Listen & Learn (or Not) artwork

Listen & Learn (or Not)

190 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings

Welcome to Listen & Learn (or Not) featuring Laurie Hardie, Claire, and Anna D. These three amigas may not have much in common, but they don't mind sharing their different points of views. Follow them and share their journey with real-life everyday struggles, quirky people stories, random conversations, and, occasionally, some heavy topics, too. Come listen & learn a thing or two with us! Or not...we're not forcing you.

Society & Culture
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Episodes

Solar Eclipse of the Heart 2024

April 18, 2024 07:22 - 31 minutes

This episode was recorded 4/4/24 -- 4 days before the solar eclipse, and boy were we excited enough to come up with several songs we think had to do with an eclipse or something extra showing up on the sun. So whip out those eclipse shades, ready your pinhole projector...because you'll need them to listen to this podcast....or not.

World Wide Support for the Princess of Wales

April 03, 2024 08:09 - 21 minutes

This was recorded 3/22/24, the day Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis. So many across the world are sending her well wishes. The rest of the royal family are also receiving well-wishes from many, including Camilla. Don't get Laurie started on Camilla! We're pretty sure Laurie plans to invite her to coffee.....or not.

Thank you, Scarlett Johansson, From The Entire Planet.

March 30, 2024 02:34 - 37 minutes

What did you think of Senator Cringey Britt -- I mean, Senator Katie Britt -- and her response to the State of the Union. Powerful? Or deeply weird? Thank goodness Scarlett Johansson came to our rescue by showcasing everything wrong with Katie's speech. Also, is your street living in perfect harmony? (As in - the old Coca Cola commercial). No matter all the diverse political tastes showing up all across the board, people on Claire's street seem to be okalee-dokalee with each other, no matter ...

Hey! You! Guys!

March 16, 2024 16:06 - 39 minutes

Maybe you grew up saying Hey You Guys. Maybe the Tv show Electric Company made Hey You Guys cool. But one of the Listen & Learn or Not hosts doesn't think the phrase is so cool - especially in the podcast world. While it seems harmless, have you ever stopped to think about its impact? Laurie discusses the reason it bothers her and possibly others who might feel the phrase -- while the intent is usually to make listeners feel inclusive -- can actually cause some to feel excluded. Don't even ge...

Contro(Bey)sial Episode of Listen & Learn Or Not

March 13, 2024 20:31 - 35 minutes

Beyonce making country music was definitely not on our 2024 bingo card, but we're here for it! It doesn't come without controversy, though. No we're not talking about the Dukes of Hazard guy. Nah we're not referring to that Oklahoma radio station. This time one of the Listen & Learn Or Not hosts has a little beef -- but not with the song. Nopety nope. It's with Bey's "Texas Hold 'Em" music video ((bom bom bom)). But then later it was discovered our host was watching the wrong video ((bom bom ...

You My Lil Boo Thang

March 01, 2024 22:51 - 39 minutes

We're back for another compelling episode of Listen & Learn (or Not), Lil Boo, and this week it's all entertainment talk! The shows we're watching, the books we're reading. No drama...well, except during a flight Anna took recently. So maybe a little lesson in airline etiquette. You're free to listen, learn and roam about the cabin...or not.

Why Can't We Have Nice Things?

February 27, 2024 03:59 - 33 minutes

This one was recorded after the Kansas City Chief's victory parade on Valentine's Day when fans gathered to celebrate the Super Bowl win. But then gunfire broke out. According to NBC News, a couple guys opened fire after arguing about staring at each other. Not even kidding. Sadly, Lisa Lopez-Galvin - a mother of two and a local radio DJ - was killed during the exchange. The Listen and Learn (or Not) hosts put on their serious thinking caps for this one, as well as other incidents that happen...

California Love (dah-dah-dah bomp-bomp bomp-bomp)

February 15, 2024 08:37 - 48 minutes

It's not so much that California knows how to party, but moreso about how magical SF and LA are to Claire and Anna. Bear w/ them as they do a little California Dreamin'. Listen as Laurie talks about the power of possibly making these dreams come true by manifesting it into reality. Also, did you see the Grammy Awards? What did you think of Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs' performance of Fast Car? And Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now? How about Jay-Z's acceptance speech? Bet one of those Grammy mom...

