Best Unintelligible Podcast Podcasts (2024)

1
Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World 50:28

13d ago50:28

50:28

Why do we assume that computers always get it right? Today’s book is: Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World (MIT Press, 2019), in which Professor Meredith Broussard argues that our collective enthusiasm for applying computer technology to every aspect of life has resulted in a tremendous amount of poorly designed systems.…

1
Reunited: Family Separation and Central American Youth Migration 1:06:56

1h ago1:06:56

1:06:56

Today’s book is: Reunited: Family Separation and Central American Youth Migration (Russell Sage Foundation, 2024), by Dr. Ernesto Castañeda and Daniel Jenks, which explains the reasons for Central American youth migration, describes the journey, and documents how minors experienced separation from their families and their subsequent reunification. …

1
Jackie Wang, "Alien Daughters Walk Into the Sun: An Almanac of Extreme Girlhood" (Semiotext(e), 2023) 1:18:15

11m ago1:18:15

1:18:15

Jackie Wang is a poet, scholar, multimedia artist, and Assistant Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. She is the author of the poetry collection The Sunflower Cast a Spell to Save Us from the Void (2021), which was a finalist for the National Book Award; the critical essay collection Carceral Capital…

1
Subatomic Writing: Six Fundamental Lessons to Make Language Matter 1:00:34

42m ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Subatomic Writing: Six Fundamental Lessons to Make Language Matter (Johns Hopkins UP, 2023), by Johns Hopkins University instructor Jamie Zvirzdin, is a guide for writing about science—from the subatomic level up! Subatomic Writing teaches that the building blocks of language are like particles in physics. These particles, combined and arranged, fo…

1
Alan F. Blackwell, "Moral Codes: Designing Alternatives to AI" (MIT Press, 2024) 55:09

3d ago55:09

55:09

Why the world needs less AI and better programming languages. Decades ago, we believed that robots and computers would take over all the boring jobs and drudgery, leaving humans to a life of leisure. This hasn’t happened. Instead, humans are still doing boring jobs, and even worse, AI researchers have built technology that is creative, self-aware, …

1
Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, the California State University, and the Fight to Save Affirmative Action 59:35

6d ago59:35

59:35

Today’s book is: Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, the California State University, and the Fight to Save Affirmative Action (University of Rochester Press, 2024) by Dr. Donna J. Nicol, which examines the leadership strategies that Black women educators have employed as influential power brokers in predominantly white colleges and universities…

1
Gabrielle Bendiner-Viani, "The Cities We Need: Essential Stories of Everyday Places" (MIT Press, 2024) 42:59

7d ago42:59

42:59

An expressive book of prose and photographs that reveals the powerful ways our everyday places support our shared belonging. Where would you take someone on a guided tour of your neighborhood? In The Cities We Need: Essential Stories of Everyday Places (MIT Press, 2024), photographer and urbanist Gabrielle Bendiner-Viani introduces us to the comple…

1
Lynne B. Sagalyn, "Times Square Remade: The Dynamics of Urban Change" (MIT Press, 2023) 1:01:07

9d ago1:01:07

1:01:07

What is it about Times Square that has inspired such attention for well over a century? And how is it that, despite its many changes of character, the place has maintained a unique hold on our collective imagination? In Times Square Remade: The Dynamics of Urban Change (MIT Press, 2023), which comes twenty years after her widely acclaimed Times Squ…

1
Making a Deal with Big Pharma 24:14

13d ago24:14

24:14

Bill Handel takes a sharp look at the U.S. healthcare labyrinth, zeroing in on Medicare and the high-stakes world of prescription drug pricing. With new negotiations kicking off under the Biden administration, seniors could soon see a reduction in the cost of the top ten most expensive medications. Bill lays out the details with clarity, unpacking …

1
Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World 50:28

14d ago50:28

50:28

Why do we assume that computers always get it right? Today’s book is: Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World (MIT Press, 2019), in which Professor Meredith Broussard argues that our collective enthusiasm for applying computer technology to every aspect of life has resulted in a tremendous amount of poorly designed systems.…

