Best Michael Merritt Podcasts (2025)

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#98: What Makes a Brand Worth Betting On | John Lowe, Managing Director at Amok Consumer Growth 37:17

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2d ago37:17

37:17

How do you recognize a “super concept” before it goes mainstream? John Lowe, Managing Director at Amok Consumer Growth and former CEO of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, joins Jason Harris to share his playbook for identifying breakout food and beverage brands. During his 14 years as CEO, John scaled Jeni’s by more than 100x in revenue—while also servin…

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From the Vault: Sephora (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) with Nic Scheppard 48:39

5d ago48:39

48:39

As we ease into our Gay Fall, we're breaking out a classic episode from the vault. We hope you enjoy this conversation with comedian, television personality, and accidental muralist Nic Scheppard, joining Britt and Mimi to discuss the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, painting famous people's houses on TV, and Nic's addiction to Sephora. Hollywood…

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#118: Fairytale Favorites - Children Will Listen: A Comparison of Sondheim and Disney’s “Into the Woods” ft. Conor Perkins and Caroline Aimetti of Poor Unfortunate Podcast 1:33:39

5h ago1:33:39

1:33:39

Anything can happen in the woods, such as having Conor and Caroline from the Poor Unfortunate Podcast back on the show! In the episode, Courtney, Conor, Caroline, and Emily go into the woods to journey’s end to compare Grimm’s Fairytales to Stephan Sondheim’s 1987 stage musical and Disney’s 2014 film adaptation of Into the Woods. Careful the things…

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#97: Meta CMO & VP of Analytics Alex Schultz | Measuring the Unmeasurable 47:21

2h ago47:21

47:21

What you can measure drives growth, but what you can’t often drives breakthroughs. Alex Schultz, Chief Marketing Officer and VP of Analytics at Meta (and author of the upcoming book Click Here), joins Jason Harris to unpack the soul and science behind decisions that move billions of people: the rebrand from Facebook to Meta, launching Threads to 40…

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Kalina Silverman: Creating Human Connection in a Disconnected World Through Big Talk 31:36

9d ago31:36

31:36

Kalina Silverman is a documentary journalist, entrepreneur, speaker, and creator of Big Talk — an award-winning viral media project that highlights meaningful conversations to foster empathy and human connection. Over the years, people worldwide have shared how Big Talk transformed their lives—from reconnecting with estranged family members and fin…

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Episode 55 - LeAllen Frost 35:07

13h ago35:07

35:07

The 55th episode of What the M features LeAllen Frost, Executive Vice President & Deputy General Counsel - Head of Litigation at Pennymac. It’s that time again… for a new episode of What the M! Kent and Steve are excited to be joined by LeAllen Frost, Deputy General Counsel at Pennymac—a top lender and servicer that has helped more than five millio…

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22: Real Housewives and Cookies with Michael Henry 53:40

8d ago53:40

53:40

Actor, comedian, and director Michael Henry joins Britt and Mimi to discuss the best cookies in Los Angeles, the most iconic moments from the Real Housewives franchise, and producing his series WISH YOU WERE QUEER for OutTV. Hollywood's Biggest Podcast is proud to give the award for Hollywood's Biggest Ice Cream to CVT Soft Serve. Go to https://cvt…

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#96: Hinge CMO and President Jackie Jantos | Long-Term Thinking in a Short-Term World 37:09

16d ago37:09

37:09

In a world obsessed with instant results, Jackie Jantos makes the case for brand building that lasts. From Coca-Cola to Spotify to Hinge, Jackie has spent two decades shaping brands that endure by focusing on cultural insights, inclusive teams, and work that actually serves audiences. Now, as President and CMO at Hinge—the dating app “designed to b…

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21: The Four of Swords with Danny Merritt 1:15:16

15d ago1:15:16

1:15:16

Writer, comedian, and tarot card reader Danny Merritt joins the podcast to celebrate the end of Summer of Fun and to ring in our new era: Gay Fall. Danny teaches Britt and Mimi about his experiences reading tarot, before giving Mimi and Devin readings of their own. Plus; Britt recounts a psychic story that shocks the podcast studio. Hollywood's Big…

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Tracy-Ann Oberman: Unabashedly Fighting Antisemitism and Reclaiming "The Merchant of Venice" 27:14

