Damaged Ones Podcast

On this episode of Damaged Ones, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland get into some uncomfortable territory — the kind people don’t always want to talk about, but probably should.

We dive into the darker side of cult-like thinking, especially when it shows up in religion and how situations involving abuse are handled — or ignored — when it comes to women.

Sarah breaks down the allegations surrounding Joseph Duggar and what it says about power, protection, and accountability. Then in the second half, we get into the situation involving Taylor Frankie Paul — the video, the reactions, and how quickl...

This week on The Damaged Ones Podcast, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland do something a little different for Friday the 13th weekend… they dive headfirst into the chaos surrounding the reviews of Scream 7.

The movie is crushing it at the box office — but that doesn’t mean the fans (or Mike and Sarah) are completely sold.

Mike breaks down why the film could’ve been way more satisfying if the creative team stuck with the plan to bring back Matthew Lillard’s legendary character Stu in an effective way. Instead, the ending we got feels… confusing, r...

On this episode of The Damaged Ones Podcast, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland dive into one of the most quietly frustrating parts of modern dining: forced tipping.

Let’s be clear — we’re not anti-tipping. If someone gives great service, we’re more than happy to show appreciation. But when a tip is automatically added, suggested at ridiculous percentages, or quietly slipped onto the receipt, it stops feeling like gratitude and starts feeling like coercion. Mike and Sarah unpack the growing trend of restaurants and delivery apps pushing the responsibility of paying workers’ salaries onto customers — and why that app...

This week on Damaged Ones, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland are diving straight into the chaos.

We’re talking about Bonnie Blue reportedly sleeping with over 1,000 men in 24 hours — plus another 400 — and now news circulating that she’s pregnant. Look, adults can make their own choices. We’re not here to police anybody’s life. But we are here to talk about consequences. Because when the cameras turn off and real life kicks in — especially when a child is involved — the conversation changes. Can someone in that space truly pivot to a “normal” life? Is that even fair to expect? We u...

On this episode of The Damaged Ones, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland dive headfirst into two modern plagues: generative AI hysteria… and people weaponizing incompetence.

Mike is fired up over the lazy take that “AI is the future” and it’s going to replace Hollywood actors, artists, and filmmakers. He breaks down why that narrative is not only exaggerated, but wildly ignorant of what’s actually happening in the creative landscape — especially when it comes to AI slop versus real craft, real performance, and real storytelling.

Meanwhile, Sarah tackles something way closer to home: people playing dumb...

Damaged Ones is back — and we’re not playing it safe.

Mike Garcia and Sarah Altand dive headfirst into the uncomfortable corners of modern culture — from people forming intimate relationships with themselves, AI, and even inanimate objects… to the woman who famously “married” the Eiffel Tower. We unpack the rise of sex robots as companions, question what society considers acceptable versus disturbing, and draw a hard line when it comes to ideas that should never be normalized.

Before we crack open that can of worms, we catch up on Billie Eilish reclaiming her narrative after last week’s...

On this episode of Damaged Ones, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland get into why celebrities need to stop using their platform to lecture people on politics — and why it always comes with consequences. We start by breaking down Billie Eilish’s comment, “no one is illegal on stolen land,” and why it sounds ignorant when it’s coming from someone who’s never had to live with the real-world impact of those ideas. Mike digs into how sociology actually plays a role here, and why catchy slogans don’t equal understanding. At some point, entertainers should entertain — not preach.

In the seco...

On this episode of The Damaged Ones Podcast, Mike Garcia is fighting through a brutal cold while he and Sarah Altand jump back into the AI conversation — this time reacting to reports that Amazon has laid off thousands of workers as it continues to lean harder into automation and AI.

Mike and Sarah make one thing clear: AI can be a tool, sure — but the idea that it will replace humans entirely? They’re not buying it. From creativity to decision-making to basic human instinct, they break down why betting against people is a long-term losing game — and why...

On this episode of The Damaged Ones Podcast, Sarah Altland opens up about dealing with a full-on mice infestation in her home — and how small household problems can spiral fast if you don’t catch them early. That leads into both hosts sharing real, unsettling stories about homes catching fire, near-misses, and practical ways to stop everyday accidents from turning into full-blown disasters.

Then, we dive into the meat and potatoes of the episode as Mike Garcia breaks down the psychology behind reality TV game shows like Beast Games — why people justify betraying others for money, how moral...

On this episode of The Damaged Ones Podcast, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland reflect on the Stranger Thingsdocumentary now streaming on Netflix — and walk away with more empathy than expected.

After seeing the pressure, scale, and responsibility placed on the Duffer Brothers, we couldn’t help but feel for them. We praise the incredible work from the production team, set designers, and everyone behind the scenes who helped build one of the biggest pop culture worlds of our time.

