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Common Ground
Need for Speed
Ep. 1
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Buckle up, folks – it’s lights out and away we go! 🚦
In the very first episode of our new series, we finally stopped talking and hit record (after only, y'know… a year of procrastination 😅). And what better way to kick things off than diving into the fast, furious, and fantastically dramatic world of Formula 1?
Here’s what we cover in this episode: 🏎️ F1 101 – What is it, why are the wheels on the outside, and why does it have us hooked?
🔥 Red Bull’s Driver Drama – Midseason swaps, Kiwi comebacks, and the F1 version of musical chairs.
🇺🇸 Cadillac’s Grand Entrance – An all-American team (finally!) entering the sport, and the juicy behind-the-scenes politics that nearly blocked it.
🟥 Lewis Hamilton x Ferrari – A legendary move, a dream pairing, and the ultimate "is it the driver or the car?" debate.
🧠 Wildcard Question – Who's going to master the 2026 rule changes? Newbies? Billionaires? Your dinner table awaits this debate.
If you're new to F1 or just love a good spicy breakdown of racing headlines, this one’s for you.
🎧 Hit play, learn a little, laugh a lot – and if you love it (or even just like-like it), send us your thoughts or topic requests!
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15:55||Ep. 16In this episode of Common Ground, hosts David Dela Cruz and Roger Merzian explore the universal appeal of barbecue, discussing its cultural significance and evolution across the globe. They delve into the differences between gas and charcoal grilling, the rise of smart grills, and the art of slow cooking. The conversation also touches on various international barbecue styles, from Argentina's asado to Korea's BBQ, and the growing trend of plant-based grilling.00:00:00 Introduction to Barbecue Culture00:00:15 Global Barbecue Styles00:07:19 Gas vs Charcoal Grilling00:09:28 Technological Advancements in Grilling00:13:24 The Rise of Gourmet and Plant-Based Grilling
Eat Better Feel Better
13:54|Another common ground episode discussion what we eat, why we eat it and if it actually helps.... it's all just about the vegetables isn't it?
14. Maybe she's born with it
12:11||Ep. 14Welcome to the Common Ground Podcast, where we aim to equip you with the insights needed for engaging conversations. In this episode, we delve into the evolving world of skincare. Learn the key elements of skincare: cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF, and explore the booming influence of social media on skincare trends. We discuss how the industry has shifted in recent years, becoming more inclusive and self-care focused. Discover the transition from Western to Korean skincare products and the growing emphasis on understanding skincare ingredients. We also touch on the impact of potential new regulations on skincare claims and products. Whether you're a seasoned skincare enthusiast or just getting started, join us for an informative discussion.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:48 Diving into Skincare01:51 Skincare Essentials03:45 The Rise of Skincare on Social Media06:02 Global Skincare Trends07:39 Understanding Skincare Ingredients10:34 Regulation and Future of Skincare11:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
12. K-Pop
11:22||Ep. 12In this episode of Common Ground, David and Roger delve into the captivating world of K-Pop. They discuss its global appeal, slick production quality, and the unique structure of idol groups. They spotlight major groups like BTS and BLACKPINK, and elaborate on the industry's billion-dollar value and international concerts. The episode also addresses the rigorous training system for idols and its associated mental health challenges. Furthermore, they explore the fervent fandom culture and its significant impact on the industry. The discussion concludes with a thought-provoking question about the future of AI-driven virtual idols in K-Pop.00:00 Introduction00:26 Welcome to Common Ground00:47 Diving into K-Pop01:29 Understanding K-Pop03:27 Global Impact of K-Pop05:09 The K-Pop Business Model06:42 The Dark Side of K-Pop08:02 The Passion of K-Pop Fans09:42 Final Thoughts and Questions
11. House Rules
11:09||Ep. 11In this episode of Common Ground, David and Roger dive into the hot topic of renting versus home ownership. They explore how this decision goes beyond finances and reflects changing worldviews and lifestyle preferences. Key discussion points include the decline in home ownership among millennials, the impact of soaring property prices, and the flexibility that renting offers. They also consider the hidden costs of owning a home, the concept of 'rentvesting,' and the shift towards corporate-built rental properties. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question about the future sustainability of renting as a long-term lifestyle choice.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:52 The Changing Landscape of Home Ownership02:43 Flexibility vs. Stability: The Key Debate04:06 Financial Considerations and Wealth Building06:10 Modern Lifestyles and Cultural Shifts07:32 The Rise of Rentvesting09:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
10. Up, Down or Sideways
10:29||Ep. 10In this episode of Common Ground, hosts Roger and David delve into the world of the stock market, providing a comprehensive yet straightforward introduction. They discuss the basics of owning stocks, the importance of equity, and how factors like supply and demand influence stock prices. The conversation also covers the advantages of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in diversifying investments and reducing risk, as well as the significance of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for company growth. Listeners will gain insights into how stocks can provide passive income through dividends and the benefits of fractional shares and AI-curated portfolios. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals of stock investing and the broader economic implications.00:00 Introduction and Episode Teaser00:20 Welcome to Common Ground00:56 Understanding the Stock Market03:19 Benefits of Owning Stocks05:42 Risks and Rewards of Investing06:53 Exploring ETFs09:11 Why Companies Go Public12:41 Conversation Starters on Investing15:21 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
9. iRobot?
10:29||Ep. 9In this episode of Common Ground, hosts Roger and David delve into the hot topic of artificial intelligence (AI), its history, and its transformative impact on various sectors. They explore the roots of AI, dating back to the 1950s with Alan Turing's pioneering work, and discuss how advancements in data availability and computing power have accelerated AI development. The hosts highlight contemporary use cases including Siri, Alexa, Netflix recommendations, email spam filters, and healthcare diagnostics. They also address the ethical concerns surrounding AI, such as bias, deep fakes, hallucinations, copyright issues, and the potential for job displacement. To wrap up, they pose a thought-provoking question on open versus closed AI development models, inviting listeners to engage in the ongoing debate. Stay tuned for more episodes in this informative AI series.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:28 Overview of AI01:00 History and Evolution of AI02:40 Current Applications of AI04:20 Controversies and Ethical Concerns06:39 Impact on Jobs and Future Outlook08:57 Open vs Closed AI Development10:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
8. Keep Rolling
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