The Sense & Theory Podcast

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A weekly look at politics and culture by two random guys in middle america. Join Sense and Theory as they search for common ground and push back against the extremism and polarization gripping society. Life, politics, parenting... Everything is fair game!

The Sense & Theory Podcast


    • Feb 13, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 9m AVG DURATION
    • 78 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Sense & Theory Podcast

    Bad Company

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2020 62:55


    Sense & Theory discuss some of the shady, dishonest, and outright boneheaded practices being engaged in by some of today's top companies. The fellas look at companies like Ring, Apple, Tesla, and AT&T while applauding the quality journalism that helped drag these unsavory tactics into the sunlight.

    Lies, Guns + Robots

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2020 69:45


    In another grab bag episode this week, the fellas tackle an array of topics. Whats all the noise about this Virginia gun rally? Does the media hate Bernie Sanders? Is the Puerto Rican govt. hiding relief supplies? Will automation soon cause massive labor disruptions? Sense & Theory discuss all this and more!

    Da Art Of Storytellin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2020 57:41


    This episode, Sense & Theory jump in the way back machine and tell a few stories from their past. The fellas hope to shed light on how some of the most pivotal (and the most trivial) moments of their lives, had a hand in shaping a belief they both share.

    Auld Lang Syne

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2020 70:45


    Sense & Theory bring a couple old friends on the show for a roundtable discussion. The fellas talk 2020 election predictions, coping with our polarized political climate, and how we can best start to heal the divides that keep us apart. So raise a glass and ring in the new year with us!

    Orange Men Bad?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2019 86:21


    With the help of a very special guest, Sense & Theory discuss the recent string of racist incidents at Syracuse University and the ensuing protests. What's driving these displays of hate? Who are the perpetrators? And how are students and administrators handling the process of forging a way forward?

    Life is Impeachy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2019 73:19


    This episode Sense & Theory tackle the impeachment inquiry. The fellas sort through the Ukrainian Scandal and give their thoughts on whether Trump's actions constitute "High Crimes & Misdemeanors" or if its all just Fake News. Plus thoughts on Adam Schiff! Devin Nunes! Fiona Hill! Gordon Sondland! and musical guest Primus!... Okay, we made that last one up, but still a great episode you wont wanna miss!

    Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Bag!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2019 57:07


    Sense & Theory are back with an all new grab bag! Pennsylvania Drone Bombings! Pentagon A.I.! Baby Selling! Data Privacy! Shady Tax Collec....err wait, did you say baby selling? Yikes! Tune in to hear the fellas talk about all this and more!

    The Great Debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2019 82:59


    Sense and Theory trade the podcasting chairs for podiums in their first ever presidential debate! Using questions culled by moderator Beanz from the recent democratic debate, the fellas square off on the tough issues and try to imagine what the kind of meaningful debate voters pine for might sound like.

    Unforgiven

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2019 58:53


    What is forgiveness? After Brandt Jean's remarkable act of grace and the array of reactions to it, Sense & Theory take an in depth look at the concept of forgiveness. Looking at everything from its earliest origins to its relevance in modern day, the fellas realize that this seemingly universal concept might be one of our most misunderstood.

    An American In Taipei

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2019 66:34


    This episode Sense & Theory bring a longtime friend on the show to speak about his experiences living in Asia for the past ten years. The fellas talk a little bit of everything, from being an American abroad to the Hong Kong protests and Taiwanese politics. Plus China! Trump! and Parappa the Rappa 2?! Dont miss it!

    Seeing Red Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2019 66:55


    Sense & Theory finally get around to finishing the grab bag from a couple episodes ago. From photoshopping mug shots to red flag laws to congressional death threats, the fellas cover an array of topics this week plus update a story they've touched on before. Dont miss it!

    Know Justice, No Peace

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2019 54:56


    It's the return of Change My View! Having recently changed his stance on the death penalty, Theory attempts to convince Sense to switch sides as well. What starts as a normal Change My View however, quickly moves past facts and figures, and becomes the most emotionally intense episode the fellas have recorded to date. Don't miss this one!

    Fire Down Below

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2019 61:27


    In what started as a grab bag episode, Sense & Theory discuss the fires burning in the Brazilian Amazon. The fellas separate science and fact from propaganda and sensationalism to see if the mainstream narrative matches the reality on the ground. Plus, the lingering remnants of the grab bag that could've been means you get a discussion about video game loot box legislation at no extra charge!

    Cause and Reflect

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2019 71:38


    In the aftermath of the recent shootings in Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton a host of explanations and remedies have been offered to an American public that is both heartbroken and outraged. Sense and Theory dissect the narratives around some of the most popular: Video Games, Gun Control, and White Supremacy. The fellas are left to question if we're focusing our efforts in the right place or ignoring the roots of our problem to tend to the branches.

