Good Listen with Joe Pardavila

By Joe PardavilaSociety & Culture

Good Listen with Joe Pardavila episodes

December 05, 2024 Beth Sparksfire: Redefining Sex Positivity, Community, and Resilience
In the season finale of Good Listen, I sit down with Beth Sparksfire, the cofounder of the Hacienda, a sex-positive community in Bushwick, Brooklyn, that has been redefining connection and pleasure for over a decade. Beth takes me through her incredible journey—from moving to New York, meeting her polyamorous partner at a life-changing barbecue, and building a thriving community known for its unforgettable parties and workshops.
For the first time, Beth addresses the New York Times article from earlier this year that scrutinized the Hacienda. She speaks openly about the challenges it brought, the misconceptions it spread, and how she is using the experience to strengthen the community and its commitment to safety and inclusivity.
We explore the evolution of sex-positive culture, the delicate balance of running a community rooted in openness, and how Beth manages to juggle it all—cofounding a nightclub, hosting events, and raising two young kids in New York City.
This conversation is raw, thought-provoking, and eye-opening. Whether you’re curious about sex positivity or just love a great story, you won’t want to miss it! #SexPositivity
43 min
November 27, 2024 Inside Taylor Miller’s World: How She Balances News, Social Media & Entrepreneurship
Taylor Miller joins me on the show this week. Taylor is a young TV reporter in Charleston, South Carolina, and I was curious about what drives Gen Z into traditional media.
Taylor's ambition impressed me; in her early 20s, she's already co-executive producer of her show and runs a side business in social media management. We discussed the challenges of being a young woman in media and how she uses skepticism as motivation to prove herself. Her passion for storytelling and gratitude for her role in the community were genuinely touching.
Our conversation left me optimistic about the future of journalism, seeing how dedicated young professionals like Taylor are to connecting with their audience and sharing important stories.
41 min
November 21, 2024 Time Management Secrets: Oliver Burkeman on Busyness, Distraction, and Living Intentionally
I sit down with Oliver Burkeman, the British author of "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" and "Meditations for Mortals", to discuss our dysfunctional relationship with time and busyness. We explore why everyone seems so busy these days, the pitfalls of saying "no" to everything, and Oliver's journey to becoming a personal development writer. Oliver shares insights on why we struggle with time management, the dangers of distraction in the digital age, and how his new book aims to help people take meaningful action in their daily lives. We delve into topics like finding stillness, the Rule of St. Benedict's flexible approach to habits, and why "squeezing things in" is often counterproductive. Oliver offers a refreshing perspective on embracing our limitations as humans and focusing on what truly matters, rather than trying to do it all. Our talk is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to improve their relationship with time and live more intentionally.
38 min
November 14, 2024 This is the story of Jamie Aderski, Improv, Motherhood, and a Creator of Viral Videos
This week I've got Jamie Aderski, a talented actor, writer, and comedian whose journey in the entertainment industry has been filled with unexpected twists and turns. Jamie opens up about her early dreams of Broadway stardom and her experiences in a girl band, including a development deal with Epic Records. We dive into her transition to acting and comedy in New York City, discussing the challenges she faced in the industry, particularly as a woman. Jamie shares her candid insights about finding her comedic voice through improv and character work at The People's Improv Theater. We also focus on Jamie's recent success on TikTok. As a 45-year-old mother of two, she speaks about how social media has unexpectedly reignited her creative spark and provided a new outlet for her comedy. Jamie offers a refreshing perspective on aging in the entertainment industry and the importance of perseverance. Throughout our chat, Jamie's humor, resilience, and authenticity shine through, making for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation about the evolving landscape of comedy and content creation.
51 min
November 07, 2024 Vanessa M. Reiser's Journey from Narcissistic Abuse Survivor to Expert & Advocate
I sit down with Vanessa M. Reiser, a licensed therapist, narcissism expert, and author of "Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist's Guide to Identifying, Escaping, and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People."
We dive deep into the world of narcissism, exploring its clinical definition and the red flags to watch out for in relationships. Vanessa shares her personal experience with narcissistic abuse and explains why she made it her life's work to help others. We discuss the challenges of co-parenting with a narcissist and the impact of narcissism in the judicial system.
Vanessa also offers valuable insights on how to protect oneself from narcissistic abuse and the importance of maintaining autonomy. This eye-opening conversation sheds light on a pervasive issue affecting many relationships and provides practical advice for those dealing with narcissistic individuals in their lives.
39 min
October 30, 2024 Mike Houston’s Path of Passion & Perseverance: From 9-to-5 Job to 'Orange is the New Black'
Mike Houston joins me on Good Listen, and let me tell you, it was a blast. Mike's story is pretty wild – from growing up in Colorado to making it big in the Big Apple. Get this: he wasn't always gunning for the spotlight. After college, he was working a regular 9-to-5 gig in Boston, but everything changed with one phone call from his mom. Along the way, he lucked out with some amazing mentors, including this acting teacher who really helped him level up his game. Of course, we had to talk about his breakout role on Orange is the New Black. Mike shared what it was like joining a show that was already a big deal, and how its gritty, real-deal storytelling struck a chord with so many people. Oh, and here's some juicy news for you – he's got some exciting stuff coming up, including roles in the Joker sequel and this new Kevin Costner western called Horizon. Throughout our chat, it was clear that Mike's success didn't come out of nowhere. It's all about passion, sticking with it, and having awesome people in your corner. His story just goes to show that following your dreams, even if the path is a little wonky, can totally pay off.
1 hr 6 min
October 24, 2024 Unlock Your Inner Strength: Mia Magik on Spirituality, Self-Healing, and Empowerment
In the latest episode of Good Listen, I sit down with intuitive advisor Mia Magik, whose viral TikTok Sacred Rage Ritual has resonated with many. We dive deep into her philosophy on spirituality, the powerful connection between nature and our own energy, and the significance of recognizing personal blocks. Mia shares how her bestselling book, IntuWitchin, teaches people to trust their inner guidance systems and reconnect with their spiritual abilities. We discuss the declining participation in organized religion and the rise of personal spirituality, and how Mia helps people heal through her retreats and online programs. This episode is an inspiring exploration of self-empowerment, healing, and the freedom found in creating your own spiritual path.
1 hr 7 min
October 17, 2024 Teaching Truth in Turbulent Times: A Conversation with America’s Government Teacher Sharon McMahon
Today I’ve got Sharon McMahon who’s known as “America’s Government Teacher.” Sharon shares how she became a leading voice in civic education during a time of fake news and political uncertainty. We talk about the alarming decline in U.S. history and civics proficiency and explore the systemic issues behind it. Sharon also offers her perspective on how media, history, and politics have evolved, along with the challenges of navigating today’s information overload. Tune in for a talk that cuts through the noise and brings clarity to the complexities of government and history.
1 hr 1 min
October 10, 2024 Robby Foley's 24-Hour Races, Champagne Showers, and Neck Exercises
Ever wonder what it's like to race cars for a living? In this episode, I chat with Robby Foley, a pro driver from New Jersey who's living the dream. We talk about how he went from tinkering with cars as a kid to zooming around tracks at 200 mph for BMW. Robby spills the beans on the wild world of endurance racing, including the weird neck exercises and champagne-spraying skills you need to succeed. We also dig into the challenges of the job, like staying focused for 24-hour races and dealing with G-forces that make your head feel like it weighs a ton. Whether you're a gearhead or just curious about life in the fast lane, Robby's story is a fun ride from start to finish.

