Jerrad Christian, a software engineer and Navy veteran, is back on the campaign trail, after losing his freshman congressional race in 2024, now running a grassroots campaign to unseat U.S. House of Representatives Troy Balderson, a Republican for Ohio's 12th District, and recipient of corporate PAC money and billionaire donors. Jerrad’s here to make change and give the power back to the people of the state. He doesn’t pull any punches. He tells it like he’s sees it. Even his merchandise proudly boasts, he doesn't "give a F*** about Billionaires." His "HOT" takes are only matched by some hot sauces in this discussion, as Matt and Jerrad partake in some spicy sauces over some delicious pierogies; an Ohio staple.

Jerrad Christian, a software engineer and Navy veteran, is back on the campaign trail, after losing his freshman congressional race in 2024, now running a grassroots campaign to unseat U.S. House of Representatives Troy Balderson, a Republican for Ohio's 12th District, and recipient of corporate PAC money and billionaire donors. Jerrad&rsquo;s here to make change and give the power back to the people of the state. He doesn&rsquo;t pull any punches. He tells it like he&rsquo;s sees it. Even his merchandise proudly boasts, he doesn't "give a F*** about Billionaires." His "HOT" takes are only matched by some hot sauces in this discussion, as Matt and Jerrad partake in some spicy sauces over some delicious pierogies; an Ohio staple.

Each episode, we're joined by a unique panel of guests, as we unpack all the issues that keep us divided: politics, religion, sex, money, race, and so much more. All the topics you're not allowed to bring up at a dinner party are dropped right back on the table.

Each episode, we're joined by a unique panel of guests, as we unpack all the issues that keep us divided: politics, religion, sex, money, race, and so much more. All the topics you're not allowed to bring up at a dinner party are dropped right back on the table.

Going There: Taboo Topics Are Back on the Table

Our hosts Matt, LeJon and Jo talk to guests about all the issues that keep us divided: politics, religion, sex, money, race, and so on. The topics you can't bring up at a dinner party are dropped back on the table.

Hot Takes with Jerrad Christian

What if joy isn't the reward for learning, but the lesson itself?
In this episode, Matt sits down with Allie Rivera Quiñonez, better known to millions of families as Ms. Appleberry from CoComelon's "The Melon Patch," alongside her sister, Nicole Rivera, Moonbug Media's Senior Creative Executive, for a conversation about children's media, creativity, family, and the big responsibility of helping shape little minds.


Together, they explore how children learn through music, movement, play, imagination, and occasionally making adults sing songs they swore they'd never have memorized.  As The Melon Patch continues to reach families through YouTube Kids, Netflix, and Disney +, Allie & Nicole share the intentional approach behind creating content that teaches confidence, connection, curiosity, and emotional growth.  Their shared vision has helped bring meaningful educational experiences to children around the world.


Of course, Matt couldn't pass up the opportunity to discuss one of his favorite topics: puppets.  From beloved childhood characters to today's educational storytellers, they explore why felt, foam, and a little imagination can sometimes teach lessons that stick with us for a lifetime.


Whether you're a parent, educator, creator, or someone who still gets excited when a puppet enters the scene, this conversation is a reminder that the most meaningful learning often starts with wonder.  Join us as we go there.

What if joy isn't the reward for learning, but the lesson itself? In this episode, Matt sits down with Allie Rivera Qui&ntilde;onez, better known to millions of families as Ms. Appleberry from CoComelon's "The Melon Patch," alongside her sister, Nicole Rivera, Moonbug Media's Senior Creative Executive, for a conversation about children's media, creativity, family, and the big responsibility of helping shape little minds.
 Together, they explore how children learn through music, movement, play, imagination, and occasionally making adults sing songs they swore they'd never have memorized. &nbsp;As The Melon Patch continues to reach families through YouTube Kids, Netflix, and Disney +, Allie &amp; Nicole share the intentional approach behind creating content that teaches confidence, connection, curiosity, and emotional growth. &nbsp;Their shared vision has helped bring meaningful educational experiences to children around the world.
 Of course, Matt couldn't pass up the opportunity to discuss one of his favorite topics: puppets. &nbsp;From beloved childhood characters to today's educational storytellers, they explore why felt, foam, and a little imagination can sometimes teach lessons that stick with us for a lifetime.
 Whether you're a parent, educator, creator, or someone who still gets excited when a puppet enters the scene, this conversation is a reminder that the most meaningful learning often starts with wonder. &nbsp;Join us as we go there.

