The Inconclusive Podcast: Recent Episodes
Abigail, Candace, & James
We are three educators who believe that the free exchange of ideas brings about human progress. Our podcast is dedicated to the wrestling of different views on a variety of ideas. We don't have all the answers, but we are trying to better ourselves. Join the discussion!
In the last episode of the Inconclusive Podcast, we recap our experience of making a podcast, recount some of our memorable moments, discuss our future plans, and give some advice to our listeners moving forward. We’d also like to say a special thank you to all our listeners, whether you listened to a few or all our episodes. We could not have done this without you! Finally, we hope you keep an open mind and engage in thoughtful discussions!
In the third and final episode of our psychology series, Abigail brings up the topic of cults and we discuss their typical characteristics and hallmarks. Today’s allusion was “ships in the night”; today’s hilarious happenings in history was the patent for the fire hydrant; today’s fun fact was about zombie fungi.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the second episode of our psychology series, Candace questions whether lucid dreaming is a harmless pastime, viable therapy, dangerous hobby, or some combination of all three. Today’s allusion was “cat got your tongue”; today’s hilarious happenings in history was the life and first death of Timothy Dexter; today’s fun fact was about wood frogs in Alaska.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the first episode of our series on psychology, James brings up the idea of hypnosis and its application in forensics and law enforcement. Today’s allusion was “chewing the fat” ; today’s hilarious happenings in history was about Napoleon’s defeat; today’s fun fact was about the world’s smallest reptile.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the second part of this episode, we continue our discussion on an individual's right to a vaccinated environment and its application to society. Today’s fun fact was about the smell of new cars.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the first part of this episode, Candace brings up the relevant topic of vaccination and a person’s right to a safe, vaccinated environment. Today’s allusion was “kill them with kindness”; today’s hilarious happenings in history was about New Atlantis. Stay tuned next week for part two of this episode and fun facts with Abigail!
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the second episode of our 2nd round of the special senior series, James interviews Annette and Honggi about their different experiences at MAK, participating in sports, and involvement in student government. They discuss Annette's capstone project. They also gives some advice to other MAK students.
In part two of our episode on self-defense, we continue our discussion on the application of the second amendment and the use of firearms for self defense. Today’s fun fact was about the first speeding ticket.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the first episode of our 2nd round of the special senior series, James interviews Kristen about her experience at MAK, her captsone project, and her upcoming plans. They discuss perspectives and K-pop. Kristen also gives some advice to other MAK students as well as our listeners.
In the second episode of our justice series, James brings up the concept of self-defense, its emergence in history, as well its application in democratic society today. Today’s allusion was “heart of gold”; today’s hilarious happening in history was about Pepsi’s military. Stay tuned next week for fun facts with Abigail!
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the first episode of our series on justice, Abigail introduces the concept of statutes of limitations and its uses in the legal system. We discuss its advantages and disadvantages, as well as our opinions on the issues related to it. Today’s allusion was “tickling the ivories”; today’s hilarious happening in history was about Hitler’s medical condition; today’s fun fact was about narwhal tusks.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the third episode of our unpopular opinions series, James brings up the controversial concept of implicit racial bias, whether or not it’s real, and how it should be applied in social discourse today. Today’s allusion was “acting like a scrooge; today’s hilarious happening in history was the first recorded solar eclipse; today’s fun fact was about the fastest boat.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the second episode of our series on unpopular opinions, our resident communist, Abigail, brings up the concept of communes and whether they are a better alternative to modern, urban living. Today’s allusion was “MacGyver”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the 1904 Olympic Marathon; today’s fun fact was about the longest railway line.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the first episode of our series on unpopular opinions, Candace addresses the controversial topic of purity culture and its place in Christian life. Today’s allusion was “chasing the white whale”; today’s hilarious happening in history was Winston Churchill’s wardrobe; today’s fun fact was about the shortest commercial flight.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In the final episode of our information series, Abigail brings up the discussion of propaganda and if it has a place in society. Today’s allusion was “chauvinist”; today’s hilarious happening in history was “Operation Paul Bunyan”; today’s fun fact was about earthquakes.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In episode 2 of our information series, Candace brings up the topic of government surveillance and individual privacy. Today’s allusion was “gas-lighting”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the military history of Liechtenstein; today’s fun fact was about the ozone layer.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us on gmail theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In part two of our episode on Voter ID laws, we continue our discussion on voter fraud and ID laws as well as potential alternatives to photo ID requirements. Today’s fun fact was about cold weather.
If you’d like to comment on our episodes or ask us questions, you can find us on Instagram at @theinconclusivepodcast or you can email us at theinconclusivepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!
In episode 1 of our series on information, James brings up the topic of voter fraud, ID laws, and its impact on democracy and voter access. Today’s allusion was “gung-ho”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the construction of Fort Blunder. Stay tuned for fun facts with Abigail next week!