    Bonus Round!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2019 20:29


    Here's a sneak peek at the type of bonus content you can gain access to on our Patreon page. In this episode Sense, Theory, and Beanzo discuss the recent Equifax settlement and what the ramifications are for any of the 147 million people affected who choose to accept the deal. In other words...OPT OUT!

    No More Mr. ICE Guy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2019 61:36


    Sense & Theory take a look at some recent cases involving American citizens being detained by ICE & CBP. How high a price are we willing to pay to stem illegal immigration? The fellas take on that question and Trumps latest descent into xenophobia in a jam packed episode.

    2020 Vision

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2019 112:52


    Sense & Theory sets sights towards 2020 with a look at the current front runners for the democratic nomination. Alongside their reactions to the first debates, the fellas give their thoughts on the pros and cons of Biden, Sanders, Harris, Warren, and Buttigieg.

    Iran So Far Away

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2019 108:22


    As America edges ever closer to a third Middle Eastern war, Sense and Theory take a look back at the last 70 years of U.S.-Iranian relations to determine where things went wrong. From the 1953 Coup to the "Axis of Evil" speech through the Nuclear Deal and beyond, the fellas lay out where we've been to keep us from blindly stumbling to where we're going.

    The Sound of Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2019 71:40


    Sense and Theory strike up the band and talk all things music this episode. From cassettes to mp3s, Black Star to Tyler Childers, the fellas discuss how impactful music has been in their lives, the state of the music industry and even find time to review some of their favorite songs.

    Ethnonationalism is Dumb

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2019 69:13


    This week Sense & Theory address and dismantle the arguments being made by advocates of ethnonationalism. Is ethnonationalism inherently racist? Are valid concerns driving the rise in it's popularity? The fellas attempt to definitively answer these questions and establish that (unlike people) all ideas are not created equal.

    Journey Into Mystery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2019 84:03


    Sense & Theory switch gears this episode and delve into the world of the cryptic and mysterious. Houndstooth, magnifying glass, and Google firmly in hand; the fellas try to shed light on three modern day mysteries: Cicada 3301, Toynbee Tiles, and the Georgia Guidestones.

    Bad Religion

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2019 101:30


    This week Sense & Theory discuss our struggles both home and abroad with religious extremism. By looking closely at Christianity and Islam the fellas search for the balance between promoting religious tolerance, demanding moderation, and maintaining the separation of church and state in the face of religious majorities.

    Rant Rant Revolution

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2019 83:11


    This week Sense & Theory dust off their soapboxes to bring two of their pet topics to the forefront. The fellas talk Right to Repair, the Electoral College, and also discuss a listener's thoughts on a recent episode!

    Grab This!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2019 94:39


    This week marks the highly anticipated return of the world famous "Sense & Theory Grab Bag" episode! From the Mueller Report to the College Admission Scandal and Creepy Joe Biden to Five Guys Burgers, the fellas sound off on a range of topics and catch some of the stories that fell through the cracks in early 2019!

    The Boiling Pot

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2019 76:04


    With rhetoric ramping up and trust between the two sides eroding, Sense and Theory consider the likelihood of a modern civil war in America. Is it possible? What would it look like? Should we ready ourselves for disaster or are we reaching for the panic button prematurely?

    A Tale Of Two Bills

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2019 83:41


    This week, Sense & Theory look at two bills in congress that aim to address corruption in government. Do either H.R. 1 or Sen. Warren's Anti Corruption Bill have "the goods"? Tune in to find out!

    Where The Bleep Are They?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2019 61:11


    Sense & Theory take a break from politics and reach for the stars! With the help of a close friend the fellas dive headlong into Fermi's Paradox and attempt to answer a question that's gnawed at man for quite some time: Is there anybody out there?

    Wall Or Nothing

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2019 58:47


    Sense & Theory take an in depth look at government shutdowns. How do they work? Why do they happen? Are they a useful tool or do they cause more harm than they're worth? The fellas try to answer all these questions and more by looking at the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

    Drum & Face

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2019 71:24


    Sense & Theory are back and ready to tackle the tough conversations of 2019! First up, The Maga Kids incident. What exactly happened? What can we learn about ourselves and the power of social media from our reactions? Tune in as the fellas try to answer these questions and reluctantly welcome back Beanzo!

    Too Cool For Yule?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2018 54:59


    After a special request found it's way to the North Pole, Sense and Theory were convinced (at antler point) to record a special Christmas episode of the show. The fellas take a look at the origins of Christmas, St. Nick, and discuss their thoughts on what the holiday has become. Be sure to tune in or yule be sorry! (Ok, we'll stop, but seriously..Happy Holidays everyone!)

    Capitalism Vs. Socialism

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2018 86:52


    On the last episode till after the new year, Sense & Theory make their first attempt at finding common ground on the issue that divides them the most. Can the fellas find a compromise between robber barons and communism?

