Shows
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesGina Bennett, former CIA Analyst, joins us.We welcome Gina Bennett, member of the Sisterhood who helped track down Osama bin Laden, to the podcast. Gina shares lessons from her father and her thoughts on parenting and responsibility while she tells us about her favorite Mother’s Day. Gina explains the difference between safety and security and elucidates the Hunter Gatherer approach to national security. She tells about Girl Security and why she encourages women into this type of national service. Gina reveals her ideal plan for bin Laden and what she did after learn...2025-07-2254 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesStews from the newsFirst, we stop to acknowledge the tragedy of the Texas floods.If you can, consider donating to disaster relief.Donate to the Red CrossWe are excited about our upcoming guests. Next week, Gina Bennett an American Intelligence Analyst joins us.John provides last week’s trivia answer and serves up a tennis question.We discuss the Supreme Court decision regarding nationwide injunctions and how much of the news coverage conflates the legal decision with its political ramifications. Tim notices something im...2025-07-1545 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesHappy 249th Birthday, America! This Fourth of July week, we pause to consider the United States of America. We begin with a quintessentially American moment from Tim’s week. John’s trivia captures both famous and infamous people. Tim tells his own American story, and John offers thoughts from Reagan and de Tocqueville. We draw from movies that capture unique aspects of the American experience from cross-country road trips to treks to outer space and from the fields of Iowa to a prison in Maine. 2025-07-0932 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesGender Studies Joins the buddies.On Gender, expectations, and more This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2025-07-0145 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThe Supreme Court and Trump make decisions.On this episode, we tackle two vastly different stories from the news--the U.S. bombing Iran and the Supreme Court upholding a Tennessee law restricting puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors. We begin with the weather, baseball and hockey trivia and tease upcoming guests. We share our initial thoughts on the bombing of three sites in Iran. John questions the relationship between nuclear weapons and peace. We visit the SCOTUS decision in United States v. Skrmetti which upheld Tennessee’s law restricting certain therapies for transgender minor...2025-06-2434 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesICE, ICE, MaybeOn this episode, we discuss the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions and riots in Los Angeles.First, we address Father’s Day. We offer brief thoughts on Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. John wonders if “reporters” are doing their job by waiting for lucrative book deals to publish important information.John gives us more baseball trivia.We discuss the riots in Los Angeles. John implies that the fact ICE is active in Los Angeles means this is politically motivated. He wonders who will benefi...2025-06-1736 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesBooks for summer readingThis week’s podcast is all about books. We offer a selection for your summer reading list.We open with musings on the falling out between Trump and Musk.John and Tim share a smattering of books to enjoy and consider.Tim’s whack-jobs from the University of Michigan invest their efforts or money in nonacademic pursuits.University of Michigan ends undercover surveillance contracts after Guardian revelations | US universities | The GuardianJohn’s hero speaks about the ideological capture of a traini...2025-06-1034 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesAI helps draft the report on America’s HealthWe welcome listeners from Taiwan (Republic of China), American Samoa, and Bolivia to the podcast.Both John and Tim get into the trivia game.Reporting suggests that artificial intelligence was used to draft parts of the Make America Healthy Again report, undercutting value it may have had. John wonders why the report was produced in the first place.Tim gives a chemistry lesson on how fluoride protects teeth and addresses concerns about its possible negative effects elsewhere, demonstrating one potentially legitimate idea to come out...2025-06-0341 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesPolice used Real-time facial recognition in New Orleans.On this week’s podcast, a nonprofit in New Orleans has been using real-time surveillance using a network of cameras throughout the city to monitor for people of interest and then alerting police to pick them up.We begin the podcast by recognizing Memorial Day.John addresses racing trivia and Tim has a trivia question of his own.We discuss what expectations citizens have regarding privacy and John describes related Supreme Court cases.We both deny that efficacy is an adequate justification for sweeping surveillance....2025-05-2634 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesWho's watching what?On this week’s podcast, we discuss how cars constantly invade your privacy, but the press didn’t seem to observe Joe Biden’s difficulties for years. Things might have been different If he drove a Tesla instead of a classic Corvette.John answers last week’s trivia and offers a new question about horse racing.We discuss how General Motors got its wrist slapped by the FTC for using your personal data and how this is the standard of behavior in the auto industry.John thinks this is an unavo...2025-05-2033 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesA New Pope and Old QuestionsThe Catholic Church chooses Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope.We take time to reflect on Mother’s Day and do our trivia.We consider Pope Leo XIV’s selection and take care not to trap him in his prior statements. We reflect on a pope whose history is so accessible to us.John identifies challenges facing the modern Catholic Church including the role of women, celibacy, and marriage. Tim highlights how the Catholic Church is treated differently than other groups with respect to its scandals and th...2025-05-1244 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThe Truth BusinessJohn answers last week’s trivia and offers a new question for sports fans.Tim juxtaposes the White House entering the news business with its trying to pull funding for NPR and PBS.We discuss whether the DOJ should get involved with medical journals and responses to its concerns.We discuss the give and take that academic freedom requires, the problem of ideological capture and consider what can be done about it.John’s whack-job has left the traditional dignity of his office far...2025-05-0638 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesRipped from the headlinesWe welcome you to Season 2 of the podcast and share some ideas including possible guess.John answers last week’s trivia and offers another.We each share topics from the headlines including arrested judges, deported children, and charter schools.We touch on selecting a pope, a quarterback, and lawyers in California.Tim’s whack-job from Wisconsin is chasing a conspiracy when there’s work to be done.John’s hero stands up to Trump.Referred to in th...2025-04-2937 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesDeportations and due processWe begin by recapping our weekends and John shares about visiting Washington D.C.We reflect on Pope Francis’s life.John offers papal trivia and last week’s trivia answer which Tim actually knew.We discuss the case of Mr. Abrego Garcia. John sees it as a political move to test limits. Both of us acknowledge the President’s scope in international affairs and also want due process and the rule of law respected.John and Tim discuss whether international terrorists also deserv...2025-04-2329 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesA Lesson on Bail ReformKen W Good, an attorney who represents professional bondsmen, joins us to discuss the bail process and reforms.Ken shares examples from Texas and introduces us to ‘good and bad’ bail reforms around the country, noting that private surety bonds produce the highest appearance rates.Ken describes concerns with charge-based release mechanisms, and what practices during the pandemic taught us about emptying the jails.John answers last week’s trivia and offers a new question about the Masters.Tim’s whack-job is a Universi...2025-04-1456 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesTrump tariffsWe are proud to have Ken W. Good, a bail bondsman (bondsperson?) and attorney, on next week’s podcast and begin with that news.We revisit the topic of “student athletes” to talk about their medical care.We return to trivia.John recounts the consequences, thus far, from the new tariffs, and we postulate why Trump may be doing this.John draws from a Post article to explain just what global trade has done for Americans.Tim asserts that Congre...2025-04-0737 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesName, Image, and Likeness (NIL)We begin with thoughts on visiting our young nation’s capital.John recaps history leading to the present NCAA rules around transfers and profiting from one’s name, image, and likeness.Tim wonders what a modern university is ‘supposed to’ be and if the roles it tries to take on are in conflict.Both support letting athletes share in the rewards of their labor.John and Tim offer improvements to the NCAA system that try to decouple education from athletics, limit prolonged eligibility, or ask f...2025-03-3139 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesColumbia University loses its way, again.We begin with thoughts on the nation’s capital and reflect on the DMV.We share trivia including a listener-submitted question.We opine on how Columbia University quickly capitulated to the Trump administration and what this says about the modern university. John shares thoughts from Matt Taibbi on how universities fail to deliver results and are isolated from the consequences of their actions.Tim points out the fragility of depending on a constant stream of redistributed dollars to run your enterprise....2025-03-2542 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesWelcome to Bald, Blind, and BuddiesJohn and Tim, friends for 30 years, bring their divergent takes to the news, society, culture, and important questions of the day. What can a blind psychiatrist and a bald grad from the London School of Economics have in common—not much, except for an ability to laugh at themselves, to listen, to learn, and to dialogue. We guarantee you’ll learn, think, or laugh by the end of every podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit idea...2025-03-2300 min
