The Old School

Your two favorite podcasters take a look at a psychological condition that has been studied for well over a century but without a great deal of clear answers - our sleep. The hosts first tackle the state of our own sleep habits and what scientists believe is the reason for sleep. Afterwards, Mr. Miller discusses the four main behaviors that shape our sleep and my students attempt to tinker with one or another to judge their own sleep. The two old codgers round things out with a discussion of the idea of "catching up" on sleep. Is it real or even possible? They discuss the medical answer and their own anecdotal observations. It is an interesting conversation that is well worth a listen - even a comment or two on your favorite podcast platform. 

The boys are back and today, in a rather muted but still fascinating episode, the gurus discuss the merits of grumpiness. What does it mean to be grumpy? What it is not? How and why is differs from the attitude of younger generations or at least, their aspirations? Personal anecdotes, philosophy and the importance and role of being are all discussed about how people should approach life, what they should expect of it and what should they not want...in their humble opinion.

Your two intrepid hosts enter the choppy waters of politics but not directly. Mr. Miller brings up a topic for discussion where he bemoans the inability of people to discuss politics without generalizations and ad hominem attacks. He brings up his experience first in the classroom, where less than ideal forms of discussion take place and can be tolerated to the adults who should know better, yelling and screaming at one another. The two hosts discuss options about how to fix this but at present, the two discuss how much of this type of political discourse is ubiquitous, from the people down the street, to the pundits on television and online to the politicians walking the halls of our most treasured institutions. The hosts have repeatedly said they would never discuss politics but on this occasion, they do a deep dive in a political discussion adjacent. 

Your two hosts tackle the subject of American football. While the podcast has spent considerable - some would say too much - time discussing baseball and soccer, the hosts have only given marginal attention to the sport that defines much of our childhood and since, shared experiences. The two elder statesmen discuss our first experiences with football, how it connects them to their childhood and their fathers and how the changes in football - both professional and collegiate - have changed their affection for and attention to the sport. 

The highly rated "State series" has returned and this time, with Mr. Stanton Cole - history teacher extraordinaire and Washingtonian. The hosts and guest discuss the state of Washington, its history, Mr. Cole's experience and memories of growing up there as well as some of the more quirky and fun traits of this Pacific northwest state. Personally, Mr. Miller was hoping for harsh words between the fans of the University of Washington and Oregon, respectively, but alas, a great time was had instead. Enjoy this dive into the Evergreen State.

Your two musically adroit podcasters tackle the notion of live music in the aftermath of Mr. Miller's experience at a concert. The hosts discuss their first concerts, how they experience live music and what they see as the benefit of such experiences. They also discuss some of the downsides and how might live music change in the years to come. Two music lovers, one who has both attended and performed in concerts and other, rarely an attendee, discuss concerts, live music and the wonders of the medium. 

Your two aging podcasters defy their age and speak about all things books - reading them, carting them around and moving them from one residence to another. Evidence to our stage of life, we discuss the empty nest syndrome, homes will smaller capacities and what to do with all those books? Of course, it would not be an Old School podcast without a discussion of the state of books and how we consume them and how present trends could effect the future of how books will be consumed and benefited from. It is an easy, breezy discussion about the things near and dear to our hearts - our books. 

During this episode, your two sports-loving hosts take a look at the cultural and athletic phenomenon that is the FIFA World Cup. The hosts dive into exactly why Dr. Bourgeois is now interested in soccer, what are the qualities that has hooked him and millions of Americans into the tournament and to what degree is sports, as it is often said, a unifying force in the world and one for good. We discuss the action on the pitch as well as the cultural mash up that is taking place around the country as Americans are coming face to face with various national fan bases...and are loving it.

Your two lovable hosts have returned to talk about the state of Ohio and the two hosts' experiences with the state. Additionally, the hosts will get into the success and meaning behind Dr. Bourgeois' recent conference he attended and presented at in Geneva, Switzerland. There are also some allowances for Mr. Miller to go on a rant regarding a car commercial he found particularly infuriating. Both men admit to some serious issues with his take and the degree he finds it upsetting. It is a feel good moment when the two estimable hosts return for two weeks in a row and we appreciate the patience of the podcast's listeners for the rather sporadic nature of late.

Your two wonderful hosts have returned to talk about memory - losing memory as well as preserving it. The hosts start with the worrisome idea of losing memory as two ageing but still charming and handsome individuals. But then, they segue into the notion of memory and forgetting for good reasons and outcomes as well as for bad. It is an interesting conversation that centers on something that most people have struggled with and should be an illuminating conversation.