The Bantercast

In this special episode of The Bantercast, Ben Cohen and Michael Parker discuss the first day of impeachment hearings. How clear cut was the case against Trump? Did the Democrats do a good job communicating the severity of Trump's alleged crimes, and were Republicans effective in countering it? Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe!

In this episode of The Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss Tony Robbins and the rising popularity of self help gurus on social media. Why are we so enamored with gurus? Why do we always look to others for enlightenment and spiritual guidance, and what is it about Donald Trump that makes people think he has the answers to their problems?

In this episode of The Bantercast, hosts Ben Cohen and Michael Parker discuss death, dying and the afterlife. Ben recently lost his grandmother and a good friend, so has been dealing with the after effects of death. Why is it we have such a hard time with death in the West? What do we gain by confronting death and dying, and what should we think about the afterlife? This episode isn't depressing, but rather a how-to guide on how to think about something that is going to happen to all of us.

In your 20's, you think you rule the world. In your 30's, you learn you don't even rule yourself. Why is this decade the most challenging for so many people? Ben Cohen and Michael Parker discuss!!

In this episode, Ben and Michael talk about completely random bollocks. From micro forests in figs (yes, figs have micro forests) to radical theories on global warming and how to talk to Trump supporters, this episode truly has it all.

In this episode of The Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss Michael's profound experience with the psychoactive cactus, San Pedro. Michael suffered from extreme depression, anxiety and panic attacks, and has been using several plant medicines to heal himself. You do not want to miss this episode!

In this episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss the recent gun massacres and how they might be related to mental health. There is obviously a severe gun problem in America, but no one can agree on what the major issue is. What needs attention first, the guns or the mental health crisis?

In this special episode of The Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss Michael's recent Ayahuasca experience that cured him of severe depression. Both Ben and Michael have had experience using psychedelics to heal anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, and offer listeners their best practices for using these substances. We would love it if you gave us a review on iTunes, and subscribed!!

In this special episode of the Bantercast, Ben Cohen and Michael Parker discuss Michael's recent battle with a severe mental health crisis. Having spent several months trying to survive serious bouts of anxiety, panic attacks, and the horrendous side effects of antidepressants, Michael is finally starting to get a semblance of control over his life. He discusses what happened to him in detail, and how he plans on healing himself.

Donald Trump and the GOP are continuing their victory parade after the apparent conclusion of the Mueller report. But Americans are being duped into glossing over the actual evidence. Trump almost certainly colluded with the Russians, and without a shadow of a doubt obstructed justice. Ben and Michael get into the weeds so listeners can understand one of the biggest stories of our lifetime.

Welcome to this extra special episode of The Bantercast where Ben and Michael are joined by Jim St Germain, President Obama's favorite writer and author of "A Stone Of Hope". Jim's book is a memoir detailing his escape from severe poverty in Haiti to America where he ended up in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. Jim was homeless, got involved with gangs and by his own account, should be dead. But he turned his life around and mentors young people around the country to help them do the same. He came on The Bantercast to discuss his latest projects, being tweeted about by President Obama, and what he thinks about Michael's (non-existent) Jewish ancestry!

Radio recordings of Tucker Carlson calling women “primitive beings”, justifying statutory rape, and calling Iraqis "primitive monkeys" were released this week leading to a mass advertiser boycott of his show on Fox. Ben and Michael discuss the fallout, and why Carlson could do with a sustain ass kicking.

Our lives are increasingly governed by social media, advertising, and the relentless pursuit of money. This is making us lonely, isolated, and sad, and we are forgetting what it means to be human. Let's stop doing this and created something new. Join Ben Cohen and Michael Parker in the latest episode of The Bantercast!

In this special episode of The Bantercast, Ben Cohen and Michael Parker discuss Michael Cohen's astonishing testimony in from of Congress. What the hell is happening in America? How are people still supporting Donald Trump when there is clear evidence he is a criminal? Get listening and make sure to subscribe!

In this episode of The Bantercast, Michael discusses with Ben his recent experience on magic mushrooms and describes how they significantly helped lift his depression. Michael and Ben also discuss how to use psychedelics responsibly, what can go wrong, and why human beings are nowhere near as smart as we think! Get listening and make sure to subscribe!!

