Best Ben Mann Podcasts (2025)

1
Encore: Sheila E: The Glamorous Life (Rhythm Neuroscience with Hugo Merchant) 43:22

1d ago43:22

43:22

Queen of Percussion and Prince collaborator Sheila E talks about her 1984 hit, working with Prince, salsa music and learning from her legendary father with University of Mexico Neuroscientist, Dr. Hugo Merchant. Hugo shares fascinating findings about how the mechanisms in the brain process rhythm and help us keep a beat.…

1
Supernatural Music Extravaganza: Convention Carolers - Rob Benedict & Jason Manns Unwrapped 48:21

2d ago48:21

48:21

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas... with Denim-wrapped Nightmares, In Defense of Fandom, and two guys talking about their musical journey! In this first installment of the Supernatural Music Extravaganza's Artist on Artist series (aka "SPNception"), Rob Benedict and Jason Manns unwrap the gift that keeps on giving: their unlikely musical empire built o…

1
Climate News: David Spratt from Breakthrough is not a sensationalist, he prefers facts, evidence and science, but is not afraid of telling the truth, no matter how grim - here he looks back at 2025 31:44

3d ago31:44

31:44

David Spratt's "Climate hot takes for 2025"; "Greenpeace’s Fight With Pipeline Giant Exposes a Legal Loophole"; "When disasters strike, home batteries could be a lifeline"; "Trump Administration Plans to Break Up Premier Weather and Climate Research Center"; "‘The biggest transformation in a century’: how California remade itself as a clean energy …

1
Climate News: Different views about what's best for northern Victoria's Goulburn River; Indoor plants the secret to a cooler home; Australia's car 'mobesity'Car 48:19

5d ago48:19

48:19

The Shepparton News has one view about how to best care for the Goulburn River (pictured) - "Government actions wreak havoc" - and the Goulburn Valley Environment Group has another - "Environment group critiques News". "Interstate refugees: Why more Aussies are moving south"; "Trump threatens world-leading forecasting and climate research centre"; …

1
The Return of the Siberian Tiger: Jonathan Slaght, TIGERS BETWEEN EMPIRES 33:30

7d ago33:30

33:30

Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. Francesca speaks with Jonathan Slaght about his remarkable book Tigers Between Empires: The Improbable Return of Great Cats to the Forests of Russia and China. Slaght tells the story of the 35-year Siberian (Amur) Tiger Project, one of the longest-running wild…

1
Taboo Science: Necrophilia (with Dr. Victoria Sullivan & Dr. Jens Foell) 31:51

8d ago31:51

31:51

Where does necrophilia come from? What makes people desecrate corpses? And do you have to be a serial killer to have a death fetish?Today’s guests are Dr. Victoria Hartmann, a clinical psychology researcher and executive director of the Erotic Heritage Museum in Las Vegas, and neuroscientist and science communicator Dr. Jens Foell.…

1
#452 Margareth González :3 Trillion is AUM Access & The Power Behind Capital, Cities& Global Trust 1:04:32

8d ago1:04:32

1:04:32

4+ Million Downloads | 400+ Hours of Conversations 🎧 Host: Andy "Fixer" Murphy — Neuro-Performance Trusted by hedge fund managers, HNWIs, family offices, and capital operators who cannot afford to slip. 🎙️ Guest: Lady Margareth Johana González Ávila Founder & CEO, Capital Variation Strategic Capital Matchmaker | Global Capital Advisor Judge, AIM Fu…

1
The Incredible Brain Science About Sex and Gender (with Daphna Joel) 1:08:29

9d ago1:08:29

1:08:29

We grow up swimming in gender stereotypes: men are from Mars, women are from Venus. Men are rational and women are emotional. The binary cliches are everywhere, but are they true? Daphna Joel is a neuroscientist who wanted to know what the science actually says. When she looked at real brains she discovered that each person carries a unique mix of …

