Send us a text Can music and speech combine to create powerful emotional experiences? Join us as we explore this fascinating intersection, starting with a light-hearted chat about our attempts at pop music. We dive deep into the creative process of blending musical elements like violin and percussion with iconic speeches from figures such as Marily…

Send us a text Ever wondered how something as simple as a gradient puzzle could transform your day? Find out in this episode as we celebrate the zen-like qualities of gradient puzzles and their unique ability to relax and center your mind. Then, join us as we toast an extraordinary academic milestone: our guest's insightful paper on compassionate p…

Send us a text Ever wondered why a millionaire and a minimum wage worker pay the same fine for a traffic violation? Today, we propose a groundbreaking idea: work day fines! Imagine fines proportionate to your daily income, making penalties just as impactful whether you're loaded or living paycheck to paycheck. We discuss how this system could balan…

Send us a text Can humor survive the era of cancel culture? Today, we tackle the intriguing concept of "lapelle de voie"—the call of the void—and its implications for banter and social interactions. We also explore the quirky idea of "cancel cultural appropriation," where people take on others' grievances. Our conversation shifts to an exciting per…

Send us a text Imagine limitless, virtually free energy from geothermal fusion lasers! This episode explores groundbreaking advancements in geothermal energy, spotlighting a revolutionary laser technology capable of drilling through the Earth's crust to tap into superheated rocks. We discuss the transformative potential of setting up geothermal pow…

Send us a text What happens when a routine visit to a CrossFit gym turns into a saga of bans and baffling expectations? Join us as we recount the comedic chaos of our fitness journeys, topped off with a sprinkle of multiverse madness. Scott and I unravel the peculiar world of gym culture, sharing laughs over the highs and lows of our workouts. We a…

Send us a text Imagine strutting out the door each morning, confident that your stylish shirt is also your silent warrior in the battle against climate change. In our latest episode, we spill the secrets of a fashion revolution that could see your laundry pile diminish alongside your carbon footprint. We're not just airing out our ideas; we're call…

Send us a text Ever considered how a year-round school calendar might shake up the traditional learning experience? Our latest episode tackles this question head-on, as we share personal stories and compare the potential academic and social benefits for students, teachers, and parents. From reducing learning loss to integrating summer fun through t…

Send us a text https://plus12socks.com/ Ever slipped into a pair of socks and wondered if they're doing more harm than good? Join me as we explore the intriguing world of anatomically correct socks with Tanya from Austria, a pioneer in the field. Our lively chat starts off with a mix-up of time zones before diving headfirst into the transformative …

Send us a text Could your diploma be silently sabotaging your job prospects? This week we're tearing down the ivory towers of higher education, proposing a radical shift in hiring practices that could ignite a firestorm of debate. Buckle up as we examine the prospect of educational attainment as a protected category, challenging employers to value …

Send us a text Ever wondered if Venus, the goddess of love, could catch waves on her iconic shell? We've got that covered, and much more, in a whimsical journey through art and the lighter side of life's curiosities. Our banter takes us from the strokes of Botticelli's brush to the pressing question of why our toothpaste tastes so darn sweet. We'll…

Send us a text Let's kick things off with a bit of unexpected whimsy as Tsunami Jake sends us down a rabbit hole of prison reform, sports, and the colorful world of mascots. It's 'The Longest Yard' meets real life, and you won't want to miss the laughs and insights. But it's not all jest; we segue into the significant topic of plummeting birth rate…

Send us a text Ever found yourself questioning the quirky blend of senses known as synesthesia or wondering how a simple car accident could spiral into an opioid addiction? We've roped in Bedford Williamson, a cherished voice on our show for the third time, to tease apart these intricate topics with us. Our lively banter soon gives way to a deep di…

Send us a text Ever ponder why our feline friends emit those curious chirps when eyeing birds through the window? We kick off with a whimsical discussion about these endearingly odd behaviors before shifting to the silver screen's latest hot topic – the 'Roadhouse' remake. With Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor stepping into the dance-free zone of…

Send us a text Have you ever stopped to consider what a world without coffee or sushi might look like? It's not just a caffeine-deprived dystopia we're talking about, but a real consequence of the shifting climate that's threatening the staples we hold dear. As we unravel the threads of climate change's impact, we also tip our hats to cities like A…

Send us a text NEW: This episode we recorded in both audio AND video, so if you'd like to watch a video version of it with Adam and Scot's faces, check out: https://youtu.be/K-oM6RMAzII When I tied the knot, I wasn't handed a magical manual for a blissful marriage—just a state-issued pamphlet as thin as my patience with bureaucracy. Let's tear that…

Send us a text Prepare to be tickled by the thought of "Parks and Rec" star Adam Scott endorsing our humble podcast, as we find ourselves wrapped up in a name game that's equal parts amusing and bewildering. But it's not all chuckles and snickers; we strap in for a heady debate on Apple's potential pivot into the nuclear scene with the whimsically …

