The Edlow Podcast

What do you do when life keeps knocking you down? How do you keep your faith when God feels silent? Why are dating and relationships so difficult today?

In this episode of Just Me, I answer your questions on some of life’s biggest challenges—from faith during difficult seasons to modern dating, divorce, fatherhood, purpose, wrestling, and finding hope when everything feels uncertain.

We dive into:

* Keeping your faith when life feels like one setback after another

* Why dating after 40 can feel so difficult

* Men, women, relationships, and the importance of self-reflection

* Divorce, 50/50 laws, alimony, and why resentment can develop

* The greatest joy I’ve found in being a father

* What wives should know about their husbands

* How I balance law, podcasting, wrestling, church, and family (or at least try to)

* Whether people can truly change after betrayal

* The advice that’s changed how I see people

* Finding your purpose when you don’t know which path to take

* My thoughts on today’s wrestling, Vince McMahon, LeBron rumors, He-Man, and more

* A message for anyone who feels like they’re at the end of their rope

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, questioned your purpose, struggled in relationships, or wondered where God is in the middle of your trials, I hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone.

“You always end up exactly where you’re supposed to be. The trick is surviving the road to get there.”

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs a little hope today.

Rob Van Dam is one of the most innovative and influential professional wrestlers of all time, but this conversation goes far beyond championships and unforgettable matches.

In this episode of The Edlow Podcast, RVD reflects on his groundbreaking rise through ECW, the criticism he faced from old-school wrestlers for introducing a high-flying style that would eventually change the industry, and the challenge of adapting from the extreme environment of ECW to WWE.

He opens up about the disappointment of missing the first ECW One Night Stand, why his victory over John Cena at ECW One Night Stand 2006 remains the pinnacle of his career, and the backlash he received after saying that missing the original One Night Stand hurt more than missing WrestleMania.

Rob also shares the difficult story behind his WWE Championship reign being cut short following a 30-day Wellness Policy suspension after a cannabis-related arrest, and why he believes he was years ahead of his time in advocating for the legalization and medical use of marijuana. Today, he discusses his passion for cannabis education and why he continues to champion its benefits.

The conversation then turns deeply personal as Rob discusses the depression and heartbreak he experienced during his divorce, what he learned from being married to the wrong person, and how meeting his current wife transformed his life. He explains why he is happier than he has ever been, how becoming a father changed his perspective forever, and why real success has nothing to do with championships.

This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about innovation, resilience, redemption, family, happiness, and one of wrestling’s most unique careers.

Topics include:

* The evolution of ECW and becoming a “hardcore” wrestler

* Revolutionizing wrestling with a new in-ring style

* Adjusting from ECW to WWE

* ECW One Night Stand and defeating John Cena

* The WWE Championship and Wellness Policy suspension

* Cannabis advocacy and changing public opinion

* Divorce, depression, and finding love again

* Fatherhood and personal growth

* Life after wrestling and lasting happiness

On this episode of The Edlow Podcast, I sit down with Autumn Dickson of AutumnDickson.com and one of the most influential voices behind LDS Come Follow Me content on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms.

Autumn shares how a simple desire to help others better understand the scriptures grew into a ministry that reaches thousands of people every week. We discuss practical ways to make scripture study more meaningful, why Gospel Doctrine classes should focus less on simply getting through the lesson and more on helping people have a personal experience with Jesus Christ, and how to teach the same gospel principles in ways that connect with different learners.

We also go behind the scenes of her life as a wife, mother, and content creator. Autumn opens up about the challenges of balancing a growing online platform with raising her family, the fear that her children might one day feel burdened by her public work, and how she ultimately came to see that living her faith publicly can be a powerful example for them.

In a candid and inspiring conversation, we also discuss:

* How daily scripture study transforms our relationship with God.

* Lessons she learned while serving as a missionary.

* The importance of repentance and embracing personal growth.

* Her gratitude for her husband and the principles that have strengthened their marriage.

* Her love of music and the surprising story of her pursuit of becoming a pop singer.

* Using social media as a force for faith in an increasingly noisy world.

* Why authentic discipleship matters more than perfection.

hether you’re a Gospel Doctrine teacher, a Come Follow Me student, or simply someone striving to strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ, this conversation is filled with practical insights, encouragement, and hope.

If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing conversations that remind us we’re all more alike than different.

You can subscribe to the Edlow Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast and Spotify. You can follow the Edlow Podcast on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok

What happens when a quiet family man is also the architect of one of the most disturbing programs in American history?

In this fascinating conversation, bestselling author Stephen Kinzer joins The Edlow Podcast to discuss his acclaimed book Poisoner in Chief and the life of Sidney Gottlieb—the CIA chemist who led the infamous MKUltra program.

