Best Coffee Shop Small Talk Podcasts (2025)

1
Flexibility: Is It One-Sided? 1:00

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10h ago1:00

1:00

The modern workday is turning into a never-ending saga, with one in five meetings now happening after hours, and a whopping 16% kicking off after 8 PM! That’s right, folks! We’re diving into the blurry lines between work life and life life, and let me tell you, it’s getting a bit messy. Microsoft’s data tells us that more than half of these late-ni…

1
Sweat It Out: How Our Bodies Talk Without Words 1:00

2d ago1:00

1:00

This is the Daily Note. I'm James A. Brown. Have you ever walked into a room and just felt the tension? No one said anything, but something's off. Turns out your nose may know more than you think. Scientists say we release different kinds of sweat. Cooling sweat is odorless. But emotional sweat, that's different. They say it's triggered by fear. It…

1
The Secret Life of AI: Let’s Spill the Beans! 1:00

3d ago1:00

1:00

You can tell the school year has started. How? The folks at OpenAI released a chart showing a fascinating trend: their peak season is the academic year. When summer arrives, usage plummets. It doesn't take a genius to connect the dots. Students are back at their desks, professionals are done with vacation, and the quiet demand for AI to help with p…

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Ep 56 Ny Sports with Dan, Paul and a Special Guest 35:46

1d ago35:46

35:46

Dan and Paul invite their second guest into the Studio, Arthur Flynn, Arthur is a lifetime Giant fan and attends every home town game.By Danny Barr and Paul Marino

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Parents, Are You Listening? The State of Our Education System 1:00

4d ago1:00

1:00

This is the Daily Note. I'm James A. Brown. The latest national science test scores are in and they're brutal. 8th grade scores have dropped to levels we haven't seen since 2009. 12th grade math and reading are down 2. That's more than a decade of progress gone poof. But here's what gets me. I think we all saw this coming. I feel for th-e parents w…

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Powerball Dreams: What Happens to Your Winnings? 1:00

7d ago1:00

1:00

If you’re dreaming of hitting the jackpot with Powerball or Mega Millions, hold on to your hats because Uncle Sam is lurking around the corner with his hand out! We dive into the nitty-gritty of lottery winnings and how much of that sweet, sweet cash actually makes it to your pocket after taxes come to play. Spoiler alert: it’s not as much as you m…

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Gen Z and Job Interviews: Should Mom Get a Plus One? 1:00

8d ago1:00

1:00

This is the Daily Note. I'm James A. Brown. 1 in 4 Gen Z job seekers brought their parent to an interview last year. That's according to resumetemplates.com they say another quarter had parents submit job applications for them. 13% even let mom or dad take that HR call. Hey kids, that's just plain weird. I can't imagine this, but my mother, for bet…

1
America: The Friend Who Burns and Rebuilds! 1:00

7d ago1:00

1:00

This is the Daily Note. I'm James A. Brown. America crushed Europe and Japan, then spent decades rebuilding them. We toppled dictators we used to support. We arm rebels who become tomorrow's enemies. It's the most expensive friendship in history. America is the kind of friend who burns your house down and shows up with lumber and a checkbook. Sure,…

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Parking Lot Reflections: Finding Clarity in Life’s Quiet Moments 1:00

10d ago1:00

1:00

This is the Daily Note. I'm James A. Brown. I do my best thinking in parking lots. Not at my desk, not in meetings, but in that quiet space in between leaving one thing and starting another. Car turned off, phone face down. Just me and whatever's rattling around my head. The grocery store parking lot, the office garage, that random strip mall where…

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Ep 55 - Sports with Paul 22:35

10d ago22:35

22:35

Paul is all fired up about the Giants' weekend loss. Dan tells Paul he has all the answers, and Paul agrees.By Danny Barr and Paul Marino

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The Digital Graveyard of Group Chats: Why Staying Connected Is Harder Than Ever 0:59

11d ago0:59

0:59

There are fourteen group chats on my phone. I scroll through them now and then and wonder where everybody went. Half are silent, frozen in time, a birthday planning chat with its last spark from March last year, a book club where someone said, “We should meet soon,” and nobody ever answered. "Movie time" with friends, I've barely seen since early i…

