Water Cooler Talk Podcast

Joined by guest host, Dr. Elaine Schattner (29:35), cancer survivor, former oncologist, and author of “From Whispers To Shouts: The Way We Talk About Cancer”, Adam and Elaine discuss how Hollywood distorts patients’ fears surrounding diagnoses, the profound influence of advocacy groups for early cancer treatments, and the potential for AI in aiding doctors as they navigate potential treatment avenues. First, Adam and Elaine dive into the distortion of patients’ fears surrounding cancer diagnoses created by Hollywood portrayals in movies such as 50/50 and The Fault In Our Stars, exploring the impact movies and TV shows have on the perception of medical diagnoses, treatments, and mortality (06:21). Then, they touch upon the increasing use of AI in everyday medical practice, its potential in aiding doctors in navigating treatment options, contrasted to the enduring significance of doctor-patient relationships in delivering compassionate care and fostering successful treatment journeys (47:52). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Films Featuring Cancer Stories Can Scare Patients Google’s New AI Is Learning To Diagnose Patients [Episode Links] Dr. Elaine Schattner (Website) EveryTown For Gun Safety (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 095

Joined by guest host Adam L. Spencer (36:30), sports agent and consultant at Spencer Group International, the Adam’s discuss reasons behind the waning appeal of hosting major international event like the Olympics and World Cup, the transformative impact of NIL deals on sports markets, and the importance of equal representation in the sports journalism industry. First, the Adam’s explore the ascent of autocratic regimes shouldering the duties of hosting international events uncontested, and poor infrastructure planning creating economic pitfalls for communities that lay in the shadows of unusable mega stadiums (07:12). Then, they revisit narratives surrounding iconic athletes such as Allen Iverson, shedding light on the importance of representation and depth in sports journalism, and the importance of journalists having a layered connected to the subjects they cover (56:07). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Why The Race To Host World Sporting Events Has Slowed To A Halt Sports Media Needs More Athlete Apologists [Episode Links] Adam L. Spencer (Website) The Black Veterans Project (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 094

Original Air Date: November 17th, 2020 Joined by special guest host Mika Pollack, executive director at Safest Drug (24:45), Adam and Mika discuss how illegal prescription drugs are being found in brain boosting supplements (02:40) and if medical tourism is the answer to rising prescription drug prices in the US (34:01). Corrections (60:02). Enjoy! [Episode Stories] Study Finds Russian Prescription Drugs Hiding In “Brain Boosting” Supplements To Fight High Drug Prices, Utah Will Pay Public Employees To Go Fill Prescriptions In Mexico [Episode Links] Original Episode (PodBean) Safest Drug (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Rehydrate Episode 053

Original Air Date: August 25th, 2020 Joined by special guest host Felipe De Brigard (19:56), Adam and Felipe discuss nostalgia and why we enjoy the same things over and over again (05:54) and how Little Red Riding Hood packing heat is allowing our government to re-write history (29:34). Corrections (66:23). Enjoy! [Episode Stories] On Repeat: Why People Watch Movies And Shows Over And Over The N.R.A. Reimagines Classic Fairy Tales, With Guns [Episode Links] Original Episode (PodBean) El Centro Hispano (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Rehydrate Episode 045

An update for February 6th! [Episode Links] Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com)

Joined by guest host Matt Alt (30:46), 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 (04:24). 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 (48:06). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] How Anime Culture Is Taking Over The Internet A Path To Well-Being: Recognize Your Inner Child [Episode Links] Matt Alt (Blog) Second Harvest Japan (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 093

Joined by guest host Mark Reiff (42:38), 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 Argentina president and how viral campaigns by Swifties and BTS Army to stop his ascent, could foster unique cultural connection (06:31). 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 (59:46). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Taylor Swift And BTS Superfans Are Rallying Against Argentina’s Far-Right Startling New Poll Finds Political Violence Gaining A Mainstream Foothold [Episode Links] Mark Reiff (Website) Sacramento SPCA (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 092

Before we officially head into 2024, we revisit our five favorite stories from 2023. Enjoy! [Episode Stories] Ed Sheeran Threatens To Quit Music If Found Guilty In Copyright Infringement Case Asia’s ‘Influencer Farms’ Are Dystopian, But American Isn’t Much Better Black Student Suspended Twice For Hairstyle, School Says It Isn’t Discrimination Mexico’s President Blames US Fentanyl Crisis On “...lack of love, of brotherhood, of hugs” Plans For A More Walkable, Bikeable Oxford Anger Conspiracy Theorists [Episode Links] Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 091

Joined by guest host Lizzie Wade (33:51), 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 context to the history of an almost forgotten people (02:24). 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 (49:06). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Archaeologists Found An Entirely New Language Among The Ruins Of An Ancient Empire British Empire’s Past Emissions ‘Double UK’s Climate Responsibility’ [Episode Links] Lizzie Wade (Website) Indigenous Journalists Association (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 090

