VENN

Ted and Joel have had a LOT of conversations, not only with each other, but also with the various guests of VENN. The script is flipped this week as Alyssa Boyd and Anne Maya Yalamanchili from the mini-magazine, Dearest Delight, interview Ted and Joel on what it means to have a good conversation. Winter is a time where we typically spend more time indoors with fewer people - typically, those we love the most. How do we get past small talk and ask questions that matter? How can we get past our own insecurities and social limitations to truly be vulnerable? --- Follow Alyssa Boyd: IG @alnoel Follow Anne Maya Yalamanchili: IG @annemayachili --- Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com

Tim Fall is a Superior Court Judge in California who faced a contender for his elected office in 2008. This challenge led Fall on a journey where he faced the greatest mental health challenge of his life. This experience transformed Fall, increasing his capacity for empathy and leading him to be a public voice for justice for the marginalized through his blog. Joel and Ted interview Fall on his career as a judge and the nature of the challenges he has faced in his career. --- Running for Judge: Campaigning on the Trail of Despair, Deliverance, and Overwhelming Success Follow Tim Fall: Twitter // @tim_fall --- Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com #VENN #podcast #intersection #judge #justice #mentalhealth #anxiety

We're back with one of y'all's favorite (and least favorite) topics: personality testing. Ted and Joel discuss the results of some advanced statistical analysis of the VENN community, evaluate the advanced Enneagram approach of a “functional neurologist” (whatever that means), and develop their own personality model. Is this new model any good, or is it a load of baloney? You decide! --- Dr. Jerome Lubbe on the Enneagram --- Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com

Let's go to the movies! Caleb Sarber is a philosophy-major-turned-film-critic who explores the intricacies of visual media, and he faithfully hangs out with Ted and Joel weekly in their fraternity, Brothers Under Film (BYΦ). What do movies teach us about ourselves? Is Joel crazy for only having seen his favorite films once or twice? What were the most under- and overrated films from the 90s? --- Follow Caleb: Twitter @hadcoff33 Yelling at the Screen: Twitter @YATStweets | Spotify --- Follow VENN: Instagram @vennthepodcast | Twitter @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

We've all been there. Enneagram. Meyers-Briggs. “Which Friends character are you?” These tests allegedly tell us a lot about ourselves, but do they really tell us anything? Are they actually useful in helping us grow and accomplish what we want to accomplish? Are there really only 4 (or 9, or 16) types of people in the world? Ted tries (and fails) to correctly guess Joel's StrengthsFinder results, while Joel gives a ghost-pepper level spicy take on all four-type personality tests. Additionally, Ted attempts to Enneagram-type the great powers of world order, in hopes of starting a viral Instagram account. --- Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com #VENN #podcast #intersection #education #personality #enneagram #meyersbriggs #disc #strengthsfinder #hogwarts

2020 has been a wild year for Planet Earth, and many of us would like this roller coaster to end. Unfortunately, the threat of climate change looms over the horizon, and we have already seen its effects on our most vulnerable populations. Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist whose research focuses on understanding what climate change means for people and the places where we live. She is an endowed professor in the Dept. of Political Science at Texas Tech University, she hosts the PBS digital series Global Weirding, and she has been named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People. Joel and Ted interview Dr. Hayhoe on what we can actually do about climate change, as well as what to do when you run into Martha Stewart at an awards ceremony. Follow Dr. Hayhoe: Twitter // @KHayhoe Instagram // @katharinehayhoe www.katharinehayhoe.com --- Project Drawdown (drawdrown.org) --- Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com

Tier Blundell is a PhD candidate in Intellectual History at the University of Oxford - so it may come as a surprise to you that he was once a professional mixed martial artist. Tier joins the VENN boys to tell the story of his rise from a council estate (public housing) to the world of MMA, and then eventually to academia. The conversation includes discussion of educational policy, the cycle of poverty, and pretension in academia. --- Editor's note: the slave trader mentioned is named Edward Colston (not Thomas Cranmer). Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

