The Call of Abram

Summary

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The Chosen People – “The Call of Abram” (October 19, 2025)

Overview

This episode of The Chosen People podcast explores the pivotal Old Testament narrative of Abram’s divine calling. Through immersive storytelling, dramatic voice acting, and evocative narration, listeners are taken on Abram’s journey from mourning his father’s death in Harran to receiving an earth-shattering call from God—one that will set him on the road to Canaan and rewrite not only his personal legacy, but the future of the world. The episode delves into themes of faith, legacy, obedience, and the search for meaning, giving ancient scripture a relatable and emotionally vivid dimension.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Weight of Legacy and Inheritance (05:29–13:27)

• Setting: Abram and his nephew Lot mourn the death of their patriarch, Terah, in Harran. The conversation quickly shifts from grief to questions about inheritance, legacy, and destiny.

• Abram’s Dilemma: Although wealthy and respected, Abram is heavily burdened by his childlessness. This internal battle is palpable, especially as he tries to avoid openly confronting his sense of inadequacy.

• Lot’s Restlessness: Lot is eager for purpose and advancement, dissatisfied with a “comfortable” status quo. He pushes Abram to think beyond what is familiar, invoking dreams of Canaan, the land Terah always aspired to reach but never did.

  Notable Quote:

  • Lot: “Comfortable? Comfortable? … But you know what else it is? Stifling. We’re like trees. Trees stuck in the shadow of Nahor’s dynasty. We’re not gonna grow.” (10:01)

2. The Divine Encounter: God’s Call to Abram (14:14–17:00)

• A Mysterious Voice: After a night of restless pondering on the rooftop, Abram hears a supernatural voice calling his name, leading him out beyond the city gates and into the countryside.

• The Call: God reveals Himself and issues a monumental command and promise:

  • “Go out from your land, leave your father’s house and your relatives behind, and go to the land I will show you.” (15:29)

• The Promise: God vows to make Abram a great nation, to bless him, and to make his name great—so that “all the peoples of the Earth will be blessed through you.” (16:44)

  Notable Quote:

  • God: “Follow me and I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing to the entire world.” (16:03)

3. Sarai’s Perspective and Family Tensions (19:40–24:44)

• Women in Waiting: Sarai, Abram’s wife, exchanges small talk with Lot’s wife Edith, revealing social norms and aspirations for their daughters. The conversation offers a glimpse of Sarai’s deep sense of disconnection and longing.

• Abram’s Announcement: Abram reveals to Sarai his intention to uproot the family and move to Canaan, citing God’s command as the decisive reason. Sarai is shocked by the suddenness and gravity of the decision but ultimately resolves to support him.

  Notable Quote:

  • Sarai: “If this is your conviction, then I will follow you.” (24:44)

4. The Journey and Renewal of God’s Promise (24:48–28:16)

• The Exodus from Harran: Abram, Sarai, Lot, and many followers set out for Canaan. The logistics, anxieties, and hopefulness of this journey are portrayed with attention to emotional and physical detail.

• A Second Divine Encounter at Shechem:

  • Upon entering Canaan, God reaffirms His promise: “You now stand on the land that I will one day give your offspring.” (27:04)
  • Abram is baffled, having no children, but moved by a growing confidence within, deciding to trust this mysterious God.

• A New Tradition Begins: Abram marks the land by building an altar, establishing gratitude and faith at the center of his covenant.

  Notable Quote:

  • Narrator: “He had grown up seeing his father and neighbors make offerings to the various gods of the land, but he… sensed this God wasn’t one he had ever encountered before.” (28:08)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Lot’s Ambition:
  "But don't you ever wonder, Abram, what we really are made of? What's in here?" (10:56)

• Abram’s Sense of Duty:
  “Every day I can put money in the hands of my workers or food in the bellies of my household, and I discover what I am made of. And I haven't failed them yet.” (11:37)

• God’s Promise:
  “I will bless those who bless you. I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt. And all the peoples of Earth will be blessed through you.” (16:44)

• Sarai’s Loyalty:
  “If this is your conviction, then I will follow you.” (24:44)

• Abram’s Uncertainty:
  “My offspring.” (27:25)

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Important Segments (with Timestamps)

• [05:29–13:27] — Abram and Lot discuss legacy; questions about purpose, ambition, and contentment arise.
• [14:14–17:00] — Abram’s supernatural calling; God’s transformative promise.
• [19:40–24:44] — Sarai’s social and emotional context; Abram tells Sarai about the call and their upcoming journey.
• [24:48–28:16] — The family sets out for Canaan, culminating in God’s reaffirmation of His promise and Abram’s act of worship.

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Episode Tone & Style

The narrative is richly evocative, blending emotional introspection with grand biblical destiny. Characters speak with gravitas, yet there is vulnerability, doubt, and longing woven throughout—especially in the interplay between Abram, Lot, and Sarai. The production uses dramatic narration, thoughtful silence, and environmental sounds to amplify the storytelling.

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Concluding Reflection

The Call of Abram episode breathes life into one of the foundational moments of faith in the Old Testament, portraying Abram as both hesitant and courageous, grounded and inspired, practical yet open to divine disruption. The episode underscores the timeless tension between comfort and calling, the human yearning for legacy, and the transformational power of faith that asks us to step into the unknown.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

This is an Iheart podcast.

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[Narrator]

Previously on the Chosen People.

[God]

Let us craft creatures in our image, imbued with our essence.

[Narrator]

God's design for humanity was to bear his image, fill the earth, and share in the joy of creation.

[God]

A choice is before you, Adam. You can freely take of the tree of Life, nourishing yourself in my abiding love. You could live under the comforting canopy of your Creator, obeying me and partnering with me to cultivate the earth. Or you can reach for the tree of Knowledge. You can awaken your mind to the possibility of evil, seize autonomy, and live apart from my blessing.

[Narrator]

Maybe it was a lie. Maybe there's something more for me apart from God. Paradise was lost. Adam and Eve sat in the dirt east of Eden, never to return. Their descendants would pine after Eden. Each generation would manufacture ways to reclaim paradise. Evil grieves his heart. This corruption, this violence, it wasn't his intention. How blessed are you now, Able?

[Abram]

Do you still feel blessed? Where is your God now?

[God]

This world is so.

[Abram]

These people are plagued by evil. Today we build this tower in defiance of the Creator.

[Lot]

Today, we seize greatness for ourselves.

[Narrator]

But Adam and Eve held on to a promise. One day, a son of Eve would rise to crush the head of the serpent. He would reclaim Eden for humanity. Heaven and earth would be joined once again.

[Sarai]

Is.

[Narrator]

Is this death?

[Sarai]

Is this the curse God spoke of?

[Lot]

No, Eve.

[Abram]

I don't think this is death. I think this is life.

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[Sarai]

Why is this taking so long? This thing is ancient.

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[Narrator]

Abram exhaled a sigh of relief as the last of the seemingly endless parade of priests, mourners, cousins, persons, servants and solicitors finally departed. The door snapped shut with the last of them and the mighty house of Terah stood silent as a tomb. Abram and his nephew Lot stood in the doorway of their now deceased patriarch's entryway. The air was heavy with tension, thick enough to be cut with a blade.

[Lot]

And so another great man of Shem's line has come to pass.

