Attempt to persuade or to determine the truth of a conclusion
POPULARITY
Categories
In this episode, I talk about what it really looks like to grow through the hard things in business—especially when money, emotions, and uncomfortable circumstances are involved. Using a real coaching conversation as an example, I share a powerful framework for navigating pain without letting it turn into unnecessary suffering. If you're facing a situation you don't want, don't like, or wish were different, this episode will help you understand how acceptance—not resistance—is the key to growth, wisdom, and peace. Key takeaways from this episode: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. Pain combined with resistance creates suffering; pain combined with acceptance creates peace or wisdom. Resisting reality multiplies emotional stress. Arguing with what's happening adds friction and keeps you stuck. Acceptance doesn't mean approval. You don't have to like a situation to accept that it's happening. Clean pain leads to growth and wisdom. When you accept what is, pain becomes a teacher instead of a burden. Every challenge is shaping your capacity. Difficult moments build the emotional strength and wisdom required for higher levels of success. You can feel pain without letting it own you. Acceptance allows you to experience hard things without being consumed by them. This episode is an invitation to stop arguing with reality and start growing through whatever is in front of you. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram
Gaius and Germanicus turn their debate to American migration patterns, with Gaius arguing that modern elites exploit immigrants as property for cheap labor and political votes, echoing historical patterns of indentured servitude that built colonial economies. Germanicus draws comparisons to Rome, noting that the empire successfully assimilated diverse races through genuine upward mobility and citizenship pathways that created loyalty across ethnic lines. However, he warns that the Western Empire eventually collapsed when Germanic tribes entered not as individuals seeking assimilation but as unassimilated national groups maintaining separate identities and allegiances. Germanicus cautions that current policies encouraging migrants to remain culturally separate rather than integrating into the host society dangerously resemble the dynamics that fractured Rome. The pair concludes that immigration has been a neuralgic obsession throughout American history, with elites consistently exploiting immigrant labor while simultaneously fearing political insurrection from unassimilated populations.1863 DRAFT RIOTS NYC
If you are making real money and still getting crushed every tax season, politics are not your problem. Timing is. The Big Beautiful Bill changed the landscape, but most business owners never slowed down long enough to understand how.In this conversation, Rick is joined by Jake Alexander, founder of Action Accounting and a former IRS insider who now works with six, seven, and eight figure business owners. They break down what the Big Beautiful Bill actually did, why it became so divisive, and how most people are reacting emotionally instead of strategically.They talk through bonus depreciation, Section 179, business structure, and why waiting until April guarantees regret. This is not about liking or hating Donald Trump. It is about knowing the rules while they exist and using them before they disappear.In this interview you'll learn:What the Big Beautiful Bill actually changed for business ownersWhy the tax bill became political instead of practicalHow bonus depreciation and Section 179 really workWhy tax preparation is not the same as tax planningHow structure and timing quietly control your tax liabilityFollow Rick's Socials:Instagram | LinkedIn | RickJordan.TVKeywords: big beautiful bill, trump tax bill, tax reform impact, business tax planning, bonus depreciation, section 179, cost segregation, small business taxes, entrepreneur finance, tax strategy, s corp vs c corp, business structure, high income earners, w2 vs business owner, tax law changes, political tax reform, proactive tax planning
Guest: Dan Flores. Flores details the Clovis culture's rapid expansion and efficient hunting, arguing human predation and genomic meltdown drove the "American extinction" of large mammals like mammoths.1908
Sean McMeekin details how Stalin replaced Litvinov with Molotov to signal realignment with Hitler, leading to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, arguing Stalin was an opportunist seeking territorial expansion in Poland, Romania, and the Baltics while Western powers failed to intervene.1900 THE RUSSIA BEAR, "RECKLESS DEFIANCE" OF THE ENGLISH TOMMIES
Sean McMeekin challenges the myth of Stalin's nervous breakdown during the 1941 German invasion, arguing both sides were mobilizing for war and that becoming a victim created a public relations miracle facilitating Western aid while Stalin withheld intelligence about Japan from the US.1939 WINTER WAR
Peter Stansky discusses Orwell's wartime work for the BBC and The Lion and the Unicorn advocating Englishsocialism, arguing that Animal Farm was not anti-socialist but a critique of revolutionary leaders corrupted by absolute power who inevitably betray their ideals.1951
Richard Epstein of the Hoover Institution endorses Kevin Walsh for the Fed, arguing that while independent boards challenge executive power, long-standing institutions gain legal legitimacy through historical prescription.
