Baggage

In this episode, the guys are joined by Russ Hamilton, a former correctional officer with extensive experience in the prison system. Russ shares his journey from starting at San Quentin State Prison to his current role in reentry and rehabilitation work. He discusses the challenges and dangers faced by correctional officers, the complexities of prison dynamics; and shares some wild stories about f...

In this episode, the guys talk a little about Ryan Conner’s writing talents as well as the most recent episode featuring firefighter Brad Lilly. Eric talks about how the trauma Brad shared just scratched the surface compared to what’s in his book. Apropos of nothing, Eric shares a couple stories from space camp. And then they end where they always do: talking about movies from the 80s. You find Br...

In this episode, the guys are joined by Brad Lilly, a former firefighter and author. Warning! This is one of the more graphic episodes descripting traumatic events. The guys delve into the intense and often overlooked mental health challenges faced by firefighters. Brad shares his personal journey through trauma, the impact of cumulative stress, and the struggle for mental well-being in a high-pre...

Eric and Ryan Frank talk a little (and we mean a little) about the most recent episode with Charlee Minkin, a Judo Olympian. Then the guys just slip into movie talk. Without Ryan Conner or Adrian around, those two revert to their 13-year-old selves. They hit on the classics (80s classics that is) and trash talk Star Wars. Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( https://www.qledbetter.com/ ). Artwork...

Join the guys as they dive into the inspiring journey of Charlee Minkin, a 2004 Olympian and owner of the Sanctuary Dojo. Charlee shares her experiences growing up in a challenging environment, her path to the Olympics, and how martial arts became her escape and passion. Discover the transformative power of judo and jiu-jitsu, and how Charlee is now passing on her knowledge and love for the sport...

In this episode, the guys follow up on the last episode that featured immigration lawyer, Kyle Mitchell. They start by discussing the impact of social media on public perception (translation . . . the internet is a dark place). There’s a fun clip of Kyle’s double life as a jiu-jitsu purple belt fighting crime (not exactly). That then leads to the guys taking a hard right into talking about caulifl...

In this episode, the guys delve into the personal stories of asylum seekers. Guest Kyle Mitchell shares his stories as an immigration lawyer in New York City. From the harrowing escape of a Honduran family threatened by gangs to the incredible tale of an Ecuadorian woman facing unimaginable threats from her “serial killer” mother-in-law, these stories reveal the current stresses of those seeking r...

The guys follow up the latest episode which featured Brandon in cooperation with the Dear Jack Foundation. They share a couple of bonus clips from Brandon. One about how his journey with cancer has given him a better appreciation for life; and another about the truly beautiful gift Andrew McMahon and the foundation gave to him. Of course, when it's just the guys, the conservation devolves from bon...

In this special episode, Baggage, in collaboration with The Dear Jack Foundation, interviews Brandon who shares his personal journey with cancer, including the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and the impact on relationships. The episode highlights the importance of community support, mental health resources, and the unique struggles faced by young adults in their cancer journeys. Please enjoy...

In this episode, the guys share hilarious and embarrassing flight stories that arise during air travel. They delve into personal anecdotes from their sad, sad high school days and bizarre college experiences. Let’s all be glad that we were not their frenemy or roommate during this period of their lives. Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( https://www.qledbetter.com/ ). Artwork provided by Megan W...

In this episode, the guys talk to Charlie, a flight attendant and amateur pilot. Charlie shares his unique insights into the challenges and unexpected situations he’s faced. From dealing with difficult passengers to the realities of in-flight emergencies, the discussion highlights the often-unappreciated aspects of air travel employees. Charlie also talks about his experiences as a glider and fixe...

In this episode, the guys delve into a variety of dark and unusual topics, including the infamous Killdozer incident, a stolen aircraft joyride, a shocking case of bestiality, and the Gilgo Beach serial killings. All of which were touched on in some form or another with their most recent guest, medicolegal death investigator, Patrick. Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( https://www.qledbetter.com...

The guys interview Patrick Glen, a medicolegal death investigator. What exactly is a medicolegal death investigator? Among other things, they see more dead people than any profession that you’ve ever heard or thought of. If that wasn’t Baggage-worthy enough, Patrick also had to personally interact with the families of the deceased nearly every time. He talks about suicides (and we mean a lot of su...

