Podcast thumbnail for Baggage

by The Baggage Podcast

5.0(16 reviews)
63 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
57

Podcast Authority

Beta
FairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Pod Engine
Quality56
Social0
YouTube93
Engagement51

Podcast Overview

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 mental needs. Collaborating charities include the Dear Jack Foundation (https://www.dearjackfoundation.org/ ) and Canine Companions (https://canine.org/ ), among others. The ultimate goal of the show is to donate profits directly to these charities, as well as give them a platform to get their message out. If you are interested in helping the show achieve this goal, please donate to help with marketing and growth. To share your story or ask a question, email us at thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

1/1/2024

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57

Podcast Authority

Beta
FairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Pod Engine
Quality56
Social0
YouTube93
Engagement51
6
Excellent Areas
4
Good Performance
9
Growth Opportunities
excellent
Episode Length
41 minutes
Performing excellently!
good
Publishing Consistency
Every 15 days

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for Rape/Kidnapping Survivor (Cheryl)

June 23, 2026

Rape/Kidnapping Survivor (Cheryl)

<p>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 it has on their loved ones.</p><p>Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (<a href="https://www.qledbetter.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.qledbetter.com/</a>).</p><p>Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (<a href="https://meganweaverart.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://meganweaverart.com/</a>).</p><p>Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit <a href="https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support</a> to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.</p><p>If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at <a href="mailto:thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com</a>.</p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>What Was That Like</strong></p><p>What Was That Like is a storytelling podcast, with first-hand amazing stories presented by Scott Johnson and Meredith Hackwith Edwards. Each storyteller tells their own personal true story, with all the details of what happened. Animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and more – you'll hear what happened directly from the person who experienced it, and the inspirational outcome of how they came out on the other side. To learn more visit <a href="" target"_blank="https://whatwasthatlike.com/">https://whatwasthatlike.com/</a> or search for What Was That Like wherever you get your podcasts. </p><p><strong>Leleka Foundation</strong></p><p>Leleka Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that operates with minimal overhead, maximizing the impact of every donation. By leveraging our personal resources, we ensure that 96-97% of all donations go directly to life-saving programs. Leleka was founded in December 2014 when several Ukrainians in the United States joined their efforts with several volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to procure and supply medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since February 2022, Leleka has focused on the urgent supply of critical medical supplies and protective gear to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians. To support Leleka, visit <a href="https://leleka.care/en" target="_blank">https://leleka.care/en</a>. </p>

Episode thumbnail for Carry-On: Mindhunted

June 9, 2026

Carry-On: Mindhunted

<p>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.</p><p>You can view a video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/Z-cLxwaLzI0</p><p>Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (<a href="https://www.qledbetter.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.qledbetter.com/</a>).</p><p>Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (<a href="https://meganweaverart.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://meganweaverart.com/</a>).</p><p>Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit <a href="https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support</a> to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.</p><p>If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at <a href="mailto:thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com</a>.</p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>What Was That Like</strong></p><p>What Was That Like is a storytelling podcast, with first-hand amazing stories presented by Scott Johnson and Meredith Hackwith Edwards. Each storyteller tells their own personal true story, with all the details of what happened. Animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and more – you'll hear what happened directly from the person who experienced it, and the inspirational outcome of how they came out on the other side. To learn more visit <a href="" target"_blank="https://whatwasthatlike.com/">https://whatwasthatlike.com/</a> or search for What Was That Like wherever you get your podcasts. </p><p><strong>Leleka Foundation</strong></p><p>Leleka Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that operates with minimal overhead, maximizing the impact of every donation. By leveraging our personal resources, we ensure that 96-97% of all donations go directly to life-saving programs. Leleka was founded in December 2014 when several Ukrainians in the United States joined their efforts with several volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to procure and supply medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since February 2022, Leleka has focused on the urgent supply of critical medical supplies and protective gear to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians. To support Leleka, visit <a href="https://leleka.care/en" target="_blank">https://leleka.care/en</a>. </p>

Episode thumbnail for The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (Melissa & Adrienne)

May 26, 2026

The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (Melissa & Adrienne)

<p>In this episode, recently retired federal agents, Melissa Merola &amp; 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 Eric Richins by his wife, Kouri Richins, and the murder of three year old Khaleesi Cuthriell.</p><p>Melissa Merola is currently the founder and principal consultant for Starling Enterprise, LLC which provides behaviorally-based expertise to public and private sector entities in cases involving crimes against adult victims or persons of concern.</p><p>Adrienne Malin is currently the founder of Human Behavior Analysis Group, LLC where she provides behavioral analysis and case consultation in complex matters involving child abuse, neglect, exploitation, torture, and homicide. She works with law enforcement, prosecutors, NGOs, attorneys, and guardians ad litem across civil, criminal, and family courts—and also consults on cases involving false allegations or potential wrongful convictions, always with a focus on protecting children, careful evidence analysis, and the pursuit of justice.</p><p>You can view a video version of this episode here: : <a href="https://youtu.be/6jiWIDsSn24" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/6jiWIDsSn24</a></p><p>Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (<a href="https://www.qledbetter.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.qledbetter.com/</a>).</p><p>Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (<a href="https://meganweaverart.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://meganweaverart.com/</a>).</p><p>Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit <a href="https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support</a> to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.</p><p>If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at <a href="mailto:thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com</a>.</p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>Leleka Foundation</strong></p><p>Leleka Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that operates with minimal overhead, maximizing the impact of every donation. By leveraging our personal resources, we ensure that 96-97% of all donations go directly to life-saving programs. Leleka was founded in December 2014 when several Ukrainians in the United States joined their efforts with several volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to procure and supply medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since February 2022, Leleka has focused on the urgent supply of critical medical supplies and protective gear to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians. To support Leleka, visit <a href="https://leleka.care/en" target="_blank">https://leleka.care/en</a>. </p><p><strong>What Was That Like</strong></p><p>What Was That Like is a storytelling podcast, with first-hand amazing stories presented by Scott Johnson and Meredith Hackwith Edwards. Each storyteller tells their own personal true story, with all the details of what happened. Animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and more – you'll hear what happened directly from the person who experienced it, and the inspirational outcome of how they came out on the other side. To learn more visit <a href="" target"_blank="https://whatwasthatlike.com/">https://whatwasthatlike.com/</a> or search for What Was That Like wherever you get your podcasts. </p>

63 total episodes available

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Frequently asked questions

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What is 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 mental needs. Collaborating charities include the Dear Jack Foundation (https://www.dearjackfoundation.org/ ) and Canine Companions (https://canine.org/ ), among others. The ultimate goal of the show is to donate profits directly to these charities, as well as give them a platform to get their message out. If you are interested in helping the show achieve this goal, please donate to help with marketing and growth.

To share your story or ask a question, email us at thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com.

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Information about guest appearances is not available.

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