In Search of an Argument

Jim kicks things off with his latest scientific discovery made while consuming an entire bag of Cool Ranch Doritos 🧬 - a New York Times article that promises to explain why he's fat (spoiler alert: it's complicated). Our resident genetics expert Shelley Cummings leads us through the fascinating world of polygenic risk scores, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and why your ancestors might ha...

Can science go too far in the quest for motherhood? Playwright Nikki Brake-Sillá returns to discuss her powerful new play, Rewombed , exploring the emotional and ethical turmoil surrounding uterine transplants. Highlights: Intersection of faith, science, and fertility Personal motivations behind Nikki’s writing Deep ethical debates on bodily autonomy Upcoming project, Invisibility , addressing rac...

Beth Shannon leads the crew through a therapeutic rage session about life's most irritating moments in this hilarious episode. What's Bothering Us: * 📱 People who answer the phone to say they can't talk * 🚘 Bad drivers who should be removed from the road (Shelley has plans) * 👖 Women's jeans with useless pockets * 👓 The on-again-off-again glasses struggle * 🍽️ Dishwasher loading/unloading etiq...

Join us for an hour of wanderlust, wishful thinking and travel debates as we dissect the New York Times' ambitious "52 Places to Visit" list and discover we've collectively visited... approximately 10 of them. From Detroit's renaissance to Northern Lights obsessions, we're planning adventures while questioning our travel choices! 🌍 Connect With Us: 🎭 Website: www.insearchofanargument.com for mor...

Join us for an hour of strong opinions, surprising confessions, and entertainment guidance from people who've watched the bad stuff so you don't have to! From bizarre Super Bowl commercials to streaming shows we love to hate, we're here to help you navigate the overwhelming world of modern media. 🎭 Connect With Us: 🎭 Website: www.insearchofanargument.com for more episodes and exclusive content...

In this episode, we dive deep into life's "what if" moments - those sliding doors decisions that send us spinning down wildly different paths. Trust us, these stories are wilder than the singing waiters who ambushed Jim at that Broadway-adjacent restaurant (more on that later!). Join us as Shelly reveals how crashing one questionable small-town Indiana party (featuring a character genuinely nickna...

Come Along for the Ride: Join us for an hour of candid conversation about urban migration, cultural adventures and what it really means to start fresh in New York after decades in DC. Expect tales of broker fee battles, experimental theater reviews and the true meaning of "walking distance" in Brooklyn. 🏃‍♂️ This is the episode of Jim’s big move to New York! Connect With Us: 🎭 Website: www.insea...

🎒 What You'll Hear The reality of walking 15 miles daily with a full pack Why a $10 pair of Target sandals became trail heroes How modern pilgrims navigate this ancient route The mysterious "Cat Man" who appeared on their rainiest day Why the Camino feels uniquely safe for solo women travelers 🌟 Highlight Moments Beth's encounter with the infamous "continental drift" blisters Laura's legendary s...

Join us as we welcome back Dr. Joanna Zeiger, an Olympian, cannabis epidemiologist and author of The Champion Mindset . In this episode, Joanna shares her journey navigating chronic pain after a serious bike accident, leading her into the world of cannabis research. We delve into the science behind cannabis, its potential in reducing pain and suffering, and the regulatory challenges that make rese...

This week, we explore the power of breakup anthems! From Neil Sedaka’s timeless pop to Avril Lavigne’s raw angst, we discuss what makes these songs unforgettable. Tune in for heated debates, surprising picks, and plenty of laughs as we dive into the soundtracks of heartbreak. Connect With Us: Website: Visit our website for more episodes , show notes, and exclusive content. Feedback: Love it? Hate...

Welcome to a fresh episode of "In Search of an Argument," where we dive headfirst into the political circus of the recent Harris-Trump presidential debate. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments that made this debate one for the history books. What to Expect in This Episode: A blow-by-blow analysis of the debate's most memorable moments, including...

Welcome to a new episode of our podcast, featuring a special guest: Ian (Fleming) James (Bond) Williamson. With his charming English accent and captivating stories, Ian takes us on a journey through his life—from growing up in the UK, navigating apartheid-era South Africa, to becoming a proud US citizen. Along the way, he shares his thoughts on cultural differences, international travel, and his d...

