🎙️ Episode 012: From Reading Revival to Robot Umpires
In this episode, Brian dives into a mix of education, economics, sports, productivity, and entertainment stories — all topped off with a humorous “Not a Sponsor” ad segment.
📚 Education
Brian highlights an article by Christine Banko from The Educator’s Room on how teachers are reigniting students’ love for reading post-pandemic.
💵 Economics
From The Monday Morning Economist, Jadrian Wooten explores the rise in pet spending as owners treat pets like children.
Even since 2013, pet spending has risen 50%, outpacing income growth. Examples include luxury pet beds, frozen treats, antidepressants, and private dog parks, signaling shifting lifestyles and values.
🏀 Sports
Phoenix Suns:
The Suns’ arena has a new name — Mortgage Matchup Center — after a $115 million, 10-year deal with United Wholesale Mortgage, whose CEO also owns the Suns. Brian predicts a promising season under a new coach and less pressure.
MLB:
A new Automated Ball/Strike System has been approved, giving teams two challenges per game and adding just 17 seconds per challenge. As the postseason narrows to four teams (Brewers vs. Dodgers, Mariners vs. Blue Jays).
NFL (Packers):
Coming off their bye week, the Packers beat the Bengals, led by veteran QB Joe Flacco — now on his second team this season. The Packers are 3–1–1 heading into a matchup against the Cardinals.
College Football (ASU):
In 2026, Arizona State will face Kansas at Wembley Stadium in London — the first-ever college football game there. Meanwhile, ASU is reeling from a tough loss to Utah and missing QB Sam Levitt, with hopes for his return against Texas Tech.
💻 Productivity
Brian reviews Dominic Bayley’s PC World article on keeping your laptop clutter-free with some useful habits.
🎮 Entertainment
Brian rounds out the episode with Xbox news:
• Hardware price hikes — Series S now $399, Series X up $50.
• Game Pass revamp — introducing three tiers (Essential, Premium, and Ultimate), with new pricing and benefits like cloud gaming and day-one releases.
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Sources:
Education:
https://theeducatorsroom.com/how-teachers-are-rebuilding-a-love-of-reading-among-teens/
Economics:
https://www.mondayeconomist.com/p/pet-spending
Sports:
https://www.abc15.com/entertainment/events/the-arena-for-the-phoenix-suns-and-phoenix-mercury-is-now-called-the-mortgage-matchup-center
https://www.nba.com/suns/schedule
https://apnews.com/article/abs-robot-umpires-how-it-works-9b817bb2c4666c984aa86ed29b401461
https://www.mlb.com/
https://www.packers.com/
https://talksport.com/nfl/3605530/college-football-london-wembley-kansas-asu-tickets/
https://sundevils.com/sports/mens/football
Productivity
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2922942/ive-kept-my-laptop-clutter-free-for-years-these-9-simple-habits-are-how.html
Entertainment
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/19/microsoft-xbox-prices-tariffs-macroeconomic-conditions.html
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4500734-xbox-game-pass-gets-makeover-to-include-extra-benefits-and-reflect-price-hike-on-top-tier-plan
https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-pass
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