Franklin and Douglas | Current Events and Bad Advice

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down current events, trending news, and the stories everyone is talking about—with humor, entertaining conversations, and plenty of bad advice!

This week, we’re covering two headlines making waves. First, Pastor Israel Ford and Co-Pastor Lydia Ford of LifeWorks Church introduce Minister Shakayla Talley Ford as a second wife during a Sunday service. The announcement has sparked a viral debate about polygamy, religion, marriage, and the role of church leadership. We’re looking at the public reaction and the questions surrounding this unusual church...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down current events, trending news, and the stories everyone is talking about—with a little humor and plenty of bad advice!

This week, we’re diving into Airbnb’s controversial new rule changes and the growing debate between vacation rental hosts and guests. Airbnb is changing its house rules, including restrictions on checkout chores that can require guests to strip beds, wash dishes, start laundry, or take out the trash. But if you’re already paying a cleaning fee, shouldn’t the cleaning be somebody el...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down current events, celebrity drama, trending news, and bizarre headlines with humor, opinions, and our signature Bad Advice! This week, we’re talking about Kelly Clarkson and the viral controversy involving a Brooklyn shop, Art of Play, and a mechanical singing bird reportedly valued at $15,000.

What started as a shopping trip turned into a full-blown social media feud. Kelly Clarkson says she felt judged and treated as though she couldn’t afford the unusual bird, while the store says the one-of-a-kind singing and dancing automaton, known as M...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down current events, strange headlines, mysterious stories, and the news that makes you ask, “What the hell is really going on?” This week, we're investigating the mysterious death of a Russian laboratory worker connected to a research institute specializing in dangerous infectious diseases.

Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old researcher in Siberia, died after developing severe pneumonia. Because she worked at an anti-plague research institute, questions quickly emerged about a possible plague infection, laboratory exposure, and whether something more serious could have happened behind closed doors.

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Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down current events, strange news, controversial stories, and the headlines everyone is talking about—with humor, opinions, and our signature Bad Advice! This episode takes a serious look at the shocking case of Christa Pike, the Tennessee death row inmate whose September 2026 execution attempt failed after she received two doses of lethal-injection drugs.

We discuss how Christa Pike ended up on death row for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer, her decades awaiting execution, and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Tennessee’s failed lethal injection. Pike...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down current events, trending news, controversial stories, and the headlines everyone is talking about—with plenty of humor, opinions, and our signature Bad Advice! This week, we’re discussing the latest controversy surrounding U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert and a September 17 filing submitted to the House Ethics Committee.

The filing alleges that Boebert had sexual relationships with three congressional staffers under her supervision and arranged a $200,000 payment to one former aide. Boebert has strongly denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated. The claim...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we take a look at current events, weird news, trending stories, and the headlines that make you stop and ask, “What the hell is going on?” In this episode, we’re diving into two bizarre stories that could not be more different: rabies-infected baby goats at a North Carolina mobile petting zoo and the Ohio Supreme Court case involving a bone found in a “boneless” chicken wing.

We discuss the North Carolina rabies exposure, how baby goats at a petting zoo ended up testing positive, and why health...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down current events, trending news, strange headlines, and the stories everyone seems to be talking about, with plenty of humor, opinions, and our signature bad advice! In Episode 110, we’re talking about a pretty terrifying claim: an Anthropic researcher believes there is more than a 10% chance that artificial intelligence could eventually “kill all humans.”

How seriously should we take the possibility of AI becoming an existential threat? We discuss artificial intelligence, AI safety, AI risks, the future of technology, and what could happen if increas...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down the biggest current events, trending news stories, and bizarre headlines with plenty of opinions, laughs, and our signature bad advice! In Episode 109, we continue our discussion about the White House Arcade and the controversial video games centered around topics including immigration, deportation, and “building the wall.” We take a closer look at how politics, government messaging, and video games are being combined in a way that has people talking.

We also take a trip back to the early 2000s to discuss America’s Army, t...

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice! In this episode, we dive into the Netflix true-crime documentary Death of the Pastor’s Wife and take a closer look at the shocking case behind the documentary. We discuss the story, the people involved, the circumstances surrounding the pastor’s wife’s death, and some of the questions that make this true-crime case so fascinating. If you enjoy Netflix documentaries, true crime stories, unsolved mysteries, shocking cases, crime documentaries, and entertaining podcast discussions, this episode is for you!

But that's not all...

Welcome to Episode 107 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice! In this episode, we dive into the growing controversy surrounding Flock cameras, automated license plate readers, surveillance technology, and the real-world consequences when investigators focus on the wrong person. We discuss the stories of Chrisanna Elser in Colorado and Lindsey Isaacs in Florida, two women whose experiences raise serious questions about police investigations, vehicle surveillance, privacy, public trust, and how technology is being used in criminal cases.

Are Flock cameras helping solve crimes, or are people becoming too quick to trust t...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where current events, technology, bizarre headlines, and bad advice collide! In Episode 106, we're continuing our conversation about robots, artificial intelligence, automation, and the possibility that humanoid robots could soon become part of our everyday lives. We discuss BMW's growing use of humanoid robots in its manufacturing operations and what the expansion of physical AI could mean for the future of factories, manufacturing jobs, and the modern workplace.

We also take a look at Agility Robotics' Digit, a humanoid robot already being deployed for real-world work in manufacturing, d...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where current events, technology, bizarre headlines, and questionable advice collide! In Episode 105, we're entering the world of humanoid robots and the rapidly changing future of robotics. First, we take a look at Threehalves, the futuristic robot from Satyress Robotics designed to operate in some of Earth's most dangerous environments, including disaster zones, hazardous areas, and locations where sending humans could put lives at risk. We discuss what makes Threehalves so unusual, how it works, and whether robots like this could change emergency response and dangerous jobs.

Then w...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we cover the biggest current events, viral internet stories, true crime headlines, and trending news with humor, discussion, and a healthy dose of bad advice. In Episode 104, we examine the tragic case of Oklahoma mom and social media influencer Sara Gilson, also known as Sara Duffey, whose death in an apparent murder-suicide shocked millions after she posted a viral TikTok video referencing a popular Netflix true-crime trend to publicly accuse her estranged husband of abuse. We break down the timeline of the case, the social media reaction, and the broader...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down the biggest current events, trending news, and internet headlines with humor, conversation, and a little bad advice along the way. In Episode 103, we're taking a deep dive into the recent Cyclospora outbreak that has made national headlines. We discuss how the foodborne parasite sickened thousands of people, why Taco Bell became linked to the investigation, and how the focus shifted to Taylor Farms during the FDA and CDC traceback investigation.

If you enjoy current events podcasts, breaking news analysis, food safety discussions, public h...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down the biggest current events, viral news stories, internet rumors, and bizarre headlines with plenty of humor and a little bad advice along the way. In Episode 102, we're covering one of the strangest news stories of the week involving dozens of escaped snakes from a breeding facility. How did they get loose? Are they dangerous? What are authorities doing to recover them, and what should nearby residents know?

We also discuss the viral online rumors surrounding Senator Lindsey Graham, separating fact from fi...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, where we break down the biggest current events, trending news stories, and internet discussions with humor, thoughtful commentary, and a little bit of bad advice. In Episode 101, we examine the tragic disappearance and death of Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old Mississippi college football player whose case has sparked national attention and widespread online debate.

We walk through the timeline of Nolan Wells' disappearance during a Fourth of July boating trip to Horn Island, the search efforts that followed, and the discovery of his body. We also discuss the q...

Welcome to Episode 100 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice! We can't believe we've made it to 100 episodes, and it's all thanks to our incredible listeners. In this special milestone episode, we're taking a trip down memory lane as we revisit some of our favorite current events, funniest moments, unforgettable stories, and the outrageous bad advice that helped make this podcast what it is today.

We also take time to thank everyone who has listened, subscribed, commented, and shared the podcast over the past 100 episodes. Your support has allowed us to k...

Welcome to Episode 99 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice! This week we're diving into two shocking true crime stories that have been making headlines around the world. First, we discuss the bizarre case out of Japan involving the discovery of a man's remains inside a freezer and the investigation surrounding his ex-wife. Then we break down the decades-old cold case involving David Vander Meer, whose arrest in connection with his wife's 2006 death at Zion National Park took an unexpected turn after he died while in custody before standing trial.

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Welcome to Episode 98 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice! In this episode, we're discussing the buzz surrounding the new documentary Gamechangers: The Ashlyn Harris Story and sharing our thoughts on the highly publicized split between Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger. From the documentary's biggest revelations to the public reaction across social media, sports media, and entertainment news, we break down the headlines and give our completely unqualified opinions on one of the most talked-about stories in women's soccer.

We also dive into relationship drama during our signature Bad Advice segment, t...