1
Builders of Terror, Ally to Justice: Charles Dick on Organisation Todt & Carla Kaplan on Jessica Mitford 1:14:30

12d ago1:14:30

1:14:30

Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. This week on Writer’s Voice, we look at two stories from history that illuminate the choices people face as they confront evil: collaborate or resist? First, independent scholar Charles Dick joins us to discuss Unknown Enemy: The Hidden Nazi Force That Built t…

1
We're building a second product! 11:14

13d ago11:14

11:14

Full steam ahead, building 12 integrations for the new product and already three features deep, I decided to give the new idea a chance! (Sorry for the bad audio!)By Ben Mann

1
Book author interview: Paul Koberstein explains the connection between great forests, salmon, beavers and climate change - yes, everything is connected 29:22

13d ago29:22

29:22

Cascadia Times Editor, Paul Koberstein, teamed with Jessica Applegate to write the wonderful book, "Canopy of Titans: The Life and Times of the Great North American Temperate Rainforest". The pair had written an article for the Cascadia Times, but realised that what they had was more than a newspaper article; rather, the adventure of researching th…

1
Coroners Complicit in Obscuring Violent Deaths in State Custody / Terence Keel 1:57:29

14d ago1:57:29

1:57:29

Terence Keel returns to discuss his new book from Beacon Press, "The Coroner's Silence: Death Records and the Hidden Victims of Police Violence." "The Moment of Truth" with Jeff Dorchen follows the interview.Check out Terence's book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790545/the-coroners-silence-by-terence-keel/Help keep This Is Hell! co…

1
Climate News: City Council breaks covenant with climate emergency declaration; Fecderal Government's river water processes creates controversy 56:04

15d ago56:04

56:04

The council of the City of Greater Shepparton has extended its approval for the staging of the Spring Car Nationals at the city's showground, in breach of its covenant with the 2020 climate emergency declaration. That apparently simple act of endorsing the continued use of the city's showgrounds for what is a "climate offensive" event effectively a…

1
Bryan Cranston and Alan Hart on "The Chemistry of Breaking Bad" 1:16:11

15d ago1:16:11

1:16:11

Recorded live at London’s Natural History Museum on November 24, 2025. Breaking Bad fanatics, have a fresh pair of trousers at the ready—Bryan Cranston delivers an unforgettable conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories from his years playing Walter White. He shares how DEA agents taught him the fundamentals of meth production, what he lea…

1
What the Bible REALLY Says about Abortion, Being Gay, and Other Stuff (with Dan McClellan) 1:33:16

16d ago1:33:16

1:33:16

The Bible remains one of the world's most influential books, impacting believers and non-believers alike. As Christian nationalists gain more power over American politics right now, it's as important as ever to understand how the Bible is used to justify laws about abortion, gay marriage, child abuse, and more. Luckily, Bible scholar Dan McClellan …

1
Supernatural Music Extravaganza: Driver Picks the Music - Fan Artists Take Center Stage 1:16:13

16d ago1:16:13

1:16:13

In this special collaboration episode between Denim-wrapped Nightmares and In Defense of Fandom, hosts LA, Berly, and Sadie dive deep into the world of Supernatural-inspired music—because apparently, watching two gorgeous brothers hunt monsters for 15 seasons wasn't enough. FEATURED ARTISTS: 🎵 Jackson Taylor explains how a freak accident and Dean W…

1
The Trail Of Sickness Thru Navajo Nation / Sarah Lazare 1:27:57

17d ago1:27:57

1:27:57

Sarah Lazare returns to This Is Hell! to talk about her new In These Times piece “They Worked Underground in the Uranium Mines. They've Been Surrounded by Death Ever Since”. Sarah investigates how the uranium industry left a trail of sickness and loss through Navajo territory while President Trump is pushing for another mining boom.We will have new…

1
Positive Obsession: Susana M. Morris on the Life, Vision & Influence of Octavia Butler 58:19

18d ago58:19

58:19

Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. In this episode of Writer’s Voice, Francesca Rheannon speaks with Susana M. Morris, acclaimed scholar of Black feminist thought, about her new biography Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler. Drawing on interviews, archival materials, and…

1
The Durian Witches 8:31

18d ago8:31

8:31

The Durian Witches by This Is Hell!By This Is Hell!

