I Hate Talking

Stephadam

A podcast about talking, including etymology, frustrating topics, current events, and other random subjects. Want to contact the hosts or have a suggestion for a future episode? Email us at ihatetalkingpodcast@gmail.com. Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

  1. 6d ago

    Optimization & Halloween: Trick-or-Treating, Decorations & 1,200 Glow Sticks

    Send us Fan Mail  In episode 130 of I Hate Talking, Adam and Steph explore optimization—both what it means and why saying it proves unexpectedly difficult. Following their discussion of multi-stop vacations, they look up “optimize,” examine its connection to the Latin optimus, meaning “best,” and consider how the suffix “-ize” works in other words. Steph’s pronunciation struggles lead to a surprising conversation about how she visualizes the shapes of letters when thinking about a word, while Adam describes a very different experience. The conversation then shifts from making things efficient to making things festive. Preparing for their first Halloween in their new neighborhood, the hosts describe elaborate yard displays, a few decorations that unsettle the kids, and their decision to join in with a cheerful inflatable featuring pumpkins and a black cat. With neighbors warning them about heavy trick-or-treating traffic, they have stocked up on candy and 1,200 glow sticks—and are planning how to divide candy duty and trick-or-treating among the adults. Costumes, family traditions, and holiday decorating round out the episode. Steph considers dressing as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas or returning to her Dorothy costume, while Adam has yet to choose a look. They also share their family’s lukewarm reaction to The Nightmare Before Christmas, discuss pumpkin carving and the possibility of an inflatable Thanksgiving turkey, and look ahead to finding the right spot for a real Christmas tree in their new home. Keywords: I Hate Talking podcast episode 130, optimization meaning, optimize definition, optimization etymology, how to pronounce optimization, visualizing words while speaking, words ending in ize, neighborhood Halloween traditions, family Halloween plans, trick-or-treating with kids, glow sticks for trick-or-treaters, candy alternatives for Halloween, kid-friendly Halloween decorations, Halloween inflatable decorations, budget Halloween costumes, Sally Nightmare Before Christmas costume, Dorothy Wizard of Oz costume, family pumpkin carving, Thanksgiving decorations, Christmas tree placement. Support the show --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.  Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.

  2. Oct 15

    Why Stay in Multiple Hotels on Vacation? Nomads & Travel Optimization

    Send us Fan Mail  In episode 129 of I Hate Talking, Adam and Steph move beyond their St. Thomas recap to explore a recurring vacation habit: staying in multiple places during a single trip. They begin with the word nomad, discussing its definitions, its roots in wandering and grazing, and the role of French in its journey into English. The conversation turns personal as the hosts compare their different attitudes toward moving and settling down. Adam reflects on childhood moves and his appreciation for a fresh start, while Steph values putting down roots, building community, and making a home. They also contrast their vacation routines—from living out of a suitcase to setting up a temporary home base—and recall the creative childproofing their rentals required when the boys were younger. As they examine their travel habits, a practical explanation emerges: switching accommodations helps them balance sightseeing, travel time, hotel points, and cost. They discuss pairing inexpensive lodging with activity-heavy days, saving resort stays for relaxation, and spending a final night near the airport. They also acknowledge the trade-offs, including additional vacation-rental cleaning fees and the work of packing up again. To test the pattern, Adam and Steph pull out their travel photo books and revisit trips to Hawaii, Los Cabos, Australia, and other destinations. The memories reveal that multiple stays have been a frequent feature of their travels—sometimes by design, sometimes because of family plans or airline disruptions. Their conclusion? They will probably keep moving between accommodations when it makes the trip more enjoyable and affordable. Keywords: I Hate Talking podcast episode 129, nomad meaning, nomad etymology, nomad definition, why stay in multiple hotels on vacation, multi-stop vacation planning, hotel hopping travel strategy, budget travel tips, family vacation planning, resort versus budget hotel, hotel points travel strategy, travel rewards and points, vacation rental cleaning fees, staying near the airport before a flight, childproofing vacation rentals, family travel memories, Hawaii vacation planning, Los Cabos travel, Sydney Australia travel, travel photo books, moving versus settling down, fresh start after moving, conversational podcast. Support the show --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.  Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.

