Best Jonathan Flanagan Podcasts (2024)

1
Using Empathy to Foster Social Impact with Joseph Cope 31:09

2h ago31:09

31:09

Send us a text This week, we're chatting with Joseph Cope, The Empathy Guy. I've been grappling with what it takes to move the needle on big social change, including normalizing trauma-informed storytelling. I've been wondering what role empathy plays in our movements. And so it just makes sense to bring on Joseph. He's a keynote speaker, corporate…

1
From Jesus Christ to the New York Times (w/ Andy Mills) 2:20:42

1h ago2:20:42

2:20:42

Podcaster/journalist Andy Mills shares the unusual trajectory of his life and career: from small town boy; to God-loving member of a close-knit group of friends; to rebellious drop-out of a Christian college; to curious outsider in Southern Sudan; to hard-working, some-time inappropriate young media professional; to a more self-aware, award-winning…

1
Exploring Ancestral Trauma with Meenadchi 26:53

14d ago26:53

26:53

Send us a text Meenadchi is many things, including being a somatic healing practitioner, TEDx speaker, and communications expert whose work centers on social change and embodied transformation. She also helps folks clear ancestral trauma to create intergenerational healing. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of generational healing, off…

1
Becoming an Anti-Ableist Storyteller with Tiffany Yu 28:03

28d ago28:03

28:03

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Yu, disability rights advocate and author of the groundbreaking new book The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, as she shares her journey from a childhood car accident to becoming a leading voice in disability inclusion. For storytellers, content creators, and anyone looking to make their work more incl…

1
The Decapitation of Hezbollah and the Fall of Rome (w/ Eli Lake) 53:00

1M ago53:00

53:00

The indispensable Eli Lake — contributing editor at Commentary Magazine and staff writer and podcaster at The Free Press — returns to the pod to mark the destruction of mass murderer and DSA heartthrob Hasan Nasrallah along with the top brass of his terror gang in Beirut this weekend. This leads to a discussion about the nature of warfare and the i…

1
Rx for Storyteller Wellness with Therapist Shulamit Ber Levtov 32:13

1M ago32:13

32:13

Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Shulamit Ber Levtov, "The Entrepreneurs' Therapist," to address a critical issue in the nonprofit world: the mental health of storytellers who bear witness to challenging narratives. In the nonprofit sector, many of us wear multiple hats - we're not just storytellers but also fundraisers, advocates, p…

1
Beyond Sensationalism: Navigating Human Trafficking Stories with Matthew Fairfax 40:12

2M ago40:12

40:12

Send us a text Join us as we explore the complex world of human trafficking storytelling with Matthew Fairfax, co-founder of the Justice and Soul Foundation. Content warning: This episode discusses sex trafficking and sexual violence. Please be mindful of your emotional capacity while listening. Matthew's journey from salon owner to advocate is bot…

1
Sensory Story Gathering with Madeleine St. John 27:25

2M ago27:25

27:25

Send us a text In this episode Imagine if story gathering wasn't just about words on a page or voice-to-voice. What if we could capture narratives through the stroke of a paintbrush, the sculpting of clay, or the graceful movements of dance? In this fascinating episode, we dive into this very realm with Madeleine St. John, whose vocation spans from…

1
It's Over (w/ Caitlin Flanagan) 1:26:05

2M ago1:26:05

1:26:05

Caitlin Flanagan returns! The unapologetic author of On Thinking for Yourself (a selection of her excellent essays for The Atlantic) comes to talk to us about the fall of Western civilization, what happens when you let church-going go, what happened to universities, and why (though a Catholic herself) Caitlin has started wearing a Star of David. Ch…

1
Safely Telling Youth-Centered Stories with Janelle Suzanne 38:49

3M ago38:49

38:49

Send us a text In this episode In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Janelle Suzanne, the managing partner and chief marketing officer at Louder Agency. Janelle and I take on the complex topic of youth-centered storytelling, offering valuable insights into the delicate balance between sharing impactful narratives and protecting vul…

