What is good? Are people good? Who gets to define what is good? We believe "good people" have to BE good people. We have a choice for bad and good - lets choose good!
Can great tools turn into dangerous systems? Can what we create and build up for the good of society turn on us without us even noticing? We continue the discussion on the question of "can it get too big?" as we discuss Google, Facebook and the new Documentary on Netflix called "The Social Dilemma". Join the conversation. Let us know what we missed.We are on discord - https://discord.gg/C98sjCy or email for an invite: luke@lukeramey.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version not available this week. Thanks COVID!
Can a corporation get so big that we need to break it up to protect the American people? Does money and power corrupt all? We get into it this week! We talk Apple and we talk Liberty University this week. Spoiler alert - it isn't positive. Join the conversation. Let us know what we missed.We are on discord - https://discord.gg/C98sjCy or email for an invite: luke@lukeramey.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version not available this week. Thanks COVID!
We are wrapping up our look at "Why We're Polarized" by Ezra Klein. This is a great book for our time looking at where our current political climate came from. We have discussed all kinds of issues and disruptions we have seen in politics since the beginning of our country and this week we start to look at what corrections we can be a part of. The political process is not a problem in need of a solution, it is a process in need of corrections. We are lucky to have a system built to withstand errors and always open to corrections. Will you join with us in this conversation?We are in the 9th & 10th chapter this week. Pick up the book and join with us. It isn't a long read, but it definitely is a deep dive. If you would like to see all the discussions we have had on this book so far, check out the series on our Youtube page called "Why We're Polarized". Join the conversation. Let us know what we missed.We are on discord - https://discord.gg/C98sjCy or email for an invite: luke@lukeramey.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version not available this week. Thanks COVID!
How do you identify? Idahoan? Tennesseean? American? Chicago-ite? Our identities have shifted from being more local before the civil war to being more national after (especially around WW1). This has made huge changes in how much we value the presidential office - but also how we engage (or if we engage) in politics. We are in the 8th chapter this week. Pick up the book and join with us. It isn't a long read, but it definitely is a deep dive. If you would like to see all the discussions we have had on this book so far, check out the series on our Youtube page called "Why We're Polarized". Join the conversation. Let us know what we missed.We are on discord - email for an invite: luke@lukeramey.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version not available this week. Thanks COVID!
We continue our discussion surrounding Ezra Klein's "Why We're Polarized". This discussion has been a good one looking at the history of US Politics and this week we join Ezra in looking at where we are now. Two political parties, harshly polarized - not interested in listening to the middle. How do we continue to operate when the center of American politics is disappearing?We are in the 6th chapter this week. Pick up the book and join with us. It isn't a long read, but it definitely is a deep dive. If you would like to see all the discussions we have had on this book so far, check out the series on our Youtube page called "Why We're Polarized". Join the conversation. Let us know what we missed.Also, we are rolling out support opportunities if you want to REALLY jump in with us: https://patron.podbean.com/begood @begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version not available this week. Thanks COVID!
“Mainstream media” is a word that gets thrown around alot these days. This week, we’re asking if we’re the ones actually making it what it is. We’re tackling that question by taking a look at how we consume our political news as entertainment, and if there is a balance of being well informed without being polarized.This book is great for us - Curtis doesn't always feel at home in the Democratic Party and Luke doesn't always feel welcome in Republican Circles. So - how do we interact in a beneficial way when the way the world is divided doesn't line up with who we are? We plan on spending a few weeks in the book, if you are able - pick up a copy and read along with us. This week our discussion takes us into the sixth chapter.Join the conversation. Let us know what we missed.Also, we are rolling out support opportunities if you want to REALLY jump in with us: https://patron.podbean.com/begood @begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version not available this week. Thanks COVID!