[Narrator]

Lot's remark earned him a stern look from Abram. Abram sighed again, retreated further into the dwelling, and collapsed on a bench in the center courtyard of his father's home. His groans fell onto the dusty floor. His thoughts drifted up a level to his father's bedchamber, where a single chair would be left ceremonially empty beside his bed, or rather, his deathbed. It would now be up to him and his only remaining brother, Nahor, to steward their father's legacy. Their father had left for the underworld, leaving a legacy that included his wealth, property, influence, and lineage. However, the latter would prove to be the most difficult for Abram to shoulder. He had yet to produce an heir of his own with his wife, Sarai, but he tried not to dwell on that too often, especially for Sarai's sake. It wasn't a new revelation for either of them, and though the hurt was buried deep, the dulled pangs of inadequacy lingered. Attempting not to intrude on Abram's sullen silence, Lot tried to subtly slink into the courtyard and claimed the seat across from Abram. There wasn't anything subtle about Lot. Lot was a simple of simple pleasures and pursuits. While Abram often thought about lofty and ethereal things, his nephew reserved his attention for the concrete and material. As a result, Lot was predictable, yet still endearing. The thought brought a reluctant grin to Abrum's face, and his nephew returned it. Lot broke the silence again.

[Lot]

When do you suppose we'll hear back from Nahor? And more to the point, are we to expect him to reside here in Harran? Will your father's inheritance really be divided among us? Will we live side by side like we did when we were young?

[Abram]

The messengers won't reach her for a few weeks, and I really can't say what Nahor will do. It's been so long since we were under the same roof, or even in the same land. I suppose my father would want me to remain at Nahor's side. But as for you, I know going north was always my father's dream for you. When your father passed to see the land of his people.

[Lot]

Abram, you know Haran has become just as much a home to me as it is for you. But you know as well as I that your father, my grandfather, always intended for us to go all the way to Canaan.

[Abram]

Haha, Canaan. If I had a sheep for every time my father mentioned Canaan, I could fill all Ur. My father talked endlessly about venturing off to Canaan, but stopped short. Besides, you know as well as I how dangerous that road is. And if the family stories are to be believed, I don't think they would exactly welcome Sons of Shem.

[Lot]

But Abram, don't you feel there might be more out there? More to seize and Explore. Our family has done exceedingly well here. But I can't help feel like Terra wanted more for me. I know you're comfortable here, Abram. You're content with this life.

[Abram]

What's that supposed to mean?

[Lot]

You're content with what you have, Abram. That's all I'm saying. You don't seem to yearn for more, that's all.

[Abram]

Don't act like you've suffered here in Harran. But it is comfortable here. We've made a life here. When they're grown, your daughters will find husbands here. And soon you'll have a dynasty of your own. And my father's wealth and livestock will only make you all more comfortable.

[Lot]

Comfortable, Abram? Comfortable?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Lot]

Sure, it's comfortable. But you know what else it is? Stifling. We're like trees. Trees stuck in the shadow of Nahor's dynasty. We're not gonna grow. We're gonna be like. Like shrubs. Little tiny shrubs. Look, Tara, he loved me like a son. And I'll always be grateful, believe me. But that's not gonna get us anywhere. You know the laws of the land, Abram. We're stuck here growing only as tall as Nahor lets us. I'm telling you, Abram, it's driving me crazy.

[Abram]

Nahor is our kid. Here's my brother. And your uncle. We have nothing to fear from him. Your fortune is secure. I don't understand where this is coming from.

[Lot]

Abram. Abram, let me stop you right there.

[Abram]

You know what?

[Lot]

You and I are self made men.

[Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang]

That's what we are.

[Lot]

Sure, we had a leg up. I'm not denying that. But look at what we've done. We've turned a profit with every single thing that was handed to us. We didn't just sit on it, we worked on it. But don't you ever wonder, Abram, what we really are made of? What's in here?

[Narrator]

Lot's question stung. Abram had a dysfunctional relationship with greatness and legacy. Having no child of his own or any hope for one on the horizon, he knew whatever he gained would be dispersed among his servants and relatives. Nothing would live on beyond him. Abram didn't aim for greatness. Instead, he remained reliable, steady and predictable.

[Abram]

I won't be made to feel guilty for being reliable. Between the two of us, we have a multitude of responsibilities. As for where I place my trust, I place it in my own hands. If those I am responsible for find me lacking, what kind of man would I be? So, no, I do not wonder what I am made Of. Because I must find the answer every day. Every day I can put money in the hands of my workers or food in the bellies of my household, and I discover what I am made of. And I haven't failed them yet.