La La La-La, La La La-La. Elmo's Counseling

February 09, 2024 09:34 - 36 minutes

Elmo might be an imaginary character, but it wasn't your imagination that he suddenly became the Internet's therapist. Infra Red Light Therapy? Nope. Furry Red 3-year old Monster? Yes, please! Speaking of 3-year-olds, let's hope the fact that the rise in teens committing crimes doesn't rub off on even younger kids. Why in Elmo's World is this happening? Anna, Claire and Laurie try to make sense of it all in this latest episode of Listen & Learn.... or not.

It's The End of an Era as we Know it

January 23, 2024 07:33 - 30 minutes

And we feel fine...or not. We explore the mixed feelings surrounding the departure of Pete Carroll, the Seahawk's longtime head coach. Was it time for him to fly? Could we have kept him a little longer? Maybe it's time to hang his chewing gum from the rafters...or Not.

Ch-ch-changes

January 02, 2024 07:31 - 38 minutes

Well, we mean, ch-ch-ch-change. Singular. As in, Laurie needed change for a 10, but no one was willing to help her -- no grocery stores, no banks. What is going on here? Speaking of change, no one really carries it around anymore. Is that why donations went down for some big name charities and churches? You may not have change, but you have access to QR Codes. So donate! And Merry Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas. And Happy Festivus for the Restavus! Because that's a real holiday....o...

WWTD - What Would Taylor Do?

December 23, 2023 07:44 - 35 minutes

Now that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are really a thing - are you watching football games through Taylor-tinted glasses? Because at any given Sunday, Anna D's finding herself wondering what Taylor Swift is thinking anytime the Kansas City Chiefs aren't winning. Also, why is Laurie in her Christmas jammies at the office -- when it's not wear-your-jammies day yet? Find out! And Claire has Frosty The Snowman on her mind. Don't try this at home. It might give you a brain freeze...or not.

Everything, Everywhere, Anyhow, Every Which Way

December 08, 2023 03:07 - 40 minutes

Maybe one of the hosts of Listen & Learn or Not can't get the title of Everything Everywhere All At Once straight. Most of you probably can, and have seen it. It did win a lot of Oscars after all. Maybe you can help Claire out and let her know what movies she should see because - surprise - she hasn't seen EVERYTHING. Like Barbie. In fact, neither she nor Anna have seen Barbie yet. Laurie Hardie has though. Just like this episode description, this actual episode goes a few directions. And tha...

The World Lost A Friend -- Matthew Perry

November 14, 2023 06:44 - 40 minutes

Let's remember Matthew Perry not just as Chandler Bing, but as someone who helped people by starting a rehab center for men. Claire and Anna D grew pumpkins this year. We also have an admiration for owls. Speaking of owls, Claire didn't realize the Hooters logo was an owl. Speaking of Hooters, Laurie knew someone who didn't know any better and took a group of Boys & Girls Club kids on a field trip to Hooters. Which their moms were totally okay with it....or not.

Jada Pinkett. Will Smith.. It's a Love Story...Or Not.

October 27, 2023 05:57 - 25 minutes

First came the infamous slap by Will Smith. Then came the hit back by Chris Rock via a Netflix special. And now? We get a tell-all memoire by Jada Pinkett on bookstore shelves worldwide. Claire, Laurie and Anna have yet to read the book, but they already have thoughts because readers all over are revealing what she's revealing. We only hope Chris Rock is taking a lot of notes because now we want to hear what he has to say about the entanglements this time around. Enjoy listening to this episo...

Sadfishing - (v.) turning to social media for sympathy and attention

October 17, 2023 20:53 - 37 minutes

Sadfishing - you might know someone who's done it. You might know someone who does it often. Sadfishing is posting emotional or dramatic personal content to gain sympathy or attention from the online community. We're not saying it's either good or bad. In fact, when we recorded this, we had know idea there was a term for it. But Anna and Laurie could see from someone they know -- someone who seemingly sadfished -- definitely got attention. Oh, and he got Claire's sympathy....or not.

