Death, Sex & Money

Christine Brown Woolley, a former sister wife from the reality show Sister Wives, shares her transformative journey from polygamy to monogamy. She discusses her childhood in a polygamist community and the challenges of navigating family dynamics with multiple wives. Christine reflects on how reality TV forced her family to confront issues and reveals her breaking point for leaving. Now happily remarried, she emphasizes the importance of respect and choice in relationships, leaving listeners inspired by her quest for autonomy and love.

Nick Offerman, actor and woodworking enthusiast, discusses his role in the film Sovereign, where he plays an extremist. He explores the complexities of portraying controversial characters and the impact of misinformation on ordinary people. Offerman shares his joy in teaching woodworking skills, emphasizing their importance for community connection. He reflects on the profound influence of poet Wendell Berry on his values and his efforts to balance a media career with agrarian principles through initiatives like the Offerman Woodshop.

Peter van Agtmael, a documentary and war photographer, discusses the emotional toll and ethical complexities of his work, particularly in war zones. He shares how childhood stories inspired him to photograph conflict and reflects on the misconceptions he had about the power of images to enact change. Peter also reveals the impact of losing colleagues on his perspective and speaks candidly about the challenges of documenting both veterans and controversial groups like the KKK. He sheds light on how becoming a parent has reshaped his approach to risk and storytelling.

Brendan Liao, a recent Jeopardy! champion and early-career job seeker, shares his unique experience listing himself as a 'stay-at-home son' and the challenges of job hunting post-graduation. Nitish Pahwa, a business writer, unpacks the structural hurdles in today's job market, highlighting automation's role in recruitment. Melanie Ehrenkranz, a writer focusing on layoffs, discusses the emotional turmoil and financial strain of losing a job and how many reevaluate their relationship with work afterward. Tune in for a blend of personal stories and insightful analysis!

Nick Dothée, a writer and actor who has battled addiction and undergone multiple cosmetic surgeries, shares his poignant journey. He opens up about how these surgeries strained his marriage and forced him to confront deeper emotional issues. Listeners discuss their own beauty interventions, revealing the fine line between self-improvement and vanity. From outrageous surgery expenses to personal recoveries, the conversations touch on self-worth, societal pressures, and the search for acceptance beyond physical appearance.

Megan Greenwell, a journalist and author of 'Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream,' shares her tumultuous experience as editor-in-chief of Deadspin under a private equity takeover. She discusses the unsettling impact of private equity on various sectors, including media and healthcare. Through gripping personal narratives, Megan reveals the hidden exploitation behind corporate profits and raises awareness about the detrimental effects on communities. Her investigation sheds light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding private equity in America.

Jay Duplass, acclaimed filmmaker known for his collaborations with his brother Mark, shares his bold move towards solo projects. He dives into the emotional journey of leaving behind a long partnership, influenced by tricky union rules and Mark's rising career. Jay talks about his new indie rom-com, 'The Baltimoreons,' co-written with comedian Michael Strassner. He also explores the challenges of forging his artistic identity while navigating the industry's evolving landscape, touching on resilience and the complexities of sibling dynamics in filmmaking.

Tamara Yajia, a comedy writer and author of the memoir *Cry for Me Argentina: My Life as a Failed Child Star*, shares her hilariously chaotic upbringing in a loud and crass family. She reflects on navigating the complexities of a sex-positive environment and her experiences growing up in Argentina and the U.S. Tamara discusses parenting strategies today, the trials of being a child performer, and her celebrity encounters that shaped her journey. The blend of humor and heart makes her story both relatable and entertaining.

Heidi Reinberg, a talented documentary filmmaker and producer, shares her poignant experiences of moving and housing instability in Brooklyn. She reflects on her emotional journey of leaving her beloved neighborhood and the grief tied to packing up her life. Heidi discusses her innovative relocation to a Hudson Valley container house, highlighting the role of community and chosen family in her healing process. Her insights reveal how life's transitions can often lead to unexpected resilience and deep connections.

Casey Johnston, author of 'Physical Education' and writer of the Substack newsletter, She's a Beast, shares her inspiring journey from restrictive dieting to the empowering world of weightlifting. She discusses her childhood struggles with body image and societal expectations, and how discovering weightlifting transformed her emotional and physical well-being. Johnston highlights the importance of self-acceptance, the joy of community support, and redefined perceptions of fitness, challenging the constraints of diet culture with a newfound appreciation for strength.