Learn It from a Layman

We discuss the basics of literary devices. What is a literary device and how do you use it? What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor? Is Tim an eagle? What are the 3 types of irony? What are iambic pentameter, meter, and free verse? Why is onomatopoeia the coolest literary device? Why is hyperbole the absolute worst? Why use literary devices at all?

We discuss the basics of left-handedness. Why are some people left-handed? How many people are left-handed? How many ambidextrous? Are left-handed people more common in certain countries? Are males or females more often left-handed? Are left-handed people right-brained? Are left-handed people more artistic? Can you switch you handedness? What daily microaggressions do left-handed people have to deal with?

We discuss the basics of the Australian Outback. How big is Australia compared to the US? Where did dingoes come from and how long is the Dingo fence? What ground dwelling parrot lives in the outback and are they insomniacs? What are Brumbies? What is a Thylacine and do they still exist? Where did kangaroos come from? What is the topography of Australia?

We are joined by Sam Andersen and Katie Christensen to discuss the basics of Human Resources (HR). What are the core responsibilities of HR? Why isn't HR like pizza? How do HR professionals feel when they have layoff an employee, and why shouldn't you do it like Better.com? What does Nick Bloom's research show about remote work and what's HR's role in figuring out how companies should implement remote policies? How do flexible work policies help working mothers and fathers? How do you stand out in an interview with an HR rep? How is AI used in HR?

Joel Christensen joins us to discuss the basics of Electric Vehicles (EVs). What are the pros and cons of EVs? Where are EVs being adopted? What is the technology behind EV batteries and are they bad for the environment? Are charging stations being built at the same rate that EVs are being sold? What rate are EVs being sold? Are plug-in hybrids a sensible alternative? Where are EVs feasible and where are they not? Is there an actual reason the Cybertruck so ugly? 

We're back from vacation to discuss the Olympics, and a bit about CrowdStrike. What happened when the computers all went down, and how? When did the Olympics start? What is the IOC and what does it do? How are Olympic venues chosen? How are Olympic sports chosen? How much better/faster/stronger are Olympians than your hosts?

We opine on the 10 worst creatures (species, not including individual human mass murderers of the past). What is a lamprey and is it the inspiration for the sandworm in Dune? Why are bats so ugly? What is an assassin bug? How many people do mosquitoes kill every year? Are crocodiles actually dinosaurs? What are Tsetse flies and how do they kill? Where and what variety of snake and spider are the worst and why? Listen to the definitive list.

We discuss how to become a teacher, and why to become a teacher. Why is Tim a teacher? How far can altruism take you? Is there a shortage of teachers? How do we increase the quality of teachers? What certification do you need to be a teacher? Do you need a college degree? How are teachers given specific class assignments? Who were your favorite teachers in school and what does that have to do which subject they taught? What are teachers unions for? How can teachers increase their pay? Does Tim know how to retire? What's the best thing you can do as a teacher to make it through the difficult times?

We discuss the basics of making money. How should you structurally think about making money? What are the principles of improving your financial situation? Who is Steve Ballmer and what does he teach us about making money? Why are all Ivy League grads rich? What does success mean for you financially?

Dr. Erika Handly joins the podcast to discuss the basics of biotech. Is the 'tech' in 'biotech' using technology to understand biology, or using technology to fix biology? What are the types of problems that biotech is being used to understand and solve? What is CRISPR in layman's terms? How predictable are the outcomes of editing DNA? Can biotech help solve global climate change and famine? Are implantable microchips inevitable? What are some of the biggest advancements in biotech for cancer? Can technology reverse aging?