Unprompted

While "super apps" like WeChat and Alibaba are commonplace in China, it can be hard to fathom how a single platform has such a large market share on consumers' lives. Yet, Jarod and Luke discuss: Why doesn't WeChat succeed in America? And does the U.S. have our own version of super apps?

For the first time ever, Luke and Jarod are both unprompted and invite a guest, Sheng-Jie, to bring a topic. Three guys talk about what game theory is, offer historical examples, and how it can be applied to everyday life.

History Correction: Jarod said that sexual relationships between adults men and young boys were not really present in classical Greece, but mainly in Rome. This was not the case, these relationships "originated" in Greece and the practice spread to Rome through Greek influence.

As Apple's 2021 WWDC comes to a close, Jarod and Luke discuss if the utility (productivity, happiness, etc.) the infamous "Apple Ecosystem" brings to its users is real or imagined—and if it's worth the price tag.

History Correction: Nikola Tesla was born in Serbia, not Hungary like Jarod thought.

Is the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning enough to convince the "typical truck guy" to switch to electric? Jarod and Luke discuss Ford's electric vehicle investments and its implications on the future of Tesla, Rivian, and the future of EVs.

History Correction: While Queen Victoria did frequently speak German with her family and some German friends, she did not regularly use it in official business. In fact, English was the predominant language of the royal court throughout the modern era. During the early years of the English monarchy, though, French was the official language of the royalty. This was the case from William the Conqueror in 1066 until Henry IV in 1413. From then onward, English was the predominant language of the nobility with French and German being a second language in the upper classes. It seems as though Jarod needs to read a book or two on British Nobility.

Will fear of destruction keep the peace in the future? Are rocket defense systems defensive or offensive? Jarod starts by rambling about WW1 Zeppelins, but the boyz quickly switch to talking about nuclear weapons, Israel's Iron Dome, and the future balance of peace. 

Is it inevitable that friendships fade over time and space? Are their ways to stay close to college friends as you move around the country. As Luke and Jarod get ready to graduate they reflect on the friendships they have had in the past and how those friendships might evolve in the future.

Is there a difference between the Aztecs, Egyptians, or Mayans? When did horses become important to the Native Americans of the High Plains? Luke and Jarod start by talking about Pre-Columbian Native American societies, but quickly diverge to talk about history in general.

Is the energy crisis in Texas a moment or the start of a movement? Luke and Jarod talk about virtual power plans, decentralized grids, and renewable energy in the second episode of Unprompted.

Luke and Jarod kick off the podcast by exploring the ideas of generalists and specialists. From discussing Elon Musk's contributions to the world to examining the fields of science and technology in general, Luke and Jarod discuss how generalists and specialists think, act, and change the world.