No Puppet: Highballs, Headlines and Heroes

The No Puppet Partners are back at it...recording what now seems to be a bi-weekly podcast.  This one was recorded around noon on Easter Sunday and covered the typical Headlines and Heroes...but also added a new segment of Podcast Recommendations.It's not every podcast that can work Bruce Springsteen, Roy Moore and Wilfred Brimley into 40 minutes but that's exactly what happened.

Well....it's a new world and the No Puppet podcast reflects that.  The partners waited two weeks for this latest instalment becasue...well...because normal.   Sure there was still some politics to discuss but they also talked about current non-political podcasts they're listening to and gave their Netflix recommendations. The Former Guy will forever be referred to as the Former Guy but he factors less and less in this podcast as the calm settles around us all.  In the words of John Prine "Ain't Life Grand?"

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 here at No Puppet.  The Partners decided the mood has changed; the purpose of the podcast has changed; and it was time to turn the page.  The fire is out (but smouldering) and now is the time to look forward.Listeners will notice as the mood lightens at No Puppet the percentage of the podcast focused on the “highball” section rises.  In addition to exploring Robert's liquor cabinet the Partners did manage to talk about the Golden Calf, the Island of Misfit Toys and discuss the odds of a trump jail term. 

In a post-trump world there is less stress, less anxiety, less urgency and less dread in the No Puppet Podcasts.  There's more time for talk about movies and art contests and a nice discussion about Robert's Onesie!There is still plenty to talk about as the Impeachment Trial ends, trump's lawyer gets compared to Better Call Saul and the GOP implodes.  What was McConnell thinking?

The No Puppet partners weren't sure how much there would be to talk about after the adults were in charge.  It turns out there is still much to talk about because the GOP is busy destroying itself.This was recorded on Wednesday night during the GOP Caucus meeting where they were aligning themselves with Q (Marjorie Greene) and trying to distance themselves from true Conservative values (Liz Cheney).  The conversation ended with Robert going on and on and on and on about his beloved league-leading Montreal Canadiens.  That was edited down to a few minutes…a few precious minutes where Robert describes his purchase of an adult Onesie with the logo of his favourite team.

Nearly a full week after the election and the No Puppet guys were behind their mics once again.  Refreshingly, they spent very little time talking about the orange menace but ended up spendy way too much time talking about little mattie gaetz.  They've promised to curtail that topic going forward.  In addition you get to eavesdrop on the “Nestor situation”; you'll get a short tutorial on Canadian football and to make it all worth it you get to hear Robert speak the line “Like a Moscow Hotel, the ‘P' is silent”.  Brilliant!

The No Puppet Partners recorded one last podcast before the nightmare ended on the Tuesday before the inauguration.   They debated after noon on Wednesday if it was even necessary to release it.  Afterall, the first 5 minutes talks about “he who shall not be named” and it just seemed…like old news.But…here it is.  The quote of the day was Robert's “trump reveals the worst in everybody one way or the other both for the people who love him and the people who hate him.”Here's to “better angels” for those in the second category.

The No Puppet Partners were excited to schedule their second interview with Lincoln Project member and author Stuart Stevens.  Like last time, no subject was off limits.  The conversation ranged from the Georgia election to the Insurrection on January 6th.  They discussed the motivations behind the attack on our Capitol and the likely impact on those continuing to support trump in its aftermath.They also spent some time talking to Stuart about his book “The Last Season”…a reflection on a season of road trips following the Ole Miss college football team that Stuart orchestrated with his parents…both in their 90s.

If you thought this nightmare was going to end any other way than MAGA morons parading through the Capitol Building waving Confederate Flags, well, you haven't been paying attention.On the night of the attempted coup the No Puppet Partners got together to discuss the day.  You may be surprised at their positive view.  

In this final installment we learn a bit about Jennifer…the woman behind the public figure.  We hear about her devotion to family, her adoration for her mother and her hope for the future of our country.  Jennifer also talks about her LPTV program “Vote for America”.  If you liked her here, you'll surely like her on her own program where she doesn't have to put up with Robert and Brad.  

In this episode Jennifer gives her impression of trump voters; Robert compares her to AOC and Brad asks “how can you still belong to the GOP?”

The No Puppet guys were honoured to host their second Lincoln Project member on their show.  Today's episode is one of a three-part series with Jennifer Horn…one of the founders of the group that, very likely, saved our country from the point of no return.This episode explores the origins of the Lincoln Project, how Jennifer became involved and ends with the perfect description of the current occupant of the White House.

