Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Showing episodes and shows of

James D. Newcomb

Shows

That’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayWhen the Truth Feels Like an AttackWhy do people cling to beliefs even after they’ve been proven wrong? In this episode, we explore what happens in the mind when deeply held beliefs are challenged, why facts alone often fail to persuade, and how emotional investment shapes what we accept as true. Drawing on decades of psychological research, this conversation unpacks why corrections sometimes backfire, why empathy matters more than argument, and how curiosity can open doors that confrontation slams shut. If you’ve ever wondered why misinformation spreads so easily, or why difficult conversations go nowhere, this episode offers clarity—and a...
2026-01-3108 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayWhy Being Right Feels So Good (And Costs Us So Much)Why do intelligent, well-informed people so often talk past one another? Why do we cling to our beliefs, even when presented with overwhelming evidence that on the surface disproves them?In this episode, we explore a phenomenon known as “Confirmation Bias.” This is the tendency to favor information, even blatantly false, that supports what we already believe to be true. Drawing on research from Harvard University, MIT, and Stanford University, the conversation examines why false information spreads faster than truth, why being proven wrong can literally feel painful, and why facts alone rarely change minds. Rath...
2026-01-2708 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayProtestants v. Catholics in America's Founding Era: When Certainty Becomes the ThreatThe American Founders are often remembered as champions of reason, restraint, and religious liberty. But beneath that story lies a less examined assumption: a deep certainty about which forms of belief were acceptable—and which were dangerous. In this episode, we revisit some of the important documents of that era, namely Federalist Nos. 10 and 51 and explore how fear of factions, combined with cultural and religious certainty, may have planted seeds of the very instability the Founders hoped to prevent. Rather than treating certainty as a virtue, this conversation asks whether it can quietly become a li...
2026-01-2106 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayThe Non-Wall That Has Marginalized Christianity from the American Public ConsciousnessMost Americans assume the founders intended a rigid wall between church and state. In fact, many Christians even consider it a great blessing.Yet the historical record tells a more complicated and far more interesting story. In this episode, we examine how the Establishment Clause was originally understood, why the founders opposed state churches while wholesale embracing religion in public life, and how modern interpretations, notably from 20th Century Supreme Court decisions, diverged sharply from those assumptions. #ChurchAndState#FirstAmendment#EstablishmentClause#AmericanFounding#ReligiousFreedom#SupremeCourt#Constitution#PoliticalHistory#CivicVirtue#ThatsWhatIMeantToSay Get full access...
2026-01-1909 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayErrand Into the Wilderness: Puritans, Power, and the Roots of American ExceptionalismIn this episode, we explore how the theology of the New England Puritans shaped a distinctive political imagination—one that continues to echo through American culture, governance, and foreign policy. Drawing on historian Perry Miller’s concept of an “errand into the wilderness,” the conversation reframes the Puritans not as caricatured zealots, but as idealists who believed they were participating in a divine experiment with world-historical consequences. We examine how covenant theology produced a system of collective responsibility, why dissent was treated as an existential threat, and how the Puritan mission failed in practice but survived in secularized form as Ameri...
2026-01-1705 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayInterview Archive: Bernard AdelsteinIn this archived interview, recorded in 2016, James Newcomb speaks with Bernard Adelstein, former principal trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra, for a wide-ranging conversation on musicianship, discipline, and life inside one of the world’s most exacting orchestras. Mr. Adelstein reflects on his early start as a teenage professional during World War II, the harsh realities of auditions and daily life in American orchestras during the 1950’s and 60’s, and what it was like to perform under legendary conductors such as Fritz Reiner and George Szell. Along the way, he offers candid insights on leadership, precision, humili...
2026-01-1656 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayThe Scroll Precedes the SwordThis episode presents a dialogue exploring how religious rhetoric functioned as a form of political power in colonial New England. The conversation examines how Puritan clergy used biblical typology to justify political authority, shape collective identity, and frame historical events as divine confirmation. It also highlights dissenting voices such as Robert Cushman and Roger Williams, whose challenges to this system laid early foundations for religious liberty and the separation of church and state. The discussion traces how these colonial debates continue to echo in modern American political rhetoric.Topics Covered* Biblical typology and Puritan political...
2026-01-1406 minSox Machine
Sox MachineMeeting Sean Newcomb and Catching Up with Edgar QueroThis episode is presented by Ankin Law - Injury Law Made Personal.Rundown[Intro] Audio from Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable, who chimes in on Munetaka Murakami, Sean Newcomb, and how he wants to see the starting pitchers compete for the final spots in the rotation. [7:37] Sean Newcomb meets with the White Sox media since signing a one-year contract. Newcomb shares why he picked the White Sox, how Mike Vasil and Shane Smith helped with recruitment, and why the sinker is his key pitch. [12:05] James Fegan joins the show to discuss his recent feature on Edg...
2026-01-1241 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayIt's Not What It WasI had a conversation with the founder of a pretty well-known American brass group yesterday. We were talking about a possible collaboration for an event here in Minnesota later this year. If anything comes of it, I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as there’s anything to report.But something this gentleman said to me stuck out from everything else we discussed. When he began his group in the 1980’s, things were very different from what they are today. For one thing, the attention span of audiences was considerably longer than they a...