  3. Oct 8

    St. Thomas Travel Tips: Customs, Kids, and Costly Sips - Part 5

    Send us Fan Mail  In episode 128 of I Hate Talking, the hosts wrap up their five-part St. Thomas vacation recap with customs surprises, expensive airport refreshments, and a late-night journey home. They also celebrate a podcast milestone: September brought their highest monthly download total yet. The word of the episode is snorkel. The hosts explore its definitions, German origins, and connection to submarine air-intake systems before discussing the older “breathing tubes” that predated the familiar term. Along the way, they consider how the same concept applies to swimmers, submarines, and off-road vehicles. Next, they recount their departure from the U.S. Virgin Islands. With passports and their children’s birth certificates in hand, they navigate a customs interview that produces nervous answers, forgotten birthdays, and some unintentionally funny confusion about birth years. After clearing security, the family shops for souvenirs and enjoys one final treat—including roughly $7.50 bottled sodas and a $9 latte—before boarding their flight. The episode closes with the family’s four-hour drive home, an arrival around 3 a.m., and reflections on the trip. Their takeaways include preparing for document checks, accounting for sizable rental deposits, and recognizing just how much their family enjoys beach vacations. Adam and Steph also discuss their preference for staying in multiple locations during a trip—and wonder whether that habit is about convenience, variety, or something deeper. Keywords: Hate Talking podcast episode 128, snorkel meaning, snorkel etymology, origin of the word snorkel, St. Thomas vacation recap, U.S. Virgin Islands family travel, St. Thomas airport customs, traveling to St. Thomas with children, U.S. Virgin Islands travel documents, children’s birth certificates for travel, Cyril E. King Airport departure, St. Thomas airport prices, Caribbean rental deposits, family beach vacation, Water Island vacation, budget family travel, multi-stop vacation planning, St. Thomas travel tips Support the show --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.  Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.

  4. Oct 1

    Spinning Toilets, Stingrays, and St. Thomas Shores - Part 4

    Send us Fan Mail  In episode 127 of I Hate Talking, the hosts revisit the Coriolis effect after a previous discussion about the direction of a spiral staircase at Blackbeard’s Castle. They separate fact from fiction, explaining that Earth’s rotation affects large-scale moving systems such as weather patterns, ocean currents, and hurricanes—but does not determine which way water spins in toilets or household sinks. They also discuss French mathematician Gaspard-Gustave de Coriolis, whose work on rotating systems gave the effect its name, and reflect on the disappointing discovery that the famous “toilets flush in the opposite direction in Australia” idea is largely a myth. The episode then continues the hosts’ multi-part family vacation recap from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, focusing on the final three beaches of their trip: Coki Beach, Lindquist Beach, and Sapphire Beach. At Coki Beach, they encounter limited parking, energetic beach vendors, a strong odor locals had warned them about, vibrant fish around the reef, and an unforgettable—and unfortunate—iguana incident involving one of the children. Next, they visit Lindquist Beach, which becomes their favorite beach on St. Thomas. They praise its quiet low-season atmosphere, clear water, clean facilities, showers, wide swimming area, and wildlife sightings, including dolphins and several stingrays. The family also has a tense moment when a beachgoer warns them away from a very large stingray hidden near the seagrass. Their final beach stop is Sapphire Beach, the most developed and tourist-oriented beach of the trip. They describe the resort setting, open-air restaurants and bars, water-sport rentals, iguanas, coral areas, rocky shoreline, and deeper ocean swimming. While Sapphire Beach offers the most amenities—and a standout tropical drink—the hosts ultimately recommend Lindquist Beach for visitors looking for a quieter, more natural St. Thomas beach experience. The episode ends as the family prepares to leave St. Thomas, with the hosts saving their airport, customs, and travel-home stories for the next installment. Keywords: I Hate Talking podcast episode 127, St. Thomas beach guide, best beaches in St. Thomas, Lindquist Beach St. Thomas, Sapphire Beach St. Thomas, Coki Beach St. Thomas, St. Thomas family vacation, U.S. Virgin Islands travel podcast, Coriolis effect explained, Coriolis effect toilet myth. Support the show --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.  Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.

