Today we talk Brandon's niece Kendal who shares a personal narrative of surviving the devastating effects of a hurricane in Asheville, North Carolina. The discussion provides insight into the challenges faced, such as lack of water, power, and communication, as well as the need to rely on community support. Through the interview with Kendal, we hig…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast Brandon (me) shares an intense and emotional firsthand account of a Category 4 hurricane hitting Asheville, North Carolina, an unprecedented event for the region. He describes the chaos and challenges faced, including power and water outages, blocked roads, and lack of communication. Despite having prepared for emerge…

Today on the Smartical Podcast, we discuss a New York Times article highlighting how, for the first time in modern American history, young men are more religious than their female peers. We explore the implications of this shift, including the impact of societal changes, the alienation of young men, and the potential dangers of finding belonging in…

Today on this God Talk Friday on The Smarticle Podcast, we discuss the importance of contemplation in spiritual practice. We delve into the idea of separating ego and identity from truth and the role of contemplative practices like sound baths in achieving a deeper connection to reality. Larry shares his recent experience at a sound bath session an…

This episode of the Smarticle Podcast features a deep and introspective interview with Chris Marchand, highlighting the complexities surrounding abuse allegations within the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). The episode includes a powerful excerpt from Kelly Goewey, discussing the mishandling of abuse cases and the need for church accountabi…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we discuss the pervasive influence of dopamine-driven distractions in American culture, referencing a recent column by David Brooks. We explore the consequences of society's addiction to cheap, immediate gratification through social media, short videos, and constant phone usage. We delve into solutions, including reli…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast, we discuss Christian nonviolence, referencing an article linking nonviolence to love and the teachings of Martin Luther King as well as Jesus. We delve into personal struggles with nonviolence, contrasting it with historical figures like Gandhi and Malcolm X. We also touch on the polarization in America, the authenti…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast, Chris Marchand, an Anglican ACNA priest and podcaster, discusses his impactful podcast 'The Wall of Silence,' which sheds light on sexual abuse within the Anglican Church in North America. We reflect on the seriousness of the subject of church abuse and coverup. Chris shares his motivation for starting the podcast, i…

On this episode of Man Talk Monday on the Smarticle podcast, we discuss a recent New York Times article by Claire Cain Miller addressing the feelings of many Gen Z men who feel left behind and consider Trump as a potential solution. We explore themes of masculinity, societal changes, and how education systems might need to adapt to better serve you…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast, we delve into the complex themes of forgiveness, drawing from teachings by Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation. The discussion highlights personal anecdotes and theological insights, emphasizing the importance of forgiving others and oneself for spiritual and emotional growth. We explore how forg…

In this best of the Smarticle Podcast we discuss the meeting between Canada's Indigenous representatives and Pope Francis, where survivors of residential schools requested access to church records. We explore the historical context of these schools, their impact on Indigenous cultures, and the broader issue of accountability. We debate whether the …

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we discuss happiness and share tips from psychotherapist Jennifer Taits' New York Times opinion piece on boosting positivity and savoring joyful experiences. We explore practical strategies like planning daily activities that bring joy, expanding one's joy vocabulary, focusing on positive experiences, finding silver l…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we discuss our search for 'Chi' and the importance of ongoing self-examination. They reflect on teachings from Richard Rohr's series on consciousness and the 12-step program, specifically step 10, which emphasizes personal inventory and admitting when wrong. Through narratives that include advice from a retired pastor…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we dive into a discussion about aging, starting with a humorous prelude about silence and chanting nuns. We focus on a study from The Guardian revealing that humans age dramatically at 44 and 60. This leads to a personal dialogue on how age has begun to weigh on our minds, particularly with concerns about physical hea…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we welcome back Bobby Conn, author of 'In the Shadow of the Valley,' marking her as the show's first-ever two-time guest. We delve into her Time Magazine article critiquing JD Vance's memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' and its portrayal of Appalachia. The discussion covers the importance of acknowledging the social structures t…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we share Larry's experiences of starting new jobs and dealing with technology challenges. Larry, a seasoned Silicon Valley professional, recounts trying to adapt to modern tech after decades in radio. We discuss the impacts of relying solely on a phone for a week, family dynamics, and adjusting to new career demands. …

This Best of Smarticle Podcast delves into the controversial claims made by Blake Lemoine, a former Google engineer, who stated that an AI project he worked on had achieved sentience and possessed a soul. The discussion covers Lemoine's subsequent firing by Google, the implications of his allegations, and the broader questions about AI's potential …

