Podcast appearances and mentions of mel magazine

The Voice Of GO(r)D podcast is very happy to bring you the self proclaimed ‘King of Content', the Doer of The Work™️, lawyer, historian, marketing guru, prolific writer, and former co-host of the What's Left? podcast, Mr Oliver Bateman. Oliver encouraged me to start this Substack and is one of many who told me I should start a podcast - he has always been very encouraging of this project, and has served as a great inspiration and adviser to me over the years, and I am very happy to get him on the show and get him to you. We centered our conversation on our fathers, as Oliver's Dad looms large in his work, both as a man of size and as a philosophical driving force behind Oliver's work. We end up meandering around a number of different stories, including those of our Grandfathers services - mine driving a Sherman tank in Europe and then trucks across Canada, and Oliver's being a submariner in the US Navy during World War 2, with these family histories ultimately animating everything we do and discuss here on the show. Oliver is everywhere - https://www.oliverbateman.com/https://oliverbatemandoesthework.substack.com/https://x.com/MoustacheClubUShttps://www.instagram.com/oliverleebateman/?hl=enClick here for a list of everything he has ever written - and he is everywhere - MEL Magazine, UnHerd, The Ringer, RealClear Politics, The Washington Examiner, Splice Today, American Greatness, WaPo, American Affairs Journal, The Spectator, VICE, Compact, you name it, he's probably written for them. https://www.oliverbateman.com/bibliographyAs we discussed on the show, one of Oliver's most recent must reads, on the Everyman embodied in Norm from Cheers, and the man who made him - https://oliverbatemandoesthework.substack.com/p/the-work-of-pouring-one-out-for-aA couple of my favorites of his Work - A critique of social media and what it is doing to us - https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2023/05/anti-social-media-a-modest-proposal-for-significant-restraint/On the siloing of our elites and how calls for censorship are meant only to re-enforce the ear plugs which prevent them from hearing the issues of the masses - https://amgreatness.com/2020/12/13/our-coddled-elites-and-all-the-pain-they-cant-feel/Satire at both the expense of AI and its pimps, and the baser elements of human behavior - https://www.splicetoday.com/digital/resist-the-ai-overlords-at-all-costs'An Ode to the CFL' -https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/magazine-life-arts/3080999/an-ode-to-canadian-football/And as we discussed in the show, Oliver's grandfather served on a US Navy Submarine, and Oliver published his diary of The Life Aquatic here - https://oliverbatemandoesthework.substack.com/p/the-work-of-a-world-war-ii-submarineThanks for listening!As mentioned in the intro, I am writing a book on the fate of the North American Trucker in 2025, which you can read about here - If you are of means and want to chip in to help me see it through - https://www.givesendgo.com/EndOfTheRoadAs always, questions, comments, suggestions, corrections and Hate Mail are always welcomed and strongly encouraged - gordilocks@protonmail.comThanks for listening - this show is mostly a gift for my fellow truckers, and it would be awfully nice if you passed it around to any truckers you might know or anyone else who likes podcasts - word of mouth is the best marketing, and I appreciate it greatly.

Blending personal narrative and investigative reporting, Emmy Award-winning journalist Cole Kazdin reveals that disordered eating is an epidemic crisis killing millions of women. Women of all ages struggle with disordered eating, preoccupation with food, and body anxiety. Journalist Cole Kazdin was one such woman, and she set out to discover why her own full recovery from an eating disorder felt so impossible. Interviewing women across the country as well as the world's most renowned researchers, she discovered that most people with eating disorders never receive treatment––the fact that she did made her one of the lucky ones. Kazdin takes us to the doorstep of the diet industry and research community, exposing the flawed systems that claim to be helping us, and revealing disordered eating for the crisis that it is: a mental illness with the second highest mortality rate (after opioid-related deaths) that no one wants to talk about. Along the way, she identifies new treatments not yet available to the general public, grass roots movements to correct racial disparities in care, and strategies for navigating true health while still living in a dysfunctional world. What's Eating Us is an urgent battle cry coupled with stories and strategies about what works and how to finally heal—for real. Cole Kazdin is an Emmy Award-winning television journalist and author of What's Eating Us: Women, Food, and the Epidemic of Body Anxiety (St. Martin's Press 2023). Selected as a Next Big Idea Book Club Must-Read, the book blends personal narrative and investigative reporting to reveal disordered eating as an epidemic crisis killing millions of women. Cole has written for TIME, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, The Daily Beast, MEL Magazine, and more, and was a regular contributor to VICE. She has produced television for Good Morning America, Nightline and World News Tonight. Cole has told stories live on The Moth's Mainstage across the country, The Moth Radio Hour on NPR,, and has performed storytelling all over Southern California where she is a proud, three-time Moth GrandSLAM champion. Her solo performances have garnered national praise and been optioned for film. A contributing author to the bestselling book, The Moth Presents All These Wonders: True Stories About Facing the Unknown, she coaches and teaches writers all over the world, as well as leading workshops and classes for corporations and universities and currently teaches at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.

Tariq Nasheed is known online for his controversial commentary on race. He is a proponent of "Foundational Black Americans" (FBA), an ideology and movement he founded, which is defined as, "any person classified as Black, who can trace their bloodline lineage back to the American system of slavery. To be designated as an FBA, at least one parent must come from a non-immigrant background in The United States of America." Nasheed believes FBAs must "seek out reparations for their own" and that American-born descendants of the American Slave Trade have not adequately sought out resources for themselves. Nasheed is known for his use of the term "bed wench" and the related term "Negro bed wench mentality". He uses the term to refer to black women who date interracially. He revived and popularized use of this term, which historically was used to disparage black women who were raped by their masters during slavery. Ebony Magazine described Nasheed's conception of the term "bed wench" as a put-down of successful black women who challenge the institutions of black patriarchy. Nasheed also uses the term "buck breaking" to refer to the sexual abuse of Black men, particularly in the context of slavery, via a documentary of the same name, which MEL Magazine described as containing "uncooked nonsense" and being largely inaccurate.[2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Joiner, an ordinary man from the Sacramento area of California, managed to secure millions in funding for a movie that his brother Andrew wrote called 'Legends.' The movie blends legendary 19th-century American figures and steampunk Avengers, designed to satisfy the increasing demand for big-budget fantasy-action films. However, the following story is full of twists and turns that result in 'Legends' not becoming a legend, and someone must take the blame.Research for this episode includes:The Guardian article by Jake Flanagin, The Blockbuster That Wasn't: Inside an Alleged $14m Scam To Make The Next Netflix Hithttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/sep/26/netflix-legends-film-fraud-scam-allegations-adam-joiner IMDb.A press release from the United States Attorney's Office Central District of California dated Wednesday, November 10, 2021, entitled South Bay Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years in Prison For Movie Investment Scam and Fraudulently Selling House Bought with Illicit Proceeds.http://justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/south-bay-man-sentenced-over-8-years-prison-movie-investment-scam-and-fraudulently MEL Magazine's THE REAL-LIFE HOLLYWOOD HOAX THAT TURNED A FAKE BRADLEY COOPER EPIC INTO A $14 MILLION SCAM by Zaron Burnett III.http://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/the-real-life-hollywood-hoax-that-turned-a-fake-bradley-cooper-epic-into-a-14-million-scamThe PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

Trey Lyon is the founder of Fuck Yeah! Friendly Fire, originally a porn blog established on tumblr in 2011 as the leading edge source for heteroflexible pornography, amassing 1/4 million followers. Today, FY!FF can be found on 'X' (formerly known as Twitter) with a followership of over 230,000 @fyfriendlyfyre.Trey is a sex-positive advocate who challenges the narrative that the human sexual experience is shameful, and his writing focuses primarily on fluid sexuality, swinging & other forms of non-monogamy, as well as the destigmatization of integrating pornography fully into one's sexuality. He's been featured on Dan Savage's The Stranger, MEL Magazine, Fleshbot and http://YourTango.com. Trey models a life of sexual self acceptance, supporting men and women in rejecting sexual shame. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Notes We are joined by Miles Klee (@youwouldntpost) of Rolling Stone and formerly of the late, great Mel Magazine to discuss the reason why Miles' mentions and email have been toxic over the last week. Yep, we are discussing new Indie hit, Sound of Freedom. It's terrible, don't see it. Read Miles Klee's review of the film here. Or Miles' other article about Sound of Freedom and its impact on Wall Street Bets "Apes" and their AMC Theater stock here Also, subscribe to the Patreon at patreon.com/brighamyoungmoney

Rerun. Marshall Mathers III, aka Eminem, was sued for defamation by his own mother, Debbie, on 29th June, 2000. The suit was primarily in response to a lyric, “My Mom does more dope than I do”, from his hit song ‘My Name Is'. However, the case never made it to court. Eminem settled for $25,000 - almost of all of which went to Debbie's lawyer, who then commented that the cash was not enough to compensate for having to deal with his client... In this episode, Rebecca, Arion and Olly consider Eminem's use of the Slim Shady ‘character' in his lyrics, explain how tough it is to prove a defamation lawsuit against a piece of art; and revisit the work of Australian drag artiste ‘Pauline Pantsdown'. Further Reading: ‘Eminem's Mom Makes Music' (People, 1998): https://people.com/celebrity/eminems-mom-makes-music/‘The Mother Who Sued Her Own Son', (Mel Magazine, 2019): https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/eminem-mom-debbie-mathers‘I'm A Backdoor Man' by Pauline Pantsdown (1997): https://soundcloud.com/pauline-pantsdown/im-a-back-door-man-1997 #2000s #Art #Music #Person #Politics #White #US ‘Why am I hearing a rerun?' Every Thursday is 'Throwback Thursday' on Today in History with the Retrospectors: running one repeat per week means we can keep up the quality of our independent podcast. Daily shows like this require a lot of work! But as ever we'll have something new for you tomorrow, so follow us wherever you get your podcasts: podfollow.com/Retrospectors Love the show? Join 

