Best Podcast By Proxy Podcasts (2025)

Boundaries aren't walls to keep people out - they're your foundation for freedom, and most people get this completely wrong. Growing up in chaos teaches your nervous system that disappointing someone equals death, making you a gold medal people pleaser who manages everyone else's emotions while ignoring your own. Traditional boundary advice like "j…

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Burn After Reading with Fran Hoepfner 2:11:15

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4d ago2:11:15

2:11:15

What did we learn, Palmer? That 2008’s Burn After Reading is pretty freakin’ hilarious, sir. Our Fran (Hoepfner, not McDormand) joins us this week to talk about Joel and Ethan Coen’s madcap dark comedy about a bunch of morons living in the DC area. The way John Malkovich says “mem-waah”...George Clooney’s homemade dildo chair…Brad Pitt’s stupid fac…

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Brain Rot: Internet addiction 29:31

4d ago29:31

29:31

Plenty of people will say they are addicted to the internet. But how well-recognised, scientifically, is an addiction … to your screen? In episode four of Brain Rot, we dig into how behavioural addictions work. And we hear from self-described internet addicts about the treatment programs helping them manage their relationship with technology. This …

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Introducing: PRETEND 42:44

6d ago42:44

42:44

LaDonna Humphrey. Remember that name because she is central to this story. I've tried to sum up this tale quickly, but every time I attempt an elevator pitch, I fail. When friends ask me what this new series is about, I'm at a loss for words. It's impossible to explain in just a few minutes. I'm about to retell the story the way I learned it: compl…

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Happiness Break: Finding Yourself in Silence 6:26

6d ago6:26

6:26

Zen and mindfulness teacher Henry Shukman guides us in a meditation that invites us to listen deeply and find clarity in quiet. How To Do This Practice: Find Stillness: Sit comfortably in a quiet space. Close your eyes if you’d like, and allow your body to settle. Bring Your Attention to the Present: Take a few deep breaths. Let go of to-do lists o…

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True Story Media Presents: PRETEND 58:45

7d ago58:45

58:45

In the third installment of True Story Media Presents, Andrea sits down with Javier Leiva—host and creator of PRETEND. The two talk about how they first connected, their new partnership under True Story Media, and the overlapping themes in their work. They dig into the emotional toll of telling true crime stories, and Javier shares his path from lo…

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Pusillanimous 1:02:45

8d ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Alone in the trenches of her home this week, Jackie discusses how some people need to be punched to get some grit, names the greatest trait in a house wife, and suppresses the urge to beat children at the park with her purse. Thanks for supporting my sponsors: Revolve: For a limited time, use code BITCH to get 15% off your first order at www.Revolv…

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We Survived The Challenge Retreat: Why Pushing Limits Is the Ultimate Growth Tool 1:09:08

10d ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Nikki and Chris dive into their transformative experience at Emily Schromm's The Challenge Retreat Season 2, a wellness adventure in California’s stunning Teravana ranch, where they tackle grueling physical challenges and unexpected emotional breakthroughs. Despite personal grief and burnout, they push through steep hill races and puzzles, discover…

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No Country for Old Men with Leslye Headland 2:56:24

10d ago2:56:24

2:56:24

The Two Friendos, plus “Masterpiece” Leslye Headland and “I would have had no problems handling that bag of money” Ben Hosley take on one of the most acclaimed films of the 21st century in this week’s episode. It’s No Country For Old Men week on Blank Check! We’re chatting about Anton Chigurh’s strange physicality, Tommy Lee Jones’ tired resignatio…

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Brain Rot: What is tech doing to your memory? 29:36

11d ago29:36

29:36

We're trusting tech with more tasks than ever — including the ones our brains once did. We're Googling things we used to know, taking screenshots of things we'll instantly forget, and hoarding all kinds of data we'll never check again. On this episode of Brain Rot: is tech giving your brain a holiday, or putting it out of a job? You'll also meet a …

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Introducing: Dakota Spotlight 41:43

13d ago41:43

41:43

September 1998 brought a chilling moment in Bismarck, North Dakota, when 17-year-old Aimee walked into the police station. She suspected her boyfriend, Brian Erickstad, had harmed his parents. A welfare check was meant to set things straight — but it uncovered something far worse. Episode 1, A Little Red Car, introduces Barbara and Gordon Erickstad…

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What to Do When Stress Takes Over 23:07

