Shoeless in South Dakota

The Boys are shakin' scared in the shed as they get unacceptably silly while they talk about road rage incidents, Dave's Dusty Ass Dad not helping him with The Chair, Breht's been goin' to work (not good), the artificiality of corporate job interactions, Yung Demon-Summoning Dave, siiix-sevvvven (Dave doesn't get it - he's too old), why Dave's not legally allowed to be tapped in with the youth, The Pussy Slayer (not what you think), and how both boys are one step closer to the edge... and they're about to BREAK! Then Julian BREAKS his silence for the first time in Shoeless History to tell a terrifying tale... My new book "You Are Not Alone" is a collection of horror short stories based on themes of addiction, mental illness, and trauma. It is available in paperback and e-book on Amazon, which you can get here: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Alone-Stories/dp/B0FT8LJJHD If you want to check it out or can't buy it for any sort of financial reasons, I offer a free PDF copy of the book. You can get it by sending a request to the email youarenotalonebook2025@gmail.com If you like it, please leave a Rating and Review! It is super helpful and appreciated! Sub to our new YouTube clip channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@shoelessinsouthdakota "Julian's Story" comes from the wonderful Otherworld Podcast (ep 33), check it out here: https://www.otherworldpod.com/

A psych ward descends into mayhem when a man finds out he's not the only one having a bad day. This is a rewritten and remastered version of a previous story of mine. Much, much better writing and audio quality. This story comes from my newest book "You Are Not Alone." It is a collection of psychological horror short stories. It is available in paperback and Kindle via Amazon, which you can get here: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Alone-Stories/dp/B0FT8LJJHD If you want to check out the book first, or can't get it for financial or ideological reasons (I get it, it's Amazon), I offer a free PDF copy of the book you can get by requesting to the email youarenotalonebook2025@gmail.com   

CONTENT WARNING: There are some intense descriptions of violence. A story from the new book of horror short stories "You Are Not Alone." Available in paperback and e-book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Alone-Stories/dp/B0FT8LJJHD/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title? If you want to check it out first or don't want to buy it from Amazon for financial or ideological reasons, totally understandable, like my first book, I offer a free PDF copy. Just request one at youarenotalonebook2025@gmail.com  If you do get it from Amazon (or even if you don't honestly) and you like the book, please Rate and Review if you can, it is greatly appreciated!

"You Are Not Alone" a horror anthology by David Icenogle Book Description: A home invasion is interrupted by the supernatural, an affair may cost a husband more than his marriage, a visit to the psych ward descends into mayhem, an experiment might be a window to the extraterrestrial, a police interrogation blurs the line between predator and prey, an insomniac fears his past has come back for revenge, a hidden journal entry could reveal a life-shattering secret, a therapy session turns sinister, a mother gets literally face-to-face with every parent's worst nightmare, and reconnecting with an old friend may become a fate worse than death. These ten stories not only explore the elements of horror but proposes the idea that maybe the scariest place on earth is our own mind. To buy, here is the Amazon link (Ratings and Reviews are super, super helpful. I would appreciate it tremendously and will tell you where the treasure is) https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Alone-Stories/dp/B0FT8LJJHD/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title As mentioned, whether financial or idealogical or you want to check it out first, a free PDF copy is offered. Just send an email request to: youarenotalonebook2025@gmail.com  

Tabitha, who we interviewed almost two years ago, returns to the shoeless shed to discuss her recovery and sobriety, as well as her new career as a youth counselor helping troubled teens - turning her suffering into compassion and care for others.  With these All Too Human interviews, we aim to highlight and destigmatize the mental health and addiction struggles of normal working people in hopes that we can provide insight into this type of human suffering, help others who struggle with similar things feel less alone, and deepen our understanding of the modern human condition. Learn more and support the show at: https://www.shoelessinsouthdakota.com/  

David explores stigma and addiction. If you like these segments, check out the No Chaser channel on YouTube by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=3iGIM3pqT3J5bkaL  

Subscribe to the Shoeless YouTube channel where clips will come out daily and don't be afriad to share with friends. You're not scared are you? Wait what? Anyways, here's the Link: https://youtube.com/@shoelessinsouthdakota?si=rxDoAiQhlg9EZX3s    

David talks about the depths of loneliness addiction brings you to. Pretty fun stuff! If you like these segments, check out all the episodes on my YouTube channel by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=YKTrA8rCYh5Wrt4z    

