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Episode 64: What is a Common Mycorrhizal Network? – features Dr. Jason Hoeksema, a conversation that explores what common mycorrhizal networks are, how large they can grow, and whether they truly benefit the plants they connect. Episode Summary: Dr. Jason Hoeksema is a plant ecologist and professor at the University of Mississippi who has studied mycorrhizal fungi and tree interactions since the early 1990s. He is co-author of a major 2023 review on mycorrhizal networks, has led international research collaborations in Europe, and has mentored graduate students while publishing findings on rare ectomycorrhizal plant discoveries. In this episode, he explains what common mycorrhizal networks actually are, how scientists study their size and structure, and why determining whether they benefit connected plants is far more complicated than it first appears. Listen as Dr. Hoeksema distinguishes common mycorrhizal networks from general fungal networks, describes the confounding factors that complicate experiments testing whether these networks benefit plants, and shares the surprising discovery of an unexpected ectomycorrhizal relationship in a rare European wildflower. In this episode we discuss: 01:36 – How Dr. Hoeksema first became fascinated with common mycorrhizal networks during graduate school04:28 – His path into plant ecology, starting from an early interest in birds06:38 – What distinguishes a "common mycorrhizal network" from general fungal networks or ecological interaction networks09:08 – How large common mycorrhizal networks can grow, and the uncertainty around their continuity over space and time11:25 – What resources and signals (phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon, water, and potential hormone signals) move through these networks12:32 – Open questions about whether resource movement is meaningful or simply random diffusion14:07 – Why testing whether common mycorrhizal networks benefit plants is experimentally difficult, including confounding effects from fungal community composition and soil volume restrictions20:51 – Findings from the meta-analysis showing highly variable outcomes—from strongly positive to strongly negative effects on plants22:22 – The personal and intellectual experience of re-examining his own past research for these confounding factors25:34 – How common mycorrhizal networks may vary across different biomes, tree species, and mycorrhizal types (ectomycorrhizal vs. arbuscular)25:41 – The research bias toward temperate Northern Hemisphere conifer forests and the need for more global studies28:24 – A surprising discovery of ectomycorrhizal fungi on Pulsatilla patens (pasque flower), a plant not expected to form this type of symbiosis32:30 – Advice for young researchers interested in mycorrhizal ecology and remaining open questions in the field35:35 – Where listeners can learn more about Dr. Hoeksema's workResources: Dr. Jason Hoeksema's research website This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 63: How Are High Performers Made? – features Dr. Alex Auerbach, exploring the science of how high performers optimize stress, environment, and psychology to deliver consistent results under pressure. Episode Summary: This episode features a conversation with Dr. Alex Auerbach, a performance psychologist who has worked with the Toronto Raptors and now the Jacksonville Jaguars. Listen as Dr. Auerbach breaks down what it really takes to become a high performer, how performance psychology principles apply well beyond professional sports, and why self-regulation and pressure management matter as much as raw talent. In this episode we discuss: 00:52 – Introducing Dr. Alex Auerbach01:42 – How Dr. Auerbach became interested in performance psychology04:45 – Earning a PhD in sport and performance psychology06:34 – Choosing the Toronto Raptors and building out a team mental performance program07:36 – The move from the Raptors to the Jacksonville Jaguars08:19 – Common challenges athletes bring to a performance psychologist09:19 – Navigating hierarchy and relationship issues between athletes and coaches12:02 – Understanding and managing performance anxiety14:44 – Concepts that carry over from athletes to high performers in any field17:04 – How high performers are made, using Steph Curry as an example18:09 – Why discipline looks different for every performer, from Jay-Z to Eminem19:47 – Finding and doubling down on your natural strengths22:37 – Solving the "transfer problem" between practice and real performance25:39 – Guidance for parents supporting a young athlete29:13 – The most surprising and humbling parts of the work30:51 – What to say to someone skeptical of performance psychology32:11 – Practical performance strategies anyone can use34:12 – The right and wrong ways to use visualization36:03 – Building better self-talk habits38:26 – Reframing rest and recovery as part of performance41:14 – Where to learn more from Dr. Auerbach and other resources42:09 – ConclusionResources: ⁠⁠Professional Website⁠⁠Called to Greatness BookThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 62: What Is Prosopagnosia? – features Dr. Brad Duchaine, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College, exploring the science, social impact, and neural mechanisms of face blindness. Episode Summary: This episode features a conversation with Dr. Brad Duchaine, a researcher with over two decades of experience studying face perception. Listen as Dr. Duchaine breaks down what prosopagnosia is, how the brain calculates facial measurements, the distinction between perception and memory deficits, the visual distortion condition known as PMO, and how face blindness impacts everyday social interactions. In