Eavesdropping with Spencer Wise

Spencer Wise
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Eavesdropping with Spencer Wise is a live-style, on-demand talk show where fascinating guests from all walks of life drop by to share stories, insights, and laughter. Think of it as a chance to lean in on the conversation — and maybe discover you’re not so different from the people you’re listening to. It’s authentic, warm, and refreshingly free of the noise and shouting that fill so much of today’s media.

  1. Aug 6

    Jeff Fisher-2026 High School Football Preview

    The 2026 high school football season is around the corner. Who will emerge as the best team in America? Jeff Fisher, co-founder and editor-in-chief of High School Football America, returns to Eavesdropping with Spencer Wise for an inside look at the new HSFA national rankings. Jeff examines the teams to watch across California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana and Alabama. He explains why St. John Bosco could run the table, identifies Miami Carol City as an underrated contender and previews the highly anticipated Bosco–Bishop Gorman matchup. The conversation also explores the growing influence of NIL, the rise of interstate games, the challenges of comparing public and private-school programs, and the algorithm High School Football America uses to rank teams that—so far—“haven’t played a game yet.” Which powerhouse will live up to its ranking? Which team could surprise the country? And will high school football ever crown a true national champion? Jeff and Spencer take you around the country and inside the race to be the king of high school football. Jeff Fisher is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of High School Football America, a national source for high school football rankings, scores, news and stories. Follow the rankings and the season at HighSchoolFootballAmerica.com. Listen to Eavesdropping with Spencer Wise at LifeStrengthMedia.com or say, “Alexa, play Eavesdropping.” CHAPTERS 00:00 — Welcome and the 2026 season02:10 — Interstate games and the influence of NIL04:00 — Louisiana and Alabama teams to watch06:58 — The return of Friday night lights10:00 — California and Georgia powerhouses15:04 — Coaches and players to watch20:08 — Texas talent and the state-championship challenge25:01 — Florida’s leading programs and key matchups30:09 — Predictions: contenders, surprises and the nation’s best42:01 — Following the HSFA rankings throughout the season

  2. Jul 29

    Liz Scott, Ph.D

    Content type Interview Primary goal Discussion Summary Liz Scott, a psychologist and author, explores the profound and personal topic of mortality, fear, and the search for acceptance through psychology, philosophy, and psychedelic experiences. This episode offers insights into how we can confront our fears of death and find peace. Keywords mortality, fear of death, panpsychism, near-death experiences, psychedelics, acceptance, psychology, philosophy Key topics Fear of death and mortality Panpsychism and interconnected consciousness Near-death experiences and scientific research The role of psychedelics in understanding life Cultural attitudes towards death and aging Approach to dealing with death anxiety The impact of personal loss and illness on mortality views Guest name Liz Scott Titles Confronting Mortality: Liz Scott on Fear, Acceptance, and Connection The Science and Spirit of Death with Liz Scott Sound bites "Everything in the universe has consciousness" "Floating around in the blackest of black universe alone" "When I die, I will get dispersed into my molecules" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Liz Scott's background 00:30 Exploring panpsychism and universal consciousness 01:50 Research on plant and animal consciousness 03:10 Personal fears of no longer existing 04:03 Handling the fear of death and loss 06:00 Fear of missing out and the aging process 07:04 Beliefs about the afterlife and death 09:05 Dealing with fear through approach and exploration 10:14 Cultural attitudes towards death and denial 11:34 The title 'You're Going to Die but Not Me' 12:21 Personal experiences with mortality and illness 14:12 The concept of 'creative denial' and living fully 15:39 Living a full life despite mortality fears 16:02 Depression and its relation to death fears 17:08 Near-death experiences and scientific insights 18:32 The peace found in near-death experiences 19:03 Current perspective on fear of death 20:22 Managing fear and maintaining equanimity 21:45 Humor as a coping mechanism 22:16 The role of psychedelics in understanding consciousness 24:11 The connection of everything in the universe 25:20 Why Liz Scott wrote her book 26:53 How to connect with Liz Scott and get her book 28:14 Humor and cultural views on death Resources You're Going to Die But Not Me by Liz Scott - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=You%27re+Going+to+Die+But+Not+Me+Liz+Scott Liz Scott's Website - https://lizscottwriter.com Liz Scott's Substack - https://lizscottpdx.substack.com Guest links Website - https://lizscottwriter.com Substack - https://lizscottpdx.substack.com

