Episodes

What if the story you’ve been told about food your whole life… wasn’t the truth? In this conversation, wellness pioneer Cherie Calbom opens up about the trauma that shaped her, the healing that rebuilt her, and the lies about nutrition that changed the health of an entire generation. Together, we explore the seed‑oil scandal, the rise of chronic illness, and the emotional journey of reclaiming your body — and your life. This is an unhurried, human conversation about truth, identity, and the cou...

What is it about travel that transforms us? Does stepping into a new place make us wiser, more compassionate, more connected to the world? Or is travel sometimes just an escape — a temporary break from the weight of everyday life? Today, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes with Douglas Brouwer, author of The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel. Douglas has spent a lifetime exploring the world — not for the postcards, but for the meaning beneath the...

What happens when the story you’ve been trained to tell can no longer hold the truth you’re living? In this cinematic and deeply human conversation, journalist‑turned‑storyhealer Candace Lynn Talmadge joins Michael to explore grief, myth, reinvention, and the power of narrative to transform emotional trauma. After decades in the disciplined world of journalism, Candace’s life was shattered by the loss of her wife — a moment that revealed the limits of reporting and opened the door to something ...

In this Over the Teacup episode, Michael and Diane sit down to unpack Margo’s Got Money Troubles, the new Apple TV dramedy created by David E. Kelley and starring Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nicole Kidman. Together, they explore the show’s messy, heartfelt world — from Margo’s unexpected journey into single motherhood and OnlyFans survival, to the complicated, hilarious, and deeply human relationship with her estranged wrestler‑dad, Jinx. Michael and Diane dive into the...

In this cinematic and deeply human conversation, Heather Ann Ferri joins Michael Herst at the Mediterranean table to explore healing, identity, trauma, and the stories we carry — and the ones we choose to rewrite. Heather shares her powerful journey through childhood trauma, chronic illness, spiritual awakening, and the lifelong work of reclaiming the self. Together, she and Michael dive into the emotional patterns we inherit, the cultural forces that shape us, and the rituals that help us retu...

What if one journey could rewrite the story you’ve been carrying your entire life? In this listener‑favorite episode, we revisit the extraordinary journey of Kirsten Rudberg, whose life was shaped by growing up overseas with a mother battling severe depression — a childhood marked by instability, emotional distance, and the quiet work of trying to understand her place in the world. Everything shifted when she felt an undeniable pull to walk the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that challenged h...

What do we learn about ourselves when we step into places that test us? The exploration of our true selves often unfolds in the challenging environments that test our limits. The nature of self-discovery is intrinsically tied to the journeys we undertake, particularly those that challenge our preconceived notions of comfort and fulfillment. In this cinematic episode, Michael sits down with Miles Spencer — adventurer, multi exit founder, media innovator, artist, and mentor — to explore the less...

This encore episode—originally aired April 30, 2025—remains one of my favorites. Emmy‑nominated producer and director Neil Laird joins me to explore how untold stories become powerful narratives that captivate audiences worldwide. With more than 1,000 hours of documentary programming for Discovery, National Geographic, and the BBC, Neil shares insights from his adventures across 70+ countries, the balance between historical accuracy and entertainment, and the importance of representation in stor...

Award‑winning author Lexy Shaw Delorme has lived a life as genre‑defying as her fiction — rock musician, scientist, attorney, and global traveler. In this conversation, she shares the real stories behind The Limerent Series, the themes that shape her work, and how living across three continents transformed her voice as a writer. If you love creativity, reinvention, and emotionally charged storytelling, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Lexy (writing as L.S. Delorme) takes us inside...

What is it about travel that truly transforms us? Does stepping into a new place make us wiser and more connected, or is travel sometimes just an escape from the everyday? In this powerful encore conversation, I sit down with Douglas Brouwer, seasoned traveler and author of The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel. Douglas has spent a lifetime exploring the world — not just for the sights, but for the deeper lessons found along the way. From childhood road t...

Bestselling author Aaron Ryan has written 41 books and reinvented himself more times than most creatives attempt in a lifetime. In this conversation, we explore how he found his voice, rebuilt after toxic environments, and continues to thrive in a world reshaped by AI. This episode is a powerful look at resilience, storytelling, and the courage to evolve as a creator. Creativity isn’t a straight line — it’s a lifelong act of reinvention. In this episode, Michael sits down with bestselling and a...

RJ Decker isn’t just another TV drama — it’s the kind of character‑driven storytelling that reminds us why we fall in love with television in the first place. In this Over the Teacup Sunday episode, Michael and Diane dive deep into the world of RJ Decker: the grounded lead, the emotional weight he carries, the supporting cast that elevates every scene, and the finale that quietly sets the stage for something bigger. Then, around the 2/3 mark, they pour a fresh cup and shift into a lively round...

