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Smart Drivel

Smart Drivel

"Two intelligent gents accidentally teaching the masses about history, etymology and everything in-between! You'll laugh and learn, and come out with some smart drivel to take to your next party (virtual or otherwise)!"

Recent Episodes

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Ep.282: Why Did We Ever Believe That?
June 23, 2025

Ep.282: Why Did We Ever Believe That?

In searching for answers to quell fears or explain life’s quirks, humans have oft come up with some pretty bizarre beliefs. Tomatoes are poison? Witches steal a particular male body part and keep them for pets? Baths are dang...
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Ep. 281: Say that Again? (redux)
June 15, 2025

Ep. 281: Say that Again? (redux)

Jon and Kurt return to a theme from the early days of Smart Drivel as they give examples and discuss sayings that just make no sense. Some, like “on cloud 9” confuse one and not the other while others, such as “the exception ...
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Ep.280: Beware the Small Things
June 9, 2025

Ep.280: Beware the Small Things

We always worry about the large looming events that change history. Yet, often, history’s pages are changed not by some titanic event (pun intended), but by small, seemingly inconsequential occurrences. A wrong turn, a differ...
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Ep. 279: Cat Got Your Tongue?
June 2, 2025

Ep. 279: Cat Got Your Tongue?

Jon and Kurt wonder at the pervasive use of animal idioms in everyday conversation. Why do we call someone a Black Sheep? Or accuse someone of crying Crocodile Tears? What is a Paper Tiger and who famously made it into an ins...
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Ep.278 Murphy’s Law
May 26, 2025

Ep.278 Murphy’s Law

No, dear listener, this episode is not about everything that can go wrong in a podcast episode will go wrong. It is, however, a quick dive into Named Laws of nature or corporate life or technology or etc. Jon and Kurt share a...
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Ep. 277: Epic Failures (redux)
May 19, 2025

Ep. 277: Epic Failures (redux)

There is an actual “Museum of Failures” which memorializes products that were massive failures. Classics like “neon green Heinz Ketchup” and “Spray on Condoms” (yes, you read that correctly) are on exhibit as are countless ot...
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Reviews

Laugh while you learn

"Fun, witty banter by two very bright, hilarious guys. They discuss a variety of interesting and thought provoking topics each week. I learn something every time I listen. And I laugh every time I lis…"

AJFlanigan | Aug. 18, 2020

Engaging and Enlightening

"Absolutely love Smart Drivel. Really interesting topics covered, and Jon and Kurt approach each one with their signature blend of humor and intelligence. Each episode is the perfect length, so you ca…"

JOHNBLUMENTHAL | July 17, 2020

5 Stars - fantastic podcast

"These two rock. Love their podcast. I always look forward to the next episode. They are both very humorous, kinda smart :) but always entertaining. They clearly have a blast doing it together and you…"

38 Off | July 10, 2020
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