Best Dan McPherson Podcasts (2025)

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Adapting a classic: from words to watercolors, with K. Woodman-Maynard 24:40

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4d ago24:40

24:40

1119. This week, we talk with illustrator and cartoonist K. Woodman-Maynard about her new graphic novel adaptation of "Tuck Everlasting." We look at the creative process of adapting a beloved book, including how she uses visual storytelling to convey emotion and meaning with watercolor and panel design. We also look at her approach to condensing th…

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Dime idioms. ‘HoCo’ and syllable acronyms. Pulling a Trevor 14:48

6d ago14:48

14:48

1118. This week, we look at the origins of idioms related to the word "dime," like "turn on a dime" and "get off the dime." We also look at a special kind of acronym that uses syllables, and how words like "Nabisco," "SoHo," and "HoCo" were formed. The "dime" segment was written by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. These days, she designs we…

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130 - Sharon Joins the Podcast 57:19

10d ago57:19

57:19

In this episode, Troy and Brian welcome new co-host Sharon Madere, discussing her background and experiences with Last Days Ministries. The conversation explores the evolution of the Jesus People Movement, the financial dynamics of Keith Green's ministry, and the shift from idealism to conservatism within evangelicalism. They delve into the impact …

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How algorithms are changing the meaning of words, with Adam Aleksic 14:04

11d ago14:04

14:04

1117. This week, we talk with Adam Aleksic, also known as the Etymology Nerd, about the ways algorithms are changing the meaning of words. We look at how words like "preppy" have evolved and how social media is accelerating language change. We also look at how different cultures "shout" online without using capital letters, the linguistic connectio…

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The pirate history of ‘scallywag.’ ‘Used to’ versus ‘use to.’ Cheese grits. 14:50

13d ago14:50

14:50

1116. This week, we clarify the origins of the word "Schnauzer" and why it may mean "snout," "growler," or "mustache." Then, in honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, we look at the true origins of the word "scallywag," which, believe it or not, isn't from pirates but may be related to Shetland ponies. Then, we look at why we use both "used to" and "use …

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From clay tablets to the Gutenberg press, with Keith Houston 25:19

18d ago25:19

25:19

1115. This week, we talk with Keith Houston about his book, "The Book." We look at how writing technology evolved from clay tablets and bamboo slips to papyrus and paper. He shares some surprising facts, including why books are rectangles, how museums try to deacidify books, and how printing was once political. Keith Houston - Shadycharacters.co.uk…

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Why we have indents. More on Formica. Running on Edgar. 19:13

20d ago19:13

19:13

1114. This week, we look at the history and purpose of indents, from medieval manuscripts to modern word processors, and the difference between a first-line indent and a hanging indent. Then, we look at the fascinating, multi-layered story behind the word "Formica," and its connection to both a plastic substitute for mica and the Latin word for "an…

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129 - Let's Talk About Sects with Sarah Steel 1:12:10

23d ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Troy and Brian welcome Sarah Steel, the brilliant host and creator of the award-winning podcast Let's Talk About Sects. Sarah delves into the complex world of high control groups and cults, sharing insights from her extensive research and personal interviews. Together, they explore the psychological impact of cults, the challenges of leaving such g…

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The surprising ways we gesture about time and space, with Lauren Gawne 22:58

25d ago22:58

22:58

1113. This week, we talk with linguist Lauren Gawne about her book "Gesture: A Slim Guide." We look at how different cultures gesture about abstract concepts like time and space, and how we unknowingly gesture from our left-to-right writing system. We also look at why pointing is often rude, how different cultures point in different ways, and wheth…

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Vonnegut’s semicolon rule. What age has to do with language. Chocolate donut. 15:42

26d ago15:42

15:42

1112. This week, we look at why you can safely ignore Kurt Vonnegut’s famous advice about ignoring semicolons. We also look at why taking punctuation advice from fiction writers may not be a good idea for business writing. Then, we look at how major life events, not age, change how you speak as you get older. The age segment was by Valerie Fridland…

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Ep 012: The Six Rewards of Momentum 41:06

28d ago41:06

41:06

“Everyone wants to be great until it’s time to pay the invoice.” Greatness always has a cost, but the good news is that momentum makes paying that price far easier - and the rewards are worth it. In this episode of Calm & Clarity Conversations, Dan McPherson shares the six rewards of momentum, the real results of doing hard work in a strategic and …