1
The Agony of Abundance (w/ Nick Gillespie) 1:55:39

3M ago1:55:39

1:55:39

Nick Gillespie — editor at large at the libertarian institution that is Reason Magazine (and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie) — comes on the pod for an IRL conversation about 'The Agony of Abundance,' the paradoxical state in which we’re more prosperous, yet more dissatisfied, than ever. We discuss the negative narratives peddled b…

1
Painful Stories in Public Defense with Sy Hoekstra 41:04

4M ago41:04

41:04

Send us a text In this powerful episode, former public defender Sy Hoekstra shares his experiences working in family court, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges within the child welfare system. A system where both families and public defenders have no choice but to tell incredibly traumatic stories. Content Warning: Sy describes the tr…

1
Our Friend Attended a Trump Rally — And Witnessed History 29:58

4M ago29:58

29:58

PLEASE NOTE: We are releasing this episode in the immediate aftermath of the alleged assassination attempt on President Trump. Details and facts presented in this conversation are still being corroborated and are subject to be updated/corrected. Recurrent guest Misha Thomas (“The Liberal Who Voted for Trump” / “Blackness and the Other Side of Traum…

1
Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces with Frank Velásquez Jr. 26:39

4M ago26:39

26:39

Send us a text Are you ready for a masterclass in trauma-informed space holding? In this episode of When Bearing Witness, we are joined by Frank Velásquez Jr., founder of 4 the Hood and creator of the Ascending Leaders in Color Fellowship program. Frank pulls back the curtain on how he creates protected spaces for leaders of color to connect, grow,…

1
Lessons From a Social Justice-Driven Oral Historian with Cliff Mayotte 33:05

4M ago33:05

33:05

Send us a text Cliff Mayotte, a seasoned oral historian and co-author of the book Say It Forward: A Guide to Social Justice Storytelling shares invaluable insights from his experiences as a social justice-centered storyteller. Cliff's journey began with a deep love for theater and a transformative encounter with Studs Terkel's oral histories, which…

1
Building an Inclusive and Values-Driven Brand with Crystal Whiteaker 23:34

5M ago23:34

23:34

Send us a text In this episode, Crystal Whitaker, an inclusive branding and leadership development consultant, shares her insights on creating authentic, values-driven brands that foster a sense of belonging. Crystal delves into the fine line between intentional inclusion and performative actions, stressing the need for consistent, year-round effor…

1
Progressives Are Silly (w/ Nellie Bowles) 51:07

5M ago51:07

51:07

Nellie Bowles is back! The journalist, writer of the TGIF newsletter, and co-founder of The Free Press (along with her wife Bari Weiss) returns to discuss her new book, Morning After the Revolution. In it, she chronicles the unfortunate series of events that led her to leave The New York Times in 2021. We get into that in this conversation, too (di…

1
Overcoming Fundraiser Fatigue with Micah James 25:34

5M ago25:34

25:34

Send us a text Fundraising is a calling fueled by a passion for important causes. However, the weight of connecting resources to meet overwhelming needs can lead to burnout for even the most dedicated fundraisers. In this candid discussion, veteran fundraiser Micah James opens up about the unique stresses faced by those tasked with championing non-…

1
The Indoctrination of Elite Education (w/ Bill Deresiewicz) 1:30:47

6M ago1:30:47

1:30:47

William Deresiewicz — author of (the newly updated) Excellent Sheep, The Death of the Artist, and The End of Solitude — returns to the pod! This time we dive into one of the institutions we love to hate: elite universities. We dwell on and debate the protests at Columbia (et al.), the reasons why it’s all gone so wrong, and whether or not the solut…

1
Exploring Storyteller Self-Care with Liz Jackson 28:37

6M ago28:37

28:37

Send us a text As a development director at NAMI, Liz Jackson is immersed in the powerful and often painful stories of those impacted by mental illness. In this episode, she shares her journey of learning the critical importance of self-care for storytellers bearing witness to trauma. Liz openly discusses the warning signs that she was approaching …

