The Brighter Side is a cynic’s look at optimism. We try and find the positive in this horror show we call Earlth. Stay outta that church, and spark up a joint, because everything is going to be alright. We're in this together. Hosted by Ed Larson, Amber Nelson, Ashley Brooke Roberts, and Julie Rosing. Theme song by the Cowmen. Logo by Dave Koehler. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If Ed and Henry have to talk about Vietnam on LPOTL for weeks then we ALL have to talk about Vietnam, right? That's how it works, right? I mean, who wouldn't wanna hear Amber's thoughts on the history of Vietnam? This episode Amber Nelson and Ed Larson are joined by Henry Zebrowski to search for the hidden brighter side of this horrible stain on our history.

Slap me with a turkey leg and call me a wench! We finally circled back to that Medieval Times convo. Who cares about historical accuracy when there's dragons blood on the menu. Staying with the dinner theater theme, Ashley teaches us about the once named Dixie Stampede: a place where historical truth is not an option but something that is haphazardously assigned as you walk in the door. Let's find our way to the kingdom, shall we?

I'm awkward, how do I stop feeling awkward? Does the feeling of awkwardness go away as you age? What is the difference between awkwardness and embarrassment? Are there specific awkward moments in history? Amber Nelson, Ashley Brooke Roberts, and Julie Rosing tackle these questions, as well as, share some of their awkward moments. But, again, are they awkward or are they EMBARRASSING? or MORTIFYING? or just STINKY? Share with us your awkward moments [email protected]

Got a case of the Mondays? Monday morning blues got ya down? There's a solution for that: The Brighter Side Podcast just moved to MONDAYS! Make listening to The Brighter Side your Monday Morning Meditation. Amber, Ashley and Eddie tackle Mondays in our first Monday episode. Does Monday have an origin story? Have you ever suffered from a case of the mondays? or what about the Sunday Scaries? Obviously there are a few other topics in between: Fond memories of dive bars and The Divine Feminine.

Nostalgia! Why does it make us sad? Is nostalgia dangerous? Julie takes the girls through the history of the actual word nostalgia and how drastically it's meaning has changed since 1688. Ashley and Amber weigh in on what nostalgia means to them. They all share a time for which they are nostalgic. They discuss how nostalgia is used against us plebs by brands and politicians. Nostalgia can be dangerous! But what IS the brighter side of nostalgia... tune in to find out. Eddie and Amber interview old buddy, Joel Walkowski, about his new book "Honolulu Blues".

Who wants some good news? We sure do. Amber, Julie, and Ashley round up some uplifting stories to help fight the doom and gloom. From world records involving bald caps to exciting breakthroughs in women’s health, they’re sharing the headlines that restored a little faith in humanity. Tune in for an episode full of reasons to smile on The Brighter Side!

Birthdays! Everyone has one. Some people go all out, some try to hide from them, and some barely remember they're happening. Amber, Julie, and Ashley share stories from birthdays past, talk about their upcoming celebrations, and dream up the ultimate million-bajillion-dollar birthday. It's all on this episode of The Brighter Side!

We're talking countries on this week's episode of The Brighter Side. Ed's got Grenada & Burundi and Amber's got Panama & El Salvador. Sit down, shut up, and let Ed and Amber drop a little knowledge on your ol' stinky butt.

You ready to nerd out on Medieval history? Today, Amber, Ashley, and Julie are diving into one of history’s most fascinating eras, sharing strange facts and asking the important question: Were the Middle Ages really as romantic as we imagine, or were they just a sloppy, muddy time?