Common Sense & the Devil's Advocate

We are wrapping up this season of Common Sense & The Devil's Advocate the only way we know how: with a heavy pour of bourbon, legendary road trip stories, and the ultimate snack debate. Join Joe and Mike as they unwind, look back on an incredible season, and take a deep dive into bourbon culture. From the fascinating history and resilience of Buffalo Trace to high-end bottle investments li...

What does it actually take to achieve the American Dream legally? In this educational interview, we sit down with Tolga, a Turkish-German immigrant, to uncover the staggering financial and emotional costs of navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. From risking over $100,000 to mastering the intricate E-2 visa process, Tolga shares a firsthand account of business migration, career transitio...

A Critical Look at Presidential Morality In this episode of Common Sense & the Devils Advocate, Joe and Mike take a deep dive into the intersection of ancient morality and modern-day power. Can a modern political leader survive the scrutiny of the Ten Commandments ? Hosts Joe and Mike analyze the actions and character of President Donald Trump through the lens of biblical ethics, blending shar...

In this thought-provoking interview, we sit down with Steve , a dedicated historian and educator, to explore the chilling parallels between the mid-20th century and our modern era. From the mechanics of WWII propaganda to the polarizing effects of social media , this episode dives deep into how narrative control shapes our reality and fuels societal division . Steve shares his unique perspective t...

Join Usfor an immersive look into a 10-day journey across Japan! From the high-speed thrill of the Shinkansen (bullet trains) to the world-renowned cleanliness of Tokyo’s streets, this episode dives deep into why Japan remains one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world. Whether you're planning your first trip or are a fan of Japanese culture, we explore the stark contrasts be...

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of hypothetical wishes and how these could impact humanity and individual lives. What would you ask for? Money, power... ALL the money and power!!! This engaging conversation combines humor, philosophy, and imagination to challenge our understanding of life, death, and the universe.

On this chat we explore the complexities of parenthood in today's world, reflecting on our own experiences and the challenges of raising children amidst societal changes. We discuss the impact of technology, the importance of kindness and community, and the fears and hopes for future generations. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between optimism and realism in parenting, as well as the sign...

In this engaging conversation, the hosts and their guest, a retired law enforcement officer, delve into various aspects of policing, childhood experiences, and the evolution of community relations. They discuss the changes in parenting styles, the impact of technology on law enforcement, and the importance of personal experiences in shaping police interactions. The conversation also touches on hum...

Talking Slackers! In this conversation, Joe and Michael explore various workplace personalities, drawing parallels between the competitive nature of reality TV shows and the dynamics found in professional environments. They discuss the differences between blue-collar and white-collar workers, the challenges of dealing with slackers and manipulative coworkers, and the importance of work ethic and i...

In this conversation, we discuss the significance of New Year's resolutions, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic and attainable goals. We reflect on personal growth, the necessity of health checkups, and the impact of arguments on relationships. The dialogue also touches on dietary choices and the journey of weight management, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and effe...

In this heartfelt episode, we join Joey, the compassionate owner of River Strong Fitness, as he shares the inspiring story of Tank, a resilient rescue dog. Joey, known for his dedication to animal welfare, recounts the challenges and triumphs of rescuing over 25 dogs, including Tank, who faced a tough journey from neglect to recovery. Tune in to hear about the incredible support from the community...

Today we reflect on our experiences growing up in the 80s, discussing the toys and cartoons that defined our childhood. We delve into nostalgic debates about iconic characters like Optimus Prime, Megatron, He-Man, and Skeletor, exploring the themes of good versus evil and who in a winner take all would reign supreme. The conversation also touches on the disappointments of certain toys, memorable g...

Joe, Kim, and Michael explore the complexities of aging, the benefits of testosterone therapy, and hormone replacement therapy for women and men. They share personal experiences, discuss the science behind hormone therapy, and emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups. The discussion highlights the positive impacts of hormone therapy on energy levels, mood, and overall well-being, while...

Happy Holidays! In this lively conversation, we delve into the world of Christmas movies, discussing our definitions, favorites, and the ones we can't stand. Explore the criteria that make a film a Christmas movie, debate the controversial status of films like 'Die Hard' and 'Trading Places', and share our personal holiday traditions surrounding these films. The discussion also...

30 years of ... Acceptance? Today we explore the evolution of LGBTQ acceptance over the past 30 years, focusing on personal experiences, societal changes, and the impact of social media. The speakers discuss the importance of representation in media, the role of leadership in advancing LGBTQ rights, and the generational shifts in attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals. They also share personal storie...

In this conversation, we explore themes of Thanksgiving, gratitude, and the complexities of religion. They discuss personal experiences with faith, the hypocrisy often observed in religious practices, and the evolving nature of religious beliefs in response to societal changes. The dialogue reflects on the importance of acceptance and understanding in a diverse world, while also touching on consum...

Joe and Michael explore the nuances of social interactions, personal growth, and the realities of aging. Reflect on their experiences from their 20s to their 40s, discussing the challenges and lessons learned during each decade. The conversation delves into the importance of memories, the impact of technology on social skills, and the inevitability of facing mortality. They emphasize the significa...

Today we reflect on our lives, discussing birthdays, bourbon, and the lessons learned through different decades. We share personal anecdotes about childhood memories, teenage experiences, and the transition into adulthood, highlighting the importance of friendships and self-discovery along the way. The conversation flows naturally from light-hearted birthday celebrations to deeper reflections on a...

Personal Identity and Perception: The hosts touch on personal identity, discussing tattoos and the judgments people often make based on appearances. They share personal anecdotes about their own experiences with tattoos and the evolving societal perceptions. The conversation underscores the importance of not judging a book by its cover and recognizing the diverse stories behind each individual. Co...

 In a world where political landscapes are ever-evolving, understanding the nuances of modern politics and personal identity becomes crucial. In this episode of "Common Sense and the Devil's Advocate," hosts Michael, Joe and their guest, another Joe delve into these complexities, offering insights into the current political climate and the personal experiences that shape our views. T...

In this episode of "Common Sense and the Devil's Advocate," we are joined by Steve, a music enthusiast with a vast collection of guitars and stories. The conversation revolves around memorable concert experiences, starting with Steve's first concert at age 12, seeing Led Zeppelin! We share anecdotes about various concerts, including encounters with famous musicians like Kurt Coba...

In this lively Halloween-themed episode of "Common Sense and the Devil's Advocate." we celebrate reaching over 10,000 streams, dive into a spirited debate about the best Halloween candies, the most iconic horror movie villains, and the most memorable Halloween costumes we've encountered. With a mix of humor and nostalgia, we explore the quirks of Halloween traditions and share pe...

This week we imagine ourselves sitting around a nice Fall fire, drink in hand and reflect on the idea of coming into a sizable amount of money and how it would impact our lives. Exploring personal aspirations, the reality of financial windfalls, and the importance of gratitude and legacy. The discussion also touches on managing family expectations, dream purchases, and the potential for relocation...

Joe, Michael, and Alan discuss the cultural shifts in work ethic and the importance of instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in the younger generation. They explore the differences in parenting styles, the value of service, and the necessity of teaching essential life skills to prepare children for adulthood. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on youth and the n...

Join us in a spirited and humorous debate as we tackle the age-old question: cake or pie? In this lively episode, the duo dives into the delicious details, sharing personal anecdotes and passionate arguments that will leave you craving both desserts. Whether you're team cake or team pie, this episode promises laughter, insights, and a sweet conclusion. Tune in for a fun-filled discussion that cele...