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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

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All Episodes

02:17

Going National

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/25

We're super excited to share that starting Labor Day, our podcast is leveling up to become a syndicated radio show! Can you believe it? That’s right, a handful of stations across America will be airing my daily musings, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I’ve had quite the adventurous career journey—everything from fast food to flower shops, and even a run-in with a pyramid scheme (yeah, you heard that right!). It's been a wild ride, and through all the ups and downs, I've learned one golden rule:

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01:00

37 Trillion

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/22

Today, we're diving into the heavy topic of America's national debt, which is currently a jaw-dropping $37 trillion. Yep, you heard that right—trillion with a 'T'! We’re unpacking why everything seems to cost twice as much as it did a few years ago, and spoiler alert: it’s got a lot to do with all that printed money. We’ll explore how that cash has a sneaky way of messing with our economy and why it feels like we’re all just kicking the can down the road when it comes to paying it back. Trust me,

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01:00

Elon was right

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/21

Elon Musk has thrown a wild idea into the ring: livestreaming a visit to Fort Knox to check out America's gold. I mean, can you imagine that? It’s like a treasure hunt, but with way more security and way less pirate booty! At first, I chuckled at the thought, but then I realized, why the heck not? Our banks are pinging me every time I buy a coffee, yet the government doesn't even know where our tax dollars go—talk about unfair! In this episode, we dive into why we deserve transparency about our

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01:00

Don’t Go Away

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/20

Ringtone sales have taken a nosedive from a whopping $1.2 billion in 2007 to practically nothing today, and I can’t help but chuckle at that wild roller coaster drop! Remember when we used to spend real cash to make our phones sound uniquely us? Whether it was “Crazy in Love” for your best friend or the epic “Imperial March” for work calls, we were all about that personal flair! Now, every phone sounds like it’s stuck on the same boring playlist, and it got me thinking—what's something we’re all

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01:20

The Last Hold Outs

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/19

Say goodbye to dial-up internet, folks! With AOL pulling the plug this September, 160,000 Americans are about to experience a major digital shift, and we’re here to chat about it. Remember those nostalgic screeching sounds and waiting three minutes for a photo to load? Ah, the good ol’ days! But hey, maybe there’s a silver lining to this internet nostalgia—dial-up had its limits, right? No late-night doom scrolling or working from bed because someone might actually need to call you! We dive into how

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01:00

The Future They Buried: Kodak's Digital Dilemma

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/18

Eastman Kodak is in a bit of a pickle—sure, they say they can pay off their debts, but surviving? That’s a whole different ballgame! It’s like being able to afford the fancy coffin but realizing you forgot to buy the medicine. Oops! As a Rochester native, I've watched this film giant, which was once the heartbeat of our city, face its downfall, and let me tell you, it’s a heart-wrenching story. Did you know they actually invented digital photography back in 1975? Yup, their own engineer cooked up

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01:29

Why We All Stare at Our Phones

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/15

Ever find yourself in a crowded elevator, surrounded by total strangers, and the first thing everyone does is whip out their phones? Yeah, me too! It’s like we’ve been programmed to avoid eye contact and dive into our screens. But wait, what are we missing out on during those awkward moments of silence? In this episode, we dive into the curious phenomenon of how our devices have turned us into social ninjas, expertly dodging any chance of connecting with the people around us. We chat about the funny

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01:00

Doll Sized Burdens

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/14

Mattel just dropped a Barbie doll that comes with type 1 diabetes gear, including a tiny glucose monitor and an insulin pump—how wild is that? I mean, it's great to see representation, but we can't help but wonder if Barbie’s getting a little too serious for her own good. Remember when toys were just about endless fun and imagination? It feels like we’ve crossed into a strange territory where kids might find medical problems instead of adventure in their toy boxes. So, when did it become a thing for

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01:00

Why You Should Work for YOU, Not Your Boss!

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/13

Your job isn’t just what your boss tells you it is; it’s actually a stepping stone to something bigger! Scott Adams, the genius behind Dilbert, lays it down for us: we’re not working for our employers, we’re working for our future. Yeah, you heard that right! We dive into the idea that our daily grind should be all about building our skills, expanding our networks, and crafting a profile that shines brighter than a freshly polished apple. Companies might throw around the word “family,” but let’s be

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01:00

Money Gone? Let's Talk Hamburgers and Inflation!

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/12

Cheaper hamburgers are the name of the game today, and boy, do we have some beef to chew on! We dive into the wild world of nostalgia as we look at a McDonald's menu from 2007 that someone unearthed on Reddit, and let me tell you, it had prices that were 92% lower on average than what we’re paying now. Can you believe that? It’s like finding a time capsule filled with dollar menu dreams! But beyond the sticker shock, we chat about why this menu made us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, despite the

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01:30

Unlimited Minutes, Limited Conversations: What Happened?