But even with all that respect, we still land on the same conclusion: the ending was… medioc...

This week on The Damaged Ones Podcast, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland go all in on Stranger Things Season 5 — and nothing is off-limits. From a finale that left us cold to gaping plot holes, a laughably incompetent military, zero real character deaths, and a once-terrifying villain who feels completely neutered, we break down exactly where the show went wrong and why it hurt so much as longtime fans.

⚠️ Warning: This episode contains heavy swearing and full spoilers for all of Season 5. If you haven’t watched it yet, come back later — because we don’t hold back.

We love...

As 2025 comes to a close, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland take a moment to slow down and reflect.

In this episode of The Damaged Ones Podcast, we answer three simple—but heavy—questions: What scared us this year? What humbled us? And what ultimately rewarded us for pushing through?

We also talk about Sarah’s very real brush with disaster after a brutal Christmas-time cold that nearly took her out and had to go to the ER.

Most importantly, we want to say thank you. Every listen, every download, every message—none of this exi...

On this episode of The Damaged Ones, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altand tear into the spectacle-first era of entertainment and combat sports—starting with the pre-fight hype around Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua. We make one thing clear: the only acceptable outcome is a quick finish. Anything else feels dishonest, dragged out, and designed purely for clicks, buys, and headlines. Because let’s be real—we all know this is spectacle, not sport.

That same sense of unrealism is why certain shows lose us completely. We break down why Netflix’s “Boots” failed to connect, especially in how it portr...

In this episode of The Damaged Ones, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland dive into the recent Sherrone Moore scandal—not just the headlines, but what it reveals about power, temptation, and human behavior. The conversation quickly expands into a bigger question: why do people in positions of power so often cheat? Is it entitlement, narcissism, access, or something deeper?

We also explore the uncomfortable gray area around the “other person” in these situations. Is the mistress always wrong? Are they complicit, manipulated, or just another damaged participant in the story? As the discussion unfolds, it becomes clear that n...

On this episode of The Damaged Ones, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland unpack the rarely discussed — but widely experienced — reality of financial abuse. Whether it comes from a spouse, a partner battling addiction, or a family member who controls every dollar, financial abuse leaves emotional damage long after the money is gone.

We dive into the most common struggles people face: restricted access to funds, destroyed credit, forced dependence, manipulation disguised as “help,” and the fear of starting over with nothing.

This is an honest, empathetic conversation about the invisible chains money can create — and how people...

This week on The Damaged Ones Podcast, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altland pull up a seat at the post-Thanksgiving leftovers table and dive into a belated holiday catch-up full of laughs, and random energy.

Mike and Sarah talk about the real stuff worth looking forward to as we close out the year — why you shouldn’t wait for January to start moving toward your 2026 goals, how to set realistic expectations without killing your momentum, and why sometimes “good enough” is actually great.

Of course, things get… very us.

We confess our undying love for pizza...

Something is seriously off with the Wicked cast right now — from their shockingly unhealthy appearances to the awkward, forced, borderline interviews that feel anything but genuine.

In this episode, Mike Garcia & Sarah Altland dig into the growing concerns surrounding the production of the Wicked movies and whether something behind the scenes went very, very wrong.

Plus, we break down the ridiculous recent news of the DoorDash driver, Olivia Henderson, who committed multiple felonies just for clout and attention — because apparently going viral now comes with a criminal record.

Special announcement: We’re off...

The Damaged Ones are back with another wild “Am I The Asshole?” segment — and this week, we’re diving deep. From narcissistic parents to the long-lasting impact of bullying, we break down the stories that hit way too close to home.

And of course… we had to talk about the people letting AI (yes, even ChatGPT) make every decision for them. Helpful? Maybe. Healthy? Absolutely not.

Plus, Would You Rather? returns with a chaotic, New York–themed twist you definitely weren’t ready for.

If you’re into unfiltered conversations, relatable chaos, and dark humor with...

We’re diving headfirst into the rabbit hole on this one! 🕳️ Mike & Sarah tackle the age-old question: Can men and women really be just friends? Spoiler — yes… but only if both sides are mature enough to handle it. We’re unpacking everything from friendships and relationships to social roles, double standards, and how the definition of “acceptable” keeps changing.

Oh, and somewhere between debating emotional boundaries and social norms, Mike admits that YouTuber Caleb Hammer has turned him into a bit of a finance nerd — because numbers don’t lie, even if your budget does.

Don’t forget to Like...

