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!

In this episode, I chat with the one and only Joe Kenda - yep, that homicide detective you've seen on Investigation Discovery. We get into the nitty-gritty of true crime and why we're all so obsessed with it. Joe's got some wild stories from his 21 years on the job, including how he solved a mind-blowing 92% of his cases. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom - this guy's got a wicked sense of humor. We talk about everything from his lie-detector-like instincts to why confessions are rarer than you'd think. Joe also gives us his take on how crime has changed over the years and even shares some thoughts on gun control that might surprise you. So, if you're into true crime, or just want to hear from a real-life detective who tells it like it is, this episode's for you. It's a wild ride through the dark side of human nature, with plenty of laughs along the way.

I sit down with Ally Culliper, a 35-year-old model, businesswoman, and aspiring author who's taken an unconventional path to success. Allie shares her journey from the corporate world to the runways of New York Fashion Week, all sparked by a local modeling opportunity that unexpectedly changed her life. We discuss how personal setbacks, including breakups and a layoff, became catalysts for her modeling career and personal growth. Ally opens up about balancing her corporate job with modeling, navigating the industry as a newcomer in her mid-30s, and the surprising camaraderie she's found among fellow models. We also touch on her experiences as a mother pursuing a new passion, the impact of her growing social media presence, and how her faith has guided her throughout this transformative journey. Join us for an inspiring conversation about reinvention, perseverance, and embracing new opportunities at any age.

In this episode, I chat with Ben Ricciardi, a marketing whiz and Instagram heavyweight with over a million followers, about what it really takes to make it as an influencer and entrepreneur in 2024. Ben dishes on his journey from local TV host to founding his own agency, the 10 Times 10 Group, and drops some serious knowledge about building a personal brand in today's crazy digital world. We get into the nitty-gritty of social media trends, keeping it real online, and the hustle needed to stand out from the crowd. Ben serves up some solid advice for anyone looking to make waves as an influencer or entrepreneur, and we even talk about how the pandemic shook things up for him and where he thinks marketing and AI are headed next.

I kick off season 2 with Julie Macklowe, a fascinating human who defies the "socialite" label often attached to her name. We dive into Julie's experiences at the Met Gala, her love for whiskey, and how it led her to create her own luxury American single malt brand, The Macklowe. Julie shares insights into navigating the male-dominated spirits industry and her journey from finance to founding a whiskey company. We also discuss the challenges of living in New York City today and Julie's unique perspective on travel destinations. Throughout our conversation, Julie's passion for whiskey and business shines through, offering listeners a glimpse into the world of high-end spirits and entrepreneurship.

I wrap up season one of Good Listen with Mary Helen Bowers, a former professional ballerina with the New York City Ballet. We discuss her journey from being a young girl in North Carolina dreaming of becoming a ballerina, to making that dream a reality by training at the prestigious School of American Ballet as a teenager. Mary Helen provides a fascinating inside look at the intense world of elite ballet. She sheds light on the incredible physical and mental demands, requiring an almost monastic lifestyle of constant training, discipline, and sacrifice from a very young age. Despite the difficulties, Mary Helen made it to the top, even training Natalie Portman for her role in the film Black Swan. After retiring from dancing, she started her own fitness company called Ballet Beautiful, allowing her to share her passion for ballet in a healthier, more positive way focused on strength, artistry, and longevity. Her story is an inspiring example of sustained commitment to one's calling, while also evolving to live that passion in an authentic, fulfilling way.