Best Matthew Davidson Podcasts (2025)

1
The Secret to Increasing Your Online Lead Conversion (It’s Not Your CRM) 20:44

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2h ago20:44

20:44

When most agents think about increasing their online lead conversions, they picture tech: CRMs, ISAs, AI automations, and endless drip campaigns. But the uncomfortable truth is, none of it has actually moved the industry’s conversion rate. Despite all the shiny new tools, agents are still struggling to turn leads into clients. The real problem isn’…

1
Fatherland – Robert Harris’s Chilling Vision of a Nazi Victory 1:55:40

9h ago1:55:40

1:55:40

What if Nazi Germany had won the Second World War? In this episode of Dystopedia, we dive deep into Robert Harris’s Fatherland (1992), a gripping alternate history that imagines a victorious Reich in 1964. Blending detective noir with political thriller, the novel follows Xavier March as he uncovers a conspiracy designed to bury the truth of the Ho…

1
A Thing About Machines: Lessons from The Twilight Zone 1:15:14

8d ago1:15:14

1:15:14

In this Twilight Zone classic, the machines aren’t just breaking—they’re out to get you. We dive into the 1960 episode “A Thing About Machines” and uncover its eerie dystopian core, born from the gadget-obsessed, automation-fearing world of the late 1950s. From Cold War paranoia to the rise of planned obsolescence, this was the era when shiny new t…

1
Ep 388 Minding My P’s and Q’s 36:00

7d ago36:00

36:00

Zach takes the mic by himself to reflect on pets, parenting, politics, passion, and the practice of relationships. Using his playful “P’s and Q’s” framework, he explores everything from why he doesn’t have the “pet gene” to how parenting young adults is harder and more rewarding than raising little kids. Zach also shares candid thoughts on politics…

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Ep 389 Blind Spots and Second Chances with Matthew Fray and Jen 42:39

7d ago42:39

42:39

Zach sits down with writer and relationship coach Matthew Fray https://matthewfray.com/, author of "This Is How Your Marriage Ends", and his partner, Jen. Together, they share the story of how their friendship over bourbon turned into a deeper relationship, shaped by lessons learned from past marriages and the blind spots that can quietly erode tru…

1
What Most Real Estate Agents Get Wrong About Negotiation 21:27

12d ago21:27

21:27

When most agents think about negotiations, they picture being pushy, holding firm, and “winning” the deal. But the problem is, being so focused on winning can actually create the ultimate loss for the client and you. The majority of deals aren’t lost because of price. They’re lost because of poor communication between agents, between clients, and i…

1
Delicatessen (1991) Explained: Cannibalism, Capitalism and Dark Comedy in French Dystopia 1:09:44

13d ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Delicatessen (1991) is one of the most unique dystopian films ever made. It is a dark comedy set in post‑apocalyptic France where a butcher feeds tenants human meat to survive. In this episode, we unpack the film’s surreal humor, its commentary on factory farming and routine, and why Jean‑Pierre Jeunet’s vision feels disturbingly relevant in 2025. …

51
Ep 387 Building an Extraordinary Family Life with Greg and Rachel Denning 41:47

14d ago41:47

41:47

Zach sits down with Greg and Rachel Denning, parents of seven, world travelers, authors, and coaches who have built a marriage around adventure and intentional living. They share how their story began with adoption, grew through unexpected pregnancies, and expanded into a lifestyle of global travel and immersion experiences for their kids. From liv…

1
Joy, Suffering, and The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas 1:37:51

26d ago1:37:51

1:37:51

In this episode, we dive into Ursula K. Le Guin’s haunting short story The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, a philosophical parable that poses a chilling moral dilemma: would you accept a perfect society if its happiness depended on the suffering of a single child? We unpack the story’s allegorical power, exploring themes of utilitarianism, complici…

1
Ep 386 Sobriety, Support, and a Stronger Us | with Casey and Mike Davidson 49:55

23d ago49:55

49:55

Zach talks with Casey and Mike about their journey from young professionals in Washington, D.C., to building a life together in Seattle. Along the way, they share how floating homes, career shifts, parenting two kids, and Casey’s sobriety journey shaped their marriage. Casey opens up about her decades-long relationship with alcohol, the turning poi…

1
3 Keys to Instant Success in This Real Estate Market 22:50

26d ago22:50

22:50

When most people seek instant success in real estate, they look for a new tool, system, or magic script. That’s not the answer. There are only 3 things that drive your speed, your trajectory, and ultimately, your results, and every agent has access to them. Most agents aren’t failing because they’re lazy or unmotivated. They’re failing because they…

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White Bear: When Justice Is Just Revenge In Disguise 1:23:22

1M ago1:23:22

1:23:22

This week on Dystopedia we unpack White Bear, one of Black Mirror’s most disturbing episodes. At its core, it asks uncomfortable questions: Do we mistake revenge for justice? Why are we so fascinated by punishment and true crime? And what does it say about us when cruelty becomes entertainment? We break down the illusion of justice, the disproporti…

