• Mushroom Mysteries and Moving Thrills
    Nov 24 2024

    Now a flashback episode from earlier in the fall. Have you ever wondered why some superfoods are shockingly affordable? Join us as we unravel the mysteries of a company selling superfood mushroom powders at Grocery Outlet for prices that make us question the entire supply chain. Our conversation kicks off with a "hilarious" take on the ever-present Zoom notification, sparking a chat about privacy and etiquette in virtual meetings. Then, we shift into high gear with tales of quirky packing habits and the fascinating realm of citizen journalism. As we speculate wildly, laughter ensues with theories about hidden ingredients and marketing wizardry.

    But that's just the beginning! Get ready to explore the intricate dance between anxiety and intuition. Personal stories reveal the emotional ups and downs of moving to the lively city of Seattle, capturing the bittersweet mix of leaving familiar comfort zones behind and diving into new adventures. Plus, we share the humorous saga of a wardrobe mishap that turned into unexpected local fame. Through it all, we celebrate the blend of human anxiety and AI that spices up our daily lives, wrapping this episode with warmth and gratitude.

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    33 mins
  • Slam Dance Surprise
    Nov 3 2024

    What happens when you move to a new city and find yourself interrupted by a playful cat and a housemate during a podcast recording? Our latest episode of "That's a Good Question" brings you to Seattle, where we've set up a new base and are excited to share some personal updates. Moving south brought a mix of nostalgia and change, as we reminisce about past summers and Starbucks visits.

    Ever been caught off guard at a concert or dance circle? We dive into stories of cultural surprises and the wild world of personal expression in social settings. From a friend's shocking slam dance encounter at a Ramones concert to a recent on-stage clash of Jane's Addiction, we explore the delicate dance of artistic freedom versus group dynamics. These tales of misunderstandings and confrontations reveal how discomfort can spark personal growth, challenging us—and hopefully you—to rethink societal norms and embrace the unexpected.

    Join us on a whimsical nighttime journey, where music knows no boundaries. We found ourselves in the midst of a spontaneous jam session at Gas Works Park, featuring saxophones, flutes, and the rhythmic charm of a drum circle. Clapping along and shaking a maraca, we experienced the raw, unifying power of music. Everyone has a role in this universal language, and our night at the park is a testament to the joy of participating in creative expression. As the episode wraps up, we leave you with a sense of nostalgia and the thrill of new beginnings on the horizon.

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    36 mins
  • Car Trip Music
    Oct 12 2024

    What happens when the sky lights up with electricity and the ground starts to smoke? Join us as we tackle the ominous relationship between lightning storms and forest fires, focusing on a recent tempest in Eugene that had everyone on edge. Reflecting on past fire seasons in California, we share personal stories that paint a haunting picture of life under smoke-choked skies and eerie daylight. We wrestle with the big questions, like how much we understand about the forces of nature, and indulge in a little nostalgia, recalling the catchy Comedy Central Presents jingle from the mid-2000s.

    From comedy rooms to concert stages, Donald Glover has done it all before hitting 40. His journey from college writer on "30 Rock" to the multifaceted artist known as Childish Gambino is nothing short of inspiring. We look at the creative magic that happens behind the scenes in writers' rooms like "The Daily Show" and admire Glover's bold moves in the music and film realms, including dropping a soundtrack before its movie. Artists like Jack White get a nod as we contemplate musical experiments, such as adding a fiddle to the ensemble, echoing Glover's knack for collaboration.

    Our musical musings take us down memory lane where summer vacations were scored by Sony portable CD players and bands like Jimmy Eat World and No Doubt. There's a certain charm to discovering music through family and neighbors, whether it's through a serendipitous record collection or those iconic "Now That's What I Call Music" compilations. We talk about playlist strategies for navigating the vast musical landscape today, and the charm of vinyl's physical allure in a digital age. A light-hearted tale of a Santa Cruz surfing misadventure rounds out our episode, reminding us of the joy in embracing new experiences, no matter how unexpected they might be.

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    39 mins
  • Water Traps
    Oct 6 2024

    What truly defines an island and why do we label some places as separate entities while others blend seamlessly? This episode starts with a curious exploration of geographic labels, pondering the arbitrary separations that mark our maps and our minds. Our musings then shift to personal growth, sharing the invigorating and sometimes uncomfortable practice of cold showers as a metaphor for embracing life’s unwanted challenges. Nostalgia floods in as we reminisce about the warm summer waters of the Midwest and the simple joy of lake adventures, from jumping off pontoons to navigating stormy waves.

    Moving from geographic and personal reflections to thrilling tales of lakeside adventures, we recount the exhilarating experience of floating in vast waters and confronting the playful fears of what might lurk beneath. These stories open a dialogue on generational differences in fearlessness and how societal anxieties have evolved over time, adding a humorous twist to our ever-shifting perspectives. The metaphor of playing guitar on a pontoon amidst a sudden storm becomes a poetic reminder of life’s balancing act—finding harmony and stability amid chaos by tuning in to the natural rhythms surrounding us.

    Finally, we explore the art of maintaining connections, inspired by stories of nightly calls and small gestures that strengthen friendships. This conversation highlights the comfort of traditions and how even a simple text can bridge distances and ease communication anxiety. We also share an unexpected encounter with art in the woods, celebrating the diverse ways we can engage with community and creativity. Join us as we journey through the intricacies of connection, tradition, and the enriching impact of embracing the world around us.

