Learn It from a Layman

Our full podcast is available on Patreon page. We discussed Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Who was the author, Mary Shelley? What in her history helps in understanding Frankenstein? Who is the protagonist and antagonist in the book? What books inspired Frankenstein? How do different generations view the story and who is at fault for the tragedies in the book? What books are a prerequisite to understand Frankenstein? What ...

We discuss the basics of hearing with Dr. Jonny. How does hearing work? What causes an ear infection? Why does your hearing get worse temporarily after going to a loud concert? How do you pronounce cochlea and did we just get canceled? How come some people can hear higher pitches? What happens when you pop your ears? What's happening in the ear when you have ringing in your ears? Are over headphones or earbuds better for your ears?...

We are starting a new series! Our Layman Book Club will be where we read and discuss books of any genre. Future Book Club podcasts will only be available on Patreon, so join us there if you want more. https://www.patreon.com/c/LearnItfromaLayman In this podcast, we discuss The Giver by Lois Lowry, and we are joined by a new cohost. What event inspired Lowry to write this book? What role does memory have for a community? What actual...

We are joined by CFO Jared Miller to discuss the basics of CFO and business finance. What's the difference between an accountant and a CFO? What are the job responsibilities of a CFO? What kind of schooling do CFOs traditionally have? What is EBITDA and how long has the concept been around? What kind of debt do companies have and do CFOs manage taking and repaying loans? Do CFOs need to know about tax law? Do CFOs work closely with...

We discuss the basics of fraud. What are some different types of fraud? How do you help minimize identity theft risk? What is phishing and how do you recognize it? What is a Ponzi scheme and why is it getting easier to perpetrate? What internet technologies can you use to investigate companies and investments? What kind of security and fraud issues can there be with phone apps? What is a fly-by-night company and how do you avoid ch...

We discuss the evolution of aviation. Where did aviation start? What steps were necessary before the Wright brothers could build the Wright Flyer? Who was Billy Mitchell and why was he court-martialed?  What happened in aviation during World War I? When was the first jet built? What affects did WWII have on aviation? What is the Concord and why was it discontinued? When did space travel spin off from aviation? What is the future of...

We are joined by Sam Andersen and Katie Christensen to discuss the basics of Human Resources (HR). What are the core responsibilities of HR? Why isn't HR like pizza? How do HR professionals feel when they have layoff an employee, and why shouldn't you do it like Better.com? What does Nick Bloom's research show about remote work and what's HR's role in figuring out how companies should implement remote policies? How do flexible work...

Joel Christensen joins us to discuss the basics of Electric Vehicles (EVs). What are the pros and cons of EVs? Where are EVs being adopted? What is the technology behind EV batteries and are they bad for the environment? Are charging stations being built at the same rate that EVs are being sold? What rate are EVs being sold? Are plug-in hybrids a sensible alternative? Where are EVs feasible and where are they not? Is there an actua...

We opine on the 10 worst creatures (species, not including individual human mass murderers of the past). What is a lamprey and is it the inspiration for the sandworm in Dune? Why are bats so ugly? What is an assassin bug? How many people do mosquitoes kill every year? Are crocodiles actually dinosaurs? What are Tsetse flies and how do they kill? Where and what variety of snake and spider are the worst and why? Listen to the definit...