Best Ling Studios Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 245: The Irish Mob In NYC l Mike Cannon, Brendan Sagalow & LP 1:24:53

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3d ago1:24:53

1:24:53

KP Burke welcomes on Mike Cannon and Brendan Sagalow and his dad to talk about one of the most brutal and violent gangs in the history of New York City, The Westies. Sneak Preview: How this Tiny gang was putting up such horrifying numbers Mickey Spillane messing with the Italian's money James Coonans takeover of the gang and inevitable end Original…

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The Montessori Music Maestro: Stories from Frank Leto 46:21

10d ago46:21

46:21

What if music could unlock a child’s full potential—and transform the way we teach? In this episode, Biff & Nicole sit down with educator and musician Frank Leto, who shares his half-century-long journey of inspiring creativity, confidence, and curiosity in children through music. Together, they explore: Frank’s unforgettable and life-changing disc…

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Episode 244: Zapruder & His Film l Chris Faga 55:22

14d ago55:22

55:22

A man in Dallas got more than he bargained for one day while he filmed a presidential motorcade passing by...it changed his life and the country forever Sneak Preview: How this Ukranian born immigrant ended up in Dallas Why his clothing company was the ideal spot to get footage from What happened to the footage after he sold it\ Original Air Date: …

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Episode 243: The Black Dahlia Murder l Big Rich From Jersey 1:28:35

20d ago1:28:35

1:28:35

Comedian and retired police officer Big Rich from Jersey joins us to help make sense of an investigation gone horribly wrong and a crime that remains unsolved. Sneak Preview: How this eerie unsolved murder has kept America guessing for over 50 years How the press is responsible to a lot of the mistakes in the case the LAPD quietly giving up on ever…

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You’re Not Alone: Supporting the Overwhelmed Parent 32:07

24d ago32:07

32:07

What does it really mean to support parents who are stretched thin—and how can schools, communities, and families work together to ease the load? In this conversation, hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier get real about the universal experience of parental overwhelm and the many pressures today’s caregivers carry. Nicole and Biff explore: Why naming y…

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Miriam Toews Reads Raymond Carver 1:02:05

24d ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Miriam Toews joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “Elephant,” by Raymond Carver, which was published in The New Yorker in 1986. Toews has published ten books, including the novels “A Complicated Kindness,” which won the Governor General’s Award for Fiction; “All My Puny Sorrows,” “Women Talking,” and “Fight Night”—and the memoir “A Truce That…

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Episode 242: Doug Hegdahl, the POW Who outsmarted his captors l Derek Humphrey 1:31:03

28d ago1:31:03

1:31:03

KP Burke is joined by Derek Humphrey to talk about Doug Hegdal, who was a POW at the infamous Hanoi Hilton during Vietnam. His story of survival includes one of the best examples of "pulling a fast one" on his own captors. Original Air Date: 11/20/25 My Book - “History Isn’t Boring, Your Teacher Was”: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0oMeSB7⁠⁠⁠⁠ Missed a previou…

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Episode 241: John Smith's Crazy life before Pocahontas l LP & Mike Sicoli 1:17:52

1M ago1:17:52

1:17:52

Larry Burke and Comedian Mike Sicoli come pn the show to talk about John Smith and his crazy life before arriving at the New World. How much did Disney embellish? What is truth and what is legend?? Original Air Date: 11/13/25 My Book - “History Isn’t Boring, Your Teacher Was”: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0oMeSB7⁠⁠⁠⁠ Missed a previous episode? No worries! Ca…

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A Life Devoted to Children: 55 Years of Montessori with Charles Terranova 54:12

1M ago54:12

54:12

What shapes a lifetime in education—and what keeps someone devoted to it for more than half a century? In this episode, longtime educator and AMS Living Legacy honoree Charles Terranova looks back on 55 years in Montessori, sharing the unexpected twists, transformative mentors, and unforgettable children who defined his journey. Hosts Biff Maier an…

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Episode 240: The Red Ghost l Tristian Bowling 1:00:36

1M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

KP Burke is joined by Tristian Bowling to talk another outlandish story from the old west. The pair discuss the short lived US Camel Corps, The hulking 30 foot beast that terrorized Arizona and the shocking way the two are related. Original Air Date: 11/06/25 My Book - “History Isn’t Boring, Your Teacher Was”: ⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0oMeSB7⁠⁠⁠ Missed a …

