Shows
The Front PorchS4, E2: Jon Underbrink (Starbucks) - Maximum Impact ... One Cup. One Person. One Neighborhood.Season 4, Episode 2: Jon Underbrink gets the opportunity to give back in Melissa, Texas, in a very caffeinated way. As a shift supervisor at the Meilissa Starbucks from Day 1, it has been his mission to create positive ripple effects across this community - one cup of coffee at a time. On this episode of The Front Porch, Jon shares how he ended up in Melissa and waited patiently for the Starbucks to be built ... he talks about his 19-year career with Starbucks ... and he explains what he loves about this community. #frontporchLinks:Starbucks Coffee: W...
2025-11-1327 min
Side Piece with Melissa PfeisterThe World's Top Inspirational & Leadership Teacher JON GORDON!!!Top 3 leadership speakers IN THE WORLD and 18x bestselling author of over 30 BOOKS, yes the one & onlyJon Gordon is in the Side Piece house, baby! I have been such a huge fan of Jon since my dad told me about one of his inspirational books and have been hooked since! To have Jon on is such an incredible honor. Jon and I chat how the road to becoming a number one consultant started and his amazing journey thru it all. We talk being in these locker rooms of NFL, MLB and NBA championship teams, working with the...
2025-07-1024 min
Uncensored CMOSwipe right - how Tinder are shifting from short term hook up to long term love - Melissa HobleyMelissa Hobley is the Global CMO at Tinder, where she’s responsible for global brand advertising, marketing, social media, and partnerships. She most recently served as CMO for OkCupid, which became known for its message of inclusion and affirmation, winning numerous awards for its breakthrough social campaign under her direction.Prior to joining OkCupid, Melissa was the VP Marketing for Walgreens, and CMO of Buyology, which married the latest discoveries in behavioural economics with product innovation and marketing, with clients ranging from Visa to Nintendo. She started her career as a publicist, working for some of the bi...
2024-10-3042 min
She Can ShareEp: (81) Build Your Money + Ministry Mindset with Jon SandersIf you're a ministry-minded person but struggle to have a healthy money mindset, this conversation is for you! In today's episode, Jon Sanders shares his story of being in pastoral ministry for over 20 years and believed that meant he should be poor. He discusses the journey God took him on to live empowered through creating another stream of income as a minister. We discuss the benefits of having a healthy perspective of money, the value of ministry outside the 4 walls of a church, and how you can create a profitable business to support your family and fulfill your calling...
2024-09-1146 minShe Can ShareEp: (81) Build Your Money + Ministry Mindset with Jon SandersIf you're a ministry-minded person but struggle to have a healthy money mindset, this conversation is for you! In today's episode, Jon Sanders shares his story of being in pastoral ministry for over 20 years and believed that meant he should be poor. He discusses the journey God took him on to live empowered through creating another stream of income as a minister. We discuss the benefits of having a healthy perspective of money, the value of ministry outside the 4 walls of a church, and how you can create a profitable business to support your family and fulfill your calling...
2024-09-1146 min
Fill Me In: An Aesthetics PodcastMother/Wife/Business Owner: Melissa LaMarca, PA-C | Episode 7Exhibit Medical Aesthetics' co-owner, Melissa LaMarca , joins us on Fill Me In! Melissa is Nicole Bauer's business partner, a P.A. Aesthetic Injector, and, not least of all, a loving mother to two boys. Melissa fills us in on what it's like balancing work and family, opening a medical aesthetics practice, keeping calm on the outside, and much more.Follow Melissa LaMarca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa.the.pa/To book with Melissa, visit Exhibit's website: https://exhibitmedicalaesthetics.com/On Fill Me In: An Aesthetics Podcast, Jon LeSuer NP-C and N...
2024-07-3031 min
Mending FamiliesREPLAY - #8 - Jon PembertonWelcome to the summer series top 8 most listened-to episodes of this past year! Let's start with #8, my interview with my husband, Jon Pemberton, which was the first episode of the podcast!
On today’s episode, Jon shares his feelings about becoming a dad “overnight” when he married Melissa. His perspective on how he thought he would parent shifted when he was able to learn more about how discipline affects kids and that there are other options to discipline that encourage healthier emotional intelligence. Jon touches on corporal punishment and how he came to a place that he realiz...
2024-07-0828 minFill Me In: An Aesthetics PodcastPrincess Diana of Aesthetics: Melissa Giordano | Episode 5Melissa Giordano joins us on Fill Me In! Melissa is a true pioneer in the field, and an inspiration to those of us in aesthetics. We had such a great conversation with the Princess Diana of aesthetics!Follow Melissa Giordano on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aesthetic_nurse_melissa/To book with Melissa, visit the following website for The Breslow Center in Paramus, NJ: https://www.breslowmd.com/On Fill Me In: An Aesthetics Podcast, Jon LeSuer NP-C and Nicole Bauer FNP-BC dive deep in the world of aesthetics. As aesthetic nurse...
2024-07-0248 min
The Melissa Dougherty PodcastSuicide Through a Biblical Lens: What You Need to Know|With Jon NoyesI invited my good friend Jon Noyes on to talk about a tough topic: Suicide. I was stunned to discover how serious this is when I saw a recent statistic showing the growing suicide rates. Why is this happening? How can we biblically look at this? What can be done? There is hope. 👀WATCH👀:●Teen Suicide Epidemic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xox-z2g-CU●Stand to Reason Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@STRvideos●Is Suicide Unforgivable?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pGjiQYHagc&t=164s●My Other video with Jon about abortion: https://youtu.b...
2024-01-071h 01
EntrePastorsLeveraging Social Media for Influence and Impact with Melissa Hughes (#128)Many pastors would say they have a “love-hate” relationship with social media. While they certainly see social media as a gathering place for people in our culture and an opportunity to connect with others, they also recognize many of the negative aspects that social media can pose as well. In this episode, Jon and Les talk with a true social media influencer by the name of Melissa Hughes. Melissa and her husband served for a few years as struggling church planters in the UK before returning home to the United States feeling like ministry had been a failure in large p...
