Best Raphael Bender Podcasts (2025)

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306. The Jibber-Jabber Episode - Why Your Cues Aren't Landing, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 1:18:00

1d ago1:18:00

1:18:00

Still saying “engage your core” or “axial elongation”? In this episode, Raphael and Natalie break down why so many Pilates cues are confusing, ineffective—or just made up. Learn what makes a cue actually work and how to stop sounding like a Pilates thesaurus. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Natalie on Instagram: @natal…

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305. Tonight We're Gonna Teach Reformer Like It's 1996, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 1:12:50

8d ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Most of us were trained to teach using outdated methods designed for boutique studios in the ‘90s. But tonight it's 2025 and Pilates is different now. In this episode, we unpack why group teaching feels so hard — and why it’s not your fault. You don’t need more confidence. You need the right tools. Whether you’re teaching 6 or 16, this convo with H…

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304. Reformer Faceplant! Who’s to Blame, and What to Do Instead, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 1:09:15

15d ago1:09:15

1:09:15

A client fell off a reformer—and Instagram exploded. Raph and Natalie unpack what really causes falls, why blame isn’t helpful, and how instructors can prevent injuries without turning class into a snoozefest. Expect practical teaching tips, clear cueing advice, and no-punches-pulled commentary. See the IG post that sparked this episode here: https…

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303. The Science of Results: How to Design Sessions That Actually Work, with Raphael Bender 1:36:00

22d ago1:36:00

1:36:00

This episode is Part 2 of a live lecture I gave for our Diploma students at Breathe Education — and it picks up where last week’s episode left off. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and do that first. It covers all the foundational concepts about what strength actually is, and how it works in the body. This episode builds on those idea…

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302. Everything you know about strengthening is probably wrong, with Raphael Bender 1:56:06

29d ago1:56:06

1:56:06

This episode is a recording of a live lecture I gave on the Physiology of Strength Training for our Diploma students at Breathe Education. If you want it to actually make sense — and go deep — I highly recommend downloading the PDF lecture notes and following along while you listen. Download the notes here: https://breathe-edu-downloads.s3.amazonaw…

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301. Why Isolation Exercises Are A Waste Of Time, with Raphael Bender 20:10

1M ago20:10

20:10

I think there are 2 incorrect assumptions that lead people to the mistaken idea that isolation exercises are useful - they're not. I break down those beliefs, make the case for using simple compound movements, and share the top 6 movements I use with clients (and myself). Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide…

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300. What is the Scope of Practice of a Pilates Instructor? With Raphael Bender 27:07

1M ago27:07

27:07

I think we go about this all wrong in Pilates. In this episode, I share my (non-legally binding) thoughts. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy…

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299. How to 5x Profit In Your Studio In 90 Days, with Raphael Bender 27:40

2M ago27:40

27:40

These are the strategies I used in my own studio, and that I use with my coaching clients to increase profits quickly. Enjoy. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy…

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298. Hypermobility & Scoliosis: What Science Actually Says, with Raphael Bender 1:54:15

2M ago1:54:15

1:54:15

In this episode, we break down the key research on hypermobility and scoliosis, cutting through myths and weak evidence. Learn how hypermobility affects pain sensitivity, the real relationship between scoliosis and back pain, and why most exercise studies for scoliosis are low-quality. If you’re a movement professional or just curious about the sci…

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297. The Biggest Back Pain Myth, with Raphael Bender 30:52

2M ago30:52

30:52

Probably everything you were taught in your certification about back pain is wrong. Lifting heavy doesn’t wreck your spine. “Bad posture” isn’t the cause. Avoiding movement? That’s likely making things worse. In this episode, we break down the myth that spinal load and “incorrect movement” cause low back pain. We’ll cover: Why research shows no str…

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257: Rest intervals and super sets 16:30

2M ago16:30

16:30

Welcome to our third solo episode of 2025. Today Kathryn is talking about rest intervals, and why we need them between heavy compound exercises. She also talks about super sets and which exercises you can link together with less rest. We hope these episodes help you understand strength training in more detail and help you become more successful wit…

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296. Why Can't I Find Good Staff For My Pilates Studio? With Raphael Bender 31:15

2M ago31:15

31:15

This is what we've learned over a decade and a half of building a successful business with amazing people - how to attract the exact right people - the answer might surprise you! Read about Breathe Education Culture here: https://breathe-education.com/culture/ Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Ce…

