The standard seems to be that in order to demonstrate progress you need to feel some sort of pain for it; artists suffer for their art. You know your workout was good if you feel that burn. A hard day's work leaves you dead tired but full of pride. Right? And that's a good thing! ...Right? Well, as creatives, we think so. So that's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

No, not like with airplanes or ocean depths. We're talking about the real human cost of not allowing time for personal comfort. Hypertension may be "the silent killer," but some stress can get super loud. Can you ever really keep it quiet? Is that really the impossible dream these days? And why does achieving it make people so dang uncomfortable?! That's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

But this time, if you do, you get a lot more than slimed. People are out there with their torches and pitchforks just waiting to tear up and burn down anyone with the unmitigated gall to do, say, or even think something different or "unpopular." ...Didn't we used to call that bullying? It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

There's so much snow, and it's our birthday week, and we like surprises, and something about media distractions, and french Canadians may or may not eat people.. This one is definitely a grab bag episode. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

Because context matters. We've got a lot to say about context, and especially how comments, headlines, and even video clips on the internet are persistently taken out of it. Or worse, put out there with none at all. Or even worse, perhaps the context is manufactured and artificial. ...And yes, we also explain the nazi thing. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

We won't deny that there are events occurring around this country which sometimes end with devastating results. But people CAN'T deny that it's this culture of flagrant antagonism, and even the championing of certain crimes, that certainly isn't helping the situation. It's a red hot topic, so we're talking about it. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

We're back! And we're waxing nostalgic. With so many staples of our childhoods being recreated and revamped for the newer generation, the real question that comes to mind is "Was this really necessary?" For real, though, is it? When something was so good to begin with, why does it need a CGI makeover and its characters given iPads? That's what we're talking about. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by talking to them.

THAT'S A WRAP!! Bringing our first full calendar year of your favorite podcast to a close, and sending off 2025 with a little insider exclusive. The TTP braintrust is compiling a new list of conversation starters for the upcoming year, and we're doing it live for your listening and viewing entertainment. It's amazing what you can learn about someone just by listening to them. THANKS for listening, KEEP tuning in, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!