NFL, Meet Trayvis Swelce

October 06, 2023 02:02 - 37 minutes

Do we have a new power couple? And what do we call them? Traylor? Tayvis? Swelce? Twelce? No one knows yet, but what we DO know is Tay Tay is cheer captain and she's sitting in a luxury suite (not on the bleachers) w/ Travis Kelce's mother. It's a love story...yeahhhh....and we are watching closely!!! Meanwhile, did we have Christmas in September? Laurie talks about Warm 106.9 already preparing for Christmas when we recorded this episode on September 28th. Are you ready? Or not? Also, Anna ta...

Backlash Against Ashton & Mila Explained

September 28, 2023 00:55 - 47 minutes

Recorded earlier this month - before Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis stepped down from their leadership roles in an anti-human trafficking organization - the Listen & Learn or Not hosts had some feelings about their character letters seeking leniency in sentencing Danny Masterson. Also - are you sitting down? Laurie Hardie went on a date!!! She's back in the saddle again.....or not.

Are You a Celebrity Look-alike

September 25, 2023 16:43 - 25 minutes

(Recorded 8/31/23) Anna discovers her out-of-town brother looks like one of her coworkers who happens to be a local celebrity. The conversation takes a delightful turn when Laurie and Claire talk about the celebrities they've been told they resemble. Claire talks about a stunning family secret. Laurie's brand new podcast "Interrupted: Act 2. Reinventing Your Legacy" is out (and being downloaded by many listeners!) By the way, listen to it anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts, and you...

The Seattle Freeze, the Salem Warmth, & that Hurricane Hilary

September 07, 2023 17:34 - 30 minutes

(Recorded 8/25/23) Laurie, Anna and Claire explore the infamous Seattle Freeze phenomenon. They've each felt the Seattle Freeze in one shape or form, and one of them has a theory. Hurricane Hilary turned into a tropical storm that made landfall in southern California. and Claire was there visiting Aunt Bernice when it happened! Having been through similar hurricanes and storms on the east coast, Claire had the challenge of convincing family on the west coast (where hurricanes just don't reall...

Curiosity Never Killed the Cat

August 30, 2023 16:33 - 33 minutes

Recorded 8/10/23. Claire, Laurie, and Anna D discuss having conversations w/ people who have no mutual interest, and celebrate people in their lives who are actually curious and allow exhanges to happen. Also, Lizzo & the lawsuit. Are people treated innocent until proven guilty today? Welcome to Listen & Learn (Taylor's Version)......or not.

Photo Albums Extinction

August 11, 2023 00:45 - 41 minutes

Ah, the good ol' days of flipping through photo albums! Remember when our fingers would dance across the pages, unveiling the timeless treasures of embarrassing family photos and questionable fashion choices? Nowadays, it seems we've traded the joy of flipping through albums for scrolling privately in our smartphones at all our pics and vids. Laurie, Claire and Anna discuss scrolling through virtual albums versus sitting down in front of dusty ones....or gathering around the living room watch...

Shake It Off and Blow Out The Candles!

August 04, 2023 03:47 - 34 minutes

In this episode we Swiftly celebrate Claire's birthday. At some point she tackled an old Prince song we're pretty sure never played on the radio. Anna got to go to Night #2 of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert, and she remembered it.....oh, she remembered it all too well. Claire and Anna got Laurie Hardie to finally sing! - a birthday wish come true...or not.

Mama Mia! Getting Lost, Giggling and Grazing through Italy.

July 31, 2023 00:02 - 54 minutes

Get ready to be transported to the heart of Italy....again. Remember when Claire captivated us last year with her amazing trip to a lovely village in Northern Italy and then to Rome? Well this time, Anna D flew out to the land of love, too, and loved it. In this episode she shares her travels through the canals of Venice and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Capri. It has left Claire yearning to fly back to the land of la dolce vita, and Laurie longing for a gelato. So listen, learn, an...

