The hour begins with Steak ’n Shake’s headline‑grabbing decision to ban microwaves nationwide — a symbolic move that taps into America’s growing distrust of processed food and the cultural politics of “real cooking.” The hosts unpack the science, strategy, and economics behind the shift, showing how fast‑food chains are scrambling to regain public trust amid falling satisfaction, rising prices, and a national realignment toward simplicity, transparency, and “real food.” The show wraps with an interview featuring Jon Grishpul, co‑founder of GreatBuildz, a homeowner‑focused service that matches clients with rigorously vetted general contractors, and the Co‑CEO of Maxable, one of the nation’s leading platforms for planning and building ADUs. His work across both companies centers on making home renovation and small‑scale development clearer, safer, and more accessible for everyday homeowners.

Hour 1: The SAVE Act Showdown | Prof. David B. Oppenheimer on Diversity and Democracy
54:40

Hour 2: The AI Crisis in the Classroom | Caroline J. Knight on Austen, Legacy & Identity
49:49

Hour 1: A Racist White House? | Melissa Henson on Media, Culture & Connection
54:40