Best Of 2023

Joined by guest host, Cole Williams (28:36), multitalented musician and dedicated community organizer, Adam and Cole explore alternate histories where Alicia Keys isn’t human and doesn’t make mistakes, the significance of recognizing both the strengths and weakness within one’s community, and music’s ability to tap into something deeper within all of us, even offering temporary relief from conditions like dementia. First, Adam and Cole review the NFL/Apple’s controversial decision to post an edited version of Alicia Keys Super Bowl performance, acknowledging the challenges and effort needed to pull off a live show, while also questioning how such edits can subtly alter history despite being witnessed by millions (09:17). Then, they converse on the profound impact of music, particularly it's ability to provide relief to those with dementia, as it can act as a trigger for memories stored deep within the cerebral cortex, lending credence to the idea of music transcending mere entertainment, but instead resonating on a deeply emotional level (50:13). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler!   [Episode Stories] If Alicia Key’s Voice Cracks At The Super Bowl, But It’s Edited Out, Did It Even Happen? Music Rejuvenates The Culture, History And Memories Of Dementia Patients   [Episode Links] Cole Williams (Website) Greater New Orleans Citizen’s Relief Team (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 096

Joined by guest host, Dr. Elaine Schattner (29:35), cancer survivor, former oncologist, and author of “From Whispers To Shouts: The Way We Talk About Cancer”, Adam and Elaine discuss how Hollywood distorts patients’ fears surrounding diagnoses, the profound influence of advocacy groups for early cancer treatments, and the potential for AI in aiding doctors as they navigate potential treatment avenues. First, Adam and Elaine dive into the distortion of patients’ fears surrounding cancer diagnoses created by Hollywood portrayals in movies such as 50/50 and The Fault In Our Stars, exploring the impact movies and TV shows have on the perception of medical diagnoses, treatments, and mortality (06:21). Then, they touch upon the increasing use of AI in everyday medical practice, its potential in aiding doctors in navigating treatment options, contrasted to the enduring significance of doctor-patient relationships in delivering compassionate care and fostering successful treatment journeys (47:52). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler!   [Episode Stories] Films Featuring Cancer Stories Can Scare Patients Google’s New AI Is Learning To Diagnose Patients   [Episode Links] Dr. Elaine Schattner (Website) EveryTown For Gun Safety (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 095

Joined by guest host Adam L. Spencer (36:30), sports agent and consultant at Spencer Group International, the Adam’s discuss reasons behind the waning appeal of hosting major international event like the Olympics and World Cup, the transformative impact of NIL deals on sports markets, and the importance of equal representation in the sports journalism industry. First, the Adam’s explore the ascent of autocratic regimes shouldering the duties of hosting international events uncontested, and poor infrastructure planning creating economic pitfalls for communities that lay in the shadows of unusable mega stadiums (07:12). Then, they revisit narratives surrounding iconic athletes such as Allen Iverson, shedding light on the importance of representation and depth in sports journalism, and the importance of journalists having a layered connected to the subjects they cover (56:07). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler!   [Episode Stories] Why The Race To Host World Sporting Events Has Slowed To A Halt Sports Media Needs More Athlete Apologists   [Episode Links] Adam L. Spencer (Website) The Black Veterans Project (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 094

Original Air Date: November 17th, 2020 Joined by special guest host Mika Pollack, executive director at Safest Drug (24:45), Adam and Mika discuss how illegal prescription drugs are being found in brain boosting supplements (02:40) and if medical tourism is the answer to rising prescription drug prices in the US (34:01). Corrections (60:02). Enjoy!   [Episode Stories] Study Finds Russian Prescription Drugs Hiding In “Brain Boosting” Supplements To Fight High Drug Prices, Utah Will Pay Public Employees To Go Fill Prescriptions In Mexico   [Episode Links] Original Episode (PodBean) Safest Drug (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Rehydrate Episode 053

Original Air Date: August 25th, 2020 Joined by special guest host Felipe De Brigard (19:56), Adam and Felipe discuss nostalgia and why we enjoy the same things over and over again (05:54) and how Little Red Riding Hood packing heat is allowing our government to re-write history (29:34). Corrections (66:23). Enjoy!   [Episode Stories] On Repeat: Why People Watch Movies And Shows Over And Over The N.R.A. Reimagines Classic Fairy Tales, With Guns   [Episode Links] Original Episode (PodBean) El Centro Hispano (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Rehydrate Episode 045