2024-01-0550 minMending Families42. Christmas Real Talk with Jon PembertonOn today’s episode, Melissa chats with her husband Jon about Christmas, the holidays, Santa, and also some other random stuff. It’s always a fun time when both Melissa and Jon are on the show so you will definitely get some good tips, but also will mostly just laugh a lot. Enjoy!
*To find all of the episodes with the full show notes, go to https://www.mendingfamilieswa.com/mending-families-podcast
Where to find Mending Families:
Instagram - @mendingfamilieswa
TikTok - @mendingfamilieswa
Facebook - @mendingfamilieswa
YouTube - @mendingfamilies1594
https://www.mendingfamilieswa.com
2023-12-1830 minShe Can ShareEp: (41) Monetizing Your Ministry with Jon SandersI loved this episode with Jon Sanders! Jon Sanders is the co-founder of EntrePastors, and the co-host of the EntrePastors podcast. With over 20 years in ministry, Jon has a passion for using his voice to motivate and inspire leaders in business through his professional coaching, speaking, and podcasting platforms. We discussed the importance of creating another stream of income for pastors and ministry leaders so that they can sustainably live out the mission God has called them to. You won't want to miss this episode!
Join The Social Media Mentorship so you can impact the w...
2023-11-2937 minShe Can ShareEp: (41) Monetizing Your Ministry with Jon SandersI loved this episode with Jon Sanders! Jon Sanders is the co-founder of EntrePastors, and the co-host of the EntrePastors podcast. With over 20 years in ministry, Jon has a passion for using his voice to motivate and inspire leaders in business through his professional coaching, speaking, and podcasting platforms. We discussed the importance of creating another stream of income for pastors and ministry leaders so that they can sustainably live out the mission God has called them to. You won't want to miss this episode!
Join The Social Media Mentorship so you can impact the w...
2023-11-2937 minEntrePastorsStepping Into the Chaos with Melissa Hiatt (#118)In this episode Jon and Les sit down with guest Melissa Hiatt to discuss her journey from her role as a staff pastor in her church into ministry in the marketplace. After serving for a while as a pediatric chaplain, Melissa shifted into an entrepreneurial business of her own as a professional speaker and facilitator who serves her clients by bringing a practical expertise and professional skill set to develop the emotional health of individuals, teams, and organizations. Melissa talks about how she has learned to lean into the “seasons of chaos” in her life as she recognizes how God u...
2023-11-2455 min
Sound Bites A Nutrition PodcastBehind the Scenes: Celebrating One Million Downloads Join Melissa and her editor/producer and friend Jon A. Gay aka "JAG in Detroit" as they discuss some exciting milestones and the back story on the Sound Bites® Podcast. Tune into this episode to learn about: How and why Melissa started the podcast over 8 years ago Jon's background in radio and how he transitioned into the podcast space How Jon and Melissa met and started working together Some fun bloopers and outtakes Trending topics and most popular episodes Challenges and other podcast insights What's in store for the podcast moving forward Full shownotes, transcript a...
2023-09-2839 min
Thoroughly EquippedDiscussion w/Jon Harris on the Social Gospel & Social JusticeOn this episode, I present to you my discussion with Jon Harris from The Conversations That Matter YT Channel, where we discuss the Social Gospel and the infiltration of Social Justice ideology in the church today.
Jon Harris is the author of Christianity and Social Justice and Social Justice Goes to Church, both which were incredibly informative on the Social Gospel and Social Justice. I’ve been a subscriber to his channel for awhile and it’s been a great resource in helping me identify how both are entering the evangelical church today. So I wanted to bring him into TE to...
2023-07-051h 02
Scar Tissue114: Opposing & Shared Views of Grief - a DebateWhen Melissa sat down to speak with Jon, what came out was not what she expected. But it was perfectly perfect.Jon and Melissa have different perspectives on grief. While they find a middle ground during this conversation, their experiences and lessons from grief contrast with one another.So this episode shows that it’s okay to have different views. You can still respect each other. And even on emotionally-charged topics like grief, love, finances, and life’s purpose - multiple truths can exist.And while we can’t allow others to make us wro...
2023-03-2337 minMending Families1. Dads, fear-based discipline, and the importance of growth with Jon PembertonOn today’s episode, Jon shares his feelings about becoming a dad “overnight” when he married Melissa. His perspective on how he thought he would parent shifted when he was able to learn more about how discipline affects kids and that there are other options to discipline that encourage healthier emotional intelligence. Jon touches on corporal punishment and how he came to a place that he realized he could never spank his children which then led him on a mission to help educate other families about the importance of connected parenting approaches. Listen to the very end as Jon gives us thr...
2023-03-2028 min
Understaffed!S2 E13 Don't Settle for Shortages: Tackle Today's Staffing, guest appearance on the Frontline PodcastMelissa from conciergeelite.com made a guest appearance on the Frontline Podcast from legion.co
Melissa talks about the biggest challenges in staffing today: businesses needing to rethink how they hire and employees wanting different jobs or benefits than they've always had.
The generational differences and changes when we think about this podcast and who we're really keeping at the center of our thought process. And our concern, we're talking about Frontline employees.
The reality is, I needed to think about how the differences in what people want generationally still apply...
2023-02-1543 min
Boldly CourageousMove On From Grief & Release Negative Emotions With Rapid Resolution Founder Dr Jon Connelly PT.2Today you will hear part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Jon. In this episode, we dive into all this grief and suffering. You will learn tools on how to navigate it, support someone that may be experiencing it and so much more. Dr. Jon shares his perspective and take on suffering and gives us some great tips and tools to incorporate into our life.
Meet Dr. Jon:
Jon Connelly first founded the Institute for Survivors of Sexual Violence, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization engaged in research and development of cutting-edge treatment for survivors of traum...
2023-01-1651 minBoldly CourageousMove On From Grief & Release Negative Emotions With Rapid Resolution Founder Dr Jon Connelly PT.1Today I am joined by the legend himself, Dr. Jon Connelly. In this episode, you will hear Dr. Jon's take on resolving trauma and how rapid resolution therapy is used. In this episode, we dive into the reprogramming of the mind around fear, rejection, and abandonment. This conversation was good we needed two parts! Come back next week for the rest of this conversation with Dr. Jon and I.
