Worth reading from Lyndsey, published early this morning:

The tweet Lee references about a random man in Los Angeles yelling at Hasan Piker over his dog abuse:

At the end of the podcast we make a little plea: leave a comment! We hear that you’re listening, but comment here - let’s get a chat going!

This helps us be seen by the algorithm, but also makes us feel a lot less like we’re talking to an empty wall, which we would probably still do to hear ourselves talk, but is decidedly less fun.

To check out Courtney on the Walk ins Welcome episode with Bridget Phetasy (so so so much fun to do!) find it here:

We recorded this before Massie lost, but he kept things as classless as we expected last night.

The second part of the podcast, we dip into a scandal that is mostly online, but starting to work its way into Orthodox (and many Catholic) churches - the tradbros - and specifically, a major scandal that erupted on twitter last week with the digital stoning of a woman who wrote an article about how young people in the church, mostly converts, are having problems finding spouses and dating - and quickly devolved to an incredibly dark scandal.

For a rundown on the controversy that ran through Twitter orthodoxy, I recommend these posts (this is not an endorsement of any of the authors, just good accounts of what exactly happened):

If you’re curious about the article that kicked it all off, you can find it here:

I annoy Lee (and likely, each and every one of you) with my weird Eurovision obsession on this one, before we go into Chud the Builder, schizo podcasters on the right and why the left is never asked to answer for their bad actors, and onto Childrens tv shows, natch.

A little Eurovision background: Eurovision started in the 1950’s to bring unity to postwar Europe - and now is sort of a cultural powerhouse to try to make a small dent internationally. Some countries go for patriotic songs, some go for popular songs, some go for ballads (which I don’t talk about, but there are a number of great ballads like Poland’s Alicja, I just am not a ballad person), theres a lot of EDM, and some cheesy pop songs.

The song I want to win (and won’t)… Israel’s Michelle:

The Croatian women’s ballad about Turkish enslavement of Slavic women:

The UK’s (ghastly) entry (that has more words in German, curiously, than Germany’s):

The Metallica take on Zorba the Greek in Athens I mentioned…

At one point I bring up a Fallout cookbook I forgot to text Lee, here it is:

AI produced show notes:

00:00 - Community quirks: waving stories and neighbor interactions00:45 - Comparing social norms in California, Armenia, and the East Coast01:55 - The psychology behind waving and local community behaviors04:20 - Visiting and preserving iconic roadside attractions and casinos06:30 - The fantasy of revitalizing Prim Valley as a Fallout theme park09:00 - Corporate opportunities: How Microsoft or other giants could buy and develop12:10 - The cultural significance of American roadside attractions like Wall Drug and Waldrück15:05 - Nostalgia and obsession with abandoned Nevada resorts and their lore16:45 - Gaming culture: Fallout universe and its connection to real Nevada landmarks19:00 - How to navigate luxury travel upgrades and what that entails21:00 - The decline of Vegas gambling perks and the new luxury landscape23:00 - American culture icons: diners, roadside attractions, and the American way26:00 - Upcoming entertainment: Netflix’s Ray Gun and the preservation of retro art deco design30:00 - Conversations about exploring Americana through city trips and architecture34:00 - Movie theater pet peeves and the joys of independent cinemas44:00 - The importance of cultural relics and their role in American identity50:00 - The impact of economic changes and the future of entertainment landscapes55:00 - Final thoughts on the importance of preservation, nostalgia, and creative visions for abandoned places

* The early Hollywood and reality TV career of Spencer Pratt and his villain persona

* Spencer Pratt’s recent run for mayor of Los Angeles and his motivations

* The influence of Hollywood’s interconnected family ties, especially the Kardashians and David Foster

* The staged nature of reality TV shows like The Hills, Laguna Beach, and their production tactics

* The political landscape in Los Angeles, including the candidates’ backgrounds and ongoing issues like the Palisades fire

* Armenia’s current political climate, Macron’s charm offensive, and the destruction of Armenian cultural sites

* The historical background of the American Revolution, Boston’s political egos, and national pride

* Canadian citizenship laws and the benefits of multiple passports

* Societal debates around marijuana legalization, mental health, and the cultural shifts in drug policies

* The influence of Japan on Orthodoxy and religious spread in East Asia

* Lighthearted local tales and humorous banter about Boston, tea parties, and family adventures

AI Generated Timestamps:

00:00 - Spencer Pratt’s entry into Hollywood and reality TV villain roles02:08 - The staged nature of reality shows like The Hills and Laguna Beach05:12 - Spencer Pratt’s shift from reality star to political candidate06:25 - His background in political science and unique campaign commercials07:39 - Fire rebuilding issues in Los Angeles and Spencer’s motives for running08:51 - Overview of Los Angeles mayoral race and candidates09:35 - Fire history, urban planning, and the Western wildfire crisis10:58 - Spencer Pratt’s life post-reality TV, spiritual pursuits, and animal bonding12:05 - His TikTok hummingbird obsession and campaign symbolism13:12 - Controversy over Spencer’s residency and voting rights in L.A.14:14 - Local noise, lawn care, and city life contrasts between East and West16:16 - Speculation on Spencer’s potential election and Hollywood satire17:11 - The tangled history of Los Angeles’ water supplies and urban myths18:37 - The appeal of celebrity in politics and potential memes19:37 - Reflection on the history of Boston, the Boston Tea Party, and American Revolution myths22:40 - Personal stories about living in Boston and local history explorations29:49 - Canadian citizenship laws, opportunities, and family roots33:11 - The societal impact of marijuana legalization, mental health concerns, and drug laws37:24 - Cultural attitudes towards alcohol, moderation, and societal norms39:14 - Armenia’s current geopolitics, Macron’s visit, and cultural ties with France42:49 - Historical context of Armenian genocide recognition and global awareness44:07 - World War II history, Holocaust awareness, and international responses45:42 - The spread of Orthodoxy in Japan and Christian outreach in East Asia46:36 - Closing thoughts on historical narratives, city life, and family stories