We look at chapter 5 of Why We're Polarized and discuss the changing demographics in our political parties and in the country. Should we be embracing this change, pushing against this change or apathetic to it? Jump in and join us in this discussion! This book is great for us - Curtis doesn't always feel at home in the Democratic Party and Luke doesn't always feel welcome in Republican Circles. So - how do we interact in a beneficial way when the way the world is divided doesn't line up with who we are? We plan on spending a few weeks in the book, if you are able - pick up a copy and read along with us. This week our discussion takes us into the fifth chapter. Join the conversation. Let us know what we missed. Also, we are rolling out support opportunities if you want to REALLY jump in with us: https://patron.podbean.com/begood @begoodpeopleshow on Instagram Video version not available this week. Thanks COVID!
Typically, most people use information as a tool to make good decisions. Are we doing that with our politics, or are we using the tools we have to explain away information that would otherwise change our minds. In other words... "People are smart, but crowds are dumb." This book is great for us - Curtis doesn't always feel at home in the Democratic Party and Luke doesn't always feel welcome in Republican Circles. So - how do we interact in a beneficial way when the way the world is divided doesn't line up with who we are? We plan on spending a few weeks in the book, if you are able - pick up a copy and read along with us. This week our discussion takes us into the fourth chapter. Join the conversation. Let us know what we missed. Also, we are rolling out support opportunities if you want to REALLY jump in with us: https://patron.podbean.com/begood @begoodpeopleshow on Instagram Video version available at www.begoodpeopleshow.com
Identity politics. A word we all have a definition for, a word that is in every political conversation. Are we taking the time to understand how the other side is using it? Can we come closer to an understanding while admitting we’re not fully there yet? We’re continuing our talk about polarization and asking the questions, “What identities are we giving power to?” and “What identities are we putting on others?” This book is great for us - Curtis doesn't always feel at home in the Democratic Party and Luke doesn't always feel welcome in Republican Circles. So - how do we interact in a beneficial way when the way the world is divided doesn't line up with who we are? We plan on spending a few weeks in the book, if you are able - pick up a copy and read along with us. This week our discussion takes us into the Third/Fourth chapter. Join the conversation. Let us know what we missed. Also, we are rolling out support opportunities if you want to REALLY jump in with us: https://patron.podbean.com/begood (Patron only content rolls out this week!) @begoodpeopleshow on Instagram Video version available at www.begoodpeopleshow.com
Do we get to the society we want by attacking things we hate or championing things we love? If winning the argument is the end goal, what do we have when we compromise everything we have to win?We look at chapter three this week of Ezra Klein's book "Why we're polarized." We talk about team sports and winning at any cost. These strategies may not be the best as we try to build a society for all. Jump in with us as we look at how American politics has changed from one team trying to do their best to build a society to two teams trying to make each other take the "L".This book is great for us - Curtis doesn't always feel at home in the Democratic Party and Luke doesn't always feel welcome in Republican Circles. So - how do we interact in a beneficial way when the way the world is divided doesn't line up with who we are? We plan on spending a few weeks in the book, if you are able - pick up a copy and read along with us. This week our discussion makes it through the second chapter.Join the conversation. Let us know we are wrong.Also, join in our community by becoming a Patron: https://patron.podbean.com/begood @begoodpeopleshow on Instagram
We are in Chapter 2 of Ezra Klein's book: "Why We're Polarized" and we are talking about the Dixiecrats (better known as southern democrats) and their impact on the policies and legislation coming out of the golden age of Politics. What does this mean for us today? Do we miss the days of less polarization between parties and more disagreement within them? Does this set up a better world and society for us?This book is great for us - Curtis doesn't always feel at home in the Democratic Party and Luke doesn't always feel welcome in Republican Circles. So - how do we interact in a beneficial way when the way the world is divided doesn't line up with who we are? We plan on spending a few weeks in the book, if you are able - pick up a copy and read along with us. This week our discussion makes it through the second chapter.Join the conversation. Let us know we are wrong.Also, we are rolling out support opportunities if you want to REALLY jump in with us: https://patron.podbean.com/begood (Patron only content rolls out this week!)@begoodpeopleshow on Instagram