22d ago27:14

27:14

Tracy-Ann Oberman is a British actress. She gained prominence for her role as Chrissie Watts in the long-running British soap opera "EastEnders." Oberman has appeared in numerous television shows, including "Doctor Who," "Friday Night Dinner," and "Toast of London." Tracy-Ann is passionate about Jewish rights and uses her platform to speak about th…

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Episode 54 - Rick Sharga & Daren Blomquist 57:35

19d ago57:35

57:35

The 54th episode of What the M features Rick Sharga, CEO and President of the CJ Patrick Company, and Daren Blomquist, Vice President of Market Economics at Auction.com. It’s that time again… for a new SEASON of What the M! Over the first three seasons of What the M, Kent and Steve have been fortunate enough to interview an incredible roster of tal…

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From the Vault: Music Videos with Jeremy Culhane 1:03:40

27d ago1:03:40

1:03:40

As our Summer of Fun is winding down, we're bringing back a favorite episode from the vault while Mimi and Devin prepare for Labor Day travel. We hope you enjoy this conversation with actor, comedian, and improviser Jeremy Culhane, as he joins Britt and Mimi to discuss Sabrina Carpenter, the favored tissue brands of the Canadian elderly, improvisin…

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#117: Celebratory Summer Series - “The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney’s Disneyland” by Don Hahn and Christopher Merritt Foreword by Bob Iger 50:28

13d ago50:28

50:28

Join your hosts for a kiss goodnight finale to the Disneyland 70th anniversary! Courtney and Emily complete their Celebratory Summer Series commemorating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with “The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney’s Disneyland” by Don Hahn and Christopher Merritt Foreword by Bob Iger. This coffee table book …

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#95: Why Clients Don’t Want Collaborators | Michael Palma, Founder of The Palma Group 37:32

30d ago37:32

37:32

What do basketball, brand reviews, and $400M in agency wins have in common? Michael Palma. From being a Parade All-American athlete to coaching under Jim Valvano, Michael Palma pivoted into advertising recruitment—eventually placing more than 1,300 top talents and helping agencies win over $400 million in revenue. Today, as founder of The Palma Gro…

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Summer of Fun: Podclave's First Fight 1:02:39

29d ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Immediately after Britt and Devin's walk n' talk, Mimi returns from LAX for a proper Podclave to continue the Summer of Fun. Mimi recaps her experience performing her character set at the Just For Laughs New Faces showcase, and the gang discusses their summer travels. Kickstart your Summer of Fun with a pouch of CVT Soft Serve. Go to https://cvtsof…

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#94: Future-Proofing Your Brand | Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine 39:01

22d ago39:01

39:01

Change is inevitable—but the most successful leaders know how to turn it into their greatest advantage. In this episode, Jason sits down with Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine and author of Build for Tomorrow. From walking away from his first reporting job to pitching national outlets cold, Feifer has built a career on spotting…

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Mercy Kafotokoza: How Nurses are Revolutionizing Community Health in Rural Africa 28:43

1M ago28:43

28:43

Mercy Kafotokoza is a Malawian nurse, midwife and public health professional with a Master’s in Public Health. She is also a mother of three and a passionate advocate for equity, compassion and the power of proximity. As a young girl, Mercy experienced the heartbreak of losing her uncle to a preventable condition. She is now the founder of Wandikwe…

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Summer of Fun: Britt and Devin Finally Meet 24:07

1M ago24:07

24:07

Summer of Fun continues with a special walk and talk episode of Hollywood's Biggest Podcast with Britt and Devin. When Mimi gets stuck at LAX before a recording session, Britt and Devin take the podcast into their own hands. Kickstart your Summer of Fun with a pouch of CVT Soft Serve. Go to https://cvtsoftserve.com/locator/ to find a store near you…

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Mini: Cannes Lions Scandal — When AI Crosses the Line 3:24

1M ago3:24

3:24

This year’s Cannes Lions Festival — the world’s biggest celebration of creativity — made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Brazilian agency DM9 was stripped of multiple awards — including a Grand Prix — after using AI to fabricate campaign case study results. Jason Harris breaks down how they pulled it off, why it’s a symptom of a bigger problem…

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Summer of Fun: Yinz Wanna Hear a Ghost Story? with Derek Biddle 32:39

