Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill

The boys drink and review a double IPA from Dale's and then discuss AI companions. AI companions are coming whether we like it or not. In fact, they're already here. Most of us already talk to our computers, even if it's just to curse them for being clueless. So why not design machines that actually listen, respond, and understand us better?In this episode, we explore the promise and peril of AI companions. On the bright side, they're always available, judgment-free, and never moody. They offer affordable support for mental health, education, and loneliness. But there's a darker side too: they can create the illusion of connection, stunt real relationships, and cross dangerous ethical lines.P&C lay out the upsides, the risks, and the red lines society needs to draw — from protecting privacy to banning manipulative or emotionally deceptive behavior. Should AI ever pose as a friend, lover, therapist, or spiritual guide? Should emotionally persuasive algorithms be opt-in only?This conversation isn't just about technology, it's about what it means to be human in an age of artificial intimacy.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#AI #AIcompanion #AIgirlfriend #scaryAI

The boys drink and review Pigweed's homebrew IPA, then discuss the pope news. Why does the Catholic Church have a pope, and how did that role evolve into what it is today?In this episode, we explore the theological roots of the papacy, starting with Jesus' words: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” We dive into the biblical and historical concept of the pope as the keeper of the keys, which is something like a divine prime minister, and the pope's role as a visible sign of unity and practical necessity in governing a global church.We also tackle the long and messy history of papal disputes. From the East-West Schism over the filioque to the chaos of the Western Schism—with three men simultaneously claiming to be pope—the road to a stable papacy hasn't been smooth. Learn how the Church eventually resolved these crises and how the conclave system works today to elect a new pope behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel.Finally, we discuss the election of Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost), a figure who has sparked controversy and curiosity. Is he a return to traditional norms or a liberal Trojan horse? We break down the arguments from both sides—and examine the deeper tension: how conservatives and liberals relate very differently to the authority of the papacy.Whether you're Catholic, curious, or just love church history, this is a candid, informative dive into one of the most enduring—and controversial—offices in the world.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#papacy #pope #PopeLeo

In this episode of Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill, we crack open a First State IPA and dive into the quirky and complex history of Maryland—from its colonial beginnings to its odd borders, bold flag, and surprising state symbols.Learn about:* Why Maryland has one of the most distinctive flags in the U.S.* The Catholic roots of the colony and its experiment in religious tolerance* Feuds with Virginia and Delaware that helped shape state lines* Strange land grants, early tobacco economics, and the role of slavery* The story behind counties like Prince George's and Anne Arundel* Why the state sport is jousting (yes, really)* Forgotten heroes like Arctic explorer Matthew Henson* And the ongoing mystery of why no one's ever seen a Baltimore Oriole in BaltimoreWe cover centuries of drama, trivia, and local pride—with plenty of laughs and beer-fueled banter along the way.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#Maryland #history #OldLineState

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review Dad Strength IPA, then discuss a short novel by Jane Auten as part of their "shortcut to the classics" series. After a brief review of Austen's biography, they dive into the first book Austen wrote, but one of the last to be published. Lady Susan is an epistolary novel, meaning that it's composed of a bunch of personal letters, which means you're always getting the story from the perspective of the letter writer. Susan is the most accomplished flirt and manipulator in England. She's also very pretty and looks more 25 than 35. She's a hurricane who leaves destruction in her wake. The novel is a fun romp through 18th century society and is decently portrayed in the movie "Love and Friendship" on Amazon. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#Austen #JaneAusten #classics #LadySusan

The boys drink and review Capit-Ale from Devil's Backbone, then clear out the mail bag. One reader objected to the fact that our show on slavery didn't focus on slavery in America. Which was the point. JR asked what we thought of tariffs on aluminum and steel that harm the craft beer industry. Miss Maisy asked why our show on left-wing violence didn't address conservative violence like Jan. 6 and militias. Other questions addressed judicial overreach, the sexual morality of futurist dystopias, and an amusing interpretation of snow white. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#slavery #tariffs #politicalviolence

The boys drink and review The Crisp from Sixpoint brewery, then discuss the World Economic Forum. The WEF is a non-governmental organization based in Switzerland. It's famous for its annual meeting in Davos. It was founded by Klaus Schwab in 1971 as the European Management Forum, but changed to the WEF in 1987 and expanded its mission globally. It's mission is to “improve the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.” Their major initiatives include ... * The Great Reset * Stakeholder capitalism * The Fourth Industrial Revolution * The Global Risks Report * Net Zero and climate initiatives But who elected them? Why do they have power? Who asked them to do this? To whom are they accountable? More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#WEF #WorldEconomicForum #KlausSchwab #Davos

The boys drink and review Mas Lima from Oscar Blues, then ask whether the Democrats want to win another election. They're not acting that way. In fact, the Democrats seem intent on losing even more. They've attached themselves to ideas and issues that 80 percent of the public reject, such as ... * Castrating confused children * The border and immigration* Standing up for gang members * Rejecting voter ID Democrats have latched themselves to an extreme ideology the voters reject. If they ever want to win another election, they need to move towards the center. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ

The boys drink and review Delicious IPA from Stone, then discuss prisons, and whether we're in a digital version of one. The "panopticon" is a prison design invented by the philosopher Jeremy Bentham. The idea is that if you make prisoners feel as if they're constantly under surveillance, the prisoners will regulate themselves and the guards won't have to bang them about so much. Modern prisons have adopted some of Bentham's ideas, but so have many other institutions. Foucault said this idea was the blueprint for all modern institutions. Schools, hospitals, and other organizations enforce conformity by defining what is "normal" and by constant surveillance. Stephen Cave added the concept of a "freedom quotient" by which we can determine how much freedom a person can exercise in any given situation. The boys tie it all together and ask whether the modern world is a digital prison. We know we're being surveilled. We know we're supposed to follow what the powerful have defined as "normal."

