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2D AGO

Bringing Back the Dead: The Quest for the Tasmanian Tiger

Colossal Biosciences and the University of Melbourne have made a groundbreaking leap by creating the world's first artificial womb for marsupials, and it's all aimed at reviving the extinct Tasmanian tiger. Yes, you heard that right! This isn’t just a quirky science project; it’s a profound reflection on our relationship with nature. We find ourselves in an era where we’re simultaneously pushing species into oblivion while attempting to resurrect others from the grave. It’s a mix of inspiration and unease, echoing that classic line from Jurassic Park about whether we should be doing this at all. So, what do we think about this? Let’s dive into the ethical implications and share our thoughts on jamesabrown.net! Imagine a world where science teeters on the edge of the fantastical and the ethical. That’s exactly what we dive into as we explore the groundbreaking developments at Colossal Biosciences in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, where the world’s first artificial womb for marsupials has been created. Our discussion revolves around the ambitious and controversial project aimed at resurrecting the Tasmanian tiger, an animal that has been extinct since 1936. This endeavor brings to light the complex relationship we have with nature – a duality where we are both the architects of extinction and the hopeful resurrectors of lost species. The excitement of scientific progress is palpable, yet it’s intertwined with an unsettling notion: while we possess the capability to bring back the Tasmanian tiger, we must ask ourselves if we should. This ethical dilemma echoes the cautionary words of Jeff Goldblum’s character in Jurassic Park, reminding us that just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. Join me as I unpack this intriguing topic, reflecting on the implications of such technological advancements and inviting you to ponder the responsibilities that come with them. What do you think? Takeaways: Colossal Biosciences at the University of Melbourne has developed the first artificial womb specifically for marsupials.This groundbreaking research aims to resurrect the Tasmanian tiger, which has been extinct since 1936.It's a fascinating yet bizarre reality that we are pushing species to extinction while attempting to revive others.The discussion around bringing back extinct species raises ethical questions about whether we should proceed with such efforts.The juxtaposition of extinction and resurrection in nature is both inspiring and unsettling, highlighting our complex relationship with wildlife.As we tackle these scientific advancements, we must remember Jeff Goldblum's wisdom from Jurassic Park about the ethics of our choices. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net Companies mentioned in this episode: Colossal BiosciencesUniversity of Melbourne This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

2d ago

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1 min
3D AGO

Meh or Marvelous? How Would You Rate 2025?

We're diving into the assessment of 2025, and you'd be surprised to hear that the average score Americans gave it is a humble 5.3 out of 10. It seems like we're all just feeling a bit 'meh' about the year—neither terrible nor fantastic, just kind of existing in the middle. A quarter of us rated it as a bad year, while about one-fifth found it to be good, but most of us? We just shrugged it off. This episode explores what that says about us as a nation and whether we're settling into a state of 'just getting by.' I’m curious to hear your thoughts on how you’d rate 2025, so don’t forget to leave your two cents on jamesabrown.net! The results from a recent poll indicate that if we had to give 2025 a score, the average American would rate it a lukewarm 5.3 out of 10. It’s a fascinating reflection of our current cultural climate—most of us are not flying high or hitting rock bottom; we’re simply existing in a state of 'fine, I guess.' As we unpack this rating, we delve into the details: a quarter of respondents labeled the year as bad, while only about 20% felt it deserved a good rating. We’re not a nation of extremes this time around; instead, we find ourselves sitting comfortably in the middle, perhaps indicative of a larger trend in our society. What does it mean for us to collectively shrug off the highs and lows? This episode challenges us to confront our own feelings about the year and encourages a dialogue about complacency versus ambition. It’s a call to action for listeners to assess their own experiences and share their ratings of 2025, inviting a deeper discussion about our emotional landscape. Takeaways: The average rating for 2025 among Americans was a lukewarm 5.3 out of 10, reflecting a general sentiment of indifference.A significant portion of Americans, about 25%, expressed that they considered 2025 a bad year overall.Interestingly, around 20% of respondents felt positively about 2025, indicating some pockets of optimism.Most people seem to fall into the middle ground; they’re not thrilled nor devastated, just coasting along.Culturally, it appears that we are not a nation of extremes right now, but rather of mild opinions.The overall vibe seems to be one of survival rather than thriving or despairing, which is quite telling about our current state. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net Companies mentioned in this episode: Talker Research This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