1
Emotionally Health Activism with Jonathan Walton 35:08

6M ago35:08

35:08

Send us a text In the first episode of our special series on mental health in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we discuss maintaining emotional health while continuing your activism. Many activists burn out quickly due to compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and a lack of emotional self-care. In this episode, Jonathan Walton opens…

1
Body Scan Meditation for Storyteller Wellness With Carol Flanagan 19:02

6M ago19:02

19:02

Send us a text Carol will guide us through a 20-minute body scan meditation. The body scan is a practice of systematically bringing gentle attention to each part of the body. It helps us become more present and aware of the physical sensations we often ignore or tune out. With this awareness, we can release areas of tightness or tension. Before you…

1
Down the Saddam Rabbit Hole (w/ Steve Coll) 1:06:46

7M ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, author, and former Columbia Journalism School dean (to us!), Steve Coll, takes us deep into the conspiracy-plagued mind of Saddam Hussein, the subject of his latest book The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America's Invasion of Iraq. We go deep into the wonky journalism weeds — includ…

1
Human-Centered AI and Data with Meena Das 33:16

7M ago33:16

33:16

Send us a text AI has seemed to blow in like a tornado this past year. The rapid development of AI has brought both excitement and concerns around potential biases and inequities. In this episode, data equity expert Meena discusses why we need to be intentional about centering humans and promoting inclusivity as AI becomes more ubiquitous. Meena em…

1
When Telling Your Story with Marti Statler 24:44

7M ago24:44

24:44

Send us a text Giving voice to our stories, especially the painful chapters, can be a daunting yet profoundly healing journey. Many of us hold back, grappling with self-doubt and the fear of revisiting trauma. However, as Marti Statler, CEO of Rebel Queen Books, passionately shares, bravely articulating your narrative through writing can be a trans…

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Unconditional Love As A Principle of Trauma-Informed Care, with Rev. Sanghoon Yoo 27:01

8M ago27:01

27:01

Send us a text Reverend Sanghoon Yoo has walked an incredible journey - from a social worker dealing with trauma and crisis to becoming a pastor and experiencing his own period of trauma and burnout. This led him to the trauma-informed care movement over a decade ago. In this episode Rev. Yoo shares how principles of unconditional love and creating…

1
Three Drunk Jews Refuting Jonathan Glazer (w/ Batya Ungar-Sargon & Eli Lake) 49:53

8M ago49:53

49:53

With Vanessa off for the weekend to explore the world of psychedelics, the podcast has been hijacked by a cabal of furious, loud, and lubricated Jews. Adaam, 3 martinis and a Laphroaig in, is joined by Newsweek opinion editor and author of Second Class Batya Ungar-Sargon, and Free Press reporter and host of The Re-Education podcast Eli Lake. The th…

1
Why Trauma-Informed Language Matters With Cody Hays 35:07

8M ago35:07

35:07

Send us a text The way we communicate about traumatic experiences matters deeply. This episode dives into the importance of using trauma-informed language with nonprofit marketing expert Cody Hays. The discussion explores how word choices can inadvertently re-traumatize individuals or marginalized groups. Cody shares strategies for communicating ab…

1
The Complexities of Cross-Cultural Storytelling with Christy Kern 43:59

9M ago43:59

43:59

Send us a text The most compelling yet exploitative stories often caricature complex experiences. When we know better, we can do better. Ethical storytellers build connections and go deeper into issues. They leave room for nuance, get permission, and make sure stories enlighten people rather than just expose them. The result? Story owners are digni…

1
What the Left Gets Wrong About Black History (w/ Charles Love & Wilfred Reilly) 1:18:40

9M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

Authors and co-hosts of the Cut the Bull podcast, Charles Love (Race Crazy) and Wilfred Reilly (Taboo, Hate Crime Hoax) join us for a lively conversation/debate about race, history, and K-12 education — and Vanessa gets put in the hot seat. Questions covered include: Should Black history be separate from American history? Are we over-indexing on se…