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295. Stop focussing on minutae, with Raphael Bender 18:18

3M ago18:18

18:18

In this episode, I share my thoughts on why we should spend less time on fine details, and more time on working our clients through range, under load, with control. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis…

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294. The case for loaded spinal flexion, with Raphael Bender 19:07

3M ago19:07

19:07

Why are we still hanging on to the idea of neutral spine in the Pilates world? It's not even part of Pilates, and it's certainly not science-based. Plus, it's just plain illogical. Resources mentioned in the episode: You can bias lower abs from upper abs by doing posterior pelvic tilt vs ab curl here People with LBP lift with LESS flexion in their …

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293. Building an Online Pilates Business: From Pain to Purpose, with Bernadett Gazsi and Raphael Bender 1:01:59

3M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

In this episode, Raphael Bender chats with Bernadett Gazsi, a Dallas-based Pilates instructor who transitioned her business online to help moms overcome back pain. Bernadett shares: • How her clinical Pilates education ignited her purpose. • Strategies for building a remote business while moving across continents. • Insights into high-touch client …

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292. Is strict form necessary for results? With Raphael Bender 16:24

3M ago16:24

16:24

I talk through a recent study looking at whether strict form gives better results from exercise. Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the paper cited in the episode here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for…

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291. Is reciprocal inhibition a thing? With Raphael Bender 18:37

4M ago18:37

18:37

Can you reduce activation of one muscle, by increasing activation of another? Find out in this episode. Resources mentioned in the episode: Read the paper cited in this episode here. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party ser…

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290. Get Out Of Overwhelm - 3 Simple Metrics To Fix Your Pilates Studio, with Raphael Bender 36:47

4M ago36:47

36:47

You can watch this episode on YouTube here Free workshop on how to track these KPIs plus a free Google Sheet here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy…

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256: Why writing down your lifts and training is a game changer 15:30

4M ago15:30

15:30

Welcome to our second solo episode of 2025! If you have not already listened to episode 255 we suggest you start there. In todays segment Kathryn is talking about the value of writing down your lifts and keeping track of your numbers over the long term. When you write down your lifts you collect valuable data about yourself, your patterns, and you …

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255: Which exercises should always be in your program, for your goals 20:38

4M ago20:38

20:38

Welcome to Kathryn's first solo episode of 2025! In this segment Kathryn talks about the big mistake a lot of people make when it comes to strength training, which is rotating the exercises too frequently. Building strength means repeating the same exercises over long periods of time. There is a lot patience involved with strength training. Kathryn…

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289. Do Biomechanics Matter For Running Injury Prevention? with Raphael Bender 42:27

4M ago42:27

42:27

Do biomechanics predict running injuries? Learn how to move beyond single-factor thinking, the 80/20 of injury prevention, and why simple changes like increasing cadence can reduce risk. Clear, actionable tips for Pilates instructors to help clients run injury-free, or rehab injured runners. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download…

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288. Is Too Much Flow Hurting Your Classes? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 46:22

4M ago46:22

46:22

Flow is a cornerstone of Pilates, but can there be too much of a good thing? Raphael Bender and Heath Lander dive into the balance between seamless transitions and overwhelming choreography. Learn how to harness flow to keep your clients engaged, avoid common pitfalls, and create transformative sessions that leave them saying, “Where did the time g…

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287. My Christmas Gift To You - A Proven Promo To Boost Your Studio Revenue 10:11

5M ago10:11

10:11

This episode is my Christmas gift to you: a done-for-you promo that will help you attract new clients, increase revenue, and make your current clients feel like the ultimate gift-givers. 🎁 I'm releasing this episode a day earlier than usual to give you an extra day to run the promo. What’s Inside: How to run a $270 gift card promo for just $50, to …

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286. All-time top 5 group reformer exercises, with Raphael Bender 50:14

5M ago50:14

50:14

The most versatile, valuable exercises to know (like the back of your hand) to master group reformer programming and teaching. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/priv…

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285. Simple, Not Easy: What Separates Great Pilates Teachers, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 54:49

5M ago54:49

54:49

In this episode of Pilates Elephants, Raph sits down with Heath Lander to explore a surprising truth: great Pilates teaching is simple—but not easy. They discuss why simplicity is the ultimate challenge for instructors and how it sets the best apart from the rest. You'll learn how to focus on what really matters, avoid over-complicating your teachi…

