The Barn Philosopher

The Barn Philosopher

By The Barn PhilosopherSociety & CulturePhilosophy
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The Barn Philosopher episodes

  • 60 - From Filth to Fortune: The Jobs That Pushed Us Forward
    We’ve all had those jobs—the ones that test your patience, your sanity, and your willingness to ever set foot in that industry again. In this episode, we dive into the worst jobs we’ve ever had, from cleaning septic tanks to scrubbing potatoes by the ton.
    Some say tough jobs build character, others say they just make you desperate for an exit strategy. We talk about what we learned, how these experiences shaped us, and why sometimes the worst jobs teach the best lessons.
    Tune in for stories of hard labor, rancid waste, and the motivation to aim higher. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more!
    18 min
  • 59 - THINKING: Ridge’s Rulebook for Better Conversations
    In this episode, Ridge unveils his latest invention—an acronym that just might change the way we communicate. THINKING isn’t just something we do, it’s a guide for how we should approach conversations.
    We break down what it means to be Thoughtful, Honest, and Humble, why some words are more Necessary than others, and—well, you’ll have to tune in to hear the rest.
    Join us as we explore the power of words, the impact of how we speak to others, and why Ridge believes this simple idea could make a big difference.
    Listen now on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, and more! Rate, follow, and share!
    33 min
  • 58 - Lent, Fish, and a Cup of Tartar: A Fishy Business Adventure
    "On the Road: The Great Fast Food Fish Sandwich Sacrifice"
    For the first time ever, we hit the road for a Barn Philosopher field trip—on a mission we’re already regretting. It’s Lent, which means it’s time to embrace the age-old tradition of suffering... by eating fast food fish sandwiches.
    The problem? We both despise fish.
    Armed with questionable judgment and way too much tartar sauce, we brave the drive-thru in search of the least terrible option. Will we find an edible fish sandwich? Or will this experiment test our faith in both fast food and humanity?
    Join us for bad decisions, food reviews, and a road trip filled with regret. Listen now on Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more! Don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe.
    1 hr 55 min
  • 57 - The Cross and Courage: Who Has Been Rewarded for Ultimate Sacrifice?
    Welcome to one of the first recordings of The Barn philosopher.
    People have given their lives for all kinds of reasons—some noble, some questionable, and some downright strange. So when we talk about Jesus’ crucifixion, was it an act of ultimate courage, or was it simply inevitable?
    In this episode, Shelby quickly regrets his thoughts as The Barn Philosophers dive into the idea of sacrifice, comparing Jesus’ death to others throughout history who have died for far less.
    It’s a conversation about faith, courage, and what it truly means to give up everything. Join us as we question, debate, and (as always) get a little sidetracked along the way.
    Listen now on Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more! Don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe.
    31 min
  • 56 - State of the Podcast Union: What’s Next for The Barn Philosopher?
    It’s time for a State of the Podcast Union.
    In this episode, we take a step back to reflect on where The Barn Philosopher has been and where it’s headed. We talk about our favorite episodes, the moments that made us laugh the hardest, and even a few recordings that were way too controversial to ever see the light of day.
    What do we want from this podcast? More laughs? Deeper conversations? Fewer cancel-worthy moments? (Maybe.)
    Join us as we take a behind-the-scenes look at the past, present, and future of The Barn Philosopher.
    Listen now on Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more! Don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe.
    39 min
  • 55 - Lent: Misery Loves Company (and a Side of Fish)
    Lent is here, and for some of us, that means fasting, sacrifice, and… eating fish.
    Shelby doesn’t do much for Lent besides reluctantly suffering through fish dinners. Ridge, on the other hand, takes it a step further with fasting—though he once gave up drinking for Lent and tried to cash in on the “Sunday loophole” by telling his wife he was going to drink all day.
    But beyond the food and fun, there’s something to be said about penance. Maybe there’s a reason suffering—even in small ways—makes us feel better about ourselves. Maybe discipline, sacrifice, and a little struggle help put things into perspective. Or maybe we’re just making ourselves miserable for no reason.
    Join us as we talk about Lent, self-denial, and why we keep coming back to traditions we don’t always love.
    Listen now on Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more! Don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe.
    26 min
  • 54 - Hey Man, Are You Okay? A Challenge for Every Guy
    In this episode, we’re throwing out a challenge: Ask your guy friends if they’re okay.
    Men aren’t always great at talking about their feelings. We’ll joke about sports, cars, or the latest nonsense, but when it comes to the real stuff—stress, struggles, or just life in general—we tend to keep quiet.
    And maybe that’s because the world is changing. Historically, men had clear roles—provider, protector, leader—but today, those expectations aren’t as defined. Modern life has shifted what it means to be a man, and a lot of guys are left wondering where they fit in. That uncertainty can be isolating, and sometimes, all it takes is someone asking the right question to open up a real conversation.
    So here’s the deal: reach out to a buddy, check in, and have a genuine talk. You never know who might need it.
    Join us as we dive into why this matters, share our own experiences, and—of course—get a little sidetracked along the way.
    Listen now on Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more! Don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe.
    28 min
  • 53 - Media interests of The Barn Philosophers: From Frazier to Y’s…
    This Sunday on The Barn Philosopher we dive into what’s been keeping us entertained—whether it’s worth our time or just a distraction.
    Shelby doesn’t read anything but blueprints, but he’s been binging Frasier in a noble (or misguided) attempt to make himself smarter. Meanwhile, Ridge is deep into an impossibly difficult book and playing some truly bizarre Japanese games.
    From classic TV to challenging reads and the weirdest corners of gaming, we break it all down with plenty of laughs along the way. Join us for unfiltered takes on the media we’re consuming—whether it’s highbrow, lowbrow, or just plain questionable.
    Listen now, wherever you find great podcasts! Rate, Like and Subscribe. Be sure to drop us an Email with your favorite books, movies, games, or whatever you fancy.
    16 min
  • 52 - First World Problems: Picky Eaters and a Lost Episode
    Welcome back to The Barn Philosopher. In this episode, Ridge and Shelby tackle a classic first-world problem—picky eaters. Specifically, kids who turn their noses up at perfectly good food. Ridge shares the struggles of parenting kids who refuse normal meals, sometimes choosing to go to bed hungry instead. As two people who love food, it’s tough to watch!
    But there’s more to this episode than just food talk. This is actually a re-record because Shelby... well, let’s just say he had a little too much fun the first time and doesn’t remember a thing. He’s very sorry—but also throwing down a challenge. If this episode hits 100,000 listens, we’ll release the original recording—unedited, unfiltered, and probably cancel-worthy.
    So, if you’re curious (or just love food as much as we do), hit play, share with a friend, and let’s see if we can make it happen!
    1 hr 6 min
  • 51 - Baby Shower or Beer Fest? The Diaper Party Loophole
    This week on The Barn Philosopher, Shelby and Ridge dive into a topic that many guys secretly (or not so secretly) dread—being roped into “girl events.” From baby showers that go beyond the first kid to the rise of diaper parties (aka an excuse for guys to grill and drink) and the ever-growing spectacle of gender reveals, the hosts unpack the social expectations placed on men when it comes to these gatherings.
    Shelby isn’t thrilled about attending, even when the invite comes with good intentions. Ridge tries to make sense of it all, questioning whether these events are about the celebration or just a creative way to get friends together.
    Should guys have to show up for every baby-related milestone, or is there a limit? Are diaper parties the ultimate compromise? And do gender reveals really need pyrotechnics? Join us for a lighthearted but honest conversation about the changing landscape of social events for men.
    Grab a drink, light your pipe and get ready for some first class anger.
    17 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…