When you envision a fraternity house full of hormonal college dudes having a conversation about sexual consent, who do you imagine they'd be more likely to listen attentively to: a sterile, scripted lecture delivered by a poor graduate intern from Campus Health, or… one of the most successful adult film stars in the business?Uh, yeah, that's what I thought.And that's exactly what Tasha Reign did, in fraternities and in lecture halls at numerous university campuses. She's also an activist within her industry fighting for the rights, safety, and dignity for sex workers, having published articles and served as chairperson of the Adult Performers Advocacy Committee. And did I mention she has not only a Bachelors in Women's Studies from UCLA, but also a Masters in Journalism from USC's renowned Annenberg School?This woman is a fucking POWERHOUSE, y'all. It was such an honor to receive an early copy of her book, From Princess to Porn Star, which releases on June 13 (the same day as this podcast episode airs!)I enjoyed this book so much that I was literally reading it on my Kindle while on a boat recently, because I was so eager to hear what happened next. (Don't @ me, I enjoyed the boat too— but y'all know how it goes when you're enraptured by a book!

Circumcision is a routine surgery in the United States that cuts off the most sensitive part of a young boys genitals. On this show, I am dedicated to bringing true informed consent on any and all topics, and I feel this topic is extremely important to understand truly, why we are doing this and if it is truly necessary.To have this conversation, it is my honor to have guest, Georganne Chapin, founder of Intact America, to educate us on this important topic.About Georganne: In a life dedicated to promoting human rights and health care quality and equity, Georganne Chapin has become a widely recognized advocate for ending routine circumcision of baby boys in America. In 2009, she founded and became executive director of Intact America®, the largest national organization working to end child genital cutting in this country and to ensure healthy sexual futures for all people. Prior to that, she founded and currently heads the Hudson Center for Health Equity and Quality and is the former president and CEO of Hudson Health Plan, alarge nonprofit Medicaid managed care organization in the Hudson Valley.In addition to her executive positions, Georganne taught health law and bioethics at Pace University School of Law, and bioethics to doctoral-level nursing students at Dominican College. Her opinion pieces have appeared in the New York Daily News, HuffPost, and Minneapolis Star Tribune, and she has been interviewed by The New York Times, the Economist, MSNBC, NBC10 (Philadelphia), WPSU radio, The New York Post, AskMen.com, SheKnows, Telemundo, Kacey Shine On, First Time Parent, Mel Magazine, South China Morning Post, the Guardian, and othermedia outlets. She also is a frequent guest on popular podcasts, including, The Armchair Expert, Sex Out Loud, Chicana Chisme, Baby Pro Podcast, Depths of Motherhood Podcast, and Eat Sex Play.  She was born in Boerne, Texas, and spent most of her childhood in Hawaii, New Mexico and Ohio. Georganne came to New York to earn a BA in Anthropology from Barnard College and an MPhil in Sociomedical Sciences from Columbia University. As a working adult, she obtained a JD from Pace University School of Law, with certificates in Health Law and International Law. Georganne lives near Woodstock in New York's Hudson Valley. She invites listeners to learn more about leaving baby boys intact at IntactAmerica.org.Learn more from Georganne: https://intactamerica.orghttps://www.instagram.com/intactamerica/Sponsors: All natural women's homeopathic hormone supplement $10 off with linkMenopause - https://modere.co/3XRHVVZMenstrual - https://modere.co/3IkPxKTOrganic Herbal Remedies Use Code BROOKE10 to save 10%https://earthley.com/ref/brookebacci/Amazon Storefront(Book recommendations, wellness supplements and more)https://www.amazon.com/shop/brookebrewer20?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfbrookebrewer20_FCY5VKK29ERGZAXM03T8Primally Pure Deodorant and natural skin care productshttp://www.primallypure.comUse code BROOKEB at checkout for 10% ofMASA chips - Seed oil Free Tortilla Chipshttp://www.masachips.com/brookebacciUse code BROOKEBACCI to save 10%

Join us on Maintaining Frame as we look at an article from Mel Magazine that argues the incident with the poop in the Depp/Heard trial was "relatable"

Not quite an incel, not yet a Chad. The gymcel is a little-known, but hugely polarizing figure. Rather than swallowing the black pill and turning away from society (one where evil feminists govern man's ability to get laid), the gymcel takes matters into his own hands and get gains in pursuit of the ultimate Chad-bod. After all, everyone struggles with body image from time to time. So why do women hate him? Or, better yet, why do incels hate him? Hannah and Maia discuss the gymcel and his peculiar role in the ever-expanding Manosphere, giving you a thorough breakdown of all the incel terminology we're sure you've been dying to learn ("looksmaxxing"... "manlets"... "fapstinence"...). Is a figure associated with the worst subsects of the internet worthy of our sympathy? Could the gymcel be more benign than he seems? Support us on Patreon and get juicy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/rehashpodcast Intro and Outro song produced by our talented friend Ian Mills: https://linktr.ee/ianmillsmusic SOURCES: Sara Brzuszkiewicz, “Incel Radical Milieu and External Locus of Control” International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (2020). Maddalena Cannito and Raffaella Ferrero Camoletto, “The Rules of Attraction: An Empirical Critique of Pseudoscientific Theories about Sex in the Manosphere” Sexes Vol. 3 (4). Hussein Kesvani, ““The Latest Manosphere Subculture is the ‘Gymcel'” Mel Magazine (2019). https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/the-latest-manosphere-subculture-is-the-gymcel Brian Van Brunt and Chris Taylor, Understanding and Treating Incels: Case Studies, Guidance, and Treatment of Violence Risk in the Involuntary Celibate Community, Routledge (2020).

Mixing fraud and fame is a bad idea. In this episode we discuss two scammers who inexplicably thought they could be both con men and social media influencers at the same time. Predictably, both found prison in addition to internet fame.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/DUBIOUS today to get 10% off your first month of therapy. Theodore Robert Wright III went from cell phone case kiosks as a teenager to crashing airplanes for fun and profit as an adult and took the bold move of filming himself after (intentionally) crashing a plane into the Gulf of Mexico and trying to pitch the accident to the cell phone case company to create a “Red Bull moment.” If you like our content, please become a patron to get all our episodes AD-FREE. It's all very strange, and well detailed in the article written by Katy Vine for the Texas Monthly about our man Theodore, which details how his scheme to set a private jet on fire at the Athens, Texas municipal airport got Theodore in the sights of ATF agent Jim Reed, and ultimately landed him in the slammer. 1 We also discuss whether ostriches should be shoes, how it's totally fine to get a manicure as a man if she thinks you're hot already, how to bum money from a sultan for the CIA and then instantly lose it because you are bad with account numbers, and last but not least, how getting your secretary pregnant is a pretty good way to get divorced and thus lose your private flying hobby. Lastly, we cover the case of a guy who decided to be a fake Saudi prince. While it's not technically illegal to be an imaginary persona on Instagram, it is illegal to impersonate a diplomat apparently. And certainly illegal to use that persona to defraud foolish business partners out of about 8 million dollars. It turns out that Prince Khalid al-Saud from Instagram is really not Prince Khalid al-Saud, but rather Anthony Gignac from Michigan. In this part of the episodes we discuss whether a dog needs a grill, which is cooler out of gold beheading swords or gold stoning stones, and how botox may or may not give your camel an unfair advantage in the camel show. 2, 3 1. Katy Vine, The Wildest Insurance Fraud Case Texas has Ever Seen, Texas Monthly, September 2020. ⇤2. Ian Lecklitner, Braces For Dogs Aren't as Dicey as They Seem, Mel Magazine, 2020. ⇤3. Mohammed Tawfeeq and Jack Guy, Camels Ejected from Beauty Contest Over Botox Use and Other 'Tampering', CNN, December 2021. ⇤