Meet Dr. Jon:
Jon Connelly first founded the Institute for Survivors of Sexual Violence, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization engaged in research and development of cutti...
2023-01-0953 min
Sunday SauceBehind the Scenes with Chef Jon AtanacioSeasonal menus are something every restaurant guest lives for, myself included. On today's episode, Executive Chef of Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel, Jon Atanacio, takes us behind the scenes of his recent "Fall Test Kitchen" tasting event. If you've ever wondered about the intimate details and creative prowess behind the menu development process, hit the play button immediately. You're going to love our conversation. For the latest on Chef Jon's culinary journey, follow the Epicurean Hotel on Instagram or visit www.epicureanhotel.com to taste your way through Élevage or the Edge Rooftop Cocktail Lounge. Ciao!...
2022-10-0933 min
Between The Before & After (The Stories that Shape Us)My mother died, and when I finally healed, my father died. My life after painful loss, with Melissa BrightAfter losing her Mom at the age of 25, she would spend the next ten years not processing the trauma, losing her self confidence along the way, and feeling alone in her struggles. This all came to a head in 2020 when the whole world was hurting, Melissa decided to turn her pain into her purpose and start healing.Simultaneously while starting therapy, she started thinking about her true purpose in life. She looked out into the world and saw other people hurting as well, and wanted to help. Now she puts joy back into people’s hea...
2022-03-0852 min
Your Worthy CareerGetting to the Next Level with Jon MasonThis week I have a special guest: Jon Mason. Jon is the Global Learning and Talent Management Leader for a top 10 pharma company.Jon has worked in learning and talent development for almost 30 years with half of that being in the pharma/biotech space. He is an expert in developing talent and sharing some of his wisdom with you that could just be the thing to get you to the next level of your career.In this episode, we are having a candid conversation with tangible takeaways about how you can get ahead in your...
2022-01-1954 min
The Videocraft Show Presented by Video HuskyLessons Learned from Shark Tank With Melissa Bartow of Wanna Date? [The Videocraft Show Episode #38]“Shark Tank changed all that because I suddenly became like the face of Wanna Date, like the entrepreneur behind Wanna Date that people like.” — Melissa Bartow, Founder/CEO of Wanna Date? If you’re a creator interested in launching and selling a physical product, then this is an episode of The Videocraft Show Presented By Video Husky is for you. Jon Santiago chats with Melissa Bartow, the CEO and founder of Wanna Date?, a delicious fruit spread perfect for toast, yogurt, and so much more. Melissa fell in love with dates...
2021-10-051h 03
The Writing PodcastLeadership Coach Jon Lokhorst on Planning for His Book PromotionA plan is essential to a promoting your book, no matter the size of your budget. In this episode, Melissa and Dave interview Jon Lokhorst, a leadership coach, trainer, and keynote speaker. In a few weeks, Jon will be launching his new book, “Mission-Critical Leadership: How Smart Managers Lead Well in All Directions," into the world. Aspiring authors will benefit from his approach to book promotion, including his "one to one" and "one to many" strategy.
2021-03-1644 min
Go To Grow - with Melissa MacGowan57: The energy drain of being in the wrong job and a leadership story of navigating - with Jon EddyIn this episode Melissa chats with Leadership Development Coach and Mentor Jon Eddy about how he realized that he was in the wrong jobs, the accompanying anxiety and energy crisis and how we dug his way out. Jon was eventually transparent with his boss who supported him to get clear, get strong and design his ideal job. It is possible!
𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:
🔸 The downsides of taking on roles to tick boxes on your CV
🔸 When we are depleted, our perspective of choices narrows
🔸 We can protect ourselves by focusing on gaps and weaknesses
🔸 Knowing...
2021-02-1541 min
Tiny House Lifestyle PodcastThe Ups and Downs of Managing a Tiny House Community with Jon and Melissa BlockMeet Melissa and Jon Block, the sister-brother team behind San Diego’s first ever tiny house village called Tiny House Block. In this interview, Melissa and Jon will share the journey that they took to go from a couple of backyard tiny homes, to a dedicated piece of land with 25 tiny houses. Surprisingly, the majority of their homes are rented long-term, and they’ve had to figure out how to manage a community, including difficult tenants, disputes between neighbors, and more. I hope you stick around!The post The Ups and Downs of Managing a Tiny House Comm...
2020-12-2547 min
Go To Grow - with Melissa MacGowan19: Mistakes to Grow - with Jon AndersonMade a mistake lately? Of course you have.
You are a grower so I remind you to embrace the 'growth mindset'. Our brains can grow. Guaranteed we will make mistakes but choosing the 'growth mindset' enables us to learn and improve versus a fixed approach bypassing growth and hunkering down in fear and judgement.
Today I talk with my uncle and sports journalist Jon Anderson about the opportunity to learn from mistakes. Jon is a true grow tribe leader as he openly and courageously shares details of a personal very public mistake he made. He...
2020-10-2600 min
Imperfectly VibrantWhat Men Really Want with Men’s Behavior Change Specialist Jon AlconI had the pleasure of interviewing Men's Behavior Change Specialist, Jon Alcon on Imperfectly Vibrant’s podcast. We talked about communication in our relationships with men, what it takes to find and motivate a caring, loving man in our life, how to overcome ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to reach our goals, and I asked him this juicy question just for you: What do men really want in a relationship? I LOVE bringing you new perspectives and inspiration on my podcast as well as sharing raw imperfect stories of people just like you and I who started from humble beginnings, came from st...
2020-08-2459 min
What's Happening Redmond?May 11, 2020: Melissa Williams, Every Child Central OregonToday's episode features a conversation with Melissa Williams, the Director of Every Child Central Oregon. Listen as Jon and Melissa discuss sports, southern Oregon, and helping children and families in Oregon's foster care system.
