Best Dot_Waves Podcasts (2025)

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War of the dots. Why we say 'pitch black.' Pitch hot. 15:38

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4m ago15:38

15:38

1146. This week, we look at the history of Braille, from the tragic accident that inspired Louis Braille's six-dot system to the "War of the Dots"—a decades-long conflict over competing reading standards in the U.S. Then, we look at the origin of the phrase "pitch black," revealing how the intensifier "pitch" refers to an ancient, dark wood tar and…

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Senior Wealth Manager Rick Morse Talks Music, Money & Your Future 31:44

1h ago31:44

31:44

Rick Morse is a Senior Financial Advisor along with being a Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Long Island, NY. In this episode Rick talks about music, your money, and planning your future! Rick graduated from Ithaca College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He earned his Certified Investment Manageme…

1
Encore: This CEO Says Humanoid Robots Are The "Space Race" of Our Time 32:31

20m ago32:31

32:31

Who will take care of you in old age? Jeff Cardenas, the CEO and co-founder of Apptronik, says the answer is robots. The startup founder set out to build a smart, dexterous robot after watching his grandfathers grow old and dependent in their later years. Beyond healthcare, Cardenas sees robots as essential to U.S. economic growth and national secu…

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How a long-lost yearbook revealed the origin of 'hella,' with Ben Zimmer 30:31

5d ago30:31

30:31

1145. In this bonus segment from October, I talk with Ben Zimmer about "hella" and how even yearbook messages can be digitized to help preserve the language record. Ben shares the full story of this slang term, and we also talk about the detective work that led to the OED using Run DMC's use of "drop" in “Spin Magazine” as a citation. Ben Zimmer's …

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The origin of X in algebra. Why we say ‘how come’ for ‘why.’ Water handles. 17:37

7d ago17:37

17:37

1144. This week, we look at the origin of the letter X as the variable for the unknown in algebra. Then, we look at the phrase "how come," explaining why it's more informal than "why" and how its grammar subtly differs from other question words. That X segment was written by Peter Schumer, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Middlebu…

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SPECIAL WSJ’s Take On the Week: How This Fed Hawk Views the Economy, Inflation, AI and Jobs 39:39

7d ago39:39

39:39

As a special bonus, we’re bringing you an episode of WSJ’s Take On the Week. Co-host Telis Demos and guest host WSJ Chief Economics Correspondent Nick Timiraos are joined by Beth Hammack, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, to discuss the state of the U.S economy, interest rates and the central bank itself. Hammack shares her views …

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Funkadelic's Michael "Kidd" Hampton on 50 Years of Funk 32:32

3d ago32:32

32:32

About Michael Hampton After studying jazz guitar in high school, an impromptu backstage audition for George Clinton in 1974 earned 17-year-old Michael a seat on the Parliament mothership alongside the immortal Eddie Hazel, under the name "Kidd Funkadelic". Hampton has spent the past half-century playing nearly 400 shows with the band, in 25 countri…

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The Boldest Ideas of 2025 — And What’s in Store for 2026 24:03

11d ago24:03

24:03

In this special episode, Tim Higgins and Christopher Mims revisit some of their favorite moments from the first year of Bold Names. We look back on conversations with guests including Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the explosive growth of AI and the complexities of the U.S.-China trade war. Then,…

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2025 Words of the Year, with Jess Zafarris and Danny Hieber 24:00

12d ago24:00

24:00

1143. This week, we look at the 2025 words of the year with Jess Zafarris and Danny Hieber. We look at viral slang like "six seven" and cultural terms like "rage bait" and "fatigued." We also look at the dramatic rise of "slop" to describe low-quality AI content and how words like "parasocial" are changing function. Find Jess Zafarris at UselessEty…

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'Pride and prejudice' before Jane Austen. Was Parson Brown a real person? Happy Panda. 15:24

14d ago15:24

15:24

1142. This week, we look at the history of the phrase "pride and prejudice," which was used frequently before Jane Austen’s 1813 novel. Then, we look at whether Parson Brown from “Winter Wonderland” was a real person, and why his name is sometimes replaced with a “circus clown.” Links to Get One Month Free of the Grammar Girl Patreon (different lin…

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Inside PlayStation's Plans to Lead a $200 Billion Industry 26:05

18d ago26:05

26:05

Gaming is a $200 billion industry that dwarfs Hollywood — and PlayStation is at the center of it all. On this week’s episode of Bold Names, Sony Interactive Entertainment SVP Eric Lempel joins WSJ’s Christopher Mims and Tim Higgins to discuss how the company plans to compete in a mobile-first gaming world. We talk about keeping the “soul” of game d…

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The 'sheeple' incident, with Stefan Fatsis 25:27