P&C drink and review a blonde ale from the Brookeville Beer Farm, then discuss the process of de-extinction -- bringing animals back from the graves of history. Using DNA from dire wolf fossils from 13,000 and 72,000 years ago, Colossal Biosciences claims to have brought the dire wolf back from extinction. What they really did was edit the genes of a gray wolf to look a little more like a dire wolf. The pups -- Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi -- are white and a little large, but they're not dire wolves. They're just gray wolves that have had some work done. The project raises larger questions. Is de-extinction a good idea? Should we bring back extinct species? The boys discuss. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#direwolves #deextinction #DNA #Colossalbiosciences

P&C drink and review an excellent Scottish ale from Bellhaven, then discuss judicial tyranny. Judges have a legitimate role in checking the power of Congress and the president. But can that power be taken too far? Recently we've had a rash of "universal injunctions" against the Trump administration. Is that a proper use of judicial power, or have they taken it too far? It seems that Congress has become irrelevant. The president and the courts legislate while Congress has hearings on things. What are the limits on judicial power?More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#tyranny #judicialtyranny #judges #judiciary #judicialpower

P&C drink and review a special Stout from Guinness then discuss the controversy over Snow White. No, not that one. The boys start off with a comparison of the Disney version of the story with the version from the brothers Grimm. Disney filed off some of the rough edges. They also discuss Tolkien's dislike of Disney, and why. They examine the role of fairy tales, and whether it's right to dial things back for the kids. Late in the show they also discuss "Snow Woke" with Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. Are children better off with our watered down, saccharine stories, or did they grow up better when the heard about the dangers of life. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#Snowwhite #snowwoke #Tolkien #Grimm #fairytales

In this provocative episode, Pigweed and Crowhill explore a troubling question: Why does the modern political left seem so comfortable with violence? From vandalism and verbal threats to outright attacks on political opponents, the boys examine real-world examples -- from keyed Teslas and firebombed dealerships to violent rhetoric at rallies and social media.They also take a philosophical turn, asking what might be going on psychologically and morally. Is victimhood being used as a moral loophole to justify aggressive behavior? Why do some on the left excuse or applaud violent actors, from radical activists to international terror groups?Expect sharp commentary, cultural analysis, and a discussion of figures like Slavoj Žižek.

The boys drink and review Bitburger, a German Pilsner, then discuss Crowhill's book about Jordan Peterson's religious views, and what we can piece together of his religious journey. Jordan Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist who broke onto the public scene after Canada decided to tell people how they can and can't speak. He wasn't having any part of it. Part of Peterson's mystique is his very public struggle with religious questions. His recent book, "We Who Wrestle With God" is his latest foray into the topic, mixing evolutionary biology, Jungian archetypes, the Bible, and timeless religious and moral questions. It's full of interesting insights, but it's a bit of a jumbled mess. Crowhill makes an attempt to systematize and organize Peterson's thoughts into a coherent system. In today's episode, Pigweed, Crowhill, and special guest Longinus, discuss the book and draw out some of its key points. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#JordanPeterson #Mythology #Religion #WewhowrestlewithGod

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review a Mexican lager, then dive into one of the most obscure and incomprehensible poems on the planet. Eliot's The Waste Land is one of the most important -- and most confusing -- poems of the 20th century. The poem includes fragmented voices, obscure references, and a bleak vision of modern life. What exactly was Eliot trying to say, and why has this chaotic mess of a poem endured for over a hundred years?In this episode, we dig into the madness:Why the poem reads like a literary fever dreamHow World War I, ancient myths, and personal breakdowns all bleed into the textThe role of religion, sex, and disillusionment in shaping the poem's core messageAnd why lines like “April is the cruellest month” still hit hard todayWhether you're a student drowning in footnotes or a lit lover trying to make sense of Eliot's masterpiece, this is your no-BS guide to The Waste Land. Bring your sense of curiosity — and maybe a glass of something strong.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#Eliot #TSEliot #TheWasteland #poetry

The boys drink and review Sun Camp by Dewey Beer Company, then discuss the potential strategic reasoning behind Trump's threatening statements towards Canada and Greenland. The boys react to a LinkedIn post that flips your mental map of the world — literally. What if you looked at the globe from the top down? Suddenly, the Arctic isn't a frozen afterthought, it's the new front line.❄️ Is climate change turning ice into opportunity? As the Arctic melts, it opens up shipping lanes and exposes a treasure trove of natural resources: oil, gas, rare earths, and more. Russia's already militarizing. China's nosing in. And the U.S.? Scrambling to catch up.What's at stake for the U.S.?* Security: Russian nukes and Chinese icebreakers are already in the game.* Resources: Greenland's rare earths could break China's monopoly.* Influence: Whoever controls the Arctic will shape global trade, energy, and power.Greenland matters more than you think, and so does Canada. The North is becoming a high-stakes geopolitical chessboard, and the U.S. can't afford to ignore it.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#ArcticStrategy #Geopolitics #RareEarths #ClimateChange #Greenland #USPolicy #Russia #China #MentalModels #ChatGPTReacts