In episode 3 of our series on space, Candace introduces the concept of the Genesis Code and its implications on our beliefs about creation and about God. Today’s allusion was “volcano”; today’s hilarious happening in history was a disrobed Russia president; today’s fun fact was new babies.
In episode 2 of our space series, James brings up the topic of the Space Force, the newest branch of the US military, and whether or not it's necessary and needed. Today’s allusion was “titanic”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the spaghetti harvest; today’s fun fact was about imperial measurement units.
In part 2 of our episode on aliens, we continue our reaction to an article about reasons we’ve already found aliens. Today’s fun fact was about the quietest room on earth. The article referenced by Abigail is: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/03/13-reasons-to-believe-aliens-are-real.html.
In episode 1 of our series on space, Abigail leads us in a reaction to an article about reasons we’ve already found aliens. Today’s allusion was “the phoenix”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the Western Schism of 1378. Stay tuned next week for Fun Facts with Abigail and part 2 of this episode!
In episode 3 of our doctrine series, James, Candace, and Abigail discuss the different concept of hell and its implications on Christianity today. Today’s allusion was “writing on the wall”; today’s hilarious happening in history was a swearing parrot; today’s fun fact was about the Canary Islands.
In episode 2 of our doctrine series, Abigail questions the legitimacy of church traditions and whether they ought to be considered doctrine. Today’s allusion was “good Samaritan”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the defenestration of Prague; today’s fun fact was about adult height.
In episode 1 of our doctrine series, Candace brings up the question of whether or not thoughts are considered sin. Today’s allusion was “boycott”; today’s hilarious happening in history were events surrounding the Roman Emperor Caligula; today’s fun fact was about France.
In episode 3 of our environment series, Abigail unpacks the rising industry of ecotourism and its unintended consequences on local economies. Today’s allusion was “berserk”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the first mooning in recorded history; today’s fun fact was about twins.
In episode 2 of our environment series, Candace brings up some interesting topics surrounding landscape architecture and issues relating to public spaces. Today’s allusion was “tantalize”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand; today’s fun fact was about the world’s population.
In episode 1 of our series on environment, James questions the idea of open work spaces and its implication on educational environments. Today’s allusion was “we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it”; today’s hilarious happening in history was firework monkeys; today’s fun fact was about Coca-cola.
In episode 3 of our education series, James brings up the idea of using detention in schools for addressing students’ behavior problems. Today’s allusion was “Achilles’ heel”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the vodka shortage of 1945 ; today’s fun fact was about pineapples.
In episode 2 of our series on education, Candace wonders about the “canon” and its value in modern curriculum. Today’s allusion was “odyssey”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the Turkey Drop of 1936; today’s fun fact was about the moon.
In episode 1 of our series on education, Abigail questions the purpose of high school. Today’s allusion was “reading the Riot Act”; today’s hilarious happening in history was the “Emu Wars”; today’s fun fact was about Easter Island heads.
Even though we don't agree on much, we all agree and hope you and your families have a safe and Merry Christmas!
As we prepare to launch season 2 on Wednesday, Dec. 30th, take a listen to our new trailer!
For the third episode of Unpopular Opinions, Abigail stated that watching sports is a waste of time. Today’s book was “Rising Strong” by Brené Brown; the word was “exhibition”; the joke was “why did the octopus beat the shark in a fight?”
In the second episode of the Unpopular Opinions series, James questions whether cultural appropriation is truly bad for society. Today’s book was “Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff” by Chip Gaines; the word was “amalgamate”; the joke was “what does the moon do when he needs a haircut?”
In the first episode of the second series on Unpopular Opinions, Candace explains her rationale behind believing that marching band qualifies as a sport. Today’s book was “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein; the word was “elicit”; the joke was “The Muffin Joke.”
In the third episode of our series on Politics, Candace explores the ramifications of international law regarding child use of the internet (or the lack thereof) along with the ramifications of Youtube Kids, outdated parental guidance rating systems, and Peppa Pig fakes. Today’s book was “The Heretic's Daughter” by Kathleen Kent; the word was unsolicited; the joke was “how do cats stop crimes?”
In the second episode of our series on Politics, Abigail explores the idea of European colonization and asks if the lasting benefits outweigh the past horrors. Today’s book was “Legends of the West: Deadwood, South Dakota” by Charles River Editors; today’s word was plebiscite; the joke was “I was accidentally swallowed a bunch of Scrabble tiles…”
In the first episode of our series on Politics, James tries to unpack the seemingly contradictory concepts of a nation’s territorial integrity and a people group’s “right” to self-determination. Today’s book was “The Unit” by Ninni Holmqvist; the word was “sovereign”; the joke was “what genre are national anthems?”