  3. Jul 23

    Don Schechter

    Content Type Interview Summary Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of technology, science fiction, and society with author Don Schechter. We discuss the future of AI, the concept of the afterlife, and how sci-fi serves as a rehearsal for tomorrow's challenges. Keywords Science Fiction, AI, Afterlife, Technology, Society, Don Schechter, Ascendance, Future of Tech, Sci-Fi Key Topics The technological possibility of proving the afterlife The exponential growth of AI and its societal impact How sci-fi reflects and influences societal fears and hopes The development of technology in storytelling and real life The role of regulation and ethics in emerging technologies Guest Name Don Schechter Titles Proving the Afterlife with Technology: A Sci-Fi Perspective How Sci-Fi Rehearses Our Future Challenges Sound Bites "Will technology ever prove an afterlife?" "It's not the technology, it's the people who control it." "Sci-fi lets us rehearse for the future." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Don Schechter and Ascendance 01:33 Can Technology Prove the Afterlife? 03:01 The Development of Technology in Society 04:29 The Future of AI and Belief 05:46 Origins of the Ascendance Project 07:56 From Script to Book: The Journey of Ascendance 09:28 Adapting a Sci-Fi Story into TV and Film 10:22 The Passion Behind the Project 13:12 Technology as a Rehearsal for Tomorrow 15:41 Sci-Fi as a Reflection of Societal Anxieties 20:01 The Role of Science Fiction in Cultural Discourse 21:24 Concerns About Power and Regulation in Tech 22:18 AI and the Arts: Opportunities and Threats 24:38 Don Schechter's Podcast: No Win Scenario 27:23 Upcoming Appearances and How to Connect

  4. Jul 16

    Shaun Dawson

    Content type Interview Primary goal Discussion Summary In this episode, Shaun Dawson explores the complexities of raising boys into healthy men, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and proactive masculinity amidst modern challenges. Keywords masculinity, fatherhood, raising boys, community, resilience, digital life, healthy masculinity, podcast, culture, fatherhood guidance Key topics The metaphor of castle walls and community in masculinity Challenges boys face today including digital life and culture The importance of role models and community support Balancing strength and vulnerability in raising boys The impact of modern culture on masculinity and fatherhood The significance of honest conversations about gender and roles Takeaways Healthy masculinity is proactive, not reactive, focused on protection and service. Community and role models are essential for boys to thrive. Digital and cultural challenges require intentional guidance and resilience. Open conversations about gender roles help prevent toxic masculinity. Fathers and mentors must model repair and vulnerability. Guest name Shaun Dawson Titles Building a Castle: The Metaphor for Healthy Masculinity Raising Men in a Digital Age: Challenges and Strategies Sound bites "Masculinity is really difficult to define." "A man is a provider and builder of a community." "Healthy masculinity is proactive, not reactive." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to masculinity and the podcast's purpose 02:09 The metaphor of castle walls and community in raising boys 04:02 Challenges faced by boys today in digital culture 06:01 The importance of role models and honest conversations 08:00 Balancing strength with vulnerability and repair 09:57 The impact of modern culture and the need for local role models 12:01 The podcast's origin and motivation 13:50 The vision of healthy masculinity and societal challenges Resources Raising Men Podcast - https://raising.men Shaun Dawson - LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/shaun-dawson Guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/shaun-dawson Twitter - https://twitter.com/shaun_dawson

  5. Jul 9

    Clifford Brown

    Content type Interview Primary goal Educational Summary In this episode, Clifford Brown shares his 27-year journey with USAID, revealing the impact, challenges, and successes of foreign aid. Discover how US foreign assistance shapes global development and national security, and why it remains a vital tool for the US. Keywords USAID, foreign aid, international development, US foreign policy, global security, aid success stories, aid reform Key topics The role and impact of USAID in global development Success stories of aid programs in agriculture, health, and industry Challenges and criticisms of US foreign aid and its political manipulation The importance of aid for US national security and stability Personal stories from Clifford Brown's diplomatic career Guest name Clifford Brown Titles Inside USAID: 27 Years of Foreign Aid Impact The Untold Stories of US Foreign Assistance Sound bites "Aid has a vastly higher return than military spending" "We recover the cost of the Green Revolution almost every two weeks" "Elon Musk and political stunts destroyed USAID" Chapters 00:00 From Beverly Hills to USAID: A Life-Changing Decision 07:35 The Role of USAID: More Than Just Foreign Aid 11:18 Misconceptions About Foreign Aid: What Americans Get Wrong 13:27 The Evolution of USAID: Changes Across Administrations 17:09 National Security and Foreign Aid: A Critical Connection 18:24 Personal Stories: Abduction in Kyrgyzstan 22:58 The Impact of USAID's Disbandment 28:59 The Future of Foreign Aid: Hope for Reinstatement Resources Clifford H. Brown Website - https://cliffordhbrown.com Inside USAID: An Odyssey of Foreign Assistance - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXX Substack by Clifford Brown - https://cliffordbrown.substack.com Guest links Website - https://cliffordhbrown.com Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXX

  6. Jun 25

    Bob Greene

    Content Type Interview Primary Goal Educational Summary In this episode, we explore the role of the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) in increasing capital flow to diverse-owned firms, the challenges faced, and strategies for expanding opportunities for women and people of color in asset management. Keywords NAIC, diverse-owned firms, investment capital, women in finance, people of color, asset management, fiduciary responsibility, wealth creation, investment strategies Key Topics NAIC's role in increasing capital flow to diverse firms Challenges faced by women and people of color in asset management Strategies for expanding opportunities in investment industry The importance of fiduciary responsibility in diversity efforts Impact of diverse firms on the economy and wealth creation Titles Unlocking Capital for Diverse Firms: The NAIC Perspective How NAIC Is Changing the Face of Asset Management Sound Bites "Increasing the flow of capital to diverse firms is essential" "Women and people of color manage less than 2% of total capital" "Fiduciary responsibility is key to expanding diversity" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to NAIC and Bob Green 01:53 Understanding the Challenges of Diverse-Owned Firms 05:21 The Role of Politics in Wealth Creation 08:00 Strategies for Increasing Capital Flow 10:06 The Importance of Education and Awareness 13:03 Fiduciary Responsibility and Investment Opportunities 15:30 The Future of Diverse Asset Management 18:49 Bob Green's Vision for the Next Decade

  7. May 28

    Dave Mowry

    Content Type Interview Primary Goal Educational Summary In this inspiring interview, Dave Mowry shares his journey from severe bipolar disorder and homelessness to becoming a comedian, author, and mental health advocate. Discover how humor and resilience can transform mental health struggles into sources of strength and community. Keywords mental health, bipolar disorder, comedy, resilience, stigma, healing, mental illness, storytelling, advocacy, humor Key Topics Mental health journey from homelessness to advocacy The role of comedy in healing and stigma reduction The impact of bipolar disorder and severe anxiety on life and business Takeaways Humor can be a powerful tool for healing and stigma reduction. Perseverance and acceptance are key to overcoming mental health challenges. Sharing personal stories helps others feel less alone and fosters community. Guest Name Dave Mowry Titles From Homelessness to Humor: Dave Mowry’s Journey of Healing Laughing Through the Darkness: Mental Health and Comedy with Dave Mowry Sound Bites "I get better and better each day." "You can't come out the other side alone." "You are not alone in your struggles." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dave Mowry's Journey 02:22 The Impact of Mental Illness on Business and Life 04:52 The Breaking Point: Experiencing Severe Depression 06:50 The Role of Family During Hard Times 09:25 Finding Humor in Darkness: The Comedy Class 11:43 Transforming Pain into Laughter: Performing Comedy 14:09 The Audience's Reaction and Connection 16:20 The Ongoing Journey of Healing and Growth 18:34 Reflections on Regrets and Relationships 21:04 Advice for Those Struggling with Mental Illness Resources Healing with Humor (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4X9X1 Dave Mowry's Website - https://davidmowry.com NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - https://nami.org OMG That's Me Mental Health Writing (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYZ1234 Guest Links Website - https://davidmowry.com Email - davemowry2@gmail.com

  8. May 21

    Russell Van Brocklin (Deux)

    Content Type Interview Primary Goal Educational Summary In this insightful interview, Russell Van Brocklin, a dyslexia expert with personal experience, shares practical strategies for helping children with dyslexia and ADHD succeed academically and beyond. Discover how focusing on a child's strengths and interests can unlock their potential and transform their learning journey. Keywords dyslexia, ADHD, education strategies, learning disabilities, parental guidance, neurodiversity, academic success, personalized learning, dyslexia treatment, educational innovation Key Topics Focus on what a child can do rather than cannotUsing interests to motivate dyslexic studentsNeuroactivity differences in dyslexia and ADHDCustomized educational approaches for neurodiverse childrenThe importance of early diagnosis and interventionChallenges and solutions in traditional schooling for dyslexic kidsRole of parents and educators in supporting neurodiverse learnersImpact of AI and technology in dyslexia educationFocus on a child's strengths and interests to unlock potential.Use writing and articulation to help dyslexic children organize thoughts.Early diagnosis and targeted intervention are crucial.Traditional schooling often misaligns with neurodiverse learning needs.Personalized, interest-based education accelerates learning.Parents can effectively support learning with short, consistent sessions.AI tools can customize learning experiences for neurodiverse children.Understanding a child's true interests guides effective educational strategies.Unlocking Dyslexic Potential: Practical Strategies for Parents and EducatorsHow Focusing on Strengths Transforms Learning for Dyslexic Kids"Focus on what a child can do.""Early diagnosis is crucial.""Parents can make a big difference."Takeaways Guest Name: Russell Van Brocklin TitlesSound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dyslexia and Learning Differences 01:19 Focusing on Strengths: A New Approach 06:41 Recognizing Learning Differences Early 08:56 Addressing Frustration and Shame in Learning 18:06 Accessible Solutions for Parents 23:06 Final Thoughts and Resources for Parents

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Eavesdropping with Spencer Wise is a live-style, on-demand talk show where fascinating guests from all walks of life drop by to share stories, insights, and laughter. Think of it as a chance to lean in on the conversation — and maybe discover you’re not so different from the people you’re listening to. It’s authentic, warm, and refreshingly free of the noise and shouting that fill so much of today’s media.

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