1
Climate News: Richard Denniss warns that recovery could outstrip either mitigation or adaptation; The problem with climate-induced bushfires again troubling New South Wales 11:28

18d ago11:28

11:28

The Australia Institute's joint CEO, Richard Denniss, (pictured) was one of a trio of guest speakers several weeks ago at an event organised by The Royal Society of Victoria, warning of the emerging problems of recovery from weather-related disasters arising from climate change. ‘"Just heartbreak’: At least a dozen homes lost in bushfires near Sydn…

1
Climate News: The American Prospect explores the cost of climate change; Hundreds die after simultaneous storms devastate Asia; Moving outside the room at Symposium 25 symbolic of climate challenge 47:02

19d ago47:02

47:02

Simultaneous storms devastate Asia (picture): "Death toll surpasses 1200 after simultaneous storms devastate Asia"; "In 1939, a Royal Commission found burning forests leads to more bushfires. But this cycle of destruction can be stopped"; "The Cost of Climate" "The surprising technology that could be key to saving the Great Barrier Reef"; "Environm…

1
Elevating the Future of Fitness: A Mo’ment with Deb Singer 33:48

22d ago33:48

33:48

On this episode of A Mo'ment with Mo, Mo sits down with long-time industry leader Deb Singer for a deeply inspiring conversation about passion, purpose, and the power of creating Mo’mentum in the fitness industry. Deb — a nationally recognized mentor, educator, and Regional Manager with LIVunLtd — shares her remarkable journey shaping fitness profe…

1
The BBC's Gaza Fiasco / Daniel Trilling 1:34:45

22d ago1:34:45

1:34:45

Daniel Trilling returns to discuss his new Equator piece, "Inside the BBC’s Gaza Fiasco: How the world’s most trusted media organisation fell apart." Check out Daniel's article here: https://www.equator.org/articles/inside-the-bbc-s-gaza-fiascoHelp keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patr…

1
A Trillion Dollar War Machine Keeps Americans Poor and at War / William Hartung & Ben Freeman 1:45:14

22d ago1:45:14

1:45:14

Quincy Institute scholars William Hartung and Ben Freeman join us to discuss their new book from Bold Type Books, "The Trillion Dollar War Machine: How Runaway Military Spending Drives America into Foreign Wars and Bankrupts Us at Home." "The Moment of Truth" with Jeff Dorchen follows the interview.Check out William and Ben's book here: https://www…

1
Climate News: Renewable power grid prompts myths, misinformation, disinformation and blatant likes; Fire threat greater in fossil fuel powered cars that EVs 48:25

23d ago48:25

48:25

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) airs grid controversies on the 7:30 Report: "The fight between farmers and the Victorian government is spilling onto the paddock"; "Australia’s sales of big cars are out of control"; "Helping producers navigate sustainability opportunities"; "Blackout risk: Grid ‘not ready’ for coal plant closures, sola…

1
MINI EPISODE: Keeping Schools Safe from Moms for Liberty (with Laura Pappano) 32:13

23d ago32:13

32:13

The Department of Education is being dismantled before our eyes. Why does it matter, and can it be rescued? Reporter Laura Pappano joins us with updates on these things, and her latest visit to the Moms for Liberty conference in Florida, where a new tactic is emerging. Full transcript is available here at relationscapes.org. Show Notes "Moms for qu…

1
WE SURVIVED THE NIGHT: Julian Brave Noisecat on Story, Survival & the Power of Indigenous Truths 58:29

25d ago58:29

58:29

Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. In this, our 1,000th episode of Writer’s Voice, Francesca Rheannon interviews Julian Brave Noisecat about We Survived the Night, his memoir weaving Indigenous oral traditions, personal narrative, political history, and environmental insight. Noisecat explores …

1
Climate News: Canada brushes aside climate concerns; Shepparton News has plethora of climate-related stories; 'What world are you living in?' - Michael Mann quizes Bill Gates 34:24