We explore the shocking history of CIA mind-control experiments, covert operations, assassination plots, and the Cold War fears that drove the U.S. government to pursue some of its darkest projects. Kinzer explains how Gottlieb developed poisons used in attempts to eliminate foreign leaders, oversaw controversial human experimentation, and became one of the most influential yet least-known figures in CIA history.

We also discuss:

• MKUltra and government mind-control research

• The Cold War fear of Soviet and Chinese brainwashing

• CIA intervention around the world

• Assassination attempts against foreign leaders

• The moral contradictions of Sidney Gottlieb

• The influence of Nazi experimentation on postwar intelligence programs

• Government secrecy and accountability

• What these historical events can teach us about current world affairs

Whether you’re interested in intelligence history, government power, ethics, or hidden chapters of American history, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with fascinating guests from all walks of life.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build one of Northern California’s most trusted food review pages, this episode is for you.

In this conversation, I sit down with Dez NorCal Eats to talk about far more than just great food. We discuss how he turned his passion for discovering local restaurants into a thriving social media brand, the countless hours that go into creating content, and what it’s really like to review restaurants for a living.

We also dive into growing up in Sacramento, his roots in the Bay Area music scene, balancing content creation with fatherhood, and why bringing his kids along on food adventures has become one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

Most importantly, Dez shares why he believes customer service often matters more than the food itself, how he approaches the difficult decision to post a negative review, what catches his attention in a restaurant, and some of his favorite places to eat around Sacramento.

Follow Dez NorCal Eats:

📍 YouTube: @DezNorCalEats

📍 Facebook: Dez NorCal Eats

📍 Instagram: @deznorcaleats

📍 TikTok: @deznorcaleats

Whether you’re a foodie, an aspiring content creator, a small business owner, or simply love hearing inspiring stories from interesting people, this episode has something for you.

Topics include:

• Sacramento’s best restaurants

• How Dez NorCal Eats got started

• Building a successful social media brand

• The reality of content creation

• Why customer service is everything

• Giving honest restaurant reviews

• Fatherhood and family adventures

• Sacramento food culture

• His Bay Area music background

• Favorite local dining spots

If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue bringing you conversations with fascinating people from every walk of life.

In this episode of Just Me, I’m tackling some of the toughest questions you’ve sent my way.

What do you do when someone spreads lies about you? Should you fight to clear your name, or is there a point where your actions have to speak louder than your words? How do you know the difference between strength and surrender?

I also respond to a powerful listener email from a woman whose childhood trauma has led to destructive patterns in her marriage. We talk about the difference between understanding why we behave a certain way and actually changing that behavior, why trauma deserves compassion but isn’t a free pass for hurting others, and why empathy has to flow both ways if a relationship is going to survive.

Along the way, I answer your questions about professional wrestling, the biggest misconceptions about the business, my legal career, success, faith, my favorite Sacramento hidden gems, podcast guests who’ve surprised me the most, and much more.

I also revisit the Flat Earth discussion, explain the difference between a contradiction and a hypothetical concession, and break down why those distinctions matter when evaluating arguments.

If you enjoy honest conversations, practical advice, and thoughtful discussion without pulling punches, this episode is for you.

Topics include:

* Defending your reputation vs. letting your character speak

* False accusations and broken friendships

* Trauma, accountability, and empathy in relationships

* Why explanations are not excuses

* Flat Earth arguments and logical reasoning

* Wrestling, law, faith, Sacramento, and listener Q&A

If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who might benefit from the conversation.

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Gaslighting has become one of the most talked-about psychological terms of the modern era—but what does it actually mean, and how can you tell the difference between a disagreement, a different perspective, and true emotional manipulation?

In this episode of The Edlow Podcast, I sit down with Robin Stern, Ph.D., psychoanalyst, educator, co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and author of the groundbreaking book The Gaslight Effect. For nearly two decades, Dr. Stern has been one of the leading voices helping people understand the dynamics of gaslighting and how it can slowly erode a person’s confidence, trust in themselves, and sense of reality.

Robin explains why she devoted her career to studying gaslighting, how the phenomenon works, and the powerful concept she calls the “Gaslight Tango”—the dynamic relationship between the gaslighter and the gaslightee that allows manipulation to take hold over time.

We also discuss one of the most common questions people ask: “Am I really the problem, or am I being gaslit?” Robin shares practical insights for recognizing the warning signs, understanding when differing perceptions cross the line into manipulation, and breaking free from unhealthy relational patterns.

The conversation also explores the growing role of gaslighting in our digital world, including Robin’s work with Facebook and Google, and why finding credible, evidence-based information about gaslighting is more important than ever.

