Learn It from a Layman

We discuss the basics of grades. How well do grades reflect intelligence? Are grades predictive of future performance? What is grade inflation and is it harmful? How do you raise your grades according to a teacher? How can you identify bad teachers?

We discuss the basics of sleep. What is sleep and why do we do it? What happens when you're asleep? What are the different stages of sleep? How does sleep affect physical and mental performance? Are naps bad for you? How does caffeine affect you? Do some people need more sleep than others? Can you sleep with your eyes open? Why do loud noises wake you up and are reddit doctors the best source of information? Do we sleep more or less than other animals? How much sleep do you need?

We discuss the basics of chemistry. What is the periodic table? What is a molecule and why do atoms bond? What is radioactivity? What is an isotope and an ion? What are some common chemical reactions that the layman sees daily?

We discuss the basics of fluid mechanics. What is a Newtonian fluid? Can fluids be compressed? How do hydraulics work? What are fluid statics vs fluid dynamics? What is Pascal's Law? What are some of the formulas used in fluid mechanics? Can a fluid be squishy? What are the Navier–Stokes equations? How do you design a submarine and a jet engine? What is laminar flow vs turbulent flow?

We discuss the basics of insurance. What is liability insurance? What are bodily injury and property damage limits in auto insurance? What are coverages A-F in home owners insurance? Did Tim have children out-of-network and is he currently on the lamb? What is a health share plan? What is an insurance actuary? What is the difference between a PPO and an HMO? What is term life vs whole life vs universal life? Can Geico save you 15% or more? How can you manage your insurance costs and lower your rates?

We discuss the basics of creole languages. What does the word creole mean? How do languages change and how are creoles formed? What is a pidgin language? What are common characteristics of creole languages? What is the largest creole language? How many creole languages are there? Why does it matter?

We're joined by artist and entrepreneur Michelle Christensen to discuss art and business. What is the process of going from artist to entrepreneur? Is there a difference between an artist and a designer? How does the creative process for an artist differ from an entrepreneur? How do you market your business? Do you work with a team to design your products? What are sustainably sourced clothes and how is that different than fast-fashion? How do you decide that you need a brick and mortar store? What do aspiring artists, designers, and entrepreneurs need to do?

Can the naked mole rat help us live longer? Can you survive off the water from metabolism? How many Swedish pirate enthusiasts are there? How are air traffic controllers doing in the United States? What is the speed of fluid that is in contact with a pipe? Which language is most closely related to Finnish? Where did the word Arizona come from? How much of the earth can be seen from a satellite at one moment in time? Does Tim believe the earth is flat?

We're joined by distinguished guest Brent Christensen to discuss the basics of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Why is ICAO one of the most important organizations you've never heard of? What is America's role in the ICAO? Does ICAO work with preflight safety? What kind of powers does ICAO have? What was ICAO's role in Malaysia Airlines Flight 370? Does ICAO work directly with businesses or just national governments? What current issues is ICAO working on? How long until civil aviation is carbon neutral? Did Brent get to meet his predecessor Captain Chesley "Sully Sullenberger, or his currently-nominated successor Charlie Crist?

We're joined by resident physicist and newly minted dentist Peter Vogel DDS to discuss the basics of teeth. What are the different layers of a tooth? What is fluoride and is it helpful or harmful? Is there a right way to brush your teeth? How does sugary food or soda affect the chemistry of your mouth? Are there certain toothbrushes or toothpastes that are better? Why shouldn't you brush your teeth right after eating? How does oral health affect diabetes and cardiovascular health? What happened to the tooth regeneration drug that was in the news a while back?