Best You Re Scaring Us Podcasts (2025)

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Ta-Nehisi Coates on Bridging Gaps vs. Drawing Lines 1:08:52

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10h ago1:08:52

1:08:52

The writer Ta-Nehisi Coates was harshly critical of my response to Charlie Kirk’s assassination. In an article in Vanity Fair, he suggested I was whitewashing Kirk’s legacy, comparing it to the whitewashing of the Southern cause after the Civil War. So I wanted to have Coates on the show to talk out our disagreement, as well as some deeper question…

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Matt Brown: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Is an “ Irrelevant Fight!" Plus, Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy in Spain? 55:04

3d ago55:04

55:04

Paddy Pimblett continued his feud with Ilia Topuria while angling for a fight in Madrid. Then, did Conor McGregor really demand $100 million to fight on The White House card? And how does the UFC plan to handle an outdoor event? Plus, Matt Brown calls McGregor vs. Michael Chandler on the main card a “completely irrelevant fight.” Later, why doesn’t…

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Trump Is Building the Blue Scare 1:26:30

4d ago1:26:30

1:26:30

This is McCarthyism 2.0. Since Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the Trump administration has been speed-running an attack on the “radical left.” And the tactics it has been using are darkly reminiscent of the Red Scare of the 1940s and ’50s. So what can that period teach us about the current moment and what the Trump administration might do next? How …

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Nicole Loves This One Line in Titanic 59:59

4d ago59:59

59:59

This week, Nicole and Sasheer walk through Nicole's joyful experience at The Sizzler, learn all about BieberGate 2025, and consider the implications of a monthly lasagna party. Watch this full video on YouTube and follow below! Follow Nicole: Twitter, Instagram, TikTok Follow Sasheer: Instagram, TikTok Like the show? Rate Best Friends 5 stars on Sp…

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Joe Rogan: Francis Ngannou Is the Scariest Heavyweight Champ of All Time! Plus, a Matchup I Want for The White House Card! 59:12

5d ago59:12

59:12

Tom Aspinall says he wants a quick turnaround after facing Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, but what real options are there for him at heavyweight? Then, Joe Rogan calls Francis Ngannou the scariest heavyweight champion ever, and Max Kellerman takes heat for his comments on where Terence Crawford fits in the all-time ranks. Plus, the matchup that actually ma…

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ReThinking: Matthew McConaughey on avoiding cynicism and finding gratitude 34:41

1d ago34:41

34:41

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, or Interstellar. But he’s not just an actor—he’s also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his journal entries, poems, and life lessons learned. In this episode, Matth…

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Conor McGregor Drops Out of Ireland's Presidential Race! Plus, B.J. Penn Arrested (Again) 57:41

9d ago57:41

57:41

After announcing his candidacy only a few months ago, Conor McGregor has already withdrawn from the presidential race in Ireland. And if McGregor headlines The White House card next year like he thinks he will, who would he face? Then, I clear up some things about B.J. Penn following his most recent arrest. Plus, with Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez pul…

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Spencer Cox Wants to Pull Our Politics Back From the Brink 54:46

10d ago54:46

54:46

The Utah governor is trying to model a different kind of leadership in a very dangerous political moment. The Trump administration seems intent on using the assassination of Charlie Kirk to crack down on what it calls “the radical left.” But Spencer Cox doesn’t believe that suppression will make Americans safer. For years now, Cox has been thinking…

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Sasheer's Hot Dog Shrine is Mostly From Nicole (w/ Harvey Guillén) 1:09:52

11d ago1:09:52

1:09:52

This week, Nicole and Sasheer are joined by special guest and friend, Harvey Guillén (What We Do In The Shadows, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish)! The trio share some early audition horror stories, consider friendship levels of closeness being like a gorgeous tiered cake, and the specific joy of watching the sweepers at a Dodger's game. Watch this ful…

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We Are Going to Have to Live Here With Each Other 1:55:36

12d ago1:55:36

1:55:36

This is an episode in two parts. First, my thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s murder, now that I’ve had a few days to process it, and to see the unfolding reactions and responses on both sides. Then a conversation with Ben Shapiro — one that was recorded shortly before Kirk’s assassination, but that has a different significance after it. This episode conta…

