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Unpacked

No Midnight Mediaunpackedpodcast.com
Peculiar stories from real life. Hosted by Christopher Beale & Josh Taylor
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Episodes

The San Francisco Bay Bridge Troll

The Loma Prieta Earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area on October 17, 1989. The quake and the community galvanization that followed birthed a mystical protector forged from iron. His family still lives on the San Francisco Bay Bridge, but where? This is the tale of the Bay Bridge Troll. This story was originally reported for the KQED podcast Bay Curious.

Sep 07, 202216 minSeason 6Ep. 3

Our overnight romance with dating apps

Swipe through the modern phenomenon of app-based romance. Featuring VidaSelect CEO Scott Valdez, and a true story about a San Francisco Grindr-hookup that sparked a relationship. Hosted & Produced by Christopher J. Beale and Josh Taylor

Feb 23, 202226 minSeason 6Ep. 2

The bizarre tradition of New Year’s resolutions

Why do we make New Year’s Resolutions? You’ll discover that this tradition has evolved over time. In this episode, Christopher Beale and Josh Taylor dive into the history of New Year’s resolutions, Auld Lang Syne, Methodist watch night services and popping champagne! Plus, our guest Peter Fenton (Author of Abandon All Hope ) shares a personal story of a family tragedy that changed the way he lives, and the way he makes resolutions.- To support our work, join us on Patreon ....

Jan 03, 202220 minSeason 6Ep. 1

Other People's Kids

An Unpacked bonus featuring an announcement about the future of the podcast, and Christopher is at California's Great America with a short story about how the pandemic changed one person's approach to the job they love. - Thanks to California's Great America, Alaina Duffield, KALW, Lisa Morehouse, Abukar Adan, and Josh Taylor. - Follow us on Twitch!...

Dec 09, 20219 min

Presenting: Stereotypes - Straight Talk from Queer Voices

Unpacked will return! In the meantime check out episode one of Christopher Beale's new podcast Stereotypes - Straight Talk from Queer Voices. Listen and subscribe ! - Everyone’s coming out is different. Some folks can’t come out, and for many — when we finally do — we discover that there are more questions on the other side. Meet Rae, a gender non-binary person who has learned to treat coming out as a process the length of a lifetime. Plus, Chris shares how he got caught in the act and forced ou...

Aug 03, 202127 min

San Francisco’s LGBTQIA Community Marches To Stop Asian Hate

Last weekend - San Francisco’s LGBTQIA community gathered to mourn with the Asian community, to speak and - in San Francisco’s long tradition of activism...to march. "Enough is Enough!" - Michael Nguyen (GAPA) - To see photos from the event, and read the written version in Outword Magazine, click here . To read the print version in 3 minutes on Medium, click here . To support my work with a monthly gift, and pick up cool bonuses from this and our sister podcast Theme Park Pulse: The Game , click...

Mar 25, 20217 minSeason 5Ep. 3

Returning to work after COVID-19

If there is one piece of good news about the COVID-19 Pandemic its that more people recover from COVID-19 than die from it. In the state of California, so far, 40,000 people have died from COVID-19. But that’s out of more than 3 million diagnosed cases. Those people who recover, and quarantine...eventually return to work. That got me thinking - what kind of reception are they receiving in the workplace? The DeLeons have both experienced COVID-19 and both returned to work. That is where the simil...

Feb 22, 202111 minSeason 5Ep. 2

The Complicated World of Coffee

How does coffee go from the field - to your cup? Is coffee addictive, and how can YOU positively impact the people who grow it? What's the difference between 'local' coffee and Starbucks? On this episode, Josh Taylor on how to navigate the complicated world of coffee. - - - For more information on Christopher's work head to ChristopherJBeale.com , for more podcast content from No Midnight Media head to NoMidnightMedia.com . - - -...

Jan 11, 202115 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Glass Fire: Napa 'Refugees' Wait For Answers

The Glass Fire - which as of writing this has burned more than 60,000 acres near California’s wine country - is displacing entire communities. Whole families forced out of their homes with no idea when they’ll be able to return - or if they’ll have a home to return to. This is the story of one such family waiting for answers. - LINKS Napa Valley Register Cal Fire Support our work on Patreon. Theme Park Pulse: The Game...

Oct 06, 202012 minSeason 4Ep. 7

Big Fish Stories

From Lake Berryessa in California to Big Fish Lake in Minnesota - two big fish stories, 3 acts, 30 minutes. Click here for a written transcript of the episode. Act 1 - The First Attempt An educational but completely empty-handed fishing trip to Lake Berryessa. "I think I'd like to lose a finger." - Tom Act 2 - Grandpa Hal Mark recounts the final fishing trip he shared with his beloved grandfather. "80 Fish!" - Mark Act 3 - Best Day Ever A bolt of electricity! Tom and I finally catch a kokanee! "...

