Episode 20: How Do You Tell A Good Story? - has Author and 57-time Moth StorySLAM Champion, Matthew Dicks, explain ways you can improve your storytelling.

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Matthew Dicks, an internationally bestselling author, 56-time Moth StorySLAM champion, and 9-time GrandSLAM champion. Matt speaks to large audiences at TEDx events and performs at open-mic storytelling competitions because he is a great storyteller. His storytelling abilities are of the highest caliber, but you can learn how to tell great stories of your own by reading his book Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling.

Listen as Matthew Dicks explains how you can tell better stories by improving your delivery, increasing stakes, and avoiding common mistakes.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - Say by Say It Again (Apple & Spotify)
• 01:08 - Introducing Matthew Dicks
• 04:44 - Moth StorySLAM
• 08:02 - Bearer of Secrets
• 10:30 - Importance of Stories
• 13:09 - Story Selection
• 27:33 - Delivery
• 33:13 - Common Mistakes
• 38:08 - Heightening Stakes
• 41:35 - Emotionally Difficult Stories
• 50:00 - Storytelling Intuition
• 54:17 - Closing Remarks
• 56:59 - Conclusion and Information

Resources:

• Matthew Dicks: Website, Storyworthy, TEDx talk, & Social Media.
• Moth StorySLAM

Episode 19: How Is A Cause Of Death Determined? - has Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Diane Peterson, detailing the process for finding a cause of death.

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Diane Peterson, the Chief Medical Examiner of the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office (MEO). As a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine with a degree in forensic pathology, Dr. Peterson has served as a Chief Medical Examiner for 12 years, beginning at Jackson County, and now working in the same capacity at Johnson County's MEO.

Listen as Dr. Peterson details the circumstances for a person's death to be reviewed, the process of performing an autopsy, and how a person's death is investigated.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - Dresser Drawers by Tracer Heights (Apple & Spotify)
• 01:22 - Introducing Dr. Diane Peterson
• 05:55 - The Job of a Medical Examiner
• 10:15 - Areas of Science Needed
• 12:43 - Reasons for a Death to be Reviewed
• 14:09 - Autopsies
• 18:31 - Death Investigation
• 25:32 - Decomposition Process
• 28:37 - Exhuming a Body
• 30:53 - Time of Death
• 34:25 - Decompressing
• 37:23 - Communication with Families
• 42:48 - Closing Remarks
• 43:41 - Conclusion and Information

Resources:

• Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office

Episode 18: How Are Weather Forecasts Made? - has KSHB 41 Chief Meteorologist & Weather2020 Founder, Gary Lezak, explain how we predict the weather.

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Gary Lezak, a meteorologist with over 30 years of experience. Beginning his KC career by being named the Chief Meteorologist of KSHB 41 in 1999. From overcoming cancer to having his weather dog Windy on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to publishing peer-reviewed research, Gary is constantly reaching achievements. As Gary retires from his Chief Meteorologist duties, he will move forward with his own company Weather2020.

Founded by Gary and Jeff Penner, creators of Lezak’s Recurring Cycle (LRC), a scientific method of forecasting weather. Using the LRC, weather forecasts can be created with an 84-day lead time. Weather2020 provides an API for consumer and business applications as well as custom weather intelligence for weather-sensitive industries.

As a meteorologist, Gary discusses how we can predict the weather. Listen as Gary describes forecasting models, weather patterns, and the challenges of predicting weather in the Midwest.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - Boysenberry by Jeff Shirley (Apple & Spotify)
• 01:29 - Introducing Gary Lezak
• 05:41 - Catching a Break
• 10:03 - The Job of a Meteorologist
• 15:11 - Importance of Forecasting the Weather
• 18:09 - LRC Explanation
• 25:37 - Benefits of LRC
• 33:46 - Difficult Forecasting
• 37:05 - Handling Criticism
• 38:42 - KC Weather
• 41:51 - Forecast Lengths
• 44:28 - Resources & Closing Remarks
• 46:13 - Conclusion and Information

Resources:

• Gary Lezak: Twitter & Bio
• Weather2020

Episode 17: How Do You Play Video Games Professionally? - has KC Pioneers Street Team Member & Former University of Missouri eSports Player, Noah De Aces (KCP Blanks), discuss how to compete in eSports.

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Noah De Aces (KCP Blanks), a competitive eSports player. Blanks has received eSports scholarships and played Rocket League at the collegiate level at Missouri Valley College and The University of Missouri. Now Blanks works as a Content Creator and member of the Street Team for the professional eSports team the KC Pioneers.

