Our podcast is about two friends separated by distance but joined by a curiosity about the world and how technology & society are evolving. From the latest in sustainable technologies to how society operates and governs itself to personal growth we bring a mixture of information and entertaining banter to your ears. Herman is a solopreneur based in Cape Town and the founder of bearblog.dev. Jason has just started his journey of entrepreneurship after many years in tech. Topics we've covered: ...
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Open Source Uncertainty: Navigating the WordPress Controversy | E79
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In this episode, Jason and Herman dive into the recent controversy surrounding WordPress and explore its potential impact on the open source software ecosystem. They discuss the challenges of maintaining and monetizing open source projects, different licensing models, and possible solutions to ensure sustainability. The hosts examine the delicate b…
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How Influencers are Reshaping Information in the 21st Century | E78
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In this episode, hosts Jason and Herman dive into the evolving landscape of online content creation and consumption. They compare old tech such as RSS feeds to the new-age stuff like short-form content, the rise of influencer marketing, and the implications of having a few dominant voices in specialized fields. The conversation touches on the impor…
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Brewing Conversations: Coffee Talk with Jason and Herman | E77
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Join Jason and Herman as they dive into the world of coffee, sharing their personal routines and exploring the nuances of brewing methods. From pour-overs to espressos, they discuss the art of making the perfect cup and how coffee culture has evolved. This lighthearted conversation touches on coffee's impact on society, urban development, and the c…
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The Long Game: Building a Sustainable Fitness Routine | E76
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In this episode, Jason and Herman explore the world of fitness, discussing their personal journeys and sharing insights on how to approach building a sustainable workout routine. They explore the importance of consistency, proper technique, and mindset in achieving long-term fitness outcomes. They also debunk some common myths about weightlifting a…
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Geo-Arbitrage: Maximizing Your Income in a Global Workplace | E75
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In this episode, Jason and Herman dive into the world of geo-arbitrage, exploring how digital nomads leverage global economic differences to maximize their income and lifestyle. They discuss the financial impacts of remote work, the allure of low-cost destinations, and the cultural factors that make certain locations hotspots for digital nomads. Th…
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The Art of Shipping: Lessons in Product Development and Validation | E74
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Get ready for a fun and insightful discussion on the world of indie hacking and product development! Join Jason and Herman as they dive into the ups and downs of building side projects, validating ideas, and navigating the competitive landscape of tech entrepreneurship. From scrappy solutions to scaling challenges, this episode is packed with pract…
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Can Incineration Save Us From Plastic Pollution? | E73
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Join Jason and Herman for another plastics episode. It's a topic we've been interested in for a while because it's just all over the place. We discuss why plastics are both a blessing and a curse in our modern world, and explore some innovative solutions to our growing waste problem. We touch on some economic challenges of recycling, the potential …
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The Last Generation of Programmers? AI's Impact on Software | E72
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Join Herman and Jason as they explore the shifting landscape of software development in the age of AI. From artisanal code to AI-generated solutions, they ponder the future of programming and what it means for their generation of coders. They have a thought-provoking discussions on career longevity, the rise of technical interfacing, and the potent…
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Our City Dweller's Dilemma: Affording Housing in Urban Hotspots | E71
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In this episode of The Idea Roastery, Herman and Jason dive deep into the complex world of housing and property investment. They explore the often-overlooked economics of buying versus renting, challenging conventional wisdom about home ownership. The hosts share personal insights, discuss innovative solutions to housing crises, and examine how tec…
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Hunger Games: How New Drugs Are Changing the Obesity Landscape | E70
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In this thought-provoking episode of The Idea Roastery, hosts Jason and Herman dive into the controversial world of new weight-loss drugs. They explore the effectiveness, potential drawbacks, and wider implications of these "miracle" medications that promise to combat obesity. The conversation touches on everything from the science behind appetite …
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Unmanned Uprising: Drones Changing the Rules of Modern Warfare | E69
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In this episode Herman and Jason explore the rapidly evolving landscape of drone warfare. From consumer drones modified as offensive weapons for Ukraine to autonomous attack drones rendering expensive military hardware obsolete, this episode dives into how inexpensive drone technology is disrupting conventional warfare. Connect with Herman: https:/…
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Dissecting the Do-Gooding: Unpacking the Complexities of Doing Good | E68
