Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill

The boys drink and review Forgotten Lore American lager from Nepenthe, then discuss food stamps. A lot of people were concerned that the recent government shutdown was interfering with the funding for food stamps (SNAP), but it brought up another issue. People started to wonder how we got to the point that one in eight Americans are getting food stamps. Food stamps started out as a relatively modest program to distribute surplus food to people who could use it. The original program ended during World War II, but it was resurrected for the "war on poverty" under Lyndon Johnson. As with most government programs, it's grown ever since. In the early days of the program you had to purchase the stamps. In 1977 they abandoned the purchase requirement, and now it's just a giveaway. And boy are we ever giving it away. P&C discuss.

The boys drink and review Raison Dêtre, a Belgian brown ale from Dogfish, then discuss the Charlie Kirk assassination and his legacy. Charlie Kirk was an amazing man. He could go into enemy territory and take on all comers. When he took questions from a crowd, he would invite the people who disagreed with him to the front of the line. Is there anyone like that on the left? What did the Charlie Kirk assassination say about America? What did it say about the right and the left? Who will be Charlie's successor? How has his death changed the conservative movement?

The boys drink and review a Helles lager from Sam Adams, then discuss the Mississippi miracle. They've moved from the bottom to near the top in reading. How did they do it? They abandoned the failed modern educational ideas, like whole language, that have been destroying education for decades, and went back to phonics and strict standards. Modern ideas confuse how a proficient reader reads with how beginners learn. It was a comical error. People become proficient by learning and internalizing the basics. Later they don't need the basics anymore, but that doesn't mean they didn't need to learn them. Modern methods try to take a shortcut, and it doesn't work. Mississippi went back to the basics and pulled off a miracle.

The boys drink and review a supercharged pumpkin ale and wonder what people mean when they say we should abolish ICE. If we assume they haven't gone completely into a "no borders" position, then how do we make sense of this? We have borders, and we have rules for who can cross them. Somebody needs to enforce that. If it's not ICE, who's going to do it? This is, once again, one of those cases where the left is reacting emotionally and hasn't thought the thing through. If they're upset about ICE tactics ... okay. We can have reasonable discussions about that. But *somebody* needs to enforce our immigration laws, and that means that in some cases people need to be deported. What do the "abolish ICE" people actually want?

With special guest Longinus, P&C drink and review Samuel Adams' Jack-O Pumpkin Ale, then wonder why dragons show up in so many cultures around the world. Spanning the east, the west, and the Americas, the boys discuss dragon stories -- what they have in common and how they diverge. * Are they always mean? * Do they always hoard treasure? * Do they always want to eat virgins? * Were they all sea serpents? What they have in common is a monster that represents chaos. In the west, people believed in actual dragons for a long time, then modernism set in and killed the dragons. Tolkien and other fantasy writers revived them. Now we have dragons all over the place again. Jordan Peterson often repeats a theory -- based on evolutionary psychology -- for why dragons developed.

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review Southern Tier's imperial pumpkin ale, then -- to celebrate Halloween -- review a series of scary stories from Shirley Jackson. In this episode we dive into the eerie, unsettling world of Shirley Jackson. Best known for The Lottery and The Haunting of Hill House, Jackson was a master of psychological tension, small-town menace, and the dark corners of everyday life. The boys discuss several of her short stories — how she creates unease without gore, how she uses ordinary settings to expose cruelty and conformity, and why her work still feels so disturbingly relevant today.Here are the stories we cover. * Flower Garden* The Daemon Lover * The Renegade* The Witch * The Tooth * The Lottery

The boys drink and review Jailbreak's Citra Lady Friend then discuss the implications of a million year old skull from China. P&C start with a review of the prevailing views on human evolution, including the "out of Africa" hypothesis. A little while ago, scientists in China found that a find from a few decades ago was older than expected, and more modern than expected. It's become common for headlines to claim that "this changes everything" -- but maybe this one does. How does this million year old skull fit into the picture? The boys discuss.

The boys drink and review Lord Baltimore from Key Brewing, then wonder whether Maryland really needed 700 new laws. What is the relationship between the citizen and the state? On one side you have the anarchist, who wants no government. Then you have the libertarian, who believes "that government is best that governs least." On the extreme left you have people who want the government involved in every decision, regulating everything the citizen does. Maryland leans in that direction. Wes Moore and the Democratics in Annapolis recently passed 700 new laws. Some of them are reasonable. Some are ridiculous. But did we really need all of them? P&C discuss and comment on some of the specific laws. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#Annapolis #Maryland #Marylandlaw #WesMoore