2026-01-0604 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayDiffering Views on VenezuelaWe all know what has happened in Venezuela in the last 48 hours.What we’re not so sure about is what to make of it.There’s been no shortage of opinions from all corners of the globe re: the actions of the U.S. intervening in Venezuela. I will share my own in due time. But I want to share with you today two vastly different opinions on this matter. One is from an academic, the other from a true blood Venezuelan.Both are valid in their own right, yet both...
2026-01-0510 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayThe Wise Old OwlHappy New Year! This is a time of reflection, and even a bit of optimism as we think about what has transpired the last year, and how we hope it can change for the better in the upcoming year. Follow my work at jamesdnewcomb.com. Get full access to James D. Newcomb at www.jamesdnewcomb.com/subscribe
2026-01-0318 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayThe Destination Is ResonanceWhat makes music feel alive? Technical precision and flawless execution are essential, but they do not explain why certain performances linger long after the final note fades. In this solo episode, James Newcomb reflects on the difference between playing notes and creating meaning, exploring how lived experience, embodiment, discipline, and humility shape real musical expression. Drawing on decades as a performer and teacher, this episode reframes music not as performance or self-expression, but as alignment—an encounter that draws both musician and listener into something deeper, larger, and true.Episode Highlights:Why te...
2025-12-1710 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayNow THAT'S Real Music. Beyond Technical Proficiency and the Unspoken Language of MusicWatch on YouTubeIn this episode, James Newcomb is joined by Brian Neal, longtime trumpeter with the Dallas Brass and Professor of Trumpet at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. Together, they explore what lies beyond technical mastery in music—why virtuosity alone is not enough, and how true musical communication depends on vulnerability, context, and shared human experience. Drawing from performance, pedagogy, and decades on stage, the conversation examines how music conveys meaning words cannot, and why the highest form of musicianship is connection, not display.Resources ment...
2025-12-1620 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Rethinking Poverty: The Surprisingly Rational Logic Behind Extreme ScarcityReference:Banerjee, A. V., & Duflo, E. (2007). The economic lives of the poor. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 21(1), 141–167.  The intricate dynamics of poverty, often framed through the lens of chaos and disorder, are meticulously unpacked in this enlightening discourse. The prevailing narrative that portrays the lives of the economically disadvantaged as characterized by irrational decision-making is fundamentally challenged. Instead, the research elucidates a coherent pattern of choices that, while seemingly perplexing to outsiders, reveals an underlying logic shaped by the constraints of scarcity. The examination of how individuals living on less than $2 a day a...
2025-12-0508 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Flawed Narrative: Rethinking the Presidential vs. Parliamentary DichotomyThe examination of presidential and parliamentary systems reveals a complex and often contentious debate regarding the inherent stability of these governmental frameworks. Contrary to the prevailing narrative that posits presidential systems as the harbingers of political instability, Donald L. Horowitz presents a compelling counterargument that compels us to reassess our understanding of democratic governance. Through a meticulous analysis, Horowitz illuminates the pitfalls of selection bias in the existing literature, particularly critiques that draw disproportionately from the experiences of Latin American countries, where presidentialism has been criticized for its rigidity and confrontational nature.Horowitz's analysis urges us to...
2025-12-0108 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Literacy and Liberation: The Missionary Impact on Modern Civil SocietyThis episode elucidates a compelling argument that the proliferation of liberal democracy across the globe may owe its most profound impetus to the historical presence of conversionary Protestant missionaries, rather than the commonly acknowledged influences of Enlightenment thinkers, military might, or economic modernization. This assertion, derived from Robert Woodberry’s comprehensive research, posits that the activities of these missionaries—who focused on education, literacy, and the dissemination of information—played a pivotal role in fostering democratic principles and practices. By establishing schools, promoting literacy, and advocating for the empowerment of individuals, these missionaries laid the founda...
2025-11-2909 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Social Conditions That Sustain DemocracyThe enduring nature of democracy is fundamentally contingent upon specific social conditions that facilitate its survival. Today, we delve into the seminal work of Seymour Martin Lipset, titled Some Social Requisites of Democracy, which presents a rigorous analysis of the requisite elements for democratic stability. Lipset posits that a nation's wealth, industrialization, education, and urbanization collectively foster a political environment conducive to democracy, as these factors promote a politically aware and moderate citizenry. Moreover, he emphasizes the critical importance of legitimacy within democratic systems, arguing that their effectiveness must align with the historical values of...
2025-11-2805 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SaySt. James Intercisus: The Man Who Gained the World and Lost HimselfIn this episode, we explore the haunting and redemptive story of St. James of Persia, whom the Church remembers as Intercisus. St. James was a man who rose to influence in the Sasanian court in the Fourth Century. He denied Christ to preserve his status in the king's court, but was relentlessly tormented by his inner being until he could no longer endure the fracture inside his soul.We'll explore how St. James' journey mirrors the tragic path of Judas Iscariot. Yet, unlike Judas, St. James ultimately turns in a different direction. Both men denied Christ, yet...
2025-11-2710 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Measuring Democracy: Why the Numbers Don’t AgreeDemocracy is a powerful idea, but measuring it is far more complex than it appears. In this episode, we unpack Kenneth Bollen’s influential 1980 article, which challenged the way political scientists construct democracy indices. Bollen argues that many widely used measures mix unrelated concepts — such as political stability or voter turnout — leading to misleading conclusions about democracy’s relationship with development, inequality, and social outcomes. He proposes a more rigorous, statistically validated index focused exclusively on political liberties and popular sovereignty. This episode explores why these distinctions matter, how poor measurement has shaped decades...
