Water Cooler Talk Podcast

Joined by guest host Susana Monsó (15:43), Adam and Susana discuss the issue of how human exceptionalism impacts our relationships with animals (04:03) and the importance of understanding how animals comprehend morality separate from humans (22:43). Enjoy!   Learn more about Susana’s charity of choice, “ Equalia ”. “We work to improve the living conditions of animals destined for consumption with...

Joined by guest host Professor Xubin Zeng (18:37), Adam and Professor Zeng discuss the science behind zapping rain clouds with laser beams to make rain (02:42) and how attribution science is being used to study how climate change is impacting extreme weather events (35:01). Enjoy!   Learn more about Professor Zeng’s charity of choice, the American Meteorological Society . “The AMS is a global comm...

Joined by guest host Joe Gough (32:20), Adam and Joe discuss if the marshmallow test is still legitimate and if it can assess animal intelligence (10:12) and how the long-term impact of solitary confinement on the brain is finally being discussed on the global stage (45:46). Enjoy!   Learn more about Joe’s charity of choice, “ Samaritans.org ”. “Samaritans works to make sure there’s always someone...

Joined by guest host Sarah Kermode of Hiking Thru Life Podcast (15:12), Adam and Sarah discuss the Icelandic Forest Service giving out advice to take 5 minutes to hug a tree  (02:54) and why trusting a rope from a hiking trail 7 years ago might not be a wise decision (27:59). Enjoy!   Learn more about Sarah’s charity of choice, “ HIKE For Mental Health ”. “HIKE For Mental Health organizes fundrais...

Joined by guest host John Holden (21:37), Adam and John discuss if the relative ease of sports betting in the US will impact the future of ethical competition (02:15) and how new laws surrounding paying student-athletes can allow players to capitalize on their best earning years (28:38). Enjoy!   Learn more about John’s charity of choice, the ASPCA . “The ASPCA works to rescue animals from abuse,...

Joined by guest host Macy Ramos (23:48), Adam and Macy discuss the legal lawsuit taken by the naked baby on the cover of Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ album (03:24) and how OnlyFans’ sexually explicit content “flip-flop” mostly hurt the creators who allowed OnlyFans to have its platform (39:01). Enjoy!   Learn more about Macy’s charity of choice, New Horizons Shelter And Outreach Centers . “...a shelter f...

Joined by guest host Jeff Abraham (22:37), Adam and Jeff discuss if children should watch a cartoon about the world’s longest penis (03:53) and how China’s switch towards “war hero” masculinity might impact societies view of what it means to be a modern man (29:19). Enjoy!   [News Story]   Danish Kids TV Show Centred On Man With World’s Longest Penis Raises Eyebrows   China Promotes Education Driv...

Joined by guest host Natasha Sohni (30:46), Adam and Natasha discuss building friendships across political lines (03:34) and how critical race theory is re-washing America’s past (50:46). Enjoy!   Learn more about Natasha’s charity of choice, Khalsa Aid . “Khalsa Aid is an international NGO with the aim to provide humanitarian aid in disaster areas and civil conflict zones around the world”.   [Ne...

Joined (for a 2nd time) by guest host Jake Teeny (28:39), Adam and Jake discuss the current hullabaloo surrounding the misinformation associated with the origins of COVID-19 (04:23) and what the latest patent approval by Spotify could mean for the future of playlist recommendations (34:44). Enjoy!   Learn more about Jake’s charity of choice, PAWS Chicago . “PAWS Chicago is a national model in anim...

Joined by guest host Harriet Hunt (12:44), Adam and Harriet discuss younger generations taking on the challenges of exploring space (04:04) and how the Swiss are taking on space junk (22:34). Enjoy!   Learn more about Harriet’s charity of choice, Stand. Earth . “Stand challenges corporations and governments to treat people and the environment with respect, because our lives depend on it”.   [News...

Joined by guest host Daniel Proussalidis of The Long Way (23:20), Adam and Daniel discuss the implications of Canada’s Bill C-10 on regulating internet cat videos (02:58) and how China’s preparation for their 100th year party celebration is a cause for free speech concern (34:01). The Long Way teaser (55:18). Enjoy!   Learn more about Daniel’s charity of choice, The Ottawa Mission . “The Ottawa Mi...

Joined by guest host Ray Chmielecki of Spoon Mob (20:03), Adam and Ray discuss the ethical dilemma of the convenience of delivery apps vs supporting local restaurants (06:25) and how McDonald’s McPlant burger could carve a new path for how we consume beef (35:06). Spoon Mob teaser (71:03). Enjoy!   Learn more about Ray’s charity of choice, “ Colony Cats in Columbus ”. “Colony Cats is an all-volunt...

