The Barn Philosopher

The Barn Philosopher

By The Barn PhilosopherSociety & CulturePhilosophy
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The Barn Philosopher episodes

  • 99 - Are you the expert? Let’s Take a Step Back.
    In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby and Ridge take a hard look at what it means to be an “expert” these days. With the internet overflowing with advice, tutorials, and self-proclaimed gurus, how do we know who to trust? And what happens when the person with the most likes isn't the person with the most knowledge?
    Shelby shares a story about a well-meaning mistake—someone ignored expert advice in favor of an internet how-to with lots of views... and things didn’t go so well. We talk about the tension between healthy skepticism and outright dismissal, the danger of overconfidence, and the new digital age of polished, over-edited "expertise" that can hide the real work behind true mastery.
    Whether you're the expert, know one, or just Googled your way into a disaster—this one’s for you.
    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
    Don't forget to rate, follow, and share!
    32 min
  • 98 - Faith, Friendship, and a Few Forgotten Hymns
    In this roundtable-style episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby sits down with two of his favorite faith companions—his wife, Rita, and their friend Joan—for an open and honest conversation about the twists and turns of their spiritual journeys.
    What starts as a thoughtful discussion about belief, growth, and gratitude becomes both heartfelt and humorous. Shelby reflects on how Joan and Ridge have been steady guides in his and Rita’s path toward a deeper Catholic faith—not by preaching, but by simply walking alongside them. Joan admits that the support goes both ways, joking that being tested by Shelby and Rita has grown her own faith as well.
    Rita lovingly crowns herself and Ridge the “faith dumb-dumbs,” bringing levity and humility to the conversation. Joan shares a charming moment trying to remember a favorite hymn (spoiler: she mostly gets there), and Rita recalls how the hymns of her childhood—sung in a blend of Spanish and Guamanian—shaped her understanding of worship in a unique way.
    It’s a warm, funny, and genuine episode about faith, friendship, and the power of walking the road together—even if you forget a few lyrics along the way.
    Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
    Don’t forget to rate, follow, and share!
    37 min
  • 97 - The Man-tality Shift: Following Up on “Hey Man, Are You Okay?”
    Challenging the man-tallity. In this follow-up to Episode 54 – Hey Man, Are You Okay?, Ridge and Shelby revisit the challenge of guys asking each other the hard questions. But this time, the conversation runs deeper—not just about checking in, but about letting go.
    Ridge, in the thick of raising a young family, talks about the struggle of control and the surprising freedom he’s found in adopting a bit of Shelby’s “it is what it is” mindset. Meanwhile, Shelby reflects on his own season of fatherhood, navigating the emotional rollercoaster of adult children making grown-up decisions… some of them questionable.
    It’s a real and honest look at the evolving role of fatherhood, the importance of mental check-ins, and the humility it takes to let go of what you can’t control.
    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
    Don’t forget to rate, follow, and share—and maybe check in on a buddy while you’re at it.
    27 min
  • 96 - Back in the Barn Reunion: Fried Chicken, Family, and Fried Shelby
    In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge and Shelby reunite in the barn to debrief Shelby’s whirlwind adventure abroad. From Japan’s seafood and Korea’s unbeatable fried chicken to the blazing sun of Guam, Shelby shares the highs, the heat, and the hilarity of life near the equator.
    They talk food (cheap unless you overdo it on sushi and beer), family, and the simple joys of island time—including Ridge’s prized souvenir: a legendary Kmart Guam T-shirt.
    It’s a warm, funny, and occasionally sweaty recap of a trip full of flavor, friendship, and faraway fun. But in the end, there’s no place like the barn.
    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
    Don’t forget to rate, follow, and share—especially if you love fried chicken.
    37 min
  • 95 - Brake Job Baptism: Ridge Takes the Wheel
    In this hands-on episode of The Barn Philosopher, the barn becomes more than just a recording studio—it’s a garage. Ridge takes on the challenge of changing brakes for the first time, with Shelby as his mentor and mechanic-in-residence.
    While Ridge has dabbled in oil changes and lawnmower repairs, this is his first dive into real car work. Next on his list: changing oil on a full-sized vehicle. The brake job goes surprisingly well… until Shelby breaks a small part and has to order a replacement. (Spoiler: It’s not from our totally real sponsor, RockAuto.com—but we sure talk about them like it is.)
    From busted bolts to bonding, and more fake RockAuto plugs than actual repairs, it’s a classic barn episode full of learning, laughs, and a little grease under the nails.
    Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more.
    Don’t forget to rate, follow, and share—especially if you work at RockAuto.
    15 min
  • 94 - The Adventurous Life of Aunt Margie: From Acrobatics to Agriculture
    In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby sits down with Rita’s Aunt Margie during their trip to Guam for an unforgettable conversation that spans continents, decades, and one incredible life.
    With Rita joining for the intro and outro, we learn how Aunt Margie began her journey in an unexpected place—performing in a circus across Southeast Asia during World War II, entertaining troops as a child. Her family’s travels eventually landed them in Guam, where they made their home.
    Aunt Margie shares stories of her adventurous upbringing, her time living on the island of Yap, and her lifelong work as a botanist. From tropical plants to tropical places, this episode is rich with history, wisdom, and a glimpse into the extraordinary life of a true island original.
    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
    Don’t forget to rate, follow, and share!
    18 min
  • 93 - Rita’s Sister in Sync: Guam Grace, Nonprofit Passion, and a Family Conspiracy
    In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby sits down with his sister-in-law Juanita for a lively and meaningful conversation about life on Guam and the incredible work she does with local nonprofits—including Island Girl Power and one with a name Shelby can't quite pronounce (despite his best efforts).
    Juanita shares her passion for empowering young people, supporting community initiatives, and preserving the culture that shaped her. Rita and Shelby join together for the intro and outro, where Rita—of course—knows exactly what Juanita is talking about. This leaves Shelby mildly convinced there’s a family conspiracy to confuse him with fancy words and island lingo.
    It’s a blend of laughs, purpose, and island pride—with a few pronunciation stumbles along the way.
    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
    Don’t forget to rate, follow, and share!
    32 min
  • 92 - The Pearl of Guam: Carnival Rides and Demolition Drives
    In this special episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby shares a heartfelt interview with his mother-in-law, Pearl—recorded while visiting Guam. As a unique (and slightly strange) birthday gift, Rita joins him to listen back and reflect on her mom’s remarkable life, filled with warmth, grit, and unforgettable memories.
    Pearl paints a vivid picture of growing up in a quieter, simpler Guam and watching the island evolve through decades of change and growth. But her story isn’t just one of nostalgia—it includes unexpected highlights, like helping run the family carnival and earning the title of demolition derby champion. That’s right—Pearl didn’t just live life, she crashed through it with style.
    This episode is a celebration of resilience, relationships, and the wild, wonderful ride of life. From the midway to the motor pit, Pearl’s story is one you won’t forget.
    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
    And don’t forget to rate, follow, and share!
    39 min
  • 91 - Barn Insomnia: A Sleep Study in Two Parts
    In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, we drift into the topic of sleep—or the lack of it. Ridge opens up about his nightly struggles: tinnitus, tossing and turning, and waking up more times than he cares to count. He remembers far too much of the night that’s supposed to be forgotten.
    Meanwhile, Shelby reports no such troubles. His secret? Possibly an empty mind and a clear conscience—though Ridge might have a different theory. Shelby marvels at the way kids sleep, from the limp weight of their arms to their uncanny ability to snooze through anything short of an earthquake.
    It’s a conversation about rest, restlessness, and the strange places our minds go in the dark.
    Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more.
    Don’t forget to rate, follow, and share—unless you’re already asleep.
    32 min
  • 90 - From Cornfields to Korea: Shelby Checks In
    In this long-distance episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge rings up Shelby while he’s still abroad—this time calling from the comfort of the barn to the bustle of Busan, South Korea. The two catch up on Shelby’s time in Guam, reflecting on beach days, family time, and the kind of heat that sticks with you.
    Ridge, naturally curious, tries to pin Shelby down: Tokyo or South Korea—what’s better? But with two days left in the trip, Shelby isn't ready to commit. What he is ready to talk about? The beautiful grit, the friendly chaos, and the honest dirt of South Korea.
    Join the call from across the world and hear what happens when one Barn Philosopher leaves the barn—but keeps the conversations going.
    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
    Don’t forget to rate, follow, and share!
    33 min

About The Barn Philosopher

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Barn Philosopher—where life’s quirks, curiosities, and occasional absurdities meet thoughtful reflection and a good dose of humor.

Join Shelby and Ridge as they dive into the…