3d ago

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1 min
4D AGO

Lessons from Lavatory Signs: A History You Didn't Know You Needed

Signs can reveal a lot about human behavior, especially when no one thinks they'll get caught. In today’s episode, we dive into the quirky and sometimes humorous messages that show what people do in private spaces, like restrooms. From the oddity of “No vaping” signs to the unfortunate consequences of flushing paper towels, we explore how these reminders reflect past misdeeds. It's fascinating to think about the stories behind each rule, reminding us that every posted sign is essentially a tiny history lesson. So, let’s laugh together and maybe even cringe a little as we uncover these everyday truths! Every sign we encounter in our daily lives tells a story, often revealing more about human behavior than we might expect. In this engaging episode, we delve into the unspoken narratives behind the signs we see but often overlook. From the quirky injunctions against vaping in grocery store restrooms to the universally understood directive of washing hands, these signs reflect the collective experiences and foibles of society. We share a light-hearted observation about the absurdity of someone attempting to vape while using a urinal, an image that tickles our funny bone and serves as a reminder of the strange lengths people can go to when no one is watching. Each rule posted is not just a guideline but a glimpse into a history of past infractions and the behaviors that prompted them. This exploration prompts us to consider our own actions when we think no one is looking, sparking a conversation about personal responsibility and the subtle societal norms that govern our behavior. As we traverse this landscape of signs, we invite listeners to reflect on their own encounters and the curious tales that accompany them. The episode emphasizes that while these signs are often viewed as mere annoyances, they are actually rich with context, serving as tiny history lessons for anyone willing to pay attention. We encourage our audience to engage with us on this topic, sharing their thoughts and experiences about signs they’ve encountered that left a lasting impression. After all, isn’t it fascinating how a simple sign can encapsulate a narrative of human behavior, revealing the quirks and idiosyncrasies of our everyday lives? The humor we infuse into these observations helps to keep the tone light and relatable, making the episode enjoyable while also delivering thought-provoking content. We want our listeners to leave with a smile, perhaps even a chuckle, while also contemplating the underlying messages that these signs convey about us as a society. Join us as we dissect the everyday and find the extraordinary in the mundane, reminding ourselves that there’s always a story behind the signs we encounter. Takeaways: The signs we see in public spaces reveal a lot about human behavior and norms.It's important to remember that flushing paper towels can lead to plumbing disasters, so please don't do it.Observing rules like 'employees must wash hands' highlights accountability in hygiene practices at work.Humorous signs like 'no vaping' in bathrooms remind us of the oddities of modern life and behavior.Every posted rule is a glimpse into the past, showcasing the importance of learning from our mistakes.The absurdity of rules often reflects real situations that prompted their creation, making us chuckle at our shared experiences. Links referenced in this episode: a...

4d ago

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1 min
11/03/2025

Who Do You Trust? The Surprising Truth About American Faith

Takeaways: In today's world, we trust local businesses more than big institutions, like Congress. Around 70% of Americans trust small businesses, a big win for your neighborhood diner! It's not that we distrust institutions completely; we trust the people who deliver. We crave reliability from everyday folks rather than heroes in shiny capes or suits. Trust is shifting from institutions to individuals who show up and do the job right. We want honesty and accountability, not grand gestures or empty promises from leaders. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net

11/03/2025

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1 min
FEB 13

Remember Your Signature? It's Disappearing!

Our signature, once a symbol of our individuality, is fading into the digital ether. I, James A. Brown, reflect on how we used to painstakingly craft our signatures as teenagers, but now, it seems we’re just a click away from turning our names into mere digital marks. The convenience of typing or tapping on a screen has taken over, and it’s hard not to wonder if we’re losing a piece of ourselves in the process. It’s fascinating—and a bit disheartening—to think that our signatures, once so personal, are becoming just another functional tool in our fast-paced world. So, is your signature still yours, or has it become just another checkbox in your digital life? Let’s dive into this thought-provoking shift together. Reflecting on the evolution of personal identity, the conversation dives into the nostalgia of creating a signature during our teenage years, a rite of passage that many of us remember fondly. I, for one, recall the hours spent perfecting the elegant swoops and loops of my name, where every flourish felt like an extension of my individuality. But as we step into a digital age, that once cherished act of signing our name has been replaced by clicks and taps. With the rise of digital signatures, we’re witnessing a shift from something deeply personal to a mere functional necessity. The ease of typing your name into a box or swiping on a screen may save time, but it raises the question: is our signature still ours? This episode challenges us to reflect on the implications of this change, as we ponder whether our digital identities can truly encapsulate the character and uniqueness that our handwritten signatures once represented. As we embrace convenience, what do we lose in the process? Takeaways: Reflecting on our teenage years, we remember how much we cared about our signatures.In today's digital age, traditional signatures are being replaced by quick digital methods.Our signatures used to represent our unique character, now it's just functional.The convenience of digital signatures might come at the cost of personal expression.Are we losing a part of our identity with the shift to digital signatures?Let's discuss if your signature still feels like yours in this digital era. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Feb 13

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1 min
09/19/2025

Winning the Lottery? Watch Out for Uncle Sam!

