It's the last episode of Very Good TV Podcast, so Liz and Ben use the occasion to say goodbye... and, of course, talk about series finales. Do not fear — one last time, both "The X-Files" and "The Leftovers" come up.

The Series Finale: Episode 214

We don't want to talk about it. Except we do. Liz and Ben will dearly miss HBO's iconoclastic comedy about American politics, for all of its nuances and all of its outrageousness.

We'll Miss You, VEEP: Episode 213

Adam McKay

It's a Very Good TV Podcast first: An Oscar winner as a special guest! Also, Liz and Ben LEFT THE OFFICE to visit Adam McKay at his home in Los Angeles, where we got into McKay's role behind the scenes on HBO's "Succession." Secrets are revealed! Laughs are enjoyed! Fun is had!

Talking SUCCESSION with Adam McKay! Episode 212

For five seasons, Fox's "Gotham" delivered a twisted take on DC favorites, and Liz and Bn aren't afraid to take a moment and pay tribute to what the show did so very very well.

We'll Miss You, GOTHAM: Episode 211

No spoilers for GAME OF THRONES Season 8, Episode 2 here! Instead, Liz and Ben examine the GOT season premiere, and how serialized storytelling enables episodes of television that don't actually have any story. (Shockingly, both THE X-FILES annnnnnd THE LEFTOVERS come up!)

Table-Setting vs. World-Building: Episode 210

It's a question Liz and Ben get asked fairly often — "how much TV do you watch? it must be a lot!" — and they've never had a real answer... until now. In this episode, they're joined by special guest Steve Greene to discuss a week spent logging all the TV they watched, and what they learned by doing so.

Here's How Much TV We Actually Watch! Episode 209

As Liz and Ben prepare for one of the year's biggest premieres, one question comes up: How is HBO planning to take advantage of GAME OF THRONES' final season, and how are other networks reacting? (Or, in Ben's words, "GAME OF THRONES is ruining television!") Believe it or not, THE LEFTOVERS comes up!

How GAME OF THRONES Has Affected April TV: Episode 208

One of TV's most fascinating comedies returns for its second season on HBO...  but, um, is it actually a comedy? That's just one facet of the Emmy-winning series that Liz and Ben discuss!

BARRY's Back, Baby! Episode 207

Netflix's bold drama by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij has always defied expectation, but Season 2, as Liz and Ben discuss, is pure uncut crazy. But is that level of craziness sustainable?

Just How Bonkers Is THE OA? Episode 206

When we say we cover very good TV on this podcast, we mean it! Aidy Bryant is a joy in the new Hulu series "Shrill," but what beyond that makes it great? Liz and Ben dig in.

Why We're Thrilled About SHRILL: Episode 205

"Very Good TV Podcast" offers Indiewire's weekly examinations of the best stories, shows and trends across television — plus our heartiest recommendations of what new content you should be watching.

Special! Guest! Time! This week, Liz and Ben are joined by Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the creators of "High Maintenance," because it is a great show and you should watch it, and also because the show's journey from web shorts to HBO is a fascinating one.

Hanging With the Creators of HIGH MAINTENANCE! Episode 204

This podcast gets back to its humble beginnings with an episode all about HBO's iconic detective drama. Not only do Liz and Ben dig into the nuances of the series, but both THE X-FILES annnnd THE LEFTOVERS come up!

TRUE DETECTIVE Season 3 — It Sure Happened! Episode 203

Liz and Ben are joined by SPECIAL GUEST Kate Erbland to dig into all of this year's drama surrounding the Academy Awards, especially why there were concerns over this year's Oscars going host-less. (Shockingly, Hugh Jackman comes up!)

The Argument For an Awards Show Host: Episode 202

This week, with two new eclectic superhero dramas premiering, Liz and Ben dig into why the genre continues to proliferate, and if it's sustainable in the longterm.

Seems Like It Sucks to Be a Superhero: Episode 201

The image attached to this week's episode was the first one that popped up when searching for "the future of television," which is what Liz and Ben talked about for this VERY SPECIAL 200th episode of Very Good Television Podcast. (We did it!)

What TV Will Look Like Four Years From Now: Episode 200

Liz and Ben may not really be rooting for either team during this year's Big Game, but they're fascinated by how the Superb Owl affects the TV landscape, especially when networks like AMC and Amazon use that special Sunday for their own ends.

Counter-Programming the Super Bowl: Episode 199

Chris Pine

Maybe it's not such a big deal anymore when a movie star decides to make a limited series for TV, but as Liz and Ben get into, there's something special about TNT's "I Am the Night," largely thanks to the second Captain Kirk himself, Chris Pine. (Look at how many tattoos he has!)

The Power of Chris Pine Compels You! Episode 198

Critics might be divided on "Black Monday," but everyone can agree that Regina Hall rules. Why isn't she the star of the show? There's the obvious answer, but Liz and Ben admit there's some nuance to it in this week's episode.

