What do we owe the people who serve, and what do we owe each other when jokes hit sensitive ground? We open with Veterans Day reflections that put family stress front and center, then pivot to pop culture that refuses to sit quietly. Tropic Thunder’s star-studded satire still sparks debate, and we unpack why intent and impact don’t always meet in the middle. Context matters, timing matters, and sometimes the target of the joke isn’t who the audience thinks it is.

From there we head into the money machine behind the mic. The podcast economy has gone big, and so have the sponsors. We talk about eyebrow-raising ad pairings, the difference between revenue and trust, and how shows balance reach with responsibility. If you’ve ever wondered how a so-called casual chat nets eight figures, or why therapy apps and fast food pop up in the same feed, this part will scratch the itch.

Then comes a thrill: Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus. Rhea Seehorn leads a sharp, unsettling story where an extraterrestrial signal seems to “fix” humanity by knitting us into a cheerful hive mind. It’s gorgeous, it’s unnerving, and it asks a blunt question: what is harmony worth if it costs your selfhood? We compare its palette and mood to the New Mexico worlds Gilligan made famous while noting how this new series cuts its own path. On the lighter side, we revisit Highlander’s wild sequel energy, size up the return of Nobody Wants This, and reset with a string of perfect animal stories: a cat that “signs” for a delivery, two goldens who answer to Bailey but are really Muffin and Steve, a goat that audits yoga, and a croissant heist powered by a live crab. We even sneak in a science nugget on why nature keeps reinventing crabs.

Listen for the laughs, stay for the honest questions, and tell us where you land: when does satire cross your line, and would a happy hive mind feel like peace or prison? If you enjoyed the ride, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more curious listeners find us.

Election Day crackles through the studio as we kick off with a Springsteen surprise and a reminder to vote, then veer into the strange economics of spectacle: The Naked Cowboy, busking myths, and why consistency can out-earn talent in the right crossroads. From there our patience runs out on Halloween creep—medical shows in silly glasses, twenty-five-foot skeletons, and the rising pressure to celebrate everything—and we make a bold proposal: move Christmas to February. Spread out travel, light up the darkest weeks, and let December hold the cozy romance that’s already in the air.

Film fans, we go deep. Punch-Drunk Love isn’t a quirky rom-com; it’s a Paul Thomas Anderson gem with a meticulous score, magical realism, and an astonishing Adam Sandler performance. Then we jump to Caught Stealing, Darren Aronofsky’s dark, funny, off-kilter New York set piece in 1998, with Austin Butler leading a stacked cast. It’s a love letter to pre-9/11 city grit, where violence colors tone rather than hijacking the story. We unpack what makes these films linger: rhythm, restraint, and the courage to stay weird.

Back at home, birds take over the narrative. A man accidentally wears a pigeon for a week. A crow forms a committee and turns a scarecrow into a hangout. We admire animal intelligence, plan a neighborhood lawn mower parade, and share a smart fridge horror story involving a faulty door sensor, a curious cat, and way too much soda. We also spotlight AI’s new tug-of-war in schools, a Florida “olive oil” fiasco that wasn’t, a heartfelt recommendation for Percival Everett’s James, and a candid take on SNL’s forced sketch endings. We close by honoring composer Adrian Sutton, whose work illuminated theater and memory.

If you smiled, argued with us, or added a movie to your queue, tap follow, share this episode with a friend, and leave a quick review—what holiday would you move, and which film did we sleep on?

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A ballet clip sent us spiraling back to Kate Bush, and that simple scroll unlocked a bigger conversation: how we hear things differently with time, and why owning your work can change the arc of your career. We start with Wuthering Heights—divisive, daring, unforgettable—and trace a line to Stranger Things, music rights, and the long shadow cast by Bittersweet Symphony’s publishing battle. From there, we jump to the art of rewatching: The Sixth Sense still stuns, Groundhog Day still comforts, and Tootsie still snaps. The question isn’t “have you seen it?” but “what did you miss the first time?”

We also check our current screen obsessions. The Morning Show hooks us again, Slow Horses proves that grime can be genius, Survivor and Amazing Race return with big personalities and bigger locations. Along the way, nostalgia turns tactile: ice‑cream truck jingles, fresh stroopwafels in Amsterdam, and the waxy heft of an Edam or Parmesan wheel—especially when $20,000 in cheese goes missing. That sets up a surprising economics lesson: what a wheel weighs, why age matters, and how a couple of crates can become a headline.

