x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The James Brown Commentary

The Daily Note is a daily commentary podcast that finds deeper meaning in everyday moments. Host James A. Brown explores how our world really works through thoughtful observation and authentic storytelling. Each short-form episode starts with something specific James noticed while walking downtown, a conversation overheard in a coffee shop, or a small detail that revealed something larger about modern life. These aren"t political hot takes or partisan commentary. The Daily Note offers genuine

news news commentary

All Episodes

01:29

Shoes Off, Stress Down: The TSA's New Rule!

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/09

After 23 long years of shoeless suffering at the airport, the TSA has finally decided to stop making us strip off our shoes before boarding a flight, and let me tell you, it’s about time! We dive into the absurdity of this shoe rule that started back in the wake of 9/11, when some guy thought it was a good idea to pack explosives in his sneakers. Spoiler alert: the TSA’s shoe removal policy was never really about safety, just a bit of good ol’ security theater! We’ll break down how this ridiculous

en

01:30

When They Searched For God

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/08

People went on a quest for something deeper during the pandemic, and we’re diving into that search for the sacred today! When the world hit pause and toilet paper became a hot commodity, folks turned their eyes to the Bible and spirituality, leading to a spike in searches that just kept climbing. It’s like everyone suddenly decided to dig into stories that have stood the test of time—talk about a plot twist! We’ll chat about how trust in traditional institutions has taken a nosedive, yet our thirst

en

01:21

Big Changes, Bigger Fun: Welcome to the Daily Note...

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/07

Big things are happening, folks! We’re super excited to announce that the show has a brand new name: welcome to “The Daily Note with James A. Brown!” Yup, that’s right, we’re spiffing things up with a fresh look, a shiny new logo, and even more fun features—think more video and long-form content coming your way! I’m also planning to hit the road for some dispatches from America, bringing you stories straight from the people I meet and the places you suggest. The heart of the show remains the same,

en

01:30

Remembering Gene

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/04

Grilling is a bit like riding a bicycle—looks easy until you’re the one trying not to set your dinner on fire! In this chat, I dive into my ongoing journey of learning to grill, where I share a heartfelt connection to my late brother Gene, who made it all look so effortless. As I struggle with lighting the fire, managing those pesky coals, and avoiding the dreaded charred burger, I can’t help but reflect on the deeper significance of grilling for him. It was more than just cooking; it was a way for

en

01:29

Chasing Bill Moyers: A Tribute to a Storytelling Legend!

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/03

Today, we're diving into the life and legacy of Bill Moyers, a true giant in the world of storytelling and conversation. He wasn't just a press secretary or a political strategist; he was a man who left the halls of power to chase big ideas and connect with some of the most fascinating minds out there. Imagine sitting down with legends like Joseph Campbell and exploring the power of myth—sounds pretty epic, right? Moyers had a knack for long, thoughtful conversations that tackled complexity without

en

01:30

Is Fortune Telling Just a Crystal Ball of Fun?

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/02

Ever wonder why one in three Americans is dabbling in astrology, tarot, or fortune telling? Well, it turns out a lot of us are just looking for a bit of fun, but a surprising one in ten folks are seriously using these mystical practices to guide their big life decisions! That's right, we're putting our trust in someone with a crystal ball—or maybe just a really organized content calendar. Life can be a noisy whirlwind, and when everything feels chaotic, we often cling to patterns and signs to help

en

01:30

Are We the Commodities Now?

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/01

Artificial intelligence has just taken a wild leap, folks! According to Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, AI can now whip up a whopping 95% of an IPO prospectus in just a matter of minutes—talk about a productivity boost! Remember when it used to take a whole team of Ivy League grads two weeks to craft those dense documents? Well, now it’s all about that last 5% that really counts, because the rest is becoming a commodity. And here’s the kicker: we might just be the commodities Solomon is referring

en

01:29

If Porches Could Talk: Memories of Home

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/06/30

The main theme we’re diving into today is how porches, sidewalks, and all those cozy nooks we call home are more than just structures—they're like the silent witnesses to our lives. You know, they’ve seen us grow up, stumble through heartbreak, celebrate milestones, and maybe even attempt to dance (and let’s be real, some of us should stick to waltzing in the kitchen). We share a story about a neighbor who moved away, and how even though the name on the mailbox changes, the memories linger like that

en

01:30

Got Friends? How Social Connections Can Lift the...

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/06/23

Feeling lonely? Well, you're not alone—literally! We dive right into the heart of loneliness, especially among low-income folks, and trust me, it’s a tough pill to swallow. An eye-opening Oxford study showed that nearly half of low-income individuals experience chronic loneliness, even though they socialize just as much as those with deeper pockets. But here's the kicker: while loneliness can wreak havoc on both our bodies and spirits, social connections have a magical way of softening that blow

en

01:30

Trust

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/06/17

Only about one in three Americans believe most people can be trusted.That’s according to Pew. And when you break it down, the trust gap gets wider. Young adults trust less than older ones. People with higher incomes trust more than those scraping by. And when you get to race, the lines are even starker—Black and Hispanic Americans report far lower trust levels than White or Asian Americans.Why? Personal experience. Scars. Life treating you rough enough times that you learn to double-check the fine

en

01:29

Your Circle Defines You: Who's in Your Corner?