Sorry for the language in these tweets/videos, but at least it’s not coming from me? - C

Some of the Michael Tracey fight fun from his friend, Justin Robert Young as mentioned in the podcast (sorry, the clip doesn’t play because I am the boomeriest of elder millenials):

Our AI generated show notes:

00:00 Nail Polish and Masculinity

03:00 The Influencer Life and Appearance

05:55 Social Media Algorithms and Engagement

08:30 The Impact of Social Media on Attention Spans

11:07 Education and Reading Skills

14:10 College and the Value of Education

16:47 Hollywood Conservatism and Social Circles

25:22 The Challenges of Being a Conservative Celebrity

26:33 Political Polarization and Family Dynamics

28:05 The Cult of Personality in Politics

29:22 Generational Wealth and Family Expectations

31:08 Cultural Shifts in Family Support

33:16 The American Way vs. European Family Dynamics

36:21 Ethics of Theft and Corporate Responsibility

37:53 The Role of Law and Order in Society

45:44 Government Employees and Unionization

46:31 Monitoring the Situation: A New Media Venture

Lee’s twitter shadowban seems to have resolved, check out my favorite tweet of his so far this week, and please enjoy our episode:

Also, the Siraj dancing video:

This one is another mostly political back and forth… to our (few) Orthodox listeners, Kalo Pascha, Kali Anastasi!

As always, our AI-created show notes:

00:00 Ireland’s Gas Crisis and Protests

02:46 The Role of Immigrants in Law Enforcement

05:25 Cultural Assimilation and Immigration Issues

08:09 The State of NATO and European Alliances

10:43 Political Reactions and Media Dynamics

13:26 Reflections on Governance and Leadership

21:02 The Algorithm Debate: Nate Silver’s Frustration

22:05 Understanding Social Media Algorithms

25:30 The Challenges of Content Visibility

27:29 The State of Journalism Today

30:52 The Shift in Audience Dynamics

35:03 Environmental Concerns and Community Impact

36:52 The Implications of Exit Taxes

As always, please enjoy our ai-generated show notes:

00:15 - Opening banter about Palm Sunday and long liturgies01:22 - The performative versus quiet worship: biblical insights and church practices02:42 - Exhaustion before Holy Week and personal reflections on faith fighting03:11 - Recording reality and avoiding religious debates04:22 - Tech talk: microphones, podcast recordings, and setup upgrades06:08 - Current news: Iran rescue operation details and geopolitical commentary09:15 - Comparing European and American military and political mindsets12:25 - How Americans vs. Europeans value lives and government roles14:09 - Ransom policies and rescue operations: global perspectives15:23 - Movie recommendations: "Taken" and cultural popularity among men20:00 - Travel stories: flights, airline experiences, and car choices32:30 - Love for big, boxy electric vehicles and personal car stories36:37 - Environmental impact of EVs and energy sources43:00 - RV life, family travel, and safety stories48:23 - Trust, theft, and neighborhood anecdotes from various states52:28 - Social media engagement, algorithm theories, and community vibes54:02 - Wrapping up with light banter, faith, and future plans

We’re still trying to come up with a better name for this podcast and openly taking suggestions/ideas. Please comment with yours!

Enjoy these AI-generated show notes:

00:00 Holiday Plans and Family Traditions

02:23 Easter Celebrations and Religious Practices

05:03 Political Commentary: Presidential Speech Analysis

07:39 International Relations and Energy Crisis

10:17 War and Peace: The Ukraine Conflict

13:05 Conservative Politics and Leadership Dynamics

15:36 Trump Administration: Changes and Competence

18:59 The Dynamics of Political Alliances

19:22 Trump’s Discontent with Bondi

20:53 Competence vs. Loyalty in Trump’s Circle

22:32 RFK’s Unconventional Political Journey

24:32 The Role of Vaccines in Public Health Debate

26:49 Government Spending and Healthcare Solutions

29:33 Federalism and State Responsibilities

31:28 Military Spending and National Security

34:34 The Importance of American Identity

36:10 Navigating Political Loyalty and Change

For more from Armenia, please check out:

Check out Lee’s tweets:

and Courtney’s Instagrams:

please enjoy these ai generated show notes:00:00 Jet Lag and Travel Adventures

02:44 Cultural Insights from Armenia and Georgia

05:23 The Role of Influencers in Travel

08:00mPolitical Context and American Perceptions

10:49 Safety and Local Connections

13:34 Food, Drink, and Celebrations

16:31 Reflections on Travel and Personal Connections

22:11 Social Media Dynamics and Cultural Trends

25:17 Perspectives on Iran and Global Politics

26:04 The Case for Monarchy and Colonization

37:29 The Impact of Patriarch Ilya on Georgian Society

We came to Yerevan to experience some of the amazing early Christian history Armenia has to offer with Charles Adanalian, the founder of Noy Travels.