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Episode 239: Devil Dan Sickles l Luis J Gomez 49:52

2M ago49:52

49:52

Luis J Gomez joins KP Burke to discuss the most chaotic man in American history... this one has it all Sneak Preview: The Tamany Hall Politician The First man in history to use the insanity deffense Getting his leg blown off in the Civil War Original Air Date 10/30/25 My Book - “History Isn’t Boring, Your Teacher Was”: ⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0oMeSB7⁠⁠⁠ …

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Embrace the Shake: Phil Hansen on Turning Limitations into Creativity 42:38

2M ago42:38

42:38

What if your greatest limitation became your most powerful creative force? In this episode, Phil Hansen, internationally recognized multimedia artist and TED speaker, joins hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman to share how a hand tremor reshaped his art, his mindset, and his life. From painting with worms and karate chops to creating art he deliberate…

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Adam Levin Reads David Foster Wallace 1:06:21

2M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Adam Levin joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “Backbone,” by David Foster Wallace, which was published in The New Yorker in 2011. Levin, a winner of the New York Public Library’s Young Lions Fiction Award, is the author of the story collection “Hot Pink” and the novels “The Instructions,” “Bubblegum,” and “Mount Chicago.” Learn about your a…

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Episode 238: The Haunting of the Myrtles Plantation l Mike Figs & Shannon Lee 1:20:34

2M ago1:20:34

1:20:34

Frequently said it is the most haunted place in the United States. Myrtle Manor in Saint Francisville, LA has plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy while Shannon and Figs from The Thing Is... join us this week for all things spooky. Sneak Preview: The builders wild road to Louisiana Many unexplained mysteries over the years, The hauntings that continue …

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Episode 237: Chung Ling Soo l Chris Faga 1:05:28

2M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by guest Chris Faga of High Society Radio. In the Victorian Era, magicians were like rock stars selling out theaters...one famous Magician was Chung Ling Soo, whose stage tragedy exposed an entire life of questionable behavior. Sneak Preview: His early life as a Scottsman from New York What lead to hi…

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Montessori Deep Dive: Teacher Cassandra Duggan on Her Homeschool Roots, Traditional Classrooms, and the Freedom to Learn 44:10

2M ago44:10

44:10

What happens when a child who once asked to be homeschooled grows up to become a Montessori educator, and a Montessori parent? In this episode, Montessori teacher Cassandra Duggan traces her winding journey from anxious second grader to public-school teacher and autism interventionist, through a brief stop in Waldorf, and finally into Montessori, w…

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Episode 236: General George Pickett AKA General Infamy l LP 1:29:25

2M ago1:29:25

1:29:25

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by guest returning guest Larry Burke to discuss George Pickett's life and how it plays out like a heroic tragedy. Complete with total heroics, abject failures and war crimes. Sneak Preview: His early life and how he got into the millitary His many wives and the one who wrote his lore The charge that m…

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Episode 235: The Cursed Painting Of Ivan The Terrible l Corinne Fisher 1:17:56

3M ago1:17:56

1:17:56

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by guest Corinne Fisher to discuss the story of a Russian painting that has been "disturbing" people since early 1900's. Sneak Preview: The origin of the painting Getting banned in Russia The unfortunate demise of many of it's owners. Original Air Date: 10/02/25 Thank you @Combatflipflops275 Use link …

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Episode 234: Return to Oz & Russia? l Lauren Leroux & Boris Khaykin 1:13:28

3M ago1:13:28

1:13:28

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by guests Lauren Leroux and Boris Khaykin to discuss the unofficial sequel to Wizard of Oz. This film was made in the 1980's with some severe underlying messaging about the dangers of the soviet union. Sneak Peek: Where The Film Fits In The Oz Cannon Is The Whole Movie An Alagory For The Russian Revol…

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Lift Off in Education: Donovan Livingston on Hip-Hop, Belonging, and Thriving 38:56

3M ago38:56

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What happens when hip-hop, spoken word, and student support meet in higher education? In this episode, Donovan Livingston, award-winning educator, spoken word poet, and creator of the viral Harvard speech Lift Off, shares how culture and community can transform student success. Now director of College Thriving at UNC–Chapel Hill, Livingston bridges…

