Let's stop the cycle of contempt and learn to disagree better! In this video, we discuss how to fix our broken conversations and bridge the divide in our nation.

Are we really more divided than ever—or just worse at disagreeing?

In this episode of An Ounce, we explore how contempt has crept into every corner of modern life—from relationships and work meetings to dinner tables and online comment sections—and why it's killing our ability to communicate. You'll hear insights from Stoic philosophers, historical figures like Lincoln and Mandela, and even modern research on what actually ends relationships (hint: it’s not yelling).

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⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Intro
01:16 – Conversation That Broke Down
02:41 – The Real Enemy
03:49 – In the Living Room – Relationships
04:40 – The Family Table – Political Polarization at Home
05:31 – At Work
06:27 – Online: Public Contempt Preformed for Audience
07:33 – The Temptation of Contempt
08:33 – Why Civility Isn’t Enough
09:16 – The Better Way
10:43 – How Grace Stops Contempt
11:25 – Challenge
12:32 – An Ounce

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🎥 Watch More Great Videos:
👉 You’ve Been Lied To: The Truth Behind History’s Biggest Myths – What else have we been so sure about… and so wrong?
https://youtu.be/JpHTMQV-XPQ

➡️ The Nicholas Effect – A true story about choosing grace over contempt—and changing lives.
https://youtu.be/Affw-qmLQog

➡️ If It Feels Good – How something soothing (like contempt) can be more dangerous than it seems. https://youtu.be/Z39Qf8z0gB4
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📚 References & Resources:
1. Pew Research (2021):
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/11/09/americans-politics-and-politicians/
2. John Gottman on contempt and divorce:
https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-the-antidotes/
3. Nelson Mandela’s inaugural address & reconciliation:
https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/inaugural-address-president-nelson-mandela-1994
4. RBG and Scalia friendship (NPR):
https://www.npr.org/2016/02/14/466620117/the-odd-couple-antonin-scalia-and-ruth-bader-ginsburg
5. Socrates and questioning truth (Plato’s Apology summary):
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/socrates/
6. Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison (Blight, 2018):
https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/david-w-blight
7. Additional Reading: More Love, Less Contempt, Arthur C. Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute, April 25, 2019. Found at- https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/arthur-c-brooks/more-love-less-contempt/
________________________________________
🛒 Check Out My Book:
Firehouse Philosophy – Real stories and lessons from an exceptional life
📘 On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Philosophy-Embers-Insight-Exceptional/dp/B0BJ58Q1FS
________________________________________
📬 Contact / Collaboration Inquiries:
jim@anounce.org
________________________________________
🎵 Credits:
Music: VENTATESANANDA by Jesse Gallagher from YouTube Library
Illustrative and Background Visuals: iStock, Getty, Wikimedia, and AI-generated
________________________________________
📢 Subscribe for Short History, Big Ideas
An Ounce Podcast delivers daily Shorts and weekly episodes that are surprising, thoughtful, and just a little bit profound.
#historypodcast #shortformhistory #lifelessons #storytellingpodcast #humorandhistory #educationalentertainment #realstories

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Witness the incredible true story of Joseph F. Smith, a Mormon teenager who showed incredible courage when faced with a gang of armed men in the Wild West. This story of bravery and calm in the face of death will inspire you.
Joseph F. Smith, LDS history, and teenage bravery come together in this true story of quiet courage. At 19, while crossing Southern California during a time of anti-Mormon violence, Joseph faced a gang of armed men. While others ran, he didn’t flinch. “Yes, siree. Dyed in the wool. True blue, through and through.” That one line said it all. But this moment was just the tip of a life forged by hardship—an orphan at 13, a missionary at 15, tested in the Sandwich Islands, and transformed by grit and faith.

