Welcome to the EverydayFI podcast, the show that explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community. I’m your host Meghan Combs, a personal finance junkie who learned from all of life’s money mistakes. Come with me as I talk to people on the path to financial freedom and the ultimate luxury: never having to work again.
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Moms and Mysteries is a true crime podcast hosted by Mandy and Melissa, two friends who deep dive into a new case each week. Conversational in tone and heavy on the levity, you’ll enjoy their original takes on both the well-known, and those lesser heard of true crime stories.
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Ever wonder what's really happening behind those viral headlines and celebrity PR disasters? Step into the war room with crisis communications expert Molly as she dissects the week's biggest reputation battles, media meltdowns, and brand controversies. Each week, Molly peels back the curtain on headline-making moments to reveal the strategic chess moves that shape public perception. From corporate crises to celebrity comebacks, she breaks down what works, what fails, and what it means for th ...
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MURDERED: Chris Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G.
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50:24Christopher Wallace—better known as The Notorious B.I.G.—rose from the streets of Brooklyn to become one of the most iconic voices in hip-hop history. But just as his career was reaching its peak, he was gunned down in Los Angeles in a crime that remains officially unsolved to this day. In this episode, we trace Biggie’s journey from his early life…
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Original Sin: The Five Communication Sins That Created the Biden Cover-Up
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21:20Jake Tapper’s new book Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again is making headlines—but not just for what’s in it. The backlash, the omissions, the PR fallout—it’s all part of a larger failure in messaging that started long before the first leak. In this episode, I’m breaking down the five commun…
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RUST: The Death of Halyna Hutchins (Part 1 of 2)
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51:28BOTH PARTS UP NOW! In this episode, we dive into the shocking events that unfolded on the set of the movie Rust in 2021. While many know the basics of the tragic accident involving Alec Baldwin and the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, the details go far beyond what was initially reported. From safety protocol failures to missed warnings, w…
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RUST: The Death of Halyna Hutchins (Part 2 of 2)
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51:39
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51:39In the second part of our deep dive into the Rust tragedy, we continue to explore the failures and decisions that led to Halyna Hutchins' death. From the lack of safety checks to the dangerous shortcuts taken by production, we uncover just how many mistakes were made in the lead-up to the fatal shooting. Investigators reveal shocking details about …
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Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives of everyday people on the path to financial independence. I’m your host, Meghan Combs, a personal finance junky who loves to dive into people’s journeys. By sharing these stories I’ll show you in real ways how to forge your own path to financial freedo…
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Prison Breaks: A Guide to Getting Out...and Going Right Back In
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54:20As we record this episode, a prison break is actively unfolding at the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans. Ten inmates made a dramatic escape through a hole behind a toilet, sparking questions about security lapses. Some have already been recaptured, but others are still at large. You can follow the ongoing developments of this current es…
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The Reputation Cliff: Why Some Celebrities Never Recover: Featuring the Sean Combs Trial and My NBC News Interview
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14:00This episode examines the sharp edge of celebrity scandal and why some reputations teeter over the cliff while others, against the odds, manage a comeback. With Sean Combs (Diddy) serving as the case study, this episode reveals PR moves public figure make when they are close to the edge of the “reputation cliff.” Comparing a trio of notorious comeb…
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MURDERED: James and Virginia Campbell
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1:01:36When beloved Houston attorney James Campbell and his wife Virginia were found murdered in their bed, the crime stunned the city’s elite. There was no forced entry, no sign of a struggle—and no clear motive. But as police dug deeper into the family’s complicated dynamics, all signs pointed to someone close. What followed was a years-long investigati…
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Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives of everyday people on the path to financial independence. I’m your host, Meghan Combs, a personal finance junky who loves to dive into people’s journeys. By sharing these stories I’ll show you in real ways how to forge your own path to financial freedo…