Richard Epstein contrasts the Minnesota-ICE conflict with the Whiskey Rebellion, arguing against deporting non-criminal long-term residents and criticizing the administration's harsh rhetoric and refusal to compromise.
Guest: Chris Riegel. Riegel, CEO of Stratology, analyzes Elon Musk's pivot to manufacturing "Optimus" androids, arguing that California's restrictive tax and labor costs are driving the need for automation. He suggests that major retailers like Walmart are poised to replace significant portions of their workforce with robotics to maintain profitability amid rising economic pressures.1955
Jonathan Schanzer analyzes Syria as a failed state regardless of Ahmad al-Sharaa's leadership, arguing the country lacks functional institutions and faces insurmountable challenges to achieving genuine stability or governance.1863 NYC
preview for later. Guest: Mary Kissel, former Senior Adviser to the Secretary of State Summary: Kissel critiques Prime Minister Starmer's plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, arguing the nation is heavily influenced by China. She highlights President Trump's opposition to the deal, emphasizing that the U.S. requires the Diego Garcia military base to project power across the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific.1901 OLD HOUSE
Mark Simon Simon offers a harsh retrospective on US-China relations, arguing that the engagement strategy dating back to 1972 has never really worked for the United States. He dismisses the economic trade-off of "cheap stuff at Walmart" as a poor return for allowing China to flood US markets. Simon specifically criticizes the George H.W. Bush administration (and Brent Scowcroft) for making a grand strategic and moral mistake; he contends that by ignoring "blood on the streets," the US propped up a regime that it should have realized could not be changed, missing a critical opportunity to do better.1930S HONG KONG
Bill Roggio Roggio characterizes Western policy as an "absolute mess," arguing the US has conceded safe havens to jihadists in both Afghanistan and Syria. He criticizes the normalization of Ahmed al-Shara, noting that al-Shara never denounced his oath of allegiance to Al-Qaeda, yet is being treated as a potential partner. Roggio warns that while the US focuses on the Islamic State, jihadists are on a rampage across Africa and Syria, capitalizing on the strategic failures of multiple US administrations.1935 Abyssinians
SEGMENT 14: SCOTUS SYMPATHETIC TO OIL AND GAS DEFENSE Guest: Michael Toth (Civitas Institute)Toth reports the Supreme Court appears sympathetic to oil and gas companies arguing they supplied the homefront during wartime under government direction. Justices signal the case belongs in federal court rather than punitive state courts where energy companies face hostile juries and politically motivated litigation against essential wartime production.1870 NEW ORLESNS
In this absolutely unglued episode, your favorite movie goblins spiral into a double feature of romantic body horror nightmares, breaking down Together, directed by Michael Shanks, and The Ugly Stepsister, directed by Emilie Blichfeldt — two films that boldly ask the question:“What if love… but also screaming?”First up, we tackle Together, where relationships, intimacy, and human bodies all politely agree to stop following the rules of God, science, and decency. We yell about uncomfortable closeness, emotional dependency taken to Cronenberg levels, and how this movie feels like couples therapy if your therapist was a cursed swamp witch. Every conversation somehow becomes:“Would you survive this situation?” (No)“Is this romantic or a biohazard?” (Yes)“Why is the human body like this?” (Rude of it, honestly)Shanks clearly woke up one day and said, “Let's emotionally terrorize everyone who's ever been in a relationship,” and we respect the commitment to violence.Then we skip gleefully into the bloody fairy tale hellscape of The Ugly Stepsister, directed by Emilie Blichfeldt, a gorgeous, grotesque body-horror remix of Cinderella that proves beauty standards have always been a full-contact sport. We lose our collective minds over:Medieval cosmetic surgery nightmaresVomit trauma (so much vomit trauma)Beauty rituals that feel like OSHA violationsThe sheer audacity of adding in THAT MANY you-know-whatWe praise Blichfeldt for crafting a film that feels like it crawled out of a cursed storybook soaked in blood, jealousy, and bad vibes.Somewhere along the way the episode derails into:Screaming about practical effects like proud raccoonsDebating which movie would emotionally destroy us fasterQuestioning every weight loss method ever Arguing whether fairy tales were always body horror and we were just naïve little foolsDeclaring that love is beautiful, disgusting, and possibly hauntedThis episode is basically three horror nerds laughing hysterically while being spiritually attacked by intimate trauma cinema and cursed fairytale energy.CREEP-O-RAMA is: Store: CREEP-O-RAMAYouTube: @creep-o-ramaJosh: @joshblevesqueArtwork: @bargainbinblasphemyTheme: @imfigureAudio: @stranjlove
