Best Kevin Brenner Podcasts (2024)

1
Are you "pantless" or "pantsless"? Who (or what) is Beetlejuice? 17:14

25m ago17:14

17:14

1028. This week, we look at the weird situation when you want to add a suffix (such as "-less") to a plural-only noun such as "pants" or "scissors" — with a fun detour for some pants-related idioms. Then, with a new "Beetlejuice" in theaters, we look at the fascinating origin of the name and its role in mythology throughout the ages. The "pantless"…

1
How linguists solve crimes, with Natalie Schilling 34:49

9m ago34:49

34:49

1027. This week, I talk with forensic linguist Natalie Schilling about how people's language gives them away — in manifestos, ransom notes, text messages, and more. Natalie Schilling is a professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and runs a forensic linguistics consulting firm. You can find her on LinkedIn. 🔗 Shar…

1
From Guy Fawkes to Guido Fawkes. Tales from the crypt (and catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries). Taquitos 16:34

1d ago16:34

16:34

1026. This week, we look at the origins of words for men, including the ancient roots of "man," the surprising evolution of the word "guy" from being an insult to just another word, and how "guido" took a different route. Then, for some Halloween fun, we look at the difference between crypts, catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries, with an emphasis o…

1
The language of meetings, with Jim Slaughter 26:09

6d ago26:09

26:09

1025. Have you ever wondered where meeting terms like “quorum” or “proxy” come from? In this episode, Jim Slaughter looks at the linguistic origins and historical contexts of these and other common parliamentary words. We discuss the evolution of words like “bylaws,” why minutes aren't related to time, how “filibuster” is connected to pirates, and …

1
Why don't we say 'I'm smarter than YOU'RE'? The language of fear. Catherineisms. 17:12

15d ago17:12

17:12

1024. It often sounds weird if you try to end a sentence with a contraction like "you're" and "I'm." We look at why! Then, get ready for Halloween with the language of fear. The "contractions" segment is by Neal Whitman, an independent writer and consultant specializing in language and grammar and a member of the Reynoldsburg, Ohio, school board. Y…

1
Feeling stuck? Anne Lamott's here to kickstart your writing! 37:44

20d ago37:44

37:44

1023. I felt like I could write anything after this discussion with Anne Lamott about painful first drafts, beating perfectionism, and the one thing she'd change in "Bird by Bird." Best of all, you can meet Anne yourself at the upcoming Writers Rising conference. Use the code grammargirl10 for a 10% discount. 🔗 Share your familect recording in a Wh…

1
Quack! What's a lame duck? A German punctuation kerfuffle. 17:23

15d ago17:23

17:23

1022. This week, we look at election terms like “president-elect” and “lame duck” and how they're used during a U.S. presidential transition. Then, I dig into my favorite kind of hot grammar news: people in Germany are angry about apostrophes! The "election words" segment is by Karen Lunde Hertzberg, a former Quick and Dirty Tips editor who has cra…

1
Can AI really write? A no-nonsense discussion, with Christopher Penn 39:39

20d ago39:39

39:39

1021. This week, Christopher Penn talks about the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in writing and editing. We look at common misconceptions about how AI works and best practices for writing prompts. We also talk about privacy concerns, bias, fact-checking, and our concerns for the future. Whether you use these tools daily, tried them a long time ago a…

1
How to talk like a chef. The Michigander controversy. Jakey. 18:02

29d ago18:02

18:02

1020. This week, we shed light on quirky restaurant slang like “kill it” and “Chef Mike.” Then, we tackle the long-standing debate over what to call residents of Michigan — "Michiganders" or "Michiganians" — and what Abraham Lincoln has to do with it. The "kitchen lingo" segment is by Susan K. Herman, a retired multidisciplined language analyst, ed…

1
How writers navigate failure and find success, with Jonathan Small 28:37

27d ago28:37

28:37

1019. This week, Jonathan Small, author of "Write About Now," shares what he's learned about the common struggles writers face throughout their careers. His book highlights stories from bestselling authors about their beginnings, the risks they took, and how they handled early rejection. I was especially surprised by the stories of shockingly bold …

1
From game boards to boardrooms. Commas with participial phrases. Gritties. 13:49

29d ago13:49

13:49

1018. This week, we look at the meanings of the word "board," including the differences between board games, table games, and table-top games. We also look at the punctuation of participial phrases, helping you understand when to use commas in sentences like "She yelled at me, making me cry" versus "She is the lady making me cry." The "board" segme…