Shelly shares about her new romantic interest, recounting how she met him at a bar with the expert assistance of Peggy Bennett, whom she dubs the 'World's Greatest Wingperson.' Peggy discusses her intriguing new side business, her husband's retirement, and his new job delivering cars. She also delights in becoming a first-time grandmother. Beth reflects on the grief from recent losses, the joys of...

For the first time since May 29, 2021, we are dropping a new episode. Why? Because the last three plus weeks have been among the most bizarre and stressful in the history of American politics. At 1:45 PM EDT on July 21, 2024, Joe Biden put an end to the dread that many Democrats were experiencing by dropping out of the presidential race little more than 100 days before the election.  Six and...

John is still away on his approved sabbatical but Peggy is just AWOL. (The Court of Inquiry is considering a suitable punishment for her).  Beth and Jim are left to serve as Shelly’s interlocutors as she demonstrates her mastery of all facets of the human genome.  The conversation varies from the scientific to the philosophical (nature vs. nurture) to the intensely personal. It is likely...

In addition to reflecting on the merits and meaning of International Women’s Day, all five of the gang talk about women who have inspired them personally. They also talk about what the future might hold for working women and women’s voices that have inspired them personally. Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook

The gang can see each other while they record (except for Peggy) but the video version has not yet arrived for our listeners.   But keep watching for it (except for Peggy). Shelly and Peggy have money matters on their mind before the main part of the discussion begins. During her Top Of Mind segment Shelly once more proves that her attention to detail can’t be rebutted. Beth rhapsodizes...

Shelly starts things off by giving a fulsome introduction to her friend and co-worker, Rob.  She is so wrapped up in what she is saying that she has to be prodded to cue the Top Of Mind segment.  Rob recounts his many and various experiences as a theatergoer; discusses his work being a producer, and lists his five all-time favorite shows.  He also speculates about when Broadway will...

Richard Tobin, who loves music (and has known John Heintz since the 1980s) picked Don’t You Want Me by The Human League and explains his selection by relating a funny story from his family life.  Peggy selected Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order because of her fond memories of dancing to it at the under-21 club. Shelly picked Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp and remembers listening to it w...

After the Top of Mind segment (including the question of whether or not Shelly should get a dog) the discussion focuses on the insurrection of Wednesday, January 6, 2021. John and Jim had discussed these events at some length in a previous episode so the primary discussion centers on the reactions of Beth, Peggy and Shelly. They all discuss the brief glow of victory from the Georgia results before...

John and Jim briefly review the shocking events of the day (placed in the context of the surprising events of the day before when the Democrats won effective control of the U.S. Senate.  They discuss the significance of the mob action against the Capitol as well as the short-term and long-term impacts of the threat to democracy.  They talk about the dangers posed by Trump and the virulen...

After initiating Beth with a short quiz to see how well she understands the minds of her colleagues, the co-hosts look back at their predictions for 2020. (Who said Bernie Sanders would be the Democratic nominee for President?) They fearlessly promulgate new predictions for 2021. (Who believes the new Ambassador to the U.N. will be Time’s Person Of The Year in 2021?)  During the episode they...

John and Jim discuss the general issues of concern about Big Tech expressed by both the Left and the Right as well as skimming over the newest antitrust litigation.  They debate at length the wisdom of repealing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which affords internet platforms immunity from liability for posts by users.  They also discuss the conceptual question of who real...

Peggy, Shelly, and Beth bravely open the pages of their own lives to consider the twists and turns that resulted in their becoming the fascinating individuals they are today. While the topic is important and serious, the conversation is tinged with humor and warmth as the three women compare their experiences and sometimes contrast the courses that they followed to reach their current stage of lif...

Peggy is enjoying watching both college and professional football, particularly the recent success of the Indiana Hoosiers.  But John remains skeptical about sports in general and in particular the recent comments of Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski regarding postponing the college basketball season.  Shelly is excited that she just had her eyes checked and is getting a new pair of...