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Karen Russell Reads Louise Erdrich 49:19

3M ago49:19

49:19

Karen Russell joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “The Stone,” by Louise Erdrich, which was published in The New Yorker in 2019. Russell is the author of six books of fiction, including the story collections “Vampires in the Lemon Grove” and “Orange World and Other Stories” and the novels “Swamplandia!,” which was a finalist for the Pulitzer…

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Episode 233: Papa Legba: American Voodoo l Lemaire Lee 1:01:54

3M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

KP is joined by guest Lemaire Lee to discuss Papa Legba. A voodoo deity that has been appearing in American Pop Culture for decades... do you know him? You just might and not even know. Sneak Peek: His origins and fellow dieties His influence on popular culture What to do if you run into him Original Air Date: 9/18/25 Thank you @Combatflipflops275 …

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Episode 232: Augustine Chacon: Mexico's Bad boy Cowboy l Tristan Bowling 53:56

3M ago53:56

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KP is joined by guest Tristan Bowling to discuss Augustine Chacon who was the most notorious outlaw in the Arizona Territory. He was either a hero or a villain, depending on who you spoke to, but everyone would agree he was compelling. Sneak Peek: Getting in a shootout with his boss His ill fated General Store robbery His moving speech at his own h…

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Inside the Fisher-Price Play Lab: Why Fisher-Price Embraced Montessori and Returned to Wood 43:53

3M ago43:53

43:53

What happens when one of the world’s most iconic toy makers goes back to its roots – and invites Montessori experts to help chart the future? In this episode, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman go inside Fisher-Price’s legendary Play Lab with Dr. Corinne Eggleston, Senior Manager of the Fisher-Price Play Lab, to unpack why the company returned to wo…

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Episode 231: Burt Alvord And The Perfect Crime l Chris Scopo 1:06:32

3M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

KP Burke is joined by Chris Scopo to discuss Burt Alvord the sherrif who robbed a train then looked for himself and so much more! Sneak Peek: Getting deputized as a lawman Two of the most legendary robberies in the history of the old west Dying in obscurity in South America Original Air Date: 9/04/25 Thank you @Combatflipflops275 Use link below for…

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Episode 230: Oliver Sipple The Tragic Hero Who Saved Gerald Ford l Mike Figs & LP 1:23:47

3M ago1:23:47

1:23:47

KP Burke is joined by Mike Figs and his dad to discuss the tragic story of Oliver Sipple the man who saved the presidents life but ruined his own in the process. Sneak Preview: How Oliver ended up in San Fransisco Harvey Milks connection to the story His lawsuit against the newspapers that outed him Original Air Date: 8/28/25 Thank you @Combatflipf…

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Victor Lodato Reads Denis Johnson 1:30:37

4M ago1:30:37

1:30:37

Victor Lodato joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “The Largesse of the Sea Maiden,” by Denis Johnson, which was published in The New Yorker in 2014. Lodato is a playwright and the author of the novels “Edgar and Lucy,” “Mathilda Savitch,” the winner of the PEN USA Award for fiction, and “Honey,” which came out in 2024. He has been publishing…

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Building Trust: Why Parent-School Communication Matters 44:34

4M ago44:34

44:34

Why is strong communication between home and school essential for a child’s success? In this episode, hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier explore the role of trust, honesty, and consistency between parents and educators. Through stories from their own school experiences, they discuss: Why consistency between home and school is key to student growth H…

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Episode 229: Sarah Jane Moore Took A Shot At Ford l Ty Raney 1:05:04

4M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by guest Ty Raney. They discuss Part 2 of 3 on the wild incidents of the summer of 1975 featuring not one but two attempts on the life of Gerald Ford. Sneak Preview Her motivations for the attempted assasination How police thwarted the death of the president by accident a teaser for next weeks episode…

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Episode 228: Ford V.S. The Manson Family l Josie Marcellino 1:08:19

4M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

In this episode of American Loser, KP Burke is joined by Josie Marcellino to talk about the former den mother of The Manson Family taking a run at Gerald Ford's life as part one of a three part series on one of the wildest 17 day stretches any president ever had! Sneak Preview How Squeaky Fromme got her nickname How did they let this woman get that…