2025-11-2705 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.This One Thing Will Make or Break a Free SocietyIn this episode, we explore Ronald Inglehart and Christian Welzel’s groundbreaking research in Modernization, Cultural Change & Democracy. Their central claim is clear: democratic institutions do not stand on laws alone — they stand on culture. While surveys often show widespread “support for democracy,” this metric is shallow and unreliable. What truly predicts democratic stability is the presence of self-expression values: personal autonomy, liberty, tolerance, civic protest, interpersonal trust, and emphasis on human choice. These values generate intrinsic support for democratic principles, making democracy effective rather than merely formal. Conversely, trust in institutions or membership in associatio...
2025-11-2608 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The True Drivers of Prosperity: A Critical Examination of Political RegimesReference: Przeworski, A., & Limongi, F. (1993). Political regimes and economic growth. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 7(3), 51–69.The discourse surrounding economic growth frequently posits a dichotomy between democratic and authoritarian regimes, wherein one is presumed to possess inherent advantages over the other. However, upon meticulous examination of empirical data, we discern a narrative that lacks clarity and definitive conclusions. The complexities surrounding the ascendance and decline of political regimes render a straightforward comparison nearly unattainable. This leads us to a profound inquiry regarding the true catalysts of national prosperity. Through the lens of a seminal work by...
2025-11-2506 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Perils of Presidentialism: Why the U.S. Is an OutlierWe often assume presidential democracy is the most natural form of democratic government. But political scientist Juan Linz offered a stark warning: almost every presidential democracy in history has eventually collapsed. The United States stands virtually alone as the only presidential system with long-term constitutional stability—a point Linz makes repeatedly and unequivocally . Why is this form of government so vulnerable? According to Linz, it comes down to structural problems baked into the system: “dual democratic legitimacy,” zero-sum elections, rigid fixed terms, and the fusion of symbolic head of state with partisan leader. In contrast, parliamentary systems offer...
2025-11-2407 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayThinking Orthodox & A Primer on that “Other” Way of Christian Discipleship with Dr. Jeannie ConstantinouShow notes: https://jamesdnewcomb.com/jeannieWe welcome biblical scholar and author Dr. Jeannie Constantinou for a sweeping, heartfelt, and clarifying conversation on phronema—the ancient Christian mindset preserved in the Orthodox Church.I open the conversation by sharing my own journey of transitioning into Orthodoxy, reflecting on how Western Christianity shaped my early worldview and how the discovery of the Orthodox Church revealed an entirely different way of understanding faith, thought, and spiritual life. As you'll hear, reframing an entire worldview and mindset does not happen overnight!In this episod...
2025-11-221h 04Well, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Legacy of Institutions: How History Shapes Political ChoicesToday we explore the question of why nations facing analogous challenges often opt for disparate solutions, suggesting that the answer may lie not in individual agency but in the institutional frameworks that guide our actions. We examine the persistence of outdated policies and the dynamics that dictate why certain ideas proliferate while others languish. Through a detailed analysis of the three distinct types of institutionalism—historical, rational choice, and sociological—we elucidate how these frameworks shape our political landscape. Ultimately, we contend that understanding the intricate systems that underlie political choices is vital for grasping the...
2025-11-2106 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.How Small Decisions Shape Generations: A Study of Path DependencePolitical decisions often exhibit an astonishing resilience to change, persisting long after their initial rationale has dissipated. This phenomenon, known as path dependence, reveals that seemingly trivial choices made during moments of crisis can have profound and enduring consequences, shaping our political landscape for generations. In this discourse, we delve into the insights of political scientist Paul Pearson, who elucidates the mechanisms through which initial decisions can lock political systems into particular trajectories, thereby creating formidable barriers to reform. We explore how the dynamics of increasing returns amplify the inertia of these choices, rendering alternatives...
2025-11-2106 minThat’s What I Meant To Say
That’s What I Meant To SayResilience, Adaptation, and the Invisible Battle With Mind and Body feat. Juan Berrios.Watch on YouTubeIn this episode, host James Newcomb welcomes French hornist and educator Juan Berrios, a longtime member of the acclaimed Dallas Brass and professor at Virginia Tech. Juan’s story is not simply about craft—it’s about resilience, self-reinvention, and learning to navigate a challenge that touches the smallest, most ordinary motions of his work.What begins as a mysterious struggle with tasks others find effortless becomes a decade-long journey of self-diagnosis, trial-and-error, and deep introspection. Juan’s candor offers a rare look into how invisible adversity shapes a performer’s inner world—how...
2025-11-171h 06Well, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.One Love. One Voice. One Church.TLDR: Bob Marley got it wrong.Modern Christians often speak as if unity is a polite ideal—nice to have, but unnecessary. Yet Scripture, the Apostles, and two thousand years of Christian witness paint a very different picture. St. Paul calls the Church to one mind, one judgment, and a communion without division. Christ did not found a spiritual democracy but His Bride, a covenantal Body that lives and worships as one. To break that unity, Scripture says, is not innovation but spiritual infidelity. The early Church understood this clearly, and the Orthodox Church, preserved fr...