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Terence Crawford vs. Ilia Topuria Next?! Plus, Dana White Trusts Conor McGregor More Than Jon Jones 59:30

13d ago59:30

59:30

I begin with Terence Crawford’s win over Canelo Alvarez, and whether WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman was trying to make the moment about himself. Then, my recap of UFC Noche, and why I’m still confident in the “Fighting Nerds” despite another main event defeat. Plus, does Crawford using Ilia Topuria’s walkout song hint at a future crossover fight? …

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ReThinking: Igniting curiosity with Sean The Science Kid 34:03

8d ago34:03

34:03

At just 10 years old, Sean The Science Kid is our youngest guest ever. Sean is an internet educator with a voracious appetite for learning and a contagious passion for sharing his knowledge. In this episode, Adam chats with Sean and his mother Eunice about the origins of Sean’s curiosity, his strategies for breaking down complex science concepts, a…

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Jon Jones To "Prove" He's Serious About Fighting at The White House! Plus, Joe Rogan Puts an Asterisk on Khabib's Record 1:06:04

17d ago1:06:04

1:06:04

I begin by discussing whether Fluffy Hernandez should get a title shot for beating Reinier de Ridder. Then, Jon Jones vows to show Dana White how serious he is about being on The White House card - but how can he actually prove it? Plus, Joe Rogan puts an asterisk on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record, and the definitive answer to who’s the be…

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Nicole Learns All About Catios (w/ Margaret Cho) 58:31

18d ago58:31

58:31

Nicole and Sasheer have a very special friend joining them today - comedian extraordinaire Margaret Cho! The trio gets into their preferences on all things haunted, pet psychics, receiving signs in the universe from friends that have passed on, and Nicole's ongoing quest to join Cirque du Soleil. Watch this full video on YouTube and follow below! F…

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Can Imavov Beat Chimaev? Plus, Cowboy Jon Jones & Conor McGregor's Presidential Dreams 1:05:59

19d ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Nassourdine Imavov deserves credit for his win over Caio Borralho on Saturday, but does he have what it takes to challenge Khamzat Chimaev? And while many are down on Borralho and The Fighting Nerds after the loss, I’m not. Then, the problem with Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane, and why Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker feels like the right fight. Plus, I…

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ReThinking: Facing your fears with cliff diver Molly Carlson 38:49

15d ago38:49

38:49

Molly Carlson is a professional high diver, three-time runner-up at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, and the founder of Brave Gang, an online community of people who encourage each other to face their fears together. In this episode, Molly and Adam reflect on anxiety and motivation, the functions and dysfunctions of fear, and how to harness …

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If Democrats Have a Better Plan, I’d Like to Hear It 22:13

22d ago22:13

22:13

In a few weeks the government’s funding will run out. If Democrats vote for a new spending bill, they will be funding Trump’s autocratic takeover. What should they do? Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. You can find the transcript and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book rec…

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What Actually Happened Against Craig Jones! Plus, Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva UFC Noche Preview 35:48

23d ago35:48

35:48

I'm back, and I'm ready to give you the goods on my rematch with Craig Jones at CJI 2 in Las Vegas this past weekend. Then, my thoughts on Darren Till’s knockout of Luke Rockhold at Misfits Boxing 22, and my surprise at learning that former UFC fighter Thiago Tavares is now ... a doctor? Also, Alexander Volkanovski admitted in a recent interview th…

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Sasheer Loves Yuzu (w/ Owen Thiele) 1:06:48

25d ago1:06:48

1:06:48

Nicole and Sasheer have a very special friend joining them today - the wonderful Owen Thiele (Adults, Overcompensating, Theater Camp)! The trio gets into an exciting brand new segment called "Why Were You Late?", different confrontational strategies depending on if you are a) in or b) out of your car, and what it means to be a friend collector vs f…

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The Supreme Court Is Backing Trump's Power Grab 56:32

27d ago56:32

56:32

Trump was losing in the courts. He’s not anymore. In the early months of the administration, the courts were proving a powerful check on President Trump, blocking many of his boldest actions. But those were the lower courts. In the past few months, the Supreme Court has weighed in, and it has handed Trump win after win after win. So what do these d…

