Best Urban Enthusiasm Podcasts (2024)

1
The Carolina Foodie, Sweet Potato Pipes and Goodwill Hunting! 1:09:59

9m ago1:09:59

1:09:59

Welcome to an all-new episode of the Carolina Reeper Show! Today’s episode is like a Secret Agent Food Critic who Plays the Sweet Potato Pipe! Did you know there was a sweet potato pipe? Yeah, me either but we’re gonna learn about it. And we have a new segment with the Carolina Foodie Wesley Hawn, where did he eat recently? What did he eat? Was it …

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

7d 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
Parking in the Fire Lane, Aussie Breakdancing and Residual Checks! 1:24:08

5m ago1:24:08

1:24:08

Welcome to an all-new Carolina Reeper Show! In this episode, our friend Doug Rink is in the house... we're going to be discussing the infuriating phenomenon of people parking in the Fire Lane at Food Lion. Plus, Jon and the gang get into the Australian Break Dancer making waves at the Olympics... are the Australians mocking break dancing? We'll als…

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

14d 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
Dead Lead Air: From 10-Meter Champion to Airgun Innovators | RMAC 2024 Exclusive with Christine & Jason Larson" 56:39

1d ago56:39

56:39

Send us a Text Message. Hello Fellow Airgun Geeks, Join us on "The Airgun Geeks Channel" as we dive into the inspiring story of Christine and Jason Larson, the dynamic duo behind the brand-new airgun company, Dead Lead Air. At RMAC 2024, Christine, a decorated 10-meter shooter, and Jason share their passion and vision for revolutionizing the airgun…

1
Hurricane Debby, Olympic Pole Vaulting Mishaps, and Best Trends! 56:53

8d ago56:53

56:53

In this brand new LIVE episode of the Carolina Reeper show we give a salute to Vice President Hurricane Debby who’s also a dentist from Memphis with Sleep Apnea and a Swimming Pool! So...I’m getting a pool, I just got back from Memphis, I had a dentist appointment, Hurricane Debby is coming, and Kamala Harris selects a running mate, all that and it…

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

21d 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
Summer Olympics, 90's Beauty Pageants, Health Scares, and Goodwill Hunting! 1:13:32

26d ago1:13:32

1:13:32

LIVE from Hickory! It's an all-new Carolina Reeper Show! This episode is a Totally Request Live Hour. It’s like a better-looking episode of TRL on MTV but instead of Carson Daily, it’s me Jon Reep, and my pal Marc Hunt. In this episode, we get to the bottom of "Is Diet Mountain Dew Racist?", talk about the hot topic of the Olympics Opening Ceremony…

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

28d 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
Gorgeous Grandmas, Biden is Out, and Ken Speeracee! 1:04:37

23d ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Welcome to an all-new Carolina Reeper Show! This episode is like a Gorgeous Grandma wearing a Tin Foil hat drinking a Citrus Vanilla Ice Cream Float. Did you know today is Gorgeous Grandma Day? Who’s the hottest grandma you know? Also, who is Ken Speeracee and what are his theories? Where is Joe Biden? Who’s the next Democratic Presidential Candida…

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

1M 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

1M 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
Trump Assassination Attempt, Richard Simmons, Shannon Doherty & Dr. Ruth! 1:19:48

1M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

It's an all-new Carolina Reeper Show! In this episode...Former President Trump got shot by a misguided 20-year-old dork with bad aim. So we’ll talk about it. Celebrity deaths are in the news! Jon and the gang will take time to remember Richard Simmons, Shannon Doherty, Dr. Ruth Westhiemer, and Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys. Also, pal Marc Hunt …

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
Overcoming Adversity in Competitive Shooting | RMAC 2024 Insights with John Rupple and Bill Ruehl" 48:43

29d ago48:43

48:43

Send us a Text Message. Hello Fellow Airgun Geeks, In this compelling episode of "The Airgun Geeks Channel," we dive deep into the mind of a competitive shooter with the insightful John Rupple and Bill Ruehl. Recorded at the epic RMAC 2024, John shares his candid story of experiencing equipment failure during a crucial moment and the mental hurdles…

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
Hickory Crawdads with Kurtis, Shark Week and Idiotic TikToks! 1:08:12

1M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

Welcome to an all-new Carolina Reeper! This episode is like a chaotic caption this contest with Kurtis while eating a hotdog in a hurricane at a Hickory Crawdads game! In this episode, Jon and the gang talk about Hurricane Beryl, Jon shares some of his new favorite Idiotic TikToks, we celebrate Shark Week, get a Mystery History Lesson from Intern I…

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

2M 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
Happy Birthday America! 1:04:17

1M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

It's an all-new Carolina Reeper Show! This episode is where Patriotism, Performance, and Pyrotechnics, Collide in a Cacophony of Loud Kabooms that produce Mushroom Clouds! We’re gonna give you fuel, give you fire, give you that which you desire. We're celebrating the 4th of July.. Happy Birthday, America! We’re gonna look at some fireworks gone wro…

