Best Jan Simon Podcasts (2025)

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78 - Danielle Steers: Childhood Dreams, Hot Mess & Six The Musical 38:46

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3h ago38:46

38:46

We're joined by a West End powerhouse and velvet-voiced icon... Danielle Steers is our guest on this episode of The Final FronTia! Danielle is known for originating the role of Zahara in Bat Out Of Hell: The Musical and for playing Catherine Parr in Six all the way from the Arts Theatre to the Vaudeville! She's currently starring as Earth in Hot Me…

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Breaking Chains: Chad Dunn's Journey to Empowerment 1:30:02

7h ago1:30:02

1:30:02

Send us a text In this compelling episode, Chad Dunn shares his transformative journey from being an athlete, felon, and drug user to becoming a certified behavioral change specialist and author. Following a two-year term in federal prison, Chad founded Move Human Performance Center in Chandler, where he helps athletes and everyday individuals rebu…

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Gabriel Bergmoser and Rachael Johns

1d ago

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High octane action in a high rise building - that's where all the mayhem and murder takes place in Gabriel Bergmoser's latest novel, High Rise.Rachael Johns', The Lucky Sisters, is a moving story about life, death and miracles.By Gabriel Bergmoser with David McLean and Rachael Johns with Lisa Moule

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We Weren't Expecting It 46:54

3d ago46:54

46:54

Send us a text This week, a random WB hunk walks into the Camden house and acts like he knows everyone, then concludes the episode with a PSA on appreciating veterans. Also, we find out he knows the chimp Eisenhower. Greg Drank: Coors Banquet and Elder Pine Pilsner Check us out on Discord: https://discord.gg/5JVVYpPPcp…

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Elizabeth R. Hyman, "The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto: The True Story of Five Courageous Young Women Who Sparked an Uprising" (Harper, 2025) 40:58

4d ago40:58

40:58

The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising is one of the most storied events of the Holocaust, yet previous accounts of have almost entirely focused on its male participants. In The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto: The True Story of Five Courageous Young Women Who Sparked an Uprising (Harper, 2025), Holocaust historian Elizabeth Hyman introduces five young, cour…

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EP 3: A Conversation with Chef John Fleer 1:00:16

7d ago1:00:16

1:00:16

A native of Winston-Salem, NC, Asheville-based Chef John Fleer has earned critical acclaim for the way he transforms local ingredients into world-class dishes. The unique "foothills cuisine" he helped establish at Tennessee's Blackberry Farm walked the line between refined and rugged; fancy and familiar. The "freestyle American" cuisine he later br…

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From Documentaries to Dough: An Inspiring Leadership Journey 1:34:21

7d ago1:34:21

1:34:21

Send us a text In this episode of Above and Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation, we sit down with Josh Carstens, a man whose journey embodies bold pivots and purpose. Born and raised in McHenry, Illinois, Josh began his career as a documentary filmmaker with National Geographic before transitioning to the restaurant industry. Discover how Josh…

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Stuart Wilson and Sofie Laguna

9d ago

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Oliver loves his job as the 113th Assistant Librarian, he knows books can be dangerous but if the wording in one is changed could it impact the stability of the kingdom? Travel books help him leave and return in ‘Lost in a Book’ the second book in the series by Stuart Wilson . Mythology and reality merge in Sofie Laguna's novel, The Underworld.…

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77 - Cody Dahler: TV Masterpieces, Business Pitches & Daddy Zack 44:22

10d ago44:22

44:22

He's a podcaster with a wicked sense of humour, strong opinions on British TV and an encyclopaedic appetite for politics... Cody Dahler is our guest on this episode of The Final FronTia! Cody is a comedian, writer and the host of the podcast The Truth (In My Opinion) where he is joined by other comedians, writers and also sometimes politicians to t…

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EP 2: A Conversation with Graham House, Sean McMullen, and Sarah Charles Hereford of Luminosa 1:23:22