Joined by guest host Dr. Nicole Cooke (38:22), current holder of the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and professor at the University of South Carolina, Adam and Nicole discuss the implications of banning 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 (06:37). Then, they explore the obstacles faced by teachers, as school boards address the increasing shortage of educators by recruiting beyond their borders, essentially brain draining developing countries (49:14). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] New Report Finds ‘Staggering Number’ Of Books Banned In U.S. Prisons Jamaica Fears Brain Drain As Teachers Leave For U.S. Schools [Episode Links] Dr. Nicole Cooke (Baker Chair Website) AAPF (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 089

November 7th Update [Episode Links] Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com)

Joined by guest host Hajar Yazdiha, Assistant Professor of Sociology and author of “The Struggle For The People’s King” (27:44), 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 (04:56). Then, they discuss a 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 (50:09). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Nexus Mods Boots Starfield Mod That Removed Pronoun Options Black Student Suspended Twice For Hairstyle, School Says It Isn’t Discrimination [Episode Links] Hajar Yazdiha (www.HajarYazdiha.com) Zinn Education Project (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 088

Joined by guest host Lucey Dwyer of Learning Tings (28:07), 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 (04:56). 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 (42:34). Learning Tings Teaser (95:24) Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Woman Named ‘Barbie Oppenheimer’ Says She’s Having Trouble Checking Into Hotels Asia’s ‘Influencer Farms’ Are Dystopian, But American Isn’t Much Better [Episode Links] Lucey Dwyer (YouTube.com/Lucey) MS Australia (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 087

Joined by guest host Maya Ford, cultural communications expert behind Ford Momentum (35:04), 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 hero, Chris Eubanks (07:11). 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 loss-loss for the city, and its car-dependent residents (53:13). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Families Say They’re Priced Out Of Youth Tennis California Cities Lose Money And Harm Citizens With ‘Poverty Tows’ [Episode Links] Maya Ford (Ford Momentum) Documented NY (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 086

Joined by guest host Dr. Mark Williams, esteemed neuroscience educator and author behind the bestseller “The Connected Species” (28:15), Adam and Mark discuss the profound significance of personal connection in nurturing healthy brains, exploring the effects of phone use during 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 (03:21). 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 (48:27). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! *AUGUST ONLY, use code RLAUGHOT23 at checkout for 30% off "The Connect Species" (Link)* [Episode Stories] You Probably Don’t Know What ‘Phubbing’ Is, But You Do It Constantly Turkish Man Strikes Up 37-Year Friendship With Swan [Episode Links] Dr. Mark Williams (www.DrMarkWilliams) The Kokoda Challenge (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 085

Joined by guest host Dr. Marie Nicolini, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Neurosurgery and Neurosciences at UT Southwestern (30:11), 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 (05:16). 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 (39:44). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! *This episode contains discussions about suicide and euthanasia* [Episode Stories] People At Risk of Suicide Facing Deportation To Rwanda Told To Try Sudoku Some Dutch People Seeking Euthanasia Cite Autism Or Intellectual Disabilities [Episode Links] Dr. Marie Nicolini (www.MarieNicolini.com) The Trevor Project (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 084

Joined by guest host Antonia Malchik, essayist and author of the book “A Walking Life” (42:47), 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 (06:33). 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 (01:21:11). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Plans For A More Walkable, Bikeable Oxford Anger Conspiracy Theorists Are Trees ‘The Enemy?’ Some Utah Lawmakers Claim Overgrown Forests Suck Too Much Water [Episode Links] Antonia Malchik (Antonia.Substack.com) The Flathead Warming Center (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 083

Joined by guest host Terry Tucker, founder of Motivational Check and author of “Sustainable Excellence” (29:37), Adam and Terry converse over the importance of challenging your beliefs through uncomfortable conversations and why yelling at Little League players may not contribute to healthy communication. First, Adam and Terry discuss the repercussions of a college group’s decision to disinvite a controversial speaker from their uncomfortable conversation series and the dangers of unchallenged viewpoints (07:10). Then, they criticize the behavior of unruly parents who resort to yelling at Little League players and umpires, emphasizing the harmful consequences it has on how we communicate with one another (40:02). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Speaker Disinvited From ‘Uncomfortable Learning’ Series For Making Students Uncomfortable Town Forces Argumentative Parents To Be Umpires At Little League Games [Episode Links] Terry Tucker (www.MotivationalCheck.com) Marist High School in Chicago (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 082

Update For June 20th [Podcast Links] Website (www.WaterCoolerTalkPod.com) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com)

Joined by guest host Roger Mathew Grant, Professor of Music, and Dean of Arts and Humanities at Wesleyan University (23:07), Adam and Roger explore the evolution of music since the “reality show ready” era of the composers of the 18th century and how classical vibrations may dissuade Wrexham youngsters. First, Adam and Roger scrutinize a McDonald's attempt to use classical music to deter unruly youngsters, and it's weird connection to how the language of music has evolved and changed throughout history (04:25). Then, they tightrope through the Ed Sheeran, Marvin Gaye lawsuit and offer insight into the world of musical borrowing and how 18th century composers, especially Bach, set the tone for artistic theft (40:59). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler! [Episode Stories] Wrexham McDonald’s Plays Classical Music To Deter Bad Behaviour Ed Sheeran Threatens To Quit Music If Found Guilty In Copyright Infringement Case [Episode Links] Roger Mathew Grant (University Website) Carnegie Hall Lullaby Project (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 081