The System is Down with Dan Smotz

Sometimes, I just like picking the brains of people who have different spiritual beliefs than I and getting to know more about what they think, how their faith works, and why they came to their current conclusions in life. So, today's episode is a conversation with former Lutheran, current Catholic and good friend of mine, Jon Schweppe. I never expect any human to have all the answers and I&a...

On today's episode we break our typical uncomfortable chats format to celebrate the greatest film franchise in human history, Star Wars. I invited five fellow Star Wars fanatics on to have a big round table discussion about all things Star Wars, as this weekend is the release of the latest installment, Episode 8, The Last Jedi. In addition to this nearly two hour long discussion, we also reco...

Today's episode is the first of a two-part discussion where Craig and I dig into the horrifying details and evidence on Pizzagate. If you're not familiar with the Pizzagate theory / scandal, it's much less harmless than the name might make you think. From strange coded emails between DC's elite officials, to a plethora of disturbing artwork, to endless accusations tying John an...

Well downers, it's a busy holiday week and where some podcasters might leave you high and dry with no content to help you weather the chaos, I am here faithfully to provide the much needed distraction. Today's episode is another Questions and Danswers, where I offer you all the opportunity to ask me anything in The System is Down Forum. You come up with your most asinine questions and I...

Today's episode is the continuation of the discussion between Keaton, JB, Craig, and I about the illustrious Alex Jones. Part 1 of this conversation was way back in episode 16, which you can and probably should listen to first (link below). Love him or hate him, Alex Jones is an enigma and the leading voice in the world of conspiracies. Is he legit? Is it all an act? Or is he maybe character...

I've had a few people recently request that we do more discussions on religious and theological topics, which I'm all for. I always love to get you guys' feedback on what you want to hear from the show.  So, for today's episode, I invited my own pastor, Lee Bezotte, on to chat about some uncomfortable topics that some people might have a hard time asking their pastor, questions...

Welcome to The System is Down's very first Casual Friday Skype Party, where we cram as many people into one Skype chat as we can and have a big group discussion about whatever comes up. Attendees for this party were Justin Zelinsky, Melissa Paavola, JB Bryant, Forrest Bezotte, Bruce Willke Jr., Nathan Sipes, Jeanette Sipes, Norah Sipes (interrupting baby), and myself. Some of the topics we co...

On October 31, 2017 a terrorist attack occurred in New York City. It was labeled "The biggest terrorist attack on NYC since 9/11". Two days later, few people seem to care. In today's episode Craig and I break down some of the strange factors in this attack and speculate on what's really going on. False Flag? Legit attack? Well bring our findings, you be the judge.  Let's g...

Attention: Once again, I am not a doomsdayer or a fear-porn advocate by any stretch, but when dates are brought to my attention that could be of potential concern, I just feel like it would be rude to keep it to myself, in case there are people who want to know and take a few safety precautions. I'm not saying this is going to happen, but maybe keep an eye out. That is all. Godspeed, downers!...

On today's episode I had the pleasure of chatting with the brilliant and always entertaining Remso Martinez of Haunted Republic and the Remso Republic Podcast. Remso is certainly most well known for his voice as a political commentator and journalist, but the advent of his latest outlet, the paranormal investigation group, Haunted Republic, is now turning some heads in a whole new way. Remso...

On today's episode, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with conspiracy expert and researcher, Ole Dammegard. In the main episode Ole breaks down his history in conspiracy research and lays out the issues with the Las Vegas / Mandalay Bay shooting that has lead him to the conclusion that it is in fact a false flag attack. Ole was also graceous enough to give me a bonus hour of content wher...

On today's episode, I had the great pleasure of chatting with United States Libertarian Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2016 election, Judd Weiss. We discussed Judd's time in politics, his fantastic art, and what he believes is the real problem with politics. Enjoy! And if you'd like to hear the second half of the interview, where Judd answered questions from our forum members an...

Today's episode is a delightfully uncomfortable one, as my brother-in-law, Cole Elliott and I flesh out our recent disagreements in real time from behind a microphone. Cole takes some issues with certain conspiracy theories, the way I conduct myself in conspiracy conversations, and more. Will this be the end of our friendship? Find out now on The System is Down. Let's get weird! http://t...

