An 11 year old girl got on the wrong street car in Toronto after a school field trip ended early and somehow she was allowed to wander off on her own and head home by herself.  The train line ended in a part of the city she was unfamiliar with.  She asked random people on the street if she could use their phone to call her mom for help.  Somehow everyone had a work phone that they could not use for personal reasons, or they somehow didn't have a phone on them at all.

The 11 year old remembered what her mother told her "libraries are safe places and if you are ever in trouble head to the library."  So that's what 11 year old Esther (great name!) did.  But the librarian had not been told that libraries are safe places and told Esther "go use the pay phone outside."  Gen Alpha do not know what payphones are (phones are free!) or how to use them.

Esther was found crying on a street corner by a kind woman (finally an adult has arrived!) who offered her personal cell phone and helped Esther call her mother.

The library has apologized and will be reviewing their policies and protocols.

Canada used to be filled with nice people, but that seems to have changed.  However they still have payphones so maybe that's a plus!

Our AI overlord says:

Welcome to the festive season with Theo and Juliette on Apologies Accepted as they delve into an intriguing mix of holiday preparations and public apologies. In this episode, the dynamic duo explores a recent incident at the Toronto Public Library, where an 11-year-old girl was denied phone access to contact her mother, sparking public outrage and a formal apology from the library. Through a lively discussion, they examine the responsibilities of public institutions, the significance of community support, and the importance of maintaining public resources for vulnerable members of society.

As Theo shares his holiday adventures in Palm Springs, balancing family visits and Christmas preparations, Juliette chronicles her unexpected encounter with a tornado warning in San Francisco. Together, they reflect on the year 2024, ponder over AI's societal implications, and discuss the role of libraries as safe havens. With wit and warmth, this episode offers an entertaining yet thoughtful commentary on societal issues, the spirit of generosity, and the essence of community care.

President Yoon of South Korea declared martial law and sent the military to surround the Korean National Assembly building where the Korean parliament meets to vote.  Helicopters landed on the top of the building in an attempt to keep lawmakers OUT OF THE BUILDING.

The South Korean people were outraged.  Korea is a democratic republic, the same as the United States.  People took to the streets, mothers of soldiers grounded them for life, and brave Korean lawmakers SCALED FENCES WHILE GUNS POINTED AT THEM.  A video has gone viral around the world that shows Ms. Ahn Gwi-ryeong, 35, a former TV anchor who serves as spokesperson for the opposition Democratic party, grabbing a soldier's gun out of his hands while it was pointed at her.

She said: “A lot of people were fighting against martial law troops so I just thought I also had to stop them.”

Ms. Gwi-ryeong knows whats up and is now the official worldwide mascot of democracy.

We've bought her tickets to arrive to the US on Jan 20 to help save us all.

President Yoon apologized a few days later for the upset he caused.  What made him declare martial law in the first place and how does a Dior purse figure into all of this mess?

Please note that the AI recap makes us sound very politically astute:

Join Theo and Juliette in this exciting episode of Apologies Accepted as they explore the world of public apologies from politicians, serial killers, actors, and everyday people. This week, they delve into the recent scandal involving the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, and the infamous Dior handbag gifted to First Lady Kim.

Discover the details behind President Yoon's declaration of martial law and the political chaos it unleashed, leading to questions of impeachment and a public apology. Theo and Juliette take an entertaining and insightful look at the response of South Korea's National Assembly and the public's stance on democracy and authoritarian measures.

Join the conversation as they discuss the power dynamics at play, both in South Korea and with potential implications closer to home. It's an episode filled with humor, analysis, and a critical look at the apologies of the powerful.

Way back when the world was easier to understand (it wasn't), The President of Russia and the Chancellor of Germany held a face-to-face meeting.  Putin (President of Russia and now America) brought his black labrador retriever into the meeting to "welcome" the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel.

The Chancellor had a well-known fear of dogs, but held her fear in check and continued on with the meeting.

Years later, in her memoir, "Freedom," she recounted the incident.  Putin issued an apology, claiming he didn't know she was afraid of dogs.

Then everyone held hands and the world was a better place.  The End.

We're here to celebrate this brave new world by evaluating Putin's apology and speculate as to his many motives.

In honor of Thanksgiving, here is a super special bonus encore episode of our fan favorite, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.  If you are celebrating or not, we wish you the very best for the upcoming holiday season.  May your Quorn Roast be toasted to perfection!

Snoopy is cooking Thanksgiving dinner and everyone is invited!  Jelly Beans and toast for all - including Franklin, the only black kid in the world of Charlie Brown and Peanuts!  Franklin gets a seat at the table all by himself as the other kids crowd around the opposite side of the table.  Some people see this moment in the show as emblematic of the black experience in America: included but excluded at the same time.  Other people see this as Franklin getting a place of honor: by sitting alone he stands out amidst all the chaos of a dog and bird cooking and serving everyone dinner.  Some people see racism, some see cartoon fun, but everyone can agree that a dog and a bird shouldn’t have to do all the work while a bunch of kids sit around and complain about the food.

What is Thanksgiving, where does it come from, what’s the fact vs. fiction in the history of Thanksgiving?  And what about Snoopy – is there racism going on and is there an actual apology being made by anyone for Franklin sitting all alone at a table crowded with white friends?

Get ready to dish (sorry) about the tasteful (sorry) history of Franklin, his first appearance, his meaning and importance in the world of Peanuts (sorry and yes, we’re using it as a food pun), and the sweet (sorry) teacher from Los Angeles who helped flavor (sorry) his creation.

AI Recap:

Welcome to another engaging episode of Apologies Accepted. Join Theo and Juliette as they explore the intricate layers of Thanksgiving history and the cultural nuances spotlighted in the iconic Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special. From the harrowing journey of the pilgrims to the 1973 animated celebration, they shed light on historical narratives, discuss the introduction of Franklin as Peanuts' first African-American character, and delve into the recent discussions on diversity and representation in media.

The episode navigates through Harriet Glickman's pivotal role in encouraging Charles Schultz to create Franklin, reflecting on 1968 America post-MLK assassination, and the personal narratives of those who've seen themselves reflected in Peanuts. Whether it’s the inadvertent symbolism of seating arrangements or the broader societal implications, Theo and Juliette critically assess Schultz’s legacy and its resonance today.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that poignantly mixes nostalgia with a contemporary lens, challenging us all to reflect on inclusion, equality, and the significance of mainstream representation.

It's THANKSGIVING!  You might be traveling to your family's house right now for some great political debate and dinner.  We know what's up and remember that family gatherings are only made better by reminding yourself that you are an adult and allowed to drink all the alcohol you want.  Get loaded and let Uncle Man and Aunt Lady know what you really think of their dry-ass turkey!

And now, for the episode.

Right Coast Pizza put out an ad in an edgy music magazine.  The ad showed a pilgrim woman offering a pizza to an indigenous man and apologizing for "all the smallpox."  The ad was meant to be funny, but instead it created a social media backlash and both the magazine and the restaurant apologized.  A town meeting was held and ended in hugs, but did that make everything OK?

Thanksgiving is a national holiday that was meant to unite a divided American country after a terrible and bloody civil war.  It later became the starting line in the race to Christmas, but it has always been intended as the one holiday that everyone can celebrate as an American.

Except that not everyone sees Thanksgiving as something to celebrate and says "no thank you" to pizza and smallpox.

The Official AI Recap:

Welcome to "Apologies Accepted," where hosts Theo and Juliette take a dive into the nuances of public apologies, offering a unique lens on historical and contemporary issues. In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, they wander through a light-hearted discussion on holiday traditions and swiftly move into a thought-provoking examination of cultural sensitivity, sparked by an ill-fated Thanksgiving advertisement from a Colorado pizza restaurant.

The ad featured a racially insensitive portrayal of a Thanksgiving scene, leading to public backlash and serious discussions about the perception of historical events. Theo and Juliette analyze the situation, additional context of smallpox-infected blankets as biological warfare against Native Americans, and explore the intricacies of offering a sincere apology in situations entwined with racial insensitivity.

Rosslyn Adams had worked along side and supported trans women for years.  When faced with a question regarding a crisis counselor's biological sex, Rosslyn found herself in the crossroads of 21st century gender politics.  She also found herself the subject of an HR investigation which lead to her resignation.  She sued the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Center and one of the conditions of the suit was a public apology.  She won her case and received her apology - but was it really an apology?

We're here to rate ERCC's apology and solve the problem of gender identity politics!

Note to listeners: this episode contains discussion of sexual assault and may not be suitable for all listeners, particularly for our younger listeners.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault and in need of support, help is available for free.  Contact RAINN (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network) online or by phone:

online chat:  online.rainn.org

phone: 800-656.4673

Our AI overlord explains the episode this way:

The latest episode of Apologies Accepted delves into contemporary issues surrounding public apologies, gender identity, and societal beliefs. Theo and Juliette discuss the intricate case involving the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Center, where an employee faced dismissal over gender-critical beliefs. The episode sheds light on the challenges of balancing personal beliefs and professional duties while ensuring inclusivity and respect for all individuals.

Beyond serious discussions, the hosts share personal anecdotes about their love for Thanksgiving and the joyous traditions that come with it. Tune in as Theo and Juliette blend meaningful discourse with light-hearted banter, providing listeners with insight and entertainment in equal measure.

Election night was not a great night for Laura Helmuth, editor-in-chief of Scientific American.  Like many of her fellow Americans, she was dismayed by the final results.  She took to social media (always a great idea!) to share her thoughts and feelings.  She used some choice language for Trump supporters and within hours her post migrated from Bluesky (a Twitter competitor) over to "X" (formerly Twitter and now just a garbage pile of right wing propaganda).  Her post went viral in right-wing media.  Laura deleted her posts, resigned from her position, and issued an apology for her lapse of judgement.

This episode considers the shifting landscape of social media, highlighting the migration from Twitter to platforms like Bluesky, as well as the broader question of forgiveness in a politically divided society.

Join the hosts as they navigate through personal anecdotes, the role of social media in modern politics, and the challenging process of reconciling relationships with those holding opposing political views. This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of accountability, forgiveness, and the power of words in the digital age.

An officer of the Sheriff's Department in Ohio posted a note on social media warning everyone in the county that he was going to double-check who you voted for before he would help you.  If you voted for the wrong candidate, you were on your own (two guesses as to who he thought the right candidate was).

But then quick came the apology when he discovered that not everyone thought his post was demure, or mindful, or respectful.

Also he had no memory of posting the statements and was as surprised as everyone else that after 20 years of service he would ever dishonor his department with threats of political retaliation.

Politics (and family relations) will not be the same as America and the world are about to discover that you can't always go along to get along.

In this episode of "Apologies Accepted," hosts Theo and Juliette delve into the recent uproar surrounding a Halloween parade in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. A float featuring a controversial depiction of Vice President Kamala Harris has sparked outrage, invoking painful memories of America's past.

The hosts explore the community's reaction, with local leaders and residents expressing anger and demanding accountability from parade organizers. They also discuss the apology issued by the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department and its implications for the town's future events.

Join Theo and Juliette as they unravel the complexities of public apologies, explore historical parade controversies, and share personal stories that resonate with the current political climate. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with wit, insight, and a touch of humor.

Hi Everyone!

It's Halloweeeeeeeen!  And time for our encore holiday episode celebrating candy and the commercialization of the spooky season!

In these strange times we take you back to the more innocent days of childhood.  Stealing a bowlful of Halloween candy from your neighbor’s porch seems like a gentler crime from gentler days…but there is a social contract involved!  You aren’t allowed to trick anyone who has left you a treat.  That’s the rule.  So once you are found out, you’d better apologize.  We walk through the history of Halloween, how it took root in America, and what grew out of it that lead to a child in Wisconsin breaking with tradition and stealing all the candy from a neighbor's porch!

What other social contracts are being violated?  Regulations around our national food supply?  A short but rousing vegetarian approved sidebar that may just make you choose a salad for lunch.  Or maybe KFC really is the only thing standing between your eyeball and a hungry chicken?

Note: discussion of a public shooting begins the episode.