Ever found yourself in a heated debate over who is the true queen of 'American Idol'? We sure did, and it sparked an entire episode where we toss around opinions on Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood's chart-topping careers. From genre-bending tracks to their transition into other entertainment avenues, we unravel how these two powerhouses have shaped their legacies. And let's not forget the fierce debate on whether pop or country reigns supreme in their portfolios, with a dash of nostalgia thrown in for good measure as we reminisce about past 'Idol' tours and the alumni who've left their mark on music.But the conversation doesn't stop at the mic—Sierra joins us for a raw look into the world of sports where we question if women's games should adapt to their athletes' physiques. Could a lower basketball hoop  be the game-changer for women's sports? We're not afraid to tackle the tough questions and sift through the skill gap debate, pondering adjustments that could send the thrill of competition skyrocketing. And when it comes to gender roles, we rip into the complex weave of sports, fashion, and societal expectations, leaving no stone unturned as we discuss everything from dress codes to body positivity.Feeling the disconnect in today's whirlwind world? We wrap up with a heartfelt salute to the bonds forged through online gaming, sharing personal tales of how virtual battles have led to real-world hangouts and stronger friendships. As we share our elation over a friend's return from tour, it's a reminder of the joy found in the simple act of togetherness. So, plug in, turn up the volume, and join us for the lively discussion, laughter, and camaraderie that makes this episode a genuine slice of life.

Have you ever felt a song resonate so deeply that it seems to echo your own life story? Join us as we, along with Sisi and Ava, unwrap the emotional layers of music from artists who masterfully turn life’s rollercoaster into soundwaves. We talk about recent albums that are creating ripples, including Kacey Musgraves' "Deeper Well," Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine," latest work. From production tricks that tug at heartstrings to lyrics that read like our secret diaries, we're sharing the art and craft behind the tunes that are currently ruling our playlists.When an artist's voice matures, it's akin to watching a butterfly emerging from its cocoon—beautiful, inspiring, and a hint at greater things to come. That's why we dissect Ariana Grande's evolving vocal style, alongside the sheer power of artists like Kasey and Lizzie McAlpine, who weave stories that are as compelling as they are melodious. Our guests Sisi and Ava bring fresh perspectives on the intentional restraint in Ariana's post-"Wicked" performances, and we speculate on how her voice could reach the iconic realms of legendary songstresses. Plus, you won't want to miss our candid debate over the craft of songwriting, where we celebrate the uniqueness of each artist's narrative.We're all about basking in the shared experience that music brings, as it connects us through melodies and lyrics that capture the essence of our emotions. As we share anecdotes about the tracks we can't stop replaying and discuss how music preferences evolve with us, you'll find yourself nodding along, maybe even discovering a new favorite or two. Thanks to our vibrant dialogue with Sisi and Ava, you'll leave our conversation with a renewed appreciation for the music that scores our lives. So grab your headphones and prepare for a heartfelt journey into pop culture and the songs that make us feel seen and heard.

Step behind the scenes of sci-fi splendor with Emmy-winning makeup maestro Michael Key, as he recounts his transformative journey from apprentice to artisan on the set of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." His backstage stories reveal the painstaking attention to detail that breathes life into the most memorable extraterrestrial beings. Meanwhile, Michael's reflections on how technical expertise shapes his viewing experience resonate with Makayla, an aspiring cinematographer. Together, they illustrate the fine line between analyzing the craft and surrendering to the story—a balance every film aficionado strives to find.Bask in the warm glow of cinematic nostalgia as we traverse the past and present of movie-watching marvels. From the rekindled magic of "Titanic" lighting up today's theaters to the immersive thrill of "Top Gun: Maverick" in ScreenX, we unpack how advancements in technology can reforge our connection with classic tales. Savor the communal joys of drive-in theaters that once flickered under the stars, and explore the poignant chapters of our cinematic journeys that continue to resonate through the decades.As the curtain falls, we linger on the emotional tapestry woven by the potent combination of visuals and scores, with Hans Zimmer's melodies and the haunting silent command of Darth Vader being but a few examples. These powerful moments underscore the crucial roles of meticulous editing and a resonant soundtrack in the alchemy of film. With heartfelt gratitude, we look forward to the boundless possibilities of future dialogues that celebrate the collective passion and expertise that fuels the enduring allure of film and television storytelling.