In this epic episode of The Bantercast, Michael tells Ben about his recent trip to Trump's Mar-a-Lago. Having agreed to go by accident, Michael spent his time talking to billionaires with private islands, failing to stare down Eric Trump, and trying to steal as many things as he could to get one over the Evil Emperor. Make sure to listen, like and subscribe!!

In this special episode of The Bantercast, host Ben Cohen talks with Michael Parker about his decision to close down The Daily Banter, and what comes next from the team of writers.

In this hilarious episode of the Bantercast, Ben Cohen and Michael Parker discuss the age old philosophical question: would you date a porn star? Furthermore, would you marry a porn star, and could you deal with a polyamorous relationship? Ben and Michael also discuss our society's hang ups about sex, slut shaming, and the pros and cons of monogamy. Get ready for a thought provoking hour of intense Banter!

In this episode of The Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss former Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz's disastrous foray into presidential politics. Why are Americans obsessed with billionaires, and why do they think they can run for office with absolutely no experience whatsoever? We also try out sound effects, discuss how bass ass Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is, and listen to Michael's dog throwing up...

In this episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss the prevailing paradigm in our society that tells us we need to work ourselves to death. We fetishize work and pursue wealth at the expense of our own health. This paradigm cannot continue on a personal or ecological level, but how do we get out of it? We discuss some ways to get out of the rat race, and methods for retraining our minds.

In this scintillating episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss the meltdown of the UK government over Brexit, Trump's never ending shutdown, and the supreme talents of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Are we on the cusp of a new political era, or will the old power structure and players prevail?

Welcome to the first episode of 2019! In this episode, Ben and Michael discuss Michael's recent 10 day silent meditation retreat (or 'Vipassana') in Guatemala. Vipassana is a grueling, emotionally challenging experience that challenges everything you believed about yourself and the nature of mind. Michael made it through and has more than a few extraordinary stories to tell.

In this hilarious (and very serious) episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss which city they would like to be murdered in by the KGB, what the hell is going on with Russia, and how close are we to World War III?

In today's show, Ben and Michael discus Ben becoming a father, and what it means to raise a child in the modern world. They also discuss surviving a crisis, and how to take the positives from any situation, no matter how bad it is. (Oh, and if you stick around long enough, you'll get to hear about Michael's accent crisis. Very serious people!)

In this thought provoking episode of The Bantercast, Ben and Michael talk with famed author and speaker Charles Eisenstein about the growing identity crisis we are facing in the West. What is the origin of wrongness in the world? How can we live more meaningful lives, and what can we do to fulfill our potential? Charles isn't afraid to get into the deepest questions facing our species, and our interview highlighted many of his ideas and solutions to these problems. Charles has been a featured guest on Oprah and has done multiple TED talks. Charles has written "The More Beautiful World our Hearts Know is Possible," that offers a "highly distilled exposition of our society's transition in its deep stories." "Sacred Economics" explores the transition as it "applies to the world of money, economy, and gift". "The Ascent of Humanity" is about multiple earth crises that is "giving birth to a new age."

In the second part of our interview with the amazing Teresa Yung, Ben Cohen gets sacred tobacco "Rapé" blown up his nose. This episode focuses on sacred medicines of the Amazon, the archaic practice of Shamanism, modern spirituality, atheism, and how new forms of belief systems are emerging in modern society. It's a fascinating show, so get listening!

On today's show, Ben and Michael talk with the amazing Teresa Yung, a teacher who aims to share indigenous medicines of the world and promote spiritual growth and connection. Amongst many topics, we discuss the current political climate, whether we 'manifested' Donald Trump in order to deal with our problems as a society, and what we must do to heal from it. It was a fascinating, two part conversation so please tune in and check out part 1! You can find out more about Teresa and what she does here: https://www.espiritumedicina.com/

In this special 'Facebook Live' episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss the complexities and confusion surrounding the Aziz Ansari scandal and talk about the rise and fall (and rise again?) of Bitcoin. Is the Aziz Ansari episode a turning point in the #MeToo movement? Are all men a little like Aziz? Is Bitcoin a scam, and shoulud you invest in it? We answer questions in real time as Facebook fans weigh in on the debate! If you would like to watch the Bantercast live, please subscribe to our Facebook community 'The Banter Sanity Zone'.

