Best John Grainger Podcasts (2025)

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Bernard Mandeville with John Callanan (Subscriber Preview) 17:58

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2h ago17:58

17:58

Claire and John Callanan explain why Bernard Mandeville is the bee’s knees. That joke might not make sense yet, but it will once you’re done with the episode. Guest Our guest Dr. John Callanan is a Reader in Philosophy at King’s College London. His book Man-Devil: The Mind and Times of Bernard Mandeville, the Wickedest Man in Europe, is available h…

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Serving a City, Not Competing for It… with Dan Stone 38:52

12h ago38:52

38:52

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Pastor Dan Stone — one of his closest friends, and the heart behind the Duluth Dream Center in Minnesota's Central Hillside. Tune in to hear Dan share how his team was gifted a 40,000-square-foot historic church building—not because they campaigned for it, but because they were alrea…

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Martin Witherspoon Gary with Vanessa Williamson 1:12:52

4h ago1:12:52

1:12:52

Claire and Vanessa Williamson talk about death, taxes, and a man who literally believed they should go hand-in-hand. Guest Our guest Dr. Vanessa Williamson is a Senior Fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and a senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. Her book The Price of Democracy: The Revolutionary Power of Ta…

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Improbable Mentors and Happy Tangents with Michael Perry 1:01:48

5h ago1:01:48

1:01:48

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes back Michael Perry—New York Times bestselling author and humorist whose wit, warmth, and everyday wisdom make him a listener favorite. Tune in to hear Michael share the story behind his newest book, Improbable Mentors & Happy Tangents—a witty, heartfelt collection born from a fishing…

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The Worst Wing with Nicole Hemmer and Kevin Schultz (Preview) 16:07

6h ago16:07

16:07

Claire, Nicole Hemmer, and Kevin Schultz play some games and answer the easiest question in the world: are all of the American presidents bad? **THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED LIVE AT THE CHEERFUL EARFUL PODCAST FESTIVAL. A FULL VERSION IS AVAILABLE TO SUBSCRIBERS, OR FOR PURCHASE BY NON-SUBSCRIBERS AT PATREON.COM/THISGUYSUCKED** Guest Nicole Hemmer is …

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Encore Episode: November 4, 1979 — The Day the Iranian Hostage Crisis Began 52:46

18d ago52:46

52:46

Today marks 46 years since November 4, 1979—the day the Iranian Hostage Crisis began. To honor this significant moment in history, this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer revisits Andy's powerful conversation with U.S. Marine Sergeant Rocky Sickmann, one of 65 Americans taken hostage when militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.…

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Carl Schmitt with Jonathan Fine Unlocked 1:02:34

19d ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Claire and Dr. Jonathan Fine build a case against the vice president’s favorite philosopher in the court of public opinion. **THIS REMASTERED EPISODE WAS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED EXCLUSIVELY ON PATREON** Guest Our guest Dr. Jonathan Fine is a Germanist specializing in Comparative Literature and Intellectual History. Follow him on Twitter @jonathanbfine …

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The Sound with Rob, Levi, and Jacob Mills 1:02:18

21d ago1:02:18

1:02:18

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes The Sound — a Dove Award–winning trio featuring Levi, Jacob, and Rob Mills. Tune in to hear Levi, Jacob, and Rob share the story behind The Sound — how a father and his two sons turned a shared love of music into a ministry reaching audiences around the world. Listen as they talk abo…

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Edward Kelley with Cynthia Paces (Subscriber Preview) 22:55

15d ago22:55

22:55

Claire and Cynthia Paces try to separate a man from a whole lot of mysteries. Guest Our guest Cynthia Paces is a Professor of History at the College of New Jersey. Her new book Prague: the Heart of Europe, is available here. Visit her website here. Sensitive Themes & Topics Dismemberment/disfigurement, sexual coercion Credits - Host & Executive Pro…

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The AI Conversation: What's Real…And What's Next? 1:12:49

1M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Herb Hughes—science fiction novelist, and Steve Woods—AI engineer at General Dynamics, for a fast, funny, and thought-provoking look at where artificial intelligence is really headed. Tune in to hear Herb and Steve join Andy for a fascinating–sometimes unsettling–conversation about h…

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Gary Gygax with Eric Silver 1:20:52

1M ago1:20:52

1:20:52

Claire and Eric Silver remind us that sometimes games we love are created by not-so-good people who openly wanted to do an immense amount of psychic damage to some of their players. Guest Our guest Eric Silver is a podcaster, writer, and the Game Master for TTRPG actual play podcast Join The Party. Follow him on Bluesky and Instagram, or visit his …

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Soul on Fire with John O'Leary 34:09

1M ago34:09

34:09

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts John O'Leary—bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and producer of the new feature film Soul on Fire. Tune in to hear John share the "two chapters" behind his story—the miraculous rescue at age nine and the years of hiding before finally learning to live openly—while honoring the pe…

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The Internet with Wow If True (Subscriber Preview) 17:34

1M ago17:34

17:34

Claire is joined by Amanda Silberling and Isabel Kim from Wow If True to discuss the collapse of the internet and why we can’t have nice things anymore. **The full episode is available on the TGS Patreon now and will become available in full on the public Wow If True feed from 10/15.** Collaborators Amanda Silberling and Isabel Kim are the hosts an…

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Over Yonder with Sean Dietrich 51:36

2M ago51:36

51:36

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Sean Dietrich—"Sean of the South"—author, musician, humorist, and frequent Grand Ole Opry guest. Tune in to hear Sean share stories behind "Over Yonder"—a tender, funny tale of "found family" set on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Listen as he and Andy talk about the unlikely duo at the heart of …

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George Pitt-Rivers with Dan Hicks 1:08:42

1M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

Claire and Prof. Dan Hicks bring (more) shame on the name Pitt-Rivers, and make an argument for unburying all of the archival bodies. Guest Our guest Dan Hicks is a Professor of Contemporary Archaeology at Oxford, as well as a curator at the Pitt Rivers Museum. His newest book, Every Monument Will Fall is available here. Follow him on Bluesky, Inst…

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This Isn't the Life I Prayed For... with Tami Nantz 24:16

2M ago24:16

24:16

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes his Communications Director, Tami Nantz – author of the brand-new book "This Isn't the Life I Prayed For: A Study of the Book of Job." Tune in to hear Tami share why she wrote "This Isn't the Life I Prayed For," the story behind its message, and why Job's journey—so often misundersto…

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John L. Sullivan with Louis Moore (Subscriber Preview) 16:25

2M ago16:25

16:25

Claire and Professor Louis Moore go a few rounds with America’s first heavyweight champion. Guest Our guest Professor Louis Moore is a Professor of History at Michigan State University and the co-host of the Black Athlete Podcast. His newest book, The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and the Making of the Black Quarterback is available…

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Encore Episode: An Accidental Death...with Peter Grainger 43:58

2M ago43:58

43:58

In this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts author Peter Grainger–creator of the bestselling series of crime novels…DC Smith Investigations. Tune in to hear Peter share details about the multiple series he's written, why his books are currently offered only in E-book and audio formats, and how and when he started writing. …

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Godwin Sturt & Thomas of Monmouth with Elise Wang 1:18:50

2M ago1:18:50

1:18:50

Claire and Elise Wang dig into the men (and motivations) behind one of the world’s most damaging and long-standing conspiracy theories. Guest Our guest Dr. Elise Wang is a professor of medieval literature at CSU Fullerton, and a current Carnegie Fellow. Her book The Making of Felony Procedure in Middle English Literature is available here. Follow h…

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Encore Episode: Why I Believe with Dr Henry Cloud 47:48

2M ago47:48

47:48

In this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Dr. Henry Cloud – a clinical psychologist, pastor to pastors, and New York Times bestselling author. Tune in to hear Dr. Cloud introduce his latest book, Why I Believe: A Psychologist's Thoughts on Suffering, Miracles, Science, and Faith. Listen as he discusses the challenge of s…

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Paul (the Apostle) with Shaily Patel (Subscriber Preview) 18:31

2M ago18:31

18:31

Claire and Dr. Shaily Patel unpack the many misdeeds of one of early Christianity’s most important men. Guest Our guest Dr. Shaily Patel is an Assistant Professor of early Christianity at Virginia Tech. Her book Magic and Heresy in Ancient Christian Literature is available here, and Smoke and Mirrors: Discourses of Magic in Early Petrine Traditions…

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Come See This Guy Sucked LIVE! 1:05

2M ago1:05

1:05

Our first ever live show is coming! Where: Caveat, 21A Clinton St, New York City When: Thursday, October 9, 2025 @ 7pm Who: Claire + a couple of special guests! How: Get your tickets here! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Roll Tide? Not So Fast, My Friend… 33:51