14d ago1:23:22

1:23:22

Executive Chef Graham House, Chef de Cuisine Sean McMullen, and Director of Food & Beverage Sarah Charles Hereford are the talented trio behind beloved restaurant Luminosa at The Flat Iron Hotel in Asheville. Known for its elegant yet approachable take on Italian cuisine, Luminosa celebrates the spirit of the mountains through local ingredients, se…

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From Ballerina Dreams to Real Estate Success: Ann Schude's Journey 1:09:17

19d ago1:09:17

1:09:17

Send us a text Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ann Schude, a seasoned real estate professional with over 23 years of experience. Ann shares her journey from aspiring ballerina to co-owning the successful real estate firm InstaSold. In this episode, discover how Ann blends her deep understanding of community, honed during her time at Ariz…

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Robyn Annear and Christian White

15d ago

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‘Shutter City’ has photographs of early Melbourne. They come alive as Robyn Annear guides our eye into the detail and describes it with her insightful humour. Christian White takes us on a journey of kidnapping, revenge and violence over one concentrated evening in, ‘The Long Night’.By Robyn Annear with Jan Goldsmith and Christian White with David McLean

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Penalty Kick? 44:06

19d ago44:06

44:06

Send us a text This week on the show we discuss one of the most amazing sting operations ever written for television! We also learn a lot about the consequences of anti-depressants and Peter tries out drag make-up. Greg Drank: Orange Gatorade Check us out on Discord: https://discord.gg/5JVVYpPPcpBy Morgan & Greg

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76 - Jan Sport: High Notes, High Heels & Higher Energy 46:36

17d ago46:36

46:36

She’s the high-note-hitting, high-energy drag superstar from RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars — Jan Sport is our guest on this episode of The Final FronTia! Known for her powerhouse vocals, musical theatre roots and unstoppable enthusiasm, Jan has become a fan favourite for blending Broadway precision with pure pop fun. On this episode of The Final…

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EP 1: A Conversation with Meherwan and Molly Irani of Chai Pani Restaurant Group 1:36:30

21d ago1:36:30

1:36:30

Meherwan and Molly Irani are the husband-and-wife duo behind Chai Pani Restaurant Group and Spicewalla. Since opening the flagship Chai Pani location in Asheville, NC in 2009, Molly, Chief Hospitality Officer, and Meherwan, Chef and CEO, have grown Chai Pani into a nationally celebrated brand with a team of over 300 people, seven restaurants across…

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Simon Plant and Heather Rose

22d ago

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Simon Plant takes us into the intriguing life of George Coppin and his theatrical touring party of Shakespeare specialists who went to Civil War America in the 1860's in his book, Entertaining Mr Coppin - an Antipodean Showman in Civil War America. (Theatre Heritage Australia publication)Heather Rose has been inspired by true events in this histori…

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75 - Desiree Burch: Big Laughs, Bold Choices & Bad Dates 48:48

24d ago48:48

48:48

We're joined by a comedian, writer, actor and absolute powerhouse on this episode of The Final FronTia - Desiree Burch is in the studio! You may recognise her iconic voice from Netflix's Too Hot To Handle, or her razor-sharp wit from the likes of Live at the Apollo and Taskmaster - but now, she's joining Tia for a conversation that’s equal parts hi…

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Rob Elder - A Legacy of Dedication and Service 1:27:08

1M ago1:27:08

1:27:08

Send us a text In this episode of 'Above and Beyond where Excellence meets Elevation,' we welcome Rob Elder, a man whose life and career have been marked by integrity, service, and dedication. Born and raised in Wyoming, Rob excelled as a four-sport athlete and college wrestler before serving four years in the U.S. Navy, including deployment in the…

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Emma Mugglestone and Katherine Pollock

1M ago

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The Run Club has popularity because of the social media hits following a blossoming relationship, but these two only got together in a pretend situation, will it stay that way as there are many hurdles in their training for a marathon. ‘In the Long Run’ is a romance novel that does go the distance by Emma Mugglestone.Katherine Pollock’s ‘Starry Eye…