Sep 09, 202031 minSeason 4Ep. 6

Oakland Takes Back The Narrative

After two nights of demonstrations against police brutality that ended in riots and looting - Oakland protesters took to the streets Sunday to take back the narrative, Black Lives Matter. Special thanks to Youth Radio Media and their volunteers, to my neighbor for the up-close video of the looting, and to the demonstrators on Sunday for allowing me access and making me feel welcome. SOURCES: NBC Bay Area My neighbor on Twitter. David DeBolt on Twitter. Washington Post Berkeleyside...

Jun 01, 202020 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Activity Found | a COVID-19 story

The story of a San Francisco man recovering from a confirmed case of COVID-19. "My heart starts beating so fast Wednesday night. Really, Really, Really fast. I get this numbness all over my body. My legs are falling numb. I have a hard time getting up. And I'm like, Oh my God. This is it. I’m gonna die." - Armando Zambrana To get tested for COVID-19, click here . To support my work on Patreon, click here . SOURCES: Johns Hopkins University San Francisco Department of Public Health UC Davis...

May 11, 202021 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Zone Defense & Drive-By Kisses

The Zayner family’s house is one of those spaces where people are always coming and going on the weekends. Come as you are...B.Y.O.B and smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. With a pool in the backyard for epic summer’s out under the sun, this place is my little slice of paradise outside the city. It’s ground-zero for family hangs. COVID-19 has moved this large family indoors for school and work - how are Bridget and Zach handling the pandemic-induced stress? How about the kids? To support our work on Patr...

May 01, 202018 minSeason 4Ep. 3

Short Story: A Violent Shove

This morning was so unusual I had to share it with you. I witnessed a crime here in Oakland and it shook me. "I just witnessed my first crime in Oakland, like right in front of me, I saw it. I tried to help." - Christopher J. Beale Have you ever witnessed a crime? Share it with me at (213) 935-0513. If you have helpful information about the crime featured in this story, call Oakland Police at (510) 777-3333. - Support my work for as little as $1 a month on Patreon ....

Apr 25, 20207 min

Adam & Mr. Green | Teaching during Coronavirus

Meet Adam Green, an Oakland High School teacher who, thanks to coronavirus, has a unique problem. How do you teach music to 140 students...from home? SOURCES: NBC Bay Area San Francisco Chronicle Special thanks to the Oakland Public Library and Skyline High School. - Support the work of Unpacked, and Theme Park Pulse on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, and receive cool benefits as well as early access to our shows! Details here . - Unpacked is recorded, written, researched and sound designed...

Mar 26, 202032 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Leap, and the net will appear.

Coronavirus is changing everything here in California. Our jobs. Our commutes. Our religious and social practices. Social isolation will probably be the phrase that defines 2020, and we’re only 3 months in. As people begin to practice social distancing and adjust to this new normal...I am feeling a pull to do something. I know I need to help, I want to help. But how can I best do that? As I’ve been meditating on this over the last few weeks, it finally came to me. In one form or another I have p...

Mar 19, 202013 min

Open to Outrage & Joy

Would you move across the state for something you really wanted, and really believed in? What if if came with a 3 hour commute...each way? Plus - a brief history of migration and gentrification, from a reluctant gentrifier in Oakland. I hope you enjoy this bonus episode of Unpacked, and I'll talk to you in 2020! - Kory SOURCES/MENTIONS: Mix 96 & Now 100.5 SF Gate "Sound Reporting" by Jonathan Kern If you would like to support the work of Unpacked, and hear our episodes before they are releas...

Dec 30, 201924 min

The boy ghosts of Oxford

On this episode of Unpacked, the true story of a trip to London, and Oxford. When Amanda finds herself spending the night in a centuries old house, she alone has an encounter with the spirit world that was way too close for comfort. Happy Halloween from Unpacked! - This episode is based on the real-life experience of Unpacked listener Amanda Garcia. Otherwise written, as well as edited, sound designed and recorded by Christopher "Kory" Beale. ©No Midnight Media, All rights reserved. Music licens...

Oct 28, 201923 minSeason 4Ep. 1

The Q&A w/ Bret Iwan & Kory | Bret, Mickey & Walt

Bret Iwan and Kory answer your questions as we bring Unpacked presents: Bret, Mickey & Walt to a close! - To see photos of Bret's house, follow his design business on Instagram, @BungalowModern . You can follow Bret at @Bret_Iwan , and follow Kory at @KoryOnTheRadio ! Follow Jack at @JackKMilliken ! - This episode was written and hosted by Jack Milliken, recorded by Christopher "Kory" Beale. Bonus content for Unpacked presents: Bret. Mickey & Walt adapted, written, recorded and sound des...

Oct 07, 201941 min

Living Breathing Dragons | Bret, Mickey & Walt Pt. 3

Bret Iwan spends a decade establishing himself as the voice of Mickey Mouse! But, finds himself in a creative rut, when an old hobby from his childhood sparks creativity and dreams of the future! We follow Bret & Cory into Disneyland for the premiere of Fantasmic 2.0 and visit Bret's home on the finale of Bret, Mickey & Walt. To see photos of Bret's house, follow his design business on Instagram, @BungalowModern . You can follow Bret at @Bret_Iwan , and follow Kory at @KoryOnTheRadio ! T...