Then the animals take over. A parrot “witness” in Argentina, a Swiss self‑driving car locked in indecision over a cow, a Chilean dog who steals a soccer ball and the show, and a small‑town chicken running for mayor with “cluck the system” on every lawn sign. We round things out with nursery rhymes that aren’t as sweet as they sound, a suitcase of garlic bound for Transylvania, and a light‑speed thought experiment that bends time to zero for a photon. It’s funny, thoughtful, and packed with stories that make you want to rewatch, relisten, and reread with new eyes.

If this mix of culture, science, and mischief hits your ears right, tap follow, share with a friend who needs a rewatch nudge, and leave us a quick review—what classic are you revisiting next?

Ever wondered what happens when you accept a ride on a rock legend’s private jet? For British boy band McFly, it meant having their passports defaced with explicit Sharpie drawings courtesy of Rod Stewart himself. We dive into this shocking story of celebrity mischief gone too far, exploring the real-world consequences when the nearly 80-year-old icon’s “prank” left young musicians stranded at customs.

The tennis world provides its own drama as we break down Taylor Townsend‘s gut-wrenching US Open defeat. After dominating the first set 6-1, Townsend faced a nightmare scenario—eight match points in the second set tiebreaker, all squandered. We explore the psychology behind this collapse and what it means for her comeback journey. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz’s unexpected shaved head sparked rumors until the truth emerged: a brotherly haircut gone hilariously wrong.

Animals take center stage in our wildest stories—from a 200-pound tortoise named Turbo shutting down an Italian highway to a peacock ransacking a Los Angeles grocery store’s produce section before moving on to the chip aisle. We also discuss the Florida ice cream shop forced to recall their iguana-flavored creation (yes, with actual reptile meat) and an Italian man who called authorities because his espresso was “too strong.” As summer officially winds down, we reflect on the season’s passing and what autumn might bring our way.

What was your most memorable moment of summer 2025? Share your story with us and join the conversation about these bizarre encounters where celebrity culture, sports psychology, and animal antics collide in the most unexpected ways. Also, NEW RECIPE

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The cosmos keeps offering us fascinating phenomena to contemplate, from Black Moons to Saturn’s temporarily vanishing rings. Unlike Blue Moons (two full moons in one month), Black Moons occur when we experience an extra new moon – completely dark and invisible to observers on Earth. This celestial event sparked a discussion about lunar calendars and how our ancestors used the 29.5-day lunar cycle as a natural timekeeper, something many cultures still honor today. Meanwhile, Saturn’s rings are performing their own disappearing act through a “ring plane crossing,” a natural optical illusion occurring every 13-16 years when the rings tilt edge-on relative to Earth. While this temporary vanishing act will reverse in November, scientists predict the rings will truly disappear in about 100 million years due to “ring rain.”

From astronomical wonders, we descended to earthly spectacles – including a bizarre incident at Boston Logan Airport where a passenger decided waiting for a flight was “too ordinary” and staged an impromptu striptease that ended with full nudity and state trooper intervention. This seemingly absurd news story raised serious questions about mental health and appropriate public behavior.

We’re particularly enthusiastic about the groundbreaking Netflix documentary “Sunday Best,” which reveals Ed Sullivan as far more than just a television host – he was a courageous civil rights warrior. Despite network directives prohibiting physical contact with Black performers and threats from sponsors and viewers, Sullivan defiantly showcased Black artists during segregation, insisting on live performances and embracing talents like Pearl Bailey, Harry Belafonte, and the Jackson 5. The documentary features extraordinary archival footage alongside contemporary interviews with music legends who witnessed Sullivan’s quiet revolution firsthand.

Our conversation took several unexpected turns, from the bizarre WNBA dildo-throwing incidents (connected to a crypto meme coin group) to fascinating Halloween trivia (did you know 50% of American jack-o’-lanterns come from Illinois pumpkins?). As summer wanes, we reflected on holiday decorations and the merits of simplicity versus commercial excess. Whether you’re fascinated by cosmic events, cultural history, or contemporary oddities, there’s something in this episode to spark your curiosity and perhaps change how you view the world around you.