In this episode of the "Here, There, and Everywhere" podcast, host Jack Lawless is joined by the multi-talented musician, songwriter, video producer, and internet personality, Bill Wurtz. Together, they discuss Bill's music, his inspirations, and how he got started writing songs. They also delve into one of Bill's biggest musical influences, The Beatles - in particular, the incredible talent of Paul McCartney. Bill shares his thoughts on the recently released Get Back docu-series, providing a unique perspective on this behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of one of the most iconic bands of all time. If you're a fan of music, The Beatles, or just great conversation, this episode is not to be missed. So, turn off your mind, relax, and enjoy the "Here, There, and Everywhere" podcast with Bill Wurtz. Don't forget to subscribe for more exciting guests and thought-provoking conversations!   Check out Bill's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/billwurtz Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/billwurtz   If you like this episode, be sure to subscribe to this podcast! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Or click here for more information: Linktr.ee/BeatlesEarth   ----- The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all timeand were integral to the development of 1960s counterculture and popular music's recognition as an art form. Rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock 'n' roll, their sound incorporated elements of classical music and traditional pop in innovative ways; the band later explored music styles ranging from ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock. As pioneers in recording, songwriting and artistic presentation, the Beatles revolutionised many aspects of the music industry and were often publicised as leaders of the era's youth and sociocultural movements. Led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney, the Beatles evolved from Lennon's previous group, the Quarrymen, and built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over three years from 1960, initially with Stuart Sutcliffe playing bass. The core trio of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, together since 1958, went through a succession of drummers, including Pete Best, before asking Starr to join them in 1962. Manager Brian Epstein moulded them into a professional act, and producer George Martin guided and developed their recordings, greatly expanding their domestic success after signing to EMI Records and achieving their first hit, "Love Me Do", in late 1962.   Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr all released solo albums in 1970. Their solo records sometimes involved one or more of the others; Starr's Ringo (1973) was the only album to include compositions and performances by all four ex-Beatles, albeit on separate songs. With Starr's participation, Harrison staged the Concert for Bangladesh in New York City in August 1971. Other than an unreleased jam session in 1974, later bootlegged as A Toot and a Snore in '74, Lennon and McCartney never recorded together again. Two double-LP sets of the Beatles' greatest hits, compiled by Klein, 1962–1966 and 1967–1970, were released in 1973, at first under the Apple Records imprint. Commonly known as the "Red Album" and "Blue Album", respectively, each has earned a Multi-Platinum certification in the US and a Platinum certification in the UK. Between 1976 and 1982, EMI/Capitol released a wave of compilation albums without input from the ex-Beatles, starting with the double-disc compilation Rock 'n' Roll Music. The only one to feature previously unreleased material was The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl (1977); the first officially issued concert recordings by the group, it contained selections from two shows they played during their 1964 and 1965 US tours. The music and enduring fame of the Beatles were commercially exploited in various other ways, again often outside their creative control. In April 1974, the musical John, Paul, George, Ringo ... and Bert, written by Willy Russell and featuring singer Barbara Dickson, opened in London. It included, with permission from Northern Songs, eleven Lennon-McCartney compositions and one by Harrison, "Here Comes the Sun". Displeased with the production's use of his song, Harrison withdrew his permission to use it.Later that year, the off-Broadway musical Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Road opened. All This and World War II (1976) was an unorthodox nonfiction film that combined newsreel footage with covers of Beatles songs by performers ranging from Elton John and Keith Moon to the London Symphony Orchestra. The Broadway musical Beatlemania, an unauthorised nostalgia revue, opened in early 1977 and proved popular, spinning off five separate touring productions. In 1979, the band sued the producers, settling for several million dollars in damages. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978), a musical film starring the Bee Gees and Peter Frampton, was a commercial failure and an "artistic fiasco", according to Ingham. Accompanying the wave of Beatles nostalgia and persistent reunion rumours in the US during the 1970s, several entrepreneurs made public offers to the Beatles for a reunion concert.Promoter Bill Sargent first offered the Beatles $10 million for a reunion concert in 1974. He raised his offer to $30 million in January 1976 and then to $50 million the following month. On 24 April 1976, during a broadcast of Saturday Night Live, producer Lorne Michaels jokingly offered the Beatles $3,000 to reunite on the show. Lennon and McCartney were watching the live broadcast at Lennon's apartment at the Dakota in New York, which was within driving distance of the NBC studio where the show was being broadcast. The former bandmates briefly entertained the idea of going to the studio and surprising Michaels by accepting his offer, but decided not to.   Bill Wurtz (stylized in lower case as bill wurtz or billwurtz) is an American musician, singer-songwriter, animator, video editor, and internet personality based in New York City. He is known for his distinctive musical, comedic, and narrative style which includes deadpan delivery and singing paired with colorful surrealist, psychedelic, and non-sequitur graphics. Wurtz first published material on YouTube in 2013. He set up a website in 2014, presenting a catalog of music and videos he had created since 2002. Wurtz proceeded to upload edited versions of his videos on Vine, where he gained his initial popularity. He experienced breakout success on YouTube with his animated videos, History of Japan (2016), and History of the Entire World, I Guess (2017). Wurtz released music videos regularly from 2017 to March 2019. Through the rest of 2019 and all of 2020, Wurtz was inactive on YouTube, returning to the platform in January 2021 with a new visual style of 3D animation. Wurtz's first recorded composition was an instrumental named "Late Nite Lounge with Loud Lenny" which according to his site was recorded on June 17, 2002, his first recorded song was "stuck in a rut" recorded on March 3, 2005. Wurtz's first known YouTube activity were on an account called "billynothingshow". Wurtz was first known for his presence on the short-form video-sharing website Vine, where he first gained a following in 2014. He began by taking short videos he had previously published to his website and re-editing them to fit Vine's six-second restriction.Before transitioning fully to YouTube, Wurtz was uploading a video to Vine nearly every day. He received early attention in 2015 for the short video "Shaving My Piano", which was covered briefly in The Verge. On April 11, 2016, Wurtz won the Shorty Award for "Tech & Innovation: Weird" at the 8th Shorty Awards; during the awards ceremony, attention was given to one of his Vine uploads "I'm Still a Piece of Garbage". Wurtz withdrew from making vines to focus on finishing History of Japan. Wurtz had originally intended to make a video on US history, but abandoned it. Alongside interest on Vine, Wurtz achieved wider popularity in 2016 with History of Japan, a nine-minute YouTube video that outlines Japan's history. Wurtz chose the topic due to his lack of knowledge of it. The video covers key events of its history: "Buddhism, internal conflict, alliances with Britain, World War I, World War II, the dropping of atomic bombs and its post-war economic miracle". It showcases Wurtz's quirky visual and comedic style through a mixture of fast-paced narration and animation, intercut with short musical jingles. The video was described as "an entertaining new approach to education". It went viral on social media after its release on February 2, 2016, and under a week later, received over four million views by February 8. It particularly received considerable attention on Tumblr and Reddit. As of August 2021, the video has over 68 million views. German Lopez of Voxcalled it a "strange", "pretty good – and surprisingly funny" video.  History of the Entire World, I Guess was the top video on the YouTube trending page on the day of its release, receiving 3.2 million views on its first day, and on Reddit it became the most upvoted YouTube link of all time. It became an Internet meme and was listed at eighth place on YouTube's list of the top 10 trending videos of the year. As of January 2023, it has over 152 million views.[25] Writer German Lopez for the news website Vox praised the video for not heavily focusing on western and US history, and successfully covering other areas in world history which may be neglected in US schools, such as powers in China, Persia, and India. Because it resists specialization and assembles history in chronological order starting from the beginning of the Universe, history of the entire world, i guess can be considered a work of Big History, and is probably one of the most popular works associated with the discipline. It has been called a "must-see" and is considered to be Wurtz's magnum opus. In 2020, Thrillist ranked the video at number 40 on its list of best YouTube videos of all time. Wurtz's song "Just Did a Bad Thing" and the accompanying video spawned TikTok videos of people lip-syncing to the opening lines; in the platform, #ididabadthing became the top hashtag of March 2019. Following this, Wurtz would only post four more videos before his break, ending with "Might Quit". After "Might Quit" was released, Wurtz would not post any new videos to YouTube for nearly two years, before continuing to release music and videos animated in 3D with Blender. Wurtz has developed an absurdist, surreal style on both his music and animation. Eddie Kim wrote for MEL Magazine that Wurtz "refuses to mimic anyone else's animation or musical style, but it's not weird for weirdness' sake alone", comparing him to Thundercat and Louis Cole and highlighting Wurtz's pretty pop melodies, unexpected chords and multi-layered rhythms as commonalities. Geoff Carter of Las Vegas Weekly stated: "Merge Don Hertzfeldt, Jenny Holzer and Thundercat and you might get someone a little bit like Bill Wurtz". Nick Douglas of Lifehacker summarized him as "somewhere between comedy and education and vaporwave." Wurtz's music has been classified as jazz-pop, incorporating elements of lo-fi music, smooth jazz, funk and easy listening. Wurtz tends to reject genre categorization, and does not consider himself to be a jazz musician. Overall, his music evokes malaise, self-deprecation, and a "blurring of the lines between irony, parody and honesty".[35] This is often paired comedically with dire circumstances or sobering undertones. In an interview with Genius, Wurtz stated that "it's a good... songwriting technique to write about something bad with a good sounding melody, because if you can get people to feel good about something bad, then you're bulletproof in life." Wurtz's voice has been described as "silky tenor with range and energy". Artists who have expressed admiration for Wurtz's music include indie musicians Daði Freyr and Sidney Gish, fellow YouTube musician Adam Neely, DJ and producer Porter Robinson, as well as Australian singer Sia. '[Music] theory' may be fun, but it's made of liquid and has a tendency to melt. The music comes first and then you figure out how to describe what happened, although fully describing it can never be done. One of the classical composers said 'We will never understand music, but music understands us readily and instantly'.   Wurtz started playing music at a very early age. He has claimed to be "wholly self-taught" as a musician, and regularly downplays the importance of music theory in songwriting and composition, insisting that the sound and feel of music should be prioritized over attempts to conform to theory. In fact, one of the defining characteristics of Wurtz's style is a subversion to conventional approaches to composition. One example is "I Wanna Be a Movie Star", highlighted in an article for the student newspaper The Harbinger, where the author praised Wurtz's skill in incorporating complex time signatures without causing the music to feel "either incomplete or too long", instead achieving a sound that "feel[s] completely natural" and "pop-ish". Wurtz has used different programs to edit his music, including GarageBand from 2009 to 2010, and long-discontinued Logic Express 9 until at least 2016. Videos Wurtz's videos are typically in a lo-fi, neon aesthetic, and have been described as surreal and psychedelic. They range from "nonsensical" shorts to animated music videos, and often involve deadpan humor, dancing stick figures, vaporwave-like transitions and neon, sans-serif text on-screen. Wurtz often follows similar patterns in his videos such as multi-layering, and clip art images. He has stated the low-budget quality arose out of a necessity to publish videos regularly and evolved naturally. At Vidcon 2018, Wurtz was asked why his style is so different from other YouTube musicians. He stated that he chooses to "live under a rock" and produce his music in isolation rather than take inspiration from other creators on the platform. Wurtz publicly struggles with perfectionism, making use of schedules and deadlines to overcome it. In response to a fan question he explained that in the process of doing this he has "been forced to become an expert on carelessness". Website Wurtz launched his personal website billwurtz.com in 2014. Despite this, it has been compared to a late 1990s website due to its simple design. Apart from containing all of his released songs and most of his videos dating back since 2002, the website also features many other types of content not available elsewhere. For example, Wurtz posts vlog-style 'reality' videos depicting his creative process. Wurtz maintains a section on his website to answer anonymously submitted questions. His answers to questions are considered an aspect of Wurtz's creative output; the style of his answers have been described as "verging on the poetic" and "earnest, if somewhat loopy-sounding".