2025-11-1709 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Pendulum Swings: Post-Liberalism, Tradition, and the Dance Between Change and PermanenceFor nearly a century, the Western world has been running a grand experiment, one of dubious origins, and built on the conviction that innovation alone can sustain a flourishing society. From technology to education to spirituality, we’ve embraced a “move fast, break things, rebuild, repeat” mentality. Yet as the dust settles from decades of unrestrained novelty, a new cultural impulse is emerging: a quiet longing for permanence, rootedness, and the ancient wisdom we once dismissed as obsolete.In this episode, we step into the growing conversation around post-liberalism, a shift that suggests the pendulum may be...
2025-11-1507 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Man v. Bureaucracy: How "The System" Has the Power to Make or Break the Human Spirit.Bureaucracy shapes far more of daily life than most people realize. For those dependent on welfare assistance, a single denial can mean the difference between stability and crisis. What’s striking, however, is how rarely people challenge those adverse decisions, even when nearly half of all appeals are ultimately overturned. In this episode, we examine a qualitative study of welfare recipients which becomes a window into something much deeper: how systems designed to help can quietly erode dignity, agency, and hope.The conversation explores the thought processes behind people deciding to fight back or give up...
2025-11-1308 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Hypomonē, and The Quiet Courage of Ordered LoveWe often think of courage as the stuff of grand gestures and dramatic rescues, but ancient wisdom traditions tell a different story. In Eastern Orthodox theology, courage—or fortitude—isn’t about fearlessness or adrenaline-fueled bravery. It’s a divine partnership, a patient endurance known as hypomonē, that helps us stand firm in love and integrity even when life unravels around us. This kind of courage doesn’t seek applause; it seeks alignment. With truth, with order, and with the God who gives us strength to endure. In this episode, we explore how fortitude fun...
2025-11-1205 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.So A Mouse Enters A Beehive...Sometimes wisdom doesn’t speak, it simply acts. In the secret chambers of a beehive, a tiny tragedy unfolds: a mouse, drawn by sweetness and warmth, meets its end. Yet what follows is not decay, but divine order in motion. The bees, guided by an unseen hand, seal the body in layers of propolis, transforming death into preservation. It’s a story of instinct, reverence, and the mysterious intelligence woven into creation itself. What might it say about our own need to purify the hives of our hearts?Highlights:The mous...
2025-11-1110 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Beauty of Imperfection: When Music Becomes HumanMusicians often chase perfection, believing that a flawless performance is the measure of mastery.Yet, as one father reminded his son before a piano recital, it’s often our imperfections that create the deepest connections.When a note cracks or timing falters, the audience doesn’t recoil—they lean in.Vulnerability awakens something in all of us: recognition of our shared humanity.This episode explores how the pursuit of flawlessness can rob music of its soul, and how embracing imperfection transforms both the performer and the listener.From the trumpe...
2025-11-1006 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.From Fear to Focus: Insights on Turning Performance Anxiety Into Peak Performance.Everyone knows the feeling — the trembling hands, the shallow breath, the sense that every eye is fixed on you. Whether it’s a stage, a boardroom, or a moment of truth, fear seems to stalk the edge of every performance. Yet what if the goal isn’t to eliminate fear, but to understand it? What if that nervous surge is actually energy in disguise — the same force that sharpens, steadies, and brings us fully into the present moment? In this episode, two voices explore how fear can transform into focus, how self-consciousness can turn to...
2025-11-0704 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Simple FeastIf you journey to the northeastern edge of Greece, you’ll find a rugged peninsula reaching into the Aegean Sea — a place called Mount Athos, known for over a thousand years as the “Holy Mountain.” It’s a living sanctuary where time feels suspended, where the rhythm of life is marked not by clocks, but by prayer and silence.For the monks who live there, food is not merely sustenance; it’s part of their spiritual rhythm. Each meal reflects the ancient fasting traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church — a balance between the needs of the body and the nouris...
2025-11-0506 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Thugocracy 101: How Modern Politics Mirror Organized CrimeCharles Tilly once called war-making and state-making “the greatest protection rackets in history.” In this episode, we explore how the modern state — and eventually alliances like NATO — evolved from centuries of organized coercion. From medieval kings to modern diplomats, the pattern remains: those who control violence define legitimacy. Governments claim to protect us, but often from dangers they themselves create. Over time, this logic was refined, institutionalized, and globalized — a mafia with flags, treaties, and moral slogans. Yet beneath the rhetoric of freedom and peace lies the same transaction: safety for obedience, tribute for protection. Maybe the time has come to questio...
2025-11-0415 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Pencil-Shaped Miraclehttps://youtu.be/teo_C3FGeugA pencil seems ordinary — a tool so simple we scarcely notice it.Yet hidden within this little stick of cedar and graphite is the labor of thousands: miners, loggers, chemists, sailors, merchants, and dreamers who will never meet, yet cooperate in perfect harmony.No single mind designed it, and no one person could make it alone. Its existence is a quiet sermon on freedom, interdependence, and the invisible orchestration that binds human creativity together.Today, the world’s humblest instrument reminds us that even the smal...
2025-11-0307 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Divine Nature of Work: Ancient Perspectives in Modern CareersOur discourse today revolves around the profound implications of ancient perceptions of work, which were intrinsically linked to divine creation, contrasting sharply with contemporary views that often disconnect labor from any spiritual significance. Ultimately, we assert that reclaiming these ancient paradigms may provide a pathway to a more fulfilling relationship with work, one that transcends mere economic transactions and aligns with a broader existential significance.Key Takeaways:In ancient societies, work was perceived as a sacred act of divine creation, contrasting sharply with contemporary views of work.Modern work culture often mirrors ancient mythic...