The boys drink and review one of Crowhill's homebrews, then wonder about the fact that you can purchase curses on Etsy and Fiverr. What the heck? How should we view this? Recently, the feminist magazine Jezebel paid some witches on Etsy to curse Charlie Kirk. Shortly afterward he was assassinated. Megyn Kelly made a big deal about it. Did the witches score? C'mon. Do we really believe in curses? P&C try to back up and examine the concept of curses, the demonic, evil force, and how to parse all of this. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#curses #witches #MegynKelly #CharlieKirk

P&C drink Skipjack Pilsner and then wonder what in the world is going on with all this talk about Trump the dictator. The boys evaluate the liberal narrative that Trump is an authoritarian dictator and find it woefully lacking. The "big one" from the liberal side is January 6 and the claim that the election was stolen. There is some validity to that claim, but it's exaggerated. A lot. The bottom line is that an authoritarian dictator would have behaved very differently. Trump has been accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election, calling the press the “enemy of the people,” and promising “retribution” against his political enemies. But are these actions truly unique? Or are Trump's critics holding him to a double standard?In this episode, we take a deep dive into the “dictator” narrative:Did Trump actually weaponize the Justice Department, or just use it like his predecessors?How do his actions compare to Obama's “Russia hoax” strategy or Biden's push to censor online speech?What defines a real threat to democracy — policy overreach, rhetoric, or selective enforcement of the law?And what would it mean if Trump really does return to power with plans for “retribution”?We explore the accusations, the double standards, and the uncomfortable question: Is Trump a dictator — or just the mirror reflecting our own political hypocrisy?

P&C drink and review Festifall, a Marzen lager by Southcounty Brewing, then discuss the prospect of a world without cash. Deepfakes, fake documents, and AI-generated “evidence” are becoming harder to spot — and that might be what finally pushes governments and businesses to demand trusted digital sources. But that trust comes at a price: a digital ID system that could track who you are, what you do, and even what you buy.In this episode, we explore:* How fake videos and online deception could accelerate the rollout of digital IDs.* The battle between centralized systems (government-controlled) and decentralized ones (blockchain-based).* The alleged benefits for individuals, businesses, and governments: convenience, security, efficiency, fraud prevention.* The hidden dangers: surveillance, data breaches, social control, and the loss of financial and personal freedom.* Real-world examples from China's social credit system to Canada's Freedom Convoy—and what they reveal about where this might lead.* Whether we're even ready for this kind of technology—or if policymakers are racing ahead of reality.And yes, the biblical echoes in Revelation 13: the “mark of the beast” that decides who can buy or sell.Bottom line:Digital ID could make life easier—or it could make freedom optional. The difference lies in how it's built, who controls it, and whether we keep cash, privacy, and choice alive.

The boys drink and review Pigweed's homebrewed Black IPA, then discuss cancel culture in the light of the Charlie Kirk story. Defenders of so-called cancel culture object to the term. They say it's just "consequence culture." Traditionally, conservatives have been against cancel culture -- because it's usually a weapon deployed by liberals against conservatives. But now, when liberals like Jimmy Kimmel are canceled for lying about Charlie Kirk, conservatives seem to have changed their tune. But have they? Not quite. There's a huge difference between what liberals have been doing -- trying to get someone fired for having a different political opinion -- and what conservatives are celebrating, which is when people promote or celebrate political violence. The boys work through the issues and make the necessary distinctions.

The boys drink and review Sunset Eclipse from Dewey Beer then discuss whether artificial intelligence will destroy us. Crowhill says he uses AI all the time and loves it, but at the same time he's afraid it's going to destroy us all. Despite being warned -- over and over again, in literature and by contemporary experts -- we blithely continue on as if everything is okay. We have no reason to believe this. But don't worry. What could possibly go wrong? Intelligent people have been telling us for centuries that this is a problem. But ... never mind. We are not nearly scared enough. In the past, new technologies did eliminate jobs, but it increased wealth and created new jobs. AI is nothing like that. It's not going to create any jobs that AI itself can't do. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#AI #artificialintelligence #sciencefiction #scifi #AGI

P&C drink and review a dopplebock from Troegs then ask whether there's a difference between a liberal and a leftist. Pigweed reflects on his youth and his admiration for the free spirit attitude of the hippies, and that while he hasn't moved, the Overton Window has moved around him, shifting him from left to right. The normal politics of a 1995 Democrat turn the left's hair on fire. Even recent quotes from Clinton, Obama, Schumer, and other Democrats are completely out of step with the modern left. On crime, the border, gay marriage, trans issues, and a host of other issues, an orthodox Democrat from 1995 would be unwelcome in the modern Democratic Party. "Liberal" used to mean ... * Personal autonomy * Individual rights * Economic freedom * Constitutional limited government * Free speech The modern left has flipped all these things on their head. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#Liberalism #leftism #politicalviolence #culturewar

