In response to listener demand (and by that we mean a single listener) we offer a Shelly-centric episode focused on the new frontiers of genetic experimentation.  Beth Shannon returns as a special guest to participate in the discussion as to whether or not different specific examples of genetic manipulation are either cool or creepy.  Predictably enough, a generous portion of the episode veers off toward a consideration of the relative traits of our own Redheaded League - Peggy, Shelly, and Beth.

The top of mind segment of this episode is almost exclusively about the bleakness of the upcoming holiday season because of the raging pandemic.  But Shelly introduces a number of examples of genetic experimentation and manipulation that provoke a lively and funny conversation. Among the topics that come up are people born with extra eyelashes (Elizabeth Taylor); whether or not varicose veins are like “purple worms”; people who have bones that do not break (Unbreakable); glow-in-the-dark animals; goats which produce silk; and cows that produce human breast milk. Among the information we glean from these discussions is that Beth is not only redheaded but also left-handed; Peggy and Beth think alike; Shelly knows an awful lot about the inbreeding of the Hapsburgs; John listens to many (perhaps too many) podcasts; and that all knowledge is provisional. (But some people’s ignorance is constant). Among the recommendations is Peggy’s for the Moosewood Cookbook.  Best wishes to Gayle & Craig!

Recommendations

Shelly recommends American Dirt by Janine Cummings

Peggy recommends The Moosewood Cookbook

Beth recommends The Searcher by Tana French

Jim recommends The Baroness Von Sketch Show on the iFC Channel

John recommends the recent episode of the podcast Sway with Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry Dr. Jennifer Doudna

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