Happy Halloween to all you Damaged listeners!!! Here we are talking our experiences from our trip and mini vacation of Texas. Everything from our moments at the Junkyard Haunted Attraction at Fort Worth, to the Museum of Illusions, to watching the X trilogy starring Mia Goth. The fact is, we had an amazing time, and wanted to take this chance to share our moments with you!

As always, give this podcast a like, subscribe, share and download it!

Happy Sunday everyone!!! We have just arrived from the road to Dallas, Texas from PA!!! That won't stop us from talking and sharing our experience with you! Everything from breaking shot glasses at Buc-ee's, to being a hero on Mount Everest & K2, to debating if wearing a Nazi costume constitutes at crossing the line for Halloween. So much laughs and stuff to share, right here on this episode.

As always, Like, Subscribe, Share & Download the podcast!

Halloween season continues, and both Mike Garcia & Sarah Atland come together to share their favorite Halloween stories, and ones that freaked them out. From a mother having fangs, to going to Kim's Crypt in PA, and so much more to share. Plus, less than one week away until the EPIC road trip to Dallas, TX. All that and more, right here. Side note, someone really really HATES Tootsie Rolls, LOL. Let's continue to have fun scares in the latest episode.

Email for your Questions, Comments, or Concerns: mike@voiceofgarcia.com.

We're still in Halloween season, and it's time to reveal our favorite movies & horror shows that are outside the usual classics. From a movie about a dog's perspective already out in theaters, to a show on a different kind of Vampires, to an anime recommendation, we're talking all around the spectrum of horror. Plus, Sarah gives us her non-spoiler review on Netflix's Monster: Ed Gein. All that and more randomness, (including Sarah loving to spend a night at a haunted house) right here! Let us know what're your favorite horror movies and tv shows you recommend to us. We...

It's Halloween season, and we're kicking this off with a list of what horror movie villains and monsters, that could potentially be the worst roommates ever. Ever wondered what it would be like to live with Freddy Kruger? What about Samara calling your friends saying "7 days", or how the house would be if you lived with someone like the Creeper from Jeepers Creepers, smelling you and watching you sleep? Yup, it's another disturbing episode, but we're having a good time nonetheless! Who would be your worst roommate for a horror villain? Let us know now!

Email for...

On this episode of the Damaged Ones podcast, we are OUTRAGED with where the world is right now. First, stupid pregnant women popping Tylenol pills just to stick in to the President, without realizing their putting themselves and their babies' health at risk. Next, the "Rapture" has gotten people to sell off everything, including their own children. It is just a rain of mental illness all around where stupid people continue to disappoint us in being a part of the human race. All this plus our returning segment of "Would You Rather?" involving the Nun painting and a Ouija...

Ever wonder why we root for the killer in a slasher flick but would run for our lives if we met them in reality? In this episode of The Damaged Ones, we dive into the weird line between fiction and reality—why we adore villains, demons, and monsters on screen but despise them in the real world. From the thrill of safe scares to the psychology of fear, we’ll break down why horror is fun in stories but terrifying in life. Plus, our returning segment of Would You Rather with deep introspection in Sarah's brain. All this and more...

Today on the episode of the Damaged Ones podcast... no intro, no segments, we talk on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and the murder of Iryna Zarutska. We reflect on how we feel towards the media, and of course, the extremists that laughs and are happy of another person's murder... it all stems of us needing to do better and come together more than ever in this world...

Email for your questions, comments, concerns: mike@voiceofgarcia.com.

Today on the Damaged Ones Podcast, we're talking on individuals that post themselves for attention & clout, and take it to a whole other level. First, 8 staff members from a Sansum clinic posting a dehumanizing video showing a patient's discharge... yup. Next, a doctor with a sexual obsession for amputation p*rn, and removed his own legs... and let's not forget the Airlines flight attendant that twerked on TikTok for attention over 6 months ago.

We end the episode with the returning segment of Would You Rather? Involving animals, and horror situations.

All that and more, right...

This week on The Damaged Ones, we’re going in on the ridiculous decision-making from the suits at the top — starting with the whole Cracker Barrel mess. Why do CEOs think slapping a “modern” spin on a timeless logo ever works? Spoiler: it doesn’t. Then, we shift gears to a tragic story of a young man who took his own life, with his parents now suing ChatGPT. We unpack why AI isn’t the villain here, and where the real responsibility should fall. And of course, we lighten it up with our fan-favorite segment, Would You Rather? — featuring the heartbreak...

On this episode of The Damaged Ones Podcast, Mike Garcia and Sarah Altand dive into the weird, messy world of mashup songs—yeah, those Frankenstein tracks that somehow work way too well. We talk about the ones that hit us hardest, whether it’s because they’re hilarious, oddly emotional, or just plain chaotic. Expect dark humor, way too much honesty, and a few guilty-pleasure confessions along the way!