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254 Laurel Beversdorf: Combining lifting with cardiovascular training, and why we recommend you do both! 1:00:15

5M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

In this episode Kathryn and Laurel talk about how they both got into running and what they have learned about cardiovascular exercise. We want to emphasize that you do not need to begin running, there are many ways to build up your cardio including the bike, rower, elliptical machine. In this episode you will learn why strength training and cardio …

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284. How to REALLY progress your Pilates clients, with Raphael Bender 1:13:48

5M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

In this episode of Pilates Elephants, Raphael Bender and Heath Lander break down how to truly progress your Pilates clients for long-term health, happiness, and longevity. They challenge conventional wisdom about progression, spring settings, and perfect form, offering practical insights to elevate your teaching. For more insights, tune in to the f…

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283. The surprisingly nuanced link between movement quality and back pain, with Kevin Wernli and Raphael Bender 1:27:37

5M ago1:27:37

1:27:37

In this episode of Pilates Elephants, Raphael Bender and Dr. Kevin Wernli dive into the surprisingly nuanced relationship between movement and pain. They explore why changing movement patterns doesn’t always reduce pain, (and when it can!) the limits of the biomechanical model, and how beliefs and context play a crucial role. Discover actionable in…

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282. How to Make Your Clients Feel the Burn EVERY Class (4 Science-Based Tips), with Raphael Bender 22:09

6M ago22:09

22:09

In this episode, we break down four science-backed methods to help your clients feel that post-workout “burn” every time. Learn how to use the principles of the Repeated Bout Effect (RBE) in reverse to keep your classes feeling fresh, challenging, and effective. These tips will help you consistently create that sought-after soreness so clients feel…

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253 Deb Benfield: Enjoying food and nourishing yourself in midlife and beyond 41:56

6M ago41:56

41:56

Today we welcome dietician and body image coach Deb Benfield for a conversation about finding strength and joy in midlife. Deb talks about the main times in many women's lives that their bodies change quickly, puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. She speaks about how these are moments when we are at higher risk for developing disordered eating behavi…

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281. Pilates or Cardio for Weight Loss? With Raphael Bender 1:58:13

6M ago1:58:13

1:58:13

Resources mentioned in the episode: Watch this episode on YouTube here Download the slides as a PDF here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: …

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280. Prenatal Pilates Myths, with Charlotte Brooks and Raphael Bender 1:32:32

6M ago1:32:32

1:32:32

Resources mentioned in the episode: Charlotte’s IG @aurorapilates here Corkinetic post on “compensations” here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following third-party services for anal…

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279. Do slow controlled reps build more strength? With Raphael Bender 15:09

6M ago15:09

15:09

You’ll have to listen to find out! Resources mentioned in the episode: Systematic review on repetition tempo effects on strength, power and hypertrophy here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast us…

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278. Does Pilates strengthen your little muscles? With Raphael Bender 16:49

7M ago16:49

16:49

Well yes, but not how you might think! Resources mentioned in the episode: Direction specific recruitment pattern of the rotator cuff in shoulder flexion here MORE load stimulates the rotator cuff MORE here Role of muscles is task specific here Any loaded arm movement strengthens the rotator cuff here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbende…

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277. How to be more evidence based, with Emily Walker & Raphael Bender 1:33:33

7M ago1:33:33

1:33:33

Resources mentioned in the episode: Emily’s study here All major high quality clinical guidelines recommend person centered care here Adding extra pain education did not improve outcomes over usual care here Patient led goal setting here and here Connect with Emily on Instagram: @emwalker_exphys and LinkedIn Connect with me on Instagram: @the_rapha…

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276. Rehab is just graded exercise - updated, with Raphael Bender 31:05

7M ago31:05

31:05

Rehab really is simple. Most people over-complicate it IMO. Here is my framework to rehab any injury. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdB…

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275. How to put the client at the center of the session, with Emily Walker and Raphael Bender 1:30:19

7M ago1:30:19

1:30:19

Resources mentioned in the episode: All major high quality clinical practice guidelines recommend client centered care here Changes in TrA thickness and timing don’t correlate with reductions in pain after TrA retraining here Changes in strength & flexibility don’t correlate with reductions in pain after strength or flexibility training here When a…

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252 Chantal Lalonde: How much exercise do adults need? Unpacking physical activity guidelines 41:16