Joined by guest host Robin and Jaimie of If These Ovaries Could Talk (25:16); Adam, Robin and Jaimie discuss the ridiculousness of being outraged over a potato (03:22) and if schools should be able to expel kids because of a crush (39:40). Corrections (62:36). If These Ovaries Could Talk Teaser (65:42). Enjoy!   Learn more about Robin and Jaimie’s charity of choice, The Trevor Project . “The Trevo...

Joined by guest hosts Laura and Rachel of Impolite Society Podcast (20:46); Adam, Laura and Rachel discuss saving Earth by sending sperm samples to the moon (02:14) and how idleness has defined a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic (29:29). Corrections (58:17). Impolite Society Clip (63:05). Enjoy!   Learn more about Laura and Rachel’s charity of choice, the “ Humane Society of Missouri ”. “The Humane Soc...

Joined by guest host Stu Horgan of Highly Irregular (23:03), Adam and Stu discuss the outcry over discontinued cereal in Canada (02:52) and the sudden rise of NFTs in the digital landscape (36:48). Corrections (58:45). Enjoy!   Learn more about Stu’s charity of choice, White Ribbon UK . “Our mission is to end male violence against women, once and for all. We work with men and boys to challenge tho...

Joined by guest host Spencer Parks of The Dictionary (21:02), Adam and Spencer discuss the influence of Urban Dictionary and Wikipedia on the future of AI technology (04:09) and if saying offensive words to the police should land you in cuffs (32:46). The Dictionary Clip (70:31). Corrections (71:42). Enjoy!   Learn more about Spencer’s charity of choice, “ Catcade Chicago ”. “Our mission is to res...

Joined by guest host Kensy Cooperrider (24:12), Adam and Kensy discuss if being bilingual can be beneficial when dealing with pain (03:31) and how the “OK” symbol could have become a dog whistle for white supremacy (28:16). Corrections (61:01). Enjoy!   Learn more about Kensy’s charity of choice, the “ Chicago Coalition for the Homeless ”. “We organize and advocate to prevent and end homelessness,...

Joined by guest host Avik Das (21:12), Adam and Avik discuss how VR technology could lend a helping hand in therapy for gender dysphoria (03:59) and how the prestigious man is slowly starting to overtake the alpha male (29:22). Corrections (53:17). Enjoy!   Learn more about Avik’s charity of choice, Planned Parenthood . “Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education and...

Before we officially begin the 2021 season, we revisit our five favorite stories of 2020!   Stories: how deepfake technology has been altering mens relationships towards women (04:12), if it’s possible for Flavortown and Guy Fieri to make up for the atrocities of Christopher Columbus (21:14), professional musicians asking for “tips” (39:17), bouncing back from dream death (64:34) and dealing with...

Joined by guest host Caroline Skoog (25:27), Adam and Caroline discuss Jenny Slate’s decision to step down from the character of Missy on ‘Big Mouth’ (04:20) and if the pursuit of satisfaction is more important than the pursuit of happiness (33:20). Corrections (62:38). Enjoy!   Learn more about Caroline’s charity of choice, The Shift Cooperative . “The Strategy Helping Initiative for Teens is a n...

Joined by special guest host Mika Pollack, executive director at Safest Drug (23:47), Adam and Mika discuss how illegal prescription drugs are being found in brain boosting supplements (01:40) and if medical tourism is the answer to rising prescription drug prices in the US (33:03). Corrections (59:20). Enjoy!   Learn more about Mika's organization, Safest Drug . "Safest Drug is a nonprofit workin...

Joined by special guest host Bianca Nkwonta (25:29), Adam and Bianca discuss if a lottery system of electing officials could replace the electoral college (02:56) and how paywalls are allowing conservative media to win the journalism wars (37:24). Corrections (64:05) Enjoy!   Learn more about Bianca’s Charity of Choice, Project Protect . “Project Protect provides financial, medical and legal resou...

Joined by special guest host Abby Tornquist (15:51), Adam and Abby discuss potential consequences to littering in National Parks (02:33) and the social impact of “boys will be boys” (22:07). Corrections (45:53). Enjoy!   Learn more about Abby’s Charity of Choice, the Loveland Foundation . “Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a p...

Joined by special guest host Cecil Harris (for a 2nd time) (24:38), Adam and Cecil discuss the University of Georgia’s decision to support football over on-campus voting (07:49) and why the NBA ratings have continued to decline throughout the years (38:59). Corrections (68:10). Enjoy!   Learn more about Cecil’s Charity of Choice, Services for the UnderServed . “Services for the UnderServed (S:US)...

Joined by special guest host Maria Ahlin , founder of Changing Attitudes (27:07), Adam and Maria discuss the impact of Covid-19 on sex workers in Germany (02:57) and how deepfake technology has been altering mens relationships towards women (38:03). Corrections (62:46). Enjoy!   Learn more about Maria's organization, Changing Attitudes . "Changing Attitudes exists to eliminate all attitudes leadin...