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Ever had a car salesman call you by your deceased sister’s name? Welcome to Anne Levine’s world of absurd encounters and anniversary reflections. In this hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking episode, Anne and co-host Michael Over There™ dive deep into wedding disasters and anniversary traditions while celebrating their own 10-year milestone.The pair trade stories that will make you cringe, laugh, and possibly reconsider that elaborate wedding you’ve been planning. From the groom who called his bride by his ex-girlfriend’s name during vows (yikes!) to the bride who accidentally took sleeping pills instead of painkillers before her ceremony—only to have her dog tear off her veil and take a dump by the altar. These aren’t fictional nightmares; they’re real-life wedding day disasters.Perhaps most shocking is the tale of a New York couple who charged guests $2 for water during their 95-degree outdoor wedding and provided a buffet with no plates or utensils. As Ann wisely advises, “If you can’t afford a wedding, don’t have one, or have the wedding you can afford.” The hosts make a compelling (obviously) case for potluck weddings where community and connection replace extravagance and financial strain.The conversation takes unexpected turns through Florida Man chronicles (including one who broke into a stranger’s house to avoid his angry wife) and a fascinating historical dive into August 20th‘s significance—marking both the official end of the Civil War and women gaining the right to vote. Through it all, Anne and Michael’s chemistry and humor shine, reminding us that finding levity in life’s awkward moments might just be the secret to surviving them.Listen now for a blend of personal stories, cultural commentary, and heartfelt reflections that will leave you laughing and contemplating the strange traditions we hold dear. And yes, Anne is still hoping for that “dead sister discount” on her next car purchase.

We’re both feeling a bit under the weather, so we’re presenting this episode from 2020, thanks for tuning in!

Summer fades into autumn as we dive into the controversy rocking the tennis world at this year’s unique US Open. Despite the tournament’s strict COVID “bubble” protocols with daily testing, drama erupted when Novak Djokovic was disqualified after accidentally striking a lineswoman with a ball hit in frustration. We explore the fascinating precedents for this “abuse of balls” rule, including past incidents that resulted in serious injuries and immediate ejections.

With the “Big Three” of men’s tennis now absent from this tournament, a new champion will emerge for the first time in nearly two decades. Meanwhile, Serena Williams continues her inspiring quest for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title while captivating fans with glimpses of her adorable relationship with daughter Olympia through social media.

Our conversation takes a nostalgic turn as we reminisce about vanishing Jewish-American cultural institutions, particularly New York’s iconic delis like Bernstein’s on Essex with its unique “double menu” featuring both traditional Jewish fare and Chinese food. These establishments represented a special blend of cultural identity that newer generations may never experience—where servers slammed water glasses on tables and expected you to order without hesitation.

We also tackle the eternal debate between pool and beach preferences, with cultural commentator Liel Leibovitz offering hilarious insights: beaches require carrying your own furniture and accepting that “the ocean is an enormous bathroom,” while pools provide convenience and cleanliness. The discussion reveals how cultural backgrounds might influence these seemingly simple preferences.

As COVID continues to shape our lives, we share perspectives on the current three-week window of opportunity before potential isolation returns. Join us for this blend of sports analysis, cultural observation, and the everyday humor that helps us navigate these unusual times.

The digital era has birthed a new class of con artists, fraudsters who construct elaborate facades online and infiltrate our most trusted institutions. From LinkedIn phantoms to fraudulent medical professionals, the audacity of these deceptions reveals uncomfortable truths about our collective vulnerability.

Consider Jackson Simmons, “the most fake man on LinkedIn” – an entirely fabricated entrepreneur amassing thousands of followers with AI-generated photos and motivational platitudes. His nonexistent company garnered real press coverage and job offers, demonstrating how easily digital smoke and mirrors can manufacture authority. Then there’s the TikTok polyglot claiming fluency in 38 languages who, when exposed by native speakers, defended herself by reframing her deception as “language fluidity, not fluency.” These cases represent just the surface of a disturbing trend.

More alarming are fraudsters who infiltrate essential services. We explore the case of Dr. Selina J, a cosmetologist with a YouTube channel about scalp fungus who successfully rebranded herself as a neuroscience expert financial coach for cryptocurrency firms. Even more disturbing is Shannon Womack, who posed as a nurse under multiple aliases at Pennsylvania hospitals, administering care to unsuspecting patients with completely fabricated credentials before her eventual arrest.

Transportation isn’t immune either – a 35-year-old Florida man channeled Frank Abagnale’s “Catch Me If You Can” energy, impersonating airline crew members across seven different carriers to score over 120 free flights before authorities caught up with him. His elaborate scheme included counterfeit badges, IDs and security credentials that granted him access to restricted airport areas.