As a former collegiate and competitive eSports player, Blanks discusses how the world of eSports works. Listen as Blanks describes the structure of the collegiate and professional eSports circuit, how people practice, and the struggles eSports players face.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - How Could I Lie by Darrell Chism (Apple & Spotify)
• 01:26 - Introducing Noah De Aces (KCP Blanks)
• 03:06 - Gaming Journey
• 07:21 - College Career
• 12:59 - What is eSports?
• 15:24 - Casual Gamer vs. eSports Player
• 17:45 - Finding Teammates
• 19:58 - College & Professional Structure
• 25:39 - eSports Coaches
• 28:28 - Challenges Players Face
• 30:17 - Who Watches?
• 32:12 - Future of eSports
• 33:33 - Resources & Closing Remarks
• 34:52 - Conclusion and Information

Resources:

• Noah De Aces (KCP Blanks): Twitter & Twitch
• eSports: KC Pioneers & Mizzou eSports

Episode 16: How Do You Use Cryptocurrency? - has Vice President of The KU Blockchain Institute, Tony Czajka, explain the technology behind cryptocurrency.

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Tony Czajka, Vice President of the KU Blockchain Institute. The institute seeks to further the advancement of blockchain technology by providing a platform for "researchers, both faculty and student-led, to collaborate, publish work, mentor students, and educate curious minds."

Tony uses his knowledge of computer science and blockchain technology to help explain the intricacies of cryptocurrency. We talk about types of cryptocurrency wallets, how cryptocurrency is used to purchase NFTs, and future applications of blockchain technology.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - Love Song by Frogpond (Apple & Spotify)
• 01:28 - Introducing Tony Czajka
• 02:08 - Wisconsin to Kansas
• 03:21 - KU Blockchain Institute
• 05:33 - Introduction to Crypto
• 10:14 - Mining Cryptocurrency
• 16:07 - Types of Cryptocurrencies
• 17:31 - Value
• 21:21 - Decentralized Currency
• 24:45 - NFTs
• 28:09 - The Metaverse
• 33:31 - Crypto Wallets
• 41:11 - The Importance of Cryptocurrency
• 44:56 - Resources & Closing Remarks
• 46:20 - Conclusion and Information

Resources:

• KU Blockchain Institute: LinkedIn, Twitter, & Instagram
• Tony's Social Media: LinkedIn & Instagram

Episode 15: How Do You Plan A Diet? - has Sports Dietitian-Nutritionist & Wellness Consultant, Amy Dirks, describe how to change your style of eating.

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Amy Dirks, a Sports Dietitian-Nutritionist and Wellness Consultant. Amy has used her knowledge to assist Sporting Kansas City in the 2017 & 2018 seasons with their players' nutrition choices. Now, Amy has condensed her teachings into her own program, Amy Dirks Sports Nutrition, where she offers programs that athletic teams can "implement for their athletes to reach their optimal potential on the field, court, and in life."

Amy is knowledgeable in Nutrition Education, Wellness Coaching, Sports Nutrition, Integrative & Functional Nutrition, and Health Promotion.

Listen as Amy elaborates on how you can find the right eating style for you. We talk about eating styles, macronutrients, and helpful tips on how to eat healthily.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - Drowning In This House by Til Willis (Apple & Spotify)
• 01:08 - Introducing Amy Dirks
• 02:06 - Wellness Journey
• 12:05 - Eating Styles
• 14:46 - Macronutrients
• 19:36 - Calorie Counting
• 25:16 - How To View Healthy Foods
• 30:42 - Helpful Tips
• 38:26 - Over Adherence to a Diet?
• 42:49 - Supplements
• 49:44 - Wholistic Approach
• 54:47 - Resources & Closing Remarks
• 56:02 - Conclusion and Information

Resources:

• Amy Dirks Sports Nutrition
• Amy's Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram, & Facebook

Episode 14: How Does Inflation Work? - has Professor of Economics at Avila University, Dr. Malcolm Gold, explain the factors that create inflation.

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Malcolm Gold, a Professor of Economics at Avila University. Malcolm earned his Doctorate degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2009. Since earning his doctorate, Dr. Gold teaches in the undergraduate and graduate programs at Avila University and supports students as an incoming undergraduate advisor and as a faculty athletic representative. Outside of work, Malcolm volunteers for Burroughs Audubon Society of Kansas City, Kansas Ornithological Society, and Cornell University passing on a love for birds by leading field trips and serving in record capacities. Dr. Gold's love of birds has led him to assist and be featured in the Kansas Birding Trails project.