1
Informed Consent Conversations with Diana Farias Heinrich 39:19

9M ago39:19

39:19

Send us a text When it comes to nonprofit marketing, personal stories are powerful. But we need to be careful—not every story is ours to tell. Diana Farias Heinrich, founder of Habrá Marketing, joins us on the podcast to tell us how she learned this the hard way when a story she shared had unexpected consequences for the young woman involved. Motiv…

1
The Brilliant Body: Unpacking Trauma and Its Impact with Katie Kurtz 43:56

10M ago43:56

43:56

Send us a text In this interview with trauma expert Katie Kurtz, listeners can expect to come away with an expanded understanding of trauma and what it means to operate through a trauma-informed lens. Katie provides clarity around key trauma definitions and outlines competencies ranging from basic awareness to active trauma responsiveness, empoweri…

1
Maria’s Journey to Trauma-Informed Storytelling with Rain Bennett 39:51

10M ago39:51

39:51

Send us a text In the inaugural episode of her "When Bearing Witness" podcast, host Maria Bryan is interviewed by veteran podcaster Rain about becoming a trauma-informed storyteller. Listeners can expect to learn Maria's origin story of arriving at this work after a student asked a pivotal question about incorporating trauma-informed practices into…

1
BONUS: Morella Speaks! w/ Crystal Balint 48:58

11M ago48:58

48:58

For our last Bonus episode of the season, we spoke with the award-winning actress Crystal Balint, who played Morella Usher! Thanks for joining us this season! And let us know the next show you want us to Psychoanalyze!By Stacey Nye

1
Zionism and the Refugee Machine (w/ Dr. Einat Wilf) 1:40:20

11M ago1:40:20

1:40:20

Dr. Einat Wilf is an Israeli writer, speaker, former (and future?) politician, podcaster (We Should All be Zionisists), and co-author of The War of Return. In this episode, we dive into some historical context for the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Vanessa asking all the ignorant questions you were too afraid to ask: What/who was there in Israel b…

1
BONUS: Catching Up With Our Poe Expert 17:04

11M ago17:04

17:04

Did The Fall of the House of Usher meet the expectations of a real-life Poe expert? This week, we caught up with our very first guest this season, Chris Semtner, artist, author, and Curator at the Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia, to hear his thoughts on the show. https://poemuseum.org/ Join us next week for our final bonus episode of the season!…

1
BONUS: Spooky Sounds w/ Jonathan Wales 49:23

11M ago49:23

49:23

How do you create the sound of a jump scare? Welcome to our first special bonus episode where Stacey and Lindsay sit down with Sound Editing Superviser Jonathan Wales! Two more bonus episodes to go, so stay tuned!By Stacey Nye

1
What Iran Wants (w/ Arash Azizi) 1:17:15

11M ago1:17:15

1:17:15

Iranian historian and writer Arash Azizi comes on the pod to share his perspective on the Israel-Hamas conflict today — and why he believes ceasefire is the only viable path forward for Israel’s war with Hamas. Along the way, Azizi gives us on an overview of Iran’s politics since the Revolution of 1979 (i.e. how Soleimani became The Shadow Commande…

1
8. The Raven 56:34

11M ago56:34

56:34

Can you believe it's time for the season finale??! This week, Lindsay and Stacey sit down with Kiele Sanchez, who who co-wrote the episode with Mike Flanagan. The season may be over, but we're not done Psychoanalyzing yet... We have a few more interviews to come this year! So tune in next time for more about the The Fall of the House of Usher on Ne…

1
7. The Pit and the Pendulum 48:11

12M ago48:11

48:11

Are Madeline and Roderick's fates inextricably linked? This week, Stacey and Lindsay speak with Jamie Flanagan, who co-wrote episode 7 with his brother Mike Flanagan! Warning: We talk a little bit about episode 8 in this interview, so be aware! Tune in next time for another interview and new deep dives into the The Fall of the House of Usher on Net…

