Best Irregardlessly Podcasts (2024)

1
Irregardless: Understanding Its Usage and Controversy 4:35

20d ago4:35

4:35

Title: Irregardless: Understanding Its Usage and Controversy Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we unravel the threads of the English language to help you weave more effective communication. Each episode, we explore the fascinating intricacies of grammar and usage to make you a more confident speaker and writer. Today, we're stepping into a linguistic q…

1
What the Wicked Witch of the West has to do with grammar. Words for walking. Bottleadammit. 16:34

16h ago16:34

16:34

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

1h 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
Beantown Juneteenth (06192024 Beantown Podcast) 24:15

12h ago24:15

24:15

Quinn comes to you LIVE from a kayak on a pond to talk U-boats, Death Cab lyrics, and a big shoutout to his new favorite airlineBy Quinn David Furness

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The art of punctuation and the charm of 'kerfuffle.' Nicing. 18:18

2d 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
In Bunches & US State Population Trivia (061424 Beantown) 45:10

6d ago45:10

45:10

Quinn comes to you LIVE to debut his brand new single 'In Bunches' and play some US Geography TriviaBy Quinn David Furness

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

13d 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

9d 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
Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 7 52:08

11d ago52:08

52:08

6 Fat Dutchmen [00:22] "Minniehaha" 6 Fat Dutchmen RCA Victor LPM-1769 1958 Ooooom-pah! New Ulm's very own 6 Fat Dutchmen blazing up that Midwestern polka scene. Why heck, they played the Nebraska State Fair for 26 straight years, don't ya know. This album has some top-notch cover art by none other than the great Jack Davis. Jo Stafford with Paul W…

1
World War II Hot Takes (06072024 Beantown Podcast) 48:13

13d ago48:13

48:13

Quinn comes to you LIVE with some hot takes about Trump's 0 for 34 streak, UFC fights vs NASCAR, and some of history's greatest WWII films. Also this was episode 333 so that's coolBy Quinn David Furness

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The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer 27:11

14d 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…

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

22d 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

21d 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…

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Who vs. That: Referring to People vs. Things 4:09

27d ago4:09

4:09

Title: Who vs. That: Referring to People vs. Things Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we make grammar fun, accessible, and relevant. I’m Abby, and as always, I'm here to help you navigate the nuances of the English language. And I’m Jack, helping you dissect sentences and clarify communication with ease. Today, we’re delving into a common conundrum: wh…

1
Unthaw vs. "Thaw": Understanding the Redundancy 4:17

22d ago4:17

4:17

Title: Unthaw vs. "Thaw": Understanding the Redundancy Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we explore the intricacies of the English language to make you a more effective communicator. I'm Abby, your guide through the linguistic puzzles that perplex even native speakers. Have you ever pulled a steak out of the freezer and said, "I need to unthaw this for…

1
State Flowers and Al Pacino 4 Biden (05282024 Beantown Podcast) 37:11

23d ago37:11

37:11

Quinn comes to you LIVE to discuss horticulture, De Niro press conferences, and all new acousticsBy Quinn David Furness

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What is a Word? Target moments. 18:41

23d 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: …

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Sneaked vs. "Snuck": Which is Acceptable?” 4:08

29d ago4:08

4:08

Title: Sneaked vs. "Snuck": Which is Acceptable?” speaker1: Hello, dear listeners, and welcome to another episode of Grammar Lab, your friendly, informative guide to the quirks and quandaries of the English language. Every week, we dissect the dos and don'ts to help you navigate the world of grammar with more confidence! speaker2: Today, we're delv…

1
Raise vs. "Rise": Transitive vs. Intransitive 4:15

30d ago4:15

4:15

Title: Raise vs. "Rise": Transitive vs. Intransitive speaker1: Hello, language enthusiasts, and welcome back to Grammar Lab, where we distill the complexities of the English language into easy sips of knowledge. I'm your host for today, ready to guide you through another fascinating exploration of grammar. speaker2: And I'm your co-host, here to he…

1
Nauseous vs. "Nauseated": Who is Feeling Sick? 3:59

1M ago3:59

3:59

Title: Nauseous vs. "Nauseated": Who is Feeling Sick? Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we untangle common language mix-ups and help you communicate with clarity. I’m Abby, and each episode we explore the wild and wonderful world of words to help you perfect your English usage. Hello, listeners! I’m Jack. Today, we're diving into a pesky pair of words …

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Imply vs. "Infer": Sender vs. Receiver” 4:30

26d ago4:30

4:30

Title: Imply vs. "Infer": Sender vs. Receiver” Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we help you navigate the nuances of the English language with ease. In today's experiment, we'll delve into a mix-up that even the most seasoned word scientists can stumble over: the difference between 'imply' and 'infer'. Curious to untangle this linguistic knot? Keep lis…