Ever thought about hitting the jackpot with the Powerball or Mega Millions? Well, let me tell you, the thrill of dreaming big comes with some hidden costs – and I’m not just talking about the price of your ticket! In our latest chat, we dive into the not-so-glamorous world of taxes on lottery winnings. Imagine winning millions, only to find out Uncle Sam has a special interest in your good fortune. We break down how much of your potential windfall gets gobbled up by federal taxes – think around 37%, depending on your income bracket. But wait, there’s more! If you’re living in states like New York or New Jersey, you can expect even more deductions, up to an additional 11% or so. It turns out, those dreams of living large can get squashed pretty quickly once the taxman comes knocking. So, what’s the takeaway? If you’re lucky enough to win, make sure you know what you’re really walking away with. And hey, those of you in no-tax states like Florida, you might just want to stock up on tickets! Takeaways: Winning the lottery sounds great, but remember Uncle Sam wants his share first! If you live in a high-tax state, your lottery winnings might shrink faster than you think! States like Florida and Texas allow you to keep more of your lottery winnings—lucky ducks! The government takes a hefty paycheck from lottery winners, so keep that in mind when playing. Tax time can turn that jackpot into a trickle; be prepared for those surprise deductions! New York and New Jersey aren't playing around; they take a big bite out of your winnings! Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net

09/19/2025

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1 min
11/06/2023

How long should the work week be?

In which James grapples with the idea of a shorter workweek. "While the biggest issue on the table is pay (the union proposed 40% hourly pay increases over the next four years), another proposal is adopting an emerging buzzy benefit: The UAW is calling for the introduction of a four-day, 32-hour workweek, at the same rate of pay, and overtime pay for anything beyond that. “Our members are working 60, 70, even 80 hours a week just to make ends meet,” said UAW president Shawn Fain on a Facebook Live event last month. “That’s not a living. That’s barely surviving, and it needs to stop.” Calls for a 32-hour workweek may seem lofty, but autoworkers have a long history of driving change in the structure of the American workweek. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/19/why-uaw-auto-workers-want-a-32-hour-workweek.html https://fortune.com/2023/09/15/why-uaw-on-strike-detroit-big-3-automakers-ford-gm-stellantis/ Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com or email me at jamesbrowntv@gmail.com. You can also leave me a message at 585-484-0339.

11/06/2023

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2 min
12/10/2024

Why Can’t Millennials Buy Homes? The Unfair Trade-Off

The podcast delves into the troubling disparity between the affordability of consumer goods and the escalating costs of housing, a phenomenon highlighted by James Brown. He reflects on a poignant remark from Crystal Ball, noting that while people can easily acquire cheap gadgets, the dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach. With the median home price soaring by 47% since 2019 and the average age of first-time home buyers now at 38, Brown underscores a generational shift in the ability to buy homes. This episode explores the implications of this trend, pointing to cultural and societal consequences that accompany delayed home buying. Brown concludes by questioning what society truly values: a plethora of inexpensive items or access to affordable housing, inviting listeners to engage in this critical discussion. Exploring solutions to the housing crisis, James Brown emphasizes the urgent need for more housing options across the country. He points out that while some cities are in dire need of new homes, others are littered with dilapidated properties that require significant investment to restore—an investment that often feels insurmountable for first-time buyers. His call for action resonates with a sense of urgency and realism, as he acknowledges the systemic barriers facing potential homeowners in the current market. The episode culminates in a thought-provoking dialogue about the trade-offs society has made: cheaper consumer goods versus affordable housing. Listeners are encouraged to engage with this critical issue, considering what sacrifices they are willing to make for a tangible stake in their futures. James's reflections challenge us to reassess our priorities and the structures that dictate our financial landscapes, leaving us with a lingering question: what kind of future do we want to build? Takeaways: The American dream of home ownership is becoming increasingly unattainable for younger generations. While gadgets and technology are cheaper than ever, housing prices have skyrocketed by 47% since 2019. Millennials are now buying homes at a much older average age than previous generations. The increasing presence of cash buyers in the housing market complicates the situation for mortgage applicants. In cities with ample housing, many homes are in disrepair, making them unaffordable to fix. The trade-off between cheaper consumer goods and affordable housing raises important societal questions. Companies mentioned in this episode: Facebook

12/10/2024

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3 min
FEB 3

America's Population Crisis: What Happens When We Run Out of Young People?