As always, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, Share & Download the podcast!

Email for your Questions, Comments or Concerns: mike@voiceofgarcia.com

SONGS:

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In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest things holding us back: fear. Whether it’s fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or that little voice whispering imposter syndrome, we all deal with it. We break down what fear really is, how it sneaks into our daily lives, and what small, consistent steps we can take to push past it and start moving forward. Along the way, we take a trip down memory lane with some Lock Haven college stories, mix in a fun Would You Rather segment, and wrap it all up with what’s comi...

Ever feel like you just want to scream at the top of your lungs? Welcome to the Men’s Primal Scream episode — where we talk about the pressure to keep it all bottled up because “that’s what men are supposed to do.” We’ll get into the everyday struggles that make you want to explode, and why letting it out might be exactly what we need.

Plus, we dive into relationships — specifically, getting women to think a little more logically instead of purely emotionally (yep, we’re going there). Along the way, Mike Garcia and Sarah Atland bond over...

This one’s gonna sting for some people. We’re talking Sydney Sweeney catching heat just for being hot in an American Eagle ad, Shannon Sharpe getting the boot from ESPN (and yeah, it might have something to do with not keeping things in check), and John Cena making his fiancée sign a 75-page contract before marriage. Plus, the Coldplay Cam fallout and what that says about modern dating. From jealousy to fake outrage to why most men, and Mike Garcia seems scared of marriage — it’s all connected. Let’s talk about why “They” are always mad... and what’s real...

Turning things around a bit for I, Mike Garcia & Sarah Altand, we decided to search and reflect upon reddit stories on Am I the Asshole (AITA). Anything from weddings, to relationships, to situations that you can relate to or be on the lookout for in some way. Plus, we give tribute to our recent stars that recently passed away, Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne, etc. Plus, our returning segment of Would You Rather? As always, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, Share and Download the podcast, and be sure to ask us questions as we will be doing a Q & A...

So a lot goes on in one's private life. Bad dates, crazy hookup stories, and a Kiss Cam that goes wrong at a Coldplay concert. Mike Garcia & Sarah Altand discuss the crazy story that's hitting news everywhere and goes into why this is actually a bigger floodgate than ever in corporate job places. The reality is, cheating in public should never be a thing. Plus, Mike goes into an awkward situation where he almost hooked up with a woman that "kinda" used him as a microphone. Full of laughs and things to think about, you don't want to miss...

You've heard it here folks, I, Mike Garcia will be turning 35 next Tuesday, which means there are more immediate goals I need to make for myself. And a few covers some life goals that needs to happen. Anywhere along the lines of getting a new tattoo, which Sarah Altand explains well in detail, getting, or at least, working with fun exotic animals, getting a dash cam, or just be more aware of life choices. This is the age of millennials, now is the time to get shit done! All that plus our returning segment of Would You Rather, and...

There are passionate people, there are those that do go overboard from time to time, then there are the ones that take it to the EXTREME! Whether it is people on social media, like the Trans person, Lilly “Tino” Contino, being a predator to record in women's bathrooms, the unnecessary debate on Apple vs. Android phones, both rage & race-baiters and so much more. Then again, we can become extremists ourselves, especially when it comes to animals, or the one commonality we all have a need for, which is money. Mike Garcia & Sarah Altand dives into all of it and more...

It's that time again where we dissect the very nature of a character's personality. In this case, what makes a villain tick? And are certain ones misunderstood? Maybe... we're the true villains in our story, and doing some HATEFUL THINGS... like putting PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA?!!! Or getting an easy order wrong, HAHAHA. It's another episode of laughs, a bit of controversy, rants, another returning segment of "Would You Rather?" and shouting out to an amazing woman that just passed away... Let's be better in bringing each other together.

We all go through it don't we? The sheer crushing weight of having Adult Responsibilities and how sometimes we just not want to do anything. To just rest, relax, mentally decompress, to just do whatever we want. Unfortunately, the world doesn't work that way, but we try to do what we can to do what we need to do. We never back down, we never quit. Mike Garcia & Sarah Altland discuss this with the idea that we gotta crawl through so much shit just to reach the life we want. In the end, it's all about doing the right...

Our dear Sarah Altland just came back from her vacation, and we wanted to hear as much about it, plus relating our own stories from bad vacations. From inconsiderate people to vandalism going on at beach houses, Mike and Sarah share it all and more. Plus, we dig into the idea of polygamy and how fascinating it is for one person to juggle multiple partners simultaneously. All that plus our returning segment of 'Would You Rather?" As always, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, Share and Download the podcast!!!