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review a Pub Ale from Black Abbey Brewing, then discuss ten ways that our quick (Type 1) thinking can deceive us, and how to compensate. Why do we make choices that don't make sense? From overconfidence to loss aversion, our brains are wired with shortcuts that keep us alive but can also trip us up in everyday life. In this episode, we break down 10 powerful mental traps —the hidden biases shaping your money, relationships, work, and even your health:1. Anchoring Bias – Why the first number you see sets the stage.2. Loss Aversion – Why losing hurts twice as much as winning feels good.3. Availability Bias – Why vivid memories distort real risks.4. Confirmation Bias – Why we only see what we already believe.5. Planning Fallacy – Why "five minutes" always takes twenty.6. Hindsight Bias – Why we always “knew it all along.”7. Framing Effect – Why wording changes everything.8. Sunk Cost Fallacy – Why we can't let go, even when we should.9. Overconfidence Effect – Why we think we're better than average.10. Present Bias – Why future you keeps getting cheated.These aren't just abstract concepts — they affect how you invest, how you plan, how you argue, and how you procrastinate. Once you see them, you'll start noticing them everywhere.

P&C drink and review Space Jellyfish from Nepenthe brewery in Baltimore, then discuss some short stories by Sinclair Lewis. Pigweed starts off with a brief bio of Lewis and some big picture themes that occur in his writings. Then, with special guest Longinus, the boys review the following short stories. "The Willow Walk" is about Jasper and John Holt, two identical brothers who lead very different lives. But Jasper has a dark secret. "The Cat of the Stars" is an elaboration on the butterfly effect, where one small detail spins out of control and affects the life of many people in horrible ways. "The Ghost Patrol" tells the tale of an old policeman who can't shake his responsibility to his duties and continues to patrol his old beat even after his retirement. "Young Man Axelrod" decides, after a life as a successful farmer, that he should go back to college. He goes to Harvard hoping for the experience he has longed for all his life. This video is part of P&C's "shortcut to the classics" series. See here for more details. https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/shortcut-to-the-classics/

The boys drink and review "I Just Crush A Lot" a blueberry hibiscus tart ale from Calvert Brewing. In 1054, a dramatic split forever changed the face of Christianity. Known as the Great Schism, it divided the Church into Roman Catholicism in the West and Eastern Orthodoxy in the East. But the break didn't happen overnight—it was centuries in the making.In this video, we'll explore:* The immediate crisis: papal legates and Patriarch Michael Cerularius trading excommunications.* Political and cultural tensions: Rome vs. Constantinople, Latin vs. Greek, and the rise of Islam.* Authority disputes: papal supremacy in the West vs. conciliar authority in the East.* Theological differences: the Filioque controversy, Monophysitism, and contrasting spiritual emphases.* Divergent practices: from unleavened vs. leavened bread, to clerical celibacy and fasting rules.* The aftermath: how the Crusades, especially the sack of Constantinople, deepened the divide.The Schism was not just about doctrine—it was about culture, politics, and identity. Understanding it helps explain why the Christian world looks the way it does today.#GreatSchism #1054 #ChristianHistory #Catholic #Orthodox #ChurchHistory #Byzantine #Rome

The boys drink and review Atlas Brewery's Festbier then ask whether locking up criminals results in less crime. Why doesn't mass incarceration always lead to lower crime rates? Research shows that most crimes are committed by a small group of career offenders -- 5–10% of criminals may be responsible for half of all crimes. Locking up these repeat offenders *does* reduce crime. But once those individuals are off the streets, the returns diminish.This episode of beer and conversation explores:* How chronic offenders drive violent and property crime* Why locking up violent repeat offenders lowers crime* Why incarcerating non-violent offenders often has little impact (and can even make things worse)* Other factors, like broken families and gang dynamics, that continue to fuel crimeThe key takeaway: targeted incarceration works — blanket incarceration does not.#CrimeRates #Incarceration #RepeatOffenders #CriminalJustice #MassIncarceration #PublicSafety #CrimePolicy #JusticeReform #LawAndOrder

P&C drink and review a Maibock from Guilford Hall Brewing, then discuss the problem of crime in (mostly Democrat-run) cities. Crime in cities is nothing new, but is it so bad that the federal government needs to get involved? Crime is one of the most divisive political issues in America today, and nowhere is the debate sharper than in the nation's Democrat-run cities. Are recent reports of falling homicide rates proof that things are improving, or just cherry-picked statistics that ignore rising thefts, carjackings, and drug crises? We'll look at the long decline of urban centers under one-party rule, the trade-off between “equity” policies and public safety, and the uncomfortable reality that many of the worst crime numbers in “red states” are concentrated in blue-governed metro areas.This episode also asks whether Washington should step in. Should a president send in the National Guard to restore order, or would federal intervention undermine democracy and escalate tensions? We'll explore the legal precedents, the failures of urban policy on homelessness and drugs, and what decades of the same leadership have delivered. Finally, we put the political question directly: after generations of Democratic mayors, is it time to try something different?Join us as we cut through spin, examine the data, and confront the bigger cultural costs: broken trust in institutions, hollowed-out downtowns, and the growing question of whether America's great cities can truly be saved.

