Cannabis for Pain: Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors
From Olympic triathlete to groundbreaking cannabis researcher, Dr. Joanna Zeiger's journey challenges everything we think we know about pain management and athletic performance. Join us for a fascinating conversation that spans from the debut of triathlon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics to the cutting edge of cannabis science.
Dr. Zeiger shares her remarkable transition from skeptic to advocate, sparked by a devastating bike accident that changed her life's trajectory. With equal parts scientific rigor and self-deprecating humor (including a memorable first encounter with a THC patch that left her "so high, I couldn't even remember my name"), she explores the complex landscape of medical cannabis research and its potential to transform pain management.
Whether you're curious about sports medicine, the future of cannabis research or just want to hear why Snoop Dogg might have been the MVP of the Paris Olympics coverage, this episode delivers unexpected insights and compelling stories from the intersection of elite athletics and groundbreaking science.
This isn't just another conversation about cannabis – it's a deep dive into how personal experience and scientific inquiry can challenge our preconceptions and possibly reshape the future of pain management.
Breakup Anthems: Music for the Heartache
From Gloria Gaynor's defiant anthem to Dolly Parton's bittersweet ballad, breakup songs have soundtracked our heartaches for generations. Join our eclectic crew as they uncover surprising stories behind these emotional hits—including why Dolly turned down Elvis, how George Michael wrote "Careless Whisper" at age 14 and which song holds the title of most-played track of the 20th century (hint: it's a breakup song!). Through laughter, debates, and a few shocking revelations, we explore how artists transform heartbreak into art, from Motown's smooth sophistication to Avril Lavigne's raw anger. Whether you're nursing a broken heart or celebrating your freedom, this musical journey through love's aftermath will remind you why breakup songs remain the ultimate emotional cure.
Dogs, Debates and DiNozzo: Unpacking the Harris-Trump Showdown
In our latest episode, we dive into the recent presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Our panel discusses the candidates' strategies, memorable moments and what it all means for the 2024 election. We also explore topics like celebrity endorsements, media bubbles and even take a fun detour into pop culture. Join us for lively political analysis mixed with plenty of laughs!"
Double O Ian
Join the Gang of Five as they welcome special guest Ian (Fleming) James (Bond) Williamson, the charming Englishman who captured Shelly and Peggy's attention in a bar years ago. In this captivating episode, Ian shares his life story, from his early years in the UK to his experiences in apartheid-era South Africa, and finally his journey to becoming a proud US citizen.
Ian's adorable English accent and quick wit shine as he discusses everything from the Liverpool-Manchester rivalry to his global travels and his deep appreciation for his adopted country. The conversation spans a wide range of topics, including Ian's career at Eli Lilly, his daily song picks for his work team, and his thoughts on retirement. The group also touches on current events, including the recent Democratic National Convention and the upcoming US election.
Prepare to be utterly charmed as Ian shares his perspective on cultural differences, international travel, and the many things he loves about Shelly (though an hour-long episode barely scratches the surface). The discussion is peppered with humor, personal anecdotes, and even a Family Feud question comparing dogs to men.
Whether you're interested in global perspectives, life stories, or just enjoy a good-natured discussion with a British twist, this episode will leave you stirred but not shaken. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!
Recorded on August 29, 2024. Fun fact: The US number one record 54 years ago that day was "War" by Edwin Starr.
Funny How The Time Slips Away
The Gang of Five reunites after three years to catch up on life, love, and all the twists along the way. Recorded on August 11, 2024, this episode reflects on the changes and challenges each of us has faced, all while reminiscing about how 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do' topped the charts 62 years ago. Tune in for a mix of heartfelt stories, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia.
Bye Bye Biden
For the first time since May 29, 2021, we are dropping a new episode. Why? Because the last three plus weeks have been among the most bizarre and stressful in the history of American politics. At 1:45 PM EDT on July 21, 2024, Joe Biden put an end to the dread that many Democrats were experiencing by dropping out of the presidential race little more than 100 days before the election. Six and one-half hours later we were recording this episode. We could not get everyone together for the discussion, but John and Jim cover a range of sub-topics related to the forthcoming battle for the presidency. Here's hoping we are back with another episode soon (sooner than 3 years anyway) and that Peggy, Shelly, and Beth are back as well!