Dr. Martin Carcasson tells us how he, as the Director of the Center for Public Deliberation at Colorado State, trains people how to facilitate deliberation and overcome wicked problems so that they can "spark processes that are particularly designed to avoid triggering the worst in human nature and tap into the best."Kitted Executive AcademyThe Center for Public DeliberationThe Listen First CoalitionBetter Together AmericaMartin CarcassonThe Toulmin ModelWicked ProblemsHow Minds ChangeDavid McRaney's TwitterDavid McRaney's BlueSkyYANSS TwitterNewsletterShow NotesPatreon Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
NDEMIC POLICY AND THE DYING CITIZEN Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that unelected health officials like Anthony Fauci exercised excessive power that damaged the middle class while favoring large corporations. He contends that lockdowns and school closures caused irreparable harm, particularly to children, while scientific claims regarding natural immunity and masking have been challenged. Hanson also suggests the virus likely escaped from a Wuhan laboratory engaged in gain-of-function research. NUMBER 81821
SUPREME COURT LIKELY TO STRIKE DOWN TRUMP TARIFFS Colleague Professor Richard Epstein. Epstein predicts the Supreme Court will invalidate the Trump administration's emergency tariffs, arguing there is no statutory basis for the trade imbalances cited as justification. He anticipates a fractured decision where a centrist block of justices joins liberals to rule that the executive branch exceeded its authority.1870 CASTLE GARDEN
Full Show over Harbaugh hired by Giants, Dante Moore, NFL, NBA News and Notes, Arguing and Food and more! Follow the Sports Animal on Facebook, Instagram and X PLUS The Morning Animals on XListen to past episodes HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! Today's topic is something that resonates with just about every homeschooling family: arguing and bickering. We recently asked our followers over on Facebook what the hardest part of homeschooling is right now, and the overwhelming answer was children arguing, bickering, and fighting. It makes getting school done difficult and often leaves moms feeling drained and without much joy by the end of the day. So this week, our goal is to bring some encouragement and perspective around this topic. B efore we get started, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They're an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com. We'd also like to thank Samaritan Ministries — a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that's a career change, a ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support the show through this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL4d0 Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
GLOBAL CHAOS AND THE EROSION OF STABILITY Colleagues Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani. The guests discuss worldwide instability, arguing that the US has abandoned its traditional role in maintaining global order. They examine conflicts in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, suggesting US actions are often driven by whims rather than strategic planning, leading to a state of heightened chaos. NUMBER 11962
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek discusses the investigation into Federal ReserveChairman Jerome Powell regarding building construction costs. She labels the $700 million budget overage a "red herring," arguing it distracts from more critical debates concerning the Federal Reserve's future independence and the president's upcoming choice for leadership in the springtime.1914 FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD
Why does life feel so exhausting—even when nothing is technically “wrong”?In this solo episode, Paul explores a simple but uncomfortable truth: most of our suffering comes from wanting reality to be different than it is.Drawing from Buddhism, Stoicism, Hindu philosophy, Christianity, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Paul explains why acceptance is not resignation—and why it's actually the foundation for real change.At the center of the episode is the Hourglass of Life metaphor:The past contains infinite storiesThe future holds infinite possibilitiesBut the present is a narrow choke point where reality can only be one wayAnd fighting that reality is a losing game.Why happiness becomes impossible when tied to outcomesDesire vs attachment (and why people confuse them)The illusion of emotional controlHow acceptance restores agency and energyWhy detaching from outcomes doesn't kill motivationHow to pursue change without sufferingTopics Covered:
Send us a textThis episode is a masterclass in why bad arguments rot organizations from the inside. Aaron, Trent, and Peaches dig into the Special Warfare pipeline drama, the Zulu course outrage, and the lazy take that “students won't retain anything.” Here's the problem: that argument only works if students are stupid, instructors are stupid, or leadership is stupid—and none of those are true. They break down logistics, attrition, training progression, risk tolerance, and why waiting for data matters more than internet yelling. Add in OTS growth, influencer nonsense, fraud headlines, and team-room humor, and you get a classic Ones Ready reality check. If you care about the community, this one's for you.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Ones Ready intro and no plan, as usual 02:15 Good Airmen doing real-world rescues 05:00 Why “students won't retain anything” is a bad argument 09:30 Zulu course outrage explained 14:40 Who you're actually calling stupid 19:30 Logistics, basing, and why change is slow 24:50 Risk tolerance vs risk avoidance 30:35 Forgetting skills—and why that's normal 36:50 Why waiting for data matters 42:55 Influencers, hype videos, and misinformation 48:30 OTS growth, feedback, and next steps 55:10 Predictions, humor, and community reality
Prepare Pop Corn, your hosts invite South-African skier Matt C Smith for an entertaining and full on argument about the quota allocation process for Olympic Games In this engaging conversation, the hosts and guest Matt C Smith delve into the complexities of quota allocation in cross-country skiing, particularly in the context of the upcoming Olympics. They discuss the misunderstandings surrounding small and large nations, the importance of relay events, and the role of media in promoting the sport. The dialogue emphasizes the need for systemic change in qualification standards and the importance of unity among nations to foster growth in the skiing community. Personal stories and experiences are shared, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of athletes from various backgrounds.
If you're enjoying the content, please like, subscribe, and comment! Robert's Links: Website: https://robertwjensen.org/X: @jensenrobertwRobert Jensen is Emeritus Professor in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of It's Debatable: Talking Authentically about Tricky Topics (Olive Branch Press, 2024). Jensen is the coauthor with Wes Jackson of An Inconvenient Apocalypse: Environmental Collapse, Climate Crisis, and the Fate of Humanity (University of Notre Dame Press, 2022) and the editor of From the Ground Up: Conversations with Wes Jackson (New Perennials Publishing, 2022), based on the interviews from “Podcast from the Prairie.” Jensen's other books include The Restless and Relentless Mind of Wes Jackson: Searching for Sustainability (University Press of Kansas, 2021); The End of Patriarchy: Radical Feminism for Men (Spinifex Press, 2017); Plain Radical: Living, Loving, and Learning to Leave the Planet Gracefully (Counterpoint/Soft Skull, 2015); Arguing for Our Lives: A User's Guide to Constructive Dialogue (City Lights, 2013); All My Bones Shake: Seeking a Progressive Path to the Prophetic Voice, (Soft Skull Press, 2009); Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity (South End Press, 2007); The Heart of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism and White Privilege (City Lights, 2005); Citizens of the Empire: The Struggle to Claim Our Humanity (City Lights, 2004); and Writing Dissent: Taking Radical Ideas from the Margins to the Mainstream (Peter Lang, 2001)._______________________Follow us!@worldxppodcast Instagram - https://bit.ly/3eoBwyr@worldxppodcast Twitter - https://bit.ly/2Oa7BzmSpotify - http://spoti.fi/3sZAUTGYouTube - http://bit.ly/3rxDvUL#media #journalism #journalist #vietnam #iraq #viral #news #newsmedia #politics #college #university #professor #subscribe #explore #explorepage #podcastshow #longformpodcast #podcasts #podcaster #podcasting #worldxppodcast #viralvideo #youtubeshorts
DISSENT, EXECUTION, AND THE SHADOW OF IMPERIALISM Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Judge Radhabinod Pal of India issued a massive 1,200-page dissent, arguing the tribunal was illegitimate and driven by the racism of colonial powers. Pal viewed Japanese actions as defense against Western encroachment and, controversially, questioned evidence of the Nanjing atrocities. Despite dissents from French, Dutch, and Indian judges, the executions proceeded in December 1948, with Tojo chanting "Banzai" (Long live the Emperor) on the gallows. The US Supreme Court refused to intervene, issuing a narrow ruling that it lacked jurisdiction over an international tribunal, allowing the executions to occur despite the judicial discord. NUMBER 71931 TOKYO
