Best L Joy Williams Podcasts (2024)

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#106 - "The Natural" (1984) with Nicholas Pepin (from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast) & Ben Carpenter 1:16:42

4h ago1:16:42

1:16:42

In the early 1980s baseball films were rare with the most notable being the 1976 comedy The Bad News Bears. However Barry Levinson’s 1984 Oscar nominated flick sparked a resurgence leading to over 18 baseball themed films in the next decade. On the surface it appears as a traditional sports biopic, but it reveals deeper, almost artistic layers upon…

1
#105 - "Footloose" (1984) with Bethany Wells and JB Huffman 1:22:20

14d ago1:22:20

1:22:20

What happens when the battle for the soul of a small town gets fought in the most unexpected of arenas: the dance floor? This 80s flick, inspired by true events, dared to answer that question and became one of the most influential movies of the decade! In this small Utah town, the spirit of youth is a whispered song, until the new student from big …

1
S1E11: Intersectional Joy 54:36

27d ago54:36

54:36

In this early spring episode, Will’s joy is his local Gallery Night, a festive celebration of local art and artists. Amber’s joy is cherry blossom season in the Pacific Northwest. This episode's discussion topic is “Intersectionality”, a term that had seen widespread attention and some misunderstanding in recent years. Intersectionality is a framew…

1
#104 - "Jaws 3-D" (1983) with Ben Carpenter & Tyra Williams 1:00:13

28d ago1:00:13

1:00:13

The first "Jaws" movie, directed by a young up-and-comer named Steven Spielberg, is a masterpiece; an incredibly tense, well-made, and well-acted film that created the summer blockbuster as we know it and changed the movie business forever. The first sequel, Jaws 2, can’t reach the heights of the original but it was a respectable enough follow-up. …

1
BONUS - "The Verdict" (1982) with Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast 1:02:13

1M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

This Oscar-nominated 80s flick may sound like just another courtroom drama. Frank Galvin is a washed-up ambulance-chasing attorney battling his demons in Boston. When he takes on a seemingly straightforward medical malpractice case involving a comatose woman, Galvin discovers a labyrinth of corruption and deceit within the legal system. With the od…

1
Episode 238: The Power of Identity in Democracy

1M ago

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In this episode L. Joy welcomes special guest Kat Calvin back to the front of the class. Kat is the founder and executive director of Spread The Vote + Project ID and the cofounder and CEO of the Project ID Action Fund.Kat Calvin is the author of "American Identity Crisis: Notes from an Accidental Activist," where she shares her experience at the f…

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#103 - "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (1988) with Bethany Wells, Chris Adams, and Chad Sheppard 1:02:49

1M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

This 80’s comedy classic is one remake that actually surpassed the original! The plot is simple, two con men with differing styles of grifting make a bet to see who can out-swindle a wealthy heiress on the glamorous French Riviera. From slapstick antics to razor-sharp wit, Steve Martin and Michael Caine deliver a masterclass in comedy as they pull …

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S1E10: Accommodations Help Everyone! With Guest Nicki Vander Meulen 54:34

2M ago54:34

54:34

In this Disability Awareness Month episode, we invite back lawyer Nicki Vander Meulen to talk about the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), especially how other movements, including the Black civil rights movement and the gay rights movement, cooperated to bring about the ADA. Nicki's joy this episode is the Marvel character Rocke…

1
#102 - "License To Drive" (1988) with Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast 1:11:09

2M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

Are you ready for a high-octane adventure through the tumultuous world of teenage rebellion and automotive mayhem? Then jump into the driver’s seat because it's time to rediscover the laughter, hijinks, and teenage romance that made this 80s Flick a beloved cult classic. In the sun-soaked suburbs of California, we meet the lovesick teenager Les And…

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#101 - "Running Scared" (1986) with Gerry D from "Totally Rad Christmas" & Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

The buddy cop action-comedy movie hit its heyday by the end of the 1980s with genre-defining box office winners like "48 Hrs." and "Lethal Weapon." The formula is pretty straightforward - two wise-cracking detectives, who share almost nothing in common, team up and face a barrage of messy violent drama before coming together to fight the bad guys a…