In the third episode of our series on Economics, we continue our debate of capitalism vs. socialism and which one provides better opportunities for the impoverished. Today's joke was "what's the difference between capitalism and communism?"
In the third episode of our series on Economics, James brings up the age-old debate of capitalism vs. socialism and which one provides better opportunities for the impoverished. Today’s book was “Hidden Valley Road” by Robert Kolker; the word was “conman.” Stay tuned next week for Jokes and Jocular Facts with James!
In the second episode of our series on Economics, Candace offers an analysis from the United Nations to debate the Public and Private Sectors’ comparative good for the economy. Today’s book was “The Crooked Heart of Mercy” by Billy Livingston; the word was verklempt; the joke was “hey man, you want this pamphlet?”
In the second part of our first episode on economics, we continue our previous discussion on the minimum wage. Today’s joke was “what do you call a person missing 75% of their spine?”
In the first part of our first episode about economics, Abigail discusses the history of minimum wage and compares it to a living wage. The discussion takes us to the question, should minimum wage be a living wage? Today’s book was Cold Storage by Daniel Koepp; the word was “money.” Stay tuned next week for Jokes and Jocular Facts!
In our last episode of our series on Psychology, Candace introduces a lifeboat scenario, an ultimatum to choose once and for all between creativity and intelligence, should humanity ever need to make that decision. Today’s book was Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston; the phrase was “the devil is beating his wife”; today’s joke was “what do you call a guy lying on your doorstep?”
In the second episode of our series on Psychology, Abigail discusses the characteristics of psychopathy and its connection with nature and nurture. We discuss prisoners, CEOs, and politicians, and why psychopathy is more prevalent in these groups. Today’s book was Green Island by Shawna Yang Ryan; the word was “crapulence”; today’s joke was “I took two pairs of socks golfing.”
In the first episode of our series on Psychology, James unpacks the concept of intelligence and whether or not it can be objectively and accurately tested without bias. We also discuss the ways the IQ test has been used throughout history and how it might be used today. Today’s book was “The Third Rainbow Girl” by Emma Copley Eisenberg; the word was “onomatopoeia”; today’s joke is “my girlfriend wants me to choose between her and my career as a reporter.”
In the third episode of our series on Justice, Abigail brings up the topic of for-profit private prisons, questioning their necessity and role in the justice system. Today’s book was “Shanghai Girls” by Lisa See; the word was “visa”; the joke was “you know what always catches my eye?”
In the second episode of our new series on Justice, James attempts to unpack the issue of disenfranchisement among convicted criminals. Today’s book was “Dreaming in Cuban” by Cristina García; the word was “moratorium”; the joke was “where did the hacker go?”
In the first episode of our new series on Justice, Candace questions the morality and necessity of the death penalty in a democratic society. Today’s book was “Solovyov and Larionov” by Eugene Vodolazkin; the word was “opera”; the joke was “are people born with a photographic memory?”
In a bonus episode of the Inconclusive Podcast, we talk about our recent experiences with transition. In a global season of uncertainty, we hope this episode can be a help and encouragement to those who are experiencing unexpected changes in their lives. You’re not alone! Today’s book was “At Swim-Two-Birds” by Flann O'Brien; the phrase was “pardon my french”; the joke was “what happens when you don’t pay your exorcist?”
In part two of the third episode of the series on Unpopular Opinions, we continue our discussion on microaggressions and their usefulness in society today. Today’s joke was “what do you call a bird that got into a fight with a frog and now walks with a limp?”
In part one of the third episode of the series on Unpopular Opinions, James points out that the term microaggressions isn’t really helpful in resolving interpersonal conflicts and doesn’t achieve much good for society. Today’s book was “The Road Back to You” by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile; the word was holistic.
[DISCLAIMER] This episode contains conversations about death and cannibalism that some may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.
In the second episode of the series on Unpopular Opinions, Candace expresses her opinion that cannibalism is morally wrong in any circumstance. Today’s book was “A History of the World in 6 Glasses” by Tom Standage; the word was irk; the joke was “how do you ask a tyrannosaurus out to lunch?”
In the first episode of the series on Unpopular Opinions, Abigail shares her opinion on the Harry Potter series and why she doesn’t intend to read or watch any of it. Today’s book was “The Volunteer” by Jack Fairweather; the word was apothecary; the joke was “I’m reading a book about anti-gravity…”
In the third episode of the series on information, Abigail talks about the role that data collection plays in our lives while questioning the extent data collection affects our privacy. Today’s book was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho; the word was griffonage; the joke was “what’s the definition of a will?”
In the second episode of the series on Information, Candace questions whether someone’s genetic information should be kept private or made available for the common good. We discuss the potential benefits and dangers of DNA profiling and its use in healthcare and criminal justice. Today’s book was In the Country by Mia Alvar; the word was modus operandi; the joke was “what did the DNA say to the other DNA?”
