Best HG Media Podcasts (2024)

1
The Farewell 1:02:05

4h ago1:02:05

1:02:05

In this episode, Sophie and Raymond discuss themes of suffering, loss, and death in Lulu Wang's 2019 film The Farewell. What are the differences between the western and eastern perspectives on death? What does it mean for the collective to carry the burden of suffering for the individual? And how much longer can Sophie keep coming up with excuses t…

1
Dr. Kathie Foster, Princeton Public Schools Acting Superintendent 27:54

4d ago27:54

27:54

In episode 53 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Dr. Kathie Foster, Acting Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools. In their conversation, Kathy shared her deep passion for education, highlighting her commitment to student-centered values and the importance of community involvement. She discussed her…

1
Rebecca Flemer, Marquand Park Foundation Co-Chairman 28:56

2M ago28:56

28:56

In episode 52 of the Princeton Podcast, our podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Rebecca Flemer, Co-Chairman of the Marquand Park Foundation. Marquand Park is a 17-acre municipal park in Princeton known for its historical significance and diverse tree collection. Becca detailed the park's history, starting from the land's original ownership by …

1
S3E9 - The Rime of the Ancient Mariner 1:05:20

2M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

In Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner", the mariner shoots an albatross...and must spend the rest of his life paying penance for his sin. What on earth does this albatross represent? Civilization? Tradition? Christendom? Or is it, as Coleridge would probably insist, just an albatross? In this episode, Sophie and Raymond discuss …

1
Andrew Siegel, Hamilton Jewelers COO 33:58

3M ago33:58

33:58

In Episode 51 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Andrew Siegel, Hamilton Jewelers fourth generation COO. Andrew described his family’s four-generation history of Hamilton Jewelers from its first store established in Trenton in 1912 to its current five stores, three of which are here in downtown Princeto…

1
S3E8 - The Persistence of Memory 1:04:53

2M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

Sophie and Raymond are rejoined by special guest Anna Mason as they tackle the topic of surrealism through the lens of Salvador Dali's famous painting "The Persistence of Memory." Was Dali actually a surrealist? Why do all the clerks and navvies in the railway trains look so sad and tired? And is not being sick really the most poetical thing in the…

1
Episode 50 - Mark Freda & Ken Greenberg 28:48

4M ago28:48

28:48

In our 50th episode of the Princeton Podcast our producer, Ken Greenberg, acted as host to Mayor Mark Freda. Ken and Mark reflected on the past, present and future of the Princeton Podcast. They noted the variety of the remarkable Princetonians who have been guests on the Princeton Podcast during the past two and a half years since the podcast was …

1
S3E7 - The Magic Shop (1903) by H.G. Wells 1:07:38

5M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

In H.G. Wells' classic short story, a father and his son Gip wander into an antique shop run by a curious man who claims to be a magician. But the father feels something is not right. This magician seems he can make anything disappear...even Gip! In this episode, Sophie and Raymond discuss science, magic, hypnotism, and what it means to have childl…

1
Rebecca FrancoMartin, People & Stories Executive Director 28:18

5M ago28:18

28:18

In episode 49 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Rebecca FrancoMartin, Executive Director of People and Stories, a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing literature to new audiences through oral readings and discussions of enduring short stories. Rebecca described the various People and Storie…

1
James Demetriades, Penn Medicine Princeton Health CEO 26:56

6M ago26:56

26:56

In Episode 48 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed James Demetriades, Penn Medicine Princeton Health CEO. James discussed the history of the Princeton Medical Center and its move from downtown Princeton to its current location on Route 1 allowing for its expansion to serve nearly 60,000 patient visits per…

1
S3E6 - A Charlie Brown Christmas 1:02:26

6M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about? Sophie and Raymond do! In this VERY BELATED Christmas episode (listen, nobody ever said we were reliable), your hosts discuss the 1965 short film, A Charlie Brown Christmas. What makes Charlie Brown a hero for the masses? What is the difference between a real tree and a poor tree? Can Sophie…

1
Bart Bronk, Hun School of Princeton Head of School 28:39

7M ago28:39

28:39

In Episode 47 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Bart Bronk, Head of School at Hun School of Princeton. Bart describes Hun's rich history, founded by John Gale Hunn, a former Princeton professor, with a focus on individual mentorship. Bart details the school's mission to foster resilient character and j…

1
Isaac Kremer ~ Experience Princeton Executive Director 30:33

8M ago30:33

30:33

In Episode 46 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Isaac Kremer, the Executive Director of Experience Princeton, our Special Improvement District (SID) here in Princeton. Isaac discussed the establishment and development of the Special Improvement District, emphasizing its inception during the COVID-19 pa…

1
S3E5 - West Side Story 1:04:59

8M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Raymond may be doubtful about the reality of love at first sight, but it's nonetheless a story that has captured the imagination of people for generations. In this episode, Sophie and Raymond dive into a diverse discussion about the roots of rivalry, racism, and romance in Steven Sondheim's retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Support us on…

1
A Prayer to Saint Anthony (A Wedding Poem) 3:53

9M ago3:53

3:53

According to Catholic tradition, Saint Anthony of Padua was the patron saint of lost or misplaced articles. In this episode, Raymond shares a poem that takes a lighthearted spin on that idea, read recently a certain person's wedding.

1
Liliana Morenilla, Princeton Mobile Food Pantry Founder and Current Board Chairman 22:44

9M ago22:44

22:44

In Episode 45 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Liliana Morenilla, the founder and current board chairman of Princeton Mobile Food Pantry. Liliana discussed how she started Princeton Mobile Food Pantry, their current activities and goals, and the necessity of donations and volunteers to meet their dema…

1
S3E4 - The Wind Rises 1:10:50

10M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

The wind is rising!...We must try to live! In this episode, Sophie and Raymond discuss the 2014 Studio Ghibli film The Wind Rises. Are artists and engineers really the same? Does the beauty of art justify the horrors of war? And most importantly, would you rather live in a world with pyramids or a world without them? All this and more in our latest…

1
David Nirenberg, Director of the Institute for Advanced Study 26:39

10M ago26:39

26:39

In Episode 44 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed David Nirenberg, the Director of the Institute for Advanced Study, serving as a model for protecting and promoting independent inquiry and the importance of academic freedom worldwide. David Nirenberg described the Institute's illustrious history, and its…

1
S3E3 - Barbie (2023) 1:07:54

11M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

She's everything. He's just Ken. Let's talk about that. In this episode, Sophie and Raymond don pink (metaphorically) to discuss feminism, fantasy, and family in The Barbie Movie. Why does Ken steal the show halfway through? Does Barbie's quest to become a human have surprising theological implications? Can Greta Gerwig's summer blockbuster really …

1
Marna Seltzer, Artistic and Executive Director at Princeton University Concerts 34:34

11M ago34:34

34:34

In Episode 43, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Marna Seltzer, the Artistic and Executive Director at Princeton University Concerts, whose mission is to educate, challenge, inspire, and unite audiences through the presentation of exceptional classical musicians. Marna discussed Princeton University Concerts history of more tha…

1
S3E2 - Undertale 1:10:32

12M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

One of the biggest complaints about modern video games is that they are too violent. But Toby Fox stabs this cliché right in the ribs in Undertale, a game where you actually have the choice to kill…or show mercy. Is pacifism really a possible way of life in our violent world? How are we called as Christians to think about pacifism? How does Toby Fo…

1
David Keddie, Founder of Walkable Princeton 34:23

12M ago34:23

34:23

In Episode 42 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed David Keddie, founder of Walkable Princeton. Founded in 2013 to raise awareness of issues relating to zoning and the built environment in Princeton, Walkable Princeton is an independent group that advocates a positive vision for Princeton’s future, taking full advantage of…

1
S3E1 - Pixar's "Bao" 1:03:35

1y ago1:03:35

1:03:35

The Unreliable Narrators are back! Today, Sophie and Raymond discuss about a recent Pixar short film in which a mother makes a dumpling that unexpectedly come to life. Among other themes, we discuss the character archetype of the "devouring mother," the relation between food, memory, and forgiveness, and...ancient Mesopotamian myths?? Find out how …

1
Julia Wall, Head of School at Stuart Country Day School 26:41

1y ago26:41

26:41

In episode 41 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Julia Wall, Head of School at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart - a leading Preschool to Grade 12 private school in Princeton designed just for girls. In addition to discussing Stuart's mission to educate young women to a life of leadership and service, Julia d…

1
J. Robert Hillier, Studio Hillier Principal 34:04

1y ago34:04

34:04

In episode 40 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed J. Robert Hillier, one of the leading and most highly-respected architects in the United States, known for having built one of the largest and most successful architecture firms in the world. Robert Hillier, or Bob as he prefers, is the founder of Hillier Architecture and …

1
S2E16 - Fullmetal Alchemist 1:13:27

1y ago1:13:27

1:13:27

"This is my body, which is broken for you." What is the Law of Equivalent Exchange? Can you really buy redemption with suffering? What is the price of a human soul...and why is it Edward Elric's right arm? All this and more on our SEASON FINALE. In our next episode, we'll be discussing the 2018 Pixar animated short Bao. Support us on Patreon! https…

