The Connect2 Podcast

A conversation between Mark and Jeff, two information junkies, about a wide range of contemporary issues. We discuss current events, nerdy things, business concepts, marketing, technology, media and photography. As we are based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, there are lots of local topics. The podcast is generally upbeat and often covers current events and we occasionally have guests. Each episode typically has a central focus for most of the podcast but also lots of other regular topics including what they learned in the last week and what media they are consuming.
A conversation between Mark and Jeff, two information junkies, about a wide range of contemporary issues. We discuss current events, nerdy things, business concepts, marketing, technology, media and photography. As we are based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, there are lots of local topics. The podcast is generally upbeat and often covers current events and we occasionally have guests. Each episode typically has a central focus for most of the podcast but also lots of other regular topics including what they learned in the last week and what media they are consuming.
Episodes
Episodes



May 21, 2024
May 21, 2024
1hr 2 min
Well, in a not to everyone being replaced by AI, this week's topic (and title) were generated from ChatGPT's new 4 Omni. The suggested topic was more specifically addressing people's mental health when dealing with social media. ChatGPT even provided some talking points. Mark and Jeff took it from that starting point. We also discussed things we learned in the past week and what media we are consuming.



May 14, 2024
The Class of '84 - Jeff trying to Go Home
May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024
44 min
Jeff discusses his 40 year high school reunion and what he experienced trying to go back. Things have changed a lot, so have the people. Some are recognizable, others are not. Very interesting discussion and experience. We also discuss what we learned in the past week, sample some coffee and discuss what media we are consuming.



May 7, 2024
The Importance of Sports(ing)
May 7, 2024
May 7, 2024
1hr 2 min
In this episode, Mark and Jeff discuss the importance of sports, both as a participant and as an observer to mental health. They also discuss the difference on a team between talent and teamwork, lessons that can be applied to the workplace. As usual, there are a few dad jokes, coffee sampling, talk about alien life and media being consumed.



Apr 23, 2024
Managing Weight by Managing what you Eat
Apr 23, 2024
Apr 23, 2024
42 min
You are what you eat and weight control is entirely tied to diet. In this episode Mark and Jeff discuss things that worked for them in the past as well as some misconceptions about how you can lose weight. We also discuss what we learned in the past week and media we are currenty consuming



Apr 16, 2024
Coffee 101 - Basics of Fancy Coffee
Apr 16, 2024
Apr 16, 2024
55 min
Mark and Jeff talk today about a variety of issues but the main topic is understanding coffee and different types of ways of preparing coffee. This episode will help you when you are considering getting a coffee from your local coffee specialty store (as long as it is not Starbucks because they misuse certain coffee naming conventions). As usual we discuss what we learned and what media we are currently consuming



Apr 9, 2024
The Unsettled State of Transgender Research
Apr 9, 2024
Apr 9, 2024
1hr 1 sec
Transgender is currently a hot button issue at this time and lots of people have strong opinions on the topic. Unfortunately most of those opinions, on both sides of the topic are not strongly founded on science. The research, for the most part, appears to be quite limited and often flawed. Many of the studies approach the topic from a political approach which leaves big holes in the conclusions. This is something few people discuss but is very important to transgender individuals and their families.



Mar 26, 2024
What forms your identity? What makes you you?
Mar 26, 2024
Mar 26, 2024
52 min
Mark and Jeff discuss how people thing of themselves and how they form the identity that makes them who they are. We also discuss the politics of identity and the confusion regarding gender pronouns, where it started and where it has ended up as a political thing. As usual we sample coffee, tell some dad jokes, discuss what we learned this week and contemplate the media that we have been consuming



Mar 19, 2024
Mar 19, 2024
1hr 1 min
In this episode, Mark and Jeff discuss Mark's recent trip to Las Vegas where he went to see U2's last show at the Sphere (spoiler alert.... it was amazing) and then attended the Wedding and Portrait Photographer's conference (WPPI) one of the biggest photography events in the world. As usual, the guys discuss what they learned this past week as well as what media they are consuming. As a bonus, Mark and Jeff discuss the great photoshop faux pas of Kate Middleton (was it even her?)



Mar 5, 2024
Mar 5, 2024
54 min
Mark and Jeff discuss the major decision from Apple to kill its autonomous EV project. Over 10 years of development and $10 Billion and a staff of 2000. Staff will be reassigned and scattered amongst Apple projects. As usual, we sample coffee, tell a couple of dad jokes, discuss what we learned this week and review media we consumed.



Feb 27, 2024
Positive Thinking and it's Effect on Your Life
Feb 27, 2024
Feb 27, 2024
1hr 39 sec
Positive thinking has long been thought of as important to your health and wellness. Mark and Jeff do a deep dive into how that works and what positive thinking means to them. As usual we discuss things we learned in the past week (often space related), a few corny dad jokes and media we are consuming. Check out our facebook group for links to the topics we cover (we basically fact check ourselves)