More AI Talk and a Titan Submersible Discussion

June 25, 2023 00:49 - 20 minutes

We just can't let go of the topic of AI. This week, traffic reporters Claire and Laurie try out traffic reporting via AI. Also, the Titan Submersible tragedy made Anna D feel a certain way. We also learn about a new trend started by concert-goers that will either bring you relief -- or make you poop your pants. Listen and learn what that's all about -- or not.

When Machines Start Spinning The Hits

June 23, 2023 20:31 - 41 minutes

Some companies in the radio industry are doing it. They're trying out AI radio DJs. We laugh how video never really killed a radio star, but now there's AI. Should radio personalities be scared? Claire, Laurie and Anna discuss.

Canada Blaze & NY Haze

June 18, 2023 00:43 - 36 minutes

This episode was recorded on 6/8/23 when Canada wildfires were covering New York City in a thick plume of smoke. Claire, Laurie and Anna tell you how that was going. They also discuss their own guilty pleasures. And Laurie's friends are fighting over her! Find out why in this latest episode of Listen and Learn or Not.

Bloop! Listen and Learn...or (K)NOT

June 14, 2023 04:38 - 47 minutes

Ahoy, mateys! Anna's 4-day intensive sailing class was tough yet satisfying. So hoist your sails and join us for a laugh-filled journey on the high seas (or at least, the local lake). Fair warning, you may want to wear a life jacket because all the sailing songs we think of through the entire episode will blow you away...and possible cause you to fall overboard.....or not.

Laurie's Caddyshack Moment & Come Sail Away with D.

June 01, 2023 08:55 - 47 minutes

Anna D is taking sailing lessons. What could possibly go wrong? Claire has a very unique fear. What is it? Here's a hint. It leaves her peeling away in terror. Speaking of terrors, someone discovered a floating turd in the pool Laurie swims at. Some might say - she did not see that coming. So grab a Baby Ruth, put on your ear buds and enjoy this episode of Listen and Learn...or not!

Please Excuse My Typos

May 25, 2023 06:24 - 26 minutes

Have you had it up to here with misspelled words, misplaced commas and apostrophes gone rogue on live tv or business websites? You are not alone. Listen as Claire, Laurie and Anna talk about living in a world full of typos. So grab a red pen and get ready to laugh (and cringe) along with them. Also, Claire makes a confession and it has to do w/ our Seattle NHL team -- it will leave you "Kracken" up. Or not.

AI is On The Horizon - Are You Excited? Or Scared?

May 17, 2023 01:12 - 40 minutes

Are you ready to welcome the brave new world of artificial intelligence? We've all read enough sci fi, seen enough movies and, yeah, owned the Kilroy Was Here album to know this could get ugly real fast. Or not!! Listen as Anna, Laurie and Claire explore AI right before your very ears!

We Be Trippin

May 07, 2023 02:20 - 46 minutes

Anna took a trip on a Disney Cruise, Claire took a road trip to California, and Laurie hung out with Matthew McConaughey. #Whatnooowaaay. Yes way, and all three had a magical time. Claire described her niece's wedding as magical. Anna's trip was magical because, you know - Disney. And Laurie's experience was magical because, you know - Magic Mike. Or not.

Paxlovid, Rust Out and Man of Recaps

April 12, 2023 03:47 - 40 minutes

Claire, Laurie and Anna talk about the antiviral drug Paxlovid that was given the Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. Listen to Anna's update now that she finished treatment. Laurie also introduces us to the term Rust Out in the workplace. Claire realizes she might be turning into her parents (just like the Progressive Commercial!) And one more thing we want you to learn and it's this: Man of Recaps on YouTube is pretty great!

St Patty's Day 2023 Episode

March 22, 2023 23:38 - 49 minutes

It's official. All three Listen & Learn Or Not hosts have now had The Covid. The one who got it first is convinced she got it in 2020 before Covid became a pandemic. The other two got theirs back-to-back in the last month. The one w/ the latest case was able to take Paxlovid to help her along, and she'll tell you what to expect if you choose to take this investigational medication ("investigational" b/c it is still being studied. Which reminds us to add the disclaimer - there is limited infor...

Paper, Chris Rock, Scissors

March 12, 2023 07:12 - 38 minutes

It was exactly one year ago since that infamous moment at the Oscars where Will Smith went after Chris Rock. It was all over the papers. One year later, we finally hear from Chris Rock about it in his live Netflix special "Selective Outrage". And his words about Will and Jada? Cut like a knife...or scissors. Claire and Anna -- minus the vacationing Laurie Hardie -- could not WAIT to chat all about it. Enjoy!!!

Cocaine Bear, Meth Gators and other True Stories (Recorded 3/2/23)

March 08, 2023 04:09 - 34 minutes

Do you have guys in your life who are very much into YouTube videos of animal attacks? Like they will sit down and watch videos or listen to stories about bear attacks? Or lion attacks? What is the deal? (Said in the voice of Seinfeld) Maybe they're why Cocaine Bear is having such success since its release. Also, big names are skipping on King Charles' coronation. What is the deal? (Said in the voice of Jim Carrey as the Grinch). Laurie, Claire and Anna talk about what, why and -- what the ac...

Take a Bow, RiRi!

February 27, 2023 08:39 - 27 minutes

Claire, Laurie and Anna talk about Rihanna's halftime performance, and they thought that was quite a show. Also, one of the hosts gets covid. Spoiler alert - she's ok!!

(Recorded 1/5/23) The Week Everyone Prayed For Damar Hamlin

February 17, 2023 21:17 - 35 minutes

We're pretty sure one week ago not many would have believed humanity was about to show up in all its glory the way it did during and after Monday Night Football. Buffalo Bills' safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit then received medical treatment for nearly 20 minutes before being taken to a hospital. All the fans at the game could see Bills players were visibly worried and upset, Bengals players were consoling Bills players, both Bills & Bengals fans in the stands sto...

Madonna Controversy / 2023 Edition

February 17, 2023 20:14 - 31 minutes

4 Decades! That's how long Madonna got the world talking. From our parents in the 1980s telling us to shut off that devil music "Papa Don't Preach" because "it will only get you pregnant"...to all her choices in how she's expressed herself over the years. Let's talk about her latest controversy here in 2023. Her face!!! (bom bom bommmmmm)

Just Do It

December 31, 2022 23:15 - 34 minutes

Just do it. It's not just a shoe company trademark. It's what could make your New Year's resolution stick. Speaking of New Year's resolutions, it's almost time to repeat the whole 'new year, new me' thing. What do you think of resolutions? Some say it could problematic. Some say it could be a good idea. Also, how do you solve a problem like hard-to-fill job vacancies? Or retaining jobs? If you're a CEO, managing director or anyone in upper management - Laurie, Claire and Anna have ALL the ans...

Holiday Arctic Blast Episode

December 24, 2022 21:28 - 35 minutes

We recorded this HOURS before a crazy blizzard "cyclone bomb" would freeze most of the U.S., causing dips in temps, rare snow/ice rain events in the Pacific Northwest, 50-car pile ups in the Midwest, complete chaos at the Great Lakes, and most flights being canceled. Coach Laurie, Aunt Claire, and Lil Spaz D will try their best to entertain you w/ some pretty bad caroling...whether you're stuck at the airport or sitting around the fireplace in a blackout. And - hark! Claire finally watched "E...

(Recorded 12/1/22) Listen & Learn on Loss

December 18, 2022 20:03 - 43 minutes

Sad news. We lost a dear member of our podcast. You know her as someone who drops in from time to time -- her barks and her funny little toenails :'( If you've ever lost a pet, then you know how difficult it can be. Claire shares what comes with the loss of a pet and recognizing when "it's time". She talks about helping her other pets with their loss, too. Get out your kleenex...but also take notes because this episode may help you help your family pets process/deal/mourn/grieve the loss of a...

