Simple Questions Podcast

Episodes 40-52: Highlights features our best moments from the past year, featuring a world-class expert in behavioral economics, an exoneree, a UFC fighter, a voice actor, a homicide detective, and an open-source creator.Episode Summary:This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast brings you the best moments from the last 13 episodes. We've condensed insightful highlights on topics like competitive eating, UFC, and Rett Syndrome.Whether you're a new listener or a loyal fan, this episode offers a perfect snapshot of what our podcast is all about.In this episode we discuss:00:00 - Introduction00:37 - Episode 40: International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) Family & Community Engagement Manager, Samantha Brant03:17 - Episode 41: Intellectual Property Rights Lawyer, Karin Coger04:44 - Episode 42: Taekwondo Grandmaster, Jinsue Park08:42 - Episode 43: Exoneree, Dr. Marvin Cotton Jr.11:33 - Episode 44: Competitive Eater, George Chiger13:18 - Episode 45: UFC Fighter, Angela “Overkill” Hill14:55 - Episode 46: Psychiatrist, Dr. Tahir Rahman15:54 - Episode 47: Bluetooth & Wireless Expert, Nick Hunn17:32 - Episode 48: Speedcuber, Tommy Cherry18:54 - Episode 49: Homicide Detective, Sgt. Dave Walker20:03 - Episode 50: Voice Actor, Billy West22:07 - Episode 51: Behavioral Economist, Dan Ariely23:35 - Episode 52: Peppermint OS Co-Founder, Shane Remington25:56 - Conclusion & Closing RemarksThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠here⁠.

Episode 52: What Is Peppermint OS? – features Peppermint OS Co-Founder Shane Remington as he shares the story behind building an open source Linux distribution.Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Shane Remington, co-founder and former COO of Peppermint OS, the innovative Linux distribution that blends cloud computing with the desktop experience.Listen as Shane shares the story of building Peppermint OS from the ground up, the challenges of launching and sustaining an open-source operating system, and the future of Linux and community-driven software.In this episode we discuss:00:29 - Introducing Shane Remington01:56 - Learning about Open Source software 11:59 - What is Linux?13:09 - Different Types of Software16:33 - Creation of Peppermint OS25:39 - Challenges Faced27:38 - Evolution of Peppermint OS31:38 - Advice for Others33:37 - Learning More36:04 - ConclusionResources:⁠Peppermint OS⁠Peppermint OS Reddit⁠⁠Shane's LinkedInThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.

Episode 51: What Is Behavioral Economics? - features renowned behavioral economist Dan Ariely as he unpacks the forces behind our purchasing choices and personal decisions.Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Dan Ariely, the celebrated behavioral economist and three-time New York Times–bestselling author of Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty. Listen as Dan shares captivating stories from his Duke University research lab, practical strategies for applying behavioral economics in business and personal life.In this episode we discuss:00:29 - Introducing Dan Ariely01:32 - Becoming a Behavioral Economist05:11 - Behavioral Economics vs Classic Economics 10:33 - Psychological Factors That Impact Decision Making21:01 - Strategies Businesses Use26:49 - Personal Beliefs37:18 - Voting for Politicians 43:07 - Advice for Others47:31 - Learning More48:35 - ConclusionResources:TED Talks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Page⁠Dan's Website⁠This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here

Episode 50: How Do You Voice Act? - features legendary voice actor Billy West as he shares how he brings animated characters to life, from Fry, Dr. Zoidberg, and Professor Farnsworth in Futurama to Bugs Bunny in the original Space Jam.Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a candid conversation with Billy West, the legendary voice actor behind some of animation’s most beloved shows. With a career spanning Futurama, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Doug, Looney Tunes, and countless commercials, Billy opens up about how voice acting really works—what happens behind the mic, how actors shape characters, and why the voices we hear can leave a lasting impact on our emotions and identity.Listen as Billy also shares heartfelt stories from decades in the industry, advice for aspiring voice actors, and a reminder that behind every cartoon is a human voice shaped by experience, humor, and resilience.In this episode we discuss:00:27- Introducing Billy West01:29 - Becoming a Voice Actor18:23 - Voice Acting Industry22:26 - Creating a Voice26:15 - Impact on Health31:20 - Recording Process34:33 - Replicating a Voice36:33 - Advice for Others41:31 - Evolution of the Industry45:50 - Learning More53:31 - ConclusionResources:⁠⁠⁠⁠IMDB Billy's WebsiteThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here

Episode 49: How Are Homicides Investigated? - has veteran Tulsa homicide detective Sgt. Dave Walker breaking down what really happens after a murder. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Sgt. Dave Walker, a seasoned homicide detective known for his work on The First 48 and decades of experience solving violent crimes.Listen as Dave shares how homicide investigations begin, what detectives actually look for, how long cases take to resolve, and the emotional and ethical challenges faced by those who work in murder investigations.In this episode we discuss:00:28- Introducing Dave Walker01:43 - Becoming a Detective08:34 - Finding a Fit11:21 - Department Structure 14:05 - Homicide19:04 - Key Information22:29 - Crime Scene32:45 - Psychological Impact 38:19 - After the Investigation 42:57 - Wrongful Convictions 48:59 - Advice for Others51:07 - Learning More53:31 - ConclusionResources:⁠⁠Dave's Podcast (Solve'em When You Get'em)Dave's WebsiteFirst 48 BioThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠here

