s5e1: 'the one where we can't stop talking about Quiet'

In episode 1 of season 5, we kick off the Vernacular Book Club with a discussion of Susan Cain's bestseller Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. With Zac on Skype, Sally attempting to maneuver Garageband for the first time, and both of us sleep-deprived, we share our impressions of the major elements of Cain's argument and our experiences as an extrovert/introvert (can you guess which one of us is which?). We also announce the birth of our second daughter! Join the conversation about Quiet or next month's book (A Man Called Ove) by connecting with us via email, social media, or our website. Check out our blog for a complete list of our book club selections. 

s4e12: 'the one where we talk about Thanksgiving, South Sudan, and the purpose of medicine'

In the final episode of season 12, Matthew Loftus joins us to discuss his medical work in Yei, South Sudan, where he and his family lived until recently. We talk about ethical decisions in medical practice, wrestling with mortality, and lessons that medicine and theology can teach us about race relations. It's a really good conversation and a high note on which to conclude season 4! We also talk about our plans for season 5 and announce the books that we will be reading in our Vernacular Book Club!

s4e11: 'the one where we talk about porn and rape culture'

It is difficult to overstate the link between pornography and rape culture: pornography promises cheap thrills, quick satisfaction, and no consequences. But how does pornography shape the minds of its viewers? Has it crippled a generation's ability to relate to the opposite sex? This is what we're talking about in this episode, and the results are alarming. Mary Rose Somarriba of Verily Magazine joins us to talk about her latest research and writing at this intersection, and to talk to us about ways that we can combat rape culture and encourage healthy relationships. 

s4e10: 'the one where we talk about our favorite media'

In this short episode, we're broadcasting on location from Montgomery, Alabama! We break down some of our favorite recent books and magazines, discuss television, and recommend some new podcasts. You can find links to everything we discuss on our blog. Let us know what we missed! @VernacularPod or zacandsally@vernacularpodcast.com.

s4e9: 'the one where we learn more about hop farming & GMOs'

In this episode, we catch up with Season 1 guests Astrid and Aaron Cevallos, who own and run a hop farm in Virginia. They update us on their second hop crop and share their views on organic v. GMO farming. Then we chat with Abby and Aaron Hummel, a writer and research scientist respectively, about genetically modified (GM) crops and GMO labeling. We also call contributor Miriel Reneau for yet another lightning round. For all the important links related to this episode, head over to our blog!

s4e8: 'the one where we gather at the round table and talk about editing human genes'

In Episode 8, Zac and Sally round up several Vernacular contributors (Kevin Beauchemin, Will Brian, Elena Forsythe, & Joshua de Gastyne) to discuss the ethics of human gene editing including the use of the technology CRISPR-Cas9. Let us know your opinions on this topic after you take a listen! If you want to learn more, check out our blog for links to a ton of helpful articles. We also chat about our recent trip to Nashville to visit the famous #ashortbaby and eat at a ton of great restaurants. 

s4e7: 'the one where we talk about fall and the coming robot taxi apocalypse'

In this episode, Zac & Sally kick things off with a conversation about the things they are most looking forward to about fall and cooler weather. Next, listener (and previous guest!) Theresa joins us for a lightning round, and then contributor Will Brian joins us with his wife Caitlin to talk about their recent experience in an escape room. We also talk with them about Uber's recent announcement that they are launching a fleet of self-driving cars in PIttsburgh. Check out our blog for more great links!

*bonus* episode: fall sports preview!

In this episode, Zac and Ishan break down some of the prominent storylines in the sports world this fall, including: how Kevin Durant's trade to the Golden State Warriors affect the Dubs' title chances, baseball's greatest phenom, Tim Tebow's shot at the majors, the problem with college football preseason rankings, and the Super Bowl champion. Check it out and let us know what you think!