The Catchup

The Catchup

By John Smith, Denison RiceSociety & CultureNewsTechnologyTech News
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The Catchup episodes

  • Giving Thanks in a Trying World

    In this Thanksgiving Special (recorded before the holiday), we discuss all of the things that has us giving thanks this year, and why we can be thankful despite the challenges life may present. We have several things we're thankful for, including some very personal to each of us. And these foundational things we're giving thanks is what allows us to move forward in positivity despite whatever life may throw at us.

    Speaking of those foundational pieces, we'll discuss why that means we can be happy no matter what the world may send our way. Learn how each of us have something truly central to who we are that we not only can be proud of, but can use to get us through any trying times. Plus, how life is easy, and is all about the approach. There's a lot to discuss. Let's get into it!

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    44 min
  • Would you eat meat grown in a lab?

    This week, would you eat meat grown in a lab? It's a question you're likely going to have to answer sooner than later. Right now, a company called UPSIDE foods is seeking approval from the USDA to bring their cultured chicken to market. This after approval from the FDA saying they found no major concerns in the meat. So how does it work?

    A Chicken receives a biopsy, and those cells are cultured until they grow into more chicken meat that is edible by you - the consumer. The process takes about three weeks, but causes no death or injuries to the animals. And the idea is that it's just as natural as any other kind of meat.

    So.... would you eat it? We debate the answer, plus why despite thoughts this food would be cheaper, it could actually be exceptionally more expensive. And, what does this mean for those in the food and agriculture industry? This is about as big as electric power taking over oil. So how does the industry adapt, and is this truly the future of food? We discuss! 

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    49 min
  • Is Elon Musk Right for his Layoffs at Twitter? - Our 200th Episode!

    Elon Musk is like the Grinch who stole Christmas. Because of him, thousands of Twitter employees are without a job for the holiday season. Why is it that Musk decided to let go of so many people upon taking control of Twitter? And how does this leave him open to lawsuits? We hypothesize there must be some logical answer for the future of the company, as it's highly unlikely the richest man in the world would purposely tank a social media giant. So what is his endgame?

    Meanwhile at Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg is laying off thousands of his own employees. Why is it then that he's not getting the hate like Elon Musk? Is there a difference in the way the two are approaching their situations? Is it simply a matter of marketing and PR as for the purpose of these layoffs? There's a lot to discuss, and we break it all down. Let's get into it!

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    53 min
  • Election 2022 - The Other Side is Out to Get You

    This week, we dive into the fearmongering that influences your vote. Why it's more than likely that you aren't voting for someone - you're voting against someone else. All too often we lack the knowledge of what a candidate stands for. That, in fact, is by design. In actuality it's much easier for candidates to force you to vote out of fear than it is vote what you desire. Because to vote your heart means that candidate has to stand for something.

    Also, even the candidates we're left with are beyond polarizing. In fact, we often find ourselves voting for the lesser of two evils. Why is that? And is there a way around it? We discuss why open primaries and more political parties are the solution to a divided country and dysfunctional political system, as we head into the critical midterm elections. Let's get into it!

    Go vote!

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    34 min
  • Halloween 2022: Staying in a Haunted Hotel, Debating the Afterlife, and Ghost Stories

    It's a spooky edition of The Catchup with some REAL-LIFE ghost stories! We take turns sharing real-world ghost and spirit encounters, including John's trip to the haunted hotel known as The Elms near Kansas City. How a relaxing night visiting a speakeasy ended up as a classic scary movie plot.

    Plus, John shares his run-ins with snakes — including one that landed on his stomach — and Denison shares his interactions with the possible afterlife. Which brings us to our next topic.... are ghosts real.

    With shows like Ghost Hunters and others making a consistent series out of searching for Casper and his friends, it certainly does lend conversation to ghosts being real. But what does our belief in these spooky sentients say about our lack of belief in other things? Why are we so hopeful for ghosts to be real?

    There's a lot to discuss! Let's get into it!

