In this episode of Common Ground, hosts David Dela Cruz and Roger Merzian explore the universal appeal of barbecue, discussing its cultural significance and evolution across the globe. They delve into the differences between gas and charcoal grilling, the rise of smart grills, and the art of slow cooking. The conversation also touches on various international barbecue styles, from Argentina's asado to Korea's BBQ, and the growing trend of plant-based grilling.

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Barbecue Culture
• 00:00:15 Global Barbecue Styles
• 00:07:19 Gas vs Charcoal Grilling
• 00:09:28 Technological Advancements in Grilling
• 00:13:24 The Rise of Gourmet and Plant-Based Grilling

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Common Ground Podcast, where we aim to equip you with the insights needed for engaging conversations. In this episode, we delve into the evolving world of skincare. Learn the key elements of skincare: cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF, and explore the booming influence of social media on skincare trends. We discuss how the industry has shifted in recent years, becoming more inclusive and self-care focused. Discover the transition from Western to Korean skincare products and the growing emphasis on understanding skincare ingredients. We also touch on the impact of potential new regulations on skincare claims and products. Whether you're a seasoned skincare enthusiast or just getting started, join us for an informative discussion.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:48 Diving into Skincare

01:51 Skincare Essentials

03:45 The Rise of Skincare on Social Media

06:02 Global Skincare Trends

07:39 Understanding Skincare Ingredients

10:34 Regulation and Future of Skincare

11:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Common Ground, David and Roger delve into the captivating world of K-Pop. They discuss its global appeal, slick production quality, and the unique structure of idol groups. They spotlight major groups like BTS and BLACKPINK, and elaborate on the industry's billion-dollar value and international concerts. The episode also addresses the rigorous training system for idols and its associated mental health challenges. Furthermore, they explore the fervent fandom culture and its significant impact on the industry. The discussion concludes with a thought-provoking question about the future of AI-driven virtual idols in K-Pop.

00:00 Introduction

00:26 Welcome to Common Ground

00:47 Diving into K-Pop

01:29 Understanding K-Pop

03:27 Global Impact of K-Pop

05:09 The K-Pop Business Model

06:42 The Dark Side of K-Pop

08:02 The Passion of K-Pop Fans

09:42 Final Thoughts and Questions

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In this episode of Common Ground, David and Roger dive into the hot topic of renting versus home ownership. They explore how this decision goes beyond finances and reflects changing worldviews and lifestyle preferences. Key discussion points include the decline in home ownership among millennials, the impact of soaring property prices, and the flexibility that renting offers. They also consider the hidden costs of owning a home, the concept of 'rentvesting,' and the shift towards corporate-built rental properties. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question about the future sustainability of renting as a long-term lifestyle choice.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:52 The Changing Landscape of Home Ownership

02:43 Flexibility vs. Stability: The Key Debate

04:06 Financial Considerations and Wealth Building

06:10 Modern Lifestyles and Cultural Shifts

07:32 The Rise of Rentvesting

09:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Common Ground, hosts Roger and David delve into the world of the stock market, providing a comprehensive yet straightforward introduction. They discuss the basics of owning stocks, the importance of equity, and how factors like supply and demand influence stock prices. The conversation also covers the advantages of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in diversifying investments and reducing risk, as well as the significance of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for company growth. Listeners will gain insights into how stocks can provide passive income through dividends and the benefits of fractional shares and AI-curated portfolios. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals of stock investing and the broader economic implications.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Teaser

00:20 Welcome to Common Ground

00:56 Understanding the Stock Market

03:19 Benefits of Owning Stocks

05:42 Risks and Rewards of Investing

06:53 Exploring ETFs

09:11 Why Companies Go Public

12:41 Conversation Starters on Investing

15:21 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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In this episode of Common Ground, hosts Roger and David delve into the hot topic of artificial intelligence (AI), its history, and its transformative impact on various sectors. They explore the roots of AI, dating back to the 1950s with Alan Turing's pioneering work, and discuss how advancements in data availability and computing power have accelerated AI development. The hosts highlight contemporary use cases including Siri, Alexa, Netflix recommendations, email spam filters, and healthcare diagnostics. They also address the ethical concerns surrounding AI, such as bias, deep fakes, hallucinations, copyright issues, and the potential for job displacement. To wrap up, they pose a thought-provoking question on open versus closed AI development models, inviting listeners to engage in the ongoing debate. Stay tuned for more episodes in this informative AI series.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 Overview of AI

01:00 History and Evolution of AI

02:40 Current Applications of AI

04:20 Controversies and Ethical Concerns

06:39 Impact on Jobs and Future Outlook

08:57 Open vs Closed AI Development

10:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.