Topics Include:

• Why Robin Stern dedicated her career to studying gaslighting

• What gaslighting is—and what it is not

• Understanding the “Gaslight Tango”

• The roles of the gaslighter and the gaslightee

• How to tell the difference between disagreement and manipulation

• When differing perceptions become gaslighting

• The psychological effects of being gaslit

• Why victims often feel compelled to prove their gaslighter wrong

• Gaslighting in relationships, culture, and social media

• Robin’s work with Facebook and Google

• Common misconceptions about gaslighting

• The best sources for accurate information on the subject

• How to begin recovering and rebuilding trust in yourself

Whether you’ve experienced gaslighting firsthand, know someone who has, or simply want a deeper understanding of one of psychology’s most misunderstood concepts, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of the world’s foremost experts on the subject.

Mark Holton’s life and career are proof that sometimes the most memorable people in Hollywood aren’t the leading men—they’re the character actors who leave an unforgettable impression.

In this episode of The Edlow Podcast, Mark shares an incredible journey that took him from Oklahoma to Hollywood, where he became known for iconic roles in films like Teen Wolf, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, and A League of Their Own. Along the way, he experienced unexpected opportunities, lifelong friendships, professional challenges, and what he believes was divine intervention guiding his path.

Topics Include:

• Growing up in Oklahoma and discovering a love for theater

• Being inspired by the incredible performers he saw on Broadway

• Moving to Los Angeles and working in casting on the Paramount lot

• Breaking into the industry through commercial work

• Behind-the-scenes stories from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

• Why character actors are often remembered longer than leading men

• The role faith and divine intervention played in his acting career

• Difficult experiences while filming Gacy and choosing not to quit for the sake of the crew

• Running lines with Penny Marshall on her front porch before playing Adult Stillwell in A League of Their Own

• Michael J. Fox advocating for him to receive a larger role in Teen Wolf

• Reconnecting with God and faith later in life

• His genuine friendship with Paul Reubens beyond the spotlight

• Lessons learned from a lifetime in Hollywood

• Why faith and family ultimately matter more than fame

This is a heartfelt conversation filled with Hollywood history, inspiring stories, personal faith, lasting friendships, and the perspective that comes from a life well lived.

What happens when deep scholarship and deep faith collide?

In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with Jasmin Rappleye to discuss some of the most challenging and important questions facing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.

Raised in a home where scripture study was more than just a routine, Jasmin shares how her upbringing—guided by a seminary teacher mother who encouraged thoughtful engagement with the scriptures—helped shape her lifelong love of learning and faith. We explore her personal journey through difficult questions, the role of spiritual experiences in developing testimony, and how she has learned to balance academic research with discipleship.

Jasmin holds a degree in Far East Studies from Brigham Young University and has worked with both Scripture Central and Ancient America Foundation. Today, she creates content dedicated to bringing faithful clarity to controversial issues within the LDS faith and serves as the host of the Informed Saints Podcast.

During our conversation, we tackle questions such as:

• Does doctrine change?

• Was Joseph Smith really a polygamist?

• How should members understand prophetic leadership?

• What can ancient texts teach us about modern scripture?

• How do we balance spiritual witnesses with academic evidence?

• What is it like to walk through faith crises and hard questions while remaining committed to Christ?

We also discuss Jasmin’s travels to Jerusalem, how understanding the ancient world can transform the way we read scripture, and the ongoing challenge of balancing motherhood, family life, and a career dedicated to religious research and education.

Whether you’re wrestling with difficult questions, seeking a deeper understanding of LDS history and doctrine, or simply looking for an honest conversation about faith, this episode offers thoughtful insights, practical wisdom, and hope for anyone navigating the intersection of scholarship and testimony.

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan?

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Michael Gregson shares his journey through trauma, heartbreak, addiction, recovery, and ultimately healing through Jesus Christ. From the pain of enduring two divorces to the loneliness of being separated from his children, Michael opens up about some of life’s most difficult moments and the lessons he learned while walking through them.

We discuss the reality of addiction, the courage it took to enter rehab, and the ongoing journey of sobriety. Michael shares how he learned to challenge the stories he was telling himself, find peace after years of anger, and begin loving himself through the eyes of a Savior who never gave up on him.

Most importantly, we explore the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ—not as a one-time event, but as a daily source of strength, grace, and transformation. Michael reflects on the blessings that have come from his trials, the unconditional love of the Savior, and how Christ’s healing influence continues to work in his life today.

Now a life coach, Michael uses his experiences to help others navigate trauma, recovery, self-worth, and personal growth, offering hope to those who may feel stuck, broken, or alone.

This is a conversation about redemption, resilience, and discovering that your story isn’t over—even when life feels shattered.

Topics Discussed:

* Healing from trauma

* Surviving two divorces

* Coping with separation from your children

* Addiction, rehab, and sobriety

* The healing power of the Atonement

* Finding blessings in life’s hardest seasons

* Learning to love yourself

* Changing the story you tell yourself

* Finding peace after anger and resentment

* The unconditional love of Jesus Christ

* Michael’s journey to becoming a life coach

* Hope, healing, and second chances

Two Divorces, One Savior: How the Atonement Continues to Heal — The Michael Gregson Story

 Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.