Benefit of the Doubt

You know these words - conservative and liberal - as they relate to politics. But they also describe personalities and ways of interacting with the world. Which are you? And how can knowing the answer help you make better decisions? Thain and Quentin go introspective in this one.

Thain and Quentin discuss the difference between good faith and bad faith in politics and explore why the distinction matters. The guys discover they have nearly opposite perspectives on what kind of faith defines most public discourse. Then, they try to apply their good/bad faith framework to one of the most contentious issues of the day.

The guys celebrate a big milestone (episode 10!) by counting down their top 10 hottest takes from the first nine episodes.

A wide-ranging discussion about the guilty-on-all-counts verdict and its implications for America. Plus, the corporatization of social justice, the rising tide of disgust in politics, and some very spicy questions.

Quentin and Thain discuss the decline of the nuclear family and its impact on children and opportunity in America. Tune in for arguments for and against disrupting the “ideal” family structure, connections to education and race, and some memorable personal stories.

A fresh take on immigration in 2021. Quentin and Thain advocate for more immigration and encourage reflection on American identity. Plus, the guys tell stories about Iran, El Salvador, and (by popular demand) Canada!

The guys ask what makes a moderate, whether we should try to be one in 2021, and how moderates can be effective. Quentin (unsuccessfully) tries to claim a nationwide gun buyback would be moderate policy, Thain takes on MLK (!!!), and the guys each cast themself as a moderate with wildly different definitions.

Quentin and Thain ask what college these days is for, what parts of it feel broken, and how it can be fixed. If you like Thain's hottest takes, lots of stats, and dialogue that verges on the esoteric, this will be an episode you love.

Thain and Quentin tackle cancel culture: What is it? How have they been touched by it? What does it reveal about the soul of our country? Tune in for stories about playground fights in LA and purse-snatchers in India, a definitive re-definition of "progressive" and "conservative," and Thain using "query" in a sentence!

Quentin and Thain reflect on a year of loss, how their feelings about COVID policy have changed, and why it's hard for our country to mourn. They also get stuck in the most basic of Trump arguments. Join us for a pod of reflection.