Best We Interrupt This Program Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Stop Imposter Syndrome from Silencing Your Voice 22:13

5d ago22:13

22:13

In this episode, Brett breaks down the real experience of imposter syndrome and why it shows up in moments when your voice matters most. Instead of treating it like a flaw, he explains how to recognize the internal “break” that stops you from speaking up and how to work with it in a mindful, practical way. You’ll hear how context, culture, past exp…

1
From Victorian Party Tricks To Disco To Derby: How Roller Rinks Shaped Gen X 1:12:28

15d ago1:12:28

1:12:28

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! A dark afternoon, a good cider, and one glittering memory: the roller rink. We follow that spark into a full ride through roller skating’s wild history and why it mattered so much to Gen X. From a violin-playing inventor crashing into a mirror to James Plimpton’s quad revolution, we connect the dots between Victori…

1
How to become Undeniable 27:49

19d ago27:49

27:49

What if the secret to becoming truly powerful isn't about achieving more, but about connecting to who you authentically are? As a mindful communications coach, I've observed countless professionals chasing external validation, only to find themselves feeling empty despite their accomplishments. This episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast challenges e…

1
How to Get a Word in When Someone Won't Stop Talking 13:34

29d ago13:34

13:34

We've all been there: feeling "trapped in a conversation" with someone who just won't stop talking. It's not a conversation; it's a monologue. You feel invisible, "crowded out," and ignored, and it can feel "really crappy". In this episode, host Brett Hill offers a mindful approach that starts with the inner work. Before you interject, you must fir…

1
GenX Slumber Party Movie Night: They Moved The Headstones, Karen, But Not The Goo Hole 1:15:17

29d ago1:15:17

1:15:17

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! TV static used to mean the world went quiet. We start there—two Gen X hosts trading dog stories and daylight saving brain fog—then pivot hard into Poltergeist, the 1982 suburban haunt that turned a living room ritual into a gateway for the uncanny. If you remember falling asleep to the national anthem and waking to…

1
How to Find the Diamonds at Your Feet 18:07

1M ago18:07

18:07

In a world full of stress, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by circumstances we can't control. We get lost in our heads, and our day gets "trashed" by frustration, even if it's justified. But what if there was a simple, direct way within our power to create a better experience, in small but meaningful ways? This episode is an invitation to discover a …

1
A Gen X After School Special: The Halloween Candy Panic of the 70s & 80s 47:30

1M ago47:30

47:30

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! This episode was recorded remotely and there are changes in sound quality. We will be back in our usual digs next time! Megan and Lesley unpack the “poisoned candy” panic of the 70s & 80s , track its roots in one tragic crime and the Tylenol tampering case, and explore how fear reshaped Halloween traditions. We tra…

1
How to Stop Saying Things You Regret 19:19

1M ago19:19

19:19

We've all been "triggered"—that moment in a conversation when an emotional bomb goes off, and we say something unplanned, unscripted, and forceful that we later regret. The result is the painful "cleanup on aisle three": the relationship repair work that follows an automatic, defensive reaction we didn't mean. In this episode, host Brett Hill share…

1
What to Do When People Interrupt You 16:21

2M ago16:21

16:21

Being interrupted is more than just rude—it's a frustrating experience that can leave you feeling dismissed and invisible. In our fast-paced world, conversations can often feel like a battle for airtime. So what do you do when you're cut off mid-sentence? In this episode, host Brett Hill provides a powerful and practical guide to mindfully handling…

1
We Interrupt This Program: The Challenger Disaster 58:45

2M ago58:45

58:45

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! A caregiver makes a hard call, the internet sharpens its knives, and an entire generation remembers the day a teacher aimed to teach from orbit. We kick off with real talk about Emma Heming Willis, the relentless scrutiny women face around caregiving, and why “do everything alone” is a dangerous myth. From online b…

1
Hidden Influence: The AI Warning You Haven't Heard 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

Artificial Intelligence is the most disruptive technology of our time. It's both overhyped and incredibly powerful, but its greatest danger may not be what you think. It's not just that AI can be spectacularly wrong—it's the surprising way we relate to it. In this episode, host Brett Hill shares a personal story of being fooled by AI-generated rese…

1
We Interrupt This Program: The Regan Assassination Attempt 51:58

2M ago51:58

51:58

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Welcome back! On "Who Died This Week?" Megan and Lesley talk about the ever so talented and foxy, Robert Redford (1936-2025) (though we have a terrible time remembering his filmography). In this latest episode Megan asks, "Where were you when Reagan was shot?" For many Gen X kids, the 1981 assassination attempt mar…

