Whispering Pirate Podcast

Whispering Pirate Podcast

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Whispering Pirate Podcast episodes

  • An Open Letter to Those Who Repeat the Lies — and Sometimes the Truths — About What Cannot Change
    To whom it may concern, And I do mean whom, because I don’t know you all by name — just by the echo of your voices in systems, comment threads, and conversations where something vital is always just out of reach:There’s a particular kind of damage that doesn’t come from war or wounds, but from the repetition of ideas long since detached from meaning. From phrases like “that’s just the way it is” passed down like a family heirloom no one ever wanted. From protocols that protect institutions at the expense of the people they were built to serve.I’ve been through enough to recognize when something’s broken — and I’ve lived long enough to know that sometimes, even when it can be fixed, folks would rather swear it can’t.This is for you. The ones who repeat those lies — and yes, sometimes truths — about things that “cannot change.”I’m here to say they can. Not everything, not all at once, not without loss. But enough to matter.I’ve been 20 years out of uniform, and yet every attempt I make to get the kind of help I was promised feels like running headfirst into a wall built by paperwork and shrugging strangers. I’m grateful to the VA for what it has done — I truly am — but that doesn’t mean I’m blind to the things it still refuses to look at clearly. If you’ve ever tried asking for help and ended up treated like the problem instead of the person, then you already know what I mean.And still — I’m not bitter. I don’t want revenge. I want resolution. I want real conversations, not rehearsed ones. I want policies made with humanity in mind, not just liability.So I’m inviting you — yes, you — to read my blog. Not because I think I have every answer, but because I’m willing to be challenged.If I’m wrong about something, show me. But do it with something better than ego. Come at me with reason. Teach me something I don’t know in a way that helps both of us come out better on the other side. I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong — I’m afraid of a world where no one is allowed to be.Because this country? It doesn’t get better by one side “winning.” It gets better when we listen. When we show up. When we build something instead of tearing each other apart just to feel right for five damn seconds.There’s no moral high ground in a cratered battlefield. There’s no honor in silencing truth with dogma. And there’s no future in a system that punishes the people who try to heal it.If you work in one of those systems, and someone comes to you for help that you don’t believe is possible — move out of the way. You don’t have to feel bad. You don’t have to fight. Just make room for someone who can help. Because too many good people are being crushed under the weight of "impossible."That word has cost us enough.Look — when you're an asshole, everyone thinks you're an asshole. When you're nice, they wonder what you’re hiding. But when you're supposed to be an asshole and you don’t give it to them? That’s when people start squirming. Because if you keep your head and do what’s right, the mirror flips. They're the asshole now. And that’s what haunts them.So here's the secret: Never be the asshole if you can help it.Yeah, we curse like sailors in this kind of talk. But don’t get it twisted. There’s a difference between a cursing asshole and a cursing sailor. A sailor knows how to curse without stirring the water. If you don’t, shut up.With respect, frustration, hope, and a stubborn refusal to give up, Respectfully, “B” from the whispering pirate podcastComments open. Respectful disagreement encouraged. Real dialogue welcome.