Send us a text Discover the unexpected economic advantages of Medicare for All — a concept that may sound controversial but holds promise for both public welfare and corporate America. Join me, Adam Brous, alongside my insightful co-host Scott, as we unravel healthcare's Gordian knot. This episode isn't just a dialogue; it's an exploration of a gro…

Send us a text Embark on a linguistic escapade with us as we traverse the playful avenues of the Spanish language and its cultural idioms. Prepare to chuckle as our guest and I compare the youthful charm of 'muchacho' with the gravitas of 'hombre' and share a laugh over the endearing oddity of international expressions. But it's not all about the w…

Send us a text Ever wondered what happens after the confetti settles for lottery jackpot winners? Join us, Scot Maupin and Adam Braus, along with our thought-provoking guest Owen Raisch, as we lay bare the emotional rollercoaster of instant wealth and its less-often-discussed pitfalls. Buckle up for a candid chat filled with laughter over language …

Send us a text Have you ever stumbled upon a musical gem that felt like it was crafted just for you? That's what happened to me, Adam Brouse, with "Tokyo" by The Books, and it sparked a delightful journey into the serendipity of music discovery. Scott Moppen and I share this audio odyssey, weaving together the threads of enchanting tunes, sleep's e…

Send us a text Prepare to be whisked from the playful world of innovative shower systems to the economic trials of Argentina, all within a single episode. With new President Javier Miele at the helm, we tackle the nation's inflation crisis head-on. Our discourse, laced with humor yet grounded in reality, explores the vibrant culture and fiscal chal…

Send us a text Ready to be part of a family like no other? Imagine a world where your kin might include a comedian, a policy wonk, or even a Brazilian goose trained as a security guard. That's the kind of wild ride we're inviting you on with Scott Moppen and Adam Prouse, as we tackle the outlandish yet thought-provoking concept of extended civil fa…

Send us a text We can't ignore the elephant in the room—climate change. The stark reality of its impacts, including the 2023 peak in coal usage, serves as a reminder that our actions today sculpt the world of tomorrow. Fasten your seatbelts as we zoom into the magnetic pull of cities like Austin, where the secret ingredient to its charm is nothing …

Send us a text Ever wondered how a fart noise machine could segue into a revolutionary idea for AM radio? That's exactly where my co-host Scott and I start our latest episode of Solutions of the Multi-various, but trust us, the conversation escalates quickly. We're tossing around the game-changing notion of big-name streaming giants like Spotify re…

Send us a text Hapy Nu Year! Dear listeners! Scot and Ih coudn't reezist bringing in the nu year with a bang, and trust me, this episohd iz the fihercracker yoo'v been wayting fohr. Buckel up az wee whisk yoo araund the glohb with a tapestry of Nu Year'z frazes, gigel ohver cultural quirks, and reveal the zesty chalengg Scot sets fohr himself—embra…

Send us a text Are you ready to have your perspective on American higher education thoroughly challenged? Brace yourselves as we bring to the table, "The Caging of the American Mind", a book that shines a torch on the issues plaguing American higher education today. Far from blaming political correctness or multiculturalism, we delve deep into the …

Send us a text A few clarifications : 1) our current calendar is the Gregorian calendar. The Julian was similar but came before that. 2) the solar year is roughly 365 days long and the lunar year is roughly 354 days so the month of Yule is always 11 days long. 3) Braus weighs 13.5 stone. Ready to shake up your golf game and shake off an outdated ca…

Send us a text What if the future of podcasting isn't live and synchronized, but rather recorded at your convenience? We’re pioneering into the uncharted territory of asynchronous podcasting and believe us, it’s been quite a ride! We'll share the highs and lows, the convenience versus the occasional disconnect, and the interesting parallels with ot…

Send us a text Are you ready to challenge conventional wisdom? This episode is a journey into unexpected climate change solutions. We're shaking things up by talking about deconstructing highways and replacing them with multi-use neighborhoods. Imagine a world where highways, traditionally seen as symbols of progress, are torn down to make way for …

Send us a text What if there was a way to truly express your opinions on movies, restaurants, and more, using a simple scoring system? Welcome to our new recording space in Oakland where we're about to explore how the Net Promoter Score (NPS), a tool known to the marketing and product design world, can revolutionize the way we evaluate our entertai…

Send us a text Imagine a world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme, making pivotal decisions that directly impact humanity. Sounds like a dystopian movie plot, right? Not in this thought-provoking episode with AI ethics expert Ben Byford. Ben unravels the complex web of AI ethics, shedding light on the importance of ethical considerations …

Send us a text Strap in as we navigate the complex landscape of emotions. Feelings – good, bad, and ugly, they're all essential. We're shining a light on the importance of understanding and expressing emotions, and the contrasting ways different cultures and genders approach this. Let's not forget the intriguing twins paradox – two doctors in one f…

