Simple Questions Podcast

Dylan Carnahan

Simple Questions Podcast is a monthly podcast by Dylan Carnahan featuring experts answering simple questions.

  1. What Is Mind-Wandering?

    Jun 2

    What Is Mind-Wandering?

    Episode 60: What Is Mind-Wandering? – features Dr. Jonathan Schooler, exploring how the wandering mind shapes creativity, consciousness, and the way we understand attention. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Jonathan Schooler, a pioneer in the scientific study of consciousness and mental drift. Schooler draws back the curtain on the internal workings of the human brain, sharing firsthand insights from a career dedicated to mapping the default mode network and meta-awareness. Listen as Jonathan shares his transition from a preoccupied first-grader to a leading global authority on psychological and brain sciences. He provides a candid look at the daily realities of human productivity, the complexities of creative incubation, and his mission to help people optimize mental performance with tools like the "Finding Focus" app. In this episode, we discuss: 00:46 – Introducing Dr. Jonathan Schooler. 01:55 – Jonathan’s childhood proclivity for mind wandering and his first-grade report card. 02:53 – A teenage gift from his father that opened his lifelong interest in consciousness. 03:50 – Realizing the brain can read text while the mind is completely elsewhere. 04:47 – Defining meta-awareness as the intermittent taking stock of your own mind. 06:06 – Grounding the alternative: How mindfulness operates as the opposite of mental drift. 07:27 – The biological purpose of the default mode network in planning and creative incubation. 09:17 – Quantifying creative breakthroughs in daily routines among writers and physicists. 11:50 – Why complete idleness causes severe boredom, driving people to give themselves electric shocks. 12:51 – Defining "mind wondering" as the playful, curious exploration of thoughts. 14:51 – Catching negative rumination early using targeted meta-awareness. 15:23 – Utilizing intentional thought suppression techniques to actively curb unwanted ideas. 18:51 – Distinguishing between intentional, strategic drift and accidental, costly lapses. 20:59 – How meditation acts as a practical training ground for noticing lost focus. 22:40 – Moving past the societal guilt and negative stigmas tied to attention lapses. 24:18 – The real-world dangers of mind wandering during test-taking, reading, and driving. 25:37 – Tracking eye movements and gaze duration to identify exactly when a reader tunes out. 27:22 – Catching unaware episodes of mental drift through periodic experimental probes. 28:27 – The double punch of alcohol: Increasing cognitive lapses while destroying the awareness to notice them. 29:45 – Evaluating visual versus verbal mental imagery and its specific impact on memory. 31:22 – How creative individuals routinely mind-wander using highly bizarre imagery. 32:15 – Introspecting on the absolute limits of free will through the lens of meditation. 35:04 – The sailboat metaphor: Steering the rudder of free will through unpredictable internal currents. 37:30 – Nuancing attention deficit disorders as cognitive styles that feed specific creative niches. 39:47 – Introducing the Finding Focus app to build cognitive control in high schools nationwide. 41:50 – Why modern organizations must respect playful flights of fancy to fuel institutional innovation. 42:15 – Managing your front-row seat to the mind to observe and steer your thoughts. 44:24 – Final reflections on mildly engaging tasks, stopping rumination, and the cognitive toll of alcohol. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Finding Focus AppMETA LabThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

    45 min
  2. How Do Jails Work?

    May 5

    How Do Jails Work?

