Advertise on podcast: Water Cooler Talk Podcast

Original Air Date: August 25th, 2020 Joined by special guest host Felipe De Brigard, Adam and Felipe discuss nostalgia and why we enjoy the same things over and over again and how Little Red Riding Hood packing heat is allowing our government to re-write history. Corrections.

Joined by guest host Matt Alt, author of “Pure Invention: How Japan Made The Modern World”, Adam and Matt explore the dynamics that have propelled anime and other Japanese-inspired content to the forefront in the Western hemisphere, how innovations like the Walkman and Game Boy reshaped the technological landscape, and the importance of nurturing your inner child to live a fulfilling life. First, Adam and Matt discuss the surging popularity of anime among mainstream audiences and how Japan’s focus on uniqueness, and being “cool”, puts them ahead in the cultural dominance race. Then, they explore the advantages of embracing your inner child to live a happier life, and the great regression associated with being forced to “grow up”, when sometimes we just need comfort. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! (Matt Alt: https://blog.pureinventionbook.com/)

Joined by guest host Mark Reiff, a political philosopher at UC Davis, Adam and Mark ponder the potential of Taylor Swift fans to thwart the rise of anti-establishment politicians, particular those fond of leather jackets and chainsaws, explore within the domain of political perfectionism, and address the growing belief that political violence is increasingly seen as the answer to the woes faced by the US. First, Adam and Mark dissect the reactions of Javier Milei election as president of Argentina and how viral campaigns by Swifties and BTS Army to stop his ascent, could foster unique cultural connection. Then, they respond to the release of startling poll numbers indicating a growing willingness among US citizens to embrace political violence, and why anger is frequently becoming an initial resort. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! (Mark Reiff: www.MarkReiff.org)

Before we officially head into 2024, we revisit our five favorite stories from 2023. Enjoy!

Joined by guest host Lizzie Wade, contributing correspondent for Science magazine, Adam and Lizzie engage in a conversation about the significance of native languages when writing their history, the aftermath of living through a catastrophe, and blaming the British Empire for climate change concerns. First, Adam and Lizzie dig a bit deeper in the discovery of a new, old language, in Turkiye, and how it’s discovery, and words like “rizz”, give insightful context to the history of an almost forgotten people. Then, they contemplate blaming climate change on the British, but instead discuss colonialism, and its track record of impeding the development of smaller nations through resource exploitation. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! (Lizzie Wade: www.LizzieWade.com)

Joined by guest host Dr. Nicole Cooke, current holder of the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and professor at the University of South Carolina, Adam and Nicole discuss the implications of banning certain books in prisons, the importance of free libraries, and illuminate the need to keep teachers happy. First, Adam and Nicole contextualize the absurd reasons why prisons in the US have been banning certain “controversial” books from their prison, including ramen cookbooks and romance novels. Then, they explore the obstacles faced by teachers, as school boards address the increasing shortage of educators by recruiting beyond their own borders, essentially brain draining developing countries. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! (Dr. Nicole Cooke: www.bit.ly/BakerLectures)

Joined by guest host Hajar Yazdiha, Assistant Professor of Sociology and author of “The Struggle For The People’s King”, Adam and Hajar converse over inclusive language, and its impact on space-themed RPGs, the misremembered legacy of Martin Luther King Jr, and self-expression through natural hair. First, Adam and Hajar blast off into “wokeness” as a loud gaming minority critique Starfield’s character pronoun options, emphasizing the importance of language evolving in sync with social change. Then, they discuss a Texas high schooler’s suspension over wearing his natural hair, shedding light on how systems, such as dress codes, perpetuate subtle mechanisms of racial and economic control. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! (Hajar Yazdiha: www.HajarYazdiha.com)

Joined by guest host Lucey Dwyer of Learning Tings, Adam and Lucey dive into the depths of what is and isn’t true on the internet; how Barbie, Shrek, and meme marketing have ironically reshaped the advertisement industry, and why para-social relationships may not be as detrimental as once believed. First, Adam and Lucey partake in Barbenheimer fever, aiming to convey the importance that was the cultural moment of the summer and if we truly understand if we’re always being marketed to or not. Then, they traverse the realm of content creation, discussing the dystopian nature of influencer farms, the complexities of para-social relationships, and how long is too long to hold on to childhood crushes. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! (Lucey Dwyer: YouTube.com/Lucey)

Joined by guest host Maya Ford, cultural communications expert behind the Ford Momentum!, Adam and Maya explore strained relationships between municipalities and their residents, as well as the rather unconventional links that demonstrate how activities such as pickleball and discussing Avatar can unexpectedly contribute to the development of a stronger, healthier community. First, Adam and Maya serve themselves into the world of tennis to discuss how increased court fees are placing limits on residents’ aspirations to follow in the footsteps of local tennis hero, Chris Eubanks. Then, they scrutinize the illogical rationale to continue “poverty tows” in the city of San Diego, despite a recent audit exposing the practice as a costly loss-loss for the city, and its car-dependent residents. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! (Maya Ford: www.TheFordMomentum.com)

Joined by guest host Dr. Mark Williams, esteemed neuroscience educator and author behind the #1 bestseller “The Connected Species”, Adam and Mark discuss the profound significance of personal connection in nurturing healthy brains, exploring the effects of phone use during daily conversations, and how companionship, feathered or not, has a remarkable ability to add years to your life. First, Adam and Mark unpack the relatively new term “phubbing”, shedding light on how our fixation on smartphones and online friendships can inadvertently contribute to making us feel more alone. Then, they ponder a Turkish man’s decision to rescue an injured swan to further illuminate the essential role of building and maintaining healthy friendship in shaping the human brain’s well-being. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! (Dr. Mark Williams: www.DrMarkWilliams.com)

Joined by guest host Dr. Marie Nicolini, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Neurosurgery and Neurosciences at UT Southwestern, Adam and Marie dive into the world of end of life care, expanding upon the intricacies of treatments, processes, and stigma that surrounds these crucial conversations. First, Adam and Marie explore how societal attitudes towards ending one’s life has evolved over time and why acknowledging and addressing mental health struggles can lead to more inclusive treatment. Then, they build a conversation around assisted death, how we distinguish between patients with conditions that are curable and non-curable, and the power of language in shaping discourse. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! Dr. Marie Nicolini (www.MarieNicolini.com)

Joined by guest host Antonia Malchik, essayist and author of the book “A Walking Life”, Adam and Antonia discuss the profound impact the pioneers of the auto industry had on our walking world and how short-sighted decisions from modern day politicians mirror the historical exploitation of public lands. First, Adam and Antonia work through conspiracy and navigate the odd relationship between the anti-bike brigade and QAnon, unraveling their protests against the concept of a 15-minute neighborhood. Then, the conversation shifts to the short-sightedness of Utah politicians’, as they point fingers at trees for using too much water, highlighting the crucial need to redefine our understanding of water rights to help shape effective policy. Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! (Antonia Malchik: Antonia.Substack.com)