Death, Sex & Money

Luke Peterson, a Minnesota farmer-turned-entrepreneur who built a regenerative farm from scratch. Ed Zitron, a tech writer and ex-PR founder who analyzes industry shifts and AI. Sophia Chang, a former music manager turned life coach and mentor for women of color. They discuss timing and safety for pivots. Practical ways to subsidize transitions. Reframing networking as community.

Dr. Zach Stein, developmental psychologist and philosopher of education who studies AI psychological harms, joins to discuss how chatbots can hijack human attachment. Short, punchy segments explore AI-induced changes in language and belief, chatbots fostering intense bonds, and the concept of attachment hacking. The conversation covers risks, subtle relationship erosion, and where helpful chatbot use might still fit.

Ofra Obejas, a retired therapist with 20 years in play therapy, shares her experiment using AI for clinical insight. She recounts an AI moment that named caregiving and burnout patterns. They discuss how chatbots offer immediate reassurance, compete with paid therapy, and can sometimes validate one-sided views in relationships.

Graham Platner, a former U.S. Marine turned oyster farmer and first-time Senate candidate from Maine. He talks about his military service and PTSD. He describes starting a small business in aquaculture. He explains controversies around a tattoo and online comments. He lays out why he left local work to run for higher office and his focus on economic and healthcare priorities.

Helena DeGroote, audio producer and creator of CBC’s Creation Myth, shares a deeply personal story about marriage, an unexpected pregnancy, abortion, and choosing not to have children. She recounts cultural clashes, career sacrifices, relationship unraveling, and the moment clarity forced an irreversible decision. Short, candid conversations explore doubt, autonomy, and how incompatible futures lead to a breakup.

Adam Howard, Colby prof and mentor to student creators, guides teams toward vulnerability and culture change. Chris Machin, senior former lacrosse player, shares coming-out fears and locker-room shifts. They discuss a TikTok that promotes emotional openness, healthy male friendships, and challenging toxic masculinity. Short, candid conversations about mental health, team support, and reshaping sports culture.

Yessi Ortiz, an L.A. radio DJ who became guardian to six nieces and nephews in her mid-20s. She talks about keeping her flirty on-air persona separate from home life. She recounts stepping in during a family crisis, navigating foster court and household logistics, and later finding love, faith, and reconciliation while raising the kids.

George Saunders, acclaimed fiction writer and professor, shares stories from oil-field misadventures to a whirlwind three-week romance that shaped his life. He talks about how female praise in childhood fueled his confidence. Conversations cover balancing technical jobs with writing, Paula’s steady moral influence, and the creation of his new novel Vigil.

Maria Bamford, comedian and memoirist known for candid, intimate comedy, talks about her recent separation, a documentary made about her, and losing her neighborhood to the Altadena wildfires. She describes evacuating with her dogs, insurance and housing headaches, and how crises changed her relationships and material. Short, frank, and occasionally funny reflections on starting over.

Jonathan Goldstein, the creative force behind Heavyweight, engages with 101-year-old Deborah, who recently unearthed letters from her first love, Jerry. Their poignant discussion reveals how these long-buried feelings and beautiful memories reignited Deborah's past romance, forcing her to confront overlooked grief. As they navigate themes of love lost to war, family concerns, and the emotional journey of rediscovery, Deborah’s mission to honor Jerry through his writings becomes a powerful testament to enduring love.