IRAN IS MORE THAN PERSIA: A DIVERSE MOSAIC OF ETHNIC MINORITIES Colleague Brenda Shaffer. Brenda Shaffer discusses her book, Iran is More than Persia, arguing that Iran is not a monolithic Persian state but a diverse mosaic where ethnic minorities comprise roughly half the population. She explains how the 20th-century shift to Persian nationalism marginalized groups like the Azerbaijanis, Kurds, and Baluch. Shaffer notes that current anti-regime protests involve these previously pacified groups, highlighting the regime's failure to fully subjugate peripheral regions like Sistan-Baluchistan. NUMBER 11890 TEHRAN
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY ISRAEL AND CIVILIZATION: ANTI-WESTERN SENTIMENT ON CAMPUSColleague Josh Hammer. Columnist Josh Hammer discusses his book Israel and Civilization, arguing that anti-Israelprotests at universities like George Washington University are proxies for anti-Western sentiment. Hammer suggests these activists view Israel as a "little Satan" representing Western nation-states, aiming to dismantle Westerncivilization alongside the Jewish state.1842 MASADA
ARTEMIS 2 RISKS AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE IN SPACE Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Bob Zimmerman urges NASA to fly Artemis 2 unmanned due to unresolved Orion heat shield damage, arguing safety should trump beating China. He also dismisses concerns about lunar methane contamination and highlights a new study suggesting ice caps could allow liquid water lakes to exist on Mars. NUMBER 161953
Sources:https://www.returntotradition.orgorhttps://substack.com/@returntotradition1Contact Me:Email: return2catholictradition@gmail.comSupport My Work:Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/AnthonyStineSubscribeStarhttps://www.subscribestar.net/return-to-traditionBuy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/AnthonyStinePhysical Mail:Anthony StinePO Box 3048Shawnee, OK74802Follow me on the following social media:https://www.facebook.com/ReturnToCatholicTradition/https://twitter.com/pontificatormax+JMJ+#popeleoXIV #catholicism #catholicchurch #catholicprophecy#infiltration
MOTIVE AND THE PSYCHOLOGY OF A NARCISSIST Colleague Paul Gregory. In the final segment, Gregoryexplores Oswald's motive, arguing that history has underestimated his intelligence and manipulativeness. Despite his dyslexia and poor education, Oswald successfully manipulated government officials in both the US and USSR. The motive was rooted in a desire to prove his greatness to the world—a belief instilled by his mother—and to prove his manhood to Marina, who viewed him with scorn. Oswald viewed the trial as a platform to broadcast his political theories and achieve historic status. Ultimately, Gregory concludes the assassination was the act of a narcissist trying to escape insignificance and domestic failure by committing a "monstrous act." NUMBER 8
Along with differences in libido Money is one of the chief issues that couples tend to argue about in the course of their relationship. In this episode Alvean and Doug reveal the underlying causes and more importantly strategies for avoiding the consequences. For a full transcript, click here: LL32-Why Do couples Quarrel About Money?
• Bart Merrick real estate team sponsorship, experience, testimonials, stress reduction, early prep for spring market, free consultations • Holiday "Wifecast" framing and seasonal tone • Neighborhood construction noise, warning etiquette, early start realities, intent vs timing, community behavior conflicts • Confronting kids damaging property, parental embarrassment, safety vs emotional reactions, retaliatory noise humor • Child's first band performance, nerves, minimal practice, surprise competence, bonding over anxiety • Advanced math placement doubts vs results, lifelong math insecurity, trusting school decisions • Likability, humor, and "faking it" as coping strategies learned from parents • Band concert dress codes, inconsistent enforcement, embarrassment, past vs present norms • Parenting conflicts over toughness vs sensitivity, tone affecting confidence, undermining each other, seeking validation • Middle school desire for acceptance over achievement, awkward uniforms, body image, finances, fitting in • Growth, puberty, differing ambition levels, frustration as growth, conformity as teamwork vs resentment • Arguing over whose memories are "right," curiosity vs fixation on details • Former teacher arrested in park, legality, social norms, speculation, crude humor • Health testing with stool/blood kits, awkward logistics, partner help, anxiety, relief of home testing • Digestive issues, food sensitivities, improvement after quitting alcohol, waiting on results • Toilet repair saga, lesson in calling