As Americans mark 20 years since the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we get a unique perspective on the tragic day from a reporter struggling to make his way to the burning World Trade Center. It's our very own podcast co-host Mike Xirinachs, who describes the chaos and frustration and, days later, how an encounter with a nine-year-old girl forever changed his life. 

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Last year, our podcast drew its biggest audience ever when we ventured to the steamy side, as host David Mendel interviewed boudoir photographer Alicia Swingle. Alicia celebrates the human form with each shutter snap of her camera. She emphasizes body positivity, empowerment and self-esteem. And it turns out that Alicia is just as gifted in front of the camera as behind it. Don’t miss this special encore presentation.

Alicia Swingle on Instagram

Alicia Swingle Photography on Instagram

Alicia Swingle Photography on Facebook

Alicia Swingle Photography

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Baylor University journalism major Rachel Royster is shaking things up again. First it was her article that challenged the school for suspending a vital service for disabled students. Now it's an opinion piece about religious alienation that sparked angry reaction. Rachel returns to the podcast to discuss her promotion to editor on the student newspaper and explain why she is critical of almost everything she reads.

It was the most logistically and emotionally challenging assignment of his broadcast news career. Veteran journalist Mike Xirinachs explains what it was like to cover the July 1996 downing of TWA Flight 800 off the coast of Long Island, New York that claimed 230 lives. On this 25th anniversary of one of the worst aviation disasters in history, we bring you a special encore presentation.

Co-hosts David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs recall on-air gaffes and listener weirdness from their days in the newsroom and they discuss the risks and rewards of media fame.

They covered the news in markets from Boston to Houston. Now, in this landmark 40th podcast episode, veteran journalists David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs hold nothing back as they take a critical look at the state of the news business today and reveal their biggest pet peeves.

Co-hosts David Mendel and Mike Xirinachs return after a podcast break that enabled them to hang out in person for the first time since COVID-19 upended the planet. Venturing out into the post-pandemic world, David and Mike discover some unexpected destinations that are helping to restore the sense of normal we all crave. You definitely don’t want to miss the ride!

High school senior Sawyer Pennington returns to the podcast as an aspiring entertainment industry executive. Overcoming the challenges and roadblocks thrown in her path by COVID-19, Sawyer has finally committed to a college! She talks about how she did it and shares insights to help others navigate the college application process. Sawyer is keeping all her options open as she aims for career opportunities in Nashville and beyond.

People the world over were riveted to live coverage as a jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts in connection with last year’s murder of George Floyd. Was the verdict a breakthrough for police reform in America or just a one-off, with police continuing to kill Black suspects even as the trial played out? Host David Mendel turns the mic on veteran journalist Mike Xirinachs, himself a victim of racial profiling, for perspective and analysis. One cop convicted of murder. Now what?

Find out how an actress/playwright is using her theatrical skills to help mold the healthcare professionals of tomorrow. Host David Mendel welcomes Nancie Xirinachs, who talks about the dramatic work she’s doing at three different medical schools in the Northeast. Nancie also shares advice for anyone that may be interested in getting involved with medical improv and the Standardized Patient program.