Baggage

By The Baggage Podcast

Baggage brings together the personal, reflective storytelling of "This American Life" with the conversational, often humorous vibe of "SmartLess," delivering compelling, raw narratives from people fro... more

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FAQs about Baggage:

How many episodes does Baggage have?

The podcast currently has 64 episodes available.

Baggage episodes:

February 17, 2026 Carry-On: The Battle of Butcha
In this episode, the guys delve into the recent history of the Ukraine war, focusing on the Battle of Buccia, its atrocities, and how it has shaped Ukrainian resolve. They also explore personal narratives from those who have experienced the conflict firsthand, discussing lessons learned about war, human capacity for evil, and the importance of international support.
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
...more
23min
February 03, 2026 Ukrainian Battlefield Medic (Alina Sarnatska; ft. The Leleka Foundation)
In this episode, the guys collaborate with the Leleka Foundation on the four-year anniversary of Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine. Leleka’s Head of Strategic Communications, Iryna Solomko, provides insight on the background and current issues of the conflict. Also on this episode is Alina Sarnatska, a former battlefield medic. She provides a unique insight with personal stories of the heartache, tragedy, and perseverance that defines the reality of the situation in Ukraine.
The Leleka Foundation is an American-Ukrainian charitable partnership dedicated to helping medics in Ukraine save lives on the front lines. Its mission is to help medics in Ukraine save lives on the front lines. The roots of Leleka Foundation trace back to spring of 2014, when Russia launched its initial invasion of Ukraine, illegally annexing Crimea and occupying parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. From a grassroots fundraising effort to a fully operational system, Leleka Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission: to equip Ukraine’s frontline medics with the tools they need to save lives. To support Leleka and its cause, visit their website at Leleka.care to donate.
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
...more
53min
January 20, 2026 Carry-On: Pushing Tin
In this episode, the guys follow up on the recent Air Traffic Controller guest episode by delving into the challenges faced by those in the profession, discussing the complexities of the job, the interplay between the FAA and the union, and the impact of staffing shortages. They explore the unique pressures of the profession, including the demanding work schedules and the difficulty of transferring between facilities. They also speculate on the potential role of AI in air traffic control and the importance of maintaining high safety standards despite the challenges.
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
...more
29min
January 06, 2026 Air Traffic Controller (Kasey)
In this episode, the guys interview Kasey. Until very recently, an air traffic controller. You won’t hear many air traffic controllers being interviewed. And after this episode, you’ll understand why. The guys talk about the difficulties faced by controllers these days; some expected, some not. They also share some interesting and/or funny stories about what happens on the job. Area 51 even gets a mention. Warning, you may not feel like booking a plane trip anytime soon after listening to this one.
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
...more
54min
December 23, 2025 Carry-On: Horses ... The Silent Killer
In this episode, Ryan Conner starts off with shamming Ryan Frank about his abysmal year in their fantasy football league. It’s unnecessary, hurtful, and we will speak no more on the subject. The guys then talk about the implications of recent rulings on abusive head trauma and the ongoing trends in book banning and censorship. As is the case with every Carry-On episode, the guys eventually end up talking about old movies and how they really should deal with the child trauma inflicted on them with their parents’ free-range style vis a vie exposure to age inappropriate movies.
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
...more
45min
December 09, 2025 Librarian (Marian)
In this episode, the guys talk to Marian as she shares her life as a librarian and some of the crazy, creepy things librarians experience. She discusses the evolving role of libraries in society, the challenges they face with funding and political pressures, and the impact of book banning and censorship. She also explores the future of libraries in the age of AI and reflects the community's relationship with libraries, emphasizing their significance as resources for all.
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
...more
1h 2min
November 25, 2025 Carry-On: We Have Opinions!
In this episode, the guys expand on the most recent episode featuring Canine Companions. Ryan gives his opinion on Abusive Head Trauma and its portrayal in the media. That leads to a discussion about felony murder. Ryan, let’s say, takes issue with how it was discussed in a recent episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (S12 E29 · November 9, 2025: Felony Murder).
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
...more
33min
November 11, 2025 Facility Dog Handler (Amber; ft. Canine Companions)
In collaboration with Canine Companions, the guys interview Amber Urban. Amber is a former sex crimes detective with the Arora, Colorado Police Department and currently works as Director of Victim Services and Handler of Courthouse Facility Dog for the Arapahoe District Attorney’s Office. Amber, along with one of Canine Companions’ executive directors, Natalie Nuce, helps explain the vital role of service dogs.
Canine Companions is a nonprofit organization that provides highly trained service dogs free of charge. Amber explains how several of the dogs provided by Canine Companions has been instrumental in various settings, including law enforcement, trauma situations, and the legal system, particularly in cases involving child victims. Amber shares her experiences as a law enforcement officer and the significance of Pella's Law, which allows service dogs to accompany victims in court. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, legal professionals, and the medical community to support victims and improve outcomes in the justice system.
To donate to Canine Companions, or to get more information about receiving a dog, please visit https://canine.org/.
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
...more
1h 8min
October 28, 2025 Carry-On: Jailhouse Rock
The guys follow up on the most recent episode that featured Russ Hamilton, a correctional officer with years of experience and some out there stories. The Ryans and Eric didn’t experience any riots, but they do have a few jail stories of their own. No, not from the inside (although there’s still time). The guys share anecdotes from work and life that hit on the mental health issues and dangerous situations associated with incarceration. The conclusion: jail is not fun. Shocker. Enjoy!
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
...more
32min
October 14, 2025 Correctional Officer (Russ Hamilton)
In this episode, the guys are joined by Russ Hamilton, a former correctional officer with extensive experience in the prison system. Russ shares his journey from starting at San Quentin State Prison to his current role in reentry and rehabilitation work. He discusses the challenges and dangers faced by correctional officers, the complexities of prison dynamics; and shares some wild stories about fights, riots, and ... well, other crazy prison stuff.
You can find Russ's latest book here: Killing Complacency: Tactical Awareness for Correctional Professionals. You can also check out his Substack here. He's also on YouTube where he helps support other correctional officers on TierTalk. For more on the psychology involving corrections, check out Inmate Manipulation Decoded: A Definitive Guide to Understanding the Manipulation Process.
Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).
Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).
Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.
If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
The Dear Jack Foundation
The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship.
Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients.
...more
1h 10min

FAQs about Baggage:

How many episodes does Baggage have?

The podcast currently has 64 episodes available.