On this ABOS God Talk Friday here on the Smarticle Podcast we discuss a thought-provoking New York Times article titled 'How to Pray to a God You Don't Believe In.' The conversation delves into the complexities of faith during difficult times, particularly within the Jewish community, with references to the Holocaust and differing levels of belief …

Today on this Best of Smarticle podcast we revisit a discussion we had about controlling your temper. We discuss the altercation during the Michigan vs. Wisconsin basketball game, where Michigan coach Juwan Howard was suspended for the rest of the season after a heated encounter with Wisconsin's coach. The conversation delves into the importance of…

In this episode, while Larry is off, we revisit an old segment about the Be Real app, a social media platform that failed to gain traction despite initial enthusiasm. Today we debate the Be Real app's concept of promoting authenticity by encouraging users to post a picture within a random two-minute window each day. We discuss the potential pitfall…

Today we revisit a discussion we had a couple of years ago on dark matter. This episode also acts as video evidence that Larry absolutely loved that dog of an app Be Real. We dive into the fascinating world of black holes, dark matter, and the Large Hadron Collider at Europe's Physics Research Center in this best of episode. We discuss the challeng…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast, we discuss the increasing preference for coaches over traditional therapists in Silicon Valley. Highlighting an article from the New York Times, we delve into the reasons startup founders opt for coaching to address self-improvement quickly. We also explore the relative costs, barriers to entry, and credibility issue…

In this Rerelease of a Smarticle Podcast show from two and a half years ago, we discuss the concept of God through the lens of Franciscan friar, Father Richard Rohr's ideas. We explore how early images of God are shaped by one's parents and advocate for reframing these perceptions to see a more encompassing vision of God. We delve into the common h…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we dive into a provocative discussion about the changing attitudes towards alcohol, especially among younger generations. We examine a recent study suggesting that even moderate drinking can be harmful to older adults, leading to debates about the social and health implications. We share their perspectives on the role…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we tackle a New York Times opinion piece by Miguel Macias, which explores the taboo subject of parental regret. We debate the validity and understanding of regret in the context of parenthood, sharing personal anecdotes and differing perspectives on the emotional complexities of raising children. Our conversation high…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we talk about whether certain foods can fundamentally alter one's life or even gender, referencing a CNN article by Perry Ormont Blumberg. We delve into how foods impact hormone production and overall health, debunk myths propagated by influencers, and stress the importance of moderation and a balanced diet. We also p…

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we discuss Costco's decision to implement membership card scanners at store entrances to prevent non-members from using borrowed cards. We compare Costco's membership requirements to Sam's Club and other exclusive clubs, considering the economic implications. The conversation also touches on the high cost of goods due…

Today we delve into the contentious topic of class division within American Evangelicalism, sparked by an article from Christianity Today. We discuss the intellectual vs. non-intellectual Christian divide, how education influences political and religious beliefs, and the impact of Donald Trump's leadership on evangelical communities. The conversati…

Today we discuss an article about a new AI-powered necklace designed for lonely millennials, which responses to users with AI-generated text messages. We explore the potential impact of such technology on mental health, social interactions, and the future of human relationships. The conversation delves into ethical concerns, the concept of real ver…

Today we discuss an opinion piece by Boston University philosophy professor Victor Kumar, published in the New York Times. The article argues that progressives should adopt a pro-natalist stance similar to conservatives, but with a focus on government benefits and social services. We are confused and skepticle about the need for more population, es…

Today we dive into the contentious topic of artificial sweeteners. We explore the health implications of various sugar substitutes like Saccharin, Aspartame, Sucralose, and Stevia, referencing a study by Carolyn Hopkins from NBC News. We evaluate consumer concerns, government regulations, and personal dietary choices, including having a lively deba…

Today we are joined by guest host Kirk Peterson for a lively discussion on a recent USA Today article about polyamorous relationships and unexpected pregnancies. The story of Ashley Hefley and her polyamorous throuple's simultaneous pregnancies leads to a broader conversation about the logistics and implications of polyamory, including the impact o…

Today we focus on the importance of silence, drawing from a piece titled 'The Gift of Silence' by the Center for Action and Contemplation. We explore how silence underpins reality and its pivotal role in fostering creativity and presence. The conversation addresses the rarity of silence in modern life and touches on personal experiences and practic…

