Best Hollywood Anonymous Podcasts (2025)

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The 7 Triggers of Cognitive Dissonance 15:49

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1h ago15:49

15:49

In this thought-provoking episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt delves into the complex phenomenon of cognitive dissonance. With her trademark blend of humor and authenticity, Brianne unpacks the psychological discomfort that arises when we hold conflicting beliefs, ideas, and values simultaneously. She shares her personal ex…

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CWC Global: From Ground Zero 49:52

2d ago49:52

49:52

Mona Damluji (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) and Elisabeth Weber (German and Slavic Studies, UCSB) join moderator Bishnupriya Ghosh (English and Global Studies, UCSB) to discuss the film project From Ground Zero, an anthology of films made by Palestinian filmmakers since the beginning of the war in Gaza. They discuss how the films present a unique v…

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Embracing the Dark: The Power of Shadow Work 19:55

1h ago19:55

19:55

In this transformative episode, Brianne Davis-Gantt dives deep into the compelling world of shadow work. With her signature blend of candor and humor, Brianne shares her personal journey of embracing the darker aspects of herself and how this process can lead to profound self-acceptance and personal growth. She discusses the importance of acknowled…

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Panic!: The Sound of Fury 34:11

3d ago34:11

34:11

Film historian Rebecca Prime joins moderator Ross Melnick (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) for a discussion of the classic Hollywood film The Sound of Fury. Prime outlines the film’s production history and how its political and social commentary was shaped by its director, Cy Endfield, who would go on to be blacklisted due to his association with the…

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Addicted to Drama: Healing Emotional Addiction 10:48

23h ago10:48

10:48

In this eye-opening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt takes a deep dive into the fascinating yet troubling world of emotional addiction. With her characteristic blend of humor and raw honesty, Brianne explores the intense highs and lows that come with seeking emotional drama as a coping mechanism. She reveals how many ind…

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CWC Docs: American Homeboy 40:16

4d ago40:16

40:16

Documentary subject and Chicano activist Jerry Ramirez joins moderator Clint Terrell (English, UCSB) for a discussion of the documentary film American Homeboy. They discuss Ramirez’s involvement with the film, his relationship to his Chicano identity, and how his experience being incarcerated fueled his activism, particularly in relation to Chicano…

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How to Stop People Pleasing and Set Boundaries 17:33

8d ago17:33

17:33

In this empowering episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt takes a deep dive into the world of people pleasing and the critical importance of setting boundaries. With her signature blend of humor and candor, Brianne defines what it means to be a people pleaser—someone who prioritizes the happiness of others at the expense of th…

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5 Types of Perfectionists -The Pressure to Be Perfect 15:03

15d ago15:03

15:03

In this enlightening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt delves into the pervasive issue of perfectionism and its profound impact on mental and physical health. With her signature blend of humor and honesty, Brianne explores the pressures that drive individuals to seek perfection, revealing how these high expectations can l…

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Panic!: Hedwig and the Angry Inch 59:44

17d ago59:44

59:44

Over 20 years since its release, Hedwig and the Angry Inch remains as relevant as ever to the politics of the day. A child of division, Hedwig refuses to be caught between categories, instead evading gender description and embracing herself as lovingly as one can. Writer/director/actor John Cameron Mitchell joins moderator Patrice Petro, Dick Wolf …

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Navigating the Four Types of Emotionally Immature Parents 20:02

22d ago20:02

20:02

In this thought-provoking episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives deep into the complex dynamics of emotionally immature parents. With her characteristic honesty and humor, Brianne outlines the four distinct types of these parents: the driven, emotional, passive, and rejecting parent. She shares her insights on how each t…

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Archives of Anonymous Labor: From Farce to Liberation 53:11

25d ago53:11

53:11

Film curators Michelle Baroody and Maggie Hennefeld join moderator Patrice Petro for a discussion of their program “Archives of Anonymous Labor: From Farce to Liberation.” The program juxtaposes five films that about anonymity and labor, from silent films that show the invisible labor of housemaids and film editors to films that highlight the erase…

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Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) 16:58

29d ago16:58

16:58

In this insightful episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt unpacks the complexities of Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), a condition that plagues many individuals with intrusive and obsessive thoughts about their romantic relationships. With her signature blend of humor and candidness, Brianne explores the symp…