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Ep 54 Special Release Charlie Kirk and remembering 911 31:23

13d ago31:23

31:23

This is a special Friday Episode where Dan and Paul discuss the tragic death of Charlie Kirk and remember 911.By Danny Barr and Paul Marino

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EP 53 Friday Edition - Paul with Sports 16:17

13d ago16:17

16:17

This is a special Friday edition of Sports with Danny and PaulBy Danny Barr and Paul Marino

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When the Earth Leaks Gold: What Treasures Are You Hiding? 1:00

14d ago1:00

1:00

The Earth’s core is leaking gold, folks! Yep, you heard that right! Scientists are saying it’s a slow drip, with tiny traces of gold making their way up through volcanic rock. It’s a fascinating reminder that even our planet can’t keep all its secrets locked away. This got me thinking—just like the Earth, we all have our own hidden treasures and bu…

1
God Bless Football 1:00

15d ago1:00

1:00

Football isn't just a game; it's a whole vibe that brings us together, even if we’re just shouting at the TV in our buddy’s living room while decked out in another dude's jersey. In this episode, we dive into the magic of football season—how it rekindles hope each September, even for those of us whose teams have been riding the struggle bus for yea…

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Lying 101: Why We All Throw Around Little White Lies! 1:00

16d ago1:00

1:00

Did you know that about 60% of folks can't make it through a 10-minute chat without telling a little fib? Yep, you heard that right! In this episode, we dive into some fascinating research where a psychologist filmed strangers talking, only to find out that most of them were blissfully unaware of the sneaky little lies they were telling—like claimi…

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The Sit Test 1:00

17d ago1:00

1:00

We dive into the age-old debate of online shopping versus the good ol’ in-person experience! I mean, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the thrill of trying out an office chair before committing to it? I’m James A. Brown, and I’ve got a soft spot for those mesh-back beauties—so much so that I found myself wobbling and spinning in an empty store, pon…

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Ep 52 This past week in Sports with Paul 9/8/25 29:27

17d ago29:27

29:27

Paul and Dan recap and discuss the past weekend's sports. NFL first-season games.By Paul Marino and Danny Barr

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Ep 51 What did everyone do this weekend? 27:33

17d ago27:33

27:33

Dan, Rob, and Paul discuss their activities over the last week. We discover new listeners and recap some past shows.By Danny Barr, Paul Marion and Rob

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The Future is Here: Are We Just Extras in Our Own Lives? 1:00

18d ago1:00

1:00

Today, we dive into a quirky moment that highlights the odd dance between humans and technology. Picture this: I’m at the clinic getting blood drawn, and instead of a straightforward interaction, I find myself caught between a friendly human and a tablet that’s apparently competing for the same job. It’s like a bizarre episode of “The Office” where…

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54% of Americans Drink: Is That Really Progress? 1:00

21d ago1:00

1:00

Looks like we’re diving into a juicy topic today! We’re tackling the surprising findings of a new Gallup poll that reveals a whopping 54% of Americans are drinking less, marking the lowest rate since 1939. But hold your horses, because before we start popping the confetti, I’m here to say this isn’t exactly a health revolution. We’ve just swapped o…

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Fair Economics? Nah, Just Ask My High School Teacher! 1:00

22d ago1:00

1:00

Today, we’re diving into a wild ride through the ups and downs of worker wages, and let me tell you, it’s a real head-scratcher! Did you know that during the pandemic, the lowest-paid workers actually saw their wages jump by 7%? Yup, you heard that right—dishwashers were raking in more dough than software developers. It’s all about that classic sup…

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Weeds in the Parking Lot: The Fast Food Dilemma! 1:00

23d ago1:00

1:00

Chick-fil-A's bold move to set up shop in downtown Chicago without the usual drive-thru chaos is a game changer! We’re diving into how this fast-food giant is adapting to urban life, proving that sometimes, you gotta shake things up to fit in with the locals. As we chat about the rise of abandoned fast-food joints that once looked trendy but are no…

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Is It Just Me, or Is Coffee Culture Going Cold? 1:00

24d ago1:00

1:00

We're diving into a nostalgic trip today, folks, with a sprinkle of coffee shop magic! James A. Brown takes us back to a time nearly 20 years ago when coffee shops were buzzing with the sound of newspapers rustling and friends catching up. But hold onto your mugs, because this isn’t just a stroll down memory lane—it’s a wake-up call about how we’ve…

