Welcome to The Twist Podcast, Episode 320. Join co-hosts Mark and Rick as we drill into the bizarre history of teeth, with tooth worms and  contagious cavities.

Then we hear from friends and fans about  where the climates they prefer to live in, from dry desert air to breezy coastal towns and everything in between.

And finally, we dive into terrible texting habits and experiences, from relentless reminders to mysterious texters. “Who are you?” by the way.

This week on The Twist Podcast with Mark and Rick, we dance to Bad Bunny’s tune, share listener suggestions for travel packing, and catch up with Mark after a whirlwind vacation. Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and every angel’s top ten playlist.

TAKE THE SURVEY

As you age, what’s more important to you? Multiple answers okay

Feeling calm and content through the ups and downs of life
Staying curious, creative and engaged
Maintaining friendships and relationships
Feeling seen, valued and heard
Having flexibility with my time and choices
Something else (write in the comments)

This week on The Twist Podcast, we’re serving up fun facts about Greenland that might surprise you (hint: it’s way more interesting than just ice). We also recommend Eat Clean, a food delivery service that makes healthy meals easy and satisfying—no sad salads involved.

Plus, we dive into our always-relatable “What Bugs Us” list, covering those everyday irritations that prove we’re definitely not alone.

Curious, funny, and opinionated as ever—Episode 318 brings facts, food, and friendly venting in one smart listen.

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

Winter makes me want to … ?
Slow down and cozy up
Enjoy every wintery day of it
Travel somewhere warmer
Stay home and appreciate the familiar
Catch up on reading, shows, or hobbies/creative stuff
Something else (add in the comments)

In Episode 317 of The Twist Podcast, co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose freshen the air with a good news roundup, a conversation about AI shaming, and our weekly recommendations for TV, books and culture.

We dig into why good news matters more than ever, how technology is shaping the way we judge ourselves and others, and what’s worth your time right now if you’re looking for something smart, entertaining, or just plain comforting. As always, the conversation is curious, candid, and just the right amount of off-the-rails.

Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Audible, and wherever you listen to your favorite shows. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and share—it really helps keep the conversation going.

I had the pleasure of interviewing audiobook narrator and friend Daniela Acitelli, whose narration of three of my books is a highlight of the audiobook experience for me. We talked about her craft, her journey, and her life as an American ex-pat in London.

Daniela is an accomplished voice actor and narrator whose work is defined by clarity, emotional intelligence, and an instinctive feel for story.

What truly sets Daniela apart is her versatility and respect for the author’s voice. She approaches each project as a collaboration, shaping tone and character with care while remaining faithful to the intent of the material. She’s as much as part of my books now as the characters themselves. Listen in to our casual conversation.

Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose for our take on murder in Minneapolis, where ICE is as cold as a Minnesota cemetery in a snuff film. We follow it with some January fun facts, Twist Podcast survey results, and an interview with show fan and Kentucky resident Steve Wylie.

The Twist Podcast blasts into 2026 with our usual mix of pop culture, media commentary, and personal reflection. Hosted by Mark McNease and Rick Rose, this entertainment and commentary podcast ignites the new year with sharp observations, familiar humor, and the kind of cultural conversation that keeps The Twist Podcast humming.

In this episode, Mark shares his admiration for singer Kristy Lee, and Rick welcomes Emma Lyons for a review of Trainwreck: The Real Project X, adding a timely Netflix documentary review to the stew. Fasten your headphones

A Twist Podcast Bonus Interview features host Rick Rose in conversation with Sonia Thomas as she reflects on retirement, her career with DHS and ICE, and her newest chapter as founder of SimplyHygge. Sonia shares insights on public service, life after government work, finding balance in retirement, and building a lifestyle brand rooted in comfort, mindfulness, and purpose. An honest, thoughtful discussion about career transitions, reinvention, and embracing a slower, more intentional way of living.

As 2025 heads for the exit, The Twist Podcast co-hosts Rick Rose and Mark McNease say a fond and farewell to the year that was, touching on pop culture, media moments, and our own post-holiday fun.

Then Rick flips the camera for a special interview with Mark Steines, longtime television host and familiar face to millions as the on-air host of the Tournament of Roses Parade. Steines talks about what it’s like guiding viewers through one of America’s most iconic New Year’s Day traditions, his career in television, and why the Rose Parade continues to capture hearts year after year.

With loads of snap, crackle and pop culture, this episode of The Twist Podcast blends year-end reflections with a great celebrity interview—perfect listening as we close the book on 2025 and start first-drafting the year ahead.

READ THE SHOW TRANSCRIPT HERE

🎙️ Topics include:
• Saying goodbye to 2025 (with commentary)
• Pop culture and media reflections
• Behind-the-scenes stories from the Rose Parade
• A candid conversation with Mark Steines

👉 Subscribe, listen, and twist into the new year with us.

Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose for a quick take on the Kennedy Center desecration. From there we lean into the lighter side of the season with a spirited list of the worst holiday movies ever made, celebrating classic clunkers and festive films that missed the mark. The episode culminates in an engaging interview with Herbie J. Pilato, acclaimed pop culture historian and author, who joins Rick to talk classic television, celebrity legacies, media nostalgia, and why decades-old shows continue to resonate in today’s streaming-dominated landscape.

Copyright MadeMark Media

In this episode of The Twist Podcast, co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose take on politics, culture, and everyday absurdities with their trademark irreverence and personal spin. From unexpected political backbone in Indiana to linguistic crimes we’re ready to retire, Episode #312 delivers commentary, humor, and a few surprises.

The hosts congratulate Indiana’s senators for finally showing a spine, roll out a new “Worst Words of 2025” survey featuring the phrases you never want to hear again in 2026, and cool things down with fun facts about ice skating you probably didn’t know. As always, the conversation blends cultural commentary, politics, entertainment, and personal observations into one twisted take on the world.

In this episode:

• Indiana politics and a rare moment of accountability
• The Worst Words of 2025 survey (and why we’re done with them)
• Ice skating fun facts and surprising history
• Culture, language, humor, and personal reflections

The Twist Podcast is a weekly podcast covering politics, culture, entertainment, language, and life, hosted by Mark McNease and Rick Rose, featuring smart conversation with a sharp edge and a sense of humor.

👉 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and on our YouTube channel (YouTube.com/@TheTwistPodcast). Follow and share!