In today's show, Ben and Michael discuss how to choose a religion. Are you interested in Buddhism? Does Christianity make sense to you? Do you even need a religion in the first place, and why isn't atheism enough? We grapple with the deep questions and help you figure out which (if any) spiritual practice is best for you.

In the first Bantercast episode of 2018, Ben and Michael discuss Michael Wolff's new book 'Fire and Fury', what is happening to the Alt Right movement, Trump's intelligence, and how we can all survive 2018 without going completely insane. We are excited about the upcoming year and plan to share more exciting developments about the show very soon!

In our Christmas special, Ben and Michael are joined by two of our former guests, Kevin Glass and Christina McDowell. Kevin is a prominent 'Never Trump' conservative who writes for The Hill and Townhall.com, and Christina is the author of "After Perfect", a best selling memoir. Today's show centers around the ongoing #MeToo movement and what defines sexual assault/harassment, the GOP tax cuts and the future of the GOP as perceived by a Republican. It was a fantastic episode with lots of differing opinions and back and forth banter, so get listening and have a Merry Christmas!

In this scintillating episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss the insane election in Alabama, net neutrality, and the Republican war on reality. How far will the Trump administration go to maintain its hold on power? Have we reached the point of no return? What can we all do about this? Get ready to get mad, and get ready to fight back.

In today's hilarious episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael are joined by LA producer and co-founder of The Daily Banter, Ari Rutenberg. It's an extra long show packed with banter about the beginnings of the site, the #MeToo scandal, Al Franken, Roy Moore, Donald Trump and what the hell is going on in the world. It's fast paced and highly provocative episode so check it out and leave us comments below!

In this epic edition of the Bantercast, Ben discusses his recent journey to the Amazon rainforest where he took 'Huachuma', a psychoactive plant medicine used widely in Peru. Ben details coming face to face with the reality of death, his experience of taking 'Vilca', the most powerful psychedelic substance known to man. This episode is definitely not to be missed!

In this controversial episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael ask themselves a very important question in the wake of the #MeToo sexual harassment scandal currently engulfing the Western world: should men be ashamed of themselves? We talk about Al Franken, Bill Clinton, Roy Moore and Donald Trump in an effort to figure out who is guilty of what, and whether they should be punished for it. This is just the beginning of a much broader discussion, so jump in and let us know what you think too.

After a two week break, Ben and Michael are back with a brand new episode of the Bantercast. In today's show, Michael discusses his experience meeting a Mongolian Shaman and Ben talks about his crazy trip to the Amazon Jungle. It's a thought provoking show with insight into the world's oldest spiritual practice, so get listening!!

In this formerly Patrons Only episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss strategies for quitting the 9-5 and becoming an entrepreneur. With over 20 years of combined experience, we can hopefully offer you some advice on how to live a more fulfilling life doing something you actually like! It's a short episode, but filled with good advice about how to break free from a life of control and drudgery.

In this episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss the shocking Harvey Weinstein scandal and why sexual assault is so rife in corporate America. Also discussed in today's show: is 'toxic masculinity' a real thing? Are the regressive left responsible for the Alt Right, and how can we stop guys from being sexist assholes? There's a lot to get through, so listen up and get Bantering!

In today's epic show Ben and Michael talk about Ayahuasca, the plant medicine known as "The Vine of Death", whether it can cure humanity of our destructive tendencies and why you should (or shouldn't) do it. We also discuss real issue with firearms in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre, and the debate about gun control in America. It's a thought provoking show, so listen up and leave us comments!

In this week's special episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss stress and panic in modern society. Michael shares a story about a recent panic attack he had, his history of stress, and how he deals with it today. It's a fantastic episode and relevant to anyone suffering from stress or anxiety, and we do our best to offer advice as to how to avoid it.

In this episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael discuss Bitcoin mania, the concept of getting rich, and how to think about money. Most people don't understand money or how to use it, and without real financial literacy many will be doomed to repeat basic mistakes that the wealthy don't make. Is capitalism good or bad? Can Bitcoin and other crypto currencies change the world? Tune in if you want to find out!