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S1E09: Joy at Every Size: Weight Bias 46:54

3M ago46:54

46:54

Will's joy this episode is "Camp Bingo", a local drag bingo event that fundraises for services for people living with HIV/AIDS, and Amber's joy is after-Valentine's candy sales! This month's episode focuses on weight bias, and Amber and Will discuss terminology for people who occupy bigger bodies, and many ways the world isn't set up for fat people…

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Episode 237: Vengeance Is Not Justice

3M ago

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The death penalty does not deter crime yet 39 states still commit the barbaric practice. Although in recent polls Americans believe the death penalty is applied unfairly, most are still in favor of the practice. To tackle this controversial topic, L. Joy brings Jamila Hodge, the Executive Director of Equal Justice USA, to the front of the class to …

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#100 - 80's Flick Flashback 100th Episode Special 1:01:28

3M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Get ready to test your knowledge about the silver screen sensations of the 1980s! From E.T. phoning home to Indiana Jones cracking his whip, we've got a reel-to-reel rundown of 80s movie trivia as you've never heard before. So grab your popcorn, and cozy up in your favorite recliner or bean bag chair, as eight guest co-hosts join host Tim Williams …

1
154. Wedded Bliss! A 30th anniversary gift: Stravinsky, Dumbarton Oaks 8:08

3M ago8:08

8:08

A cool and funky wedding anniversary present - a 15 minute classic from the most famous composer alive, Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks is stylish, sophisticated and hugely enjoyable! Listening time 23 mins (podcast 8', music 15') Music here, played by the Ensemble InterContemporain conducted by Pierre Boulez, on Youtube, Spotify, and (links to the 1st…

1
Episode 236: Who Is Running the Campaigns?

3M ago

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Managers, consultants, vendors, and field teams oh my! Candidates need staff to run their campaign once they’ve decided to vie for office. But, who are these people? How are they chosen? Where do they come from? Do prominent roles go only to folks L. Joy describes as “the khaki boys?” To break down what it takes to produce a political campaign, L. …

1
#99 - "No Way Out" (1987) with JB Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast 1:09:19

3M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

This rollercoaster ride of espionage and intrigue is like a maze where secrets are hidden, loyalties are deceitful, and nothing is quite what it seems. But this 80s flick isn't just your run-of-the-mill thriller; it's a mind-bending carnival ride of suspense. A Navy officer's clandestine affair takes a treacherous turn when he becomes a pawn in a h…

1
153. Ecstasy, beauty, and ripping the universe open: Messiaen, Vingt regards sur l’enfant Jésus - with Rolf Hind 37:29

3M ago37:29

37:29

Pianist Rolf Hind introduces one of the epics of piano music. A heady mix of virtuoso composing and devout faith, Olivier Messiaen's 20 reflections on the infant Jesus, Vingt regards sur l'infant Jésus, brings us a two-hour deep dive of awesome power and beautiful stillness. Listening time 38 mins (plus music 2hrs 8') Music here on Youtube, played …

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Episode 235: Putting the Public Back In Public Education

4M ago

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The importance of public education can never be overstated. Yet, even with reforms, public education falls short of benefiting the communities they are supposed to serve. What could happen if the public is given more than just a seat at the table, but an active part to play in partnership with educators in creating a promise fulfilling educational …

1
#98 - "Spies Like Us" (1985) with Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast 53:10

4M ago53:10

53:10

Set against the backdrop of heightened Cold War tensions, this 80s flick introduces us to two bumbling government employees unwittingly thrust into the world of international espionage. Tasked with a decoy mission to distract attention from a genuine covert operation, the duo becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies, encounters with KGB agents, a…

1
S1E08: Being Intentional in Diversity Efforts 35:31

4M ago35:31

35:31

In this new year's episode, Will's joy is cozy winter activities, especially his friend group's weekly movie night. Amber's January joy is birthday celebrations, because her family has a lot of birthday celebrations in January. As she does in all things, Amber brings lots of themed, personalized festivity to birthday celebrations! Connecting to new…