In something of a "Bonus Track" for Turtle Tracks, host Brian VanHooker interviews the late, great Kevin Conroy for "The Oral History of Christmas with the Joker" for MEL Magazine in 2021. There's no TMNT talk in this episode, but a lot of Turtle fans also love Batman: The Animated Series and we wanted to pay respect to the late actor. Rest in Peace, Mr. Conroy. Sound Engineering by Ian Williams

When women discovered newfound freedom on the streets of turn-of-the-century America, they also observed new dangers. When society failed to protect them from those perils, women demanded the right to defend themselves with increasingly violent and un-ladylike methods that sent men into a panic. This episode is about the "Hatpin Panic" and the murders of Elizabeth Mize and William Keller.Sources:Abbott, Karen. “‘The Hatpin Peril' Terrorized Men Who Couldn't Handle the 20th-Century Woman.” Smithsonian Magazine. April 24, 2014. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/hatpin-peril-terrorized-men-who-couldnt-handle-20th-century-woman-180951219/Adler, Jeffrey S. “‘I loved Joe, but I had to shoot him': Homicide by Women in Turn-of-the-Century Chicago.” The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Vol. 92. 2003. https://homicide.northwestern.edu/docs_fk/homicide/LawJournal/JCLC12.pdfBowman, Cynthia Grant and Altman, Ben. “Wife Murder in Chicago: 1910-1930.” The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Vol. 92. 2003. https://homicide.northwestern.edu/docs_fk/homicide/jclc739-790.pdfBurnett, Zaron III. “Daggers in Their Hair: The Gilded Age Women Who Fought off Gropers With Deadly Sharp Hatpins.” Mel Magazine. 2022. https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/hatpin-panic-1900s“Case Number: 1553.” Homicide in Chicago, 1870-1930. Northwestern University School of Law. https://homicide.northwestern.edu/database/1541/Croyle, Jonathan. “1911: To Make City Safer, Syracuse Considers Taking on a Public Menace: ‘Bristling Hat Pins'.” Syracuse.com. 2021. https://www.syracuse.com/living/2021/01/1911-to-make-city-safer-syracuse-considers-taking-on-a-public-menace-bristling-hat-pins.htmlFreedman, Estelle. Redefining Rape: Sexual Violence in the Era of Suffrage and Segregation. (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2013).Jones, Mother. The Autobiography of Mother Jones. (Chicago: Charles H. Kerr Publishing Company, 1974).Rose, Shari. “Hatpin Panic: How Hat Pins Upended Gender Politics in the 20th Century.” Blurred Bylines. March 4, 2019. https://blurredbylines.com/blog/hatpin-panic-mashers-stabbings-hat-pins/Segrave, Kerry. Beware the Masher: Sexual Harassment in American Public Places, 1880-1930   (Jefferson: MacFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 2014).The Hatpin Menace: American Women Armed and Fashionable, 1887-1920 (Jefferson: MacFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 2016).Temby, Anna. “‘With daggers in her bonnet': The Australian Hatpin Panic of 1912. 3rd edition.” Australian Women's History Network. July 20, 2017. http://www.auswhn.org.au/blog/hatpin-panic/Newspapers: See oldbloodpodcast.com for a complete list.Music: Dellasera by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comFor more information, visit www.oldbloodpodcast.com

An American martial artist competes in an underground tournament where fights can go to the death. Tune in as Chris talks JCVD, Frank Dux, & Friendship- Plus Peter Martin of Chunk McBeefChest stops by in the sidecar as the LSCE screens the 1988 cult classic “Bloodsport.” Join us! @LSCEP Check out Peter Martin @ https://chunkmcbeefchest.com Works Cited: “Cannon in Healing State, Film Boss Golan Maintains.” Variety. Nov 23, 1988. Article Link. Accessed 4/27/22. “Cannon Special: Golan: Bundle of Contradictions.” Variety. Oct 5, 1988. Article Link. Accessed 4/26/22 “Cannon Special: Cannon Sets Aside $19-Mil to Settle Suits.” Variety. Oct. 5, 1988. 70. Article Link. Accessed 4/25/22. Dawes. “Film Reviews: Bloodsport.” Variety. March 2, 1988. Article Link. Accessed 9/6/22. Downey, Travis.“PULLING PUNCHES: 'Bloodsport' Choreographer Shows Local Youth How to Defend Themselves without Physical Harm.” Northwest Florida Daily News. September 25, 2009. Article Link.Accessed 9/7/22. Harris, Blake. “Inspiration for Bloodsport.” Slashfilm.com. March 24, 2016. Article Link. Accessed 9/3/22. Hartley, Mark. Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films! 2014. Warner Bros. Pictures, 2014. 106 Mins. Johnson, John. “Ninja: Hero or Master Fake? Others Kick Holes in Fable Past of Woodland Hills Martial Arts Teacher. The Los Angeles Times. May 1, 1988. Article Link. Accessed 8/30/22. Kehr, Dave. “Action film ‘Bloodsport' fails in its motive and message.” The Chicago Tribune. April 22, 1988. Article Link. Accessed 9/8/22. Klardy, Leonard. “Movie Review: Bloodsport. A Blow for Cliches.” The Los Angeles Times. Feb 29, 1988. Article Link. Accessed 9/8/22. Marich, Robert. Cannon Special: Focus Cannon Group: Cannon Ran, Stumbled, Wouldn't Call It Quits. Variety. Oct. 5, 1988. Article Link. Accessed 4/27/22 Medalia, Hilla. The Go-Go Boys: The Inside Story of Cannon Films. 2014. MVD Visual, 2021. Blu Ray. Special to the New York Times. Company News; Cannon Group Details A Reorganization Plan. The New York Times. April 12, 1988. Article Link. Accessed 4/26/22. Trunick, Austin. Cannon Film Guide Volume 2: 1985-1987. Orlando, FL: Bear Manor Media, 2022. Vanhooker, Brian. “An Oral History of Trump's Love of Van Damme's ‘Bloodsport.'” Mel Magazine. Article Link. Accessed 9/16/22. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lsce/message

Quinn Myers, author of the upcoming book Remember the Internet Vol. 3: Google Glass, joins Scam Economy to discuss his piece for MEL Magazine about the workers who decided to take their paychecks in crypto. Quinn and host Matt Binder discuss the different types of people who took part in this program, how Coinbase made it extremely easy for people to convert their hard-earned pay from this jobs into cryptocurrency automatically, just how much these people have lost since the crypto crash, the professional athletes who promoted the idea of taking a paycheck or getting paid directly in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and other tokens, and more! We also touch on the breaking news about the DOJ charging three individuals in a Coinbase insider trading scheme and briefly discuss venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, who was a major Google Glass proponent and is now all aboard the Web3 train. Read Quinn's piece here: https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/crypto-direct-deposit Check out Scam Economy: http://www.ScamEconomy.com Support the show: http://www.patreon.com/mattbinder

Jane clarifies that she liked Miles Teller first.  Lillian Stone is a Chicago-based humor writer and performer. By day, she's staff writer at The Takeout. By night, she's headline and features contributor for The Onion, a regular old contributor for outlets like The New Yorker, MEL Magazine, and McSweeney's Internet Tendency. Her first book, EVERYBODY'S FAVORITE, will publish in 2023 via Dey Street Books. Correction: Emma and Mr. Knightley are not cousins. Mr. Knightley is Emma's sister's husband's brother. Subscribe to our Patreon and get access to patrons-only perks at  patreon.com/underthebleacherspod! Find out more at https://under-the-bleachers.pinecast.co

“A Fish Called Selma” (March 24, 1996) In this episode, The Simpsons send up the glass closets of Hollywood and what some actors are willing to do to pass for “normal.” Troy McClure explicitly says he's not gay, but the way the industry treats him for not fitting the leading man mold and what he does to find success anyway parallels what a lot of gay stars have done and what some are still doing.   Read: The strange history of the 2019 film Yesterday and Jack Barth, the screenwriter who wrote this Simpsons ep Mel Magazine's history of the Richard Gere gerbil story Did Sylvester Stallone start the Richard Gere gerbil rumor? Listen: Talking Simpsons' take on A Fish Called Selma The You Must Remember This episodes about American Gigolo and Body Double Go shop at our TeePublic store!   Follow: GEE on Facebook • GEE's Facebook Group • GEE on Twitter • GEE on Instagram • Drew on Twitter • Glen on Twitter   Listen: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Stitcher •  Google Podcasts • Himalaya • TuneIn   And yes, we do have an official website! We even have episode transcripts courtesy of Sarah Neal. Our logo was designed by Rob Wilson. This episode's art was designed by Ian O'Phelan. This is a TableCakes podcast.

