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.

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In this episode of *The Barn Philosopher*, Shelby and Rita are back on the mic after their big international adventure. While they didn't manage to record in Guam (blame the beaches and the heat), they're making up for it with stories from that leg of the journey before they headed off to South Korea.

From reconnecting with family and friends to soaking in the sun (and sweat) of the island life, they reflect on the meaningful moments, vibrant culture, and what it’s like traveling in the tropics with a tight itinerary and a looser schedule.

Grab a cold drink and join us as we dive into the Guam chapter of Shelby and Rita’s unforgettable trip.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.

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In this episode of *The Barn Philosopher*, Shelby and Rita are back on the mic after their big international adventure. While they didn't manage to record in Guam (blame the beaches and the heat), they're making up for it with stories from that leg of the journey before they headed off to South Korea.

From reconnecting with family and friends to soaking in the sun (and sweat) of the island life, they reflect on the meaningful moments, vibrant culture, and what it’s like traveling in the tropics with a tight itinerary and a looser schedule.

Grab a cold drink and join us as we dive into the Guam chapter of Shelby and Rita’s unforgettable trip.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.

Don't forget to rate, follow, and share!

In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge turns the tables and quizzes Shelby on food facts—and let’s just say the results won’t earn anyone a Michelin star. But as the laughter flows, both hosts agree: you don’t have to be an expert to love something. Shelby confesses he’s not a foodie, just a food enthusiast. The kind who may not know the origin of a dish, but definitely knows how to enjoy it.

From fast food flops to flavor-filled favorites, we celebrate the simple joy of eating—no culinary credentials required.

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Let me know if you'd like a more humorous or more reflective version!

In this solo episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge takes the mic while Shelby treks across the globe on his big adventure. With the barn a little quieter than usual, Ridge reflects on the role of technology—not as a flashy distraction, but as a meaningful tool to make life better. From gadgets to platforms, we explore the idea that just because something is new or impressive doesn’t mean it’s useful.

Whether you're a digital minimalist or a tech junkie, this episode invites you to think about how you’re using the tools at your disposal—and whether they’re helping or hindering your real life.

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In this special travel edition of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby and Rita kick off their big adventure in none other than Ginza, Tokyo. After a full day of walking (and even more eating), they sit down to reflect on their first and only full day in Japan’s capital.

From navigating the quiet politeness of Japanese culture to the thrill of trying unfamiliar foods, Shelby and Rita share their impressions, laughs, and a few travel hiccups along the way. It’s a heartfelt, lighthearted look at stepping outside of your comfort zone—and into a convenience store with 12 kinds of bottled tea.

Join them as they begin their journey far from the cornfields and closer to the neon-lit chaos of Tokyo.

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In this solo episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge takes the mic alone to explore one of Shelby’s favorite subjects: the seven deadly sins. With Shelby away (and probably being ironically envious.), Ridge breaks down the classic vices—pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth—and offers reflections on how they show up in daily life.

But it doesn’t stop there. Ridge also turns the conversation toward the antidotes: the seven heavenly virtues—humility, charity, patience, kindness, chastity, temperance, and diligence. With thoughtful insights, some dry humor, and the peaceful absence of Shelby’s emotional interruptions, this might just be one of Ridge’s best solo turns yet.

Tune in for a quiet, contemplative journey through human weakness, spiritual strength, and everything in between.

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ADVENTURE TIME! In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge flips the script and interviews Shelby before he sets off on a big international adventure. With Tokyo, Guam, and South Korea on the itinerary, Shelby shares what he’s looking forward to most—especially the food. From sushi in Japan to family meals in Guam and spicy dishes in Seoul, this trip is less about sightseeing and more about eating his way across the Pacific.

We also talk a little about the cultural expectations, family connections, and how Shelby plans to embrace the journey (and survive the jet lag).

Pack your bags and join us for this pre-trip episode full of anticipation, laughs, and a little envy.

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In this heartfelt episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby sits down with his wife, Rita, for a reflective conversation on what truly holds value in life. As they navigate the challenges of parenting adult children who seem drawn to materialism, the two open up about their own evolving perspectives.

With age and experience comes clarity—and for Shelby and Rita, it’s clear that relationships far outweigh riches. Whether it’s within family, friendships, or work, meaningful connections have proven to be the most lasting and rewarding investments.

They also discuss the discomfort of watching others flaunt their wealth while they’ve chosen a quieter path—one rooted in appreciation, presence, and humility.

Tune in for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about what it means to live a life of substance, not just success.

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In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby sits down with Ridge’s wife, Joan, for a lively and enlightening conversation about common misconceptions surrounding the Catholic faith. From misunderstood traditions to pop culture myths, Joan brings clarity, insight, and a good dose of grace to the table—while Shelby asks the questions many are too afraid (or too confused) to ask.

Whether you're Catholic, curious, or just confused, this episode offers a respectful and approachable deep dive into what the Church actually teaches—and what it doesn’t.

Listen in as Joan kindly sets Shelby straight (and maybe you, too).

Available now on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.

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