Your two loveable hosts draw on a topic that is near and dear to their hearts - the wonderful culture of the Germans. Using an episode of the German language podcast Easy German as inspiration, the Old School look at a few characteristics and quirks of the German culture and see to what it extent it applies to them in particular and the American culture in general. And in many cases, given the long history of German immigration to the United States, these are not foreign ideas. These are fun comparisons, looking at the some of the great, unique and quizzical qualities of both countries. d

Your two favorite podcasters tackle the deep and complicated issue of rootedness. The United States has one of the most dynamic social mobility of any other country in the world - a statistic that is often defined by how far one lives compared to the birthplace of their parents. Additionally, many social commentators often speak to a lack of community, which can be a by-product of how little social mobility. The two hosts attempt to discuss and tease out the characteristics of rootedness and what are the advantages of it and what is lost without it. Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller address these issues, leaning on their own experience and how they see the idea. A very interesting topic that you will want to pass around to all your friends and family - those that live far and near from you.

Your two masters of the message (whatever message that may be) take a look at volcanoes, with a particular attention to the one whose last eruption will soon be observing its 46th anniversary - Mount St. Helens. Despite Dr. Bourgeois' assertion that he knew little about it despite living mere hours away, the two tackle the events that led to the explosion and the lives lost. In discussing the volcano, we also discuss those who refused to leave and what might justify such a decision, even though in this case, it proved fatal. An interesting look at an event that left a lasting impression on Mr. Miller and created a lifelong interest in the forces that impact our planet.