pros early, leak avoided, praise for honest service, show discount • Gift-giving debate, stopping exchanges, spending differences, emotional shopping, expensive craft machine mix-up, returns • Restocking fees, return abuse, shopping as dopamine addiction, corporate vs consumer responsibility • Amazon economics, Prime, seller fees, data, monopoly feel, bad recommendations, clutter fatigue • Buying experiences over stuff, adult loss of Christmas magic, modeling tradition for kids • Santa encounter with convincing banter, kid asking for practical gift, adult embarrassment • Stocking traditions, shopping for boys vs girls, tech killing toy novelty, loss of physical media • Novelty shirts, Spencer's humor, pushing offensiveness, custom shirt idea • Kids' edgy jokes, explaining boundaries, sex questions, puberty talks, disgust reactions, setting limits • Modeling affection, fear of distant patterns, timing-based rejection, libido humor, miscommunication • Over-the-top sexual jokes, generational shifts, eventual kid awareness • School photo fundraisers outdated, pricing complaints, yearbooks still valued • Ideas to modernize school photos, privacy concerns, candid vs posed shots • PTA staffing frustration, nostalgia for growth photos, abundance lowering value • Quality vs quantity in media, scrolling fatigue, distrust of AI visuals • Underwear ads obsession, hatred of pouch styles, trolling brands, algorithm traps • Online irony misread, niche marketing, "not for you" content, engagement fueling feeds • School photos again: phone cameras vs pro lighting, traditions, senior photos • Holiday time compression, fewer cards, travel plans • Italian Christmas dinner, homemade salad debate, effort vs efficiency, pride in cooking • Closing reminder on real estate timing and interest rates, lighthearted sign-off ### • Social Media: https://tomanddan.com | https://twitter.com/tomanddanlive | https://facebook.com/amediocretime | https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive • Where to Find the Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682 | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw | https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Mediocre-Time-p364156/ • Tom & Dan on Real Radio 104.1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990 | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s | https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Corporate-Time-p1038501/ • Exclusive Content: https://tomanddan.com/registration • Merch: https://tomanddan.myshopify.com/
Send in your music story!A cozy studio, too many Christmas decorations, and a pair of friends ready to argue about everything that matters—and a lot that doesn't. We launch with a ridiculous “would you rather” (fight a chicken at every car door or one lion a year) and somehow end up in a serious conversation about risk, survival instincts, and how people make decisions when nothing is simple. Along the way, we get loud about regional dialects (Appalachia or Appalachian, creek or crick, pen or pin) because words are culture, and culture is identity.The conversation swerves into holiday classics, Cars rankings, and a quick tour of unlikely music heroes before the controllers come out. Red Dead Redemption 2 gets both love and side-eye for its pacing and punishing randomness. Bethesda fans will feel seen, with Fallout 4 faction hot takes and a confession that side quests often beat main plots. Then we pivot to Pokémon: performance issues in Scarlet and Violet contrasted with a newer entry's surprisingly moving side missions about grief, neglect, and second chances—proof that “kids' games” can carry real weight.Food and bodies take the spotlight in a way that's fun and a little alarming. We laugh at “now with real potatoes,” retell the great nugget switch to “real chicken,” and talk about trust and labels. A sticky vs onion-smell hypothetical opens a deeper riff on scent and attraction, including how birth control might change what we think we like. Mortality enters the chat with a debate over knowing the date or cause of your death, full-body scans, and the psychology of avoidance vs certainty. Things get darkly funny with cannibalism as a test case for ethics and preparation—stew or steak—only to return to real life with ghosts, late-night screams, and when to call or step in.It's messy, fast, and very human: a comedy-led ride that keeps landing on choice, consequence, and what our weird opinions say about us. If you love gaming debates, regional language quirks, and jokes that sneak into real questions, you'll feel right at home. Subscribe, drop your pick—lion or chicken—and leave a review with your favorite wrong pronunciation. We'll read the spiciest ones next time.Check out our Youtube and Instagram! Check out our Website! Become a member!Support the showPlease give us a quick rate and review. If you enjoyed the audio version head over to our Youtube for video content! Follow the Instagram for special content and weekly updates. Check out our website and leave us a voice message to be heard on the show or find out more about the guests!Ever wanted to start your own podcast? Here is a link to get started!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1964696https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCONMXkuIfpVizopNb_CoIGghttps://www.instagram.com/hook_and_bridge_podcast/https://www.thehookandbridgepodcast.com/