1
From 'gobsmacked' to 'ginger': The British invasion of American English, with Ben Yagoda 28:46

1M ago28:46

28:46

1017. How did British words find their way into American English? Author Ben Yagoda shares insights with us from his new book "Gobsmacked!" We learn about words like "brilliant" and "ginger" that have crossed the pond, some words you might think came from Britain (but didn't), which politicians are prone to using Britishisms, and why some adopted t…

1
Why some verb sets are so odd (like 'go/went'). Corporate euphemisms. Goggy. 16:18

1M ago16:18

16:18

1016. This week, we look at why some verbs are so irregular that their forms don't even seem related, like "go" and "went." Then, we look at the surprising finding that corporate euphemisms are worse than annoying — they can also hurt a company's stock price. The "suppletion" segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at th…

1
What's new in the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition), with Russell Harper and Mary Laur 51:34

2M ago51:34

51:34

1015. The Chicago Manual of Style is updated every seven years, and this year's update is a big one! I talked with two of the editors — Russell Harper and Mary Laur — about the major changes, how the decisions get made, and the history of the CMOS (pronounced "sea moss"). 🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat. 🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learn…

1
Do words like 'mandate' and 'cockamamie' come from words for men? Grammatical doppelgangers. A pair of teeth. 16:50

2M ago16:50

16:50

1014. This week, we debunk misconceptions about gendered language, tracing the etymology of words like "cockamamie" and "gynecology." We also look at the flexibility of English grammar, examining how common words like "that" and "up" can function as different parts of speech in various contexts. The "gendered words" segment was written by Samantha …

1
What fiction writers know about avoiding stereotypes, with Alex Temblador 34:42

2M ago34:42

34:42

1013. How can fiction writers create diverse, authentic characters without relying on stereotypes? Alex Temblador, author of "Writing An Identity Not Your Own," tackles this question and more. Learn about the importance of community engagement in research, the pitfalls of overemphasizing certain character traits, and techniques for editing with an …

1
'Tea' or 'chai'? Why we misspeak. Fellatone. 13:51

2M ago13:51

13:51

1012. Most words are different in different languages, but water from steeped leaves has only two main names: tea and chai. We look at why! Also, if you've ever mixed up words, like calling a butterfly a "flutterby," you'll love learning about what these slips of the tongue tell us about how we form sentences. The "tea" segment was written by Valer…

1
The language of liars. 'Legendary,' 'famous,' or 'notorious'? Fish shapes. 14:49

2M ago14:49

14:49

1011. This week, we look at language patterns that may indicate someone is lying, such as how often they say "um" and the diversity of the words they use. Then we tease out the difference between being legendary, famous, infamous, and notorious. The "language of lying" segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the Unive…

1
Greatest Hits | Myth Busting VA Loans With Brad Osterman | Ep 360 55:05

2M ago55:05

55:05

Join us this week as we rewind to an insightful conversation where Kevin sits down with ADPI’s new Mortgage Branch Manager and Retired Army Veteran, Brad Osterman! Brad dives into his journey from real estate investing to a thriving lending career and shares expert tips on how to maximize the VA loan for servicemembers looking to build wealth throu…

1
Cat Idioms. 'Summerween' and other blends. Bankery 16:33

2M ago16:33

16:33

1010. We'd never be accused of belling the cat, but we did let our curiosity get the best of us when sniffing around common cat-related idioms. Plus, little did we know that we're already in Augtober and Summerween! Grab a pumpkin-spiced treat and come on an adventure through the looking glass to learn about portmanteau words. The "cat idoims" segm…

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Greatest Hits | 3 Ways To Win In The STR Game With Joe Riley | Ep 359 44:59

2M ago44:59

44:59

In this can’t-miss throwback episode, Kevin and special guest co-host Chris Lockwood sit down with Joe Riley of Patriot Family Homes, who reveals how he transformed a simple house hack into a booming nationwide short-term rental empire! From the pros and cons to the nitty-gritty details, we cover it all. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into t…

1
Apostrophes have always been confusing. 'First' or 'firstly'? Trudy! 15:54

3M ago15:54

15:54

1009. If you think apostrophes are confusing today, wait until you hear how people used them 100s of years ago! Ammon Shea has some wild stories. Plus, should you use "first," "second," and "third" or "firstly," "secondly," and "thirdly"? Ammon Shea is the author of "Bad English," "Reading the OED." 🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp cha…