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Panic!: CBS and the 1950s Blacklist 44:44

1M ago44:44

44:44

Carol Stabile (Clark Honors College, University of Oregon) joins moderator Patrice Petro for a discussion of “CBS and the 1950s Blacklist,” a program that included an episode of the television sitcom The Goldbergs and William N. Robson’s radio broadcast titled “Open Letter on Race Hatred.” They discuss the history of anti-communist activism in the …

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Psychopaths vs Sociopaths 14:59

1M ago14:59

14:59

In this gripping episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt takes a deep dive into the often-misunderstood world of psychopaths and sociopaths. With her unique blend of insight and humor, Brianne explores the key differences between these two personality types, unraveling the complexities of their behaviors and the underlying caus…

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The 4 Types of Shame 17:43

1M ago17:43

17:43

In this powerful episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt bravely confronts the often misunderstood emotion of shame. With her characteristic blend of authenticity and humor, Brianne delves into the four distinct types of shame: existential, situational, class, and narcissistic, revealing how each can profoundly affect our self-…

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Intuitive Eating 20:51

2M ago20:51

20:51

In this enlightening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives deep into the transformative philosophy of intuitive eating. With her signature blend of humor and vulnerability, Brianne shares her personal journey of healing from an eating disorder and body dysmorphia, emphasizing the importance of making peace with food and…

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7 Types of Dysfunctional Families 15:16

2M ago15:16

15:16

In this revealing episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt confronts the complex dynamics of dysfunctional families. With her trademark authenticity, Brianne breaks down the seven types of dysfunctional family systems, including enmeshment, authoritarianism, and emotional neglect, shedding light on how these patterns can shape o…

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Intellectual Intimacy 17:31

2M ago17:31

17:31

In this thought-provoking episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt delves into the often underestimated realm of intellectual intimacy. With her signature blend of humor and honesty, Brianne explores what it truly means to connect on a mental level, emphasizing the importance of meaningful conversations that extend beyond surfac…

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10 Signs of Gaslighting 16:57

3M ago16:57

16:57

In this eye-opening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives into the insidious world of gaslighting—a form of emotional manipulation that can leave victims questioning their own reality. With her characteristic candor, Brianne explores the ten signs of gaslighting, providing listeners with the tools to recognize and comba…

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Emotional Flooding 16:11

3M ago16:11

16:11

In this powerful episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt takes a deep dive into the phenomenon of emotional flooding—a state where overwhelming emotions can lead to a temporary shutdown of our ability to think and communicate effectively. Brianne candidly shares her own experiences with emotional flooding, illustrating how it c…

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7 Surprising Habits of Codependency 17:00

3M ago17:00

17:00

In this revealing episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt uncovers the often-overlooked habits of codependency that can silently sabotage our relationships and self-worth. Drawing from her own experiences and extensive knowledge, Brianne explores the intricate dynamics between codependents and narcissists, highlighting how both…

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Black Hollywood: Nickel Boys - A Conversation with RaMell Ross 58:01

3M ago58:01

58:01

Filmmaker RaMell Ross discusses "Nickel Boys", his 2024 feature film adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel. Directed and co-written by Ross, the film follows two Black teenagers—Elwood (Ethan Herisse) and Turner (Brandon Wilson)—at a brutal reform school in Jim Crow–era Florida, modeled on the real-life Arthur G. Dozier Scho…

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5 Tips to Healthy Family Relationships 16:03

3M ago16:03

16:03

In this eye-opening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt tackles the complexities of dysfunctional family systems and offers practical strategies for fostering healthier relationships. Drawing from her extensive experience, Brianne delves into the root causes of family dysfunction, including poor communication, emotional neg…

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CWC Docs: What These Walls Won’t Hold - A Conversation with Adamu Chan 53:27

4M ago53:27

53:27

Filmmaker Adamu Chan joins UC Santa Barbara’s Althea Wasow for a powerful conversation about "What These Walls Won’t Hold", a documentary he created while incarcerated at San Quentin during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film, which aired nationally on PBS’s "America ReFramed", captures the resilience and activism of incarcerated people and their commu…

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Autosexuality 14:19

4M ago14:19

14:19

In this enlightening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives into the intriguing world of autosexuality—a term that describes individuals who experience sexual attraction primarily towards themselves. With her characteristic honesty and humor, Brianne unpacks this often-misunderstood concept, shedding light on what it mea…