PHILOSOPHER KINGS AND THE RIVER OF HEEDLESSNESS Colleague Professor James Romm. James Romm explores Plato's Republic, arguing that philosophers make the best kings because they perceive the true "forms" of justice rather than earthly shadows. The discussion turns to the "Myth of Er," a story of the afterlife where souls travel for a thousand years before choosing their next life. Plato warns that drinking too deeply from the River of Heedlessnesserases memory, whereas philosophers strive to recall the forms. NUMBER 11 4TH CENTURY BCE SYRACUSE
THE COLD WAR TRAP AND GORBACHEV'S MISCALCULATION Colleague Professor Sean McMeekin. The timeline shifts to the Cold War rivalry, arguing that Soviet aggression was driven by a genuine belief—shared by the CIA—that their economic system would eventually outproduce the West. The invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 became a trap, as the US applied "hard power" and economic pressure that eventually bankrupted the Soviet state. The segment characterizes Mikhail Gorbachev not as a democrat, but as the "last true believer" in communism who attempted to "fix" the system through better planning. Gorbachev failed to understand that corruption and coercion were the only things holding the Soviet economy and empire together; by trying to remove them to reinvigorate the system, he inadvertently dismantled the regime. NUMBER 7
Zachary Lountzis discusses the current state of technology valuations and artificial intelligence. Arguing that the sector is not in a bubble, citing historical price-to-earnings ratios and the rapid enterprise adoption of AI agents as evidence of sustainable growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Steven Franconeri explains the powerful insights and opportunities offered by a game he and his team created for having better disagreements about just about anything, but especially about the sort of topics that often lead to arguments, fights, and terrible holiday dinners.Kitted Executive AcademyPoint TakenThe Visual Thinking LabSteven FranconeriHow Minds ChangeDavid McRaney's TwitterDavid McRaney's BlueSkyYANSS TwitterShow NotesNewsletterPatreon Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
THE INAUGURATION RELEASE AND A PATTERN OF TREASON Colleague Craig Unger. Unger highlights the suspicious timing of the hostage release minutes after Reagan's inauguration, arguing a secret deal was undeniable. He connects this to a pattern of Republican interference in foreign policy for electoral gain, linking the "October Surprise" to Nixon's Vietnam sabotage and recent allegations involving Trump and Russia. NUMBER 8
PREVIEW Guest: Anatol Lieven Summary: Anatol Lieven critiques NATO defense spending, arguing that while Germany prioritizes tanks to support its auto industry, effective defense against Russia requires cheaper solutions like drones and mines. He warns that expensive armored vehicles may prove "suicidal" in modern war, whereas cheaper defenses are more practical. 1870 SIEGE OF PARIS
Gregory Copley details how the Bondi Beach attackers trained in the Philippines' insurgent areas. While praising Australian intelligence agencies, he blames the Albanese government for encouraging anti-Israel sentiment, arguing this political stance has given license to radical groups and undermined public safety. 1929 PERTHB
Gregory Copley reflects on the 25-year war on terror, arguing that Western governments have become distracted. He contends that elevating terrorists like Bin Laden to "superpower" status was a strategic error, as the true objective of terrorism is to manipulate political narratives and induce paralysis through fear. NOVEMBER 1955
