Vernacular
By Vernacular
VernacularJul 09, 2018
Helping Families Flourish, Part 2 of 3
Today we're continuing our collaboration between the Vernacular Podcast Network and The Center for Public Justice (CPJ). What's this partnership all about? You can read (and hear!) more in Part 1, but the gist of it is that we’re teaming up with the people behind the Families Valued initiative to talk about the struggles that modern families face and to learn how we can better support families through private enterprise, charitable initiatives, and public policy.
In this second episode in our three-part series, we sit down with Rachel Anderson, Resident Fellow of CPJ and the director of Families Valued. We talk with Rachel about the sources of stress for today's families, including the shift from home-based economies to economy-driven homes, parents working outside of the home, and our loss of work's proper place in our lives.
For more information, reach out to us at zacandsally@vernacularpodcast.com, head to vernacularpodcast.com, or visit familiesvalued.org. To support us, visit patreon.com/vernacular.
Our music: “Laugh and Cry” (intro); “Heroine Queen” (outro)
Helping Families Flourish, Part 1: A Vernacular Podcast Network / Center for Public Justice Collaboration
Today on Vernacular, we are announcing (and launching) a three episode collaboration with the Center for Public Justice.
The Center for Public Justice (or CPJ) describes itself as “an independent, nonpartisan organization devoted to policy research and civic education. Working outside the familiar categories of right and left, conservative and liberal, CPJ seeks to help citizens and public officeholders achieve justice.” Last year, CPJ launched the Families Valued initiative, a project that promotes organizational and public policies that better support family life and respect the family responsibilities of all workers.
In this collaboration between The Vernacular Podcast Network and The Center for Public Justice, we’re teaming up with the people behind the Families Valued initiative to talk about the struggles that modern families face and to learn how we can better support families through private enterprise, charitable initiatives, and public policy.
Supporting today’s families is a bipartisan imperative. According to 2018 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans are waiting longer than ever to get married, yet delaying marriage has done nothing to drive down divorce rates. As marriage rates have declined over the past three decades, divorce rates have steadily risen. And while marriages face challenges of permanence, married couples are having fewer children. In a 2013 survey by Pew, only 49% of people listed “having kids” as a main reason for getting married; a summer 2018 Pew survey found that 71% of parents under 50 described themselves as “not likely” to have kids or more kids.
And yet, despite these symptoms of pressure, today’s families overwhelmingly describe family as the primary source of meaning in their life. In a 2017 survey, 69% of adults listed family as a source of meaning in their life--more than double the amount of the next highest answer--career. This is why it’s important for us to find ways to support families. We shouldn’t have an economy that makes it necessary for 82% of parents to work outside of the home. We shouldn’t have to fight for paid parental leave at a majority of private companies. And we shouldn’t make quality healthcare a luxury that parents can’t afford for their children. We need churches, employers, community organizations, courts, and legislatures to support the family at all stages of life. And that’s why we’re happy to announce this collaboration with CPJ’s Families Valued initiative.
For more information, reach out to us at zacandsally@vernacularpodcast.com, head to vernacularpodcast.com, or visit familiesvalued.org. To support us, visit patreon.com/vernacular.
Our music: “Laugh and Cry” (intro); “Heroine Queen” (outro)
Dealing with Difficult People
In an appropriate sequel to our Valentine's Day marriage episode, today we're talking about how to better deal with difficult people. In less than twenty minutes, we talk through four big ideas to help you love the people who give you the hardest time in life:
1. Process externally but not publicly
2. Embrace the humanness of the other
3. Communicate clearly and set boundaries
4. Keep forgiveness front and center
Let us know what you think: Instagram | Twitter | Email
Also: don't miss our sister podcast The Popped Cast, which you can find on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
two peas in a pod(cast): marriage and being human
In this Valentine's Day edition, we answer a listener question from our parenting episode and dive into how marriage can and should enrich our lives and make us more fully human. We talk about how marriage cultivates virtues like patience, self-control, grace, and love, and offer a few suggestions on how you can help your spouse cultivate these virtues.
We talked about Andrew Peterson's Dancing in the Minefields in this episode.
