In Search of an Argument

Welcome to a fresh episode of "In Search of an Argument," where we dive headfirst into the political circus of the recent Harris-Trump presidential debate. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments that made this debate one for the history books.

What to Expect in This Episode:

A blow-by-blow analysis of the debate's most memorable moments, including Kamala's power handshake and Trump's unexpected canine tangent.

Lively discussion on the art of debate prep: Can a candidate be too polished?

Our take on the impact of celebrity endorsements, featuring the Taylor Swift effect.

A journey into the enigmatic world of undecided voters: Who are they, and what do they want?

Hilarious tangents into pop culture, including NCIS spin-offs and the unexpected sexiness of Outlander.

Bonus Segment: Our panel plays "Would You Rather: Political Edition" and ponders the eternal question: mountain or ocean, past or future?

Connect With Us:

Website: Visit our website for more episodes, show notes, and exclusive content.

Feedback: Love it? Hate it? Think we're as confused as Trump's dog policy? We want to hear from you!

Social Media: Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and our preferred social media, Blue Sky, for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more political shenanigans.

Support Our Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners! Or support us on Patreon – we promise to use the funds for coffee and not political campaigns. Or buy us a coffee.

Stay Tuned: Subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. We release new content regularly, featuring engaging analysis, thoughtful discussions, and plenty of laughs at the expense of politicians (and occasionally ourselves).

Fun Fact: Recorded on September 12, 2024 – exactly 200 years after the birth of Charles Dudley Warner, who famously said, "Politics makes strange bedfellows." We think he'd have a field day with this debate.

Thank you for listening! We hope this episode entertains, informs, and possibly confuses you – just like a good political debate should.

Welcome to a new episode of our podcast, featuring a special guest: Ian (Fleming) James (Bond) Williamson. With his charming English accent and captivating stories, Ian takes us on a journey through his life—from growing up in the UK, navigating apartheid-era South Africa, to becoming a proud US citizen. Along the way, he shares his thoughts on cultural differences, international travel, and his deep love for his friends, all wrapped up in wit and humor.

What to Expect in This Episode:

Ian's personal stories and reflections on life in three different countries.

Insightful discussions about the Liverpool-Manchester rivalry, his career at Eli Lilly, and his song picks for his work team.

A light-hearted debate on current events, including the recent Democratic National Convention and the upcoming US election.

Humorous takes on cultural differences and a funny Family Feud question about dogs vs. men.

Connect With Us:

Website: Visit our website for more episodes, show notes, and exclusive content.

Feedback: Have thoughts or questions about this episode? We’d love to hear from you! Send us your feedback.

Social Media: Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and our preferred social media, Blue Sky for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.

Support Our Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners! Or you can support us on Patreon! And you can always just buy us a coffee, of which at least John drinks ways too much.

Stay Tuned: Subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. We release new content regularly, featuring engaging stories, thoughtful discussions, and plenty of laughs.

Fun Fact: Recorded on August 29, 2024—54 years to the day after "War" by Edwin Starr topped the US charts.

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed making it.

Shelly shares about her new romantic interest, recounting how she met him at a bar with the expert assistance of Peggy Bennett, whom she dubs the 'World's Greatest Wingperson.' Peggy discusses her intriguing new side business, her husband's retirement, and his new job delivering cars. She also delights in becoming a first-time grandmother.

Beth reflects on the grief from recent losses, the joys of retirement, and her dream trip to New Zealand. John describes the challenges of raising two children, noting the significant increase in difficulty but affirming its worthwhile nature. He also mentions finally moving into their new home with Ted after a lengthy construction process.

Jim speaks at length, primarily about the challenges of finding an apartment in New York City, hinting at more on this topic in the future. The group promises to return soon, this time with a guest. We await their return with anticipation. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.

For the first time since May 29, 2021, we are dropping a new episode. Why? Because the last three plus weeks have been among the most bizarre and stressful in the history of American politics. At 1:45 PM EDT on July 21, 2024, Joe Biden put an end to the dread that many Democrats were experiencing by dropping out of the presidential race little more than 100 days before the election.  Six and one-half hours later we were recording this episode. We could not get everyone together for the discussion, but John and Jim cover a range of sub-topics related to the forthcoming battle for the presidency. Here's hoping we are back with another episode soon (sooner than 3 years anyway) and that Peggy, Shelly, and Beth are back as well!