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TRIAL: How We Got Here: The Trial of Sean "P Diddy" Combs
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1:22:58
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1:22:58 In this episode, we dive deep into the high-profile trial of Sean Combs. From the mysterious deaths that seem to follow him, to the infamous tape involving Cassie Ventura, we unpack the events that led to this shocking moment in the music mogul's life. We’re joined by OUR Diddy expert, Ellyn Marsh, to break down the trial, explore the controversi…
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What No One Tells New Grads About Crisis Communication (And Life)
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25:44Last week, my daughter graduated from Loyola University Chicago. After years of watching her build a life—on the field, on the sidelines, in the center of the action—she’s stepping into the real world. And like so many graduates right now, she’s walking in with drive, uncertainty, and a digital footprint that started long before her first job offer…
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*Make sure to send your mailbag emails to [email protected]* When 25-year-old Trish Haynes disappeared after moving in with an old childhood acquaintance, her family knew something was wrong. Months later, a chilling discovery confirmed their worst fears—Trish had been murdered, dismembered, and discarded like trash. Yet despite disturbing…
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Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to the EverydayFI podcast, the show that explores the lives of everyday people on the path to Financial Independence. Hearing these stories will teach you in real ways how to forge your own path to financial freedom. In today’s episode I’m bringing back my buddy Ryan. You may remember him fro…
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UPDATE: The Murder of Bianca Rudolph
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1:12:08*This episode contains conversations about safari and animal death.* This week we will be updating our discussion on the death of Bianca Rudolph, who was shot and killed while she and her husband, Larry Rudolph, were on a safari hunt in Africa. Research by Haley Gray with Haley Gray Research. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Download “Long Live M…
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Bill Belichick’s Girlfriend Has Main Character Energy and It’s Breaking His Brand
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18:33Bill Belichick has always been a master of control—on the field, in the press, and with his own narrative. But this episode examines how that carefully crafted reputation is unraveling, not because of a fumbled statement, but due to the outsize influence of his much-younger girlfriend, Jordan Hudson. A viral CBS interview, public statements blaming…
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CASEY ANTHONY: Same Story, New Spin
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1:23:00It’s been almost 8 years since we first dove into the controversial case of Casey Anthony, and wow, so much has happened since then! From her 2011 acquittal to her attempts at reinvention, Casey has stayed in the spotlight in some pretty wild ways. We’re revisiting the story, this time with fresh research and new perspectives, as we explore the biz…
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53. Mitch & Meg's Money Musings: Paying for a wedding the FI way
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46:31Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Thanks for listening to the EverydayFI podcast, the show that explores the lives and stories of everyday people on the path to financial independence. Welcome to another edition of Mitch & Meg’s Money Musings. Today Mitch and I talk about how to pay for a wedding. It’s so common these days to want to spend …
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On a warm July night in 2012, 16-year-old Skylar Neese disappeared without a trace. What seemed like a typical teen runaway case quickly unraveled into something far darker. Her closest friends swore they had no idea where she went, but the truth was far more sinister. Join us as we dive into the twisted secrets of a small town forever changed by b…
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When Silence Backfires: Belichick, Blake & the Draft Day Meltdown
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22:27
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22:27A football legend avoids the one question everyone’s asking. A Hollywood power couple frames advocacy through a lens that feels just a little too curated. And a trusted draft analyst unravels on-air when his favorite prospect freefalls. This episode covers three high-profile figures—Bill Belichick, Blake Lively, and Mel Kiper Jr.—each caught in a r…
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On a quiet Monday morning in 1999, the shocking murder of beloved British television presenter Jill Dando rocked the nation. Gunned down on her doorstep in broad daylight with a single shot, her death sparked one of the most high-profile investigations in UK history. With unexpected twists, unanswered questions, and a verdict that would later be ov…
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52. Darren & Jolene - Part 2: "We don’t want to leave life un-lived."
