This smells like....a cult? This week, we discuss religious cults, and whether or not MAGA qualifies as a cult. On the way, we talk about bikini coffee places, Saturday's Warrior, and how to deprogram someone on the cheap.

Steven Hassan's BITE Model

Solution to Our Political Cults | Public Square Magazine

Explaining the Trump loyalty cult phenomenon

Saturday's Warrior

Does it matter how much Democrats and Republicans hate each other? Yes, it does- David Andreatta

Carnegie Endowment for Political peace- Polarization

A listener asks: when should I stop trying to save everyone? Is it OK to look for friends that have also tried to improve themselves? And the sisters ask, where did that bottle of peppermint schnapps go, is it under the bathroom sink?

Look out, Virginia's reading a book about Socrates. Let's talk about it. Why are we so stubborn about schedules? Why were Summers longer when you were little? What is Cher's life philosophy? What were Joseph Smith's last words? Find out now!

References:

Open Socrates- Agnes Callard

Freeing Your Child From Anxiety-⁠Tamar Chansky, PhD⁠

Incredible comedian, podcaster, and record producer Brandie Posey joins us to discuss her experiences with aphantasia, and how it has shaped her creativity and life. Virginia also explains where left handed people come from.

Brandie Posey is part of the stunning Lady To Lady podcast, she is a touring national headliner, and she manages her own record label, Burn This Records.

Laura Ryan is a licensed marriage and family therapist, she has a beautiful singing voice, and tried out for The Voice once but they didn't take her which is , frankly, their loss.

Virginia Jones has appeared on Portlandia, at the San Francisco Sketchfest, and in the hearts and minds of little children everywhere.

References:

What is the relationship between Aphantasia, Synaesthesia and Autism? CJ Dance

I can’t picture things in my mind. I didn’t realize that was unusual: Shayla Love

AUTISM AND APHANTASIA: A SHARED NEUROLOGICAL THREAD? Capstone Mental Health

Frequent and beloved contributor Wells suggests this week's topic, workaholism, which we take as a good reason to swap Dad stories and stuff we learned from bad bosses. Also, don't be a workaholic, it's probably the dumbest kind of aholic.

References:

FORBES: 7 signs you may be a workaholic- Amy Morin

About Schmidt

This week, Virginia and Laura respond to listener Zach's question about divorce, and on the way they discuss Debra DiGiovanni's new album, Honorable Intentions, wasp stings, and why divorce is dangerous for your health!

REFERENCES:

Facts About Divorce in America 2024: Terry & Roberts Law

The Real Long-Term Physical and Mental Health Effects of Divorce- Ann Gold Buscho Ph.D.

Gender Differences in the Consequences of Divorce: A Study of Multiple Outcomes-Thomas Leopold

Knowing This One Thing Helped Me Recover Faster from My Divorce-Carol Madden

Laura and Virginia take turns crying, comforting each other, and talking about their favorite dead people, and how to get through losing people you love.

This week, we discuss fame, that elusive and desirable mover of men- why you should, or shouldn't, follow your dreams.

References:

Why Some Dreams Should Not Be Pursued: Mark Manson

The Problem with “Follow Your Dreams”Is this self-help classic really that helpful? : Melissa Kirk

US Weekly: Celebs’ Career Backup Plans

People: 15 Celebs Back Up Career If They Were Not Famous

The Chive: Celebs that had some interesting backup careers before fame

6 Reasons Pursuing Your Dreams Is The Only Thing Worth Doing

53 Celebrities You Forgot Were ‘Nepo Babies’ From Famous Families: Kristyn Burtt, Delilah Gray