This episode of Generation Pop serves as a time capsule of our most significant pop culture experiences. We're sharing the tunes and tales that have shaped our own generational beats, from the top five artists who forged the soundtrack of our lives to the top five movies we can't help but re-watch. We reminisce about the palpable excitement of concert-going and the nostalgia-laden memories of movies that marked our coming of age.These are the stories that reveal how films and music weave into the fabric of our lives. We celebrate the shared joy of those go-to films that feel like home and discuss how we bravely navigate social anxieties to engage with our favorite artists.To round out our inaugural journey, we get candid about our digital habits and the blend of control and guilt they bring into our lives. Lent isn't just a season—it's a metaphor for the self-control we grapple with year-round, extending beyond religious boundaries. Join us as we open the pages of our family's pop culture scrapbook and offer a heartfelt discussion that extends an invitation into our world of generational pop. We're here to share, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear as we traverse the emotional beats of entertainment that grows alongside us.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but how many emojis does it take to say "I love you"? It's a wild ride here at Anscast, and this time we're exploring the twisty canyons of our modern lexicon. From the infiltration of "IRL" and "OG" into our daily banter to the heartfelt pride of parenting wins, we're talking the talk and walking the walk through the maze of communication that stitches our lives together.Ever handed down a solemn vow to quit swearing during adrenaline-pumped gaming, only to let a choice word slip at the heat of the moment? We've all been there, and this episode isn't shying away from the gritty realities of self-improvement, faith, and the occasional f-bomb. Revel in the tales of our children's academic pursuits, the naming of group chats (or the lack thereof), and the laugh-out-loud moments that come from guiding teenagers as diverse and vibrant as a box of crayons through the coloring book of life.Meanwhile, in the tech corner, we're gushing over the latest gizmos like the Apple Vision Pro and pondering the unstoppable march of innovation. It's a trip down memory lane, juxtaposing rotary phones with the magic of augmented reality, and debating the role of AI in our future workplaces. Plus, we've got a mystery on our hands with the case of the indestructible gaming chair that wasn't so indestructible. Buckle up for a journey filled with humor, bewilderment, and the occasional tech-induced head-scratcher that reminds us why keeping up with the times isn't just a hobby—it's an adventure.

Imagine the strength required to rise above a life as a migrant worker, escape an abusive family, and break free from a suffocating tradition. It's a tale of courage and resilience found in our own Angelica, a woman who dared to dream of a better life amidst her struggles. As the one of the youngest of 13 children, born into a family of migrant workers from Guadalajara, Mexico, Angelica's life was far from easy. Yet, even as she faced verbal and physical abuse, she held onto the hope she found in the world depicted in shows like The Brady Bunch and Disney movies.Follow us as we journey through Angelica's life, fraught with harsh realities, yet illuminated by extraordinary moments. We delve into the complexities of her upbringing, her struggle with identity, and the heart-wrenching incident of her sister being sold off. Despite the shadows of her past, Angelica harbored dreams of a better life, and with a bold move, she decided to step away from her family's migrant worker lifestyle.Her story is one of hope, faith, and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit. From narrowly escaping a forced marriage, to finding love in a church, Angelica's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Listen to her remarkable story of escaping the chains of suppression, the challenges of finding a place to call home, and the road to acceptance and love. Tune in and let Angelica's story inspire you to believe in the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit.

