Helen Zaltzman

Helen Zaltzman, a talented podcaster known for her wit and charm, joins comedian Josh Gondelman to bring humor to current events. They tackle the absurdity of U.S.-Canada trade tensions impacting jigsaw puzzle lovers and poke fun at royal visits while critiquing modern governance. The duo shares witty insights on Trump's controversial dining events and the chaos of cryptocurrency. They also explore the strange intersection of masculinity and environmental issues through the lens of plastic straws, all while finding joy in the wonders of technology.

Helen Zaltzman, an etymologist, discusses word origins, gender in language, slang, emoji decoding, step parents, babies wearing glasses, Greek kimonos, language evolution, tomatoes, avocados, and fish trails with Alie.

Comedian Josie Long and podcaster Helen Zaltzman join the discussion, blending wit with political insight. They analyze the surprising gains of progressives in the U.S., pondering whether the momentum will survive bureaucratic hurdles. Josie highlights the quirky side of dating apps, even referencing a political romance. Meanwhile, Helen sheds light on the backlash from Republicans against recent victories, while the hosts lampoon Trump's latest media meltdowns and his ongoing feud with the BBC, showcasing an irreverent take on the chaos of current affairs.

The brilliant and dazzling Helen Zaltzman, host of The Allusionist podcast and person who technically for a living researches the origins of language and thus is an etymologist, visits Alie's apartment to chat about various word origins, gender in language, the Bible a.k.a. The Oxford English Dictionary, origins of the filthiest slang, emoji decoding, mediocrity, step parents, babies wearing glasses, Greek kimonos, the romance of languages and the fundamental truth that language is always changing whether you want it to or not. Also tomatoes, pliable boobs, avocados, and fish trails.The Allusionist Podcast, HelenZaltzman.comFollow Helen on Twitter & InstagramSponsor links: TrueandCo.com/ologies (code: ologies) & Amazon.com/popchips (code: 20ologies)This week's donation was made to POPStheclub.comMore links at alieward.com/ologies/etymologyBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter or InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter or InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Smart cookie Helen Zaltzman shares her gingerbread creations. The hosts discuss favorite cookies, controversial oatmeal raisin cookies, and types of cookie tins. They search for a lost lemon icebox cookie recipe, reaching out to old Gourmet Magazine staff. They troubleshoot cakey and flat cookies. The host receives a surprise gift and expresses gratitude to KitchenAid.