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In this episode we engage in a discussion about the complexities of public benefit organizations and charitable giving. We explore the nuances of for-profit companies with social impact arms, the challenges of quantifying the value of different causes, and the potential pitfalls of well-intentioned charity efforts. We give some personal anecdotes a…
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Apple Vision Pro: Gimmick or Game-Changer | E67
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In this episode we dissect the fascinating concept of spatial computing, envisioning personalized virtual workspaces tailored to individual preferences, be it a cozy cabin or a lunar landscape. Our exploration ventures into potential applications, from remote industrial machinery assistance and immersive training simulations to autonomous vehicle o…
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Inside the Walled Gardens: The Real Cost of App Stores | E66
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In this episode, Herman and Jason download on the apps taking up valuable real estate on their phones, unpack the debate between web and native apps, and hash out whether app store gatekeepers like Apple and Google deserve their hefty cut. From EU regulations shaking up digital ecosystems to the browser wars heating up, they tackle a few topics in …
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Bots vs. Humans: Who Will Write the Future of the Internet | E65
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Intrigued by the idea of AI writing your news and bots gaming the system? This episode of The Idea Roastery explores the mind-bending possibilities and potential pitfalls of a future internet dominated by large language models (LLMs). AI-generated articles: Will bots become the new journalists, churning out content at lightning speed? And who owns …
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Mining Your Mind: How Writing Helps Unearth Your Inner Thoughts | E64
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Heman and Jason dive into the joy of writing - from keeping paper journals to publishing blogs. They explore writing as thinking, computational offloading, and more. The joy of writing by hand with pen and paper, and the ubiquity of paper as a writing medium Different types of journaling - autobiographical vs thinking/analysis - and the benefits of…
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Brewing and Pixels: Setting Goals for 2024 | E63
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In this episode, Jason and Herman have a casual discussion about goal setting and New Year's resolutions, sharing their perspectives on effective goal setting strategies like working backwards to define what success looks like and being intentional in choosing just one or two focused goals. They talk about some of their personal goals and niche int…
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Refections on 2023: A Year in Climate, Energy, and AI | E62
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The Idea Roastery is back for the end of 2023 and we're taking a deep dive into climate change, energy, and AI. We'll discuss the increasing population and the EU's ban on petrol and fossil fuel based cars, advances in solar and wind energy, and the lack of a room temperature superconductor. We'll also explore the complexities of wish-making, the p…
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Wired for the Future: The Rise of Electric Micro-Mobility | E61
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In this episode of the Idea Roastery, we explore the potential of electric vehicles and sustainable transport systems in cities around the world. We discuss the advantages of electric vehicles, such as their cost efficiency and reliability, and the potential of trams, cycle routes and solar vehicle charging stations. We also consider the effects of…
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The Great Return: Examining the Back to Office Movement | E60
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This week we dig into the complex debate around return to office mandates emerging from major companies, analyzing the pros and cons of in-person versus remote work. Getting philosophical while drawing on current events and personal anecdotes, they discuss intriguing theories about corporate motivations, evaluate how work culture and productivity s…
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Plastic Waste & Forever Chemicals - Is Filtering Our Future? | E59
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This week we dive into the murky world of microplastics, examining how these tiny plastic particles have infiltrated our water systems, food supply, and even our bodies. While the immediate health impacts remain unclear, the hosts raise critical questions around contamination, inequality, and the inconvenient reality that certain ubiquitous plastic…
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In this episode, Jason and Herman explore the many benefits of trees and how they can improve our environment and well-being. We discuss how trees can create ideal conditions for rain, filter out pollution, reduce noise, and provide a habitat for wildlife. We also explore the difficulties of finding the right types of trees and flora. Trees can pro…
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Join Herman and Jason in The Idea Roastery podcast as they discuss the complexities of open source software. They explore the pros and cons of open source software, the commercial incentives for companies to open source their products, and the challenges that arise when competitors use the open source code. They also look at examples of open source…
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Essential Ingredients: Boiling Down Product Design Principles | E56
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31:28
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Join Herman Martinus and Jason Forte in The Idea Roastery as they discuss the importance of product design and how it can help people get things done. We explore the concept of affordability, the differences between physical and experiential design, and the idea of having an oversupply of features. We then compare two popular task management tools,…