David discusses the trials and tribulations of trying to keep your addiction a secret. If you like these segments, you can check out all the episodes on my YouTube channel by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=dYULdzPR-WJ5UdUk  

David talks about how obsession can get you to do very stupid things with a story about something very stupid he did. If you like this segment, check out all the episodes on my YouTube channel. You can find it by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or by following this link:  https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=BaQZNtUTrZOPKbv9                        

David talks about the issues relationships face AFTER you get sober. If you like this segment, check out all the episodes on my YouTube channel. You can find it by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or by following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=BaQZNtUTrZOPKbv9          

The Boys are Back - together they catch listeners up on David's recovery journey and the lessons he's learned during the last 100 days of sobriety, Breht's writers block and new job, and a wide ranging, multi-dimensional conversation on the horrendous state of American society in 2025. Finally, they wrap up with a conversation on history and where our godforsaken civilization is headed in the coming years... also David fixates on that one time McDonalds sold Salad Shakers. outro music: 'Plantain Char' by Spinitch find and support more of their work here: https://spinitch.bandcamp.com/album/com-postables-jungle-scraps  

This is a small snippet from a full episode currently up on patreon in which Breht discusses a crucial dimension of a well-lived, meaningful existence, and explicates the transformative power of meditation practice,when done sincerley and consistently over time within an established philosophical and religious framework (as opposed to the stripped down, commodified, bastardized version of it often offered in western capitalist societies). 

David talks about the issues atheists and agnostics face in recovery, particularly 12-step programs. If you like this segment, check out all the episodes on my YouTube channel. You can find it by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or by following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=BaQZNtUTrZOPKbv9  

David talks about the very important but not well-known cause of relapse known as PAWS. If you like these segments, check out my YouTube channel by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=brlPb70M1ECvuYq0  

David talks about what scares him the most about addiction. If you like these segments, check out my channel on YouTube by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or just following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=MCCxFz8T0wQEwmHy  

David talks about the dreadful thought "what if all this pain and suffering was for nothing?" If you like this segments, check out the whole catalouge on YouTube by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or just following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=byA95LT5ZeCVGUw_  

David discusses dealing with shameful memories that still sting. If you like these segments, check out my YouTube channel by searching "No Chaser David Icenogle" or following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=K05Eq7DOIEkvkMIf  

The boys try and fail to do a police interogation bit, and get meta wit it. Then Dave asks Breht what the shape of the universe is, leading to an extended conversation about cosmology, including whether the universe is infinite or finite, what leading scientists deduce from the curvature of space time, the size of the observable universe, the speed of light, and whether or not our entire universe is actually inside a black hole... Then they explore the psychology of crowds - at sports games, protests, concerts, etc. - before finally launching into a discussion on the philosophy of Existentialism and the question of Free Will.

David asks the grim but very real question about what to do with the alcoholic or addict in your life that is helpless. If you like these clips, check out my channel on YouTube by searching "David Icenogle No Chaser" or following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=fNqkkcdO8bdUHnDI  

The boys have a letter-writing campaign during the American Revolutionary War against the British... Then they talk about their dreams, their superpowers, and the NBA finals, before launching into an analysis of what is and isnt considered "The Midwest". Then Breht explains cosmology to Dave, and together they wrestle with the Fermi Paradox and a number of possible solutions to it.   outro music provided by Spinitch. Song: Hevea Sap  https://spinitch.bandcamp.com/album/com-postables-4-dessert Learn more about Shoeless in South Dakota at: www.shoelessinsouthdakota.com

David talks about how delusions of the future keeps you addicted today. If you like these segments feel free to check out the YouTube channel by searching "No Chaser David Icenogle" or following this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=ZPCzjXSGBqm_hVQ7  

David talks about the mentally and emotionally arduous task of forgiving oneself. If you like these clips, feel free to check and subscribe to the No Chaser YouTube channel. You can just search "David Icenogle No Chaser" or use this link: https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=HfcFrlvDjI7GAduG  

Grab your edibles, we're talking about the Matrix.

