Bald, Blind, and Buddies

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 Harri...

We 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 othe...

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 “S...

We 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...

We 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, v...

We 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.co...

We 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 P...

We 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.com

We 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.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

Timothy Cordes and John Boland 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.com

We 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.com

  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.com

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.com