This is just the first bit of our Armenia coverage, with a ton of articles, videos, and photos coming soon - but we can’t wait to share a bit more about this beautiful Christian country - and why you should move Armenia to the top of your travel list!

Recording note: the intro is quite a bit quieter than the rest of the episode because Courtney has no idea how to operate all the tech she brings around with her. Tried to put a little transition in so you don’t blast out your eardrums.

Next week is going to be spotty at best but will be providing a LOT of cool stuff from our still-a-surprise location (Courtney is helping a business launch their social media channels, and we really wanted to get another influencer to help spread the word, so Lee is going to get to try his hand at Twitter influencer life!) Be sure to follow us across social for some hopefully really cool things to come in the next weeks: Courtney Instagram

Coucy twitter

Courtney twitter

Podcast Instagram (as of yet completely unused, might change this trip)

Coucy Instagram (probably will never be used but maybe if we bully him?)

We’ll reveal where we’re heading at some point later in the week (Courtney might post on IG before then as its part of her actual job), but take your bets below! Hint: it will be 30+ travel hours for Courtney, but only two flights.

Please enjoy these ai-created show notes:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

00:46 Travel Plans and International Adventures

02:51 China’s Support to Iran and Global Implications

04:25 Iran as a Drone Factory for Russia

05:49 The Impact of China-Iran Deal on US Security

06:17 China’s Economic Challenges and Military Testing

08:50 China and Russia’s Defense Agreements

09:32 Regional Conflicts: Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia

10:13 European Energy Dependence and Hungary’s Political Dilemma

12:01 EU’s Internal Divisions and Cultural Conflicts

13:18 Hungary’s Election and Political Uncertainty

14:57 Election Integrity and Democratic Processes in Europe

16:16 US Foreign Policy and Global Power Dynamics

17:44 US Strengths and European Short-Sightedness

18:58 European Union’s Challenges and Internal Divisions

21:13 Long-Term Thinking in Leadership and Politics

24:15 The Resurgence of Communism and Ideological Shifts

25:13 American Political Polarization and Extremism

26:19 Technical Difficulties and Future Plans

Read Lee’s piece in Junto here:

The David Mamut Village Voice piece Lee references.

Courtney referenced day-use hotels, find them here.

Enjoy these ai-generated show notes (kinda weird today):

00:00 The Unconventional Cat Adoption Story

03:02 Travel Adventures and International Caution

05:39 Writing Challenges and Creative Inertia

11:05 The Impact of Drugs and Personal Experiences

19:14 Reflections on American Identity and Politics

20:49 Post-War America and Global Dynamics

20:59 Trump’s Administration and Middle East Strategy

21:43 Messaging and Public Perception

23:10 The Role of Polling in Political Strategy

24:59 Results Over Messaging: A Political Philosophy

28:03 Communication Styles in Politics

31:19 The Evolving Nature of Presidential Addresses

38:36 Support for Military Action and Its Implications

43:47 Cultural Insights from Spain and the Basque Region

Stay tuned for some really big episodes from us coming soon…

Please enjoy these ai-generated show notes:

00:00 Introduction and State of Affairs

05:41 Discussion on Political Extremism

11:08 Media Landscape and Its Impact

16:42 The Need for Collaboration in Conservative Media

21:38 The Importance of Media Accountability

26:42 The Impact of Corporatization on Political Commentary

34:27 The Political Landscape of Sports and Public Perception

41:53 The Evolution of Tucker Carlson’s Career

Please enjoy these ai-generated show notes:

00:00 The Evolution of Political Satire

02:41 The Absurdities of Political Discourse

05:21 The Nature of Seriousness in Politics

07:51 Cultural Reflections on Humor and Politics

10:33 Nature’s Indifference and Human Comfort

13:30 The Epstein Case and Its Implications

16:12 The Complexity of Influence and Power

18:55 Cultural Narratives and Their Impact

21:36 The Anti-Hero Trope in Modern Media

26:57 The Impact of Adaptations on Original Works

31:40 The Shift in Entertainment Preferences

38:36 Political Consequences of Governance

44:30 The Economic Landscape of Colorado

50:45 The Future of Political Engagement

We’re going to try to get another up this week but it might be a bit late as it’s my kids spring break and we’re with my family following my Grandma’s passing and visiting with my brother in law and niece who are in from Germany to see a family member battling Alzheimers. Things are a bit rough at the moment, sorry if I’m a bit spacier than usual. -C

Please enjoy these ai-generated show notes:

00:00 Excitement for Casa Bonita

02:52 Navigating Citizenship and Identity

05:22 Family Tragedy and Current Events

08:05 Mental Health and Societal Responsibility

10:55 Political Dynamics in Hungary

13:25 U.S. Involvement in Foreign Elections

15:45 Energy Politics and Environmental Concerns

18:34 Local Governance and Public Health Issues

21:12 Cultural Reflections and Personal Stories

23:42 Future of U.S.-Russia Relations

26:25 Colorado’s Political Landscape and Changes

I called Eileen Gu a snowboarder, not a skier, but take that as a sign of how little I think of her -C

What we’re watching on Twitter today:

Stop what you’re doing and watch this video perfectly illustrating the socialist brainrot on college campuses - we missed this when it came out and it is making the rounds:

The contrast between Chinese American olympians Alyssa Liu and Eileen Gu couldn’t be more stark:

(tweet translation: “Today, American social media is filled with mockery and even harsh condemnation of Gu Ailing (Eileen Gu). She was born in the United States, received her skiing training in the United States, yet she wears clothing patterned with the five-star red flag and competes for the Chinese team at the Olympics. In the end, she took a huge fall, dropping out of the gold medal contention. She sentimentally claimed that the burden was too heavy—one end is China, the other is America. But in reality, her heart is with money. In China, she secured 23 million USD in advertising endorsement deals. Gu Ailing is truly “Gu Aiqian” (Gu loves money), and it was money that weighed her down so heavily that she took a massive tumble on the competition field.At the same time, the English-speaking internet is full of praise for another American-born Chinese girl, Alysa Liu (刘美贤). Not only does she represent the U.S. team, she also won the championship and took home the gold medal.Both born in the United States—why are these two girls so different? The biggest reason lies in their family upbringing. Alysa Liu’s father, Liu Junguo (I have met him), is a dissident who participated in the 1989 democracy movement and personally witnessed the Chinese Communist Party killing children in Tiananmen Square. He taught his daughter to understand good and evil and to be grateful.Now look at Gu Ailing’s mother—she has her eyes dead set on money. There’s a widely circulated online photo of Gu Ailing’s mom staring intently at the billionaire Elon Musk with a face full of fawning flattery; that look in her eyes makes it seem like she wants to swallow Musk whole and bring him home. With a mother like that, is it any wonder she raised her daughter to become a literal money tree?”)

Apparently Erika Kirk is heading to Northern Ireland to ramp up Turning Point Ulster, which Courtney will undoubtedly have a plethora of takes on (the NI part, we’re team let a widow grieve and carry out the org he left to her however she sees fit over here):

Can we stop with the Clavicularisms please now? This one at least was less obnoxious. We’re way too old for all this.

Don’t miss some of our favorites from the week so far, including:

Coucy’s literary takes:

Courtney Armenia-maxxing (ok, one last gen-z-ism):

Please enjoy these ai generated show notes:

00:00 Introduction and Banter

02:44 Fashion and Personal Style Reflections

05:46 Body Image and Public Discourse

08:20 The Appeal of Moving Abroad

11:10 Citizenship and Immigration Issues

14:07 Cultural Perspectives on Citizenship

16:51 The Impact of Wealth on Immigration

19:23 The Role of Academics in Immigration

22:01 Athletes and National Representation

25:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

26:14 Media Narratives and Celebrity Influence

29:42 The Dangers of Ideological Extremism

36:52 Understanding the Armenian Genocide

43:02 Turkey’s Role in Global Politics

Please leave your comments and or chats on substack- we want to hear more from you after these, it is the most fun part.

Also, yes, I am hereby trademarking the term “Medical Franking” which I expect exactly nobody but ex politicos to get. -C

Please enjoy these ai-generated show notes:00:00 Winter Olympics Enthusiasm

03:17 Family and Community Involvement

06:14 The Impact of Politics on Sports

09:05 The Evolution of Olympic Sports

12:15 Cultural Perspectives on Sports

15:23 The Future of Winter Sports

20:01 Winter Olympics Excitement

22:29 Diplomatic Tensions with Iran

25:13 Cultural Identity and Historical Context

27:45 Iranian Athletes at the Winter Olympics

31:10 Military Strategies and International Relations

33:41 Political Landscape in the UK

38:45 Fascism and Political Ideologies

41:50 The Calm Before the Storm

42:39 Political Outrage and Diplomacy

45:25 Friendship and Alliances: The US and Poland

48:46 The TrumpRx Rollout: A New Prescription

52:22 The Body Positivity Movement and Weight Loss

57:05 Inflammation and Health: The Role of GLP-1s

01:01:03 Medical Franking: The TrumpRx Discussion

The recording software we use had a MAJOR glitch where we couldn’t access the files for a day and a half - I am posting this without listening to it, so if there is a weird glitch or error, I apologize! Let me know and I can go back to war with our cloud service. -C

Check out the (truly great!) piece Lee wrote:

No show notes today because we broke the internet yesterday, it is still trying to recover, and Courtney cannot handle any more fussing with this, sorry!

In case anyone actually wants to read this, heres Courtney’s (very personal, very anti-abortion, very Catholic/Orthodox) post about Saint Brigid:

Please enjoy these AI-generated show notes:00:00 Technical Difficulties and Weather Talk

02:39 Skiing and Snow Preferences

05:23 Moving to Boston: A New Chapter

10:48 The Role of Marriage in Religious Life

16:11 Urban vs. Rural Living Experiences

21:41 Cultural Reflections and Social Commentary

27:14 Personal Growth and Relationships

Please enjoy our ai-generated show notes:

00:00 Introduction to Cultural Commentary

02:36 The Rise of ‘Heated Rivalry’ and Cultural Signaling

05:09 Artistic Preferences and Gender Dynamics

07:48 Kanye West and Mental Health Discussions

10:35 Media Representation and Anti-Semitism

13:24 Cultural Standards and Propaganda in Media

25:39 The Hollywoodization of Politics

28:04 The Importance of Family Photos

30:10 Iran’s Crisis and Global Indifference

36:19 Military Movements and Political Implications

40:42 Coordinated Actions and Insurgency in Minnesota

53:49 Reclaiming the Narrative in Politics

We end the episode chatting about movie recommendations and as luck should have it, we will be sharing our snowy weekend picks on Substack and want to hear yours! Be sure you’re subscribed (it’s free, unless you’re particularly inclined to give us your money) to join the conversation!

