Unpopular Opinions with Heather

We don't talk about 'free high school'. It’s been fewer than 100 years since free public high school became an expectation for all Americans, and now we take that for granted. Why does the concept of 'free college' sound revolutionary to some and toxic to others? As parents who care about college accessibility for our kids and others, my husband Matt & I dig into this issue.

The Buy Nothing Project (https://buynothingproject.org/) is a community, a movement, AWESOME, and you'll want to know about it. My guest for this episode is Jen Suttmeier, who founded a chapter in our town. 

5 months ago Pam Walker, Head of Innovation & Strategy at UL and Tom Kirwan, VP & CRO at Hearst Media Solutions joined me to talk commuting, business travel, and the jarring new realities of the covid-19 quarantine workplace.  Nobody missed their commute except for me, and pajama Zoom calls were a disturbing new norm.  What's changed in 5 months? What do we think will change in the next 5 months, or the next 5 years?  Pam & Tom are back to pick up the conversation.

Gender Reveals.  Just because you can know, why would you want to know the sex of your baby before its born?  I say 'no' to finding out, and 'no' to creating a big party.  Lots of people claim disgust at over-the-top gender reveal parties (while planning their own), and I think you shouldn't have a gender to reveal in the first place.

My guest, host of the Party of 13 Podcast Jen Hale, has had 11 (!) babies and 11 chances to make this decision.  I've had 3.  Can we agree on any part of this?

The odds that you’ve hitchhiked, or picked up a hitchhiker, in the past few years are slim. I think it should make a comeback.  Can I get you to agree with me? Join me to delve into the history of hitchhiking in America and ponder it's future with the author of Roadside Americans: The Rise and Fall of Hitchhiking in a Changing Nation, Jack Reid. 

Dr. Jack Reid is a historian of American Culture who lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.  His first book, Roadside Americans: The Rise and Fall of Hitchhiking in a Changing Nation was chosen by the Smithsonian Magazine as one of five books to "read while you're stuck at home" during the pandemic. Reid has also appeared on NPR's program Here and Now to discuss his book with host Robin Young. You can find his book online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other major outlets, but Reid would appreciate it if you order it from a local independent bookstore.  https://uncpress.org/book/9781469655000/roadside-americans/

Having your dog 'put to sleep' sounds a hell of a lot better than 'physician assisted death'.  But going through one makes me think of the other.  Seems to me that we're more humane to our pets at the end of life than our human family.  Why is Physician Assisted Death so controversial?

Welcome to Unpopular Opinions With Heather.  If you're curious about a lot of different things and like to hear viewpoints you don't hear every day, you're invited to my conversations with friends, family, colleagues and experts.

Streaming music is great for me as a listener, but how's it working out for musicians? I've got two opposing artist viewpoints from within my own family, from my brother, Dryw Keltz / music industry journalist and long time amateur musician and my son, Jasper Scott / less long time amateur musician. 

My family just came back from a vacation in Exuma, Bahamas - one of the few places recently re-opened to American travelers...And then also recently closed again to American travelers, but that's part of the story.  What's it like to travel internationally during the covid-19 pandemic? One of my travel companions, my mother-in-law Gale, and I recorded our thoughts while on (what we were hopeful was) the last leg of our trip. Listen and see for yourself if you think it's worth the extra drama.

Should you avoid talking to family and friends about things you disagree on? No...but you also don't want to come out of that discussion wanting to kill each other... Whether you're talking about the mundane (LeBron is the best player of all time) or a hot button political issue (so many to choose from...), something you see as a fact (the earth is round), or a conflict at work (also so many to choose from...), put your big kid pants on and get ready to have a real debate.  Disagreement is the spice of life!  I believe we're all better off if we have these conversations, so let me help you get ready...  Luckily I have a frequent sparring partner in my own house.  From the comfort of our patio, let my husband and me give you some tips on how to get a little uncomfortable - disagree, discuss, and come out better on the other side.