Most men don't fail because they lack talent or opportunity, they fail because they keep doing dumb things they should've outgrown years ago.Trying to fix everyone.Escaping with alcohol, weed, or porn.Clinging to old identities that no longer serve them.Needing approval.Arguing with idiots.Obsessing over control.Believing they need to have life “all figured out.”In today's episode of the Bedros Keuilian Show, I break down the 7 stupid things men over 30 must stop doing if they want peace, confidence, and real momentum in their life.This isn't motivational fluff.It's hard-earned truth from decades of building businesses, getting punched in the face by life, and learning what actually matters.You don't need another shortcut.You don't need validation.You don't need to control everything.You need discipline, self-respect, and the willingness to let go of what's holding you back.DOMINATION DOWNLOADSTRAIGHT FROM THE DESK OF BEDROS KEUILIANYour weekly no B.S. newsletter to help you dominate in business and in lifehttps://bedroskeuilian.com/MAN UP SCALE BUNDLE: $29 (100% Goes to Charity)Get your Digital Man Up book + Audiobook + 2 Exclusive MASTERCLASSES & Support Shriners Children's Hospital. https://www.manuptribe.com/limited-offerREGISTER FOR THE LEGACY TRIBEGet the Life, Money, Meaning & Impact You Deservehttps://bedroskeuilian.com/legacytribeJOIN MY FREE 6-WEEK CHALLENGE:Transform into a Purpose-Driven Manhttps://bedroskeuilian.com/challengeTHE SQUIRE PROGRAM: A rite of Passage for Your Son as He Becomes a ManA Father and Son Experience That Will Be Remembered FOREVERhttps://squireprogram.com/registerTruLean Supplements | https://www.trulean.com/pages/bedrosGet 50% Off Trulean Subscribe & Save BundleUse Code: BEDROS Few Will Hunt Apparel | https://fewwillhunt.com/Get 20% Off Your Entire OrderUse Code: BEDROSOPEN A FIT BODY LOCATIONA High-Profit, Scalable Gym Franchise Opportunity Driven By Impacthttps://sales.fbbcfranchise.com/get-started?utm_source=bedrosPODCAST EPISODES:https://bedroskeuilian.com/podcast/STAY CONNECTED:Website | https://bedroskeuilian.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bedroskeuilian/LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bedroskeuilianTwitter | https://twitter.com/bedroskeuilian
PREVIEW: Lebanon's Slow Deterioration Amid International Inaction: Colleague David Daoud analyzes the crisis in Lebanon, contrasting France's lenient approach to Hezbollah with the United States' more aggressive stance, arguing that the international community's fear of causing a civil war by pressing for disarmament is inadvertently allowing Lebanon to slowly deteriorate into a failed state. 1914 BEIRUT
PREVIEW: Chile's Political Shift Toward Capitalism and Democracy: Colleague Ernesto Araujo discusses Chile's recent political shift, where voters rejected a far-left constitution in favor of capitalism and democracy, arguing that unlike in Brazil, Chile's institutions remained healthy enough to resist the "destabilization" of socialism because the left lacked sufficient time to destroy the country's social fabric. 1903 CHILE
Shanda didn't believe her boyfriend's little mid-century Austin house held anything darker than outdated wiring or a few creaky floors. Built in the 1950s, remodeled to death, colorful, quirky—nothing about it screamed haunted. And yet the moment she stepped inside, she felt something beneath the bright paint and modern upgrades. Not evil. Not angry. But aware. Then she saw her. A tall, thin woman in a pale pink gown, standing perfectly still in the living room, watching from the shadows as if she belonged there. By the time her boyfriend turned around, the apparition was gone—but the house wasn't finished with her. Objects moved on their own. Items vanished only to reappear across the room in impossible places. Footsteps whispered through the walls at night. A man's voice. A boy's voice. Arguing. Always arguing. Years later, she still wonders what truly lived in that house—because some hauntings warn you. Others protect you. And some blur the line between both. #ghoststory #paranormal #hauntedhouse #truespiritstory #realghoststories #ghostencounter #shadowfigure #haunting #supernatural #ghosts #theunexplained Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:
Defining Limited War Under the Nuclear Shadow: Colleague Elbridge Colby defines limited war as a conflict where incentives exist to avoid apocalyptic violence, even between nuclear powers like the US and China, arguing the US must prepare for limited conflict to prevent China from exploiting the "nuclear shadow" to achieve victory through risk-taking. 1940 JAPAN MONUMENT
PREVIEW — Brandon Weichert — Jensen Huang and Nvidia's Geopolitical Influence. Weichert identifies Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang as potentially America's most consequential and strategically important technology tycoon, arguing he now surpasses Elon Musk in direct geopolitical influence and institutional power to shape American foreign policy and national security priorities. Weichert suggests that Huang's desire to expand semiconductor chip sales into Chinesemarkets is systematically influencing the Biden administration to soften its national security rhetoric and shift from hawkish threat characterization to dovish diplomatic accommodation regarding Beijing, potentially subordinating American strategic autonomy to Nvidia's commercial interests and market access imperatives. 1958