Guitarist David Laffin has overcome drug addiction, alcoholism, 3 heart attacks in one night on stage, and blood cancer to become a sober dad and partner. He tells the whole story and how the guitar was his journey, then he plays with John an excerpt from the Guitar Symphony piece from the 2025 Lifted Project.

Merritt Minnemeyer returns to the studio to discuss joy at a Pink concert after the election, a new direction for her practice, the exercise of listening in a relationship, and knowing what is right for yourself.

Dr. Mark L. Urken has published over 300 peer reviewed papers, over 30 chapters and 3 textbooks on head and neck reconstructive surgery. He's performed over 3000 head and neck microvascular procedures and his experience ranks among the highest of any surgeon in the world. On Thursday, November 21 at 12:00 PM ET the THANC Foundation, founded by Dr. Urken, is presenting a webinar on balancing food, family & healing this holiday season for cancer survivors and caregivers. For more information please visit https://thanc.me/holidays

In the wake of the election and a world of change, John sits down with some members of the high school Class of 2025 to talk politics, religion, phones, moon landings and fish people.

Teacher and Singer/Songwriter Jennifer Nevel has overcome the darkest hour in mental health and has completely transformed herself and found happiness. The Package cohosts as this brave woman shares all of her story, which ends in personal triumph and now a dedication to helping others.

Gramercy Burton is a high school senior who has witnessed her father's journey through mental health and her mother's path through head and neck cancer. "The Package" weighs in on what that was like, friendship, what wisdom is, and more.

Meryl Opsal is a child development and education expert, actress, and breast cancer survivor. During the course of her treatment she and her husband Marc created and recorded The Story Of Captain Charlotte, a serial podcast for children and adults both. Her story of overcoming cancer, her gifts, and her wisdom are all illuminary. Please visit https://www.thestoryofcaptaincharlotte.com/ for more information.

Members of the cast of Spring Awakening joins John in studio to talk politics, sexuality, grief, music, personal reveals, and their performance at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck, NY. Tickets are available at https://www.centerforperformingarts.org/