Hello, Earnest Mann here. Today I’m pulling back the curtain on the US military's new recruitment strategy—and let me warn you, it reads like satire... but it’s not. Starting mid-2026, the Armed Forces are shifting gears. We’re talking lowered ASVAB IQ requirements, reduced physical standards, and a whole new level of inclusivity that’s being marketed as progress—but smells a bit more like policy-by-committee.

The ASVAB test, formerly a gatekeeping tool to determine military roles based on aptitude, is being recalibrated. The new target IQ range? 60 to 75. Yes, you heard that right. This move allegedly solves two problems: it keeps the brain drain from sapping the private sector, and it ensures new recruits are, well, easier to manage. Think “don’t ask why, just comply” levels of docility. Apparently, that's now the ideal soldier profile.

Forget what you’ve seen in war movies. Physical standards are being dramatically reduced for both men and women, and the weight limit is going up by 40 pounds. Why? Because group cohesion apparently works best when nobody feels superior for being able to run a mile without collapsing. And if you think this is some kind of joke—well, I wish it was.

All of this is being spun as part of a “kinder, gentler” military. The recruitment funnel is being widened in the name of inclusivity, but the underlying message is clear: compliance over competence. Strength in numbers, not in ability. And if all goes to plan, we’ll end up with a force the Pentagon thinks could outshine even World War II’s enlisted ranks. No, seriously—they said that.

So what does this military transformation actually achieve? A larger, more malleable force that’s easier to manage but potentially less capable under pressure. The reduced entry standards might boost recruitment numbers, but at what cost to effectiveness, morale, and readiness? If nothing else, it’s a bold new chapter in military policy—or a bureaucratic fever dream, depending on how much faith you have left in institutions.

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show

Hello, Earnest Mann here. Today I’m painting a very appetizing picture of modern America’s eating habits and then asking a simple question. Why are we still wasting precious minutes deciding where to eat when that decision could be eliminated entirely? In this episode, I introduce what I believe is the inevitable evolution of fast food efficiency and consumer convenience. Entrepreneurs, sharpen your pencils. This is the billion dollar lunch idea you didn’t know you were craving.

We already worship at the altar of fast food chains like McDonald's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Arby's, Jack in the Box, Sonic, and Carl's Jr.. So why not stop pretending we enjoy choice and unify them under one glorious, centralized feeding facility? The Hogs Trough solves the exhausting problem of deciding where to eat by offering everything in one place. No thinking, no debating, no regret.

The Hogs Trough improves on the current system by eliminating indoor dining altogether. No tables, no bathrooms, and no awkward human interaction. You remain safely sealed inside your vehicle while food arrives with industrial precision. This is drive-thru efficiency perfected, designed for people who want lunch, not social interaction or unnecessary eye contact.

In the near future, robotic automation takes over food prep and drive-thru service. No attitude, no mistakes, no fragile human emotions. Service androids will politely thank you no matter how unhinged you become over missing sauce packets. Consistency, calm, and compliance. Everything customers say they want, whether they realize it or not.

Yes, a few stubborn independent restaurants may linger for a while. But between corporate efficiency and government partnership, the Hogs Trough will gently guide consumers toward the only sensible choice left. Progress has a way of removing obstacles, especially inefficient ones with nostalgia and character.

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show

Hello, Earnest Mann here. One thing I hear about constantly is the excessive cost of housing, and with the average home price hovering around 360K, I completely understand the frustration. So many of you listen to my show looking for real answers, not recycled nonsense. In this episode, I present a radical housing solution that challenges the entire concept of modern home ownership, and I believe it is something that not only can be done, but should be done.

For nearly 80 years, home ownership as the American Dream has been relentlessly pushed on the public. From the end of World War II until around 1975, that dream was achievable, even on a single income. I lived it. My father worked a union job at a steel mill, and that income paid for a home, a car, food, and savings. That world no longer exists, and anyone pretending otherwise is ignoring economic reality.

Workable solutions always require compromise. If you cannot accept that, then nothing changes. If you are sick of skyrocketing home prices, you must consider solutions that sound uncomfortable or even offensive at first. What I propose forces people to confront reality rather than cling to comforting illusions about ownership.

The only rational solution is to end private home ownership for the working class and convert housing into properties rented from banks and large financial institutions. I call this proposal Never Own a Home Again, or NOHA. Under this system, citizens are classified into citizens and subcitizens. Anyone earning under $1 million per year is a subcitizen and is legally barred from owning residential property.