The Importance of Picking the Right Protagonist: Episode 197

What's the upcoming Netflix comedy "Russian Doll" about? Ben doesn't know and Liz won't tell you, but they will discuss when it makes sense for a show to keep its premise a secret — and when it doesn't. (You'll be shocked to learn that "The Leftovers" comes up — but not for the reason you might think!)

When Should A Show Reveal Its Premise? Episode 196

Before this year's Globes, Liz and Ben did a live fantasy draft, identifying their picks across all the TV categories. Monday morning will reveal who owes who a sandwich, but enjoy listening to their bold picks!

2019 Golden Globes Fantasy Draft! Episode 195

this has been my favorite podcast for the last 3 years. love you both so much and wish the best for you liz. you’re the number one advocate for legends of tomorrow and the fan base needs you at the forefront :)) ❤️

will be missed

In the end of year 2018 episode Liz was funny and knowledgeable, while Ben knew his stuff but was very condescending to Liz. He could not be corrected even when he misspoke. He disagreed with her even when he agreed with her! It was annoying to listen to. Liz is witty with a great personality and has an ease of discussing tv, acting, and production without being pretentious! I’d listen to her on her own or with a guest. Not sure I’ll be able to handle many more episodes with Ben unless he changes his attitude and approach. Hopefully this will help him to reflect and make a course correction.

Liz is funny. Ben is condescending.

Indiewire's Very Good TV Podcast

This week, Indiewire's TV team offers a peek behind the curtain as they create their Top 10 Shows of 2015 list. Will Liz convince Ben that a Marvel show deserves placement? Will Ben's number one pick stay at the top of the list? Will "The Leftovers" come up? The answer to one of those questions is definitely yes.

"How A Top 10 List Gets Made": Episode 41

Indiewire's TV team is joined by assistant editor Casey Cipriani to discuss the return of HBO's landmark fantasy series, and why it's kept up such a legacy over the years.

"'Game of Thrones' Throwdown": Episode 6

Ben and Liz celebrate one hundred episodes of podcasting with some cake, some rapping, and some special guests talking about the only thing that really matters these days: Great television.

What Is Very Good TV? We Ask Some Experts: Episode 100

Liz and Ben are joined by their colleagues Steve Greene and Hanh Nguyen to discuss some of the conversations they've been lucky enough to have with the people making great TV today. Surprisingly, "The Leftovers" comes up.

Our Favorite Interviews of 2017 (So Far): Episode 112

A TV show casually references another TV show — no big deal, right? Maybe, maybe not. As Indiewire's Liz and Ben discuss, invoking other pop culture may be an organic story choice, but it also can make your show into an alternate universe — in both good and bad ways.

When Pop Culture References Other Pop Culture: Episode 70

It's official: As of this fall, every single major broadcast network will have something resembling a superhero show on its schedule. But what's fueling the rise of cape-powered television? Indiewire's TV team has some theories.

"Superheroic TV": Episode 11

Kimmy Schmidt

The third season of Tina Fey and Robert Carlock's complicated dark comedy made some important choices for its characters — but how did they affect the show? Liz and Ben dig in.

'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' is Stronger than Ever: Episode 113

Consuming media isn't necessarily something you should do casually, which is why this week, Liz and Ben have some thoughts about how to balance the TV you watch for optimum (mental) health.

Planning the Perfect TV Diet: Episode 75

Ben has been neck-deep in the Emmys game this year, while Liz might need some help remembering who's nominated in each category — yet they both have strong opinions about what's going to happen once Michael Che and Colin Jost stop talking and awards start getting handed out!

This Year's Emmys Are Crazy! Episode 181

It might be your least favorite question, but we at Indiewire want to help you answer it! Because if you answer it the right way, it can lead to some of the most enjoyable TV discussions you'll ever have.

What to Say When Someone Asks "What's Your Favorite TV Show?": Episode 66

Believe it or not, Liz and Ben aren't done talking about "The Leftovers" yet. But today's discussion goes beyond the HBO drama to the idea of how best to move on following the end of other great series.

How to Recover From the End of a Great Show: Episode 117

The Emmy-winning favorite of Liz and Ben's moms is back, and there's a lot to discuss, from what impresses us about Amy Sherman-Palladino's attention to detail to whether or not they really need to swear so much on the show. All without spoilers!

No Spoilers, But Mrs. Maisel Remains Marvelous: Episode 193

Over the last 12 months, Indiewire's TV team has been blessed with the opportunity to speak with some fascinating individuals creating TV -- so this week, they thought they'd look back at some of the year's most exciting moments. (Surprisingly, THE LEFTOVERS comes up.)

