Best Urban Enthusiasm Podcasts (2024)

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EP#440: HMLV - High Mix Low Volume 1:23:22

1h ago1:23:22

1:23:22

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig dive deep into the concept of HMLV (High Mix Low Volume) PCB manufacturing. They discuss the challenges and advantages of HMLV, contrasting it with high volume manufacturing methods used by giants like Apple and Foxconn. They also share personal project updates, including Parker's …

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

4d 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

20m 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

7d 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…

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

4d ago48:43

48:43

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 that followed. This vid…

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EP#439: The Nuts and Bolts of Quantum Computing - Rick Altherr 1:08:44

7d ago1:08:44

1:08:44

In this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Rick Altherr, a full stack engineer, to discuss the intricacies of quantum computing. Rick shares insights into the working of quantum processors, particularly the trapped ion approach used by IonQ, and delves into the technical challenges and potential future applica…

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

2d 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:/…

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

7d 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…

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The unspoken rules of adjectives. The rise of 'yeah-nah.' Sundies 17:43

4d 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…

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EP#438: Solder Slugs 1:00:43

8d ago1:00:43

1:00:43

In this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig dive into the nuances of working with contract manufacturers, specifically focusing on the responsibilities of both the designer and the manufacturer. They discuss critical topics such as reflow profiles, solder specifications, parts washing, and the benefits of allowing your…

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

18d 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

10d 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…

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

20d ago1:05:03

1:05:03

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 and the game-changing f…

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

11d 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…

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EP#437: Embarrassingly Parallel Computing - Steve Furber 52:57

18d ago52:57

52:57

In this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig interview Steve Furber, Professor Emeritus of Computer Engineering at the University of Manchester. They discuss his early career at Acorn Computers, the development of the BBC Micro and the ARM processor, and his work on the SpiNNaker project, which models brain functions us…

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

19d 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…

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

20d 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…

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'Which' versus 'that.' Words for walking. Bottleadammit. 16:18

28d 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…

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EP#436: International Women in Engineering Day with Kaylan Smith and Laura Manley 1:04:48

22d ago1:04:48

1:04:48

In this special episode celebrating International Women in Engineering Day, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig are joined by Kaylan Smith, Lead Software Developer for Supply Chain and Finance at MacroFab, and Laura Manley, Product Manager for Marketplace & Factory Experience at MacroFab. They discuss their journeys into engineering, challenges…

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

23d 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

24d 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…

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

25d 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…

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EP#435: Prioritize to learn to Prioritize - Engineering Career Paths 1:08:03

29d ago1:08:03

1:08:03

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig, along with special guests Chris Gammell and James Lewis, discuss various aspects of engineering career paths. They delve into how they chose engineering, their first jobs, reasons for changing jobs, and what being an engineer means at different career stages. They also reflect on …

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

1M 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

1M 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
EP#434: The Other VCC 46:32

1M ago46:32

46:32

In this episode, Parker and Stephen dive into the intricacies of capacitor selection, discussing various types of capacitors, their properties, and how different factors affect their performance. They also touch on the new custom bare PCB service offered by MacroFab. The episode is rich with technical details, tips for selecting capacitors, and pra…

1
The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer 27:11

1M 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

1M 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! …

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

2M 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…

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EP#433: Building LibrePCB - Urban Bruhin's Journey in Open Source EDA 54:47

2M ago54:47

54:47

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Urban Bruhin, the creator of LibrePCB, an open-source EDA tool. Urban shares his journey from being an electrical engineer to developing LibrePCB, driven by his dissatisfaction with existing EDA tools like Eagle. The discussion covers the unique features of LibrePCB, the ch…

1
Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones 29:40

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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
EP#432: Remote Ownership 59:21

2M ago59:21

59:21

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig discuss the recent increase in semiconductor tariffs and its impact on the electronics industry. Parker shares insights from his latest article analyzing how these tariffs affect bill of materials costs. The hosts also dive into a compelling news story about ASML and TSMC's ability…

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

2M 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

2M 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…

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

2M 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
EP#431: Timing Tariff Modulations 53:36

2M ago53:36

53:36

Summary In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the fascinating world of time modulation, discussing recent advancements in capacitor technology. They explore a new dielectric structure made from barium titanate and its potential impact on energy density and efficiency. The hosts also discuss the implications of new tariffs on…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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 …

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