The boys drink and review "Pub Ale" from Black Abbey Brewery, then discuss nonprofits and non-governmental organizations. What does "nonprofit" really mean? Does that mean nobody's making any money? Hardly. Governments love to outsource shady operations, and nonprofits are often the cover. In this video, we expose how the nonprofit and NGO world isn't always the virtuous, do-gooder space it pretends to be. From political manipulation to financial shell games, we dig into how “nonprofit” doesn't always mean “non-corrupt.”You'll learn:How governments use NGOs to bypass legal and political accountabilityWhy the nonprofit label is often more about image than ethicsReal-world examples of abuse and power games hiding behind charity workThis isn't about attacking the entire sector. There are plenty of honest orgs doing great work. But if you work with, donate to, or depend on nonprofits, you need to see how the system can be gamed.

No, this isn't a sneaky conversion attempt. You can be a full-blown skeptic and still get a ton of value out of going to church (or any place of worship). In this light-hearted, irreverent, and maybe a little provocative video, we lay out the reasons why showing up on Sunday might actually be good for you—even if you don't believe in God or a word of the sermon.We're talking real-life benefits like:✅ Getting over yourself in a world obsessed with self-esteem✅ Hearing actual moral instruction (not just Twitter rants)✅ Being reminded of bigger, more important things than your inbox✅ Singing with other humans (awkward, yes—but surprisingly good for the soul)✅ Taking an hour off from your iPhone addiction✅ Meeting people outside your social media echo chamber✅ Practicing patience and attention in a world of dopamine hits✅ Finding ways to help others through charitable work✅ Connecting to a long human tradition✅ And maybe—just maybe—being surprised by something you didn't expectThink of this as a modern survival guide to ancient wisdom, minus the preaching. Whether you're curious, cynical, or just looking for something meaningful to do on a Sunday morning—this one's for you.

Are we being controlled by fear or by pleasure? The boys drink and review an imperial pilsner, then discuss the contrasting visions of the future by Orwell and Huxley. P&C explore the strange relevance of 1984 and Brave New World -- from constant surveillance, censorship, and thought control, to mindless entertainment, dopamine addiction, and emotional infantilization. Both dystopian visions offer chilling insights into modern society. We break down the contrasting methods of control: Orwell's world of pain and suppression vs. Huxley's world of pleasure and distraction. Drawing from key quotes, real-world parallels, and cultural trends.

The boys drink and review an IPA from Lost Rhino, then discuss the distressing direction of the state of Maryland. It's as if Maryland wants to follow all the most disastrous liberal policies they can find. Pigweed and Crowhill review problems with our horrible governor, stupid new laws and taxes, and the general tax and spend stupidity of the state. Maryland is a deep blue state that is on its way to recession.

P&C reflect on some odd facts about Lent, then discuss the possibility of a new Druze homeland in the middle east. All while drinking two Irish stouts. Pigweed starts off with some observations about St. Patrick's Day and Lent, and the amusing / horrible answers from ChatGPT. The boys also address a question in Louisiana about whether alligator is "a fish" for purposes for the Lenten fast. In the Middle East, Syria is falling apart. Long time leader / dictator Assad is gone, but it hasn't turned out as well as people hoped. Syria has become a violent basket case. The Druze are a very old offshoot from Islam that still survives (barely) in the Middle East. They've been hunted and persecuted by Muslims for centuries. They're spread across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, and have no autonomy of their own. Now there's a movement for the Druze to carve out their own homeland, which would create another non-Muslim area in the middle east, which will set the Muslims' hair on fire.

The boys drink and review Crowhill's Extra Special Bitter, then discuss the philosophy of anarchism and how it's different than anarchy. Hobbes (see episode 487) believed that the life of man in the state of nature is so horrible that no matter how bad the sovereign is, he's better off under the sovereign than not. Anarchists take the opposite view -- that men can and do cooperate, and we don't need rulers to oppose their coercive authority on us. P&C discuss the good aspects of anarchism, then point out some of its weaknesses.

The boys drink and review Gaelic Storm, an imperial red ale, then ask why, since "women's rights" have made such great strides in recent decades, women are actually less happy? According to the 2024 American Family Survey, liberal women are half as happy as conservative women. There's no greater currency in liberalhood than being a victim. Liberal women therefore feel better -- that is, they feel worse -- the more they can claim to be a victim. What causes all this? Why was feminism such a horrible failure?

