Water Cooler Talk Podcast
by Adam William
Water Cooler Talk is an conversation-based comedy news podcast that strives to connect the world in conversation through the strangest, the weirdest, the quirkiest, most bizarre and most unbelievable real-life news stories the world has to offer.
Episodes
-
Language Of Music w/ Cole Williams
Joined by guest host, Cole Williams (28:36), multitalented musician and dedicated community organizer, Adam and Cole explore alternate histories where Alicia Keys isn’t human and doesn’t make mistakes, the significance of recognizing both the strengths and weakness within one’s community, and...
-
Perception Diagnosis w/ Dr. Elaine Schattner
Joined by guest host, Dr. Elaine Schattner (29:35), cancer survivor, former oncologist, and author of “From Whispers To Shouts: The Way We Talk About Cancer”, Adam and Elaine discuss how Hollywood distorts patients’ fears surrounding diagnoses, the profound influence of advocacy groups for early...
-
Nuanced Sports Takes w/ Adam L. Spencer
Joined by guest host Adam L. Spencer (36:30), sports agent and consultant at Spencer Group International, the Adam’s discuss reasons behind the waning appeal of hosting major international event like the Olympics and World Cup, the transformative impact of NIL deals on sports markets, and the...
-
Rehyrdate: Medication Harm
Original Air Date: November 17th, 2020 Joined by special guest host Mika Pollack, executive director at Safest Drug (24:45), Adam and Mika discuss how illegal prescription drugs are being found in brain boosting supplements (02:40) and if medical tourism is the answer to rising prescription drug...
-
Rehydrate: The Power Of Imagination
Original Air Date: August 25th, 2020 Joined by special guest host Felipe De Brigard (19:56), Adam and Felipe discuss nostalgia and why we enjoy the same things over and over again (05:54) and how Little Red Riding Hood packing heat is allowing our government to re-write history (29:34).…
more -
Anime-tized Algorithm w/ Matt Alt
Joined by guest host Matt Alt (30:46), author of “Pure Invention: How Japan Made The Modern World”, Adam and Matt explore the dynamics that have propelled anime and other Japanese-inspired content to the forefront in the Western hemisphere, how innovations like the Walkman and Game Boy reshaped…
more -
Conceptual Truths w/ Mark Reiff
Joined by guest host Mark Reiff (42:38), a political philosopher at UC Davis, Adam and Mark ponder the potential of Taylor Swift fans to thwart the rise of anti-establishment politicians, particular those fond of leather jackets and chainsaws, explore within the domain of political perfectionism,...
-
Best Of 2023
Before we officially head into 2024, we revisit our five favorite stories from 2023. Enjoy! [Episode Stories] Ed Sheeran Threatens To Quit Music If Found Guilty In Copyright Infringement Case Asia’s ‘Influencer Farms’ Are Dystopian, But American Isn’t Much Better Black Student Suspended Twice For...
-
Soprano Responsibility w/ Lizzie Wade
Joined by guest host Lizzie Wade (33:51), contributing correspondent for Science magazine, Adam and Lizzie engage in a conversation about the significance of native languages when writing their history, the aftermath of living through a catastrophe, and blaming the British Empire for climate…
more -
Rabble Rousers w/ Dr. Nicole Cooke
Joined by guest host Dr. Nicole Cooke (38:22), current holder of the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and professor at the University of South Carolina, Adam and Nicole discuss the implications of banning books in prisons, the importance of free libraries, and illuminate the need to keep teachers…
more -
Frankenstein History w/ Hajar Yazdiha
Joined by guest host Hajar Yazdiha, Assistant Professor of Sociology and author of “The Struggle For The People’s King” (27:44), Adam and Hajar converse over inclusive language, and its impact on space-themed RPGs, the misremembered legacy of Martin Luther King Jr, and self-expression through...
-
Authen’tings’ity w/ Lucey Dwyer
Joined by guest host Lucey Dwyer of Learning Tings (28:07), Adam and Lucey dive into the depths of what is and isn’t true on the internet; how Barbie, Shrek, and meme marketing have ironically reshaped the advertisement industry, and why para-social relationships may not be as detrimental as once...