1
Farther vs. "Further": Distance vs. Abstract 3:59

1M ago3:59

3:59

Title: Farther vs. "Further": Distance vs. Abstract Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we dissect the intricacies of the English language to help you navigate grammar with ease. Today, we're examining a pair of words that often lead to mix-ups: Farther and Further. Stick around to learn how to use them correctly. If you have questions or themes that you…

1
How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski 26:50

28d 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
Envious vs. "Jealous": Understanding the Nuance 4:29

1M ago4:29

4:29

Title: Envious vs. "Jealous": Understanding the Nuance Hello, word lovers, and welcome to Grammar Lab where we pick apart English language quirks to help you speak and write with confidence. I'm Abby. And I'm Jack, gearing up to unravel a little lexical conundrum that even the savviest wordsmiths can stumble upon. Keep listening to find out whether…

1
Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 6 58:52

29d ago58:52

58:52

Heino [00:23] "Heute Singen Wir Mit Heino/Wißt Ihr Was? Heute Hat's Geschneit" Sing Mit Heino Folge 9 und 10 Winterzeit - Kinderzeit - Weihnachtzeit Hör Zu 1 C 066-45 322 1979 Sing along with Heino! And evidently, the old Deustschekrooner is still alive. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the German phenomenon that is Heino, of course, there'…

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Disinterested vs. "Uninterested": Clarifying the Difference 4:22

1M ago4:22

4:22

Title: Disinterested vs. "Uninterested": Clarifying the Difference Welcome to Grammar Lab, the place where we mix chemicals of syntax and stir up the particles of punctuation to help our listeners become grammar gurus in their daily lives. Today, we're delving into a pair of terms that are often swapped but have distinct meanings: disinterested and…

1
Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill. 16:49

1M 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…

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Use of "Whom" in Questions and Statements 4:32

1M ago4:32

4:32

Title: Use of "Whom" in Questions and Statements Hello, and welcome to another intriguing dive into the depths of English at Grammar Lab, where we clarify the complexities and celebrate the subtleties of our language. I'm Abby. And I'm Jack. Have you ever stumbled over whether to use 'who' or 'whom' in a sentence? Stick around because today, we're …

1
Cicada Watch 2024 (05202024 Beantown Podcast) 54:48

1M ago54:48

54:48

Quinn comes to you LIVE to go all over the place including cicada facts, Guadalcanal, and intercontinental balloonsBy Quinn David Furness

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Advise vs. "Advice": Verb vs. Noun 4:09

1M ago4:09

4:09

Title: Advise vs. "Advice": Verb vs. Noun Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we sprinkle a little know-how on your language mysteries. I’m your host, Abby, ready to lead you on another exploration into the intricacies of English usage. Hey everyone, it’s Jack here! Today, we're untangling a commonly confused pair of words: 'advise' and 'advice'. Want to…

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Choose vs. "Chose": Past and Present Tense 3:55

1M ago3:55

3:55

Title: Choose vs. "Chose": Past and Present Tense Hello, word enthusiasts! Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we break down the complexities of the English language and transform them into simple, digestible bits. Think of us as your friendly guides through the maze of grammar, punctuation, and usage. Today, we're diving deep into a pair of words that m…

1
Chain 'o' Trivia (05172024 Beantown Podcast WARNING low quality) 39:30

1M ago39:30

39:30

Did you think the recording quality couldn't get worse after last week? Well have fun!UPDATE: Link to the former R Kelly home I was referencing: https://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/1010-W-George-St-60657/home/13363114By Quinn David Furness

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Allude vs. "Elude": Correct Usage 4:00

1M ago4:00

4:00

Title: Allude vs. "Elude": Correct Usage Welcome to Grammar Lab, the friendly guide to the intricacies and charm of English language usage. Each week, we untangle common grammar quandaries, helping you communicate with clarity and style. In today’s episode, do you find yourself stumbling over when to use 'allude' and when to pick 'elude?' Keep list…

1
Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner 31:53

1M 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
Like vs. "As": Making the Right Choice 4:35

1M ago4:35

4:35

Title: Like vs. "As": Making the Right Choice speaker1: Hello, grammar enthusiasts! Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we dissect sentences and reconstruct paragraphs to help you navigate the complexities of the English language with flair! In this episode, we are going to stir the pot a little with an age-old debate: when do we use 'like' and when is '…