Today we delve into the frustrations and societal implications of retailers locking up everyday products behind plexiglass. We discuss an article by Amanda Moll, which critiques how chains like CVS and Target have responded to theft by locking items like toiletries and cleaning supplies. We share personal anecdotes and broader observations about ho…

Today we discuss the resurgence of traditional travel agents among Millennials and Gen Z travelers who are opting for curated trips over DIY plans. We explore the benefits of using travel agents over online booking, share personal travel philosophies, and recount memorable travel experiences. Brandon Doble also hints at his family's upcoming long t…

Today we tackle the challenging topic of quantum physics and the concept of time as potentially being a mirage. We discuss a new theoretical study suggesting time might be an illusion created by quantum entanglement, referencing an article by Ben Turner from LiveScience.com. With humor and relatable analogies, we explore the complexity of time, the…

Today we discuss the rising trend of doomsday prepping in light of modern insecurities. Larry begins by preparing us for the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse before we delve into the headline topic of Costco selling 'apocalypse buckets' filled with long-lasting food supplies. We explore various opinions on the necessity of such preparations, the soc…

Today we delve deeply into themes of transformation, authentic experiences, and living in the moment. We critique the modern church's tendency to overlook the present in favor of a future focus, emphasizing the importance of being there for others, especially in times of need. By reflecting on personal anecdotes and broader social issues, we strive…

Keeping it real is actually not possible apparently. Today we talk about the concept of being 'real' in social interactions and relationships, inspired by the social media app BeReal. We reflect on personal experiences with intimacy and authenticity, both in life and online, and debate the appeal and viability of sharing mundane, unfiltered moments…

Today we talk to Justin Azbill, a trustee of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. We discuss with him the alarming rates of suicide and substance abuse among construction workers. Justin shares his personal journey and the mental health challenges faced by workers in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of bre…

Today we explore the contentious debate on whether modern pet owners are unintentionally harming their pets by treating them too much like humans. Drawing from an article by Linda Baker in The New York Times, we discuss how actions such as confining pets in crates, limiting their freedom, and selectively breeding for desired traits can lead to heal…

Today we discuss Larry's many vacations and Brandon's lack of them, leading to a broader conversation about work-life balance and career longevity. We dive into the growing popularity of waking up at 5 a.m., inspired by an article from The Guardian, exploring whether it's truly the key to health and happiness. The discussion touches on the practica…

In this special episode of the Smarticle Podcast, the team celebrates Larry's last day in radio after a remarkable 20-year career. Friends, family, and colleagues come together to share heartfelt stories, laugh over fond memories, and roast Larry with love. From humorous tales about radio mishaps to touching tributes, this episode captures the esse…

Today we prepare for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. We discuss the introduction of breakdancing as a new Olympic sport and reminisce about their experiences with past Olympics, including Larry attending the 1984 Los Angeles Games. We also cover the schedule and extensive broadcasting of the Games, the excitement of different events, and the…

Today we talk about the possible spiritual awakening happening in America. We reference an article by Jessica Gross from the New York Times, which explores the rise of people identifying as 'spiritual but not religious.' The conversation touches on the shift from traditional church attendance to finding spiritual and communal fulfillment in activit…

Today we talk about summer fun, camping... and those lame mosquitoes. We dive into an article from the New York Times about why mosquitoes are attracted to certain people more than others, highlighting factors such as body odor, carbon dioxide emission, and blood type. We explore both our personal struggles with mosquitoes as well as general tips o…

Today we take on a very serious topic when we discuss the alarming suicide rates among construction workers, highlighting data from a detailed NBC News article by Shannon Petty. We examine the workplace pressures, long hours, and cultural stigmas that contribute to the mental health crisis in the construction industry. We stress the need for greate…

Today we discuss our recent church experiences, emphasizing simplicity, inclusivity, and unique practices. We delve into the importance of silence in life and faith, sharing personal anecdotes and ideas about integrating silence into everyday routines. Our conversation covers various church dynamics, the value of simple worship, and fostering momen…

Today we dive deep into the controversial trend of unschooling (release the Kraken), where children direct their own education without formal classes or curriculums. We discuss the origins of unschooling, its rise post-COVID, and the potential social and academic challenges it poses. We do an honest critique of the unschooling movement, highlightin…

Today we discuss a USA Today article by Alyssa Goldberg about Gen Z experiencing tattoo regret, with a particular focus on the role of social media. We debate the permanence of tattoos, societal judgments, and personal experiences with body art, including a humorous exchange about Brandon's daughter's tattoo ideas. We emphasize the importance of co…