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Ep 50 Paul hates Halloween and Netflix Ed Sullivan review 26:01

24d ago26:01

26:01

Donna tells family stories about something Paul hates: Halloween. Dan, special guest Donna Marino, and Paul also discuss the Netflix documentary on Ed Sullivan.By Danny Barr, Paul Marino and Donna Marino

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Ep 49 NY Sports and our First Online Guest DM 31:37

24d ago31:37

31:37

In this episode, we discuss NY Sports with our inaugural guest, DM.By Danny Barr and Paul Marino

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Remembering Labor Day: Workers, Picnics, and Dignity! 1:00

25d ago1:00

1:00

Labor Day kicks off our chat today, shining a light on its roots as a celebration of workers and their incredible contributions. Back in 1882, a whopping 10,000 workers marched in New York, waving signs, giving speeches, and yes, enjoying a good old-fashioned picnic—because who doesn’t love a sandwich in the sun? Fast forward to today, and it seems…

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Ep 48 Dan visits the Orange County, NY Airshow 15:17

1M ago15:17

15:17

Dan decides to travel to Orange County, New York, with his family to see the Orange County, NY Airshow.By Danny Barr and Paul Marino

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Ep 47 8/25/25 Current Events and Politics 22:38

1M ago22:38

22:38

Danny and Paul discuss Politics for the Week of 8/25/25.By Danny Barr and Paul Marino

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Ep 46 8/25/25 This week in Sports with Paul 29:43

1M ago29:43

29:43

8/25/25 - Paul and Dan discuss this week in sports.By Danny Barr and Paul Marino

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Going National 2:17

1M ago2:17

2:17

We're super excited to share that starting Labor Day, our podcast is leveling up to become a syndicated radio show! Can you believe it? That’s right, a handful of stations across America will be airing my daily musings, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I’ve had quite the adventurous career journey—everything from fast food to flower shops, and even…

1
I'm syndicated 2:17

1M ago2:17

2:17

Get ready to groove because we’re taking a wild ride through the adventurous career of James A. Brown! From flipping burgers to flower shops, and even dancing through a murder trial (yep, you heard that right), James shares how his eclectic journey has shaped him into the podcasting powerhouse he is today. The big news? Starting this Labor Day, our…

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Ep 2 Paul talks about the day he met Eli Manning 10:06

1M ago10:06

10:06

Paul reflects on the day that he met Eli Manning.By Danny Barr and Paul Mario

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Paul is uncomfortable talking about his upcoming cataract surgery 9:19

1M ago9:19

9:19

This is an episode that was never going to air. It was recorded on June 8, 2025. Paul was adamant that he did not want to talk about his upcoming cataract surgery and he wanted to keep it private. Dan convinced him that it was just so they could practice talking about something that made Paul uncomfortable. Finally, Dan convinced Paul to "practice"…

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Inflation Nation: Why Everything Costs Double Now! 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

We’re diving into the jaw-dropping world of America’s national debt, which has ballooned to an eye-watering $37 trillion! That’s right, folks—$37 trillion reasons why everything seems to cost twice as much as it did just a few years ago. We chat about how when the government starts printing money like it's going out of style to pay for bills it can…

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37 Trillion 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Today, we're diving into the heavy topic of America's national debt, which is currently a jaw-dropping $37 trillion. Yep, you heard that right—trillion with a 'T'! We’re unpacking why everything seems to cost twice as much as it did a few years ago, and spoiler alert: it’s got a lot to do with all that printed money. We’ll explore how that cash has…

1
Elon was right 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Elon Musk has thrown a wild idea into the ring: livestreaming a visit to Fort Knox to check out America's gold. I mean, can you imagine that? It’s like a treasure hunt, but with way more security and way less pirate booty! At first, I chuckled at the thought, but then I realized, why the heck not? Our banks are pinging me every time I buy a coffee,…

1
Fort Knox 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Elon Musk is stirring the pot with his wild idea to livestream a trip to Fort Knox! Now, I don't know about you, but that sounds like a blockbuster reality show just waiting to happen. I mean, can you imagine? The world’s richest guy peering into America’s gold vault while we all tune in with our popcorn! But jokes aside, it raises a serious point—…

