Reason Bound

Not all press is good press and these days most of it isn't. Award winning British journalist, Charles Thomson, returns to the Reason Bound podcast to speak with Ryan about media and politics. Topics include figures and movements led by those such as Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn, Bernie Sanders, and how the concept of "Fake News" is interpreted and propagated. If you want to change media, this is the prime discussion to get the paper rolling.

Joe Schmitt and Ryan discuss societal issues centered on drinking in the U.S. compared with Japan.

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Evading capture by Dr. Loomis, Holly Wilt returns to the Reason Bound podcast to talk with Ryan about several issues: A place they both worked, religion and a world created with evil, parents with special needs children and how some cope with supernatural reasoning, #blessed, and "locker room talk". On a lighter note, they also talk about Jamie Lee Curtis's return to Halloween, memories of H20 and Josh Hartnett, the difference between Jason X and Freddy v.s. Jason, and a discussion about everyone's favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers. There's also a bonus story at the end between Ryan and Holly that dates back to over ten years ago and the obvious clues Ryan gave Holly for her to have her epiphany. To anyone who downloads/listens/subscribes, Holly and Ryan think you've made this day a special day by just your being you. There's no person in the whole world like you, and they like you just the way you are. ^_–

Before Reason Bound launched and just prior to the 2016 US elections, Sean Curran recorded what were intended to be the first episodes with Ryan but ultimately were shelved. In this show Sean finally joins Ryan to review movements such as "Bernie Or Bust" and people's mindsets surrounding the election and candidates. As they both remark, we've never seen an election like what went down in 2016, and Sean and Ryan who had seen things differently in 2016 are now able to look back and discuss topics such as reliable information, the feeling of getting caught up in movements, and Sean reveals to Ryan for the first time what he ultimately did with his vote. As a longtime Eugene resident, Sean also discusses events surrounding the LGBT+ community there and why (in part) it's been difficult for a cohesive community to form in a city that thinks of itself as very progressive.

Award winning British journalist, Charles Thomson, returns to the Reason Bound podcast to discuss music from the Heartbreak Hotel. Charles and Ryan talk about Elvis Presley and what he did or didn't contribute to music as well as accusations against the man and movement being racist. Ideas about Elvis from Stevie Wonder to Three 6 Mafia are discussed and provide context of "The King" from contemporaries, people who came after him, and those who knew him before he burst onto the music scene. But first, Charles starts off with some great stories of James Brown including speaking to him at a press conference and the "Godfather of Soul" playing with him during a live performance from the stage. Other topics include Prince and Under The Cherry Moon, The Wiz, Michael Jackson and his discography, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, and how artists will be remembered through history.

Michael Hubbard served as a combat medicine technician in the United States Army. In this episode he discusses his time in the Army including what basic training was like, his drill sergeant, low stress v.s. high stress platoons, how guys would solve their issues with each other, his time in India with the Indian soldiers, issues living in a compound with Iraqi soldiers, his recognition for improving security perimeters and the private dinner he had with higher-ups including now Sergeant Major of the Army, Daniel A. Dailey as a result. Mike and Ryan then discuss the controversial topic of women serving in combat roles in which Mike gives his view into what types of problems could arise, things he saw while serving, and in which situations he would be for or against it. Thanks to Mike, this is an often hilarious and insightful podcast between two friends of nearly 17 years.

Manny Militello, whose speciality is in international consulting related to the middle east, rejoins Ryan in the second part of their War and Peace series to discuss the increasing isolationism of the United States in today's world. They discuss the country's isolationism historically from colonial days until the start of the second World War and its seeming return in a new way in modern times. Manny shares his thoughts on isolationism v.s. interventionism and the consequences of going too far in either direction. Another discussed resurgence from a past era is the "America First" narrative we've seen again under Trump. Other topics covered include progress made in U.S. society over the years, a unilateral foreign policy, a Brit's perspective on Hillary Clinton, what countries act as global and regional hegemons, and the League of Nations.

Joe Schmitt discusses an article in Psychology Today with Ryan about the effects of violent media on behavior. By age 9 Joe had been exposed to and consumed media with violent content in the form of video games and films such as Saving Private Ryan. It was also at this young age he was told the combination to his household's gun safe. We discuss the environment Joe grew up in, what he was taught about guns, his school's reaction to a creative writing paper, and being careful about jumping to single variables as the major factor in trying to explain the cause of violent behavior. Other topics include the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas and the difference in gun ownership in the U.S. compared with Japan. Ending on a lighter note and with Halloween approaching, they discuss Joe's top 5 most terrifying games to play.

The Red Pill documentary by Cassie Jaye is one of the more controversial documentary films to be recently released. It's caused such an uproar that Netflix has refused to carry it. From theredpillmovie.com the official synopsis reads: "When a feminist filmmaker sets out to document the mysterious and polarizing world of the Men's Rights Movement, she begins to question her own beliefs. The Red Pill chronicles Cassie Jaye's journey exploring an alternate perspective on gender equality, power and privilege." At Holly's request, Ryan watched the documentary so they could discuss the contents of the film. In this episode they cover The Red Pill documentary, the decision Holly made in whether or not to circumcise her infant, as well as the strange reasons people will give for defending barbaric practices such as the genital mutilation of girls and boys, amongst other topics.