Breaking from our fraud exposé, we take a musical detour to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, who recently passed at 76. Despite his bat-biting reputation, we celebrate his musical legacy and the surprising tenderness in songs like “Mama I’m Coming Home,” proving that even in darkness, there’s room for vulnerability.

What makes these stories particularly relevant is how they reflect our changing relationship with trust in the digital age. As verification becomes simultaneously more crucial and more challenging, we’re forced to question: In a world where anyone can fabricate credentials, expertise, and entire personas, how do we determine what’s real?

Subscribe to hear more unexpected explorations of our unusual modern life, and visit WOMR.org to support independent community radio, the current administration has removed all funding from Public Broadcasting creating and huge problem for most Public stations such as WOMR/WFMR. Support the effort and support the show! 

Summer is waning on Cape Cod, and Anne Levine and Michael Over There are feeling it. As the days grow shorter and the distinctly un-summery weather continues, they reflect on how climate patterns have shifted over the years, creating what feels like one amorphous season rather than the distinct four they once knew.

Television recommendations take center stage as Anne enthusiastically champions “Fisk,” an Australian comedy series starring Kitty Flanagan as a contract lawyer whose life spectacularly unravels. With only two seasons of meticulously crafted dialogue where “everything everybody says has some other meaning,” the show represents comedy writing at its finest. They also discuss “Untamed,” a crime drama starring Eric Bana where Yosemite National Park is arguably the true star with its breathtaking, non-CGI landscapes.

Local Cape Cod stories bring colorful characters to life: a driver who crashed through power lines, burned down a house, and fled in koala slippers; scientists testing wastewater in Nantucket to track drug consumption trends; and Shark Week becoming all too real with hammerhead sightings and paddleboarders having close encounters with great whites they’ve affectionately named “Steve.”

The conversation takes a more serious turn when discussing America’s healthcare crisis. From the comedian whose insurance paradoxically increased his ambulance bill from $600 to $1,300, to Venus Williams joking that her tennis comeback at 45 was motivated by needing COBRA benefits, the hosts unveil a system that’s fundamentally broken. With Congress leaving for vacation without addressing expiring ACA tax credits, millions of Americans with chronic conditions face potential premium surges of thousands of dollars.

Plus Michael rambles on about a True Crime story that took place in the same town he was living in.

The show concludes with a tribute to Tom Lehrer, the mathematical satirist who recently passed away at 97, featuring recordings of his clever songs that blend humor with academic precision. His unique ability to make calculus and sociology entertaining offers the perfect counterpoint to an episode that weaves together local charm, cultural commentary, and critical examination of our healthcare system.

Here’s what happens when someone fakes their own death to avoid wedding costs, and can a librarian leaving $2 million to her cat change your perspective on loyalty? These stories and more await in our latest adventure through the strange corners of human experience.

We kick off with birthday celebrations featuring Canadian musician Jacob Moon and his lovely wife Ally, along with their impossibly fluffy sheepadoodle Huckleberry. The celebration led to unexpected indulgences at Holy Cow Ice Cream in Dennisport, where we discovered “Ritzy AF” – a mind-blowing flavor loaded with Ritz crackers that creates the perfect sweet-salty-buttery combination. This sparked a heated debate about dessert preferences and why raisins in cookies might just be “sadness in a wrinkled coat.”

The conversation takes fascinating turns as we explore the growing trend of dangerous cosmetic procedures, from paralyzing back-alley Botox to TikTok‘s disturbing DIY plastic surgery kits. We’re equally captivated by the digital revolution where AI influencer Sienna Blue – entirely fictional – has secured deals with multiple fashion brands, leaving human influencers fuming. Meanwhile, young people are embracing “Victorian Mourning Fashion” complete with black veils and jet jewelry under hashtags like #grievechic.

Perhaps most sobering is our deep dive into Thomas Midgley Jr., dubbed “the most dangerous man in history.” His dual inventions of leaded gasoline and freon (the first CFCs) caused unprecedented environmental damage before he died tragically, entangled in another of his own inventions – a mechanical bed. Finally, from Ethel’s brutally honest 90-something advice hotline to a centenarian recreating his 1954 mugshot, we celebrate the wisdom and humor that come with aging authentically.

Listen now and join our exploration of life’s beautiful absurdities, tragic coincidences, and unexpected connections. Be sure to check out our tribute to Colorado Poet Laureate Andrea Gibson, whose final poem reminds us that “dying is the opposite of leaving.”

Intro: My Life of Crime – Jacob Moon

Outro: New Star – Jonatha Brooke