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Baggage

Baggage

The Baggage Podcast 66 Episodes Aug 18, 2026

Baggage is a podcast that blends personal storytelling with conversational humor, similar to shows like This American Life and SmartLess. Hosted by four unlikely friends—a doctor, a prosecutor, a comedian, and a writer—it features raw, intimate narratives from diverse guests about the emotional weight they carry. The hosts bring their distinct perspectives to each conversation, offering empathy, wit, and curiosity. The show also partners with charities focused on trauma and mental health, aiming to donate profits and raise awareness for organizations like the Dear Jack Foundation and Canine Companions.

Episodes

Circus Performer (Kimberly)
Circus Performer (Kimberly) Aug 18, 2026 58:39 Being a circus performer is interesting enough. But the guest on this episode tells the guys how pursuing her dream job led to a nightmare relationship. Kimberly shares her harrowing experience with coercive control and manipulation during her time in Scotland. This may be a difficult one to listen to but important to highlight the signs of manipulation, the cycle of abuse, and the importance of a
Carry-On: Podcast Panhandling
Carry-On: Podcast Panhandling Aug 4, 2026 24:11 In this follow-up episode of Carry-On, the guys reflect on their recent firefighter interview before quickly veering into the kind of off-the-rails conversation listeners have come to expect. They discuss a tragic wildfire update, Eric's bold attempt to raise money for charity outside Red Rocks, AI critiquing the podcast itself, Ryan Connor's surprise engagement announcement, cholesterol talk, and
Firefighter (Scott)
Firefighter (Scott) Jul 21, 2026 59:37 It turns out firefighting has little to do with using a hose relative to everything else expected of them. In this episode, the guys interview Scott, a veteran firefighter and paramedic with 26 years of experience. Scott shares his compelling stories from the front lines—ranging from wildland rescues to the emotional toll of emergency responses. Discover what it truly takes to serve as a first res
Carry-On: Vigilante Justice For All
Carry-On: Vigilante Justice For All Jul 7, 2026 19:57 In this episode, the guys debate World Cup soccer … Well, not really. Ryan just feels compelled to show how much he knows about it. But they do debate the movie “Watchmen” versus the HBO show “Watchmen” as if the two are … Well, it’s not really a debate. Eric is just completely wrong. Anyway, they discuss the vigilante killing of Jeff Doucet by Gary Plauché amongst other vigilante-related tangents
Rape/Kidnapping Survivor (Cheryl)
Rape/Kidnapping Survivor (Cheryl) Jun 23, 2026 52:18 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 i
Carry-On: Mindhunted
Carry-On: Mindhunted Jun 9, 2026 31:38 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.You can view a video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/Z-cLxwaLz
The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (Melissa & Adrienne)
The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (Melissa & Adrienne) May 26, 2026 01:00:56 In this episode, recently retired federal agents, Melissa Merola & 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
Carry-On: Puppy Troubles
Carry-On: Puppy Troubles May 12, 2026 20:43 The guys follow up on the last episode that featured Lonnie, a man that had to deal cleaning up after suicides and the like. There’s a large portion of the show dedicated to Ryan Conner and Ryan Frank’s blood work. It accomplishes nothing. The real challenge was Ryan Frank trying to make it through the whole episode while dealing with the unofficial co-host, his new puppy.You can view a video vers
Death Scene Cleaner (Lonnie)
Death Scene Cleaner (Lonnie) Apr 28, 2026 52:43 In this episode, the guys delve into the world of disaster restoration with Lonnie Beacham, owner of Restore It Restoration in Jefferson City, Missouri. Lonnie shares intense, authentic stories from decades of cleaning up after traumatic events. Traumatic, in this case, often means a post-suicide scene. Lonnie shares the challenges of biohazard work and insights into how this gritty job influences
Carry-On: One Order of CRISPR Bacon Please
Carry-On: One Order of CRISPR Bacon Please Apr 14, 2026 36:15 In this episode, the guys do a short update related to the 2018 stolen aircraft incident as well as an update on the Gilgo Beach serial killer. Then, it’s all about science. Eric educates everyone on CRISPR and other advances in science. Then Ryan has the others judge him on his medical stats. If you make it to the end, you get a prize! Full disclaimer: there is no prize.Music provided by Quincy L
Cancer Survivor (Erika; ft. Dear Jack Foundation)
Cancer Survivor (Erika; ft. Dear Jack Foundation) Mar 31, 2026 54:33 In this second collaboration with the Dear Jack Foundation, Erika shares her inspiring story of navigating a rare blood cancer starting from young adulthood, facing misdiagnosis, and eventually channeling her experiences into advocacy and support for others. Discover how resilience, support, and purpose can transform a life drastically altered by illness.Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https:/
Carry-On: You Can't Handle the Truth!
Carry-On: You Can't Handle the Truth! Mar 17, 2026 33:02 Ryan and Eric talk about the recent retirement of the last guest, the emotional toll of police work, etc. They also talk about how TV and movies portray their professions.Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you c

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