Best Megan McLachlan Podcasts (2025)

1
Comedy Series: Hacking Our Way Through Emmy’s Comedy Race

9h ago

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We look at the contentious Comedy Series Emmy race where any number of series could fill the final few nominee slots. We’ve broken down the Drama Series 2025 Emmy race. We looked at the weaker Limited Series Emmy field. Now, it’s time for Comedy Series. Much like Drama, Comedy boasts five near-guaranteed contenders: Hacks, The Bear, Abbott Elementa…

1
‘The White Lotus:’ If You Like Piña Coladas

6d ago

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We break down the season finale of HBO’s The White Lotus: what worked, who were our MVPs, and how Emmy will embrace it. You had your theories. We had our theories. Now, with The White Lotus wrapped for season three, it’s time to break down the episode and the season itself. Joey, Megan, and Clarence offer their takes on the season’s strengths, weak…

1
“Every Day A Little Death:” Ashes To Ashes, Dust To Susan

11d ago

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Susan makes a confession to Edie in “Every Day A Little Death” and ends up with a whole lot of Martha Huber all over her. Episode twelve begins with the gruesome discovery of Martha Huber’s corpse, which may or may not be smiling. Check out the episode’s intro for an explanation of that one. That kicks off the Wisteria Lane death phone tree as news…

1
2025 Emmys: What To Make Of This Year’s Limited Limited Series?

13d ago

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Aside from a handful of locks, this year’s limited series race feels rather limited. We break down potential contenders for the final slots. When we broke down Emmy’s 2025 drama series race, we ran into something of an embarrassment of riches when trying to fill the final category slots. Not so with the 2025 Emmy limited series race. We do have a h…

1
“Move On:” Susan Unleashes Her Little Town Blues Through Song!

18d ago

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“Move On” shows Desperate Housewives’ Teri Hatcher in peak form as Susan expresses suppressed rage against ex-husband Karl. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Teri Hatcher’s finest Desperate Housewives moments! In episode eleven, “Move On,” Hatcher’s Susan confronts both her ex-husband Karl AND years of pent-up female rage. And she does it via a fair…

1
And We Have Talked 500 Miles… Err, Episodes!!!

20d ago

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We come a long way, baby. Joey, Megan, and Clarence celebrate their 500th episode of their 10+ year podcast partnership. On December 8, 2014, Joey, Megan, and Clarence joined Awards Daily TV’s Craig Kennedy to kick start the Water Cooler Podcast. We’ve had a few iterations along the way (and a shift to a new name for The Contending) and several gue…

1
‘Come Back To Me:’ These Stilettos Were Made For Walking

25d ago

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“Come Back To Me” boasts more series-best work from Marcia Cross thanks to a delicious rivalry with sex worker housewife Maisy Gibbons. The tenth episode of Desperate Housewives, “Come Back To Me,” again finds us in awe of Marcia Cross’ ability to wring moments of brutal honesty from campy melodrama. Here, Bree discovers Rex has certain needs… sexu…

1
‘Suspicious Minds:’ Fashion Show, Footjob, and Felonious Follies

1M ago

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“Suspicious Minds” focuses on Gabby (Eva Longoria) as she attempts redemption only to have the world pulled out from under her. Desperate Housewives’ ninth episode, “Suspicious Minds,” Eva Longoria’s Gabrielle Solis takes center stage. That, again, causes Joey and Clarence to marvel at how critics and audiences took Longoria for granted in the orig…

1
2025 Emmys: Our First Look At This Year’s Drama Series Race

1M ago

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With the Oscars behind us, it’s time to turn our focus to the 2025 Emmy Awards. We kick things off with a look at Drama Series. The Contending’s own Jalal Haddad joins Joey, Megan, and Clarence to kick-start our look at the 2025 Emmy race. We start with the Drama Series category where only Apple’s Slow Horses remains in contention out of last year’…

1
‘Guilty:’ Welcome Martha Huber, Gone Too Soon

1M ago

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The Contending welcomes Christine Estabrook, Desperate Housewives’ very own Martha Huber, as we look at her final episode, “Guilty.” Desperate Housewives Episode Eight, “Guilty,” is another thematically heavy episode. It also marks the final live appearance of one of Season One’s most beloved characters, Martha Huber. In “Guilty,” Bree and Rex deal…