Pigweed and Crowhill drink and review a Fest Beer and discuss words that are their own opposites. English is full of quirks, but few are as fascinating as contronyms, which are words that are their own opposites. “Sanction” can mean to approve or to punish. “Dust” can mean to sprinkle or to remove. “Left” can mean departed or remaining.In this episode, we dive into the strange, witty, and sometimes confusing world of contranyms. Why do they exist? How do we make sense of them in everyday speech? And what do they reveal about the way language evolves?Join us as we explore examples that will twist your brain, spark a few laughs, and make you appreciate just how slippery words can be. Whether you're a word nerd, a casual listener, or someone who's ever been baffled by English, this conversation is for you.

P&C drink and review Duckpin pale ale, then ask why none of these politicians ever end up in jail. We keep hearing, "Wait until it's our turn. We'll put these criminals in jail." But it never happens. Why do the powerful never seem to face justice? From Tuskegee to Russiagate, from MKUltra to the Mueller Report, history is full of scandals that promise accountability but deliver only headlines and disappointment. The media teases shocking revelations, politicians grandstand, and the public argues — but prosecutions rarely come.In this episode, we dig into decades of examples — CIA mind-control experiments, COINTELPRO, the 2008 financial crisis, January 6th, the Durham Report, the Epstein client list, and more — to uncover a frustrating pattern: the elite walk free while the rest of us are left angry, divided, and cynical.We explore two competing explanations:The Deep State Cover-Up Theory – powerful insiders protect their own, burying consequences under bureaucracy.The Media Incentives Theory – outrage sells, and endless hype without closure keeps audiences hooked and advertisers happy.If you've ever wondered why the “big one” never lands, this conversation connects the dots and asks the hard question: Is the system broken, or working exactly as designed?

The boys drink and review Pigweed's barley wine homebrew, then discuss the curious finances of our elected representatives. It's no secret that many politicians leave office far wealthier than when they entered. But how does it happen? In this episode, we explore the perks, privileges, and backroom opportunities that come with political power. From insider connections and book deals to speaking fees, stock trades, and the revolving door between government and lobbying, we break down the factors that help turn public service into private fortune. Whether it's corruption, clever networking, or simply the system at work, we ask the uncomfortable question: is politics serving the public—or serving itself?

The boys drink and review Crowhill's latest homebrew, then discuss gerrymandering. Every ten years, new census data reshapes our political maps. But who decides where the lines go—and why does it matter so much? In this episode, we dive deep into gerrymandering: what it is, how it works, and why it has such a lasting impact on elections.We cover:* The basics of redistricting and why “one person, one vote” isn't as simple as it sounds.* The two key strategies: packing and cracking voters.* The paradox of race in redistricting: sometimes illegal, sometimes required.* Why the Supreme Court stepped back from partisan gerrymandering cases.* Real-world examples from Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Florida.* The consequences for representation, polarization, and voter trust.* Possible reforms: independent commissions, mathematical “fair maps,” and state-level challenges.At the heart of it all is a question we pose to you: Should drawing political districts be a political act—or a purely mathematical one?If you've ever wondered why election results don't always match the popular vote, or why so many districts look like Rorschach tests, this episode is for you.#gerrymandering

With special guest Longinus, the boys review Garage Beer, then discuss some fairy tales. The two stories reviewed in today's episode came in at #2 and #1 in a recent contest between Grimm's fairy tales. Pigweed, Crowhill, and Longinus review the stories and evaluate the imagery and messages they contain. Coming in at #2 is The Juniper Tree, which is a very grim Grimm fairy tale. It includes the classic child with an evil step mother, but this step mother's sins will curdle your blood. It includes a magical tree, a magical bird, biblical allusions, and more. Coming in at #1 is the "The Story of the Youth Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Was." This is an odd story in the Grimm canon, and very different from the others. The youth is a complete dolt who comically stumbles his way into wealth, fame, and position. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#fairytales #Grimmfairytales #stories #BrothersGrimm