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/06/09

Start sooner and trust less fear! That’s the golden nugget we’re diving into today, inspired by none other than the fabulous Daymond John from Shark Tank fame. He’s all about those five life lessons he’d share with his younger self, and let me tell you, they’re worth their weight in gold! We chat about how fear can sneak in dressed as logic, whispering sweet nothings like “not yet” or “play it safe,” but really, it’s just doubt wearing a fancy suit. Plus, we dig into the importance of living in the

en

01:29

"The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/06/06

Ever heard of a loaf of bread that survived for five thousand years? Yeah, you heard that right! We’re diving into the fascinating story of a piece of bread baked in central Turkey ages ago, then forgotten under a floor, only to be uncovered by archaeologists last year. This charred but intact relic is not just a tasty tidbit of history; it sparked a local bakery to recreate the recipe, and guess what? They’re selling out faster than you can say “carb overload!” It’s a reminder that our past isn’t

en

02:15

Dying Rich

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/06/05

The salient focus of the discourse revolves around the profound declaration made by Bill Gates regarding his intent to relinquish the majority of his substantial fortune, amounting to an unprecedented $200 billion over the ensuing two decades. This assertion is not merely a matter of financial redistribution but rather indicative of a transformative mindset that challenges conventional paradigms surrounding wealth accumulation and legacy. Speaker A articulates a juxtaposition between the prevailing

en

01:30

How Many Meals Did You Share This Week?

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/06/04

Did you know that one in four Americans ate every meal alone yesterday? That’s a pretty staggering number, and it’s a 50% jump over the last 20 years! In today’s chat, we’re diving into the World Happiness Report that reveals a magical number: if you share just one meal a week with someone else, your happiness levels can seriously spike! We’re talking about the power of connection over a plate of food—because those meals are less about what’s on the table and more about sharing stories, laughter,

en

01:30

The Language of War

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/06/03

Watch enough news — left, right or somewhere in between — and you’ll hear it.“Culture war.”“War on truth.”“We’re fighting for the soul of the nation.”Every disagreement becomes a battlefield. Every opponent, an enemy. Every policy, a test of loyalty.But here’s the danger: If we keep telling ourselves we’re at war, eventually we’ll start acting like we are.You can’t compromise with an enemy. You can’t listen, learn or admit you might be wrong. You bunker down. You pick your side. You scroll your feed

en

01:29

The Force Behind the Thing

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/06/02

Ray Dalio said something that keeps echoing in my head: “Remember the force behind the thing.”Most headlines are symptoms. So are most arguments. If you want real understanding, don’t stop at what’s happening. Ask why it’s happening.Social media didn’t cause division. It monetized it. Politics didn’t get loud for fun. The incentives changed. Even in our own lives, we chase jobs, money, approval—but often it’s not about any of that. It’s about needing safety, control, and dignity.Dalio’s line reminds

en

02:17

Be Still

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/05/30

The salient point articulated by the speaker centers on the imperative notion of stillness, a concept deeply intertwined with the complexities of human restlessness and introspection. He reflects on the profound wisdom imparted by his mother, encapsulated in the directive to "be still," which evolves from a childhood admonition against fidgeting into a sophisticated understanding of surrendering to the rhythms of life, particularly in moments of anxiety and sleeplessness. This command transcends

en

01:29

Foul Balls and Faulty Logic: The Wildest Excuse for a...

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/05/29

We’re diving into the wild world of blame culture in this episode, and let me tell you, it’s a doozy! Imagine this: a fan is suing the Colorado Rockies because their awful play supposedly made him lose focus and get hit by a foul ball. Yep, you heard that right! Now, we’re not just shaking our heads at this bizarre lawsuit; we’re also unpacking how easy it is to shift responsibility onto others instead of owning up to our own actions. As a Buffalo Bills fan, I can totally relate to the pain of a

en

02:09

Ownership

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/05/28

The discourse presented by the speaker elucidates the profound transformation in consumer behavior, epitomized by the prevailing ethos of "buy me," which underscores a paradigm shift from ownership to temporary possession within a myriad of digital ecosystems. He articulates that the contemporary commercial landscape has evolved from a straightforward transaction of purchasing goods to a multifaceted engagement characterized by subscription models and tiered plans that prioritize user experience

en

01:50

The Crumpled Dollar: A Manifesto of Economic Control

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/05/27

The salient point articulated by Speaker A revolves around the profound and often unsettling realization that monetary wealth, represented by a simple piece of currency, exerts an inordinate influence over the fabric of human existence. Through a poignant reflection on a seemingly innocuous image of a crumpled dollar bill inscribed with a striking message, Speaker A elucidates the pervasive manner in which financial resources dictate the contours of our lives, from our living conditions to our

en

382 results

Similar Podcasts

Expres Ráno

Expres FM

PBS News Hour - Full Show

PBS News

CD Voice

China Daily

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

Noa Levi

Jeffrey Epstein: The Coverup Chronicles

Bobby Capucci