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Episode 227: Whittaker Chambers: Commie, Spy, Patriot? | Mike Recine 1:13:50

4M ago1:13:50

1:13:50

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by Mike Recine to talk Whittaker Chambers... possibly the most misunderstood person in American History Sneak Preview A playwright ahead of his time Working both sides of the Cold War Getting awarded by the president Thank you @Combatflipflops275 Use link below for 20% off! www.combatflipflops.com/KPB…

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From Loss to a Life of Creativity: Graffiti Artist Erik Wahl and Tasha Wahl on Life as Your Art Studio 50:14

4M ago50:14

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What if art wasn’t just something you make—but a way you think, live, and heal? In this episode, internationally acclaimed graffiti artist and speaker Erik Wahl, joined by his wife and creative partner, Tasha Wahl, share their deeply personal story of losing everything, redefining success, and building a home that doubles as a life studio. Hosts Bi…

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Episode 226: Kermit Roosevelt: The Chaos & Tragedy l LP 1:21:12

4M ago1:21:12

1:21:12

American Loser Podcast - Episode 226: In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by LP to discuss the chaos and tragedy of Kermit Roosevelt, son of Teddy MFN Roosevelt. Sneak Preview: • Roosevelt family and upbringing • Insane trips, education and life • What caused it all to go wrong? Thank you @Combatflipflops275 Use link below for 20% off! …

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Episode 225: Jean Baptiste: The Mormon Grave Robber that Vanished l Linette Palladino 1:05:44

5M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by Linette Palladino to discuss a series of events in Salt Lake City that led to a bizarre discovery of a devious criminal. Sneak Preview: • Mormon Grave Digger turned criminal? • how deep did the crimes go? • Haunting and stories still discussed today Missed a previous episode? No worries! Catch up h…

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The Real Maria Montessori: Historian Erica Moretti on the Woman Behind the Method 31:34

5M ago31:34

31:34

Maria Montessori was a visionary—but she was also human, complicated, and far more radical than the myths suggest. In this episode, Erica Moretti, author of The Best Weapon for Peace: Maria Montessori, Education, and Children’s Rights, joins hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman to explore the radical roots of Montessori’s legacy. Together, they discus…

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Lauren Groff Reads Elizabeth Hardwick 1:12:03

5M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

Lauren Groff joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “The Faithful,” by Elizabeth Hardwick, which was published in The New Yorker in 1979. Groff’s works of fiction include the novels “Fates and Furies” and “Matrix,” both of which were finalists for the National Book Award, and “The Vaster Wilds,” which was published in 2023. A new story collecti…

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Episode 224: Leo Ryan: The Man Who Tried to Save Jonestown l Brett Druck 1:39:16

5M ago1:39:16

1:39:16

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by Brett Druck to explore the story of Leo Ryan and his attempt to save the people from Jonestown. Sneak Preview: • congressman Leo Ryan’s story • exposing Jim Jones & Jonestown • untold stories from the tragedy Thank you Combat Flip Flops @Combatflipflops275 Use link below for 20% off! www.combatflip…

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Rethinking School: Ulcca Joshi Hansen on Equity, Technology, and the Future of Learning 46:46

5M ago46:46

46:46

What if our education system isn’t broken—but just built for a different era? In this episode, Ulcca Joshi Hansen—author of The Future of Smart, Chief Program Officer at Grantmakers for Education, and host of the Future Smart podcast—shares why true educational equity requires more than better technology or expanded curriculum. It requires a fundam…

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Episode 223: Mafia Raid: The Apalachin Meeting | Joe Conte & Larry Burke 1:07:19

5M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by Joe Conte and Larry Burke to to explore the story of the Apalachin Meeting of the American Mafia. Sneak Preview: • Joe "the Barber"'s story • Alternate theories • Leading up to the meeting Missed a previous episode? No worries! Catch up here: 👉 ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...⁠ Want more? …

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Episode 222: The Jersey Devil: w/ Zac Amico 1:04:49

6M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

KP Burke is joined by Zac Amico to explore the legend of The Jersey Devil In this episode of American Loser! Sneak Preview: • Myths • Where did the story originate from? • Ties to Ben Franklin Missed a previous episode? No worries! Catch up here: 👉 ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...⁠ Want more? Become a member at GaS Digital and you’ll recei…