Let us know what you think: Instagram | Twitter | Email
Also: don't miss our sister podcast The Popped Cast, which you can find on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
How our kids make us more human: a conversation on parenting
Here's to parents everywhere. In this episode we tackle the difficult topic of parenting from our limited experience as the parents of three young children. How do our kids make us more human? What do we have to learn from them? How do they help us practice the virtues? What can young parents resolve to do when the start every day anew? If you, like us, are "in the trenches" with young children, know that we are right there with you! If you're an older parent, share some wisdom with us that we can pass on to listeners.
Let us know what you think: Instagram | Twitter | Email
Also: don't miss our sister podcast The Popped Cast, which you can find on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
From the Archives: 46 years after Roe
This episode originally ran on February 4, 2016.
//FROM THE ARCHIVES// On the occasion of the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we examine abortion's legal history in the United States, focusing on the flawed reasoning in SCOTUS decisions and the faulty data on which they have relied, abortion's medical, emotional, and psychological risks to women, the sad reality of sex-selective abortion, Planned Parenthood, and public opinion on the topic in America today. Joining us on this episode are experts from Americans United for Life and the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity.
Donate to: AUL | CBHD | March for Life | Save the Storks | Susan B. Anthony List
more human in 2019: hospitality, books, job searching, counseling, and priorities
We're back for 2019! After a two month hiatus for parental leave, we're back with a discussion on some things that on our mind as we begin the new year. We talk about hospitality goals, books we want to read (and why everyone should read more), work-life synergy, and going to therapy. We'll be back soon with more episodes and are working hard on a great lineup of content for this year!
Let us know what you think: Instagram | Twitter | Email
Also: don't miss our sister podcast The Popped Cast, which you can find on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
more human for the holidays
for the love of the games: sports and being human
You may have never guessed you'd hear an episode about sports on Vernacular, but here it is! We break down four ways in which sports intersect with being human, and end with a recommendation to go play some basketball at your local YMCA. Along the way, we talk about the Greek Olympics, Zac's conflicted feelings about being an NFL fan, and Green Street Hooligans.
why everyone should read more
What does reading have to do with being human? Is it essential to a human life or simply a good idea? Does it matter what we read? Is nonfiction superior to fiction? How can we make sure that we don't simply read things that confirm our worst opinions? We explore all of these questions and more in this episode.
the environment: caring for our common home
Continuing our series on being human, we discuss in this episode what the environment has to do with being human. How should we relate to the environment and strive to protect it while also enjoying it? Do we have a duty to care for the environment, or should it only be a matter of choice?
The Popped Cast Crossover
In this episode, Josh and Maureen Goldman of Vernacular Podcast Network's The Popped Cast join us to talk about their show and what pop culture has to do with being human. We get to know Josh and Maureen and at the end of the show, we put the Goldmans through the paces of one of our lightning rounds, and ask them to make difficult decisions like "Jurassic World or Jurassic Park"?
Listen to The Popped Cast on Apple Podcasts | Overcast | Google Play | PocketCasts | Castbox
more food for thought: we are how we eat
In this episode Margaret Perry, General Manager of the hit D.C. restaurant Kyirisan, joins us to talk about life in the food biz and how food is more than fuel. Margaret gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes of Restaurant Week, talks about communal liturgies surrounding food preparation and consumption, and discusses food as a basis of culture.
food for thought: a pastry chef dishes on bread and life
In this episode Lara Ryd of Rough Draft joins us to talk about what baking and food preparation has to do with being human. We discuss food preparation as art, manual and intellectual pursuits, liberal arts and mechanical arts, and quasi-spiritual culinary experiences.
Check out Lara's article, "On Baking and Being Human," for more!
show me the money!
Here's a riddle: What doesn't grow on trees, is piled high but never high enough, and governs many--perhaps most--of the choices that humans make? Although you may have thought the answer was chocolate, it's actually money. And in this episode, Zac and Sally discuss three ways in which we can understand the intersection of money and being human--namely, the behaviors money dictates, the social interactions it enables, and its sheer ubiquity.
Zac and Sally also offer some practical ways in which they have jointly decided to use their money.
(Disclaimer: This episode is *not* financial advice, but we do encourage you to speak with a licensed financial advisor about your unique situation!)
disability and body diversity
In this episode we sit down with Miriel Thomas Reneau to talk about what disability has to do with living a truly human life. Miriel, as the parent of a disabled child, shares a bit of that experience with us as we talk about unfair parental expectations, the social model of disability, respecting body diversity, and raising our children to understand that different doesn't mean worse. Let us know what you think!
Some books that may be of interest: Ava's Spectacular Spectacles, by Alice Rex & Angela Perrini. 47 Strings: Tessa's Special Code, by Becky Carey, illustrated by Bonnie Leick. Don't Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability, by Pat Thomas. Zoom, by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko. Susan Laughs, by Jean Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross. Henny, by Elizabeth Rose Stanton. Hello Goodbye Dog, by Maria Gianferrariconveying humanity through film
In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Chandler Ryd to talk about his latest project, Into the Plains. Along the way, we ask Chandler about the task of the filmmaker in conveying truth through the lens of experience, and get his thoughts on the effect of YouTube and Instagram on modern filmmaking.
bonus episode: the popped cast!
For this week's Vernacular, we're cross-posting from the newest show on the Vernacular Podcast Network! It's episode three of The Popped Cast, featuring Josh and Maureen Goldman, who talk weird celebrity baby names (after Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV's Fixer Upper named their new baby boy "Crew" ), Johnny Depp's recent struggles, Roseanne without Roseanne, and celebrity commencement speeches as this year's graduations finally wrap up.
Email Josh and Maureen at thepoppedcast@vernacularpodcast.com!
Subscribe to the Popped Cast on Apple Podcasts | Google Play
living immediately
Golfing in the Dark (Part 2)
In part two of this special Father's Day episode from 3rd String Podcast, Zac (@ZacCrippen), Pete Laclede (@Pete_Laclede), and Josh Goldman (@GoldmanStandard) talk about the defining biography of Tiger Woods and the lessons that fathers everywhere can draw from it. Also be sure to check out Zac's longform piece on Tiger Woods, Golfing in the Dark
Don't miss the Vernacular Podcast Network's newest show, The Popped Cast, launching later this month! Josh and Maureen Goldman host this pop culture addition to the Vernacular lexicon.
Golfing in the Dark: Tiger Woods and Fatherhood
In part one of this special Father's Day episode from 3rd String Podcast, Zac (@ZacCrippen), Pete Laclede (@Pete_Laclede), and Josh Goldman (@GoldmanStandard) talk about the defining biography of Tiger Woods and the lessons that fathers everywhere can draw from it. Also be sure to check out Zac's longform piece on Tiger Woods, Golfing in the Dark
Don't miss the Vernacular Podcast Network's newest show, The Popped Cast, launching later this month! Josh and Maureen Goldman host this pop culture addition to the Vernacular lexicon.
the necessity of suffering
"the crown" season 2: it's still not easy being queen
bonus episode: a patreon lightning round + zac & sally chat
why not immortality?
the stages and shape of a human life
embodied souls and ensouled bodies
travel, mental health, and being human
the end of medicine
a truly human science
beauty in imperfection
announcing a new vernacular!
45 Years Since Roe: Abortion in America
everyone needs a therapist
We ring in the new year with a conversation about mental health and self care with Julia Hogan, a License Clinical Professional Counselor, psychotherapist, speaker, and writer. Julia chats with us about the value of therapy, the ubiquity of mental health challenges (especially in younger generations), and the importance of prioritizing self care. As you head into 2018, hopefully you can gain some insights from this conversation! For more of Julia's work, you can check out
christmas greetings from poland
In this very special and spontaneous episode of Vernacular, we call listener Pawel from Poland and get to hear all about Polish Christmas traditions. He also shares how he met his American wife and we give him an abbreviated lightning round. We hope you enjoy this mini episode as you prepare for Christmas--all twelve days of it! A very merry Christmas from us here at Vernacular!
an upside-down christmas
Netflix
In this episode we talk with filmmaker Chandler Ryd and film enthusiast Lara Forsythe about seasons one and two of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. We dissect our favorite characters, examine differences between seasons one and two, question the Duffer brothers' vision for the future of the series, and share our favorite fan theories and predictions. Spoilers abound, so if you haven't seen the show, go watch it and then come back to listen!
stronger is always better
In this episode, we sit down with recurring guest Nathan Seibt to talk about his recovery from a horrific automobile accident and how strength training has aided this process. You can check out more about strength training through resources like Starting Strength, and it's never too late to begin! For more of the backstory on Nathan and his family's car accident, check out episodes 9 and 38 of Vernacular.
it's not easy being queen
Photo Credit: Netflix
In this episode, we sit down with contributors Jordan and Catherine Short to discuss season 1 of Netflix's The Crown, in advance of season 2's release later this week. Among our questions, we ask whether or not we would be willing to accept "the crown" if it were offered to us, Elizabeth II's preparation for her role as queen, the director's portrayal of Church
the one where we talk about unintended pregnancy, rock climbing, and mental health
In this episode, we interview Zac's brother Schuyler and our sister-in-law Noelle about their passions. Noelle, an emergency room physician assistant by day, shares about her part-time work at a local pregnancy care center, why she hasn't always called herself "pro-life" and the ways in which we can support women who find themselves unintentionally pregnant. Schuyler, a consultant by day, shares about his love of rock climbing, why everyone should give it a try, and how it helps him combat his mental health struggles.
the one about home for the holidays
In this episode of Vernacular, we continue the theme of home that we introduced in episode 68. Perennial contributors Catherine and Jordan Short return to discuss how to make a house feel like home during the holidays (without going overboard!). We chat traditions, decor, and music and share both our positive and negative "sense memories" of the holidays. Zac reveals our "
the one where we talk about how to make a haus a home
In episode 68 we talk to Mary and Cody Strecker about life abroad in Germany, how moving a lot has strengthened their family, the challenges (and joys!) of creating a home when their home keeps changing, and the importance of enjoying the great outdoors. We close with a lightning round that features bratwurst and schnitzel. If you like this conversation, be sure to follow Mary on Instagram!
***bonus episode*** Announcing 3rd String, the newest Vernacular podcast!
Several weeks ago, we announced the launch of 3rd String, a new podcast from Vernacular. We're in full swing now, and wanted to take the opportunity to release a full episode here on the Vernacular feed. In the 5th full episode, Pete Laclede and Zac break down game 7 of the World Series, talk about George Springer’s MVP performance in the whole series, and discuss the new College Football Playoff Committee rankings, Lane Kiffin’s Twitter antics, why the
the one where we talk with a vintage watch expert
In episode 6 of season 7, we chat with Eric Wind, a vintage watch specialist who recently left Christie's Auction House to start Wind Vintage, an independent vintage watch dealer. Eric chats with us about the formative role that wristwatches played in his childhood, how he turned a hobby into a career, and the unique (and surprising) history of wristw
the one where we talk about city planning and the 24/7 news cycle
In episode 5 of season 7, we bring contributor Elena on the show as our first-ever guest host. We chat about Google's founders planning a city, whether we can really live without iMessage, and the minimal media coverage of
From the Archives: 'the one where we talk to a former Googler and current Uber-er' (s4e6)
While we are off gallivanting in California, we thought you might enjoy this episode from the Vernacular archives! It's a conversation with ex-Googler Steffi Bryson, now working for Uber, about the internet age and the security and privacy issues it creates. We also talk about what it's like to work at Google. It's a great conversation we're pretty sure you don't want to miss!
two nights at the round table because zac forgot to hit 'record'
A scene from Taylor Swift's latest music video
In this installment, we talk with contributors Will Brian and Miriel Reneau about Taylor Swift's new single, Look What You Made Me Do, a federal judge's efforts to get women and minorities more involved in h
the one where we talk about CRISPR
In episode 2 of season 7, we interview Dr. William Hurlbut, a Stanford medical doctor and bioethicist, about the pros and cons of CRISPR-Cas9, a targeted DNA editing tool. He also tells us about his
the one where we start something new
In the very first episode of season 7, we announce the launch of our new sports podcast 3rd String, hosted by Zac and Vernacular contributor Ishan Nath, and we bring long-time listener Nathan Seibt back on for a lightning round. We also discuss recent developments in the tech world and share what we are up to lately.
the one where we talk about drinking wine under the eclipsed tuscan sun
In the final episode of season six, we sit down with contributor Margaret Perry, General Manager of Kyirisan, to talk about food that we should be on the lookout for this time of year. Margaret and Sally celebrate the bounty of late summer produce, and Margaret shares with us some excellent reading suggestions on food and wine, including
the one where we talk about the future
In episode 9, we bring back "The Professor" (our contributor Will Brian) to chat with us about physicist Michio Kaku's book "Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives in the Year 2100." Will shares his own opinions and also responds to criticisms of the book. We cover everything from