I Think Less of You is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Please enjoy our ai-generated show notes:

00:00 Earthquakes and Post-Apocalyptic Scenarios

02:44 Davos and Greenland: A Strategic Discussion

05:29 Free Speech and European Ideals

08:17 Protests and the Role of Churches

11:01 The Dynamics of Political Narratives

27:39 The Left’s Messaging Strategy

30:56 Perception of Reality and Political Naivety

35:35 Election Integrity and Voter Dynamics

40:16 Midterm Elections and Political Accountability

44:54 Cultural Narratives and Political Discourse

48:04 Movie Recommendations and Political Commentary

0:00 The Marriage Factor in Conservatism

02:31 Women and Political Ideologies

04:23 Reclaiming Traditional Roles

09:56 The Mirror of Political Extremes

27:25 Toxic Femininity and Cultural Dynamics

33:16 A Family Tradition at a Colorado Gas Station

35:41 Weather Woes: Colorado’s Unusual Winter

35:53 The UK and the Ultimate Political Troll

38:13 The Panopticon: Surveillance and Society

41:37 The Role of NGOs in Politics

52:21 Taxation and Political Speech: A Complex Debate

59:28 Self-Censorship and Personal Reflection

Please enjoy these ai-generated show notes (ai was asleep and messed up all the times):

Introduction and Show Prep (aka Courtney deleted the notes)

* Main Character Syndrome

* Current Events: ICE Agents Incident

* Cultural Narratives and Small Stories

* Social Media’s Impact on Identity

* International Relations: Russia and Iran

* Svalbard: An Obsession with the Arctic

* Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Another plug for our substack: pop in to the chat or leave us a message here, we’d love to hear from you!

Enjoy these ai-generated show notes: 0:00 Health Struggles and Personal Anecdotes

03:15 Parenting and Family Dynamics

06:06 Social Media Engagement and Notifications

11:19 Geopolitical Discussions and American Intervention

18:15 Canadian Independence Movements and Political Dynamics

24:44 Exploring Monarchism and Personal Identity

26:34 Geopolitical Perspectives: Greenland and Iran

28:03 Radicalization and Social Justice Movements

29:50 The Impact of Family and Community on Fulfillment

32:35 Cultural Norms and the Role of Gender

35:56 The Consequences of Disrupted Societal Structures

37:18 Cryptocurrency: Understanding Value and Scarcity

40:30 Orthodox Church Dynamics and Geopolitical Implications

45:27 Prophecies and Historical Contexts in Modern Politics

53:06 Wrap-Up: Reflections and Future Discussions

Courtney had a large amount of Celsius before this episode so if she sounds extra heated, that’s partially why.

Quick plug, again - we REALLY want to hear from you! Please use the chat in substack or reply to our posts here, we’d love to start more of a community around this and get more input from our listeners and focus more on what you’d like/what you are enjoying from us.

Please enjoy these ai-created show notes:

00:00 The Beard Debate: A Personal Journey

03:04 Venezuela: Political Dynamics and International Relations

06:07 Iran: Women’s Rights and Societal Changes

09:20 The Role of Women in Political Movements

12:17 Social Media’s Impact on Community and Discourse

15:10 Navigating Personal Beliefs in a Polarized World

33:01 Navigating Social Media and Personal Boundaries

34:39 The Impact of Social Media on Activism

36:29 Radicalization and Women’s Role in Protests

40:06 The Rhetoric of Resistance and Its Consequences

42:38 Feminism’s Influence on Gender Dynamics

47:02 The Importance of Traditional Family Structures

51:42 The Dangers of Activism Without Risk Assessment

58:00 Community Engagement vs. Political Activism

This episode kicks off exactly how winter actually feels right now—Courtney and Lee commiserate over just how brutal this season has been, between everyone being sick (again) and the never-ending cycle of winter illnesses, it’s been a lot. Add in Courtney’s disappointment of skiing plans getting totally thrown off thanks to terrible snow conditions, and yeah… winter is doing the most this year.

From there, the conversation takes a sharp turn into heavier territory as we dive into global politics—specifically what’s happening in Venezuela. We talk through why the situation there is so complicated and frustrating, and have some general chat about Christmas having Western and Eastern dates (С Рождеством, to our Orthodox friends!)

Apologies for the abrupt ending, as Lee had some internet issues… we are so excited to be back doing these though, and have a lot of topics we can’t wait to explore more in 2026!

If we don’t get a more formal chance, we hope you have a very wonderful holiday with your family!

If you’d like to find ideas for Christmas dinner, a little plug for Courtney’s actual job… you can find all of my Sweet C’s Christmas content here.

Enjoy these ai-generated show notes:0:00 Introduction and Health Challenges

02:54 Reflections on Rob Reiner’s Death

05:26 The Impact of Addiction on Families

08:14 Power Outages and Energy Policies in Colorado

11:01 Political Landscape and Republican Party Dynamics in Colorado

13:43 Population Trends and Migration Patterns

16:32 Travel Plans and Personal Anecdotes

19:16 Discussion on Wyoming and Its Landscape

21:23 Geographical Perspectives on Landscape

23:53 Cultural Reflections on Regional Identity

27:42 Refugee Dynamics and Asylum Seekers

31:10 Christmas Traditions and Family Dynamics

35:53 Sentimental Traditions and Personal Stories

We have another challenging week schedule-wise, sorry, this is another abbreviated week. We might be stuck with one through the end of the year due to some family scheduling, but we will try to record a bit more if we can!

