Best Jesse J. Anderson Podcasts (2024)

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1004. The power of words: Conscious language, with Karen Yin 42:08

5m ago42:08

42:08

1004. This week, Karen Yin, author of "The Conscious Style Guide," discusses the concept of conscious language and its importance in promoting equity and respect. We explore the differences between conscious language and political correctness, the evolution of the singular "they," and how to navigate language change. Karen also shares insights on a…

1
A Grace-Based Guide to Making Healthy Choices for Your Family 35:23

2d ago35:23

35:23

Are you a mom who values making healthy choices for your kids? Perhaps you are selective about the foods you give them or the ingredients in the products you use in your home. But what do you do when your kids go somewhere those things are not considered? Maybe your child is going to a friend's house or an event where they are being served foods wi…

1
How to write about zero. Are your emails accidentally rude? PAPST. 17:23

5d ago17:23

17:23

1003. This week, we look at zero — what a weird number! It has two plurals, sometimes you use the word and sometimes you use the numeral, and it gave rise to a bunch of idioms in the World War II era. Then we turn our attention to email. Generational differences can lead to misunderstandings. We explain why and how to avoid them. | Edited transcrip…

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AI: Friend or foe? A conversation with Martha Brockenbrough 22:29

2d ago22:29

22:29

1002. This week, Mignon talks with author Martha Brockenbrough about the good and bad sides of using artificial intelligence for writing and education, including ethical concerns about using AI-generated content, strategies for teaching writing in the age of AI, and the potential effects on teachers' jobs. Martha's new book, "Future Tense": https:/…

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Why Can't I Get it Together (Ft. Jamie Ivey) 30:56

3d ago30:56

30:56

Have you ever had a difficult day and just asked yourself, "Why can't I get it together?" Maybe you lost your temper with your spouse, or you're exhausted from running around after your kids all day. Maybe your work project isn't going how you had hoped, or you feel overwhelmed by every little thing. Between the endless list of obligations and resp…

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The unspoken rules of adjectives. The rise of 'yeah-nah.' Sundies 17:43

4d ago17:43

17:43

1001. This week, we explore the often-overlooked rules for ordering adjectives in English and when to use commas between them. Then, spurred by a recent shout-out at a Taylor Swift concert in Australia, we look at the rise of the phrase "yeah-nah" (and its American cousin "yeah-no"). | Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.c…

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Grammar Girl at 1000: Words, wisdom, and a dash of whimsy 25:35

9d ago25:35

25:35

1000. In this special 1000th episode, I take the hot seat to answer your questions. Hear what made the first year of the podcast so wild, what I wish I had done differently, what mistakes I still make, how I still find fresh topics after all these years, and the title of my secret dream show (hint: it involves penguins!). It's a celebration of lang…

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6 Overlooked Things That Might Be Impacting Your Skin (Ft. Maria Marlowe) 36:00

16d ago36:00

36:00

Are you struggling with acne or feeling frustrated with skin issues? Maybe you've tried all the things (over-the-counter products, dermatologist-recommended topicals, infomercial supplements etc.), but you still haven't seen any improvement. You're feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there and you're even starting to think that nothing w…

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The birth of American English. How to recognize a phrasal verb. Cucka-nucka. 19:06

11d ago19:06

19:06

999. This week, we look at what shaped early American English, from Native American words to Noah Webster's spelling reforms. Then, we explore phrasal verbs, looking at their grammatical peculiarities and some tips to distinguish them from other types of verbs. The "American English" segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguisti…

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Buying your hometown newspaper, with Samantha & Greg Enslen 46:13

19d ago46:13

46:13

998. This week, I talked with Samantha and Greg Enslen, who recently purchased their hometown newspaper, the "Tippecanoe Gazette" in Tipp City, Ohio. Sam and Greg shared how they are making it work, from updating antiquated systems to expanding news coverage and readership. We also discussed balancing print and digital content, the challenges of ad…

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What I Did for C-Section Recovery and Scar Healing 27:27

24d ago27:27

27:27

Recovering from a C-section can be challenging - especially if you didn't expect your birth to end in a major surgery. Between the exhaustion and lack of sleep from the newborn days, the pain from surgery, and concern about your scar healing, it can be overwhelming. So what can you do to recover, promote healing, and help support your body during t…

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'Which' versus 'that.' Words for walking. Bottleadammit. 16:18

26d ago16:18

16:18

997. This week, I help you learn (and remember!) the difference between "which" and "that" with practical tips and examples about cupcakes. Then, we take a linguistic stroll through walking-related terms, including "perambulate," "sashay," and "traipse." The "words for walking" segment was written by Michaela Dunn, a Wyoming-based editor and publis…

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The Hidden Stories of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart 39:41