(Recorded 11/10) Truth Hurts

November 24, 2022 08:48 - 49 minutes

It's not just a Lizzo song. Truth really hurts - especially if you have to have a tough conversation w/ a coworker who might fall short of expectations. Laurie, Claire and Anna talk about how sometimes the kindest thing you can do is to tell someone "This is not for you." They also talk about the madness of political ads, Election Day, and....mmm....donuts.

Kanye. Kyrie. C'mon, man.

November 12, 2022 08:49 - 41 minutes

Maybe Kanye's going through his worst mid-life crisis (since his last one. You know. The one where he put on the obsessive-ex act? That was terrifying). Well, this time around he's caused his sponsors to cancel him. Didn't set a good example for Kyrie Irving who recently pushed the same hate propaganda. We discuss whether or not either can come back from this. Claire, who had been reporting news and traffic remotely, just worked inside some radio station studios for the first time in 2 years....

Trick 'er Treat (Recorded Oct 21, 2022)

November 06, 2022 02:17 - 40 minutes

Smell my feet...go on...smell 'em...because Halloween 2022 isn't at all like Halloween 2020 when we had candy shoots and left out candy bowls for the kiddos. We actually get to answer the door, hear jokes, and hand out the sweets. What's not sweet is the split up of Tom Brady & Gisele Bündchen. Could the problem be Tom Brady is a 45-year-old man who has a problem with work-life balance? Is it something else? @DangeRuss isn't feeling the love, either. But hey. Nothing brings the internet toget...

Cuckoo Spit Spit Spit

October 23, 2022 17:49 - 36 minutes

Recorded 9/30/2022. A lot has happened since our last episode. Sadly, we lost Loretta Lynn, Angela Lansbury, Judy Tenuta. We're still mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth and Coolio. But there was also the welcoming news of Adnan Syed finally able to live as a free man after more than 2 decades in prison. Laurie and Claire discuss the overturning of Adnan's conviction for a 1999 murder that was chronicled in the hit podcast "Serial". Also, 50% of Americans consider themselves superstitious. L...

Maren on a Mission

September 13, 2022 07:42 - 27 minutes

It just so happens we recorded this episode days after a Maren Morris concert in Redmond, Washington...and days before the headlines read that Maren had "Just Turned a Tucker Carlson Insult into $150K for the Trans Community". (Feel free to Google it, but the short of it is Tucker called Maren a "lunatic" after she defended transgender kids and she used his dig to launch a t-shirt line featuring her name w/ the words "Lunatic Country Music Person". This raised a ton of money!!!). If you've fo...

RIP, ONJ, We Honestly Love You

August 15, 2022 06:58 - 39 minutes

This one hurts deeply. Losing Olivia Newton-John feels like we lost a piece of our childhood. It's also been a tough loss for the breast cancer community which has had ONJ on their side remaining positive through the years, channeling much of her time and energy to advocacy. This led us to a discussion about genetic cancer testing and what to do with the information you're given upon getting your results. Also, Laurie officiated her first wedding ceremony, and she nailed it! Next, she'll perf...

Always Plan Things To Look Forward To

August 07, 2022 00:02 - 39 minutes

Whether it's a wedding that brings family from all over together, or a baby shower for your son and his wife's first child, or a picnic and concert with an old college chum you haven't seen in a while - life feels much better when you have something to look forward to. Also in this episode, we celebrate those who have overcome hardships, but not without acknowledging those who have difficulty getting out of hardships maybe partly because they they're not heard or seen, or maybe sometimes it's...

Did Someone Say Shopping?

July 30, 2022 02:07 - 28 minutes

Claire hires a shopper for the first time to help her pick out clothes for a special event. We talk about the benefits of having a "shopper" pick out clothes for you, especially if you don't know that looks good on you anymore for whatever reason -- whether it's because of your age, or Covid made you not care about what you're wearing anymore, or you don't know what's in style, or you'd just like a completely objective opinion about what looks good on you. A shopper can cut a lot of your shop...