With Nathan Carroll and Carlos Ruiz

Random Thoughts - An Exploration of Ideas

Society EN ↓ 63 episodes

Random Thoughts is a long-form, unscripted conversation show built on curiosity and contradiction. Guests range from artists and bartenders to veterans and builders, people who’ve lived enough to have opinions worth testing. Some episodes are thoughtful, some funny, some intentionally uncomfortable. It pushes past shallow, performative talk to explore identity, culture, masculinity, faith, purpose, loneliness, and the strange corners of modern life. Sometimes wisdom. Sometimes chaos. Usually both.

Author

With Nathan Carroll and Carlos Ruiz

Category

Society

Podcast website

www.youtube.com

Latest episode

Jun 10, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Random Thoughts #36 – Ego, Grace, and the Hard Work of Being Human 09.02.2026

In this episode, Carlos and I dive into what it really means to be a good human being in a world full of passivity, ego, and noise. From calling out darkness in small moments, to healing family wounds, to understanding culture, leadership, and faith, this conversation blends honesty, humor, and depth in a way only these two can. It’s a raw look at growth, courage, and the daily work of becoming be...

Random Thoughts #35 - Attachment, Accountability & Modern Love 09.02.2026

In this episode, Nathan Carroll and Dr. Joy Rich dive deep into the messy, beautiful psychology of human relationships. Through raw personal stories and honest dialogue, they unpack attachment styles, emotional triggers, conflict cycles, and the ways childhood patterns shape adult behavior. Together they explore the difference between real growth and convenient excuses, why modern dating feels bro...

Random Thoughts #34 - From Bars to Boundaries: Sober Living, Real Standards, and God at the Center. 09.02.2026

Carlos Ruiz and I trade raw stories about nightlife, sobriety, and motorcycles-as-therapy, then dig into modern dating—why “nice” isn’t the same as "good", how accountability beats apology, and how faith reshapes vulnerability and relationships. It’s fun, frank, and anchored in a simple shift: stop chasing validation; start living by values with God at the center.

Random Thoughts #33 - Dr. Joy Rich 08.02.2026

This one’s personal. Joy and I didn’t plan to work together, it just happened fast. Two days in, I canceled everything because I knew she was the real deal. We talk about building from nothing, saying yes when logic says no, and what happens when vision meets obedience. We’ve painted classrooms, built bridges, and knocked down barriers. Not for clout, but for calling. That’s the heartbeat of this...

Random Thoughts #32 - My Path to Surrender 22.01.2026

For years I chased peace through performance, purpose, and control. But no matter what I built, the weight of it never lifted. Then one Sunday, God broke through. I realized the life I’d been building was wearing my crown, not His. This is my testimony of how Jesus met me in that moment, stripped away my self-made systems, and taught me what it means to surrender everything. It’s not about perfect...

Random Thoughts #031 Beyond the Surface: In-Depth Conversations on Life, Religion, and Society 22.01.2026

#Randomthoughts #031 - Jeremy NearJoin two colleagues as they delve into thought-provoking discussions about life, religion, politics, and philosophy, examining the challenges we face in our modern world and the ways in which we can take personal responsibility to make a difference.

Random Thoughts #30 Sonny Leonard 15.01.2026

Random Thoughts #30 Sonny Leonard

Random Thoughts #29 -Juan Martin 14.01.2026

Met Juan in a bar.

Random Thoughts #028 - I Flipped My Jeep JK and My Son Hit A Mailbox 14.01.2026

Random Thoughts #028 - I Flipped My Jeep JK and My Son Hit A Mailbox

Random Thoughts #027 - Validation Part 3 14.01.2026

Random Thoughts #027 - Validation Part 3

Random Thoughts #027 - Validation Part 2 14.01.2026

Random Thoughts #027 - Validation Part 2

Random Thoughts #027 - Validation Part 1 14.01.2026

Validation Part 1

Random Thoughts #026 - KTM EXC 500- Communication 14.01.2026

Communication

Random Thoughts #025 - KTM EXC 500-Motivation 14.01.2026

I can't remember

Random Thoughts #024 - John Brewer 14.04.2021

John Brewer is a former U.S. Army Drill Sergeant.  I invited him on to explore his insight into leadership.  He's had multiple successful careers in leadership rolls and was a pleasure to sit down and get to know him better.

Random Thoughts #023 - Gary Davis 07.04.2021

Gary Davis has a story that includes going to prison for shooting a man, a double lung transplant, arrested after leaving a gay bar and a few other stories in between.  Hope you enjoy RTE#023!

Random Thoughts #022 - Nathan Lowry 17.03.2021

I have many great memories with Nathan Lowry.  I love his sense of humor and think he is one of the funniest people I know.  We didn't get to deep on any particular subject but we did manage to share a few stories that I hope you enjoy.

Random Thoughts #021 - Melissa Carroll 10.03.2021

This is my sisters.  She is outspoken, loud, has bad manners and extremely stubborn.  More importantly she's witty, charismatic, transparent, hilarious, kind, caring, and more than anything a great sister that I've always been able to depend on when I feel lost.  I am happy to introduce to you my sister, Melissa Carroll.  Our conversation had a few highs and experienced a few s...

Random Thoughts #020 - Bill Shaw 03.03.2021

The BS that makes sense is Bill Shaw.  He has plenty of hard earned wisdom that's delivered in entertaining and thought provoking stories.  He's recently retired and willing to share some of his thoughts on life.  Bill has quickly became a good friend to me and I am happy he took the time to stop by and share some ideas with us.

Random Thoughts #019-Kurt Potter 25.02.2021

Kurt Potter is a friend of mine that I met around the bar.  He is a Captain in the Military with a background in Civics.  He is an example of what it's like to have a family and be in the process of a divorce.  Even though it's hard, he's keeping his head up focusing on self reflection and just trying to be the best version of himself.  I really enjoyed this conversation with K...

Random Thoughts #018 - Terry Blackman Jr. 10.02.2021

Terry Blackman is one of the best humans I know.  I was truly excited to have him on the show to talk about how he maintains his positive attitude and keeps moving forward on life.   His smile is addictive and attitude on living life if inspiring.   Random Thoughts is about normal people exploring everyday ideas and possibilities with the goal of facilitating us in becoming bet...

Random Thoughts #017 - Kenneth Graves 03.02.2021

Kenneth is a local business owner in Murfreesboro, TN and is best known as "TG".  TG is short for Tent Guy.  He owns and operates a successful tent company.  I want to say thanks to Kenneth for coming on and sharing his thoughts on success and happiness. It was an interesting conversation with plenty of 'non agreeing" moments.

Random Thoughts #016 - Joseph Baydoun 27.01.2021

  Joseph is a gentle giant with an outspoken opinion on his beliefs.  He has an intensity about him that he balances with a big heart and a ton of  patient (if he feels you deserve it).  Once again I feel truly blessed to have individuals like him in my life willing to go out of their way by the show.  I try to choose individuals that I feel will provide entertainment...

Random Thoughts #015-CT 21.01.2021

CT has become a close personal friend that is full of insight and an open mind.  He has a great outlook on life and just a positive person to be around.  I’m happy share this episode with you.

Random Thoughts #014 - Carly Smith 23.12.2020

Carly wanted to discuss the downside of having expectations.  We dove pretty deep into this idea and had a wonderful conversation on how it applies to our everyday life.

Listen to the Random Thoughts - An Exploration of Ideas podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.