Death, Sex & Money

Miranda July, a celebrated author and filmmaker, discusses her recent New York Times bestseller, which explores the often-ignored topic of perimenopause. She shares her personal journey through this transformative phase, addressing the emotional and cognitive challenges women face. Miranda emphasizes the need for open conversations about menopause and the cultural stigma surrounding it. The episode also features listener experiences, highlighting the importance of representation and the shifting perceptions of aging women in society.

Angela, a former debt collector with 15 years in the industry, shares her journey from collector to debtor after being banned for unethical practices. She reflects on the surprising realization that people struggle to pay their bills and the emotional toll of the job. Angela discusses the irony of now receiving calls from collectors herself and critiques their approaches. With a newfound perspective, she emphasizes the complexity of financial struggles and her aspirations for overcoming debt while navigating the moral dilemmas that plagued her former career.

Join Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis as he reflects on his remarkable journey, including competing in the high-pressure 1988 Olympics after a severe accident and revealing his HIV status. He shares insights on resilience, mental preparation, and the emotional challenges faced by young athletes. Greg also discusses the importance of mentorship, visualization techniques, and how his experiences have shaped his life beyond diving, including his love for dog training. His story is one of triumph and unwavering determination.

Guest James T. Morrison shares his battle with substance use disorder, housing instability, and the criminal justice system. He discusses humane drug policies, changing societal perceptions of drug use, and the need for a shift in how we address addiction. The episode also touches on mental health struggles, interventions for addiction, and personal journeys of recovery and resilience.

Mayor London Breed, facing a tough reelection campaign, discusses San Francisco's drug crisis and measures taken. She reflects on her childhood surrounded by addiction and poverty, navigating caregiving challenges, and addressing governance issues. Breed highlights her approach to leadership and her efforts to support the community.

Author Carvell Wallace discusses childhood trauma, sex, and consent in his memoir. He shares experiences from a sex party and reflects on Shakespeare's impact on his life.

Elle McAlpine, intimacy coordinator for projects like Baby Reindeer, discusses choreographing orgasms and navigating workplace dynamics. The role of intimacy coordinators post #MeToo, setting boundaries in filmmaking, and their importance in ensuring actor safety are explored.

Psychoanalyst Dr. Orna Guralnik and tech journalist Kara Swisher discuss the art of connecting with people and encouraging openness in interviews. They delve into therapeutic listening, navigating power dynamics in couples therapy, and personal resilience when confronting influential figures. The conversation also touches on preparing patients for therapy sessions, interactions with tech moguls, reflections on death and career choices, and the importance of maintaining personal and professional boundaries.

Filmmaker Mark Duplass opens up about managing depression and finding fulfillment beyond success. He talks about his creative partnership with his brother, money matters, and navigating midlife challenges. The podcast delves into his Hollywood journey, mental health struggles, and reflections on parenting and creativity.

In this podcast, Christopher Zara opens up about his struggles with shy bladder syndrome, linking it to class anxiety. The episode explores how this condition has disrupted his life and his journey towards improvement. The discussion sheds light on the challenges of overcoming paruresis and the connection between anxiety and personal experiences.