Episodes

  • Tariffs, Consumption, Doomsday Clock
    Apr 15 2025

    Ian and Michael discuss the ongoing tariff saga and more or less immediately go off on a number of tangents, including consumerism, AI chatbots, the price of antiques, cryptocurrencies, and the Doomsday Clock maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

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    20 mins
  • An Anti-Consumerist Screed
    Apr 8 2025

    Ian and Michael discuss window shopping as a pastime, planned obsolescence in a variety of products, and the impact of our ever inceasing appetite for consumption. (This episode was recorded prior to the recent introduction of new US tariffs)

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    20 mins
  • Jovial Jovians and Other Etymological Conundra
    Apr 1 2025

    Ian and Michael go extraterrestial in their exploration of words pertaining to Jupiter - but quickly come back to Earth for other etymological mysteries. Plus, AI-generated contributor Emma Williams returns with a fresh instalment of Emma's Artifical Reflections!

    (This episode features AI-generated content and speech)

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    22 mins
  • SAT Words
    Mar 25 2025

    Ian and Michael discuss SAT words and their meaning - and usefulness! Plus, our AI-generated contributor Emma returns with another Emma's Artificial Reflections!

    (This episode features AI-generated content and speech)

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    20 mins
  • Algospeak
    Mar 18 2025

    Ian and Michael discuss algospeak - that is, the use of code and euphemisms to get around automated moderation mechanisms on the interwebs - and internet slang more broadly. IYKYK.

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    21 mins
  • Megadeth Mistaken Identity and Other Ramblings
    Mar 11 2025

    Ian and Michael discuss Ian's recently purchased guitar, while Michael uncovers a case of mistaken identity when it comes to the seller. Will the mystery seller be uncovered? And how many Finnish metal bands can Michael name in one episode? Tune in to find out!

    Plus, another instalment of Emma's Artifical Reflections, with our AI-generated contributor, Emma Williams!

    (This episode contains AI-generated content and speech)

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    19 mins
  • 200 Dollar Words, Custom Calendars, The Price of Coffee
    Mar 4 2025

    Ian and Michael tackle a cavalcade of topics, including having fun with 200 dollar words (or 157 pounds sterling words as far as Ian is concerned), inventing new holidays, and the skyrocketing price of coffee.

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    21 mins
  • Pronunciation Oddities
    Feb 25 2025

    You write hiccup, I write hiccough? Ian and Michael discuss the joys of learning to pronounce and spell English. Plus, has the use of "gotten" as a past participle gotten out of hand?

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    21 mins
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