1
#97 - "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989) with Bethany Wells (Abbreviated Replay) 55:25

4M ago55:25

55:25

This 80’s flick was meant to be just another chapter in the misadventures of Clark W. Griswold and his family, but it has become one of the most surprisingly popular and most quoted holiday movies of all time. So this Christmas we are returning to Chicago for a special abbreviated version of the episode we recorded in 2021. So dig up your oversized…

1
#96 - "Trading Places" (1983) with Tyra Williams 49:30

5M ago49:30

49:30

This 80’s flick is more than just a vehicle for laughs; it's a biting satire that skewers societal norms and exposes the fault lines of privilege and inequality. Its significance lies in using humor as a Trojan horse for razor-sharp commentary, causing audiences to laugh and reflect on the absurdity of the disparities between the haves and the have…

1
S1E07: Finding the Joy in Cultural Humility, Responsiveness, and Justice 43:07

5M ago43:07

43:07

Amber's joy this month is everything festive, most especially the ever-expanding array of Christmas movies! Will's joy is his friend group's annual "Krampus and Crafts" tradition, where they watch the holiday comedy/horror movie "Krampus" and do a holiday craft project. This episode's discussion focuses on some common terms used in diversity discus…

1
Episode 234: L. Joy Is Talking Trash (and sanitation)

5M ago

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There is the trash we throw away like plastics, styrofoam, cardboard and paper. There is the waste from humans as well as animals and the like. How we manage these things with sanitation, or don’t manage them properly, has effects on the environment, people’s health, and a myriad of other issues. To have this conversation on sanitation, because we …

1
#95 - "The Little Mermaid" (1989) 29:03

5M ago29:03

29:03

This late 80s underwater masterpiece invited moviegoers to revisit the beguiling world beneath the waves, where a spirited mermaid dared to dream of a life beyond the ocean's shimmering horizon. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages, weaving a narrative that transcends its fairy-tale origins. Filled with mem…

1
Episode 233: The Future of Work

5M ago

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Work. We do it, but how do we strike the delicate balance between worker's rights and employer's responsibilities? L. Joy brings London-based researcher and senior lecturer, Dr. Jamie Woodcock to the front of the class to discuss the history of, context around, changes in, and future of work.By L. Joy Williams

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Episode 232: Who Is Documenting The Community Meetings?

5M ago

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In every city, state, and municipality, there are community meetings that are held where the things that affect your everyday life and how your tax dollars are spent, are discussed…and you may not be there! Getting people civically engaged is L. Joy’s reason for creating #SundayCivics so she is bringing Derrick Cain and Julie Christie to the front …

1
#94 - "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987) with Bethany Wells 1:25:02

6M ago1:25:02

1:25:02

This 80s flick is a shining example of teenage adventures and unexpected chaos. This lively comedy about growing up invites us to revisit the wild night that forever changed the lives of a suburban babysitter and her diverse group of charges. The clever dialogue, surprising plot twists, and memorable characters make it a timeless favorite for those…

1
BONUS - An Interview with 80s Actor Keith Coogan ("The Fox and the Hound", "Adventures in Babysitting", "Hiding Out") 36:39

6M ago36:39

36:39

Prepare for an exciting bonus episode featuring a true 80s legend. You might remember him from iconic films like "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987), "Hiding Out" (1987), "Toy Soldiers" (1991), and "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" (1991). He dove deep into the nostalgia, reminiscing about his early 80s TV appearances, sharing behind-the-scenes…

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S1E06: Learning about Trans* and Nonbinary Identities With Guest Sandy Eichel 47:29

6M ago47:29

47:29

For this Trans* Awareness month episode, we bring back special guest Sandy Eichel, who is a transgender nonbinary person themself! We start off addressing notions of tokenism, and specifically discuss the difference between including an underrepresented voice versus tokenizing that person to speak for their whole group. This episode, we share our j…