After chatting political talk in episode 18, we are back to discussing a book. This time "Why we're polarized" by Ezra Klein. This is a thinker! Mr. Klein is an accomplished political journalist and the founder of VOX.COM. In this book he has researched the path of political discussion and organization over the history of the United States in hopes of better understanding the polarization that we currently experience in both national and local politics. We look at questions like "What makes a person a republican or a democrat?" "Can a republican be liberal and a democrat a conservative?" We look at multiple questions to better understand where we are today politically. This book is great for us - Curtis doesn't always feel at home in the Democratic Party and Luke doesn't always feel welcome in Republican Circles. So - how do we interact in a beneficial way when the way the world is divided doesn't line up with who we are? We plan on spending a few weeks in the book, if you are able - pick up a copy and read along with us. This week our discussion makes it through the introduction and first chapter.Join the conversation. Let us know we are wrong. Also, we are rolling out support opportunities if you want to REALLY jump in with us: https://patron.podbean.com/begood (Patron only content rolls out this week!)Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
After a month and a half of diving deep into a book discussion, the guys are back to ranting incoherently about stuff - this week, political stuff. As a preview here is a quote from Luke: "I guess I could be okay with legalized prostitution. Wow, I am on record for that now aren't I?"Join the conversation. Let us know we are wrong. Also, we are rolling out support opportunities if you want to REALLY jump in with us: https://patron.podbean.com/begoodYoutube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
This is the finale of our series looking at Malcolm Gladwell's book, "Talking to Strangers". The whole book is working to understand the mystery of the Sandra Bland story and this week we discuss it and other cases of excessive force used by the Police. We look at Michael Brown, Sandra Bland and discuss George Floyd. Prepare yourself - this is a discussion that raises the question (and provides the start of an answer) to the question: "How do we fix this". We aren't raising awareness - we are searching for and discussing solutions. Will you join us?Join in the conversation with us!Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
We are getting to the end of our look at Malcolm Gladwell's "Talking to Strangers" and looking at some lessons learned looking at enhanced interrogation studies and "coupling" as it relates to suicide. I know it sounds like it doesn't go together - but understanding these principles will help us to better understand what happened on the side of the road in Grand Prairie between a well meaning officer and a woman just trying to get home from a job interview.Join in the conversation with us!Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
Whether you are an avid drinker or never touch the stuff - it is hard to deny that alcohol is a substance that seems to make a great impact on a person. This week we ask and discuss chapter 8 from Malcolm Gladwell's "Talking to Strangers" where he looks at the Brock Turner case and how alcohol impacted the ability of two stranger to interact in a civil way. The big question is: "How did two people who were looking to just have an enjoyable night end up becoming a sexual abuser and a victim?" We have our good friend Joy Van Staalduinen with us in the discussion this week. Joy is a United Methodist Minister, an ex-pat living in the Netherlands and a blogger and Podcaster over at www.joyvanstaalduinen.com where she uses her own experience with losing a child in the womb to provide help and healing for others facing a similar road. Joy adds a different and great dimension to the the conversation and we are thankful for it. We hope you will jump in the conversation with us as well by commenting on our YouTube page, direct messaging us, or jumping in on our social media.Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
Sometimes, most times - we aren't completely transparent. If what I am communicating with my mouth is not what you see visually in my body language, which one is wrong? Can we say for certain that engaging with someone in the physical is going to give us a better read on them? It works on "Friends", does it work in the real world?We continue our critique of Malcolm Gladwell's "Talking to Strangers". Incredible book that causes you to think about things from multiple perspectives. This week we look at section 3 and pondering what Malcolm calls our "mismatched" words and body language. Communication with other people is complicated - we are discussing how we can become better at this in hopes of better, more life giving, conversation.Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us, or jumping in on our social media.Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
How do people get away with lying straight to our faces and why do we consistently feel blindsided by people we thought we could trust? Can we ever trust anyone?We delve into a writing critique of Malcolm Gladwell's "Talking to Strangers". Incredible book that causes you to think about things from multiple perspectives. This week we tackle a lot (too much) looking at section 1 and 2 and talking about what Malcolm calls our "default to truth". The human race is very trusting, why is that?Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us, or jumping in on our social media.Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
In the face of "pLandemic" (see what they did there) Curt and Luke were forced to return to the subject of Covid 19 as they talk about who we trust as a truth source and how we handle opinions vs. verified facts. We also ask the question - is it okay for a private company to censor this? This one might upset you - but lets fair: There are absolutely some solid arguments against the shutting down of businesses and the pressure of social distancing (economic reasons, sacrifice the few for the many, etc.) however, pLandemic isn't one of them. This is hot garbage and we talk a little about that. Quick recommendation. Check out Malcolm Gladwell's "Talking to Strangers". We will be discussing multiple things from this book in the coming weeks.Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us, or jumping in on our social media.Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