2025-10-3105 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Secret to A Happy Life.https://youtu.be/eU4yk7X7YDk From the way we rise each morning to how we treat others, joy is formed in the daily act of showing up—with honesty, humility, and gratitude. It’s found in companionship rooted in shared values, in the patience to raise others well, and in the courage to let sorrow deepen rather than harden the heart. Episode HighlightsHappiness isn’t discovered—it’s cultivated through faithfulness in small things.True companionship grows from shared values, not perfection.Meaningful work is any act done in service to others.Sorrow can refine...
2025-10-3109 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Is Divorce Ever God's Will?TLDR: Divorce is never God’s will, but there are times it is unavoidable and the only path to peace. We often wonder what the right way is when a marriage begins to unravel. We pray, we wait, we plead for restoration—yet sometimes things only get worse. A simple question posted online, “Is it ever God’s will to divorce?” unleashed a storm of responses: some compassionate, others condemning, many deeply personal. From survivors of abuse to defenders of strict biblical interpretation, from Orthodox theology to modern testimony, we’ll explore what this conversation reveals about the delicate...
2025-10-2908 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Inside the Meaning-Achievement GapWe often treat success and fulfillment as interchangeable, but they’re not. In fact, research shows that more than 70% of high-achieving professionals feel deeply unfulfilled—even after reaching their career goals. In this episode, we explore why achievement alone so often leaves us empty, and how meaning, rhythm, and authenticity can restore what metrics and milestones can’t.HighlightsThe emerging phenomenon of “success-induced burnout”—when accomplishment leads to disconnection rather than joy.How over-quantifying work suppresses creativity and rewires the brain away from authenticity.Harvard research showing that companies prioritizing meaning see higher satisfaction and productivity.The “m...
2025-10-2807 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Long Way Around: What ASEAN Teaches the West About CooperationWe often assume that global cooperation should look like NATO — efficient, decisive, and backed by hard power. But the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, takes a completely different path — one that prizes harmony, consensus, and cultural nuance over confrontation. Western analysts often call it inefficient, yet ASEAN’s slow and steady diplomacy has sustained peace and prosperity across one of the most diverse regions on Earth. In this episode, we explore how Southeast Asia’s “galactic polity” heritage, as described by anthropologist Stanley Tambiah, continues to shape its modern political identity — and why what appears a...
2025-10-2706 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Waves of Power: How Disaster Relief Became a Diplomatic Chess Match in Asiahttps://youtu.be/BdkIQSCzWZY When the Indian Ocean tsunami struck Indonesia in 2004, it was one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. But beneath the humanitarian tragedy lay another story — one of global power projection, soft diplomacy, and strategic influence. As nations raced to deliver aid, they weren’t just saving lives; they were staking claims of presence and capability in one of the world’s most volatile regions. The United States, in particular, turned tragedy into demonstration. Deploying aircraft carriers and helicopters into the heart of Asia’s maritime sphere, the U.S. showed not only com...
2025-10-2508 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Where Have You Gone, Ms. Pac Man? How and Why We Stopped Caring About Tragedy.Once, tragedy had the power to stop the world. When a mass school shooting occurred in 1998, it wasn’t just another headline — it was a collective wound, one that rippled through schools, families, and communities across the nation. Today, events of similar horror come and go with barely a pause. In this episode, we explore what happens when sorrow becomes routine — when violence is no longer an interruption, but a rhythm in the background of our lives. Together we reflect on how media saturation, social conditioning, and the relentless pace of digital life have dulled our emotional reflex...
2025-10-2409 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Charlie Kirk: Master of PersuasionIn a world where the loudest voices often dominate public discourse, the late Charlie Kirk stood out for doing the opposite. His approach to persuasion was rooted not in volume, but in virtue — a calm strength grounded in authenticity, composure, and moral clarity. This episode explores how Kirk’s manner of communication—especially his ability to remain poised amid hostility—reveals something profound about influence in the modern age. By blending classical principles of rhetoric with emotional intelligence, he demonstrated that real persuasion begins not with argument, but with integrity. What can Charlie's example teach us about...
2025-10-2306 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Wealth of Nations—and the Cost of FreedomDoes wealth inevitably lead to freedom? Or does it quietly breed complacency? For decades, political theorists like Seymour Martin Lipset have argued that prosperity is the soil in which democracy grows. When people rise above poverty, they gain both the time and capacity to participate meaningfully in politics. But the modern world complicates that idea. China and Vietnam have achieved remarkable economic growth under one-party rule, while democratic nations wrestle with inequality and disillusionment. If prosperity can sustain both democracy and dictatorship, perhaps the true question isn’t whether wealth brings freedom—but whet...
2025-10-2207 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Art of Control: How China Perfected Authoritarian Adaptationhttps://youtu.be/svvBEbSSXvU While nearly every communist regime crumbled after the Cold War, China’s Communist Party defied history. Rather than collapse like the Soviet Union, it transformed—fusing capitalist efficiency with centralized political power. This conversation explores how the CCP mastered the balance between control and flexibility, drawing from Confucian tradition, modern technology, and economic pragmatism to build what some call “sustainable authoritarianism.” From the lessons of Tiananmen Square to the cultural revival of the Mandate of Heaven, and from Vietnam’s Đổi Mới reforms to the global implications of China’s success, this epi...