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review a local IPA, then continue their "Shortcut to the classics" series with a review of "Daisy Miller" by Henry James. What makes Daisy so fascinating — and so frustrating? We discuss her headstrong independence, the social rules she challenges, and how her choices lead to tragedy. Along the way, we explore themes of innocence vs. experience, cultural clashes between Americans and Europeans, and James's subtle commentary on class, gender, and reputation.We also share our takes on whether Daisy is a victim of society or the author of her own downfall — and why Daisy Miller still sparks debate more than a century later.So pour yourself a drink, settle in, and join us for literary analysis with a conversational twist.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#HenryJames #DaisyMiller #literature

P&C drink and review a single-hop beer from Brookeville Beer Farm, then Crowhill quizzes Pigweed on the most important characters in English literature. Crowhill combined replies from both ChatGPT and Grok to create a test for Pigweed. The prompt read as follow: "Please give me a list of the 30 most important characters in English literature. By important I mean they have made a lasting impression on the culture, they're cited, they're imitated or referenced in other works, and so on. Please exclude the Bible. Please give no more than two characters from any given author. Please list the character, the author, the book in which the character appears, and a brief description of the character." Pigweed does a great job guessing characters from Shakespeare, Austen, Bronte, Conan Doyle, Orwell, Dickens, Twain, Orwell, and others. The boys also give an update to their "have we reached the end of woke" show. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#literature #authors #English

The boys drink and review 13 Eye Witness Brews then head back into the topic of transhumanism. (See episode 535.) One of the problems the transhumanist agenda needs to address is the connection between the body and the mind. Is "the mind" something that can -- even in principle -- be uploaded to a computer? Or does it have to have a body. Does the mind = the brain, or is there a non-material component. And even if the mind is entirely physical, does that mean we can upload it? The Star Trek transporter problem becomes relevant here. If the transhumanists have their way and some people are "upgraded," what will happen to the people who remain "natural"? Will they be able to participate in society, or will they be relegated to second-class status? There are other questions, like how a Republic can function as AI and transhumans take over. How will the economy work in this situation? There are also religious problems. If humans become linked to some hive mind, isn't that a little like trying to become God? It sounds reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, the Tower of Babel, and even Frankenstein's monster.

The boys drink and review Brookeville Beer Farm's Dew Point Pale Ale then discuss the 100th anniversary of the Scopes monkey trial. Called "the trial of the century," the Scopes trial pitted tradition against modernism. Due to the influence of H.L. Mencken, who covered the trial, it was one of the first big media events. It became a cultural flashpoint whose influence went far beyond the details of the case, which was the fact that John Scopes violated Tennessee law by teaching evolution in school. Mencken ensured that the trial was seen as a clash between modernism and religious fundamentalism. Key players were Clarence Darrow, for the defense (pro evolution), and William Jennings Bryan, for the prosecution (anti-evolution).

P&C drink and review Beach Traffic lager from Big Oyster Brewery, then discuss the blurring lines between using technology to restore human function vs. enhancing it beyond natural limits. From bionic limbs and neural implants to nanobots, AI integration, and the terrifying implications of brain-computer interfaces, Pigweed and Crowhill ask: Are we on the verge of becoming obsolete in a world run by machines? Is humanity enhancing itself—or handing over the keys to a new digital overlord?Topics include:* Neuralink and brain-machine communication* The ethical dilemma of enhancement vs. restoration* Transhumanism as a new religion* The rise of a “useless class” in an AI-driven society* Merging with machines vs. resisting the singularity* Whether we'll need implants just to participate in modern lifeGrab a cold one and join the conversation. This is part one of a discussion that's as hilarious as it is haunting.

In this episode of Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill, we crack open a local amber lager and dive into a deceptively simple question about whiskey: If all distilled spirits come out clear, does it really matter what grain you start with?Crowhill shares a long-standing curiosity about the flavor differences in whiskey and what actually survives the distillation process. Pigweed joins the inquiry with wit and skepticism as we challenge the assumptions behind grain bills, barrels, and backwoods bourbon.Then we pivot—hard—into politics, revisiting the "80/20 Democrats" idea: why party leaders consistently take unpopular stances on key issues. Listener "White Knight" writes in with more baffling examples, from taxpayer-funded Medicare for illegal immigrants to abortion up to birth. It's sharp, opinionated, and unapologetically provocative.Grab a beer, pour some whiskey (if you dare), and join us for another episode of good drinks and unfiltered conversation.

