Episodes

  • 39: Euphemisms

    39: Euphemisms
    Jun 6 2018

    Certain topics in our society aren’t considered proper to talk about. To make it easier to talk about such sensitive subjects, we have invented terms that dance around the issues, instead of facing them directly.

    Join me and guests, Steven Pinker, Phyllis Sommer and Kate Burridge as we dig into euphemisms.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    32 mins
  • 38: Minicast - The "D" Word

    38: Minicast - The "D" Word
    May 30 2018
    In this week's minicast, Matt reflects on a death that is close to him and how we use or don't use words about "dead". We talk a little with Rabbi Physllis Sommer to help explain.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    6 mins
  • 35: George Carlin's Last Words

    35: George Carlin's Last Words
    May 9 2018
    On this episode of Very Bad Words, we put the last four words on George Carlin’s list on trial. Are these two 4-letter words, and two compound unequivocally indecent under all circumstances? With dirty words educator and linguist, Randall Eggert, and radio veteran, Ken Freedman

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    28 mins
  • 33: Yo Mama!

    33: Yo Mama!
    Apr 25 2018
    On this episode of Very Bad Words, we are talking about Yo Mama! We bring in producer Joaquin Cotler and his interview with blues singer and historian Gaye Adegbalola to explore the connection of the phrase “Yo Mama” to the classic dirty blues song "The Dirty Dozen".

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    23 mins
  • 32: Minicast - Terms of Abuse

    32: Minicast - Terms of Abuse
    Apr 18 2018
    On this minicast, Matt talks to one of our listeners about how terms of abuse are used to dehumanize certain segments of society.

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