2020-05-1220 min
Just The Tip-Sters: True Crime PodcastSmells Like More Than Just The Dogs Got Rescued - With Special Guest Jon GrobmanHere's a major change of pace to bring a little springtime to your soul in this weird winter of our discontent - a stirring story of human redemption through the beauty of giving to, and caring for, other living beings - which, in turn, redeems and restores the lives of humans who find in themselves in the most dire of circumstances. Jon Grobman, in his own estimation, was not a good person in 2005 when he was sentenced to six separate 25 years-to-life terms plus 40 years in prison (that's a total of 190 years-to-life if you're counting), all for repeat non-violent offenses. Face...
2020-03-2456 min
Just The Tip-Sters: True Crime Podcast128. Smells Like More Than Just The Dogs Got Rescued - With Special Guest Jon GrobmanHere's a major change of pace to bring a little springtime to your soul in this weird winter of our discontent - a stirring story of human redemption through the beauty of giving to, and caring for, other living beings - which, in turn, redeems and restores the lives of humans who find in themselves in the most dire of circumstances. Jon Grobman, in his own estimation, was not a good person in 2005 when he was sentenced to six separate 25 years-to-life terms plus 40 years in prison (that's a total of 190 years-to-life if you're counting), all for repeat non-violent offenses. Face...
2020-03-2456 min
Unboxing StoryThe Invisible Stan ft. Knives Out & DevsThe last days of winter simmered with suspense. We met the new Invisible Man, witnessed Rian Johnson's whodunnit, Knives Out, and shadowed two unusual sci-fi suspects: Devs and Alter Carbon (season 3.) Join authors Jon and Melissa Matos as they recount what stories kept them on the edge of their seat, and what palette cleansers helped cut the tension.
2020-03-1051 minUnboxing StoryDisney Festivus ft. Frozen 2Melissa and Jon take a quick break from binging the Mandolorian, Gargoyles and Tailspin to review Frozen 2. Is baby Yoda the best magic companion? Is Elsa skating around a personality disorder? Find out here first!
2019-12-0442 minUnboxing StoryMentalist Ghostbusters ft. Doctor SleepLeave your proton pack at the AA meeting? Your soul sister will help you cope AND catch ghosts! Join Melissa and Jon, author siblings and spiritual speculators, as they review the Shining sequel.
2019-11-0446 minUnboxing StorySiren Song: Ghostly MysteriesSirens aren't only the only allusions in cop dramas. Join authors Jon and Melissa Matos as they investigate mysteries with a flare for the supernatural.
2019-10-3046 minUnboxing StorySpooky Disney: Maleficent 2 & Toy Story 4Put on your Mickey ears and grab your pumpkin pail: it's time for a Disney/Halloween movie mash-up! Fresh off a Disney Cruise voyage, Melissa and Jon discuss three scary sequels: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Toy Story 4 and Zombieland 2.
2019-10-2345 minUnboxing StoryBreaking Genre: Cats Don't DanceCombine Zootopia and Sing! and you've got the 90s animated feature film Cats Don't Dance. Produced during the Disney Renaissance, Warner Bros wrote a love letter to old Hollywood while maintaining their brand of slapstick comedy. Join Melissa and Jonathan Matos as they discuss this forgotten gem and examine what makes it great.
2019-09-1637 minUnboxing StorySiren Song: Once (2007)Provincial wisdom says roses from a street corner vendor aren't anything special, but the charming romantic drama 'Once' is anything but provincial. Discover the story of Guy and Girl, a vacuum repairman and flower girl who dream of making music. Melissa and Jon Matos take a break from humming the film's many soulful songs to discuss its blend of poetry and slice-of-life drama.
Join Jon on January 24th - 26th for Evil Expo: The Convention for Villains!
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2019-09-0934 minUnboxing StoryMagic Muppets ft. Netflix's Dark CrystalPractical magic is tough in the age of visual effects. The Jim Henson Company recreates the world of Thra and make it look easy. Join Jon and Melissa Matos as they heap praise on one of their favorite studios, stories, and special effects.
2019-09-0746 minUnboxing StoryGood Vibes ft. Another LifeFile this one under "current affairs." Not only did Melissa get a sweetheart novelette published, but she got donors to raise some $ for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. To celebrate these double convictions, your Boy & Gal Fridays eschew a topic for a chat about a dark but thrilling novel, Netflix's Another Life, and more.
Pre-order the first Iron Sorcerer novelette!
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also leave us a message here, a rating here or write to us at unboxingstory(at)gmail.com.
2019-08-2649 minUnboxing StoryFantasy Flops ft. MTV's Shannara ChroniclesThe race to replace 'Game of Thrones' is underway, but after that ending, is sword and sorcery dead? Nearly a year after MTV cancelled Shannara Chronicles, Melissa and Jon Matos ask why it failed. Can new writers recapture the magic of the 80's fantasy renaissance, or is nostalgia killing originality?
2019-08-191h 07Unboxing StorySiren Song: Ice Queens ft. Huntsman: Winter's WarFairytale retellings are here, and they're bad (but, like: Michael Jackson bad.) Huntsman: Winter's War builds on Universal Studio's expanded universe of evil queens by introducing Freya, a snow queen out to stifle all love. It's bad news for the two "Huntsmen" at the story's center, forcing these two orphans to rediscover their romance in the face of certain death. Melissa Matos of Momtoast.com opens the first full episode of "Siren Song," a series that will explore strong female characters and songwriters, by taking on the "Evil Queen," and how she has inspired songs like "You Should See...
2019-08-1257 minUnboxing StoryBreaking Genre: The Signal (2014)If storming Area 51 sounds like a stupid idea now, in 2019, it'll seem bonkers after you see 'The Signal.' The film follows Nic, a track and field star who suffers a dire diagnosis, then gets abducted by aliens. Jon and Melissa Matos review this break in the "mystery box" formula, and highlight some horror / sci-fi classics.
2019-08-0755 minUnboxing StoryAah! Real Pathos ft. Good GriefGood books make you feel things, but what if that's all they do? Melissa and Jon review a local author's book, Good Grief, and discuss how it achieves a high level of intimacy and honesty without becoming melodramatic. Can a novel survive without ninjas and 80's nostalgia, even if its protagonist grew up with similar pop culture touchstones? Find out inside...