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Panic!: FX’s The Old Man - A Conversation with Jeff Bridges and Amy Brenneman 1:11:21

4M ago1:11:21

1:11:21

The Carsey-Wolf Center welcomes Jeff Bridges and Amy Brenneman, the award-winning stars of The Old Man, for a conversation with director/writer/producer Brad Silberling. Bridges and Brenneman share their creative perspectives on the series’ treatment of aging and discuss other aspects of their unique collaboration. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Hum…

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Three Common Pitfalls in the First Healthy Relationship 12:53

4M ago12:53

12:53

Navigating the world of relationships can often feel like a chaotic rollercoaster, especially for those transitioning from toxic dynamics to healthier ones. In the latest episode of the podcast, we delve into the common pitfalls that individuals encounter when they first step into a healthy relationship. Brianne Davis-Gantt, our insightful host, sh…

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The Moon and Back with Leah Bleich 37:56

4M ago37:56

37:56

The Moon and Back marks the feature‑length directorial debut of UCSB Film & Media Studies alumnus Leah Bleich. The film follows high‑school senior Lydia Gilbert (Isabel May) as she grapples with her father’s death and mounting family challenges. When she discovers a space‑opera screenplay her dad left behind, Lydia assembles a low‑budget crew—armed…

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The 12 Steps of Radical Acceptance 16:36

4M ago16:36

16:36

In this powerful episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt confronts the challenging concept of radical acceptance, a skill rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). With her signature candidness, Brianne emphasizes that everything in life is ultimately beyond our control, and the key to navigating this reality lies in how we…

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High-Functioning PTSD 16:51

4M ago16:51

16:51

In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into a topic that resonates with many but is often overlooked: high functioning trauma and PTSD. Briannne Davis-Gantt, our host, opens up about the hidden struggles faced by individuals who appear to have it all together on the surface. They may be successful in their careers and maintain an active soc…

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Afro Italians: Stories of Resistance Renaissance and Community 46:50

5M ago46:50

46:50

In collaboration with the Transnational Italian Studies Program, the Carsey-Wolf Center presents a discussion examining the long history of Black African life in Italy with filmmakers Daphne Di Cinto and Medhin Paolos and UCSB moderator Stephanie Malia Hom. They discuss the short films Il Moro and Asmarina. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities]…

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Panic!: Strangers on a Train 40:51

5M ago40:51

40:51

Screenwriter and playwright Phyllis Nagy joins moderator Patrice Petro for a discussion of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1951 classic Strangers on a Train. Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s debut novel, the film follows tennis player Guy Haines (Farley Granger), who meets the charming but disturbed Bruno Anthony (Robert Walker) during a chance encounter on a …

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Parental Alienation vs. Justified Estrangement 19:18

4M ago19:18

19:18

In this compelling episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives deep into the controversial topic of parental alienation and justified estrangement. With a heartfelt shout-out to those who choose to distance themselves from toxic parental relationships, Brianne explores the complexities of family dynamics and the emotional tol…

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Panic!: Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans 45:59

5M ago45:59

45:59

Nicholas Baer, author of Historical Turns: Weimar Cinema and the Crisis of Historicism, joins moderator and Carsey-Wolf Center Director Patrice Petro for a discussion of Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 40537]By UCTV: UC Santa Barbara

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Excessive Screen Time 13:36

5M ago13:36

13:36

In the latest episode of our podcast, we tackle a topic that resonates with many: excessive screen time. In an age where our devices are an extension of ourselves, the impact of social media and digital distractions is becoming increasingly evident. Host M. Brianne Davis Gant candidly shares her personal experiences with screen addiction and its de…

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Panic!: Fresh Kill - A Conversation with Shu Lea Cheang 54:34

5M ago54:34

54:34

Thirty years after the film’s release, Fresh Kill has been remastered by the Fales Library & Special Collections of New York University. Fresh Kill director/producer Shu Lea Cheang traveled with filmmakers Jean-Paul Jones and Jazz Franklin on a nationwide roadtrip to screen the remastered 35mm print of the film at independent arthouse cinemas acros…

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Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) 17:47