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41:55Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community. Today we’re back with part 2 of Darren and Jolene’s story. Hopefully everyone having fun over in Spain has met them and been lucky enough to enjoy their company! In today’s episode…
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UPDATE: The Murders of Marie Varsos and Debbie Sisco
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51:52This week, we revisit the gut-wrenching story of Marie Versos and her mother, Debbie Cisco, whose lives were brutally taken due to domestic violence. Originally covered in October 2023, this update reveals shocking new details and significant changes to the law that aim to prevent future tragedies. Despite Marie's desperate attempts to escape abuse…
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This episode examines Harvard University’s April 2025 letter rejecting sweeping demands from the Trump administration—an act of resistance that was principled, measured, and strategically precise. The statement didn’t chase headlines or play defense. It outlined the stakes, drew a legal and ethical line, and delivered a message that stood on missio…
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Was Ruth Ellis a woman pushed too far by years of abuse, or a cold-blooded killer? Her crime shook Britain to its core, and her execution sparked a nationwide debate that still echoes today. Tune in to hear the story of the woman who became the last to be hanged in the UK for the murder of her on-again, off-again partner, David Blakely. Thank you t…
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51. Darren & Jolene - Part 1: Accidentally FI
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42:03
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42:03Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community. This episode is part 1 with my new friends Darren and Jolene, and today we talk a lot about how they used an alternative method to accomplish FIRE in their mid-late 40s, their upbr…
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SPOTLIGHT: Bone Valley Talk with Gilbert King x The Moms
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55:02Today we have the honor of speaking with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and the mastermind behind the podcast Bone Valley, Gilbert King. Known for his deep dives into the complexities of criminal justice, Gilbert has spent years unraveling the haunting story of Leo Schofield, a man wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife. In this fascinating…
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Houston, We Have a PR Problem (And the Delicate Art of Proving You're Right)
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21:06
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21:06A rocket full of high-profile women launched into space, but the real spectacle might’ve been the PR machine that sent it there. From Katy Perry floating with a daisy to Oprah crying on the ground, every moment of Blue Origin’s all-women flight felt like it was choreographed to go viral. It looked empowering on the surface, but the optics raised a …
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This week we are breaking down the mysterious disappearance of 20-year-old Ryan Shtuka. On a cold February night in 2018, Ryan left a house party in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, expecting a short walk home. But he was never seen again. What should have been a 10-15 minute walk turned into a haunting mystery that continues to unsettle the local comm…
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50. Mitch & Meg's Money Musings: Hold onto your butts! The market crash this week.
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43:19CHECK THE EPISODE OUT ON YOUTUBE IF YOU WANT TO SEE OUR FACES! Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to the EverydayFI podcast, the show that explores the lives and stories of everyday people on the path to financial independence. Welcome to another edition of Mitch & Meg’s Money Musings. Today Mitch and I talk about the latest market d…
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SPOTLIGHT: Drone Talk with The Moms x Gabe Lenners of Obscurum: Invasion of the Drones!
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37:57Hey guys! In this special bonus episode, we're joined by Gabe Lenners, the host of the intriguing podcast Obscurum: Invasion of the Drones, to dive deep into the mysterious world of drones (and we take on some conspiracy theories, because, why not?!). Gabe takes us behind the scenes of his investigation into unexplained drone sightings over the ski…
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Behind the Music: Unraveling 'The White Lotus' Composer's Dramatic Exit
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17:06In this episode the spotlight is on the unexpected exit of Cristobal Tapia de Vere, the brilliant mind behind the haunting score from the hit HBO series, The White Lotus. This episode examines the emotional and professional tensions that simmer beneath the surface of creative collaborations. Shifts in tone and style aren't just about art—they're ab…
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This week, we are discussing one of the most perplexing missing persons cases of the 2000s—the disappearance of Brian Shaffer. On April 1, 2006, Brian, a 27-year-old Ohio State medical student, was last seen entering the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar in Columbus, Ohio. But here’s where it gets strange: while there’s surveillance footage of him walking in, …
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49. Julie R. - Part 2: "I'm a quitter and I'm proud of it."
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36:03Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community. Today’s episode is part two with my friend Julie. We chat about her journey to financial independence. Post layoff, Julie became passionate about managing her finances and soon del…
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In today’s bonus episode of Moms and Mysteries, we're diving into an intriguing batch of listener-submitted stories that are equal parts wild, hilarious, and mysterious. From strange run-ins with the law to unexpected twists that leave you questioning everything, these stories are anything but ordinary. Key Highlights: An Unforeseen Investigation: …
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Inside the Messaging Meltdown of the Signal Chat: From Denial to Damage Control
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26:47
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26:47The SignalGate fallout isn’t just about an accidental group chat. It’s about the unraveling that happens when powerful people panic, deny, and deflect—all while trying to hold onto credibility in real time. This episode unpacks how a single journalist ended up in a military planning thread with top Trump officials, and why the aftermath says more a…
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In this week’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most chilling and unsolved aviation mysteries of all time—the disappearance of two Navy crew members aboard the infamous Ghost Blimp, the L-8. After taking off from Treasure Island, San Francisco, on August 16, 1942, the blimp was found hours later in a Daly City neighborhood—completely unmanned …
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48. Julie R. - Part 1: "Do not underestimate the power of radical change."
