Simple Questions Podcast

Episode 32: How Do You Start Baking? - features New York Times Bestselling Author, Erin Jeanne McDowell, who describes how you can start baking.Episode Summary:This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Erin Jeanne McDowell, an accomplished baker and author of three notable books: "The Fearless Baker" (New York Times' Best Baking Book of the Year), "The Book on Pie" (New York Times Bestseller), and "Savory Baking." Beyond her written contributions, Erin hosts the award-winning series "Bake It Up a Notch" on Food 52 and serves as a Baking Coach on Netflix's "The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge."Listen as Erin shares her passion and knowledge of baking.In this episode we discuss:00:00 - Introducing Erin Jeanne McDowell01:42 - Baking Beginnings06:00 - Beginner Friendly Recipes10:14 - Unexpected Issues13:00 - Choosing Ingredients15:48 - Visual Cues19:53 - Equipment24:07 - Favorite Techniques27:40 - Baking Trends32:55 - Advice for Aspiring Bakers39:05 - Erin’s Specialty41:39 - Closing Remarks43:25 - Conclusion and InformationResources:Erin’s WebsiteThe Fearless BakerThe Book On PieSavory BakingBake It Up a Notch on Food52The Big Nailed It Baking ChallengeThis 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 31: What Is Visual Snow Syndrome? - features VSS Advocate, Paul Domb, explaining the work the Visual Snow Initiative has accomplished.Episode Summary:This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Paul Domb, the father of Sierra Domb, a remarkable individual who spearheaded the Visual Snow Initiative, a pioneering endeavor focused on raising awareness and providing invaluable resources for those affected by Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS). His unwavering support and advocacy have played a pivotal role in propelling this initiative forward. Paul's personal journey of having his own child grapple with VSS gives a deeply personal and empathetic dimension to his commitment.Listen as Paul shares his experiences as a father of someone with VSS.In this episode we discuss:00:00 - Introducing Paul Domb01:40 - A Frightened Parent07:08 - Getting a Diagnosis11:09 - Progression of the Foundation13:37 - The Cause25:02 - Gradual or Sudden28:09 - Treatment31:03 - Lifestyle Modifications34:58 - Action to Take37:18 - Closing Remarks38:56 - Conclusion and InformationResources:Visual Snow InitiativeThis 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 30: What Is The Enneagram? - features New York Times Bestselling Author, Susan Piver, explaining the enneagram system.Episode Summary:This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Susan Piver, a distinguished author known for her insightful works on mindfulness and meditation. Susan has spent decades delving into the realms of contemplative practice, offering valuable insights through her writings and teachings. Her extensive body of work includes New York Times bestsellers and critically acclaimed books, which have touched the lives of countless readers.Listen as Susan guides you through the intricacies of the enneagram.In this episode we discuss:00:00 - Introducing Susan Piver02:13 - Enneagram Journey05:12 - What Is It?13:09 - Impact24:23 - History of The Enneagram28:53 - Other Typing Systems33:52 - Determining Your Type43:19 - Daily Life49:25 - Misconceptions52:10 - Challenges56:32 - Closing Remarks57:29 - Conclusion and InformationResources:The Buddhist Enneagram: Nine Paths to WarriorshipThe Open Heart ProjectSusan's InstagramUpcoming Meditation RetreatThis 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 29: What Is It Like To Be A Fighter Pilot? - features Veteran fighter pilot, Kurt Dittmer, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary lives of our aviation heroes.Episode Summary:This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Kurt Dittmer, a 27-year Veteran of the United States Air Force. Kurt participated in numerous missions, quantified by 4500 USAF flying hours, 13 combat sorties, and 169 combat hours during operations such as Southern Watch. Ultimately, achieving the rank of Colonel and receiving significant awards and honors during his military career.Listen as Kurt shares stories from his time as a fighter pilot during the Cold War and the First Gulf War.In this episode we discuss:00:00 - Introducing Kurt Dittmer01:58 - First Aviation Experiences09:31 - Becoming a Fighter Pilot29:29 - Scrambling During the Cold War33:48 - New Assignments39:57 - The First Gulf War42:51 - First Combat Mission53:34 - Advice to Aspiring Fighter Pilots59:40 - Closing Remarks1:01:43 - Conclusion and InformationResources:Kurt's LinkedInAn Article About Kurt's First MissionAn Article Written by KurtThis 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 28: What Is Stop Motion Animation? - has Threadwood Award-Winning Animators, Alexis Deprey & Scott DaRos, speaking about the creative process and techniques involved in crafting stop motion animation.Episode Summary:This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Alexis & Scott, both of whom are Emmy Award-winning animation professionals. Having worked on projects independently for network shows such as Robot Chicken, SuperMansion, SpongeBob Squarepants, Dinosaur Office, Mad, as well as feature films like Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. Not only have they animated for others, but they are both the owners of Threadwood, a boutique animation studio located in upstate New York.Listen as Alexis & Scott share their passion for stop motion and offer valuable tips for aspiring animators looking to explore this fascinating medium.In this episode we discuss:00:00 - Introducing Alexis Deprey & Scott DaRos00:44 - Early Exposure11:31 - What is it?17:19 - Animation Time Estimates24:19 - Staying Patient28:30 - Materials & Props33:07 - The Size of Figures & Sets34:18 - Beginning Stop Motion Animation40:01 - Speaking Animations46:46 - Animation Jobs53:42 - The Strengths of Threadwood52:26 - Advice to Aspiring Stop Motion Animators1:01:36 - Closing Remarks1:03:10 - Conclusion and InformationResources:Threadwood WebsiteThreadwood InstagramThreadwood TwitterThreadwood 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 27: What Challenges Do Entrepreneurs Face? - has Zohr Founder, Komal Choong, speaking about starting a business.Episode Summary:This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Komal, a remarkable individual who has made a name for herself as the founder of Zohr, a mobile tire repair company. Through her exceptional entrepreneurial abilities, Komal has achieved great success in the business world. Her tireless efforts and innovative approach have propelled Zohr to become a leading provider of on-demand tire services.Listen as Komal explains the process of raising capital, adapting to challenges, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.In this episode we discuss:00:00 - Introducing Komal Choong00:44 - Entrepreneurial Beginnings04:17 - Working at SpaceX13:10 - Starting a Business19:41 - Facing Challenges27:33 - Pivoting31:51 - Finding People to Trust36:30 - Networking38:41 - Startup Funding44:40 - Enjoying Being an Entrepreneur49:52 - Advice For Others52:26 - Current Challenges54:28 - Closing Remarks56:27 - Conclusion and InformationResources:ZohrLinkedInKomal's FamilyOther Zohr PodcastThis 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.

