Today we discuss our recent church experiences, emphasizing simplicity, inclusivity, and unique practices. We delve into the importance of silence in life and faith, sharing personal anecdotes and ideas about integrating silence into everyday routines. Our conversation covers various church dynamics, the value of simple worship, and fostering moments of quiet reflection, concluding with a heartwarming note on rekindling family relationships (Larry got his mom back).

The Gift of Silence

[email protected]

#godinsilence #findinggodinsilence #contemplativeprayer #prayer #cac #fatherrohr #richardrohr #centerforactionandcontemplation #spiritual #faith #godtok #faithtalk #realfaith #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @dailymeditations @Smarticleshow @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Center for Action and Contemplation  The Smarticle Podcast 

Today we dive deep into the controversial trend of unschooling (release the Kraken), where children direct their own education without formal classes or curriculums. We discuss the origins of unschooling, its rise post-COVID, and the potential social and academic challenges it poses. We do an honest critique of the unschooling movement, highlighting the importance of structure in education while addressing concerns about the traditional school system's flaws. We pay special attention to perspectives on religious motivations for homeschooling and the influence of social media. The episode closes with a humorous take on our personalities and potential dinner party guest lists.

#unschooling #education #selfdirectedlearning #rollingstonemagazine #learning #mamionami #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 

https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

Today we discuss a USA Today article by Alyssa Goldberg about Gen Z experiencing tattoo regret, with a particular focus on the role of social media. We debate the permanence of tattoos, societal judgments, and personal experiences with body art, including a humorous exchange about Brandon's daughter's tattoo ideas. We emphasize the importance of considering long-term consequences before getting a tattoo and share differing viewpoints on the cultural significance and consumerism behind tattoo trends.

#tattoos #tattooregret #genz #badtattoos #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 

https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

Today we talk about the issue of the old 'dine and dash,' exploring its ethical ramifications, psychological impacts on restaurant staff, and different ways establishments can protect themselves from such theft. Larry and I rarely agree, but we both think anyone who dines and dashes is less than human. The episode also touches on broader themes of honesty, empathy, and societal norms. We also learn that Larry thinks that driving 100mph on a freeway in front of a school should not be a crime. 

#dineanddash #littlewhitecrimes #narcissism #cheating #breakingthelaw #diningout #restaurants #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 

https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

Today we talk about the complexities of social etiquette when dining out in large groups, focusing on the dilemmas of splitting the bill. We share personal experiences and perspectives, including stories of friends who handled bill-splitting poorly and those who did it generously. We discuss scenarios like arriving late to a meal, avoiding alcohol, and ordering shared appetizers, offering practical advice and highlighting the importance of clear communication and fairness. With humor and practical insights, this episode aims to guide listeners through the potentially awkward aspect of communal dining expenses.

Dining out with a big group? Learn the social etiquette of splitting the check

[email protected]

#aplittingthecheck #groupdinners #socialetiquette #dinnerout #dinngerwithfriends   #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 

https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

Today we  celebrate making it to Friday by diving into a heartfelt discussion about the importance of tears and grief in understanding God. The episode features a reflection on 'The Healing of Tears' from the Center for Action and Contemplation's Holy Lament series. We share personal anecdotes and emphasize the necessity of allowing oneself to grieve and cry as a path to healing, both spiritually and emotionally. We ask the question, why is it so hard for men to grieve and cry. The conversation underscores how weeping is integral to connecting with and processing the pain of the world, challenging societal norms that discourage emotional vulnerability, especially among men.

The Healing of Tears

[email protected]

#igrief #grieving #maletears #mengrieving #cac #fatherrohr #richardrohr #centerforactionandcontemplation #spiritual #faith #godtok #faithtalk #realfaith #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @dailymeditations @Smarticleshow @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Center for Action and Contemplation  The Smarticle Podcast 

Today we are very honored to have on the Smarticle Podcast, author and cultural advocate, Bobi Conn. Bobi shares her experiences growing up in rural Appalachia. Raised in a holler in Moorhead, Kentucky, Conn discusses the cultural and economic challenges faced by the region. She also shares personal anecdotes, including overcoming childhood poverty and abuse, and highlights the journey that led to her memoir, 'In the Shadow of the Valley.' Conn delves into the importance of nature, reading, and education in her path to success, offering inspirational insights into life in Appalachia.

The Demonization of Rural America 8 minute read Appalachia

[email protected]

#ruralamerica #appalachia #intheshadowofthevalley #bobiconn #bereacollege #bereakentucky #appalachianauthor #author #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 

https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

Today we (foolishly) dive into the complexities of modern dating, sparked by a viral TikTok video of a young woman sharing her nightmarish dating experience. We explore whether social media is a healthy outlet for sharing personal grievances and examine the broader implications of dating apps and the current state of relationships. Through a mix of humor and serious reflection, we discuss societal expectations, the challenges of finding a suitable partner, and the role of self-love in the dating journey.

#onlinedating #cryingontiktok #tiktok #tinder #dating #findingtherightperson #womenanddating @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 

https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

Today we dive into the fascinating and often misunderstood topic of Armageddon and eschatology. WE explore why some Christians are preoccupied with the end times despite scriptural advice to the contrary and discuss Isaac Asimov's optimistic views on humanity's future. We ask the question, "If Asimov could see it, why can't Christians?" Personal stories and historical examples, such as the Millerite movement, highlight the recurring nature of apocalyptic predictions. We conclude with a call to live in the present and focus on loving one's neighbor rather than worrying about the potential end of the world.

#armageddon #eschatology #isaacasimov #christianitytoday #endoftheworld #thesecondcoming #whatdidjesussay @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 

https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

Today we talk about how humor evolves as we age. Using research from data scientist Daniel Paris and various studies, we discuss the concept of a 'humor cliff' that suggests we laugh less as we get older but appreciate different types of humor. We share personal anecdotes about movies and shows like 'Anchorman,' 'Fletch,' 'The Simpsons,' and 'South Park,' highlighting how certain comedies hold up over time (Larry thinks that someone getting kicked in the nuts is still funny). We delve into the idea that humor requires self-awareness and the ability to see the absurdity in life, debating whether our sense of humor truly diminishes with age or just changes in nature.

How Does Our Sense of Humor Change With Age? A Statistical Analysis

[email protected]

#comedy #geriatrichumor #senseofhumor #funny #laughingasweage #laughingisgoodforyou #typesofhumor @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 

https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/