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Generally American (A Journey in American English)

Generally American (A Journey in American English)

Christopher M. Chandler, Kris Schauer
Education, Sports & Recreation

Hello, Hola, Guten Tag, Bonjour, こんにちは ! Welcome everyone, this is a podcast for those wanting to learn about U.S. culture through Standard American English, also known as General American. We talk about various different topics related to the U.S. and the U.S.'s relations with other countries. My co-host and I would like to think of this as more of a journey because you never know where it’ll take us. Plus, since the journey’s more important than the end or the start, we hope that you’ll be willing to join us! Let’s see where it takes us!

111 - S5E6: Media - Questioning Your Own Biases and Opinions
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  • 111 - S5E6: Media - Questioning Your Own Biases and Opinions

    Summary

    In this episode, Kris and I discuss the media and the challenges of consuming information in today's world. We  talk about biases in the media, the importance of fact-checking, and the need to be skeptical of information. We  also touch on the influence of social media and the pressure to be the first to report news.  We emphasize the importance of seeking out diverse sources of information and being aware of one's own biases.


    Takeaways

    The media has biases, and it's important to be aware of them when consuming information.Fact-checking is crucial in today's world where misinformation spreads quickly.Social media has a significant influence on how news is reported and consumed.Seeking out diverse sources of information helps to get a more balanced perspective.Being aware of one's own biases and questioning one's own opinions is essential for critical thinking.

    Chapters:

    (00:00) - The Experience of Consuming Media (16:11) - Recognizing and Dealing with Bias (30:44) - The Importance of Waiting for Complete Information (36:53) - No Place or Media Outlet is Perfect

    Transcript:

    Check out the website - https://generallyamerican.com/index.php/2024/02/27/s5e3-citizenship-and-board-games/
    Or download the transcript at https://generallyamerican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/s5e3-270224-1652.srt

    Contact:
    Podcast Team:     Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8
    Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumv
    E-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.com
    Thu, 18 Apr 2024
  • 110 - S5E5:Exploring the Evolution and Diversity of Music Discovery

    Description
    In this episode, Kris and I discuss various methods of discovering new music and how it has evolved over time. We touch on the influence of wealth on music discovery, differences in music discovery between countries, the role of soundtracks in music discovery, and the evolution of music mediums. We  also speculate on future music discovery methods and recommend starting a music exchange group to expand one's musical horizons.

    Takeaways

    Music discovery has changed significantly over time, with streaming services and algorithms playing a major role in how people find new music.The influence of wealth can impact music discovery, as access to certain mediums and technologies may be limited for those with lower incomes.Different countries have unique music discovery cultures, with some relying heavily on radio and others embracing online platforms.Soundtracks to movies and video games can be a popular way to discover new music, as they often feature curated selections that enhance the overall experience.The evolution of music mediums, from vinyl records to cassette tapes to CDs to streaming services, has shaped how people consume and discover music.The future of music discovery may involve technologies like Neuralink, but the emotional connections to music may become weaker as ownership and physical media decline.Starting a music exchange group with friends can be a fun and engaging way to discover new music and expand one's musical horizons.


    Chapters:

    (00:00) - Introduction and Weather Complaints (04:31) - Discussion on Discovering New Music (16:11) - The Influence of Wealth on Music Discovery (27:12) - The Role of Soundtracks in Music Discovery (29:58) - The Evolution of Music Mediums (39:04) - Speculation on Future Music Discovery Methods (44:47) - Recommendation to Start a Music Exchange Group (46:09) - Conclusion and Farewell

    Transcript:

    download the transcript at https://share.transistor.fm/s/27c2d324/transcript.srt

    Contact:
    Podcast Team:     Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8
    Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumv
    E-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generally_american/
    Mon, 01 Apr 2024
  • 109 - S5E4: About Fast Food and Things

    Summary

    In this episode, Kris and I discuss the topic of fast food. We start with a conversation about the weather and moving, then transition into talking about fast food as a part of life in the US. We discuss how fast food was once seen as a treat but has now become a way of life for many people. We also touch on the issue of food deserts and how fast food can be the only affordable option for some. We then discuss the rising prices of fast food and the use of apps and rewards programs. We also mention the concept of dynamic pricing and the lack of trust in the US. Finally, we explore the convenience factor of fast food and how Americans are drawn to anything that makes their lives easier. This conversation explores various aspects of the fast food industry, focusing on the differences between fast food chains in Germany and the United States. The discussion covers topics such as the pink slime scandal, standardization in American chain restaurants, the adaptation of McDonald's to local tastes, the nostalgia for 90s fast food restaurants, the lack of prestige in fast food employment, and the issues with fast food service and employee respect. The conversation also touches on regional fast food chains, the benefits and advancement opportunities in fast food, the quality and consistency of fast food, and the challenges of expansion for certain fast food chains.