1
Devil's Playground: The Satanic Panic and Its Gen X Legacy 52:04

3M ago52:04

52:04

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when your Dungeons & Dragons dice might summon demons and heavy metal albums contained secret Satanic messages? If you grew up in the 1980s, you lived through one of America's strangest cultural moments – the Satanic Panic. We're taking a deep dive into this bizarre phenomenon that had parents checking und…

1
A Gen X After School Special: Grab your Garanimals & Lunch Boxes! It's Labor Day Weekend! 42:43

3M ago42:43

42:43

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when summer vacation actually lasted until Labor Day? When your biggest back-to-school worry wasn't active shooter drills but whether your Trapper Keeper matched your folders? We're diving deep into the nostalgia of Gen X school experiences this week as we honor the passing of Loni Anderson and reflect on …

1
What to Do when You're Insulted 20:36

3M ago20:36

20:36

Have you ever been caught off guard by a hurtful comment or an unexpected insult? As a mindful communications coach, I've observed how these moments can trigger automatic reactions that often escalate conflicts. In this episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, we explore a powerful approach to handling difficult interactions and maintaining your compo…

1
Stop Stealing the Spotlight - The Art of Going Deeper. 10:50

4M ago10:50

10:50

When a friend or colleague shares something vulnerable, our immediate instinct is often to say, "I know exactly how you feel..." and share a similar story. While well-intentioned, this "me too" response can unintentionally steal the spotlight, shifting the focus away from the person who needs support. In this episode, host Brett Hill breaks down th…

1
Tupperware Dreams and Vitamin Schemes 1:01:33

4M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember that moment when your neighbor invited you over for "just wine and apps with the girls," only to ambush you with a sales pitch for overpriced leggings or miracle vitamins? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural phenomenon of multi-level marketing schemes that targeted Gen X women…

1
Finding Connection in a Simple Hello 12:59

4M ago12:59

12:59

How many times a day do we say "Hi, how are you?" This simple greeting is so common that we reply on autopilot. Not really saying what's true. It's "normal" and expected. But because it's so common, there is an opportunity here to do something different - and turn this into a profound tool for creating genuine connection in the first three seconds …

1
Go for the Bronze 13:13

4M ago13:13

13:13

Our culture tells a relentless story: to succeed, you must be a superhero. You have to be the champion, the conqueror standing alone at the top of the hill, no matter the cost. But what is the true cost of this superhuman achievement mentality? For two-thirds of workers, it's burnout, shame, and the crushing weight of feeling like you are never eno…

1
When Heroes Fall: Childhood Icons Gone Bad 1:05:28

4M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! What happens when the stars who shaped our childhoods turn out to be deeply flawed, problematic, or even criminal? Megan and Lesley dive deep into the emotional complexity of reconciling nostalgic memories with disturbing revelations about our once-beloved celebrities. Fresh from their summer break, they tackle thi…

1
The Unexpected Cost of Silence 12:57

4M ago12:57

12:57

Have you ever been in a meeting you were invited to, but felt more like an uninvited guest? Many professionals adopt a "wait and see" approach, staying quiet until they feel comfortable. They believe their silence is neutral, but the truth is, it's having a tremendous impact. In this episode, host Brett Hill reveals the powerful lesson he learned t…

1
The Body Knows: From Martial arts to Mindful Leadership 25:19

5M ago25:19

25:19

What if your greatest professional asset isn't your intellect, but a hidden intelligence you carry with you every moment? We often hear about the "mind-body connection," but what does it mean to truly live it? In this episode, host Brett shares the powerful and vulnerable personal stories that revealed the profound wisdom of the body. He recounts h…

1
Wet Hot Summer Soaps REWIND! We will see you in August! 41:47

5M ago41:47

41:47

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Enjoy this episode from last summer while we get our shit together and take some vacations! We take a nostalgic dive into the world of soap operas and their impact on Gen X women's lives, exploring both daytime dramas and primetime sensations that dominated television from the 1970s through the 1990s. • Daytime soa…

1
When the Mind Is Still, the Heart Does the Work 24:51

5M ago24:51

24:51

In this episode, Brett reflects on what may be the most important quality we can bring into our relationships — loving presence. Drawing from his own journey and the teachings of Ron Kurtz, founder of the Hakomi Method, Brett explores how presence isn’t something we perform, but something we allow. You’ll hear stories and insights about how this su…