🧠 Quick Takeaway:
This An Ounce episode is about the kind of strength that doesn’t shout, but stands calmly.
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⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Intro
01:17 – QUIET RESOLVE
02:32 – THE CRUCIBLE
04:17 – THE MOMENT OF COURAGE
06:50 – WHAT BECAME OF HIM
07:40 – An Ounce

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🎥 Watch More Stories from History:
👉 Think Fake News is New? Wild West Journalists Did it First – With Style!
https://youtu.be/pIrCZ5L8DJc
➡️ Teddy Roosevelt: Takes an Assassin’s Bullet – Then Finishes His Speech
https://youtu.be/oxiCHrs3V08
➡️ Why Didn’t They Smile in Old Photos?
https://youtu.be/l3xddLnkqME
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📚 References & Resources:
• Charles W. Nibley’s account of Joseph F. Smith's confrontation with armed men
Published in Improvement Era, January 1919, later referenced in multiple biographical retellings.
📍 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/08/joseph-f-smith-true-blue-through-and-through
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• Joseph F. Smith’s early letters and mission experience
Compilation of letters to his sister Martha Ann; insights into language struggles, personal conviction, and self-education.
📍 https://rsc.byu.edu/joseph-f-smith-reflections-man-his-times/personal-glimpses-joseph-f-smith-adolescent-prophet
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• Biographical overview from Doctrine and Covenants Central
Includes background on his orphaned youth, mission call, and leadership years.
📍 https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/people-of-the-dc/joseph-f-smith
________________________________________
🛒 Check Out My Book:
Firehouse Philosophy – Real stories and lessons from an exceptional life
📘 On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Philosophy-Embers-Insight-Exceptional/dp/B0BJ58Q1FS
________________________________________
📬 Contact / Collaboration Inquiries:
jim@anounce.org
________________________________________
🎵 Credits:
Music: Ukulele Beach by Doug Maxwell; Frog Kiss the peat and Come Along by Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz; In The Wild by National Sweetheart
Illustrative and Background Visuals: iStock, Getty, and AI-generated via Meta
________________________________________
📢 Subscribe for Short History, Big Ideas
An Ounce Podcast delivers daily Shorts and weekly episodes that are surprising, thoughtful, and just a little bit profound.
#historypodcast #shortformhistory #lifelessons #storytellingpodcast #humorandhistory #educationalentertainment #realstories

10 second pre-roll promo for An Ounce Podcast on YouTube

Learn how to stop letting fear control your life with lessons from sheep. Discover how courage and character can lead to personal growth and transformation. This true story will inspire you to face your fears and create positive change in your life.

What can a 7-year-old chasing sheep teach us about managing fear? A humorous childhood memory opens the door to deeper truths about fear, courage, and growth. With stories from Apollo 13, Florence Nightingale, and quotes from Roosevelt, Churchill, and Plato. Explore how fear holds us back—and how to face it with purpose.

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00:00 Intro
00:12 The Boy and the Sheep
01:25 The Nature of Fear
02:59 Florence Nightingale
03:57 Everyday Fear
04:31 Fear Meets Focus – Apollo 13
05:32 Elenore Rosevelt and Winston Churchill
06:10 What Do We Do About Fear
07:26 An Ounce
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👉 WATCH NOW: Theodore Roosevelt gets shot and gives his speech anyway! - https://youtu.be/oxiCHrs3V08

VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT:
➡️The Great Fire of London? - https://youtu.be/zB4575siib0
➡️True courage and pluck from a little tiny girl! - https://youtu.be/O8O6Hb6-veQ

---------------------------------

➡️ Purchase my book, Firehouse Philosophy, on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Philosophy-Embers-Insight-Exceptional/dp/B0BJ58Q1FS

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Inquiries: jim@anounce.org

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Online References:
1. Fear response in prey animals – https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-biosecurity/livestock-stress-and-capture-myopathy
2. Neuroscience of fear – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573739/
3. Florence Nightingale bio – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Florence-Nightingale
4. NASA Apollo 13 account – https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/missions/apollo13.html
5. APA article on fear psychology – https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/fear
6. Eleanor Roosevelt quote – https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/652-you-gain-strength-courage-and-confidence-by-every-experience-in
7. Churchill quote source – https://winstonchurchill.org/resources/quotes/quotes-falsely-attributed-to-churchill/
8. Bible verse (John 14:27) – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A27&version=KJV
9. Plato quote attribution notes – https://quoteinvestigator.com/2015/10/03/dark-light/


---------------------------------

Attributions and Credits:

Music: All music sourced from Cyberlinks Power Director 365
Images and Video from iStock, Getty, and generated with AI as noted in video.