David discusses the misconceptions of "hitting rock bottom". If you enjoyed this content, check out my channel on YouTube. You can just search "David Icenogle No Chaser" or use this link https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=D9Z8HSvbujBtGU_u  

In the inaugural episode of the 'Best of No Chaser' series, David talks about the difficulty for addicts and alcoholics to adopt a normal life. If you enjoyed this segment, feel free to check out and subscribe to the No Chaser channel under this link or just search "David Icenogle No Chaser" on YouTube  https://youtube.com/@davidnochaser?si=iX723MIN-g_Hd-yC    

The Boys accidentally time-travel to fuedal Europe where they meet some peasants and save a witch from burning at the stake (kinda). Then they catch up with Dave's recent experiences in a shelter-rehab, in which he tore his ACL going up for a rebound in a recreational basketball game. After that, they talk NBA playoffs, their deepest physical insecurities, the insane vissitudes and challenges of addiction, grappling with dead dreams and failures in life, cultivating hobbies you refuse to monetize, how the mind creates fear of loss in any life-context, the death of god, rejecting the late capitalist urge to optimize your productivity, and finding a dead dog on the traintracks and writing a song about it... https://www.shoelessinsouthdakota.com/  

Dave's sober but his life remains weird.

In an episode for a new mini-sode series, DIY Psychoanalysis, David argues that it isn't possible to actually lie to oneself. Although he may just be lying to himself...

David argues for a way life should be that is impossible and therefore pointless to argue. Nonetheless he persisted. 

An asteroid screams towards Earth as the boys gather remotely to discuss trivialities: times they were spooked, internet/phone addiction, the morals of meat in Dave's mouth, and the stupidity of going to NYC to watch the ball drop and fill your adult diaper to the absolute brim on New Years Eve. Then they take your emails and give you life advice about monogamous marriage, losing the love of your life to another person, and maturing as a human being... then the asteroid hits and it all melts away. Check out the cool YT channel behind the Asteroid clips HERE --------------------------------------------------- Contact us, support us, follow us, or learn more about the show here: https://www.shoelessinsouthdakota.com

In this fifth edition of our All Too Human interview series, Breht and Dave welcome Joey into the Shoeless Shed to have an honest conversation about his struggles with personal tragedy, repressed grief, and subsequent alcoholism. With these All Too Human interviews, we aim to highlight and destigmatize the mental health and addiction struggles of regular working class people in hopes that we can provide insight into this type of human suffering, help others who struggle with similar things feel less alone, and deepen our understanding of the modern human condition. ---------------------- Contact us, support us, follow us, or learn more about the show here: https://www.shoelessinsouthdakota.com

Breht listens to, reflects on, and critically engages with a public lecture by the late philosopher Michael Sugrue entitled "Nietzsche and the Death of God". He discusses the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, the politics of modern day Nietzscheans, the death of god and consumer capitalism as a form a nihilism, the ongoing nature of human civilizational and spiritual evolution, the biography of Nietzsche, what the next step of human evolution might be, the synthesis of religion and science,  scientific and ontological materialism, the limits of atheism, the importance of spiritual struggle, and much more.  Professor Sugrue passed away last year, and Breht has always found his free, public lectures on philosophy to be helpful and really well done. In the spirit of free and open access to education, Breht offers his knowledge of philosophy alongside this offering by Professor Sugrue. The use of this lecture series falls under the protections of the Fair Use doctrine.  Outro Music: "Temple Grandin Too" by AJJ   Learn about, follow, and support the show: shoelessinsouthdakota.com

David talks about the hardest he's tried to find laughter in the darkness.

Dave is out of rehab, so the boys get together to talk about his wild experiences over the holiday in which he haunted the streets of Omaha and Lincoln bouncing between rehabs, psych wards, Walgreens medicine aisles, and respite centers. Thankfully, at the end of the chaos, he felt a deep internal shift that many in recovery refer to as "being sick and tired of being sick and tired", and it gave him renewed energy and vigor on his long march to recovery.  Learn about, follow, or support Shoeless HERE Outro Song: "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" by The Smiths Audio Clips used in this episode: - Marsha Linehan on acceptance - Meaning is a Jumper that you have to Knit Yourself

(This is an unlocked patreon episode from November - for more episodes like this and to support the show, you can join here: patreon.com/ShoelessinSouthDakota) The boys read poems, fight for Free Speech, ponder BLASTING GEAR, and Sacrifice EVERYTHING for your freedoms. Then they talk about Abe Lincoln's hardcore depression, Breht's book idea (he won't write it), why you should read more books, recovery from mental illness, David's Depressing Diet (he gets lost in the sauce fr), White Dudes for Harris (she lost), and Breht's degenerate behavior in Movie Theaters... learn more here: www.shoelessinsouthdakota.com

A message from Dave full of Holiday cheer!