America is running out of young people, and that’s a reality we can’t ignore. In this episode, I’m diving into some predictions about how this demographic shift will shape our future, from rising education costs to declining crime rates. We’ll explore how fewer young folks will lead to fewer students in colleges, ultimately making higher education an elite experience rather than a universal one. I’ll also tackle the implications for our economy, as institutions built around younger populations begin to crumble and the government grapples with a looming budget crisis due to an older demographic. So, let’s slow down the news, take a hard look at the numbers, and ask ourselves what this means for our families and society as a whole. The fast-paced world of news often leaves us scrambling for meaning. James A. Brown takes a moment to slow down the news cycle, diving deep into the undercurrents of American life by focusing on a critical issue: the nation's population decline. In this thought-provoking episode of the Weekly Note, he highlights the staggering reality that America is running out of young people. By examining birth rates and the demographic shifts over the years, he reveals how fewer young people will impact everything from education to the workforce. Brown’s candid predictions about a future where going to college becomes an elite endeavor, crime rates plummet due to a lack of young offenders, and the government may even resort to incentives for families to have more children provoke both curiosity and concern. He challenges listeners to think about the long-term implications of these demographic changes, making the case that the decisions we make today will shape the lives of generations to come. Takeaways: The United States is facing a significant demographic shift as the population of young people is declining, which will have far-reaching implications for various sectors.James A. Brown emphasizes the importance of slowing down the news cycle to ask deeper questions about societal changes, particularly regarding population dynamics.Predictions about the future of America suggest that college will become an elite experience, leading to decreased accessibility for lower-income students.With fewer young people, crime rates are expected to decrease, as demographic data shows that most violent crime is committed by individuals aged 15 to 24.The aging population will create a government budget crisis, with programs like Social Security and Medicare facing unsustainable pressures due to shifting worker-to-retiree ratios.As the youth demographic shrinks, the music industry will shift its focus towards older audiences, changing the landscape of entertainment and cultural consumption. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.netdailynote.net585-371-8865 Companies mentioned in this episode: Wells Collegespan class="ql-ui"...

Feb 3

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38 min
5D AGO

Living Longer, But Are We Living Better?

Life expectancy in America has just hit an all-time high of 79 years, but I find myself grappling with a pressing question: what are we doing with all that extra time? While we've made significant strides against heart disease, cancer, and even drug overdoses, I can't help but wonder if longevity truly equates to a life well lived. I've witnessed this firsthand within my own family; we can add years to our lives without necessarily filling those years with meaning or substance. This episode dives into the paradox of living longer but perhaps not living better. So, as we explore these thoughts, I invite you to reflect on what you expect to do with that extra time, assuming you have it. With life expectancy in America reaching an unprecedented 79 years, I find myself pondering a rather profound question: what exactly are we doing with all that extra time? It’s a reflection that goes beyond mere statistics; it’s about the quality of our extended years. We’ve made commendable strides in combating diseases like heart disease and cancer, and even drug overdoses are no longer the death sentences they once were. The numbers are heading in the right direction, but I can’t help but feel a nagging concern that longevity does not necessarily equate to a life well lived. In fact, I’ve witnessed this phenomenon firsthand within my own family. We can add years to our lives but often fail to add meaning to those years. The clock may be ticking longer, but the hours can sometimes feel hollow. I worry about this disconnect; we are living longer, yes, but are we truly living better? So, I pose this question to you: what do you plan to do with that extra time? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this at jamesabrown.net. As we reflect on the nature of our extended lives, let’s prioritize filling those hours with substance, purpose, and joy. After all, it’s not just about the extension of life; it’s about enhancing the lives we lead. Takeaways: Life expectancy in America has reached an all-time high of 79 years, prompting reflection.We need to contemplate what we are doing with the extra time we have now.While we've made strides against diseases, longevity does not guarantee a fulfilling life.It's essential to fill our years with meaning, not just extend our lifespan. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

5d ago

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1 min

At Modern Fire Studios, we take a look at the world from a heterodox perspective. We focus on the big ideas that unite us, not those that divide us. We create shows and episodes about life, death, marriage, family, children, divorce, jobs, money, our media and so much more.

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