In Search Of An Argument – Blue Gene
If you suffer from Ah Choo Syndrome (yes, that is a real thing) and/or want to know why Beth has trouble with math or Jim is such a bad dancer, Shelly Cummings has the answers for you. In this episode Shelly performs another tour-de-force exploration of the infinite landscape of human genetics.
Shelly Goes Canine
Famously, Marilyn Monroe once sang that, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” But after listening to this episode of the podcast one might think it is more accurate to say that, “Dogs are a girl’s best friend.” Longtime cat fancier Shelly Cummings recently switched teams and acquired her first dog. She discusses the joys of dog companionship in detail with Peggy and Beth, both long-time cynophilists.
International Women’s Day
John Heintz leads the group in a discussion on International Women’s Day inspired by a Washington Post article. The writer highlighted that women have left the workforce so rapidly during the pandemic that woman participation is as low now as in 1988. President Biden called this loss of women in the workforce a national emergency.
The gang considers the pandemic’s disproportionately negative impact on women, the significance of women’s day in the US and abroad, the impact of closed schools, balancing child care and work at home, unequal pay for women, celebrations of the day around the world, the United Nations’ role in the day and its mission, the day’s changing significance, attitudes toward the holiday and Peggy and Beth’s suggestion that women get cards and gifts to celebrate.
The Great Outdoors
Beth Shannon leads a discussion about the joys of the great outdoors. She and John and Peggy and Shelly talk about a variety of activities they enjoy that involve communing with nature. Jim does not.
Give His Regards to Broadway
WKRP in Podcastland
Jim, John, Peggy, Shelly and Beth are joined by returning guest Richard Tobin. They each pick a favorite recording from the decade of greed, the 1980s and talk about why they love it. Jim pays homage to Dr. Johnny Fever, the zonked out DJ from the cult sitcom, WKRP In Cincinnati.
That Was The Week That Was
The Gang of Five has a very long discussion centered on the momentous events of the week of January 4, 2021, focusing on 1) The insurrection at the Capitol; 2) The Democrats’ victory in the Georgia Senate runoffs; 3) The questions regarding vaccination efforts in the United States.
Special Episode on the insurrection
Jim Gentile and John Heintz discuss the mob that stormed the capitol building of the United states in an apparent attempt to halt the process of certifying the election of Joseph Biden and Kamal Harris as President and Vice-President respectively.
2021 Vision
The Gang of Four is now the Gang of Five as Beth Shannon formally and officially becomes one of the co-hosts. She joins John, Jim, Peggy, and Shelly in looking back at 2020 and looking forward to 2021 with the assistance of several of the podcast’s favorite guests and listeners.
Big Tech Hunting
Recent antitrust litigation initiated against Facebook and Google has raised anew the question of how best to regulate Big Tech. John and Jim plunge head first into this very large and controversial subject and begin a conversation that may require many future episodes to resolve.
No Kidding
Three extraordinary women – Peggy Bennett, Shelly Cummings, and Beth Shannon – discuss the individual circumstances and life choices which led in each case to their not bearing children. Each of them has a unique and interesting story to tell this episode offers them the chance to share their narratives and explore their feelings on the topic of motherhood.
T.O.M. Thumb
In this episode the Gang of Four talk about the matters at the forefront of their thinking. Peggy is all about football. Shelly is all about new glasses. John is all about Christmas cookies. Jim talks about the death of his former boss, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD).
We love Paris
I love Paris in the springtime
I love Paris in the fall
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles
- Cole Porter
Jim, John, Peggy, Shelly, and frequent guest, Beth Shannon, all agree (for once) with Cole Porter. They share their experiences of that city, which vary from Shelly’s first visit just before the pandemic began to John’s time living there for several years.
T.O.M. Turkey
In this episode John is thinking first and foremost about the Attorney General of Indiana seeking to take a case to the Supreme Court regarding a same sex couple seeking to enforce parental rights. Jim followed up on John’s challenge from the last episode and researched comparisons between various countries responses to the pandemic.