We're sure you've been dying to hear two guys who kinda-sorta listen to Taylor Swift give their extremely uninformed takes and half-baked interpretations of the new album, folklore. You're in luck! Joel and Ted kick back, relax, and give their freshest musical insight on a recent phenomenon. Is Taylor Swift indie now? What does indie even mean? Will Ted ever listen to happy music? Will Joel ever become famous? These questions and more are explored in this special laid-back episode of VENN, brought to you by Chipotle. Eat fresh. Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Recent events have brought discussions on structural racism, anti-colonialism, and white supremacy to the forefront of public discourse. Jyothis James is a PhD student in Philosophy at Texas A&M University, and his research focuses on Anti-Colonial Epistemology and approaches to philosophy outside of the Western Canon. We discuss how to integrate concepts from philosophy to modern political and social discourse, and the boys talk about one of their favorite topics: fashion. --- Black Skin, White Masks, Frantz Fanon Black Reconstruction in America, W. E. B. DuBois The Wretched of the Earth, Frantz Fanon Faces at the Bottom of the Well, Derrick Bell --- Want to contribute to the fight against structural racism? Consider donating to eji.org. --- Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Ted and Joel are both former graduate students, but that doesn't mean they're nerds! In this episode, the hosts discuss how they have integrated a sense of adventure into their intellection, and vice versa. Joel talks about his new hobbies of flower-picking, tree-climbing, slacklining, and dog-sitting, and Ted once again pines for a coffee-related sponsorship deal. www.thriftbooks.com --- Want to contribute to the fight against structural racism? Consider donating to naacpldf.org. --- Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast --- Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads --- Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

We live in troubling times. Millions in America are crying out for racial justice and an end to police brutality. Here at VENN, we believe that Black Lives Matter. We believe in actionable change, and that means meaningful dialogue with law enforcement, education on systemic racism and criminal justice, and active involvement at a grassroots level. In this interview with a local police officer and personal friend, Ted and Joel seek to understand the underlying causes behind flaws in the justice system and look for productive dialogue toward meaningful reform. Just Mercy Equal Justice Initiative Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Joel and Ted know next to nothing about gardening, and when they go to restaurants, everything seems great! Luckily, Alyssa Boyd is here to help them understand more about where food comes from, what makes it taste good, and how to use a backyard garden to better appreciate restaurants. Tune in for our first on-air game show, where the prize is a refined palate. Follow Alyssa: Instagram // @bcsfoodies Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Every series needs an origin story. Today, we hear the origin story of Ted and Joel's friendship, as well as the story behind VENN. As well as a whole lot of other nonsense. This is by and large the most casual, impromptu episode of VENN so far, so if you hate it, let us know! And if you love it, we may have to re-brand this whole thing... Fantastic Films and Where to Find Them Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

If you're a twenty-something (or maybe even if you're not), chances are you have experienced some sort of personal crisis when it comes to figuring out what you're going to do with the rest of your life. Have no fear, Kelsey is here! Kelsey Kemp is a full-time career coach who specializes in helping Christians discern their unique calling and how that relates to a fulfilling career. Ted and Joel interview her on how to find one's calling, and we discuss some of Kelsey's favorite success stories from clients. Follow Kelsey Kemp: The Called Career Podcast // iTunes • Spotify Instagram // @kelsey_thecalledcareer LinkedIn Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Here at VENN, we (like any sane people) love our baked goods. Hannah Glass comes on the program to help Ted and Joel learn more about baking, and how it can be a tool to empower women. As Hannah likes to say, “a party without cake is just a meeting.” Cherry Bombe // @cherrybombe Follow Hannah: Instagram // @hannahgglass Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Marcus Salinas is a homeowner, investor, and freelancer -- all things that freak Joel out because they are too adult-y. The VENN team interviews Marcus on what it's like to take risks as a young adult, explore the world of independent finance, and work from home. Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Grayson Ridge is exactly as awesome as his name makes him sound - he's an engineer that designs athletic gear on weekdays and climbs mountains on weekends. In this conversation, Grayson tells Joel and Ted his best stories from traversing the frigid wilderness of the Colorado Rockies and uses his experiences to craft poignant lessons about risk management in everyday life. Joel talks about that one time he went skiing to try and be relatable, and Ted gives Joel major side-eye for his cliff-diving habits. Bonus content: creative baby names! Follow Grayson: Instagram // @gtridge Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Garrett Haley has had a LOT of conversations about Christian Creationism. In fact, he used to champion the view that the earth is ~6000 years old! Join Garrett and Joel as they explore what it means to communicate well in a theological conversation that is often divisive and polarizing. Garrett shares his personal story of finding peace by following the data where it leads, even when it has put strain on his relationships with others in the Church. Follow Garrett: Twitter // @1lubbockite Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