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Make Annie a Cop 33:20

1M ago33:20

33:20

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74 - Denise Van Outen: Big Breakfasts, Party Tricks & Keeping It Camp 38:58

1M ago38:58

38:58

We are back with brand new episodes of The Final FronTia! New guests, a new set (sort of) and brand new segments! And for our new episode we're joined by an icon of stage and screen... From The Big Breakfast to Broadway, Denise Van Outen has done it all — she's starred as Roxie Hart in Chicago in New York and London, come as runner up on Strictly C…

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Finding Her Voice: Peppur Chambers on Art, Life, and Empowerment 1:14:23

1M ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Send us a text Join us on this episode of Above and Beyond where host Jan Simon sits down with Peppur Chambers, an acclaimed international writer, producer, and educator. Dive into Peppur's inspiring journey from her Wisconsin roots to becoming a significant voice in addressing women's issues, social justice, and love. Explore her challenges, trium…

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Holly Brunnbauer and Toby Schmitz

1M ago

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Makayla wants to make up for lost time after her divorce but her list of no regrets detailing things yet to be done leads to complications she didn't quite foresee in Holly Brunnbauer's novel, What Did I Miss?The Empress Murders is a razor-sharp whodunit by Toby Schmitz.By Holly Brunnbauer with David McLean and Toby Schmitz with Lisa Moule

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The Life and Times of Doug Hopkins: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose 1:09:01

2M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with one of America's leading real estate agents, Doug Hopkins. From his humble beginnings in Bedford Hills, New York, to his rapid rise in the Arizona real estate market, Doug shares his remarkable journey. With over 20,000 home purchases and sales under his belt, Doug reflects on the highs and lows of h…

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Noel Harcourt and Michael Rowbotham

1M ago

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Noel Harcourt writes about his job for 33 years as one of the zoo keepers at Melbourne Zoo in his memoir ‘For Keeps’.Philomena McCarthy is compromised in her role as a police officer because she is the daughter of one of London's crime bosses. How then does she investigate and solve the robberies and murders on her beat in 'The White Crow'? Michael…

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Captain Crabby (AKA Simon) 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

Send us a text We're back for Season 8! It's all drama on the beach as Simon and the family cope with the fact that he literally killed a man. Plus, pregnancy talk continues and the most random side character makes a second appearance. Greg Drank: A delicious red Gatorade. Check us out on Discord: https://discord.gg/5JVVYpPPcp…

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EP 23: A Conversation with Simone Reggie of French Truck Coffee 44:58

2M ago44:58

44:58

Simone Reggie is the Director of Sales & Marketing at French Truck Coffee, where she leads marketing, community relations, and partnerships across the company's 12 locations. Based in New Orleans, Simone brings over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry, with a career defined by meaningful relationships and a strong connection to…

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Fred Wakefield: Pivoting from Pro Football to Business Leadership 1:10:51

2M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

Send us a text From the Football Gridiron to Business Leadership: Fred Wakefield's Journey Join us for an inspiring conversation with Fred Wakefield, co-founder and CEO of Thrive CXO. Fred's incredible journey spans from playing professional football with the Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders to earning an MBA from the University of Illinois an…

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George Ivanoff and Joel McKerrow

2M ago

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George Ivanoff gives us 'Prehistoric Peril' in the latest choose your own adventure where virtual reality, mad scientists and you, as the reader, decides what will happen next.A heist, a robbery, a theft planned and undertaken to not only save the Earth, but even refugees from another planet. Science Fiction at its most dramatic, absurd and humorou…

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EP 22: A Conversation with Lilly Jan, Ph.D of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration 1:08:32

2M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

Dr. Lilly Jan is a faculty member at Cornell University's Nolan School of Hotel Administration, where she teaches courses on restaurant design, food and beverage management, and global cuisines. A seasoned educator, consultant, and industry pro, she brings nearly 15 years of hands-on experience in catering, events, retail, and television to her wor…

