Episode 25 titled "What Is Aphantasia?" features the Co-Founder of the Aphantasia Network, Tom Ebeyer, explaining how people are unable to form mental images. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Tom Ebeyer, one of the original 21 cases identified by Neurologist Dr. Adam Zeman as having aphantasia. Tom's experiences led him to co-found the Aphantasia Network, which has a mission to improve the lives of people with aphantasia through advocacy, research, and support to unleash the power of image-free thinking. Listen as Tom explains what we know about aphantasia, the spectrum of visual imagination, and what hyperphantasia means. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Face the Beast by The Whatnots 01:04 - Introducing Tom Ebeyer 03:22 - Pronunciation 04:44 - What is It? 06:49 - Thought Process 08:32 - Lack of Conversation 10:51 - Discovery 14:21 - Common or Uncommon? 16:12 - Hyperphantasia 18:53 - Lifelong Aphantasia 22:36 - Finding Out 29:17 - Impacts on Communication 35:45 - Cognitive Strategies to Remember 41:12 - Visual Imagination Spectrum 44:31 - Dreaming 47:14 - Research 49:55 - Aphantasia Network 51:05 - Closing Remarks 51:52 - Conclusion and Information Resources: Aphantasia Network

Episode 24 titled "How Do You Negotiate?" has Former Hostage Negotiator & The Black Swan Group Instructor, Sandy Hein, teach you powerful negotiation techniques. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Sandy Hein, a former hostage negotiator and negotiation instructor with The Black Swan Group. The Black Swan Group is a negotiation service that solves business communication problems with hostage negotiation strategies. Listen as Sandy explains how to mentally approach a negotiation, effective negotiation techniques, and when to walk away from a negotiation. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Boots on the Ground by Chris Hudson (Apple & Spotify) 00:54 - Introducing Sandy Hein 04:44 - Hostage Negotiation Career 09:57 - Negotiator's Mindset 15:33 - Negotiation Process 19:21 - Common Negotiations 23:57 - Labeling 28:14 - Negotiation Techniques 33:03 - Types of Yes 35:15 - Accusations Audit 40:14 - Saying Why 44:42 - Approaching Another Skilled Negotiator 46:30 - Walking Away 51:09 - Accusations Audit 55:04 - Closing Remarks 58:35 - Conclusion and Information Resources: The Black Swan Group Website The Black Swan Group YouTube Never Split the Difference Why Aren't We Shaming Offenders Instead of Blaming Victims?

Episode 23 titled "How Do Ants Live?" has Stanford PhD student, Mila Pamplona, take you on a journey into the fascinating world of ants. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Mila Pamplona, a Stanford PhD student who has studied the biological rhythms of foraging and leafcutting activities on colonies of leafcutter ants and developed machine learning software to identify and count ants in their ant trail. Listen as Mila Pamplona explains the social structure of ant colonies, how ants communicate with each other, and the role of the queen ant. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Feeling Low by Times & Places 01:19 - Introducing Mila Pamplona 09:32 - Journey to Stanford 16:17 - Ants Communicating 19:28 - Foreign Ants & Predators 22:54 - Species of Ants 27:53 - Invasive Ants 40:35 - Colony Social Structure 47:08 - The Numbers 52:32 - Cultivating Fungi 1:07:59 - Closing Remarks 1:11:31 - Conclusion and Information Resources: Mila Pamplona's Podcast & Blog Ants Canada The World War of the Ants The Billion Ant Mega Colony and the Biggest War on Earth Best Of Ants | BBC Earth

Episode 22 titled "What Are The Benefits Of Cultivated Meat?", has Bioprocessing Senior Scientist & Founder of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection, Dr. Faraz Harsini, describe how lab-grown meat can change the future. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Dr. Faraz Harsini, a Bioprocessing Senior Scientist at The Good Food Institute that focuses on overcoming technical and scientific obstacles facing cultivated meat. Outside of Dr. Harsini's scientific role, he is the Founder and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP). ASAP is a non-profit organization that assists students in advocating for human and nonhuman animals. Listen as Dr. Harsini explains what cultivated meat is, how it is created, and the impact this technology will have on our food system. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Blue by Fresh of Breath Air (Apple & Spotify) 01:19 - Introducing Dr. Faraz Harsini 02:43 - What Is The Best Thing You Can Do With Your Life? 08:46 - Leading To Animal Consumption 12:52 - What Is Cultivated Meat? 15:26 - Creating Cultivated Meat 17:11 - Animal Cells & Structure 19:35 - Obstacles To Adoption 22:39 - Volume Of Production 25:48 - The Good Food Institutes Role 28:02 - The Benefits 33:43 - Antibiotics 41:51 - Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP) 46:07 - The Connection Between Animal & Human Rights 49:32 - Omission Of Death 52:30 - What Makes You Excited About Cultivated Meat? 54:23 - The Future Of Cultivated Meat 55:34 - Closing Remarks 59:24 - Conclusion and Information Resources: Dr. Faraz Harsini Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP) Sources Referenced: Documentary, Antibiotics, Greenhouse Gases/Water Consumption, Greenhouse Gases by Food