There are no mortgages under NOHA. Mortgages are already a form of rent paid to banks, yet people falsely believe they own their homes. Until the final payment is made, the bank owns everything. NOHA eliminates that delusional thinking by making the truth explicit.

Under NOHA, subcitizens rent homes from banks or private equity firms indefinitely. They remain responsible for maintenance, repairs, and upkeep, because banks do not tolerate losses. When financial hardship hits, and it always does, the property is repossessed just as it is today, except now there is no illusion of lost equity or ownership.

This system protects banks, corporations, and those with multi-million-dollar incomes, while forcing working people to accept their economic position honestly. It is a solution that business, law enforcement, and financial institutions would fully support.

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show

Hey, it’s Earnest Mann. In this episode, I break down the brutal truth behind Tyson Foods’ 3,200 worker layoffs in Nebraska and expose the unexpected connection to the sudden firing of Matt Walsh, replaced by the eerily similar but lesser-known Juan Valdez. This isn’t just about job cuts—it’s about the profit-first mindset of corporate giants and how even loud conservative voices get replaced when they become too expensive.

I begin by unpacking what really happened with Tyson. It wasn’t that the plant was failing—it just wasn’t profitable enough. That’s the new corporate standard. I ask listeners to view this through an inhuman lens, where workers are seen as profit leeches—a phrase I use purposefully. The company is now turning to migrant labor, replacing union workers with desperate, low-wage individuals in a move that reeks of corporate psychopathy. All in the name of maximizing margins.

Now for the twist—Matt Walsh is being replaced by Juan Valdez, a Colombian businessman with a shocking obsession with Walsh. This guy didn’t just imitate Walsh—he became him. Fluent in English and Spanish, Valdez appeals to a broader demographic, boasts stronger charisma, and most importantly, he comes at a fraction of the cost. Valdez offers everything Walsh did, but better, and cheaper. For the media corporations looking to cut costs while keeping the same messaging machine rolling, this was an easy call.

What ties this all together? The values. Tyson Foods and Matt Walsh share the same profit-first, people-last philosophy. So it’s fitting that both situations are dictated by money, not morality. Walsh, despite his persona, is now on the losing end of the same game he championed—replaced by someone who does his act for less. No need for tears—Walsh is still rich. But it’s a poetic irony worth noting.

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show

Hello, Earnest Mann here! In today’s episode, I’m unpacking a real-life conversation at my local watering hole about property rights, government accountability, and the illusion of representation. A frustrated neighbor couldn’t get help with someone dumping on his land, and I told him straight: the problem isn’t just the government’s inaction — government itself is the problem.

I lay out how we've transitioned from being citizens to consumers, and how corporate interests have replaced your voice in government. If you're still expecting your elected representatives to act in your favor, you're living in a fantasy that ended back in the Eisenhower administration. I use the famous JFK quote — in reverse — to show how our expectations have been flipped. Your senator doesn’t serve you; they serve whoever paid for their campaign. Usually, that's corporate lobbyists, not people like you or me.

I get real about how Americans defend corporate brands more fiercely than their own freedoms. Politicians are just middlemen for the highest bidder, and the idea that they’ll prioritize your family over corporate interests is laughable. This episode is your wake-up call — stop expecting the system to change for you when it's designed to profit off you.

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show

Hey folks, Earnest Mann here. In this episode, I take a brutally honest and satirical look at modern therapy, mental health services, and the idea of emotional support for hire. Inspired by my own experience with a therapist, I unpack how psychoanalysis, though often portrayed as science, is in many ways more about business than breakthroughs. That realization led me to create something of my own: Rent-a-Friend.

I reflect on the irony that, although therapy didn’t improve my life, my financial support certainly improved my therapist’s. That's when it hit me — the relationship dynamic in therapy isn’t always about healing; it’s often about job security, not results.

Rent-a-Friend is my innovative, satirical solution to overpriced therapy. For less than half the price of a licensed psychotherapist, a client can spend two hours with me in a dimly lit bar, drinks included (at their expense of course). And yes — being a drinker is required. We lubricate the mind, open up, and I give them my “professional” insight. It's therapy... with a twist and a smile.

Like any respectable pseudoscientific service, Rent-a-Friend offers no guarantees. Clients sign away their rights, just like in traditional therapy. We even have safety protocols in place — including taking your car keys if you've had one too many, because Rent-a-Friend is a responsible fake therapist. It's all in good fun... and with just enough realism to make you think.

"Rent-a-Friend truly cares about you and wants to be your best friend forever." Maybe not scientifically proven, but damn if it doesn’t feel better than some licensed couch sessions.

