Reason Bound

Denise Johnson returns to Reason Bound to discuss blending cultural identities centered on what it means to be Latino/a, Chicano/a, Hispanic, and so on. Denise talks with Ryan about connecting with roots, hertiage, and how one's own culture can interact with another. It's a good conversation between long time friends that sparked ideas about what it means to be identity X or Y.

Ryan welcomes a panel from Japan's Tozen union to discuss working conditions at a prominent English school (eikaiwa) in Japan. A slew of bad policy decisions from Gaba Corporation including forcing instructors (treated as independent contractors by the corporation) into a qualified invoice system, has led to union action and recent strikes. Another new horrific policy announcement would see teachers fined per lesson if they become unable to teach, which could even result in a negative paycheck. In addition to demanding an end to the qualified invoice system requirements, Gaba Instructors, who have not received a raise since 2008, are fighting for a modest raise of 200 yen per lesson ($1.33 U.S. as of the currency exchange rate on 11/06/23). Ryan and the panel discuss the importance of unions, past victories Tozen has achieved for workers, and how Gaba instructors as well as counselors can join the union and strengthen bargaining power in the fight for fair working conditions. Tozen union panel guests include the Tozen Union Gaba Workers Union Executive President Musashi Sakazaki, Tozen Union Gaba Workers Union General Secretary Mitch Brown, Tozen Union Gaba Workers Union Member Paul Bowen, and Tozen Union Deputy Finance Officer and Organizer Louis Carlet.

Returning from overseas ventures, Michael Hubbard returns to the U.S. and Reason Bound to discuss Cultural Appropriation with Ryan. Cultural Appropriation seems to have different meanings to different people. Where is the line between what is acceptable and not in social behaviors that cross cultures. Mike and Ryan on a reason-bound discussion on everything from food to clothing to Halloween costumes.

Award winning journalist Charles Thomson returns to Reason Bound to discuss reality as people seem to be navigating it. Fake news, false information, and outright lies are inundating the populace more than Charles and Ryan can ever recall. Where can truth be found? How should claims be evaluated? From British politicians lamenting "Oh, we've had enough of experts" to formerly respected journalists jumping on leaving reality-land railroad jobs, truth is now out of style in favor of confirmation bias.

Manny Militello joins Ryan for the third installment of the War and Peace series. Having both met in an international law class at Waseda University in Tokyo, Manny and Ryan have had quite some time to study the history and narratives of actions taken against Japan during the second World War. They discuss history leading up to the U.S.'s involvement in the war, the fire bombings of Tokyo, and the wanton acts of using nuclear weapons on a country that was willing to surrender. The Hague Conventions are discussed as the authority in determining the legality of the bombings, and an analysis of the court's findings in the case of Ryuichi Shimoda et al. v. The State further serves to expose the illegality of the atrocities.

The last year has put a spotlight on issues surrounding women's reproductive rights and whether or not it's appropriate for women to have control over their own bodies. Rachel Cannon joins Ryan to discuss various aspects of abortion from legislative history to positions influenced by belief in and devotion to religion. It's a sober conversation on a crucial health and family issue that, for the time being, is as unresolved as ever.

Denise Johnson joins Ryan to discuss religion and spirituality. Where may one stop and the other start, or are they both inextricably linked? One or both terms are nothing more than woo woo to some, while others find they function as descriptive labels for some kind of force/magic/supernatural sense that transcend the natural world. Denise and Ryan discuss establishment religions, what it means to be a cult, and a sense of something greater than oneself that many claim to experience regardless of individual culture, practice, or religious upbringing.

Longtime friend Abraham Holloman joins Ryan to discuss the often times polarizing subject of race swapping fictional characters. They discuss reasons why some find it difficult to be at peace with an established character in one version of a story, then have a race swap take place in a subsequent story, film, etc. Abraham and Ryan discuss the backlash over the casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel in the live action Little Mermaid, as well as other fictional characters and to what extent race being consistent in every story of that character should or shouldn't ultimately matter.

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Award winning British journalist, Charles Thomson, returns to Reason Bound to discuss state-sponsored executions, also known as "capital punishment" or "the death penalty". As many nations across the world move toward a greater level of civility, there are still countries where the state has the authority to demonstrate murder is wrong by murdering. Charles talks with Ryan about the inherent hypocrisy of the death penalty and discusses the cases of Nathaniel Woods, Troy Davis, and George Stinney Jr., among others. The lasting question will be: What does this add to our humanity?

