One More Thing Before You Go

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 reinven...

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 th...

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...

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...

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 wr...

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:

1. Why breakfast feels like possibility

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...

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 com...

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...

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 conversat...

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...

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 Beautifu...

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 h...

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 ...

Today's conversation centers on the powerful idea that the everyday moments we often ignore can actually guide us in finding ourselves and creating new paths. We have a conversation with Lorie Kleiner Eckert, a skilled storyteller whose thirty years of experience are woven into her recent book, "Chai on Life."

This thoughtful discussion reveals how change doesn’t have to come from dramatic events—it can begin simply by noticing and...

What if the soundtrack of your life could help you make smarter, more confident decisions about your financial future? In this episode, Michael sits down with Jesse Hurst, CEO of Impel Wealth Management and author of the upcoming book PopEnomics, to explore how pop culture, classic rock, and the stories we grew up with can transform the way we think about retirement, money, and the next chapter of our lives.

With more than 36 years ...

What transpires when the mission concludes, yet the battle persists? We engage in an insightful dialogue with Anthony Dyer, a distinguished Special Missions Aviator and the esteemed author of the memoir *Moon Child*, which encapsulates the harrowing realities of war, trauma, addiction, and the arduous journey toward recovery.

Anthony's narrative, steeped in authenticity, elucidates the trials faced by veterans as they navigate the ...

In 1977 Moscow, two American embassy secretaries become unlikely CIA operatives after their husbands are killed — uncovering a Cold War conspiracy that changes everything. Michael and Diane break down Peacock’s PONIES, created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson and starring Emilia Clarke, Haley Lu Richardson, and Adrian Lester. They explore the world-building, the characters, the spycraft, and why this story of “persons of no inter...

This episode delves into the profound journey of personal reinvention, exemplified by Emmanuel Laroche's transformative experiences in Madagascar. What began as a professional endeavor in the realm of food ingredients and marketing evolved into a deeper exploration of identity, creativity, and purpose, culminating in his new book, "A Taste of Madagascar."

Through his travels, Emmanuel discovered the rich tapestry of human connectio...