1
Ep 385 Young Loves, Strong Roots 38:18

29d ago38:18

38:18

Zach talks with Sarah Rhoades and her boyfriend Grady, a young couple navigating the first year of their relationship. They share how a chance meeting at Grady’s backyard open mic, where he held a microphone for Sarah’s banjo, turned into an unexpected connection built on shared values, openness, and adventure. Sarah and Grady reflect on blending f…

1
Demolition Man: When ’90s Action Collides with Brave New World 2:02:41

1M ago2:02:41

2:02:41

In this episode, we dive into Demolition Man — the 90s cult classic where dystopia wears spandex and punches through walls. Behind the explosions, one-liners, and Taco Bell or Pizza Hut supremacy lies a surprisingly sharp critique of sanitized society, state control, and the cost of peace through conformity. We unpack how this B-grade action flick …

1
Ep 384 "Intention" instead of "in tension" with Billy and Melissa Hokacker 47:56

1M ago47:56

47:56

Zach sits down with Billy and Melissa Hofacker, parents of five, homeschoolers, entrepreneurs, and deeply intentional partners. They share how their relationship evolved from survival mode to something they both now call a “ten.” Through structured connection points like weekly date nights and monthly marriage meetings, the Hofackers have built a r…

1
Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman: When Did Time Become More Important Than Productivity? 1:56:25

2M ago1:56:25

1:56:25

This week, we dive back into the world of Harlan Ellison to explore the sharp, strange, and often overlooked short story Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman. It’s a punch in the face, but that’s the point. In this episode, we ask: When did time become money? Can structure and critical thinking coexist? And what happens when being late becomes a…

1
Ep 383 Zach's Mom and Stepdad Share their Second Marriage Journey 51:34

1M ago51:34

51:34

Zach sits down with his mother Joe and his stepfather Otis to explore their journey from painful pasts to a peaceful present. Joe and Otis reflect on their “practice marriages,” the controlling dynamics they each endured, and the moment they realized they wanted something different. They share how a foundation of friendship, autonomy, and mutual re…

1
The Lottery: Obedience Without Question 1:28:09

2M ago1:28:09

1:28:09

This week on Dystopedia, we’re going back to 1948 to look at Shirley Jackson’s chilling short story, The Lottery. It’s deceptively simple, and that might be the scariest thing about it. A tale about tradition, obedience, and the quiet horror of just following the rules. It’s uncomfortable, unsettling, and leaves you wondering what we’re all capable…

1
Ep 382 Bad Advice, Good Marriage with Monica and Ben 51:20

2M ago51:20

51:20

Zach sits down with Monica Tanner—coach, podcast host, and author of Bad Marriage Advice—and her husband Ben, a self-proclaimed private “civilian.” Together, they share how their 23-year marriage has evolved from survival mode to a deeply intentional partnership. The conversation moves from parenting young adults to debunking cliché marriage advice…

1
The Road to Nowhere: A Post-Apocalyptic Descent 2:03:42

2M ago2:03:42

2:03:42

In this episode, we journey through the haunting wasteland of The Road—Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel and its stark film adaptation. We explore the bleak and brutal world McCarthy creates, where civilization has collapsed, hope is scarce, and survival comes at a heavy moral cost. From the ash-covered landscapes to the unflinching de…

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Ep 381 Roadtrip Real Talk 43:41

2M ago43:41

43:41

Zach connects with listeners Paul and Symone during a road trip break near Austin. Speaking candidly from the front seat of their car, they reflect on their blended family, the nuances of a 20-year age gap, and the emotional work of learning to love each other's children. As Paul and Symone navigate the complexities of second marriages, they share …

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Obey and Consume: The Dystopia of They Live 1:52:19

2M ago1:52:19

1:52:19

In this episode, we slip on the sunglasses and see the world as it really is in John Carpenter’s They Live — a cult classic that mashes up anti-capitalist dystopia with cheesy one-liners and 80s action flair. We break down the film’s sharp social commentary on consumerism, class control, and media manipulation, all wrapped in the glorious absurdity…

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Ep 380 Raising the Grade with Anne Rahe and Daniel 52:38

2M ago52:38

52:38

Zach sits down with Anna Rahe, fascia expert and founder of Genius of Flexibility, and her husband Daniel for an honest, layered conversation about what it looks like to “raise the grade” in a long-term partnership. As Anna and Daniel explore the habits they’re unlearning—and the ones they’re trying to reinforce—they reflect on the small ways they …

1
Expanding Your Comfort Zone To Grow Your Production w/ Lauren Buckler 34:49

2M ago34:49

34:49

When the market shifts in real estate, you can go from the high of your best year ever to the low of wondering if you’ll ever sell a home again. You’re showing up, doing the work, and checking all the boxes. But during a downturn, the quick wins of a hot market disappear, and suddenly, effort doesn't equal results. This is where most agents spiral.…