-
So Can I w/ Maya Ford
Joined by guest host Maya Ford, cultural communications expert behind Ford Momentum (35:04), Adam and Maya explore strained relationships between municipalities and their residents, as well as the rather unconventional links that demonstrate how activities such as pickleball and discussing Avatar...
-
Fowl Friendship w/ Dr. Mark Williams
Joined by guest host Dr. Mark Williams, esteemed neuroscience educator and author behind the bestseller “The Connected Species” (28:15), Adam and Mark discuss the profound significance of personal connection in nurturing healthy brains, exploring the effects of phone use during conversations, and...
-
Bad To Mad w/ Marie Nicolini
Joined by guest host Dr. Marie Nicolini, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Neurosurgery and Neurosciences at UT Southwestern (30:11), Adam and Marie dive into the world of end of life care, expanding upon the intricacies of treatments, processes, and stigma that surrounds these crucial...
-
Walkable World w/ Antonia Malchik
Joined by guest host Antonia Malchik, essayist and author of the book “A Walking Life” (42:47), Adam and Antonia discuss the profound impact the pioneers of the auto industry had on our walking world and how short-sighted decisions from modern day politicians mirror the historical exploitation of...
-
Born Full w/ Terry Tucker
Joined by guest host Terry Tucker, founder of Motivational Check and author of “Sustainable Excellence” (29:37), Adam and Terry converse over the importance of challenging your beliefs through uncomfortable conversations and why yelling at Little League players may not contribute to healthy...
-
Art Of Tones w/ Roger Mathew Grant
Joined by guest host Roger Mathew Grant, Professor of Music, and Dean of Arts and Humanities at Wesleyan University (23:07), Adam and Roger explore the evolution of music since the “reality show ready” era of the composers of the 18th century and how classical vibrations may dissuade Wrexham...
-
AskGPT w/ John Basl
Joined by John Basl, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Northeastern University (29:09), Adam and John embark on a captivating conversation around the ever-evolving and shifting landscape of technology due to the meteoric rise of AI and language model tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s...
-
Sensitive Cabbage w/ Lya Badgley
Joined by guest Lya Badgley, author of “The Foreigner’s Confession” (33:50), Adam and Lya offer insights into the impact of climate on sensitive vegetables as well as the rise of AI and its implications for creativity. First, Adam and Lya delve into the effects of climate change on kimchi by...
-
Courageous Animal w/ Frank Forencich
Joined by Frank Forencich, founder and advocate behind Exuberant Animal (31:09), Adam and Frank dive into though-provoking stories that shed light on the interconnectedness of food, health, and society. First, Adam and Frank explore the surprisingly true revelation that the salmon on our plate…
more -
Dating Differently w/ Taly Matiteyahu
Joined by guest host Taly Matiteyahu, co-founder and CEO of Blink Date (27:09), Adam and Taly discuss the influx of niche dating apps that have fundamentally changed modern dating (01:46) and how you can better charm a potential partner with your personality while stuck in COVID lockdown together...
-
Do You Have Space w/ Katya Lovejoy
Joined by guest host Katya Lovejoy (24:02), Adam and Katya discuss the importance of pardons being granted to European women who were accused of witchcraft 300 years ago (01:40) and how the term “hysteria” has kept women, such as Britney Spears, from being actively listened to in the medical…
more -
Best Of 2021
Before we officially head into 2022, we revisit our five favorite stories from 2021. Stories include: the implications of Canada’s Bill C-10 on regulating internet cat videos (03:43), how critical race theory is re-washing America’s past (24:05), the importance of understanding how animals...
-
Word Of Mouth w/ Beth Fossen
Joined by guest host Professor Beth Fossen (20:31), Adam and Beth discuss the pros and cons of Facebook’s influence on our world (02:50) and how the adoption of technology in our everyday life has changed the way companies market to consumers (33:20). Enjoy! Learn more about Beth’s charity of...
-
Elephant Fight Club w/ Susana Monsó
Joined by guest host Susana Monsó (15:43), Adam and Susana discuss the issue of how human exceptionalism impacts our relationships with animals (04:03) and the importance of understanding how animals comprehend morality separate from humans (22:43). Enjoy! Learn more about Susana’s charity of...
