Best Dr Kevin Brenner Podcasts (2024)

1
When to use 'the' before a noun. Why rhymes help us remember. Opening a lime. 18:22

3d ago18:22

18:22

1008. We look at why you have to use "the" before some nouns and not others, and then we dive into the science behind why rhymes stick in our memory and how they can even influence our beliefs. The "articles before nouns" segment was written by Neal Whitman, an independent writer and consultant specializing in language and grammar and a member of t…

1
Why singers lose their accents. Why the 'I before E' rule is weird. 18:29

10d ago18:29

18:29

1007. Why do Adele and Susan Boyle sound American when they sing? We have answers. Plus, with all the talk about "weird" lately, we think it's time to examine the old "I before E except after C" rule that has so many exceptions it's hardly a rule at all — until you add W for "weird." The singing segment is written by Susan K. Herman, a former multi…

1
Why 'I' takes plural verbs. Making names that end in S, like Harris and Biles, possessive. Marinate. 14:40

17d ago14:40

14:40

1006. We look at why the pronoun "I" seems to take plural verbs, and then we talk about a grammar topic that's in the news: how to make names that end in S (like Harris and Biles) possessive. | Share a recording of your familect story with me on WhatsApp, Threads, Instagram, or Mastodon. | Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simpleca…

1
A brief history of English (aka when they spoke French in England). Killer death meat. 19:21

24d ago19:21

19:21

1005. You asked, so I have a brief history of English from invading Germanic tribes to the Modern English era. We talk about Vikings, the Norman Conquest, the Black Death, the Tyndale Bible, the printing press, and more. | Share a recording of your familect story with me on Threads, Instagram, or Mastodon. | Edited transcript with links: https://gr…

1
The power of words: Conscious language, with Karen Yin 42:08

26d 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
How to write about zero. Are your emails accidentally rude? PAPST. 17:23

1M 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…

1
AI: Friend or foe? A conversation with Martha Brockenbrough 22:29

1M 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:/…

1
Mark Owen - Former Navy SEAL, TV Producer & New York Times Best Selling Author (Pt. 2) 58:22

1M ago58:22

58:22

Don’t miss a rare behind-the-scenes peek at the high-stakes operation that took out Osama bin Laden when Mark Owen, a bestselling author and highly decorated veteran Navy SEAL, visits Beyond the O.R. with Dr. Kevin Brenner. This action-packed hour – the second of two parts – features a minute-by-minute, eyewitness account of the perilous mission to…

1
The unspoken rules of adjectives. The rise of 'yeah-nah.' Sundies 17:43

1M 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…

1
Grammar Girl at 1000: Words, wisdom, and a dash of whimsy 25:35

1M 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…

1
Mark Owen, Former Navy SEAL, TV Producer & #1 New York Times Bestselling Author (Pt. 1) 54:57

1M ago54:57

54:57

Fasten your seatbelt for an extraordinary interview long in the making when Dr. Kevin Brenner sits down with a Navy SEAL whose life experience is the stuff – quite literally – of high-profile drama. On this special two-part episode of Beyond the O.R., Mark Owen gives us a very personal look at the world of special forces he has chronicled in the Ne…

1
The birth of American English. How to recognize a phrasal verb. Cucka-nucka. 19:06

1M 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…

1
Buying your hometown newspaper, with Samantha & Greg Enslen 46:13

2M 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…

1
'Which' versus 'that.' Words for walking. Bottleadammit. 16:18

2M 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…

1
The Hidden Stories of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart 39:41

2M 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…

1
The art of punctuation and the charm of 'kerfuffle.' Nicing. 18:18

2M 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…

1
Exploring the Language of 'Dune': An Interview with Kevin J. Anderson and Scott Brick 44:42

2M 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…

1
The power of sign language in 'Dune.' The words we use for dad. Chee 16:42

2M 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…

1
The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer 27:11

2M 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…

1
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…

1
Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones 29:40

3M 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…

1
Athena Brownson - Former Pro Skier / Realtor at Compass 48:19

3M ago48:19

48:19

Without the high-octane grit she cultivated as a professionally sponsored ski jumper starting at age 15, our guest on this episode of Beyond the O.R. could never have navigated the onslaught of illnesses that laid her low by the time she was 25. Athena Brownson shares with Co-hosts Dr. Kevin Brenner and Elizabeth Morales her journey from hair-raisi…

