Sort of Sophisticated

In this episode, we'll dive into the thrilling world of the America's Cup, one of the most prestigious sailing competitions in the world. We'll explore the history and evolution of the Cup, from its origins in 1851 to the latest innovations in yacht design. We'll highlight who are the top 5 key teams to watch and how they pick the challengers each cycle. Whether you're a seasoned sailing enthusiast or new to the sport, this episode will give you a comprehensive look at the excitement and challenges of the America's Cup and we’ll even provide some fun facts while we’re on deck as well!

Highlights of this episode include…the dinner party basics for beginners. From planning the guest list to serving the main course, we’ll take you through the do’s and don'ts of hosting a dinner party complete with pizza delivery options should the s&%t hit the fan! We share some pretty funny stories about our mistakes through the years and debunk the myths around where all the silverware goes. And we even provide some fun facts to share around the dinner table should your guests prove to be more bland than the main course!

Highlights of this episode include the struggle and the history behind the commissioning of Labor Day in the United States, why we celebrate it and what we are actually observing. We share some significant events that led to its inauguration and share with you some of the most important men and women that promoted the cause. And, of course, we provide you with some relevant fun facts for you to share at your backyard Labor Day barbeque this year.

Highlights of this episode include, an introduction to Dr. Chapman, the creator of the Five Love Languages, an explanation of the five different languages complete with examples to offer some context, and why you better know your love language if you are going to have any chance at a meaningful relationship. We share our preferred love language with our listeners, “The bigger the gift the better!” And giv e you some insight into a few other languages you should be aware of as well. And, of course, we share some pretty interesting fun facts that will leave you wondering if all this love language stuff is really worth it in the first place.

From defining the art form for the beginners to some of the best (and worst) performances out there our goal is to make you a little more well versed and dare we say “actually” interested in Opera. We will run through a “know before you go” checklist as well as share some fun facts we dug up just for this show. And finally we will share why opera can help us appreciate so much more that life has to offer. So open your mind (and your ears) and let’s dive into the world of opera.

Recently released on Netflix 'The Fall of the House of Usher,' is a new limited series that unravels the mysteries hidden in the walls of the Usher estate. The story is about two ruthless siblings (Roderick and Madeiline Usher) who gain their wealth and build their family legacy through some “questionable” business ethics. But as success mounts, a series of chilling events begins to unfold that ultimately leads to the destruction of their family. Amanda, who would’ve suspected that the life, legacy, and literature of one incredibly introverted and super solitary man who lived over 200 years ago and faced some massive personal demons could have such a profound effect on today’s pop culture and still find ways to inspire new stories today…But he did. So today we’re gonna tell you all about Mr. Edgar Allen Poe, the man, the myth, and the legend…

In this episode, we delve into the heart-wrenching events of August 1945, when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were transformed forever by the devastating power of atomic bombs. Join us as we share some history, analyze the strategic decisions that led to this fateful moment, and explore the profound global impact that reshaped the course of history. We hope to share a deeper understanding of the human and geopolitical consequences of the bombings, offering a poignant reflection on one of the most significant and somber chapters of the 20th century. Sort of.

Highlights of this episode include, a brief history of the ancient Olympic games and the naked 100m dash to who created the Modern games in the first place and why. We share our favorite iconic Olympic moments through the years, “Do you believe in miracles?”. And give you some background on how the Olympic rings were developed. And, of course, share some pretty hilarious fun facts that will impress even the most critical audience.

Today, we delve into the enduring legacy of Alexander the Great, whose impact on history transcends time and borders. Known for his groundbreaking military strategies that revolutionized warfare, Alexander's conquests not only expanded Greek influence across continents but also ignited an unprecedented era of cultural exchange and innovation. The Hellenistic period, shaped by his audacious leadership, merged Greek and Eastern traditions, leaving an indelible mark on politics and society. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey of this legendary figure—a symbol of ambition, exploration, and the dynamic interplay of power and culture that continues to inspire and captivate imaginations worldwide.

In this episode, we're diving into the world of wonders! We're exploring the Seven Natural Wonders, the Seven Modern Wonders, and the Seven Ancient Wonders—each category revealing breathtaking marvels that span continents and millennia. From the thundering Victoria Falls to the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, from the majestic Grand Canyon to the monumental Great Wall of China, and from the ancient city of Petra to the mystical Machu Picchu and the timeless Great Pyramid of Giza, we're uncovering the stories and secrets behind these iconic landmarks. Join us on a journey through some of Earth's most awe-inspiring sites, where every twist and turn reveals a new facet of human creativity and the raw power of nature. This episode promises to entertain, educate, and ignite a deeper appreciation for the remarkable wonders that define our planet. Get ready to be amazed!  

