Learn It from a Layman

The Basics of Rowing

We're joined again by Brown University student Kosta Karathanasopoulos to discuss the basics of rowing. What is rowing? What are the different types of rowing? What's the difference between sculling and sweeping? What actually happens in the boat? When do you need to start training and how long do you need to train to be competitive in rowing? What does "catching a crab" mean? Why does rowing get harder the faster you go? How is rowing unique among team sports?

The Basics of ChatGPT

We're joined by Brown University student Kosta Karathanasopoulos to discuss the basics of ChatGPT. What actually is ChatGPT? What is an LLM? What are temperature, Top-K, and Top-P? What is prompt engineering and how can the layman use it? What surprising things can you do with ChatGPT? What do some people report life-changing positives with ChatGPT and others call it overhyped?  What unique dangers does using AI tools like ChatGPT present? 

The Basics of Massage Therapy

We discuss the basics of massage therapy. What are the different types of massage? Is the Swedish Massage actually from Sweden? Is there a difference between a masseuse and a massage therapist? Do massage therapists get taught human anatomy? Does drinking water after a massage help with recovery? Do massage therapists develop arthritis more often from the strain on their hands?

Layman Book Club: Frankenstein - Clips

Our full podcast is available on Patreon page. We discussed Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Who was the author, Mary Shelley? What in her history helps in understanding Frankenstein? Who is the protagonist and antagonist in the book? What books inspired Frankenstein? How do different generations view the story and who is at fault for the tragedies in the book? What books are a prerequisite to understand Frankenstein? What unique insight did we deliver that you won't find anywhere else...?

The Basics of Hearing

We discuss the basics of hearing with Dr. Jonny. How does hearing work? What causes an ear infection? Why does your hearing get worse temporarily after going to a loud concert? How do you pronounce cochlea and did we just get canceled? How come some people can hear higher pitches? What happens when you pop your ears? What's happening in the ear when you have ringing in your ears? Are over headphones or earbuds better for your ears? Can humans use echolocation?

Layman Book Club: The Giver

We are starting a new series! Our Layman Book Club will be where we read and discuss books of any genre. Future Book Club podcasts will only be available on Patreon, so join us there if you want more. https://www.patreon.com/c/LearnItfromaLayman In this podcast, we discuss The Giver by Lois Lowry, and we are joined by a new cohost. What event inspired Lowry to write this book? What role does memory have for a community? What actually happens at the end of The Giver, and when should a book stop? What are dystopian novels and what elements do they often share?

Dubious Honors

We discuss some dubious honors and awards. What is the Bulwer-Lytton contest? What is a Darwin award? Who has won the Foot In The Mouth award and why haven't others? Should dubious honors be feared? What does Mr. Irrelevant in the NFL Draft teach us about dubious honors?

The Basics of CFOs

We are joined by CFO Jared Miller to discuss the basics of CFO and business finance. What's the difference between an accountant and a CFO? What are the job responsibilities of a CFO? What kind of schooling do CFOs traditionally have? What is EBITDA and how long has the concept been around? What kind of debt do companies have and do CFOs manage taking and repaying loans? Do CFOs need to know about tax law? Do CFOs work closely with attorneys? What kind of software do CFOs use? What are the changes in CFO work with AI? Do the numbers always end up clean, or how often does money go missing from a company?