Insights Into Things

Insights Into Things

By Joseph WhalenTV & FilmBusinessTechnologyKids & Family
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Insights Into Things episodes

  • Insights Into Teens: Episode 191 "Land of the Rising Sun" (VIDEO)

    What if experiencing jet lag and cultural shock could be transformed into an exhilarating adventure? Join us as we recount Maddie’s vibrant journey from Philadelphia to the heart of Japan, where she navigates the challenges of long flights, jet lag, and the bustling streets of Dantenbori Canal Street. From mastering Japanese through Duolingo to packing wisely for a lengthy trip, Maddie’s meticulous preparation helps her transition smoothly into a new cultural landscape.


    Get a taste of Japan’s rich and diverse heritage as Maddie takes us through her explorations of Nara’s serene Shinto and Buddhist shrines, Kyoto’s enchanting Bamboo Forest, and the historic Nijo Castle. Experience her awe at the grandeur of the Nara Great Buddha and the sacred deer that roam freely. Despite moments of anxiety and panic attacks triggered by crowded spaces, Maddie’s journey is marked by personal growth, supported by the kindness of friends and locals.

    Wrap up our adventure with Maddie’s thrilling ride on the Shinkansen, a visit to the stunning Golden Pavilion, and a deep dive into the cultural nuances of Japan’s food and modern attractions. Discover the charm of Tokyo’s Joypolis and the convenience of ubiquitous vending machines. From historical landmarks to the technological marvel of Japanese bidets, Maddie’s journey is a fascinating blend of tradition and contemporary wonders, offering a unique perspective on the land of the rising sun.

    56 min
  • No Credits Rolled Episode 9: XDefiant and Starfield (AUDIO)

    In this episode, Sam delves into the exciting world of gaming with a focus on two games he's been playing recently: Ubisoft's new free-to-play shooter, "Xdefiant," and the updated sci-fi RPG "Starfield" from Bethesda. Despite planning for a shorter episode, there's too much to cover, so Sam gives his thoughts and reviews on these games, addressing their gameplay, mechanics, and potential.

    In "Xdefiant," Sam explores its unique blend of worlds from popular Ubisoft franchises like "The Division" and "Splinter Cell," discussing its fast-paced gameplay, faction-based abilities, and current technical issues. Meanwhile, "Starfield" gets a fresh look following its latest update, with Sam sharing his renewed excitement for the game, highlighting an engaging side quest and improvements in performance. Tune in for honest reviews, gaming insights, and a peek at what's coming next week with the "Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door" remake. Don't forget to support the show by checking out our partner, Philly Drinkers, for all your Philadelphia sports merch needs!

    40 min
  • No Credits Rolled Episode 9: XDefiant and Starfield (VIDEO)

    In this episode, Sam delves into the exciting world of gaming with a focus on two games he's been playing recently: Ubisoft's new free-to-play shooter, "Xdefiant," and the updated sci-fi RPG "Starfield" from Bethesda. Despite planning for a shorter episode, there's too much to cover, so Sam gives his thoughts and reviews on these games, addressing their gameplay, mechanics, and potential.

    In "Xdefiant," Sam explores its unique blend of worlds from popular Ubisoft franchises like "The Division" and "Splinter Cell," discussing its fast-paced gameplay, faction-based abilities, and current technical issues. Meanwhile, "Starfield" gets a fresh look following its latest update, with Sam sharing his renewed excitement for the game, highlighting an engaging side quest and improvements in performance. Tune in for honest reviews, gaming insights, and a peek at what's coming next week with the "Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door" remake. Don't forget to support the show by checking out our partner, Philly Drinkers, for all your Philadelphia sports merch needs!

    40 min
  • No Credits Rolled Episode 8: Fallout 76 and Suicide Squad Kill The Justice League (AUDIO)

    In this episode of "No Credits Rolled," host Sam Whalen  discusses some unfortunate gaming news, including layoffs at Xbox and the controversies surrounding Sony's "Hell Divers 2." Sam delves into his reviews of "Fallout 76" and "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League," highlighting both the pros and cons of these games. Despite some visual and gameplay issues, Sam finds aspects of these games enjoyable, particularly the exploration in "Fallout 76" and the character models in "Suicide Squad."

    The episode also features a special call-in from Shaun Mendum, the voice actor behind Scratch in "Baldur's Gate 3," who shares interesting game insights and encourages the gaming community.

    48 min
  • No Credits Rolled Episode 8: Fallout 76 and Suicide Squad Kill The Justice League (VIDEO)

    In this episode of "No Credits Rolled," host Sam Whalen  discusses some unfortunate gaming news, including layoffs at Xbox and the controversies surrounding Sony's "Hell Divers 2." Sam delves into his reviews of "Fallout 76" and "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League," highlighting both the pros and cons of these games. Despite some visual and gameplay issues, Sam finds aspects of these games enjoyable, particularly the exploration in "Fallout 76" and the character models in "Suicide Squad."

    The episode also features a special call-in from Shaun Mendum, the voice actor behind Scratch in "Baldur's Gate 3," who shares interesting game insights and encourages the gaming community.

    48 min
  • Insights Into Teens: Episode 190 "Catching Up" (AUDIO)

    Ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of teenage life and the transition into adulthood? Join us as Madison and I share an honest conversation about the growing pains of high school. From the challenge of navigating prom as someone who prefers quieter settings to the triumph of academic excellence—Madison scoring straight A's and ranking third in her class—this episode captures the highs and lows of her senior year journey. We also hint at upcoming interactive features like a call-in line, ready to bring you even closer to our discussions.


