Alex talks invasive species and what makes them such a problem. The topic strikes a chord with the co-host. Said co-host Bryan attempts to make sense of the rules of war. The Geneva Conventions are explored trying to understand the logic behind mans’ attempts to rationalize conflict.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP22 - Silk & Don Aronow
The coveted secrets of producing raw silk are explored with Bryan. Alex brings us to 1980s Miami to tell the story of Don Aronow.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP21 - Badge Engineering & Fighting Wildfires
This week Alex takes us into the dubious world of Badge Engineering. Was that a Jimmy or a Blaizer? Bryan explores the increasingly relevant threat of wildfires and what tactics are used to control them.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP20 - Travel Musings & Measurement
Bryan examines a recent trip to Italy and some observations about driving culture, bottle shapes and more! Alex brings the first user requested topic to the table with a look at units of measurement.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP19 - Mecum Car Auction Indianapolis
Bryan, Alex, their father Rick and older brother Mike are in Indianapolis attending the Mecum car auction. They discuss attending a large auction for the first time and recap personal highlights from the weekend. This episode is full of firsts! Bryan and Alex are recording in the same location and also hosting their first guests.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP18 - Tea & Mobile Mind Games
Following up on coffee in Episode 7, Alex fills us in on the world’s other favorite caffeinated beverage. Bryan opens the door to gaming on mobile devices and quickly closes it. He won’t be tricked into paying to win! Join us for some lighter topics this week!
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP17 - Zero Waste & Rare Earth Metals
We all have something to learn from the small city (read: town) of Kamikatsu. Bryan outlines how this small Japanese town has gone to great lengths to become zero-waste. Alex delves into the elemental makeup of our favorite modern day gadgets and the questionable ways some of the materials are mined. This is the closest we’ve come to preparing the same topic!
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP16 - Surgeon General & Car Culture
In a unashamed display of ignorance Alex shares what he now knows about the Surgeon General. Who (or what) is this and what exactly are their responsibilities? Bryan uncovers the barycenter and the artwork for this episode as he shifts the conversation to the diverse world of car culture both inside and outside of the United States.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP15 - Traditions & CAFE Standards
Think about the traditions that you subscribe to in your own life. What keeps you coming back to them year after year?Bryan questions the significance of traditions personally and throughout the human timeline. In order for traditions to continue long into the future, Alex argues that regulations on vehicle efficiency play a critical role. He explains the details of how the standards are set and what that means for vehicle owners in the US.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP14 - Corn & Abstract Evolution
Corn? You are either surprised Alex is able to find something interesting about corn or you rolled your eyes because you have come to expect this kind of thing. This is part 1 where part 2 will come later. Unconventional theories of human evolution make for a more abstract second half of the show.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP13 - Cognitive Biases & The 9 to 5 Job
Bryan invites us to postulate the purposes and reasonings behind the curiously long list of cognitive biases. Alex dives into the 9 to 5 work life and what that means from a personal and societal perspective. The Barycenter is strong this week!
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP12 - Placebo Effect & Stuff in the Ocean
Alex scratches the surface on explaining the Placebo Effect and tries to look at it for both its positives and negatives. Bryan talks about some of the interesting things you can find in the ocean that aren’t fish…
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP11 - Neurotransmitters & Potholes
Despite the physically small nature of neurons and neurotransmitters, Bryan explains just how complex this human system is. Alex uses the podcast this week to vent about the current state of potholes in the Midwest.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP10 - Olympic Misfortunes & Racing Obscurities
Episode 10 marks our next milestone! Both Bryan and Alex decided this meant fun topics. In light of the 2018 winter olympics, Alex learned about some ridiculous events in Olympic history. Bryan looked into some of the most obscure forms of racing found around the world. Despite all the options Bryan aspires to race push lawn mowers on foot.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP9 - High Frequency Trading & Binaural Beats
Bryan introduces the wild west of the stock market world, high frequency trading. Alex explains the details of binaural beats and brain entrainment.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP8 - Formula E Race 3 & Float Tanks
"Tune in" as Bryan and Alex discuss their individual first-time experiences with sensory deprivation tanks as well as intresting highlights from the third formula E race.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP7 - Bitcoin & Coffee
Don't be shy and downplay your love for coffee. Make your favorite cup and take a seat while Alex explains the details of one of Americas favorite beverages. After you have that caffeine buzz (and may no longer be seated), Bryan will give a rundown on Bitcoin, the friendliest cryptocurrency around.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP6 - Auto Shows & Prohibition
Prior to this episode, Alex visited the Detroit Auto show. He fills us in on details from the event as well as the history of automotive shows in general. An HBO show regarding American prohibition peaks Bryan's interest in the subject.
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP5 - The Name
Episode 5! The podcast gets its name and a little bit of rhythm. Its called Wandering Barycenter and some semblance of format is found when the hosts decide to prepare one topic ahead of time, but do not disclose what the topic is until recording! Bryan brings up black holes, while Alex investigates water quality of a major city using information they provide (fools!).
Read moreWandering Barycenter EP4 - Eggs & Sugar
Episode 4 the health episode! Alex and Bryan begin by talking about Alex's foray into the Keto world as well as his workout habits. Later, Alex provides morning shake recipe. Bryan trys to contribute by dispelling the idea that "eggs are bad". Moral of the story, dont eat a lot of sugar.
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