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Beyond the Finish Line: Terrance Johnson on Life, Family, and Fitness 1:36:35

2M ago1:36:35

1:36:35

Send us a text Join us for an inspiring conversation with Terrance Johnson—devoted husband, father of seven, elite athlete, coach, and entrepreneur. In this episode, Terrance shares his journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a two-time US Olympic trials qualifier, successful business owner, and community leader. Discover how Terrance over…

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Pip Smith

2M ago

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Pip Smith explores the emotional and psychological consequences of the refugee vessel, The Janga, that crashed into Christmas Island in her fictionalised account of that event, The Pull of the Moon.By Pip Smith with David McLean

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Good Riddance Season 7, Bring on Season 8's Crazy Plot Twist 32:49

2M ago32:49

32:49

Send us a text Season 7 finally ends with Tara Lipinski outted as a prostitute and Lucy probably pregnant. The family plans to celebrate Ruthie's first period with a dinner at the pool hall. That's pretty much all that happened, see you next season. Greg Drank: Coors Banquet Check us out on Discord: https://discord.gg/5JVVYpPPcp…

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Stanley Bill and Ben Stanley, "Good Change: The Rise and Fall of Poland's Illiberal Revolution" (Stanford UP, 2025) 39:53

2M ago39:53

39:53

In Poland between 2015 and 2023, Jarosław Kaczyński and his Law and Justice Party (PiS) attempted a novel experiment. Could a governing party sustain a coalition committed religiously inspired social conservatism, old-school left-wing welfarism, and antipathy to Moscow and Brussels while also unravelling democratic institutions? It was, write Stanl…

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EP 21: A Conversation with Andrew Carmellini of NoHo Hospitality 53:07

2M ago53:07

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Andrew Carmellini is the chef and co-founder of NoHo Hospitality Group, which operates celebrated restaurants including Locanda Verde, The Dutch, Lafayette, Carne Mare, and Bar Primi in New York City, as well as multiple establishments in Miami, Detroit, and Nashville. He has become a defining figure in American hospitality and modern Italian and A…

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Resilience in Action: The Leanna DeBellevue Story 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Send us a text In this episode of the Above and Beyond Podcast, we talk with Leanna DeBellevue—international speaker, social media strategist, and owner of DeBellevue Global Marketing Agency. Leanna shares her journey from single mom to global business leader, offering insights on resilience, leadership, and building a successful team. Tune in for …

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Monica Raszewski and Michelle Kalus

2M ago

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Monica Raszewski's, 'Crimson Light, Polished Wood', explores the intersecting lives of three generations of women and their connection over time.The love of literature from Then as 17 year olds to Now, 20 years later may lead to a new chapter in this rom-com ‘Love Overdue’ by Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus.…

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73 - Courtney Act: From The Werkroom To The World Stage 43:59

2M ago43:59

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We're joined by a global drag superstar, a singer, a writer and a reality TV legend – the one and only Courtney Act is our guest on this episode of The Final FronTia! From making the Australian Idol semi-finals to snatching the win on Celebrity Big Brother UK and reaching the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Courtney has truly done it all – while usin…

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EP 20: A Conversation with Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster 52:08

2M ago52:08

52:08

Rob Rubba is the chef and founding partner of MICHELIN-starred Oyster Oyster in Washington, D.C. A James Beard Outstanding Chef (2023) and one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs (2022), Rob brings over 20 years of experience to his work. A passionate vegetarian and sustainability advocate, he's created a plant-forward, zero-waste dining experience tha…

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Life, Art, and Ambition: Inside the World of Roxy Szigat 1:14:15

2M ago1:14:15

1:14:15

Send us a text Join us on this inspiring episode of 'Above and Beyond' as we sit down with Roxy Szigat, a lifelong artist, entrepreneur, and the creative force behind Rox Ink Calligraphy. Discover how her love for calligraphy started at age 14 and evolved into a thriving business. Roxy shares her journey from California to Germany and back, and how…