1M ago32:39

32:39

Hollywood's Biggest Podcast continues their Summer of Fun series with this never before released episode from the vault, recorded the podcast's very first test recording. Featuring proud Yinzer and Britt's loving husband, Derek Biddle (@getbidd). Kickstart your Summer of Fun with a pouch of CVT Soft Serve. Go to https://cvtsoftserve.com/locator/ to…

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#93: AI-Native Storytelling Is Already Here | Jason Zada, Founder of Secret Level 35:48

2M ago35:48

35:48

AI isn’t just speeding up production—it’s rewriting the rules of storytelling. In this episode, Jason sits down with award-winning director and creative pioneer Jason Zada, founder of the AI-native entertainment studio Secret Level. From Elf Yourself to Take This Lollipop to an AI-generated Coca-Cola ad that sparked headlines and backlash, Zada has…

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Gene Baur: Confronting the Morality of Factory Farming 28:16

2M ago28:16

28:16

Gene Baur is the founder of Farm Sanctuary, a place of rescue, refuge, and adoption for hundreds of farm animals each year. Farm Sanctuary shelters enable visitors to connect with farm animals as emotional, intelligent individuals. Gene has also led campaigns to change laws about animal treatment and taken undercover photographs of farms, stockyard…

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Summer of Fun: A Trip to the Airport with Artoun Nazareth 30:39

2M ago30:39

30:39

Devin entraps actor, comedian, and friend of the podcast Artoun Nazareth (@artounnazareth) in a gotcha interview during their 4 AM trip to the airport. Also, Hollywood's Biggest Podcast kicks off their Summer of Fun with a series of unhinged episodes all throughout the month of August. Kickstart your Summer of Fun with a pouch of CVT Soft Serve. Go…

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#116: Celebratory Summer Series - Author Interview “Presenting Disneyland: Forgotten Photographs From Opening Day” by Aaron Goldberg and forward by Bob Gurr 55:35

1M ago55:35

55:35

A picture is worth a thousand words, and these never before seen photographs of Disneyland on its opening day in 1955 tell a lot of stories. Courtney and Emily continue their Celebratory Summer Series by welcoming back author, Aaron H. Goldberg, to the podcast to talk about his book, "Presenting Disneyland: Forgotten Photographs From Opening Day.” …

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Mini: Leading with AI: C-Suite Strategies That Work 4:53

2M ago4:53

4:53

If you're in the C-suite, it's no longer enough to delegate AI experimentation to mid-level staff. In this Soul & Science mini, we unpack three smart, actionable ways senior leaders can stay sharp in the age of AI—from reverse mentorship to hands-on sprints to rewarding the AI-forward thinkers in your org.This is your leadership playbook for gettin…

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20: The Heat with Petey Gibson 1:04:55

2M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

CONTENT WARNING: Today's episode features explicit language and sexual content. Listener discretion is advised. Actor, writer, director, and teacher Petey Gibson joins Britt and Mimi to discuss the comedy film The Heat, nurse a carrot juice, and to flirt relentlessly. Plus, Petey discusses being cast on a network procedural as a transgender actor. …

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Lani Anpo: The Erasure of Native American & Jewish Identity, and the Indijewnous Response 27:25

2M ago27:25

27:25

Today, IndiJewnous activist Lani Anpo joins Jay on the show. Lani is an influential advocate for global Indigenous and Jewish communities. A multi tribal Native American Jew, Lani passionately champions the rights and stories of marginalized groups with a focus on protecting Indigenous sovereignty, promoting self-determination, and preserving histo…

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#92: When Creative Trust Changes Everything | Kate Torrance, VP of Brand at SickKids & Josh Budd, CCO at Citizen Relations 39:16

2M ago39:16

39:16

How do you take a hospital’s 150th birthday and make it feel like a city-wide celebration instead of just a line in a press release? In this episode, Jason sits down with Kate Torrance, VP and Head of Brand at SickKids, and Josh Budd, Chief Creative Officer at Citizen Relations, to unpack one of the boldest healthcare campaigns in recent memory. Th…

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19: Podclave Hits One Million Views 1:13:59

2M ago1:13:59

1:13:59

Mimi, Britt, and Devin crack open a cold CVT Soft Serve with the boys to celebrate hitting one million views across TikTok and Instagram. In this special unedited Podclave, the gang discusses their growing online community, their recent brush with Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth, and their upcoming Summer of Fun episodes. Hollywood's Biggest Podc…