1
Oscars 2025: Our Annual Oscars Show Post Mortem

1M ago

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Members of The Contending gather to say goodbye to Oscars 2025 and react to the Oscars show: the winners, the speeches, and Conan. Oscars 2025 is over and done with, so The Contending team members gather to put it to bed in our annual Oscars Show Post Mortem podcast. We review the overall show and […] The post Oscars 2025: Our Annual Oscars Show Po…

1
2025 Oscars: Our Final (?) Predix for the 97th Academy Awards

2M ago

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On this week’s podcast, Jalal Haddad joins us as we make our final (we think) predictions for the 2025 Oscars. It’s basically pencils down time, folks. It’s time to make our final predictions for the 2025 Oscars. The Contending contributor Jalal Haddad joins us at the very last minute to review and predict all 23 […] The post 2025 Oscars: Our Final…

1
‘Anything You Can Do:’ Lynette Feels the Need For Speed

2M ago

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Desperate Housewives Episode Seven, “Anything You Can Do,” brings the theme of competition to the forefront. Lynette finds herself in direct competition with not only other housewives but also her own husband, Tom. However, her body can’t keep up with her life’s demands, pushing her further into an abusive ADD medication nightmare. Then, after anno…

1
‘The White Lotus,’ ‘Yellowjackets’ Quench Our Must-See TV Thirst

2M ago

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On this week’s podcast, we review the latest seasons of The White Lotus and Yellowjackets. Plus, we weigh in on the SNL 50 live special. The third seasons of two Emmy-favored series drive our conversations this week. Showtime’s Yellowjackets attempts a soft reboot to restore its luster after a mixed second season. We talk about changes within the s…

1
‘Running To Stand Still:’ What Do You Do With a Sex Surrogate?

2M ago

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Desperate Housewives Episode Six, “Running To Stand Still,” could have a surrogate title: “Bree Van de Kamp and the Sex Surrogate.” In this hallmark episode, Rex tries to convey the root of his marital issues and pins it all on Bree’s sexuality. Not to be outdone, Bree confronts him in his shabby hotel room but […] The post ‘Running To Stand Still:…

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Oscars 2025: Frock Flock — A Contending Crafts Bonus Podcast

2M ago

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The clothes make the man, woman, prince and pauper, but what does The Academy look for when it comes to Best Costume Design? For me personally, I love talking to costume designers, because of how tied their work is to an actor’s personal choices of a character’s arc. Costume designers work closely with their cast […] The post Oscars 2025: Frock Flo…

1
Podcast: Weekend Wilding at the Water Cooler

2M ago

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This weekend offered something for literally everyone, and we’re here to break it all down for you. First, is Emilia Pérez really dead? Or is DGA / PGA / CCA winner Anora now the de facto Oscar winner? Then, Megan attended the SCAD TVfest in Atlanta. What upcoming television shows did she see while there? Next, Clarence […] The post Podcast: Weeken…

1
Podcast: Our First Impressions of ‘The Pitt,’ SCAD TVfest Preview

2M ago

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Before Megan ventures off to Atlanta to cover this year’s SCAD TVfest, we take a look at Max’s new drama series, The Pitt. Does it have the right stuff to be considered an Emmy player? The series calls back to a time when medical dramas were prominent on television, but the format of The Pitt […] The post Podcast: Our First Impressions of ‘The Pitt…

1
“Come In, Stranger:” Break-Ins, Mama Solis, & a Creepy Christmas

2M ago

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We’re breaking into another episode of Desperate Housewives. This week, Joey and Clarence tackle “Come In, Stranger,” the fifth episode of the series. We open with a strange break-in, discovered by Susan. Naturally, it’s Mike Delfino at the center of the crime, and Susan’s discovery of a screwdriver leads her to explore a new relationship with […] …

1
Oscars 2025: Our Deep-Dive Into This Year’s Song, Score Noms

3M ago

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This week, we’re using this episode to kick off a side piece podcast series dedicated to the Oscars 2025 craft nominees. First up are the Original Song and Original Score categories. Joey, Megan, and Clarence chat about the merits of each nominee, predict the front runners, guess as to who could be the potential spoilers, […] The post Oscars 2025: …

