Send us a Text Message.Can music and speech combine to create powerful emotional experiences? Join us as we explore this fascinating intersection, starting with a light-hearted chat about our attempts at pop music. We dive deep into the creative process of blending musical elements like violin and percussion with iconic speeches from figures such as Marilyn Monroe and Martin Luther King Jr. Our journey takes a poignant turn as we discuss future compositions inspired by speeches from "The Matr...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how something as simple as a gradient puzzle could transform your day? Find out in this episode as we celebrate the zen-like qualities of gradient puzzles and their unique ability to relax and center your mind. Then, join us as we toast an extraordinary academic milestone: our guest's insightful paper on compassionate principalism in bioethics has been accepted by a prestigious journal. Discover how integrating compassion into healthcare could revolutioniz...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered why a millionaire and a minimum wage worker pay the same fine for a traffic violation? Today, we propose a groundbreaking idea: work day fines! Imagine fines proportionate to your daily income, making penalties just as impactful whether you're loaded or living paycheck to paycheck. We discuss how this system could balance the scales of justice and re-focus law enforcement on more serious crimes. Plus, we tackle potential hurdles like unreported income and ...

Send us a Text Message.Can humor survive the era of cancel culture? Today, we tackle the intriguing concept of "lapelle de voie"—the call of the void—and its implications for banter and social interactions. We also explore the quirky idea of "cancel cultural appropriation," where people take on others' grievances. Our conversation shifts to an exciting personal project: innovative shirt designs aimed at reducing laundry frequency and combating climate change. You'll hear about the creative pr...

Send us a Text Message.Imagine limitless, virtually free energy from geothermal fusion lasers! This episode explores groundbreaking advancements in geothermal energy, spotlighting a revolutionary laser technology capable of drilling through the Earth's crust to tap into superheated rocks. We discuss the transformative potential of setting up geothermal power plants anywhere, examine the risks like potential volcanic activity, and compare this to other futuristic energy solutions such as wave ...

Send us a Text Message.What happens when a routine visit to a CrossFit gym turns into a saga of bans and baffling expectations? Join us as we recount the comedic chaos of our fitness journeys, topped off with a sprinkle of multiverse madness. Scott and I unravel the peculiar world of gym culture, sharing laughs over the highs and lows of our workouts. We also dive headfirst into the concept of multiverse travel, imagining encounters with our alternate selves and comparing our lives to those o...

Send us a Text Message.Imagine strutting out the door each morning, confident that your stylish shirt is also your silent warrior in the battle against climate change. In our latest episode, we spill the secrets of a fashion revolution that could see your laundry pile diminish alongside your carbon footprint. We're not just airing out our ideas; we're calling on our community of eco-conscious fashionistas to help refine a concept I've been stewing over for years: the no-armpit-contact shirt. ...

Send us a Text Message.Ever considered how a year-round school calendar might shake up the traditional learning experience? Our latest episode tackles this question head-on, as we share personal stories and compare the potential academic and social benefits for students, teachers, and parents. From reducing learning loss to integrating summer fun through themed activities like robotics and sports camps, we cover the spectrum of possibilities that could keep the spirit of summer alive while en...

Send us a Text Message.https://plus12socks.com/Ever slipped into a pair of socks and wondered if they're doing more harm than good? Join me as we explore the intriguing world of anatomically correct socks with Tanya from Austria, a pioneer in the field. Our lively chat starts off with a mix-up of time zones before diving headfirst into the transformative nature of socks designed to embrace the natural asymmetry of our feet. I share my eye-opening experience with these foot-friendly creations,...

Could your diploma be silently sabotaging your job prospects? This week we're tearing down the ivory towers of higher education, proposing a radical shift in hiring practices that could ignite a firestorm of debate. Buckle up as we examine the prospect of educational attainment as a protected category, challenging employers to value skills and achievements over the name of your university. Our conversation spans the potential upheaval of prestigious institutions' business models to the real i...

Ever wondered if Venus, the goddess of love, could catch waves on her iconic shell? We've got that covered, and much more, in a whimsical journey through art and the lighter side of life's curiosities. Our banter takes us from the strokes of Botticelli's brush to the pressing question of why our toothpaste tastes so darn sweet. We'll share laughs and insights, exploring how the classics influence our modern hobbies, and even venture into the trial and tribulations of concocting homemade tooth...

Let's kick things off with a bit of unexpected whimsy as Tsunami Jake sends us down a rabbit hole of prison reform, sports, and the colorful world of mascots. It's 'The Longest Yard' meets real life, and you won't want to miss the laughs and insights. But it's not all jest; we segue into the significant topic of plummeting birth rates, picking apart Ezra Klein's take and offering our own solutions from a previous episode that champions accelerated education and women's empowerment. And for...

