Episode 005: Demand, Drafts, and Dbacks

Description

📌 Episode Summary:

In this episode of On the Desk of Brian, we explore the intersection of education, economics, and entertainment—with a dash of sports & satire for good measure.

🧠 Education & AI

We dive into Sarah Hernholm’s Forbes article on the growing AI education gap. With most schools lacking clear policies on AI use, Brian reflects on the need for better training and professional development for both educators and students to navigate emerging technologies responsibly.

💰 Economics Spotlight

A closer look at the unintended consequences of “Buy American” campaigns. We examine the trade-offs between domestic job growth & higher consumer prices, & reflect on global examples like France’s nationalist food policies and Renault/Nissan merger drama.

🥣 Not a Sponsor: Freedom Flakes

Introducing our latest satirical ad segment—Freedom Flakes, the overpriced, proudly domestic breakfast cereal that’s subsidized by nostalgia. It’s the most American way to overpay for corn.

🏀 NBA Draft Recap

Brian breaks down the Suns’ recent draft moves, promising, & the head-scratching tradition of wrong draft-night hats that ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt wants fixed.

⚾ Diamondbacks & Chase Field

Arizona makes headlines with a $1.2B upgrade plan for Chase Field, while the team hovers around .500 and battles injuries.

🏈 NFL Offseason Favorite

Brian highlights the Insider Inbox, a Packers fan’s paradise of offbeat football Q&A. A must-read for any NFL fan in the offseason.

🖥️ Tech Tools: Setapp Picks

Brian shares three standout apps from his Setapp subscription:

• CleanMyMac: declutter and secure your Mac

• Paste: a robust clipboard manager

• KeyCue: keyboard shortcut wizardry for power users

✅ Productivity Tip

Fast Company’s article on the 3 cognitive habits of high performers - actionable advice for anyone looking to level up their workflow.

📺 Streaming Updates

• Strange New Worlds (Paramount+), Season 3 warps in July 17

• Foundation (Apple TV+), Season 3 debuts July 11

• The Bear (Hulu), Season 4 serves up emotional storytelling in Chicago’s finest kitchen

🎮 Xbox Shakeups

Unfortunately, Microsoft is making major cuts across its gaming division, cancelling multiple titles and shuttering studios. Brian breaks down the news and shares concern for the creatives affected.

🔗 Stay Connected

Like what you heard? Subscribe & visit brian8944.com to follow all of Brian’s latest projects, or reach out with feedback and ideas.

🎧 Thanks for listening!

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhernholm/2025/06/27/the-ai-education-gap-why-schools-need-policies-now/

https://fee.org/articles/economic-nationalism-means-empty-wallets/

https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-draft-order

https://www.si.com/media/espn-scott-van-pelt-nba-draft-hats

https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/governor-hobbs-signs-12-billion-funding-bill-for-chase-field-d-backs-ceo-tells-12news-that-big-changes-are-ahead-for-fans-arizona/75-f2ddcc7a-5d8b-43c1-9bab-f236b489eb8c

https://www.packers.com/news/insider-inbox

https://setapp.com/pricing

https://www.fastcompany.com/91344976/3-cognitive-habits-of-people-who-get-things-done-cognitive-habits-high-achievers