Enjoy these AI-generated show notes:

00:00 Introduction and Health Updates

03:10 Travel Experiences and Family Dynamics

06:17 Education and Career Paths

09:18 The Value of Degrees in Today’s Society

12:17 Politics and Career Aspirations

15:14 Humanitarian Work and Charitable Organizations

18:16 Entrepreneurship and Home Businesses

21:17 Regulations and Business Culture in America

23:59 Controversial Figures and Libertarianism

25:55 Anti-Semitism in Ireland

28:22 The Herzog Park Controversy

31:29 Irish Politics and Identity

35:33 The Future of Irish-Israeli Relations

42:21 Perceptions of America vs. Europe

48:16 Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions

Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving… we’re thankful you enjoy listening to us, we really love doing these, they are always so much fun.

We really do want more comments here - we can use this space as a members chat and want to get to talk to everyone more - please feel free to say or ask anything here.

Please enjoy these AI-generated show notes:00:00 Introduction and Travel Plans

03:18 Travel Gadgets and Connectivity

06:11 Experiencing Weather and Nature

09:15 Christmas Celebrations in Ireland

12:11 Travel Challenges and Flight Experiences

15:10 Reflections on Snow and Weather

18:16 Food, Cheese, and Personal Preferences

18:35 Google’s AI Moves: A Game Changer for Content Creators

22:32 The Plagiarism Debate: AI and Original Content

25:49 The Need for Regulation in the Age of AI

29:26 Public Perception: Convenience vs. Ethical Concerns

33:29 The Slippery Slope of AI in Journalism

37:47 Monopolies and the Future of Regulation

This one isn’t about a lot of heavy topics, or, really, anything… but it was a fun chat to help close out this busy pre-holiday week.

To sum it up from twitter this morning:

Please enjoy these ai-generated show notes:

0:00 Travel Planning and Logistics

03:14 Social Media and Personal Branding

06:15 Health and Family Dynamics

08:36 Weather and Seasonal Changes

11:47 Thanksgiving Traditions

14:48 Movies and Cultural Experiences

21:49 Exploring Paris: Museums and Landmarks

25:31 Personal Preferences: Cities vs. Countryside

28:16 Cultural Perceptions: Germans vs. Parisians

30:35Traveling Alone vs. With Friends

33:52Accommodations: Villas vs. Hotels

36:08Unique Experiences: Candlelight Concerts and Whimsy

40:58Whimsy vs. Practicality in Life

43:32The Joy of Planning and Daydreaming

47:09Cultural References and Nostalgia in Media

51:08Food Blogging and Recipe Adjustments

57:11Spices, Seasoning, and Cultural Perspectives

01:01:06NEWCHAPTER

PLEASE someone weigh in on the kolache debate… I say the sweet ones are also called kolaches, but apparently, to Lee, that is not acceptable, and it's only the sausage ones. There have been rocky memes dropped in text threads about it and everything.

Enjoy these ai-generated show notes:

0:00 Exploring Nootropics and Caffeine Alternatives

02:35 Coffee Preferences and Brewing Techniques

05:18 The Great Twitter Outage and Its Impact

08:05 Regional Food Preferences and Cider Culture

10:55 The Great Lakes vs. Colorado: A Regional Debate

13:47 The Quality of Strawberries and Local Produce

16:26 Food Cycles and Sustainable Eating

19:28 Journalism Scandals and Their Implications

26:54 The Intricacies of Open Relationships

28:11 The Fallout of Scandalous Relationships

29:51 The Ethics of Journalism and Personal Relationships

31:58 The Intersection of Power and Personal Relationships

34:01 The Evolution of Media and Celebrity Culture

36:25 Navigating Image and Reputation in Politics

38:56 The Complexity of Trust in Relationships

42:57 The Role of Technology in Modern Communication

45:46 National Security and the Internet

51:22 Cultural Reflections on Food and History

Enjoy these ai-generated show notes (lol at the first):

Coughs and Conversations: A Lighthearted Start

02:44 Skiing and Seasonal Changes: The Cost of Fun

05:40 Ski Resorts and Corporate Culture: A Critical Look

08:27 Movies and Monopolies: The Impact of Vale Resorts

11:19 The Economics of Skiing: A Long-Term Perspective

14:08 Corporate Loyalty and Employee Treatment

16:56 Youth Employment: The Changing Landscape

19:48 Political Dynamics: Immigration and Economic Policies

22:32 Anti-Semitism and Cultural Commentary

25:24 Tucker Carlson: A Shift in Perspective

27:35 Demons, Drugs, and Delusions

28:52 The Dangers of Giving Attention to Extremists

31:41 The Political Landscape: Right vs. Left Extremism

34:09 Nostalgia for Moderation in Politics

36:38The Economic Impact of AI and Automation

39:07Universal Basic Income: A Controversial Solution

43:29The Human Touch in a World of AI

48:09Mocking Extremism: Humor as a Weapon

*small note from Courtney: I think I messed up some of the degree talk in my family. I think my Grandma may have completed hers when my dad was in high school or college (?), but you get the vibe.