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**Ancient Egypt, Pepi II, longest reigning pharaoh, weird history, crumbling pyramids**
This is the story of the 6-year-old king who ruled for 94 years… and maybe forgot to do anything. Sticky servants? Check. Bizarre letters? Absolutely. Pepi II’s absurdly long reign might’ve helped bring down the Old Kingdom—one slow, sandy crumble at a time. Hit play and get a taste of history that’s weird, real, and unforgettable.
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👉 WATCH NOW: So, what about that curse on Tut’s Tomb? Is it for real? - https://youtu.be/OL2-xHNCNh8

➡️ VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT:
Just how much history do we really have? And how much have we lost? - https://youtu.be/Lpo8qTPBhg4

You might wish you didn’t know this about the origins of toothpaste! - https://youtu.be/wq_H-8_pKKI

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➡️ Purchase my book, Firehouse Philosophy, on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Philosophy-Embers-Insight-Exceptional/dp/B0BJ58Q1FS

---------------------------------------

Inquiries: jim@anounce.org

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📜 1. Pepi II’s Long Reign & Historical Timeline
Source: The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt via Ancient.eu (World History Encyclopedia)
Covers: Pepi II's reign duration, accession at a young age, and the start of the First Intermediate Period.
URL:
https://www.worldhistory.org/Pepi_II/
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🏺 2. The Letter to Harkhuf (The Dancing Pygmy Story)
Source: The British Museum / Ancient Egypt: The Harkhuf Autobiography
Covers: Translation and context of Pepi II’s letter to his governor, requesting the safe return of the pygmy.
URL:
https://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/texts/harkhuf.htm
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🐝 3. The Honey-and-Flies Story (Anecdotal Reference)
Source: The Smithsonian Magazine – “Bizarre Ancient Facts”
Covers: While not confirmed by ancient sources, this modern article mentions the fly anecdote and how it’s been passed down.
URL:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ten-bizarre-facts-from-ancient-egypt-2318783/
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🏗️ 4. Pepi II’s Pyramid at Saqqara
Source: Digital Egypt for Universities – University College London
Covers: Dimensions, condition, and materials used in Pepi II’s pyramid.
URL:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums-static/digitalegypt//saqqara/pyr_pepi2.html
________________________________________
📉 5. Collapse of Central Authority and First Intermediate Period
Source: Khan Academy – Ancient Egyptian History: First Intermediate Period
Covers: How Pepi II’s long reign contributed to political decline and decentralization.
URL:
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/world-history-beginnings/ancient-egypt/a/the-first-intermediate-period

---------------------------------

Attributions and Credits:

Music: All music sourced from Cyberlinks Power Director 365 Ai music generator.
Images and Video from iStock, Getty, and generated with AI as noted in video.

0:00 Intro to Pepi the 2nd
1:03 Pepi Takes The Throne
1:44 Flies
2:36 Dancing Pigmy
3:16 Pepi’s Pyramid
4:22 Going No Where… Slow
5:10 Perspectives
5:49 An Ounce

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Ever wondered why Van Gogh sliced off his ear? Prepare to uncover bizarre theories, humorous insights, and poignant reflections on mental health, and the mystery of what happened to that ear. Join us on a captivating journey that’s equal parts tragic, funny, and profoundly human.

🔥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE for more unbelievable history!

👉 Watch Now: You’ve been lied to. Check out these examples of some of histories biggest myths - https://youtu.be/JpHTMQV-XPQ
-------------------------------------------------------

VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT:
A war in Americas past you should know about – King Phillips War - https://youtu.be/NEQkkM7Ohac

You might wish you didn’t know this about the history of toothpaste? - https://youtu.be/wq_H-8_pKKI

------------------------------------------------------

➡️ You’ve been lied to. Check out these examples of some of histories biggest myths - https://youtu.be/JpHTMQV-XPQ


➡️ Purchase my book, Firehouse Philosophy, on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Philosophy-Embers-Insight-Exceptional/dp/B0BJ58Q1FS