The guys were still coming down off of the high of interviewing Lincoln Project's Stuart Stevens and spent the first 10 minutes reliving that event.  Much of the rest of the podcast covered the upcoming vaccines and the difference between the sane Canadian approach and trump's.  For you new listeners who came by way of the Stevens interview this is how it works here…Highballs, Heroes and Headlines.  We hope you liked it.Not to be lost, you'll notice throughout this episode, there are hints of another big interview coming within the next week or two.  Stay tuned over on the No Puppet Facebook Page for details.

What No Puppet discovered is, if you speak to a political consultant for over two hours, you're going to hear some good stories.Here are those good stories.

Look, this is new territory for everyone.  We know the main nightmare has ended but what comes next?  Stuart Stevens, from the Lincoln Project, has been involved in politics for 40 years and has some ideas on what we might expect.  He sat down with No Puppet  and shares them here.

When No Puppet originally approached Stuart it was with an offer to market and sell his new book “It Was All a Lie”.  It was all a lie and who better to explain it then someone involved.   If you still wonder “how we got here” this is very good read.  Stuart is a writer in addition to a political consultant and this book is written well.  It's a good read whether or not you're a No Puppet level political junkie.This is the longest episode because, along the way, we learn a lot about Stuart.  We share that insight here.  Buy the book!!

Wow…it's still hard to believe, but the No Puppet Partners spent two and a half hours interviewing Stuart Stevens the other night.  Stewart, of course, is a member of the Lincoln Project group and, in No Puppet's opinion, quite possibly saved the country through their work defeating the Orange Menace.With that much content, the crew created 4 individual podcasts.  This one weighs in on a long-lasting argument between Robert and Brad.  Remember, Brad was a lifelong Republican and has always defended W.  Robert…not so much.  Stuart knows former President Bush very well.  He has a strong opinion.  You can hear it here.

Episode #32 : There's Never Been a Lamer DuckRobert and Brad recorded this the day after American Thanksgiving and the mood was light.  As Robert put it…we're past the Era of Outrage.  No one's used to a happy optimistic Robert but Brad seemed to adjust throughout the recording and by the end they were really just comparing beards.Phrases to look for: ·      He has competing psychoses·      He's just another old guy in Florida·      I can't wait until I don't know any of these people·      You're kind of a downer·      I'm happy to not live in the outrage machine·      I'm not used to cheery Robert·      The need to drink has dropped·      We lived in an insane world·      He's going to be doing Viagra ads on OAN·      I was thinking of building a hotel in Ramaala·      I've got some grooves worn into my brain·      Nobody taught this moron how to sit in a chair

The boys sat in Robert's backyard…in November…in the rain…and recorded their first episode since the election.  Needless to say the mood was light.  It was noon so the highballs were replaced with coffee but the conversation was good. The election is over but there seems to be plenty to discuss.  Highlight quotes  include;·      Biggest loser of all time·      The appropriate answer is prison·      Tom Osborn school of politics·      You're wrong twice today·      If my Aunt had balls she'd be my Uncle·      Why don't we spend a few more minutes congratulating ourselves·      She needs to harness her passion·      How much doesn't he know?·      Waves of crimes·      You're giving him way too much credit ·      He's not even pretending

OK…it seemed like Robert had just finished his 3rd Espresso late on a Monday night and Brad just wanted to have a quick podcast to mark the occasion..the night before a very very important election.Robert came with sheets and sheets of notes, county by county predictions and a level of detail not often heard on No Puppet.  Brad came really only wanting to know if he was going to be fed on election night.Both No Puppet Partners predict a Joe Biden win and were confident enough to commit those predictions to this recording.

Ok…we're getting down to the end here.  The No Puppet Partners recorded this on the night of Monday, October 26th,which means there were just 8 days until the election and the beginning of the end of this nightmare.Robert showed up on Brad's front yard with a fist full of Biden/Harris signs and a head full of campaign thoughts.  You'll hear it all in the following 30 minutes.Be sure to listen for these gems:·      After the election we may never speak again·      I really don't care for you that much·      Springsteen in Pittsburgh·      They're predisposed to cheer for the orange one·      Let's call in the divorce lawyers·      He's the annoying one·      Mexicans in Texas…give me a break·      This needs to be over·      I like drinking·      I am not enjoying this anymore·      Is this the happy part?·      What are you gonna learn from Ivanka? 

Episode #28 : Oh Danny Boy Everybody probably knows someone who's had COVID by now…but have you ever asked them about their experience?  That's exactly what we did with our guest, Danny.  Danny lives in small town Nebraska, was extra cautious about protecting himself and still got it…bad!This is No Puppet so, of course, there was some political pieces to the conversation.   However, the real goal was to make COVID personal for you and to introduce you to what makes parts of rural America great…guys like Danny.