In this episode of Beer and Conversation with Pigweed & Crowhill, we dive into the meteoric rise and personal struggles of Oliver Anthony, the viral country-folk sensation behind Rich Men North of Richmond. From rags to Rogan, Anthony rocketed to fame with his raw, heartfelt music and humble lifestyle. But what happens to a marriage when it confronts sudden fame and fortune? In this case, it led to a divorce, and a new top hit, Scornful Woman. Did the wealth bring more pain than peace? Along the way, we explore big themes: the myth that money fixes everything, modern marriage pitfalls, and the price of keeping your soul in a fame-obsessed world.We also discuss Anthony's commitment to authenticity — canceling overpriced shows, building Christian rehab centers, and resisting industry pressure.Plus, we review a letter from a "concerned listener," and a rant about creepy driver-monitoring tech in rental cars.

In this episode of Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill, we crack open an Amber Castle from Silver Branch Brewing and dig into Andrew Doyle's hard-hitting new book The End of Woke: How the Culture War Went Too Far and What to Expect from the Counter‑Revolution. What we cover:* Why 15 years of “woke” may have peaked — from DEI backlash to Trump's political re‑entry * Woke vs. Liberalism—Doyle argues woke isn't progressive—it's authoritarian masquerading as virtue * The rise of a counter-revolution: Are we replacing one tyranny with another? Doyle warns anti‑woke leaders can slip into censorship * Where do we go from here? Doyle's rallying call for true liberalism—free speech, rational debate, and defending individual liberty.Expect sharp insight, brutal honesty, animated debate… and some beer drinking.

The boys drink and review a pale ale from Oliver Brewing, then bask in the fortunate timing of their births. No, we didn't win World War II or build the postwar economy, but those of us born between 1960 and 1980 — the late Boomers and early Gen X — may have hit the generational jackpot.In this episode, we explore why we think our generation is the most fortunate of all. We were…* Too young for Vietnam, too old for TikTok* Raised in a world without smartphones — but smart enough to use them* Adults before housing, college, and groceries became luxury items* Raised with recess, real food, and real music* Part of a shared culture where we all watched the same cartoons and sitcoms* Witnesses to real progress on race before the outrage industry hijacked the conversation* Taught to fix our own cars, mow our own lawns, and go on actual datesThis isn't nostalgia for nostalgia's sake — it's a look at a narrow window in history where peace, prosperity, and analog childhoods gave rise to a uniquely grounded adulthood.Call it lucky. Call it blessed. Just don't call it boring.

Pigweed and Crowhill drink and review Summerfest lager from Sierra Nevada, then dive into the most consequential U.S. Supreme Court decisions handed down since the Dobbs ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.We explore the Court's growing willingness to redraw the legal map on race, religion, executive power, parental rights, and the limits of judicial authority. Highlights include:Affirmative Action Implosion: Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard ends race-based college admissions.Free Speech vs. Anti-Discrimination: In 303 Creative v. Elenis, religious liberty takes precedence over LGBTQ protections.Executive Power Check: Biden v. Nebraska smacks down student loan forgiveness via the HEROES Act.Trump v. CASA: The Court ends the era of universal injunctions, with Justice Barrett dressing down Justice Brown's call for judicial supremacy.Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton: Age verification for online porn upheld, raising quiet questions about whether obscenity should be protected speech at all.Mahmoud v. Taylor: Do public schools have the right to impose moral instruction against parents' religious beliefs?Riley v. Bondi: A case on the expedited removal of a Jamaican immigrant underscores due process boundaries.Medina v. Planned Parenthood: Can states exclude abortion providers from Medicaid reimbursement?We break down what these decisions mean for American law and society, and where the Court may go next. Whether you see these rulings as a return to constitutional sanity or a shift toward reactionary retrenchment, the terrain is shifting fast. Buckle up.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#SCOTUS #CASA #Trump #Mahmoud #Riley #Bondi #Medina #PlannedParenthood

The boys drink and review Calaminator, Crowhill's homebrewed dopplebock, then discuss the surprising comeback of Catholicism. What is a "rad trad"? Why are young people -- particularly young men -- increasingly attracted to conservative Catholicism? "How Catholicism Got Cool" by Madeleine Kearns addresses this question. Reasons include ... * Transcendence and mystery * Giving meaning to suffering * Beauty, aesthetics, and the sacred * Structure, discipline, and tough moral teaching * Male identity and brotherhood * Intimacy with God * Rejection of the shallow alternatives * Cultural credibility and intellectual depth Is this a good thing for the culture? The boys discuss. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#Christianity #Catholicism #radtrad #revival #traditionalism #transcendence

