Episode 57: How Do Cats Behave? – features Dr. Mikel Delgado, a leading cat behavior expert and researcher who shares her insights into the feline mind and how we can better understand our feline companions.

Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Dr. Mikel Delgado, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and author. Dr. Delgado breaks down the science of cat behavior, debunks common myths, and provides practical advice for improving the lives of indoor cats.

Listen as Dr. Delgado shares her journey into animal science, the psychological needs of cats, and the leading research on how to build a better relationship with your pet.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:30 – Introducing Dr. Mikel Delgado
• 01:34 – How did you become interested in Cats?
• 03:47 – What common behavioral issues do cats have?
• 07:13 – What is commonly misunderstood about cats?
• 19:23 – Do different cat breeds have different temperaments?
• 23:29 – What do we still not understand about cats?
• 33:13 – What advice do you have for the average cat owner?
• 42:49 – The importance of environmental enrichment
• 59:24 – The science of play and feline predatory instincts
• 1:07:07 – Neonatal kitten research and development
• 1:18:58 – Building a career in animal behavior science
• 1:31:10 – Conclusion

Resources:

• Dr. Delgado's Website
• Play With Your Cat!

This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 56: How Do You Survive Solitary Confinement? – features Leon Benson, who shares his journey from wrongful conviction and 10 consecutive years in solitary confinement to eventual exoneration.

Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and Leon Benson, the Director of the Solitary Justice Project, who was wrongfully convicted and spent 12 years in solitary confinement.

Listen as Leon shares his story of being wrongfully incarcerated, what it was like surviving years inside for a crime he did not commit, and the psychological toll of losing time, freedom, and identity.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:30 – Introducing Leon Benson
• 01:34 – Wrongful arrest and murder conviction
• 03:47 – Eyewitness misidentification and flawed evidence
• 07:13 – 60-year sentence, entering prison young
• 19:23 – False accusation, sent to solitary
• 20:53 – Solitary confinement conditions and isolation
• 23:29 – Personal loss, appeals denied, breaking point
• 33:13 – Indefinite isolation, “existential purgatory”
• 37:21 – Finding meaning through philosophy, mindset
• 42:49 – Turning isolation into mental survival
• 59:24 – Advocacy, growth, release from solitary
• 1:07:07 – Mentorship, leadership, prison programs
• 1:18:58 – Clemency effort leads to legal help
• 1:22:00 – Conviction Integrity Unit takes case
• 1:23:10 – Exoneration and release in 2023
• 1:23:45 – Reentry advice and mental wellness
• 1:31:10 – Conclusion

Resources:

• ⁠Exoneration Registry
• Leon's Writing

This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Episode 55: What Is Good Design? – features Debbie Millman, breaking down good design as intention, effortlessness, and respect for the human experience.

Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Debbie Millman, a designer, author, educator, and host of the Design Matters podcast.

Listen as Debbie breaks down what good design really is, how design shows up in everyday life, why intention and effortlessness matter, how taste evolves, and what separates good design from great design.

In this episode we discuss:

• 00:27 – Introducing Debbie Millman
• 03:00 – Where design exists in everyday life
• 04:00 – Design as intention-making
• 05:30 – What good design feels like (effortlessness, comfort, safety)
• 09:20 – Common design challenges and constraints
• 13:10 – What separates good design from great
• 22:30 – How design has evolved with technology
• 24:30 – AI-generated design
• 26:30 – How taste changes over time
• 29:40 – Advice for aspiring designers
• 30:40 – Learning more
• 31:10 – Conclusion

Resources:

• Debbie's Website
• Design Matters Podcast

This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