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Gilbert Burns Leaked My Phone Number! (RE-AIR) 51:05

26d ago51:05

51:05

On today’s episode, I return to mid-December when Gilbert Burns gave me an early Christmas present by posting my phone number online because I claimed he was retired. So, I take your calls and texts (while learning how to group-FaceTime) and try to figure out whether Burns is retired, and what his next matchup should be if he isn’t. To support this…

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ReThinking: Fixing social media with Pinterest CEO Bill Ready 35:20

22d ago35:20

35:20

On social media, enragement is often used to drive engagement. But what if the algorithm was tuned to what makes us feel good? As the CEO of Pinterest, Bill Ready is leading changes to his platform in the hopes of inspiring change in the tech industry. He and Adam examine steps for improving online interactions, consider solutions for protecting ki…

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O'Malley: "I Tried Too Hard To Be Like Conor!" Plus, the Biggest Threats to Islam Makhachev & Ilia Topuria's Next Fight 58:50

1M ago58:50

58:50

I’m revisiting the Raja Jackson incident to explain my take on it again. Then, my thoughts on Sean O’Malley admitting he tried to emulate Conor McGregor a little too much, and also why Suga' believes nobody can beat Khamzat Chimaev. Also, Bo Nickal returns to wrestling this weekend for Real American Freestyle - but does fighting in the UFC give him…

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Nicole Interprets The Bible 1:02:40

1M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

This week, Nicole and Sasheer go all the way back to the Old Testament to revisit some classic stories with a 2025 POV. They also get into Jubilee vs Jolibee, some flamingo pants Nicole is on the hunt for, and bidet etiquette. Watch this full video on YouTube and follow below! Follow Nicole: Twitter, Instagram, TikTok Follow Sasheer: Instagram, Tik…

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Trump Is Building His Own Paramilitary Force 1:08:15

1M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

ICE now has the biggest budget of any law enforcement agency in America. “ICE and Customs and Border Protection have long been the most rogue, kind of renegade and certainly pro-Trump police agencies in the federal government,” explained Radley Balko, a journalist who’s covered policing for decades. “What I think we are seeing right now is Trump is…

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Me vs. Craig Jones at CJI 2! Plus, Will Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria Ever Happen? 1:03:54

1M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

After Gable Steveson pulled out of his grappling match with Craig Jones this weekend, I’m stepping in to face Jones instead. Then, my thoughts on Jake Paul’s next fight against Gervonta "Tank" Davis. Also, will Jack Della Maddalena struggle if his fight with Islam Makhachev goes to the ground? And while Makhachev keeps showing interest in facing Il…

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ReThinking: How you can do more for others with Rutger Bregman 33:29

29d ago33:29

33:29

What are you doing to make the world around you better? Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and the author of the new book Moral Ambition. He joins Adam live in the Authors@Wharton series to discuss how to stop capable people from wasting their talents, lessons from great moral pioneers, and what it means to be a good person. They also consider how…

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The Middleweight Title Picture Puzzle, Sean Strickland's Suspension, & Jon Jones' Buzzed Interview! 58:50

1M ago58:50

58:50

Sean Strickland is SUSPENDED! What does it mean for his hopes of becoming a champion again? I'll discus that and the PACKED middleweight division, which features three former champs in Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and Israel Adesanya, and a whole bunch of young guys waiting for their shot. Speaking of whom, Reineir de Ridder has a path to the tit…

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MAHA Is a Bad Answer to a Good Question 1:22:26

1M ago1:22:26

1:22:26

“Make America Healthy Again” is a great idea — somebody should try it. A lot of the concerns animating the MAHA movement — chronic disease, the unhealthiness of the American diet, how profits warp our health care system — are serious issues. But Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hasn’t taken major actions to address them. Instead he’s gutted funding for scient…

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Sasheer Respects the Rules of the Road 1:01:05

1M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

We're back! Sasheer just returned from a gorgeous trip to Japan and is ready to fill us in on all of her fun travel stories. She also has a special souvenir for Nicole that (spoiler!) Nicole goes nuts for. Also discussed: the why? of wearing thongs, chicken breasts vs thighs, and the age old question of "Where's the beef?" Watch this full video on …