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    12 min
  • Eating Colors of Light
    Yes—light matters. And you’re absolutely onto something.U🌱 You Are What Your Food SawHow Light Spectra Shape Plants—and Possibly Your HealthWe often hear “you are what you eat,” but what if it’s deeper than that? What if you’re also what your food saw—specifically, the light it was exposed to during growth?🌞 Natural Light: Nature’s BlueprintIn nature, plants grow under the full spectrum of sunlight, which changes throughout the day and across seasons. This dynamic light exposure influences plant growth, nutrient composition, and the production of phytochemicals. For instance, varying light conditions can affect chlorophyll synthesis, tissue growth, and stomatal movement in plants .💡 Artificial Light: Controlled Growth, Altered CompositionModern agriculture often employs artificial lighting, especially in vertical farming and greenhouses. LED lights allow for precise control over light spectra, enabling year-round cultivation. However, this controlled environment can lead to differences in plant composition. Studies have shown that plants grown under specific LED light spectra can have altered levels of antioxidants and other phytochemicals .⏰ Circadian Rhythms: The Human ConnectionOur bodies operate on circadian rhythms—24-hour cycles influenced by environmental cues, primarily light. Light exposure affects hormone production, sleep patterns, and metabolism. Disruptions to these rhythms, such as exposure to artificial light at night, can lead to health issues like sleep disorders and metabolic disturbances .🥦 Eating in Sync with NatureConsuming plants grown under natural light conditions might help maintain our internal clocks. These plants carry the “imprint” of natural light cycles, potentially supporting our circadian rhythms. On the other hand, plants grown under artificial lighting might lack these natural cues, possibly affecting our body’s perception of time and seasonality.⸻📝 ConclusionWhile more research is needed to fully understand the implications, it’s clear that the light environment of plant growth affects not only the plants themselves but potentially our health as well. Considering the source of your food—including how it was grown—could be another step toward holistic well-being.⸻Note: This blog post is for informational purposes and reflects current research findings. Always consult with health professionals for dietary and health advice.

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    17 min
  • Don’t Overthink: Buy the Shirts and Socks.
    Don’t Overthink It. Just Buy the Damn Socks.Look, this isn’t some overproduced influencer pitch telling you what to wear while hiking Machu Picchu with a coconut water in one hand and a GoPro in the other. This is about comfort. Real comfort. Dry, warm, odor-free comfort. The kind that comes from Merino wool socks and T-shirts—not from whatever bargain-bin cotton crap you’ve been torturing your feet with.Just a reminder so you don’t miss out or forget: scroll all the way to the bottom, click the link, and scroll again through the article until you hit the list of preferred products. Then click the Merinotech link. Feel zero guilt even if you put it on credit—not because you should be using credit irresponsibly, but because that’s just how good it feels to have the right socks on deck all year round.They make them in thinner versions too, in case you’re worried about bulk. Plenty of lengths to match your vibe, boo no matter the season. You could read a dozen blog posts about this. You could scroll Reddit threads and Redditor arguments about sock density and fiber weaves. You could get into a whole debate with your inner voice about whether you really need to spend a few extra bucks.Or—and hear me out here—you could just click the damn link and buy the socks. The ones I’ve used. The ones that kept my feet dry running through puddles in the winter. The ones that somehow stay warm when it’s freezing and cool when it’s hot. That’s Merino wool for you: hydrophobic magic that makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, your feet finally got the respect they deserve.I’ve worn some of my Merino-blended socks for six years. You’d barely know it. Try that with a pair of cotton socks. Actually don’t—unless you like holes, soggy heels, and foot funk that’ll have you side-eyeing your own shoes.And if you’re still stuck in decision-making hell, I got you. Click the article. Go straight to the list. Pick the Merino wool T-shirts and socks. Trust the guy who wears a clown nose more often than not. Toss them in your cart, check your size, and treat your feet better than they’ve ever been treated. Go ahead and buy whatever else you had in your cart too while you’re at it.Because here’s the truth: there’s a bunch of noise out there. Polarized nonsense. People trying to shout you into buying whatever they’re pushing. This ain’t that. This is just the good stuff, plain and simple.And between you and me? When someone buys through my link instead of Joe Schmucatelli’s? I call that a win.

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    5 min
  • Love the Living
    An Argument for Being Here, TogetherThere’s a strange comfort in talking to the void—until you realize the void might be listening. And if someone is listening, then maybe this isn’t just a whisper into nothing. Maybe it’s a lifeline.This recording is one part reflection, one part invitation. It’s about something so basic we sometimes forget it takes courage: loving the living.See, it’s easy to honor the dead. We speak softly at funerals, place flowers, write moving tributes. But the living—especially the ones we care about—can be messy. They disappoint us, confuse us, challenge us. They don’t always show up on time or say the right thing. They come with inconvenient timing and complicated needs. But they’re here. They’re still breathing. And they matter.What if we tried honoring people before the eulogy? What if we didn’t wait until someone was gone to say, “You changed me,” or “I see you,” or just “Hey, I’m glad you’re around.”Loving people while they’re alive means choosing vulnerability over perfection. It means reaching out, even if your voice shakes. It means letting someone matter to you even if there’s no script for what comes next.Not because they’re flawless. But because they’re still trying. And so are you.So if you’ve got someone in your life who matters—tell them. If they cross your mind more than once, say it. Not for the drama. Not for the performance. But because life is short, and love is worth practicing.That’s all this episode really is. A bit of love practice. A little moment to say: you, dear listener, matter. Not someday. Not if you get it all right. Now.Let’s start there. Let’s love the living.