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Rhett Davis and Jo Dabrowski

2M ago

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Our social contract with the world, our very purpose in the digital age is brought into question in the novel, 'Arborescence', by Rhett Davis Martha has ideas but she is shy. Can she show her friends, family and classmates who she really is and what she is capable of? Jo Dabrowski is the author, and ‘The Making of Martha Mayfield’ is her book.…

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72 - Zack Polanski: Fighting For The Climate (And Loving Reality TV) 47:08

3M ago47:08

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He’s a campaigner, activist and the Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales – and now he’s running for the top job. Zack Polanski is our guest on this episode of The Final FronTia! From politics to protest, Zack has built his career on fighting for climate justice, equality, and a fairer future... and he’s not afraid to ruffle feather…

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Sure Jan 32:43

3M ago32:43

32:43

Send us a text We start the two-part season finale with a bizarre one starring the oft-forgotten early 2000s cameo queen Tara Lipinski. Peter continues to be a great guy, Sarah (and Lucy) might be pregnant, and Chandler's father attempts to fake his own death. We drank: Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweisen Check us out on Discord: https://discord.gg…

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EP 19: A Conversation with Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable 52:04

3M ago52:04

52:04

Debby Soo is a forward-thinking leader reshaping how the restaurant industry engages with technology and advocacy. As CEO of OpenTable since 2020, she has brought a people-first approach to innovation, introducing AI-powered tools, securing major global partnerships, and advocating for legislation to support restaurants against issues such as reser…

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Jambalaya, Jets, and Jams: Getting to know Mike Euper 1:22:17

3M ago1:22:17

1:22:17

Send us a text In this episode of Above and Beyond, host Jan Simon sits down with Mike Euper, a man whose life has been a whirlwind of unique experiences. Growing up in Bell Chase, Louisiana, Euper shares how his upbringing by strong women shaped his values and life choices. From his time in the Air National Guard as a jet engine mechanic, to his d…

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Toni Jordan and A. L. Booth

3M ago

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Toni Jordan’s book ‘Ternderfoot’ is a coming of age story set in the 70’s.A. L. Booth’s crime novel, ’Death at Booroomba’ includes a mysterious inheritance, a violent murder, a hint of romance and a large dollop of country town gossip.By Toni Jordan with Lisa Moule and A. L. Booth with Jan Goldsmith

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71 - Art Simone: Down Under's Drag Queen LIVE from Edinburgh (TFF Live) 40:58

3M ago40:58

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A Down Under dive who stole the show on RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under and has since become one of Australia’s most recognisable drag superstars?! Art Simone is our special guest at the second ever live recording of The Final FronTia! From touring the world to starring on TV, Art has cemented herself as a queen of camp, comedy and creativity. Join u…

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Anna Cichopek-Gajraj, "Beyond Violence: Jewish Survivors in Poland and Slovakia, 1944–48" (Cambridge UP, 2014) 1:25:22

3M ago1:25:22

1:25:22

Beyond Violence: Jewish Survivors in Poland and Slovakia, 1944–48 (Cambridge UP, 2014) tells a story of Polish and Slovak Holocaust survivors returning to homes that no longer existed in the aftermath of the Second World War. It focuses on their daily efforts to rebuild their lives in the radically changed political and social landscape of post-war…

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EP 18: A Conversation with Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern 1:05:48

3M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Michael Anthony is the Executive Chef and Partner at Gramercy Tavern, one of NYC's most iconic restaurants. Under his leadership, the restaurant earned a MICHELIN Star and several James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Chef. He's known for championing seasonal, sustainable cooking and shaping modern American cuisine wi…

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Breaking the Mold: The Journey of Korey Bahme 1:08:32

3M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

Send us a text Join us as we sit down with Korey Bahme, the founder of Bahme Law in Arizona. Korey shares her incredible journey from growing up in Florence, Arizona, to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur and lawyer. Learn about her no-nonsense approach to business law, her dedication to community service, and the challenges she faced along the w…