2019-07-3159 minUnboxing StoryDisney...! Live Action? | Live @ Philly PodfestThe magic of Disney animation is part of our DNA, so when it changes, has Disney changed or have we? Melissa and Jon recorded this special, nostalgia-filled episode at the 7th Annual Philly Podfest, thanks to the sponsors below and the lovely people at Indy Hall. Relive VHS tapes and discuss live-action Disney on our Twitter or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail. We'd love hear from you!
The 7th Annual Philly Podfest was sponsored by:
New Media Touring
Tattooed Mom
Indy Hall
The National Liberty Museum
...
2019-07-2250 minUnboxing StoryUmbrella Academy & Black ParadeWhen I was a young boy, My Chemical Romance were the heartthrobs of the emo era. Looking back, their creativity set them apart, as frontman Gerard Way crafted concept albums, music videos and comics. Jon and Melissa discuss the band's biggest hit and Gerard Way's Netflix-adapted series, Umbrella Academy.
2019-07-1756 minUnboxing StoryIron Throne IRL ft. Stranger Things 3Melissa returns from the live-action mega-game "Dragon Thrones," (played at an actual castle in Bryn Mawr, PA,) to give us her first impressions. The "LARPing" talk continues as Jon talks about his reading of Stranger Things as a millennial and role-playing newbie.
Join us for Pancakes & Podcasts, including our live recording of Disney Deconstructed ft. Lion King (2019) on Saturday, June 20th at Indy Hall in the Colonial Penn building.
2019-07-0838 minUnboxing StoryBest in Show: Warehouse 13Authors Jon and Melissa Matos spotlight a show SciFi.com described as "part X-Files, part [Indiana Jones,] part Moonlighting." Melissa loves this action comedy that balances thrills with believable romance and character growth. Listen as we gush about our favorite tributes to history, mythology, and genre inside this new sci-fi / fantasy classic series.
2019-07-0157 minUnboxing StoryBreaking Genre: "Story of Your Life" aka ArrivalAliens. Time travel. Portals into another world. These are mainstays of science fiction, and can make or break an audience's viewing experience. Ted Chiang crafted a short story that quietly broke the mold, and would later inspire a cerebral blockbuster by director Denis Villeneuve and screenwriter Eric Heisserer: 2016's Arrival. Authors Jon and Melissa Matos praise Chiang's mastery of world-building, organic storytelling, and how "Story of Your Life" uses theoretical physics to explain human connections.
2019-06-2445 minUnboxing StoryLive @ Wizard World Philly! ft. Dark Phoenix SagaAs X-Men films gaze further and further into their fuzzy blue navels, the original comics remain cult classics. Does Jean Grey's original rise to power in the Dark Phoenix Saga surpass the recent film and comics, or is it a hot mess? Relive a legendary X-Men run with authors Jon and Melissa Matos, as well as "Sound of Silence" by way of Disturbed, multiplied by Melissa's Phoenix-infused lyrics in our first Siren Song segment. Enjoy this action-packed episode, recorded live at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con 2019!
2019-06-1741 minUnboxing StoryGodzilla: King of the KaijuMon-Stars were around long before Space Jam. Giant blobs and fifty foot women towered above the audience in glorious 35 millimeter monochrome, but in 1956, the king of the monsters was anointed. Godzilla was born, and now he's back, but do authors Jon and Melissa Matos care about the kaiju renaissance? And why do some beasts bore us, while others break the mold?
Check out Games My Mom Found!
2019-06-1050 minUnboxing StoryINKLINGS MONTH: "On Fairy-Stories" Essay TalkJon and Melissa Matos discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's defense of fairytales. Decades before D&D and Game of Thrones, the fantasy genre was limited to children's books and ancient history. In the last episode of INKLINGS MONTH, join our discussion on modern mythology. What is your favorite fantasy story? Hit us up @UnboxingStory with your picks!
2019-05-2851 min
Unboxing StoryINKLINGS MONTH: C.S. Lewis ft. Matt CrottsThe classics captured Lewis and Matt Crotts much in the same way. Host Jon Matos met Matt, an illustrious illustrator, through his comic book, Kyrie: an Indiana Jones-style adventure set in the 3rd century. Hear the comic creator and history buff baffle Jon with his know-how of Lewis' medieval imagery and iconography.
2019-05-2052 minUnboxing StoryINKLINGS MONTH: Surprised by Shadowlands (1993)Lewis was a man of many words, but only one woman made him speechless. Learn the love story that tested Lewis' "refining fire & brimstone" theology. Melissa and Jon Matos react to another tragic romance, and review how actors Debra Winger and Anthony Hopkins, (with a little help from Richard Attenborough,) honored the broken beauty of this late love story.
2019-05-2030 minUnboxing StoryINKLINGS MONTH: Tolkien (2019)How do you solve a problem like Tolkien? The young poet and artist grew up an isolated orphan, but longed to share his love of language with the world. Melissa and Jon Matos review Tolkien (2019), a biopic about love, fellowship and the fantasy that makes reality more meaningful.
2019-05-1333 minUnboxing StoryINKLINGS MONTH: J. R. R. Tolkien & Modern FantasySeventy years ago, if you walked into the right bar in Oxford, England, you might have heard J.R.R. Tolkien reading an epic poem, about dwarves searching for lost gold, a love beset by evil times, or a great Ring of Power that conquers men's hearts. Maybe you'd scoff at it, and join the likes of C.S. Lewis in yelling out "nay," if just for a laugh.
You have joined a meeting of the Inklings, a group that included Lewis, and other writers, like Owen Barfield, J. A. W. Bennett, and more. Tolkien stands out a...