this episode we discuss: ​00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Brad Duchaine and the question of prosopagnosia​01:17 – Pronunciation of prosopagnosia and Dr. Duchaine's early interest in the condition​02:31 – Specialized psychological mechanisms and entering face recognition research​03:27 – How the brain processes person recognition and measures facial characteristics​04:57 – Perceptual precision deficits vs. memory/indexing impairments in prosopagnosia​07:39 – Prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) and active facial feature distortions​10:48 – Causes of face blindness: Acquired prosopagnosia vs. developmental prosopagnosia​12:53 – How the internet expanded research access and public awareness​14:12 – Coping strategies, non-facial identity cues, and contextual recognition​16:03 – Testing for face blindness online (Cambridge Face Memory Test and famous face tests)​17:42 – Diagnostic thresholds and normal distribution of face recognition ability​19:03 – Current gaps in understanding neural computations and information processing​20:33 – Prevalence of developmental prosopagnosia and findings from public reach-out​22:03 – The "prosopagnosia epiphany" and validating past social experiences​23:51 – Social implications, interpersonal misunderstandings, and emotional costs​25:21 – Practical advice for navigating face recognition challenges with others​26:24 – Resources for learning more and participating in research​27:35 – ConclusionResources: ​⁠⁠Face Blind ResearchThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 61: What Is Morse Code? – features James Wades, President of the Morse Telegraph Club and Advisor on Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, exploring the language of dots and dashes. Episode Summary: This episode features a conversation with James, an expert in telegraphy and historical communication infrastructure. Listen as James breaks down what Morse code really is, how telegraphy shows up in early commercial and hidden industrial systems, why efficiency and rhythm patterns matter, how the technology evolved into the internet, and what separates American Morse code from International Morse code. In this episode we discuss: 00:36 – Introducing James Wades01:30 – How James Wades became interested in Morse code01:57 – Distinguishing American Morse code from International Morse code02:57 – The common myth of telegraph obsolescence and overlapping infrastructure technologies03:36 – The ubiquity and scale of early telegraphy infrastructure05:12 – The evolution of the technology, commercial advantages, and automatic switching09:36 – How automatic telegraph routing and switching evolved into the Internet11:24 – Public interactions with the telegraph and its invisible commercial industry users15:54 – Walter P. Phillips and the development of Phillips code shorthand17:05 – Using Phillips Code for rapid baseball play-by-play and news reporting21:23 – How Morse code characters are structured as rhythm patterns rather than manual translations24:54 – Efficiency in telegraphy through the disciplined elimination of unnecessary language28:48 – The economics of word-based charging systems30:19 – Understanding telegraphy as a holistic, practiced art form33:36 – Historical myths surrounding telegraph efficiency and the concept of the Victorian Internet36:36 – The distinct design elements and historical adoption of American and International Morse codes42:54 – Resources for learning more: The Morse Telegraph Club and the Long Island CW Club45:54 – ConclusionResources: ⁠The Morse Telegraph Club⁠Long Island CW ClubThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 60: What Is Mind-Wandering? – features Dr. Jonathan Schooler, exploring how the wandering mind shapes creativity, consciousness, and the way we understand attention. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Jonathan Schooler, a pioneer in the scientific study of consciousness and mental drift. Schooler draws back the curtain on the internal workings of the human brain, sharing firsthand insights from a career dedicated to mapping the default mode network and meta-awareness. Listen as Jonathan shares his transition from a preoccupied first-grader to a leading global authority on psychological and brain sciences. He provides a candid look at the daily realities of human productivity, the complexities of creative incubation, and his mission to help people optimize mental performance with tools like the "Finding Focus" app. In this episode, we discuss: 00:46 – Introducing Dr. Jonathan Schooler. 01:55 – Jonathan’s childhood proclivity for mind wandering and his first-grade report card. 02:53 – A teenage gift from his father that opened his lifelong interest in consciousness. 03:50 – Realizing the brain can read text while the mind is completely elsewhere. 04:47 – Defining meta-awareness as the intermittent taking stock of your own mind. 06:06 – Grounding the alternative: How mindfulness operates as the opposite of mental drift. 07:27 – The biological purpose of the default mode network in planning and creative incubation. 09:17 – Quantifying creative breakthroughs in daily routines among writers and physicists. 11:50 – Why complete idleness causes severe boredom, driving people to give themselves electric shocks. 12:51 – Defining "mind wondering" as the playful, curious exploration of thoughts. 14:51 – Catching negative rumination early using targeted meta-awareness. 15:23 – Utilizing intentional thought suppression techniques to actively curb unwanted ideas. 18:51 – Distinguishing between intentional, strategic drift and accidental, costly lapses. 20:59 – How meditation acts as a practical training ground for noticing lost focus. 22:40 – Moving past the societal guilt and negative stigmas tied to attention lapses. 