With special guest Longinus, Pigweed and Crowhill drink Senate beer, then discuss the impact and popularity of Vikings. What drove the Vikings to set sail on their legendary raids? In this video, we explore the forces that pushed the Norse to leave their homelands in search of wealth, land, and glory. We begin with the infamous 793 AD raid on Lindisfarne, a brutal attack that shocked medieval Europe and marked the beginning of the Viking Age. Then, we dive into the fascinating possibility that Vikings reached North America centuries before Columbus, settling in Newfoundland at L'Anse aux Meadows. Finally, we examine how Viking history, mythology, and warrior culture continue to shape modern popular culture—from TV shows and video games to heavy metal and sports teams.Join us as we separate fact from fiction and uncover the real story of the Vikings!

The boys drink and review one of Pigweed's homebrews, then discuss the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf. What makes Beowulf such a timeless epic? In this episode of Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill, we dive into the legendary Old English poem, exploring its themes of heroism, honor, and the battle between good and evil.We discuss Beowulf's iconic fights with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon—unpacking the deeper meanings behind these monstrous encounters. How does Beowulf reflect the values of warrior culture? What does it reveal about fate, leadership, and the tension between pagan and Christian worldviews?Join us as we break down the literary significance of Beowulf, its historical context, and why it still resonates today.

P&C drink and review Nugget Nectar by Troegs, then (starting about 4:47) discuss the Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk. The boys expected DOGE to be investigating and studying things until July of 2026. DOGE is supposed to be finding waste, fraud, abuse, and inefficiency, and it's off to a mad start, kicking down doors and taking names right from the start. So far, a handful of 20-somethings working for DOGE have found things that our professionals inspectors have missed. One of the first casualties was USAID, which seems to be nothing more than a mechanism for politicians to pay off their cronies. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#governmentefficiency #elonmusk #DOGE #beer #USAID #grift

P&C drink and review a stout from Jamaica then ask what's the point of a liberal church? Wokeism has taken over many liberal Christian denominations, with their BLM posters and LGBTlmnop flags. Why do people go to church in the first place? Usually people go to church to become a better disciple of Jesus. The liberal churches seem to have interpreted that as being uber-tolerant. Pigweed asks "but aren't churches supposed to be judgy?," and doesn't forgiveness come after repentance? Here are some characteristics of liberal churches. * They don't believe the Bible. * They betray basic Christian doctrines such as the virgin birth and the deity of Christ. * They believe man is good rather than sinful and in need of a savior. * They compromise on sexual ethics. Same-sex marriage, LGBlmnop, gender fluidity, etc. * The believe everyone goes to heaven. * They deny the resurrection and Christ's miracles. * They put social justice over the Gospel. The West is based on Christianity, and the West is under attack by many forces, such as Islam, secularism, and communism. Can the liberal church stand up against these attacks? Website: https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/Twitter: https://x.com/CshowP

In this episode of the podcast, we crack open a Smuttynose "Finest Kind" IPA and dive into the fascinating life and legacy of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. Known to many as the "fourth assassinated president" alongside Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, and John F. Kennedy, McKinley's story goes far beyond trivia night. From his heroic service during the Civil War to his transformative presidency, we explore what made him one of the most influential figures in American history.We discuss McKinley's courageous actions on the battlefield—running through enemy fire to deliver crucial messages—and his rise from an enlisted soldier to the rank of brevet major. Transitioning into politics, McKinley served multiple terms in the House of Representatives, became Governor of Ohio, and ultimately won the presidency in 1896. Learn how his “front porch campaign” changed the face of presidential elections and why he's the only U.S. president to have served in the House but not the Senate.McKinley's presidency marked a turning point for the United States, establishing the nation as a global power. We delve into the impact of the Spanish-American War (1898), which led to the U.S. acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, as well as the annexation of Hawaii. McKinley championed the gold standard over silver-backed currency and supported protective tariffs to boost American manufacturing—policies that draw comparisons to modern leaders like Donald Trump. We also touch on his role in strengthening the U.S. Navy, expanding the nation's global influence, and consolidating the power of the Republican Party for decades.Of course, we also cover McKinley's tragic assassination at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, by anarchist Leon Czolgosz—a pivotal event that reshaped presidential security and led to the Secret Service assuming its protective role. Plus, we explore the eerie coincidence of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, being present at the assassinations of three U.S. presidents: Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley.Finally, we discuss the controversy surrounding Mount McKinley—North America's tallest peak—originally named in McKinley's honor but renamed Denali during the Obama administration, sparking debates about history, culture, and politics.Grab a drink, settle in, and join us for a fun and insightful conversation about history, politics, and craft beer. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! #WilliamMcKinley#AmericanHistory#PresidentialAssassinations#SpanishAmericanWar#Denali#CraftBeer#Podcast