  5. Sep 24

    Bombast, Blackbeard, and Beachside Turtles of St. Thomas - Part 3

    Send us Fan Mail  In episode 126 of I Hate Talking, the hosts continue their U.S. Virgin Islands travel series, picking up after their Water Island stay as they transfer back to the main island of St. Thomas. Before the travel recap, they explore the word bombastic—language or behavior that is extravagant, pompous, inflated, overly wordy, or exaggerated. They trace the word back to bombast, originally referring to cotton stuffing used to make clothing look fuller, before it evolved into a description for speech that is “over-inflated.” The family’s first St. Thomas day includes a taxi ride back to Cyril E. King Airport, an off-site rental-car pickup, and the adjustment of driving U.S.-style vehicles on the left side of the road. Their first planned beach stop turns into an unexpected island drive when they miss the turn, navigate steep and winding roads in heavy rain, and encounter the gated entrance to Mermaid’s Chair. They eventually make it to Brewers Bay Beach, where the family snorkels, watches planes approach the nearby airport, and takes turns spotting sea turtles in the clear water. After the beach, they settle into a spacious Vrbo rental near the Charlotte Amalie Lookout. The hosts praise its views, quiet low-season setting, full kitchen, washer and dryer, and extra space for the family. They also share a grocery-shopping experience at Pueblo Market, where imported convenience foods—including chips and hot dogs—were surprisingly expensive, while fresh vegetables and large tuna steaks were affordable and excellent. After several days of quick meals and eating out on Water Island, the family enjoys cooking fresh food at their rental. The next day’s featured adventure is Blackbeard’s Castle, which becomes the hosts’ favorite paid activity of the trip. They tour the recently renovated property, climb the tower’s spiral staircase, enjoy panoramic views, explore pirate-themed statues and historical details, and relax at the freshwater pool. With low-season crowds, the family has plenty of space to swim, play oversized Jenga, lounge, and enjoy the experience before other visitors arrive. The hosts also offer a practical warning: parking near Blackbeard’s Castle is extremely limited and the surrounding streets are steep.  Keywords: Hate Talking podcast episode 126, bombastic meaning, bombastic definition, bombastic etymology, St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands travel, St. Thomas family vacation, St. Thomas rental car tips, driving on the left in St. Thomas, Brewers Bay Beach, Brewers Bay Beach sea turtles, St. Thomas snorkeling, Blackbeard’s Castle St. Thomas, Blackbeard’s Castle review, family activities in St. Thomas, St. Thomas grocery shopping, Pueblo Market St. Thomas, low-season Caribbean travel, Coki Beach, Lindquist Beach, Sapphire Beach. Support the show --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.  Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.

  6. Sep 17

    From Lucky Numbers to Island Treasures: 125, Honeymoon Beach, and Our St. Thomas Adventure - Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail  Live web cam - Dinghy's Beach Bar and Grill - Water Island, St. Thomas In episode 125 of I Hate Talking, the hosts take a brief break from their usual word-or-phrase format to talk about favorite and “lucky” numbers. One host explains a longtime fondness for the number 125, while the other chooses 9 for its satisfying multiplication pattern. They also explore why numbers such as 7, 13, 8, 666, 888, 520, and 1314 carry lucky, unlucky, spiritual, or cultural associations in different parts of the world. The conversation then continues the family’s U.S. Virgin Islands travel series with part two of their stay on Water Island. After arriving by water taxi, the family heads straight to Honeymoon Beach before settling into their rental unit, where a surprise lack of indoor lighting turns dinner into a flashlight-lit experience. They share practical tips for a Water Island stay, including packing inexpensive snacks and meals, bringing reusable water gear, navigating limited grocery options, and ordering food to-go from Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill to avoid extra table-service charges. The hosts recap a visit to Fort Segarra, a former World War II lookout and gun emplacement with scenic island views, underground rooms, old bunkers, and a steep, pothole-filled route best handled by golf cart. They also discuss the quiet charm of Honeymoon Beach—its clear water, soft sand, limited crowds, rainstorm memories, floating platforms, wildlife, and relaxed atmosphere. A planned visit to Granite Beach does not go as expected when the family encounters a gated community and no-trespassing signs. This leads to a conversation about public beach access, private property, travel research that leaves out important logistics, and why visitors should be prepared for unclear directions around Water Island and St. Thomas. The episode closes with the family turning in their golf cart, sorting out a missing $500 deposit receipt, taking the water taxi back to St. Thomas, and previewing the next chapter of their Caribbean vacation recap. Keywords: Water Island USVI, Honeymoon Beach Water Island, Fort Segarra, Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill, Water Island family vacation, Water Island with kids, St. Thomas travel, U.S. Virgin Islands vacation, Water Island golf cart rental, Water Island ferry, Caribbean family travel, Honeymoon Beach review, Water Island travel tips, Granite Beach Water Island, quiet Caribbean beaches. Support the show --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.  Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.