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Mini: Don't Let DEI D-I-E 4:14

2M ago4:14

4:14

As brands across the country scale back or scrap their DEI initiatives, it’s time to ask: what happened to the values they claimed to stand for? In this short solo episode, we examine the wave of corporate rollbacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion—from Target and Amazon to McDonald’s and Coca-Cola—and what these choices say about brand integrit…

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18: Sitcoms and a Make Some Noise Special with Maame-Yaa Aforo 1:03:57

2M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Actor, writer, comedian, and producer Maame-Yaa Aforo joins Britt and Mimi to discuss the TGIF lineup on ABC, missing the BET Awards, and the experience her and Mimi shared shooting Make Some Noise on Dropout. Plus, Maame-Yaa reveals what it was like performing in a multi-cam sitcom. Hollywood's Biggest Podcast is proud to give the award for Hollyw…

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#91: Build Bold. Invest Early. Stay Human. | Ben Lerer, Founder of Thrillist & MP at Lerer Hippeau 34:36

3M ago34:36

34:36

He built Thrillist. He bet on media. Now Ben Lerer is navigating a world obsessed with AI. In this episode, Jason sits down with Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, creator of Group Nine Media, and now Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. They talk about the shifting tides of media, tech, and early-stage investing. From building one of the first grea…

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Chama Mechtaly — Using Art to Deradicalize the Middle East 35:30

3M ago35:30

35:30

Chama Mechtaly is the Founder of The Emma Lazarus Institute for Liberty and Tolerance, an action tank bridging media and policy gaps between the Middle-East and the Democratic West. She is a policy advisor, public speaker, artist, entrepreneur and activist working in service of conflict transformation, deradicalization and regional integration in M…

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17: American Apparel and Broadway with Natalie Ortega 1:03:15

3M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Actor, writer, musician, and comedian Natalie Ortega joins Britt and Mimi to discuss American Apparel bodysuits, why Lori Laughlin did no wrong, and Natalie's Broadway debut as Nessarose in Wicked. Plus, Natalie reveals a secret Broadway tradition. Hollywood's Biggest Podcast is proud to give the award for Hollywood's Biggest Ice Cream to CVT Soft …

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Mini: Launching a Product in Uncertain Times 5:22

3M ago5:22

5:22

Launching a new product is never easy. But doing it during economic uncertainty? That’s a whole different challenge. In this mini episode, we explore how today’s shifting landscape—from tariffs to market instability—requires a smarter, more agile approach.Jason shares three core principles that can help entrepreneurs and innovators not just survive…

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16: Sex and the Rings (Lord of the City?) with Frankie LaPace 1:06:21

3M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Actor, writer, and comedian Frankie LaPace joins Britt and Mimi to discuss Labubu, writing for The Proud Family, and a special double duty topic of Sex and the City and The Lord of the Rings. Also, Frankie tells a coming out story that brings us to tears. Hollywood's Biggest Podcast is proud to give the award for Hollywood's Biggest Ice Cream to CV…

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#115: Celebratory Summer Series - “The 55ers: The Pioneers Who Settled Disneyland” by David Koenig 1:08:21

3M ago1:08:21

1:08:21

Disneyland is celebrating its platinum anniversary! This episode introduces the Celebratory Summer Series with a Disneyland theme to commemorate 70 years of the Happiest Place on Earth. Courtney and Emily kick off this three book summer series by meeting some original cast members around Disneyland in David Koenig’s book “The 55ers: The Pioneers Wh…

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#90: What Marketers Can Learn from StockX (and Its Sneakerhead Hype Machine) | StockX CMO Nicholas Karrat 36:16

3M ago36:16

36:16

Not every brand explodes. Some rise slowly, and win big. In this episode, Jason talks with Nicholas Karrat, CMO of StockX, about the Soul & Science of marketplace models—and what it takes to build brand trust, cultural relevance, and business performance at the same time. A veteran marketer with experience across Fortune 100 companies and DTC start…

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Tiffany Yu — Smashing Stereotypes and Building a Disability-Inclusive World 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride; the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, a monthly micro-grant that has awarded $92.5k to 93 disability projects in 11 countries; and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and B…

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15: Grocery Stores with Leonard Smith Jr. 1:05:37