Send us a text Are you ready to fasten your seatbelts and embark on a journey where we tackle the real essence of safety, its influence on progress, and the way it shapes the notion of justice? Get set to traverse the intriguing world of football, examine the role of safety in the professional success of Deion Sanders, and chuckle over the quirky t…

Send us a text Prepare to be enthralled by our fascinating guest Eric Finkelstein, a food enthusiast whose passion has led him on an extraordinary journey involving Michelin-star restaurants and the Guinness World Records. Eric, who is known for his unique practice of photographing his restaurant meals and sharing them on Google Maps, spills the be…

Send us a text Imagine a world where mothers and those without children earn the same, where parental leave is a basic human right and not a luxury. Is it a utopia or a feasible reality? In this episode, we tackle the contentious topic of the wage gap between mothers and other workers, arguing for the adoption of universal maternity and paternity p…

Send us a text Ready to take a leap from the conventional board gaming realm? We promise to rattle your neurons with an innovative twist to your favourite game, Pandemic, called Oligarchy. Brace yourselves as we navigate through the mechanism of this rousing version that not only promises fun but also poses intriguing questions about societal dynam…

Send us a text We're using our YouTube for something new! Today we bring you this new episode of Scot's Great Idea Show, where Scot grabs the driver's wheel from Adam for an episode and guides the topic. Today's topic is all about bugs, and how eating insects and other tiny creatures can help solve problems big and small. With a strong nutritional …

Send us a text The second half of our outside experiment. This was the episode we recorded right after the park canvasing we did in Episode 60. Imagine a world where the economically disadvantaged are the first to be supported in times of crisis, not the last. Where instead of bailing out the wealthy, bailouts work from the bottom up. This is the c…

Send us a text A peek behind the curtain as we bring you a different type of episode, recording us as we went to meet people in person out in the park last Saturday. We walked and met people, then set up a table and recorded outside in the park. The episode we recorded there is also being released today as SFM episode 61. How often do you find your…

Send us a text Welcome, listeners, to an episode that bursts with wild ideas, insightful discussions, and creative thinking. Today, we're exploring the unexpected, from the adrenaline-fueled thrill of rage rooms to honking horns in Delhi, and their innovative solution. We dive headfirst into a birthday party in a rage room, equipped with sledgehamm…

Send us a text Imagine a world without sushi or vanilla ice cream. Harrowing, isn't it? This week, we're exploring the ramifications of climate change on our favorite foods, and the conversation gets as juicy as a prime cut of Brazilian steakhouse beef. From the idea of climate calming to the concept of a Rube Goldberg machine, we're serving up a d…

Send us a text Ready to get your mind buzzing with the electrifying possibilities of fusion energy? This episode is exactly what you need. We pull back the curtain on this enigmatic power source, exploring why it’s been elusive for decades and how AI might pave the way for its development. You'll learn about the parallels between the urgency of the…

Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed by the world's biggest issues and struggling to see how your individual actions can make a meaningful difference? Let's shake up your perspective. In our latest episode, we dip our toes into the turbulent yet intriguing waters of general strikes, drawing parallels with historical game-changers like the invention o…

Send us a text There is a build-up of small solutions, each one too short for its own episode. So here they are rapid-fire style. The last one is a doozy! What's your favorite? Help these new solutions spread by ... Subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts Leaving a 5-star review Sharing your favorite solution with your friends and network (this…

Send us a text It is SFM's 1 year anniversary! 🎉🎊🍾🥳 In this episode, Scot and Braus celebrate and reminisce on the past year of presenting new and unheard-of solutions to all of you. Thanks for your support. Enjoy! Help these new solutions spread by ... Subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts Leaving a 5-star review Sharing your favorite soluti…

Send us a text You probably know that buying local is good to do, but what if there were a full theory of economic development based on the idea? There is a near-universal consensus that countries should do the opposite of buying local—the theory of "export-oriented development" says countries should maximize their exports and then import everythin…

Send us a text Enjoy this sprawling episode in which Braus and Scot discuss a bunch of different solutions, the biggest one being how cremation, like everything else, has to ditch natural gas in favor of a low-carbon alternative. 🌎 In the second half, our hosts debate cremation vs. burial and celebrity vs. being historical. Enjoy! Help these new so…

Send us a text Slavery... sucks. And it wasn't "abolished" with the civil war. "49.6 million people live in modern slavery – in forced labour and forced marriage." (Antislavery.org) One form of modern human bondage is human trafficking in the sex trade. In this episode, Braus and Scot bring their solutions and humor (respectively) into this serious…

Send us a text **Click and Clack here on Car Talk** We've been pretty car-phobic on SFM so far, so in this sprawling and goofy episode, Scot and Braus reverse that trend and consider some car solutions that you will likely not expect. No flying cars here! Most of the episode focuses on the right to die with dignity and how cars, oddly, could be par…