I'm Andrew Winkler, and in this episode of Now I Get It, I dive into one of the most overlooked causes of low literacy: the surprising complexity behind how we learn to read. We explore why simply recognizing words isn't enough—and why relying on context clues or outdated teaching strategies can leave learners guessing. I also explain how our brains process sounds and why phonemic awareness (though often misunderstood) is key to unlocking fluent reading.

We unpack the real science behind reading—what happens when we go from sounds to syllables, and syllables to meaning—and how that process is shaped by language history, pronunciation quirks, and the hidden structure of English. I break down practical strategies to boost reading skills, including why teaching sound combinations is easier (and more powerful) than you think. Whether you're an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode will shift how you think about literacy.

In this episode, you will learn:

• (01:05) - Why the cost of learning to read isn’t just financial—it’s about time, access, and attention
• (03:50) - The original meaning of the word bead—and how language evolves through misunderstanding
• (05:45) - What “phonemic awareness” actually is—and why the term itself is misleading
• (08:30) - The difference between phonemes and allophones (and why it matters when learning to read)
• (10:40) - How simple sound combinations like p + ay = pay can build reading fluency
• (13:00) - Why English spelling feels so broken—and how phonemic skills help overcome it
• (16:30) - A full walkthrough of English consonant sounds, from lips to throat
• (22:00) - How dialects and simplification shape language—and what that means for teaching literacy today

Let’s connect!

linktr.ee/drprandy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Andrew Winkler explores the psychology behind decision-making and how personality type influences whether we act quickly or hesitate. Drawing from John Cleese’s idea of the “last responsible moment,” Dr. Andy explains how people fall into two camps: those who feel pressure to decide quickly, and those who grow anxious if forced to decide too soon.

By breaking down cognitive functions—like thinking, feeling, sensing, and intuition—Dr. Andy shows how each of us has unique strengths we either turn outward or inward. These preferences not only impact how we process decisions but also how we interact with the world. This episode brings clarity to the mechanics behind Myers-Briggs types and what it means to be a "judger" or a "perceiver" at your core.

In this episode, you will learn:

• (00:30) – Why John Cleese’s “last responsible moment” is a powerful lens for understanding decision-making
• (01:10) – How personality types influence whether you feel rushed or delayed when making decisions
• (02:00) – The four core cognitive functions and how they shape how we gather and evaluate information
• (03:10) – What it means to turn your strongest mental functions inward or outward—and how it affects your interactions
• (04:30) – Why your dominant extroverted function determines your decision-making comfort zone
• (05:40) – How all of this connects to the Myers-Briggs personality model—and what it means for real-life choices

Let’s connect!

linktr.ee/drprandy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Now I Get It, I break down the real story behind tariffs—who actually pays them, how they affect the prices you see on store shelves, and why politicians might not be telling the full truth. Using real-world examples from manufacturing and retail, I explain the flow of goods and costs from producer to consumer, revealing why a 130% tariff isn’t just a number—it’s a seismic shift in how global trade plays out.

We also dive into the often-ignored parts of international trade: services and investment. While the media obsesses over the trade deficit in goods, I highlight why things like streaming movies, financial services, and foreign investments are critical components of our economy—and why excluding them from trade calculations paints a misleading picture. If you’ve ever wondered how tariffs impact more than just imported goods, this one’s for you.

In this episode, you will learn:

• (00:30) – Why the person writing the tariff check isn’t the one truly paying for it
• (02:00) – How elasticity of demand determines who absorbs the cost of import duties
• (03:20) – How a 50¢ product ends up costing $3—and what tariffs do to that chain
• (05:00) – Why a 130% tariff on Chinese goods can’t possibly be paid by Chinese manufacturers
• (06:45) – What the trade deficit leaves out—and why services and investments matter more than you think

Let’s connect!

linktr.ee/drprandy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Now I Get It, I explore what I call a "war on reality"—a conflict playing out across education, economics, and politics. Using a personal family story, I trace the long-reaching impact of the GI Bill on class structure and opportunity in America. From there, we dive into comparative advantage, the dangers of global trade dependency, and how geopolitical hotspots like Taiwan reveal hidden risks in our modern economy.

But this isn't just about history or theory. I connect the dots between economic inequality, natural selection, and the rise of right-wing authoritarianism. You’ll hear how growing class divides and misunderstood trade-offs are fueling a backlash against knowledge, freedom, and innovation—and why it’s critical for today’s knowledge workers to care deeply about protecting social cohesion if they want to preserve liberty.