P&C drink and review Pigweed's home-brewed pale ale, then discuss the societal danger of the so-called beta male. They react to a review by Dr. Orion Taraban of a Survivor episode that discusses the complex interactions between alpha males, beta males, and clever women. According to Dr. Taraban, the women made an alliance with the beta males to kick out the alpha males, but then the women turned on the beta males and kicked them out. How does this dynamic play out in society? Where does "toxic masculinity" fit in? The boys discuss. But what is this alpha / beta stuff? Pigweed reviews some of the characteristics. Crowhill tries to tie it together with a higher-level theory that doesn't distinguish by sex -- teasing out the roles of strong leaders, weak leaders, and behind-the-scenes manipulators. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#toxicmasculinity #survivor #betamales #alphamales

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review an IPA from the Ministry of Brewing in Baltimore, then discuss some fairy tales. The two stories reviewed in today's episode ended up as #4 and #3 in a recent contest between Grimm's fairy tales. Pigweed, Crowhill, and Longinus review the stories and evaluate the imagery and messages they contain. The fisherman and his wife is a tale of avarice and a lack of contentment. The two brothers is a confusing story that seems to stitch together several different stories into a mad tapestry. It's long and fun and very strange. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#fairytales #Grimmfairytales #stories #BrothersGrimm

With special guest Longinus, the boys review a shandy from Founders, then continue their "shortcut to the classics" series with a review of Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" -- a haunting 1886 novella that ripped the mask off Victorian respectability and exposed the brutal split within human nature.Set in the same foggy, gaslit London as Sherlock Holmes, this story of duality, repression, and moral despair hit like a thunderclap on both sides of the Atlantic. But it's more than just a gothic thriller — it's a mirror held up to human nature and society itself.We explore:* The origins of the story and why Stevenson rewrote it from scratch after his wife's critique* The moral message: man is not one but two — and there may be no salvation for either* The symbolism of Jekyll's divided house, the hidden back door, and the cultured facade over inner rot* The novella's critique of Victorian England, where public virtue masks private vice* Interpretive lenses: from Romans 7 and Christian theology to Jung's shadow, Freud's psychoanalysis, and even Star Trek* Why Hyde isn't some external monster, but a part of you — and why that makes the story more disturbing* The tragedy of Jekyll: not that he loses control, but that he wants toWe also ask whether Stevenson's bleak vision of human nature holds up — and contrast it with the biblical vision of a unified, redeemable self.If you've ever wrestled with the dark side of human nature — or just want to understand why this little book still packs a punch — this episode is for you.

The boys drink and review Ballast Point Sculpin IPA then discuss CIA brainwashing. From LSD-laced cocktails in CIA-run brothels to secret psychic spy units trying to read Soviet minds, this episode dives into some of the U.S. government's most bizarre and controversial experiments.We expose the dark legacy of MK-Ultra, including mind control, psychological torture, and illegal human experimentation. Then we explore the Stargate Project and other military efforts to weaponize psychic abilities, including remote viewing, telepathy, and even psychic assassination.What motivated these programs? Did they really end? And are similar experiments happening today under different names?This isn't conspiracy theory. These are declassified facts, and they're more disturbing than fiction.MK-Ultra: LSD, Torture & Mind ControlOperation Midnight ClimaxRemote Viewing & Psychic SpiesCold War Paranoia and Soviet Psychic TechWhy These Programs Might Still ExistNeural Interfaces, AI Psy-Ops, and the New FrontierMore at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#CIA #mindcontrol #MKUltra #LSD

The boys drink Pigweed's crazy "Iron Dome" cocktail, then continue their "nooze and booze" series with a discussion of the Israel-Iran war. Israel and Iran have been adversaries for decades. Iran loudly insists it wants to destroy Israel. They also insist they will develop a nuclear bomb. Israel calls that an "existential threat" to their regime and will not allow Iran to get the bomb. Iran has been getting closer and closer to having a nuke, so Israel preemptively attacked Iran to shut down their nuclear program. President Trump has insisted for decades that Iran can't have a nuke. So ... will the United States get involved? The boys discuss the war to date and what might happen next. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#Israel #Iran #nukes #war

The boys drink and review Lost Navigator from Heavy Seas, then discuss the idea of bringing your authentic self to work. There are benefits to having different views and perspectives in the workplace -- both for the employer and for the employee. But some people think the job of the workplace is to make them feel good. To feel affirmed and comfortable. That's nonsense. And sometimes your "authentic self" is not consistent with the company's brand or mission. What if you're an introvert and the company wants extroverts? "Don't be a phony and don't lie" seem like reasonable rules, but this "authentic self" business is taking it too far. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#authenticself #workplace #beerreviews

P&C drink and review Shiner's Ruby Redbird, then discuss the big bang and what (if anything) came before. While most scientists believe in a hot big bang, there is a lot of dispute about what happened right before that. The most well-known theory is the "singularity," and there is no "before" in that scenaio. But there are a lot of other options that scientists have considered. The boys review some of these other options and their implications. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#bigbang #physics #origins #creation