Hosts of the Good Moms, Bad Choices podcast, Erica and Milah share their experiences navigating dating as single parents. The headline is: Are you being sexually rejected? Or is it all in your head? The Dear Damona question is: My matches seem to expect quicker response times. Is it a me or a them problem? To read the article by Mel Magazine visit: melmagazine.com/en-us/story/romantic-sexual-rejection-long-term-relationships-study Check out the Good Moms, Bad Choices podcast: goodmomsbadchoices.com Follow Erica on Instagram @WatchErica Follow Milah on Instagram @Milah_Mapp Get your free Profile Starter Kit at DamonaHoffman.com Get a free 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase of Athletic Greens at athleticgreens.com/DATESANDMATES Download the OkCupid app for free today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Honey Badger Radio with Brian and Alison as we talk about a recent article from our friends at MEL Magazine entitled "JOHNNY DEPP, MEN'S RIGHTS HERO" where the author laments the fact that MRAs have a point with regards to male victims of domestic abuse, but can't stand the idea of acknowledging it.

This week on the podcast we're talking with Melinda Fakuade, an associate editor of culture and features at Vox. She has written for New York Magazine, The Outline, Rolling Stone, and MEL Magazine, among many other outlets. During the episode, Melinda talks about how to effectively approach her with a story, her extremely high email open rate, her sincere interest in what she covers, and more.

Brought to you by Green Mountain Payments - helping local business owners save thousands of dollars by providing complimentary credit card processing equipment and zero cost credit card processing. Visit greenmountainpayments.com or posandzero.com today! If you want to pick from a list of great bourbon whiskey, how about the list of All The Double Gold-Winning Straight Bourbons From This Year's San Francisco World Spirits Competition? Check the whole list at https://uproxx.com/life/best-straight-bourbon-whiskey-san-francisco-world-spirits-competition-2022/ A crazy trend that I'm certainly curious enough to try once or twice, is sticking a red hot poker into a beer. Head to the best-named magazine - “Mel Magazine” for the info https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/the-tastiest-party-trick-is-sticking-a-red-hot-poker-into-your-beer And if you aren't into bourbon whiskey, aged tequilas are there for you. Check out the list at https://www.winemag.com/2022/03/23/aged-tequila-recommendations/ Find me online - social media profiles & links at https://BoozebuddyUpdate.com Learn more about your host and voice over talent The Real Voice - Mel Allen at https://TheRealVoice.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/boozebuddy/support

Join us on today's show as we react to an article from Dollar Shave Club's very own "Men's website" called Mel Magazine entitled "MEN'S RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ARE MAKING THE UKRAINE CRISIS ALL ABOUT THEMSELVES." Because being against war and specifically conscription, which is a uniquely male issue, is selfish somehow. These people are not our allies.

Christine DeLozier is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in sexual health. Her book, Diet for Great Sex: Food for Male and Female Sexual Health has been featured in The Daily Mail, CBS, UK's The Sun, Mel Magazine, The Toronto Sun, and she has offered expert commentary for The Huffington Post, Marie Claire and Good Housekeeping. Christine studied Biology and Psychology at the University of Rochester, where she was in a program that trained students to become research scientists. She also holds a dual Master's degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and also a Master's in Counseling. During her education, she studied Chinese dietary therapy, and earned a certification as a Holistic Nutritional Counselor. Always rather obsessed with diet, nutrition, and natural health, Christine's philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based understanding of the physiological effect of food on the body, while honoring the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. She treats every patient holistically, as an individual and wishes to use her unique skill set to help others in a kind, loving way. Some topics we touched on during the podcast include: The trifecta of great sex How to increase pleasure through blood flow and connected nerve pathways How does Traditional Chinese medicine promote sexual health? How does diet affect our sex lives? Are there foods that are bad for sex? Being kind as a lover (what your partner really wants) Loving and accepting yourself as a sexual being (and a woman!) SHOW LINKS: https://christinedelozier.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dietforgreatsex/ Witchy Wellness Radio - EMF radiation episode evo HEMP products: use code WITCHY for 20% off your purchase! Sign up for the Etsy & Anxious Personality Type Waitlist: https://www.anxioustoaligned.com/quiz

This week I have Edwina on the podcast. She is the head writer of Bedbible, which is a website dedicated to sexual pleasure & adult products. She has been quoted by Cosmopolitan, Mel Magazine, and Women's Health Online for her writing. We talk all about growing up in a sex positive environment, the sex toy reviews she's done, submissive/dominate roleplaying, and her stories while being in this industry for 30+ years. She tells a wild story of when she use to host sex toy parties and how one of her hostesses led her client around the party on a leash! She was a blast to have this conversation with and I hope you enjoy this episode! Be sure to check out Bedbible for all your sex education, reviews, and more! Check out Bedbible here Connect with me on Instagram & Twitter and TikTok please follow/like/subscribe/rate. Thank you for listening to this podcast! ENJOY!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jenay-leger/support

Journalist and Mel Magazine staff writer Jake Hall has covered everything from art and fashion to the adult industry. Primarily focused on sexuality, Jake is most interested in “the niche within the niche,” telling stories about underexplored aspects like queer fashion and exploring gender identity via sex work. Have thoughts, feedback, or story suggestions? Send an email or voice memo to askaria@lustery.com. You can follow the show on Twitter & Instagram @lusterypov, and our host Aria is on Twitter @vegadreamcast. This show features explicit language and sexual content, and is intended for a mature audience. Theme song by LAS ODIO

Join Brad and Tom as they RETURN TO THE AIRWAVES to yap about Mel Magazine, David Byrne, tuna subs (again), fútbol, fights over money, ice cream portions, quitting smoking and, most importantly, if they're any closer to being friends. Relevant links below. Email: bradandtomarefriends@gmail.com Twitter: @bradandtompod   There's A Gold-Dispensing ATM on West 57th Street Kim Kardashian ‘is NOT giving up on her dream to be a lawyer' after suffering ‘big setback' by failing baby bar exam Los Lobos cover Bertha Solitaire Player Japanese Breakfast - Be Sweet Stereogum's Songs of Summer 2021  

On this week's episode, Logan sets out to make friends with writer Quinn Myers. Join them as they talk about the struggle of increasing that Twitter follower count, Mariah Carey x McDonald's merchandise drop, growing up in Ottawa, Illinois, murders at Starved Rock, growing up with 4 sisters, the first thing he remembers writing, being a chemistry major for the duration of 1 class, Logan's high school secretary/Stiffler's mom scenario, when he had the realization that he was funny, the ethics issue associated with how he met his wife Amanda, the black sheep in his family, going deep on topics like “Do Your Balls Have Taste Buds? I Dunked Them To Find Out,” the viral story he wrote about the guy that spent $150 a year on food by hacking a Six Flags eating pass, his favorite story that he's written, his forthcoming book Google Glass being released in the spring, Quinn dissects one of Logan's tweets, Logan pitches Quinn on pro wrestling, the item from our childhood that we wish we still had & more!The Fast Friends Fortune Teller determines that they'll play a game of Truth or Dare before Logan sends Quinn a real-life Friend Request.Follow Quinn on Twitter:https://twitter.com/quinmyersRead Quinn's work at MEL Magazine. https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/author/quinn-myers###Fast Friends With Logan CumminsReach Out and Touch Us. In a platonic way.Follow Logan on Twitter:https://twitter.com/logancumminsEmail logan@fastfriendspodcast.com or call/text Logan at 872-267-2735 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas is a time to be with the ones you love, to give gifts and give thanks, and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (if you're so inclined). It is also a time for gaudy decorations, Griswoldian light displays, mall Santas, and a carnivalesque orgy of capitalist commercialism, formulaic Hallmark movies, and sugary crap. Does this mean, as we hear every year, that we've forgotten the “true spirit” of the holiday, or is there something meaningful and worthwhile in the giant tacky spectacle? What does our attachment to the tackiest parts of Christmas say about us and our aesthetic attachment to “low culture”?Whether we're talking about the holidays, pop music, or frosted lip gloss, it's high time we develop a more nuanced, empathetic, and less elitist way to talk about pop culture and the politics of “good” and “bad” taste. This is precisely what author Rax King does in her new book Tacky: Love Letters to the Worst Culture We Have to Offer, which explores the meaningful relationships we develop with “tacky” things—from suburban malls and the Cheesecake Factory to the music of Creed—and the complicated social pressures we face from snobbish people telling us we're bad for liking the things we like.In this special holiday edition of Art for the End Times, host Lyta Gold and TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez talk to Rax King about her book, the power of unfettered (and unashamed) aesthetic appreciation, and the true meaning of Christmas. Rax King is the James Beard Award-nominated writer of the columns “Store-Bought Is Fine” and “Dirtbag Chef,” as well as the host of the podcast Low Culture Boil. Her writing can be found in a range of outlets, including Glamour, MEL Magazine, and Catapult.Read the transcript of this podcast: https://therealnews.com/merry-christmas-ya-tacky-animalPre-Production/Studio/Post-Production: Dwayne GladdenHelp us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer: Donate: https://therealnews.com/donate-podSign up for our newsletter: https://therealnews.com/newsletter-podLike us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/therealnewsFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealnews

Christine DeLozier is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in sexual health. Her book, Diet for Great Sex: Food for Male and Female Sexual Health has been featured in The Daily Mail, CBS, UK's The Sun, Mel Magazine, The Toronto Sun, and she has offered expert commentary for The Huffington Post, Marie Claire and Good Housekeeping. Christine studied Biology and Psychology at the University of Rochester, where she was in a program that trained students to become research scientists. She also holds a dual Master's degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and also a Master's in Counseling. During her education, she studied Chinese dietary therapy, and earned a certification as a Holistic Nutritional Counselor. Always rather obsessed with diet, nutrition, and natural health, Christine's philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based understanding of the physiological effect of food on the body, while honoring the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. She treats every patient holistically, as an individual and wishes to use her unique skill set to help others in a kind, loving way. Learn more on Christine: https://christinedelozier.com/ Follow on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveyourpb/ Join us Friday December 17th, 12 pm EST. Username @emilycoffman https://www.joinwisdomapp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last few weeks we've tracked various Content x Commerce activations. From Cameo buying Represent and Fanatics exploring RSN acquisitions, to Walmart partnering with Netflix and Barstool, and Shopify partnering with Spotify and Mailchimp. Based on this activity, we explain three different ways Content x Commerce companies go to market via the Build-Buy-Partner framework, and which model we believe is best.Subscribe to our newsletter. We explore the intersection of media, technology, and commerce: sign-up linkLearn more about our market research and executive advisory: RockWater websiteEmail us: rounduppod@wearerockwater.com--EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Chris Erwin:So, Andrew, our team has tracked, over the past few weeks, a lot of different activations and partnerships within the content and commerce space. Have you been seeing this too? Andrew Cohen:Yeah, definitely. I mean, the convergence of content and commerce is definitely one of our core themes that we cover at RockWater that we help clients on, so always tracking those and definitely feels like over the past couple weeks, been seeing a few big news stories around announcements of deals, partnerships, acquisitions and everything like that. Chris Erwin:So, yeah. I'll go through some of the recent announcements, and then we could talk about what are the different structures that we're seeing in terms of building, buying or partnerships between content and commerce, and which ones do we think are best pros and cons, and then where it's headed. So, with that, let's get into it. Chris Erwin:Over the past few weeks, Shopify has partnered with Spotify to enable artist storefronts and has also announced a partnership with MailChimp and I think TikTok over the past month as well. We also saw Walmart partner with Netflix to create a Netflix branded storefront on walmart.com organized by IP. In addition, another partnership with Walmart and Barstool, which builds upon past kind of media brand partnerships with Camp and Tasty for BuzzFeed. So, a few stats on the Barstool partnership, sold 150,000 units of Barstool's pizza from the first 10 days of launch, and on Buzzfeed Tasty, I think they sold five million units of Tasty Cookware with just the first year of launch. We don't have any data, I think, on how much Squid Game product has been sold, but just to get a sense of that we think the numbers are going to be pretty eye-popping, sales of white Vans have increased by 7,800% since the show debuted, right? Pretty impressive stuff. Chris Erwin:We also saw that Cameo acquired Represent, which is a celebrity merch platform and that Fanatics, I think like a 15-year-old sports commerce company, is exploring the acquisition of RSNs or regional sports networks. So, it starts to raise the question, Andrew, of why is this interesting? What's one of the questions that stands out to you. Andrew Cohen:Yeah. So, what was really interesting to me about this is that it shows this kind of convergence between content and commerce happening through a few different models. You're seeing acquisitions. You're seeing partnerships and outright builds. It's interesting because it's something that we talk to clients and help them work through a lot at RockWater. We work, we specialize in this convergence of content and commerce. We often help commerce brands expand into content and content brands expand into commerce. The difficult question is always how. Do you do it via buy, build or partner? It's really, there's no one size fits all solution. There's no silver bullet. It's really case by case, and there's pros and cons for all. So, yeah. So, to me, I think it's interesting to see a couple different cases represented here. Chris, yeah, maybe we could just walk through it and break down in general the pros and cons of each model. Chris Erwin:Yeah, and even before doing that, Andrew, I think you're right that it is ... When we go to our clients and they're saying, "Okay, we want to enter this new market. Do we build by partner?" it's like, well, that's a decision that you're going to make a few times over a sequence over the next few years, right? So, for example, I think like in the beginning, we often say, hey, your goal is that you want to build enterprise value for the company. You want to drive outsize revenue and financial performance, but you also want to be capital light and lean in the beginning. So, from a sequence perspective, maybe doing partnerships in the beginning to learn, try things out that are low capital commitments, and then as you learn what's best fit and what's the opportunity for you, then you can think about maybe acquiring another company in this space or building out a dedicated team. So, I think that's one important highlight before we dive into this. Chris Erwin:Then, second, Andrew, I think like you said, it's very case-by-case specific. So, for certain companies and certain industries, there might be more acquisition opportunities out there than others. So, it's like, you know what, yeah, it makes sense to buy, but if there's not a lot of acquisition targets, you might say, "You know what? Really want to enter this new market or product category, and I guess we're just going to have to build the team to do that." So, it is very circumstantial. It's important to understand. Andrew Cohen:Well said. So, maybe we can go through it. We'll start with buy, the acquisition route. You mentioned a few. So, we see both content buying into commerce and commerce buying into content. The more common approach that we've seen is commerce buying into content. So, you mentioned Fanatics, the big sports e-comm and merchandiser. They're looking at acquiring some regional sports networks. Hasbro, the major toy company, a couple years ago, they bought Entertainment One, a major film studio. In terms of content buying its way into commerce, you had just mentioned Cameo. They bought merch platform called Represent, but we've also seen other examples of this like MeatEater buying First Lite. So, if we were to break down this approach, the buy route of acquisitions, how do you assess the pros and cons? Chris Erwin:A few quick highlights here. So, pros is buying is speed to market, right? When you compare having to build out a new business unit and hire a new team and really build all those capabilities from scratch, getting to market faster by buying a company that has this unique expertise and all the operations set up and allows you to kind of enter the market and beat out your competition that isn't there is very valuable. Yeah, I think it's really hard to build these capabilities. If you're a content business, your DNA is in creative and building amazing content experiences for audiences. That's very different DNA than building out a supply chain, developing product and getting in the hands of your consumers and vice versa. Chris Erwin:So, I think some cons though to highlight is that there's often in M&A, there's an acquisition premium to take an asset off the table. You have to convince leadership, founders, investors, and the board that it's like, hey, the value that you're going to get from us buying you versus you continuing to run your company, you're going to have to pay up for that. Then, you can enter deal conversations, Andrew, and a deal, more likely than not, is not going to get done because you got to reach out to the target. You got to go through their representation. You got to line on a growth vision, agree on a price, get a bunch of lawyers and accountants involved, do your due diligence, see where the bodies are buried. At the end of the day, you might go through 18 months of talks, and then a deal doesn't happen. That's wasted time where you could have just said, "Should've just built this out ourselves." Chris Erwin:Then, in addition, once you buy the company, almost in a way, that's like the easy part. Integrating the operations where you're aligning on the growth vision, is the leadership going to come together? They're going to be like one leadership from just the acquisition target or from the acquire. How do you get the different teams and the cultures on the same page? Then, the un-sexy stuff like integrating offices and software, that's a lot to do there. That could be a lot of friction, and that takes time, and that takes money. Andrew Cohen:The next approach of build, building it out themselves. So, we see commerce building into content. Most famous example being Amazon building out Amazon Studios, Amazon Prime Originals, Amazon Live. Shopify, another example. They actually recently built out Shopify Studios, which is a film and TV studio. Mattel Studios, they are kind of emerging as one of the major traders of features with 17 premium films in development, but we're also seeing content building in the commerce. A couple weeks ago, we saw Netflix announce that they're building out Netflix Shop. Food52 has done a really great job of building out their owned and operated cookware line. So, Chris, we talked a bit about the pros and cons of buying a company. How about building into a new space yourself? Chris Erwin:So, some of the pros here, it can definitely be cheaper than buying. You're not paying that acquisition premium, right, but we've seen the examples where actually trying to build a team yourself can be more expensive so that's one that there's nuance too, but another pro is that you can build as you see fit. So, you can closely align the content team with the product development teams from day one, right, where the content team is building out content that is getting consumer feedback and intelligence, and also creating content that specifically highlights products that you feel are higher margin and are better for consumers and that flywheel for how that all works together. You can set that vision from day one of when you're building and execute against that exactly versus trying to put these two different teams together that have been operating independently for the past five or 10 years and getting them to align towards the same goal. Chris Erwin:I think some of the challenges though is that when you're building, the time to market can take a while, right? You're starting from scratch versus having a full-fledged operation from day one. Even though you're not paying an acquisition premium, the time value of that missed revenue can be very substantial. Also, I think there's challenges where if you're a commerce team, like being able to hire and enable content team members and to really understand that DNA and vice versa, that's really challenging, right? We've seen a lot of leaders and a lot of companies struggle with this when trying to reach across into new areas of business expertise east that is new to them, and there's a really big learning curve. Chris Erwin:Specifically, I think for a content team that's trying to build out a supply chain that is very robust, that can put product in the hands of consumers in a variety of different geographies in a timely basis, that's also really smooth and capital efficient like I was saying in the beginning, that is not easy to do. I think we're seeing in the current supply chain troubles that we're having that really nailing that is really key if you're a modern commerce company. Anything that you feel I missed there, Andrew? Andrew Cohen:No, Chris. I think that was well said. So, now, the last model in this five build partner scenario is partner. Last but definitely not least. Feels like it's the most common one that we see probably for a reason. You mentioned a few up top, so Walmart partnering with Netflix and Barstool, Shopify partnering with MailChimp, TikTok and Spotify. So, how would you break down the pros and cons here? Chris Erwin:Yeah. I think this is pretty straightforward, right? Looking at the partnerships, the process, just stick to what you know and what you do best, right? So, if you're a media company, you develop and you create content. If you're a commerce company, you develop product, and you have a supply chain to put in the hands of consumers. So, I think that can be very powerful where that's going to allow you to get to market sooner, and delight customers because everyone on that joint partnership team is in a lane where they have the experience and the pedigree and the focus that they're very comfortable with, right? I also think another significant pro is you're learning before future investment. So, again, you want to stay capital light in the beginning. You want to learn before you're putting more capital to work. Partnerships are a great way to do this to enhance your capabilities very quickly. Chris Erwin:I think some of the challenges though is that like if the long-term goal is driving enterprise value and outsize revenue and margin performance, you're not necessarily going to get that from a partnership in the beginning unless you're an amazing negotiator, right? So, on a typical licensing deal, a media company might only get like three to 8% of revenues that you're generated, yet you're doing all the work of building out that audience. I think that's okay for maybe the first couple years, but then thereafter, you want to think about revisiting that deal or maybe building or acquiring the functions that you need. Chris Erwin:I think a second con, Andrew, is that it's dangerous to become overly reliant on third party partners, where if you are a commerce company, for example, you may not be getting access to all of the audience data that you're looking for. As a media company, you may not be seeing all of the credit card, the transaction data of, and everyone who is actually making the end purchase. That's really valuable to understand your end consumer and how to better delight them going forward. I think another risk that's also part of this is you might see your partner start to invest in some of these capabilities in-house, and your partner today could be your competitor tomorrow, particularly as the content commerce landscape continues to consolidate. Andrew Cohen:Yeah. I think that's probably why we see partnerships as the most common route. So, then looking at, all right, which model will win out, it's probably not as simple as just picking one, but a dynamic that I've been thinking about is actually easier. This might be a broad generalization but for content companies to be successful at commerce than vice versa because it's really hard to make content that people actually care about. Once you've done that, selling them the products is actually the easy part although, and we'll get to this in a second, it's the actual business logistics of commerce that are really the hard and expensive parts. Andrew Cohen:So, if you look at Nelk, he's a YouTuber with seven millions subscribers. He generated $70 million in merch sale revenue last year. So, that is purely a product of him being able to market and to generate an audience. You're going to be hard pressed to find a commerce company who can just, in one year, merch sales get up to 70 million, but that's kind of the power of building an audience. When you look at the other way around, it's tough for commerce brands to just like flip a switch and build that muscle and start building audience. We have actually seen a lot of in-house media brands from commerce companies that have folded over the past couple years like MEL Magazine by Dollar Shave Club, but here is the tough part. It's commerce companies are usually the ones with the capital to actually expand an owned an operated verticals that content companies don't. Andrew Cohen:So, when these mergers happen, it's usually the commerce companies that are buying the content companies. Like we said, it was Hasbro buying eOne. It was Amazon buying MGM and Wondery and Audible and Twitch. Penn National Gaming buying Barstool. So, a lot of times, we do see these acquisitions happen because it's the commerce buying out content. I think a lot of times, it is because it's just really hard for those companies to start creating content that entertains and delights audiences. I think right now, it's such a saturated consumer ecosystem with so many endless options that to actually get attention, get fandom, and make someone seek out your brand, your content against all others, like you got to do it really well. If it's not in your brand's DNA, it's really tough to just build that out. Chris Erwin:Andrew, so to respond to a couple of your points there, I think, one, one of the toughest things to do in the modern consumer economy is to build and maintain audience. I think that some of these modern media brands and creators and influencers that have done that at scale is really incredible. I hear your point that for the content companies probably doing the hardest part of the consumer equation, that that's really valuable. Chris Erwin:I think something that has surprised us and is a real reality check is I think people assumed it's like, oh, yeah, creating product, that's a commodified approach or business. You just create product, and you could slap a logo on it and then just get in the hands of the consumer. I think a lot of that was assumed to be as pretty straightforward. Turns out, that's not the case, and we've covered this in, I think in some of our past podcasts where being able to deliver product in a timely way where consumers are and doing it in a way that's also really capital efficient is not easy to do. That's why we believe companies like Amazon and Walmart have a really significant advantage in this new content and commerce economy. Chris Erwin:The second thing, Andrew, that you said I think is really interesting is, yes, traditionally, the commerce companies have had more capital to invest in buying media companies versus the other way around, but I do wonder again with everything we've talked about with the IP wars and more demand for content from all the streamers and through licensing deals and co-productions, are these media companies start going to be having better balance sheets that's going to allow them to invest and acquire more commerce companies to support their overall stack? Might be something that we see flip over the next 18 months. Andrew Cohen:Definitely agree that the actual nuts and bolts of commerce is way harder than you might think, just getting into it. I think you look at that partnership with Walmart and Barstool, I think it's a perfect example of why partnership makes so much sense. It's really like only a brand like Barstool can have their first ever frozen pizza that is selling through the roof in the first week and only with a medium machine like that. Can you accomplish that? Only with an commerce juggernaut like Walmart could you actually fulfill the execution of that demand nationwide like they've been able to do so, yeah. It's definitely two very diversion expertises but that complement each other through a really unified customer journey and funnel. Andrew Cohen:So, overall, I mean, like I said, I don't think that necessarily one is going to win out. We'll probably keep seeing that's being taken on build-outs and acquisitions, but definitely, partnerships are most reliable. They will persist. Don't see them going away anytime soon, but what do you think in terms of where this all goes, and does one model win out? Chris Erwin:Well, I think, Andrew, I think we're at the end of our time here, so I'm going to have to say we'll probably need a follow-up podcast to kind of check in on this and until next time. Andrew Cohen:See you then. 