1
We're Taking a Breather While the World Burns (But We'll Be Back) 4:45

5M ago4:45

4:45

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Need a summer laugh while we take a quick breather? Lesley's holding down the fort this week as Megan vacations with the mouse at Disney, and she's got some hot recommendations from our back catalog to keep you entertained. The summer heat is no match for perimenopausal hot flashes, and Lesley candidly admits she's…

1
Surviving the Messy 70s and 80s - A Gen X Reality Check 1:05:51

6M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when your parents smoked in the car with the windows up? When teachers could paddle students in front of the class? When asbestos was in our schools and lead was in our paint? Megan and Lesley strip away the nostalgia to examine the genuinely problematic aspects of growing up in the 70s and 80s that shaped…

1
Why You Are So Tired of Small Talk 48:18

6M ago48:18

48:18

Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions, tired of superficial interactions and recurring conflicts? Do you yearn for deeper, more authentic connections but feel like you're swimming upstream against a culture of noise and distraction? You're not alone, and it's not a personal failing. In this solo episode, host and mindful somat…

1
Tucker & Dale review pt 2: college kids 30:17

6M ago30:17

30:17

Ebony Williams and Vern Cooper delve into the film 'Tucker and Dale vs Evil', exploring its unique blend of horror and comedy. They discuss character dynamics, the role of miscommunication, and the subversion of traditional horror tropes, particularly regarding race and class. The conversation highlights how the film uses humor to address serious s…

1
School's Out for Summer (We Had Three Months Off and Nobody Died) 51:41

6M ago51:41

51:41

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when summer lasted forever? Megan and Lesley take you back to those glorious days when school let out on Memorial Day and didn't resume until after Labor Day—a true three-month break that today's kids can only dream about. The hosts share their wildly different summer experiences, from Megan's structured d…

1
Tucker & Dale vs Evil Review: Part 1 31:54

6M ago31:54

31:54

Summary Ebony and Vern explore the film 'Tucker and Dale vs. Evil,' discussing its unique blend of comedy and horror, character dynamics, and the themes of miscommunication, identity, and perception. They delve into how the film plays with horror tropes, the significance of costuming, and the impact of prejudice and stereotypes. The discussion high…

1
Decoding "Sinners", pt 2. 29:50

6M ago29:50

29:50

Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners,' exploring its themes of colonialism, spirituality, and the cultural significance of music. They discuss the characters' coping mechanisms, the film's moral complexities, and the impact of historical context on contemporary narratives. The dialogue highlights the importance of cultural ap…

1
Letting the World Come to You - A New Approach to Improving Your Life 22:09

6M ago22:09

22:09

How can we find peace and fulfillment in a world obsessed with achievement? As a mindful communications coach, I've witnessed countless individuals caught in the relentless pursuit of success, never feeling quite "enough." This episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast challenges the notion that constant striving is the path to happiness. Breaking Free …

1
The Last of Us s2 Finale: Wherever you go, there you are 51:50

6M ago51:50

51:50

Vern and Ebony delve into the season finale of The Last of Us, exploring character dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of Ellie's actions. They discuss themes of parenthood, community, and the cyclical nature of violence, while reflecting on the emotional weight of the narrative and its implications for future seasons. Takeaways The fina…

1
Decoding "Sinners": A Deep Dive into Ryan Coogler's Latest Film (Part 1) 31:56

7M ago31:56

31:56

Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners' directed by Ryan Coogler, exploring its themes of representation, music, colonialism, and identity. They discuss the significance of the Great Migration, the portrayal of monsters as metaphors for societal issues, and the concept of 'sinners' as a reflection of ideological control. The di…

1
GenX - No Retirement, No Supervision, No Ponies 48:57

7M ago48:57

48:57

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when a birthday party meant friends, pizza, and a Mylar balloon that floated in your house for months? When financial advice was more reassuring than "we just don't know"? When the sound of race cars echoed through an entire city on Memorial Day weekend? In this episode, Megan and Lesley dive into the uniq…

1
TLOU2e6: Manful Tears of Pedro Pascal (appreciative) 46:26

7M ago46:26

46:26

Vern and Ebony delve into the emotional complexities of the characters in 'The Last of Us', particularly focusing on Joel and Ellie's relationship. They explore themes of generational trauma, the significance of birthdays, and the challenges of parenting in a post-apocalyptic world. The conversation highlights the characters' growth, the impact of …

1
The Practice of Presence 30:05

7M ago30:05

30:05

Have you ever wished you could instantly enhance your presence in any conversation or meeting? As a mindful communications coach, I've spent years refining techniques to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and connection. In this episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, I share a powerful yet simple practice that can dramatically shift your interact…