-
Ocean Deserts w/ Xubin Zeng
Joined by guest host Professor Xubin Zeng (18:37), Adam and Professor Zeng discuss the science behind zapping rain clouds with laser beams to make rain (02:42) and how attribution science is being used to study how climate change is impacting extreme weather events (35:01). Enjoy! Learn more…
more -
Replication Crisis w/ Joe Gough
Joined by guest host Joe Gough (32:20), Adam and Joe discuss if the marshmallow test is still legitimate and if it can assess animal intelligence (10:12) and how the long-term impact of solitary confinement on the brain is finally being discussed on the global stage (45:46). Enjoy! Learn more…
more -
Forest Bathing w/ Hiking Thru Life
Joined by guest host Sarah Kermode of Hiking Thru Life Podcast (15:12), Adam and Sarah discuss the Icelandic Forest Service giving out advice to take 5 minutes to hug a tree (02:54) and why trusting a rope from a hiking trail 7 years ago might not be a wise decision (27:59). Enjoy! Learn more…
more -
Pay Me w/ John Holden
Joined by guest host John Holden (21:37), Adam and John discuss if the relative ease of sports betting in the US will impact the future of ethical competition (02:15) and how new laws surrounding paying student-athletes can allow players to capitalize on their best earning years (28:38). Enjoy!...
-
Slippery Slope w/ Macy Ramos
Joined by guest host Macy Ramos (23:48), Adam and Macy discuss the legal lawsuit taken by the naked baby on the cover of Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ album (03:24) and how OnlyFans’ sexually explicit content “flip-flop” mostly hurt the creators who allowed OnlyFans to have its platform (39:01). Enjoy!...
-
Different Strokes w/ Jeff Abraham
Joined by guest host Jeff Abraham (22:37), Adam and Jeff discuss if children should watch a cartoon about the world’s longest penis (03:53) and how China’s switch towards “war hero” masculinity might impact societies view of what it means to be a modern man (29:19). Enjoy! [News Story] Danish…
more -
Critical Location Theory w/ Natasha Sohni
Joined by guest host Natasha Sohni (30:46), Adam and Natasha discuss building friendships across political lines (03:34) and how critical race theory is re-washing America’s past (50:46). Enjoy! Learn more about Natasha’s charity of choice, Khalsa Aid. “Khalsa Aid is an international NGO with the...
-
Privacy Paradox w/ Jake Teeny
Joined (for a 2nd time) by guest host Jake Teeny (28:39), Adam and Jake discuss the current hullabaloo surrounding the misinformation associated with the origins of COVID-19 (04:23) and what the latest patent approval by Spotify could mean for the future of playlist recommendations (34:44).…
more -
Leaders Of Tomorrow w/ Harriet Hunt
Joined by guest host Harriet Hunt (12:44), Adam and Harriet discuss younger generations taking on the challenges of exploring space (04:04) and how the Swiss are taking on space junk (22:34). Enjoy! Learn more about Harriet’s charity of choice, Stand.Earth. “Stand challenges corporations and...
-
Better Conversations w/ Daniel Proussalidis
Joined by guest host Daniel Proussalidis of The Long Way (23:20), Adam and Daniel discuss the implications of Canada’s Bill C-10 on regulating internet cat videos (02:58) and how China’s preparation for their 100th year party celebration is a cause for free speech concern (34:01). The Long Way...
-
Meatless Meat w/ Ray Chmielecki
Joined by guest host Ray Chmielecki of Spoon Mob (20:03), Adam and Ray discuss the ethical dilemma of the convenience of delivery apps vs supporting local restaurants (06:25) and how McDonald’s McPlant burger could carve a new path for how we consume beef (35:06). Spoon Mob teaser (71:03). Enjoy!...
-
Potato Head Universe w/ If These Ovaries Could Talk
Joined by guest host Robin and Jaimie of If These Ovaries Could Talk (25:16); Adam, Robin and Jaimie discuss the ridiculousness of being outraged over a potato (03:22) and if schools should be able to expel kids because of a crush (39:40). Corrections (62:36). If These Ovaries Could Talk Teaser...
