Episode 37: Starbucks' 'Race Together' Campaign

“White people control almost 90 percent of the nation’s wealth.”
— Starbucks on Friday, March 20th, 2015 in a newspaper advertisement
“‘Race Together’ grew out of concerns over police killings of unarmed black men in Ferguson, Mo., and New York. In announcing the campaign, Schultz called it “an opportunity to begin to re-examine how we can create a more empathetic and inclusive society – one conversation at a time.”
— Tom Kertscher of Politifact, March 31, 2015
“Most Starbucks baristas simply don’t have the time to discuss anything other than coffee with customers. Amid responsibilities like taking orders, working the registers, making complicated drink orders, and preparing food from the company’s newly expanded menu, there is no time to write extra words on cups — much less entertain a debate on race relations.”
— Hayley Peterson of Business Insider, March 29, 2015

Spurred by an article in the March 23rd edition of Advertising Age, we felt it would be pertinent to work through some of the issues facing the 'Race Together' campaign. While we applaud Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz for his attempt at being progressive, we highlight issues regarding the Catch 22 for workers, the intended speed of fast food and the complexity of commercial influence.

The article in question from Advertising Age which inspired this episode.

The article in question from Advertising Age which inspired this episode.

The memo distributed by Starbucks to its employees

The memo distributed by Starbucks to its employees

Episode 36: Hillary Clinton's Nomination

“Americans have fought their way back from tough economic times. But the deck is stacked for those at the very top.”
— Hillary Clinton, 2015
“If Hillary Clinton becomes the Democratic nominee, then how will she be able to attack the Republican nominee for being a tool of Wall Street — which she will have to do (and do convincingly) in order to beat the Republican?”
— Eric Zuesse, The Huffington Post

This week we welcome Sam Whipple, who joins us to offer some opinions and insight on Hillary Clinton's recent bid as a potential Democratic candidate in the 2016 Presidential Election. We discuss some of the criticisms and concerns facing her and how the political landscape might react to this decision in the long term.

Episode 35: Why Dogs Do That

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.”
— Gilda Radner
“Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.”
— Emily Dickinson

A much more lighthearted episode than our typical fare, we wanted to find a text which was both informative while also being easy to consume. We give a reading from several chapters of Tom Davis' book Why Dogs Do That. The chapters explain and offer a variety of hypotheses for canine behavior including why dogs chase cars and why certain breeds point or fetch instinctively.

Episode 34: The Advent of Vlogging

“The popularity of independent young video bloggers, the ‘vloggers’ who film their thoughts and observations for thousands of followers to enjoy online, is already setting the future shape of marketing and advertising.”
— Dalmeet Singh Chawla, The Guardian

As video-blogging or "vlogging" becomes increasingly popular on sites like YouTube, we wanted to discuss the influence and potential of this new medium. It is simple to use and offers brief glimpses to the lives of others as reality shows have long claimed to do. Unlike reality TV, however, vlogging is edited by the individuals on-screen, who have a much more personal and constant relationship with their various audiences. 

Stephenvlog

Stephenvlog

The Shaytards

The Shaytards

The Vlog Brothers

The Vlog Brothers

Episode 33: "You're Not Special"

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Like accolades ought to be, the fulfilled life is a consequence, a gratifying byproduct. It’s what happens when you’re thinking about more important things. Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.”
— David McCullough Jr.

A very sentimental episode for a number of reasons. First, this episode will be released during graduation season. To the recent and upcoming graduates, congratulations! Secondly, this marks the first episode with the newest co-host, Caroline Borders. Finally, in addition to the massive attention this received, this was the speech given at Kip's high school graduation in 2012 and he holds this speech and its orator, Mr. David McCullough Jr. in very high esteem.