The Korean War began on 25 June 1950, and today still there is no peace treaty. This is a much bigger issue than a mere lack of a piece of paper, as the actions of North Korea and priorities and responses of South Korea have made headlines throughout the decades since. Why is the United States involved? What about China? Why can't this sad episode in Cold War history just go away? I address some of the relevant background issues related to the outbreak of the war, how it progressed in its early months, and why the armistice hasn't led to a meaningful, permanent resolution.

Suggested readings:

• A Short History of the Korean War, James Stokesbury - book; a good, readable history of the causes, development, and end of the war

My first short episode in my "Read This Book" category, in which I briefly discuss Daniel Pink's "Drive," a short, concise, and excellent book about motivation, and why external promises and threats - carrots and sticks - actually get in the way of getting the best out of yourself and others.

Aside from them both being awful forms of government in which the dignity and rights of the individual are trampled, what's the difference between the two? Being precise about it has value, and I spoke with Dr. Lee Eysturlid about them both, as well as multiple real-world examples of each.

• Dr. Eysturlid's PPT on Totalitarianism, Authoritarianism, and Propaganda - make sure to read the speaker notes, which many slides have.

The first in my recurring short-form episodes that will get you to realize that Metal makes you smarter, this time focusing on Sabaton's "82nd All The Way" and the story it tells of Alvin York, WW2 Medal of Honor awardee and American hero.

Links of use:

• Sabaton - 82nd All the Way

I had to. I'd been thinking about this issue as a topic for a while, and it's something I've learned a lot about in the last few years. I decided to ask those who did it - the leaders of the Southern states - why they did it, and what the hoped to accomplish by doing so. Listen to their words and my thoughts about them.

Suggested Readings:

• Selected ordinances of secession - website

How can Westerns - books and movies - help us understand something about American political culture and ideals? I spoke with Dr. Chris Burkett, Professor of Political Science at Ashland University, about this seemingly odd connection. Below are some links to things we mentioned in the program.

• The Virginian, Owen Wister - a trendsetting novel about the Wild West

For months before the Normandy Invasion, Allied intelligence personnel conducted the largest deception operation in military history, thoroughly fooling the Germans as to the location and nature of the invasion of Europe. These efforts, although little-known and mostly classified for decades, were essential to Allied success in the invasion, and the war.

Suggested readings:

• Bodyguard of Lies, Anthony Cave Brown

My first published solo episode, and also the first of what will be the norm: one long-form episode every Wednesday, and then a shorter one, usually just me, in between those weekly posts. This one's about (opportunity) cost, explained with a focus on practical application and living. Listen before you plop down on the couch for some tv...

I spoke with Matt Federoff, an old friend and the most serious Catholic I know, about his views on some foundational Catholic beliefs, as well as common misconceptions that many inside and outside of the church have about its doctrine. As someone who was raised Catholic, but is now Protestant, this was an interesting conversation, and sowed the seeds for future talks on the RCC and Christianity in general.

What's the difference between ethics and morals? Or, ethical and moral? I spoke with Dr. Lee Eysturlid of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy about these ideas, with an emphasis on ethics.