-
Doomsday Clock w/ Impolite Society
Joined by guest hosts Laura and Rachel of Impolite Society Podcast (20:46); Adam, Laura and Rachel discuss saving Earth by sending sperm samples to the moon (02:14) and how idleness has defined a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic (29:29). Corrections (58:17). Impolite Society Clip (63:05). Enjoy! Learn...
-
Discontinued Sweets w/ Stu Horgan
Joined by guest host Stu Horgan of Highly Irregular (23:03), Adam and Stu discuss the outcry over discontinued cereal in Canada (02:52) and the sudden rise of NFTs in the digital landscape (36:48). Corrections (58:45). Enjoy! Learn more about Stu’s charity of choice, White Ribbon UK. “Our mission...
-
Offensive Words w/ Spencer Parks
Joined by guest host Spencer Parks of The Dictionary (21:02), Adam and Spencer discuss the influence of Urban Dictionary and Wikipedia on the future of AI technology (04:09) and if saying offensive words to the police should land you in cuffs (32:46). The Dictionary Clip (70:31). Corrections...
-
Movement Sympathies w/ Kensy Cooperrider
Joined by guest host Kensy Cooperrider (24:12), Adam and Kensy discuss if being bilingual can be beneficial when dealing with pain (03:31) and how the “OK” symbol could have become a dog whistle for white supremacy (28:16). Corrections (61:01). Enjoy! Learn more about Kensy’s charity of choice…
more -
The Prestigious Man w/ Avik Das
Joined by guest host Avik Das (21:12), Adam and Avik discuss how VR technology could lend a helping hand in therapy for gender dysphoria (03:59) and how the prestigious man is slowly starting to overtake the alpha male (29:22). Corrections (53:17). Enjoy! Learn more about Avik’s charity of…
more -
Best Of 2020
Before we officially begin the 2021 season, we revisit our five favorite stories of 2020! Stories: how deepfake technology has been altering mens relationships towards women (04:12), if it’s possible for Flavortown and Guy Fieri to make up for the atrocities of Christopher Columbus (21:14),...
-
The Pursuit Of Satisfaction w/ Caroline Skoog
Joined by guest host Caroline Skoog (25:27), Adam and Caroline discuss Jenny Slate’s decision to step down from the character of Missy on ‘Big Mouth’ (04:20) and if the pursuit of satisfaction is more important than the pursuit of happiness (33:20). Corrections (62:38). Enjoy! Learn more about...
-
Medication Harm w/ Mika Pollack
Joined by special guest host Mika Pollack, executive director at Safest Drug (23:47), Adam and Mika discuss how illegal prescription drugs are being found in brain boosting supplements (01:40) and if medical tourism is the answer to rising prescription drug prices in the US (33:03). Corrections...
-
News Desert w/ Bianca Nkwonta
Joined by special guest host Bianca Nkwonta (25:29), Adam and Bianca discuss if a lottery system of electing officials could replace the electoral college (02:56) and how paywalls are allowing conservative media to win the journalism wars (37:24). Corrections (64:05) Enjoy! Learn more about...
-
Olè Apology w/ Abby Tornquist
Joined by special guest host Abby Tornquist (15:51), Adam and Abby discuss potential consequences to littering in National Parks (02:33) and the social impact of “boys will be boys” (22:07). Corrections (45:53). Enjoy! Learn more about Abby’s Charity of Choice, the Loveland Foundation. “Loveland...
-
Shut Up And Dribble w/ Cecil Harris
Joined by special guest host Cecil Harris (for a 2nd time) (24:38), Adam and Cecil discuss the University of Georgia’s decision to support football over on-campus voting (07:49) and why the NBA ratings have continued to decline throughout the years (38:59). Corrections (68:10). Enjoy! Learn more...
-
Deepfake Education w/ Maria Ahlin
Joined by special guest host Maria Ahlin, founder of Changing Attitudes (27:07), Adam and Maria discuss the impact of Covid-19 on sex workers in Germany (02:57) and how deepfake technology has been altering mens relationships towards women (38:03). Corrections (62:46). Enjoy! Learn more about...
About this show
Water Cooler Talk is an conversation-based comedy news podcast that strives to connect the world in conversation through the strangest, the weirdest, the quirkiest, most bizarre and most unbelievable real-life news stories the world has to offer.
Hosted by
Adam William
Categories