25d ago34:24

34:24

Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, signed a sweeping agreement on Thursday laying the groundwork for a new oil pipeline to expand Alberta’s oil sands, exempting the province’s energy industry from several environmental laws. Carney is pictured here with Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith. "Canada Lifts Climate Laws for Alberta Oil Sands, Planning …

1
Interview: 'We've always been confronted by forces bigger than ourselves, but we've always survived - there's no reason why we can't still fall in love, laugh, play games and have fun' - Ben Pederick 11:55

26d ago11:55

11:55

Ben Pederick (pictured recording an interview post The Adaptation Game - TAG) is a big man with a big smile, a big heart and some equally big ideas about how we step up to the challenges we confront arising from the seriously different weather events being brought to us courtesy of a worsening climate. The City of Greater Shepparton has bought seve…

1
Renée Fleming: O Mio Babbino Caro (Singing Science with Sean Hutchins) 34:01

29d ago34:01

34:01

Recorded live at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, this episode features world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming and vocal-science researcher Dr. Sean Hutchins in a conversation that plays like part masterclass, part science session. Together they explore how the anatomy and neuroscience of singing shape everything from breath and resonance …

1
Supernatural Music Extravaganza: Splitting the Score - Two Composers, One Iconic Soundtrack 1:35:48

1M ago1:35:48

1:35:48

Welcome to the ultimate SPN music nerd-out! This Denim-wrapped Nightmares and In Defense of Fandom crossover dives deep into the sonic world of Supernatural with the dynamic duo behind the show's iconic score: composers Christopher Lennertz and Jay Gruska. Chris and Jay split scoring duties for all 15 years (yes, really—they alternated episodes lik…

1
Episode 298 Mary Clair 28:10

1M ago28:10

28:10

Mary-Clair bursts onto the scene with Enough, her luminous debut album on Vere Music. Produced by 2x GRAMMY® winner Tedd T (Dolly Parton, for KING & COUNTRY, MercyMe), the project showcases the 21-year-old Nashville native’s irresistible vocals, bold creativity, and heartfelt conviction. From the emotional pull of “Heaven In The Way” to the energet…

1
Bruce Holsinger on AI’s Moral Dilemmas and Elizabeth George’s New Inspector Lynley Mystery 59:42

1M ago59:42

59:42

Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. This week on Writer’s Voice, Bruce Holsinger tells us about his new novel Culpability, a story about a family shattered by a self-driving car accident — and about the ethical and emotional consequences of artificial intelligence. Holsinger, whose earlier novel…

1
American Football's Long, Violent History / Michael Oriard 1:44:04

1M ago1:44:04

1:44:04

Professor Emeritus and pro footballer Michael Oriard joins us to discuss his new book from University of North Carolina Press, "Sanctioned Savagery: A History of Violence in American Football." "The Moment of Truth" with Jeff Dorchen follows the interview.Check out Michael's book here: https://uncpress.org/9781469690667/sanctioned-savagery/Help kee…

1
COP30, Belem, Brasil - Austrailia surrenders to Turkey, but according to Climate and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, it's a win! 32:48

1M ago32:48

32:48

Australia's Climate and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen (pictured), is attending climate talks in Belem, Brazil, at COP30. However, the talks have gone a little awry for Australia, as it has ceded COP31 to Turkey. "Australia can win big international bids when it wants. This was an omnishambles"; "Anger, questions over Albanese’s call to concede COP t…

1
Born Against the Law (with Shen Yang) 1:09:09

1M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

Shen Yang broke the law simply by being born. It was the 1980s in China, and according to the One Child Policy, her parents weren't allowed to have her. They sent her away with relatives, and what followed were years of cruelty and neglect, but also defiance and the will to thrive. It's hard to find stories directly from excess children. Shen Yang'…

1
Annie Duke on Better Decisions: How to Decide at Work and Life 59:30

1M ago59:30

59:30

I’m excited to revisit this conversation with Annie Duke to the show to talk about her book, How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices. Annie is a former professional poker player turned decision strategist who blends cognitive psychology, high-stakes poker, and practical frameworks to help us make better choices in work and life—even w…