John is still away on his approved sabbatical but Peggy is just AWOL. (The Court of Inquiry is considering a suitable punishment for her).  Beth and Jim are left to serve as Shelly’s interlocutors as she demonstrates her mastery of all facets of the human genome.  The conversation varies from the scientific to the philosophical (nature vs. nurture) to the intensely personal. It is likely to increase the endorphin levels of anyone who listens.

In addition to reflecting on the merits and meaning of International Women’s Day, all five of the gang talk about women who have inspired them personally. They also talk about what the future might hold for working women and women’s voices that have inspired them personally.

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The gang can see each other while they record (except for Peggy) but the video version has not yet arrived for our listeners.   But keep watching for it (except for Peggy). Shelly and Peggy have money matters on their mind before the main part of the discussion begins. During her Top Of Mind segment Shelly once more proves that her attention to detail can’t be rebutted. Beth rhapsodizes about fresh air and childhood memories of playing outside. Shelly relates tales of riding stables and her parents’ farm. Peggy feels that she is the perfect mix of loving both indoor and outdoor activities.  (She is perfection on her own terms). John expresses his joy for the street life of European cities and his disdain for the air quality in Shanghai. Like many discussions these days we all end up talking about the latest pandemic news and trends.

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Shelly starts things off by giving a fulsome introduction to her friend and co-worker, Rob.  She is so wrapped up in what she is saying that she has to be prodded to cue the Top Of Mind segment.  Rob recounts his many and various experiences as a theatergoer; discusses his work being a producer, and lists his five all-time favorite shows.  He also speculates about when Broadway will reopen and what changes may occur when it reopens.  During the Recommendations section, John and Beth bemoan sloppy book editing and Shelly proposes a rule that recommendations should not be trashed by fellow podcasters.

Recommendations:

Beth – Go Outside

Jim – The Eight Detective by Alex Pavesi (book)

John – Read International News

Peggy – (via Jim) The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (book)

Shelly – Mr. Selfridge (TV)

Rob Finch – In And Of Itself (play streaming on Hulu); American Son (play streaming on Netflix)

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Richard Tobin, who loves music (and has known John Heintz since the 1980s) picked Don’t You Want Me by The Human League and explains his selection by relating a funny story from his family life.  Peggy selected Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order because of her fond memories of dancing to it at the under-21 club. Shelly picked Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp and remembers listening to it while riding the bus to volleyball games during high school. Beth’s choice was The One I Love by R.E. M. The very first concert she ever attended she heard R.E.M. as the opening act for The Police. Jim picked Tainted Love by Soft Cell.  He explained the history of the song that was written by Ed Cobb, a member of the 1950s vocal group, The Four Preps. John selected Big Time by Peter Gabriel and expressed his disdain for nostalgia.

Links for the songs discussed are:

26 Miles by The Four Preps

Big Time by Peter Gabriel

Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order

Don’t You Want Me by The Human League

Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp

The One I Love by R.E.M.

Tainted Love by Soft Cell

Recommendations:

Beth - A June of Ordinary Murders by Conor Brady (Book)

Jim – Run (Movie)

John - Caste by Isabel Wilkerson (Book)

Peggy – Stay off Facebook

Shelly - Make matzo ball soup

Richard Tobin - The Song Remains the Same: 800 Years of Love Songs, Laments and Lullabies (Book)

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After the Top of Mind segment (including the question of whether or not Shelly should get a dog) the discussion focuses on the insurrection of Wednesday, January 6, 2021. John and Jim had discussed these events at some length in a previous episode so the primary discussion centers on the reactions of Beth, Peggy and Shelly. They all discuss the brief glow of victory from the Georgia results before it was spoiled by the attack on the Capitol. They also discuss the vaccine roll out including Peggy’s personal experience.  Richard Tobin offers a musical suggestion for a future episode. The recommendations are:

Beth – When You Find Me, a book by P.J. Vernon

Jim – The Honjin Muders, a book by Seishi Yokomizo

John - The War Of Art, a book by Steven Pressfield

Peggy - Cobra Kai series on Netflix

Shelly – The Dublin Murder Squad series of books by Tana French