---------------------------------------

Inquiries: jim@anounce.org

--------------------------------------------------

• Van Gogh Museum - Ear Incident Explanation
URL: https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/art-and-stories/vincent-van-gogh-faq/why-did-vincent-van-gogh-cut-off-his-ear
(Provides a reliable overview and accepted historical narrative of Van Gogh's ear incident.)
• Van Gogh Letters - Letter from Van Gogh & Dr. Félix Rey
URL: https://vangoghletters.org/vg/letters/let728/letter.html
(Original source documenting Van Gogh’s condition post-incident, referencing his mental anguish and hospitalization.)
• Acta Oto-Laryngologica – Ménière's Disease Study
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1843176/
(Research suggesting Van Gogh’s symptoms matched Ménière’s disease, providing a medical explanation for his actions.)
• Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) – Tinnitus & Ménière's Disease Analysis
URL: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/384960
(Medical analysis speculating Van Gogh's ear mutilation may have been related to severe tinnitus and Ménière’s disease.)
• Guardian - Recipient of Van Gogh's Ear
URL: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/jul/20/woman-who-received-van-goghs-ear-named-130-years-after-artist-cut-it-off
(Explains historical research identifying Gabrielle Berlatier, rather than Rachel, as the likely recipient of the ear.)
• Van Gogh Gallery Blog – Theories on Gauguin’s Role
URL: https://blog.vangoghgallery.com/index.php/en/2015/03/04/the-theories-of-vincent-van-goghs-ear/
(Offers insights into the theory suggesting Gauguin might have accidentally sliced off Van Gogh’s ear with a sword.)


---------------------------------

Attributions and Credits:

Music: All music sourced from YouTube Music Library
Images and video from Wikimedia Commons, Picryl, iStock, Getty, and generated with AI as noted in video.

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History’s Craziest Failed Predictions: Why the Experts Got It Hilariously Wrong

Think you can predict the future? Think again! In this episode of An Ounce, we dive into history's biggest and funniest prediction fails. Discover why experts confidently declared airplanes impossible, dismissed the telephone, called personal computers pointless, and even predicted rock ‘n’ roll's quick demise.

History has never been so amusingly wrong!

🔥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE for more unbelievable history!

👉 Watch Now: You’ve been lied to. Check out these examples of some of histories biggest myths - https://youtu.be/JpHTMQV-XPQ
-------------------------------------------------------

VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT:
Was there flight before the wrights? Find out here - https://youtu.be/ujQF1QzqwKs

How come nobody smiled in those old timey photo’s? - https://youtu.be/l3xddLnkqME

------------------------------------------------------

➡️ You’ve been lied to. Check out these examples of some of histories biggest myths - https://youtu.be/JpHTMQV-XPQ


➡️ Purchase my book, Firehouse Philosophy, on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Philosophy-Embers-Insight-Exceptional/dp/B0BJ58Q1FS

---------------------------------------

Inquiries: jim@anounce.org

--------------------------------------------------

References & Sources:
• Simon Newcomb & Flight Prediction:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – "Simon Newcomb & Early Flight Predictions"
URL: https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/simon-newcomb-astronomer-skeptic
• Western Union & the Telephone (1876):
History Channel – "Alexander Graham Bell & the Telephone"
URL: https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/alexander-graham-bell
• Darryl Zanuck & Television Prediction (1946):
Britannica – "Television History & Impact"
URL: https://www.britannica.com/technology/television-technology
• Ken Olsen's Home Computer Prediction (1977):
CNN – "Ken Olsen's Famous Misquote about Home Computers"
URL: https://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/07/tech/innovation/computer-home-olsen-obit/index.html
• Michael Dell & Apple Prediction (1997):
CNBC – "Apple’s Rise after Dell’s Advice"
URL: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/23/apple-ceo-tim-cook-michael-dell-advice.html
• Clifford Stoll & Internet Prediction (1995):
Newsweek – "Clifford Stoll's Infamous 1995 Internet Prediction"
URL: https://www.newsweek.com/clifford-stoll-why-internet-will-fail-1995-329295
• Variety Magazine & Rock 'n' Roll (1955):
Rolling Stone – "Why Rock 'n' Roll Was Predicted to Fail"
URL: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/rock-n-roll-wont-last-infamous-predictions-1234608907/


---------------------------------

Attributions and Credits:

Music: All music sourced from Cyberlink’s, Power Director 365 music library.
Images and video from Wikimedia Commons, Picryl, iStock, Getty, and generated with AI as noted in video.

10 second pre-roll promo for An Ounce Podcast on YouTube

The Mandela Effect strikes again! Find out what's changing this time and test yourself on famous examples like Star Wars, KitKat, and Tinker Bell. Explore the theories of parallel universes and false memories in this mind-bending video!

NOTE: The images displayed in this video are the property of their respective copyright and trademark owners. They are used here under the doctrine of 'fair use' for purposes such as commentary, criticism, education, or research. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended.


🔥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE for more unbelievable history!