2019-05-0645 minUnboxing StoryThe End of an Era ft. Avengers: EndgameThe sun sets on a decade of dynamite entertainment, with the definition of blockbuster bliss. Melissa and Jon revisit the start of their superhero fandoms and review the latest chapter in the Marvel saga, Avengers: Endgame. Maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll cry, or maybe you'll roll your eyes: but you will feel something. Commemorate this moment with us by sharing your thoughts with us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/unboxingstory) or Facebook (http://facebook.com/unboxingstory)
2019-04-2944 minUnboxing StoryPoetic Justice: Lawrence of ArabiaIf brownface could kill, would it murder your movie-watching experience? Melissa and Jon stumble upon a problematic piece of history watching 'Lawrence of Arabia.' The overlong epic's 3 hour and 45 minute run-time led them to read Ray Bradbury's short story, "Sun and Shadow," and opened a broader discussion of the pitfalls and pathos of writing fish out of water fiction.
2019-04-2233 minUnboxing StoryNative Son Book Talk #readthe5thDoes injustice end with one hand-out? Richard Wright questions "pay-it-forward" morality through his novel, 'Native Son,' where an awkward racial encounter turns deadly, virtually setting Chicago on fire. Jon and Melissa struggle through a story even more dense and depressing than their previous entrées into Greek tragedy and the southern Gothic. What they find are harsh truthes, baked into a well-written but bleak look at class, sex, and race in the 1930's.
2019-04-151h 12Unboxing StoryThe Twilight Zone & Small Screen Sci-Fi"You are about to enter another dimension, not only of sight and sound, but of mind." So began the most iconic sci-fi anthology series in history: 156 episodes over 5 years, and everyone has a favorite. Melissa and Jon reflect on the show's history, as well as the recent reboot's pilot episode, "The Comedian." What ensues is more Jordan Peele fangirling, some Kumail Nanjiani love, and a tribute to the small screen sci-fi of yesteryear.
Reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter, and log onto Momtoast.com for more sci-fi / fantasy stories.
2019-04-041h 20Unboxing StoryJordan Peele's 'Us' & Woke Horror"A new nightmare" from screenwriter, director, and comedy giant Jordan Peele invites uncomfortable laughter and thoughtful thrills. Jon and Melissa offer (non-spoiler) thoughts on the how Jordan's sophomore movie fits into the horror genre, and what they expected going into 'Us.' But beware, all ye who listen past the mid-roll ads: your co-hosts spend the back-end of the podcast diving into the lore of this socially-conscious thriller, as well as their favorite sequences, scenes, and spooky extended metaphors. Thou hast been warned.
Check out Momtoast.com for more female warriors, or get Jon's creepy 90's...
2019-03-2544 minUnboxing StoryMid-Knights in Paris ft. KnightfallChivalry lives on in Knightfall, a series set in the twilight of the Knights Templar. These warrior monks seek to find and protect the Holy Grail, as powerful individuals seek to use or abuse it. Melissa and Jon praise this high watermark in holy war historical dramas, for its set pieces, costuming, and organic inclusion. Also, are period pieces too grimdark for their own good? Let us know your thoughts @UnboxingStory or unboxingstorypodcast(at)gmail.com!
2019-03-1838 minUnboxing StoryCaptain Marvel & Female SuperheroesGender-bent homages and femme fatales have fallen. From the rubble, Marvel re-envisioned classic characters to better represent their readers. Captain Marvel is the latest adaptation, and the perfect Rosetta Stone to decipher what makes a female hero tick. Melissa and Jon review the film, discuss common tropes, and define #comicsgate. They also discuss the difference between harassment and critique, and how publishing and politics intersect.
2019-03-111h 05Unboxing StoryHeels & Feels ft. Song of AchillesThe classics and modernity clash in 'Song of Achilles,' a critically-acclaimed crossover of Greek myth, romance and historical fiction. 'Achilles' Trojan-horsed an Illiad prequel on your friendly neighborhood hosts, who expected an updated retelling of an ancient epic. Jon and Melissa interpret the fatal flaw in Madeline Miller's debut novel, divining the difference between disliking her writing and disliking coming-of-age romances.
2019-03-041h 10Unboxing StoryRobin Williams: Mad Genius ft. The Fisher KingAbsurdist director Terry Gilliam met his match when Robin Williams walked on the set of 1991's 'The Fisher King.' Few actors embody the chaotic creativity Williams brought to this Arthurian comedy, as well as a dozen other farcical films. After a few drinks, Melissa and Jon recount the plot of 'Fisher King,' discuss the meaning behind it, and celebrate late comedian Robin Williams' unrivaled legacy.
2019-02-251h 28Unboxing Story#OscarsSoWhack: Snobs, Snubs & Our PicksCeremonies matter to film fans young and old, but social media has made 2018's carnival of controversies its own sideshow. Jon and Melissa eschew hot takes for a conversation on how style and substance clash. The most controversial show since 2018 will pit politically-charged biographies and musicals against a grind house comedy, period dramedy, and a comic book blockbuster. Find out our picks and humble opinions, and tune in Oscar Sunday for our first Fan Frequency, featuring friend of the show Trevor Davis and a deeper dive into Black Panther and Green Book.
2019-02-181h 05Unboxing StoryJewish G.I. Joes ft. Philip Roth's "Defender of the Faith"M*A*S*H meets Sedaris in this slice-of-life short story about being Jewish in World War II. Can you be an American soldier and keep kosher? Does army life mean no life at all? Jon and Melissa interrogate the text, and ask if a story can be political without being polarizing.
2019-02-1154 minUnboxing StoryBreaking Genre: Neon Noir ft. Drive (2011)Grab your synth cassettes and the keys to the Mustang. Nicholas Winding Refn's Drive updates crime noir all the way to the 80's, creating a new generation of retro thrillers that has invaded films, TV, and video games. Do the neon lights and electro-pop make it style over substance? Does Refn say something with a scorpion jacket you couldn't say in a 40's speakeasy? Join thriller author Jon Matos and his noir fan sister, Melissa, on a wild ride through the underworld of L.A., into the core of the crime / drama genre.
Click here to preview...