13d ago23:07

23:07

Learn why uncertainty fuels anxiety and how noticing our body’s stress signals can help us find calm. Summary: One in five adults in the U.S. report living with anxiety, and many of us struggle to control or avoid the feelings that come with it. Science shows that tuning into the body, rather than resisting discomfort, can actually reduce anxiety a…

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True Story Media Presents: Dakota Spotlight 1:11:02

14d ago1:11:02

1:11:02

In this special crossover, Andrea talks with James Wolner, creator of Dakota Spotlight—another show in her True Story Media network—about how a rumor in a rural North Dakota bar led him to pick up a microphone in 2019 and start chasing the truth. Together, Andrea and James dig into what it means to practice ethical reporting in a medium with no rul…

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You Never Know When It’s Time to Demo 57:40

15d ago57:40

57:40

Jackie is feeling loose after a couple drinks, and plans a bathroom renovation, laments the clothes that got away, and previews Off Brand October. Thanks for supporting my sponsors: Cornbread Hemp: Use code BITCHBIBLE at checkout to get 30% off your first order at www.CornbreadHemp.com/BITCHBIBLE Honeylove: Get 20% off sitewide at www.honeylove.com…

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Beyond Charlie Kirk's Assassination: Cultivating Tolerance & Processing Trauma in a Violent World 1:04:06

17d ago1:04:06

1:04:06

Violence like Charlie Kirk’s assassination or the recent Evergreen school shooting hits hard, especially for sensitive souls, but you can shield your nervous system from trauma’s grip. Talk out the details with trusted people to release the tension—your brain’s snapshot isn’t meant to haunt you, it’s trying to keep you safe. Write it out, don’t cha…

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The Ladykillers with Connor Ratliff 2:47:07

17d ago2:47:07

2:47:07

We must have waffles forthwith! We must also have Connor Ratliff on the pod to talk about Tom Hanks for the first time since the completion of his Dead Eyes series! Join us for a spirited discussion about 2004’s The Ladykillers, a film that is universally regarded as the Coens’ worst, and is also the film that ended Hanks’ legendary decade-long bof…

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Brain Rot: Will AI turn us off human relationships? 29:35

18d ago29:35

29:35

Whether it’s social media, the omnipresent smartphone or AI companions, in recent decades the way we relate to each other has been completely up-ended. In episode two of Brain Rot, we explore the potential implications that tech poses to human relationships. Worldwide estimates suggest there are around one billion users of AI companions — people us…

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Bitch Bible Classics: A Woman Unhinged 42:59

18d ago42:59

42:59

Jackie is back from Australia, jet-lagged and bitchier than ever. She recounts her unlucky flying history, Real Housewives and why Bermuda shorts are for people who have never been to Bermuda. Thanks for supporting my sponsors: SKIMS: Shop my favorite bras and underwear at www.SKIMS.com/bible Ritual: Get 25% off your first month at www.ritual.com/B…

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True Story Media Presents: Affirmative Murder 1:12:27

20d ago1:12:27

1:12:27

We’re kicking off our new series introducing the shows of True Story Media, Andrea’s ethical true crime network. In this conversation, Andrea sits down with Alvin, the host and creator of Affirmative Murder, to talk about the wild landscape of podcasting in 2025. They dive into questions of diversity and representation, the ethics of telling real-l…

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Happiness Break: A Meditation to Connect to Your Roots, with Yuria Celidwen 10:07

20d ago10:07

10:07

When was the last time you thought about your ancestors? This guided meditation by Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen will help you connect to your heritage and reap the potent benefits of remembering your roots. How To Do This Practice: Arrive and Center: Find a comfortable position. Close your eyes if you’d like. Place your attention at the center…

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Uprooted 1:00:09

22d ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Jackie loses sleep over Amy Bradley, gets into a fight with a girl from high school, and recalls how much simpler the early 2000’s were. And of course Melissa Wood Tepperberg’s neck brace. Thanks for supporting my sponsors: Home Chef: Get 50% off and free shipping for your first box, plus free dessert for life at www.HomeChef.com/BIBLE SKIMS: Shop …

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Why Stubborn People Are Actually Genius 27:55

24d ago27:55

27:55

Most empaths and highly sensitive people get labeled as stubborn, but this trait might actually be a superpower. Stubbornness gets reframed from negative to positive, examining how HSPs develop this quality as protection in invalidating environments. Narcissistic parents view stubborn children as threats, creating shame around boundaries and indepe…

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Intolerable Cruelty with Katey Rich 2:15:37