At 72 years old, Marine combat veteran Rand R. Timmerman did something most people half his age will never attempt: he hiked the entire 2,100‑mile Appalachian Trail. But this wasn’t just an adventure — it was a mission. Rand set out to help his brother Ron, a 71‑year‑old Army veteran and commercial pilot, who was drowning in grief after losing his wife. Rand himself was in recovery from alcoholism. What began as a physical challenge became a spiritual passage — one that transformed both brother...

What happens when technology evolves faster than our humanity? In this episode, Michael Herst sits down with Bruce D. Randall — AI strategist, ethicist, author, and Reiki Master — for a grounded, eye‑opening conversation about the future we’re all stepping into. Bruce brings a rare blend of technical insight and spiritual wisdom. Together, they explore: How AI is reshaping our lives and our sense of self Why ethics matter now more than ever What it means to stay human in a digital world How...

In this episode, Michael sits down with chef, storyteller, and world traveler Karl Wilder for a conversation that feels like sharing a great meal with an old friend. Together, they explore how food connects us — not just to flavors, but to memories, people, and the moments that shape who we are. Karl opens up about the dishes he’ll never forget, the places that changed him, and the unexpected path that led him from the kitchen to writing and voice acting. This is a warm, sensory, down‑to‑earth...

n this warm and deeply personal episode, Michael and Diane explore the meaning of breakfast: the quiet moments at home, the traditions passed down through family, the comfort of familiar routines, and the joy of meeting friends or loved ones at your favorite café. Together, they dive into: Why breakfast feels like possibility The emotional value of slow mornings at home Cooking breakfast as a love language The magic of catching up with friends or family over a morning meal The traditions w...

Travel can be more than a trip—it can be a turning point. In this episode, Michael Herst sits down with Dr. Joy Owens, CEO of Butler Travel, to explore how travel becomes a catalyst for transformation in students, families, and leaders alike. From study abroad experiences to humanitarian missions, Joy shares how stepping into unfamiliar places can reshape identity, deepen connection, and awaken purpose. Born from missionary roots in Tanzania, Butler Travel continues to create meaningful, acce...

Scrubs is back — and so are we, Over the Teacup! In this Sunday sit‑down, Michael and Diane pour a cup and dive into the long‑awaited Scrubs reboot. From returning favorites like J.D., Turk, Elliot, Carla, Dr. Cox, and The Janitor… to the brand‑new interns bringing a 2026 twist to Sacred Heart, we explore what’s changed, what’s familiar, and what still makes this show one of the most beloved medical comedies of all time. We also compare the reboot to today’s modern medical dramas — including Th...

What does it mean to carry a culture in your hands — and in your sound? In this intimate and cinematic conversation, Michael sits down with Tara Connaghan, an award‑winning Irish traditional fiddler, educator, podcaster, and cultural storyteller from County Donegal. Tara’s life is shaped by music, memory, landscape, and the deep-rooted traditions of Ireland’s northwest coast. Together, we explore the emotional and historical threads woven into Irish traditional music — from the ancient tunes pa...

What does it take to become the person you were meant to be — not someday, but now? In this powerful and high‑energy conversation, Michael sits down with Nicky Billou, a bestselling author, elite performance coach, and the host of The Thought Leader Revolution. Known for helping entrepreneurs, executives, and creators unlock their deepest potential, Nicky brings a rare combination of intensity, heart, and clarity to every conversation. Born in Iran and shaped by the experience of fleeing a repr...

Travel isn’t always glamorous — but it’s always transformative. In this cinematic conversation, Michael sits down with Ann Craig‑Cinnamon and John Cinnamon, a married duo whose 30‑year journey across more than 120 countries has shaped their lives, their marriage, and their understanding of the world. Ann and John are award‑winning broadcasters, entrepreneurs, documentary filmmakers, and authors of Travel Is No Vacation: A Love Story — a memoir that explores the beauty, chaos, humor, and human...

The exploration of veganism offers a profound opportunity to consider the ethical implications of our food choices, not only for our personal health but also for the well-being of the world around us. In this enlightening dialogue, we delve into the intricate intersections of animal ethics, food systems, and philosophical thought, guided by Dr. Matthew Halteman, a distinguished professor of philosophy and author of "Hungry Beautiful Animals." His work challenges the conventional, rule-bound not...

In this inspiring conversation, Michael sits down with Anita Heidema and Chef Dario Tomaselli — the dynamic duo behind the O’Live Your Life Mediterranean movement. Together, they explore how food, culture, and intentional living can transform the way we experience our daily lives. From the emotional power of gathering around a table to the deeper meaning behind Mediterranean wellness, this episode blends storytelling, wisdom, and heart. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots, reinve...

Peacock’s new reimagining of The ’Burbs brings suburban paranoia back to life — this time through the eyes of Keke Palmer as Samira, a new mom who moves into her husband’s childhood neighborhood and quickly realizes something isn’t right. Inspired by the 1989 Tom Hanks classic, this 2026 series blends mystery, comedy, and cultural commentary, with a standout cast including Jack Whitehall, Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, and Kapil Talwalkar . Created by Celeste Hughey and executive‑prod...