Our Favorite Interviews of 2015: Episode 40

A critically-acclaimed favorite returns for a second anthology-style season... and is actually really good! But why isn't "Fargo" on the tip of everyone's tongue? Indiewire's TV team investigates.

"Why Aren't People Watching 'Fargo'?": Episode 33

Netflix, Hulu, CBS All Access and more are all desperate for our continuing subscriptions, and they're using their content in unique ways to strategize that. Guess what — Liz and Ben find that interesting!

How Streaming Services Try to Keep Us Subscribed: Episode 184

It's another super-focused episode, as Liz and Ben look into how the shows they've been watching recently reflect our complicated relationship with the truth of today's society. (Believe it or not, "The Leftovers" comes up.)

The System Is Broken: Episode 186

Summer means sun, and fun, and the opportunity to catch up with shows you may have missed! And Indiewire's TV team has a few suggestions for just that situation.

Shows to Catch Up On: Episode 65

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

OwlTail

During the 1960s the field of psychology focussed on the science of how past trauma creates present symptoms, and how to reduce people’s misery. Professor Martin Seligman wanted to change that focus. He’s become known as the Father of Positive Psychology, and he’s had a profound influence worldwide. In Part 1 of our 2 programs with Martin Seligman, hear him address an exclusive audience in Australia on happiness and human flourishing.

All In The Mind

Positive psychology—with Martin Seligman

Journaling is a bit of a buzzword in the productivity space, but with good reason. And in this episode, Mike and Brooks explain why it’s so important. They dive into the many benefits of journaling, and share 5 tips for making journaling actionable and effective. They explain how to implement a journaling habit, recommend some different tools and apps you can use, and explain how to make the habit stick. If you’ve never understood why you should journal or you have trouble doing it consistently, then this episode is for you. Get Podcast UpdatesDo you want to get an email with shownotes each time a podcast goes live? Then let us know where to send the updates by entering your first name and email.  Cheat Sheet  Why there’s a stigma associated with journaling (and why’s it isn’t true) [1:39] The benefits that come from pairing journaling and meditation [5:13] How journaling increases your mindfulness [7:53] The ways that journaling actually increases the likelihood that you will actually achieve your goals [9:55] How journaling strengthens self-discipline and improves communication skills [14:15] Why many people do something called “morning pages” and how it sets their day up for success [18:24] Why you don’t need to take a long time each day to journal (it’s the consistency that counts) [20:27] Why it is so important to keep your journal positive [24:09] The benefits of keeping a gratitude journal and how it impacts your outlook on your life [26:07] Why it is important to see the gains you’ve made by reviewing your journal [32:17] How to use journaling to identify pain points in your life so you can fix and solve them [36:38] AE recommendations for digital journals and apps you can use [38:38] Why you might want to use an analog journal and the benefits of pen and paper [48:42] Why it is so important for you to pick a time to journal that works for you and stick to it [55:03] Using automation and prompts to make journaling more efficient [58:24] 5 tips to make the most of your journaling experience [1:04:56] Why you should review your journal on a regular basis [1:06:19]  Links  SELF Journal TPS2: How to Get Started with Journaling TPS69: Journaling w/ Kendra Wright How to Take Massive Action on Your Goals by Implementing the 12 Week Year Effectively (TPS138) The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months 10% Happier by Dan Harris Huffington Post “10 Surprising Benefits You’ll Get From Keeping a Journal” Moodnotes Day One The Five Minute Journal TextExpander Evernote Launch Center Pro Journey app Baron Fig notebooks Field Notes Moleskine Rhodia notebook Bullet Journal Miracle Morning  If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast, PocketCast or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure. You can also leave a review! Here’s how. 

The Productivity Show: Time Management | GTD | Smart Personal Development | Business | Mac