Curt and Luke respond to watching a documentary called "Saving Capitalism" that looks at the corruption among big business lobbying groups and government officials and how we have ended up in a situation where corporate revenue rises, but working wages don't. It seems that at its current pace, capitalism can't possibly survive without another huge correction (depression) or some changes to the legal system in how we "manage" our free market. What do you think? Can capitalism be saved? Does it even need saving? Let us know your thoughts!Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us, or jumping in on our social media.Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
We have had panic, the Government has told us to stay home and now is there MARTIAL LAW!?!?Curtis and Luke continue the discussion looking at how we should be responding as "good people", whether we believe our rights are being infringed upon or not. What do good people do when they see pain, suffering and injustice around them? Beyond the teaching of Matthew 25 that we looked at last week - how do we respond with the opportunities around us? Let us know your thoughts! Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us, or jumping in on our social media.Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
Most of us are being "asked" to stay home. How we respond says a lot about what we value.Today, Luke and Curt look at the COVID19 issue through the lens of Matthew 25.Let us know your thoughts!Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us, or jumping in on our social media.Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
When the economy crashes, who takes the hit? Is it okay for the average working Joe to take the punch? Landlords? Small Businesses? Big Businesses? Government? Someone has to absorb the punch - who do you think it should be?Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us, or jumping in on our social media.Youtube: http://www.begoodpeopleshow.com@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramAudio version available wherever you listen to podcastsRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
Covid 19: To shut down or not? Join our conversation; everyone's conversation. Join the conversation by commenting on our YouTube page @ www.begoodpeopleshow.com , direct messaging us or jumping in on our social media. @begoodpeopleshow on Instagram Audio version available wherever you listen to podcasts RSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
We conclude our discussion on social safety nets, dipping into some discussion on Ronald Reagan, big government, concentrated power, COVID 19 thoughts (from the past), health care reform... What are your takes? Should we be looking for broader social programs to help supply a consistent quality of living for all in the United States?Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us or jumping in on our social media.@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version available on YouTube : begoodpeopleshow.comRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
We continue our discussion about social safety nets. What can we count on when we find ourselves in a bad spot? We specifically discuss some questions around the medical insurance situation in America. Jump in the conversation with us. Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us or jumping in on our social media.@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version available on YouTube : https://youtu.be/MpiVSRIM4vkRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
We start a 3 part discussion about social safety nets. What can we count on when we find ourselves in a bad spot? We start this conversation looking at Cookeville TN, where we live, and discuss the impact we felt by the social safety nets that are helping us in the aftermath of a devastating tornado. Then we talk FDR, Roaring 20's, Great Depression... Jump in the conversation with us. Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us or jumping in on our social media.@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version available on YouTube : https://youtu.be/MpiVSRIM4vkRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
This week we dive into "Foundations". Understanding what we are building our faith, theology and spirituality on is incredibly important. It is the foundation that will hold up everything you claim to believe. How do you react when a belief you have runs into contradiction with modern science or historical fact? Does it wipe out a foundational belief - or does it simply "remodel the first floor"?Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us or jumping in on our social media.@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version available on YouTube : https://youtu.be/MpiVSRIM4vkRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
This week we dive into "Conversations". How are we communicating with each other in beneficial ways. We talk about lowering defenses, showing respect to other people, and acknowledging that you can learn from a different perspective.Join the conversation by commenting over on our YouTube page, direct messaging us or jumping in on our social media.@begoodpeopleshow on InstagramVideo version available on YouTube : https://youtu.be/MpiVSRIM4vkRSS feed: https://feed.podbean.com/begoodpeople/feed.xml
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