1
Scared Shitless of the Far Right? You Should Be. 27:25

24d ago27:25

27:25

Bill Handel shares an unforgettable narrative drawn from his frontline experiences with the far-right movement in the United States and Europe. With a gripping account of his interview with Tom Metzger's son, he unveils the unsettling undercurrents of extremist ideologies. A standout moment includes his surreal broadcast from a phone booth in Warsa…

1
Francis Stevens, "The Heads of Cerberus and Other Stories" (MIT Press, 2024) 40:43

24d ago40:43

40:43

When three people in Philadelphia inhale dust developed by a scientist who has discovered parallel universes, they are transported into an interdimensional no-man's-land that is populated by supernatural beings. From there, they go on to an alternate-future version of Philadelphia—a frightening dystopian nation-state in which citizens are numbered,…

1
Dying is Much Better Than Living Part 2 29:27

25d ago29:27

29:27

Bill Handel brings a captivating look at the complex world of death and burial customs, taking listeners through the ages—from ancient Egyptian embalming techniques to the contemporary practices we see today. The discussion reveals the cultural significance behind how societies care for their dead, while also shedding light on unusual trends, like …

1
Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions 1:08:46

29d ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Today’s book is: Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions (Columbia UP, 2024), by Ernesto Castaneda and Carina Cione, which is a practical, evidence-based primer on immigrants and immigration. Each chapter debunks a frequently encountered claim and answers common questions. Presenting the latest findings and decades of interdiscipli…

1
Dying is Much Better Than Living Part 1 28:44

27d ago28:44

28:44

Ever wondered how different cultures handle the inevitable journey of death? Bill Handel takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the traditions and modern innovations in the funeral industry. From Irish wakes to Jewish burials, and even futuristic trends like human composting and space burials, Bill brings his signature sharp analysis to a…

1
RFK Jr. Might Be Craziest Kennedy Yet! 23:38

1M ago23:38

23:38

Bill Handel takes a close look at the life of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., touching on everything from his respected family legacy to the controversies that now surround him. He breaks down RFK Jr.'s journey from an environmental advocate to a figure entangled in conspiracy theories and political controversies. Bill reflects on Kennedy’s recent support f…

1
Before and After the Book Deal 1:02:50

28d ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about publishing but were too afraid to ask. Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book (Catapult, 2020) by Courtney Maum is a funny, candid guide about breaking into the marketplace. Cutting through the noise, dispelling rumors and remain…

1
Death in The House of The Mouse 37:19

1M ago37:19

37:19

Bill Handel takes listeners on a compelling journey through a range of fascinating and hard-hitting stories. He begins with a tragic lawsuit involving Disney and a fatal peanut allergy, followed by a deep dive into the complex world of arbitration agreements and how they play out in Disney's ongoing legal battles. The episode touches on Disney's hi…

1
History of Air Force One 44:23

1M ago44:23

44:23

Bill Handel takes flight with a fascinating look at the legendary Air Force One, where history, power, and luxury collide at 30,000 feet. Get the inside scoop on unforgettable moments from past presidents and the behind-the-scenes secrets of this airborne command center. From top-tier security protocols to the opulent comforts reserved for the Comm…

1
In the Garden Behind the Moon: A Memoir of Loss, Myth, and Magic 1:03:14

1M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Alexandra Chan thinks she has life figured out until, in the Year of the Ram, the death of her father—her last parent—brings her to her knees, an event seemingly foretold in Chinese mythology. Today’s book is: In The Garden Behind the Moon: A Memoir of Loss, Myth, and Magic (Flashpoint Books, 2024), by Dr. Alexandra Chan, who is a left-brained arch…