In this episode, we dive deep into the controversies surrounding Joe Biden and his family, tackling some of the most debated topics in American politics today. From Hunter Biden's infamous laptop to allegations of corruption involving Ukraine and China, we examine the key evidence, media coverage, and political fallout that have fueled questions about accountability at the highest levels of government.We break down the sequence of events, starting with Hunter Biden's connections to Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company operating in one of Europe's most corrupt countries. How did Hunter secure a lucrative position despite his lack of industry experience? What role did Joe Biden play when Ukrainian investigators began looking into Burisma's activities? We explore the widely circulated video of Joe Biden admitting to pressuring Ukraine to fire a prosecutor investigating Burisma and discuss what this means for the integrity of American foreign policy.But the story doesn't stop there. We also look at Hunter Biden's financial ties with Chinese companies, the IRS whistleblower allegations that claim the Department of Justice slow-walked investigations into Hunter's taxes and foreign dealings, and the bank records that raise questions about where the money went. Did Joe Biden benefit from these business ventures? And what about the emails referencing “10% for the big guy”? We discuss Tony Bobulinski's claims that Joe Biden was aware of and involved in his family's business dealings, as well as the broader implications for government transparency and ethics.Beyond the allegations themselves, we analyze the media's response and why so many mainstream outlets seemed reluctant to investigate these stories. Why did 51 intelligence officials label Hunter Biden's laptop as having “all the hallmarks of Russian propaganda”? Was this a coordinated effort to shield Joe Biden during a critical election cycle?We explore the role of social media platforms, government pressure on tech companies like Twitter and Facebook, and the broader issue of censorship and free speech in the digital age.Finally, we discuss what happens next. With allegations of corruption, shell companies, and suspicious financial transactions, should there be further investigations? Or, as some argue, should the focus shift to more pressing national issues like government waste, military reform, and economic stability? And what about the political precedent—should former presidents and their families be subject to legal scrutiny after leaving office, or does that risk further dividing an already polarized nation?Tune in for a no-holds-barred conversation that cuts through the noise and examines the facts. Whether you think Joe Biden is above the law or believe the allegations are politically motivated, this episode will give you plenty to consider.

The boys drink and review a pilsner, then discuss the English philosopher, Thomas Hobbes.Hobbes is best known for his characterization of life in the state of nature as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."Pigweed sets the historical context with some dates and the very consequential events that occurred during Hobbes' life -- including the English civil war, the execution of Charles I, and the restoration.Hobbes wanted to know who gets to rule, under what circumstances, and within what limits. He starts by reflecting on human nature, which he says is a horrific state of war where people live in a constant state of fear. People can make agreements with their neighbors, but Hobbes says there's a need for a sovereign who makes sure people keep their agreements.In Hobbes's mind, the state of nature is so awful that any sovereign, no matter how awful, no matter how tyrannical, is better.

The boys drink and review a robust porter then discuss "abusive empathy."Abusive empathy is when you turn empathy into a weapon or a tool to manipulate.Some examples would include ...* Telling college age kids they're too fragile to face other views* Passing kids to the next grade rather than hurting their feelings* Prioritizing emotions over facts* Infantilizing people rather than allowing them to become strong* Silencing dissent by labeling other opinions as cruel or unfeelingIt's similar to the Jungian concept of the "devouring mother," where mom protects the kids from the natural consequences of their actions, doesn't allow them to face struggle or failure, in an effort to keep them dependent.Examples in media would include Danny Kaye in White Christmas, or Eddie Haskall in Leave it to Beaver.Then the boys entertain a question from a listener about whether Elon should apologize for his alleged "Nazi salute," which leads to a discussion about when an apology is appropriate.Which in turn leads to a discussion of the social media meme that "no matter how much you hate the media, you don't hate them enough."

The boys drink and review an Irish Cream Stout from Southern Tier, then discuss slavery around the world and throughout history. From the earliest records of mankind there has been slavery. From Hammurabi, the Bible, Aristotle, records from Egypt -- slavery was assumed to be a part of life. The Bible didn't outlaw slavery, but it set limits on it. Later, we see a similar pattern in the Koran. Slavery continues into the Roman Empire, where we see several different types of slaves, from gladiators, galley slaves, and miners, to easier roles like body slaves, household slaves, and even slaves who ran businesses. You might have become a slave from debt or from committing a crime. Slaves might have made up as much as 30 percent of the population. The "slavs" are so called because so many of them were forced into slavery. American Indians had slaves. Europeans, Africans, and Asians all enslaved one another. Vikings took slaves. Everybody everywhere took slaves. The whole concept is brutal and unthinkable to a modern man, but in a world where life was nasty, brutish, and short, sometimes slavery was better than the alternative. The first U.S. war was fought against the Barbary pirates, who were capturing and enslaving Americans and Europeans. Up until about 300 years ago, almost nobody questioned slavery.

P&C drink and review a dark lager from Jack's Abby Brewing then discuss week one of the Trump administration. Trump's changes are coming so fast and furious that the left and the media can't keep up. They boys start with three criticisms. 1. Trump's pardon of the violent J6 people. 2. Crowhill isn't thrilled with RFK Jr. Yes, we should question the role of Big Food and Big Pharma, but he's not sure Bobby is the right man. 3. The postponement of the TikTok ban. Then they review the rest of his executive orders, which they generally approve of, with some minor exceptions. * Putting the military at the border * Sanctuary cities * Remain in Mexico policy * Ending birthright citizenship * Using Gitmo to house illegal aliens * Energy-related changes * Ending DEI * Pulling out of the WHO * Reinstate military members who refused to take the COVID jab * Designate Houthis as terrorists. * Revoking security clearance of politically biased intelligence officers * Declassify JFK, RFK, and MLK documents * Defunding UNWRA * Pausing loans and grants * Starlink * Allowing Trump to serve 3 terms And on and on. Trump has been very busy with executive orders.