Welcome to Episode 97 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice! In this episode, we dive into one of the strangest stories making headlines and social media rounds: the prediction by a Brazilian psychic that a massive alien mothership could appear during a future FIFA World Cup event. Could extraterrestrials really choose one of the world's biggest sporting events for first contact, or is this just another wild conspiracy theory? We explore the history of alien predictions, UFO sightings, psychic forecasts, World Cup prophecies, and why major global events often become the center of extraordinary claims.<...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, your destination for current events, trending news, real-life struggles, and terrible advice that absolutely should not be followed. In Episode 96, we tackle a topic that affects nearly everyone: the rising cost of living. From skyrocketing grocery prices and expensive gas to increasing utility bills, rent, insurance, and everyday expenses, we discuss how inflation and economic pressures continue to impact families, workers, and consumers across America.

Join us as we break down why it feels like everything costs more than ever, share our experiences trying to survive in t...

Follow Frankie's adventures: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithfrankieboyy/

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, the podcast where current events, internet chaos, questionable decisions, and bad advice all collide. In Episode 95, we dive into the growing controversy surrounding Flock cameras and automated license plate reader systems being installed across cities and neighborhoods throughout the United States. We break down the origins of Flock Safety cameras, why police departments support them, and why privacy advocates and residents are fighting back against what some call a growing mass surveillance network.

We also di...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, the podcast where current events, bad advice, and completely unhinged conversations somehow all end up in the same episode. For Episode 94, we’re taking a break from the heavy news cycle and diving into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars: Tom Cruise.

Franklin shares her longtime admiration for Tom Cruise while we recap his legendary acting career, iconic movie roles, insane stunt work, and massive contributions to the film industry. From Top Gun and Mission: Impossible to action movies, blockbuster films, celebrity culture, and the evolution of Holly...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast! The podcast where current events, bad advice, and real-life chaos usually collide. But for Episode 93, we’re taking a break from the headlines and doing something a little different. In this special episode, Franklin and Douglas sit down and reminisce about nearly 20 years of friendship, sharing hilarious stories, awkward moments, unforgettable memories, and the kind of random conversations only longtime friends can have.

We also get real about the growing fear of layoffs in corporate America, job insecurity, burnout, and the emotional reality of suddenly finding yourself une...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, the podcast where we cover the strangest current events, breaking news stories, internet chaos, and terrible advice you should absolutely not follow. In Episode 92, we dive into the growing concerns surrounding the recent hantavirus outbreak connected to cruise ship passengers returning home, including what health officials are saying about exposure risks, international monitoring efforts, symptoms of hantavirus, and why this story has people comparing it to past global health scares. We also explain what hantavirus actually is, how it spreads, and why experts say the overall public risk still remains low.<...

Franklin's secret to great bowel movements: https://www.drinkliquidplus.com/ (not sponsored)

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, the home of current events, internet chaos, breaking news, and bad advice you definitely should not take seriously. In Episode 91, we break down one of the wildest political stories of the year: the shocking shooting incident connected to the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C. We discuss the timeline of the event, the latest details involving suspect Cole Allen, the Secret Service response, and how the incident sent journalists, politicians, and guests scrambling f...

Franklin and Douglas Ep 90 | Sudden Memory Loss & A New Infection Spreading in the U.S.

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, your go-to source for current events, wild news stories, and terrible advice you probably shouldn’t follow. In Episode 90, we dive into two bizarre but real medical headlines that are taking over the internet.

First, we break down Transient Global Amnesia (TGA), a rare condition where people suddenly lose their memory for hours at a time. We cover the viral story out of Hong Kong where a woman repo...

Episode 89 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast pays tribute to the legendary Prince on the 10-year anniversary of his passing. In this current events podcast, we take a deep and entertaining look back at the life, impact, and unforgettable artistry of one of music’s most iconic performers. From chart-topping hits to cultural influence, we explore how Prince changed the music industry forever and why his legacy continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Franklin shares a personal connection to Prince, reflecting on how his music shaped memories, emotions, and creativity over the years. Whe...

Episode 88 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast brings you another wild ride through trending news, celebrity controversy, and unfiltered commentary. In this current events podcast, we break down the latest headlines surrounding Tiger Woods, including a look back at his past scandals and the newest reported DUI arrest making waves across social media and news outlets. If you’re searching for entertaining takes on breaking news, celebrity drama, and viral stories, this episode is packed with everything you need.

We dive into the timeline of Tiger Woods’ controversies, exploring how his public image has evolved and w...