On this episode, Erin and Elizabeth looking at The Sopranos' acclaimed season 5, “Two Tonys,” and the show's handling of race, sex, and the characters' performance of gender. Once again, we're joined by The Sopranos Sessions authors and TV critics Matt Zoller Seitz (New York Magazine) and Alan Sepinwall (Rolling Stone), and we're also hearing from a new voice: Mel Magazine contributor Chingy Nea, whose article “The Sopranos Belongs to the Gays Now” examines the show's surprisingly queer underpinnings. We also look at how Tony's issues with self-definition reflect our own issues as a society, as two decades worth of new viewers use the benefit of hindsight to unpack what these character studies and the authorial choices of David Chase have ultimately said about the downfall of earth itself.

This week, Stoya and Rich answer a letter about a woman who has noticed her husband's peculiar secret habit on his computer. Then they advise a woman who wants to know when is the right time to disclose her sexual history and preferences. Mentioned in this episode: “Why Do People Watch Porn When They're Not Masturbating,” Mel Magazine. Slate Plus members get another episode of the How to Do It podcast every Monday. Sign up for Slate Plus now and get $25 off your first year. This special offer is only available until Oct. 31. *** Read the How to Do It column on Slate here. If you're in need of sex advice from Stoya and Rich, write in here or leave a voicemail at ‪(347) 640-4025 and we may use it on the show. Remember, it's anonymous—and nothing is too embarrassing! Production by Chau Tu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stoya and Rich answer a letter about a woman who has noticed her husband's peculiar secret habit on his computer. Then they advise a woman who wants to know when is the right time to disclose her sexual history and preferences. Mentioned in this episode: “Why Do People Watch Porn When They're Not Masturbating,” Mel Magazine. Slate Plus members get another episode of the How to Do It podcast every Monday. Sign up for Slate Plus now and get $25 off your first year. This special offer is only available until Oct. 31. *** Read the How to Do It column on Slate here. If you're in need of sex advice from Stoya and Rich, write in here or leave a voicemail at ‪(347) 640-4025 and we may use it on the show. Remember, it's anonymous—and nothing is too embarrassing! Production by Chau Tu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're joined by friend of the show Andrew Allen for an impromptu fireside chat. Andrew is a Western Oregon University Alum and is currently living in Toledo, Ohio with his wife Dr. Krista Allen, DO. Andrew works in Social Work with at risk youth and coaches football and track. From the Oregon shores, Colorado Rockies and Michigan Great Lakes and everything in between, Andrew loves to explore and seek new adventures outdoors. Stick around and enjoy the chaos. Follow Andrew on instagram @ AndyA5 Show Notes:'Squid Game' conquered the world, but speaks to Korea | NPRBums Podcast | Listen Notes#LubeLife Water Based Personal Lubricant, 55 Gallon Sex Lube for Men, Women and Couples | AmazonMark Zuckerberg Statement RE: Facebook Whistleblower | FacebookLong Before Divorce, Bill Gates Had Reputation for Questionable Behavior | The New York TimesThe Gateses' Public Split Spotlights a Secretive Fortune | The New York TimesBend shooting suspect charged in killing of Barry Washington Jr. | OPBNewberg school employee goes to work in blackface, is put on leave | OPBNewberg school board officially approves policy banning political symbols | OPBHighly Vaccinated Israel Is Seeing A Dramatic Surge In New COVID Cases. Here's Why | NPRWhy did we grow up thinking a piercing in the right ear was gay? | Mel Magazine

Dan and Lauren are back (with baby Fritz in the background 🙃) to talk about the golden era of content & commerce, including some new favorites — Uniqlo's LifeWear magazine, Interview x Carolina Herrera — and two recent deals: Chase's acquisition of The Infatuation and Unilever's flushing of Mel Magazine. Plus: What we're looking forward to for our upcoming NYC visit.

