Three Ear-Worthy Podcasts: Open To Debate; Hot Ones; I'm Feeling Queer Today

 Today, we give you three ear-worthy podcasts, all with something special to offer listeners. Open To Debate tackles the use of psychedelics to treat mental illness. The popular food podcast Hot Ones joined the winning side in the podcasting industry -- independent podcasts. I'm Feeling Queer Today launches season two with an engrossing miniseries.

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 Open To Debate Podcast On Psychedelics

On this week's episode of the Open to Debate podcast: Psychedelics.

Magic mushrooms, MDMA, and Ketamine. These psychedelic drugs, once a taboo, might not be as harmful as we thought. Some scientific studies have shown evidence that psychedelic drugs, when used in controlled therapeutic settings, may help patients with anxiety, PTSD, and depression. While states like Oregon have legalized psilocybin therapy, the FDA recently decided in a high-profile case not to approve MDMA therapy. Should doctors still consider its use, or is it overhyped? 

Some scientific studies have shown evidence that psychedelic drugs, when used in controlled therapeutic settings, may help patients with their mental health — but should they be recommended by your doctor? Those advocating for psychedelic use argue that it could be a welcome relief for patients who don’t respond to traditional medicine. Those against its use argue we don’t yet understand their long-term effects.

• Arguing Help: Ismail Ali, Director of Policy and Advocacy at MAPS

• Arguing Hype: Kevin Sabet, President and CEO at the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions

• Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates. 

The Open To Debate podcast plays a critical role in our society today.

Open to Debate is a call to action: All of us should keep an open mind to solve the complex problems we face as individuals and as a nation.

Open to Debate is a reminder: To solve our greatest problems, we must operate in a contempt-free zone. We need to be able to sit in the same room and exchange ideas with people we disagree with. Being open to debate is a gesture of respect for the good faith arguments of those we disagree with, for the intelligence and integrity of those who watch or listen, and for the value of debate done right.

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 First We Feast Goes Indie

 We always say that independent podcasts are often the best. Today's piece has a unique twist. A podcast owned by a large company that has gone independent.

Launched by Chris Schonberger in 2012 at Complex Media, First We Feast has grown into a media company and studio behind hit YouTube series like Hot Ones, The Burger Show, Heat Eaters, Pro Moves, Versus, and more. With more than 27 million followers across platforms, the brand’s audience-first ethos has inspired passionate fandom and a range of products, from hot sauce to ramen, that allow fans to experience their favorite shows.

  "Today's announcement marks an exciting new chapter in First We Feast's history," said Chris Schonberger, Creator of Hot Ones and CEO of the new company. "What began as a humble food blog has evolved into a powerhouse multi-platform brand, amassing more than four billion views on YouTube, earning multiple Daytime Emmy nominations, and winning James Beard Awards. Being part of this incredible journey has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Our proven expertise in developing compelling formats, iconic IP, and best-in-class interviews makes us uniquely positioned to build on the brand's momentum and supercharge our growth. With new investment, we're poised to expand into exciting new areas—including new platforms, live events, and talent acquisition—cementing First We Feast as the ultimate destination for pop culture–obsessed audiences. I'm thrilled to lead this next chapter as we continue to push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences for our audience."

 Hosted by Sean Evans and known for its deeply-researched questions, Hot Ones has become an essential stopover for celebrities, generating a deep library of evergreen interviews that have spawned some of the internet’s most meme-able moments with guests such as Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Lawrence, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Holland, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Hart, Post Malone, Millie Bobby Brown, Paul Rudd, Margot Robbie, David Beckham, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.  Hot Ones has significantly impacted popular culture, with notable parodies on Saturday Night Live and appearances in TV shows like Loot and The Simpsons. Evans has interviewed iconic animated characters, including Donald Duck and Peter Griffin from Family Guy. Recently nominated for a Critics Choice Award, Hot Ones continues to spark conversations about YouTube shows being nominated for Emmys and redefining the 'new late night' by bridging the gap between the internet and mainstream culture.

First We Feast will begin this new chapter with a running start, launching its Annual Hot One’s Holiday Extravaganza on December 19^th and Season 26 of Hot Ones, launching on January 23^rd with new celebrity interviews and special surprises to mark the 10^th anniversary of the show.
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I'm Feeling Queer Today begins Season 2
 

I'm Feeling Queer Today is produced by The Future Perfect Project, and this new season is all about amplifying LGBTQIA+ youth voices with conversations about queerness at the intersection of disability, neurodivergence, gender, and geography.

The podcast just launched its long-awaited second season. This season, you’ll hear from a disability justice scholar, a queer business owner adopting a ‘non-binary business model,’ and of course, queer youth of today as we carry you through vulnerable discussions, interviews, autobiographical writing, original music, and more. 

 

In Part 1 of 2 of the show's “Expressing Queerness” mini-series, the podcast explores transmasculine lesbian expressions through fashion, breaking out of patriarchal expectations of queer women, plus, the show's "Queer Crushes" segment and a piece of original writing from a non-binary poet.

 

 The show co-hosts are Lily Mueller (they/she/he) is a 20-year-old New England-based writer, artist, and performer. They are a sunlight supporter, nap enthusiast, Doctor Who enjoyer, a proponent of childlike wonder, and a queer media aficionado, currently on the lookout for knowledge, peace, & life's small, beautiful things. 

The other co-host is Claire Florence (she/her), a 23-year-old Graduate from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor's in Digital Media Production. Claire is a New York-based writer, art director, and sound designer/mixer. 

Check out I'm Feeling Queer Today. The more we learn about each other, the more we can empathize and understand each other. 

As English writer Oscar Wilde once observed: To realize one’s nature perfectly – that is what each of us is here for."