2025-10-2110 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Research as Sacred Workhttps://youtu.be/Va3gnfRKees In this episode, we explore the sacred side of scholarship—where faith and intellect unite, and truth becomes a living encounter with God. Because the pure in heart don’t just see clearly—they see God in every honest question. What if research itself were an act of worship? Well, That's A Deep Subject, isn't it. #FaithAndReason #ChristianScholarship #SacredInquiry #PureInHeart #IntellectAndSpirit #TheologyInPractice #AcademicIntegrity #TruthAndTransformation #DeepSubject #HolyDiscipline
2025-10-2008 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Stability Over Ideology: Why SE Asia May Hold the Key to the 21st Century Global Orderhttps://youtu.be/rLQy0COh2S0 Southeast Asia’s story over the past fifty years is nothing short of extraordinary. Once a fragmented region marked by colonial legacies and Cold War rivalries, it has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic centers of economic growth and political balance. Across 11 nations and nearly 700 million people, Southeast Asia has forged a path that blends ancient communal traditions with modern systems of sovereignty and governance. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, stands at the heart of this transformation—proving that cooperation, not conformity, can hold a diverse region together. From V...
2025-10-1507 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Myth Informs Reality: How East and West Manage Int’l Affairs & Keep the Peacehttps://youtu.be/q_vhZJmP5xU This AI-generated conversation was based off this paper I wrote. Beneath the surface of geopolitics lie the deeper stories civilizations tell themselves — their myths. The West builds alliances through reason, contracts, and law, seeing order as something constructed. The East, shaped by Confucian harmony, sees order as something cultivated. Through this lens, we discover why the Western blueprint of rational cooperation never fully resonated in Asia, and how these ancient philosophies still shape today’s global balance. This episode reveals a profound truth: stability doesn’t always come from structure — sometimes it comes from rhythm. ...
2025-10-1406 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Peace Sans Paperwork: Why Asia Just Said “No” to Entangling Allianceshttps://youtu.be/s1fL4F5iOEs While Europe built NATO and a web of formal defense treaties after World War II, Asia took a very different path. Despite the absence of a NATO-style alliance, the region has experienced decades of relative peace and prosperity. Why? In this conversation, we explore how history, culture, and worldview shaped two distinct approaches to security — and why Asia’s quiet balance may hold deeper wisdom than it seems. We discuss: Why the U.S. saw Europe as “family” but Asia as “foreign”The rise and quiet fall of SEATO, Asia’s short-lived NATO experimentHow...
2025-10-1006 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Quest for Relevance: America’s Real Strategy in the Indian Oceanhttps://youtu.be/nZt708h11LA For decades, America has justified its military presence around the world in the name of national security. But in the Indian Ocean, the truth runs deeper. This vast, unpredictable region—where the ambitions of China and India converge—has become a stage not just for strength, but for significance. The U.S. isn’t fighting to dominate; it’s struggling to remain relevant. From humanitarian missions that double as geopolitical theater to the creation of INDOPACOM as a symbol of persistence, America’s strategy reveals a quiet evolution, which is that power is no longer mea...
2025-10-0905 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Reinventing a Civilization: China’s Journey Through Chaoshttps://youtu.be/_nDcqkVeTXA Imagine a civilization that ruled for over four thousand years — confident in its culture, traditions, and worldview — suddenly realizing that its entire way of life had become obsolete. That’s exactly what happened to China in the 19th and early 20th centuries. When the British Empire forced China into the Opium Wars, it wasn’t just a military defeat — it was an existential reckoning. An empire that had long seen itself as the center of the world was forced to confront its own fragility. In this episode, we explore how that trauma — the collapse of the Qing dynasty...
2025-10-0804 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.The Island That Holds the World’s Future: Taiwan, Identity, and the Next Great Test of Global StabilityThe future of global stability may depend on an island roughly the size of Maryland. Taiwan—home to 92% of the world’s most advanced semiconductor production—has become the fulcrum on which 21st-century geopolitics might turn. What began as a Cold War relic has evolved into one of the most consequential diplomatic puzzles of our time. But beneath the surface of military posturing and trade dependencies lies something even more fascinating: a complete transformation of identity.Recent Pew Research data reveals that most people in Taiwan now identify primarily as Taiwanese, not Chinese. This subtle yet profound shift ch...
2025-10-0704 minThe 46 of 46 Podcast
The 46 of 46 Podcast208.) October Sessions: Left No Trace—The Boy Who Disappeared at Camp SantanoniIn July of 1971, eight-year-old Douglas “Dougie” Legg was spending the weekend with family at Great Camp Santanoni in Newcomb, New York. When his uncle told him to run back to the lodge and change into long pants before a hike, Dougie set off on a short, familiar walk of just a few hundred feet. He never arrived. What followed became one of the largest search operations in Adirondack history—yet no trace of the boy was ever found.More than fifty years later, the disappearance of Douglas Legg remains one of the park’s most haunting unsolved mysteries. Was he l...
