The James Brown Commentary - podcast cover

The James Brown Commentary

James A. Brownjamesbrowntv.substack.com
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 reflection and systems thinking for busy professionals. This daily podcast serves listeners who want intelligent analysis without the noise. Perfect for commuters, coffee breaks, and anyone seeking thoughtful perspective on current events, workplace dynamics, and American culture. The Daily Note delivers smart commentary, personal storytelling, and practical insights in bite-sized episodes that respect your time and intelligence. New episodes Monday through Friday. Commentary for people who want to understand their world better, not feel better about what they already believe. To support my work and tell me what you think join me at JamesABrown.net. Or email me at james@thedailynote.net.
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Episodes

They can control a mouse with their brain?

If Elon Musk has successful implanted a brain chip in a person's brain, James thinks we've crossed a Rubicon. Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Feb 27, 20242 min

Caitlin Clark

In which James marvels at Caitlin Clark and wonders if her star can carry women's professional basketball Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Feb 26, 20242 min

Don't forget to take photos

In which James encourages you to be a tourist every now and again Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Feb 23, 20242 min

Someone else, anyone else

In which, James discusses the state of the presidential race. Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Feb 19, 20242 min

This side of the moon landing

Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Feb 18, 20241 min

Hello darkness. my old friend

In which James ruminates on seasonal depression and the depths of winter Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Feb 16, 20242 min

Dealbreakers

In which James examines a list of the top dating dealbreakers. Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Feb 14, 20243 min

$6 Hash Browns

Fast Food isn't cheap anymore. Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Feb 12, 20242 min

Reruns

In which James discusses why everyone is watching so much old tv Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Feb 09, 20242 min

Family Business

Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Feb 07, 20243 min

Broke

In which James gives advice to a fellow millennial in dire financial trouble. Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Feb 05, 20243 min

The power of We is stronger than the power of Me

Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 31, 20242 min

Where does the stuff we return end up?

Another one for the need for more file Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 29, 20242 min

What does space smell like?

In which James describes what space smells like Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 26, 20242 min

Thank you Charles Osgood

In which James, honors the late great Charles Osgood. Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 24, 20244 min

Seeing Race

At the introductory press conference for New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, he told the truth. Since he's the team's first black head coach, he was asked about race and said: I do think of it because I believe if you don't see color, you can't see racism and whatever, whatever happens, black, white, disabled person, I've all or even someone with disabilities, I always, you know, for the most part, people are like, you know, don't you know, when they're young, they kind of make a spot ho...

Jan 22, 20242 min

Just say no to Uber style pricing at restaurants

In which, James takes on the uber-fication of dining out Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 19, 20242 min

Awareness is everything

Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 17, 20242 min

How young is too young for tackle football?

As California considers banning tackle football for kids under 12, James weighs the issue. Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Jan 16, 20242 min

How many episodes a week should I make?

Vote in my poll at Jamesbrowntv.substack.com Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 15, 20242 min

Don't let anger or large rocks thrown from overpasses cloud the mind

A lesson from Phil Jackson's Sacred Hoops Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 10, 20242 min

Blowing up the cop show model

An ode to Andre Braugher and Homicide: Life on the Streets “You go when you're supposed to go and everything else is homicide.” Those are the first words you hear before the theme of one of my favorite TV dramas plays: Homicide: Life on the Streets plays. Its lead, Andre Braugher, died a few weeks ago after a brief illness. He won a Best Actor Emmy for his portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton. “Finding love is like solving the perfect crime,” said Pembleton this partner Detective Tim Bayliss. ...

Jan 08, 20248 min

What's your fantasy?

In which James discusses how deep America's lottery obsession goes. Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Jan 04, 20242 min

Minecraft and other movies from Toyland

In which, James expresses his loathing of a potential minecraft movie Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv...

Jan 04, 20242 min

Above the Ruckus

The RZA on finding your true self Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 03, 20242 min

Is working from home morally wrong?

Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com Leave me a voicemail or text: 585-484-0339 Follow me on social media: YouTube Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixNKcH6SP5OCLHMdQ_gVTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrowntv/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamesbrowntv Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv

Jan 02, 20243 min

Rebel Rebel

Ending the year with David Bowie and one of my favorite hometown tales. In August, former president Donald Trump and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani joined a long list of people immortalized in mugshots. And they were glorious. The expressions were fascinating and reminded me of one of my favorite mugshots: David Bowie's. Bowie's arrest happened in my hometown of Rochester, New York. On a Friday night in 1976, Bowie and Iggy Pop, who our newspaper identified as James Osterberg Jr., play...

Dec 29, 20232 min

Opposites don't actually attract

It seems like every day I hear or see or read something that contradicts some long-held belief banged in my head by society. The latest one is that opposites attract. Apparently, most straight ones don't. A study in the journal Nature looked at the results of nearly 200 studies on heterosexual relationships. This mega meta-analysis featured a sample of around 8 million people from around the world. Overall, they found that a vast majority of participants shared at least 18 of 22 characteristics ...

Dec 28, 20232 min

Creativity comes from limits

It's Wednesday and it's time for some wit and wisdom. This week's wise words come from Jon Stewart; the comedian best known for his work on The Daily Show. Stewart and I don't have much in common, but we do share one belief on where good content comes from. jon stewart During a 2010 interview with Fresh Air with Terry Gross, he said: You'd be incredibly surprised at how regimented our day is and just how the infrastructure of the show is very much mechanized.It you know, we come in and it's not ...

Dec 27, 20232 min

How to save on groceries

Google searches on cheaper food and knockoffs soared in 2023 On this Tuesday, I'm reminded of something I've thought of a lot over the last few years. No matter what politicians tell us about inflation, we know the truth. We can see it everywhere. On the ground, in our grocery stores, in the malls, everything continues to feel so expensive and uncomfortably so. There's no greater reservoir of this feeling than Google. In 2023, Google Trends tracked the question, why is blank so expensive? In the...

Dec 26, 20232 min
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