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Why we say 'near miss.' How dogs got their names. Stupid dog Jackie. 18:31

1M ago18:31

18:31

1111. This week, we look at the phrase "near miss" and why this seemingly illogical term actually makes sense. Then, in honor of National Dog Day, we look at how 16 different dog breeds got their names, including why a dachshund is a "badger dog," a poodle is a "puddle dog," and a mastiff is a "tame dog." The "near miss" segment was by Natalie Schi…

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Ep 011: Calm, Clarity, and Cash Flow in Community Banking with Michelle Brasseur 46:44

1M ago46:44

46:44

Getting a “yes” from your bank does not have to feel overwhelming. In this episode of Calm & Clarity Conversations, Dan McPherson sits down with Michelle Brasseur, Ann Arbor Market President and Senior Commercial Lender at Bank Michigan, to share how entrepreneurs can thrive through cash flow clarity and the right community banking relationships. Y…

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Ep 010: One Question Cost Me $100K: 4 Questions That Change Any Outcome 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

One unasked question cost me over 2,000 hours of work and more than $100,000. In this episode of Calm & Clarity Conversations, I share the 4-Question Toolkit that could have saved me and can help you make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and avoid costly mistakes. These questions are part of my Listen → Ask → Act → Grow communication…

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128 - From Pastor to Comedian with Jeremy Alder 1:11:59

1M ago1:11:59

1:11:59

In this episode, we delve into the unique upbringing of comedian Jeremy Alder, who was raised in a fundamentalist Christian household. Jeremy shares his experiences of being homeschooled in Texas by missionary parents who distrusted mainstream culture, leading to a childhood without TV or the internet. He reflects on the challenges and unexpected b…

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How to build a successful writers’ newsletter, with Jane Friedman 18:29

1M ago18:29

18:29

1110. This week, we talk with Jane Friedman, an expert on the business of being a writer. We look at how to build a strong email newsletter and why it's a critical tool for authors in today's publishing world. Jane shares her best tips for getting started, what to write about, and how to get new subscribers — offering advice that can help any write…

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What is 'versing'? ‘Whatchamacallit' and other placeholder words. Chicken. 13:14

1M ago13:14

13:14

1109. This week, we look at why kids and video gamers talk about "versing" someone. Then, we look at the linguistics of placeholder words like "whatchamacallit" and "thingamajig," including some fun international examples and the now-obsolete word "whiblin." The "thingamajig" segment was by Ursula Kania, a Senior Lecturer in English Language and Li…

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AI's impact on translators, untranslatable Dutch words, and more, with Heddwen Newton 19:38

2M ago19:38

19:38

1108. This week, we talk to Heddwen Newton about some of the unique and untranslatable words she's discovered while translating. She shares her thoughts on why the translation profession is being hit hard by AI and the kind of work that is likely to be lost. We also hear her book recommendations, including a novel and a nonfiction book about the hi…

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Double possessives. Words that do double duty. The monkeys aren't working. 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

1107. This week, we look at double possessives, such as "a friend of Mignon's" and whether they are grammatically correct. Then, we look at words that do double duty, from the nautical origins of "scuttlebutt" to "beetle" — which can be both an insect and a tool. The double possessives segment was written by Susan Herman, a retired multidisciplined…

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Ep 009: From Noise to Next Step: 6 Principles of Focus 28:29

2M ago28:29

28:29

Focus doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes from knowing what matters and honoring it with your time, your energy, and your attention. In this episode, we move past distraction, multitasking, and false urgency to explore six real-world foundations that actually help you follow through. These principles aren’t hacks or hype. They’re lived experi…

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Ep 008: Letting Go of the Goose: Focus, Grief, and Creative Momentum with Angela Lewis 41:50

2M ago41:50

41:50

What happens when you’re carrying more than you can name, and the clarity you need just isn’t there yet? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Angela Lewis, a creative strategist, systems thinker, and founder of Savvy Designs and Pink Elephant Solutions, to talk about what it really takes to lead, grow, and stay grounded when everything around…

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127 - From Pastor to Deconstruction with Tracy 1:14:50