1
098: Psychological Safety in the Workplace Through Improv with Guest, Jeanette Cerami 49:51

1y ago49:51

49:51

We're discussing some crucial workplace topics: PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY and being HEARD at work. Imagine a place where you can freely share ideas without fear. It’s the thing dream jobs are made of! Improv Team Culture’s Jeanette Cerami shares tips on how to listen better and follow through on promises (because actions speak louder than words, right?)…

1
097: Life is Sweet...Potatoes, with Guest Ami Henson 25:21

1y ago25:21

25:21

The subject of food security and climate change are pretty heavy topics and carry with them some pretty big opinions from various perspectives. Join us for a peek into how some of these big problems have a surprisingly simple solution. As we all open our minds to learn more, ask questions, and expand our own understanding, we can each make small ch…

1
096: Real People, Real Problems in the Workplace with Guest, Jeanette Cerami 27:48

1y ago27:48

27:48

Jeanette and Megan from ImprovTeamCulture.com bring a short and insightful episode to revisit anonymous notes given by attendees at the CAPTIVATE Leadership Communication Summit in Boise Idaho fall 2023. Each of these grievances weren't able to be addressed live in front of the audience, so they decided to share the REAL issues that people are curr…

1
095: Head, Heart, Hand, and Health with Guest, Lauren VanDerhoff 40:20

1y ago40:20

40:20

Experience the joyful passion of service, and create a bright and healthy future for our young people as you listen in to hear Lauren VanDerhoff speak on her advocacy for the 4H program. Spoiler alert!!! It’s SO much more than agriculture. Lauren is an energetic speaker with a magnetic personality. With 13 years of active involvement in 4-H, both a…

1
094: Professionals at Play with Guest, Geoff McLachlan 35:14

1y ago35:14

35:14

This was a fun episode of two kindred spirits igniting the spark of childhood that’s tucked deep inside us all. You can also check out his TEDx talk here: https://youtu.be/pauSIO0kcWs?si=UicYTMTLJIT9JOvE Geoff’s company is Professionals at Play, and provides highly entertaining and actionable keynotes and trainings. This is not a sit and listen kin…

1
093: How to Scale Up as an Entrepreneur, with Guest Stephanie Wigner 30:09

1y ago30:09

30:09

Dr. Stephanie Wigner has helped several wellness professionals transition from a small business owner to a true entrepreneur. Instead of working IN the business every day they now have time to work ON the business. If you're feeling overworked, underpaid or tired of not having a plan in place to achieve your financial goals. With Stephanie as your …

1
092: Tools to Transform Your Trauma into Your Truth, with Guest, Sarah Brewer 37:21

1y ago37:21

37:21

Listen in as Sarah Brewer gives us a peek into how we can be more in tune with our mind as we work through our life's challenges to become empowered individuals. Sarah Brewer is the owner of Sarah B. Productions. She is a passionate speaker, a portrait photographer who loves capturing photos that make people feel like themselves, and creating event…

1
091: How to Combat Burnout Before it's Too Late with Guest, Annamari Dietrichson 44:42

1+ y ago44:42

44:42

A Healthcare Executive and Health & Wellness Coach, Annamari is helping high-achieving professionals optimize health, achieve full potential, and avoid burnout by dialing in cortisol levels in four simple steps. Annamari is also a talented and captivating keynote speaker and brings an energy to the stage that super-charges the audience and drives t…

1
090: Bridging the Gap Between Politics, Policy, & the Public with Guest Heather Colwell 34:42

1+ y ago34:42

34:42

*Recorded LIVE at the CAPTIVATE Leadership Communication Summit* Politics can be a challenging topic to breach. Yet, the more we understand what's going on, the more likely it will be to create change in areas we need most. Good news, we can actually get started right in our very own communities. Learn how to create a ripple of positive impact as w…

1
089: Using Laughter to Bring Levity and Improve Mental Health with Guest, Greg Kettner 49:18

1+ y ago49:18

49:18

Greg Kettner is a TEDx keynote speaker, trainer, and coach who helps organizations reduce stress, boost productivity, and foster a mental health mindfulness culture with his WorkHappyTM formula. "The Power of Laughter" keynote will inspire and empower your workforce by prioritizing people over profits. Organizations with happy employees are 18% mor…