Ms. Appleberry, Puppets & the Business of Joy

Mike Maeshiro joins the podcast to share his experience as a former pastor recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. He is a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, best known for his class, “Discerning of Spirits.” He now teaches on emotional health and redemptive deconstruction as a consultant and coach for gay men recovering from evangelicalism. As a social media influencer, he highlights the issues he sees from his perspective and our cultural problems with homophobia, transphobia and Christian hate.  Matt and Mike read through some of his messages and DMs from those unwilling to accept Mike as a gay man who preaches love and acceptance.  In Mike's own words, “Humans matter more than theology."

Mike Maeshiro joins the podcast to share his experience as a former pastor recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. He is a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, best known for his class, &ldquo;Discerning of Spirits.&rdquo; He now teaches on emotional health and redemptive deconstruction as a consultant and coach for gay men recovering from evangelicalism. As a social media influencer, he highlights the issues he sees from his perspective and our cultural problems with homophobia, transphobia and Christian hate. &nbsp;Matt and Mike read through some of his messages and DMs from those unwilling to accept Mike as a gay man who preaches love and acceptance. &nbsp;In Mike's own words, &ldquo;Humans matter more than theology."

No Hate Like "Christian" Love with Mike Maeshiro

What does "Community" look like to you? Is it your neighborhood, favorite sports fans, or fellow churchgoers?  Whoever your tribe is and whatever your common interests and values, community is vital to our well-being. Matt brings some of his fellow Cleveland organizers and content creators to share their ideas and experiences with building community.  John Skrtic of the Cleveland Public Library has spent 20 years profiling Clevelanders and their stories.  Brian Lachman is the force behind The People's Flag of Cleveland, along with his new Foodbank fundraising organization, Homegrown Help.  And Kristin Mulcahy, aka KristininCleveland, creates content and organizes events for people of all ages, including KidsinCleveland Yoga.  We rarely see more than the polished event photos and videos, or testimonials from the successes along the way.  But building true community is messy.  It's hard.  It's sometimes grueling.  And not every villager helps create the village. The more we find ourselves divided by geography, politics, or social media, the harder it becomes to find the courage to allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to enter into some of these spaces and relationships. For humans, though, we need fellowship, engagement and belonging. It's not about surviving, it's about thriving.

What does "Community" look like to you? Is it your neighborhood, favorite sports fans, or fellow churchgoers? &nbsp;Whoever your tribe is and whatever your common interests and values, community is vital to our well-being. Matt brings some of his fellow Cleveland organizers and content creators to share their ideas and experiences with building community. &nbsp;John Skrtic of the Cleveland Public Library has spent 20 years profiling Clevelanders and their stories. &nbsp;Brian Lachman is the force behind The People's Flag of Cleveland, along with his new Foodbank fundraising organization, Homegrown Help. &nbsp;And Kristin Mulcahy, aka KristininCleveland, creates content and organizes events for people of all ages, including KidsinCleveland Yoga. &nbsp;We rarely see more than the polished event photos and videos, or testimonials from the successes along the way. &nbsp;But building true community is messy. &nbsp;It's hard. &nbsp;It's sometimes grueling. &nbsp;And not every villager helps create the village. The more we find ourselves divided by geography, politics, or social media, the harder it becomes to find the courage to allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to enter into some of these spaces and relationships. For humans, though, we need fellowship, engagement and belonging. It's not about surviving, it's about thriving.

Hot Takes with Jerrad Christian

Going There: Taboo Topics Are Back on the Table

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Going There: Taboo Topics Are Back on the Table

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