     
    Takeaways

    Fast food has become a way of life for many people in the US.Fast food can be the only affordable option for those living in food deserts.The prices of fast food have been rising, making it less accessible for some.Fast food apps and rewards programs are popular and can save money in the long run.Convenience is a major factor in the popularity of fast food. Fast food chains in Germany offer a mix of international and local options, with the big players like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC present.The pink slime scandal in the US had an impact on the perception of fast food in Germany, but the German branches assured customers that they have separate supply chains.Standardization is a key aspect of American chain restaurants, with most of the food coming in frozen from major distributors.McDonald's adapts its menu to local tastes in different countries, and there are rumors of beer being served at McDonald's in Germany.The fast food industry has evolved from a focus on family fun to convenience, and there is a lack of prestige and respect for fast food employment in the US compared to Germany.


    Chapters:

    (00:00) - Introduction (00:30) - Weather and Moving (01:29) - Fast Food as a Part of Life (09:21) - Fast Food as a Treat (10:20) - Fast Food in Food Deserts (11:17) - Rising Prices of Fast Food (13:35) - Fast Food Apps and Rewards (20:50) - Fast Food and Convenience (24:41) - Fast Food Chains in Germany (25:36) - Pink Slime Scandal (26:34) - Standardization in American Chain Restaurants (27:43) - Adaptation of McDonald's to Local Tastes (28:11) - Fast Food and Beer in Germany (29:09) - Evolution of Fast Food Restaurants (30:04) - Nostalgia for 90s Fast Food Restaurants (30:59) - Shift in Focus from Family Fun to Convenience (31:26) - Lack of Prestige in Fast Food Employment (32:56) - Issues with Fast Food Service and Employee Respect (33:25) - Working in Fast Food as a First Job (34:20) - Inconsistency in Fast Food Quality (35:24) - Respect for Food Industry Workers in Germany (36:23) - Regional Fast Food Chains (39:12) - Benefits and Advancement Opportunities in Fast Food (42:38) - Quality of Fast Food (43:05) - Consistency as a Selling Point for Fast Food Chains (44:33) - Local Fast Food Chains (45:02) - Expansion Challenges for In-N-Out Burger (46:01) - Fast Food Chains Limited to Specific Regions (46:59) - Concerns about Dynamic Pricing in Fast Food

    Transcript:

    Check out the website - https://generallyamerican.com/index.php/2024/02/27/s5e3-citizenship-and-board-games/
    Or download the transcript at https://generallyamerican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/s5e3-270224-1652.srt

    Contact:
    Podcast Team:     Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8
    Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumv
    E-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generally_american/
    Fri, 15 Mar 2024
  • 108 - S5E3: Citizenship and Board Games

    Summary
    In this episode, we discuss various topics from weather and travel to citizenship and board games. We share personal experiences and insights, including the process of proving citizenship for a newborn, the cost of obtaining documents, and the different ways to become a US citizen. 

    In the latter half, we also talk about their preferences for board games and the excitement of playing tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Super Bowl and a tragic incident that occurred during the celebration parade.


    Takeaways

    Proving citizenship for a newborn can be a complex and expensive process.Board games offer a fun and social way to spend time with friends and family.Tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons provide immersive storytelling experiences.The Super Bowl can bring joy and excitement, but tragic incidents can also occur.

    Chapters:

    (00:00) - Introduction (00:30) - Weather and Small Talk (03:07) - Citizenship and Naturalization (08:01) - Board Games (21:35) - Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space (28:09) - Chess and Dominion (35:28) - Dungeons & Dragons (44:59) - Super Bowl and Tragedy (49:37) - Conclusion

    Transcript:

    Check out the website - https://generallyamerican.com/index.php/2024/02/27/s5e3-citizenship-and-board-games/
    Or download the transcript at https://generallyamerican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/s5e3-270224-1652.srt

    Contact:
    Podcast Team:     Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8
    Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumv
    E-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generally_american/
    Tue, 27 Feb 2024
  • 107 - S5E2 - Copyright Law, Public Domain, and Patent Infringement

    Summary
     In this episode, we discuss intellectual property and its impact on various industries. We touch on the Super Bowl, the Pal World game and copyright infringement, Disney's role in copyright law, the concept of public domain and lost media, piracy and streaming services, and the issue of artists getting paid for their work. We provide insights into the complexities and challenges surrounding intellectual property and the balance between protecting creators' rights and ensuring access to creative works.


    Takeaways

    Intellectual property is a complex and evolving area of law that impacts various industries.Copyright infringement is a concern in the digital age, with debates over fair use and the boundaries of creativity.Companies like Disney and Nintendo are known for their strict protection of their intellectual property.The concept of public domain allows for the use of creative works after a certain period of time.Piracy and streaming services have changed the way people access and pay for media.Artists and creators face challenges in getting paid for their work in the digital age.

    Chapters:

    (00:00) - Introduction and Super Bowl Sunday (10:04) - Introduction to Intellectual Property (17:08) - Pal World and Copyright Infringement (26:18) - Disney and Copyright Law (31:37) - Public Domain and Lost Media (38:43) - Piracy and Streaming Services (46:17) - Artists and Payment (48:43) - Conclusion

    Transcript:

    Check out the website - https://generallyamerican.transistor.fm/episodes
    Or download the transcript at https://share.transistor.fm/s/a3200f02/transcript.srt

    Contact:

    Podcast Team:

     Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8
    Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumv
    E-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generally_american/
    Tue, 13 Feb 2024
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