Smart Drivel
"Two intelligent gents accidentally teaching the masses about history, etymology and everything in-between! You'll laugh and learn, and come out with some smart drivel to take to your next party (virtual or otherwise)!"
Recent Episodes
18
Oct. 12, 2026
S2E18: The Can Opener for Life
We are curious folk, us humans. We live in a disposable society, yet there are some purchases we make early on that we keep forever. When was the last time you bought a new can opener? Fondue set? Or, let’s get a little existential…when was the last time you changed your hairstyle? Your religion? We tend toward the “set it and forget it” mentality with some purchases or traits when others we change out on a whim. Join Jon and Kurt as they plumb the depths of this uniquely human affectation.
17
Sept. 28, 2026
S2E17: Gerrymandered
What does finding out which country has Sweden in their national anthem (hint: it is not Sweden), what the name is for the little bumps on a raspberry, and discussing if we now know too much about our medical conditions for our own good have in common? Why it is another episode of Smart Drivel. Buckle up and let's go..
16
Sept. 14, 2026
S2E16: Do You Really Understand That?
From wine to modern art to the game of cricket, we humans seem to pretend we know what is going on when we generally have no idea. Can you really taste the hint of old leather laced with blackberries from the north side of the slope? Do you really know what Discounted Cash Flow means? Yet, we all become “the great pretender” and nod our heads when in discussion about these topics. Jon and Kurt confess what they pretend to know while also discussing other examples–how does ibuprofen know to go to
15
Aug. 31, 2026
S2E15: Little Design Fails
Design is a fantastic aspect of everyday life. When it is “on”, it beautifully blends art and practicality, form and function. And yet, there are many examples of when an added element or a slightly flawed decision results in a product that just doesn’t work. Jon and Kurt provide illustration and commentary on some of these head scratching cases. Like, really, do we really need button fly pants after the almighty zipper was invented?
14
Aug. 17, 2026
S2E14: Parenting Then and Now
For those of us who grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s as part of the latch-key kid phenomenon, our parents practiced what we currently call “benign neglect” in raising us. We, as parents ourselves, flipped the switch completely into a “constant surveillance” mode of parenting. Jon and Kurt delve deeply into the differences between the two, the potential reasons why parenting has changed so much, and how things may or may not change in the future. After all, there has been a seismic shift: “You’re bor
13
July 20, 2026
S2E13: 10,000 Steps and Other Lies
There we are, going through our day, doing things we feel are part of being human, or good for us, or scientifically proven to better our lives. And then we discover that all these things we are doing were foisted upon us by marketers. That’s right, our routines and habits are manufactured by advertising with the sole purpose of selling more products. Eight hours of sleep every night? Mattress company campaign. Lather, rinse, repeat? Yup, shampoo companies. Orange juice for breakfast? That too.
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