1
Lend vs. "Borrow": Understanding the Difference 3:40

1M ago3:40

3:40

Title: Lend vs. "Borrow": Understanding the Difference Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we dispel the confusion around everyday English usage. Today, we're your friendly guides on a journey through two frequently used verbs that are often mixed up. Have you ever stopped to think if you should say "Can I borrow your pen?" or "Can you lend me your pen?"…

1
We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"! 15:34

1M 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…

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Using "That" and "Which" in Restrictive Clauses 4:26

1M ago4:26

4:26

Title: Using "That" and "Which" in Restrictive Clauses speaker1: Hello, and welcome to Grammar Lab, where we dissect the intricacies of the English language to help our listeners master their grammar skills. Have you ever been caught in the eternal struggle of deciding between “that” and “which”? Today, we dive into the world of restrictive clauses…

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Bring vs. "Take": Selecting the Appropriate Verb 4:23

1M ago4:23

4:23

Title: Bring vs. "Take": Selecting the Appropriate Verb speaker1: Hello, and welcome to Grammar Lab! This is your go-to audio workshop for understanding the intricacies of the English language. We're here to make grammar both fun and easy to digest! speaker2: And today, we're going to tackle a question that can really trip people up: When do you us…

1
Unique: Can It Be Modified? 5:00

1M ago5:00

5:00

Title: Unique: Can It Be Modified? speaker1: Welcome to Grammar Lab, the friendly guide to the intricacies of the English language, where we unpack complex grammar questions and offer clear, easy-to-understand insights. I'm your host, Abby, and as always, I'm joined by my co-host Jack. Jack, today we're tackling a topic that many of our listeners h…

1
Audacity Stinks Potentially (05112024 Beantown Podcast) 19:31

1M ago19:31

19:31

Quinn comes to you LIVE to bitch about Audacity, celebrate the moms out there, and offer up some suggestions for this summer's DNCBy Quinn David Furness

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Use of "Being" in Sentences: Avoiding Common Mistakes 4:27

2M ago4:27

4:27

Title: Use of "Being" in Sentences: Avoiding Common Mistakes speaker1: Hello and welcome to Grammar Lab, where we untangle the complexities of the English language so you can improve your speaking and writing! I'm Abby. speaker2: And I'm Jack. Today we're diving into a topic that's a frequent source of confusion: the use of "being" in sentences. St…

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Infer vs. "Imply": Understanding the Distinction 4:15

2M ago4:15

4:15

Title: Infer vs. "Imply": Understanding the Distinction speaker1: Hello, and welcome to Grammar Lab, where we break down the complex parts of the English language to make them more accessible for everyone. I'm here to help you navigate through the nuances and intricacies of grammar, one episode at a time. Today, we're untangling two words that ofte…

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

1M 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 …

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Misusing "Literally": When and How to Use It Correctly 3:36

2M ago3:36

3:36

Title: Misusing "Literally": When and How to Use It Correctly Welcome to Grammar Lab, the podcast where we break down English usage and grammar rules to help you perfect your language skills. Ever exclaimed, "I'm literally starving" after missing lunch? Stick around as we dive into the word "literally," and explore when and how to use it without ma…

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An Historic vs. "A Historic": Articles and Pronunciation 4:06

2M ago4:06

4:06

Title: An Historic vs. "A Historic": Articles and Pronunciation Welcome to Grammar Lab, where we help you navigate the intricacies of the English language. Today’s episode promises to be both enlightening and a touch controversial, as we dive into the great debate: Should we say 'an historic' or 'a historic'? Keep listening to unpack the mystery of…

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

1M 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
Hopefully: The Debate Over Its Usage 4:08

2M ago4:08

4:08

Title: Hopefully: The Debate Over Its Usage Hello, linguaphiles! Welcome back to Grammar Lab, your friendly guide to navigating the intricacies of the English language. Each episode, we uncap the test tubes and peer through the linguistic microscope to help you speak and write more confidently. Today, we're stirring up a grammar reactant that's bee…

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In Regard To vs. "In Regards To": Correct Usage" 4:13

2M ago4:13

4:13

Title: In Regard To vs. "In Regards To": Correct Usage" Welcome, word enthusiasts, to another episode of Grammar Lab, where we dissect the English language and make sense of its quirks, all to help you write and speak with confidence. I'm Abby. And I'm Jack. Here at Grammar Lab, we unravel the tangled threads of English grammar and usage. In today'…

1
Possessive Case with Inanimate Objects 5:05

2M ago5:05

5:05

Title: Possessive Case with Inanimate Objects Hello word enthusiasts, and welcome to Grammar Lab! This is where we take a deep dive into the parts of English that might have you scratching your head. We serve up the rules, the exceptions, and the curiosities of our wonderful language. I'm your host Abby, opening the book to another chapter of Engli…

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