[Lot]

I love you, Abram. And I always will. You've always been a bit of a brother to me. And you're everything an older brother should be. Your sense of duty and loyalty are unmatched. I'm just thinking about your father. He stopped short of his dreams. And when I look back on my life, I. I want to feel like I did something of significance. That I achieved something that no one else has done before. Maybe, just maybe, that something is in the land of Canaan. You've heard the stories, right? Our distant relatives, the line of Ham. The cursed Abram cursed. And yet there they are, sitting in seats of power. And then there's me. I don't want to just be another name, Abram. Just another name in a long, endless list of men from the line of Noah.

[Abram]

And you would become a conqueror and lead your family into a war for significance. Don't you feel that you are already contributing to this legacy to our nation?

[Lot]

Don't you sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a nation all of your own, to make a name for yourself rather than relying on the name of another?

[Narrator]

And as much as he was reluctant to admit it, Abram did consider Lot's words. When Lot took his leave, Abram wandered to the upper levels of his father's house. He at last found himself on the roof, staring out over the packed city and wondered if he would ever grow accustomed to this feeling. The babble of all manner of man and beast from below created a steady drumbeat that pulsed against his eardrums and sent his mind racing. That's when he heard it. A voice whispering through the cacophony of city noise.

[God]

Abram.

[Narrator]

Abram turned. He was alone. He scanned the rooftop, searching for the source of the voice. The world around him became quiet and still. Again he heard the voice calling out to him.

[God]

Abram.

[Abram]

Who's there?

[God]

Come to me.

[Narrator]

The voice called out again, this time from below the house. Abram ran down the stairs, following the sound of the voice. It called him outside, then down the alleyway.

[God]

Abram.

[Narrator]

Abram ran through the busy streets, bumping into vendors and tripping over carts. The voice was calling to him from outside the gates. Abram sprinted out of the gates and down the dirt path leading to the pastures of his father's flock. The evening breeze whistled through the valley carrying the voice calling to Abram again.

[God]

Abram.

[Narrator]

Abram stopped at a large terebinth tree. The starlight shone through the breaks in the leaves, causing a dance of shadow and light on Abram's face. The voice spoke again, this time gently. It spoke to him and through him. Abram could feel the presence of the voice but couldn't capture its source.

[God]

Abram. Here I am, Abram. You are to go out from your land, leave your father's house and your relatives behind, and go to the land. I will show you.

[Narrator]

Still grappling with the words he was hearing, Abram was suddenly stunned to find that images of a familiar terrain and a worn road from flashed in his mind. The road led southwest out of the city toward Canaan, and flashes of lush valleys and cascading falls appeared before him.

[God]

Today I will make you a promise. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you. Follow me and I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing to the entire world.

[Narrator]

Again, images of a future Abram could barely understand flickered in and out of focus in his mind's eye faster than he could discern. But the intent was clear. He was to have a legacy like the one Lot pined for. No greater, even so much more significant and vast than either of them could have imagined.

[God]

What's more, I will bless those who bless you. I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt. And all the peoples of Earth will be blessed through you.

[Narrator]

As if to emphasize that final word, Abram felt the presence press onto his shoulders like a mighty weight, the manifestation of the mantle inexplicably thrust upon him. Despite the strangeness of what had just happened, he somehow found the pressure comforting. And as abruptly as the voice had begun speaking and the presence surrounded him, the weight dematerialized to a quiet, comforting presence that wrapped itself in the back of his mind. It was barely noticeable, but within reach if he dared access it.

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[Narrator]

Ugh.

[Sarai]

Come on. Why is this taking so long. This thing is ancient.

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[Sarai]

Whoa, this thing moves.