3M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Stand-up comedian and improviser Leonard Smith Jr. joins Britt and Mimi to discuss hunting for deals, Mountain Dew Baja Blast, and Leonard's quest to visit every grocery store in Los Angeles. Also, Leonard plays a game of FMK that shakes him to his core. Hollywood's Biggest Podcast is proud to give the award for Hollywood's Biggest Ice Cream to CVT…

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Princess Noor Pahlavi - Advocating for a Democratic Iran 32:09

3M ago32:09

32:09

Princess Noor Pahlavi was born into the Iranian royal family as the eldest child of the Crown Prince. She heard the call to civic duty from an early age, inspired by the legacy of her grandfather, the last Shah of Iran, along with her grandmother, The Empress of Iran. But she was not content to sit on the sidelines, and decided to use her place of …

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Mini: What the Adidas Pet Collection Gets Right (and What It Misses) 2:28

3M ago2:28

2:28

🐶 Adidas just launched a China-exclusive pet collection—and it’s more than just cute. In this Soul & Science mini, Jason unpacks the marketing strategy behind Adidas Originals’ latest capsule: apparel and accessories designed for pets and their owners. Matching outfits? Yes. Global rollout? Not yet. For marketers, this launch raises big questions: …

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Episode 53 - The Last Question (Season 3 Finale) 22:24

3M ago22:24

22:24

Welcome to the season 3 finale of What the M! This season, Kent and Steve have interviewed amazing, thoughtful, and brilliant guests. Each guest has been uniquely qualified to speak about different aspects of the default servicing industry, and has provided valuable information to What the M’s listeners. Each guest is unique, but they all have one …

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14: Chihuahuas with Bri Giger 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

Actress, comedian, and producer Bri Giger joins Britt and Mimi to discuss straight women, the dark web, and Bri's love for her chihuahua Solange. Also, Bri tries an Erewhon smoothie for the first time. Hollywood's Biggest Podcast is proud to give the award for Hollywood's Biggest Ice Cream to CVT Soft Serve. Go to https://cvtsoftserve.com/locator/ …

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#89: Building Brands from the Inside Out | Bryant Brennan, Chief Creative Officer at Fi 38:01

4M ago38:01

38:01

Creative teams have the most impact when they’re trusted stewards of the brand—not just executors. In this episode, Fi’s Chief Creative Officer Bryant Brennan joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of in-house creativity, product-first marketing, and building brands with staying power. From launching Nook at Barnes & Noble to scaling Pelo…

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The Goodwill You Don't Know with CEO Steve Preston 29:53

4M ago29:53

29:53

Steve Preston is the CEO of Goodwill Industries. Though Goodwill is known for big stores where people can donate clothes and buy them secondhand, those stores are just the first level of what Goodwill Industries are about. Those stores fund an international organization that provides job training, employment placement services and other community-b…

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13: Podclave IV - A New Pope 1:04:29

4M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Mimi, Britt, and Devin share updates on the new pope, a new podcast sponsor, and future projects joining the Twenty Beach podcast network. Plus, we answer a fan question about Catholic vampires, reveal our dream guests, and finally peel back the curtain about what it's really like to edit Brittnay. Hollywood's Biggest Podcast is proud to give the a…

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Mini: The Return of HBO Max 3:48

4M ago3:48

3:48

What do you call a streaming service that can’t sit still? Apparently, HBO Max… again. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks why the HBO brand is once again reclaiming its name, and what this says about brand equity, consumer sentiment, and the fine art of knowing when to walk it back. From Gap to Tropicana to the Twitter-that-shall-no…

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12: Free Things with Hillary Anne Matthews 59:23

4M ago59:23

59:23

Actress, comedian and podcast host Hillary Anne Matthews joins Britt and Mimi to discuss Skechers D'Lites, the incomprehenisble act of cooking four tortillas, Aladdin, and Hillary's never-ending hunt free things. Hollywood's Biggest Podcast is proud to give the award for Hollywood's Biggest Ice Cream to CVT Soft Serve. Go to https://cvtsoftserve.co…

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#114: “Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons” by Kermit the Frog 1:11:50

3M ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Welcome Class of 2025 to Kermencement! In honor of Kermit the Frog’s commencement speech at his, and your hosts’ alma mater, the University of Maryland, Courtney and Emily read Kermit’s book, “Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons.” Kermit has 70 years of wisdom to share with graduates and readers and in honor of the Muppet …