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The War Game: Britain’s Cold War Delusion 1:30:49

3M ago1:30:49

1:30:49

What happens when a nation convinces itself that the end of the world is survivable? In this episode we unpack The War Game, the BBC film banned for showing too much truth. As Britain adjusted to its fading role on the world stage, Cold War officials reassured the public that nuclear war could be managed, that civil defence, shelters and stiff uppe…

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Ep 379 Emotional Fluency, Acting, and Getting It Wrong Sometimes with Victoria Shalet and Adam James 49:11

3M ago49:11

49:11

Zach sits down with couple Victoria Shalet and Adam James for a thoughtful and honest conversation about navigating the complexities of partnership. Drawing from their experiences in psychotherapy and performance, they unpack how their personal and professional worlds inform the way they connect, communicate, and occasionally clash. Through light b…

1
Redesigning Work: What Gen Z Wants (and Needs) from Leadership with Hannah Dannecker 48:25

3M ago48:25

48:25

** Contains an Important Update for Our Listeners ** What happens when the next generation challenges the workplace status quo—and dares to ask for more joy, autonomy, and meaning? In today’s episode, we meet Hannah Dannecker, an entrepreneur and author who's on a mission to decode the generational shifts shaping today’s workforce. From navigating …

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Doomed to Repeat: Hubris and Horror in 28 Weeks Later 1:59:58

3M ago1:59:58

1:59:58

**28 YEARS LATER SPOILER ALERT TIMESTAMP 12:12-13:00** Picking up from last episode, we dive deep into the bleak and brutal world of 28 Weeks Later, exploring the dystopian themes that lie beneath the blood and chaos. We examine the collapse of societal trust, the illusion of safety under military occupation, and the dangers of attempting to rebuil…

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Ep 378 When Labels Hurt More Than They Help - Dr. Shannon Curry 49:40

3M ago49:40

49:40

Zach is joined again by clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Shannon Curry for a direct and thoughtful exploration of how language shapes conflict in relationships. Together, they dissect common but often misused terms like “narcissist,” “gaslighting,” and “codependent,” highlighting the real harm that can come from assigning labels without clear…

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28 Days Later: How Real Fear Shaped a Modern Horror Classic 2:19:03

3M ago2:19:03

2:19:03

It’s not a zombie film, but it redefined the genre. With 28 Years Later on the horizon, we’re looking back at the one that started it all: 28 Days Later. Why does it still feel so hauntingly relevant? And what real-world fears, from post-9/11 panic to foot-and-mouth disease, helped shape this modern horror classic? Next week, we continue the story …

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Ep 377 Three Traits That Predict Relationship Happiness - Dr. Shannon Curry 28:41

3M ago28:41

28:41

Zach continues his conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Shannon Curry for a vulnerable and intellectually engaging conversation that blends personal storytelling, relationship science, and unexpected insight. Shannon opens up about how her own relationship defied her expectations, thanks to what she learned from psychologist Tai Tashiro’s re…

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RoboCop: When the News Is a Joke and the Police Are for Sale 1:51:45

3M ago1:51:45

1:51:45

I’d buy that for a dollar! In this episode, we dive deep into the gritty, cybernetic world of RoboCop — Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 cult classic that fuses explosive action with razor-sharp social commentary. Beneath the violence and sci-fi spectacle lies a chilling dystopian vision of a society spiraling under corporate control, technological overreach,…

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Ep 376 Dr. Shannon Curry on Trust, Triangulation, and Telling the Truth 39:57

3M ago39:57

39:57

Zach sits down with Dr. Shannon Curry—clinical psychologist, couples therapist, and founder of the Curry Psychology Group—for a nuanced discussion about what happens when couples “team up” against their therapist in session. Drawing on her forensic background and deep clinical insight, Shannon explores the subtle dynamics of triangulation, conflict…

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How to Turn Conversations Into Commission Checks w/ Matthew Ferry 38:16

3M ago38:16

38:16

If you’re failing at lead conversion, it might not be because they are unmotivated. It might not even be that the market is slow. Your clients might be locked up because of what’s coming out of your mouth. Many agents struggle to get sellers to adjust their price or buyers to make a decision, Chances are, you’re accidentally framing conversations i…

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The Machine Stops: How Did a 1909 Story Predict Life in 2025? 1:59:59

3M ago1:59:59

1:59:59

Well, that took us by surprise. This week, we dive into The Machine Stops, E.M. Forster’s 1909 short story that predicted the internet, Zoom, digital burnout, remote living - and maybe even the end of the world as we know it. How did he see it coming? And why isn’t this story more well-known? Link to the futuristic building discussed here. Follow u…