1
088: Information is POWER; A Conversation on Gun Violence and Criminal Justice Reform with Guest, Sara Knizhnik 49:32

1+ y ago49:32

49:32

"It may not seem like it, but we are winning on gun violence prevention!"Long-time Illinois-based gun violence and criminal justice reform advocate, Sara Knizhnik, helps equip us with helpful, hopeful information around one of the hottest topics in our nation: gun violence.We will never end the gun violence epidemic in America until we recognize th…

1
087: Take Control of Your Hormone Health from a Holistic Approach with Guest, Carol Trotter 38:42

1+ y ago38:42

38:42

As a certified holistic nutritionist, reiki master , CEO and Founder of The Hormone Breakthrough System, Carol works with women, helping them understand what is happening in their bodies so that they can reduce and/or eliminate their menopausal symptoms. Carol’s mission is to help as many women as possible so that they do not feel alone during this…

1
086: Reach Out to Others to Reach Your Goals Faster with Guest, Tashia Butler 40:59

1+ y ago40:59

40:59

In this episode you get to meet my personal trainer! In my quest for living a healthier life and feeling better about the body I'm in, I found myself in need of some help. That's the point of today's episode. We don't need to struggle endlessly on our own! We need each other and we are all here to fill gaps for each other. I always feel BETTER afte…

1
085: Emotional Regulation Starts with Us! A Guide to Gentle Parenting with Guest, Mr. Chazz 44:00

1+ y ago44:00

44:00

Mr.Chazz is expanding the perspective and skills of parents and teachers around the world through speaking. His mission is to help adults truly See, Guide and Trust children. He is pushing the needle a little closer toward world peace with his approach. He is a consultant, Parent coach, Conscious Discipline practitioner, Podcaster, and Content Crea…

1
084: Finding Support and Resources for Sexual Prosperity with Guest, Cami Hurst 46:34

1+ y ago46:34

46:34

Only 17 states in the United States are required to provide medically accurate sex ed…so we don’t have families, or school systems or the church system reinforcing sexual education from a health point of view. Dr. Cami Hurst is a licensed therapist and certified sex therapist in Meridian, ID. Cami operates a private practice offering therapy, coach…

1
083: Using Body Language and Self Awareness to Tell Your Story with Guest, Misty Megia 42:59

1+ y ago42:59

42:59

Misty Megia is a CEO and Creative Producer Director of the ToP Speaker program for executives. As a Creative Director she helps high achieving speakers with curating and topic ideation, develop outstanding delivery techniques, build their personal branding and supports all stages of the final production. She brings over 25+ years in representing co…

1
082: Sharing Your Stories Can Help You Heal and Grow with Guest, Carol Barash 47:22

1+ y ago47:22

47:22

TW: this episode contains stories of sexual assault, listener and viewer discretion advised Author, speaker and coach on storytelling and community, Carol has taught 250K+ people to tell their unique stories. They offer a FREE Storytelling Masterclass every month LINK - follow and connect @carolbarash, https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolbarash For in…

1
081: Know Your Impact to Know Your Brand with Guests, McKenna Dodge & Charissa Higgins 52:59

1+ y ago52:59

52:59

Charissa & McKenna are the leaders of Learn Earn Impact. They help coaches become Unmistakable thought leaders in their industry with strategic brand positioning that gives them the competitive edge & amplifies their revenue. Follow McKenna & Charissa @learnearnimpact on FB and IG. Learn more about their 3 day series, REVOLUTIONIZE! at www.learnear…

1
080: Improv as a Tool for Mental Conditioning with Guest, Will Luera 35:54

1+ y ago35:54

35:54

Will Luera is the Director of Improvisation at Florida Studio Theatre, Director of Big Bang Improv, and serves as the Artistic Director Emeritus of ImprovBoston. He is the co-creator of Healing Moments for Alzheimer’s, a non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy, and ministry for persons with dementia and their caregivers. He is a c…

1
079 - The Importance of Drag Education and Expression with Guest, Casi Kristant 41:32