In today's episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael speak with Very Smart Brotha's (VSB) Panama Jackson. Panama co-founded VSB and recently quit his job to write for the hilarious Afro-centric site full time. Panama recently penned a heartbreaking article describing his ruined relationship with his Trump supporting white mother who visited him in Washington DC and insisted on wearing a 'Make America Great Again' T-shirt while exploring the city. We spoke to Panama about his strained relationship with his mother, how he sees race in America, and what white people can do to heal the racial divide.

In today's show, we spoke with Jim St. Germain, the author of 'A Stone of Hope: A Memoir'! Jim was born in Haiti into severe poverty and moved to New York City aged 11, where he fell into a life of gang activity and crime. He turned his life around with the help of some incredible mentors and now runs Preparing Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT), a nonprofit organization that provides mentoring to at-risk youth. Hear his unfiltered, raw take on politics in the US, his life in Haiti, and how he navigates the different worlds of severe poverty and privilege. It was a fascinating conversation you won't want to miss! Remember to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes here!: https://itunes.apple.com/…/podc…/the-bantercast/id1091410164

In this special episode of The Bantercast, Ben and Michael talk to the legendary boxer David Haye. Haye is the former heavyweight champion of the world and former undisputed Cruiserweight champion of the world. We spoke to David about the upcoming Mega Fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor to get his thoughts on whether McGregor can pull off the upset of the century. Haye's insights into boxing at the elite level are truly fascinating to listen to, and he provides a unique perspective on what will be the biggest prize fight in history!

In today's episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael talk to Noor Tagouri, a Muslim American woman who made history by becoming the first woman to wear hijab in Playboy magazine. Noor Tagouri is a journalist at Newsy and has been on the road documenting heroin addiction and sex trafficking in America. It was an absolutely fascinating, illuminating discussion so please listen and let us know what you think!

In today's show, we talk to Washington D.C's most notorious gardener, Chris Bradshaw of the non-profit "Dreaming Out Loud". Chris spoke to us about how gardening can heal communities and provide a way of feeding people without relying on giant supermarkets and fast food chains. Chris works with some of the most disadvantaged communities in Washington DC and is at the forefront of America's green revolution.

In today's hilarious and thought provoking episode of the Bantercast, Ben and Michael speak to Zoe Ligon, a sex educator and founder of Spectrumboutique.com, an online ethical sex toy store. On the show, we talk about polyamory, pornography, homosexuality, sexual spirituality and sex camps (yes really!).

In today's show, we talk to David Walsh, a PhD candidate in the history department at Princeton University. His dissertation is on U.S. far right politics in the twentieth century. We talked to David about the far right in America, the origins of the 'Alt Right' movement, and ask him whether the U.S really is becoming a fascist state. It was a truly illuminating conversation, so if you want to download some knowledge and appear super smart to all your friends, get listening right now!

In today's show, Michael and Ben sit down with Christina McDowell, the author of 'After Perfect', an breathtaking memoir about losing everything after her father went to federal prison for securities fraud. Christina's father worked with the "Wolf of Wall Street" Jordan Belfort, and took hundreds of thousands of dollars out in her name putting Christina into crippling debt as a young woman. Christina talks with us about her time as an aspiring actress in Hollywood, drug and alcohol abuse, wanting to end her life, and finally finding redemption through writing. It's a truly amazing story, so get listening!

In this week's episode of the Bantercast, we talk about explosive news about Donald Trump Jr. selling out his father and confessing to colluding with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. Ben and Michael discuss the shocking revelation and look at how the Trump administration is attempting to spin it. Was Trump Jr.'s actions treasonous? We dive deep, so jump in and join the Banter! Segments also in today's show: How fucked are we? Looking on the bright side Getting personal with Ben and Michael

In today's episode of the Bantercast, we talk to 'Never Trump' conservative Kevin Glass. Kevin is the Director of Policy and Outreach at the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, and has written for conservative outlets like Townhall.com. He has also been published in the National Review, The American Spectator and The Atlantic, and was a prominent voice in the 'Never Trump' conservative movement in 2016. It was an extremely interesting and lively conversation where we tried to get to the bottom of the Trump phenomenon and what the future holds for conservatism and the Republican Party. Take a listen and let us know what you think!