Who remembers the thrill of dressing up as your favorite character and walking around your neighborhood, hoping to score the biggest candy bar? Well, in our post-Halloween episode, we take you back to those golden days, sharing our experiences of spooking trick-or-treaters with a Jigsaw outfit, HomePod playing eerie music, and a house lit up like a haunted mansion. But Halloween wasn't without its disappointments, as we saw fewer little monsters knocking on our doors this year. But that's not all we discuss in this episode. We navigate a maze of topics from the seemingly mundane, like the art of microwaving food to the perfect temperature, to trying to engage social media followers through Instagram polls. We also delve into more serious subjects, such as the complexity of adopting foreign exchange students and the unwritten rules of bus stop etiquette. We even consider futuristic ideas like shock collars on school buses to ensure timely drop-offs and cars that don't allow drunk drivers.Before we sign off, we take a moment to discuss the rollercoaster ride of parenting. We share our attempts to teach our children responsibility, especially about car maintenance, and how we try to strike a balance between helping them and fostering independence. We also vent about dealing with meal mishaps and the need to instill financial awareness in our kids. To wrap things up, we share what's bringing us joy and excitement, from an upcoming podcast interview with two sisters who escaped a cult to our future Halloween plans. So buckle up for a ride through the highs, lows, and hilarities of everyday life.

What does it mean to not just survive, but thrive after experiencing extreme hardship and trauma? This is the question we explore with our guest, Adriana, who graciously shares her powerful journey of growing up in a restrictive cult in Portland, Oregon. She opens the door to the stark realities of being raised within the confines of a cult and the lasting impact it had on her life and her family. Adriana’s story will shake you to your core, as she reveals disturbing details about the fear and manipulation tactics employed by the cult, and the deep trauma caused by prolonged abuse.Don't miss out on this touching narrative of overcoming adversity, faith, and resilience.

Ever had a craving for a cold, day-old, crunchy brownie? Or found yourself debating the merits of smooth versus chunky peanut butter? Join me, Drew, and special guest Makayla as we indulge in hilarious and heartfelt conversations about everything from our gaming habits to our favorite food textures, while also diving into the tender moments of life, like moving Sierra out of the house and watching her start a new chapter.In this humorous yet touching episode, we chat about our experiences with living at home, offering tips on saving money and finding happiness in the process. We reminisce about our own times in sports, share our excitement about Drew's son's recent football success, and even discuss the joy of gaining a new family member as Sierra prepares for her wedding. It's a rollercoaster of emotions as we navigate the ups and downs of life – join us for the ride!Whether it's debating the best way to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or sharing emotional stories about our children, we're excited to share our thoughts and experiences with you. So grab your favorite snack (we won't judge if it's a cold, crunchy brownie), and let's explore the sweet and savory moments of life together. Who knows – you might just discover a new favorite food combo or gain some valuable life insights along the way!

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This week Tony makes an apology to Shellee. We talk about love you vs. I love you in a text.  We also talk about Tony’s 50th. Also, what we’re thankful for and looking forward to.

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This was a really fun pod. I worked with Amanda for a couple of years. She's Australian. Which is fun in itself but she has an infectious personality. She has posted on Facebook a moment of happiness and appreciation for 7 years without missing a day. We talked about doing a podcast about happiness because of that. That's a  challenging feat but it helps her focus on the small things when that may be all she has.  We haven't done that pod yet but her mom, Linda and brother Adrian are visiting from Australia. I thought it would be fun to talk to all three of them. It was more than fun. It was insightful & educational. It was a real blast sitting with them. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

This episode is a little different. It's not one through story like the others. I started a new series from a game called, "Where Should We Begin?" by Esther Perel. She’s an amazing therapist and podcast host of the same name as her game. We only got through two questions but they filled an hour. Brit and I will mostly likely continue this conversation over other episodes as she discovers who she is and overcoming the fear of being known. Enjoy.

This is an interesting episode. We talk about the  food for a bit. We also talk call of the void, physically feeling past traumas. We also touch on altered minds. And the fear Tony has about being altered. Enjoy!

Hey!! We're still here causing trouble. Mak jumps in with us early on to fact check something for us and stays for the rest of the pod. It was a fun convo about allll kinds of things. Enjoy. Parental advisory.

Riley is a long time family friend. She's really family. She talks about early childhood anxiety and horrendous nightmares she battled growing up. Later, she shares about the loss of her dad. She's survived and persevered  through a lot. She concludes with some good advice for those going through it.

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