Bald, Blind, and Buddies“Conversion therapy” goes to the Supreme CourtWe welcome people from the Czech Republic to our proud pool of podcast patrons.We do trivia and a listener offers a question inspired by our last podcast.John outlines the process by which cases come to the Supreme Court.We examine the Colorado law banning “conversion therapy” in the case of Chiles v. Colorado.Tim discusses the law considering concept creep, its vagueness, and where guidelines come from. John shares thoughts on free speech and consent.Tim has two...2025-03-1633 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesFirst World ProblemsFirst world problemsWe open with movies you keep thinking about.John answers last week’s trivia about the smallest country and offers an architectural question.We delve into admittedly first-world complaints this week. Tim’s are linked to recent travel experiences with his dog guide. John’s concerns include items like healthcare and “world-champion” Americans.John has a double dose of whack-jobs this week, both from the Presidential address to Congress.Tim’s hero of the week, Undo Medical Debt is a nonprof...2025-03-1037 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesGovernment efficiency?Ask not what your country’s employees do for you.We welcome listeners from Finland and Israel.We share movies that surprised us and old films that stand the test of time.John answers last week’s trivia and gives a geography question this week.Tim tries to compare corporate downsizing with DOGE’s efforts while John asserts that government is fundamentally different. To John, DOGE’s efforts look clumsy and politically motivated.Tim gives examples of government waste along wi...2025-03-0438 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThoughts on cannabisWe begin with a listener email and discuss bad movies we enjoy and movies with large cultural footprints.A listener answers John’s last trivia question and John offers another.We dive into “victimless crimes,” revisiting gambling from last week. We wonder if winning and exploitation are synonymous.Tim builds a case for concern over cannabis and the mixed incentives for governments who profit from its sales.John reviews the cost of a currently failing system and the benefits of regulation and taxation.2025-02-2442 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesYou bet· We begin with a shout out to our new listeners from Puerto Rico and Vietnam.· We share the best Super Bowl commercials.· Then, we acknowledge the phenomenal expansion in sports betting.· John considers gambling to be a victimless crime while Tim conceives of mobile gambling as fundamentally different from putting a few bucks on the Big Game. We consider what changes could help.· Our sponsor offers a party game with a purpose.· Tim’s whack-job is a governor...2025-02-1640 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesLet's talk moviesWe discuss when one of us was canceled and give a sneak preview of the talk.With the Oscars approaching, we share thoughts on our favorite films from various genres. We recognize some less well-known films and how movies can intersect with memories.We try out a new segment: “This, that, or the other,” focusing this week on authenticity in casting of movies.John’s whack-job knows better than to support tariffs but does it anyway.Tim’s hero is coming back after cancelat...2025-02-1139 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesA stroke of the penWe begin with a thought experiment to demonstrate the power of an algorithm like TikTok’s to shape one’s understanding.We lay out the role for executive orders and their relationship to the rest of government. What do they say about the scope of government and the power assumed by presidents.John describes Biden-era orders which may have led to the Democrats’ loss in 2024.Tim shares President Trump’s recent executive orders which range from the reasonable to the seemingly unconstitutional.We answer B...2025-02-0339 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesTikTok TakedownWe begin by acknowledging recent pardons and the President’s constitutional authority to do so.Our special guest, Ben Siders, explains Congress’s role to legislate in areas of national security and the typical deference that the courts pay to that role. Then, he explains what the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act actually says.We share our thoughts on the measure and how other countries approach security and business ownership.John worries about the possibility of overly broad interpretations of the law and Tim trie...2025-01-2742 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesMore about D.E.I.We continue the