Everyone knows Salvador Dali and his famous work, The Persistence of Memory. Well, if not, don't feel too bad. That's why you're listening to the podcast in the first place, right? It's the piece where all the clocks are melting against the backdrop of the ocean and a bunch of ants are eating the stopwatch.He was a surrealist fo sho there are so many incredible stories about Salvador Dali and his antics, I don't even know where to start. His pet ocelot, WTF, the most famous mustache of all time, the classic handlebar. The time he almost suffocated inside a deep sea diving helmet while trying to explain surrealism.But maybe the most insane idea was his trip to Paris, inside his Rolls Royce, full of cauliflower. Who was this guy? Seriously.

So, they just released the second season of Tour de France Unchained on Netflix, like last week. And here we go again, Amanda. Despite there being absolutely no evidence of doping during last year's race, I watched the whole race. I know there was no doping. The trailer teases scandals on doping that went on and has a clip of one rider being asked if they think he was doping, referring to like, one of the leaders of the race during the time. Look, the Tour de France, and cycling in general, like, no stranger to doping controversy, I totally get it. But, I'm going on record, nothing went on last year. It's almost impossible to slip that by nowadays. You gotta watch the series to find out. It's awesome, it's so intense, it's so addictive, and it totally explains the rules and strategies of the race, and would help anyone learn to love the tour. So do I need to watch the series before the actual Tour de France happens this coming weekend? No, because we're going to do this podcast right now and we're going to get super smart on the Tour de France. Okay, fine then. But what does the tour then have to do with being more cultured and curious? What doesn't it have to do with it? I mean, it showcases the history and heritage of France, the center of all culture. While there's an intense bike race happening to go on in the background. And if you pay attention, instead of falling asleep, you gain insight into the local tradition, like the French cuisine. And the whole beauty of France's landscape on full display, making it, in my opinion, one of the funnest ways to explore European culture and geography. So bam. I mean, if you say so, you're going to have to convince me of this. Here we go.

  Disney is releasing Inside Out 2. The sequel to the O. G. You know the movie about Riley, our favorite 11 year old girl who moves with her parents from Minnesota, freezing cold, to San Francisco, and freaks out a little? So they tell the story in her head about the five personified emotions, joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust, and how she manages her emotional responses from mission control headquarters in her brain. So, anyway, Inside Out 2, right, Riley's now a teenager, and they added a few new emotions. Mainly anxiety, envy, ahn wee , the French word for boredom,and embarrassment. And she's got to work herself through all this new stuff that comes with these more complex emotions, because she's a teenager.   I love me a good movie and all, but what does this even have to do with being cultured and curious Pete?   I just like going to the movies and eating popcorn and drinking Diet Coke . If you're putting a gun to my head, I would say it's got everything to do with being cultured and curious. It's psychology, man. And in my book, psychology is fascinating. It is the ultimate way to gain insight into human behavior across our planet. It helps us appreciate the diversity of the human experience. And if we can do that, Then we're going to be more empathetic and better handle and navigate all the social interactions we have to manage all day long. And probably most important, it encourages critical thinking and self awareness and it gets us out of our own head. It helps us reflect on our own biases and hopefully be more open minded.  

So, what do the Regency years have to do with being more cultured and curious? I thought you'd never ask. Okay, so if the fact that Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma were all published during the Regency era is not enough to Be fascinated with a time period, then I don't know what is. It was a time that finally gave women voices, outside of just marrying for status, and allowed for women to finally just fall in love. Jane Austen quite literally led the way during the era of Romanticism in both the arts and literature people. Then, how about the fact that Mary Shelley also wrote Frankenstein during the same period? Or that Edgar Allan Poe started penning his most famous poems? Or even that Ludwig van Beethoven was composing music like a madman already. It was a very short period, but one renowned for its advancements in architecture, fashion, literature, and art that forever shaped modern society as we know it today. And that, Amanda, is what it has to do with being more cultured and curious.  

But what does gambling have to do with becoming more cultured and curious, Pete? Not gambling, cricket. I'm going to tell you what cricket has to do with being more cultured and curious because we got to learn to appreciate varying perspectives and values. That's why. We have to want to care to learn about other countries, histories, and traditions. We have to have at least a modicum of self awareness to know we aren't the only people on this planet that matter. Selfish Americans. Did you know in 1994, when America hosted the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, just 10 percent of Americans knew it was even happening? In their own country. And today, not only do Americans know about soccer, but 33 percent of Americans who follow the sport describe themselves as avid soccer fans. Avid. But are they even fans? Because if they were, they'd call themselves football fans. Did you just say food, football, football fans? Well, they say they're fans. My point is it caught on three decades after soccer's first big American out and cricket is on its way to the world's biggest stage in June, 2024 people. The United States will jointly with the West Indies host the men's T20 cricket world cup, and around a third of the 55 matches will take place right here. In the United States, the American team as host automatically, automatically qualifies for the tournament. It's first ever top tier competition. And here's hoping it's a freaking coming out party for the Americans. I mean, it's really the only reason why the U S would ever make it into a cricket tournament.