    Episode 59: How Do Jails Work? – features David Thaxton, who explores the differences between jails and prisons, the reality of daily operations, and how the justice system can better serve society. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and David Thaxton, the retired Warden of the Wyandotte County Detention Center. Thaxton draws back the curtain on the internal workings of the jail system, sharing firsthand insights from a career that spanned over two decades in law enforcement and corrections. Listen as David shares his transition from the Army National Guard to the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office, eventually rising to the rank of Major of Support Services. He provides a candid look at the daily realities of managing a detention facility, the complexities of the justice system, and his post-retirement mission with "Beyond the Cell". In this episode, we discuss: 00:46 – Introducing David Thaxton 01:49 – David’s journey: From a GED at 20 to seeking a life of service. 02:40 – Joining the Kansas Army National Guard and his transition from construction work. 05:25 – The path to law enforcement: Why being a police officer felt similar to being a soldier. 06:40 – Starting at the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and the reality of being a "pod officer". 11:52 – Defining the difference: Jails vs. detention centers vs. prisons. 14:54 – Why jails are the "triage centers" of the justice system. 17:33 – The lack of rehabilitation resources in municipal jails. 20:33 – Why detention officers should be trained and viewed as law enforcement. 25:14 – The "Six Factors" of jail operation: Health, welfare, custody, control, safety, and security. 28:06 – Managing mental health and medical needs within a 500-person population. 31:12 – Evolution of training: Moving from a 5-day orientation to a 16-week program. 36:22 – The dangers of complacency and the importance of leadership in the pods. 44:33 – What can the system do better? Addressing trauma and the "people problem". 47:33 – Implementing Jail Intelligence Officers to break criminal cycles. 51:00 – The concept of a "Cognitive Deputy" and planting seeds for change. 59:15 – Shifting from punitive measures to mandatory positive engagement. 01:02:15 – Conclusion: The personal toll of service and final reflections. Resources: ⁠⁠Beyond the CellThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

    1h 4m
  3. What Are Omega-3s?

    Apr 7

    What Are Omega-3s?

    Episode 58: What Are Omega-3s? – features Dr. Clemens von Schacky, a leading expert in fatty acids and creator of the Omega-3 Index, who shares his insights into omega-3s and how they impact human health. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Clemens von Schacky, a physician and researcher specializing in omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. von Schacky breaks down the science of omega-3s, explains their role in the body, and clarifies common misconceptions around supplementation and diet. Listen as Dr. von Schacky shares his journey into fatty acid research, the development of the Omega-3 Index, and practical guidance on how individuals can measure and optimize their omega-3 levels for better health. In this episode we discuss: 00:45 – Introducing Dr. Clemens von Schacky01:30 – How did you get into fatty acid research?04:39 – What are fatty acids, simply defined?07:12 – What are DHA and EPA, and why do they matter?09:00 – How do omega-3s impact cardiovascular health?13:21 – What is the Omega-3 Index?15:07 – Why has omega-3 research been inconsistent?18:00 – What are researchers studying now about omega-3s?20:33 – What is most misunderstood about omega-3s?21:54 – How do you effectively improve omega-3 levels?23:23 – Do you need to take omega-3s consistently?24:58 – Why athletes and certain populations are often deficient26:42 – The real-world impact of omega-3 levels on health28:27 – How to choose quality omega-3 supplements and testing30:27 – What advice do you have for the average person?32:06 – How can people learn more about your work?32:57 – ConclusionResources: ⁠Omegametrix⁠Dr. Clemens von Shacky's ResearchThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

    34 min
  4. How Do Cats Behave?

    Mar 3

    How Do Cats Behave?

    Episode 57: How Do Cats Behave? – features Dr. Mikel Delgado, a leading cat behavior expert and researcher who shares her insights into the feline mind and how we can better understand our feline companions. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Mikel Delgado, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and author. Dr. Delgado breaks down the science of cat behavior, debunks common myths, and provides practical advice for improving the lives of indoor cats. Listen as Dr. Delgado shares her journey into animal science, the psychological needs of cats, and the leading research on how to build a better relationship with your pet. In this episode we discuss: 00:30 – Introducing Dr. Mikel Delgado01:34 – How did you become interested in Cats?03:47 – What common behavioral issues do cats have?07:13 – What is commonly misunderstood about cats?19:23 – Do different cat breeds have different temperaments?23:29 – What do we still not understand about cats?33:13 – What advice do you have for the average cat owner?42:49 – The importance of environmental enrichment59:24 – The science of play and feline predatory instincts1:07:07 – Neonatal kitten research and development1:18:58 – Building a career in animal behavior science1:31:10 – ConclusionResources: Dr. Delgado's WebsitePlay With Your Cat!This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

    51 min
  5. How Do You Survive Solitary Confinement?

    Feb 3

    How Do You Survive Solitary Confinement?

