-
The Twist Podcast 322: Annual Spring Issue, New Letters from Jo, and Rick Interviews Courtney Bryan (Part 1)

Welcome to The Twist Podcast, Episode 322. Spring has officially arrived, and Mark and Rick are celebrating the season with a jam-packed episode. We kick things off with some springtime conversation — what’s blooming, what’s buzzing, and what’s got us looking forward to warmer days ahead.
Then it’s time for the Twist Hit List, our own humble ‘must’ list, covering TV, films, books, food, and culture. Listener favorite Jo is back with a new Letter from Jo, with her trademark wisdom and humor. And in this week’s featured interview Rick talks with Courtney Bryan for Part One of a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence.
All that and more on this week’s The Twist. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

Another spring is here. What to you want to do first?
Get more active without the sweaters and thermals
Garden, plant, walk in the grass, open the windows
Clean out and start fresh (figuratively if not literally)
Nothing — I like my routine as it is
Wait impatiently for summer
Something else (please say what in the comments) -
The Twist Podcast 321: Fabulous Foot Massages, Philly Fun Times, and Rick Talks to Guns to Gardens

Welcome to The Twist Podcast, Episode 321. Join co-hosts Mark and Rick as we adjust to the time change, check out Mark’s trip to Philadelphia, hear Rick’s interview with Guns to Gardens, and find out what listeners spend on their pets.
-
The Twist Podcast 320: Tooth Worms, Best Climates to Live In, Terrible Texting and More
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.
-
The Twist Podcast 319: Bad Bunny Banger, Travel Packing Tips, Vacation Recap and More
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.
-
This Week’s Survey: What’s More Important to You As You Age?
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) -
The Twist Podcast 318: Secrets of Greenland Revealed, Mark Loves Eat Clean, and Our New Twist Hit List
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.
-
This Week’s Survey: Winter Makes Me Want To … ?

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) -
The Twist Podcast 317: Good News Roundup, AI Shaming, and Our Weekly Recommendations
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.
-
A Twist Podcast Bonus Interview with Audiobook Narrator Daniela Acitelli
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.
-
The Twist Podcast 316: ICE Cold Killers, January Fun Facts, and an Interview with Steve Wylie
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 #315: 2026 Blastoff, Mark Loves Kristy Lee, and Emma Lyons Reviews ‘Trainwreck: The Real Project X’
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: Rick Rose In Conversation with Sonia Thomas on Life’s Next Chapters
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.
-
The Twist Podcast #314: So Long 2025, and a Rick Rose Interview with Rose Parade Host Mark Steines
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.
🎙️ 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.