discussion on Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) from last week.We put microaggressions under the microscope. John questions whether microaggressions are an actual or necessary component of DEI.Tim shares his experience taking diversity, equity, and inclusion training at a flagship, state university which is north of Illinois.Our sponsor features a contemporary alternative to Where’s Waldo.John’s whack-job has fallen far from once being worthy of admiration.Tim’s hero opened the world for bl...2025-01-2040 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesLive and let DEIJohn and Tim give their book recommendations to each other, and we share books recommended by our listeners.John offers his trivia answers and we both share new questions.To provide context, we review the trend of rollbacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives at universities and companies.Then, we dissect the goals of DEI and some of the tactics which are commonly employed.We address how companies change their focus based on who is in power. Is this a sign...2025-01-1439 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesA Prospective Look at the Trump presidencyWe begin by touching on Notre Dame football’s convincing win.Then, we segue into net neutrality and congestion taxes.We review predictions and worries about the Trump presidency including its impact on international affairs, immigration, the weaponization of government agencies, and the Department of Governmental Efficiency.Along the way, we visit questions like whether government can do things well or efficiently and why people who work for government need unions if the government already represents the people.John shares a trivia answer an...2025-01-0744 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThe Holiday EpisodeWe fondly remember President Jimmy Carter, and we share events from our own holidays.We address the critical question of whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie and we find more common ground than expected.We debate our favorite holiday movies and songs.Tim calls out a college football coach who cannot seem to win or play fair.John praises heroes who open their hearts to rescue dogs.We end by thanking all those who have made the podcast...2024-12-3130 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesEven more about healthcareWe touch on school violence and discuss where the focus should be in seeking solutions.We listen to feedback from a friend-of-the-show on his ideas for healthcare and the role of profit. We compare the U.S. to other countries and use those differences to suggest changes including what Tim would do in his fictional healthcare company.We highlight some of our favorite charities.For his whack-job, John calls out a hitter who has hit it big, and Tim praises the DOJ and FBI for catching foreign...2024-12-2341 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThe American healthcare anomalyWe review how the Affordable Care Act changed the healthcare landscape in the United States. We wonder if health insurance is fundamentally different from other types of insurance.John asserts that healthcare should not be “for profit,” and Tim contends that external interference with the doctor-patient relationship is part of the problem. Thus, we approach the classic question, what can the government do well or at least better than the private sector?John answers a listener’s trivia question and offers a new one about women in politics.Our...2024-12-1643 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesWelcome to the futureWe start with Notre Dame football and then discuss the assassination of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Health Care.We welcome, Graham, from Gen Z into the Western branch of BBAB studios for a discussion of the challenges facing America. We hit on social media, lock down drills, and what democrats need to do in future elections.John’s Dispatch from America highlights the power and surprises that nature can offer.Tim’s whack-job is a media personality who thought Chat GPT was a good source of f...2024-12-1045 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThe Thanksgiving EpisodeWe begin with podcast highlights, an update on Australia’s social media ban for youth, and our thoughts on gratitude.We tackle our favorite holidays and Thanksgiving dishes.We answer the question, “How good is Kamala Harris’s stuffing recipe anyway?”John offers a new trivia question.We revisit coaching blunders with John’s whack-job of the week.Tim shares the story of a pilot who aims to help people have turkey on the table for Thanksgiving in rural Alaska.2024-12-0337 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesStocking the CabinetAfter reflecting on Daniel Jone’s departure from the New York Football Giants and Tim proposing a theory on quarterback development, we launch into Trump’s picks. Are they all serious or are they political Three Card Monty? Can you even be qualified to wrangle the federal bureaucracy? We share our thoughts on Dr. Oz, Tulsi Gabbard, and RFK Junior.John offers his trivia question.In this week’s Dispatch from America , we salute an internet outlet that will be missed