5M ago17:47

17:47

In this thought-provoking episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt explores the complex and often misunderstood realm of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and highly functioning sociopaths. With a candid and engaging approach, Brianne delves into the traits that define these individuals, highlighting how they may seamlessly…

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Deep6 - A Conversation with Madhuja Mukherjee 58:43

5M ago58:43

58:43

Filmmaker Madhuja Mukherjee joins UCSB professor Bishnupriya Ghosh for a conversation about Deep6, a Bengali-language drama set in Kolkata during the politically charged year of 2011. The film follows Mitul, a solitary journalist navigating the end of West Bengal’s 34-year Communist rule while confronting personal loss and shifting identities. Star…

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Scarcity Dating 23:53

5M ago23:53

23:53

In this eye-opening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt tackles the pervasive issue of "scarcity dating." With a bold and unapologetic approach, she challenges the mindset that there is only one perfect partner out there for each of us. Brianne passionately argues that with over 8.2 billion people on the planet, the idea of…

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Healing the Father Wound 16:44

5M ago16:44

16:44

In this powerful episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives deep into the often-overlooked topic of the "father wound." She candidly explores how a father's absence—be it physical or emotional—can severely impact a child's self-image and self-worth. Brianne shares her own experiences and insights, shedding light on the vario…

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Healing the Mother Wound 17:49

6M ago17:49

17:49

In this insightful episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt delves into the often-painful topic of the "mother wound." She explores how a mother's emotional unavailability can profoundly affect a child's ability to form healthy relationships and develop a secure attachment style. Brianne shares her own experiences and observatio…

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Self-Indulgence vs. Self-Care 19:49

6M ago19:49

19:49

In this thought-provoking episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt unpacks the often misunderstood concept of self-care versus self-indulgence. She boldly asserts that true self-care is not glamorous or Instagram-worthy; rather, it consists of the unfabulous activities that contribute to our long-term well-being. Brianne challen…

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CWC Docs: Borderland | The Line Within 42:02

6M ago42:02

42:02

Director Pamela Yates joins UCSB professor Giovanni Batz for a conversation about Borderland | The Line Within, a powerful documentary exploring the human cost of U.S. immigration policy. The film examines the “border industrial complex”—a vast system of surveillance, detention, and deportation—through the personal stories of immigrants resisting s…

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Panic!: Memoria 49:47

6M ago49:47

49:47

Sound editor Javier Umpierrez joins moderator Greg Siegel (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) for a discussion of his work on director Apichatpong Weeresethakul’s film Memoria. They discuss how Umpierrez’s background in radio informed his work building the soundscape of the film. They also explore the challenges of designing and editing sound for films …

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The Narcissistic Father 20:29

6M ago20:29

20:29

In this compelling episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt bravely confronts the complex and often painful dynamics of having a narcissistic father. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, Brianne reveals how narcissism can manifest as a trauma response rooted in childhood. She discusses the layers of false id…

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Doom Scrolling 12:50

7M ago12:50

12:50

In this compelling episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt tackles the pervasive habit of doom scrolling, a behavior that has become alarmingly common in our digital age. Brianne shares her observations of individuals, including a 21-year-old who starts and ends her day with endless scrolling through negative news and social me…

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) 20:00

7M ago20:00

20:00

This week on the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt takes a deep dive into the often misunderstood world of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She breaks down the complexities of this chronic personality disorder, which is characterized by emotional regulation difficulties, fear of abandonment, and turbulent relationships. With a foc…

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Emotional Blunting 14:00

7M ago14:00

14:00

What happens when you know you should feel something but just... don't? In this enlightening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt uncovers the often-overlooked phenomenon of emotional blunting. Brianne shares her personal journey of discovery surrounding this term, revealing the symptoms that include a lack of emotional reac…

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Why People Cheat 25:02

7M ago25:02

25:02

Why do people cheat? In this eye-opening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives deep into the complex motivations behind infidelity. She reveals startling statistics that highlight the prevalence of cheating, including the surprising fact that many who cheat rate their marriages as happy. Brianne challenges conventional …

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Emotional Numbing 17:23

8M ago17:23

17:23

Are you tired of feeling emotionally numb and disconnected from yourself and others? In this raw and revealing episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives into the pervasive issue of emotional numbing. She explores the myriad ways people escape their feelings, from overworking and partying to excessive social media use and ob…