Sep 30, 201944 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Buffy the Buffalo | Bret, Mickey & Walt

Kory recorded hours of audio with Bret Iwan for this series, and not all of it made it into the final production. Jack produced this fun story about a buffalo named Buffy! Hear the finale of Unpacked presents Bret, Mickey & Walt now on Patreon! This bonus adapted, written, recorded and sound designed by Jack Milliken. Editing by Kory. ©No Midnight Media, All rights reserved. - GOT A QUESTION FOR BRET OR KORY? Submit a question for Bret or Kory and we may answer it on our upcoming Q&A epi...

Sep 23, 20195 min

What's Got Bret Up Before The Sun? | Bret, Mickey & Walt

We are back with the finale of Unpacked presents: Bret, Mickey & Walt on September 30th. This week we're presenting a look at a Patreon bonus that teases a really cool thing we discover about Bret on Episode 3! To support our work for as little as $1 a month on Patreon, and pick up cool bonus material and perks click here ! ©No Midnight Media, All rights reserved. - GOT A QUESTION FOR BRET OR KORY? Submit a question for Bret or Kory and we may answer it on our upcoming Q&A episode! Call ...

Sep 16, 20196 min

Fillin' In For The Boss | Bret, Mickey & Walt Pt. 2

When a death rocks Disney Character Voices, Bret Iwan goes from potential understudy, to Mickey Mouse, almost overnight. Why does Mickey sound different sometime?! Bret remembers Russi Taylor and finally opens up about Mickey #5. BONUS: Why Is Bret Up Before The Sun? The beginning of this episode features a clip of a 2004 interview with Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor. That video can be found on YouTube here . If you are interested in Mickey #3, that is a solid place to start. - Kory This episode...

Sep 09, 201957 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Fantasmic Fantasies | Bret, Mickey & Walt Pt. 1

A young Bret Iwan (Mickey Mouse) plays Fantasmic in the backyard with his kid brother and discovers a unique talent. “Hey, that kind of sounds like him.” - Bret Iwan Always a creative, Bret would grow up to be a successful artist until a random email would change his entire future, and that of the most iconic cartoon character of all time. Special thanks to Fiona Iwan for the amazing photo of Bret in the cover art, and to Kaleb Banghart for reading excerpts from Bret's actual childhood letter to...

Aug 26, 201936 minSeason 3Ep. 1

First Look: Bret, Mickey & Walt

In one week, we'll begin to share Bret Iwan's fascinating story. In this bonus, Kory shares one of his favorite sections of episode one! If you would like to listen to episode one right now, head to our Patreon and join us for as little as $1 a month! Unpacked presents: Bret, Mickey & Walt premieres August 26th.

Aug 19, 20196 min

Panel w/ Bret Iwan at StocktonCon 2019

Last week on Theme Park Pulse , Bret Iwan (the voice of Mickey Mouse) joined us to reflect on the life of Russi Taylor, the longtime voice of Minnie Mouse. Over the weekend, Kory hosted a panel with Bret at StocktonCon 2019 and they officially announced this new "Mickey-series" to the world! Bret, Mickey & Walt premieres Monday, August 26 on Unpacked !...

Aug 05, 201926 min

Coming Soon: Bret, Mickey & Walt

Beginning August 26, Kory takes us inside the home, mind, and Bret Iwan...the current official voice of Mickey Mouse! How does a suburban, 90s kid with big dreams grow up to be the voice of the most iconic cartoon character of all time? We'll find out when Unpacked presents: Bret, Mickey & Walt!

Aug 02, 20192 min

Fraud, Fortune & Fate

A scandal that almost took down the game show industry, a look behind the scenes at the resulting changes, and the heartwarming story of a little girl's unshakeable will to have her own shiny red bike on this episode of Unpacked! Special thanks to Louis Goldberg, producer on the TLC show " Outdaughtered ," and to Sarah and Laura Mills for sharing their story in "The Shiny Red Bike." LINKS: Louis Goldberg's Actual IMDB Page Watch that fateful episode of "21" we heard in this episode. The Hollywoo...

Jul 01, 201944 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Torched!

This week on Unpacked….three people experience the deadly and destructive force of fire...in three completely different ways. - Special thanks to Jay Sherer from The Story Geeks podcast for his voiceover work, Zac Stuart-Pontier ( Crimetown & The Ballad of Billy Balls ) for the story advice, and to our subjects Alesia Dobson, Gary Meloni and John Morris for their generosity and willingness to experiment! - Sign up for our mailing list to keep in touch: http://eepurl.com/gi_Ghj For all of the...

May 20, 201937 min

PREVIEW: "Torched"

Hear the first 4 minutes of next week's all-new Unpacked! We return on May 20th with three exciting stories! Sign up for our mailing list to keep in touch: http://eepurl.com/gi_Ghj Check out our new Walt & Friends t-shirt here: https://bit.ly/2Ex7Z1Y For all of the other things ( support, merch, bios, past episodes ) head to UnpackedPodcast.com Voicemail: (213) 935-0513 Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Unpacked is a production of No Midnight Media ....

May 13, 20196 min
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