Episodes 14-26: Highlights - a power-packed compilation of our recent best moments!Episode Summary:This episode features a highlight from the last 13 episodes of the Simple Questions Podcast. You will hear condensed bite-sized highlights from a variety of topics such as negotiation and cultivated meat, while featuring music spanning all genres. These highlights will introduce new listeners to our podcast and allow loyal listeners to relive the best moments we've had on the podcast.In this episode we discuss:00:00 - Introduction01:04 - Episode 14: How Does Inflation Work?2:58 - Episode 15: How Do You Plan A Diet?5:57 - Episode 16: How Do You Use Cryptocurrency?9:23 - Episode 17: How Do You Play Video Games Professionally?11:26 - Episode 18: How Are Weather Forecasts Made?14:51 - Episode 19: How Is A Cause Of Death Determined?16:36 - Episode 20: How Do You Tell A Good Story?20:25 - Episode 21: What Is Lucid Dreaming?23:59 - Episode 22: What Are The Benefits Of Cultivated Meat?28:41 - Episode 23: How Do Ants Live?32:13 - Episode 24: How Do You Negotiate?35:33 - Episode 25: What Is Aphantasia?39:23 - Episode 26: How Do You Care For Houseplants?42:06 - 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 26: How Do You Care for Houseplants? - has houseplant expert, Jane Perrone, recommending ways you can keep your plants healthy.Episode Summary:This episode of the Simple Questions Podcast features a discussion between Dylan Carnahan and Jane Perrone, a talented individual who has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of gardening, thanks to her exceptional plant expertise and entrepreneurial abilities. As a freelance journalist, she has contributed her writing skills to a variety of renowned publications, such as the Guardian, Gardens Illustrated, and The English Garden. But her passion for plants and gardening extends beyond the written word, as she has also become the host of the popular gardening podcast, On The Ledge, and the author of the captivating book, Legends of the Leaf.Listen as Jane explains appropriate potting soil mixes, watering your plants, and how to know if your plant is unhealthy.In this episode we discuss:00:00 - Requiem for the Dirt Man by Jason Beers01:07 - Introducing Jane Perrone01:37 - Plant Beginnings09:37 - Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them12:03 - Researching Plants15:49 - Humidity19:21 - Knowing The Health of Your Plants23:10 - Understanding Watering30:12 - Soil & Potting35:27 - Beginner Plants39:44 - Where to Purchase Plants From41:13 - Propagation48:08 - Best Piece of Advice50:50 - Jane's Favorite Plant53:16 - Closing Remarks54:44 - Conclusion and InformationResources:Jane's WebsiteLegends of the LeafOn The LedgeVICE DocumentaryJason Beers' Bandcamp

Episode 25: 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 between Dylan Carnahan and 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 Whatnots01:04 - Introducing Tom Ebeyer03:22 - Pronunciation04:44 - What is It?06:49 - Thought Process08:32 - Lack of Conversation10:51 - Discovery14:21 - Common or Uncommon?16:12 - Hyperphantasia18:53 - Lifelong Aphantasia22:36 - Finding Out29:17 - Impacts on Communication35:45 - Cognitive Strategies to Remember41:12 - Visual Imagination Spectrum44:31 - Dreaming47:14 - Research49:55 - Aphantasia Network51:05 - Closing Remarks51:52 - Conclusion and InformationResources:Aphantasia Network

Episode 24: 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 between Dylan Carnahan and 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 Hein04:44 - Hostage Negotiation Career09:57 - Negotiator's Mindset15:33 - Negotiation Process19:21 - Common Negotiations23:57 - Labeling28:14 - Negotiation Techniques33:03 - Types of Yes35:15 - Accusations Audit40:14 - Saying Why44:42 - Approaching Another Skilled Negotiator46:30 - Walking Away51:09 - Accusations Audit55:04 - Closing Remarks58:35 - Conclusion and InformationResources:The Black Swan Group WebsiteThe Black Swan Group YouTubeNever Split the DifferenceWhy Aren't We Shaming Offenders Instead of Blaming Victims?