23d ago39:41

39:41

996. This week, you'll learn about the rich linguistic history of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart, an advisor to the Oxford Dictionary of African American English. We talked about what goes into making an entirely new dictionary and about some of the first entries, including "kitchen," "Aunt Hagar's Children," and "do rag." Find Dr…

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Tired of Being Tired (Ft. Jess Connolly) 42:56

1M ago42:56

42:56

Are you tired of feeling tired? Whether spiritually, emotionally, or mentally, constantly fighting fatigue or exhaustion can be overwhelming. Maybe you're trying to juggle a million things and your calendar is full. Maybe you feel like you're carrying a mental weight because there's a list of things you "should" be doing and keeping up with. Or may…

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The art of punctuation and the charm of 'kerfuffle.' Nicing. 18:18

25d ago18:18

18:18

995. This week, we look at when to use parentheses, dashes, and commas and how the choice can change the tone of your writing. Then, we dive into the history of words for describing a big fuss — "kerfuffle," "hullabaloo," "hoopla," and more. The "big fuss" segment was written by Samantha Enslen, who runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at Dra…

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Exploring the Language of 'Dune': An Interview with Kevin J. Anderson and Scott Brick 44:42

1M ago44:42

44:42

994. This week, I sat down with the prolific "Dune" author Kevin J. Anderson and the famed "Dune" narrator Scott Brick to explore the language challenges in the "Dune" series. Learn how Kevin and Scott navigated Frank Herbert's original vocabulary, stayed true to the cultural influences of the names and terms, and created an extensive pronunciation…

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A Nutritionist's Guide to Feeding Picky Eaters (Ft. Jennifer Anderson) 37:32

1M ago37:32

37:32

If you're a parent, you've probably faced challenges with feeding your children at some point. Whether your child refuses to try new foods, throws all their food, only wants to eat dessert, or struggles to sit at the table, it can be frustrating to know how to help your child get nutritious meals. In this episode, Jordan talks with dietition and th…

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The power of sign language in 'Dune.' The words we use for dad. Chee 16:42

1M ago16:42

16:42

993. This week, we cover the strategic use of sign language by the Bene Gesserit in the 'Dune' movies, including its importance in covert communication. Then, we look at the many words for 'father' and their historical and linguistic significance, from early baby talk to more formal terms for adults. Dune sign language supercut video: https://youtu…

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The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer 27:11

1M ago27:11

27:11

992. What began as a simple word game in 1913 sparked a nationwide craze just a decade later, causing a moral panic and changing American publishing forever. This week, Ben Zimmer, a prolific crossword constructor and language commentator, takes us through the crossword puzzle's surprising early history and enduring legacy. He also explores the mod…

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Nutrition Principles to Learn (and Unlearn) - Ft. Ashlee Rowland 1:00:15

1M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Did you know that our soil's nutrition has been continuously worsening? And poor soil = nutritionally poor food. So where you source your food can have a huge impact on its nutrition and your health. Finding food that's not just local, but is grown with the right practices and is in season can make a huge difference in our ability to get the nutrie…

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From 'dog' to 'hot dog.' The 'audience of one' trick. More on the long S. Footbridge. 20:29

2M ago20:29

20:29

991. This week, we trace the origin and meaning of the word "dog," from its mysterious beginning to its current use in phrases like "hot dog" and "hair of the dog." Then we go through the "audience of one" concept, which involves tailoring content to a single, imagined recipient; and we look at how this approach can make your writing more understan…

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Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones 29:40

1M ago29:40

29:40

990. Have you ever wondered why English doesn't have gender like Spanish and French? Which languages are the hardest to learn (and why)? And why a Q is always followed by a U? We have the answers to those questions and more this week from Paul Anthony Jones, author of "Why is this a question?" | Find Paul Anthony Jones at https://www.paulanthonyjon…

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How to Make Your House a Home (Ft. Jenny Marrs) 36:34

2M ago36:34

36:34

Have you been wanting to create both a beautiful and functional space when it comes to your home? Maybe you've been searching Pinterest boards for inspiration on how to redesign a room in your house, but you're not sure how to make an aesthetically pleasing space that also works for your family (and has room for piles of kids' items). You want a sp…

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What is a Word? Target moments. 18:41

2M ago18:41

18:41

989. What is a word? Does "that's" count as one word or two? In this excerpt from Paul Anthony Jones' new book "Why Is This a Question," we look at how things like plurals, compound words, and contractions make defining the word "word" a tricky exercise. | Find Paul Anthony Jones at https://www.paulanthonyjones.com/ | Edited transcript with links: …

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How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski 26:50

2M ago26:50

26:50

988. Peter Sokolowski, an editor at Merriam-Webster, goes through the fascinating history of the Armed Services Editions, a series of books published during World War II for distribution among the troops. We look at the special problems of wartime publishing, the collaborative efforts among publishers, and the lasting influence of these books on th…