1
What is a Word? Target moments. 18:41

3M 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: …

1
How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski 26:50

3M 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…

1
Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill. 16:49

3M 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…

1
Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner 31:53

3M 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…

1
Daisy White - Certified Natural Health Specialist/Lyme, Long-Haulers & More 44:44

3M ago44:44

44:44

Dr. Kevin Brenner takes us deeper into understanding chronic illness with his guest on this episode of Beyond the O.R. We meet Daisy White, a Certified Natural Health Specialist who is challenging all of us to get educated to the root causes of disease. She also shares the very personal health journey that has inspired her dedication to helping oth…

1
We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"! 15:34

3M 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…

1
Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions 26:33

3M 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 …

1
Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys 17:35

3M 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…

1
Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen 30:56

3M 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:…

1
Natasha Henstridge, International Model, Spokesperson & Actress 47:21

4M ago47:21

47:21

What does it look like to launch an independent modeling career at 14, become a working mother balancing a high-visibility acting career at age 24 and lean into longevity as a leading woman in Hollywood at age 50? We get a front-row seat to all of it in the person of Natasha Henstridge when she stops by to chat with Host Kevin Brenner on this episo…

1
When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers. 17:39

4M 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…

1
Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan 33:32

4M 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…

1
The birth of punctuation: from oral traditions to silent reading. Noun clusters. A wing wang in a mucket. 16:29

4M ago16:29

16:29

979. In the first segment, we unravel the mysteries surrounding the origins and transformation of punctuation. From the early days when words ran together without spaces, to the introduction of punctuation systems by scholars like Aristophanes, we explore how punctuation has played a pivotal role in shaping written communication. In the second segm…

1
How to become a supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg 19:23

4M ago19:23

19:23

978. Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, Charles Duhigg, as we talk about mastering the art of communication and his new book, "Supercommunicators." We explore the skills anyone (yes, you!) can learn to become a powerful communicator. Learn about the science behind effective communication, from NASA's emotional intelligen…

1
Jane Hajduk & Shari Doran - Actresses, Producers And Co-Creators, "Thee Third Act" Comedy series 42:58

4M ago42:58

42:58

Life gets real – and really funny – when two menopausal co-creatives stop by Beyond the O.R. to introduce Dr. Kevin Brenner to their hysterical new streaming series, Thee Third Act. Jane Hajduk and Shari Doran, who produced, wrote and star, leave us laughing as they trace their common menopausal journey and comical search for symptom relief. Hilari…

1
Big changes in Associated Press style. The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale was catawampus. Bappy 13:44

4M ago13:44

13:44

977. This week, we cover the latest AP Stylebook updates that were just revealed at the ACES conference. From the switch to Merriam-Webster to easing up on the word "unique," we look at what these changes mean for writers and editors. Plus, we explore "catawampus" thanks to its cameo in the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" finale. Learn about its quirky orig…

1
Pet-Speak: From Meowlogisms to Zoomies. 'Imply' or 'Infer'? 19:58

4M ago19:58

19:58

976. How have our pets influenced the way we use language? This week, we dive into the "cativerse" and explore the vocabulary, grammar, and spelling habits of our furry friends. From LOLcats to doggo dialects, discover the linguistic wonders of how we talk about our beloved pets. Plus, don't get tripped up by "imply" versus "infer." In the second s…

1
You love to read. Could you narrate? 24:14

4M ago24:14

24:14

975. This week, I learned all about audiobook narration from David H. Lawrence XVII, who is launching a new program called "Narrate Your Own Book." If you've ever dreamed of being a narrator, this episode is for you! And if you're a self-published author who has always wanted to narrate your own audiobook (or feel like you should), this episode is …

1
Franky Carrillo - Justice Advocate & Keynote Speaker 52:55

5M ago52:55

52:55

What do you do when the cards are stacked against you and you’re sent away to prison – never to be seen or heard from again? You hope you have a fraction of the tenacity demonstrated by our guest on this episode of Beyond the O.R. We’re getting to know Francisco “Franky” Carrillo, who somehow came back from a wrongful conviction as a teen-ager to g…

1
Memory, Aging, and the Lingering 'Anyways' 17:31

5M ago17:31

17:31

974. How does aging affect our ability to understand language? From the challenges of processing complex sentences to the resilience you get from a rich vocabulary, we look at how our language skills change over time. Plus, looking into why people say "anyways" led me to some interesting historical tidbits. The aging segment was written by Valerie …

1
A nuclear win at the Oscars. CamelCase. One clo. 16:54

5M ago16:54

16:54

973. "Oppenheimer" leads us to wonder about the "nucular" pronunciation of "nuclear." And why do people have that second capital letter in the middle of MySpace, OutKast, and PowerPoint (and is it grammatically correct)? | Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/nuclear/transcript | Grammarpalooza (Get texts from …

1
Kashif Khan, Founder of The DNA Company & Author of “The DNA Way” 40:59

5M ago40:59

40:59

We’re going deep into cutting-edge wellness on this episode of Beyond the O.R. as Dr. Kevin Brenner welcomes an entrepreneur at the forefront of genetic innovation. Kashif Khan, founder of The DNA Company, a two time TedX Speaker and a celebrity longevity coach, explains how longevity and – more importantly – quality of life are linked to understan…

1
From grunts to grammar. The Irish 'after doing.' The winning NGD poem! 13:44

5M ago13:44

13:44

972. How did humans evolve from grunting ancestors to masters of language and poetry? This week, we explore fascinating theories on the origins of human language, including the laugh-inducing Bow-Wow and Pooh-Pooh theories. We also delve into Irish-English calques for St. Patrick's Day (and in response to a question from a Grammarpaloozian) and cel…

1
Where did our language start? 21:32

5M ago21:32

21:32

971. Linguists have traced modern languages like English and Sanskrit back thousands of years to a single Proto-Indo-European source. This week, we explore their detective work and the debates around the origins of the ancestral tongue. This piece was written by Kurt Kleiner, a freelance science and technology writer living in Toronto. It originall…

1
Lili Bosse - Three-Term Mayor of Beverly Hills 54:16

6M ago54:16

54:16

Every once in a while you meet one of those people who radiate a special light. That’s the case with our noteworthy guest on this episode of Beyond the O.R. Former three-time mayor of Beverly Hills Lili Bosse stops by to share straight-up perspectives with Dr. Kevin Brenner and his co-host Elizabeth Morales. In this jam-packed hour you’ll learn abo…

1
'Addictive' or 'addicting'? Types of nouns. Folley 14:06

6M ago14:06

14:06

970. We answer a listener question about the difference between "addictive" and "addicting," and then we look at how to write compound nouns: did you visit a coffeehouse or a coffee house? | Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/addictive/transcript | Grammarpalooza (Get texts from Mignon!): https://joinsubtext.…

1
Tracing the origins of Miami's new English. Why it's not a 'gumballs' machine. Embassy Sweets. 19:40

6M ago19:40

19:40

969. From "wolkenkratzer" in German to "flea market" in English, direct translations called calques show how languages borrow from each other. This week, we look at how these translations are changing English in Miami and Spanish in Louisiana. Plus, we look at the difference between "gumball machine" and "gumballs machine" and how it might explain …

1
Jonathan Prince, MD, & Dwayne Mariner, RN, Co-Owners of Alpha Hydration 55:07

6M ago55:07

55:07

If you’re not up on the latest game-changing IV therapies, then here’s your chance to get the full rundown! Two pioneering practitioners at the heart of this proactive health care alternative share the latest on this episode of Beyond the O.R. Tune in as Host Dr. Kevin Brenner welcomes Dr. Jonathan Prince and Dwayne Mariner, RN, the dynamic duo beh…

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