1
Climate News: From COP30 in Brasil with California's Governor Gavin Newsom, to the self-destructive behaviour of Australia's conservative political parties 55:06

1M ago55:06

55:06

California Governor Gavin Newsom (picture) steals the spotlight at COP30 in Brasil - "Newsom in the Spotlight at the Climate Conference That Trump Decided to Skip"; "This widely used chart makes the clean energy switch seem much harder than it actually is"; "Indigenous People, Long Sidelined at Climate Talks, Take the Stage in Brazil"; "‘I didn’t a…

1
Side Side Project 9:53

1M ago9:53

9:53

Still fighting a sore throat, while following a bit of a side quest in search of the ultimate LLM context over the past days.By Ben Mann

1
The Downfall Of Liberal Civilization / Richard Seymour 1:43:36

1M ago1:43:36

1:43:36

Richard Seymour returns to This Is Hell! to talk about his new book "Disaster Nationalism: The Downfall of Liberal Civilization”, published by Verso Books. Seymour discusses the ideologies amplifying the contemporary right that is distorting modern politics into a nihilistic disaster nationalism.We will have new installments of Rotten History and H…

1
The Wisdom of the Wild: Adam Nicolson on BIRD SCHOOL & Isabella Tree on Rewilding 57:21

1M ago57:21

57:21

Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. This week on Writer’s Voice, we turn our attention to the living world—and our place within it. First, writer Adam Nicolson joins us to talk about his luminous new book, Bird School: A Beginner in the Wood. It’s the story of how he built a shed in his Sussex w…

1
Empowering the Next Generation of Fierce Leaders 32:26

1M ago32:26

32:26

On this episode of A Mo’ment with Mo, Mo connects with Fit+Fierce Co-founder Kelsey Vickers and CEO Julia Kinsella to talk about leadership, empowerment, and the importance of community. From building confidence to breaking barriers, they share how Fit+Fierce is inspiring girls to grow strong in body, mind, and spirit. For more information, visit h…

1
How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy / Ray Madoff 1:38:03

1M ago1:38:03

1:38:03

Legal scholar Ray Madoff joins us to discuss her new book from the University of Chicago Press, "The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy." "The Moment of Truth" with Jeff Dorchen follows the interview.Check out Ray's book here: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/S/bo256019296.htmlHelp keep This Is Hell! compl…

1
Climate News: Sussan Ley chances her arm, and her Liberal Party leadership on net zero - the conversation is becoming increasingly irrelevant to all Australians 38:17

1M ago38:17

38:17

Liberal Party leader, Sussan Ley (pictured), is at the centre of discussions that mean little to what it is that Australians need to hear about addressing climate change. "These numbers say net zero is doomed – and so is Sussan Ley"; "Where the sky keeps bursting"; "Greenwashing in the Evergreen State"; "Ley’s job on the line as Liberals reject net…

1
Raffi: The More We Get Together (Altruism Science with Jennifer Stellar) 49:23

1M ago49:23

49:23

Recorded live at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto on October 31, 2025, this episode brings together beloved children’s musician and advocate Raffi and University of Toronto psychologist Dr. Jennifer Stellar for a conversation about how music helps shape our earliest experiences of empathy, gratitude, and wonder. Raffi reflects on three so…

1
Interview: Marian Wilkson takes to the fossil fuel companies, and our politicians, like a chainsaw to a daisy patch 1:17:47

1M ago1:17:47

1:17:47

Marian Wilkinson has sliced through the fossil fuel companies, particularly Woodside, and our politicians, in her latest Quarterly Essay," Woodside vs The Planet: how a company captured a country". The Australian investigative journalist is interviewed here by the co-convenor from Climate 200, Kate Hook. It's long — more than an hour — but well wor…

1
The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls (with Chelsey Goodan) 1:16:15

1M ago1:16:15

1:16:15

Chelsey Goodan says that for too long, teenage girls have been undervalued and overlooked. As a longtime tutor and mentor to hundreds of girls from many different backgrounds, Chelsey realized why so many were anxious and hurting. Because too many people treat teenage girls as problems to be controlled or solved. Chelsey says they have much to offe…

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