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    39 mins
  • Perma-Counter-Culture
    Sep 21 2024

    What happens when a banana meets a walnut in a plastic bag? Join us as we talk about the unplanned culinary experiment that resulted in banana-flavored walnuts, the surprising permeability of plastic bags, planning a shroom trip, and a hilarious mishap involving banana splits. Along the way, we dive into the quirky world of permaculture, comparing it with biodynamics, and share some classic miscommunications that will leave you chuckling.

    What makes a great teacher? We explore the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between students and educators, highlighting how curiosity and open-mindedness can turn the learning process into a two-way street. We discuss how humility and a willingness to learn can help teachers avoid the pitfalls of self-righteousness and insecurity. By embracing a balanced approach, where both authority and the potential to learn from students are recognized, everyone can enjoy a more enriching educational experience.

    Wrapping things up, we share a week with some colorful characters in the permaculture community, shedding light on the egos and eccentricities within. We recount a debate about the root depth of apple trees, underscoring the value of both informal and formal education. On a lighter note, we celebrate a personal achievement with a musical performance of the Wilco song "California Stars." To top it all off, we delve into the nitty-gritty of composting, managing rodents, and the ever-complex decision-making processes in the fisheries industry—all with a dose of humor that keeps the conversation lively and engaging.

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    39 mins
  • Grandma's Letters
    Aug 18 2024

    Join us in Minneapolis for a special live recording of "That's a Good Question" with our delightful guest, my grandmother, Clara Korb. We kick off with the logistics of my flight and a funny story about a game download gone awry. Grandma Clare brings her unique perspective on Midwest living, the quirks of hay fever, and precious family memories. We even chat about how foods like hummus impact our health and the value of community support for our elders.

    Next, we ponder the fascinating idea that humans might experience up to 27 different senses. From proprioception to the sense of gravity, we explore how these senses influence our daily lives and set us apart from animals. Our chat delves into the cognitive abilities that make humans unique and what a richer sensory experience could mean for our understanding of the world. It's an enlightening conversation that spans science, philosophy, and everyday life.

    Finally, we take a trip down memory lane with stories of fire dancers, firecrackers, and playful pranks like soaping windows. Our nostalgic journey continues with reflections on 1930s Christmas traditions, childhood belief in Santa Claus, and the magic of metaphors. We wrap up with some whimsical musings on creative collaboration and metaphorical motorcycle trips, underscoring the importance of taking initiative and savoring humorous moments. Tune in for a heartfelt episode brimming with laughter, wisdom, and thought-provoking insights.

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    43 mins
  • Father's Day Jazz
    Jul 31 2024

    Ever wondered if you've become just like your father or how our parents shape who we are? Join us in a fun-filled episode that kicks off with a playful nod to the "recording in progress" lady as we reminisce about our YouTube promotional videos and the hilarious ways our family members discovered them. We share heartwarming reflections on Father's Day, ponder whether we've turned into our fathers, and celebrate the unique blend of influences from both parents. Along the way, we dive into our musical adventures, recounting the joys and challenges of playing instruments like guitar, bass, and drums, and how rhythm and coordination have played a crucial role in our lives.

    Unlock the secrets of music theory with us as we discuss intervals within scales and the circle of fifths, and how these concepts can elevate your musical practice. We break down the structure of notes in the chromatic and diatonic scales, offering practical tips for transitioning between chords and the benefits of using a metronome. Discover how tools like a capo and Chordify can make your practice sessions more engaging and effective, and learn about the importance of finding a structured routine to hone your skills.

    But it’s not just about music—it's about the parallels between learning an instrument and fostering creativity in all areas of life. Hear our analogies between building a campfire and mastering guitar, and the essential elements needed to fuel progress. We explore the concept of intergenerational sharing circles and the significance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Personal stories about setting goals, the vulnerability in creative pursuits, and finding self-compassion and resilience mark our journey. We wrap up with a cheerful Father's Day message and a humorous nod to masculine energy, leaving you with a smile and a sense of connection. Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe even learn a thing or two!

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    39 mins
  • Bear vs. The Worm
    Jun 30 2024

    Have you ever wondered how a simple idea blossoms into a full-fledged song? In today's episode, we share the enchanting journey of musical creativity, filled with personal stories and unexpected sparks of inspiration. We'll talk about the magical moment when a fleeting idea takes root and the joy of capturing it with tabbing tools. From the intuitive control we wield over our instruments to the delightful process of layering sounds, you'll get an inside look at the heart of songwriting and composition. Plus, hear our thoughts on how AI could revolutionize the creation of promotional video clips for our podcast.

    Our conversation takes a quirky turn when a Zoom glitch leads us into a chat about technology and the whimsical "Zoom spirits". We'll then shift gears to an unusual yet fascinating discussion on classical guitars, their design, and the peculiarities of language. Brace yourself as we dive into the complexities of financial investments, corporate propaganda, and the ethical boundaries of advertising, all while questioning our participation in potentially harmful systems. This episode is not just about music; it's about the larger societal issues that intersect with our creative world.

    Relationships get a fun twist as we tackle the playful yet surprisingly profound question, "Would you still love me if I were a worm?" This whimsical query opens up deeper discussions on relationship dynamics, revealing how trivial questions can stir significant emotions. We'll even touch on the curious origins of worms in North America and the societal implications of a bear encountering a man in the woods. Through these light-hearted yet meaningful conversations, we emphasize the importance of understanding different perspectives and the growth that comes from engaging in thoughtful dialogue. Don't miss this rollercoaster of an episode filled with laughter, insights, and a touch of whimsy.

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    40 mins