Journaling is a bit of a buzzword in the productivity space, but with good reason. And in this episode, Mike and Brooks explain why it’s so important. They dive into the many benefits of journaling, and share 5 tips for making journaling actionable and effective. They explain how to implement a journaling habit, recommend some different tools and apps you can use, and explain how to make the habit stick. If you’ve never understood why you should journal or you have trouble doing it consistently, then this episode is for you. <h2>Get Podcast Updates</h2>Do you want to get an email with shownotes each time a podcast goes live? Then let us know where to send the updates by entering your first name and email. <h2>Cheat Sheet</h2> <ul> <li>Why there’s a stigma associated with journaling (and why’s it isn’t true) [1:39]</li> <li>The benefits that come from pairing journaling and meditation [5:13]</li> <li>How journaling increases your mindfulness [7:53]</li> <li>The ways that journaling actually increases the likelihood that you will actually achieve your goals [9:55]</li> <li>How journaling strengthens self-discipline and improves communication skills [14:15]</li> <li>Why many people do something called “morning pages” and how it sets their day up for success [18:24]</li> <li>Why you don’t need to take a long time each day to journal (it’s the consistency that counts) [20:27]</li> <li>Why it is so important to keep your journal positive [24:09]</li> <li>The benefits of keeping a gratitude journal and how it impacts your outlook on your life [26:07]</li> <li>Why it is important to see the gains you’ve made by reviewing your journal [32:17]</li> <li>How to use journaling to identify pain points in your life so you can fix and solve them [36:38]</li> <li>AE recommendations for digital journals and apps you can use [38:38]</li> <li>Why you might want to use an analog journal and the benefits of pen and paper [48:42]</li> <li>Why it is so important for you to pick a time to journal that works for you and stick to it [55:03]</li> <li>Using automation and prompts to make journaling more efficient [58:24]</li> <li>5 tips to make the most of your journaling experience [1:04:56]</li> <li>Why you should review your journal on a regular basis [1:06:19]</li> </ul> <h2>Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://bestself.co/products/self-journal" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">SELF Journal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/podcast/002-journaling/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">TPS2: How to Get Started with Journaling</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/podcast/069-kendra-wright/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">TPS69: Journaling w/ Kendra Wright</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/podcast/138-12-week-year/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">How to Take Massive Action on Your Goals by Implementing the 12 Week Year Effectively (TPS138)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/12-week-year/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/10-percent-happier/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">10% Happier by Dan Harris</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/thai-nguyen/benefits-of-journaling-_b_6648884.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Huffington Post “10 Surprising Benefits You’ll Get From Keeping a Journal”</a></li> <li><a href="https://moodnotes.thriveport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Moodnotes</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/day-one/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Day One</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Five Minute Journal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/textexpander/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">TextExpander</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/evernote/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Evernote</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/launch-center-pro/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Launch Center Pro</a></li> <li><a href="https://2appstudio.com/journey/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Journey app</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.baronfig.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Baron Fig notebooks</a></li> <li><a href="https://fieldnotesbrand.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Field Notes</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/moleskine-plain-notebook-large/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Moleskine</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/rhodia-dotgrid-notebook/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Rhodia notebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/bullet-journal/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Bullet Journal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asianefficiency.com/likes/miracle-morning-book/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Miracle Morning</a></li> </ul> If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast, PocketCast or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure. You can also leave a review! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rrwvGAYKeM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here’s how</a>. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-show-getting/id955075042?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/asian-efficiency" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://overcast.fm/p253645-XOswX3" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://pca.st/productivityshow" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"></a>

How Journaling Can Make You 25% Happier (TPS154)

Best Episodes on Mental Health, Emotions & Thoughts

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Michael Sandel explores the philosophical justifications made for national borders. Using a pioneering state-of-the-art studio at the Harvard Business School, Professor Sandel is joined by 60 participants from over 30 countries in a truly global digital space. Is there any moral distinction between a political refugee and an economic migrant? If people have the right to exit a country, why not a right to enter? Do nations have the right to protect the affluence of their citizens? And is there such a thing as a 'national identity'? These are just some of the questions addressed by Professor Sandel in this first edition of The Global Philosopher.Audience producer: Louise ColettaProducer: David EdmondsEditor: Richard Knight(Image taken by Rose Lincoln)

The Public Philosopher

Michael Sandel explores the philosophical justifications made for national borders. Using a pioneering state-of-the-art studio at the Harvard Business School, Professor Sandel is joined by 60 participants from over 30 countries in a truly global digital space. Is there any moral distinction between a political refugee and an economic migrant? If people have the right to exit a country, why not a right to enter? Do nations have the right to protect the affluence of their citizens? And is there such a thing as a 'national identity'? These are just some of the questions addressed by Professor Sandel in this first edition of The Global Philosopher. Audience producer: Louise Coletta Producer: David Edmonds Editor: Richard Knight (Image taken by Rose Lincoln)

The Global Philosopher: Should Borders Matter?

In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Yuval Noah Harari about his new book “21 Lessons for the 21st Century.” They discuss the importance of meditation for his intellectual life, the primacy of stories, the need to revise our fundamental assumptions about human civilization, the threats to liberal democracy, a world without work, universal basic income, the virtues of nationalism, the implications of AI and automation, and other topics. SUBSCRIBE to continue listening and gain access to all content on samharris.org/subscribe.

Making Sense with Sam Harris

In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Yuval Noah Harari about his new book “21 Lessons for the 21st Century.” They discuss the importance of meditation for his intellectual life, the primacy of stories, the need to revise our fundamental assumptions about human civilization, the threats to liberal democracy, a world without work, universal basic income, the virtues of nationalism, the implications of AI and automation, and other topics. SUBSCRIBE to continue listening and gain access to all content on <a href="https://samharris.org/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">samharris.org/subscribe</a>.

Indiewire's Very Good TV Podcast

Weekly hand curated podcast episodes for learning