Holly Wilt returns to Reason Bound to talk with Ryan about principles involving animal rights, suffering, and factory farming amongst others. In his teens Ryan went vegetarian before going vegan. In this episode he has an open and honest conversation with Holly, a former vegetarian, about the ethics of consuming animals. Also, the baby spider story is finally told in what was an epic moment in the saga of Holly and Ryan's friendship.

Cody Linklater returns to Reason Bound to have a calm, cool, and collected discussion with Ryan about their differing views on guns. When, if at all, should the 2nd Amendment be limited? Should the US look to other countries and adopt their gun control and safety policies? Other topics include encountering nazis and escalating violence, the importance of mental health, and the police.

Jarvis Simmons joins Ryan for a discussion on representation in film. Specifically, they take a look back at Marvel's "Black Panther" and why that was such a pivotal moment for pop culture. Other topics include different racial interpretations of established characters, new stories featuring characters not seen as the norm, and the debate of our time: Iron Man VS Batman.

Nick Hodge comes on Reason Bound to join Ryan in person. They throw down a few drinks while discussing flag burning, dating, and religion. It's a spirited conversation that looks at behavior, rules, and regulations about laws concerning the treatment of a country's national flag. Another topic as yet discussed on the podcast is how each feels about dating someone if they have fairly different religious beliefs than themselves. It's an Aussie invasion and one of the best!

Ryan's childhood friend, Aaron Adair, joins Reason Bound to talk about race relations in the United States and specifically his experiences being viewed as a black man. After the initial recording, events surrounding the death of George Floyd took place which prompted Ryan and Aaron to record an additional hour to add on. Other topics include riots, police encounters, privilege, and marginalized groups.

Holly Wilt returns to Reason Bound to discuss sex and love. Holly and Ryan discuss the throes of love and delve into that which is considered temporary compared with everlasting. A study about how people reignite the passion from earlier times in their relationships, love between friends, and passionate vs compassionate love are topics also discussed. 

Ryan talks with Tej Singh about his time in South Korea and Japan. Tej shares thoughts on the differences in lifestyle, business, relationships, and the point many expats reach where they return to their country of origin. Some, however, seem to wander abroad forever...

Former combat medicine technician, Michael Hubbard, returns to discuss the recent pandemic. Regardless of how bad things become with coronavirus, it's crucial to be prepared for devastating events that have the potential to change people's way of life. Mike and Ryan discuss obvious and not so obvious items to have in the case of an emergency, the state of politics in the US, and people's social awareness as we head into whatever future awaits.

Not all press is good press and these days most of it isn't. Award winning British journalist, Charles Thomson, returns to the Reason Bound podcast to speak with Ryan about media and politics. Topics include figures and movements led by those such as Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn, Bernie Sanders, and how the concept of "Fake News" is interpreted and propagated. If you want to change media, this is the prime discussion to get the paper rolling.

Joe Schmitt and Ryan discuss societal issues centered on drinking in the U.S. compared with Japan.

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Evading capture by Dr. Loomis, Holly Wilt returns to the Reason Bound podcast to talk with Ryan about several issues: A place they both worked, religion and a world created with evil, parents with special needs children and how some cope with supernatural reasoning, #blessed, and "locker room talk". On a lighter note, they also talk about Jamie Lee Curtis's return to Halloween, memories of H20 and Josh Hartnett, the difference between Jason X and Freddy v.s. Jason, and a discussion about everyone's favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers. There's also a bonus story at the end between Ryan and Holly that dates back to over ten years ago and the obvious clues Ryan gave Holly for her to have her epiphany. To anyone who downloads/listens/subscribes, Holly and Ryan think you've made this day a special day by just your being you. There's no person in the whole world like you, and they like you just the way you are. ^_–

Before Reason Bound launched and just prior to the 2016 US elections, Sean Curran recorded what were intended to be the first episodes with Ryan but ultimately were shelved. In this show Sean finally joins Ryan to review movements such as "Bernie Or Bust" and people's mindsets surrounding the election and candidates. As they both remark, we've never seen an election like what went down in 2016, and Sean and Ryan who had seen things differently in 2016 are now able to look back and discuss topics such as reliable information, the feeling of getting caught up in movements, and Sean reveals to Ryan for the first time what he ultimately did with his vote. As a longtime Eugene resident, Sean also discusses events surrounding the LGBT+ community there and why (in part) it's been difficult for a cohesive community to form in a city that thinks of itself as very progressive.

