Hi dave.  I really enjoyed this podcast!  First I'd like to comment about your French press being to difficult to press.  I think either your coffee was ground too fine or you added too much coffee to the press.  

I own a French press and i haven't used it since i bought a moka pot this past summer. It's my favorite way to make coffee at the moment.  

I'd like to recommend investing in a burr grinder to improve your coffee experience. The encore electric grinder by baratza is an entry level burr grinder.  It retails for $150 USD.  Hand grinders work well too.  Hario &amp; porlex make some that sell for around $30. 

Also,  try buying local freshly roasted coffee! 