while we acknowledge the reality of creative destruction.Tim highli...2024-11-2442 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesYou fix itAfter a brief sojourn into Seasonal Affective Disorder, we discuss laws or amendments that we would like to see enacted to improve America. Candidates include addressing gerrymandering, term limits, campaign finance, internet companies, and well-regulated militias. We agree that everyone should register for Selective Service.Vote here for your favorite proposal from the podcast.Our dispatch from America is a veteran with an incredible story.John calls out a Yankee for a very bad play at a very bad time.Tim’s hero is...2024-11-1746 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesWhat happened and why?Was the Presidential election won or lost? John posits that kitchen table issues, a frustrated working class, and democratic unpopularity sunk Vice-president Harris. Tim calls out the democrats’ condescension towards the average American. We review the impact of abortion on the election and consider demographic shifts among voters.Tim offers an immigrant’s story for his Dispatch from America.We highlight the silliness of canceling college classes the day after Trump’s victory because of student distress.John praises the kindness of people reachin...2024-11-1147 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesDecisions 2024We take a break from the election hype to address the down ballot matters of import to us all. We review kitchen table issues like preferences of breakfast cereal, snacks, and meal of choice. We also hear from experts on the topic—children.A non-listener correctly answers John’s last trivia question and John offers another.We share another Dispatch from America. John shares his republican whack-job and Tim praises a hero at the University of Wisconsin for his quick action.Pleas, subscribe, review and shar...2024-11-0529 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesQuick Hits from the NewsWe begin with corrections and respond to a listener comment on the difference between losing and conceding in life and elections.We then share news of interest to us in the past week and get each other’s fresh takes. Stories involve Kamala Harris, the Pope, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos as well as wars and culture wars.We share a Dispatch from America.Jerry Seinfeld is our whack-job for backtracking on his free speech stance and now thinking comedians should docilely go where society herds them....2024-10-2840 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThe Action of America is not in the White HouseThis is a brief clip from our podcast episode View from the other side where I share why I have hope for America after this election or any election. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-10-2601 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesView from the other sideAs an intellectual exercise, we each offer our case to vote for the presidential candidate most opposed to our views.We talk about what gives us hope for America, regardless of the election outcome.A listener answers John’s trivia question and John offers another.Tim’s whack-job is a bad sport about sports and John praises foster parents as his heroes of the week.Referred to in this podcast:Wisconsin Sends Embarrassing Tweet After Beating Northwestern | OutKickLove Actu...2024-10-2235 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThoughts on the death penaltyWe address skepticism about institutions ranging from the betting markets to FEMA. John worries that a case is being built to undermine the election results.We briefly review the history of the death penalty. We address its costs, discuss how it may impact victims’ families, and muse on whether a state should sanction the taking of citizens’ lives.We answer last week’s sporting trivia question and John offers another.John calls out Marco Rubio for questioning labor statistics.Tim’s heroes are a dog wh...2024-10-1434 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesMr.'s IrrelevantIf people from the 2024 campaign spoke coherently and substantively, would it matter.We discuss our impressions of the candidates, try to deconvolute a quote from Tim Walz, and review J.D. Vance’s failure in a litmus test.We look back fondly to debates moderated by single individuals and remark on the media trying to do “fact checking.”We remember Pete Rose and mull over whether union endorsements mean what they used to.We call out enablers who look the other way while evil h...2024-10-0738 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesHumans talking about machines "thinking"Our first guest, Ben Siders provides insights into what machine intelligence is. We wonder how to use it effectively and ponder what it may be doing to us. We consider related issues of copyright and liability.We consider lawfare in the cases of Eric Adams and Donald Trump.We discuss Notre Dame football and Ben uses his computer model to predict the game.John offers a trivia question.We hear about a new game from our sponsor. Ben shares an everyday hero, and...2024-09-3042 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesUtterly tariffyingWe