7M ago41:16

41:16

Today we welcome Chantal Lalonde for a conversation about exercise in general. So many people fall into the trap of hyper specialized exercise, correcting movement patterns or setting lofty unattainable goals. In this episode we unpack the physical activity guidelines and how to focus on more consistency and less on doing things perfectly all the t…

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274. How to progress any exercise, with Raphael Bender 19:09

8M ago19:09

19:09

This is my process for making any exercise harder - or easier. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/privacy…

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273. How to build a $100k Pilates business at home - updated, with Raphael Bender 36:09

8M ago36:09

36:09

Step by step instructions to build a $100k Pilates business at home and quit your 9-5. Resources mentioned in the episode: How to get Pilates clients with Google ads How Kerri is making $100k teaching Pilates in her shed How Teneille made $100k teaching in her garage How Sandi is making $100k teaching in her spare bedroom Episode 171 - how to colle…

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272. Magical Thinking, with Raphael Bender 24:39

8M ago24:39

24:39

Is axial elongation real? What about rib-hip connection? Here’s my take Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program info This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: AdBarker - https://adbarker.com/p…

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271. Does hand position in the pushup change which muscles are working? with Raphael Bender 28:49

8M ago28:49

28:49

Resources mentioned in the episode: Higher levels of both pec and triceps in narrow (diamond) compared to wide pushups here and here In fact, every muscle is activated more in narrow hands here Absolute changes in muscle activation in pushups with different hand placement is marginal here People can lift more weight in a regular (wider than shoulde…

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270. How to lead without micromanaging, with Raphael Bender 26:44

8M ago26:44

26:44

If you can’t find good people, or if you have people working for you who are not doing as well as you’d like, this is for you. Find out about the Studio Owner Mastermind here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Visualized Anatomy Become a Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate: Program in…

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269. 11 Mistakes Pilates Studio Owners Make, with Raphael Bender 24:41

9M ago24:41

24:41

These 11 mistakes are the work you’re avoiding. On the other side of this work lies the success you crave. Resources mentioned in the episode: Learn about the Studio Owner Mastermind here KPI workshop How to hire & lead Pilates instructors workshop How to have difficult conversations workshop How to onboard Pilates clients workshop How to price you…

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268. How to confidently program mixed-ability classes, with Raphael Bender 38:30

9M ago38:30

38:30

This is our Layered Teaching Framework, that we teach the students in our Pilates certification. It will enable you to cut your programming time to almost nothing, plus confidently teach mixed ability groups on the fly. Find out about the Studio Owner Mastermind here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pil…

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251 Raphael Bender: Exercise Science Fact Check 49:59

9M ago49:59

49:59

In this episode we welcome exercise physiologist Raphael Bender for a conversation about a few popular topics where we often see mixed messages and sometimes even misinformation. If you are a person who loves to learn about how muscles fire, how strength is built, and what current research is saying about certain topics, this is for you! Kathryn an…

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267. Which KPIs to track in your Pilates studio, with Josh Richardson and Raphael Bender 1:31:35

9M ago1:31:35

1:31:35

After analyzing the financials of over a hundred Pilates studios, these are the metrics that set the top performing studios apart. Track them and improve them in your studio, and you will make a LOT of money. Resources mentioned in the episode: Find out about our Studio Owner Mastermind here Connect with Josh on Linkedin here or email him at jricha…

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266. How important are running biomechanics? with Raphael Bender 24:19

9M ago24:19

24:19

Resources mentioned in the episode: Relationship between running biomechanics and running economy here Effect of strength training on running economy here Influence of weekly running distance on running performance here Are running biomechanics associated with running injuries? here Influence of strength training on running injuries here Hip abduct…

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265. How to navigate the Pilates industry as a newcomer, with Gemma Downing and Natalie Wilson 1:02:31

9M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Gemma Downing is a recent graduate of Breathe Education's pilates certification course. She and Natalie have a conversation about how she went from doing pilates classes on YouTube in her bedroom to becoming a pilates instructor and brick and mortar studio owner, and everything in between, including recovering her confidence after being shamed by a…

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264. Is exercise good or bad for your discs? With Claire Samanna and Raphael Bender 30:16

9M ago30:16

30:16

Claire Samanna is a PhD candidate at Monash University, studying low back pain with a special interest in disc degeneration. She has just completed a systematic review of the scientific literature on disc degeneration and exercise. Is exercise good, or bad for your discs? Listen in to find out! Resources mentioned in the course: Connect with Claire…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Raphael Bender Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen