Baggage

In the next month, host Eric Shaw will be featured as a guest on the podcast What Was That Like . In honor of that appearance, we are rereleasing a digitally remastered version of our very first episode where Eric speaks about the early days of his career. Enjoy! --------------------------------------- In the show’s first episode, we start at home. One of the hosts, Eric Shaw, shares his early exp...

In this episode, pediatric doctors Sarah and Mike Northrop discuss the complexities of child abuse diagnosis, the science behind abusive head trauma, and the impact of misinformation on medical and legal practices. They explore how medical findings intersect with legal cases and address common misconceptions about pediatric injuries. This husband-and-wife team, along with the guys, explore the evo...

In this episode, the guys follow up the previous conversation with circus performer Kimberly. The discussion starts with praise for Kimberly’s courage in sharing her story and moves through circus nostalgia, strange panhandling stories, and a long fantasy football punishment debate that takes over the back half of the episode. In short, they could use your help in punishing their friend Craig. You...

Being a circus performer is interesting enough. But the guest on this episode tells the guys how pursuing her dream job led to a nightmare relationship. Kimberly shares her harrowing experience with coercive control and manipulation during her time in Scotland. This may be a difficult one to listen to but important to highlight the signs of manipulation, the cycle of abuse, and the importance of a...

In this follow-up episode of Carry-On , the guys reflect on their recent firefighter interview before quickly veering into the kind of off-the-rails conversation listeners have come to expect. They discuss a tragic wildfire update, Eric's bold attempt to raise money for charity outside Red Rocks, AI critiquing the podcast itself, Ryan Connor's surprise engagement announcement, cholesterol talk, an...

It turns out firefighting has little to do with using a hose relative to everything else expected of them. In this episode, the guys interview Scott, a veteran firefighter and paramedic with 26 years of experience. Scott shares his compelling stories from the front lines—ranging from wildland rescues to the emotional toll of emergency responses. Discover what it truly takes to serve as a first res...

In this episode, the guys debate World Cup soccer … Well, not really. Ryan just feels compelled to show how much he knows about it. But they do debate the movie “Watchmen” versus the HBO show “Watchmen” as if the two are … Well, it’s not really a debate. Eric is just completely wrong. Anyway, they discuss the vigilante killing of Jeff Doucet by Gary Plauché amongst other vigilante-related tangents...

This episode is certainly one of the most compelling, terrifying, and heartfelt thus far. Hosts Ryan Frank and Eric Shaw speak to Cheryl about her harrowing experience of being kidnapped and raped by a stranger when she was just 16 years old. Cheryl is joined by her brother, Scott, to provide a unique look at not just the immediate effects an assault has on a survivor but also the ripple effects i...

In this episode, the guys reflect on the previous episode that featured FBI profilers Melissa and Adrienne. As a special treat from them, they provided a criminal profile of host Eric Shaw … It’s spot on. The guys then digress in random thoughts about who is the most serial killerish, what happens to bullets in fire, etc. You can view a video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/Z-cLxwaL...

In this episode, recently retired federal agents, Melissa Merola & Adrienne Malin, talk about their years in the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Dramatized by shows like Mindhunter and Criminal Minds, the real stories from the BAU are even more compelling when told by those that actually worked the cases. Hear about cases like the fake kidnapping of Sherri Papini, the poisoning death of...

The guys follow up on the last episode that featured Lonnie, a man that had to deal cleaning up after suicides and the like. There’s a large portion of the show dedicated to Ryan Conner and Ryan Frank’s blood work. It accomplishes nothing. The real challenge was Ryan Frank trying to make it through the whole episode while dealing with the unofficial co-host, his new puppy. You can view a video ver...

In this episode, the guys delve into the world of disaster restoration with Lonnie Beacham, owner of Restore It Restoration in Jefferson City, Missouri. Lonnie shares intense, authentic stories from decades of cleaning up after traumatic events. Traumatic, in this case, often means a post-suicide scene. Lonnie shares the challenges of biohazard work and insights into how this gritty job influences...

In this episode, the guys do a short update related to the 2018 stolen aircraft incident as well as an update on the Gilgo Beach serial killer. Then, it’s all about science. Eric educates everyone on CRISPR and other advances in science. Then Ryan has the others judge him on his medical stats. If you make it to the end, you get a prize! Full disclaimer: there is no prize. Music provided by Quincy...

In this second collaboration with the Dear Jack Foundation, Erika shares her inspiring story of navigating a rare blood cancer starting from young adulthood, facing misdiagnosis, and eventually channeling her experiences into advocacy and support for others. Discover how resilience, support, and purpose can transform a life drastically altered by illness. Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( https...

Ryan and Eric talk about the recent retirement of the last guest, the emotional toll of police work, etc. They also talk about how TV and movies portray their professions. Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( https://www.qledbetter.com/ ). Artwork provided by Megan Weaver ( https://meganweaverart.com/ ). Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free...

In this episode, the guys are joined by the Chief of Police for Golden, Colorado, Captain Joe Harvey. He shares his extraordinary life story—from a childhood filled with trauma and hardship to becoming a dedicated law enforcement leader. His insights on resilience, forgiveness, community trust, and mental health offer invaluable lessons for anyone seeking purpose and strength in the face of advers...

In this episode, the guys delve into the recent history of the Ukraine war, focusing on the Battle of Buccia, its atrocities, and how it has shaped Ukrainian resolve. They also explore personal narratives from those who have experienced the conflict firsthand, discussing lessons learned about war, human capacity for evil, and the importance of international support. Music provided by Quincy Ledbet...

In this episode, the guys collaborate with the Leleka Foundation on the four-year anniversary of Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine. Leleka’s Head of Strategic Communications, Iryna Solomko, provides insight on the background and current issues of the conflict. Also on this episode is Alina Sarnatska, a former battlefield medic. She provides a unique insight with personal stories of the heartache...

In this episode, the guys follow up on the recent Air Traffic Controller guest episode by delving into the challenges faced by those in the profession, discussing the complexities of the job, the interplay between the FAA and the union, and the impact of staffing shortages. They explore the unique pressures of the profession, including the demanding work schedules and the difficulty of transferrin...

In this episode, the guys interview Kasey. Until very recently, an air traffic controller. You won’t hear many air traffic controllers being interviewed. And after this episode, you’ll understand why. The guys talk about the difficulties faced by controllers these days; some expected, some not. They also share some interesting and/or funny stories about what happens on the job. Area 51 even gets a...

In this episode, Ryan Conner starts off with shamming Ryan Frank about his abysmal year in their fantasy football league. It’s unnecessary, hurtful, and we will speak no more on the subject. The guys then talk about the implications of recent rulings on abusive head trauma and the ongoing trends in book banning and censorship. As is the case with every Carry-On episode, the guys eventually end up...

In this episode, the guys talk to Marian as she shares her life as a librarian and some of the crazy, creepy things librarians experience. She discusses the evolving role of libraries in society, the challenges they face with funding and political pressures, and the impact of book banning and censorship. She also explores the future of libraries in the age of AI and reflects the community's relati...

In this episode, the guys expand on the most recent episode featuring Canine Companions. Ryan gives his opinion on Abusive Head Trauma and its portrayal in the media. That leads to a discussion about felony murder. Ryan, let’s say, takes issue with how it was discussed in a recent episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (S12 E29 · November 9, 2025: Felony Murder). Music provided by Quincy Le...

In collaboration with Canine Companions, the guys interview Amber Urban. Amber is a former sex crimes detective with the Arora, Colorado Police Department and currently works as Director of Victim Services and Handler of Courthouse Facility Dog for the Arapahoe District Attorney’s Office. Amber, along with one of Canine Companions’ executive directors, Natalie Nuce, helps explain the vital role of...

The guys follow up on the most recent episode that featured Russ Hamilton, a correctional officer with years of experience and some out there stories. The Ryans and Eric didn’t experience any riots, but they do have a few jail stories of their own. No, not from the inside (although there’s still time). The guys share anecdotes from work and life that hit on the mental health issues and dangerous s...