1
#93 - "Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers" (1989) with Charlie Cotter and Laramy Wells 1:01:13

6M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

Opinions were divided when this 80s horror flick sequel hit theaters, but the franchise demonstrated its unyielding commitment to advancing its storyline. While some fans appreciated the added complexity given to the unstoppable masked killer, others longed for the simplicity that made the original movie a timeless classic.As we witness the return …

1
Episode 230: Daily Devotional For The Children

6M ago

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The coronavirus pandemic taught us many things. The expansion of The Child Tax Credit, SNAP, and stimulus checks etc. brought child poverty, according to the US Census, to a record low of 5.4%. As of 2021 the child poverty rate has skyrocketed to 16.9% with the rollback of that aid. What we can garner from this is child poverty, as L. Joy states, i…

1
Episode 229 Chairman Russell Explains It All

6M ago

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On episode 227, L. Joy took a deep look at diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) but what does it look like out in the real world when applied? Leon Russell, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, joins L. Joy at the front of the class to explain exactly what DEI looks like in practice, engaging young people to ensure they are prepared…

1
Episode 228: Activism in Small Towns

6M ago

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L. Joy gives us tips and tools we can use to upgrade and advance our advocacy on every episode. As you work on the issues, how your message is crafted will differ depending on where you are. On this episode, L. Joy brings Kathleen Stuart to the front of the class to take a deep dive into the power of storytelling and organizing in places that are n…

1
152. An injection of flavour and joy: Nohl, Spices 15:15

6M ago15:15

15:15

Hot off the press! The wonders of modern tech allow us to enjoy Katharina Nohl's rhapsody for piano and orchestra, Spices, before it's even been performed by live musicians! And Katharina joins us to talk us through the recipe. Listening time 33 mins (podcast 15', music 18') The complete music here on Youtube. What do you think? Tell me with a comm…

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#92 - "Friday the 13th: A New Beginning" (1985) with Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" 1:05:59

7M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

This 80s Flick sequel is often remembered as a complete misfire among the wide range of slasher classics. Screenwriter and director Danny Steinmann, whose limited filmography was mainly exploitation films, ventured beyond the well-trodden path of its predecessors, by introducing a narrative twist that left fans both confused and disappointed. But w…

1
Episode 227: Diversity Equity & Inclusion Are Not Dead

7M ago

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L. Joy is very excited to bring Ifeomasinachi Ike back to the front of the class because the conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and the people who invest a lot of their lives to that work is imperative right now. DEI is not a trend. It is necessary to create equity in this society, and this discussion gives us the in…

1
Episode 226: Migrants Are Not “The Villain”

7M ago

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“It’s a crisis!!,” is what we are bombarded with when it comes to migration. But guess what? It is not a crisis and how we discuss migrants and migration should reflect their humanity because they are people too. L. Joy brings noted immigration attorney Allen Orr back to the front of the class to give us the history and context we need around migra…

1
S1E05: Joyful Representation of Interracial Relationships on TV 42:13

7M ago42:13

42:13

For this Halloween episode, Will and Amber are dressed up as Captain Christopher Pike (from "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds") and Lucy Ricardo (from "I Love Lucy"). Bringing us joy this October are Will and Eric Roman's annual "Hallow-Crafts Day" and Amber's traditions of visiting pumpkin patches and going apple-picking! Matching our outfits, we dis…

1
151. An unbeaten 50 of flair and panache! Haydn, Symphony No.50 8:30

7M ago8:30

8:30

Always entertaining the crowds, Haydn brings up his 50 with typical style (before settling down for 50 more symphonies). Not a famous piece but well worth a listen! Listening time 27 mins (podcast 9', music 18') Music here on Youtube, Spotify, Amazon and Apple Musics played by the Swedish Chamber Orchestra conducted by Béla Drahos. You can buy the …

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#91 - "Creepshow" (1982) with Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast 1:07:39