In this episode, Ryan and Eric follow up on the last episode that featured a firefighter. So of course they discuss childbirth, rats, and wildfires. Eric shares his stories of delivering babies during his medical training and the challenges faced during his wife's pregnancy. Then the guys talk about rats, mice, more rats, and raccoons (nothing to do with firefighting of course). Regardless, it’s t...

In this episode, the guys are joined by veteran Chicago firefighter Dan Kennedy. Dan shares his journey into firefighting, the traditions of the Chicago Fire Department, and the challenges faced by first responders today. The discussion covers the importance of community impact, the roles of EMTs and paramedics, and the emotional experiences that come with the job, including responding to emergenc...

In this episode, the guys share their . . . experiences with law enforcement. Thankfully, they avoid implicating themselves in any major felonies. Needless to say, they learned from their youthful indiscretions with the traffic laws. Then the guys get to the truly crazy beliefs of Sovereign Citizens. Things like admiralty law and straw men. What are those things? Made up BS. But it is entertaining...

In this episode, former Alaska State Trooper Benjamin Garcia shares his unique experiences and challenges he faced while serving in one of the most rugged and remote areas of the United States. He discusses the wildlife encounters, the extreme cold, the rigorous training, and the realities of law enforcement in Alaska, including the high rates of violent crime and the need for self-reliance in dan...

In this episode, the guys catch up with Ryan Conner who is back after surviving the LA wild fires. Ryan Frank shares his harrowing story of surviving a skunk encounter where he was completely justified in his actions, without question. The guys then swap stories about when they’ve called 911 in various situations. They keep it light. No one died. We promise. Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( ht...

In this episode, Ryan Frank and Eric Shaw engage with Beth, a 911 dispatcher from Colorado, to explore the often-overlooked role of dispatchers in emergency services. Beth shares her nearly 20 years of experience, discussing the challenges of multitasking in high-pressure situations, the emotional toll of handling distressing calls, and the unique dynamics of dealing with children in crisis. The c...

In this episode, Ryan and Eric talk about PTSD and how Dr. Ryan explained it so much better than Eric did. They reflect on their experiences with service dogs, the benefits of animal therapy, and the evolving roles of dogs in society. There’s also a bit where the guys maybe thought Ryan Conner’s home was on fire. Enjoy! Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( https://www.qledbetter.com/ ). Artwork pr...

In this episode, the guys are joined by Dr. Susan Ryan, an ER doctor from Colorado. She shares her journey into medicine, her experiences with trauma in the emergency room, and the healing process she has undergone through equine and canine therapy. She discusses the adrenaline rush that comes with emergency medicine, the emotional toll it takes on healthcare professionals, and the importance of b...

In this episode, the hosts talk a lot about nothing but mostly about death. Eric goes off again about the anti-vaccine folks. The guys catch Adrian up on the episode he missed which turns into a conversation how we all should be dead based on our past experiences. Ryan Frank was almost killed by a mystery sickness, Adrian had a harrowing jump from an airplane, and Ryan Conner didn’t eat enough ban...

In this episode, the guys welcome comedian Jason Weems who shares his harrowing experience of collapsing at one of his shows from a severe asthma attack. How severe you ask? Bad enough that he was dead for a few minutes. The conversation explores Jason's journey in comedy, the challenges of performing with a chronic illness, and, of course, the life-threatening incident that occurred during a show...

The guys reflect on the latest episode about divorce. Ryan Conner, the only host with real world experience, weighs in with his own experience. Ryan Frank shares a couple of murder-for-hire stories and an additional story from guest Rebecca Gumaer. The episode concludes on a positive note, where Eric shares how a POS got his comeuppance. Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( https://www.qledbetter....

In this episode, family law attorney Rebecca Gumaer shares her journey into family law, discussing the challenges and emotional complexities of divorce cases. She highlights issues such as parental alienation, the role of experts in family law, and the judicial challenges faced in Colorado. The discussion also touches on innovative approaches to divorce resolution and the intersection of criminal...