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 in...

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 ...

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...

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 Tale...

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 s...

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 Ma...

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 h...

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 word...

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 thei...

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, empha...

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...

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 o...

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 t...

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 addre...

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, ...

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 un...

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...

Joined by John Basl, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Northeastern University (29:09), Adam and John embark on a captivating conversation around the ever-evolving and shifting landscape of technology due to the meteoric rise of AI and language model tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard.

First, Adam and John ponder the disruptive impact of ChatGPT on the “contract cheating” market in Kenya and how the WGA strike is, ...

Joined by guest Lya Badgley, author of “The Foreigner’s Confession” (33:50), Adam and Lya offer insights into the impact of climate on sensitive vegetables as well as the rise of AI and its implications for creativity.

First, Adam and Lya delve into the effects of climate change on kimchi by exploring how increasingly extreme weather occurrences are transforming iconic and beloved cultural dishes across the globe (08:01).

Then, thr...