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    19 min
  • The Enemy Within:
    The Enemy Within: Are We Living in a Black Mirror Episode?Something's seriously messed up with how we see the world, and I think this Black Mirror episode might explain why...Just had this thought rattling around my brain – remember that Black Mirror episode? The one where soldiers had those tech implants, making their enemies look like monsters?It got me thinking: is it possible that the constant barrage of mainstream news, or maybe even just our cell phone tech, is doing something similar to us? Like, literally making us incapable of seeing the actual reality playing out right in front of our faces?Sounds a little out there, right?But honestly, I think it's 100% happening, and it's happening right now, for freaking sure.It feels like people are trapped in this oppressive mind virus, this web of socially constructed "otherness."It's like that story about the elephant that's tied to a small stake after being trained – it never realizes it could just walk away. We're the elephant, and this feeling of restraint, this inability to see our own power, feels totally artificial.Who's Holding the Rope? Maybe It's Not Who You Think.And who's holding the rope? Maybe it's not some big, scary monster. Maybe it's more like a fucking Smithers from The Simpsons – someone who, on the surface, doesn't seem like a huge threat.But think about it: someone like that has a lot to lose. They have serious skin in the game in ways we don't, just trying to live our daily lives.But on a massive scale, their actions create these grand, messed-up situations.And they know we're the ones with the power. If they can keep us in the dark, they'll fight tooth and nail to keep it that way.Staying Calm in the Face of the UnknownAnyway, you know how it goes – I record something, and then when I try to write it up, my thoughts are just all over the damn place, barely connecting.But stick with me here. Because anytime you feel like I'm just spewing nonsense, you can go look some of this stuff up yourself and see if it clicks for you.But here's the thing I really want you to remember: whether I'm right or wrong doesn't actually matter as much as the fact that I'm showing you an example of staying calm when you have absolutely no idea if what I'm saying is true.And let's be real, you've probably been conditioned to get pissed off at people who are "wrong" in a certain way.It's probably a good thing I'm not right all the time, because then you'd just be mad at me, and I don't want that.It's Not About Being Right, It's About Moving ForwardI don't even care if you believe "the truth" or not. By the time you figure it out, it'll probably be old news and not even helpful anymore.We've got so much actual work to do that doesn't depend on everyone knowing some specific "truth," so can we just quit it with the constant need to convince everyone?If people don't want to hear it, fine. If they're your friends, maybe gently suggest they consider some different perspectives, because the ones they're clinging to might not be serving them.Questioning Everything, Even What You Hold DearI got a chance to watch a little "extra TV" recently – if you know what I mean, cool. If not, no big deal.But it really hit me: none of the stuff on TV (that isn't intentionally for your enjoyment or already known to trigger certain feelings) is actually there for you in a genuine way.And I'm even gonna go there and say your version of the Bible, or whatever your foundational belief system is, can be bullshit too.Because if you can't step outside those lines long enough to see if you're in a trap – a trap that could have been set a long time ago without you even realizing – well…The good news is that nobody's talking about anything you actually need to worry about here.And if you do think there's something to worry about, maybe check your sources and make sure your head's on straight, because we care about you and want everything to be okay.Come back to your people.What do you think? Are we all lives in our own version of that Black Mirror episode?

