Proof of Concept

Proof of Concept

By Alex Pradhan & Kenan BesenSociety & Culture
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Proof of Concept episodes

  • Episode 29: Chris McDougall

    Alex and Kenan chat with author, journalist, and runner Chris McDougall. Chris is best known for Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen, released in 2009. We cover his background, current interests, Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide, and other fun topics.

    Note: This episode was recorded in late September ‘22.

    www.instagram.com/chrismcdougallauthor/

    www.instagram.com/_proofofconcept/

    1 hr 11 min
  • Episode 27: Dame Time (with Damon Koskovich)
    It's Dame Time! The boys are joined by friend of the pod, the 703's finest, Stevenson University Small Forward #13, Damon Koskovich (@trecedame)  
    With graduation upon him, Dame reflects on what he would tell his freshman year self (06:45), the role his mom played in supporting his student-athlete career (20:42), & the importance of checking in on those around you (33:09) 
    Tune in for an all-around insightful conversation with one of the realest to ever do it!
    Outro: "These Days" by Infraction
    58 min
  • Episode 26: European Dog Park
    We chat about Kenan’s spring family vacation in Europe, talking points at the dog park, Newark airport, youth soccer szn, borrowing items from neighbors, Arthur chilling out, train rides, do’s and don’ts of dog walking, Alex’s long-standing wish to be a bartender, 1883, dogs appreciating routines, being at peace > happy (?), and changes in how we view our parents as we get older.
    www.instagram.com/_proofofconcept
    1 hr 1 min
  • Episode 25: Book Corner & Self Talk

    Alex and Kenan discuss their current reads (The Master: The Long Run and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer by Christopher Clarey and The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway) and how self-talk affects our mental states and perspectives. We conclude with some thoughts on how to “break loops.”

    Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded prior to Kenan’s NYC Half Marathon (Sunday, 3/20). 

    44 min
  • Episode 24: NYC Half Recap (Racing Szn, Pt. II)

    Racing Szn continues! With his half in the rearview, Alex- who's a bit teed up due to his self-imposed caffeine break- rants on not having Macs at work, people always 'shipping movie co-stars, Puss in Boots, & the SXSW Austin grunge crowd

    Meanwhile, fresh off completing the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, Kenan shares key moments, learnings, & reflections from his race, including:

    • How a moment of crisis almost unrolled his entire race before it even started! (17:30)
    • Going from competing against to coaching with yourself over the course of a race (23:00)
    • Why you don't need to PR every race! (32:00)
    • Crossing the starting line after half a year in NYC (38:42)


      • Outro: "We Were Young" by Vendredi

      Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgL-g_0GN-AEndPhfycej6A

      Follow the IG: https://www.instagram.com/_proofofconcept/



      50 min
    • Episode 22: Back in Business (with Jeanne Rockwell)

      After way too much time off, the boys are back with updates to share! Alex starts by introducing us to Arthur, the cutest puppy within Austin City Limits (3:40) while Kenan wonders if he's come down with a case of "Midnight in Paris Syndrome" (10:28). Later on, they call up the eloquent and wonderful Jeanne Rockwell to discuss a recent Atlantic article on how hobbies have “infiltrated American life” (15:46). 

      Jeanne elaborates on how social media has pressured us into finding "better" hobbies, underlines why hobbies should never be chores, and shares some of the positive benefits of her favorite hobbies.

      After bidding Jeanne adieu, the boys conclude by discussing winter training habits and preview their respective half-marathon races (43:42).


      Optional Reading:

      "How Hobbies Infiltrated American Life" by Julie Beck : www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/01/history-hobbies-america-productivity-leisure/621150/


      www.instagram.com/jeannerockwell/

      www.instagram.com/_proofofconcept/ 

      www.instagram.com/kbesen99/ 

      www.instagram.com/alexppradhan/

      57 min
    • Episode 21: Year in Review
      How was your year?
      Back home for the holidays, Alex & Kenan look back on the previous year by asking 21 Questions for 2021, including:
      • What was your favorite conversation? (26:50)
      • Who was your unsung hero of the year? (39:00)
      • Did you take enough risks this year? (42:45)
      • What’s one goal for 2022 that excites/scares you? (53:50)
      In lieu of a recap, we hope this conversation serves as an engaging exercise for all of our wonderful listeners to share, reflect, & learn from your year.
      Wherever you are, we wish you a healthy end of year & look forward to all to come in 2022!
      https://www.instagram.com/proofofconcept_pod/
      https://www.instagram.com/kbesen99/
      https://www.instagram.com/alexppradhan/
      1 hr 9 min
    • Episode 20: The Chef & The Coach (with Paul & Littlez)

      Charlottesville residents and members of Prolyfyck Run Creww Paul and Littlez join us for a conversation about running, community, and coaching. Paul and Littlez both successfully completed the 2021 Richmond VA Marathon in mid-November, along with many other Prolyfyck runners. If you’re in Charlottesville, VA, you can join Prolyfyck at 6 AM (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) for a 4 mile run starting from the Jefferson School. Happy running!

      https://www.instagram.com/s1imstagram/

      https://www.instagram.com/yunglittlez/

      1 hr 23 min
    • Episode 19: Outside The Lines (with Jehú Martínez)

      Class is IN SESSION! 

      Jehú Martínez is a fourth year at the University of Virginia (UVA) majoring in Racial Studies & Architecture. The boys welcome Jehú to chat about how UVA's cloister design reinforces elitism & exclusion (8:00), the new wave of gentrification at the Cville Dairy Market (42:00), the work done by Harlem Run founder Alison Désir to overlay redlining maps with Strava runnning routes (50:00), & the importance of slashing the trash from your Spotify playlists (55:00)! 


      Relevant Reading:

      https://timeline.com/charlottesville-vinegar-hill-demolished-ba27b6ea69e1

      https://www.womensrunning.com/culture/diversity-in-running-towns-so-white/


      Stay Connected:

      https://www.instagram.com/proofofconcept_pod/ 

      https://www.instagram.com/kbesen99/ 

      https://www.instagram.com/alexppradhan/ 


      Music: “Tropical Fever” by LiQWYD & Luke Bergs; “Static” by Land of Fire

      1 hr 6 min

    About Proof of Concept

    From the publisher's feed

    Proof of Concept is a medium for college friends Alex and Kenan to share their everyday conversations with the rest of the world. AP and KB offer their experiences, perspectives, thoughts, and silly ideas on everything from running to business to entertainment.