Nat Love was born a slave, but died a free cowboy and a legend of the Old West. After the Civil War freed Love from slavery, he walked to Dodge City, Kansas, and got a job breaking horses - after he could prove that he could rope a bucking horse, climb on its back without a saddle, and ride him without falling off. He got the job. Thus began Nat's life as a cowboy. We don't typically include Black cowboys as part of the American story of the West, even though one in four American cowboys are Black. Black cowboys are as American as baseball. GUESTS: Zaron Burnett III is an investigative reporter and longform feature writer for MEL Magazine. He’s the host and creator of the iHeartRadio podcast “Black Cowboys” (@zaron3) Patricia Kelly is U.S. Marine Corp Vietnam-era veteran, an African-American cowgirl, and the founder of Ebony Horsewomen. She was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in 2015. (@ebonyhorsewomen) Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Carrie Rattle | MBA, CDFA, AFC | Financial Therapist/Coach & Compulsive Shopping Specialist BIO: Carrie is a 30-year veteran executive of the financial industry, working in both Canada and the U.S, as well as abroad.  She is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), the only financial coaching designation recognized by FINRA.  Carrie sits on the Board of Savvy Ladies, a non-profit focused on financially educating women as well as acting as a volunteer. Carrie trained with Psychotherapist & Founder of MoneyHarmony Olivia Mellan. Olivia is a money psychology pioneer and critically acclaimed author who has been hosted on Oprah and other nationwide media. Carrie has delivered keynote speeches and has been quoted in media such as CNBC, CBC, NextAdvisor | TIME, Yahoo! Finance, Success Magazine, Jean Chatzky “Her Money”, Blog Talk Radio, Vox and Mel Magazine. Highlights: Learn what core human needs we are trying to fill (when shopping)How shopping becomes a coping mechanismHow to begin unwinding overshopping behaviours by finding healthy alternativesWhat is impulse shopping vs compulsive shoppingLearn 3 core techniques and tools to help with over shoppingWhat are we really looking for when shoppingWhat retail trends will affect over shoppers? Links: Carrie's FacebookLinkedIn: Carrie RattleCarrie's Website Behavioral CentsCarrie's Website Stopping Overshopping

…but thank god she isn't! Isabelle Kohn is a gift to us all in the field of sex journalism and we have a great conversations about all that she's been up to. We talk about our turn-ons, our obsessions, her sex advice instagram @dearibby and the fantastic series up on Mel Magazine's website right now, 12 Days of XXXmas: The Sex Workers You Need to Know This Holiday. Check it out here: https://melmagazine.com/12-days-of-xxxmas-onlyfans-sex-workers Also mentioned on the show? Cock Destroyers: https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/cock-destroyers-slag-wars-rebecca-more-sophie-anderson Show The Squirt your support and become a Patron! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32555500&fan_landing=true Podcast Art by Charles Rogers Theme Music by Jon Daly

We're quizzing on bird puns and director filmographies this week with none other than Grierson & Leitch! Joined by Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh, they all soar through a test of their knowledge of pop culture with bird names in their titles (think One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest). After that, they'll stretch their chronological memories to remember the orders in which notable directors released their movies. They'll cap it all off with some tailor-made lightning rounds featuring action cinema, computer whizzes, and a certain Chicago rock outfit. Support Us On Patreon

We're quizzing on bird puns and director filmographies this week with none other than Grierson & Leitch! Joined by Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh, they all soar through a test of their knowledge of pop culture with bird names in their titles (think One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest). After that, they'll stretch their chronological memories to remember the orders in which notable directors released their movies. They'll cap it all off with some tailor-made lightning rounds featuring action cinema, computer whizzes, and a certain Chicago rock outfit. NOTES ⚠️ Inline notes below may be truncated due to podcast feed character limits. Full notes are always on the episode page.

We're quizzing on bird puns and director filmographies this week with none other than Grierson & Leitch! Joined by Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh, they all soar through a test of their knowledge of pop culture with bird names in their titles (think One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest). After that, they'll stretch their chronological memories to remember the orders in which notable directors released their movies. They'll cap it all off with some tailor-made lightning rounds featuring action cinema, computer whizzes, and a certain Chicago rock outfit.Support Us On Patreon

Ken Klippenstein, DC Correspondent at The Nation, talks about his recent scoop detailing how members of the US Customs and Border Protection Agency are behind a recent spate of previously unidentified agents detaining protestors. Later, Miles Klee, writer at Mel Magazine, wades into the debate surrounding the so-called Cancel Culture phenomenon. Co-owner and business manager, Aleksander Chan, talks to us about the launch of The Discourse Blog, a new digital media publication owned and operated by former staffers of Gizmodo Media Group's Splinter Blog. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/niteswknds/support

Episode 4 – Urban Magic and the Mothman What are the unique opportunities for magical practitioners working from within a city? What does the Mothman have to do with Confederate statues? Who exactly are we fighting?....or....not fighting? Find out more on this episode of the Esoteric Book Club!   Urban Magic by Diana Rajchel – Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/38vMUne   “WEST VIRGINIANS ARE CAMPAIGNING TO REPLACE CONFEDERATE STATUES WITH MOTHMAN” by Quinn Myers, staff writer at MEL Magazine: https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/west-virginia-mothman-replace-confederate-statues   Thanks to Sarah Rudy and Hello June! If you want to find out more or get any of their music, you can find them at https://www.wearehellojune.com/ or on Bandcamp at https://hellojune.bandcamp.com/   Theme music is courtesy of Hello June and is used with their permission. The song “Fight, Don't Fight” can be downloaded at https://hellojune.bandcamp.com/track/fight-dont-fight-3   Esoteric Book Club can be found on: Facebook: @esotericbookclub Instagram: esotericbookclub  

Craig chats with Brian VanHooker of Mel Magazine about his hilarious deep dive into the likelihood of getting away with an ATM machine heist!

AJ "Big Al" Alfaro has been a leading figure on the internet male enhancement scene since 1997.  He's been featured on MSNBC, CNN,  Salon.com, The "Jon Melichar Show," The Boston Phoenix, PE Magazine, AltPenis Research, Weekly Wire, MEL Magazine, and Men's Wellness News. He is the author of several books, guides, and newsletters, including "For Men Only," "How To Get Incredibly Huge and Super-Strong Naturally," and the  "Ultimate Guide to Male Enhancement."

Hussein Kesvani is a journalist, editor and producer based in London. He is the Europe editor of MEL Magazine, has written for BuzzFeed, Vice, The Guardian, the New Statesman and The Spectator, and is the author of 'Follow Me, Akhi: The Online World of British Muslims,' available from Hurst Publishers. That book is now available for purchase here: https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/follow-me-akhi/ In this episode, he discusses his childhood as one of the only Muslim children in his school in Kent, his parents' hidden histories and their expulsion from Uganda in the 1970s, his trajectory from Islam to atheism and back again, and why his online presence is a bit surreal.

Do you sometimes feel trapped in your role as a man? We speak to The Naked Professor, Ben Bidwell about how he overcame the confines of masculinity to embrace vulnerability and started a mental health podcast with his co-host, Matt Johnson. Ben's not the only one frustrated with kind of fast cars and novelty socks manliness. After working at Playboy, Josh Schollmeyer decided to co-found his own publication, MEL Magazine, to start having the kinds of conversations men have in real life. He believes that post #metoo, it's time for men to step-up and make a change. Josh's ethos does away with boxing people into archetypes and instead, brings some curiosity to the table to ask what really is the best a man can get?Head over to Ersties.com/podcast to watch our Video of the Week, as well as to claim your 50% exclusive discount for Ersties.com

REALITY BYTES is a show about sex, love, relationships & dating in the digital age, hosted by Courtney Kocak & Steve Hernandez, produced in partnership with JASH. For the 10th episode of season 3, the duo welcome Barbara Gray (very funny comedian & Lady to Lady co-host) & Alana Hope Levinson (deputy editor of MEL Magazine) to unpack the long-time sexual harassment & assault epidemic that has been sweeping the headlines lately – as well as discuss dating in the BDSM community, courtship in NY v. LA, toxic attraction v. compatibility & share some good old-fashioned dating horror stories.    Please rate & review to tell us what you love!