Joined by guest host Matt Alt (30:46), author of “Pure Invention: How Japan Made The Modern World”, Adam and Matt explore the dynamics that have propelled anime and other Japanese-inspired content to the forefront in the Western hemisphere, how innovations like the Walkman and Game Boy reshaped the technological landscape, and the importance of nurturing your inner child to live a fulfilling life. First, Adam and Matt discuss the surging popularity of anime among mainstream audiences and how Japan’s focus on uniqueness, and being “cool”, puts them ahead in the cultural dominance race (04:24). Then, they explore the advantages of embracing your inner child to live a happier life, and the great regression associated with being forced to “grow up”, when sometimes we just need comfort (48:06). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler!   [Episode Stories] How Anime Culture Is Taking Over The Internet A Path To Well-Being: Recognize Your Inner Child   [Episode Links] Matt Alt (Blog) Second Harvest Japan (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 093

Joined by guest host Mark Reiff (42:38), a political philosopher at UC Davis, Adam and Mark ponder the potential of Taylor Swift fans to thwart the rise of anti-establishment politicians, particular those fond of leather jackets and chainsaws, explore within the domain of political perfectionism, and address the growing belief that political violence is increasingly seen as the answer to the woes faced by the US. First, Adam and Mark dissect the reactions of Javier Milei election as Argentina president and how viral campaigns by Swifties and BTS Army to stop his ascent, could foster unique cultural connection (06:31). Then, they respond to the release of startling poll numbers indicating a growing willingness among US citizens to embrace political violence, and why anger is frequently becoming an initial resort (59:46). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler!   [Episode Stories] Taylor Swift And BTS Superfans Are Rallying Against Argentina’s Far-Right Startling New Poll Finds Political Violence Gaining A Mainstream Foothold   [Episode Links] Mark Reiff (Website) Sacramento SPCA (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 092

Before we officially head into 2024, we revisit our five favorite stories from 2023. Enjoy!   [Episode Stories] Ed Sheeran Threatens To Quit Music If Found Guilty In Copyright Infringement Case Asia’s ‘Influencer Farms’ Are Dystopian, But American Isn’t Much Better Black Student Suspended Twice For Hairstyle, School Says It Isn’t Discrimination Mexico’s President Blames US Fentanyl Crisis On “...lack of love, of brotherhood, of hugs” Plans For A More Walkable, Bikeable Oxford Anger Conspiracy Theorists   [Episode Links] Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 091

Joined by guest host Lizzie Wade (33:51), contributing correspondent for Science magazine, Adam and Lizzie engage in a conversation about the significance of native languages when writing their history, the aftermath of living through a catastrophe, and blaming the British Empire for climate change concerns. First, Adam and Lizzie dig a bit deeper in the discovery of a new, old language, in Turkiye, and how it's discovery, and words like “rizz”, give context to the history of an almost forgotten people (02:24). Then, they contemplate blaming climate change on the British, but instead discuss colonialism, and its track record of impeding the development of smaller nations through resource exploitation (49:06). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler!   [Episode Stories] Archaeologists Found An Entirely New Language Among The Ruins Of An Ancient Empire British Empire’s Past Emissions ‘Double UK’s Climate Responsibility’   [Episode Links] Lizzie Wade (Website) Indigenous Journalists Association (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com) Editor (Amber Amortegui)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 090

Joined by guest host Dr. Nicole Cooke (38:22), current holder of the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and professor at the University of South Carolina, Adam and Nicole discuss the implications of banning books in prisons, the importance of free libraries, and illuminate the need to keep teachers happy. First, Adam and Nicole contextualize the absurd reasons why prisons in the US have been banning certain “controversial” books from their prison, including ramen cookbooks and romance novels (06:37). Then, they explore the obstacles faced by teachers, as school boards address the increasing shortage of educators by recruiting beyond their borders, essentially brain draining developing countries (49:14). Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler!   [Episode Stories] New Report Finds ‘Staggering Number’ Of Books Banned In U.S. Prisons Jamaica Fears Brain Drain As Teachers Leave For U.S. Schools   [Episode Links] Dr. Nicole Cooke (Baker Chair Website) AAPF (Website) Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod) Artwork (www.Kohney.com)   Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 089