2025-10-0312 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Charlie Kirk: A Case Study in Persuasion and InfluenceIn this episode of Well, That’s a Deep Subject, host James D. Newcomb is joined by Marc Mawhinney, host of the Natural Born Coaches podcast and founder of The Coaching Jungle. Together they reflect on the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, following his tragic assassination at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.Rather than analyzing the politics and lingering grief surrounding Mr. Kirk, James and Marc take a different path: They explore what made him so persuasive and influential. From his natural likability to his willingness to step into hostile environments, Charlie embodied traits that drew pe...
2025-09-1831 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.When Will It End? Reflections on Recent Tragedies Throughout the U.S.The primary focus of this podcast episode centers on the profound implications of recent violent incidents in the United States, particularly the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We delve into the necessity of exploring deeper narratives beyond superficial facts, examining the emotional and societal ramifications of such tragedies. Our dialogue emphasizes the desensitization to violence that has permeated contemporary society, as media and cultural representations condition us to perceive acts of violence as commonplace. We express a yearning for a return to humanity and civility in discourse, positing that the tragedies we discuss serve...
2025-09-1740 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Crossing the Threshold: Jade Simmons’ Breaking of Barriers as a Classical Pianist to Awaken Purpose.Jade Simmons is a creative force who has made a career out of defying expectations, moving seamlessly from Rachmaninov to freestyle rap, from an audience with the President of the United States, to RUNNING for President of the United States. In this conversation, Jade shares her remarkable journey of embracing disruption, battling stage fright, and discovering that purpose is less about what you do and more about what happens in others when you do it.She speaks with candor about being a Black woman in the classical world, navigating elitism in the arts, and stepping...
2025-08-2952 minWell, That\'s A Deep Subject.
Well, That's A Deep Subject.Well, That’s a Deep Subject.If you want to get to the heart of any matter, sometimes you have to dig deep. It's rarely easy, but always worth the effort.In this opening episode, host James Newcomb introduces himself, shares the funny and meaningful story behind the podcast title, and explains why now is the right time to launch a podcast titled Well, That’s A Deep Subject.James has spent more than a decade in podcasting, beginning with music-focused shows while serving as a U.S. Army musician. Over the years, he discovered his real interest wasn’t just in t...
2025-08-1912 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانWhat is "Vojdaan"?James and Sana delve into the profound meaning of 'Vojdaan,' a Persian term that closely aligns with the concept of conscientiousness. Sana, who is of Persian heritage, explains that Vojdaan encompasses much more than just being conscientious—it's an ethical and moral compass deeply rooted in Persian culture. The discussion spans various aspects, including how Persian families instill this concept in their children, the emotional and societal implications of Voshtan, and the cultural differences faced by James and Sana as a couple. The episode also touches on the role of historical Persian figures and li...
2025-02-2430 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانTrump Brings Uptick in Sales at Chinese Restaurants?James and Sana discuss Donald Trump's presidency as a possible explanation for the local hot pot restaurant being busier than they've ever seen.Also mentioned is An Affair to Remember, and the meaning of Vojdaan!
2025-02-1016 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانIkigai 101: Discover an Ancient Practice in Finding Your Life's "Why"In this episode, recorded in the summer of 2021, I share my journey of rediscovering my passion - or better stated, MISSION - for trumpet playing after a conversation with my wife. This led me to explore the Japanese concept of IKIGAIi, an ancient Japanese concept which loosely translated into English is "the reason for being."One thing led to another, and soon enough I found through some internet searches Hector Garcia, the author of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.Hector and I do a deep dive into the...
2025-01-2646 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانVoices Crying From the Wilderness: Reports From War-Torn Locales that DON'T Serve the Agenda of the Mainstream Media feat. Hollie McKayWe welcome to the show independent journalist Hollie McKay. In this interview, Hollie discusses her diverse career, starting from her beginnings in the U.S. after studying in New York, to her time at Fox News, and her eventual shift to independent journalism after becoming disillusioned with the “clickbait factory” her work environment had become (her words ha ha). Hollie shares her experiences reporting from global hotspots such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Sudan, emphasizing the challenges and importance of covering peoples around the world that otherwise are not given the time of day by the Gate...
2025-01-0748 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانVisions and IdealsToday we conclude our journey through James Allen’s short but powerful book, As a Man Thinketh.“Where there is no vision, the people perish,” says the old proverb. When things get tough, and obstacles appear insurmountable, it is our vision of the successful outcome that keeps us on the right path.That and disciplined thinking, consciously setting aside negativity and focusing on the things that are worthy of our attention.The entire audiobook is available uninterrupted if you choose to upgrade to a paid subscription. This is a publ...
2024-11-2411 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانThought and PurposeWe continue through James Allen’s classic book, As a Man Thinketh. Today’s excerpt focuses on the detrimental effects of aimlessness and the necessity of having a central purpose in life. Strength of character and successful achievements are byproducts of focused and right thinking. The concept that individual thoughts shape one's achievements and failures forms a critical theme, promoting the development of self-control, resolution, and purity for spiritual and material success. Much needed wisdom in this modern age if you ask me!The entire audiobook is available uninterrupted if you choose to upgr...
2024-11-2311 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانEffect of Thought on Health and the BodyAs a Man Thinketh by James Allen is a timeless self-help classic that explores the profound impact of thought on personal character, circumstances, and destiny. Drawing on the principle that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," Allen illustrates how thoughts shape habits, health, and success. This concise, poetic work encourages readers to take responsibility for their inner life, fostering self-mastery and a purposeful, fulfilling existence.Today is Part 2. Tune in the next couple of days as we complete the audiobook!JN This is a public episode...