The boys drink and compare a Scotch and a Scottish ale, then discuss the end of western civilization. There are some disturbing signs. * Feminism and the destruction of gender roles * The death of masculinity * The celebration of obesity * Identity politics * The porn pandemic and OnlyFans * Replacing faith with materialism * The isolation in post-war suburbanism * Wokeness * The declining birth rate * The erosion of free speech * The crisis of meaning * Political polarization and tribalism * Consumer culture and the loss of authenticity * Overdependence on technology * The attack on childhood innocence Most of this is not from external threats. It's a rot from within. Why does the west hate itself so much?

The boys drink a "Golden Age" cocktail and celebrate the end of the national nightmare. Are we celebrating the end of Biden / Harris, or the beginning of Trump? Let's start with the horrors of the Biden administration. Biden promised the rule of law, a return to norms, and a smooth transition. He did none of those things. He weaponized the justice department against his enemies (mostly Trump), shattered norms, and tried to sabotage Trump during the transition. Which only added to the rest of his sins, including ... * The Afghanistan withdrawal * Promoting wokeness, with DEI, trans-ing the kids, Title IX changes, and pushing wokeness on the military. * His shaky support for Israel * His catastrophic policies on immigration * His mental incompetence (who was running things?) * The antics of the Biden crime family * Ukraine ... and more. Trump is a sharp (and welcome) contrast. The boys discuss. And drink.

The boys drink and review Baltimore Breakfast from Oliver Brewing, then discuss a few issues from the mail bag, including two-tier policing, the soft bigotry of low expectations, and education. MarxH8tr asked about the Notting Hill event in England and why the police didn't treat bad behavior at that event the way they would at a football game. Are we supposed to hold people to different standards based on the culture they're from? If we have to accept that people from different cultures can't follow the same rules as the natives, maybe we don't want people from that culture. In response to the show on universities, GoRedskins challenged the boys to say what classes students should be taking in university. P&C discuss what a well-rounded education should look like.

The boys drink and review a red ale from Evo, then ask why so many of the rich and powerful seem to be engaged in some form of perversion. Are perverts attracted to positions of power, or does power and privilege create conditions that lead people into perversion? What happens when there are no consequences to your actions? What happens to your moral compass when you can cut in line, be rude, skip the bill at the restaurant, and people still think you're cool? There are so many examples of people in power who seem to do horrible things. * The Catholic Abuse Crisis * Other religious organizations (Jehovah Witnesses, Southern Baptists, ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities) * School teachers may be worse * Jeffrey Epstein * Harvey Weinstein * Pedophilia in Hollywood * Perversion in the music industry * Bill Clinton * Diddy (Sean Combs) * Larry Nassar * Jerry Sandusky It seems there are a few ways to look at this. 1. People who are abusive are drawn to positions where they can abuse. 2. Once a person is in a privileged position he's more likely to give in to temptation because he doesn't fear the consequences. 3. There's a culture of "we're above the rules" among the elite. 4. On the other hand, maybe everybody is a pervert and it's just not reported among the poor and powerless.

The boys drink and review Lucky 7 Porter from Evo, then discuss the purpose and role of universities. Why do we have so many majors in university? Why not have a basic education, then specialize at the masters and doctorate level? Early on, universities were "finishing schools for nobility." They taught how to think critically, how to communicate, how to be a cultured person, and how to fit in with the rest of European society. There is a cultural good to having an educated population, which is why we provide publicly funded education. Many of the universities were originally founded to train preachers and pious, civic-minded people. They've changed their emphasis over time. They still want to train people to be good citizens, but they've lost the concept of virtue and a common culture with common values. Often the universties are a hotbed of hostility towards our culture. They've become "subversities." There used to be a common understanding of "the good." There isn't anymore. The boys then discuss the recent changes, where students are protected from ideas that might make them uncomfortable. They're given "trigger warnings" and cry rooms. We're note producing free thinking, emotionally mature grown-ups who can go out into the world. Jon Haidt recommends that universities focus on "anti-fragility," which requires stress and pressure.

P&C drink a well-aged bourbon barrel stout from Goose Island to celebrate the general effect Trump is already having on the culture. In recent news, Mark Zuckerberg announced a big change in the way Meta will monitor and censor content. It's a huge step in the right direction. The Trump effect goes further. Before even taking office, Trump is pushing things in the right direction, including ... His approval rating is higher than it's ever been. Tucker Carlson gave a great speech about how the spell has been broken. The left used to tell us that all polite, right-thinking people thought a certain way. Now we know that's not true. We see more foreign investments in the U.S. - Softbank Grop has pledged to invest $100 billion in U.S. projects. (Trump asked for $200 billion on live TV.) - DAMAC Properties plans to invest at least $20 billion in U.S. data centers - Adani Group plans to invest $10 billion in U.S. energy security and infrastructure. Steve Madden announced that they're slowing manufacturing in China and moving it to the U.S. Putin says he's ready to work for a peaceful solution in Ukraine. Many companies are reversing course on DEI, ESG, etc. NATO members have pledged to up their commitments. The so-called "mainstream media" is falling apart. MSNBC is up for sale. CNN has announced more hard news and less opinion. The Wash Post has promised to moderate their message. Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah seem to be toning things down a little. China is toning down rhetoric about Taiwan. Some migrant caravans are turning back, and Mexico is showing signs of helping. Trudeau is gone in Canada. Trump is already winning even before taking office.