In this episode, you will learn:

• (01:10) – How two brothers’ different experiences with the GI Bill illustrate the fracturing of the American middle class
• (03:45) – What “comparative advantage” really means—and how it can help or hurt global stability
• (05:50) – Why Taiwan’s chip dominance is a flashpoint in global power struggles
• (08:00) – How trade and tech-fueled inequality affects natural and sexual selection in society
• (09:30) – The political realignment of America’s working class—and the Democratic Party’s shifting identity
• (11:00) – Why rising inequality breeds authoritarianism, and how it threatens the very freedoms knowledge workers rely on

Let’s connect!

linktr.ee/drprandy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Now I Get It, Dr. Andy unpacks the often misunderstood world of tariffs—what they are, how they function, and why they matter far beyond simple price tags. He shares a real-world story about selling bomber jackets for dogs to explain how tariffs work at the ground level and discusses who ultimately bears the cost: the importer, the customer, or even the manufacturer. Through the lens of elasticity and economic incidence, Dr. Andy offers clear insights into how small changes ripple through global supply chains and everyday wallets.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Dr. Andy broadens the perspective, tackling the complexities of international trade, investment, and the balance of payments. He highlights the critical importance of services, intellectual property, and foreign investment in sustaining economic health—areas often overlooked in public debates about tariffs. If you want a deeper understanding of how money really moves between nations (and what gets conveniently left out of the discussion), this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, you will learn:

• (00:50) – What tariffs really are and how they work as import taxes
• (02:20) – Why the person who writes the check isn’t always the one paying the tariff
• (04:00) – How elasticity determines who ultimately bears the cost
• (06:30) – The bigger picture of trade: goods, services, and investments
• (08:40) – Why understanding the full balance of payments is crucial for honest economic discussions

Let’s connect!

linktr.ee/drprandy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive into the powerful role of introverted intuition—what I like to call “the seer”—and how it silently shapes our ability to love, hope, and connect. We’ll explore how this cognitive function helps us interpret symbolism, predict the future, and make meaning out of our experiences—all key ingredients in thriving relationships. Whether it’s the symbolic weight of a well-chosen gift or the subtle inclusion of someone in your imagined future, I break down how small signals can speak volumes in emotional connection.

We also look at how understanding our cognitive functions—and those of the people we care about—can radically improve how we express and receive love. From the graceful idealist to the charging logistician, each of us experiences the world in profoundly different ways. By becoming more aware of these functions and practicing gratitude for the inner “seer,” we not only honor our own intuition but also become better partners, friends, and leaders.

In this episode, you will learn:

• (01:05) - What cognitive functions are and how they influence feelings of love and being loved
• (02:20) - What “the seer” (introverted intuition) is and how it helps us predict future outcomes
• (03:30) - Why symbolic gestures like gifts carry deep meaning for intuitive personalities
• (05:10) - How hope is at the heart of every relationship—and how we can unintentionally kill it
• (07:20) - The four gesture types and what they reveal about how we experience and express love
• (10:10) - How to support someone who deeply values symbolic meaning in relationships
• (11:40) - A meditation practice to better connect with and trust your intuitive self
• (13:10) - How becoming aware of our different types can improve every kind of relationship

Let’s connect!

linktr.ee/drprandy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Now I Get It, I explore one of the most dynamic and misunderstood cognitive functions: intuition—specifically, its outward-facing form, known as extroverted intuition or “the brainstormer.” We dive into how this function generates creative options, seeks out new possibilities, and thrives on surprise and novelty. I unpack how this cognitive tool fuels innovation, shapes our personal identities, and even transforms our relationships when it’s nurtured and understood.

I also share personal stories, including how my late wife’s creativity and love for surprise reflected her intuitive strength. We’ll look at how you can activate and strengthen this ability in your own life through reflection, gratitude, and intentional practice. If you've ever wondered why some people constantly bounce with energy and throw out ideas like confetti—or if that's you—this episode will give you language and insight to better understand and honor that spark.

In this episode, you will learn:

• (00:36) - What extroverted intuition is and why it’s key to creative thinking
• (02:00) - How this function interacts with its opposite—introverted intuition—to keep us balanced
• (03:12) - How to spot different intuitive types by the way they walk and gesture
• (05:15) - Why surprise is a love language for intuitive types—and how it shows up in relationships
• (06:05) - A personal story about creativity, love, and the joy of unexpected moments
• (08:15) - A reflection practice to help you tap into your intuitive “brainstormer” more often

Let’s connect!

linktr.ee/drprandy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive deep into the world of introverted feeling—our internal compass that helps us navigate relationships, values, and the concept of right and wrong. We explore how this function influences our interactions, the way we express love, and the distinct gestures and movement styles that reveal how deeply we engage with our inner truths. Understanding introverted feeling isn't just about self-awareness; it's about recognizing how it shapes the way we connect with others and the decisions we make in our social circles.

I also discuss the power of self-reflection and meditation in strengthening our ability to discern what truly matters. By consciously engaging with this function, we can enhance our emotional intelligence, make wiser choices, and foster deeper connections. Whether you're someone who naturally relies on introverted feeling or you're looking to tap into it more effectively, this episode will provide practical insights and exercises to help you embrace this crucial part of your psyche.

In this episode, you will learn:

• (01:12) - How introverted feeling serves as an internal guide for morality and relationships
• (03:05) - The distinct movement and gesture styles that reveal different personality types
• (05:18) - How introverted feeling shapes the way we express love and seek affirmation
• (07:42) - A meditation exercise to strengthen your connection with this function
• (09:05) - How to use self-reflection to make values-driven decisions in your daily life

Let’s connect!

linktr.ee/drprandy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.