    Episode 56: How Do You Survive Solitary Confinement? – features Leon Benson, who shares his journey from wrongful conviction and 10 consecutive years in solitary confinement to eventual exoneration. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Leon Benson, the Director of the Solitary Justice Project, who was wrongfully convicted and spent 12 years in solitary confinement. Listen as Leon shares his story of being wrongfully incarcerated, what it was like surviving years inside for a crime he did not commit, and the psychological toll of losing time, freedom, and identity. In this episode we discuss: 00:30 – Introducing Leon Benson01:34 – Wrongful arrest and murder conviction03:47 – Eyewitness misidentification and flawed evidence07:13 – 60-year sentence, entering prison young19:23 – False accusation, sent to solitary20:53 – Solitary confinement conditions and isolation23:29 – Personal loss, appeals denied, breaking point33:13 – Indefinite isolation, “existential purgatory”37:21 – Finding meaning through philosophy, mindset42:49 – Turning isolation into mental survival59:24 – Advocacy, growth, release from solitary1:07:07 – Mentorship, leadership, prison programs1:18:58 – Clemency effort leads to legal help1:22:00 – Conviction Integrity Unit takes case1:23:10 – Exoneration and release in 20231:23:45 – Reentry advice and mental wellness1:31:10 – ConclusionResources: ⁠Exoneration RegistryLeon's WritingThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

    1h 38m
  6. What Is Good Design?

    Jan 6

    What Is Good Design?

    Episode 55: What Is Good Design? – features Debbie Millman, breaking down good design as intention, effortlessness, and respect for the human experience. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Debbie Millman, a designer, author, educator, and host of the Design Matters podcast. Listen as Debbie breaks down what good design really is, how design shows up in everyday life, why intention and effortlessness matter, how taste evolves, and what separates good design from great design. In this episode we discuss: 00:27 – Introducing Debbie Millman03:00 – Where design exists in everyday life04:00 – Design as intention-making05:30 – What good design feels like (effortlessness, comfort, safety)09:20 – Common design challenges and constraints13:10 – What separates good design from great22:30 – How design has evolved with technology24:30 – AI-generated design 26:30 – How taste changes over time29:40 – Advice for aspiring designers30:40 – Learning more31:10 – ConclusionResources: Debbie's WebsiteDesign Matters PodcastThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

    33 min
  7. What Is Dermatology?

    12/02/2025

    What Is Dermatology?

    Episode 54: What Is Dermatology? – features board-certified dermatologist Dr. Edidiong Kaminska as she breaks down the most common skin issues, the biggest myths in skin care, and how to build an effective routine backed by science. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Dr. Edidiong Kaminska, a board-certified medical and surgical dermatologist, published author, and reviewer for the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Listen as Dr. Kaminska explains what dermatology really is, the most frequent skin concerns people face, the science behind proper skin care, and the misconceptions that often lead people astray. In this episode we discuss: 00:27 - Introducing Dr. Edidiong Kaminska08:41 - Common Dermatology Visits19:07 - Skin Care Product Selection22:56 - Common Skin Conditions by Age Group27:14 - Dermatology Misunderstandings35:42 - How to Select a Provider39:19 - Learning More40:21 - ConclusionResources: ⁠⁠⁠Kaminska DermatologyLinkedInThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

    41 min
  8. What Is Creatine?

    11/04/2025

    What Is Creatine?

    Episode 53: What Is Creatine? – features one of the world’s most published creatine researchers Dr. Richard B. Kreider as he breaks down how creatine actually works, what the research shows, and who benefits most. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Dr. Richard B. Kreider, a leading authority in exercise and sport nutrition with 300+ peer-reviewed studies and 29,000+ citations. Listen as Dr. Kreider breaks down what creatine really is, how it works in the body, the research-backed benefits across age groups, and the biggest myths surrounding one of the most studied supplements in the world. In this episode we discuss: 00:27 - Introducing Dr. Richard B. Kreider08:26 - Where is Creatine found?10:20 - Advice on Creatine Products15:41 - Creatine Onboarding22:13 - Creatine Benefits25:51 - People New to Creatine30:01 - Creatine Side Effects32:44 - Addressing Misconceptions 44:00 - What can we still learn?48:36 - Advice for Curious Listeners50:24 - ConclusionResources: ⁠⁠Google ScholarLinkedInThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.

    51 min
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About

Simple Questions Podcast is a monthly podcast by Dylan Carnahan featuring experts answering simple questions.

Information

  • Creator
    Dylan Carnahan
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dylan Carnahan
  • Show Website
    Simple Questions Podcast