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/11

Remember when every minute counted and we had to strategize our phone calls like they were high-stakes poker games? Well, in today’s chat, we’re diving into the quirky world of communication and how, despite having unlimited minutes, we seem to be yapping less than ever! I mean, we’ve gone from counting minutes and waiting until after 9 PM to jabber away to each other to texting, posting, and expressing ourselves through a barrage of emojis. It’s almost like our voices have become rare

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01:18

Sips and Sounds: A Night in Geneva, NY 🍷🎶

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/08

We’re diving into the charming vibes of Geneva, New York, where the small-town magic is alive and kicking! Picture this: it's a Friday night in midsummer, and the streets are alive with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses as waitresses serve up cocktails and appetizers to lovebirds and old pals. This episode captures the joy of small-town America, where cars take a backseat to pedestrians strolling beneath twinkling lights, soaking in the atmosphere. We'll chat about how this urban oasis

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01:00

Cook Your Way to Connection: The Power of Deep Casual...

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/07

Let’s dive into the heart of the matter—this episode is all about the magic of deep casual hosting and how it can transform our social lives! Kathryn Goldstein hit the nail on the head with her idea: just whip up twice as much food and invite some folks over. Forget the fancy dinner parties with matching plates; we’re talking about a relaxed, no-pressure hangout that brings people together over a good ol’ pot of chili and cornbread. In a world where loneliness is the new black, maybe the cure isn’t

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01:29

Revving Up the Debate: Do We Miss the Roar of Our Cars?

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/06

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of cars and the soul (or lack thereof) that seems to be missing in the modern electric vehicle scene! So, here’s the scoop: electric sports cars are flopping in the market, and it’s not just about the price tag – it’s about the experience. Our buddy Frank Marcus from MotorTrend hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that folks want to feel that engine roar and the steering wheel vibrate with every turn. It’s like those manufacturers are trying to create a

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01:30

Who Do We Trust? The Surprising Results of a Gallup...

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/05

Trust is a funny thing, isn’t it? It turns out we’re putting more faith in our local diner than in the folks running our country! In today’s podcast, we dive into the surprising results of a Gallup poll that shows about 70% of us trust small businesses more than any other institution, including the military and Congress, which barely scrapes 10%. We chat about how this reflects a shift in what we value—competence over charisma, realness over rhetoric. Instead of looking for heroes, we just want

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01:29

Homophily and the Income Gap: Are We Just Friends...

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/04

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s as light as a feather but heavy on the heart—how our income shapes our friendships. Yup, you heard it right! If you’re poor, chances are your pals are in the same boat, while the rich tend to hang out with, you guessed it, other rich folks. It’s like we’re sorting ourselves out like coins in a vending machine, and honestly, nobody woke up and said, “I’ll only vibe with people who make as much as I do.” But here’s the kicker: these patterns happen in ways we

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01:30

Seneca's Wisdom: Why Paying Life's Dues is Worth It!

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/08/01

Taxes are a bummer, right? Well, we dive into the “Taxes of Life” in this episode, and trust me, it’s not just about those pesky April deadlines! We chat about the bittersweet realities we all face—the heartaches, the long goodbyes, and those sneaky years that slip through our fingers. Seneca, that old Stoic sage, nailed it when he called these experiences the “taxes of life.” But here’s the kicker: he suggested that we should pay them gladly! So, instead of grumbling over the bill, let's talk about

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01:29

The Dreamer's Dilemma: What Would You Do If Failure...

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/31

What if you couldn't fail? That's the big question we’re diving into today, and trust me, it’s a game-changer! We’re peeling back the layers on how often we get trapped in the “what could go wrong” mindset. Our brains are like expert defense players, always spotting potential risks and red flags, but what if we flipped the script? Instead of choking our dreams with reality, we’re all about letting those wild ideas breathe and see what magic can happen. So, buckle up, because we’re about to explore

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01:30

Of Bots and Buddies

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/30

We've got a pretty eye-opening chat lined up about how a whopping 72% of American teens are leaning on AI for companionship these days. Can you believe it? I mean, it’s like having a buddy who’s always on standby, ready to listen without judging your taste in music! But hold up—while these AI pals might seem like the perfect solution to loneliness, they bring up some serious concerns about what real human connections are all about. We're diving into the nitty-gritty of why teens are turning to these

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01:29

Thieves in Our Pockets: Unmasking the Smartphone Bandits

The James Brown Commentary ·

2025/07/29

We’re diving into a pretty eye-opening topic today: the sneaky little thieves in our pockets—yeah, I’m talking about our smartphones! They steal precious moments from us, whether we’re stuck at a red light, waiting in line, or even during those precious moments with loved ones. Our buddy James A. shares a heartfelt story about visiting his mom, who was busy crafting some gorgeous beaded earrings while he was glued to his iPhone. It’s a real wake-up call about how we often let our devices rob us of

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334 results

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