Enjoy these AI-generated show notes:

0:00 Meta Moments and Introductions

03:14 Road Trip Adventures and Local Delicacies

06:14 Food Experiences and Culinary Adventures

09:16 Viral Tweets and Social Media Engagement

12:12 Housing Affordability and Community Dynamics

15:12 Nostalgia and the Impact of Moving

18:07 The Reality of Living in Different Places

21:10 Community Building and New Beginnings

30:57 Urban Planning and Community Development

32:49 Personal Experiences in Columbia and Ellicott City

34:05 The Appeal and Critique of Master Planned Communities

36:55 Real Estate Opportunities in Rural Areas

39:05 Family Dynamics and Relocation Decisions

43:45 The Value of College Education

50:00 The Importance of Liberal Arts and Practical Skills

PS: Someone, please, totally make the exhibit Lee brainstorms about halfway through. It would be a great social commentary and is honestly a great idea - and it won’t be me making it.

Enjoy these ai-generated show notes:

00:00 The Morning Posting Routine

02:40 Political Discourse and Nancy Pelosi

05:39 Casa Bonita: A Cultural Icon

08:32 The Shift in Environmental Narratives

11:17 The State of Colorado Politics

14:10 The Republican Party’s Challenges

17:12 Online Discourse vs. Real-World Impact

19:53 The Dynamics of Right-Wing Criticism

22:26 The Role of Humor in Political Commentary

25:18 The Future of Colorado’s Political Landscape

31:23 Cloud Seeding and Weather Manipulation

32:34 Bonfire Night and Historical Reflections

36:38 Feminism and Online Discourse

40:17 Navigating Twitter’s Toxicity

47:44 The Challenges of Being a Woman Online

53:31 The Dangers of Online Harassment

56:39 Electric Vehicles and Travel Limitations

For those wondering about the aprons we talk about in the beginning, find the men’s style my husband loves here, and the women’s smock style here.

Enjoy these ai-generated show notes:

00:00 Cooking and Kitchen Essentials

03:15 Fasting and Dietary Practices

06:16 Politics and Personal Anecdotes

12:11 Reflections on Public Figures

18:15 Pop Culture and Personal Interests

22:26 Exploring Dark and Gritty Cop Dramas

23:49 Streaming Services and Availability of Shows

25:50 Nostalgic TV Shows and Their Availability

28:02 Political Views and Celebrity Influence

29:38 Understanding Political Narratives

31:47 The Nature of Political Discourse

32:43 Humor in Politics and Public Figures

34:45 JD Vance

37:05 Memes and Political Messaging

39:24 Daylight Savings and Personal Experiences

44:35 Embracing Darkness: A Love for Dim Lighting

47:16 The Allure of Incense and Candlelight

50:21 Halloween Traditions and Family Costumes

55:12 Food Adventures: Taco Bell and Local Delicacies

During the episode I asked my husband to send a photo of an old box of government cheese we have at our farm (we have all his Grandpa’s old and very random belongings) but he sent back the Liver Cheese (not actually cheese but also distributed by govt), and not the American cheese box that is somewhere in the depths of our barn. Long story short… enjoy the liver cheese box photo, we now keep random screws and nails in it in our garage.

We really do want to use the chat and thread functions in Substack more, so please leave us a note!

Enjoy these AI-generated show notes:

Dilly Bread and Culinary Adventures

03:22 Food Preferences and Allergies

06:07 Smoked Fish and Culinary Experiences

09:23 Childhood Food Memories

12:15 Food Preferences and Family Dynamics

15:10 Julie Welch and Political Commentary

18:08 Political Rhetoric and Extremism

21:24 Democratic Party Dynamics and Extremism

24:14 Government Shutdown and Legislative Processes

27:38 Political Maneuvering and Legislative Challenges

30:20 The Impact of SNAP and Food Security

38:12 The Role of Government in Food Assistance

46:01 Cynical Politics and the Evolution of Discourse

52:16 Memory, Communication, and Personal Connections

58:01 Pop Culture and Shared Experiences

Leave your (respectful, obviously) comments on this one on our Substack page; it’s certainly… divisive. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Enjoy these AI-generated show notes:

00:00 The Leggings Debate: Fashion or Faux Pas?

10:24 Policing Women’s Attire: A Double Standard?

19:43 Cultural Norms and Personal Expression

29:31 Fashion and Societal Norms

30:36 Responsibility and Indecency

33:41 Leggings and Personal Choice

38:42 Gender Dynamics and Accountability

43:52 Communication Styles in Relationships

55:19 Navigating Conversations and Conflict

Today’s AI show notes are a little weird, but hey, enjoy:

00:00 Hoodies and Collectibles

03:10 Naming the Podcast - Help Us!

06:15 Family Adventures: Exploring Colonial Williamsburg

09:12 Roadside Motels: Nostalgia and American Culture

12:08 Hipster Movement and Aesthetics

15:12 National Parks and Safety

18:11 From 50s Motels to Colonial Experiences

20:14 Food Adventures: Scrapple and Culinary Curiosities

23:17 Cultural Yearnings: The Essence of American Roadside Culture

29:09 The Meaning of Bespoke

29:38 The East Wing Controversy

31:18 JFK’s Pool and Presidential History

35:14 Changing Perspectives on the East Wing

38:14 The Role of Principles in Political Discourse

44:11 The Evolution of Political Beliefs

51:15 Halloween Traditions and Family Celebrations

We are back to being sillier for the next… but if you enjoy this, consider our paid episodes, where we can be a bit more open and personal! We’re working towards adding a lot more.

