Baggage
Baggage

Baggage

The Baggage Podcast

Overview
Episodes

Details

Baggage brings together the personal, reflective storytelling of "This American Life" with the conversational, often humorous vibe of "SmartLess," delivering compelling, raw narratives from people from all walks of life, offering an intimate and honest look into the weight we carry. Led by an unlikely foursome—a doctor, a prosecutor, a comedian, and a writer—the hosts bring their vastly different backgrounds to the table, unpacking these stories with a unique blend of empathy, wit, and curiosity. The show is a unique vehicle to highlight and donate to charities who contribute to trauma and mental needs. Collaborating charities include the Dear Jack Foundation (https://www.dearjackfoundation.org/ ) and Canine Companions (https://canine.org/ ), among others. The ultimate goal of the show is to donate profits directly to these charities, as well as give them a platform to get their message out. If you are interested in helping the show achieve this goal, please donate to help with marketing and growth. To share your story or ask a question, email us at [email protected].

Recent Episodes

Rape/Kidnapping Survivor (Cheryl)
JUN 23, 2026
Rape/Kidnapping Survivor (Cheryl)
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 it has on their loved ones.You can view a video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/KTJKg64RbgYPlease make sure to preorder Ryan Conner's new memoir, "12 Guys Walk Into A Kitchen." Get it through Barnes & Noble for 25% off using code PREORDER25 at checkout.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 can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected] in this episode:What Was That LikeWhat Was That Like is a storytelling podcast, with first-hand amazing stories presented by Scott Johnson and Meredith Hackwith Edwards. Each storyteller tells their own personal true story, with all the details of what happened. Animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and more – you'll hear what happened directly from the person who experienced it, and the inspirational outcome of how they came out on the other side. To learn more visit https://whatwasthatlike.com/ or search for What Was That Like wherever you get your podcasts. Leleka FoundationLeleka Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that operates with minimal overhead, maximizing the impact of every donation. By leveraging our personal resources, we ensure that 96-97% of all donations go directly to life-saving programs. Leleka was founded in December 2014 when several Ukrainians in the United States joined their efforts with several volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to procure and supply medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since February 2022, Leleka has focused on the urgent supply of critical medical supplies and protective gear to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians. To support Leleka, visit https://leleka.care/en.
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53 MIN
Carry-On: Mindhunted
JUN 9, 2026
Carry-On: Mindhunted
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-cLxwaLzI0Music 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 can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected] in this episode:What Was That LikeWhat Was That Like is a storytelling podcast, with first-hand amazing stories presented by Scott Johnson and Meredith Hackwith Edwards. Each storyteller tells their own personal true story, with all the details of what happened. Animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and more – you'll hear what happened directly from the person who experienced it, and the inspirational outcome of how they came out on the other side. To learn more visit https://whatwasthatlike.com/ or search for What Was That Like wherever you get your podcasts. Leleka FoundationLeleka Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that operates with minimal overhead, maximizing the impact of every donation. By leveraging our personal resources, we ensure that 96-97% of all donations go directly to life-saving programs. Leleka was founded in December 2014 when several Ukrainians in the United States joined their efforts with several volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to procure and supply medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since February 2022, Leleka has focused on the urgent supply of critical medical supplies and protective gear to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians. To support Leleka, visit https://leleka.care/en.
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33 MIN
The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (Melissa & Adrienne)
MAY 26, 2026
The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (Melissa & Adrienne)
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 Eric Richins by his wife, Kouri Richins, and the murder of three year old Khaleesi Cuthriell.Melissa Merola is currently the founder and principal consultant for Starling Enterprise, LLC which provides behaviorally-based expertise to public and private sector entities in cases involving crimes against adult victims or persons of concern.Adrienne Malin is currently the founder of Human Behavior Analysis Group, LLC where she provides behavioral analysis and case consultation in complex matters involving child abuse, neglect, exploitation, torture, and homicide. She works with law enforcement, prosecutors, NGOs, attorneys, and guardians ad litem across civil, criminal, and family courts—and also consults on cases involving false allegations or potential wrongful convictions, always with a focus on protecting children, careful evidence analysis, and the pursuit of justice.You can view a video version of this episode here: : https://youtu.be/6jiWIDsSn24Music 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 can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected] in this episode:Leleka FoundationLeleka Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that operates with minimal overhead, maximizing the impact of every donation. By leveraging our personal resources, we ensure that 96-97% of all donations go directly to life-saving programs. Leleka was founded in December 2014 when several Ukrainians in the United States joined their efforts with several volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to procure and supply medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since February 2022, Leleka has focused on the urgent supply of critical medical supplies and protective gear to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians. To support Leleka, visit https://leleka.care/en. What Was That LikeWhat Was That Like is a storytelling podcast, with first-hand amazing stories presented by Scott Johnson and Meredith Hackwith Edwards. Each storyteller tells their own personal true story, with all the details of what happened. Animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and more – you'll hear what happened directly from the person who experienced it, and the inspirational outcome of how they came out on the other side. To learn more visit https://whatwasthatlike.com/ or search for What Was That Like wherever you get your podcasts.
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62 MIN
Carry-On: Puppy Troubles
MAY 12, 2026
Carry-On: Puppy Troubles
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 version of this episode here: : https://youtu.be/fh_y-R0JvEoMusic 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 can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected] in this episode:Leleka FoundationLeleka Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that operates with minimal overhead, maximizing the impact of every donation. By leveraging our personal resources, we ensure that 96-97% of all donations go directly to life-saving programs. Leleka was founded in December 2014 when several Ukrainians in the United States joined their efforts with several volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to procure and supply medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since February 2022, Leleka has focused on the urgent supply of critical medical supplies and protective gear to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians. To support Leleka, visit https://leleka.care/en. The Dear Jack FoundationThe Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship. Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
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22 MIN
Death Scene Cleaner (Lonnie)
APR 28, 2026
Death Scene Cleaner (Lonnie)
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 his perspective on life and death.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 can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected] in this episode:Leleka FoundationLeleka Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that operates with minimal overhead, maximizing the impact of every donation. By leveraging our personal resources, we ensure that 96-97% of all donations go directly to life-saving programs. Leleka was founded in December 2014 when several Ukrainians in the United States joined their efforts with several volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to procure and supply medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since February 2022, Leleka has focused on the urgent supply of critical medical supplies and protective gear to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians. To support Leleka, visit https://leleka.care/en. The Dear Jack FoundationThe Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship. Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
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54 MIN