2019-01-281h 01Unboxing Story'Glass' and Quixotic HorrorMeet the kooky criminals at the center of 'Glass,' the third in a genre-bending trilogy including 'Unbreakable' and 'Split.' This superhero-thriller closes with a conflict between a vigilante, a mastermind, a man/beast, and a cynical psychologist. Fanboy (and -girl) Jon and Melissa team-up to explain their post-modern reading of 'Glass,' and how each major character adds to this story's epic conclusion.
2019-01-211h 12Unboxing StoryPoetic Justice: Langston Hughes"Soul" is used to describe jazz music if the 20's and 30's, but it also fits the melodic poetry of Langston Hughes. Jon and Melissa try to express what makes Hughes poetry so accessible, despite it's contrast to today's turbulent racial politics. Is Langston's voice, established before the dominance of Civil Rights rhetoric, no longer relevant, or do his allusions to the Nile and the Civil War still ring true?
2019-01-1446 min
Unboxing StoryConcept Albums: Third Reich Rush? ft. 2112Alt-right Rush?? Say it isn't so! Before "progressive" was a political label, the band Rush were "prog" rockers: composing symphonies of screaming guitars and soulful ballads. But how did their space opera earn them a comparison with Nazis? Is "2112" just one of many half-baked sci-fi concept albums, or does it set the standard for 70's space jams? Jon and Melissa continue to investigate stories set to a soundtrack, by way of ancient aliens, jukebox heroes, and shrugging off Ayn Rand.
2019-01-0752 minUnboxing StorySouthern Gothic & Flannery O'Connor ft. "A Good Man is Hard to Find"The nightmare after Christmas is Southern-fried with racism on the side. Melissa and Jon explore the imagery and irony in Flannery O'Conner's short story "A Good Man is Hard to Find," and compare it to Gothic writers and modern art theory. Does O'Conner's scathing satire conflict with her Christian worldview? Do difficult characters distract readers from a story's deeper meaning? Languish in the self-indulgent, but self-aware world of the Southern Gothic with us, and find out how far pathos can be pushed.
2018-12-311h 10Unboxing StoryMore Than Thor ft. Norse MythologyWhat if history had a three-act structure? For Vikings, the gods enacted the biggest blockbuster of all, with frost giants, comedic cross-dressing, and a bloody finale. Join Melissa and Jon as they use Neil Gaiman's book to discuss the wisdom of Odin, the cunning of Loki, the bravery of Thor, and much more.
2018-12-241h 22Unboxing StoryBreaking Genre: Mortal Engines is Steampunk Star WarsThe furnace burns, smoke billows, and Peter Jackson's mega machine gobbles up a YA series, just to spit it back onto the silver screen. Did Weta Workshops create the steampunk dystopia of Melissa's dreams? Meanwhile, Jon asks why ads for an adventure film (re: Star Wars) felt more like commercials for Disney's Avatar theme park. Also, some spoilers, but not really? Explore the creative decisions behind the book jackets, teaser trailers, and game announcements that either sabotage or sell our favorite stories in our new series, "On Brand."
2018-12-171h 05Unboxing StoryPenny Arcade Primer & PAX Unplugged PreviewFan gatherings are common today, but it wasn't always that way. Explore the humble beginnings of convention culture on an unconventional episode about fandom and how it's changed. Learn first-hand how the Melissa and Jon discovered their favorite conventions, Penny Arcade, and the burgeoning PAX Empire, as well as what they did over the weekend at PAX Unplugged.
2018-12-0340 minUnboxing StoryDying at the Summit (ft. The Snows of Kilimanjaro)A life is haunted by death, despite great success, in today's story by Ernest Hemingway. Globe trotter, big game hunter, Nobel Prize winner, and Hemingway still felt stalked by misfortune and misery, expressed in the tragic beauty of "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." Join Jon and Melissa as they separate the pastiche from the real life wordsmith, and pay tribute to another literary legend: co-creator of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee.
You're welcome to e-mail us at unboxingstorypodcast(at)gmail.com or tweet us @UnboxingStory.
2018-11-191h 00Unboxing StoryConcept Albums: Blurryface by Twenty-One PilotsHot off the heels the Queen biopic 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' Jon and Melissa analyze the princes of alt rock, Twenty-One pilots. Are they Jesus freaks? Are they rappers? Who is Blurryface and does he need a tissue? That and more in our first episode deconstructing concept albums. Please e-mail suggestions to unboxingstorypodcast@gmail.com or @UnboxingStory on Twitter!
2018-11-0557 min
Unboxing StorySubmarines & Spiritual Sequels (ft. Hunter Killer)Sink or submerge? Despite Hunter Killer's 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, it took us deeper into our love of political and tactical thrillers. Melissa and Jon detail the dryness of the war genre, how Hunter Killer tackles common overused tropes, and whether it can be considered a spiritual sequel to 'The Hunt for Red October.'
2018-10-291h 09Unboxing StoryMonster Mash-up (ft. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein)Horror comedy: it's alive! But before the racial satire of 'Get Out' and the meta-humor of 'Scream,' Abbott and Costello paved the way for the marriage of humor and horror. Join co-host Melissa and Jon as they discuss their favorite Universal monsters, as well as the frightening and farcical film featuring the Big Three: Frankenstein, the Wolf-Man, and Dracula. They speculate on the recent ill-fated reboots of the Universal monsters, compared to this cult classic comedy, beloved 60 years after its premiere.
2018-10-231h 30Unboxing StoryMurder Maze Mythos (ft. The Shining)Lose yourself to find yourself in a labyrinth of mind-bending mayhem in the maze. Join Jon and Melissa on a journey into the mysteries of King, Kubrick, and Mark Z. Danielewski (House of Leaves), as they discuss symbolism and subtext on the silver screen and beyond.
2018-10-1554 minUnboxing StoryRapid-Fire Rogues (née Venom)Heroism has changed. The box office is booming with foul-mouthed mercenaries and feral mutants with a heart of gold, and those are just the ones in tights! In light of the release of Venom, (but in lieu of discussing the film,) Melissa and Jon shout out anti-heroes from literature, TV, and movies. Along the way, we give our takes on which tales of revenge, redemption, or irreverence resonate with us, and which have us clutching our pearls in disgust.