1
Greatest Hits | Marines & Mobile Home Parks With Ryan Himmighoefer | Ep 358 1:07:54

3M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

This week, we’re revisiting an incredible episode where Kevin chats with ADPI’s Military Multifamily Academy Hero and Marine veteran, Ryan Himmighoefer! Ryan shares his inspiring journey into real estate, starting with single-family homes and scaling up to mobile home parks. Tune in to hear how Ryan’s path to success is growing—and how you can foll…

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

3M 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
Greatest Hits | How to Position Your VA Offer to Win Deals With Ted Canto | Ep 357 50:10

3M ago50:10

50:10

We're bringing back a must-hear episode as Kevin chats with ADPI lending team's top branch manager, Ted Canto! If you're buying with a VA loan, this episode is packed with game-changing tips you can't afford to miss. Ted drops some serious knowledge-bombs on how to position your offer to win over sellers and secure the advantage! Tune in and give y…

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

3M 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
Greatest Hits | Multifamily Matters with Bo Goebel | Ep 356 48:03

3M ago48:03

48:03

Join us for a thrilling throwback as Kevin chats with Army veteran, avid investor, and Military Multifamily Academy member, Bo Goebel! Bo reveals his incredible journey of acquiring 218 units worth about $12.5 million in just four years. If you're gearing up for a transition out of the military and seeking inspiration, this episode is a goldmine! H…

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

3M 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
Greatest Hits | How to Acquire 32+ Doors While Being Overseas With Chris Giorgi | Ep 355 47:48

3M ago47:48

47:48

Dive into a jaw-dropping episode as Kevin interviews Army combat engineer and real estate ace, Chris Giorgi! Chris unveils his strategy for acquiring over 32 units in record time—all while stationed overseas in Germany. From BRRRRs to Short-Term Rentals, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration you can't miss! Hit play and discover how …

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

4M 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
Greatest Hits | Seriously Long Distance BRRRR With Wes Thompson | Ep 354 49:51

4M ago49:51

49:51

Catch this unforgettable episode as Kevin follows up with past guest and ADPI Operation ATOM Member, Wes Thompson! Wes shares the exciting progress of his BRRRR duplex purchase in Chattanooga—all while living in Zambia, Africa! Think you can't invest while stationed overseas? Think again! Tune in and learn from the best as Wes proves anything is po…

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

3M 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

4M 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
Greatest Hits | TDY Hacking to Get Started in Short Term Rentals With Kaitlyn Dannhardt | Ep 353 56:48

4M ago56:48

56:48

Rewind with us to a stellar episode as Kevin chats with military spouse and top Airbnb host, Kaitlyn Dannhardt! Kaitlyn shares her secrets to building a dream team and thriving in real estate while TDYing or PCSing. Tune in to discover how Kaitlyn and her husband achieve short-term rental success—even from afar—and how you can start your own journe…

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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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
Greatest Hits | Turnkey Talk with Rent To Retirement CEO Zach Lemaster | Ep 352 53:50

4M ago53:50

53:50

Revisit a fan-favorite as Kevin sits down with Air Force veteran and CEO of turnkey provider Rent To Retirement, Zach Lemaster! Zach dives into the game-changing advantages of turnkey properties, perfect for those short on time or stationed overseas. If turnkey investing has ever crossed your mind, this is the episode you can't afford to miss! Hit …

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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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
Greatest Hits | Less Than 10 Years to Financial Freedom with Dion McNeeley | Ep 351 53:45

4M ago53:45

53:45

Travel back with us to an incredible episode as Kevin interviews Desert Storm Marine Veteran and financial independence guru, Dion McNeeley! Dion reveals his secrets to achieving financial independence and freedom with just 7 units, despite facing numerous challenges. ADPI Family, this episode is packed with invaluable insights you won't want to mi…

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

4M 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

4M 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
Greatest Hits | Investing in Any Market With Joe Evangelisti | Ep 350 51:06

4M ago51:06

51:06

Join Kevin as he revisits a powerhouse episode with Navy Seabee veteran and entrepreneurial dynamo, Joe Evangelisti! Joe shares his remarkable journey from construction roots to building a real estate empire and owning several successful businesses. If you're eager to sharpen your skills and accelerate your path to success, this episode is a goldmi…

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

5M 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

4M 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
Greatest Hits | Transitioning From Single Family Deals to Multifamily Deals With Ken Hynes | Ep 349 54:58

5M ago54:58

54:58

Rewind with us to a monumental episode as Kevin chats with ADPI’s Military Multifamily Academy member and 23-year retired Army veteran, Ken Hynes! Ken takes us through his incredible transition from single-family real estate newbie to passive multifamily investor, and finally, to a powerhouse General Partner in syndications. If you're curious about…

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

5M 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

5M 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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