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[Narrator]

Cool breeze off the Euphrates river drifted up to meet the two women reclining on a different roof overlooking the city. Abram's wife Sarai hosted Lot's wife Edith, while their husbands settled their great patriarch's affairs. Sarai pretended to listen to Edith as she prattled on about the latest gossip in town. She longed for the arrival of Abram so that she could remove herself from the intensity of the other woman's rant.

[Sarai]

And you know Addo, she's gonna smile and host her new song Son in Law's Family is if the match was her idea all along, she'll never admit that he's simply not good enough for her daughter. But I'll tell you one thing, Sarai, I would never stand for that. When my girls are old enough, no one but the wealthiest men will do for them as husbands. I won't settle for anything else. Don't you agree?

[Narrator]

Sarai half heartedly opened her mouth to reply, but Lot's wife continued without waiting for A response?

[Sarai]

Oh, right. Well, I suppose you won't need to worry yourself about that. But I'm sure you agree in principle. And you know what my lot always says. The wealth of this city is steady and stable. It's all the same families exchanging the same coins over and over again. No movement up or down, no real competition if you're the sort that has your eyes on advancement. But I hear that the lands in Canaan are untamed, and there are fortunes to be had if you're bold enough to take it. Wealth you can't even imagine. Wealth that would put Er and Haran to shame.

[Narrator]

Mercifully, Sarai saw the top of Abram's head emerge as he climbed the steps to the roof, sparing her from enduring any more of Edith's insensitive remarks and frenzied daydreaming about adding to their already substantial wealth.

[Sarai]

Well, I suppose I should get back to oversee the dinner preparations. Abram, is Lot with you, or did he go home already?

[Abram]

He must be at home. We parted ways earlier.

[Narrator]

Lot's wife took her leave, but Abram lingered on the roof. Something was on his mind. Sarai waited expectantly for her husband to gather his thoughts. They had long been married. She could see the determination in his eyes. He had his mind made up about something. He strode to the roof's edge and began speaking as he stared over the city.

[Abram]

Sarai, I have something to tell you.

[Sarai]

Yes, Abram, I'm listening.

[Abram]

I'm going to take our family out of Harran. We will begin making arrangements immediately.

[Narrator]

Immediately.

[Abram]

We will drive all our livestock, take our possessions and all those who work for us, and head south toward Canaan.

[Sarai]

Abram, help me understand what you mean. I thought we were settled here in Haran, going south now of all times. We're established here. We're comfortable. And besides, who would care for our father's estate if we were to leave? Would we leave that responsibility to Nahor? To Lot?

[Abram]

I suppose we may take whoever is willing to join us. I will need to speak to Lot tomorrow as early as possible if he is to join us and make preparations as well.

[Narrator]

Sarai was too stunned to respond, so Abram continued and tried to explain the supernatural phenomenon that had overcome him in the alleyway.

[Sarai]

Abram, look at me. Are we to upend our entire way of life on the words of a random God?

[Narrator]

Abram turned to his wife and struggled to find his words. He scanned her face, accessing and questioning, undoubtedly weighing whether or not he would bring her into the inner workings of his mind, his heart. Sarai yearned for partnership, not lordship, but she didn't know where to begin when it came to Abram. Sarai, in return searched his face but found only resolve, an immovable, impenetrable wall of conviction.

[Abram]

You have to trust me, Sarai. I have weighed the cost. But more importantly, I know in my heart that we must follow the words of this God.

[Sarai]

So you've already decided then?

[Narrator]

Abram averted his eyes from Sarai's helpless stare and turned again to look over the city, already calculating and planning the journey ahead.

[Abram]

I have. It is what is right.

[Narrator]

And that settled the matter. Sarai knew better than to pry and argue. At times Abram was this locked vault of thoughts and emotions. She could feel his head churning. She wished she could access his mind. She yearned for that type of intimacy, yet even so, she knew his character.

[Sarai]

If this is your conviction, then I will follow you.