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Your Questions (and Criticisms) of Our Recent Shows 59:47

1M ago59:47

59:47

I do my best to respond to your critiques of some of our recent episodes. We got an overwhelming response to my interviews with the Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, the national conservativism theorist Yoram Hazony and the human rights lawyer Philippe Sands on whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. So in this subscriber-only Ask Me Anyt…

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Khamzat Chimaev DOMINATED DDP! Plus, My Top 10 UFC 319 Moments & Aaron Pico's Next Move 52:50

1M ago52:50

52:50

UFC 319 is in the books, and I begin with the top 10 moments from Saturday night in Chicago. Then, I react to the narrative that the main card was “boring,” and whether that’s fair. Plus, after Khamzat Chimaev’s domination of Dricus du Plessis, I’ll tell you how Chimaev's next opponent can beat him. Also, what's next for Aaron Pico following his br…

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ReThinking: The myth of genius with Helen Lewis 33:01

1M ago33:01

33:01

What does it mean to be a genius? Journalist Helen Lewis is the author of the new book The Genius Myth, which offers a provocative analysis of how we put brainiacs on a pedestal. In this episode, Helen and Adam unpack our cultural myths about geniuses and explore the dangers of treating them like demigods. They also discuss what Helen learned from …

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Trump vs. the U.S. Economy 1:23:40

1M ago1:23:40

1:23:40

What is going on with the economy right now? There are a lot of mixed signals. President Trump slashed taxes, but he’s also bringing in a lot of money through tariffs. Inflation is creeping up, but the stock market keeps rising. Eye-wateringly large investments are flowing to A.I., which could lead to an explosion of productivity but also mass job …

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UFC 319 Preview, Chimaev’s Last Chance, and the End of the PPV Era 1:01:21

1M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

The UFC signed a massive deal to move to Paramount starting in 2026 - ending pay-per-views! I’ll tell you what that means for fans and fighters. Then, Caio Borralho finds himself in an unusual spot as the backup for UFC 319’s main event in Chicago, while still set to face Nassourdine Imavov in three weeks. Also, Khamzat Chimaev says his striking wi…

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When Is It Genocide? 1:42:44

2M ago1:42:44

1:42:44

In December 2023, when South Africa accused Israel of genocide before the International Court of Justice, I thought it was wrong to do so. Israel had been attacked. Its defense was legitimate. The blood was on Hamas’s hands. But over the last year, I have watched a slew of organizations and scholars arrive at the view that whatever Israel’s war on …

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Nicole's Excited About Turkey Sandwiches 1:01:38

2M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Nicole and Sasheer waste no time this week debriefing what they're loving lately - labubus, food shaped candles, real tea (gossip) vs real tea (beverage), how a garden tomato is nature's ketchup, and their unintentionally perfectly compatible chocolate chip cookie preferences. Watch this full video on YouTube and follow below! Follow Nicole: Twitte…

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Why the UFC 319 Odds SHOCK Me! Plus, How Good Is DDP Really? 55:37

2M ago55:37

55:37

The latest odds for Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev surprised me - I’ll tell you why. And, just how good is DDP, anyway? Plus, a preview of their massive showdown at UFC 319. Later, coming off his win Saturday against Roman Dolidze over the weekend, who should Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez face next? And, I’ve been critical of Brock Lesnar in th…

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ReThinking: The future of finding love with Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd 35:37

1M ago35:37

35:37

What will dating look like in the age of AI? Whitney Wolfe Herd is the founder and CEO of Bumble, the popular dating app that has helped millions of people meet their match. In this episode, Whitney chats with Adam about her vision for the future of dating online and offline, her decision to take a break from leading Bumble, and the importance of p…

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Can DDP Win Three Belts? Plus, Khamzat Chimaev's Checkered Past & Ronda Rousey's Rumored Return 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

UFC rankings don’t actually matter. I’ll tell you why. Then, Brendan Schaub says Dricus du Plessis could become a three-division champ. Do I agree? Also, why it’s unfair to hold Khamzat Chimaev’s past withdrawals against him, and why questions about his conditioning won’t matter when he faces DDP at UFC 319. Plus, my reaction to rumors of Ronda Rou…

