Advertise on podcast: Going There: Taboo Topics Are Back on the Table

Outside of Philadelphia, PA, down the street where "The Lovely Bones" was filmed, we visit the home of film programmer, Nick Lombardo and his wife Nikki, both mega horror fans and collectors. Our friend Shaun Casper, designer/illustrator and sfx makeup artist, joins Nick and our host, Matt for a deep dive discussion on the Horror genre. They discuss the psychology of the films, the stigma that is slowly dissolving, and the beauty in the outcasts connecting through the craft and nostalgia. Why are these films so loved? Why do people enjoy being scared? Will the devil actually attack you through the screen? Everything is back on the table for these three as they nerd out on this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 elections delivered some surprising results, illustrating the change that Americans are craving...even in areas that were otherwise galvanized in the political stronghold. Upsets and some firsts were made in Virginia, Georgia, New Jersey, Michigan, and of course, New York City. Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim, Democratic Socialist, at the height of the Israel-Palestine conflict, garnered support from New Yorkers of all types. Not just the typical young liberals...but the Jewish vote, the Muslim vote, the Christian vote, old, young, and everything between. What do his policies look like and how will they affect New Yorkers? We interview Cory Choy of Silver Sound Studio NYC to share his real life experiences. And, we take to the streets for some classic man-on-the-street interviews, to get more opinions from his constituency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the modern era of mansplainers, super alphas and groypers, true men are being overshadowed by toxic masculinity. Matt brings in three guests; a former US Army Drill Sergeant, a former NHL player and a "guy's guy" or ladies man; for a raw, authentic and vulnerable conversation on masculinity what it means to be a man. The only heavy weights lifted are emotional ones. The only thing chugged is a pill of self awareness. What's the difference between a boss and a leader? What's healthier, the stoic or the active listener? And because it's discussed in the balance of polarity, this episode is for men and women alike. They flex those sexy brain muscles with this discussion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some issues shout. Others whisper. And then there are the ones happening right under our noses while we’re busy watching cute puppy commercials. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the struggles that don’t get the glossy PSAs or viral hashtags—but absolutely should.Matt is joined by Carla Bayonnet, Summit County Adult Guardian Service’s powerhouse Executive Director, and Beth Wills, a boots-on-the-ground volunteer at Northeastern Ohio Women’s Services. They’re here to help us spotlight the Invisible People—the neighbors and community members dealing with big challenges in total silence.It’s real, it’s eye-opening, and yes… it’s the stuff no one talks about at brunch (but probably should). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Amy Acton sat down at the Going There table for her 2nd long-format podcast appearance as Ohio's Gubernatorial candidate. In this episode, Matt has a candid conversation with the former State Health Director and Ohio's Covid-19 voice of reason. She shares insight into her childhood, the problems in Ohio politics, her opponent Vivek Ramaswamy, and why she's the "Ted Lasso of Politics." Grab your Diamond Dogs and get ready for a heartfelt and educational episode with THE Dr. Amy Acton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 3 kicks off with a look back over the time during and between previous seasons, while keeping an eye on what is yet to come.  Are humans devolving?  Is bridging the gap still possible?  Would it be better to live as a muppet?  A new set, production design and production crew help facilitate a candid conversation.  Featuring co-producer Kayleigh Williams and returning Season 2 guest, psychologist/therapist Dr. Jen Yensel.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a very long Season 2, we come to the final bonus episodes, a 2-part series focusing on the people behind the scenes, the unsung heroes of the technical quality of the show. In Part 2 we meet Cory Choy, the audio guru from Silver Sound in NYC, who talks about his brush-ups with the Kushners, a Pokemon treasure he gave up freely, and of course, the ins and outs of audio cleaning and restoration. We also visit the home of Joe Cali, the narrator for the podcast, where we discuss how it works, what he does, and his famous Jurassic Park commercial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a very long Season 2, we come to the final bonus episodes, a 2-part series focusing on the people behind the scenes, the unsung heroes of the technical quality of the show. In Part 1 we meet Bobby Thomas, the audio engineer who helps clean and mix much of the dialogue. He shares his stories as a radio DJ, a voice actor and audio editor when it was still reel-to-reel. And we interview Tyler Kubisty, the lead tech supervisor who sat at the board for 57/60 episodes, and had a huge hand in creating the content from the very beginning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NY Times Best-selling author, Neale Donald Walsch, shares his experiences and his conversations with God. His newest, and potentially final book, GodTalk, released just two months before the recording. GodTalk includes more of Walsch's thoughts and revelations, intermixed with stories from every day average people who realized God was speaking to them in different situations, through friends and family, and in the most unexpected ways. Is God a man? Is God speaking to all of us? Does God have a sense of humor? Is God a definitive being with conditions for love? Check it out then tell us what YOU think. For a free copy of his other book, The God Solution, you can email [email protected] and ask for the manuscript. And visit CWGConnect.com to stay connected with this Best-selling author. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brother-Sister duo, James and Lauren, from the Sorta Kinda Funny Podcast join us for a festive chat focused on leaving the Mormon church. What does the Book of Mormon teach? Why is some if it harmful? What lessons did they learn that led them to reevaluate their religion? And are boobs even real? This and more in a great, educational and entertaining bonus episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, M.D. and career family physician shares her story on how research, data, and facts changed her mind on cannabis and its essential use in medicine. Now, as a published author, speaker, and advocate for cannabis, she helps inform us as she does her patients, on the truth behind why CBD, THC, and all the various ingredients have been historically taboo, outlawed, stigmatized, and demonized...and what they can actually offer from a medicinal stance, beyond the euphoria. Should it be made more readily available? See what the research has to say. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Season 2 Finale is full of laughs, call-backs, recaps and cameos! Plus fantastic conversation and music from Brendan and Gabrielle of Wheatus! The focus of our main discussion is on Modern Dating. It's a far cry from what we witnessed in years past. Where meeting at a bar or on a dating app was stigmatized even a decade ago, is now par for the course. For singles, searching for love, sex, companionship or even just a positive experience, how does it work? Is success in any form a rare commodity or is there simply a shift that needs to take place, to adjust one's expectations and understanding of dating in the modern age? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we delve into the complexities of the D word: Divorce. Tune in as Matt and returning guests Natalie Duvnjak and Peter Toomey discuss exploring the emotions and personal growth that accompany this life-altering process. Through candid stories and expert insights from Dr. Jen and Joe Yensel of The Cole Center, they unpack what divorce looks and feels like from different circumstances. And of course, nothing heals heartache like good music. This week’s Musician Spotlight is on Bronx-based singer/songwriter, Gabrielle Sterbenz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Season 2 nears its end, we take a temperature from people across the state, country, and globe. Is our hypothesis, that most of us live somewhere left or right of center, accurate? Dozens of interviews recorded at the annual Twins Days Festival, where twins, families, and visitors from all over the world come together to celebrate the uniqueness of twins. The producers break down the answers and share their thoughts. Is there hope for us as a people to reunite and coexist? Featuring an interview and spotlight on singer/songwriter, Mariama Whyte. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this compelling episode, we have eye-opening discussions with survivors of various religious cults. Our guests share deeply personal experiences as victims of the misuse of religious texts and promises of a greater life or afterlife. These accounts serve as cautionary tales, reminding us to use skepticism, critical analysis, and a steadfast commitment to personal agency. Especially in the face of influential figures who exploit faith and the spiritually vulnerable for their own selfish gain. Get some "cool" aid in your journey with the instrumental sounds of Elias Ravin and his new project, Big Voyage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.