We're excited to have Katie Sir on our podcast. Hailing from the cold north of Minnesota, she is part of a new generation of dating coaches and matchmakers. As a next-gen expert she has insight on how to succeed in dating in 2022. Who is the best fit for you for a long-term relationship? Should we reach for the stars, or do attraction "leagues" still exist? How do we overcome the traumas that hinder us from dating? How do we navigate today's politically divided society? How do we avoid being too picky? And once we're on a date, how do we create that much-needed "chemistry"? Plus Iris and James discuss approach anxiety versus anxiety about being approached. Our thoughts on confidence, repeated rejection, ghosting, and trust-building are also covered. Recorded February 15, 2022.

Katie's IG: katie_sir

Katie's website: https://katiesir.square.site/

Today we have physicist, mathematician, and geopolitics enthusiast Mandeep on our show. Mandeep is connected to Ukraine by marriage and shares his deep geopolitical wisdom on the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. What do Putin and Ukraine want? What do they fear? Is NATO really the aggressor, as Putin insists? Why is the Russian invasion stalling, and what miscalculations did Putin make before invading? Furthermore, the USA has shown remarkable restraint under Joe Biden. But will it lead to a future in which America questions--and abandons--its alliances with Europe? Recorded March 10, 2022.

Why would a culturally conservative man like James invite dominatrix Vicious to the show? This is the first of our lifestyle series, in which we interview people with lifestyles very different from ours. Because we cannot stay in our comfort zones, our echo chambers forever. If we want peace to prevail, we need to connect with those who are very different, and understand: What are their wants and needs? What led them to live the way they live? And by doing so with Vicious, I found out that like all people of good will, she strives to operate a secure and reputable business. But more importantly, I found that she plays a valuable role in addressing a need that all humans have: the desire to safely explore intimacy. She tells us why people would be drawn to her services, and the role she plays in helping clients safely explore sexuality, reach new levels of intimacy, and heal stagnant relationship patterns. We even get a tour of her dungeon. Recorded March 2, 2022.

For more info find Vicious on IG: dommevicious

Today James relives one of the biggest regrets of his life: the failure to make the high school tennis team. Yes it's a First World problem, but the impact has been real and far-reaching. The road to recover his identity and self-esteem has been long. What was missing in James' quest to become a high school level athlete? What can be done to improve youth coaching, empower child learners, and improve accessibility of sport to children? Stick to the end as James also shares his secrets to conquering performance pressure and fear--something he finally started grasping in his 40s. And at the very end, he finds peace. This episode is very raw and open, but if it helps just one child, one learner, one coach, or the sports industry in general, then it was worth it. Recorded February 7, 2022.

PS: The sports psych book I mention is Hockey Tough by Saul Miller. Available on Amazon.

California's population fell by 260,000 from July 2020 to July 2021. For the first time, the Golden State is shrinking. It's clear many are moving out. But is it worth it? Do movers really find the greener pastures they seek? Or do they encounter another set of problems? Did the pandemic really change moving trends? And if other states are so great, why haven't Iris and I moved yet? We bring back real estate agent Jonathan and explore together. Recorded January 27, 2022.

Hello and we sincerely thank you, our listeners, for continuing to support our podcast. 2022 not only marks a new year, but a new season-and a new name. For season 3 we are now Lawyer And A Dropout, or LAD.

Life got busy since the summer but we dusted off our mics and we're back! How was our summer and fall? How are Honduran tamales different from Mexican tamales? What have we learned from becoming homeowners? Do we have any resolutions for the new year? What challenges are there to building friendships again in our 30s and 40s? And what bold predictions do we have for the future of war, politics, and the pandemic?

PS: We have committed to Season Three and we plan on creating more frequent, diverse, and exciting content for you in 2022.

Recorded December 23, 2021.

The United States has lost the war in Afghanistan. We discuss the aftermath of the American withdrawal. But will this be the beginning of more withdrawals? More and more politicians from the left and right are calling for the USA to withdraw its troops around the world. They say that by doing so, it will free up money for America to solve social justice problems at home. Today, in our appeals court format, John argues how withdrawing militarily from across the world, and focusing with the near abroad in North and South America, will provide dividends for the USA in the long run. Recorded September 9, 2021.

Twenty years have passed since the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Join Iris and me as we reflect on the shock of that day, and how it marked the end of a freewheeling era and the beginning of a vulnerable, defensive era. We discuss the new normal of increased security post-9/11, and how the attacks have shaped our young adult lives. Recorded September 16, 2021.

On September 14, 2021, California voters will determine whether Gavin Newsom is recalled from his position as governor of California. Should they vote yes or no? What's wrong with the Golden State, and what bothers Californians? Is it worth it, and is it even democratic? Join us as we debut our new Judge Judy trial format, and put the California recall itself on trial! Recorded August 26, 2021.