[Narrator]

Abram glanced her way, briefly slid his hand over to hers. She took it and squeezed. Abram had been amazed, flattered even, at how many had chosen to come with him out of Haran. Even months later and hundreds of miles later, he still marveled at the sheer numbers of people and animals that sprawled out behind him when he led their odyssey from the head of the vast column. Abram decided to scout ahead with Lot, who had unsurprisingly jumped at the chance to accompany Abram and a small group of handpicked men. They had just passed into the land of Canaan, and the city of Shechem lay before them. Nestled on the shoulder of Mount Ebal, the land of Canaan was occupied by a savage and war loving people. Though Abram and Lot had brought men who could fight, their fighting numbers would easily be inconsequential if confronted head on by the brutal Canaanites. Abram waited for Lot and the others to return with a report in the shade of a gnarled, twisted oak tree. It was then that the same otherworldly stillness came upon Abram. Bird song, insect buzzing, and wind alike ceased as if to give their attention to the mighty presence. Suddenly upon Abram, sweat beat down his brow. He turned to Lot and Sarai.

[Abram]

I'll be back. Wait here for me.

[Narrator]

Abram left to find a solitary place. His heart ached in his chest to hear the voice whisper again. He summited a small grassy hill where wildflowers sway gently to the breeze. He sat on a stone and waited. Since leaving, Abram had wondered if he was following a figment of his imagination or if the God he chose to follow was some of sort. Sort of trickster. But there on that blooming foothill, the Creator spoke.

[God]

Abram, you answered my call and left your land. You left your father's house. And now here you are.

[Abram]

Yes, I have done what you asked.

[Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang]

Now what?

[God]

You have been faithful so far in what I have asked you. Because of your faithfulness, I will uphold my promise to you. You now stand on the land that I will one day give your offspring.

[Narrator]

Abram's eyes widened. He tilted his head upward in confusion and trepidation.

[Abram]

My offspring.

[Narrator]

Yet there was no more answer. Abram nodded reverently as he felt the mighty presence dissipate. Though he could still sense a remnant in the back of his mind, Abram didn't know why this God chose him. He wasn't a substantial or charismatic man. He wasn't even the greatest in his household. How would he accomplish all it had foretold? Even still, with this God's voice reverberating in his mind, he felt a confidence flicker in his heart. He could become great. Still alone in the shade of the bent oak tree, he began to pace and plan his next move.

[Abram]

I will lead my people further into the land of Canaan. We will pitch our tents and create a stronghold beside Bethel.

[Narrator]

Abram again felt that stirring of confidence in his heart, as if to affirm his decision. Prompted by this encouragement, he considered another response. Having always been a man of business and transitions, he wondered what this God would require in return. Surely the gift of land and legacy would warrant an offering. He had grown up seeing his father and neighbors make offerings to the various gods of the land, but he was no longer in their domain, and he sensed this God wasn't one he had ever encountered before. Abram decided to mark this agreement with this new God and offer his gratitude by building an altar here in this very spot. He also decided that when they were settled by Bethel, he would build another altar there so that his newly kindled faith would burn bright at the ever present reminder. When Abram's men and Lot returned, they built the first altar together. Abram stood back from their work and again felt that pulse of assurance in his heart. He gazed up at the twisted oak tree that had towered over them while they worked and smiled at the thought of its serving as a landmark of this monumental moment. Perhaps it would even stand and serve as a reminder to his great nation long after he was gone. This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina Max Bard Zach Shellavager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Caltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosely and Chris Baig. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Lot]

This is Alec Murdoch. I need police and an ambulance immediately. Murdoch Death in the Family official podcast is here. I'm joining Patricia Arquette, Jason Clark and the cast to uncover all things Murdoch family first.

[Sarai]

To unravel the story piece by piece.

[Lot]

Was really surprising because you don't want to believe it. Murdoch Death in the Family official podcast Wednesdays and stream Murdoch Death in the Family on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundle subscribers. Terms apply.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Narrator]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Narrator]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Sarai]

Why is this taking so long? This thing is ancient.

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[Sarai]

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[Lot]

This is an iHeart podcast.