Real time satellite monitoring shows that so far in 2024, more than 10, 000 wildfires have ripped across over 20, 000 square kilometers of the Amazon across multiple countries. Never has this many fires burned so much of the forest this early in the year, and scientists are worried that the region is getting closer and closer to the tipping point, where widespread degradation, did I say that right? Degradation and repeated burning of the forest will be essentially unstoppable. And just last week, Brazil's. Yanomami shaman leader asked the Pope, the freaking Pope, to support President Lula in reversing damage to the Amazon left by previous governments transgressions. Literally last week. Look it up. Google it. So what does the Amazon have to do with becoming more cultured and curious? Because everything is connected, people. Although we don't have a rainforest here at home, understanding what's going on in our world will help us expand our understanding of our diverse planet and help us become more culturally aware and environmentally conscious citizens. Right now, right now in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon thousands of people are unlawfully invading protected lands because they are struggling to make ends meet for their families and see no other way than cutting down century old forests for resources and profits. An indigenous forest guardian, Marcel Gaisazzara, and indigenous leader, Puir Tembi, are literally standing on the front line of this fight, risking their lives to protect their ancestral lands from these invasions and deforestation.. This is the narrative that is playing out right now, in our lifetime. Listen, this is the story of We Are Guardians, an award winning documentary about hope amidst an unfolding crisis. Thanks to executive producer Leonardo DiCaprio. We have the ability to explore the human spirit and our collective responsibility to protect the fragile balance of our world, where hope and unity can guide us toward a brighter future for the Amazon and our planet.

 So what does Ben Franklin have to do with being more cultured and curious, you ask? Um, because his life was a beacon of inspiration. As a founding father of the United States, his contributions in shaping the nation were huge people. He drafted part of the Declaration of Independence. But beyond politics, his bulbous brain and multitude of talents in science and literature and innovation make him a timeless figure worth studying. His curiosity, wisdom, and commitment to self improvement make him the fucking poster child of this podcast, people. People. By understanding Franklin's life, we gain insight into the values of perseverance and civic duty, which I would argue are more important today than staring at our phones. So imagine this, it's December 1776, and Ben Franklin, who's already become world famous for his electrical experiments, embarks on a secret mission to France. He's 70, man, and he has zero diplomatic training, and he was charged with convincing France's monarchy to underwrite America's experiment in democracy? Why would they even want to help us? With only his charisma to draw from. He's got to basically engineer a Franco American alliance, yeah, no biggie, as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance. And 255 years later, pop culture is still fascinated with his story. And maybe one of the most unique adaptations was just released on Apple TV not long ago. It's called Franklin, the eight part miniseries, and it has Academy Award winner, Michael Douglas, who takes us on a ride through the world of Benjamin Franklin, who was widely admired as the first U S ambassador to France and the major American figure in the development of positive Franco American relations.

Does it feel like every time you step into a bar or restaurant you enter a world of endless possibilities as rows of meticulously curated liquor bottles beckon to you to explore the artistry of craft cocktails? Are you overwhelmed with the sheer number of choices? Or do you embrace the thrill of discovery as you sip on beautifully crafted cocktails inspired by the latest trends and innovations in mixology? It seems like we need to say goodbye to our routine drink and hello to a world of vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and exquisite flavors. Are you ready to ignite your passion for craft cocktails and awaken your taste buds to a new realm of flavor? Get ready, as we are going to break it down for you, so you won't feel overwhelmed parting with your next 20 bucks to try the newest, trendiest cocktail out there.

 ​I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning, the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of a half extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open. It breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs. Who doesn't get chills when reading an excerpt from Frankenstein, The Ultimate Masterpiece, where the line between creator and creation blurs, and the true horrors of the human soul are revealed?

The year was 2019. The horse was maximum security, and the race was the famous Kentucky Derby as the thunderous hooves pounded against the track at Churchill Downs, the crowd erupted in a deafening roar. As the horses rounded the final turn, the magnificent thoroughbred surged towards the finish line. Maximum security pulled ahead with one massive last effort and heaved himself and his jockey across the finish line. But just as the cheers reached a crescendo, the unthinkable happened. The video replay revealed a controversial interference that left the outcome hanging in the balance. With tension soaring and the fate of the race in question, who was crowned the victor of 2019's Kentucky Derby?