The Catchup

This week's viewer-submitted topic comes to us from Russell Rawlins, asking us for our thoughts on the ever-growing and long-lasting trend of enneagrams. What are they, why are so many people interested in them, and why do we believe they're a waste of time? We have a lot to dive into.

First, an enneagram test places you under 1 of 9 classifications with the goal of giving you details you may or may not know about yourself. The goal? Build off strengths, and eliminate weaknesses. What made this particular test catch on versus other strengths tests? The answer isn't quite clear. But we do know the internet and related memes seem to have helped.

But do enneagram tests go too far in trying to tell us something that we may already know about ourselves? Common descriptions include who you are at your best, who you could be at your worst, and what addictions you may fact. There is a lot of positivity and knowledge that can be gained from this self-exploration. But, we hypothesize some of this info may do more harm than good, and that enneagram tests may serve more to keep us in a box than they do to benefit us.

What do you think? There's a lot to talk about. Let's get into it!

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This week, we continue our new format of ALL viewer-submitted topics! Let us know what's been on YOUR mind via one of the links below, and your topic could be featured on an upcoming episode. NOTHING is off limits!

Lara Dreher-Moore submitted this week's topic on Valentine's Day - is it an unnecessary drain on your bank account? With inflation and supply shortages worsening every day, companies are more eager to make up for their business losses with YOUR money than perhaps ever before, turning to more forceful topics to convince you to buy.

In fact, it's part of a transition in advertising on a variety of platforms. More aggression, repetition, and guilt tripping are just some of the tactics we've noticed. It's part of how companies are tackling the impact on their supply chain.

But there is a place for this kind of spending! We talk about how you can use Valentine's Day as a good excuse to treat your significant other (or yourself) to something unique and special. Plus, how you can use social media as a tool to help you create a Season of Love you'll never forget.

There's a lot to talk about. Let's go ahead and get into it!

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This week, we kick off a new season by introducing our all-new format on The Catchup: New episodes driven ENTIRELY by you! From here on out, every episode will feature the topics that have YOU talking in your world, what's been on your mind, and anything trending. There's no limits to what we can talk about, and it puts you even more in the driver's seat of our conversations, and gives us a whole new chance to connect with you. So with that said, let's go ahead and get into it!

Darien Mack submitted this topic: "Something that’s been on my mind lately is all of this hoarding and the subsequent shortages. Sure, folks can get a little greedy (at times), but did you REALLY need the shelf of hot cheetohs? Was it necessary for that ENTIRE DESK of cheeze-itz? I can understand a couple of cases of bottled water, but sheesh"

And we don't disagree! But while the rush to hoard supplies ahead of looming storms and supply shortages does seem worse, it's definitely nothing new. But what is feeding into the selfish behavior? How did we get to a point where we don't consider the people around us and instead, only consider ourselves? We discuss the impact this could have on an already-struggling supply chain, and how you could be affected - even if you don't take more than your share.

Then, Mark Cuban is taking on Big Pharma with a brand new company offering prescription drugs at an affordable price. The recently launched Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company charges customers the same price it costs to manufacture these drugs, plus a 15% markup and a pharmacist fee. That means some extreme savings, including some savings in the 4 digits. This is already making a big splash, and it's just getting off the ground. How will this impact drug companies, and will the industry change to be more affordable for everyone? We discuss! Let's get into it!

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This week, we’re talking about major changes to the SAT! Not only is the test getting shorter, but it’s going virtual. The complete makeover of the test showcases a waning interest in its results. Should it be done away with entirely? Or is there something to be gained from this standardized exam most college-bound students take? And is it a sign of a move toward making college more accessible? We discuss it all!

Plus, a MAJOR announcement in our special season finale! What we have in store for Season 4, how it puts you in the drivers seat, and so much more! Let’s go ahead and get into it!


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This week, it's part 2 of our discussion with musician and friend of the show Blake Ellis. This week's topic, is the loud and awe-inspiring rock music of years gone by now permanently a thing of the past? In the same way that loud and powerful cars left an indelible mark on our souls, loud guitar amplifiers have done the same thing. Both from a listening and a performing standpoint. But now, the need and usage for such an amp is no longer.

The modern guitarist can get by with much smaller amps, or do away with amps altogether. New pedalboards that model amps have taken their place. And while this does mean there is an increased ease of use, quality control, and lower expense, digital recreations also leave a lack of character in the music. And if we get stuck digitally recreating tones and sounds, will we ever be able to move music forward as an artform?

That brings us to our next topic: The Weeknd's new album Dawn FM. Most tracks sound very reminiscent of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. And for good reason, considering producing icon Quincy Jones worked on the album! Dawn FM showcases a strong push to the retro when it comes to modern music. A push that's been building and growing for several years now. Is it time to move on from the sound of years past? Is it even possible to move music forward without copying the sound of something old? Will creativity, the unforgettable impact of being pummeled by a wall of sound, and incredible musicianship be lost to the sands of time? Let's go ahead and get into it.

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Check out Blake Ellis's music HERE

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This week, it's all things power featuring one of our favorite guests, musician and friend of the show Blake Ellis! In a follow-up to last week's discussion about the auto industry's permanent shift to electric, this week we share our experiences about how the impact of loud, raw, and sheer gas-driven power turned us car crazy, and gave us a respect for the machine and the industry.