explore the appeal of tariffs which are a featured part of the Trump campaign and element of Biden administration policies, using the Chicken Tax as a case study. We review cases where tariffs might be helpful, and the danger when government tries to influence prices with tariffs and subsidies. John gives a history lesson on The Economist.A listener chimes in to answer our trivia question and John offers another for next week.We hear a poem from our sponsor, call out the value of getting the basics right, and...2024-09-2331 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesDa BaitWe review the presidential debate from last Tuesday. Tim and John use football, boxing, and used car analogies to try to capture what we’ve learned. Tim tries to intuit the policies of a Harris administration from her debate content. Meanwhile, John expounds on the wisdom of picking fights with Swifties.We hear from Left, a new force in childcare.Dr. Robin DiAngelo is our whack-job of the week, and John praises John Bon Jovi for being there in a moment of need.References from this podcast:...2024-09-1641 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesLessons LearnedWe begin with a quick impression of the Reagan movie and biopics. Then, we review our lessons from the first 20 podcasts including three things we’ve learned from each other. This would be a great place for new listeners to start.We hear from our long-time sponsor Pro-Taste.We gush over giving homes to aging shelter dogs, and Tim is finally fed up with J.D. Vance.“Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow.” –Albert EinsteinReferred to in this episode:Rea...2024-09-0937 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesUnprecedented PresidentsWe take a break from current events to share lists of our top three modern presidents finding more common ground than expected. Tim finds solace in the unlikely success of Harry Truman. We muse on which president we’d like to have dinner with and why.John offers another presidential trivia question and gives the answer to last week’s query.We explore the nuances of wearing a blindfold.We call out inappropriate behavior from the Trump campaign and appreciate the DOJ this week.Re...2024-09-0234 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesA Conventional ConventionWe discuss the democratic convention and compare it to a superhero movie. We review what VP Harris may have said and did not say. John and Tim use bus driver analogies to capture aspects of the direction of the country.John shares a new presidential trivia question for our listeners.We offer a public service announcement on the outdated practice of blindfolding.We review the whack-jobbery of price controls and John shares poignant thoughts on a visit to Shanksville, PA.Referred to in...2024-08-2639 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThoughts on electric carsFirst, we provide a podcast update. We are now heard in 13 countries on 3 continents.We discuss the electric car as it relates to oil production, government intervention in the market, nuclear power, and issues of practicality. Is an EV an absolute good? Our sponsor tries to help campaigns who need a clue.John reveals his whack-job who’s done more for promoting electric vehicles than the entire U.S. government.Tim shares two heroes who are building a new kind of bank.R...2024-08-1931 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesDemocrats Back Northern Border WalzWe discuss the Governor Walz pick, review who was not chosen, and speculate on why. Was it political calculus or something worse? We discuss concerns raised about the timing of Governor Walz’s retirement from the military.Tim addresses the Kamala Harris, “I’m wearing a blue suit” YouTube clip and the associated inclusive behavior. John reaches out to the White House and reveals his answers to last week’s trivia question.We highlight whack-jobs who want to blow up Swifties and acknowledge a hero who used a gun to prevent crime....2024-08-1233 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesStudent Loans: Somebody else bought your free lunchWe discuss college student debt, the universities complicity in the problem, and the return on investment of a liberal arts degree. We consider whether student debt relief is acceptable pandering or unfair wealth redistribution. This is a podcast of firsts for us. We address our first listener question, John offers a listener trivia challenge, and we introduce a new, real, sponsor. As always, we call out our hero and whack-job.Referenced in this podcastThe Debt Trap: How Student Loans Became a National Catastrophe by Josh Mitchell2024-08-0530 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesYou can't spell "Ha! Sir," without Harris.We address Vice-President Harris’s candidacy, play the “design a president” game, and see if she checks the boxes. We review the relief she is bringing, while acknowledging her speaking style and difficulty retaining staff. We speculate on her confidence or its absence. Plus, a note from our sponsors and statesmen as whack-jobs and heroes.Mentioned in this podcast:“‘Bullying’ leaves Kamala Harris without a top team for White House bid.” in The TelegraphInto the Wild by John KrakauerTaking back the game by Linda FlanaganSee also...2024-07-2937 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesA convention like never beforeWe review our thoughts on the assassination attempt, conspiracy theories, and the notion that evil isn’t an absence of good. We discuss the VP pick, opinions of Trump’s speech in Wisconsin, and debate which party relies on fear. We share our whack-job and acknowledge over a dozen freshly shaved heroes at the Wall Street Journal. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-07-2236 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesWhat do you know, Joe?We begin with our condemnation of violence.We review changes to the Republican platform. Then, we use Peyton Manning and Daniel Jones analogies to describe aspects of the presidency. We review the risks of ‘seeking to slay monsters,’ play Trump or University of Wisconsin trivia, share our whack-job and recognize two barbers who saved a child from a very close shave.Referred to in this podcast“Stop Soft-Pedaling the GOP's Extreme Positions” in the Atlantic.“Complaint Alleges University of Wisconsin DEI Czar, Husband of Harvard's DEI Chief, Has Decade...2024-07-1548 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThoughts on gun rightsWe review a recent Supreme Court decision on gun ownership, speculate on American culture, and ponder whether gun violence is a public health ‘crisis.’ Plus, a deep cut to Kelo v. New London, new summer reading from our sponsor, “raw milk anyone?” and profoundly pro-police.Referred to in this podcast:“How the NRA Rewrote the Second Amendment,” by Michael Waldman in Politico.Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage by Jeff BenedictWe’d love to hear from you with your ideas or...2024-07-0842 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesStuck at the borderWe revisit the presidential debate, discuss politics and the U.S.-Mexico border, give some ideas on next steps, and discuss why meaningful change is necessary but difficult. Plus, when the truth is stigmatizing, gen Z input, a whack-job in the senate, and a Boy Scout to the rescue. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-07-0141 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesA Salute to DadsWe discuss statistics about fathers, share thoughts on fatherhood, and memories from our dads. Plus, words of wisdom from Father Hesburgh, an umpire called out for gambling while the leagues cash in and seemingly unlikely heroes from the sorority house. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-06-2433 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesTake a few lies and call me in the morningWe explore the concept of the noble lie, and what we did and should learn from the pandemic. Plus, our thoughts on using falsehoods to create news copy and a toast to Merrick Garland.Referenced in this episode:“The undoing of Roe v Wade has created a mighty political movement,” from The Economist, May 30, 2024.The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.What Really Happened In Wuhan by Sharri Markson This is a pu...2024-06-1758 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesOf Trials and TrumpulationsWe review the current Trump verdict, play “University of Wisconsin or Trump Org” trivia, share why we both return our shopping carts, and acknowledge a dozen heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-06-1137 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesThoughts in a post-Dobbs worldWe discuss the politics of abortion in the current legal climate and as it relates to disability. Plus, hailing the Notre Dame lacrosse champions and sticking up for your teammate. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-06-0530 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesStar-spangled Bummer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-05-2830 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesComedy on life supportWe launch from Seinfeld’s Duke address to consider the death of comedy, share our favorite comedy, and what humor is good for. Plus, would you hire AI and a salute to nurses.pdSt1PekbQnuhHB38Vol This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-05-2129 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesFree speech and PluralismWe review “In Defense of Prejudice.” We talk about a visit from the Weed Man, share a story about our Notre Dame graduation, riff on the modern university, and present a hero and someone quite different. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-05-1631 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesDigesting Health at any size Is any size really healthy or should one act healthily at any size?What is the appropriate response to “diet culture?”Plus, listening at 6-times normal rate, JD vance and NBC news.A word from our sponsor. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-05-1336 min
Bald, Blind, and BuddiesWelcome. We take ideas seriously but not ourselves.John and Tim, friends for 30 years, introduce themselves and lay out their vision for the podcast as well as introduce segments like Whack-job of the week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com2024-05-1330 min