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A PT's Tips for Recovery and Movement After Birth (Ft. Krystle Howald) 46:29

2M ago46:29

46:29

Are you in a postpartum season? Maybe you had a C-section and you want to know how you can help improve mobility and work on your scar. Or maybe you're ready to add more movement back into your routine, but you have no idea where to start. Perhaps you've heard about the importance of the pelvic floor in postpartum recovery, but you're confused abou…

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Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill. 16:49

2M ago16:49

16:49

987. This week, we look at why people sometimes double their subjects, writing sentences such as "John, he bought a car," and when it's OK (and not OK) to do so. Plus, we talk about the medial S, a strange F-like letter that makes an S-sound and shows up in old documents. We look at how it came to be, its role in English typography, and what made i…

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Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner 31:53

2M ago31:53

31:53

986. Erin Brenner, author of "The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors," shares time-saving tips including the best practices for using Word, creating macros, and using automation tools like Zapier. You'll also learn about starting and growing a freelance business, including how to figure out what to charge, how to make ends meet at the beginning, a…

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How to Quiet Outside Voices and Discover What's Best for YOU (Ft. Stephanie May Wilson) 35:07

2M ago35:07

35:07

Did you know that 80% of life's biggest decisions happen between the ages of 25 and 35? Decisions like who to marry, what job you want, where to work, where to live, and if you want to have kids are all part of this packed season. Author Stephanie May Wilson calls this the "everything era." Not only are there huge life decisions to make, but our ge…

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We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"! 15:34

2M ago15:34

15:34

985. This week, we look at the world of whimsical words, including the origins and meanings of terms like "dinkus," "gadzook," "petrichor" and the phrase "whim-wham for a goose's bridle." Plus, I have a quick tip about when to capitalize "mom" and "dad." The "weird words" segment was written by Michaela Dunn, a Wyoming-based editor and publisher fo…

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Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions 26:33

2M ago26:33

26:33

984. This week, we talk about the subtle differences between words such as "stock" or "broth," "street" or "boulevard," "maze" or "labyrinth" and more with Eli Burnstein, author of "The Dictionary of Fine Distinctions." Confusion about colors got him started on this path, but along the way, he gained insights into language, culture, and the subtle …

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A Mom's Guide to Practical Minimalism (Ft. Dawn Madsen) 44:05

2M ago44:05

44:05

Did you know that research shows that kids thrive in simplified spaces? And it's not just kids. Having less stuff can have a lot of benefits for adults too, including lowering stress hormones. But even if you appreciate the idea of minimalism, it can often feel like it's not possible for you. Maybe you're a mom with young kids and ALL the baby gear…

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Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys 17:35

2M ago17:35

17:35

983. This week, we explore "skunked" words — terms going through hotly disputed meaning changes. We look at the debate between prescriptivists who stick to traditional meanings and descriptivists who accept new usages and what you should do with these words in your own writing. Plus, we learn how using "we" versus "I" alters perceptions of leadersh…

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Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

982. This week, we delve into the fascinating world of Old English with medievalist Hana Videen, author of "The Deorhord." We'll uncover the secrets of Old English animal names, from "walking weaver" for spider to the ominous "unland" for a whale's deceptive island. Find Hana Videen at https://OldEnglishWordhord.com/ | Edited transcript with links:…

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Everything You Need to Know About C-Sections and VBACs (Ft. Dr. Christopher Stroud) 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

Have you had a C-section and wanted to learn more about having a VBAC? With so many opinions and data flying about, it can be difficult to understand the facts and to figure out what the best option is for you. Maybe you're wondering things like... What's the risk of a VBAC vs. a repeat C-section? Am I a good candidate for a VBAC? Why are a lot of …

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When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers. 17:39

3M ago17:39

17:39

981. Major style guides now have advice on when and how you should cite AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. We look at what you need to include in your writing so you're handling this kind of information credibly and professionally. Then, we take a linguistic safari through the world of animal terminology, including the histories and n…

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Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan 33:32

3M ago33:32

33:32

980. This week, I talk with with Anne Curzan about the fascinating world of language evolution, her new book, "Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Language," and why linguists should take marketing tips from Apple and why Ben Franklin thought the word "colonize" was bad. | Edited transcript with links: https://gramma…

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The Hardest Lesson I Learned on My Fertility Journey 23:00

3M ago23:00

23:00

Fertility journeys can be painfully difficult to navigate, whether you’re facing infertility, experiencing recurrent miscarriage, or walking through adoption. Between endless doctor visits, sad holidays, the difficulty of seeing others have kids, grief, and countless negative tests, the journey is heavy. The uncertainty leads you to ask yourself da…

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