TAGQ (That's A Good Question)

Remember those clever classroom systems we all encountered as kids? From point systems to mini-economies, our early education was full of inventive ways that taught us about value and justice. In this episode, we reminisce about those nostalgic school days, drawing parallels to the serialized storytelling of Charles Dickens. Just like a Dickens novel, our educational experiences unfolded over time...

Now a flashback episode from earlier in the fall.  Have you ever wondered why some superfoods are shockingly affordable? Join us as we unravel the mysteries of a company selling superfood mushroom powders at Grocery Outlet for prices that make us question the entire supply chain. Our conversation kicks off with a "hilarious" take on the ever-present Zoom notification, sparking a chat abo...

What happens when you move to a new city and find yourself interrupted by a playful cat and a housemate during a podcast recording? Our latest episode of "That's a Good Question" brings you to Seattle, where we've set up a new base and are excited to share some personal updates. Moving south brought a mix of nostalgia and change, as we reminisce about past summers and Starbucks...

What happens when the sky lights up with electricity and the ground starts to smoke? Join us as we tackle the ominous relationship between lightning storms and forest fires, focusing on a recent tempest in Eugene that had everyone on edge. Reflecting on past fire seasons in California, we share personal stories that paint a haunting picture of life under smoke-choked skies and eerie daylight. We w...

What truly defines an island and why do we label some places as separate entities while others blend seamlessly? This episode starts with a curious exploration of geographic labels, pondering the arbitrary separations that mark our maps and our minds. Our musings then shift to personal growth, sharing the invigorating and sometimes uncomfortable practice of cold showers as a metaphor for embracing...

What happens when a banana meets a walnut in a plastic bag?  Join us as we talk about the unplanned culinary experiment that resulted in banana-flavored walnuts,  the surprising permeability of plastic bags, planning a shroom trip,  and a hilarious mishap involving banana splits. Along the way, we dive into the quirky world of permaculture, comparing it with biodynamics, and share some classic mis...

Join us in Minneapolis for a special live recording of "That's a Good Question" with our delightful guest, my grandmother, Clara Korb. We kick off with the logistics of my flight and a funny story about a game download gone awry. Grandma Clare brings her unique perspective on Midwest living, the quirks of hay fever, and precious family memories. We even chat about how foods like hum...

Ever wondered if you've become just like your father or how our parents shape who we are? Join us in a fun-filled episode that kicks off with a playful nod to the "recording in progress" lady as we reminisce about our YouTube promotional videos and the hilarious ways our family members discovered them. We share heartwarming reflections on Father's Day, ponder whether we've...

Have you ever wondered how a simple idea blossoms into a full-fledged song? In today's episode, we share the enchanting journey of musical creativity, filled with personal stories and unexpected sparks of inspiration. We'll talk about the magical moment when a fleeting idea takes root and the joy of capturing it with tabbing tools. From the intuitive control we wield over our instruments...

Join us as we recount memorable adventures.  Our journey will  take you deep into the early history of California, examining the impact of European arrivals and the gold rush on local populations and resources, setting the stage for the birth of the global mining industry. What are the chances that you were even born? We ponder the mind-boggling one in 400 trillion odds, tracing the lineage of suc...

Have you ever wondered how high school popularity shapes our adult selves? Join us as we recount our awe-inspiring, and sometimes intimidating, interactions with the homecoming king whose charisma and thrill-seeking nature left a lasting impression. Fast forward to college, we had an unexpected encounter that transformed our perspective, revealing mutual respect and an unexpected recognition of ou...

Why rely on AI for podcast transcripts? Join us as we humorously grapple with this very question, beginning with our comical hunt for the ever-elusive Zoom link. Once we’ve conquered that hurdle, we bring you into our cozy conversation from rainy Whidbey Island, where Cinco de Mayo festivities are in full swing. We’re excited to introduce AI-generated transcripts to our episodes, but not without w...

Ever wrestled with the heartache of parting ways with a cherished piece of technology? We've all been there, and in this playful debate, we tackle the timeless conundrum of whether to breathe new life into an old computer or embrace the shiny allure of the latest gadgets. Join us as we wade through the sentimental swamp of tech obsolescence, the adventure of seeking third-party repairs, and t...