Ever found yourself questioning the quirky blend of senses known as synesthesia or wondering how a simple car accident could spiral into an opioid addiction? We've roped in Bedford Williamson, a cherished voice on our show for the third time, to tease apart these intricate topics with us. Our lively banter soon gives way to a deep dive into how our daily commutes and healthcare decisions could be inadvertently fueling a public health crisis. We're pulling back the curtain on the opaque links...

Ever ponder why our feline friends emit those curious chirps when eyeing birds through the window? We kick off with a whimsical discussion about these endearingly odd behaviors before shifting to the silver screen's latest hot topic – the 'Roadhouse' remake. With Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor stepping into the dance-free zone of this classic's redo, we're stirring the pot and asking: is the magic of the original being sidelined for star power? Bedford Williamson joins us once more,...

Have you ever stopped to consider what a world without coffee or sushi might look like? It's not just a caffeine-deprived dystopia we're talking about, but a real consequence of the shifting climate that's threatening the staples we hold dear. As we unravel the threads of climate change's impact, we also tip our hats to cities like Albuquerque for championing free public transit—a move that could ripple through our communities and the environment in surprising ways. Plus, we don't hold back...

NEW: This episode we recorded in both audio AND video, so if you'd like to watch a video version of it with Adam and Scot's faces, check out:  https://youtu.be/K-oM6RMAzII When I tied the knot, I wasn't handed a magical manual for a blissful marriage—just a state-issued pamphlet as thin as my patience with bureaucracy. Let's tear that pamphlet apart as we navigate the precarious, but often rewarding, landscapes of marriage and family dynamics. With a mix of humor and seriousness, Scott and...

Prepare to be tickled by the thought of "Parks and Rec" star Adam Scott endorsing our humble podcast, as we find ourselves wrapped up in a name game that's equal parts amusing and bewildering. But it's not all chuckles and snickers; we strap in for a heady debate on Apple's potential pivot into the nuclear scene with the whimsically coined "Apple Core" reactors. This week's episode jaunts from celebrity musings to the fertile ground of energy innovation, offering a blend of laughter and...

Discover the unexpected economic advantages of Medicare for All — a concept that may sound controversial but holds promise for both public welfare and corporate America. Join me, Adam Brous, alongside my insightful co-host Scott, as we unravel healthcare's Gordian knot. This episode isn't just a dialogue; it's an exploration of a groundbreaking perspective that sees Medicare for All not as a burden, but as a potential jackpot for the business world. We're no strangers to the hefty price tags...

Embark on a linguistic escapade with us as we traverse the playful avenues of the Spanish language and its cultural idioms. Prepare to chuckle as our guest and I compare the youthful charm of 'muchacho' with the gravitas of 'hombre' and share a laugh over the endearing oddity of international expressions. But it's not all about the words we say; we also muse over the unexpected innovations that sprout from life's little conundrums and how film and television are uniting audiences across...

Ever wondered what happens after the confetti settles for lottery jackpot winners? Join us, Scot Maupin and Adam Braus, along with our thought-provoking guest Owen Raisch, as we lay bare the emotional rollercoaster of instant wealth and its less-often-discussed pitfalls. Buckle up for a candid chat filled with laughter over language faux pas and heartwarming visions of how a 'Neighborhood Lottery' could foster community development and change the narrative from personal gain to collective...

Have you ever stumbled upon a musical gem that felt like it was crafted just for you? That's what happened to me, Adam Brouse, with "Tokyo" by The Books, and it sparked a delightful journey into the serendipity of music discovery. Scott Moppen and I share this audio odyssey, weaving together the threads of enchanting tunes, sleep's evolution, and the great outdoors. We muse over a world where the simulated starry nights indoors could rival the thrill of sleeping in nature's own cradle. The...

Prepare to be whisked from the playful world of innovative shower systems to the economic trials of Argentina, all within a single episode. With new President Javier Miele at the helm, we tackle the nation's inflation crisis head-on. Our discourse, laced with humor yet grounded in reality, explores the vibrant culture and fiscal challenges that define Argentina today. Beyond the whimsy of gravity-defying showers, we delve into Miele's libertarian strategies aimed at rejuvenating the economy,...

Ready to be part of a family like no other? Imagine a world where your kin might include a comedian, a policy wonk, or even a Brazilian goose trained as a security guard. That's the kind of wild ride we're inviting you on with Scott Moppen and Adam Prouse, as we tackle the outlandish yet thought-provoking concept of extended civil families, inspired by none other than Kurt Vonnegut. We promise an episode where laughter meets innovation, and you'll find yourself both entertained and...

We can't ignore the elephant in the room—climate change. The stark reality of its impacts, including the 2023 peak in coal usage, serves as a reminder that our actions today sculpt the world of tomorrow. Fasten your seatbelts as we zoom into the magnetic pull of cities like Austin, where the secret ingredient to its charm is nothing other than 'fun'. It's a provocative thought—the notion that a city's cultural vibrancy could be the magnet for economic prosperity. And we're not just talking...