1
6. Goldbug 42:11

12M ago42:11

42:11

Who is Juno and where did she come from? This week, Stacey and Lindsay sit down with Mike Flanagan's episode 6 co-writer, Rebecca Klingel (also known as author C.K. Walker!). Tune in next time for another interview and new deep dives into the The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix!By Stacey Nye

1
The Trailer 1:16

12M ago1:16

1:16

Send us a text Welcome to The When Bearing Witness Podcast! This is an invitation to explore trauma-informed storytelling, a safe and healthy process of gathering and telling difficult stories. Join me as I engage in thought-provoking conversations with trauma-informed experts and social-good storytellers coming together to shape the intersection o…

1
Diaspora Palestinian to Hamas Apologists: Debate Me, Bro (w/ John Aziz) 1:02:08

12M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

John Aziz is a British Palestinian musician who has come into the public spotlight since October 7th for tweeting out for peace and against Hamas. In this conversation, we unpack why it’s so controversial for a Palestinian like John to be pro-peace, the trauma both sides aren’t acknowledging or addressing, and the overly-simplified, ironic, Star Wa…

1
5. The Tell-Tale Heart 59:05

12M ago59:05

59:05

How many Edgar Allen Poe Easter eggs have you spotted hidden in the show? This week, Stacey and Lindsay chatted with Production Designer Laurin Kelsey about sets, locations, colors, props and hidden nods to our boy, Poe. Tune in next time for another interview and new deep dives into the The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix!…

1
4. The Black Cat 59:29

1y ago59:29

59:29

Real cat? Digital cat? Or... puppet cat??? This week, Stacey and Lindsay sat down with Visual Effects Superviser Bret Culp and Visual Effects Producer Krista Allain to talk about the amazing amount of detail and skill that went into creating the visual feast that is The Fall of the House of Usher. Tune in next time for more Poe, more interviews, an…

1
Disgusting 'Journalists' (w/ Batya Ungar-Sargon) 1:12:40

1y ago1:12:40

1:12:40

Friend of the pod Batya Ungar-Sargon, deputy opinion editor for Newsweek and author of Bad News, returns for a deep, contentious conversation about the responsibility of journalists covering the Israel-Hamas war, the people worth expending energy on (versus relegating as enemies), and the uncomfortable embrace of moral certainty. While much vitriol…

1
3. Murder in the Rue Morgue 49:21

1y ago49:21

49:21

This week, Stacey and Lindsay sat down with Ozzy Alvarez. He is the makeup effects department head for The Fall of the House of Usher. He's also a former pro-skateboarder and a collector of so many cool toys! Tune in next time for more Poe, more interviews, and more deep dives!By Stacey Nye

1
2. The Masque of the Red Death 53:23

1y ago53:23

53:23

This week, Stacey and Lindsay sat down with Brett Bachman, who is an editor on the show! Tune in next time for more Poe, more interviews, and more deep dives!By Stacey Nye

1
1. A Midnight Dreary 49:25

1y ago49:25

49:25

For the very first episode of Psychoanalyzing The Fall of the House of Usher (lovingly nicknamed PTFOTHOU) we spoke with artist, author, and Curator at the Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia Chris Semtner. Tune in next week for more Poe, more interviews, and more deep dives into the show! Learn more about the Poe Museum at poemuseum.org.…

1
How the Left Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Butchery of Jews (w/ Eli Lake) 1:24:24

1y ago1:24:24

1:24:24

Note: This episode is far more explicit — and way more rage-ful — than your average. As you have likely read by now in the news, last Saturday, a group of Hamas combatants infiltrated Israel and massacred about 1300 people, mostly civilians. Usually, Uncertain Things is all about embracing epistemological uncertainty. This conversation is not about…

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