  7. Sep 10

    By Rote or By Boat - Travel to St Thomas and Water Island - Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, the hosts unpack the word rote—from “rote compliance” and mindless repetition to surprising dictionary meanings like the sound of surf and a medieval stringed instrument. They then pivot to their recent family trip to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, with an extended stay on tiny Water Island. They share travel hacks (driving to a farther airport, “park-and-go” hotel rates), arrival tips (airport rum shots, regulated per-person taxis, Venmo vs. cash), and how they got around Water Island (golf cart on left-hand traffic, very hilly roads, almost no other vehicles). The episode sets up a multi-part vacation series, covering the logistics and first impressions of Water Island—its slow pace, small population (~182 residents), limited activities, and why it’s perfect for a quiet, beach-and-snorkel-focused getaway, but not for resort-style itineraries. Next episodes will dive into Water Island beaches, Wi Mart, Dinghy’s Bar and Grill, their rental, and then their time on St. Thomas. Key Words: I Hate Talking, Podcast, Word of the Episode, Rote, Etymology, Word Of The Day, Travel and Destinations, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, WaterIsland, Beach Vacation, TravelHack, Transportation and Logistics, Left Hand Driving, Golf Cart Life, Water Taxi, Airport Parking, TravelTips, Travel Tips, Fort Segarra, conversational podcast.  Support the show --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.  Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.

  8. Sep 3

    Faux Pas, Short Sales, and the Search for a Forever Home

    Send us Fan Mail  In episode 123 of I Hate Talking, the hosts discuss the meaning and origins of faux pas, the French phrase for a social mistake, blunder, or tactless misstep. They compare it with “solecism,” the topic of the previous episode, and explore how faux pas entered the English language in the 1670s. The conversation also considers literal translations, cultural differences, and how an advertising slogan can become a faux pas when translated incorrectly. The episode then turns to the hosts’ experiences buying and selling homes. Together, they look back on four home purchases and multiple sales, comparing which transactions were the easiest, most emotional, most complicated, and most stressful. They revisit a short sale that nearly went into foreclosure, a rushed sale that led to several weeks in a hotel, paperwork and power-of-attorney complications, a missing set of rocking chairs, and the challenges of preparing a home for showings with three young children. The hosts also reflect on how their views of a “forever home” have changed over time, their family’s recent move, their children’s adjustment to a new neighborhood, and the possibility of staying in their current home for many years. The episode closes with a preview of the next word: rote. Keywords: faux pas meaning, what does faux pas mean, faux pas definition, faux pas etymology, faux pas in English, faux pas versus solecism, solecism and faux pas, examples of a faux pas, social blunder meaning, cultural faux pas examples, translation mistakes and cultural misunderstandings, language and cultural differences, unusual French phrases, French words in English, podcast about word origins, home buying and selling experiences, buying and selling multiple homes, real estate podcast, home buying stories, home selling stories, hardest house to buy, easiest house to sell, complicated home purchase, short sale home buying experience, buying a short sale, foreclosure short sale story, real estate closing problems, power of attorney real estate closing, home buying paperwork problems, real estate closing day stress, selling a house with young children, preparing a home for showings, living in a hotel between homes, moving from state to state, finding a forever home, family relocation story, home buying mistakes, real estate lessons learned, rote meaning, conversation podcast. Support the show --- Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.  Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.

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About

A podcast about talking, including etymology, frustrating topics, current events, and other random subjects. Want to contact the hosts or have a suggestion for a future episode? Email us at ihatetalkingpodcast@gmail.com. Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

Information

  • Creator
    Stephadam
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 I Hate Talking
  • Show Website
    I Hate Talking

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