Best Stephadam Podcasts (2025)

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Morals Versus Morale 22:03

Play Pause

10h ago22:03

22:03

Send us a text Words of the Episode: Morals vs. Morale Morals Definition: Standards of behavior or principles of right/wrong by which a person lives; also lessons drawn from stories. Etymology: From Latin mos/moris → morales → moralia (used by St. Gregory in his exposition on Job) → Middle English. Can be good or bad, but always refers to a guiding…

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Interstellar Objects: 'Oumuamua, 3I-ATLAS, and more 28:52

6d ago28:52

28:52

Send us a text Links to materials mentioned in the episode: Link to book by Avi Loeb: Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth. Link to the paper co-authored by Avi Loeb: Is the Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Alien Technology? (PDF) Word(s) of the Episode ʻOumuamua Hawaiian name for the first observed interstellar object (201…

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Pareto Principle, the 80/20 Rule, and More Jumbotron Antics 26:55

15d ago26:55

26:55

Send us a text Episode Milestone Hosts note that Episode 75 feels like a meaningful number (cool, but not as significant as 60 was for them). Next true milestone will be Episode 100, expected in ~25 weeks. Word of the Episode: Pareto (Pareto Principle) Definition: The Pareto Principle or 80/20 rule: roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of caus…

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Pontification of Deadlines and Urgency 34:35

22d ago34:35

34:35

Send us a text Word of the Episode: Pontificate Hosts’ Initial Guess: They believed it meant to think deeply to arrive at a decision. They even associated it with careful contemplation and resolution. Actual Definition (Oxford Languages): To express one’s opinions in an annoyingly pompous or dogmatic way. Far from quiet reflection—it's about pompou…

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Libfixes, Diving Boards, and Generosity 17:51

29d ago17:51

17:51

Send us a text Word of the Episode: Libfix Definition: A “libfix” is a liberated suffix—when part of a word (often mistaken as a suffix) gets reanalyzed and reused as a suffix for other words. Examples: -gate (from Watergate): now used to mean “scandal” (e.g., Pizzagate, Elsagate). -core (from hardcore): extended to music genres or aesthetics (meta…

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Self-Care versus Self-Indulgence 29:53

1M ago29:53

29:53

Send us a text Word of the Episode: Penitent Usage: Came up while studying Psalm 6 (one of the “penitential psalms”). Common Associations: Hosts thought it related to humility, kneeling, or seeking forgiveness. One recalled Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where the “penitent man kneels before God.” Also connected to penance. Dictionary Definiti…

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Our One-Day Whirlwind Trip To Chicago - Part 2 29:04

1M ago29:04

29:04

Send us a text This episode is Part 1 of the Chicago recap. Find Part 1 in episode 70 last week. Word of the Episode: Porta Potty Definition: A portable, temporary toilet facility. Etymology: “Porta Potty” comes from portable potty, but its popularization is linked to a brand name, much like Kleenex. “Potty” derives from “pot” (as in chamber pot) w…

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Our One-Day Whirlwind Trip To Chicago - Part 1 26:03

2M ago26:03

26:03

Send us a text This episode is part 1 of the Chicago recap; it will continue in the next episode, including the promised description of the "Taj Mahal of porta potties" and covering the remaining tourist adventures. Word of the Episode: Flabbergast The hosts dive into the word "flabbergast," inspired by previous use when describing the "Coldplay in…

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Oldies, Remakes, and Spin-Offs 30:34

2M ago30:34

30:34

Send us a text Theme & Word of the Episode: The episode focuses on the word "oldie," exploring its definition, history, and how its meaning has shifted over time, especially in the context of music. Origin and Evolution: "Oldie" combines "old" with the suffix "-ie," recorded first in 1874 to describe an old person. By the 1940s, it expanded to refe…

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Bonus Onomatopeia Behind the Scenes 0:30

2M ago0:30

0:30

Send us a text Special behind the scenes bonus episode: The hosts discuss how to represent a rewind sound (onomatopoeia). They debate whether to cut out a portion of the recording or continue, and ultimately decide to keep the candid moment because it's funny, then agree to continue from where they left off. --- Any views expressed on this podcast …

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Onomatopeia and the Sounds of Coldplay 39:55

2M ago39:55

39:55

Send us a text The hosts continue their discussion on the word "onomatopoeia," elaborating on its definition (words that imitate sounds, like "splash" or "ping") and etymology (from Greek meaning "name making"), and exploring examples of onomatopoeia, especially in animal and bird names. They highlight how different languages create onomatopoeia di…

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Bloops, Bloopers, and Trees 33:10