On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of once again chatting with film director, Spencer Folmar about his upcoming film, Generational Sins, which comes out this Friday! Since our last episode, I have watched a pre-screening of the film, so we got to really dig into the movie more in depth.  If you listen to this show regularly, you’ll know that this was much more than a promotional pat on the bac...

On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the great Nate Henry of the Don’t Feed the Trolls Podcast and the band Sherwood. Nate was recently a guest on The Bad Christian Podcast (which is one of my personal favorite shows), to talk about Bigfoot and conspiracy theories, but when tangent talks on current events went on for a little longer than expected, the conspiracy talk, which I so...

On today's episode, I had the pleasure of chatting once again with the great CR Pendleton. We talked about technology, theology, predictions of tech effect on future generations, the inevitable uprise of transhumans, and so much more. Enjoy. Question Everything? Stay Uncomfortable?   http://tsidpod.com Open Discussion: http://tsidpod.com/forum Become a Patron:  https://patron.podbean.com/thes...

On today's episode, I continue my fun and insightfully civil discussion with three guys from three different walks of life who have come to three different conclusions in politics; Jon Schweppe (Republican), Ryan Beckenbaugh (Democrat), and Marc Clair (Libertarian). We tackle everything from identity politics to Trump's wall and much more. Question Everything? Stay Uncomfortable? http://...

Today's episode was an extremely fun one. I got a Democrat, a Libertarian, and a Republican together to discuss hot button political and social issues and somehow... everyone was civil and respectful to each other. Go figure... The conversation went longer than it was intended to, but far shorter than I would have like, so this is the first of another two-parter, the second of which will be c...

On today's episode, I'm flying solo for the first time!... I've got some updates on plans for the show, I answer questions submitted by you guys in the TSID Forum, and you'll get a little sneak peek of the bonus episode of Lions of Liberty that I went on to defend the possibilities of a flat Earth. All of that and more, on this, the first AMA: Questions & DANswers episode o...

On today’s episode, I got to chat with an old friend of mine who I have a whole lot in common with and don’t really get to talk to very often, so the conversation might jump around a little bit, because that’s how conversations work. The initial discussion was sparked by him kind of loosely challenging what is my sign-off at the end of the show every week, "Question Everything and Stay Uncomf...

On today's episode, I had another great group chat with new-commer, JB Bryant along with frequent ranters, Craig Smoldt and Keaton Johnson, to discuss the man, the myth, the legend, Alex Jones of Infowars. No matter what you think about the guy, no-one can honestly deny that he is a force to be reckoned with, so reckon we shall.  Question Everything. Stay Uncomfortable. http://tsidpod.com Ope...

Yep. We're doing it. Today we touch the untouchable topic, so let the name calling and unsubscribing begin! I started this podcast to talk about uncomfortable topics, so when there's a controversial theory like Flat Earth, that people specifially told me I shouldn't do an episode about, guess what I'm going to do.... I'm going to hit up the great Marty Leeds and talk about...

On today's episode, I'm joined by podcaster / comedian of sorts, Brian McWilliams, host of the show Electric Liberty Land on the Lions of Liberty Podcast, to share in a good rant and breakdown of the new Hollywood blockbuster movie, Get Out. This episode is quite outside the typical format of our chats on this show, but I found it to be a very entertaining and enjoyable discussion. So he...

Hey, I'm out of town all this week and was unable to get a new episode together, but instead of leaving you hanging, please enjoy the interview I did on Trey Weaver's Subversion podcast.  Check out more of his stuff at www.subversionwebcast.com   Question Everything. Stay Uncomfortable. http://tsidpod.com Open Discussion: http://tsidpod.com/forum Support the show

On today's episode, I got to chat with film director, Spencer Folmar and executive producer, Turman Mason about their upcoming film, Generational Sins and the controversy that it is already stirring up before anyone has ever seen it. Generational Sins is being described by reviewers as a "faith based film filled with F bombs", the first of it's kind. How will these two men just...