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Staying Motivated: Personal Strategies for Productivity and Fitness Success | E55
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47:52
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Join Jason and Herman on the Idea Roastery podcast as they explore the importance of physical activity, mental strength, and productivity. They share their personal experiences and tips on how to stay motivated, incorporate exercise into your daily routine, and maximize productivity. Tune in to hear their insights and advice on how to stay focused,…
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Beyond Conventional Energy: SMRs, Public Perception, and South Africa's Path | E54
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37:16
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Herman and Jason discuss the pros and cons of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). They compare nuclear power to other energy sources. They discuss the potential for nuclear proliferation and the economic benefits of nuclear power. They also consider the public perception of nuclear power and the need for government subsidization. Energy is an important …
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Aim for Mars: Inter-Planetary Motives and Implications | E53
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In this episode of the Idea Roastery, hosts Jason and Herman discuss the potential benefits and challenges of space exploration and the idea of a trip to Mars. They discuss the required level of technological development needed from humanity, the potential for pursuits such as meteorite mining, and the nuances of exploration & colonization of Mars.…
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Tourism's Footprint: The Evolving Impact of Technology on Travel and Adventure | E52
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34:26
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In this podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of modern tourism, and how it has changed the way people travel. We discussed how people often travel for social validation, rather than for the adventure, and how camera technology should be used to be present in the moment, rather than to capture it and come to a conclusion we all agree on. Topics - P…
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Climate Solutions Unleashed: Exploring Geoengineering for a Sustainable Future | E51
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In this podcast, the hosts discussed the potential of geoengineering projects to help reduce the effects of global warming. They discussed the idea of injecting aerosols into the upper atmosphere to create a more stable climate, as well as the potential for individuals to create their own green tech projects to help reduce carbon emissions. They al…
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The Future of VR: Gaming, Workspaces and Social Interactions | E50
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37:37
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In this podcast episode, we delve into the revolutionary Apple Vision Pro and its implications for virtual workspaces and productivity. We discuss the features and capabilities of the headset, including its advanced AI avatar system for video calls and the potential for creating immersive virtual work environments. We explore the challenges and opp…
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The Beauty and Destruction: A conversation about volcanoes | E49
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In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the fascinating and sometimes destructive phenomenon of volcanoes. We talk about the different types of volcanoes, how they form, and the risks they pose to humans. We also discuss the beauty and awe-inspiring nature of volcanoes, and how they have shaped the Earth's landscape. We discuss the following top…
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Thinking about a future of AI governance - Part 2 | E48
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In this episode we continue our discussion about AI and how it might affect the way the world operates in the future. This is a part 2 of our 2 part episode on AI and LLMs. Similar Episodes ChatGPT: Unraveling AI's Impact on Our Lives - Part 1 | E47 Will artificial intelligence take over the world? | E29…
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ChatGPT: Unraveling AI's Impact on Our Lives - Part 1 | E47
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In this episode, Herman and Jason engage in an open and honest discussion about artificial intelligence and its impact on the future of work. They explore the capabilities of ChatGPT, the ways AI is transforming industries, and how it's affecting our daily lives. They also address the need for caution and critical thinking as we continue to adopt a…
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Rising to the Occasion: A Conversation about Bread | E46
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42:53
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Hey everyone! It's been a while since we put out a podcast due to some personal issues and then some technical ones. We're back with another edition with a lighter than air topic of bread! Enjoy! (00:17) Croissants are the devil! (02:30) Coffee shops, friands & awkward situations. (5:00) Getting into bread making during the pandemic & the differenc…
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Flying in Style: The Good, the Bad, and the Luxury | E45
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In this episode we discuss the miracle of flight and how it has evolved over time. We reminisce about their fascination with airports when they were kids and contrast it with their current dread of cramped spaces, bad food, and terrible experiences. They compare the treacherous journey of old with the convenience of modern travel, as well as the di…
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Games, interaction & the ways we hang out | E44
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In this podcast, the hosts reminisce about the social aspects of gaming in the early 2000s, particularly the rise of LAN parties. They discuss the joys of physically hanging out with friends and playing games together, as well as the decline of LAN parties with the advent of online gaming. They also touch on the current state of online gaming and t…