2M ago33:10

33:10

Send us a text The Word of the Episode: "Bloop" "Bloop" Origins and Mysteries: The episode opens with a discussion about the word "bloop," notable in the hosts' family for its mysterious oceanic association. The "bloop" refers to an ultra-low-frequency underwater sound detected in 1997 by two hydrophones 5,000 miles apart. It initially fueled specu…

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Roshambo (alternatively known as Rock Paper Scissors) 16:00

3M ago16:00

16:00

Send us a text Episode 66 of "I Hate Talking" shifts to a more lighthearted tone after two serious episodes, focusing on the word "Rochambeau," which is another name for the game rock-paper-scissors. The hosts discuss the debated origins of the term. One popular but incorrect urban legend claims that a French general named Rochambeau used the game …

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Parallel Play - Part 2 28:54

3M ago28:54

28:54

Send us a text Episode 65 of "I Hate Talking" centers on the word "cogitate" and continues the discussion about parallel play. The hosts introduce and explore the word "cogitate," which means to think deeply about something, tracing its Latin roots and comparing it with "meditate." They note that while both words involve deep thought, "cogitate" im…

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Parallel Play - Part 1 31:20

3M ago31:20

31:20

Send us a text The hosts discuss the concept of "parallel play," ultimately choosing it over other potential topics like "predictive programming" or "apse" for this episode. Definition and Origins: Parallel play originally describes a stage in child development where children play side by side without direct interaction, as a precursor to cooperati…

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Pareidolia (Seeing Faces and More in Everyday Scenery) 24:12

3M ago24:12

24:12

Send us a text Example #1: Person Standing Over Edge of A Cliff Seen In Background of One Photo but Not Another. Example #2: My family member went on a hike – but someone (or something) else showed up in her photo. The Pareidolia episode: Pareidolia is the tendency to perceive familiar patterns, especially faces, in random or ambiguous images and o…

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Going Gangbusters on Personal Health and More 27:05

4M ago27:05

27:05

Send us a text Main Topic: The Word "Gangbusters" The episode centers on the meaning, usage, and origin of the word "gangbusters," prompted by a listener request. The hosts initially discuss their own understanding, associating "gangbusters" with something that is very successful, energetic, or goes "all out." Dictionary definitions are referenced:…

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Things of Which We're Proud, Plus Plumbers 27:17

4M ago27:17

27:17

Send us a text The episode centers around the etymology of the word "plumber" and segues into a broader discussion about pride, personal achievements, and learning styles. Key Points: Origin of "Plumber": The hosts discuss the word "plumber," tracing its roots to the Latin word plumbum (meaning lead), which is why the chemical symbol for lead is Pb…

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Bonus Knock Knock Joke 0:05

4M ago0:05

0:05

Send us a text Bonus knock knock joke, following our humorous episode from yesterday! --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.…

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What a Joke of an Episode 39:10

4M ago39:10

39:10

Send us a text Episode Milestone and Word of the Day The hosts discuss the significance of reaching episode 60, debating whether 50 or 60 is a more exciting milestone. The featured word is "rubric." They explore its meanings: In education and structure: a checklist or set of criteria to fulfill a purpose. In liturgical context: instructions for how…

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Latin Terms and When To Commit 25:12

4M ago25:12

25:12

Send us a text Key Terms and Etymology De Minimis: This Latin phrase, from "de minimis non curat lex" meaning "the law does not concern itself with trifles," refers to a threshold value in tariff law. Goods imported into the US below a certain dollar amount (e.g., $800) are considered trivial and not subject to tariffs, while those above are. Ad Va…

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Taxes, Value, and Volunteering 28:46

4M ago28:46

28:46

Send us a text Word of the Episode: Tariff The hosts define a tariff as a tax imposed by a government on goods, usually on imports, with the goal of making foreign goods less competitive compared to domestic products. Tariffs can also be applied to exports, though this is less common and often used when a country has a unique product or resource. T…

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Instrumental Tariffs 33:50

5M ago33:50

33:50

Send us a text The episode opens with the hosts noting there are no major announcements and moves directly into discussing the “word or phrase of the episode”: instrumental. The hosts observed that “instrumental” has come up frequently in their recent personal conversations, prompting them to explore its meanings and usage. Etymology and Definition…

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One Year Podcasting Celebration and Norman Doors 32:06

5M ago32:06

32:06

Send us a text Episode 56 of “I Hate Talking” celebrates the podcast’s one-year anniversary since its launch in May 2024, reflecting on the journey and thanking listeners for their support. The hosts announce that all episodes now have transcripts and improved show notes to enhance accessibility and discoverability. The episode’s featured phrase is…

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Mind Your Ps and Qs 32:05

5M ago32:05

32:05

Send us a text Discussion Focus: The hosts explore the origin and meaning of the phrase "mind your P's and Q's," sharing theories, personal experiences, and research. Main Theories Discussed: Typesetting/Printing Press Theory: The phrase may have originated from early printing, where printers had to be careful not to confuse the lowercase letters "…

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Narrator Research Behind the Scenes 6:06

5M ago6:06

6:06

Send us a text This clip didn't make the final cut to our previous episode, but now you can get a behind-the-scenes listen to our roundabout and somewhat humorous research on our favorite narrator. --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or f…

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Apt, App, App, App, and Ray Porter 26:40

5M ago26:40

26:40

Send us a text We have an extended conversation on the etymology of the word "apt" as well as three different versions of shortened words that result in "app" (application, appetizer, and appearance). We continue the episode with discussion about the likes and dislikes of when authors self-narrate their own books, and conclude with talking about ou…

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"Argue Less, Talk More" A Discusion on Conversation 36:47

6M ago36:47

36:47

Send us a text We delve into a word related to the recent book titled "The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More" by Jefferson Fisher. That word is "pause". ... You can find that book on Amazon or wherever you buy books. We then discuss a variety of topics related to talking as well as pausing in conversations. Is this just a strategy or does pa…

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The Starter, the Sustainer, and the Closer 26:51

6M ago26:51

26:51

Send us a text We talk about Sturgeon's Law at the start of this episode as it relates to some of the topics covered in last week's episode as well as some of the discussion we continue this week. We build on the (hopefully good) content from last week and discuss the "starter" role versus the "sustainer" role. Maybe there is, or needs to be, a thi…

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Troth, Social Contracts, When To Quit, and more 29:20

6M ago29:20

29:20

Send us a text We begin with a word related to the topic in mind: troth. We discuss the etymology and related words, and discuss our thoughts on commitments, truth, and declarations. Then we delve into how much commitment you need to have things, when is a good time to quit, and the social pressure put on us by unspoken contracts. --- Any views exp…

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Astronauts Have Made Egress From The Spaceship 8:46

6M ago8:46

8:46

Send us a text We have a short discussion about the recent "rescuing" of the astronauts that experienced a much longer trip to space than planned. The word of the episode, "egress", has the definition and origin discussed, since that was one of the technical words used during the live broadcast of the capsule returning to earth. This word has more …

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On the Fly Daylight Savings Time Discussions 33:07

7M ago33:07

33:07

Send us a text We talk about the definition, usage, history, and etymology of the phrase "on the fly", as requested by a listener. Where do you think that phrase came from? See if you're right; there's actually two different prevailing theories on the origin of that phrase. Then we have a conversation on Daylight Savings Time, the impact it has on …

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Encouragement and Endurance 21:23

7M ago21:23

21:23

Send us a text Adam talks about the etymology of two words, encouragement and endurance. Heart and hardness are the two themes. Then, for this special episode, an original sermon from a Scout Service in late 2024 is recited. Finally, some brief thoughts on the need for "softness" versus "hardness" when dealing with life. --- Any views expressed on …

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Operation Mockingbird 28:49

7M ago28:49

28:49

Send us a text We have an unstructured conversation about Operation Mockingbird. But first we talk about the Northern Mockingbird and How to Kill a Mockingbird. Then we dive into the conspiracy theory that the US Government infiltrated large media organizations. Supposedly this project was shut down in the 19070s, but does it continue secretly to t…

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Autolyse, Sour Dough Bread, and Trad Wives 28:58

7M ago28:58

28:58

Send us a text The long awaited sourdough episode is finally here. We talk about autolyse, a word coined by a French chef in regards to baking. Then we talk about our sourdough journey including the validation that Steph found in this endeavor. Finally, we try to determine what women sourdough bakers should call themselves as we discuss both the po…

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Reflections on the Truth and Theories Around the January 2025 Air Disasters 40:16

8M ago40:16

40:16

Send us a text Word of the Episode: Per Se The episode centers on the phrase "per se", often miswritten as one word but correctly written as two ("per se"). The hosts discuss its meaning: "by or in itself; intrinsically." For example, "It is not these facts per se that are important" means the facts themselves aren’t what matter most. The hosts sha…

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NPCs, Neologisms, and the Magic of Human Experience 26:58

8M ago26:58

26:58

Send us a text In episode 44, the hosts begin with light banter about podcast audio issues and reminders for listeners to like, share, and subscribe. They pick up on topics left unfinished from the previous episode, especially the idea of how people see themselves and others in everyday life. Neologism Explained The hosts clarify the meaning of neo…

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Sonder and Realization that All People Have Deep Complex Life Experiences 34:30

8M ago34:30

34:30

Send us a text In episode 43, the hosts discuss the concept of sonder, a neologism coined by John Koenig in 2012 in his blog The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. A word with no etymology per se, the episode unpacks the word’s meaning, origins, and how it applies to daily life. Key Points: Definition and Origin: "Sonder" is defined as the realization …

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Synesthesia - Seeing Colors from Numbers and Shapes 39:57

8M ago39:57

39:57

Send us a text In episode 42, the hosts celebrate a podcast milestone and thank their loyal listeners before diving into the long-awaited topic of synesthesia-a phenomenon where stimulation of one sense involuntarily triggers experiences in another. Key Points: Definition & Etymology: Synesthesia comes from Greek roots: "syn" (together) and "esthes…

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Christmastide, When Will It End? And The Lost Ornaments 44:05

8M ago44:05

44:05

Send us a text In episode 41, recorded in January 2025, the hosts discuss the lingering presence of Christmas in their lives, prompted by one wearing a Christmas sweater well after the holiday. This leads to a deep dive into the word of the episode: Christmastide. Key Points: Christmastide Defined: Christmastide refers to the traditional Christian …

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Icy Conditions Ahead 47:29

9M ago47:29

47:29

Send us a text Word of the Episode: Mawkish The hosts introduce the word mawkish, which neither of them initially knows. They discuss its pronunciation and origins, noting confusion with similar-sounding words like "mockish" or "moccasins." Looking up the word in historical dictionaries, they find that "mawkish" means: Having a faint, sickly, or un…

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Stickler Rule Following in Life and Games 21:41

9M ago21:41

21:41

Send us a text Word of the Episode: Stickler The episode’s focus is the word "stickler", which historically comes from Old and Middle English, meaning an umpire or someone who sets things in order. Today, it refers to a person who insists on strict adherence to rules or certain standards. The hosts note that while "stickler" often has a negative co…

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Kitschy Trip to New York City - Part 2 40:07

9M ago40:07

40:07

Send us a text Episode 38 of "I Hate Talking" features the conclusion of the hosts’ whirlwind, family trip to New York City, with a focus on the word epitome. Word of the Episode: Epitome The hosts discuss the pronunciation and Greek origins of "epitome," explaining it means a perfect example of something or a summary of a larger work. They note th…

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Kitschy Trip to New York City - Part 1 38:22

9M ago38:22

38:22

Send us a text Word of the Episode: Kitschy The hosts discuss the word "kitschy," prompted by a recent family trip where their child asked what it meant. They define "kitschy" as describing objects or art that are in poor taste due to excessive gaudiness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated ironically. Examples include overdone souvenir ite…

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Bonus Content - Blessed Family Song 2:51

10M ago2:51

2:51

Send us a text Enjoy the song mentioned in the main episode as bonus content! --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.…

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Money Laundering and Song Production 34:54

10M ago34:54

34:54

Send us a text In episode 36, the hosts focus on the word "launder", exploring its etymology, meanings, and a personal story that inspired the topic. Key Points: Not About Synesthesia, Sourdough, or Keto: The hosts clarify this episode will not cover previously considered topics like synesthesia, sourdough, or keto diets, though they briefly mentio…

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Neophilia, The Love of All Things New 32:13

10M ago32:13

32:13

Send us a text In episode 35, the hosts introduce and explore the word neophilia, which means "love of the new." They explain that while the term isn’t widely used in English, it is constructed from Greek roots-philia (brotherly love or affinity) and neo (new). The discussion clarifies that philia words (like audiophile, bibliophile, cinephile) are…

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Happy Thanksgiving Mic Test 1:40

10M ago1:40

1:40

Send us a text Thanksgiving Day is not a good day to release a podcast episode (now we know for next time)! We've shuffled some episodes around, and in the meantime you can enjoy this Mic Test from our archives, from a time before we recorded any episodes at all. --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for enter…

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Under the Auspices of I Hate Talking, a New Podcast Appears 33:04

10M ago33:04

33:04

Send us a text Find the new podcast here: Nature Facts with Dark A. In episode 34, the hosts announce a new podcast called Nature Facts with Dark A, created by a young science enthusiast nicknamed Dark A. This child has been passionate about science from infancy, impressing adults with his knowledge of the solar system, dinosaurs, animals, and geog…

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Bonus Behind the Scenes Terroir Content 3:14

11M ago3:14

3:14

Send us a text In this lighthearted bonus content, the hosts test their recording equipment and joke about the possibility of receiving live questions from listeners, despite not being famous or broadcasting live. They discuss the idea of doing a live episode in the future and humorously consider whether anyone might be spying on them or contacting…