Episode 21 titled "What Is Lucid Dreaming?", has co-author of A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming, Jared Chiang-Zeizel, describing what lucid dreaming is. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Jared Chiang-Zeizel, co-author of A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming. Jared's lucid dreaming work has led him to become a TEDx speaker, be on national TV, be on national radio, be mentioned in over 45 academic papers, and be featured by outlets such as NPR, Vice, Gaia, NBC, Fox News, oprah.com. Listen as Jared explains the benefits, techniques to induce, and things you can do while lucid dreaming. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Halo by Black Light Animals (Apple & Spotify) 01:06 - Introducing Jared Chiang-Zeizel 04:44 - First Lucid Dream 06:23 - Writing a Book 12:30 - Average Dream Experience 18:05 - Dream Differences 20:44 - Feeling Of Consciousness 25:54 - Creating Habits 32:51 - Crazy Lucid Dreams 35:35 - Benefits 40:50 - Nature or Nurture 43:18 - How To Begin Lucid Dreaming 49:15 - Different Techniques 58:53 - Dreaming Levels 1:03:16 - Cultural Significance 1:08:25 - Closing Remarks 1:10:53 - Conclusion and Information Resources: Jared Chiang-Zeizel: Website and Book

Episode 20 titled "How Do You Tell A Good Story?" has Author and 57-time Moth StorySLAM Champion, Matthew Dicks, explain ways you can improve your storytelling. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Matthew Dicks, an internationally bestselling author, 56-time Moth StorySLAM champion, and 9-time GrandSLAM champion. Matt speaks to large audiences at TEDx events and performs at open-mic storytelling competitions because he is a great storyteller. His storytelling abilities are of the highest caliber, but you can learn how to tell great stories of your own by reading his book Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling. Listen as Matthew Dicks explains how you can tell better stories by improving your delivery, increasing stakes, and avoiding common mistakes. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Say by Say It Again (Apple & Spotify) 01:08 - Introducing Matthew Dicks 04:44 - Moth StorySLAM 08:02 - Bearer of Secrets 10:30 - Importance of Stories 13:09 - Story Selection 27:33 - Delivery 33:13 - Common Mistakes 38:08 - Heightening Stakes 41:35 - Emotionally Difficult Stories 50:00 - Storytelling Intuition 54:17 - Closing Remarks 56:59 - Conclusion and Information Resources: Matthew Dicks: Website, Storyworthy, TEDx talk, & Social Media. Moth StorySLAM

Episode 19 titled "How Is A Cause Of Death Determined?" has Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Diane Peterson, detailing the process for finding a cause of death. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Dr. Diane Peterson, the Chief Medical Examiner of the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office (MEO). As a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine with a degree in forensic pathology, Dr. Peterson has served as a Chief Medical Examiner for 12 years, beginning at Jackson County, and now working in the same capacity at Johnson County's MEO. Listen as Dr. Peterson details the circumstances for a person's death to be reviewed, the process of performing an autopsy, and how a person's death is investigated. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Dresser Drawers by Tracer Heights (Apple & Spotify) 01:22 - Introducing Dr. Diane Peterson 05:55 - The Job of a Medical Examiner 10:15 - Areas of Science Needed 12:43 - Reasons for a Death to be Reviewed 14:09 - Autopsies 18:31 - Death Investigation 25:32 - Decomposition Process 28:37 - Exhuming a Body 30:53 - Time of Death 34:25 - Decompressing 37:23 - Communication with Families 42:48 - Closing Remarks 43:41 - Conclusion and Information Resources: Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office