1
S2E15 - "Always" by BTS 34:19

1y ago34:19

34:19

Kim Namjoon, lead singer of BTS, pens this heartfelt lyric in the song Always: "If I met God, I would tell him that life is a cup of coffee I never ordered." Is this merely a cheesy line from a melodramatic boyband singer or an epithet of such feeling and profundity to equal Shakespeare and King Solomon? For the Unreliable Narrators, maybe it's a l…

1
Adrian Colarusso, Friends of Herrontown Woods Board Member 27:09

1y ago27:09

27:09

In episode 39 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Adrian Colarusso, a Board Member of the Friends of Herrontown Woods, Princeton’s first dedicated nature preserve. In addition to discussing the history of Herrontown Woods and the founding of the Friends of Herrontown Woods, Adrian described its mission and vision to resto…

1
Mimi Omiecinski, Owner of Princeton Tour Company 32:50

1+ y ago32:50

32:50

In episode 38 of the Princeton Podcast host, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Mimi Omiecinski, the Owner of Princeton Tour Company, offering Princeton residents and visitors historic walking tours, bus tours, ghost hunts, team building experiences, re-enactments, and more. In addition to discussing her background and the development of Princeto…

1
S2E14 - Perfect Imperfection: The Art of Healing 56:20

1+ y ago56:20

56:20

There is a crack in everything...that's how the light gets in. Or is it out? In this episode, Sophie and Raymond discuss the visual art piece "Perfect Imperfection: The Art of Healing," by Billie Bond. Along the way, we run into our old friends Milton, Dostoevsky, Lewis, Homer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and...Stephen Schwartz?? Hopefully they can help u…

1
David Fox, Arm In Arm Executive Director 34:08

1+ y ago34:08

34:08

In episode 37 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed David Fox, the Executive Director of Arm In Arm. Formerly known as The Crisis Ministry, this non-profit organization was founded in 1980 by leaders of Nassau Presbyterian Church and Trinity Church here in Princeton to help community members who were struggling financially.…

1
Sarah Rasmussen, McCarter Theatre Center Artistic Director 25:16

1+ y ago25:16

25:16

In Episode 36 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Sarah Rasmussen, the new Artistic Director of the McCarter Theatre Center. In addition to discussing her role as the Artistic Director of McCarter Theatre, Sarah described McCarter’s Theatre Series of original productions, including 'Blues For An Alabama Sky', McCarter’s c…

1
S2E13 - Everything I Wanted (Billie Eilish) 36:16

1+ y ago36:16

36:16

"If I could change the way that you see your self, you wouldn't wonder why they hear 'they don't deserve you.'" Can Raymond and Sophie change the way Billie Eilish sees herself? Maybe, with a little bit of help from G.K. Chesterton. In this episode, we ask the question: for the Christian called to martyrdom, does this entail a desire to die? Questi…

1
Jill Barry, Executive Director of Morven Museum and Garden 24:57

1+ y ago24:57

24:57

In Episode 35 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Jill Barry, Executive Director of Morven Museum and Garden. In addition to discussing Morven’s role in the history of our nation, as well as Princeton for the past 250 years, Jill described Morven museum’s permanent collection suite of galleries that tells the story of eve…

1
S2E12 - We Talk About Bruno (Disney's Encanto) 1:07:35

1+ y ago1:07:35

1:07:35

What's going on with this Bruno guy? On the surface, Disney's Encanto seems to be just another typical "save-the-magic" princess story. But Sophie and Raymond think there is more hiding under the rafters of this magic house. In this episode, the Unreliable Narrators discuss scapegoats, innocent victims, cultures of the taboo, and the genius lyrics …

1
Jon Bucchere, Princeton Police Chief 25:11

1+ y ago25:11

25:11

In episode 34 of the Princeton Podcast our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Jon Bucchere, Princeton Police Chief. In addition to discussing Chief Bucchere’s lifelong involvement with the Princeton community, Mark and Jon discussed the evolution of policing here in Princeton from Jon’s 24-year history as a member of the Princeton Police Department. …

1
Leighton Newlin, Princeton Councilman 34:04

1+ y ago34:04

34:04

In episode 33 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Leighton Newlin, Princeton Councilman. In addition to discussing Leighton’s assignments on the council’s Affordable Housing Board, Corner House Board, Historic Preservation Committee, and Princeton’s Housing Authority Board, Mark and Leighton discussed their lifelong exper…

1
S2E11 - The Picture of Dorian Gray 1:04:37

1+ y ago1:04:37

1:04:37

WE'RE FINALLY BACK with a high-energy conversation about Oscar Wilde's novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. What does Oscar Wilde really think about art? Is Lord Henry the devil in disguise, or just a bad guy? What in the world is up with the ending? We may not have all the answers, but we do have a good time. In our next episode, we will be talking …