7M ago1:07:39

1:07:39

In 1982, horror aficionados were treated to a ghoulishly delightful cinematic experience with the release of this 80s Flick, a morbid masterpiece directed by George A. Romero and written by the legendary Stephen King. This anthology flick paid loving homage to the golden age of horror comics, delivering a spine-tingling collection of five tales tha…

1
#90 - "The Last Starfighter" (1984) with Chris Adams from "Retro Life 4 You" Podcast 1:12:51

7M ago1:12:51

1:12:51

For a whole generation of video-game-playing kids, this 80s flick represents a special kind of wish-fulfillment: a down-on-his-luck kid becomes a video-game champ, only to find himself recruited to fight in an interplanetary war in another galaxy. Directed by Nick Castle and produced by Gary Adelson, this fan-favorite film has since become a cheris…

1
Episode 225: The History of Our Education

7M ago

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Have you ever looked at the educational system and thought,“how did it get like this?” L. Joy brings Dr. Bettina Love to the front of the class to give us a quick primer on the last 40 years of education reform, the carcerality of education, and how moving forward, repairs of the educational harms should be part of the reparations discussion.…

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S1E04: Better Together: Disability Desegregation in Schools With Guest Nicki Vander Meulen 51:53

8M ago51:53

51:53

With special guest Nicki Vander Meulen, we share our joy about the TV show Star Trek: Lower Decks, back to school, and football season! Nicki is a lawyer focused on disability issues and the first-ever openly autistic person to be elected to a school board in the U.S., and she shares her perspectives on disability desegregation in schools. We argue…

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#89 - "Dead Poets Society" (1989) with Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast & Nicholas Pepin from"Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast 1:30:17

8M ago1:30:17

1:30:17

This 80’s flick explores the complex terrain of friendships, aspirations, and the struggle to find one's own identity outside of the classroom. The story takes place at an all-boys preparatory school in the 1950s, where tradition and conformity are the norm. Mr. Keating's unconventional teaching methods ignite a profound transformation in the lives…

1
Women’s World Cup FINAL of Classical Music: USA v Ireland 2:28

8M ago2:28

2:28

It's the Women’s World Cup of Classical Music! And it's THE FINAL! USA vs Republic of Ireland Complete music here: hthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCXUbmBaA9OoRjafAn_k1zTnHR8cH9qyj Please listen to the music and then: vote here: https://forms.gle/XJoU1Vr3MfWraQL48 Voting open NOW Please share the podcast widely, by telling people you know and …

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#88 - "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (1983) with Chris McMichen 1:11:12

8M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

In the vast cosmos of cinematic history, few stories have resonated as powerfully as the Star Wars saga. This 80’s flick sequel is the third installment of George Lucas's space-faring epic and draws us back into a galaxy far, far away, where the eternal struggle between light and darkness reaches its crescendo. The saga continues with Luke Skywalke…

1
If plankton made music what would it sound like? Norway: Maja S K Ratkje 17:33

8M ago17:33

17:33

Maja S K Ratkje joins Cacophony at the Women's World Cup to explore the fun and joy of writing music and choose pieces by her Norwegian colleagues. But there must be something in the Norwegian water, as there's the same tiny inspiration for several of the composers! The complete pieces on Maja's list can be heard here: https://youtube.com/playlist?…

1
Music from a global melting pot: Brazil / Gabriella di Laccio 26:51

9M ago26:51

26:51

It's Cacophony… at the Women’s Football World Cup! A glorious celebration of music from around the world, all written by women, and chosen specially for Cacophony by leading female musicians. Singer, Gabriella di Laccio is our guide to music by women from Brazil - a melting pot of traditions and cultures that ends up with music that sounds... Brazi…

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#87 - "Ghostbusters II" (1989) with Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast 1:09:55

9M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

Who you gonna call when paranormal chaos once again descends upon New York City? Thanks to this 80s flick sequel, the answer remains the same—Ghostbusters! Taking place five years after the team's first victory over the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and Gozer, the Ghostbusters have fallen out of business and out of favor with the city they fought so ha…

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