2M ago33:51

33:51

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy shares powerful insights into leadership and culture—through the lens of Alabama football. Tune in to hear Andy unpack Alabama's struggles since Nick Saban's retirement and reveal why culture—not talent—drives lasting success. Hear him explain how discipline, retention, and consistency expose…

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Edmund Kean with Greg Jenner 1:41:15

2M ago1:41:15

1:41:15

Claire and Greg Jenner take center stage to prove Edmund Kean was less leading man, more dramatic cautionary tale. Guest Our guest Greg Jenner is a historian, author, podcaster, and ‘weaselly looking guy.’ You can follow him on Instagram and on Bluesky. His website is gregjenner.com and his book Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from …

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Cracker Barrel's Costly Lesson: Culture Can't Be Rebranded 17:07

3M ago17:07

17:07

Buckle up—because this episode is not just about a restaurant chain. Join Andy Andrews as he delivers a cautionary tale for every leader, every business owner, and really, for all of us: you can't fix a culture problem with white paint and a new logo. And when you try… well, Cracker Barrel just showed the world what happens." Not many companies can…

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Christopher Columbus with Surekha Davies (Subscriber Preview) 16:10

2M ago16:10

16:10

Claire and Dr. Surekha Davies badmouth a man who made the world a lot bigger for some people and a lot worse for others. Guest Our guest Dr. Surekha Davies is an author, historian of science, speaker, and monster consultant. Her newest book, Humans: A Monstrous History is available here. Follow her on Bluesky @drsurekhadavies and Instagram @surekha…

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Encore Episode: Made South with Chris Thomas 1:14:51

3M ago1:14:51

1:14:51

In this week's encore episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Chris Thomas – Entrepreneur, Podcaster, and Professional Southern Gentleman. Tune in to hear Andy and Chris share a lively conversation about all things southern! Listen as Chris shares the fun details about his company, Made South – how it got started, how it's going today, the …

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D W Griffith with Kellie Carter Jackson 1:11:12

3M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

Claire and Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson send the man behind Birth Of A Nation (and the re-birth of the KKK) to the cutting room floor. Guest Our guest Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson is an Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College and host of This Day from Radiotopia. Her book We Refuse is available here. Follow her on Twitter, Bluesky, a…

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From Trees to Treasures with Bryan Chandler 50:17

3M ago50:17

50:17

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Bryan Chandler – owner of Silverhill Mill in Silverhill, Alabama. Tune in to hear Bryan share the story of how he and his wife, Rhee, built Silverhill Mill from the ground up and how the business has grown since he last appeared on the podcast. Listen as he and Andy swap stories abou…

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Tertullian of Carthage with Chance Bonar (Subscriber Preview) 18:11

3M ago18:11

18:11

Claire and Dr. Chance Bonar journey back into Ancient Roman Africa to talk about a guy who was very afraid of everything, including jewelry and high school teachers. Guest Our guest Dr. Chance Bonar is an Advising Fellow at the University of Virginia. His book God, Slavery, and Early Christianity, is available here. Follow him on Twitter and on Blu…

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Church in a Bar with Ben Ragsdale 39:06

3M ago39:06

39:06

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Ben Ragsdale – pastor of Worship on the Water at the Flora-Bama in Orange Beach, Alabama. Tune in to hear Andy and his pastor share the story behind Worship on the Water, how Ben and his family became part of it, and what makes attending church in a bar on the beach such a beautifull…

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The Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency with Appodlachia 1:14:37

3M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Claire teams up with Chuck from Appodlachia to talk about the union-busting hired guns that made it even harder to survive in the West Virginia coalfields. Collaborator This episode is a collaboration with Appodlachia, a show about the culture, history, and politics of Appalachia. Listen to them here and join their Patreon here. Recommendations - B…

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Generational Anger Defused with Andy Andrews 35:56

4M ago35:56

35:56

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy shares a powerful moment from his personal archives—one he's never presented anywhere else. Tune in to hear a compelling story that feels even more relevant today than when it was first recorded. Have you felt the tension in conversations lately? The weight of cultural conflict? The weariness…

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Alexander Graham Bell with Anabel Maler (Subscriber Preview) 16:54

4M ago16:54

16:54

Claire and Dr. Anabel Maler dial in for a discussion on everything that was wrong with that one phone guy. Guest Our guest Dr. Anabel Maler is an Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the University of British Columbia. Her book, Seeing Voices: Analyzing Sign Language Music, is available here. Follow her on Bluesky @amaler. Sensitive Themes & Topi…