Berbacia joins Madge for a tell all.
album art by Taylor Haggerty Faggerty
Show Notes by Chat GPT
Yeast Radio Show Notes – Episode #1657
Host: Madge Weinstein
Special Guest: Berbacia Clemons
Episode Title: YR1647 No More Hugs
Episode Overview:
In this special episode, Madge Weinstein reflects on nearly two decades of podcasting with her longtime friend and recurring guest, Berbacia Clemons. Together, they dive into a variety of topics ranging from current events to personal struggles and the nature of creativity.
Highlights & Key Topics:
1. BBC Interview on Hamas (5:30-20:00)
• Madge shares and discusses segments from an October 3rd BBC interview with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya. She addresses the complexities and controversies of giving platforms to political figures and delves into the issues of occupation, violence, and media representation.
2. Personal Reflections on Podcasting (20:01-32:00)
• Madge reflects on her 20-year podcasting journey, sharing her feelings of disconnection from the audience and questioning her future in the medium. She discusses the changes in audience engagement, the impact of social media, and her sense of disillusionment with the state of podcasting.
3. Chat with Berbacia Clemons (32:01-1:55:00)
• Berbacia joins the conversation, bringing humor and camaraderie to the discussion. Together, they talk about:
• TV and Film: From discussing the Empire TV show to breaking down what makes a good actor, Madge and Berbacia analyze various characters, actors, and the art of acting.
• Living with Cancer: Berbacia opens up about her diagnosis, her journey through the healthcare system, and the alternative therapies she has pursued. She discusses meditation, diet changes, and the power of mind-body healing practices.
• Physical Therapy & Recovery: Berbacia provides updates on her physical therapy journey and how she’s coping with paraplegia. She shares insights on her mental and physical resilience, revealing the challenges and successes she’s encountered.
• Future Projects: Berbacia mentions her interest in possibly sharing her story further, hinting at a TikTok journey to document her experiences with health, healing, and living authentically.
4. Social Commentary & Personal Struggles (1:55:01-End)
• The conversation takes a turn toward societal topics, including the current state of American politics, the power of social media, and Madge’s opinions on the importance of civic education. She calls out the challenges of finding authentic voices in an era of oversaturation and the frustrations of algorithms controlling reach and influence.
Noteworthy Quotes:
• “I feel like I’m just talking to myself sometimes.” – Madge on the evolution of podcasting and audience engagement.
• “There are spirits that are allowed to come in when we have negativity. That’s an opening for illness.” – Berbacia discussing the role of mind-body connection in healing.
• “I used to be able to spread my ideas. Now, I’m just a nobody.” – Madge on the impact of social media on individual voices.
Closing Remarks:
Madge ends the episode by contemplating the future of Yeast Radio. She expresses gratitude for her loyal listeners and leaves the door open for audience interaction, inviting feedback and engagement as she considers her next steps. The show concludes with a humorous yet heartfelt sign-off, reminding listeners of the deep bond shared between Madge and Berbacia.
Tune in to this episode for a mix of humor, reflection, and candid discussions on health, media, and the world at large.