Breht dies and has a near-death experience, Dave struggles with derealization (and busting), then the boys talk politics and reflect on the election. After that, they discuss types of people they'd like to purge the planet of and different types of human intelligence, then Breht's son joins the show to reveal the TRUE Breht, and it ain't pretty... After that, the boys stare death in the face and are wiped off the face of the planet.

For Halloween David drops a SpOoKy short story about marriage and infidelity.

The Boys are Back in Town (they never left)! Dave gets a new job trafficking people (or helping people who have been trafficked? I'm not sure), Breht talks about his multiple, severe traumatic head injuries (it's not good, folks), and Julian sits in the corner of the Shoeless Shed and shakes his perfectly healthy head disapprovingly for three hours straight... Also, the boys answer your emails and give you life advice.  Outro Song: "Re-Do" by Modern Baseball   ------------------------------------------------------- Learn more and support the show here: https://www.shoelessinsouthdakota.com/

A book of poetry dedicated to the human experience of the working class poor in the American Midwest... Buy and/or review At Least the Pain is Cheap HERE Get a free copy at: atleastthepainischeap@gmail.com

In this fourth edition of our All Too Human interview series, Breht and Dave welcome their old friend from high school, Christian, into the Shoeless Shed to have an honest conversation about his struggles with alcoholism, methamphetamine, and incarceration. This is the first time Breht and Christian have seen eachother in 15 years! With these All Too Human interviews, we aim to highlight and destigmatize the mental health and addiction struggles of regular working class people in hopes that we can provide insight into this type of human suffering, help others who struggle with similar things feel less alone, and deepen our understanding of the modern human condition. Outro music: "Learning to Change" by Tidda (Christian) Check out more of Christian's music HERE ---------------------- Contact us, support us, follow us, or learn more about the show here: https://www.shoelessinsouthdakota.com  

David takes a break from being spooky and reads a new story he's written in the genre of science fiction.

David reads another long short story, about a home invasion and the afterlife.

After a tense stand-off in which spurs were rattled, spittoons were filled, and guns were cocked, the boys go into the shed and Breht pretends to be a therapist while it becomes clear that Dave could benefit from a real one... But then: a breakthrough occurs! All while Julian watches on in Silence and waits patiently for his colonoscopy appointment.  ------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about and support the show here: https://www.shoelessinsouthdakota.com/  

A brand new and much shorter story this time from Dave.

This interview originally aired on Rev Left Radio in Feb. of 2021. We are uploading it onto the Shoeless feed because the content dovetails well with things we often discuss on Shoeless! Breht is joined by Dr. Daniel M. Ingram, author of "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha", to discuss what Enlightenment is in the Buddhist tradition, what it feels like from the inside, what it can and cannot offer the individual and society, spirituality and mysticism on the fascist right, perennialism, the adaptability of capitalism, tips and advice for starting a spiritual journey, and so much more! Check out Daniel's website: https://www.integrateddaniel.info/ Dharma Overground: https://www.dharmaoverground.org/ The EPRC: https://theeprc.org/ Outro Music: "Fixed and Dilated" by Aesop Rock

Originally aired on Rev Left Radio in August of 2021. We are uploading it to the Shoeless feed because the content dovetails well with things we often discuss on Shoeless! Lauritz Marquardt (aka Conscious Development on YT) joins Breht to discuss the spiritual path toward awakening and his experiences on the path. Topics include: Buddhist philosophy, Lauritz's awakening experiences, the illusion of a separate self, what enlightenment really is, how spiritual practice informs political struggle, and much more.  Find Lauritz's YT channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConsciousDevelopment Find his website here: http://www.lauritzm.com Outro Music: "Love Life" by Atmosphere

An audio excerpt from "No Chaser" recorded in treatment, David talks about losing yourself in addiction and discovering yourself in recovery.

Dave gets abducted by aliens and converses with them before being probed, then the boys laugh and cry together. Dave talks about his short stint in rehab and his recent relapse, Breht discusses the relationship between addiction and compulsions, then they talk about jackhammering rocks, why you are not a rock, and why fireworks f****** ROCK! Finally, they read a listener's heartfelt email about an eating disorder and discuss how to have a healthy relationship with your body rooted in gratitude for what it does for you.  Learn more about the show HERE Support the show HERE

David reads his recently written horror short story, "They're in There".