1
TLOU2e5: What will Ellie choose and where the F*ck is Shimmer 54:16

7M ago54:16

54:16

In this episode review of 'The Last of Us', hosts Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the intricate character relationships, emotional stakes, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. They explore the tension between Ellie and Dina, the impact of trauma on their lives, and the choices that lead to consequences. The discussion also highligh…

1
The White Iron Barb 3: The Barbenclaw 48:23

7M ago48:23

48:23

Vern and Ebony reflect on their previous discussions about films, particularly focusing on 'Barbie' and 'Iron Claw.' They explore themes of masculinity, patriarchy, and representation in media, discussing how these films critique societal norms. The conversation delves into personal reflections on identity and the impact of media on their lives, as…

1
Is Kermit a Zaddy? Could Kurt Loder be my Dad? Who's old? Not us! 51:44

7M ago51:44

51:44

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Megan and Lesley dive into the surprising disconnect between celebrity ages and our mental images of them, sparked by discovering Kurt Loder recently turned 80 years old. • Lesley shares her harrowing experience with a stomach virus that left her with a "puke baby" • Discussion of the new American Pope Leo XIV, his…

1
TLOU2e4: Ebony is Psychic!! 51:49

7M ago51:49

51:49

In this episode of 'We Interrupt This Program,' hosts Ebony and Vern delve into the latest episode of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of psychic predictions, character dynamics, horror elements, childhood development, and the complexities of relationships. They analyze the technical aspects of filmmaking, the emotional depth of the characters, a…

1
TLOU2e3: The Who What When Wherewolves of Seattle 53:52

7M ago53:52

53:52

Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the themes of The Last of Us Season Two, exploring the significance of representation, the impact of grief and loss, and the complexities of character relationships. They discuss the polarized reactions from fans, the importance of community and leadership, and the ongoing exploration of morality and agency…

1
The Anxiety of What's Not Happening 29:01

7M ago29:01

29:01

Have you ever found yourself feeling miserable about things that aren't even happening? As a mindful communications coach, I've encountered countless individuals who struggle with this peculiar form of unhappiness. In this episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, we explore the powerful impact of our thoughts on our well-being and discover how to shif…

1
The White Iron Barb: Remember Barbie? Feel old yet? We do! 45:34

7M ago45:34

45:34

Vern and Ebony delve into the themes and cultural implications of the Barbie movie. They explore its campy elements, the portrayal of masculinity and patriarchy, representation and tokenism, emotional depth, and the intersectionality highlighted in America Ferrera's speech. The discussion also touches on class representation through the character o…

1
Friday Night Was for More than Videos! 52:35

8M ago52:35

52:35

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! Remember when Friday nights didn't require checking your phone every five minutes? When plans were made in person at school and then you just showed up somewhere? Megan and Lesley take us back to their teenage weekend rituals in the 1980s and early '90s, and the nostalgia hits like a caffeine rush from those bottom…

1
WItP: The Last of Us is back! s2e1 review 1:02:47

8M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

In this conversation, Vern and Ebony discuss the premiere of Season Two of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of storytelling, character development, violence, moral relativism, and the impact of trauma. They reflect on the dynamics between characters, the introduction of new threats, and the significance of queerness and therapy in the narrative. …

1
TLOU2 Episode 2: Abby the Vengeful 58:16

8M ago58:16

58:16

In this conversation, Ebony Williams and Vern discuss the emotional impact of Season Two of The Last of Us, focusing on character development, themes of violence, grief, and the importance of community. They explore the complexities of forgiveness and the evolution of Ellie as a character, while also reflecting on the performances of Pedro Pascal a…

1
From The Vault: TLOU Intervention 56:21

8M ago56:21

56:21

Unpublished ep from a year ago. Proof that we never stopped raving about The Last Of Us! And just in time for our regular review eps. Subscribe for Thursday's S2E1 review!By We Interrupt This Program

1
Empathy as a Strength for Men 50:16

8M ago50:16

50:16

As a mindful, somatic coach and trainer, I've witnessed the profound impact that effective communication can have on our lives. In this episode, I explore the often-overlooked topic of men's struggle with sensitivity and empathy in a world that often discourages these traits. The Challenge of Male Sensitivity I share a personal story from my youth …

1
We Were Promised Robot Maids and Underwater Cities, But All We Got Was This Lousy Smartphone 1:02:23

8M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Want to weigh in? Send us a text! We reflect on what we thought the future would be like when we were kids, compared to the reality of our current world. • Tribute to Val Kilmer, discussing his iconic roles from Real Genius to Tombstone • Expectations vs reality of technology—where are our flying cars and robot maids? • Childhood predictions about …

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