1
James Steward, Director of the Princeton University Art Museum 33:28

1+ y ago33:28

33:28

In episode 32 of the Princeton Podcast our host, Mayor Mark Freda, sat down with James Steward, the Director of the Princeton University Art Museum. James Steward joined the Princeton University Art Museum as its director in April 2009 and since that time has expanded the Museum’s program of exhibitions and educational activities as well as its ope…

1
S2E10 - Bridge Over Troubled Water 51:27

1+ y ago51:27

51:27

In this CHRISTMAS episode, Raymond and Sophie tackle Simon & Garfunkel's most popular song, Bridge Over Troubled Water. What does it mean to lay yourself down as a bridge over troubled water? Why did Paul Simon write the "sail on, silver girl" verse? What does any of this have to do with Christmas?? All this and more in our latest episode. In our n…

1
Matthew Stiff, Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad Chief 35:43

1+ y ago35:43

35:43

In episode 31 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, caught up with Mathew Stiff, Chief of the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad. In addition to discussing Matt’s background and 15-year experience with the squad, Mark and Matt discussed the history of the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad from its beginnings back in 1939. Matt desc…

1
David Cohen, Princeton Councilman 30:40

1+ y ago30:40

30:40

In episode 30 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, sat down with Princeton Councilman David Cohen. In addition to discussing David’s background and his assignments on a variety council committees, Mark and David touched on the recently revised set of permit parking regulations, as well as many other challenges and rewards David exp…

1
S2E9 - The Social Dilemma (2020 Netflix Documentary) 1:02:46

1+ y ago1:02:46

1:02:46

We all know social media manipulates us. We know they're tracking out data. We know it's designed to get us addicted. And yet no matter how many times we are warned about what social media is doing to us, we still use it. Can we really have a healthy relationship with social media, or is it inherently detrimental to our mental health? In this episo…

1
Dr. Aly Cohen, Rheumatologist, Author and Founder of The Smart Human 30:23

1+ y ago30:23

30:23

In Episode 29 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda caught up with Dr. Aly Cohen, Integrative Rheumatologist, Author, Speaker, Community Educator, Podcaster, and founder of The Smart Human - an organization designed to inform the public about environmental health concerns and practical solutions to help minimize chemical exposures. Aly discuss…

1
S2E8 - Spider-Man: No Way Home 1:01:14

2y ago1:01:14

1:01:14

"On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" In this episode, Raymond and Sophie discuss their mutual favorite superhero in Spider-Man: No Way Home. (Mostly because they wanted to disc…

1
Aubrey Haines, Board Member of the Princeton Business Partnership 30:32

2y ago30:32

30:32

In Episode 28 of the Princeton Podcast, with Mayor Mark Freda caught up with Aubrey Haines, a Board Member of the Princeton Business Partnership, a recently created non-profit organization structured as a Special Improvement District whose mission is to shape, maintain and grow flourishing Princeton commercial districts by offering an exceptional e…

1
"Aliens: Colonial Marines. Ice World. Part 3." TRAILER 1:33

2y ago1:33

1:33

This is Part 3 of a story that started in 2017 and continued this year. The first episode was written by Catherine Kruger (@TheSailingRabit) on twitter and produced by the same person behind popular fan-made Alien audio drama series, "Alien Solara." (follow him @AlienSolara on Twitter.) Part 3 features a small group of Colonial Marines as they cont…

1
Guest Spot: Trailer for, "H.G. Wells Has His Regrets" 2:58

2y ago2:58

2:58

Check out the newest trailer for the show, "H.G. Wells Has His Regrets." This original and entertaining podcast is available on their website: https://hgwellshashisregrets.wordpress.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s 1907, it’s the Edwardian Era, and acclaimed science…

1
S2E7 - That Hideous Strength (Ft. Cynthia Chung) 1:17:17

2y ago1:17:17

1:17:17

In this episode, we are joined by editor-in-chief and co-founder of the Rising Tide Foundation, Cynthia Chung. Cynthia has lectured on the topics of Schiller’s aesthetics, Shakespeare’s tragedies, Roman history, and the Florentine Renaissance among other subjects. She is a writer for Strategic Culture Foundation, and is a contributing author to the…

1
Jeanette Timmons, Board Member of Cornerstone Community Kitchen 29:27

2y ago29:27

29:27

In Episode 27 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda sat down with Jeanette Timmons, a Board Member of Cornerstone Community Kitchen, a Princeton based non-profit organization that provides nourishing meals, free of charge, in a welcoming setting that affirms the dignity of all those who gather. Jeanette also discussed other Cornerstone Communi…

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