2024-11-2005 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانWhen the spirit rises, the gods are ready to obeyAs a Man Thinketh by James Allen is a timeless self-help classic that explores the profound impact of thought on personal character, circumstances, and destiny. Drawing on the principle that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," Allen illustrates how thoughts shape habits, health, and success. This concise, poetic work encourages readers to take responsibility for their inner life, fostering self-mastery and a purposeful, fulfilling existence.Today is Part 1. Tune in the next couple of days for the remainder of the audiobook!JN This is a public...
2024-11-2023 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانSacramental Truths v. Secular Chaos feat. Dr. Zachary PorcuToday we welcome to the show Dr. Zachary Porcu, author of 'Journey to Reality: Sacramental Life in a Secular Age.' The discussion begins with James sharing his journey into the Orthodox Church, partly influenced by Zachary's book. The conversation delves into the origins and needs that led Dr. Porcu to write his book, emphasizing the differences between ancient and modern Christianity. James and Dr. Porcu explore the concept of 'Arche' and how it represents the cornerstone of Christian belief, transcending merely being a set of rules to being a worldview. The interview also touches...
2024-11-0454 minLocked On Orioles - Daily Podcast On The Baltimore Orioles
Locked On Orioles - Daily Podcast On The Baltimore OriolesShould James McCann be the Orioles backup catcher again in 2025?James McCann had a solid walk year with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, but did he do enough for the O's to bring him back next season? Host Connor Newcomb recaps McCann's season and discusses the chances that the Orioles would look elsewhere for Adley Rutschman's backup in 2025.For your next listen, check out the Locked On MLB podcast. Prepare for the Fall Classic with Sully, who has it all covered every single day. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
2024-10-2124 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانIntellectual Property: Why the Illegitimate Child of the Gatekeepers of Polite Society is Inhibiting Creativity and Ruining Lives.This episode is a replay of an interview I did circa 2017 with patent attorney Stephan Kinsella.Kinsella is the author of "Against Intellectual Property," and in our time together, he argues that IP laws, particularly patents and copyrights, are incompatible with traditional property rights and hinder innovation and progress. The conversation explores the origins of these laws, their impact on musicians and other creatives, and practical advice for navigating the current system while protecting artistic integrity. The discussion also delves into Austrian economics and how it provides a framework for understanding the issues...
2024-09-3046 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانUnraveling the Musical Brain: Abel James Talks Music, Health, and MoreThis episode features a deep dive into the multifaceted life of Abel James, best known for the Fat Burning Man Podcast. In this interview, Abel offers insights from his musical background, detailing how early influences shaped his passions and career path. Discover how a tragic apartment fire redirected Abel's focus from music to health, leading him to become an influencer in the realm of health and fitness.Abel also discusses his book 'The Musical Brain,' which explores the cognitive impacts of musical training, and offers a sneak peek into his latest work, 'Designer Babies...
2024-09-2435 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانCoaching Realities in an Increasingly Falsified World feat. Marc MawhinneyWe welcome to the show Marc Mawhinney. Marc is the host of the Natural Born Coaches podcast, and has helped countless aspiring coaches in just about every conceivable niche build and sustain thriving coaching businesses.I've often said that the greatest strength of my own craft of podcasting is also its greatest weakness, that being just about anyone can do it.As you'll hear in this episode, the same can be said of coaching. Anyone can call themselves a coach, but actually finding a paid client, and then guiding them from Point A to Point...
2024-09-1624 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانForbidden Paradise: Iran's Forgotten Heritage We're Not Supposed to KnowThere's more to Iran and Persian culture than what you'll see on Fox News.That's the main point of today's episode. My wife Sana shared with me a Facebook post that did a fairly deep dive - as deep as you can get with a Facebook post anyway - on some of the highlights of the Persian culture and history.I asked Sana, who is Iranian, if she would record a podcast and share some of her experiences as an Iranian, and how she views the American culture from that lens.As usual...
2024-09-0933 minBa Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانThe Journey from "Musical Purgatory" to Improving the Lives of Brass Musicians feat. Marcus Reynolds**This interview was originally published on the Brass Mastery podcast in May 2024.We welcome to the podcast Marcus Reynolds, who with his Stratos Brass device has provided a beacon of hope for the thousands of brass players across the globe who struggle with embouchure issues.Like many great triumphs in life, Marcus' journey to becoming a tireless promoter of safer and healthier brass playing began with a tragedy. A major lip injury completely derailed Marcus' successful playing career. In an instant his sole source of income and personal identity was gone.In this...
2024-09-031h 00Ba Vojdaan با وجدان
Ba Vojdaan با وجدانFrom Trumpet to Microphones: James Newcomb Shares Artistic Passion and Podcasting Wisdom with Brian O'LearyWhat you're about to hear in this episode is an in-depth conversation between myself and Brian O'Leary, host of the O'Leary Review podcast. Brian published this interview in early 2023, and gave me permission to publish on my own show!In this episode, Brian and I discuss the significance of finding one's voice in the podcasting world, or any realm regarding content creation, and core principles of publishing, which remain surprisingly consistent even with radically changing publishing modalities. We share insights into the impact of word-of-mouth advertising over traditional SEO strategies, our own journeys into podcasting...
2024-08-2732 min