All three of us agree - an evangelical moment of loud, powerful engines in our youth changed our lives forever. Years later, we all share a healthy love, respect, and nostalgia for our vehicles. John attests that experience could even influence a generation of those willing to work on and maintain their own vehicles (an opportunity that saves man and leaves room for creativity).

But nothing is forever. And electric cars are sure to change more than just the noise pollution in our communities. Is going electric truly better for the environment? What about hydrogen (another clean energy) and why isn't it being lauded as the replacement for gasoline? The most abundant resource in the universe would appeal to the car culture, and environmentalists? Will cars of the future be touted as works of art? Or consumed and consistently replaced like other electronics?

And what about other major green energy movements, like the shift to electric planes? There are a lot of unanswered questions, and a lot to dive in to... let's go ahead and get into it!

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This week, General Motors unveiled the brand new Silverado EV, set to come out next year. The company's 1st all-electric full-size pickup offer the equivalent of over 660 horsepower, 400 miles of range, and the ability to tow 10,000 pounds... all on a non-truck frame that's shared with the Hummer. From this alone... there's a lot to talk about.

First, how does sharing a platform with the revered Hummer impact the integrity of both vehicles? The Hummer will not have an exclusive design, but both will be capable of higher towing and hauling capabilities compared to their current gas-powered counterparts. With big moves from Ford (introducing the F150 Lightning) and Chrysler (vowing to cut all gas-powered cars by this decade), are the days of gas-powered vehicles finally numbered?

And if they are, what does that mean for our infrastructure? How can we rely on ease of access and capability of charging a vehicle to relieve our range anxiety? Especially in a time where infrastructure quality has been in doubt. Is this the death of oil conglomerates? Or the sign of a major shift that could transform where and how we source our energy?

And then there's the motivation for all of it. The government is pushing very strict fuel standards in the coming years, forcing the hand of automakers to push to an electric future. But is there a better solution? GM is offering hydrogen-powered heavy duty vehicles (the most abundant resource in the world), and is also struggling with a recall-riddled Bolt model that is known to catch fire. Is the motivation for green energy truly for the betterment of the world? Or is it for another kind of green going in the company's pockets? We discuss it all and a whole lot more.

Let's get into it!

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This week, we rung in the new year in the best way we can - with an in-person Catchup! It’s out with the old, and in with the new! Including new tech that will allow us to take our podcast (and other endeavors) to new heights!

Speaking of taking things to new heights, it’s a new year… and that means new opportunities and energy to succeed and excel in your own personal goals. For the past two years, there was the oft-used excuse of the pandemic dampening our dreams. And for good reason. But, is 2022 the time to leave that excuse in the dust? Why now is the time to BUILD YOUR DREAMS under the cover of “the new normal”

Plus, we dive into our own inhibitions when it comes to succeeding and achieving. Why our own struggles may have held us back temporarily, they’re now fueling us to a more prosperous future - against all odds. Stronger, more confident, and hyper-focused. 2022 is shaping up to be a special one. How we plan to execute, and you can too. Plus a whole lot more. 

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This week, we reflect on 2021's greatest hits in tech, cars, and music. Both of us present our PERSONAL Top 5s in all three categories. Plus, the lessons we learned in 2021 that will propel us to more growth and success in 2022.

Cars: A look back on the year in automotive revolutions and releases reveals a sharp turn toward electrified vehicles that are both attractive AND sporty. Most of our top five reveals the future of the automotive industry in electrification. But, we each top the list with somewhat of an automotive throwback, showing the traditional sporty vehicle is likely here to stay.

Tech: We each present a unique variety in tech innovations and personal acquisitions, but there is one common thread... Artificial Intelligence. AI quickly went from a distant dream to the Here and Now. How AI is transforming art design, communication, learning, and developing OTHER AI... and it's doing so right now.

Then, our top 5s in music are very different, but they showcase what makes music so special. Songs take on a life of their own based on their unique meaning to YOU! The list showcases why music lovers should expand what they listen to outside of what's on the radio. But, it also explains why Bruno Mars is a musical genius!

We have a lot of fun with all of this, and we hope you do too! Let's go ahead and get into it!

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It's the week of Christmas! And if you're listening to this podcast, it's probably because you're not scrambling to make drastic last minute shopping decision. We start off this week talking about the danger of being a holiday procrastinator, and why it's not safe to go outside even if your holiday shopping is done; including Denison's close run in with some holiday road rage.

Then, Spiderman breaks pandemic-era box office records, potentially ushering in a new era of blockbuster hits, and saving the movie industry from a destiny of streaming and thus, lower income. Why this means Disney may have just saved all of Hollywood (with the help of Scarlett Johansson), and why their best move to keep the interest alive in the Marvel MCU was to lead - and bring back - a crowd favorite.

And finally, drama never-before-seen in the world of motorsport at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton appears to have been on the wrong end of a loose interpretation of the rule book. Some might say, no rules were followed at all! But despite an entire season coming down to a judgment call by the Racing Director that lost Hamilton the championship on the LAST LAP... he still managed to set a positive example that could impact generations for years to come. Yet, he's been uncharacteristically silent in the days since. Why EVERYONE should have their kids look up to Lewis Hamilton, and why we hope he won't retire, plus so much more. Let's go ahead and get into it!

Watch the F1 highlights HERE

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