👉 Watch Now:
10 creepy coincidences: Was it really all just by chance? - https://youtu.be/E5OPHlFVHQw
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VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT:
Watch this riveting true tale about a trail-blazer in a petticoat… https://youtu.be/I9HFsK5YPs8

How come nobody smiled in those old timey photo’s? - https://youtu.be/l3xddLnkqME

------------------------------------------------------

➡️ 10 creepy coincidences: Was it really all just by chance? - https://youtu.be/E5OPHlFVHQw

➡️ Purchase my book, Firehouse Philosophy, on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Philosophy-Embers-Insight-Exceptional/dp/B0BJ58Q1FS

---------------------------------------

Inquiries: jim@anounce.org

--------------------------------------------------

🔍 Sources for the Mandela Effect Examples in This Episode
1. The Berenstain Bears – “Berenstein” vs. “Berenstain”
Many remember it as “Berenstein,” but it’s always been “Berenstain.”
📎 https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g28438966/mandela-effect-examples/
2. The Monopoly Man’s Missing Monocle
He’s never had a monocle—despite what your memory says.
📎 https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/585887/mandela-effect-examples
3. Darth Vader’s Line – “Luke, I am your father”
The real quote? “No, I am your father.”
📎 https://abc7.com/mandela-effect-false-memory-yougov-polling/12198338/
4. Disney Castle Intro – Was Tinkerbell There?
Nope! She never flew over the castle in the official intro.
📎 https://www.buzzfeed.com/christopherhudspeth/mandela-effect-examples
5. Fruit of the Loom Logo – Cornucopia or Not?
There was never a cornucopia in the logo—just the fruit.
📎 https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/585887/mandela-effect-examples
________________________________________
🧠 Debunking the Mandela Effect (Alternate Reality Theory)
Psychologists explain the Mandela Effect as a product of false memory—not parallel universes.
📎 https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2023/11/24/the-mandela-effect-a-psychologist-explains-collective-false-memories/


---------------------------------

Attributions and Credits:

Music: All music sourced from Cyberlink’s, Power Director 365 music library.
Images and video from Wikimedia Commons, Picryl, iStock, Getty, and generated with AI as noted in video.

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Artificial Intelligence (Ai) is hiring, firing, and making millions—but also failing spectacularly. Will #robots replace you, or will plumbers outlast us all? Find out in this **hilarious deep dive into #ai jobs!**👇 Find out the shocking truth about AI automation, weird new jobs, and the #future of work!

🔥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE for more unbelievable history!

👉 Watch Now:
Check out these “Absurd (?) Inventions: It Didn’t Go Quite Like They Imagined” - https://youtu.be/HqX4m6S2BSs
-------------------------------------------------------

VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT:
Watch this riveting true tale examining, “Who Really Flew First: Was there Flight before the Wrights?” https://youtu.be/ujQF1QzqwKs

These snacks have changed over the years. “Medicines You Never Knew Were Your Favorite Snacks!” - https://youtu.be/N_5-2CW4TPs

------------------------------------------------------

➡️ Check out these “Absurd (?) Inventions: It Didn’t Go Quite Like They Imagined” - https://youtu.be/HqX4m6S2BSs




➡️ Purchase my book, Firehouse Philosophy, on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Philosophy-Embers-Insight-Exceptional/dp/B0BJ58Q1FS

---------------------------------------

Inquiries: jim@anounce.org

--------------------------------------------------

Online References for this episode:
References:
1. Business Insider - McDonald's AI Drive-Thru Failures: https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-ai-drive-thru-glitches-2023-8
2. ABA Journal - ChatGPT Passing the Bar Exam: https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/chatgpt-4-aces-the-bar-exam-what-does-that-mean-for-lawyers
3. The Verge - AI Influencers: https://www.theverge.com/2023/ai-influencers-brand-deals
4. TechCrunch - AI’s Failure to Replace Comedians: https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/01/ai-writers-arent-funny/
5. CNN - Why AI Can’t Replace Plumbers (Yet!): https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/business/ai-jobs-plumbing-electricians/index.html
6. Bloomberg - AI Prompt Engineers Making Big Money: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-18/ai-prompt-engineers-are-making-six-figures-heres-why


---------------------------------

Attributions and Credits:

Music: All music sourced from Cyberlink’s, Power Director 365 music library.
Images and video from iStock & Getty via Cyberlink.

10 second pre-roll promo for An Ounce Podcast on YouTube