    Curious about balancing creativity with academics? Discover Madison's unique artistic pursuits, including a custom piece that made it to Svengoolie. We delve into her interest in video editing, particularly her creative Mother's Day videos that blend audio and visuals in a captivating way. Alongside these passions, we touch on her relief at leaving history classes behind and focusing on her beloved engineering studies. Madison's story is both inspiring and relatable, offering a glimpse into managing multiple interests while excelling academically.

    Our episode also takes a dramatic turn with a personal medical scare involving a kidney stone, and the emotional roller coaster it brought. We contrast this with the excitement of an upcoming trip to Japan, brimming with plans to explore cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Plus, we recount a thrilling gaming convention visit, where meeting voice actors from Boulders Gate 3 such as Maggie Robertson and Neil Newbon brought our favorite characters to life. This episode is a heartfelt narrative of growth, creativity, and memorable experiences, promising a blend of insight, inspiration, and entertainment.

    58 min
  • Insights Into Teens: Episode 190 "Catching Up" (VIDEO)

    Ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of teenage life and the transition into adulthood? Join us as Madison and I share an honest conversation about the growing pains of high school. From the challenge of navigating prom as someone who prefers quieter settings to the triumph of academic excellence—Madison scoring straight A's and ranking third in her class—this episode captures the highs and lows of her senior year journey. We also hint at upcoming interactive features like a call-in line, ready to bring you even closer to our discussions.


    Curious about balancing creativity with academics? Discover Madison's unique artistic pursuits, including a custom piece that made it to Svengoolie. We delve into her interest in video editing, particularly her creative Mother's Day videos that blend audio and visuals in a captivating way. Alongside these passions, we touch on her relief at leaving history classes behind and focusing on her beloved engineering studies. Madison's story is both inspiring and relatable, offering a glimpse into managing multiple interests while excelling academically.

    Our episode also takes a dramatic turn with a personal medical scare involving a kidney stone, and the emotional roller coaster it brought. We contrast this with the excitement of an upcoming trip to Japan, brimming with plans to explore cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Plus, we recount a thrilling gaming convention visit, where meeting voice actors from Boulders Gate 3 such as Maggie Robertson and Neil Newbon brought our favorite characters to life. This episode is a heartfelt narrative of growth, creativity, and memorable experiences, promising a blend of insight, inspiration, and entertainment.

    58 min
  • No Credits Rolled Episode 7: Prince of Persia the Lost Crown and Fallout New Vegas (AUDIO)

    In episode seven of "No Credits Rolled," host Sam announces a new partnership with Philly Drinkers, a local company providing affordable sports apparel. He then covers updates in the Fallout gaming universe, including the impact of the next-gen update for Fallout 4 on the fan-made mod, Fallout London.

    Sam discusses VR and AR tech investments by Meta and Apple, expressing skepticism about their future due to high costs and impracticality. He reviews "Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown," praising its gameplay and design, and "Fallout: New Vegas," highlighting its enduring storytelling and immersive experience.

    41 min
  • No Credits Rolled Episode 7: Prince of Persia the Lost Crown and Fallout New Vegas (VIDEO)

    In episode seven of "No Credits Rolled," host Sam announces a new partnership with Philly Drinkers, a local company providing affordable sports apparel. He then covers updates in the Fallout gaming universe, including the impact of the next-gen update for Fallout 4 on the fan-made mod, Fallout London.

    Sam discusses VR and AR tech investments by Meta and Apple, expressing skepticism about their future due to high costs and impracticality. He reviews "Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown," praising its gameplay and design, and "Fallout: New Vegas," highlighting its enduring storytelling and immersive experience.

    40 min
  • Insights Into Teens: Episode 189 "Technology Addiction" (AUDIO)

    Feeling chained to your gadgetry in an endless scroll of apps and alerts? You're not alone, as Madison and I dissect the phenomenon of teen technology addiction, drawing parallels to the compulsive nature of drug dependence. This eye-opening discussion traverses the landscape of mental health, revealing the alarmingly similar effects of tech obsession on young brains to those wrought by controlled substances. We'll share our stories of digital dependency, mine as a self-professed tech addict, and Madison's as someone who finds solace in the virtual world when navigating the social sphere. Our conversation is a wake-up call to the reality that over half of our teens feel a visceral tether to their devices, illuminating a path of reflection and understanding for families grappling with this modern challenge.


    As we peel back the layers of our attachment to technology, I recount the palpable sense of loss when cut off from the digital pulse, akin to the distress substance users experience during withdrawal. We explore how devices become emotional crutches, providing comfort during stressful moments but potentially perpetuating a cycle of avoidance and dependence. Our chat is not all gloom, though; we recognize the therapeutic promise within creative digital environments and the restorative power of tech as an emotional recharge tool. It's a nuanced look at how managing our relationship with technology is critical for maintaining our well-being and preventing it from morphing into a problematic crutch.

    Rounding off our journey, we tackle the intersection of technology with emotional coping strategies, delving into how the digital world can serve as both a haven and a hindrance for young minds. We emphasize the constructive aspects of online communities for youths facing personal challenges and the essential role of parents in guiding their children through the virtual maze. When discussing the delicate dance of depression and technology addiction, we highlight resources like "Glow Kids" that provide insight into the factors fostering tech dependence. Ultimately, we advocate for balance, encouraging digital detoxes and professional support to ensure that our relationship with technology remains healthy and harmonious. Join us for this crucial conversation that's not just about identifying problems but also about arming ourselves and our loved ones with strategies for a healthier digital life.

    44 min

About Insights Into Things

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Insights Into Things is a podcast network bringing unique perspectives and deep dives into some of the every day things we deal with on a regular basis. From the trials and tribulations teenagers…