P&C drink and review a "special lager," then discuss the domestication of plants and animals, and how that differs from genetically modified food. Dogs were domesticated about 18,000 years ago. Plants were domesticated about 10,000 years ago. Goats, sheep, and chickens might have been domesticated about 8,000 years ago. The farm animals we have today are very different from the original stock they were taken from. Domestication raises some interesting questions, like what characteristics make an animal domesticatable? E.g., why do we have domestic horses but not domestic zebras? It's not just animals. Most of the food we eat has been modified from its wild origin. The apples, carrots, corn and such that we eat are very different from the wild plants they came from. The same applies on the animal side to sheep, cows, pigs, goats, and such. If these plants and animals were modified from their "natural" state, why is this different from genetically modified organisms? The boys discuss domestication and how it has affected human history.

The boys drink and review a light dopplebock from Schlaffly then discuss the cultural relevance of cousin marriage. The England parliament has recently started debating whether to prohibit cousin marriage, which P&C thought was already against the law. Apparently not -- not in England, and not in all the states. The increase in Muslims in England has made this a big issue. In Pakistan, up to 60 percent of marriages are to first cousins. In England, while British Pakistanis accounted for 3.4 percent of all births, they had 30 percent of all children with recessive disorders. It's become a public health issue, but it's also a "sensitive issue." The larger issue with cousin marriages is the difference between clan-based societies -- where affiliations are based on family relations -- and western societies -- where affiliations are based on other factors. Banning cousin marriages in the west created high-trust societies that were not based on family relationships. By contrast, many dysfunctional countries are dysfunctional precisely because they only trust people in their families. Having said all that, there's been a lot of cousin (and even sibling) marriage among the political elite. What's up with that? The boys discuss the implications of these connections and how they affect societal customs.

P&C drink and review a piney IPA, then discuss strange juxtapositions in history. Did you know ... * George Washington didn't know about dinosaurs. * Sharks are older than trees. * The 10th president of the U.S. has a grandson who is alive today. * Woolly mammoths were still alive while the Egyptians were building the pyramids. * The Oregon Trail was first used the same year the fax machine was invented. * The University of Oxford is older than the Aztec Empire. * The guillotine was still France's official method of execution when Star Wars debuted. * The Roman Empire fell only 40 years before Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas. * The Great Pyramid was older to the Romans than the Romans are to us. And more ... Join us for this fun review of strange coincidences and connections in history.

The boys drink and review an English Mild from Schaffly, then discuss different approaches to population. Pigweed starts the show with the startling facts about population and how rapidly we got from 1 billion to 8 billion so quickly -- with no apparent signs of stopping. Malthus raised the concern that population can increase geometrically, but food production increases arithmetically, and predicted widespread starvation. In fact, food production skyrocketed, so the problem has been averted for now. Paul Erlich has been riding a similar issue for decades even though all his predictions turned out false as well. We didn't poison everything, the air is cleaner, and there has not been widespread disease and famine. The reality is more complicated. Population growth is not only slowing, but in many areas it's negative. The most recent trends indicate that population will level off in about 2050. Even if population only levels off, that still creates problems. The ratio between young and old would change dramatically, and the geniuses who invented our social support systems assumed an ever-growing population, where young people outnumbered old people. However, population might not only level off, but may decline. Rapidly. We have no economic or social models for that. Who welcomes this decline and who is worried about it? What are their motives?

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review Naked Elf by Troegs (a version of their seasonal Mad Elf), then discuss the history of all the funny traditions that make up our modern Christmas. Was Jesus really born in a manger on the 25th of December? And speaking of dates, why do the Orthodox celebrate Christmas on a different day? What did Saturnalia, the winter solstice, and Yule contribute to our Christmas traditions? How did St. Nicholas get associated with Christmas? Where did we get tree decorating, mistletoe, Yule logs, gift-giving men in fur cloaks, strange animals pulling sleighs, and the general festivity of the season? Why are "scary ghost stories" associated with Christmas? And how did Thor's goat get thrown into the mix? Why did Oliver Cromwell and the early Americans have such a problem with Christmas? Is Santa Claus really St. Nick, or is he the pagan Father Frost, or maybe Odin? The boys discuss these and other fun stories about the origin of our modern Christmas celebration.

To help you get in the holiday spirit, here's the latest edition of P&C's "shortcut to the classics." The expanded crew drinks and reviews Sam Adams' Old Fezziwig ale and discusses the Charles Dickens classic. Special guest Longinus starts the show with a brief bio of Dickens and provides some historical context to the story. The boys discuss how the book differs from the various movie versions (not much), and provide background on some of the more striking and interesting details. There are also 19th century concepts and terms we're not used to today, like the treadmill for the poor, negus and smoking bishop (which were types of punch), and forfeits, a party game. There are other little things that might have hidden meaning, like Scrooge's first name. Why "Ebenezer"? Other questions come up. * Why can't the ghost of Christmas future speak? * Why did Scrooge (and no one else) get this special chance at redemption? If you've seen one of the movies, you know the basic story, but the book is delightful and well worth reading.

