Payne in the Pod

It is with heavy heart that I announce the end of the Payne in the Pod era.I'd like to thank each and every single listener and follower from the bottom of my heart for being so loyal. Thank you to each of my podcast guests who allowed me to ask my burning questions, and even get a little personal. Thanks for my friends and family who have supported this journey wholeheartedly. And finally, thank you to the podcast community for welcome this loud southern belle with open arms!While this is the end of Payne in the Pod, don't you worry - I'm not leaving completely. You can still find my reality-tv-loving southern charm on Pink Shade with Erin Martin and the Patroon-only podcast Hey Bunkie. And you know I'm always listening to podcasts so let me know what you're listening to or if you need recommendations.Love y'all - and I'll be in your ears again soon!PS. Stay tuned to my announcement in July about my next venture!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Payne and her friend Doug Budin thought they were going to spend today’s episode recapping the hit podcast, Mob Queens. Instead, they got something better: a surprise entrance by Mob Queens co-host Michael Seligman. Mary Payne and Doug asked Michael their burning questions about the fascinating and mysterious Anna Genovese, a 20th-century New York mob wife and drag club maven.The Hidden Story of a Mob WifeMichael and his co-host, Jessica Bendinger, began researching Anna Genovese several years ago when they stumbled upon Anna’s name in numerous places across New York City. They began to research who she was--leading years of public records searches, followed by interviews with her surviving grandchildren and former mobsters.Anna was the wife of Vito Genovese, a major player of the Genovese crime family in the 20th century. She also operated a speakeasy drag club in downtown New York, helping to solidify long-running ties between the drag community and mobsters. Anna eventually divorced her husband Vito and had a female romantic partner named Jackie (who herself was a drag king). A woman ahead of her times, Anna is an adorned figure in some drag communities and the subject of rumors and speculation. During the Mob Queens podcast, Michael and Jessica separate fact from fiction and try to uncover the truth behind Anna’s folklore. Questions, AnsweredMary Payne and Doug had A LOT of questions for Michael when he entered the conversation. Some include: Was Anna a CIA agent? Are her grandchildren in the mob? Why is her name excluded from her tombstone? Was it nerve-racking to interview former mobsters? Take a listen to hear Michael’s answers!A Host’s Ancestral Journey Another major aspect of Mob Queens was Michael’s journey to discover his family roots. While the results of his ancestral journey weren’t what he expected, Michael has received reassuring feedback from many of listeners who had gone through similar experiences. Mary Payne and Doug agree that--albeit disappointing--Michael’s ancestral history search was touching and real. It didn’t need a fairytale ending.You can catch up on all of the Payne in the Pod episodes, here. Become a patron to receive even more exclusive content from Mary Payne including in-depth conversations that you won’t find anywhere else!Podcast Recommendations:The Jungle PrinceThe Shrink Next DoorFind Doug at: Instagram – @dougbudinJeff Lewis Live on Radio Andy (SiriusXM Channel 102)Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheila Wysocki is a private investigator who uses her podcast, Without Warning, to crowdsource true crime cases in real-time. The third season of the Without Warning podcast digs into the mysterious 2008 deaths of Kadie Major, her baby River, and her unborn child, Aidan, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.The Beginnings of Without Warning Sheila became a private investigator in 2004 to discover what happened to her college roommate who was raped and murdered in the 1980s. After six years of work, in 2010, she helped to convict a man for this crime. Since then, Sheila has expanded her case portfolio across the US.Sheila began the Without Warning podcast as a real-time investigative tool for some of her cases. She uses her podcast platform to receive feedback, assistance, and tips from listeners. In her first two seasons, she covered two separate cases on the deaths of Lauren Agee and Christian Andreacchio.The Case of Kadie MajorNow in Season 3, Sheila is investigating the bizarre deaths of Kadie Major, daughter River, and baby boy (to be named Aidan Robert) in Moncks Corner, South Carolina in 2008. Sheila, fellow investigators, and her Patreon team are working with Kadie’s mom, Vicky, to find the truth behind their deaths. Kadie and River’s bodies were found near a train track and quickly ruled a suicide. However, Sheila has found convincing evidence to question this suicide theory. This story digs into a strange and complicated world of Kadie’s husband, Aaron, and his immediate family. It also looks at the seemingly botched investigation by the local officials. As the case continues, Without Warning will continue to reveal more unbelievable and unworldly evidence about this case.The Power of Women InvestigatorsOne of Sheila’s primary motivations is the strength and determination of the grieving mothers of deceased adult children. Sheila works closely with these strong mothers on different cases to find justice and bring closure to these cases. Sheila is also constantly amazed by her Patreon team--many of