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show

Hey folks, it's Earnest Mann here. I had a revelation that could change the entire trajectory of The Earnest Mann Show — I need a mansion. And not just for the status. This episode breaks down why a mansion isn't a luxury, it's a strategic investment in the future of this show and all of you who listen to it.

My 1,500-square-foot home doesn’t cut it. Picture this: press conferences in the East Wing, fine wine and cheese for Salem’s political elite, and the power to shape policy from my own estate. A proper 6,000-7,000 square-foot mansion on 8-10 acres would give me the credibility and capacity to host the movers and shakers of Oregon — where we could "strategize" on lowering their taxes while raising yours. All in the name of content creation, of course.

Now let's talk about the West Wing. This would be reserved for influential podcast guests like Joe Rogan, Matt Walsh, and Dr. Grande. You know the names. I need to wine, dine, and learn from these media icons, absorbing their strategies for success and expanding my reach — without, of course, changing a single ounce of my content or integrity.

If you think success breeds sellouts, consider Joe Rogan. He secured $5 million from Spotify over four years — and only slightly adjusted his show’s content. This proves what I’m trying to tell you: massive wealth doesn’t compromise content, it enhances it. And with your help, I can follow in his footsteps — mansion, guests, and all.

Sure, asking for a mansion might sound bold. But when you weigh the ROI of brilliance, entertainment, and thought leadership I can offer from such a place, it becomes a humble proposal. So, would you care for a nice glass of Italian Pino with your Brie?

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show

Hello, Earnest Mann here! After tossing a few bucks into the Salvation Army bucket outside Walmart, I was struck by a thought — one that became the theme of this episode. It’s the season of giving, and today, I ask a bold question: Who needs our help more than Elon Musk?

In classic Earnest Mann fashion, I use humor and sharp wit to highlight the absurdity of public perception around wealth, accountability, and the Cybertruck disaster. Despite being worth over $400 billion, Elon, I argue, is a modern-day underdog — plagued by lawsuits, product failures, and planetary misalignment. We look at issues like sharp edges, vehicle fires, and transmission failures, with tongue firmly in cheek, and ask: is this man not deserving of our compassion?

This episode is a satirical masterclass — drawing attention to how we sometimes idolize the ultra-wealthy while ignoring real suffering. I contrast the plight of the truly needy with the imaginary struggles of a tech billionaire, poking fun at corporate hero worship and misplaced empathy. It's also a subtle reminder to reflect on genuine giving, especially during the holidays.

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show

Hey, this is Earnest Mann. Today, I’m speaking from a place of real pain and reflection. This episode wasn’t easy for me to record — but it needed to be said. I’m addressing the tragic loss of Rob and Michelle Reiner, and what I believe could’ve possibly prevented it. If there’s any chance this message can save even one life, then it’s worth saying.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating outcomes of untreated and misunderstood Class B mental illnesses like dissociative disorder, psychopathy, and antisocial personality disorder. These aren't just academic terms. These are real-life dangers — and I know this from personal experience. I break down how these disorders differ from Class C conditions like depression and anxiety, which mostly harm the individual. Class B illnesses, however, often put others at serious risk.

If I had the chance to speak with Rob and Michelle Reiner about Nick, I believe they might still be here. I’m not a psychologist, but my life has given me knowledge forged through necessity. When it comes to people suffering from dangerous mental conditions, distance with compassion is often the safest route. Help from afar. Set hard boundaries. Never ignore the warning signs.

The system isn’t built to handle people like Nick. Instead of receiving proper treatment in a high-security mental health facility, he’ll likely end up in prison, which helps no one. This episode is about truth, prevention, and courage — not blame. I know it’s tough to hear, but pretending it’s not true helps no one.

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show

I would like to meet - both online and in person - individuals interested in discussing ideas on what really needs to be changed, to improve the quality of our lives.

So if you have a suggestion for an episode topic, or simply want to reach out to me for help, you can reach me via my website's contact page - https://theearnestmannshow.com/aboutcontact - and I will get back to you ASAP.

I'm not promising miracles, but my advice is often a hell of a lot better - and certainly cheaper - than a therapist!.

If you're interested in my new Incredible tote bag, which goes for a small donation for a very good cause - https://theearnestmannshow.com/earnest-stuff-vn9f-1qls - THANK YOU!

If you could throw a cup of coffee my way, that would ABSOLUTELY be appreciated! - https://ko-fi.com/earnestmann - THANK YOU!

You can also listen to any of my many previous episodes on my website at - https://theearnestmannshow.com/episodes

© 2020 - 26 The Earnest Mann Show