24:18 – The real-world dangers of mind wandering during test-taking, reading, and driving. 25:37 – Tracking eye movements and gaze duration to identify exactly when a reader tunes out. 27:22 – Catching unaware episodes of mental drift through periodic experimental probes. 28:27 – The double punch of alcohol: Increasing cognitive lapses while destroying the awareness to notice them. 29:45 – Evaluating visual versus verbal mental imagery and its specific impact on memory. 31:22 – How creative individuals routinely mind-wander using highly bizarre imagery. 32:15 – Introspecting on the absolute limits of free will through the lens of meditation. 35:04 – The sailboat metaphor: Steering the rudder of free will through unpredictable internal currents. 37:30 – Nuancing attention deficit disorders as cognitive styles that feed specific creative niches. 39:47 – Introducing the Finding Focus app to build cognitive control in high schools nationwide. 41:50 – Why modern organizations must respect playful flights of fancy to fuel institutional innovation. 42:15 – Managing your front-row seat to the mind to observe and steer your thoughts. 44:24 – Final reflections on mildly engaging tasks, stopping rumination, and the cognitive toll of alcohol. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Finding Focus AppMETA LabThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 59: How Do Jails Work? – features David Thaxton, who explores the differences between jails and prisons, the reality of daily operations, and how the justice system can better serve society. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and David Thaxton, the retired Warden of the Wyandotte County Detention Center. Thaxton draws back the curtain on the internal workings of the jail system, sharing firsthand insights from a career that spanned over two decades in law enforcement and corrections. Listen as David shares his transition from the Army National Guard to the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office, eventually rising to the rank of Major of Support Services. He provides a candid look at the daily realities of managing a detention facility, the complexities of the justice system, and his post-retirement mission with "Beyond the Cell". In this episode, we discuss: 00:46 – Introducing David Thaxton 01:49 – David’s journey: From a GED at 20 to seeking a life of service. 02:40 – Joining the Kansas Army National Guard and his transition from construction work. 05:25 – The path to law enforcement: Why being a police officer felt similar to being a soldier. 06:40 – Starting at the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and the reality of being a "pod officer". 11:52 – Defining the difference: Jails vs. detention centers vs. prisons. 14:54 – Why jails are the "triage centers" of the justice system. 17:33 – The lack of rehabilitation resources in municipal jails. 20:33 – Why detention officers should be trained and viewed as law enforcement. 25:14 – The "Six Factors" of jail operation: Health, welfare, custody, control, safety, and security. 28:06 – Managing mental health and medical needs within a 500-person population. 31:12 – Evolution of training: Moving from a 5-day orientation to a 16-week program. 36:22 – The dangers of complacency and the importance of leadership in the pods. 44:33 – What can the system do better? Addressing trauma and the "people problem". 47:33 – Implementing Jail Intelligence Officers to break criminal cycles. 51:00 – The concept of a "Cognitive Deputy" and planting seeds for change. 59:15 – Shifting from punitive measures to mandatory positive engagement. 01:02:15 – Conclusion: The personal toll of service and final reflections. Resources: ⁠⁠Beyond the CellThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 58: What Are Omega-3s? – features Dr. Clemens von Schacky, a leading expert in fatty acids and creator of the Omega-3 Index, who shares his insights into omega-3s and how they impact human health. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Clemens von Schacky, a physician and researcher specializing in omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. von Schacky breaks down the science of omega-3s, explains their role in the body, and clarifies common misconceptions around supplementation and diet. Listen as Dr. von Schacky shares his journey into fatty acid research, the development of the Omega-3 Index, and practical guidance on how individuals can measure and optimize their omega-3 levels for better health. In this episode we discuss: 00:45 – Introducing Dr. Clemens von Schacky01:30 – How did you get into fatty acid research?04:39 – What are fatty acids, simply defined?07:12 – What are DHA and EPA, and why do they matter?09:00 – How do omega-3s impact cardiovascular health?13:21 – What is the Omega-3 Index?15:07 – Why has omega-3 research been inconsistent?18:00 – What are researchers studying now about omega-3s?20:33 – What is most misunderstood about omega-3s?21:54 – How do you effectively improve omega-3 levels?23:23 – Do you need to take omega-3s consistently?24:58 – Why athletes and certain populations are often deficient26:42 – The real-world impact of omega-3 levels on health28:27 – How to choose quality omega-3 supplements and testing30:27 – What advice do you have for the average person?32:06 – How can people learn more about your work?32:57 – ConclusionResources: ⁠Omegametrix⁠Dr. Clemens von Shacky's ResearchThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 57: How Do Cats Behave? – features Dr. Mikel Delgado, a leading cat behavior expert and researcher who shares her insights into the feline mind and how we can better understand our feline companions. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Mikel Delgado, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and author. Dr. Delgado breaks down the science of cat behavior, debunks common myths, and provides practical advice for improving the lives of indoor cats. Listen as Dr. Delgado shares her journey into animal science, the psychological needs of cats, and the leading research on how to build a better relationship with your pet. In this episode we discuss: 00:30 – Introducing Dr. Mikel Delgado01:34 – How did you become interested in Cats?03:47 – What common behavioral issues do cats have?07:13 – What is commonly misunderstood about cats?19:23 – Do different cat breeds have different temperaments?23:29 – What do we still not understand about cats?33:13 – What advice do you have for the average cat owner?42:49 – The importance of environmental enrichment59:24 – The science of play and feline predatory instincts1:07:07 – Neonatal kitten research and development1:18:58 – Building a career in animal behavior science1:31:10 – ConclusionResources: Dr. Delgado's WebsitePlay With Your Cat!This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 56: How Do You Survive Solitary Confinement? – features Leon Benson, who shares his journey from wrongful conviction and 10 consecutive years in solitary confinement to eventual exoneration. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Leon Benson, the Director of the Solitary Justice Project, who was wrongfully convicted and spent 12 years in solitary confinement. Listen as Leon shares his story of being wrongfully incarcerated, what it was like surviving years inside for a crime he did not commit, and the psychological toll of losing time, freedom, and identity. In this episode we discuss: 00:30 – Introducing Leon Benson01:34 – Wrongful arrest and murder conviction03:47 – Eyewitness misidentification and flawed evidence07:13 – 60-year sentence, entering prison young19:23 – False accusation, sent to solitary20:53 – Solitary confinement conditions and isolation23:29 – Personal loss, appeals denied, breaking point33:13 – Indefinite isolation, “existential purgatory”37:21 – Finding meaning through philosophy, mindset42:49 – Turning isolation into mental survival59:24 – Advocacy, growth, release from solitary1:07:07 – Mentorship, leadership, prison programs1:18:58 – Clemency effort leads to legal help1:22:00 – Conviction Integrity Unit takes case1:23:10 – Exoneration and release in 20231:23:45 – Reentry advice and mental wellness1:31:10 – ConclusionResources: ⁠Exoneration RegistryLeon's WritingThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 55: What Is Good Design? – features Debbie Millman, breaking down good design as intention, effortlessness, and respect for the human experience. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Debbie Millman, a designer, author, educator, and host of the Design Matters podcast. Listen as Debbie breaks down what good design really is, how design shows up in everyday life, why intention and effortlessness matter, how taste evolves, and what separates good design from great design. In this episode we discuss: 00:27 – Introducing Debbie Millman03:00 – Where design exists in everyday life04:00 – Design as intention-making05:30 – What good design feels like (effortlessness, comfort, safety)09:20 – Common design challenges and constraints13:10 – What separates good design from great22:30 – How design has evolved with technology24:30 – AI-generated design 26:30 – How taste changes over time29:40 – Advice for aspiring designers30:40 – Learning more31:10 – ConclusionResources: Debbie's WebsiteDesign Matters PodcastThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 54: What Is Dermatology? – features board-certified dermatologist Dr. Edidiong Kaminska as she breaks down the most common skin issues, the biggest myths in skin care, and how to build an effective routine backed by science. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Dr. Edidiong Kaminska, a board-certified medical and surgical dermatologist, published author, and reviewer for the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Listen as Dr. Kaminska explains what dermatology really is, the most frequent skin concerns people face, the science behind proper skin care, and the misconceptions that often lead people astray. In this episode we discuss: 00:27 - Introducing Dr. Edidiong Kaminska08:41 - Common Dermatology Visits19:07 - Skin Care Product Selection22:56 - Common Skin Conditions by Age Group27:14 - Dermatology Misunderstandings35:42 - How to Select a Provider39:19 - Learning More40:21 - ConclusionResources: ⁠⁠⁠Kaminska DermatologyLinkedInThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 53: What Is Creatine? – features one of the world’s most published creatine researchers Dr. Richard B. Kreider as he breaks down how creatine actually works, what the research shows, and who benefits most. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Dr. Richard B. Kreider, a leading authority in exercise and sport nutrition with 300+ peer-reviewed studies and 29,000+ citations. Listen as Dr. Kreider breaks down what creatine really is, how it works in the body, the research-backed benefits across age groups, and the biggest myths surrounding one of the most studied supplements in the world. In this episode we discuss: 00:27 - Introducing Dr. Richard B. Kreider08:26 - Where is Creatine found?10:20 - Advice on Creatine Products15:41 - Creatine Onboarding22:13 - Creatine Benefits25:51 - People New to Creatine30:01 - Creatine Side Effects32:44 - Addressing Misconceptions 44:00 - What can we still learn?48:36 - Advice for Curious Listeners50:24 - ConclusionResources: ⁠⁠Google ScholarLinkedInThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.

