Learn It from a Layman

We discuss the basics of massage therapy. What are the different types of massage? Is the Swedish Massage actually from Sweden? Is there a difference between a masseuse and a massage therapist? Do massage therapists get taught human anatomy? Does drinking water after a massage help with recovery? Do massage therapists develop arthritis more often from the strain on their hands?

Our full podcast is available on Patreon page. We discussed Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Who was the author, Mary Shelley? What in her history helps in understanding Frankenstein? Who is the protagonist and antagonist in the book? What books inspired Frankenstein? How do different generations view the story and who is at fault for the tragedies in the book? What books are a prerequisite to understand Frankenstein? What unique insight did we deliver that you won't find anywhere else...?

We discuss the basics of hearing with Dr. Jonny. How does hearing work? What causes an ear infection? Why does your hearing get worse temporarily after going to a loud concert? How do you pronounce cochlea and did we just get canceled? How come some people can hear higher pitches? What happens when you pop your ears? What's happening in the ear when you have ringing in your ears? Are over headphones or earbuds better for your ears? Can humans use echolocation?

We are starting a new series! Our Layman Book Club will be where we read and discuss books of any genre. Future Book Club podcasts will only be available on Patreon, so join us there if you want more. https://www.patreon.com/c/LearnItfromaLayman In this podcast, we discuss The Giver by Lois Lowry, and we are joined by a new cohost. What event inspired Lowry to write this book? What role does memory have for a community? What actually happens at the end of The Giver, and when should a book stop? What are dystopian novels and what elements do they often share?

We discuss some dubious honors and awards. What is the Bulwer-Lytton contest? What is a Darwin award? Who has won the Foot In The Mouth award and why haven't others? Should dubious honors be feared? What does Mr. Irrelevant in the NFL Draft teach us about dubious honors?

We are joined by CFO Jared Miller to discuss the basics of CFO and business finance. What's the difference between an accountant and a CFO? What are the job responsibilities of a CFO? What kind of schooling do CFOs traditionally have? What is EBITDA and how long has the concept been around? What kind of debt do companies have and do CFOs manage taking and repaying loans? Do CFOs need to know about tax law? Do CFOs work closely with attorneys? What kind of software do CFOs use? What are the changes in CFO work with AI? Do the numbers always end up clean, or how often does money go missing from a company?

We discuss the basics of UFOs. When did the term UFO start being used? Where in modern times was the first big UFO sighting? What was Project Blue Book? Who was Captain Ruppelt? What's the best book on UFOs? Was an alien spacecraft sighted in the northern United States? Are aliens real and are we prepared for them?

We discuss the basics of cloning. What is the story behind the dire wolf? Is what Colossal Biosciences created actually a dire wolf? What are other ways to do de-extinction? Why would humanity want to bring back certain animals? What are the concerns? Are there still biological and technical roadblocks to creating a human clone? Will there eventually be an extinct animal petting zoo?

We discuss the basics of metabolism. What is metabolism? What factors contribute to metabolism? How much does age contribute to metabolism? What can you do to increase your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)? What foods increase your metabolism? How does sleep affect metabolism? Should you get a standing desk?

We discuss the basics of fraud. What are some different types of fraud? How do you help minimize identity theft risk? What is phishing and how do you recognize it? What is a Ponzi scheme and why is it getting easier to perpetrate? What internet technologies can you use to investigate companies and investments? What kind of security and fraud issues can there be with phone apps? What is a fly-by-night company and how do you avoid charity fraud? How do you recover from credit card fraud?