1
Ultimate Shootout at RMAC 2024! New Airguns Unveiled & Exclusive GX Compressor Tips 1:05:03

1M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Send us a Text Message. Hello Fellow Airgun Geeks, Join us on the Airgun Geeks Podcast as we dive into the action at the Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge 2024 with our special guest, Justin Jacobson of Utah Airguns. Discover the latest thrills and spills from one of the year's biggest competitive shooting events. 🎯 Pat reveals his latest airgun wins…

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

2M 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
Jamaica, Goodwill Hunting, Idiotic TikToks and Hawk Tuah! 58:22

2M ago58:22

58:22

Welcome to an all-new Carolina Reeper Show! This episode is like Jamaican Jambalaya of Jerk Chicken and Catfish Goulash with Cornball Nuggets. I’m back from Jamaica, I survived and we’ve got stories to tell. Also, we’re gonna talk about the Hawk Tuah Girl and how Mike Judge predicted the future. Plus, I have more residual checks to give away. Who w…

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
Father's Day, Jamaica, and Colonoscopies! 1:02:57

2M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

Welcome to an all-new Carolina Reeper Show! This week's episode is like an Intimate Invasive Intrusive Anal Father from Jamaica, Mon! It's National WANNA GET AWAY DAY... so I talk about my upcoming trip to Jamaica. We talk about my recent colonoscopy and I place bets with my crew about whether I'm getting a Father's Day gift or not. What's the best…

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

3M 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
Karaoke Chaos with Kurtis, JoJo is a No Go and Goodwill Hunting! 1:00:54

2M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Welcome to an all-new episode of the Carolina Reeper Show! This episode is a whirlwind of whimsy, wrapped in a witty wisecracker. UPDATE! We have a new segment, Karaoke Chaos with Kurtis! Kurtis performs crowd favorites at Romeo and Brewliet Taproom & Pourhouse in Hickory. He is a professional karaoke singer after all! You don't want to miss this! …

1
From 'dog' to 'hot dog.' The 'audience of one' trick. More on the long S. Footbridge. 20:29

3M 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
The Memorial Day Edition! 1:18:22

3M ago1:18:22

1:18:22

In this brand new edition of Carolina Reeper Jon spends some quality time with The Alan Jackson talking Memorial Day festivities and our preferred bathroom habits while vacationing. Also! Jon shares some news about his upcoming OnlyFans account... What would you pay money to see Jon do? Plus! Jon and Alan have some Idiotic TikToks qued up that you …

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
Stenhouse, Segal, Rachtman, and Isaiah! 1:04:14

3M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

It’s an all-new Carolina Reeper Show with Jon Reep! This episode is noteworthy! You might want to write this down because it’s National Memo Day. In this episode, the crew discusses the Ricky Stenhouse Jr. vs Kyle Busch fight at this week's Nascar race, Steven Segal singing about “The Punani” and Riki Rachtman trying to steal Jon’s laptop on a flig…

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
Bigfoot, Buttermilk Biscuits and Goodwill Hunting! 1:25:37

3M ago1:25:37

1:25:37

Welcome to the all-new Carolina Reeper show! This episode is going to be generous, kind-hearted, and compassionate. By the way…It’s National Decency Day. Have you no decency sir!? Also, we’re going to talk about buttermilk biscuits, bigfoot, and hygiene routines... You’ll not want to miss this segment! Also, my pal Marcus Stamos is in the house so …

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
"Shots & Giggles with PJ Clarke! | Behind the Red Panda & Key Outdoor Events with Bill & Patrick!" 1:41:21

3M ago1:41:21

1:41:21

Send us a Text Message. Hello Fellow Airgun Geeks, Time to take a deep dive into a hilarious new episode of The Airgun Geeks Podcast! Join hosts Bill Ruehl and Patrick as they welcome PJ Clarke, famously known as "Wisconsin Airgunner," for a lively discussion on airguns and pivotal outdoor events. In this jam-packed episode: Explore the innovation …

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

4M 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
Comedian Chris Munch, Mother's Day, and Residual Checks! 1:10:59

3M ago1:10:59

1:10:59

This episode is gonna be a little cringy, a little lip-smacking, and it might even give you dry mouth. This episode is gonna be a little cringy, a little lip-smacking, and it might even give you dry mouth. Comedian Chris Munch will Zoom into the show with his cast of characters including Steven Stephens, Pastor Bobby, and Chad the Mulit-Level Marke…

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

4M 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

4M 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
Tepper Tantrum, The Kid Rock Comedy Jam and $5 Self Defense Classes 1:05:01

3M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Welcome to an ALL-NEW Carolina Reeper! This episode is gonna make you flip your lid or pop your top. Either way hats off to David Tepper for throwing another Tepper-temper tantrum. We’ll discuss. Also, my pal Marc Hunt is here so we’re gonna play Goodwill Hunting, as we unbox gifts that we got each other at a Goodwill. Plus, we’re gonna talk about …

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
The Urban Airgunner Rides Again! | Exclusive Comeback Interview with Rick Ward 1:23:54

4M ago1:23:54

1:23:54

Send us a Text Message. Hello Fellow Airgun Geeks, ️ Welcome back to "The Airgun Geeks" podcast! In this special episode, we’re thrilled to have Rick Ward, also known as "The Urban Airgunner," join us for an exclusive chat about his exciting return to the airgun community after a long hiatus. Tune in as Rick shares insights from his journey, discus…

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