P&C drink and review a robust porter from Founders, then discuss how artificial intelligence will change education -- for good and ill. Crowhill wonders why we don't yet have the self-paced education that his mother promised way back in the 70s? AI could do that, but it would be a major challenge to the current institution and would almost certainly be opposed. AI disrupts the current system in many ways. For example, the teacher can't tell if the student or AI did the homework. The teacher can't tell if the student wrote the paper. AI might move us toward in-person assessments, a system that looks at the whole process (drafts, revisions) and not just the final product, or requiring students to explain what they've done. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#AIeducation #education

The boys drink and review Vixen Irish Style Red Ale by Old Bust Head, then discuss a provision from the infrastructure bill that was designed to prevent drunk driving. The mandate is that all cars after 2026 would have a system to monitor the driver to ensure he's not drunk, in which case it will shut down the car. This system would monitor the face of the driver and all conversations in the car. Who came up with this, and why isn't there more conversation about it? This law gives the government a back-door switch to decide who can and who can't drive. The justification is to stop drunk driving, but of course it will be expanded beyond that. P&C discuss all the ways this could go wrong and how the government and other bad actors could use this in devious and dangerous ways. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#killswitch #drunkdriving #infrastructurebill

P&C drink and review an amber ale from Nepenthe brewing, then discuss the Ubertrends shaping society. Michael Tchong's groundbreaking 2019 book "Ubertrends: How Trends and Innovation Are Transforming Our Future" revealed eight major societal shifts that are redefining values, behaviors, and our everyday lives in 2025. From the rise of casual living and digital lifestyles to the obsession with anti-aging, wireless connectivity, and the culture of surveillance, these trends illuminate where we're headed—and what it means for us all.P&C give them a critical look. Discover how Casual Living is changing social norms, how Generation X-tasy prioritizes experiences over possessions, and why Time Compression fuels our demand for instant gratification. We'll delve into the Unwired era of wireless control, the voyeuristic nature of modern media, and the empowering rise of women shaping culture and economy. Plus, we'll examine the nuanced impacts—both positive and problematic—of these societal transformations.Whether you're a trend enthusiast, a curious explorer of societal change, or simply want to understand the forces shaping our future, this episode offers a deep dive into the eight ubertrends steering us into a new era.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#trends #ubertrends #futurism #Trends2025 #socialchange

The boys drink and review a light IPA, then delve into the recent assessment by the President's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. The report highlights a concerning rise in childhood illnesses and chronic conditions. From skyrocketing rates of obesity, diabetes, and neurodevelopmental disorders to mental health crises among teens, the data paints a troubling picture of America's youngest generation.P&C explore the key factors driving this health decline, including the impact of ultra-processed foods, environmental chemicals, lack of physical activity, chronic stress, and overmedicalization. The report also sheds light on systemic issues such as corporate influence, conflicts of interest in healthcare, and media advertising that shape health outcomes.Topics Covered: * Increasing childhood chronic diseases and mental health issues * The role of diet, environment, and lifestyle factors * Overmedicalization and pharmaceutical influence * Systemic challenges and policy implications * Next steps and recommendations from the MAHA CommissionMore at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#MAHA #sickkids #Trump #RFKJR

The boys drink and review Howling Gale IPA from Fair Winds Brewing Company, then discuss the impact of cheap merchandise from China. We get a lot of stuff from China, which isn't necessarily bad. But there are some products -- like human or dog food -- where there are legitimate health concerns. Even some Chinese clothing can have chemicals on them that are not good for you. What are the other implications of buying all this cheap stuff? The boys discuss. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#China #Cheapstuff #Chinatrade

The boys drink and review Key Brewing's Dark Slide Porter, then discuss the intentional destruction of the west. Something feels wrong, and it's not in your imagination.In this hard-hitting episode, the boys expose the deliberate unraveling of Western civilization. From the rewriting of history to the weaponization of language, we break down how guilt, division, and ideological capture are being used to dismantle the very foundations of our culture. This isn't drift—it's design.Topics covered:* How “truth” became “hate speech”* Why self-censorship is now seen as a virtue* The rise of a two-tier system of justice and compassion* Institutional capture of education, media, law, and religion* The long game: divide, demoralize, replaceThe agenda has some clear components. 1. The reversal 2. Psychological engineering and guilty programming 3. The two-tier system of compassion 4. Institutional capture 5. The long game -- divide, demoralize, replace This show leans heavily on a short video called "The deliberate subversion and demolition of the West" -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IJ4lAk4TCsMore at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#DestructionOfTheWest #CulturalInversion #TruthMatters #Podcast

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