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    1 hr 16 min
  • Apple Strikes Lightning, YouTube 4K Goes Premium, and Stadia Dropped

    This week, it's an all-tech episode of The Catchup, with plenty to talk about! First, Google moves to drop stadia, it highly-invested game streaming platform, after a lack of success. Some say it's another round of Google implementing new tech that's not profitable. But what's the reason for the drop? And how does it affect online gaming? We discuss.

    Plus, more big changes at Google, this time on their YouTube platform. The company is apparently considering making YouTube videos recorded in 4K only available if you pay for premium. Otherwise, you'll be watching the videos in 1080P. Why yet another move to entice people into their premium platform? We're already bombarded with more ads in an attempt to get us to sign up. What are the perks of YouTube Premium then, and is it worth the cost? Spoiler Alert: Apple users can get it cheaper than they think.

    Then, Apple may finally be dropping it's lightning cables in favor of more widely-accepted technologies. What's the reason for this move and why now? What does this mean for Apple fanatics who have decked out their homes with lightning tech? And could Apple skip USB-C altogether in favor of a different tech? We dive into it!

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    1 hr 11 min
  • Cheaters Never Win, Unless Money's Involved

    This week, we're talking about a number of examples of cheating or bending the rules in sports, and how it affects our everyday life. Is there an inherent flaw in how we police the bending of these rules if there's money involved? We're using the key example of Tua Tagovailoa, seriously hurt with concussion-like symptoms after the Miami Dolphins allegedly didn't follow proper protocol after an initial hit. The team was off to a hot start up until that point. What does this say about putting profit over health?

    Then, two examples from the world of motorsports, with punishment or expected changes potentially less severe due to the money involved. One example comes from NASCAR, where the design of the Gen 7 chassis is causing drivers to be hurt in what once seemed to be run of the mill crashes. Why is NASCAR dragging its feet on implementing safety upgrades to keep these drivers safe? Are they running a risk each time they get in the car?

    Then, a budget cap breach in F1 possible to go many millions above the limit. Is the fact that it's one of the sports biggest teams in Red Bull that's causing the sport to drag its feet in dishing out punishment? There's a lot riding on this initial punishment for a budget cap breach, worthy of setting a tone but with the potential of changing the outcome of last year's championship.

    Lastly, is this a glimpse into the challenges of our everyday lives courtesy of Corporate America and Capitalism? Why are these things so concerning, but none of them shocking? There's a lot to talk about, and we dive into it all!

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    30 min
  • The Fitness Pill that brings perks, without the work

    This week, would you take a pill that gives you the benefits of exercise, without having to do in the work? MIT says such a pill is in the works due to rapidly growing obesity rates. But, what does this say about our society? And are those obesity rates truly accurate?We discuss! 

    Plus, how political games are making a mockery of what is the "right" thing to do ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. Both sides are to blame on a variety of issues. Why the debate you hear may not necessarily be about what you want. It's about what you fear the other side may do.

    Let's get into it!

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    1 hr 17 min
  • Adam Levine's Exposed Text Messages

    This week, we're talking about how Adam Levine of Maroon 5 provided a masterclass in how NOT to talk to women. We take a look at how shared Instagram Direct Messages suddenly went viral, and show Levine's sloppy and inappropriate actions on a grand scale. One woman says she was taken advantage of and led to believe Levine's marriage was "over". And she may not be alone. What does this say about Levine's character? And more importantly, how does this provide insight to the struggle many women struggle on a daily basis? Is this an example of the toxic masculinity on display all too often in the dating world? We discuss, and a whole lot more. Let's get into it!

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    41 min
  • REVIEW: Life with an Electric Vehicle

    This week, it's an in-depth review on electric vehicles with a perspective only we can give. Denison gives his take on the 3 pros and the 3 cons of living with an EV - in this case, a Tesla Model 3. We all expect perks when it comes to life with a new electric vehicle. And of course, there are many positives and things to be excited about. But not everything is cake, and there are some concessions that have to be made over driving a gas vehicle. So, are you looking to go electric? If so what do you need to consider? We cover it all in this week's episode!

    Let's get into it!

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    33 min

About The Catchup

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Dive into the world of trending topics every Monday morning with us on The CatchUp! Our podcast unravels the complexities of today’s biggest stories, from the rapid advancements in Artificial…