2M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

Brian and Troy sit down with Tracy, a former pastor turned psychologist, to explore her transformative journey from religious leadership to a life of authenticity and self-discovery. Tracy shares her experiences of grappling with faith, the challenges of deconstructing long-held beliefs, and the empowering path to finding her true identity. Join us…

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New words: 'beer muscles' & 'waka jumpers,' with Fiona McPherson. 16:34

2M ago16:34

16:34

1106. We talk with Fiona McPherson, a senior editor at the Oxford English Dictionary, about the playful words that get added to the OED. We look at the dictionary's ongoing work to expand its coverage of World Englishes, and Fiona shares some of her favorite recent additions, including "waka jumper" from New Zealand politics and "Rolex," a term for…

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How pronouns reveal our psychology. How'd we get our alphabet? Tabagogox. 14:46

2M ago14:46

14:46

1105. This week, we look at how the pronouns you use can reveal your psychological state — for example, how using "I" versus "we" can signal how you are coping with a breakup or a tragic event. Then, we look at where our alphabet started, from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to the Phoenicians and Romans. The psychology of pronouns segment was written…

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‘Spark words’ and the hidden history of ‘panic’ and ‘Ritalin,’ with Martha Barnette 32:23

2M ago32:23

32:23

1104. This week with Martha Barnette, co-host of "A Way with Words" and author of "Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland," we look at the concept of a "spark word" — the word that ignites a love of language. We also look at fascinating etymologies from ancient Greek, including the surprising connections between "Nike" and "fennel," and the…

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'Heat wave' vs. 'cold snap.' Why reading stories makes you smarter. Rogering. 14:15

2M ago14:15

14:15

1103. Why do we talk about "heat waves" but "cold snaps"? This week, we look at the history behind these common weather phrases and other quirky idioms like "raining cats and dogs" and "under the weather." Then, we look at what kind of reading is best for improving your language skills, including research on the benefits of fiction versus nonfictio…

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Ep 007: Willing It Into Existence: Calm, Chaos, and the Creative Journey with Rick Coughlin 51:16

2M ago51:16

51:16

What do you hold onto when the plan unravels, but the mission still matters? In this conversation, I sit down with my close friend and Grove Studios co-founder Rick Coughlin to talk about what it really takes to keep building when clarity is fleeting and everything feels uncertain. Rick shares what it means to will something into existence not thro…

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Ep 006: Know What Comes Next: 6 Clarity Principles That Shift Everything 41:12

2M ago41:12

41:12

Sometimes, even high-capacity leaders get stuck not because they don’t know where they’re going, but because they’re unsure what to do next. That’s where clarity comes in. In this episode, I walk through six timeless principles that help you adjust your lens, stop spinning, and take confident, aligned steps forward. You’ll learn: What it really mea…

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Ep 005: Choosing Calm and Clarity Amidst Political Chaos 36:37

2M ago36:37

36:37

We’re living through a moment where freedom, dignity, and truth feel deeply at risk. This episode is personal, timely, and needed. In this solo episode, Dan shares openly about the emotional impact of the recent U.S. budget bill, the danger of reflexive outrage, and the importance of choosing calm not as passivity, but as fierce leadership. He refl…

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126 - Sexuality, Shame, and Identity with Cara Flame 1:12:33

2M ago1:12:33

1:12:33

Troy and Brian engage in a deep conversation with Cara Flame, an Australian experiential and creative arts therapist, about her journey from being a teenage fundamentalist to becoming an advocate for those recovering from religious trauma. Cara tells of her experiences in the Esther Foundation, a Christian Fundamentalist organisation, and how it sh…

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Why plain English matters in science (and everywhere else), with Anne Greene 31:57

2M ago31:57

31:57

1102. This week, Anne Greene joins us to talk about the importance of writing in plain English, especially in scientific fields. We look at why short words are easier for our eyes to read and how a well-structured story with characters and action verbs can improve understanding. We also discuss how the historical origins of English words influence …

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'Y' plurals. Bill Labov's linguistic legacy. Choo-choo 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

1101. Do you know when to change a "y" to an "ies" for a plural, and when to just add an "s"? Today, we look at the rules. Then, we look at linguist Bill Labov's famous department store study, which shows how social class relates to speech patterns. The 'y' segment was written by Samantha Enslen, who runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at dr…