    The Bean Pod

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2018 63:39


    With Sense & Theory's reign of error at an end, newly elected host Beanzo finally gets the spotlight he so rightly deserves. New segments, special guests, a host with talent...the Beanz era officially starts now!

    Win Some, Lose Some

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2018 61:35


    This week Sense & Theory react to the midterm election results. Did the blue wave materialize? Marsy's Law won big in Kentucky, but what is it? And what the hell is the House Popular Vote?

    The March To Midterms

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2018 62:06


    This week Sense & Theory discuss some of the big headlines dominating the news as this election season reaches its climax. Pipe bombs, caravans, false flags, and civility are sure to be on voters minds as they go to the polls Tuesday, but how big of a role will it all play?

    One Voice, One Vote

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2018 68:32


    As we head towards midterms, Sense & Theory take a look at vote suppression and voter fraud. Both parties sling accusations at their opponents of some form of vote tampering, but what does it mean for us if they're both right?

    Four For Coffee

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2018 89:37


    Sense and Theory interview the hosts of the Two For Tea podcast, Helen Pluckrose and Iona Italia! Tune in to hear the ladies thoughts on free speech, modern feminism, polarization and so much more!

    Change My View: QANON

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2018 75:16


    This week Sense & Theory invite Vlad Vendeta on to the show to see if he can change their minds about Q. From time codes to sealed indictments the case will be made but will it be enough to convert the fellas to true believers?

    Going Back To Kavi

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2018 59:57


    Sense & Theory delve right back in to the Kavanaugh confirmation after a week that saw both accuser and accused testify before congress. The fellas sort through the testimony, what the FBI investigation may or may not uncover, and how all of this is impacting the ever growing political divide.

    Kav Bag

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2018 80:44


    Sense & Theory take a look at the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings this week. The fellas sort through the noise to try to find the facts in what may be the most contentious supreme court confirmation process of all time.

    More To Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2018 55:08


    This week Sense & Theory take a break from politics and once again invite Beanzo to join them on air. The fellas discuss their rookie year of podcasting, the tall bike phenomenon, and even a little Trek in an episode to help remind us all that there is more to life than politics.

    Regulators, Mount Up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2018 74:38


    Sense & Theory take a look at regulation this week. From regulatory capture to occupational licensing the fellas delve into areas where regulation (or the lack thereof) has shifted from a tool that serves all to a scam that enriches a few.

    Forgotten Flint

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2018


    This week Sense & Theory try to shine the spotlight back on the Flint Water Crisis. The fellas lay out the whole timeline then talk about what action has been taken and what's still left to do.

    The Hardest Choice

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2018


    Sense & Theory tackle their toughest topic yet this week in abortion. The fellas discuss the history, the controversies, and the nature of the disagreements over what may be the biggest wedge issue we currently face. Can the fellas find common ground? Tune in and find out!

    The Skokie Blues

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2018


    Assange, Brennan, Jeong, and Jones. This week Sense & Theory take a look at four controversies with large implications for some of our most cherished freedoms. Can the fellas set aside their personal feelings about the people involved and stay true to their principles?

    Weird Science!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2018


    Sense & Theory look at whats making waves in the world of science these days. Quantum computing, ghost guns, Mars, and ohhhhhh yes…. a big healthy dose of Space Force! So formulate your hypotheses and double check your variables but don't miss this episode!

    Listener [Q] & A

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2018


    Sense & Theory let the audience run the show this week dedicating the whole episode to listener questions. From global conspiracies to Hollywood, tax code, and U.S. African policy anything's on the table!

    The Right Stuff

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2018


    This week the fellas turn their sights towards the GOP. Did Trump commit treason in Helsinki? Are efforts by conservatives to secure free speech misguided? Is Russian collusion a big nothing-burger? What will you do when you're facing 15 years for protesting against the Trump admin? Listen in as we try to wrap our heads around the big questions.

    High Crimes and Treeson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2018


    In their never ending quest to find common ground (and the perfect snack food) Sense & Theory take a look at America's marijuana prohibition. From Reefer Madness to States Rights and CBD oil to the Justice System, the fellas leave no bowl uncashed.

    Onward & Upward

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2018


    Sense and Theory set their sights forward and start the conversation on where we go from here. From the obstacles faced by third parties to revolutionizing the way we vote the fellas start forming a plan to challenge the status quo.

    A House Divided pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2018


    In the conclusion to last week's episode, Sense and Theory explore the reasons driving the sense of urgency on either side of the culture war. The fellas also question whether the tone of the debates online and in media accurately reflect day to day life and offer suggestions for how to walk back from this boiling point.

    A House Divided pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2018


    In a special two part episode, Sense & Theory look at how the divisive rhetoric from both sides has intensified over the last week. Is a step away from civility what the times demand or merely a step towards civil war?

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