1
Who Is Benjamin Netanyahu? 21:45

1M ago21:45

21:45

Bill Handel takes you on a compelling journey through the tangled web of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, peeling back the layers of history, politics, and human struggle that define this ongoing crisis. In this episode, Bill dissects Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress, exposing its far-reaching effects on the humanitarian situation and the heated…

1
Brian Clegg, "Ten Patterns That Explain the Universe" (MIT Press, 2021) 52:08

2M ago52:08

52:08

Our universe might appear chaotic, but deep down it's simply a myriad of rules working independently to create patterns of action, force, and consequence. In Ten Patterns That Explain the Universe (MIT Press, 2021), Brian Clegg explores the phenomena that make up the very fabric of our world by examining ten essential sequenced systems. From diagra…

1
Organ Donation Before and After You Die 33:46

2M ago33:46

33:46

What if your decision could save a life? Bill Handel tackles the vital subject of organ donation with a blend of personal stories and eye-opening statistics. He journeys through the history and evolution of organ transplants, shedding light on the staggering demand for organs and the medical breakthroughs making these life-saving procedures possibl…

1
You Will Get Through This: A Mental Health First-Aid Kit- Help for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and More 1:01:03

1M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

You Will Get Through This: A Mental Health First-Aid Kit- Help for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and More (Experiment, 2024) was written by three practicing therapists to serve as a tool kit. Drawing on the techniques the book’s authors Julie Radico, Nicole Halverson and Charity O’Reilly use with their own clients, You Will Get Through This offers a …

1
A Quick History of Dogs 38:41

2M ago38:41

38:41

Ever wonder how a four-legged friend can shape a life? Bill Handel opens up his world, sharing the quirky, heartwarming, and sometimes costly adventures of living with dogs—from his earliest memories to the present day. Through a blend of humor and history, Bill recounts his family's escapades with pets, including a $28,000 service dog, and unravel…

51
Embassy Exclusive 59: A Fond Farewell 1:16:27

2M ago1:16:27

1:16:27

It’s the final episode of Embassy Exclusive, closing out this show and The VGMbassy series as well. It’s been a fantastic journey, and Ed, Joe, and Todd spend their final time on the mic remembering their favorite moments from the podcast and distributing personal thank-yous to everyone who’s contributed over the years. The show may be ending, but …

1
Cyrus Mody on the Importance of Square (as in NOT COOL) Scientists and Engineers 1:11:56

2M ago1:11:56

1:11:56

Peoples & Things host, Lee Vinsel, talks to Cyrus Mody, Professor in the History of Science, Technology, and Innovation and Director of the STS Program at Maastricht University, about his book, The Squares: US Physical and Engineering Scientists in the Long 1970s (MIT Press, 2022). Many narratives about contemporary technologies, especially digital…

1
Crazy Shit People Actually Buy as Memorabilia 22:38

2M ago22:38

22:38

What drives someone to drop millions on a piece of sports history—or even a quirky artifact from centuries past? On this episode of The Bill Handel Show Podcast, Bill uncovers the wild world of sports memorabilia, where passion meets jaw-dropping price tags. Whether it's Shohei Ohtani's historic home run ball, Mickey Mantle's legendary rookie card,…

1
Find Your Argument 57:49

2M ago57:49

57:49

Have you been told your draft isn’t ready yet, because you still need to find your argument? We have all gotten that feedback at some point. But what we haven’t been told is how to find our argument. Today we return to The Dissertation-to-Book Workbook: Exercises for Developing and Revising Your Book Manuscript (U Chicago Press, 2023), with Dr. Kat…

1
Elon Musk is a Visionary AND Crazy 26:53

2M ago26:53

26:53

Get ready to explore the unconventional mind of Elon Musk, a trailblazer who doesn’t just break the mold—he shatters it. From revolutionizing the way we drive with Tesla to reimagining humanity's future among the stars with SpaceX, Musk’s story is one of relentless innovation and fearless ambition. But it’s not just his groundbreaking work that cap…