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Our ageing & declining global population | E43
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Discover the fascinating world of global demographics, economics, and policy in this podcast episode. From the impact of environmental factors on birth rates to China's manufacturing landscape, we explore a range of critical topics, including the history and implications of China's one-child policy, aging populations, GDP, and immigration policy. W…
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Ever wondered about seed banks? In this episode we talk about the different roles that biodiversity plays in an ecosystem. We go through some of the challenges and opportunities that relate to biodiversity and how we as ordinary people can learn to be more engaged with this valuable natural resource. National Seed Collection South Africa Former CEO…
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We're back!! It's 2023 and all we're thinking about in the start of the new year is fusion energy! In this episode we talk about the recent breakthroughs in fusion energy at the National Ignition Facility in US and we go through a mirage of topics such as what actually happened; what is the impact of having commercially available fusion energy; and…
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Thanks to all our valuable listeners who tune in on a regular basis! In this episode we cover some of the interesting things that happened in 2022 and what the future may hold for next year. We cover topics like energy security in South Africa and the world, AI and it's affects on the internet & the commoditization of art via NFTs, the economic dow…
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In this episode we circle round to the topic of co-working and what the future of work looks like! Sure remote working has it's benefits but are there drawbacks to how teams interact and are there limiting factors for what roles are more suited to remote first. Outline Some banter about operating systems and laptops crashing (3:25) We get started a…
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Talking about the recent tech layoffs | E38
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In this episode we talk about the layoffs that are happening in the tech industry. We chat about way to fire and why companies get into this situation in the first place. We talk about some of the positive changes that could be on the horizon for Twitter and whether there is a future for people who loose their jobs at this time. Outline (0:00) We g…
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Small Towns & the future of Muizenberg | E37
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In this episode we talk about one of our favorite places on Earth - the small seaside town of Muizenberg. We talk about the develop works that are planned and what a upgraded town would look like. We talk about the challenges and some of the wider issues facing this project and then give some optimistic outlooks on anyone can build anything better …
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In this episode we do a take on housing. What are the challengers that renters and landlords face in this changing world. We talk about the effort that goes into building, operating and living in an apartment in the city with a few stories here and there. Outline (0:25) Herman talks about his think carpet and his new home. (2:05) What about steepne…
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About the Episode In this episode we dive into the topic of personal finance, how to ensure that you don't run out of money at the end of the month, the importance of income rather than saving as a means of accumulating wealth and some topics here and there about how to generate value in this modern world. Outline (0:00) How to start the conversati…
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In this episode we talk about the darker side of the internet, the topic of scams. We uncover some of the scams that we've be affected by over the years and the types of scams that are out there. We also give a few top tips on how to stay vigilant online and avoid getting taken for a ride! Outline (0:45) Talking about Jim Browning and something you…
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#33 Longevity (part 2) - How to think about human longevity
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We continue on the topic of longevity, this time we focus on human longevity. We talk about some of the types of illnesses we get as we age and some of the processes that can make life after 30 harder. We chat about some of the approaches we take and how we think about health, exercising and staying on track with exercise. Outline (0:00) Working ha…
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#32 Longevity - How to think about product longevity
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In this episode we talk about product longevity, drawing on a number of examples of where it works and where it doesn't. We talk about natural longevity and answer some questions about things that last a long time. Enjoy! This is first part of a two part series on the topic of longevity! Episode Outline (0:00) Banter about heaters, heat and cold an…
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#31 What types of carbon capture are viable?
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Carbon Capture Technologies In this episode we digest some of the technological breakthroughs in the realm of carbon capture, from the organic to the inorganic and present some optimism on if we are able to meet climate change agreements globally! Episode Notes (0:00) Intro to the show. (1:40) Why do we need carbon capture? (5:15) Different classes…
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In this episode, we talk about that rich, creamy liquid that is coffee. We talk about the different styles of coffee and coffee shops; drop a little into the history and how coffee affected the development of the new-world; talk about the effect of climate change on coffee production and some of the good and bad side-effects of having this drink as…
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