Listen as Dr. Gold provides a concise explanation of the factors surrounding inflation. We talk about fiscal policy, monetary policy, and what the U.S. can do to combat our inflation.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - Good Time by Nicole Springer (Apple & Spotify)
• 01:05 - Introducing Malcolm Gold
• 03:30 - An Economist's Journey
• 08:35 - What Is Inflation?
• 09:12 - Good or Bad?
• 10:39 - Consumer Price Index
• 14:33 - Inflation Factors
• 19:39 - Reducing Inflation
• 24:47 - Who Benefits?
• 29:47 - How Concerned Should We Be?
• 31:45 - What's Causing Our Recent Inflation?
• 40:49 - What's Steps Can We Take To Reduce Inflation?
• 44:28 - Resources & Closing Remarks
• 46:11 - Conclusion and Information

Resources:

• Avila University
• American Economic Association

Episodes 1-13: Highlights, captures all of the best moments from each of our first thirteen episodes, and condenses those moments into one jampacked episode.

Episode Summary:

This episode features a highlight from every episode of the Simple Questions Podcast that has been released up until this point. You will hear our entire catalog condensed into bite-sized highlights and condensed into a definitive episode. These highlights will introduce new listeners to our podcast and give new content to loyal listeners by reliving the best moments we've had on the podcast and providing new information about the events surrounding the recording of each episode.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 03:28 - Episode 1: What Makes A Good Beer?
• 20:34 - Episode 2: Should You Own A Gun?
• 35:35 - Episode 3: What Tattoo Should I Get?
• 51:45 - Episode 4: What Is Financial Literacy?
• 1:06:22 - Episode 5: What Is Being "In The Zone"?
• 1:21:37 - Episode 6: How Do You Make Someone Laugh?
• 1:44:16 - Episode 7: What Are Human Rights?
• 2:02:54 - Episode 8: What Does It Take To Be An Olympian?
• 2:19:10 - Episode 9: How Do You Start A Podcast?
• 2:32:10 - Episode 10: What Was The Pine Tar Game?
• 2:48:32 - Episode 11: How Will We Live In The Future?
• 3:03:55 - Episode 12: How Is The News Reported?
• 3:18:39 - Episode 13: How Do You Handle Anxiety?
• 3:32:27 - Conclusion & Closing Remarks

This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠here⁠.

Episode 13: How Do You Handle Anxiety? - has Licensed Trauma Therapist & TEDx Speaker, Crystle Lampitt, explain ways to cope with anxiety.

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Crystle Lampitt, a former TV journalist turned Licensed Psychotherapist. Crystle used to work as a news anchor and journalist for KSHB-TV, hosting the daily morning show "Kansas City Live", hosting "Behind the Spotlight", and reporting from the sidelines for Sporting Kansas City. Now Crystle helps those overcoming anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, abuse, and those navigating difficult life transitions.

As a licensed psychotherapist with a specialization in trauma, Crystle utilizes several therapeutic modalities such as Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at her practice CL Wellness KC.

Listen as Crystle provides practical advice on handling anxiety. We talk about where anxiety comes from, anxiety triggers, and ways to overcome your anxiety.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - Good Looking Out by Larsen (Apple & Spotify)
• 01:08 - Introducing Crystle Lampitt
• 04:22 - Becoming a Therapist
• 11:23 - Anxiety Explanation
• 16:28 - Symptoms of Anxiety
• 20:56 - Where Does It Come From?
• 25:24 - Disorder vs. Average
• 32:37 - Unhealthy Coping
• 39:33 - Helpful Ways to Cope
• 46:24 - Talking to Others
• 53:07 - Medication
• 55:51 - Resources & Closing Remarks
• 1:01:00 - Conclusion and Information

Resources:

• Crystle Lampitt: Twitter, Instagram, TEDx Talk, & CL Wellness KC

Episode 12: How is The News Reported? - has KMBC 9 News Anchor, Haley Harrison, explain how news organizations report the news.

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Haley Harrison over her career as a news anchor and journalist. Haley serves our community by reporting on stories as the evening anchor for KMBC 9 from 5 pm to 9 pm and the creator/host of the "KMBC 9 Storytellers" Podcast.

From her experiences interviewing documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, covering natural disasters like Hurricane Irene, and revisiting the tragedy of the Hyatt Regency walkways collapsing in "Chronicle: The Skywalk Tapes".

Listen as Haley reveals her insider perspective on how the news is reported. We talk about how news stories are received, investigated, and reported.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:00 - Good Love by Carlton Rashad featuring JaySol (Apple & Spotify)
• 01:12 - Introducing Haley Harrison
• 05:47 - The Purpose Of The News
• 10:23 - Role Of a News Anchor
• 14:18 - Finding Stories
• 17:30 - What Is Newsworthy?
• 20:18 - Journalistic Process
• 30:52 - "Fake News"
• 37:17 - Objectivity Of The News
• 44:22 - Challenges Anchors Face
• 45:49 - Closing Remarks
• 48:11 - Conclusion and Information

Resources:

• Haley Harrison: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, & KMBC 9 Storytellers Podcast