1
Supreme Court Cases That'll Blow Your Mind 24:56

2M ago24:56

24:56

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey with Bill Handel as he navigates the shifting tides of the United States Supreme Court. This episode plunges into the heart of the judiciary's transformation, shedding light on its recent conservative pivot and the ethical quandaries it grapples with. Bill discusses landmark cases, from the foundational Ma…

1
He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters 55:32

2M ago55:32

55:32

Schuyler Bailar didn’t set out to be an activist, but his very public transition to the Harvard men’s swim team put him in the spotlight. His choice to be open about his journey and share his experience has evolved into tireless advocacy for inclusion and collective liberation. Today’s book is: He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why it Matte…

1
Project 2025 Is Scary as Shit! 37:13

2M ago37:13

37:13

Join Bill Handel as he embarks on a riveting journey through the tangled web of today's political landscape. This episode takes you beyond the headlines to uncover the complex dynamics shaping both American and global politics. Bill casts a spotlight on the growing influence of evangelical movements and their pivotal role in steering political agen…

1
Presidential Pardons 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

Ever wondered what it’s like to wield absolute power? To hold in your hand the keys to freedom for someone deemed guilty by the law? Well, tune in to the latest episode of the Bill Handel Show Podcast, where Bill takes us on an electrifying journey through the murky and often controversial world of presidential pardons. Join Bill as he dives deep i…

1
Decoding the Academic Job Market 1:13:55

2M ago1:13:55

1:13:55

When professor jobs are scarce and most academic jobs are temporary, what do you do if you still want to work on a campus? Can you make the leap to admin? How do you make the leap? Dr. Jacquelyn Ardam joins us to explain the hidden curriculum of the academic job market. She shares what helped her pivot roles from visiting professor to campus admini…

1
Don't Be a Slob on a Plane 38:55

2M ago38:55

38:55

Bill Handel takes you on a journey through the bustling world of travel in this episode of The Bill Handel Show Podcast. Sharing his personal experiences and top tips, Bill provides essential advice on how to avoid the "stupid American" stereotype while exploring foreign lands. He recounts his adventures navigating the crowded streets of Venice, de…

1
Edward Shanks, "The People of the Ruins" (MIT Press, 2024) 1:01:02

2M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

In The People of the Ruins (originally published in 1920), Edward Shanks imagines England in the not-so-distant future as a neo mediaeval society whose inhabitants have forgotten how to build or operate machinery. Jeremy Tuft is a physics instructor and former artillery officer who is cryogenically frozen in his laboratory only to emerge after a ce…

1
Embassy Exclusive 58: Artificial Unintelligence 1:26:34

3M ago1:26:34

1:26:34

Some great topics on the show this month, ranging from fun and light, to a bit more serious. First up, Todd leads a discussion on what he calls “slow burner” games, which a player may start and stop playing for months or even years. Joe is interested in VGM soundtracks which are so good, it made us go buy the actual game. And lastly, a long and tho…

1
Robert Baker, "Making Modern Medical Ethics: How African Americans, Anti-Nazis, Bureaucrats, Feminists, Veterans, and Whistleblowing Moralists Created Bioethics" (MIT Press, 2024) 1:02:56

3M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

The little-known stories of the people responsible for what we know today as modern medical ethics. In Making Modern Medical Ethics: How African Americans, Anti-Nazis, Bureaucrats, Feminists, Veterans, and Whistleblowing Moralists Created Bioethics (MIT Press, 2024), Robert Baker tells the counter history of the birth of bioethics, bringing to the …

1
Behind the Olympic Medals 35:16

3M ago35:16

35:16

The Bill Handel Show Podcast takes you into the captivating and quirky history of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Bill explores the unique aspects of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, including the opening ceremony along the Seine River and the mixed reactions to the French cuisine served to the athletes. Embark on a gastronomic journey through …