2018-10-091h 30Unboxing StoryLawful Evil (ft. The Handmaid's Tale)New wave feminism meets new wave sci-fi in the bold but bleak dystopia of 'The Handmaid's Tale.' And this time, the revolution IS being televised! Jon and Melissa mill over the difficulty of separating their own beliefs from an unorthodox novel turned cultural milestone.
2018-09-241h 08Unboxing StoryGritty & Britty & Agatha Christie (ft. Ordeal by Innocence)Is the golden age of British cerebral crime dramas influenced by the golden age of detective fiction? Jon and Melissa contrast the classic murder mysteries of Agatha Christie with contemporary TV from across the pond. What do modern adaptations of Christie's work teach us, and how do American and British crime dramas differ? Join our investigation!
2018-09-171h 10Unboxing StoryPlotting the Escape (ft. Papillon)Brotherhood is forged in the fires of captivity... sometimes. Jon and Melissa discuss their favorite prison escape stories and the novel, Papillon. Topics include bravery, male hubris, and the bonds created by corruption and suffering.
2018-09-1051 minUnboxing StoryChekhov's Space Gun (ft. KIN)Distractions are deadly in storytelling. That's why Russian playwright Anton Chekhov stated that if a gun is hung on the wall in act one, it should be shot by act three. This week, Jon and Melissa use the sci-fi shoot-em-up KIN, as well as other films and books, to discuss the rules and risks of foreshadowing.
2018-09-0457 minUnboxing StoryWhile My Theremin Gently Weeps (ft. I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream)Darkness reigns in the "golden age of television," including must-watch sci-fi shows, like Black Mirror and Westworld. Melissa and Jon challenge the genre of "new wave" sci-fi, via Harlan Ellison's mind-bending short story, "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream."
2018-08-2745 minUnboxing StoryWizards with Mortgages (ft. The Dresden Files)Not all warlocks mentor hobbits, knights, or vampire-slaying cheerleaders. Some, like Harry Dresden, save the world all on their own, while others chomp cigars or try to kill God. Melissa and Jon discuss this new brand of heroism that mixes the magical and the mundane.
2018-08-211h 06Unboxing StoryTop 5 Guilty Pleasures (ft. 🎥 / 📺 / 📚 / 🎮 / 🎲)Why do we love garbage trash? Because why not?? Jon and Melissa get deep into their least liked stories, and try to explain what makes them redeemable. The key word being "try."
2018-08-131h 47Unboxing StoryDystopian YA 4 EVR (ft. The Darkest Minds)Who likes dystopia? We like dystopia! But did 'The Darkest Minds' revive the YA dystopia genre, or put the last nail in its coffin? Jon and Melissa use the plot of this latest book-to-screen adaptation to discuss common YA tropes and what predecessors give them hopes for upcoming films.
2018-08-0650 minUnboxing StoryCalArts Cartoon Coup? (ft. ThunderCats Roar)Aah! We've been invaded by meta-humor anime girls on acid! Or... maybe we're just not hip anymore? Those theories and more as Jon and Melissa discuss modern animation (i.e. Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and the upcoming ThunderCats reboot,) and how they clash with the Saturday mornings of our youth.
2018-08-0155 minUnboxing StoryCSI: Cyber Punk (ft. Blade Runner Novel, Movie & Sequel)Melissa and Jon dissect everything Blade Runner: from the novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?,' to the 1982 film and its recent sequel, Blade Runner 2049.
2018-07-231h 05Unboxing StoryMarvelous Realism née Magical (ft. MARVELS & A.D.)Is magical realism taking over, or is sci-fi / fantasy becoming more grounded? Melissa and Jon use contemporary comics to discuss an emerging genre.
2018-07-1638 minUnboxing StoryGirl Power Gone Wild ft. Tyler Perry's AcrimonyJon mansplains female-centric thrillers to Melissa. Will she be able to contain her rage? Also, what is a "muffin movie?"
2018-07-1635 minUnboxing StoryAnnihilation and Lovecraftian HorrorThe unknowable invades this episode! Also, Melissa and Jon correctly pronounce their last name, and talk Lovecraft.
2018-07-1654 minUnboxing StoryKicked in the Feels ft. Ready Player OneDoes nostalgia ruin story? Join Melissa and Jon's discussion on Ready Player One, the blockbuster video game adventure that tackles escapism, nihilism, and nerd culture.
2018-07-1630 min
Are You Real | Finding Your PurposePurpose 106: Women's Discipleship With Melissa KrugerGod’s purpose for our lives will always lead us to serve and edify other people in the church. My guest today never imagined she would be writing Bible studies or leading women towards discipleship, but by faithfully following God’s call on her life, that is exactly where she landed. Today on the show is Melissa Kruger, a writer, editor, disciple maker, and Jesus-follower who is living out her purpose in a mighty way. Melissa is a writer focused on bringing the principles of strong discipleship to women across the world. She is a regular contributor to t...
2018-06-1343 min
The HR Social Hour Half Hour PodcastEpisode 12 - Jon & Wendy talk to Melissa SanbornWe're joined by Melissa Sanborn who currently serves as an HR coordinator for a company in the Lenexa, KS area. Melissa is a more recent participant in the Social Hour and a graduate of Kansas State University, which Jon doesn't hold against her (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!).
Melissa's recommendations:
Steve Browne's HRNet (contact Steve to join)
http://laurieruettimann.com/
http://www.talentsmart.com/
How to reach Melissa:
https://twitter.com/melissaksanborn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaksanborn/
https://melissaksanborn.wordpress.com/
Be s...
2018-04-2622 min
Hey, Teens!#6: Hey, Melissa Stetten!#6: Hey, Melissa Stetten!
Jon & Eric welcome model/writer/actress/etc Melissa Stetten (@MelissaStetten) to the show to talk about TEEN LIFE! Raves? Yup. Drugs. Little bit. Kidnappings? Definitely! Melissa takes Jon and Eric on a journey of life and love set in decaying urban Michigan. ENJOY!
2012-09-191h 05