Episode 18 titled "How Are Weather Forecasts Made?" has KSHB 41 Chief Meteorologist & Weather2020 Founder, Gary Lezak, explain how we predict the weather. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Gary Lezak, a meteorologist with over 30 years of experience. Beginning his KC career by being named the Chief Meteorologist of KSHB 41 in 1999. From overcoming cancer to having his weather dog Windy on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to publishing peer-reviewed research, Gary is constantly reaching achievements. As Gary retires from his Chief Meteorologist duties, he will move forward with his own company Weather2020. Founded by Gary and Jeff Penner, creators of Lezak’s Recurring Cycle (LRC), a scientific method of forecasting weather. Using the LRC, weather forecasts can be created with an 84-day lead time. Weather2020 provides an API for consumer and business applications as well as custom weather intelligence for weather-sensitive industries. As a meteorologist, Gary discusses how we can predict the weather. Listen as Gary describes forecasting models, weather patterns, and the challenges of predicting weather in the Midwest. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Boysenberry by Jeff Shirley (Apple & Spotify) 01:29 - Introducing Gary Lezak 05:41 - Catching a Break 10:03 - The Job of a Meteorologist 15:11 - Importance of Forecasting the Weather 18:09 - LRC Explanation 25:37 - Benefits of LRC 33:46 - Difficult Forecasting 37:05 - Handling Criticism 38:42 - KC Weather 41:51 - Forecast Lengths 44:28 - Resources & Closing Remarks 46:13 - Conclusion and Information Resources: Gary Lezak: Twitter & Bio Weather2020

Episode 17 titled "How Do You Play Video Games Professionally?" has KC Pioneers Street Team Member & Former University of Missouri eSports Player, Noah De Aces (KCP Blanks), discuss how to compete in eSports. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Noah De Aces (KCP Blanks), a competitive eSports player. Blanks has received eSports scholarships and played Rocket League at the collegiate level at Missouri Valley College and The University of Missouri. Now Blanks works as a Content Creator and member of the Street Team for the professional eSports team the KC Pioneers. As a former collegiate and competitive eSports player, Blanks discusses how the world of eSports works. Listen as Blanks describes the structure of the collegiate and professional eSports circuit, how people practice, and the struggles eSports players face. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - How Could I Lie by Darrell Chism (Apple & Spotify) 01:26 - Introducing Noah De Aces (KCP Blanks) 03:06 - Gaming Journey 07:21 - College Career 12:59 - What is eSports? 15:24 - Casual Gamer vs. eSports Player 17:45 - Finding Teammates 19:58 - College & Professional Structure 25:39 - eSports Coaches 28:28 - Challenges Players Face 30:17 - Who Watches? 32:12 - Future of eSports 33:33 - Resources & Closing Remarks 34:52 - Conclusion and Information Resources: Noah De Aces (KCP Blanks): Twitter & Twitch eSports: KC Pioneers & Mizzou eSports

Episode 16 titled "How Do You Use Cryptocurrency?" has Vice President of The KU Blockchain Institute, Tony Czajka, explain the technology behind cryptocurrency. Episode Summary: This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion with Tony Czajka, Vice President of the KU Blockchain Institute. The institute seeks to further the advancement of blockchain technology by providing a platform for "researchers, both faculty and student-led, to collaborate, publish work, mentor students, and educate curious minds." Tony uses his knowledge of computer science and blockchain technology to help explain the intricacies of cryptocurrency. We talk about types of cryptocurrency wallets, how cryptocurrency is used to purchase NFTs, and future applications of blockchain technology. In this episode we discuss: 00:00 - Love Song by Frogpond (Apple & Spotify) 01:28 - Introducing Tony Czajka 02:08 - Wisconsin to Kansas 03:21 - KU Blockchain Institute 05:33 - Introduction to Crypto 10:14 - Mining Cryptocurrency 16:07 - Types of Cryptocurrencies 17:31 - Value 21:21 - Decentralized Currency 24:45 - NFTs 28:09 - The Metaverse 33:31 - Crypto Wallets 41:11 - The Importance of Cryptocurrency 44:56 - Resources & Closing Remarks 46:20 - Conclusion and Information Resources: KU Blockchain Institute: LinkedIn, Twitter, & Instagram Tony's Social Media: LinkedIn & Instagram