Episodes 40-52: Highlights features our best moments from the past year, featuring a world-class expert in behavioral economics, an exoneree, a UFC fighter, a voice actor, a homicide detective, and an open-source creator. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast brings you the best moments from the last 13 episodes. We've condensed insightful highlights on topics like competitive eating, UFC, and Rett Syndrome. Whether you're a new listener or a loyal fan, this episode offers a perfect snapshot of what our podcast is all about. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Introduction00:37 - Episode 40: International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) Family & Community Engagement Manager, Samantha Brant03:17 - Episode 41: Intellectual Property Rights Lawyer, Karin Coger04:44 - Episode 42: Taekwondo Grandmaster, Jinsue Park08:42 - Episode 43: Exoneree, Dr. Marvin Cotton Jr.11:33 - Episode 44: Competitive Eater, George Chiger13:18 - Episode 45: UFC Fighter, Angela “Overkill” Hill14:55 - Episode 46: Psychiatrist, Dr. Tahir Rahman15:54 - Episode 47: Bluetooth & Wireless Expert, Nick Hunn17:32 - Episode 48: Speedcuber, Tommy Cherry18:54 - Episode 49: Homicide Detective, Sgt. Dave Walker20:03 - Episode 50: Voice Actor, Billy West22:07 - Episode 51: Behavioral Economist, Dan Ariely23:35 - Episode 52: Peppermint OS Co-Founder, Shane Remington25:56 - Conclusion & Closing RemarksThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠here⁠.

Episode 52: What Is Peppermint OS? – features Peppermint OS Co-Founder Shane Remington as he shares the story behind building an open source Linux distribution. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Shane Remington, co-founder and former COO of Peppermint OS, the innovative Linux distribution that blends cloud computing with the desktop experience. Listen as Shane shares the story of building Peppermint OS from the ground up, the challenges of launching and sustaining an open-source operating system, and the future of Linux and community-driven software. In this episode we discuss: 00:29 - Introducing Shane Remington01:56 - Learning about Open Source software 11:59 - What is Linux?13:09 - Different Types of Software16:33 - Creation of Peppermint OS25:39 - Challenges Faced27:38 - Evolution of Peppermint OS31:38 - Advice for Others33:37 - Learning More36:04 - ConclusionResources: ⁠Peppermint OS⁠Peppermint OS Reddit⁠⁠Shane's LinkedInThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.

Episode 51: What Is Behavioral Economics? - features renowned behavioral economist Dan Ariely as he unpacks the forces behind our purchasing choices and personal decisions. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Dan Ariely, the celebrated behavioral economist and three-time New York Times–bestselling author of Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty. Listen as Dan shares captivating stories from his Duke University research lab, practical strategies for applying behavioral economics in business and personal life. In this episode we discuss: 00:29 - Introducing Dan Ariely01:32 - Becoming a Behavioral Economist05:11 - Behavioral Economics vs Classic Economics 10:33 - Psychological Factors That Impact Decision Making21:01 - Strategies Businesses Use26:49 - Personal Beliefs37:18 - Voting for Politicians 43:07 - Advice for Others47:31 - Learning More48:35 - ConclusionResources: TED Talks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Page⁠Dan's Website⁠This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here