Episode 48: What Is Speedcubing? - has world-record blindfolded solver Tommy Cherry explain how he conquers the standard 3×3×3 cube blindfolded in just 12 seconds.Episode Summary:This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Tommy Cherry, a world-renowned speedcuber known for holding multiple world records in blindfolded Cube solving.Listen as Tommy shares the mental techniques behind memorizing a cube, the structure of professional speedcubing competitions, and how the sport has grown into a global phenomenon.In this episode we discuss:00:32- Introducing Tommy Cherry01:34 - Speedcubing Beginnings 20:17 - Speedcubing Competitions25:03 - Blindfolded??36:04 - Roman Rooms (Memory Strategy)37:46 - Speedcubing Times42:18 - Preparing to Compete47:24 - Professional Circuit59:43 - Advice for Others1:02:28 - Learning More1:04:06 - ConclusionResources:⁠World Cube Association Profile⁠⁠Blindfolded 3x3x3 World Record Performance⁠This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠here

Episode 47: How Does Bluetooth Work? – Bluetooth & Wireless Expert Nick Hunn Explains How This Invisible Technology Operates and How It Became Widely Adopted.Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Nick Hunn, an award-winning author and pioneering wireless technology expert renowned for coining the term “hearables” and advancing Bluetooth LE Audio standards. Nick is recognized for his influential work in shaping modern wireless communication and smart audio solutions.Listen as Nick shares his insights on how Bluetooth technology works, its evolution, and its growing impact on everyday life.In this episode we discuss:00:293- Introducing Nick Hunn01:30 - Bluetooth Beginnings 05:06 - Evolution of Bluetooth14:20 - Bluetooth Standards22:42 - Bluetooth Hardware 28:53 - Connectivity34:32 - Technology Concerns39:51 - Adoption Sentiment43:15 - Interesting Uses48:55 - Future Trends53:54 - Advice for Others55:35 - Learning More57:06 - ConclusionResources:⁠⁠Nick Hunn's Website⁠⁠Nick Hunn's BooksThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠here

Episode 46: What Are Extreme Overvalued Beliefs? - has Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Dr. Tahir Rahman, explain how beliefs and not delusions are responsible for attacks.Episode Summary:This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Tahir Rahman, an award-winning author and physician-scientist at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Rahman is recognized for helping develop a threat assessment framework centered on obsessions, delusions, and extreme overvalued beliefs.Listen as Dr. Rahman shares his insights on the impacts of extreme overvalued beliefs (EOB).In this episode we discuss:00:29 - Introducing Dr. Tahir Rahman01:54 - Psychiatry Beginnings 08:08 - History of EOB16:00 - Escalation to Violence (Lee Harvey Oswald)30:13 - Warning Signs47:28 - Good vs. Bad 59:21 - Advice for Average Person1:06:08 - Learning More1:07:30 - ConclusionResources:⁠Dr. Rahman's WebsitePsychology Today ArticleExtreme Overvalued Beliefs BookThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠here

Episode 45: How Do You Become a UFC Fighter? - features Ultimate Fighting Championship contender, Angela 'Overkill' Hill, as she shares her journey to becoming one of the best female strawweight fighters in UFC history.Episode Summary:This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Angela "Overkill" Hill. Angela is a former Invicta FC Champion and Muay Thai Champion, known for her striking abilities, ranking among the top in significant strikes landed per minute in the UFC. With multiple "Fight of the Night" honors, she's become one of the most exciting fighters in the promotion.Listen as Angela shares her journey in MMA, including her rise to becoming a top contender in the strawweight division.In this episode we discuss:00:26 - Introducing Angela "Overkill" Hill01:35 - Becoming a Fighter08:08 - Passion for Fighting13:12 - Path to Being a Professional19:55 - Fighting Camp25:12 - Evolution of Technique27:52 - Always Fighting the Best31:11 - Emotions35:30 - Overcoming Injuries41:08 - Misconceptions43:23 - Advice for Aspiring Fighters47:59 - Learning More49:06 - ConclusionResources:UFC Fighting Profile2Straws PodcastAngela's The Joe Rogan Experience EpisodeAngela's Instagram This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music here

Episode 44: What’s Life Like As A Competitive Eater? - has 15th Ranked Major League Eating competitor George Chiger, explain how he navigates the world of competitive eating.Episode Summary:This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and George Chiger, also known as "The Smorgasbord." From devouring hot dogs at the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest to setting a record by consuming two 8-ounce cans of Easy Cheese American Spray Cheese in just 59 seconds, there's a reason he's ranked 15th in the world by Major League Eating.Listen as George shares his fascinating journey as a competitive eater.In this episode we discuss:00:28 - Introducing George Chiger01:40 - Becoming a Competitive Eater08:23 - Eating Strategies12:37 - Preparing for an Event18:44 - The Eating Circuit26:37 - Eating Disciplines29:00 - Amounts of Food34:22 - Talking to Doctors37:24 - Weight Loss Journey44:38 - Advice for Aspiring Eaters48:20 - Learning More49:29 - ConclusionResources:⁠⁠Major League Eating Profile MLE Rankings ⁠George's FacebookGeorge's InstagramThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.