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    37 min
  • Cursing Sailors Pray Too
    Before you start understand that I’m kind of doing a thought experiment here, but I am also offering a perspective on what most people would’ve never ever thought of as one of the most evil things that could’ve ever been done, and I think if we actually sat down and did all the counting, pound for pound it might actually be close. So don’t look at me sideways don’t sneer it when I’m offering just to consider it. I realized it was inappropriate to post a lengthy, detailed response on someone else's Facebook feed, effectively hijacking their post. While I felt compelled to address inaccuracies or misinterpretations in their content, it wasn't the right venue. I'm not trying to criticize anyone's personal choices or beliefs. My concern was about the delivery of information in a shared space.I'm looking for a more suitable platform to share my thoughts and connect with people who appreciate my perspective. I acknowledge my language can be rough, and today's recording had its share of strong language. However, I believe the core message has value.If you support this podcast financially, I welcome feedback and suggestions for improvement. While I won't be controlled, I'm committed to presenting myself more professionally for those who invest in my work. Currently, I'm self-funded, but I believe my content is worth sharing.I hope you find my content insightful. Please share your thoughts in the comments, even if you criticize my language. Financial support alongside your feedback is greatly appreciated. If you disagree with my message, please offer constructive criticism so I can learn and grow. I'm not interested in unproductive or disrespectful commentsSo anyway, somebody was asking on Facebook. They didn’t ask directly, but basically the question asked me who the most evil dudes in history are, and I'm dead serious: it's the Food Pyramid guys. Yeah, those cats. Forget your Hitlers and Stalins; those guys were amateurs. They were loud and obvious. The Food Pyramid crew? They played the long game. They got you thinking a mountain of grains was healthy, while they were slowly turning you into a sugar-burning, insulin-spiking mess.Think about it: they gave you 'advice' that shortened your lifespan, and they did it so slick, nobody can pin it on 'em. It's like a slow-motion murder, disguised as 'healthy eating.' And they've been doing this since before most of these 'experts' with their fancy degrees even knew what real civilization looked like. They knew what that grain-heavy diet would do. Just like they know what a noose does to a neck or a bullet does to a chest.Back then, there was already enough research to know the Food Pyramid was a death sentence disguised as a healthy plan. If you were chowing down Wheaties because you saw MJ on the box, and now you're battling insulin resistance, do yourself a favor: dig into why I'm saying this. They wouldn't have let Jordan touch that cereal if they actually cared about his health.The 20th century was a masterclass in global manipulation. World War I and the Spanish Flu? That was like a twisted economic experiment. They realized they could profit off millions dying early, and nobody would even notice the fire. That's why I'm saying "Porno For Pyros" in this context. It's that feeling of realizing how messed up things can be, hidden in plain sight.And don't even get me started on the medical industry after COVID. They saw those profits, and they weren't about to let 'em go. They lowered the cancer detection thresholds, scared everyone into buying more drugs and treatments – all while pushing the same crappy diet from the Food Pyramid. Those cytokine storms from COVID? They were fueled by that grain-heavy, sugar-loaded diet.I'm no doctor. I'm just a clown who pays attention. Normally, I'd keep my mouth shut. But you asked, so I'm telling you. Don't take my word for it. Hit the books. Read more than just the back of a cereal box. Then maybe you'll see what I'm saying. Hell, I'm only saying this under the guise of 'dark comedy' and 'total fiction' because nobody would believe it otherwise.They'd never let that much truth slide out of a "credible" source. And me? I'm just a clown with a target on my back. So, yeah, how you like them grits?

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    13 min
  • To know a sailor…
    I love the guitar center. When I’m famous I’m gonna bring lunch, as long as I’m not dead first! I usually don’t play the forbidden riffs or whatever. I’m more of a sound experiment at large .