Episode #27 : Hitting the Wall and The Full ToobinApologies, for the first time in podcast history the boys may have to tick the “explicit content” box before publishing.  The podcast recording followed the “Jeffery Toobin” news and they just couldn't seem to move past it!The partners did eventually manage to move on to forecasting some Senate races, alternatives of packing the court and electoral college predictions.  There's an added bonus this week because we get to hear from Robert's wife, Denise, who weighs in on the upcoming debate.  Fun phrases to listen for:·      The Full Toobin·      Five on One·      Jizz Lane·      Erection Suppression·      Hitting the Wall·      Pitty Bounce·      Google Pause·      I Just Want It Over·      The Price of Corn in Iowa·      Mute ButtonsPlease rate, subscribe and enjoy.

The No Puppet partners have become obsessed with polling…presidential, Senate, Representatives, national, state-by-state…all of them.  Today's podcast consists of the partners digging into some of the specific races they're following.  It was a good way to avoid talking about the Judicial hearing and the moron leading the Super-Spreader Rallies.   Although polling was the focus, if you listen carefully you will notice the following lines managed to find their way into the dialogue;·      The first one's free·      The United States of Venezuela·      America has hit the mute button·      The dumb is getting to me·      Rodent love making·      Diagnosed with stupid·      They're all tequila nightsAs an added bonus, you get a quote from Henry Kissgenger and an introduction to a behind-the-scenes No Puppet partner. 

The two No Puppet partners fired up the Zoom machine and had a quick chat Tuesday afternoon about the upcoming VP debate.   While they were at it, it seemed like a good time to predict some October surprises…as if we haven't already had enough.They end with Robert demonstrating just how far down the fivethirtyeight.com Rabbit Hole he's fallen when he gives us an update on current polling.

The No Puppet Partners were up late last night as the news broke about trump contracting COVID.  Today's podcast contains the real-time reaction of Robert and Brad to the fast-changing events.This episode introduces you to Jasper the Dog, a caffeine-filled Robert and a very good Melania impersonation.  Fortunately, at about minute 15, Robert solves America's problems with the help of one Bill Gates and a billion dollars.

The No Puppet Partners thought it might be good to get a quick pod (that's what we call it in the business) up before tonight's debate.We will be watching together tonight and hope y'all have someone to watch with.  We're not sure exactly what it will be but we do know trump will be outrageous and almost no one will change their mind as a result.Thanks for listening

That was the question we had in mind when we got the chance to interview Mary.  Mary is a nice person...the sort of person you want living next door.  She's also the GOP Chairperson for a rural county in Nebraska, a trump voter in 2016 and an even stronger supporter today.We here at No Puppet have no idea how good people...moral people...can support someone so immoral and, well, not good.  So, please listen; see if you have an answer to our question by the end. 

He's back!!!  Our most popular podcast, by far, was #7 “Under The Red Hat” where we interviewed Don.  Don is a strong trump supporter with confidence in his convictions and the courage to share them.Well, Don was generous enough to agree to Part Two.  Now that we're full-on into the election and in the middle of this pandemic we thought it would be a good time to hear his views and see if his stance has changed on trump.  Spoiler : his stance hasn't changed.Apologies ahead of time, because it's a long one…over an hour!  We thought of breaking it in two but the truth is we have two additional interviews with trumpers scheduled and we just wanted to get this out there before they drop.We hope you enjoy it.  Please feel free to share.  If you're interested, you can find the first interview #7 on Apple Podcast or Spotify.

Robert and Brad finished this recording about 3 hours before the very sad news of RBG's passing.  So…you won't hear their reflections on this American Icon.  You will however (believe it or not) hear these topics: Appropriate Amount Anger / God's Work / Eating Babies on TV / Ice Cream Trucks / They're Still Getting In the Planes / Patriotic History / Crowd Surfing / Go Down the Hunter Road / Helicopter Money Don't believe it?  Have a listen.  

After highballs and heroes (a very unexpected hero), Robert and Brad identify the three things each has learned in the last week that should result in the removal of trump from office.  The issue wasn't coming up with three it was trying to decide which of the dozens of offences to leave on the table.You'll hear about Fixers and Devil Dogs.  They talk about trump thinking he can outsmart Woodward and America's foreign policy being for sale…cheap.The guys end up debating the importance of Jim Carey versus Andrew Jackson before finishing on a high note talking about their kids. 