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Sasheer is the New Foot of Tevas 1:01:32

2M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Nicole and Sasheer are back with another episode of Best Friends and they're getting right into the big questions: Are feet scary hands? Why do people walk around hotel lobbies barefoot? Who is Albert Nobbs? All of this and more (answering Best Friends listener questions from the vault!) will be revealed. Watch this full video on YouTube and follow…

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JDM vs. Islam Makhachev at MSG! PLUS, Jake Paul Takes Legal Action and Conor McGregor Needs to STOP Shadowboxing! 47:01

2M ago47:01

47:01

Gordon Ryan might be the greatest grappler of all time, but he’s no longer the current No. 1. On today's episode, I'll tell you who is. Then, Khabib Nurmagomedov says Islam Makhachev will face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden, and I’ve got some thoughts on that matchup. Plus, Conor McGregor needs to stop shadowboxing every t…

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Mahmoud Khalil Tells His Story 1:22:28

2M ago1:22:28

1:22:28

Mahmoud Khalil was a leader in Columbia University’s pro-Palestinian protests. In March, he was arrested by ICE agents and held for more than 100 days in a Louisiana detention facility. The Trump administration claims Khalil is deportable — even though he has a green card, married to a U.S. citizen — because he poses a threat to U.S. foreign policy…

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ReThinking: Ed Helms on growing through failure 27:12

2M ago27:12

27:12

You may know Ed Helms from his roles on The Office or in The Hangover, but building his career as a successful comedian required many moments of failure and embarrassment. In this episode, Ed joins Adam live at the Authors@Wharton series to discuss his new book, SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups, look back on what Ed learne…

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Behind Trump and Vance Is This Man’s Movement 1:18:51

2M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

Vice President JD Vance gave a speech recently that deserved more attention than it got. Accepting an award at a right-wing think tank, he argued that there’s a fundamental brokenness in how we define who is an American. He explained that this is the root of many of our country’s problems: a national identity that has become too broad. That was als…

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Ilia Topuria Is Fighting Arman Tsarukyan Next! Plus, Dana White’s Big Announcement 1:18:47

2M ago1:18:47

1:18:47

I’m breaking news - Ilia Topuria is fighting Arman Tsarukyan next. Then, why did Conor McGregor just receive his first drug test in 10 months? And I tell you whether Jon Jones really actually got taken down by ALF Global Reality CEO Alfredo Auditore. Plus, Ciryl Gane’s coach Fernand Lopez says all the pressure is on Tom Aspinall in their heavyweigh…

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Nicole Ponders Jack and Jill's Origin Story 1:00:45

2M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Not only are Nicole and Sasheer best friends, they're also back to recording their podcast about being best friends, Best Friends! Join them as they catch up on all of the fun things that have been going on since their last recording, from debriefing films like Nosferatu and Jurassic Park to learning the truth about what dolphins are up to. Watch t…

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Jon Jones Was Never Scared of Tom Aspinall! Plus, RDR's Title Hopes and R.I.P. Hulk Hogan 1:02:08

2M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

To start off, I pay homage to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. Then, should Reinier de Ridder skip the line for a title shot after he defeated Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi? does he get a title shot next? Plus, with the booking of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2, I tell you who I think the real No. 1 contender in the light heavyweight division is. …

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Best Of: Barbara Kingsolver on ‘Urban-Rural Antipathy’ 1:01:17

2M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

“It’s so insidious, people don’t realize it,” Barbara Kingsolver told me, describing the prejudice against “country people.” Kingsolver is one of those “country people,” as well as a literary legend in her own time, who set out to write the “great Appalachian novel.” And I think she did. “Demon Copperhead” won the Pulitzer Prize in 2023, and we tap…

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ReThinking: The truth about the attention crisis with historian Daniel Immerwahr 35:25

2M ago35:25

35:25

In the age of social media and short-form content, many people insist that our attention spans are getting shorter. But historian Daniel Immerwahr reminds us that people have cried wolf for centuries about technology hijacking our attention. In this episode, Adam and Daniel dive into evidence that what’s changing is not our attention spans, but the…