19d ago25:27

25:27

1141. We look at the controversy that caught Stefan Fatsis by surprise when he defined the word "sheeple" for Merriam-Webster, leading to public complaints. We also look at the origin and purpose of the obscure "Backward Index" invented by Webster's Third editor Philip Gove and how quickly Merriam added COVID-related words to the dictionary. Find S…

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Harmony Shay: Vegas Based Alt-Country Artist Making Waves 25:28

16d ago25:28

25:28

Harmony Shay: Inside the Heart and Hustle of a Breakout Las Vegas Singer-Songwriter! Las Vegas singer-songwriter Harmony Shay is quickly emerging as a standout voice in modern alt-country. In her recent Rounder Magazine interview, she shared that her passion for music began at age three, inspired by her father's vocal impersonations and early encou…

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The rise of the 'hamster wheel.' The many names of Santa Claus. Unattractive turtles. 14:04

21d ago14:04

14:04

1140. This week, we look at the difference between the modern phrase "hamster wheel" and the older "rat race," and why the former gained popularity. We also look at the similar concept of the hedonic treadmill. Then, we look at the many names for Santa Claus, including the Dutch "Sinter Klaas" and the German "Christkindlein." The Santa Claus segmen…

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Inside The Elvis Phenomenon with Renowned EP Festival Producer Kurt Brown 56:28

20d ago56:28

56:28

The Elvis phenomenon continues to captivate fans around the world, and in this episode we dive deep into its enduring magic with top Elvis festival producer Kurt Brown. From the cultural impact of Elvis Presley to the behind-the-scenes work that brings major tribute festivals to life, Kurt shares rare insights, unforgettable stories, and a firsthan…

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McLaren CEO Zak Brown On F1 And Business Strategy At 200 Miles Per Hour 30:55

25d ago30:55

30:55

What business lessons are forged at 200 miles per hour? On this week’s Bold Names, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown joins Christopher Mims and Tim Higgins to talk about his new book, “Seven Tenths of a Second.” A racecar driver turned executive, Brown leads a global racing organization worth hundreds of millions of dollars. We talk about the pressure a…

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An inspiring tutor, 'New York System' hot dogs, and 'queen spotting.' 25:11

26d ago25:11

25:11

1139. In this bonus discussion with Martha Barnette back in March, we look at Martha's pivotal twelve-year journey with a polyglot tutor who transformed her understanding of ancient Greek, starting with the etymology of "Oedipus." We also look at her beekeeping adventures, including the unknown-to-me history of the term 'queen bee' and a unique boo…

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Why Brits eat biscuits and Americans eat cookies. Why brands keep nouning everything. Hamster alert. 17:46

28d ago17:46

17:46

This week, in honor of National Cookie Day, we look at the vocabulary split between British and American English, including the differences between a cookie and a biscuit, and the two meanings of "pudding." Then, we look at anthimeria, the advertising trend of turning one part of speech into another, as in the slogan "Together makes progress." The …

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Inside the New Album from Breakthrough NJ Indie Artist Gregory McLoughlin 22:54

26d ago22:54

22:54

Indie singer/songwriter Gregory McLoughlin's new self titled arrives Dec 12th to all streaming platforms! For years, Gregory McLoughlin has done what most artists won’t – stream every Monday night to a loyal online crowd, play to anyone who’ll listen, and find ways to turn small moments into connection. His debut album carries the weight and warmth…

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SPECIAL WSJ Tech Live: The Man Leading Trump’s AI Charge Against China (The Journal Podcast) 22:59

1M ago22:59

22:59

This week, we’re bringing you an episode of The Journal, produced by Spotify and the Wall Street Journal. In this episode, recorded at WSJ’s Tech Live, host Jessica Mendoza sits down with Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, to discuss everything from chips to chatbots, how Kratsios thinks AI should…

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Rob Drummond on languaging and our fluid speaking identities 18:36

1M ago18:36

18:36

In this bonus conversation with Rob Drummond from back in June, he and I get into the fascinating concept of "languaging" — the idea that speaking is an active process we use to constantly shape and project our identities. Rob explains how our "speaking identities" are incredibly fluid, changing based on context, audience, and even the language we'…

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NAMM Bass Magazine Awards Preview with Jon D'Auria Editor-in-Chief For Bass Magazine 32:15

30d ago32:15

32:15

In this fun episode, we chat with Bass Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jon D'Auria about the upcoming Bass Magazine Awards Show, presented in partnership with the 2026 NAMM Show. The Bass Awards will take place at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California, on Thursday, January 22nd. The Bass Magazine Awards celebrate outstanding bass players from around th…

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The sinful fork (and other dinner-table surprises) 14:49