1+ y ago41:32

41:32

Casi Kristant is a mama to 3 fierce, adventurous and imaginative kiddos, working full time remotely for a software company and doing drag on the side - Casi has many stories to tell. With over 20 years of experience in theater arts education she is the proud resident Drag Mama for Young Actor's Theater Camp and has created curriculum for several in…

1
078: Building Relationships to Serve Your Community with Guest, Quinn Wilson 40:11

1+ y ago40:11

40:11

Quinn is a filmmaker, nonprofit founder, traveler, comedian in a past life. His nonprofit What Matters Productions makes micro-docs for nonprofits so they can share their story and fundraise. To date, they’ve helped nonprofits raise over $2,000,000. If you want to get involved with some of the orgs Quinn mentioned, simply click here: https://www.sh…

1
077: 8 Travel Tips for LIFE with Megan and Jeanette 58:31

1+ y ago58:31

58:31

Megan and Jeanette premiered their performance programming of Improv Team Culture at the Edinburgh Fringe Fest: Improv Therapy. "Both of us do a pretty good job of ‘prepare for the worst, expect the best,’ and when it doesn't go your way, be ready to roll with it.” They learned a lot about each other, their fellow humans, and the world around them.…

1
076: Advancing in a Corporate Space Using Improv Basics with Guest, Kevin Allen 46:43

1+ y ago46:43

46:43

Kevin Allen is a Sarasota, Fla.-based improviser and corporate content leader. He performs regularly and teaches improvisation at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota and frequently performs in the Tampa Bay area, which inspires him to bring the teachings and lessons of improv comedy into his corporate space as a means to lift up his colleagues and p…

1
075: Lead From Where You Are with Guest, Tonya Herb 43:33

2y ago43:33

43:33

Learn how to STEER through even the most challenging situations that come our way!Tonya Herb is a leadership coach and speaker, who teaches you to “Lead From Where You Are.” She's passionate about helping others, both in and outside of the corporate space, to see how many opportunities we have to step up into a leadership role in our lives. When we…

1
074: Being Present Creates Community with Guest, Jeanette Cerami 26:36

2y ago26:36

26:36

Meet Megan’s partner at Improv Team Culture, Jeanette Cerami, as she dives into how the tools she learned through improvisation gave her the courage to build a life around comedy and its incredible impact on building connections, fostering collaboration, and creating a sense of belonging.Jeanette Cerami is the Director of Client experience at Impro…

1
073: Safety in Construction & Beyond with Guest, Sondra Lavoie 33:53

2y ago33:53

33:53

Today's episode brings awareness to a topic that benefits us all, mental wellness. Sondra has decades of experience in the construction and is a safety expert. She has a front row seat to the industry that quite literally builds the world that we live in. Explore some of the challenges that are tethered to a space where the stakes are high and live…

1
072: EQ and Finding Joy in the Workplace with Guest, Michelle Choate 40:00

2y ago40:00

40:00

Listen in as we talk about leadership. It starts with self and builds into the team dynamic. Now, more than ever, strong teams must be anchored in personal development so they can show up in a collaborative and empathetic way professionally.Michelle Choate, M.A., consults and speaks on her nearly 25 years of individual, organization and leadership …

1
071: Saving You Green on Your Home Loan with Guest, Emily Green 35:13

2y ago35:13

35:13

When you’re ready to buy, refinance, or renovate, She is here to clearly explain all of the options that will “save you green” and help you accomplish your short- and long-term financial goals. Emily's career gives her the opportunity to help people every day, and that’s truly her greatest passion.Everyone has their own unique scenario, and Emily m…

1
070: Do You Have a Book In You? - with Guest, Stacy Ennis 44:30

2y ago44:30

44:30

Do you have a book inside of you? Listen in and learn how you might be able to prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime - writing a BOOK to accentuate your authority as a business leader.Stacy Ennis is a best-selling author, coach, and speaker on a mission to help leaders clarify their ideas and harness their unique story to make an impact.…

1
069: Permanent Decisions - Adoption vs Abortion vs Parenting 31:12

3y ago31:12

31:12

My adoption story from 22 years ago eventually led me into advocating that adoption should be presented as an option for women who find themselves faced with an unplanned pregnancy. And spending time in this space of such a sensitive subject led me to becoming, straight up, an advocate for women to be empowered with access and information to ALL op…

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