In between the occasional raindrops in Robert's backyard the two No Puppet Partners eschewed their customary highballs (it was just noon after all) and talk politics. They identified their Black Heroes, reviewed the conventions, talked about burning buildings and tried to prepare listeners for some ugly months upcoming.  (Special shout out to Robert's daughter…the first female voice to appear on the show as she helped us set up and took some pictures at the beginning of the session)

OK, this week was a little different.  For the first time the two of us met in person, at Hazel's Diner, to record the podcast (Robert's treat).  While eating lunch we did manage to discuss our heroes, the convention, GOP presidential hopefuls, the new Senate report on Russian collusion and, of course, trump's love letters to Putin.  The conclusion, as always, was “Orange Man Bad”.  Thanks for listening!

What a week!  We're a couple days late this week because we wanted to discuss the VP selection.  Senator Harris will be great.  We also talked about our hero; the Post Office and had a very short discussion on Smart Republicans.  Interestingly, our Smart Republican conversation involved the word “stupid” 17 times.  Thanks for listening!

No highballs this week, but Robert and Brad still share their heroes, review the Jonathon Swan/trump interview and give their perspective on some key Senate races.  Stay tuned for a (hopefully) big announcement regarding one of their upcoming podcasts.  They'll keep you posted over on the No Puppet Facebook page.Thanks for listening.  Please subscribe, rate and share!Top Three Recruiting : Finding Good Peop Every hour you spend opening emails, downloading resumes and setting up interviews takes you away fr

From Highballs to Heroes to advising Joe Biden on his campaign.  By the end we're filling in his cabinet, picking his VP and trolling for corporate sponsorship!  We hope you enjoy it.

Even with a 24-hour turnaround it's hard to keep up with the flood of trump disasters and stay current.  We try our best to cover Portland, school openings, COVID and Robert slips in a Brexit update.  You also get to eavesdrop on dinner plans for Saturday night.  Hope you enjoy listening.

Last week we tracked 6 disasters each poised to end the trump reign.  They're all still here and, because this is trump, we've added 4 more and talk about them today.  Tune in for a discussion of shame, the existence of god, the enthusiasm gap and a debate on whether or not the Secret Service will be required to protect trump in prison. Thanks for listening.  Please follow and rate us!

It's been a couple of weeks and we had a lot to talk about…from the virus to Monday's Supreme Court ruling to Raisinette and Goober to Robert's wife's new hair colour. Please join us.  We had fun recording it.  We hope you enjoy listening.

Plot twist…at 6:20 I ask a question.  About two thirds of the way through we get the answer.  

A 29-year-old American Muslim, son of immigrants, smart, articulate, well-read and…wait for it…a trump supporter.  Don't think that's possible?  Have a listen to this episode.

Robert and Brad met 17 years ago and have been debating politics ever since.  Although they came together in their disgust of trump to start No Puppet, prior to 2016, they rarely agreed on anything political.  Brad was a Republican until his party lost its way.  Robert is a Canadian Liberal and thought it might be interesting for listeners to hear from a Conservative (former Republican) about the changes of the last 4 years. In addition to the exchange of ideas you get to hear the phrase “Cows don't hear dog whistles” and we can almost guarantee you've never heard those words in that order before this podcast.

Finally!  I've been trying for 4 years to find a strong trump supporter willing to either write for the No Puppet FB page or come on one of these podcasts.  Well; #7 is the podcast we finally got our interview.  It's with Don.  Don's a nice guy and we had a good conversation. I loved doing it.  I hope you love listening to it.

Welcome to Episode #6.  Robert and I recorded this at the exact time trump was declaring war on America from the Rose Garden before waddling across Lafayette Park to hold up a Bible. Listen for uplifting phrases like “This is bad” “These are difficult times” and “We just need to hold on for another five months” 

Robert and Brad are starting to figure it out.  That means keeping the episodes under 20 minutes but still containing a healthy dose of "what the heck has happened to us"We appreciate you listening.  Please subscribe and comment and we'd love to see you over on the No Puppet Facebook page!

Robert and Brad try out the new format, eschew alcohol and still manage to add 6 minutes to the podcast.  The conversation centers on "truth" and recognizes two heroes; each of whom does their part to make living in chaos a little less chaotic. We hope you enjoy the show.  Please subscribe and rate us!

Lotta very heavy stuff going on in the US government these days.  Robert and Brad try to sort things out without getting swallowed up by the negativity.  Do they succeed?  Sometimes.  

Robert enjoys a Tequila Old Fashioned while he and Brad share their favourite headlines from the past week, reveal their heroes and celebrate making it through another week with a moron in the White House.  

This is the initial episode by No Puppet creators Robert and Brad.  They try to sort out what their podcast should sound like, tell a quick story about how No Puppet started and come to the realization, as they did with No Puppet, that this podcast is simply a form of therapy to help them, and their No Puppet family, make it through this crazy period of American history.