Award winning British journalist, Charles Thomson, returns to the Reason Bound podcast to discuss music from the Heartbreak Hotel. Charles and Ryan talk about Elvis Presley and what he did or didn't contribute to music as well as accusations against the man and movement being racist. Ideas about Elvis from Stevie Wonder to Three 6 Mafia are discussed and provide context of "The King" from contemporaries, people who came after him, and those who knew him before he burst onto the music scene. But first, Charles starts off with some great stories of James Brown including speaking to him at a press conference and the "Godfather of Soul" playing with him during a live performance from the stage. Other topics include Prince and Under The Cherry Moon, The Wiz, Michael Jackson and his discography, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, and how artists will be remembered through history. 

Michael Hubbard served as a combat medicine technician in the United States Army. In this episode he discusses his time in the Army including what basic training was like, his drill sergeant, low stress v.s. high stress platoons, how guys would solve their issues with each other, his time in India with the Indian soldiers, issues living in a compound with Iraqi soldiers, his recognition for improving security perimeters and the private dinner he had with higher-ups including now Sergeant Major of the Army, Daniel A. Dailey as a result. Mike and Ryan then discuss the controversial topic of women serving in combat roles in which Mike gives his view into what types of problems could arise, things he saw while serving, and in which situations he would be for or against it. Thanks to Mike, this is an often hilarious and insightful podcast between two friends of nearly 17 years. 

Manny Militello, whose speciality is in international consulting related to the middle east, rejoins Ryan in the second part of their War and Peace series to discuss the increasing isolationism of the United States in today's world. They discuss the country's isolationism historically from colonial days until the start of the second World War and its seeming return in a new way in modern times. Manny shares his thoughts on isolationism v.s. interventionism and the consequences of going too far in either direction. Another discussed resurgence from a past era is the "America First" narrative we've seen again under Trump. Other topics covered include progress made in U.S. society over the years, a unilateral foreign policy, a Brit's perspective on Hillary Clinton, what countries act as global and regional hegemons, and the League of Nations.

Joe Schmitt discusses an article in Psychology Today with Ryan about the effects of violent media on behavior. By age 9 Joe had been exposed to and consumed media with violent content in the form of video games and films such as Saving Private Ryan. It was also at this young age he was told the combination to his household's gun safe. We discuss the environment Joe grew up in, what he was taught about guns, his school's reaction to a creative writing paper, and being careful about jumping to single variables as the major factor in trying to explain the cause of violent behavior. Other topics include the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas and the difference in gun ownership in the U.S. compared with Japan. Ending on a lighter note and with Halloween approaching, they discuss Joe's top 5 most terrifying games to play.

The Red Pill documentary by Cassie Jaye is one of the more controversial documentary films to be recently released. It's caused such an uproar that Netflix has refused to carry it. From theredpillmovie.com the official synopsis reads: "When a feminist filmmaker sets out to document the mysterious and polarizing world of the Men’s Rights Movement, she begins to question her own beliefs. The Red Pill chronicles Cassie Jaye’s journey exploring an alternate perspective on gender equality, power and privilege." At Holly's request, Ryan watched the documentary so they could discuss the contents of the film. In this episode they cover The Red Pill documentary, the decision Holly made in whether or not to circumcise her infant, as well as the strange reasons people will give for defending barbaric practices such as the genital mutilation of girls and boys, amongst other topics. 

Kai McFarlane joins Ryan to talk about felons owning firearms and having the right to vote. They also discuss Trump's Trans Tweets, The Rock running for President, and a classic scenario dealing with how people view morality. The show starts off with Kai sharing his latest venture into studying "gay reincarnation" which leads to a spirited discussion between the two.

Raqib Hameed Naik spent most of his life in Kashmir before moving to India where he works as a journalist writing on human conflict and human rights related issues. He speaks with Ryan in this episode about the Indian administered regions of Kashmir: Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh, which are in the northernmost region of the Indian subcontinent. Control of this part of the world remains a contentious issue between India and Pakistan. Recent developments have included the possibility of the U.S. or China stepping in to act as an arbiter in an attempt to solve this geopolitical issue that is affecting the lives of many Indians, Pakistanis, and Kashmiris. Now, as of June 26th 2017, the U.S. Department of State has named Syed Salahudeen (also known as Syed Mohammed Yusuf Shah), who is the head of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (a Kashmiri separatist and designated Islamic terrorist group by India, the United States, and the European Union), as a specially designated global terrorist. Ryan asks Raqib about Syed Salahudeen's reported comments to turn Kashmir Valley into a "graveyard for Indian forces" as well as what Raqib's ideas are on the diaspora of Kashmiris and his desire for a plebiscite to be held. As a Muslim who grew up alongside Hindus and wants to see Kashmir become an independent and secular country, Raqib provides an interesting perspective on the current state of affairs in Kashmir. 