1
Everyday Architecture in Context: Public Markets in Hong Kong (1842-1981) (Chinese U of Hong Kong Press, 2023) 52:50

3M ago52:50

52:50

How do public markets, as ordinary as they seem, carry the weight of a city’s history? How do such everyday buildings reflect a city’s changing political, social, and economic needs, through their yearslong transformations in forms, functions, and management? Today’s book is: Everyday Architecture in Context: Public Markets in Hong Kong, 1842-1981 …

1
Nut Job Members of Congress 30:14

3M ago30:14

30:14

Bill Handel takes a fascinating look at the eccentricities of Congress, spotlighting some of the most controversial and bizarre figures in recent history. From Marjorie Taylor Greene's outlandish conspiracy theories to the historical expulsions of Congress members, Bill provides a thorough analysis, peppered with his trademark humor and insight. Ex…

1
The Quirky History of Vice Presidents 23:55

3M ago23:55

23:55

Bill Handel delves deep into the tumultuous landscape of American politics, beginning with a thorough analysis of Joe Biden's faltering debate performance, which has sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, causing widespread concern and speculation about the future direction of his campaign. The discussion then shifts gears to cover the drama…

1
The Dissertation-To-Book Workbook: Exercises for Developing and Revising Your Book Manuscript (U Chicago Press, 2023) 1:12:08

3M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

How do you turn a dissertation into a book? Today’s book is: The Dissertation-to-Book Workbook: Exercises for Developing and Revising Your Book Manuscript (U Chicago Press, 2023), by Dr. Katelyn E. Knox and Dr. Allison Van Deventer, which offers a series of manageable, concrete steps and exercises to help you revise your academic manuscript into a …

1
The Rollercoaster of Boeing's Success 22:34

3M ago22:34

22:34

Join Bill Handel in a captivating episode of The Bill Handel Show Podcast as he shares his profound passion for aviation. Bill provides fascinating insights into the history and evolution of the aviation industry, weaving personal anecdotes about his travels with an in-depth analysis of Boeing's rise and fall. Discover the remarkable story of the W…

1
Trump Assassination Attempt: Part 2 16:23

3M ago16:23

16:23

Bill Handel takes you through America's dark and twisted history of presidential assassinations and near-misses. In this episode, Handel pulls no punches as he delves into the bloodstained annals of American politics, sharing his personal memories and razor-sharp analysis of these earth-shattering events. Handel revisits the infamous assassination …

1
Freeman's Challenge: The Murder That Shook America's Original Prison for Profit 58:38

3M ago58:38

58:38

Today’s book is: Freeman’s Challenge: The Murder That Shook America’s Original Prison for Profit (U Chicago Press, 2024), by Dr. Robin Bernstein, which tells the story of a teenager named William Freeman. Convicted of a horse theft he insisted he did not commit, he was sentenced to five years of hard labor in Auburn’s new prison. Uniting incarcerat…

1
Trump Assassination Attempt: Part 1 29:23

3M ago29:23

29:23

Tune in for a thought-provoking journey through some defining moments in Bill’s life and the world. Bill reflects on the assassination of John F. Kennedy, sharing how this pivotal event shaped his understanding of politics and history. He also discusses the tragic events of September 11, 2001, analyzing the immediate aftermath and long-term impact …

1
Episode 103: A Summer Drive with Myla 1:17:04

3M ago1:17:04

1:17:04

Summer is upon us, and Ed and Myla have decided to go for a joyride! This month’s show is all about summer drivin’ tunes from driving games. We cruise the neighborhood with some light jams, pick up the pace as we enter the highway, then unwind at a roadside bar to close off the show with some southern-fried blues. Roll down your windows, fire up th…

1
The Outrageous Ride of Bill Handel: Part 2 32:15

3M ago32:15

32:15

Bill Handel takes us on a captivating journey through his extraordinary life story in this episode of the Bill Handel Show Podcast. From his humble beginnings in Brazil to his rise as a renowned radio host, Bill shares personal anecdotes and reflections on his experiences. He delves into his family's immigration to the United States, his struggles …

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