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47:26Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community. In today’s episode I get to chat with Julie, who shares her journey from a conventional lifestyle to a full time nomadic one. We talk about her dissatisfaction with day-to-day life…
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ORIGINS: Firsts in Crime: DNA Breakthroughs, a Talking Parrot, and the Body Farm
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46:48We're going to dive into some of the most shocking "firsts" in true crime history. From the groundbreaking use of DNA to convict a killer, to a parrot’s surprising role in a murder case, and the infamous Golden State Killer finally being caught—this episode has it all. Plus, we explore the fascinating origins of the Body Farm and how it changed for…
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Strategically Vulnerable? Inside Meghan Markle’s Latest PR Move
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21:03This episode explores the calculated timing and emotional storytelling behind Meghan Markle’s latest media rollout. With a new Netflix series and curated social media posts emerging alongside headlines about Prince Harry’s visa status, the episode lays out how strategic vulnerability is being used as a crisis communication tool—and why it might not…
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MYSTERY: The Disappearance of Bison Dele, Serena Karlan, and Captain Bertrand Saldo
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51:04In July of 2002, former NBA star Bison Dele, his girlfriend Serena Karlan, and a boat captain named Bertrand Saldo vanished while sailing the South Pacific Ocean. The only person to return from the trip was Bison’s older brother, Miles. When Miles arrived alone in Tahiti, the boat had been repainted and renamed. Authorities suspected Miles had murd…
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47. Meghan's Money Musings: Life Finds a Way - My IVF Journey
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29:44Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. This episode includes discussions about infertility, IVF, periods, and other reproductive health topics. Listener discretion is advised. Please take care of yourself and feel free to skip or pause if needed. Thanks for listening to the EverydayFI podcast, the show that explores the lives and stories of ever…
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This week, we are giving an update on the story of Brittanee Drexel. Since our last episode, there have been civil lawsuits as well as a new arrest. From the original episode: This week we are discussing Brittanee Drexel, a strong-minded and independent young woman whose life was taken by a man whom the police had suspected almost immediately after…
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From Fairytale to Firestorm: Disney's Snow White Under Scrutiny
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24:03The controversy swirling around Disney’s live-action Snow White runs the gamut from casting backlash to political tension. Rachel Zegler’s modern spin on the iconic princess ignited debates over “wokeness,” while leaked photos of diverse actors playing dwarfs gave way to CGI stand-ins, triggering questions about authenticity. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot’s…
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MURDERED: Harvey Milk and George Moscone
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1:06:54THE HOLLAND SHOWING IS NOW FULL! Harvey Milk was a trailblazing politician and activist with a charismatic and fearless personality. In 1977, he became California’s first openly gay elected official and became a powerful voice for marginalized communities…. But on the morning of November 27, 1978, Harvey’s life was cut short just one year into his …
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Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community. Last week I spoke with David and our discussion centered on his mental health struggles in the military. I’m so grateful to him for opening up and sharing his experiences in the ho…
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Hey guys! Get ready for our special BONUS episode with Annie Elise, host of the incredibly popular podcast Serialously, as we dive into her wild journey from fashion forecasting to becoming a full-time true crime pro. We’ll hear all about how she juggles podcasting, family life, and everything in between, and get the inside scoop on some of her mos…
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Breaking Down the One Word Fueling This Week's Headlines
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21:18In this episode, Molly McPherson takes you behind the scenes of crisis management, starting at SXSW. She reveals how this one single word came up in a week of speaking engagements. A word that can strip away layers of trust, ignite public outrage, and transform everyday moments into high-stakes dramas. Listen to real-world examples that reveal this…
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On July 9, 1993, just after 1:40am Russell Peterson of Sedona, AZ called 911 and reported that there had been a very bad accident during an argument with his wife, Stephanie. When asked to elaborate, Russel said that his wife had been shot and she was hurt very badly, though Russel couldn’t give a straight answer when it came to WHO shot her but he…
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45. David R: Silent Struggle - Mental Health Challenges in Military Service
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38:00Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. Welcome to EverydayFI, the show that explores the lives and stories of everyday people in the financial independence community. Today I’m chatting with my friend David Before the episode, I want to let you know that Our conversation touches on sensitive topics, including discussions about suicide and mental…
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Hey guys! Welcome to our very first ever mailbag episode! Today, we’re having a blast diving into your hilarious and shocking listener submissions. We’ve got everything from unexpected family connections to crime, like the wild Bicycle Bandit story, to confessions of childhood theft that are as innocent as they are foolish (who knew there were so m…
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