Holly and Ryan debate Disneyland's decision to remove the "wench auction" from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. They then discuss Ryan learning gun safety and who he was aiming at during the process. Most importantly, and as a mother, Holly talks with Ryan about the importance of nonviolent parenting and reasoning with children instead of inflicting abuse that will continue to take a toll on them later in life. Other topics in this episode include forced vaccinations and a discussion about when NPR recently tweeted the Declaration of Independence for the Fourth of July and the furious response from certain people. 

Award winning British journalist and court reporter, Charles Thomson, returns to the Reason Bound podcast to talk with Ryan for the anniversary of the Michael Jackson trial verdict. Charles has written articles on the enigmatic superstar for news outlets such as Huffington Post and has been quoted in books about the iconic performer's life. For the first time ever, from start to finish, Charles talks with Ryan about the most controversial aspect of the pop icon's life in a three hour show beginning with the allegations from 1993 and going through the end of his 2005 trial. This is a podcast about recognizing good and bad arguments as well as a discussion between Ryan and Charles about the Jackson trial being the first time both realized how recklessly dishonest and lazy the media could be in reporting on certain events.

Holly joins Ryan to talk about a recent time when Ryan wasn't reason bound. Is it a good idea to date a guy who tells you he loves you and wants to commit to a serious relationship on the first night and asks for jewelry the next time you meet? Probably not. Pay attention to red flags and make sure you don't get suckered into something that's as false as the love you'll be promised. Some people only love themselves and that tends to become apparent over time (and in this case pretty quickly). 

Stephanie Drury who runs the popular Facebook page "Stuff Christian Culture Likes" talks with Ryan in this episode about "Christian Culture". Topics include the love affair with so-called "Daddy-Daughter Dates" as well as MANLY evangelical leaders such as Marc Driscoll and Eric Dykstra and the messages they deliver to their congregants. Most importantly, they talk about what it felt like to question everything they thought they knew about their once held theology and where they ended up as a result.

Award winning British journalist and court reporter, Charles Thomson, talks with Ryan about how crucial it is to preserve the presumption of innocence in a just society. In this episode they address bizarre musings from Dr. Jackson Katz, such as asserting there is in fact a victim upon the accuser's claim before a crime has been proved to have occurred. They also discuss the controversy surrounding the film The Birth of a Nation and director Nate Parker's alleged rape allegations as well as the fallout from the Ched Evans acquittal of similar charges and how that's shaping policy in Britain.

For many Americans, European society is seen as the model that American society should aspire to. In this episode, Ryan speaks with Mari Bulyo who is a Norwegian citizen, college student, model, and speaker of 7 different languages whom he met during his studies in Japan. Ryan and Mari discuss Norway, currently ranked as the world's happiest country, and the contrast with Nordic values in education, religion, and social welfare (among others), compared with those in the states.

During his studies in Tokyo, Ryan met Manny Militello, a man with a great mind for international relations, who is currently working in consulting related to The Middle East and North Africa. In this episode, some of the main issues Ryan and Manny discuss include Obama’s legacy in the Middle East, the Syrian Civil War, ISIS, the utility of certain narratives on terrorism, and refugee assimilation in the west.

Ryan has on Holly Wilt to discuss Trump's directive to rescind protections for transgendered students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. They also discuss non discrimination in being able to purchase goods and services. Finally, they end with the latest in the sad story of a professional provocateur who should've watched and took a lesson from Bambi. It's a great show with a great partner! 

Cody Linklater talks with Ryan about his dream of moving to a land far, far away and how the perspective of living abroad has shaped his view of America. They also discuss the importance of people uniting under one language and the current political climate back in the states.

Kai McFarlane talks to Ryan about growing up as a Jehovah's Witness as well as his current belief in what he refers to as "The Spirit". Ryan asks if it's reasonable to believe the claims of self-proclaimed psychics and mediums.

The first episode of the Reason Bound Podcast! Live from Tokyo and Oregon, Ryan and Holly talk about a survey of issues that include extremism, entertainment, and the importance of trying for friendship instead of attempting to find fault in others.