the objective JERK

Ever wonder how the music that shaped your youth continues to resonate even as your perspectives evolve? In this deeply personal exploration, I take you through my decades-long relationship with Rage Against the Machine—from my accidental first encounter at Lollapalooza '92 to rediscovering their power as an adult with different political views.

My journey with RATM mirrors how our connections to formative music evolve throughout life. I share how I initially misunderstood their message, thinking they might be far-right based on their visual aesthetic, until their "Freedom" video opened my eyes. Their rhythm section—Brad Wilk's powerful drums and Tim Commerford's innovative bass lines—became the heartbeat of my musical development, influencing my own attempts at playing both instruments.

The musical tattoos running down my arm tell this story visually—each band representing chapters of my life and versions of myself. From Queen and Def Leppard to Alice in Chains and Rage, these permanent reminders showcase how music becomes intertwined with our identities. When I recently revisited Rage's catalog after years away, I was stunned to find myself rapping along to every word while my children stared in bewilderment, witnessing a dimension of their father they rarely see.

This episode examines the bittersweet experience of loving music whose politics you may have outgrown, finding the core elements that still resonate, and appreciating the educational impact bands like Rage had on expanding vocabularies and worldviews. What bands formed your musical DNA? How do you reconcile changing perspectives with the music that made you who you are? Join the conversation and share your own musical journey.

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Exploring the challenges of updating mountain bike equipment and adapting riding techniques to new gear while finding balance between physical activity, spirituality, and daily responsibilities.

• Transitioning from a 2008 Specialized Hard Rock frame to a newer Kenz frame with updated geometry
• Experiencing easier climbing with new frame geometry but dealing with frequent pedal strikes 
• Upgrading from 27.5" to 29" wheels to reduce pedal strikes while maintaining improved climbing ability
• Learning to time pedal strokes and anticipate terrain features to prevent pedal strikes
• Adding a dropper post for seamless transitions between climbing and descending sections
• Finding the perfect balance between mountain biking, attending mass, and accomplishing household tasks
• Comparing local food safety practices with experiences in the United States
• Reflecting on Pope Francis and speculating about potential successors

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The objective jerk shares his thoughts on how the liberal media is always trying to distort facts, in order to present President Trump in a negative perspective; and the media wonders why they are failing. Jerk also shares his experiences with infrastructure challenges and cultural differences while living in the Philippines, from mysterious popping sounds from his energy-draining Coca-Cola fridge to the complications of well water systems.

• Frustrations with biased media coverage of Trump at a funeral where many attendees wore navy suits
• Sunday spent campaigning for a local politician for six hours, requiring sustained social energy
• Challenges with the concept of "Filipino Time" where appointments mean "sometime today" with no specific hour
• Detailed explanation of well water issues including recent problems with rusted pipes and filtration systems
• Coffee cup collection diminishing due to breakage on tile floors, including a special mug from his mother

Contact me at [email protected] with your thoughts and feedback.

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I share my surprising Easter beach day experience, including discovering a beautiful resort with an infinity pool that sparked dreams of owning beachfront property.

• Family beach day turned unexpectedly enjoyable despite initial reluctance
• Resort discovery with infinity pool creating illusion of swimming in ocean
• Mountain biking mishaps with my son including overgrown trails
• Bicycle maintenance issues when my crank arm completely detached mid-ride
• Reflections on traditional vs. modern Catholic practices following the Pope's passing
• Concerns about gradual changes in Eucharistic traditions since Vatican II
• Observations about tech bias against Christianity in smartphone emoji suggestions

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I share my experiences attending Good Friday Mass and the unique traditions I've encountered at church in the Philippines. After three years of consistent attendance, I've found I prefer quieter Monday morning services to the packed Sunday crowds.

• Discussing my decision to temporarily stop drinking coffee to address podcast audio quality issues
• Detailing my recent mountain bike upgrades - essentially a complete overhaul with new frame, wheels, and components
• Explaining the technical challenges with my chain repeatedly coming off despite having the derailleur locked
• Reflecting on how modern bike components seem less reliable than the simple, bulletproof parts on my old bike
• Sharing my thoughts on current American racial tensions and media coverage
• Examining how entertainment like the show "Elementary" serves as both a welcome distraction and subtle influence
• Considering how living abroad provides perspective on American cultural and political issues

God bless, and I will see you guys next time.