24d ago2:15:37

2:15:37

We’ve been exposed. You’ve nailed our asses. Of course we’re going to defend this movie! 2004’s Intolerable Cruelty features George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones at the height of their powers, yet failed to connect with contemporary audiences. Guest Katey Rich joins us as we attempt to understand why. Too mean? Too talky? A lack of period trappi…

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Brain Rot: Is your phone destroying your attention span? 29:35

25d ago29:35

29:35

Everyone seems to have a hunch that their phone is destroying their attention span, but is there any science to back it up? In episode one of Brain Rot, we’re doing our best to focus on the topic of attention for a full 25 minutes — and find out what's actually happening in your brain every time your phone buzzes or dings. Is brain rot a real thing…

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Uncovering Subversive Child Abuse found in Muchausen by Proxy with Detective Mike Weber [Episode 156] 1:05:14

26d ago1:05:14

1:05:14

Detective Mike Weber is interviewed on the Intentional Clinician podcast with Paul Krauss MA LPC. Mike draws on his deep experience investigating Munchausen by Proxy(MBP)—a rare but harrowing form of child abuse where caregivers fabricate or induce illness in children for attention or other psychological gain. Weber has investigated more cases of m…

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S06 E10: Ripple Effects 39:14

27d ago39:14

39:14

This week, we hear more from Mishelle about the impact of The Guthy Jackson Foundation’s response to the revelations about Lisa McDaniel is having on her family. We examine how Lisa’s long tenure with the foundation shaped research, messaging, and trust in the NMO community, and what it means when one person’s deception ripples out so far. We also …

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What Happens When Caregivers Dance 22:05

27d ago22:05

22:05

Even just a few minutes of dancing can shift energy, release emotions, and remind us to care for ourselves while we care for others. Summary: Dance isn’t just fun—it’s scientifically shown to make us happier, ease stress, and strengthen social bonds. From swaying in the kitchen to joining a community class, movement helps us regulate our nervous sy…

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Munchausen By Proxy 57:45

29d ago57:45

57:45

Jackie recounts a beautiful experience with Clyde feeling unwell, books a flight for Paris, and explains the Princess Treatment, Red Nail Theory, and Soft Goth. Thanks for supporting my sponsors: Hero Bread: Use code BIBLE at checkout to get 10% off your order at www.Hero.co Home Chef: Get 50% off and free shipping for your first box, plus free des…

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Positive Masculinity: Why Real Men Cry 55:33

1M ago55:33

55:33

Chris shares the raw reality of losing his father suddenly at 72 and how grief reveals the power of positive masculinity. Traditional masculine norms taught men to suppress emotions and avoid vulnerability, but this episode demonstrates a different path by processing pain rather than bottling it up. The discussion covers how an older generation was…

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The Man Who Wasn't There with Jordan Hoffman 2:35:01

1M ago2:35:01

2:35:01

This one’s a real enigma - is The Man Who Wasn’t There a film about the alienation of a man who is deeply closeted and searching for connection in a tightly wound post-war world? Is it about a wife guy who doesn’t know how to express his feelings? Is it somehow about how Beethoven was not only deaf but suffered from horrific diarrhea at the end of …

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Why revenge feels good — and what it costs 32:21

1M ago32:21

32:21

Revenge feels sweet... At least for a moment. James Kimmel Jr knows that better than most. As a lawyer, he made a career out of helping clients get payback. But the drive for revenge started to eat away at him, threatening to destroy his work life and relationships. Coming back from the brink, he started to wonder — why are we drawn to payback? Wha…

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S06 E09: Fallout 58:30

1M ago58:30

58:30

As the story of the McDaniel family continues to send shockwaves through the communities Lisa was involved with, we check in with Mishelle about what else has come to light and what her mother has been up to since the season aired. We take a deeper dive into the of role of The Guthy Jackson Foundation–Lisa’s former employer– and cover how they’ve r…

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Happiness Break: A Science-Backed Path to Self-Forgiveness 4:17

1M ago4:17

4:17

Through breath, compassion, and kind words to yourself, this guided meditation helps you forgive yourself, let go, and move forward with love. How To Do This Practice: Get Comfortable: Sit upright but relaxed. Close your eyes or soften your gaze, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Inhale gently through your nose and slowly, twice as long, through y…

2M ago29:38

29:38

If you opened up a magazine in the 2000s, you'd likely be met by countless images of celebrities on their worst days. And the conversation accompanying those images? Pretty toxic. We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health since then, but how did we get here? What changed? Today, we reflect on the cruelty of tabloid culture and how th…