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40 min
October 03, 2024 Bible Belt to Big Apple: Mattie Jo Cowsert's Journey Through God, Sex, and Rich People
I talk to actress, blogger, and babysitter Mattie Jo Cowsert about her new book "God, Sex, and Rich People: A Recovering Evangelical Testimony." We dive into Mattie Jo's wild ride from growing up in a super-strict evangelical household in Missouri to her eye-opening experiences in NYC that totally flipped her views on faith, sex, and money. Mattie Jo gets real about leaving her religious community, figuring out sex and relationships in NYC, and her gig babysitting for mega-rich families. We talk about all the messy stuff - purity culture, rethinking your beliefs, and the crazy differences between how the rich and the rest of us live. We don't shy away from tough topics like sexual assault, religious hypocrisy, and how having big bucks affects everything from your daily life to politics. Mattie Jo shares some deep thoughts on growing as a person, learning to accept yourself, and why it's so important to question what you've always been taught. This episode is a no-holds-barred look at one woman's journey to figure herself out and what she's learned along the way. If you're into exploring faith, society, or just want to hear an honest conversation about life's big questions, this chat's for you!

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53 min

About Good Listen with Joe Pardavila

From the publisher's feed

You know how everyone has a story to tell, but we don’t always get to hear them? Well, that’s what Good Listen is for. Joe Pardavila loves to chat with folks who have done some awesome stuff. These…