The Malliard Report

Fred Cuellar, CEO of Diamond Cutters International, shares insider knowledge on the coveted process of designing Super Bowl championship rings. Fewer than 10 jewelers worldwide hold the prestige of crafting Super Bowl rings. Cuellar describes how his team starts developing ring concepts months before the big game based on hunches of who'll take home the trophy. Once a team wins, the rapid design process kicks off. Cuellar works directly with players and staff to reflect their style preferences. He discloses the rush of presenting the initial ring renderings and wax prototype to thrill the new champs. From hammering out the intricate details to constructing the precious metal and dazzling diamonds, Cuellar gives a sparkling glimpse behind the scenes. He tells how these championship rings attain their one-of-a-kind shine and symbolism befitting sports royalty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jim Malliard makes a big announcement - he's putting his podcast The Malliard Report on hiatus for a period of time! Jim explains he wants to devote more energy to his advocacy work for families with special needs students through his Candy Apple Advocacy program. To reflect on the past and future, Jim invited longtime friend and pop culture expert Rebecca Housel to this special episode. They discussed Jim's plans to re-air classic episodes and "golden moments" from the extensive Malliard Report archives during the show's break. Jim and Rebecca also reminisced fondly about some of their favorite unforgettable guests and shows over the years. During this thoughtful and nostalgic discussion, Jim and Rebecca touched on many topics, including the rise of video games, Mardi Gras, music industry revenues, AI, mental health issues affecting younger generations, futurism and transhumanism, and Joseph Campbell's hero's journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime acquaintances Jim Malliard and Chris George Zuger reunited on Malliard's podcast after years of drifting apart. The two friends caught up on life and families, but also had an in-depth discussion about the UFO and disclosure community. Drawing on his past involvement, Chris argued the field is dominated by entertainment rather than real science. He doubted claims of alien visitation, feeling advanced civilizations would avoid dysfunctional humans. Along with skeptical takes on UFOs, the two discussed changes in media and conspiracies. They reminisced about enjoying past collaborations and mutual support, leaving the door open to work together again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Malliard was joined by paranormal investigator Kat Ward, host of the podcast Paranormal Heart. Kat has been investigating ghosts, cryptids, and other unexplained phenomena for over 10 years. She discussed getting her start focused solely on spirits before expanding her scope to a wider range of paranormal subjects. Kat recounted some of her memorable paranormal investigation experiences, including her lighthearted approach to keep the mood fun during cases. She also shared details about recently narrating her first audiobook for a paranormal fiction author. Additionally, Jim and Kat swapped intriguing anecdotes about paranormal encounters from their personal lives. This included Jim feeling an inexplicable urge to drive to a specific creek hours away and a moving experience with an elderly man at a flea market. They also reflected on the double-edged sword of paranormal television shows bringing more mainstream attention while often dramatizing investigations. Kat provided insight into her process vetting potential podcast guests as well. Overall, the discussion covered Kat's paranormal experiences, interest in the unexplained, narration work, and skeptical but open-minded perspective when encountering the unknown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Jon Mallard, hosts of paranormal podcasts and investigators, reconnect to reminisce about the past decade of exploring haunted locations and searching for evidence of spirits. They reflect on how the genre has changed in popularity and credibility during that time, from the rise of paranormal TV shows to shifting investigative standards. The friends also discuss pivotal moments in their personal lives over the past 10 years, including health crises that provided a renewed outlook. With humor and camaraderie, they consider whether public fascination with the paranormal tends to cycle in phases and what new directions may lie ahead. Both hosts explain why they have moved on from active investigating work, while still appreciating their years of adventures and the bonds formed through common fascination with ghosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices