Checkpoint Charley

Lots of sci-fi stuff coming out in May, so it's only fitting that we talk about some of the early work that led to what we have now. Lenore returns to lend her Star Trek expertise and strong opinions. Considering the caliber of the likes of Heinlein, Hubbard, and Bradbury, we argue that being the first to do something goes a long way to being remembered as the best. What can't be argued is that Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home saved the whales. 

Now that we're closer to Mother's Day, we're having an episode about trying to be both a mother and boss. How does one become a boss? Some people say "Lean In". Others say join an MLM. Greg and Ash say that if being a mom is the hardest job out there, it should be paid accordingly, because it isn't getting any easier as is.

Ash is on a break this week working on the science that makes society run, the very science and society that the subjects of this week's episode wanted to destroy: the UNABomber and radical primitivism. Greg and returning guest, Lenore break down the inherent dysfunction of those who think that everything would be better if only we lived in the Stone Age. By all means, go camping for the weekend, but don't expect the whole world to camp with you for the rest of human history.

You've heard of running a government like a business. How about running a business like a tech startup? Or like a cult? Or like a frat? Ash and Greg talk about three recent examples of venture capital turned fraud: Adam Neumann of WeWork, Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos, and Billy McFarland of Fyre Fest. We talk about the similarities that led to these hucksters convincing stupid people with more money that sense to pour it into their boondoggles. 

Hide your McCafé K-cups and vape pens! Ash's mom, Marlene comes by to give her perspective on motherhood and a few other topics. 

This is a short free-flowing episode about everyone's favorite topic of conversation: Trump! Just in case you'd forgotten. But don't worry; Ash also takes us on a quick and sweet tangent about the local real estate situation. 

In this episode, we trigger listeners by talking about standardized testing: how it doesn't do what it purports to do, how it stresses us out, and how it indirectly led to the deaths of 25 million people in the 1850s. Take a listen to find out how.

Oprah says "What!?" British royal family drama rears its head again and we get a little meta by discussing whether this is even worth discussing. But don't worry; we also about monarchies that actually do stuff, though it's debatable whether that stuff is good or bad. At some point, Queen Elizabeth's Corgis factor into the conversation.

Vaccines are in the news again but for a different reason. Now's the hour for Ashley to shine with her science learning and tell us how the COVID-19 vaccines work. We also lament the politicization of common sense hygiene and you can guess who the culprits are. If there's any lesson to take away from this episode: Put your damn mask on!

This week, we take on higher ed. Is it worth it? Why is it so expensive? Which Ivy League school fits with which Hogwarts House? But more importantly, what to do with the $1.56 trillion in US student debt? (Hint: It doesn't involve paying it back).