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Don’t Go Away 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Ringtone sales have taken a nosedive from a whopping $1.2 billion in 2007 to practically nothing today, and I can’t help but chuckle at that wild roller coaster drop! Remember when we used to spend real cash to make our phones sound uniquely us? Whether it was “Crazy in Love” for your best friend or the epic “Imperial March” for work calls, we were…

1
The Death of the Ringtone 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Ringtone sales have taken a nosedive that’s more dramatic than a roller coaster drop, and we’re diving right into that wild ride! I’m James A. Brown, and today we’re reminiscing about how we used to drop serious cash just to make our phones sing a little tune that screamed “me!” Remember when we’d fork out money for ringtones that matched our perso…

1
The Last Hold Outs 1:20

1M ago1:20

1:20

Say goodbye to dial-up internet, folks! With AOL pulling the plug this September, 160,000 Americans are about to experience a major digital shift, and we’re here to chat about it. Remember those nostalgic screeching sounds and waiting three minutes for a photo to load? Ah, the good ol’ days! But hey, maybe there’s a silver lining to this internet n…

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Beep Beep Bye-Bye: The End of an Era for Dial-Up Users 1:20

1M ago1:20

1:20

Ever wonder what life would be like without the constant buzz of the internet? Well, we dive into that juicy topic today! With AOL officially saying goodbye to dial-up, we’re looking at the quirky reality that 160,000 Americans will be losing their beloved slow connection. Can you imagine waiting three whole minutes for a photo? Talk about suspense…

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Ep 45 Today in Politics 15:46

1M ago15:46

15:46

Oh no - Danny is sick, so Rob and Paul discuss this week's political meeting between Trump and Putin.By Paul Marino

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Ep 44 Sports - Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets and Golf 22:34

1M ago22:34

22:34

Paul and Rob discuss this week in SportsBy Paul Marino

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Danny travels to Arizona for vacation and Paul gets a haircut. 37:25

1M ago37:25

37:25

Since Danny is sick this week, Paul and I decided to drop a Bonus Ep about Danny traveling to Arizona during the same week that Paul traveled to Bergen County just to get a haircut. Paul rarely leaves Sussex County, NJ. A long trip for him is Newton, NJ, He must get one damn good haircut.By Danny Barr and Paul Marino

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The Future They Buried: Kodak's Digital Dilemma 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Eastman Kodak is in a bit of a pickle—sure, they say they can pay off their debts, but surviving? That’s a whole different ballgame! It’s like being able to afford the fancy coffin but realizing you forgot to buy the medicine. Oops! As a Rochester native, I've watched this film giant, which was once the heartbeat of our city, face its downfall, and…

1
Kodak's Dilemma: Can They Pay the Bills? 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Eastman Kodak is at a crossroads, claiming it can pay its debts but might not survive—a bit like saying you can cover the funeral costs but can’t afford the medicine, right? I mean, I’m coming at you from Rochester, New York, Kodak’s hometown, and let me tell you, this news hits like a ton of bricks. For generations, Kodak wasn't just a job; it was…

1
Why We All Stare at Our Phones 1:29

1M ago1:29

1:29

Ever find yourself in a crowded elevator, surrounded by total strangers, and the first thing everyone does is whip out their phones? Yeah, me too! It’s like we’ve been programmed to avoid eye contact and dive into our screens. But wait, what are we missing out on during those awkward moments of silence? In this episode, we dive into the curious phe…

1
Lift Your Eyes: The Elevator Truths We Ignore 1:29

1M ago1:29

1:29

Ever find yourself in an elevator with strangers, all staring intently at your phone like it’s the latest episode of your favorite show? Well, I’ve been there too, and it got me thinking about something pretty profound: our phones may be keeping us entertained, but they're also robbing us of those little moments of connection that happen when we ju…

1
Doll Sized Burdens 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Mattel just dropped a Barbie doll that comes with type 1 diabetes gear, including a tiny glucose monitor and an insulin pump—how wild is that? I mean, it's great to see representation, but we can't help but wonder if Barbie’s getting a little too serious for her own good. Remember when toys were just about endless fun and imagination? It feels like…