https://finishitpod.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/331-final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or …
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🪖EP 108 - Thomas LaGrave: From Navy Seal to Youth Mentor
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In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, Gary Menkes interviews Thomas LaGrave, a former Navy Seal whose career ended tragically due to drug use. Thomas shares his compelling story of addiction, starting his drug use at age 14, and how it ultimately led to his discharge from the military. Despite this dark period, Thomas found recovery …
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This week, somebody gulps, somebody winks, and nobody wins! The end of the book is nigh! Vote for the book you want to hear next! You’ll believe a man can save a fly! https://archive.org/download/330-final/330%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or Episode of My Brother My Brother and Me (thanks,…
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❤️🔥EP 107 - Rebirth: The Journey of Alexandra Talbot
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PODCAST DESCRIPTION: In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey welcomes Alexandra Talbot, a health and lifestyle coach and founder of Sober Active Canada. Alexandra shares her harrowing journey of battling addiction starting from the tender age of 10 to her triumphant path to recovery and transformation. She delves into …
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☄️EP 106 - Sobriety and Swagger: Chris Rosburg's Story of Redemption
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In this riveting episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey sits down with Chris Rosburg to discuss his harrowing journey through addiction and his inspiring path to sobriety. Chris opens up about his early experiences with alcohol and drugs, the dangers he faced, and how his life spiraled out of control. He shares poignant moments from h…
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🏥EP 105 - From Party Girl to Sober Coach: Kate Vitela's Incredible Journey
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In this heartfelt narrative, Kate Vitela shares her raw and unfiltered experience with addiction and her initial struggles with sobriety. She describes a poignant moment of clarity at a support meeting, where she felt a deep sense of belonging for the first time. Acknowledging the importance of personal responsibility in recovery, this story encaps…
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This week, Matt takes one for the team, Chris takes on the REAL monsters, and someone is told to walk across the room and cover their ears so they don’t hear a big secret! https://archive.org/download/329-final/329%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a User-generated round of YoRe or Yogi (thanks, Steven’s Corner!), a hairy friend is deeply …
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🔥 EP 104 - The Crime That Changed Everything: Joshua Bennett-Johnson's Last Rock Bottom
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In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes interviews Joshua Bennett-Johnson, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor from Waltham, Boston, MA. Joshuaua shares his harrowing experiences with addiction, including a traumatic childhood marked by fear and anxiety. He also recounts his descent into substance abuse, starting with smoking…
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It’s America’s best week! Celebrate what’s left of the place as the guys attempt to help good ol’ George Washington with some secret spy stuff. Chris gives George a mighty gift! Matt gets eaten alive again but not by a cool bear! U-S-A! Also, Chris challenges Matt to yet another round of the traditional Colonial One Word Switch Quiz, Matt makes Chr…
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🌟EP 103 - Discovering Joy: Elan Hardy's Path to Sobriety and Self-Discovery
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In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes, dives deep into the raw and transformative story of Elan Hardy, a trauma-informed somatic coach and sobriety specialist. With 12 years of sobriety under her belt, Elan shares her tumultuous journey through addiction starting from a young age in a wild and boundary-free childhood…
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This week, Chris takes a very literal leap of faith; Matt finds a new park, new monster, new story branch, and an entire new kind of ending; and everything is feeling very BOFFO! https://archive.org/download/327-final/327%20final.mp3 Also, Matt challenges Chris to a User-generated round of Interactive Fiction or Title ExinBear Wrote to Trick the Yu…
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🚀EP 102 - If I Fail, I Fail: Melissa McGovern on Embracing Fear and Recovery
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In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey speaks with Melissa McGovern, a certified sobriety coach and the host of the Sober New Yorker podcast. Melissa opens up about her lifelong battle with alcohol, beginning with her early drinking experiences in Wisconsin, through her struggles during the pandemic, and the series of personal…
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This week, Matt learns to stop worrying about looking cool, Chris unfolds a myriad of possible universes or perhaps none at all, and we’re stretchin’ it out! https://archive.org/download/326-final/326%20final.mp3 Also, Chris challenges Matt to a Multi-User-generated round of the When Was the First Time This Thing Happened quiz, Matt runs us all thr…
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🌟EP 101 - From Trauma to Triumph: Jay Barnard’s Story
1:03:31
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In this compelling episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey invites motivational speaker and CEO Jay Barnard to share his transformative journey from addiction and trauma to recovery and empowerment. Jay details his struggle with addiction, stemming from deep-seated trauma, and his multiple battles with suicidal thoughts—even years into…
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