1M ago14:49

14:49

1136. This week, we go full Thanksgiving, talking about the origin of butter knives, forks, and more. You'll love all the tidbits you can share with your family or friends during dinner. 🔗 Share your familect recording via Speakpipe, by calling 833-214-4475 (or via WhatsApp chat.) 🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses. 🔗 Subscribe to the new…

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Biden’s Antitrust Architect on How Big Tech Threatens U.S. Prosperity 36:23

1M ago36:23

36:23

Are we becoming a nation mined for our money, data, and attention? Author and legal scholar Tim Wu certainly thinks so. A key architect of President Joe Biden’s antitrust policy, Wu joins WSJ’s Christopher Mims and Tim Higgins on Bold Names to explain how a handful of tech platforms conquered the economy and why he fears Silicon Valley could become…

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Why print dictionaries still matter, with Peter Sokolowski 35:31

1M ago35:31

35:31

1135. This week, we talk with Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster, about the new print 12th Collegiate Dictionary. We look at why print still matters, how the dictionary used lookup data to decide which words to drop (least looked-up compounds), and the importance of serendipity when researching words in a physical book. Find Peter…

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Indie Artist "Firerose" Has Turned Personal Challenges Into Purpose and Light With Her Latest Release 21:38

1M ago21:38

21:38

About this episode's guest Indie Artist FIREROSE. The definitive version of her album's title track, "Shining Armor (Rise Again)" marks a powerful new chapter - one of independence, renewal, and self-rescue - and anchors the larger story she's finally ready to share publicly for the first time. That story continues next month with her new podcast, …

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Personification in language and AI. Dictums, maxims, and proverbs. Expensitive. 17:26

1M ago17:26

17:26

1134. This week, we look at the poetic power of personification (the language quirk that gives human traits to nonhuman things) and why style guides advise against using it for AI. Then, we look at the different names for common sayings, defining a proverb and breaking down the four main types: maxim, adage, dictum, and truism. The personification …

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The World’s Tech Giants Are Running Out of Power. This CEO Plans to Deliver. 31:21

2M ago31:21

31:21

Electricity demand is exploding, fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence and an unprecedented wave of data center construction. Some experts warn the U.S. grid won’t be able to handle it. But Scott Strazik, the CEO of GE Vernova, says his company can deliver. On this episode of Bold Names, Strazik joins the WSJ’s Christopher Mims and Tim Higg…

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Grammy Nominated Zydeco Legend Corey Ledet Has A New Album "Live in Alaska" And A Great Story 29:12

1M ago29:12

29:12

Grammy Nominated Zydeco Master Corey Ledet On a tour through Russia, Ledet was treated like royalty, complete with his own security detail. Fans rushed to touch the band’s signature zydeco rubboard — the metal, shoulder-slung vest used to scratch out those infectious rhythms. Enthralled by its sound, they nicknamed it the “magic instrument.”Ledet h…

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The secret rules of crossword puzzles, with Natan Last 29:16

2M ago29:16

29:16

1133. This week, crossword pro Natan Last talks about his book "Across the Universe." We look at the technical and cultural differences between American and British puzzle styles and the secrets that will surprise you about how clues are written and edited. We also look at "crosswordese," the long submission process for the “New York Times,” and th…

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How '23 skidoo' & 'at sixes and sevens' are related to '6-7.' 18:09

2M ago18:09

18:09

1132. This week, in honor of Dictionary.com choosing "6-7" as its Word of the Year, we look at the origin of other number phrases: "23 skidoo" and "at sixes and sevens." 🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat. 🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses. 🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter. 🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited tra…

1
How Uber Plans to Win the Self-Driving Car Race 31:03

2M ago31:03

31:03

Driverless cars are no longer in the realm of science fiction. Nearly a decade after abandoning its own self-driving car unit, Uber is taking a hybrid approach, partnering with more than a dozen autonomous vehicle firms, including Alphabet’s Waymo and Chinese robotaxi company WeRide. But as the robotaxi market heats up, can Uber stay in the race? O…

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What a ‘Science' magazine experiment says about the future of AI in journalism, with Abigail Eisenstadt 23:53

2M ago23:53

23:53

1131. This week, we talk with ‘Science' magazine senior writer Abigail Eisenstadt about her team's year-long experiment testing ChatGPT's ability to summarize research papers. We look at their methodology, the limitations they realized, and their main finding: that AI could “transcribe” scientific studies but failed to “translate” them with context…

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Viral Indie Artist Elise Trouw Just Dropped A New Single With A New Album To Follow! 25:29

2M ago25:29

25:29

Viral Indie Artist Elise Trouw Just Dropped A New Single With A New Album To Follow In December! Elise Trouw - is a viral indie artist, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her mesmerizing live-looping performances and genre-blending sound. Based in California, Elise writes, produces, and performs her own music - fusing pop, rock,…