The boys drink and review an English IPA from Guilford Brewing, then discuss the internet, and why we allow children on the thing. People 50 years from now are going to condemn us for the way we've destroyed children's innocence by giving them access to this putrid environment. Australia recently passed a bill to restrict social media to 16 and above. That might be a good start We have to show an ID to buy beer or cigarettes, why do we allow children on the porn-infested internet. Why not a kid-friendly, open internet, and another internet where you have to sign on and demonstrate you're an adult? There are legit privacy questions, of course. Will the government -- or Apple -- have a record of what everyone does online? Those are excuses. There are solutions to this problem, we're just not trying hard enough to create them.

The boys drink a sidecar cocktail, then discuss Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter. Despite repeatedly promising not to do it, Biden did what everyone knew he was going to do. At this point, everyone is now on record as not trusting the justice system. The timing of the pardon is interesting. Did he want to get it through before Kamala 25-amendmented him? Or, rather, did he want to do it before Hunter was actually sentenced? Did Biden lie about his promise not to pardon Hunter, or did he mean it and change his mind? Was the pardon self-defense? After all, Hunter could spill the beans on the Biden crime family, which could lead to lots of trouble for Joe. The pardon isn't small potatoes either. It's a blanket pardon for anything he did or could have done over an 11-year period. The pardon could backfire on Joe, since Hunter can no longer plead the 5th. The boys enjoy their cocktail and discuss all the implications.

The boys drink Right Proper Pale Ale and discuss book bans. Anne Arundel County in Maryland has become "a book sanctuary." They want "all voices, all stories, and all perspectives to be protected." Crowhill calls it out as a flat lie and virtue signalling. These same people (or their intellectual fellow travelers) have been in favor of censorship on social media. Why is the library any different? Should we make a distinction between what children can access and what adults can access? A big part of the problem is the misuse of the word "banned." You're not banning a book if you choose not to stock it at the local library. You're not banning a book if you believe children's story hour shouldn't include child pornography. At the local library there are tables full of "banned books." They're so banned that they have a prominent place at the front of the library. Are these "sanctuary libraries" going to include Mein Kampt, books on how to make your own suicide vests, "My Favorite Lynchings"? The rhetoric is that "all views" are accepted. That's a transparent lie.

While drinking a local stout, the boys ask whether abortion is really healthcare and then discuss that and related issues. Healthcare is generally understood as the maintenance or improvement of health through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or management of illness, injury, and other physical or mental impairments. How does abortion fit in with that? Pigweed and Crowhill evaluate the reality against the propaganda and the pro-choice slogans. Is it really "my body, my choice"? Do people really want to affirm Roe v. Wade? Is it actually a "conversation with my doctor"? "Keep your laws off my body!" Is that a legit legal standard? So where should we draw the line? When does a fetus become a human with protected rights?

The boys drink and review a festive, Christmas beer, then discuss Trump's selections for his cabinet and what we might expect from them. Nazi Germany, of course. And fascism. And the end of democracy. But beyond that .... As of the time of the podcast, Trump has chosen ... Marco Rubio for Secretary of State Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense Matt Gaetz for Attorney General (although he withdrew) Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior Howard Lutnick for Commerce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS Sean Duffy for Transportation Chris Wright for Energy Linda McMahon for Education Doug Collins for Veterans Affairs Kristi Noem for Homeland Security Other key positions include ... Lee Zeldin for EPA Elisa Stefanik for the UN Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel Tilsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe for CIA Tom Homan as "Border Czar" ... and a few others. He's also asked Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head a new "Department of Government Efficiency." Remember to visit us at https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/

The boys drink and review Sierra Nevada's Cold IPA, then discuss Scientology. If you had your choice, would you rather your child be woke or a scientologist? It's a hard choice. Pigweed starts the discussion with a bio of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder / creator of both Dianetics and its later manifestation, Scientology. He was one of the most prolific authors in history, with as many as 1,000 titles. The distinguishing factors of Scientology include ... * The reactive vs. the analytical mind. The reactive mind stores painful traumatic memories called “engrams.” You find these through “auditing.” Once you get rid of the reactive mind you're “clear.” * Auditing is done with the E-meter, which is essentially a galvanometer. * Opposition to Psychiatry and Psychology are flawed because they focus on symptoms rather than addressing the underlying problem of engrams. * Focus on self-empowerment and personal responsibility * Bridge to total freedom * Thetans and spiritual identity. * Survival as a core drive But there's another side -- the mythology, including the goofy story about Xenu throwing people into volcanoes 75 million years ago. Remember to connect with us at https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/, or write to the show at pigweedshow@gmail.com.

The boys drink and review "Raised by Wolves" from Right Proper brewing, then wonder if they're suckers for paying their income taxes when other people seem to get away with not filing! They start by steelmanning the arguments against the income tax, which include ... * The "sovereign citizen" idea * Questions about the ratification of the 16th Amendment * That it's a violation of the constitution's original intent * The "voluntary compliance" language * That the income tax was not intended to apply to everyone Pigweed and Crowhill examine these arguments and give their analysis. Remember to visit us at https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/, and write to the show at pigweedshow@gmail.com