Tonight, we’ll read the 27th chapter of “Anne of Green Gables”, the classic 1908 novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This chapter is titled “Vanity and the Vexation of Spirit”

In the previous chapter, Anne struggles to adjust to everyday life after the excitement of the concert. She finds ordinary days dull in comparison, lamenting that her experiences have perhaps spoiled her for simpler pleasures. School returns to normal, though minor quarrels persist among classmates stemming from tensions at the concert. Anne and Diana discuss growing older, imagination, and the trials of writing compositions. Anne enthusiastically shares a dramatic story she wrote, prompting the creation of a girls' story-writing club. Although Marilla disapproves of this pastime as foolish, Anne insists they always include morals in their stories. Despite Marilla’s skepticism, Anne remains hopeful about her own personal growth, inspired by Mrs. Allan’s past imperfections and kindness.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Salem and the Small-Town Tourism Trap from Peak Travel.

Follow the show: Peak Travel

Salem, Massachusetts is best known for the Witch Trials of 1692. That history turned the small town into a Halloween destination, with more than 1 million people flocking there in the month of October alone. It’s so crowded that residents can’t get down the street, walk into a shop, or sit down at a restaurant. How does a small town like Salem deal with a flood of visitors in just one month of the year? And is it really worth it for the people who live there?    

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Tonight, we’ll read a Snoozecast original, “The Great Kite Caper of Crinkle Creek.”

Every March, the sky over the town of Crinkle Creek bursts with color as kites of all shapes and sizes take flight. Winnie Maple has spent all winter preparing her entry, The Sky Fox, determined to outfly the competition. But as the contest begins, Winnie learns just how unpredictable the wind can be.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the myth about a love triangle between mortals Idas, Marpessa, and the ancient Greek god Apollo. It is taken from “A Book of Myths” compiled by Jean Lang and published in 1914.

Apollo, the radiant god of the sun, poetry, and prophecy, was among the most revered of the Olympian deities. As the favored son of Zeus, king of the gods, he had direct access to his father’s wisdom and, at times, shared divine insights with humankind. Yet, despite his celestial nature, Apollo was no stranger to earthly emotions—his heart was often stirred by love, longing, and, when spurned, jealousy.

This tale is one of passion and rivalry, of a mortal man daring to challenge a god for the love of a woman. Marpessa, known for her beauty and grace, found herself at the center of this struggle, caught between the affections of a powerful deity and the devotion of a courageous suitor. When Apollo, in all his divine splendor, set his sights on her, he expected to claim her without question. But Idas, bold and resolute, would not relinquish his beloved so easily. Even the might of the gods cannot always dictate the course of the human heart.

— read by 'V' —

Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Caroline Darian in First U.S. Interview Since Her Father Dominique Pelicot’s Shocking Trial from The Oprah Podcast.

Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast

BUY THE BOOK!

“I’ll Never Call him Dad Again” by Caroline Darian, published by Sourcebooks, is available March 18th wherever books are sold.

https://www.amazon.com/Ill-Never-Call-Him-Again/dp/1464257957?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://books.apple.com/us/book/ill-never-call-him-dad-again/id6740407561

In a story that made international headlines, French grandmother Gisèle Pelicot was drugged and raped by her husband Dominique Pelicot and more than 70 men he invited to rape her while she remained unconscious. In this episode of The Oprah Podcast, Gisèle’s daughter Caroline Darian reveals how her father’s secret life has devastated their family and destroyed the life they knew. During this candid conversation, Caroline shares how they found out about her father’s crimes, how he recruited men to rape her mother, and the lengths he took to keep his perversion a secret from everyone. She will also talk about the shock of discovering photos of herself unconscious in his collection, how he raped her mom in Caroline’s home and how she and her mother found the strength to face her father and the dozens of accused men during the trial.

Minnesotan Jenny Teeson - a mom of two who found video of her ex-husband drugging and raping her - also joins the conversation. Jenny will explain why most of the charges against her ex-husband were dropped despite overwhelming video and photographic evidence.

For more information on Caroline Darian’s movement, “Don’t Put Me Under: Stop Chemical Submission” please go to her website.

https://mendorspas.org/

If you are a victim of sexual assault, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-467. More information can be found at the website below.

https://rainn.org/resources

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

https://www.instagram.com/oprah/

https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/

Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Tonight, we’ll read from “Spectacle Secrets” written by George Cox and published in 1844. The real “secret of the spectacle” may be how to remember the difference between the role of an optician, an optometrist, and an ophthalmologist.

While all three deal with eyes, and all three start with the letters “op”, their roles are, of course, quite different. Let’s have a quick review.

An optician, like the author of tonight’s fine publication, is like a skilled tailor—but for your vision. They fit and adjust glasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions.