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Let Kids Be Kids: Olympian Dominique Dawes on Intrinsic Motivation, Healing, and Rethinking Youth Sports 41:13

6M ago41:13

41:13

How can sports empower children—and what happens when they don't? In this episode, Olympic gold medalist and mother of four Dominique Dawes reflects on the highs and harms of elite athletics, and how she’s now working to redefine what success in sports can look like for today’s youth. Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman speak with Dominique about: Th…

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Episode 221 l Juan Wick: The Attempt on Truman l Larry Burke 1:03:10

6M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by the listener favorite LP Burke to explore the story of Truman's attempted "hit". Sneak Preview: • Puerto Rican nationalism back story • Who attempted to take out Truman? • How their plan backfires Missed a previous episode? No worries! Catch up here: 👉 ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...⁠ Wan…

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Souvankham Thammavongsa Reads Samanta Schweblin 48:30

6M ago48:30

48:30

Souvankham Thammavongsa joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “The Size of Things,” by Samanta Schweblin (translated, from the Spanish, by Megan McDowell), which was published in The New Yorker in 2017. Thammavongsa is a Laotian Canadian writer. Her publications include the poetry collections “Light” and “Cluster” and the story collection “How…

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Episode 220 l David Ferrie: The JFK "Fairy"? l Mike Cannon 1:13:18

6M ago1:13:18

1:13:18

American Loser Podcast - Episode 220: In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by guest Mike Cannon to explore the mysterious man that is mentioned in over 248 pages of the recently released JFK files. Sneak Preview: • Who is David Ferrie? • How involved was this man with a shady past • Abrupt end to his involvement Missed a previous episode…

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The Future Is Human: Eric Rodriguez on Technology, Montessori, and the Power of Purpose 57:28

6M ago57:28

57:28

What if technology didn’t replace our humanity—but helped us deepen it? In this episode, Eric Rodriguez—engineer, keynote speaker, and facilitator of the AMS Innovation Think Tank—shares how a formative experience in his Montessori-inspired childhood sparked a lifelong passion for technology, ultimately shaping his mission to create a more human-ce…

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Episode 219 l The Lindbergh Baby: The Most Notorious Kidnapping in History l Maddy Smith 1:06:01

6M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by guest Maddy Smith to explore the strange case of the Lindbergh Baby kidnapping. Sneak Preview: • Charles Lindbergh and his legacy • Kidnapping and suspects • The kidnapper and multiple crimes committed Missed a previous episode? No worries! Catch up here: 👉 ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...…

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Episode 218 l Klaus Kinski: Cinema's Most Volatile Star l Shannon Lee 1:06:43

7M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by guest Shannon Lee to explore into the tumultuous life of Klaus Kinski, a legendary actor with captivating performances but infamous for his explosive temperament. Sneak Preview: • The darker aspects of his personality • Interesting and shady past • Legacy and career Missed a previous episode? No wo…

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Montessori Deep Dive: One Teacher’s Journey to Montessori 1:03:48

7M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

Elizabeth Tingle never planned to become a Montessori teacher, but her path seems to have led her there all along. With decades of experience behind her, Elizabeth Tingle discovered that Montessori aligned perfectly with the values she'd been teaching by for years. Hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier talk with Elizabeth about: Elizabeth Tingle’s earl…

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Episode 217 l George Patton: Eerie Final Days of America's Greatest General l Larry Burke 1:08:26

7M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

American Loser Podcast - Episode 217: George S. Patton Jr. In this episode of American Loser, KP is joined by his handsome father Larry Burke to explore the Patton's final days before his death. Sneak Preview: • Battles and wars • Post war blues • His accident and death Missed a previous episode? No worries! Catch up here: 👉 ⁠https://www.youtube.co…

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A Boy Erased: Garrard Conley on Surviving Conversion Therapy and Growing Up Gay in the Bible Belt 1:03:03

7M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

What if the people you trust most try to change who you are—and call it love? In this episode, Garrard Conley, author of the bestselling memoir Boy Erased, adapted into a film starring Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe, shares his powerful journey from being outed and forced into conversion therapy to becoming a writer, educator, and advocate for tru…