whom are also mothers--who are working with her to solve cases in real-time. If you think you have the investigative tools to help Sheila, then consider joining today!You can catch up on all of the Payne in the Pod episodes, here. Become a patron to receive even more exclusive content from Mary Payne including in-depth conversations that you won’t find anywhere else!Podcast Recommendations:CulpableSouthern Fried True CrimeBrainscratchersThe Unlovely TruthThree Men and a MysteryFind Sheila at: sheilawysocki.comLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nikki Boyer returns to Payne in the Pod to speak with Mary Payne about her new podcast, The Daily Smile. Best known for her work on the Dying For Sex and Straight Talk with Ross podcasts, Nikki’s latest podcast brings listeners new episodes every weekday morning highlighting uplifting stories from quarentine.A Must-Listen During QuarantineNikki and her colleagues at Wondery were already in discussions for creating The Daily Smile podcast when the coronavirus pandemic struck in March. As the world entered quarantine, Nikki and her colleagues believed it was the right time to bring people uplifting stories amid the pandemic.Launched in May, The Daily Smile features daily episodes that tell feel-good and family-friendly stories to brighten your day. In each episode, Nikki tells stories of how people have turned pain, sadness, and grief into optimistic experiences. Mary Payne notes that this podcast isn’t all about sugar-coated happiness, but instead tells real stories that balance negative and positive aspects of life.The Daily Smile’s first batch of episodes have included stories on the “real life Golden Girls,” a romance sparked by a drone delivery, and new pen pals. Nikki and her team are always searching for new uplifting stories to tell. If you have a story you wish to share, you can send an email to [email protected] Latest From Dying for SexMary Payne and Nikki also talk about the enormous success of Nikki’s hit show, Dying for Sex (check out Mary Payne’s previous interview with Nikki on this podcast). Nikki is overwhelmed by the number of listeners reaching out to her who resonate with Molly’s story. Moving forward, Nikki is working to publish a book based on the podcast. You can catch up on all of the Payne in the Pod episodes, here. Become a patron to receive even more exclusive content from Mary Payne including in-depth conversations that you won’t find anywhere else!Podcast Recommendations:Armchair ExpertDr. DeathJulie: The Unwinding of a MiracleFind Nikki at: Insta: @nikkiboyerTwitter: @nikkiboyerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen Meinzer is an overachiever. She currently hosts three podcasts, has authored three books (including a book on podcasting), and regularly delivers lectures and keynote addresses. In this episode, Kristen speaks with Mary Payne about her podcast, By The Book, in which she and her co-host, Jolenta Greenberg, experiment with different self-help books.By The BookKristen and Jolenta are former co-workers living in New York City. Kristen is a culture critic and Jolenta is a comedian. In 2017, they decided to combine their talents and perspectives to create the By The Book podcast. Over the course of six seasons, Kristen and Jolenta have read and completed two-week trials on over 50 self-help books.Kristen notes that some of the most helpful themes distilled from their self-help trials have included gratitude, living in the moment, and self-love. She notes, however, that many books are unhelpful, especially those written by upper-class white males who are disconnected from the largely female audience of self-help books.In a recent season, Kristen and Jolenta focused exclusively on the first-edition of books written over 50 years ago. The results were hysterical--and demonstrated the drastic way our values have changed over the decades. Some of these older generation self-help books included “How To Win Friends And Influence People” and “The Joy of Sex.”Spin-Offs From By The BookIn 2019, after receiving messages from listeners requesting more hands-on interactions, Kristen and Jolenta created the We Love You (and So Can You) podcast, in which they prescribe self-help guidance to guests. In this makeover-type show, Kristen and Jolenta use their self-help knowledge to develop a two-week “self-love trial” for guests, who make audio diaries of their experiences.Kristen and Jolenta also recently published a book called How To Be Fine, which distills their lessons learned from their self-help journey of the By The Book podcast.  A Host of Other PodcastsKristen has also co-hosted several previous podcasts, including When Meghan Met Harry (which celebrates the monumental Royal Wedding), Lisa, Sandra, and Kristen Go to the Movies, and Movie Date.Currently, Kristen and Newsday film critic, Rafer Guzman, host Movie Therapy, in which they “prescribe” movies for listeners facing certain issues or challenges. This podcast has picked up steam in recent months, with listeners having more free time to watch movies during these COVID times. You can catch up on all of the Payne in the Pod episodes, here. Become a patron to receive even more exclusive content from Mary Payne including in-depth conversations that you won’t find anywhere else!Podcast Recommendations:Trashy DivorcesWhat A CreepSpectacular FailuresFind Kristen at kristenmeinzer.com, where you can find her books, podcasts, and social media platforms.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices