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Vernacular

Vernacular

By Vernacular

Vernacular explores what it means to fully embrace our humanity. It's not a philosophy podcast. Nor is it simply a lifestyle podcast. It's a little bit of both, but not really either. It's music reviews and movie previews, sports forecasts and food recipes, philosophizing on the nature of knowledge and prognosticating on the future of science. Learn more at vernacularpodcast.com/episodes.
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VernacularSep 04, 2015

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01:03:07
Helping Families Flourish, Part 2 of 3

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)

Mar 20, 201921:50
Helping Families Flourish, Part 1: A Vernacular Podcast Network / Center for Public Justice Collaboration

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)

Mar 14, 201923:42
Dealing with Difficult People

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. 

Feb 27, 201917:42
two peas in a pod(cast): marriage and being human
Feb 12, 201919:45
How our kids make us more human: a conversation on parenting
Feb 03, 201920:18
From the Archives: 46 years after Roe
Jan 22, 201901:08:36
more human in 2019: hospitality, books, job searching, counseling, and priorities
Jan 18, 201918:53
more human for the holidays
Nov 06, 201820:56
for the love of the games: sports and being human
Oct 23, 201823:04
why everyone should read more
Oct 08, 201822:09
the environment: caring for our common home
Sep 24, 201820:56
The Popped Cast Crossover
Sep 10, 201825:25
more food for thought: we are how we eat

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. 

Aug 27, 201823:53
food for thought: a pastry chef dishes on bread and life

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!

 

Aug 20, 201821:57
show me the money!

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!)

Aug 09, 201822:38
disability and body diversity

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 Gianferrari
Jul 23, 201830:53
conveying humanity through film

conveying 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. 

Jul 09, 201821:39
bonus episode: the popped cast!
Jul 02, 201834:52
living immediately

living immediately

In episode 86 of Vernacular, we discuss yet another essential aspect of being human: living immediately. We unpack the concept, give a defense of why it is essential to a truly human life, consider the numerous challenges that modern life poses to the goal of living immediately, and address possible objections. We share some of the ways we have personally found it difficult to live immediately and the steps we've taken to start to overcome those difficulties. Let us know your thoughts and what you do to live immediately in your own life!
Jun 25, 201823:05
Golfing in the Dark (Part 2)

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.

Jun 15, 201836:05
Golfing in the Dark: Tiger Woods and Fatherhood

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.

Jun 15, 201836:38
the necessity of suffering

the necessity of suffering

Why is suffering important for our understanding of what it means to be human? Would a life devoid of suffering be a life without meaning? Can our suffering be redeemed? In the latest episode, we examine all of these questions and more, arguing that suffering--just like mortality--is essential to being human.
Jun 04, 201820:23
"the crown" season 2: it's still not easy being queen

"the crown" season 2: it's still not easy being queen

In the latest episode of Vernacular, Zac and Sally talk to Catherine (@ashortblonde) and Jordan (@JordanDShort) Short about season two of The Crown, why it's the best show on television today, its portrayal of marriage, and the power of its wordless scenes. To hear our season one discussion from last year, "it's not easy being queen," head here. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
May 21, 201844:29
bonus episode: a patreon lightning round + zac & sally chat

bonus episode: a patreon lightning round + zac & sally chat

In this episode of Vernacular, we take a break from our regularly scheduled programming to talk to contributor/listener/Patreon supporter Joshua de Gastyne and put him through the paces of our lightning round. Then we talk about what books, movies, podcasts, and food that we've been enjoying lately.
May 14, 201828:41
why not immortality?

why not immortality?

In this episode, we discuss the attraction and hope of immortality: a life without death and possibly a life without aging and the suffering that accompanies aging. For the sake of this conversation, we assume that eventually medical technology will make immortality an option for people. So we ask and answer Leon Kass' question: why not immortality? The costs of immorality (the Justice Cost, Personal Cost, and Intergenerational Cost) are such that an immortal life is no longer a truly human life. Ultimately, we conclude that immortality is not compatible with a truly human life, would instead rob us of our humanity, and would not fulfill our deepest human desires.
May 07, 201820:57
the stages and shape of a human life

the stages and shape of a human life

In episode 82, we discuss the stages and span of a human life. What are those stages? Do we see and experience them as discrete units on a timeline? Or is there an overall shape to the human lifecycle that all people share and that gives it meaning as a whole? We argue for the latter view and also share our favorite/least favorite life stages. Finally, we address possible objections to the shape view. Stay tuned for the next episode when we take this conversation a step further and discuss aging, death, and immortality.
Apr 23, 201821:14
embodied souls and ensouled bodies

embodied souls and ensouled bodies

In this episode of Vernacular, we discuss the question: what is a human person? Are we pure soul? Spirit? Mind? Just a body? We describe the human person as a union of soul and body--an embodied soul and an ensouled body--in which both elements are good. Then we identify competing ideas and misconceptions about the nature of the human person. Finally we explore our experience of embodiment and how embodiment should impact how we treat ourselves and others. If you enjoyed this discussion, we recommend Gilbert Meilaender's book "Neither Beast Nor God."
Apr 08, 201821:05
travel, mental health, and being human

travel, mental health, and being human

In this episode, we chat with Tsh Oxenreider about mental health and how travel can help us be more fully human. Tsh is an Austin, TX native, podcaster (creator and host of The Simple Show and Women's Work), author, entrepreneur, wife, and mom who traveled with her family of five around the world to 30 countries in 9 months. We end the show with a lightning round and Tsh gives us her take on Austin. If you enjoy this conversation, we recommend you check out The Simple Show archives for more travel tips, especially episodes 117-120, 68-72, and 34-37.
Mar 26, 201826:36
the end of medicine

the end of medicine

In this third installment of our series on the art of being human, we discuss the end (or purpose) of medicine. What should medicine aim to do? What does it mean to be a healthy human person? We also answer a listener question about science and the space race, and talk about why we're not gnostic. If you like this episode, be sure to read Leon Kass' 1975 article, "Regarding the End of Medicine and the Pursuit of Health."
Mar 11, 201819:59
a truly human science

a truly human science

In episode 78, the second in our series on the art of being human, we discuss the relationship between science or scientific pursuits and what it means to be human. Instead, we spend this episode answering two questions: what are the possible aims of a scientific project and which of those aims comport with what it means to be human--which of them are "truly human" aims? Once again, all in under 20 minutes!
Feb 25, 201818:19
beauty in imperfection

beauty in imperfection

We discuss the fact that all human beings fall short of perfection and yet we want to be perfect in some or all areas of our lives. What does it mean to live a fully human life and accept imperfection? How do we balance a desire to better ourselves with the importance of finding genuine contentment with our failures and possibly even celebrating our imperfections? We relate these questions to a short story, movie, and book as well as real life--all in under 20 minutes!
Feb 12, 201819:09
announcing a new vernacular!

announcing a new vernacular!

In this episode, we introduce our plans for the new Vernacular Podcast, which will air every other week going forward. Then we chat about why you shouldn't make New Year's "resolutions" and share things we want to carry over from 2017 and things we want to do differently in 2018. We will be back in two weeks with a new episode exploring a topic and how it relates to what it means to be human.
Jan 29, 201816:39
45 Years Since Roe: Abortion in America

45 Years Since Roe: Abortion in America

To commemorate the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we're re-airing this episode from our second season, in which we examine abortion's legal history in the United States, focusing on the flawed reasoning in Supreme Court decisions and the faulty data on which the justices have relied, abortion's medical, emotional, and psychological risks to women, sex-selective abortion, Planned Parenthood, and public opinion on the topic in America today.
Jan 21, 201801:10:24
everyone needs a therapist

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

Jan 02, 201831:44
christmas greetings from poland

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!

Dec 23, 201721:31
an upside-down christmas

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! 

Dec 21, 201742:28
stronger is always better
Dec 14, 201725:46
it's not easy being queen

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

Dec 06, 201751:38
the one where we talk about unintended pregnancy, rock climbing, and mental health

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. 

Nov 28, 201732:20
the one about home for the holidays

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 "

Nov 22, 201730:52
the one where we talk about how to make a haus a home
Nov 14, 201737:23
***bonus episode*** Announcing 3rd String, the newest Vernacular podcast!

***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

Nov 07, 201756:21
the one where we talk with a vintage watch expert

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

Nov 01, 201747:22
the one where we talk about city planning and the 24/7 news cycle

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

Oct 24, 201751:06
From the Archives: 'the one where we talk to a former Googler and current Uber-er' (s4e6)

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!

Oct 10, 201740:23
two nights at the round table because zac forgot to hit 'record'
Oct 04, 201748:32
the one where we talk about CRISPR

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

Sep 26, 201735:17
the one where we start something new
Sep 19, 201743:06
the one where we talk about drinking wine under the eclipsed tuscan sun

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

Aug 25, 201737:51
the one where we talk about the future

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

Aug 15, 201737:10