Episode 87 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast dives headfirst into one of the internet’s strangest and most talked-about trending topics. In this current events comedy podcast, we break down the alleged photos of Bryon Noem. If you’re searching for entertaining commentary on trending news, internet drama, and controversial headlines, this episode delivers.

We also take a look into the concept of the bimbofication fetish, explaining what it is, where it comes from. Expect a mix of humor, curiosity, and unfiltered reactions as we tackle one of the more bizarre corners of internet culture.

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In Episode 86 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice, we dive into the growing controversy surrounding Cesar Chavez and the renewed discussion about his legacy. Why are there increasing calls to remove his name from schools, streets, and public spaces? We break down the allegations, historical debates, and modern cultural conversations that are driving this shift, and explore how public figures are reevaluated in today’s social and political climate.

From labor movement history to cancel culture debates, we unpack what’s fact, what’s opinion, and why this topic is trendin...

Two shocking stories are dominating headlines right now,  and in this episode of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, we break down both in detail.

First, we cover the tragic death of Jason Hughes, a Georgia high school teacher who was killed during what was meant to be a harmless senior prank gone wrong. What actually happened that night? How did a routine high school tradition turn into a fatal accident? And why did the victim’s family make the unexpected decision to push for charges against the students to be dropped? We walk through the full...

In Episode 84 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice, we dive into one of the biggest topics dominating headlines today—artificial intelligence. Is AI technology about to replace millions of jobs? Are we heading toward a future run by algorithms, automation, and robots? Or are people just getting a little too nervous after watching movies like The Terminator? In this episode, we break down the growing influence of AI in the workplace, automation, machine learning, and the future of technology, while sharing our honest and entertaining takes on what this all means for everyday people.

In Episode 83 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice, we break down the latest viral headlines surrounding pop icon Britney Spears and reports that she was recently pulled over for a suspected DUI. What actually happened during the traffic stop? What details are circulating online, and how much of the story is confirmed versus internet speculation? We dive into the timeline of events, the media coverage, and why the situation has quickly become a trending topic across entertainment news, celebrity gossip, and social media.

We also look at reactions from some o...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast, your weekly dose of current events commentary, political news breakdowns, pop culture analysis, and the kind of bad advice you absolutely should not follow. In this episode, we dive into the viral C-SPAN call from “John Barron” and explore the long, bizarre history of Donald Trump allegedly using the alias John Barron to speak with reporters and shape media narratives. Was this recent C-SPAN caller just a coincidence, a troll, or something more? We break down the timeline, past reporting, media speculation, and what this moment says about modern political theater and...

Welcome back to the Franklin and Douglas Podcast — your go-to current events podcast for trending news, viral stories, pop culture chaos, and a little bit of bad advice you definitely shouldn’t follow. In this episode, we break down the latest headlines surrounding Shia LaBeouf at Mardi Gras, including his reported arrest in New Orleans, the Bourbon Street aftermath. We also dive into the viral story of Punch, the Japanese macaque separated from his mother and struggling to integrate with other monkeys — a heartwarming yet emotional internet phenomenon that has everyone talking.

But that’s not all —...

In Episode 80 of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice, we dive into the latest conversation surrounding the Epstein Files and the ongoing public interest in the Jeffrey Epstein case. From court documents and unsealed records to powerful names, media coverage, and conspiracy theories, we break down what the Epstein Files actually are, why they continue to trend, and what they mean in today’s political and cultural landscape. We separate fact from speculation while adding our signature entertaining commentary and honest reactions to one of the most talked-about true crime and political scandals in modern hi...

In this episode of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice, we dive into the shocking and mysterious kidnapping case involving Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie. From the timeline of her disappearance to the disturbing evidence, ransom messages, and ongoing investigation, we break down what happened, what authorities know so far, and the unanswered questions that have captured national attention.

We explore the latest developments, social media reactions, and the darker side of true crime in the spotlight, while adding our signature commentary and entertaining takes on o...

In this episode of the Franklin and Douglas Podcast: Current Events and Bad Advice (Episode 78), we dive into the buzz surrounding the Melania Trump documentary and break down what it really says about power, politics, image, and public perception. Franklin watched the film so you don’t have to, delivering an entertaining, honest, and hilarious review packed with commentary, context, and cultural insight. From political symbolism to media narratives, we unpack why this documentary is trending and what it means for American pop culture and political conversations.

But that’s not all — we also serve up anot...