Ben and Scott talk to Scott's cousin Tom during a California visit (for Tom and Ben).   From chat.openai.com:   In this podcast, Ben and Scott engage in a lively and wide-ranging conversation touching on various aspects of family life, societal influences, and personal anecdotes. They discuss the changing landscape of cooking habits over the years, from homemade meals to reliance on packaged...

Ever found yourself chuckling at the quirks of everyday life, only to stumble upon a revelation that shifts the way you see the world? That's exactly how our latest episode unfolds, starting with a sonic enigma in my backyard and then unwinding into a discussion on the transformative power of soma bodywork and posture. As we navigate the intricacies of our bodies, from the fascia's elast...

Ben and Scott talk improv, editorial cartoons, and accessories named Sparky.  Sponsoring Marketplace Foods in Hayward WI. From podsqueeze.com:  In this podcast episode, the hosts engage in a diverse conversation covering topics from the art of improvisation and the role of editorial cartoonists to nostalgic childhood memories and their personal favorite foods. Additionally, they touch upon the com...

Yup.  Talk about animals and spirit and rockstar religions.  Sponsoring the book Resurrecting Jesus and the Center for Action and Contemplation. From podsqueeze.com: In this podcast episode, Ben and Scott engage in a relaxed and varied dialogue. They touch upon an eclectic mix of subjects that include the intricacies of music and the art of drumming. The conversation then drifts to the scenic loca...

General discussion of comedy and sleep hygiene.  Sponsored by the "Recording Started" voice artist. From chat.openai.com:   Suggested Title: "Exploring Podcasting and Sleep Patterns" In this episode, Scott and Ben delve into the world of podcasting, discussing the challenges and excitement of starting a new venture. From brainstorming podcast names to contemplating the elusive...

Sponsored by gravity and inertia,  this podcast is a wide ranging discussion of comedy and music.  And I still don't know the name of the comedian with a special I was trying to remember. Oh yeah, it was Mike Birbiglia. From chat.openai.com: Suggested Title: "Curiosity Chronicles: A Podcast Journey" Welcome to "Curiosity Chronicles," where Scott and Ben embark on a quest t...

Uncle and brother Mark is the guest on today's podcast, and we get into his experience with heavy equipment on the ice and other things. From podium.page: Join us as we cozy up with a warm cup of coffee and casually unravel the quirks of winter life, sharing personal stories and a good chuckle over a surprising YouTube find featuring Conan O'Brien. We explore the shades of feeling '...

Special guest Laura Johnston joins us for the first in-person recording of the podcast while Christmas cookies were baking downstairs.  We discuss what it was like to work in a molecular endocrinology lab back in the early '80s, and other topics like sleep hygiene and what Chewbacca would look like shaved. From podium.page: Feeling the holiday cheer yet longing for some thoughtful banter? Cur...

How lactose intolerent are you?  That leads to some discussion, then our hosts ruminate about many things waiting for the surprise guest. From podium.page: Dive into an episode brimming with laughter, reflection, and a touch of nostalgia as we explore the complex relationship between food, family, and identity. "Lactose Tolerance and Surprise Guest" offers a heartfelt blend of personal a...

Ben and Scott talk about flaming electric kettles before bringing on Adam to discuss using artificial intelligence to study the effect of climate on ancient tree cores, as well as the results of his fantasy F1 race team. From podium.page: You'll never believe the time I nearly torched my college dorm with a rogue electric kettle—not my finest hour, but hey, it's how I met some of my clos...

This second podcast of Ben and Scott delves into Ben's training in intentional burning as a form of landscape management.  Plus some culinary club observations. Sponsored by Vectaport Sales selling BioBags for now, I guess. From podium.page:   When my dad, Scott Johnston, and I decided to tackle the whimsical world of podcasting, we never imagined how a simple conversation between family coul...

Ben Johnston and his father Scott begin a discussion of whatever good questions they can come up with.  The first question they tackle is what to name the podcast. From app.decipher.ai: Join Ben Johnston and his father as they embark on their new podcast, "That's a Good Question." In this episode, they discuss the challenges of naming things, the responsibilities of being a caretake...