COVID-19 has taken many victims, and one of those is the sports world. Welcome to March Sadness! Your co-hosts, Ted and Joel, are joined by former collegiate sportswriter Mickey Gashaw. Mickey uses his experience in the industry to critically analyze the cultural value of sports. The hosts then take turns nominating cities to win championships post-COVID-19. Ted ends the episode with a message for New York Knicks owner James Dolan. Will Joel ever enjoy sports? Tune in and find out! Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads Contact us at vennthepodcast@gmail.com We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

We're all cooped in our homes right now, and for many of us, that means a loss of spiritual community. Luckily, Amanda Olinger is on the case! She's the Associate Director of the Navigators at the University of Arkansas, and she has some creative suggestions for engaging and enhancing spiritual practice in what can be a familiar, constricting, or chaotic space. Amanda and the boys discuss Lent, challenging oneself to be creative, and how to tailor spiritual connection to one's personality. Spiritual Pathways Assessment Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas The Sacred Enneagram, Chris Heuertz Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Cardi B is freaking out, and so are we. These are strange times we're in; many of us are sheltered-in-place, the economy is hurting, and extroverts are losing their minds (Ted's doing okay though). Join the hosts as they interview Hannah LeGare, who was on the front lines of COVID-19 as a rebellious Spring Break-er in Europe. She shares her experiences from Europe and her subsequent time-out (quarantine). Hannah shared tips on how to stay sane and make the most of isolation. Follow Hannah: Instagram // @thegreathanbino Twitter // @thegreathanbino Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

COVID-19 is taking the world by storm. Adam Kier was on the front lines of the pandemic, quarantined in China, and he has some thoughts for his friends in America going through self-isolation. There are a lot of open questions in this crisis, but Adam gives us some tips to go through this season well. Joel and Adam discuss the timeline of the pandemic, how to isolate well, and China-US relations. Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

If Dr. Micah Green had a senior superlative, it would be “Most Involved” - he loves science, and he loves communicating it to the everyday person. He regularly teaches on the topic in the university classroom, the local church, and among student groups. Ted and Joel pick his brain on good strategies for understanding and talking about science, and how to apply those strategies to the current Corona-crisis. Dr. Green's TED Talk | Dr. Green on Spider-Man | Katharine Hayhoe Follow Dr. Green: Twitter // @MicahJGreen Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

We are in the midst of a public health crisis, but the team at VENN is here to HELP. We may have had to suspend some interns, but we're working overtime to accelerate our production schedule and bring you coverage you can trust. In today's episode, Ted teaches Joel everything he missed in high school economics, and we discuss COVID-19, globalization, and how to learn to live in this new reality. Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai Follow Ted: Goodreads We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Josh Luckett is a black man in what often feels like a white world. As a Youth Director at Grace Bible Church in College Station, TX, Josh has the unique responsibility of training predominantly white college students to have a more robust Christian view of race and to use their privilege to mentor under-resourced kids in their community. Ted and Joel ask Josh critical questions exploring the intersection between minorities, politics, and the Church (a triple Venn!). The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander Follow Josh: Instagram // @just_my_luck3 Twitter // @my_luck3 The Moral Minority Show Follow VENN: Instagram // @vennthepodcast Twitter // @vennthepodcast We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Joel Sam may be a Mechanical Engineering Specialist, but that's only part of the story. Joel is also an extrovert. He feels refreshed and rejuvenated by many interactions with people. Extroversion and engineering may not traditionally be paired together, but Joel proves that they can. Join Joel and Ted as they discuss the unlikely yet complimentary intersection. Follow Joel: Instagram | Twitter Follow VENN: Instagram | Twitter We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Ted Tyler is so much more than a podcast host. He is also an introvert. But he doesn't let that stop him from sharing his deepest thoughts with the world! Join Joel and Ted as they discuss communication, energy, and Jeff Bezos. Also, Ted proves his physical prowess. Follow Ted Tyler: Goodreads Follow VENN: Instagram | Twitter We would love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

In the first episode of VENN, Ted and Joel interview Matt Martinez on what it is like to be a Singer/Songwriter and a Computational Fluid Dynamics Research Engineer. Matt has been the frontman of The Lonely Wheel for three years, and he has channeled his creativity into writing and performing songs with lyrics and melodies that reflect the truth, goodness, and beauty he finds in the universe. His creativity is also put to use when he develops novel strategies for calculating fluid flow in engineering applications. Matt explains how he synthesizes both the technical and creative sides of his brain to create tools and art that promote human flourishing. Follow The Lonely Wheel: Instagram | Facebook Follow VENN: Instagram | Twitter