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    57 min
  • Before You (Panic) into Crypto. Part 1p
    It always feels like I’m capturing thoughts that might be profound to someone else, so I’ve started recording more raw, unrefined moments—offering you what I wouldn’t always remember to hit record for or bother repeating. This is the first part of my “What You Might Want to Know About Crypto”—straight off the top of my head.Everything I say here comes from something I’ve personally experienced. There’s almost nothing in this podcast that’s just me rambling for the sake of it. This is real. This is from my failures. This is from me to you. I hope you find something useful.It’s nice hearing people talk about market projections or technical analysis for some random crypto coin. But none of that matters if you don’t know how to get in and out of the market or understand the costs, risks, and processes involved. When you’re focused on getting rich, taxes are probably the last thing on your mind. But if you join a crypto platform and have no clue how to pull your tax info later, you’re setting yourself up for a hard lesson. Trust me—you’ll end up looking in the mirror, calling yourself an idiot, trying to figure out what went wrong.I’ve spent thousands of dollars paying for trading ideas and jumped in headfirst because I trusted the people charging me that much. And here’s the kicker: nobody tells you upfront about the fine print—what happens at the end of the day when the dust settles. That’s not a trading strategy; that’s just a good rule for investing smart—pants on or off—but making sure you’ve got pants to come back to.Simple advice: stick to a well-known, relatively secure exchange, and avoid meme coins with no real purpose. Don’t let some paid YouTuber hype you into something just before the developers cash out and leave you holding the bag. Instead, if you want solid guidance, I highly recommend checking out “Crypto Lifer” on YouTube. I’ve never paid for his services, but I’ve learned a lot from his free content. He’s a family man and knows his stuff when it comes to day trading, technical analysis, and making informed decisions—not gambling blindly.And if you don’t take steps to educate yourself now, you’re already setting yourself up for that same mirror conversation later. I’m not saying this to be harsh—I’ve been there. The internet is flooded with expensive advice, but finding a map that helps you navigate these trades and positions is what makes all the difference.Looking back, if I’d held onto more of my portfolio, I’d have multiplied my gains several times over. I still hold some, but ironically, my biggest liquidation had nothing to do with crypto or a financial emergency—that’s a story for another day, but one worth sharing to help others avoid the same trap.At the end of the day, remember this: you’re always one step away from heaven or hell. So proceed with caution—and carry on smartly.

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    45 min
  • Compassion is a best choice Holiday gift. And it’s free.
    When you have been the guy telling truth to people who would only have more disdain for your input—that felt shitty. Do everything you can to not be that guy or even trade roles this thanksgiving. There is a darkness in this world that gains strength every time you give more energy to what might be thought of as anything outside of the spectrum of true unadulterated love. Not that bullshit ass “this is going to hurt me more than it hurts” you kinda love, which may serve as a good teacher at times. When you pass real love to another, there’s no instance of that ever doing anything but lifting a person up. If you can’t say something nice this thanksgiving, then pass out hugs and shut the fuck up.With much love and all due respect,Happy Holidays Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas to all my Whispering Pirates. I am wishing for you and your loved ones the best holiday ever. From Brian the creator of the Whispering Pirate Podcast. Thank you for listening.

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    5 min
  • Be A Happy Warrior In The 5th Generation Information War For Our Country by Brian Cates (read aloud by a whispering pirate)
    Today a special segment of my half assed at best (production wise) Clown led Pirate Radio Podcast is born. Happy birthday to Cool Minds Salty Fucks and whatever else is vibing today. Are you actually gonna believe this guy? You better not until you at least check his work. Geez Bro. Settle Down guy.Cool Minds and Salty Fucks: Reading from the works of Others. This piece being read today was written by a substacker name Brian Cates. If I have read your work aloud and you would like to discuss your thoughts on my podcast—I’m not saying it will be a sure thing but at least subscribe to my Only F—wait no. If you wanna show some lovin’ Subscribe to my 1.11 per month golden whispering Pirate podcast subscription. And if you want to be called righteous every time you come in the room, by all whispering pirates, at least the ones around here, hit my cashapp https://cash.app/$Ou81R2D2 with at least one zero after the first number and don’t get mad if someone loves you more for actually listening to me. enjoy this new raw candid and unfiltered reading and stay tuned for more.

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whisperingpiratepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
    13 min

About Whispering Pirate Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Thank you for checking out my podcast. Poshmark selling and random thoughts. Go.