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I share my honest thoughts on a recent Joe Rogan podcast featuring Dave Smith and Douglas Murray, where Murray's aggressive questioning tactics and insistence on "expert" voices fell flat. The episode sparked reflection on what makes a good podcast conversation and why authenticity matters more than credentials.

• Technical difficulties with GarageBand after a computer update erased my podcast settings
• Critique of Douglas Murray's argumentative approach on the Joe Rogan Experience
• Questioning what makes someone an "expert" and why credential worship is problematic
• How the COVID pandemic revealed the limitations of relying solely on "expert" opinions
• Personal reflections on serving in Iraq and questioning the war's justification
• Why Joe Rogan's authentic approach succeeds where more polished political podcasts fail
• Clarification about my dietary habits after a listener misunderstood my previous episode

Let me know what you thought about the podcast! Did you listen to that JRE episode? What did you think about my take? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

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The Objective Jerk shares an unfiltered look at his daily life in the Philippines while his wife visits Korea, covering everything from fast food differences to the challenges of caring for multiple dogs. 

• Adjusting to Filipino fast food options including McDonald's that serves spaghetti and rice
• The struggle to balance home maintenance with personal projects like building a bike stand
• Dealing with multiple dogs including a sick Shih Tzu that may need a blood transfusion
• Observations about how native Filipino dogs have stronger immune systems than imported breeds
• Managing heat intolerance that affects mood and decision-making
• Navigating cultural differences and language barriers even in routine interactions
• Contemplating whether to attend Palm Sunday services despite crowds and heat
• Finding comfort in familiar areas while still experiencing anxiety in new places

If you have thoughts about this episode, send me an email at [email protected] or leave a comment. God bless, and I'll see you next time.

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The Objective Jerk shares a surprising story about his Shih Tzu unexpectedly giving birth to puppies resulting from unintentional inbreeding, while reflecting on how people often rush to judgment without complete information.

• Previously rescued female Shih Tzu Gracie became pregnant by her own son despite attempts to keep them separated
• All five puppies were stillborn, likely due to complications from inbreeding
• Completed a woodworking project using stain that didn't match the preferred natural oil finish
• Media reporting often lacks context, as with the case of a man who left children at McDonald's claiming to be at a job interview
• Rising knife attacks in England demonstrate how banning weapons doesn't solve underlying problems
• Discussion of Russell Brand allegations highlighting how media often omits timeframes to create more sensational headlines
• Compares "liberal mentality" to choosing "the easy wrong over the hard right"

Remember to subscribe to hear more uncensored perspectives and observations on life as an expat in the Philippines.

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The Objective Jerk shares personal updates about local politics, mountain biking adventures, and reflections on Val Kilmer's passing and legacy.

• Local elections feel reminiscent of 1950s America with loudspeaker trucks, parades, and banners everywhere
• Frustration with road construction projects that prioritize appearance over actual road quality
• Recently upgraded to a new bike frame after buying a dropper post that didn't fit the old one
• New bike geometry makes climbing easier despite breaking a chain on the first ride
• Val Kilmer's passing at 65 from pneumonia after beating throat cancer
• Detailed walkthrough of Kilmer's career from Top Gun to Tombstone to The Doors
• Reflection on how The Doors movie is now older than the band was when the film released
• Criticism of modern Hollywood's declining writing quality
• Personal struggles with creative writing and experimenting with AI assistance
• Thoughts on aging when actors from your youth begin passing away

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The Objective Jerk returns after a busy break to share his latest adventures living in the Philippines, from well water challenges to an epic mountain bike upgrade saga.

• Well water in the Philippines is very hard, corrosive to metal, and filled with algae
• Living without reliable city water means using filtration systems and occasional cleaning with vinegar
• The family has adapted to Filipino-style "tabu" bathing using buckets rather than standing showers
• Plans for a proper well house with water softener will eventually support adding a dishwasher
• Impulsively buying the wrong size dropper post led to purchasing a completely new bike frame
• Finding quality mountain biking components in the Philippines requires research and persistence
• Creating an internal cable routing system required creative problem-solving with magnets and boot laces
• The new Kenz frame will allow for upgrading to 29-inch wheels in the future

If you have any stories about your own mountain biking adventures or questions about expat life in the Philippines, leave a comment or send me an email. God bless, I'll see you next time.

Reach me through “FAN MAIL” you can leave a comment or a voicemail.

Support the show

Again, thanks for hanging out with me! 

Please feel free to comment or send an email to [email protected]