s3e2: 'the one where we talk about making the world a better place, and also basketball'

In this episode, we talk to Sophie Caldecott, co-founder of A Better Place Journal, about what her company does and why it does it. Along the way, we hear Sophie's moving personal account of why she started A Better Place and the role that her late father played in its inception. We also talk to Ishan Nath, a previous Vernacular guest from s1e11, about Steph Curry and the historic season of the Golden State Warriors. It's a really great conversation that you don't want to miss. Remember to rate us on iTunes and reach out to us through email, Twitter, or Facebook.

s3e1: 'the one where we talk about the Oscars and the coming Age of Ultron'

In episode one of season three, we bring on four of our contributors--Jordan & Catherine Short, Will Brian, and Joshua de Gastyne. Jordan and Catherine help us break down all the highlights from the Oscars, including Lady Gaga's raw, emotional performance, Mad Max's collection of Academy Awards, and Leo's first Oscar (!!). Will and Joshua then help us dissect some recent trends in artificial intelligence, and we talk about how to teach machines to think and reason ethically.

special episode: '43 years after Roe v. Wade'

We examine abortion's legal history in the United States, focusing on the flawed reasoning in SCOTUS decisions and the faulty data on which they have relied, abortion's medical, emotional, and psychological risks to women, the sad reality of sex-selective abortion, Planned Parenthood, and public opinion on the topic in America today. Let us know what you think by emailing zacandsally@vernacularpodcast.com or calling in at (719) 357-9221. You can find more info and resources on our blog.

s2e10, the season finale: 'the one where we talk to bandmates and pizza people'

In the finale of season 2, we talk to Joshua and Jordan Short of the new band, Father Hands. Joshua and Jordan talk us through some of their music and their vision for their band, and share a track off of their new EP. We also sit down with Brianna and Jonathan Cowan, the owners of a Chicago-area pizzeria. It's a fun episode and a fitting way to wrap up two full seasons of (y)our favorite podcast. For more info on Joshua, Jordan, Brianna, Jonathan, and everything else we chat about in this episode, head over to our blog.

s2e9: 'the one where we talk about meaning and happiness'

In this episode we are joined by Emily Esfahani Smith, whose work you may recognize from The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The New York Times, or other outlets. In preparation for the start of 2016 (and all the new year resolutions that come with January 1st!) we talk to Emily about what it is to live a life full of meaning, and how that might differ from the pursuit of happiness (are you listening, Jefferson?). Emily also gives us a preview of her book, due out in 2017. It's a great conversation! You can also check out our blog for more of Emily's work.

s2e8: 'the one where we talk about invisibility and other superpowers'

In episode 8 of season 2, we congratulate the winner of our giveaway (!!), talk about all the stuff that s/he won, share our contemporary preoccupations, talk about Christmas music, and chat with Dr. Will Brian about the emerging technology surround invisibility. It's a fun conversation that we're pretty sure you don't want to miss! Visit our blog for links to everything we discuss.