Those prescriptions would be written by an optometrist, who you can think of as a primary care physician, but for your eyes specifically. They diagnose and treat common eye conditions.

If something more serious comes up, the optometrist will likely refer you to an ophthalmologist, much like how a primary care doctor refers patients to a specialist.

And now, it’s time to set our sights on getting a good night’s sleep.

— read by 'V' —

Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Episode 32: Navigating the Healthcare Insurance Maze: A Physician's Perspective from Navigating H.O.P.E..

Follow the show: Navigating H.O.P.E.

In this episode of Navigating H.O.P.E., Dr. Jaime Hope sits down with Dr. Hooman Melamed, a renowned orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive treatments. Together, they explore the alarming impact of insurance denials on patient care, sharing real-life stories and practical strategies for patients and doctors alike. Dr. Melamed draws from his extensive experience to discuss the frustrating barriers created by insurance companies, the emotional and financial toll on patients, and what can be done to fight back. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the healthcare system, providing critical insights into advocating for the care you deserve.

Key Takeaways:

● 🏥 Insurance Denials Delay Critical Care: Many necessary surgeries and treatments are denied, leaving patients in pain for months or even years.

● ⚖️ Doctors Face Bureaucratic Battles: Even highly experienced surgeons with spotless records face 60–80% denial rates for recommended procedures.

● 💰 Insurance Companies Prioritize Profits Over Patients: AI algorithms and outdated guidelines drive denials, forcing doctors and patients into endless appeals.

● 🗣️ Patients Have the Power to Fight Back: Filing complaints, contacting Congress, and using social media can pressure insurers to approve necessary care.

● 💡 Change Requires Collective Action: If patients and physicians unite, the healthcare system can be held accountable and improved.

Quotes from Dr. Hooman Melamed:

● 🗨️ "Pain is not considered a reason for surgery? That’s outrageous. Insurance companies force patients into opioid use instead of letting them get the care they need."

● 🗨️ "I challenge insurance reviewers—if this were you or your family member, would you deny them care? They never answer."

● 🗨️ "Patients hold all the power. If they flood medical boards and Congress with complaints, real change can happen."

🔗 Conclusion:

Healthcare should be about patient well-being, not corporate profits. If you or a loved one have faced medical denials, speak up—file complaints, contact legislators, and advocate for change.

📢 Listen to the full episode now to learn how YOU can take action! #NavigatingHope #HealthcareAdvocacy #PatientRights #InsuranceReform

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Tonight, we’ll read the next chapter of “Good Wives” written by Louisa May Alcott titled “The Valley of the Shadow”. This is also known as the second half of the “Little Women” novel and is considered the 40th chapter as part of that work as a whole.

In the last episode, Laurie lingered in Nice for a month, growing closer to Amy but sinking in her esteem due to his laziness and aimlessness. Amy, unwilling to coddle him, gives him a blunt but heartfelt lecture on his wasted potential. Stung but stirred, Laurie finally decides to leave for his grandfather, leaving Amy both satisfied and unexpectedly wistful at his absence.

In tonight’s chapter, the March family draws closer together, cherishing their time with Beth as they prepare for the inevitable.

— read by 'V' —

Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Marriage, Monogamy and the Modern Mind from How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality.

Follow the show: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

When it comes to finding happiness, many religions see marriage as the gold standard: a path to love, stability, and fulfillment. But is that really true? And if so, why are marriage rates plummeting in so many parts of the world?

In this episode, we’ll talk to anthropologist Joseph Henrich about the surprising history of marriage and monogamy, including how these institutions helped lay the groundwork for much of our modern way of life. We’ll also speak with psychologist Geoff MacDonald about what it means to live a happy, single life in a world that often prioritizes partnership, and why marriage might not offer the best road to fulfillment for everyone. 

Joseph Henrich is the Ruth Moore Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, and the author of The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous. 

Geoff MacDonald is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, where he leads the MacDonald Social Psychology Research Laboratory, which aims to study well-being in singlehood. 

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Tonight, we’ll read from Cat’s Tales by Edith Nesbit, a collection of stories centered on the lives and antics of cats.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out the other “Cat Tales” episode that aired in September 2021, and also the fairy tale “The White Cat” that aired in July of 2020.

Known for her sharp observations and straightforward storytelling, Nesbit presents these tales with a mix of realism and subtle irony, capturing the independence and inscrutability of her feline subjects. The stories reflect her ability to balance light fantasy with practical detail, a hallmark of her work.

Edith Nesbit, born 1858, was a British writer and poet best known for her children’s fiction, including The Railway Children and Five Children and It. A co-founder of the Fabian Society, she was politically engaged and influenced later fantasy writers with her blend of everyday settings and magical elements.

— read by 'V' —

Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices