The Baggage Podcast
Baggage
Baggage brings together the personal, reflective storytelling of "This American Life" with the conversational, often humorous vibe of "SmartLess," delivering compelling, raw narratives from people from all walks of life, offering an intimate and honest look into the weight we carry. Led by an unlikely foursome—a doctor, a prosecutor, a comedian, and a writer—the hosts bring their vastly different backgrounds to the table, unpacking these stories with a unique blend of empathy, wit, and curiosity. The show is a unique vehicle to highlight and donate to charities who contribute to trauma and men...
Author
The Baggage Podcast
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 7, 2026
Where to listen?
Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soonPodcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts
Episodes
Immigration Lawyer (Kyle) 22.07.2025 59:57
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...
Carry-On: Don't Be So Marrow-Minded 08.07.2025 29:21
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...
Cancer Survivor (Brandon; ft. Dear Jack Foundation) 24.06.2025 1:27:11
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...
Carry-On: Fly the Friendly Skies 10.06.2025 33:31
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...
Flight Attendant (Charlie) 27.05.2025 56:25
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...
Carry-On: Killdozer & Other Oddities 13.05.2025 32:51
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...
Death Investigator (Patrick) 29.04.2025 1:00:03
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...
Carry-On: Special Delivery 15.04.2025 26:29
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...
Chicago Firefighter (Dan) 01.04.2025 1:05:19
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...
Carry-On: Sovereign Citizen Kane 18.03.2025 27:24
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...
Alaska State Trooper (Ben) 04.03.2025 1:04:31
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...
Carry-On: Death to Skunks! 18.02.2025 34:04
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...
911 Dispatcher (Beth) 04.02.2025 55:00
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...
Carry-On: Two is the Loneliest Number 21.01.2025 28:31
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...
ER Doctor (Dr. Susan Ryan) 07.01.2025 1:02:35
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...
Carry-On: Cheating Death 24.12.2024 46:01
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...
Comedian (Jason Weems) 10.12.2024 1:13:58
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...
Carry-On: IOU For One Murder 26.11.2024 24:58
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....
Divorce Lawyer (Rebecca Gumaer) 12.11.2024 1:11:52
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...
Carry-On: The Episode That Wasn't 29.10.2024 0:46
So sorry but there is no episode this week. Instead, all Carry-On episodes are now free! So you can go back and listen to any previous Carry-On episode you may have missed and get all caught up. See you next time with our next guest. Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( https://www.qledbetter.com/ ). Artwork provided by Megan Weaver ( https://meganweaverart.com/ ). Special thank you to our premium...
Flight Medic (Eric) 15.10.2024 1:06:59
The guys are joined in this episode by Eric (not the one you are used to). He shares his experiences as a flight medic, exploring the unique challenges and responsibilities flight medics face. They discuss the importance of experience, teamwork, and safety protocols in high-stress situations, as well as the logistics of air transport and the types of calls flight medics typically respond to. The c...
Carry-On: It Was Fun ... Until It Wasn't 01.10.2024 45:23
In this episode, the guys try to talk about the book “'I Try Not to Think of Afghanistan'” but quickly get sidetracked into discussions about pronunciation and the decline of the younger generations’ ability to write effectively. They guys end up reminiscing about movies from the 80s until they eventfully get back to the book and share some compelling and disturbing excerpts. So join in for an int...
The Soviet Afghantsi (Anna Reich) 17.09.2024 1:01:54
The term Afghantsi refers to military veterans of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan during the 70s and 80s. Largely ignored and forgotten by the governments of former Soviet-bloc countries, these veteran’s stories are often equally overlooked. In this episode, the guys interview Anna Reich, the author of I Try Not to Think of Afghanistan . The book is a collection of years of research done by Ann...
Carry-On: Same Sh*t, Different Day 03.09.2024 51:50
In this Carry-On episode, host and prosecutor Ryan Frank continues to discuss his experiences dealing with child victims. He talks about specific cases with unique issues in the investigation or prosecution There’s also talk about the role of the battle of the experts in child abuse cases and the mental toll such cases can have on a person. Important is how an effective prosecutor’s office actuall...
Child-Victim Prosecutor (Ryan) 20.08.2024 1:01:49
How’s your day going? Do you want to talk about child porn? Of course not. But someone has to deal with that stuff. In this episode, prosecutor Ryan Frank talks about handling child-victim sexual assault cases, everyone agrees The Simpsons’s comic book guy is a pedophile, co-hosts share how they got out of jury duty, and a lot more. Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter ( https://www.qledbetter.com/...
Similar podcasts
Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.