In the fourth episode of our special senior series, James interviews Eden about his favorite memories at MAK, particularly the Impact programs. They discuss how he developed a passion for event-planning, his future plans, and his experiences as a biracial person living in Taiwan.
In our first episode in a new series on Information, James poses the question of whether censorship is a necessary evil or an encroachment on individual liberty. We discuss what freedom of speech actually means and the concept of hate speech in society today. Today’s book was The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris; the word was obscene; the joke was “why do beavers spend a fortune on the internet?”
In this episode, James questions the proper human response to encountering extraterrestrial intelligent life, wondering if it would be better to attack, hide, or cooperate to better ensure the survival of the human race. Today’s book was Gun Love by Jenifer Clement; the word was motif; the joke was “what do planets like to read?”
In the third episode of our special senior series, Cadence interviews Gabby about her experience at school and how she developed an interest in international political economy. They also discuss the cross country team, caring for the poor, and Gabby’s capstone project about Cambodia.
In this episode, Candace asks the question, “Who should own outer space?” It’s a question most people haven’t considered, but it’s fast becoming a new sector of law and a discussion on the international stage. We discussed space ownership, private enterprise in space, and space as a “province for all mankind.” Today’s book was The Pale Faced Lie: a true story by David Crow; the word was irenic; this is also the debut of the new segment, “Jokes and Jocular Facts with James!”
In the second episode of our special senior series, James interviews Carmen about her experience and favorite memories from school and her upcoming plans. They also discuss Carmen’s documentary, Hearts of the Harbor, and how she developed a passion for film. You can find Carmen’s documentary here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWgsV_04NfA) and her podcast series here (https://anchor.fm/carmen-adelyn-clemente).
In this episode, Abigail introduced the series by wondering if there could be aliens. The episode took a look at nine different ways that aliens could exist, yet still have remained undiscovered. Today’s book was The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia; the word was griot; the joke was “what kind of music do planets listen to?”
In the first episode of our special senior series, Abigail interviews Grace about her experience at school and her upcoming plans. They discuss service, social justice, Grace’s interests and passions, and teachers who have inspired her.
In this episode, Candace introduces an essay by Sam Jolman called “You Need More than God.” She asks a question of human need, wondering if we can live a full life as Christians with anything other than only God. Today’s book was One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest by Ken Kesey; the word was caesura; the joke was “how do you steal someone’s coat?”
In this episode, Abigail brought up the question of whether or not Jesus’s atonement covered all of man or just those elected for salvation. This conversation was a continuation of Free Will vs. Predestination. Today’s book was There, There by Tommy Orange; the word was "metonymy;" the joke was “what kind of pork did people eat in the Old Testament?”
This episode begins our series on Doctrine. James poses the question: What do free will and predestination mean and how do they connect with our beliefs about God and salvation? Today’s book was Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko and the word of the day was non sequitur; the joke was “what kind of man was Boaz before he was married?”
In our final episode on the environment, Abigail brings up the question of who should be responsible for climate change control. Are we doomed without interference from corporations, or can we make a difference ourselves? Today’s book was Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krauker; the word of the day was synecdoche; the joke was “why can’t you hear a pterodactyl going to the bathroom?”
Continuing in our series on environment, James poses the question of is saving endangered species valuable or is it simply natural selection at work? Today’s book was We Should All be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; the word of the day was deus ex machina; the joke was “a slice of apple pie is $2.50 in Jamaica and $3.00 in the Bahamas.”
To kick off our series on Environment, Candace defines climate change and we all discuss the various perspectives on climate change we have encountered. Today’s book was A River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa; the word of the day was aurora; the joke was “what do you call someone with no body and no nose?”
In the final episode on education, James poses this question. Which is the better form of education: liberal arts or vocational training? Today’s book was The Twelve-Mile Straight by Eleanor Henderson; the word of the day was clue; the joke was “what’s the difference between a poorly-dressed man on a tricycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle?”
In our second episode on education, Abigail questions whether or not private schools are good for the American school system. Today’s book was Gilead by Marilynne Anderson; the word of the day was anaphora; the joke was “how much room do fungi need to grow?”
This is the first episode in a 3-part series on education. In this episode, Candace presents the question of whether education should be considered a right for all or a privilege for some. Today’s book was The Vine Witch by Luanne Smith; the word of the day was petrichor; the joke was “what do you call pictures that teeth take?”
We are three educators who believe that the free exchange of ideas brings about human progress. Our podcast is dedicated to the wrestling of different views on a variety of ideas. We don't have all the answers, but we are trying to better ourselves.
Keep an eye out for our first episode, coming soon!