Enjoy these ai-generated show notes:

00:00 Incendiary Conversations on Twitter

02:59 Disillusionment with the Republican Party

05:55 The Fundraising Industrial Complex

08:51 Roe v. Wade and Political Identity

18:06 Burnout in Politics

21:09 The Shift from Republican to Democrat

27:25 The Bulwark and Conservative Identity

29:00 The Anonymous Figure in Politics

30:18 The Impact of Political Burnout

34:34 Navigating Political Identity

37:51 The Complexity of Political Principles

44:47 The Evolution of Political Discourse

49:58 Reflections on Political Commentary

* 00:00:00 Introduction to Food Blogging

* 00:03:00 AI and Content Creation

* 00:06:00 Pinterest’s Influence

* 00:09:00 Culinary Techniques and Photography

* 00:12:00 Family and Culinary Dynamics

* 00:15:00 The Future of AI in Blogging

Enjoy these AI generated show notes:

00:00 Exploring Substack’s Evolution

02:46 The Dynamics of Social Media and Content Creation

05:19 Writing and Editing: The Creative Process

08:22 Travel Adventures: The Allure of Austria and Krampus

11:01 Cultural Insights: Christmas Markets and Local Traditions

13:41 Food and Drink: Culinary Experiences Abroad

16:36 The Quirks of European Dining and Drinking

19:16 Reflections on Travel and Personal Preferences

Enjoy these AI-created show notes:

00:00 Exploring the Quirks of Travel

03:26 The Concept Behind the Podcast Name

06:18 Traveling with Kids: Strategies and Tips

09:13 Jet Lag Management for Families

12:24 The Importance of Local Time Adjustment

15:11 Unique Travel Accommodations: Day Use Hotels

20:21 Traveling and Sleep Challenges

23:57 Traveling with Kids: Experiences and Tips

26:50 Memorable Family Trips and Their Impact

31:29 Traveling with Kids: Planning and Preparation

34:18 Theme Parks vs. Cultural Experiences

38:02 Future Travel Plans and Adventures

Enjoy a few of the photos I’ve had time to edit, (full notes on everywhere we went, as well as my trip through Derry & Donegal, coming sometime this weekend.)

Enjoy these AI generated show notes:

00:00 Jet Lag and Travel Experiences

03:09 Seasonal Changes and Holiday Preparations

07:39 Podcasting Dynamics and Paid Content

10:33 Traveling with Kids and Jet Lag

13:28 Safety and Regulations in Travel

16:34 Driving in Different Countries

19:39 Accommodations and Travel Experiences

22:35 Cruising and Family Travel

25:31 Cultural Observations and Political Discussions

Paid episode coming tomorrow, we will be trying to add more of those.AI generated show notes:

00:00 Introduction to Balindooley Castle

03:15 Experiences in Ireland

06:22 The Unique Features of the Castle

09:16 Challenges of Staying in a Historic Keep

12:13 Food Adventures and Cultural Insights

15:13 Reflections on Historical Accommodations

18:14 The Balance of History and Modern Comforts

21:26 Cultural Context and Historical Figures

24:07 Final Thoughts on the Experience

28:23 Rustic Accommodations and Travel Experiences

29:58 The Joys of Traveling Like a Local

33:12 Adapting to Last-Minute Changes

35:05 Exploring the Beauty of Ireland

36:27 Customs and Travel Logistics

39:29 The Challenges of Airport Transit

41:16 The Myth of the Narwhal

45:46 Dining Experiences and Cultural Differences

48:56 Reflections on Galway and Travel Recommendations

54:13 exit music

Oops… a planned trip to Poland, where Courtney wanted to cover the anniversary of the final Soviet troop withdrawal, turned into a last-minute tour of South West Ireland - after Courtney was in Donegal and Northern Ireland last week for a conference.

Still bummed we didn’t get to do any of the Poland plans, but felt it for the best at the moment, and we have a fun episode full of Irish adventures.

AI created show notes:

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

02:35 Exploring Ireland: First Impressions

05:18 Driving in Ireland: Experiences and Challenges

08:03 Cultural Observations: The Irish Landscape and People

10:33 Historical Context: Castles and Heritage

13:15 Unique Experiences: Cable Cars and Remote Islands

16:02 Traveling with Family: Reflections and Insights

18:48 Food and Drink: Culinary Experiences in Ireland

21:35 Travel Tips: Navigating Accommodations and Transportation

24:41 Personal Anecdotes: Family and Travel Stories

27:13 Conclusion: Reflections on the Journey

30:00 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Adventures

Enjoy these AI generated show notes, which make us sound a lot more intellectual than we are:

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Travel Content

02:58 Generational Differences in Media Consumption

05:40 The Role of Social Media in Influencing Trends

08:23 The Impact of Short-Form Content

11:08 Concert Experiences Across Cultures

13:53 Reflections on Nostalgia and Music

16:49 Family Dynamics and Entertainment Choices

19:59 Concert Experiences with Kids

21:12 The Importance of Hearing Protection

22:28 Traveling with Family: Hotels and Accommodations

24:48 Climbing Adventures and Family Activities

26:09 The Challenges of Family Sleeping Arrangements

28:19 Hotel Preferences and Booking Strategies

30:16 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Programs

32:21 Aging Gracefully: Hair and Self-Image

34:25 Parenting Perspectives: The Baby Phase

36:52 Historical Living Conditions and Family Dynamics

38:10 Website Optimization and ADA Compliance

40:56 The Impact of ADA on Architecture

46:49 Ownership Issues in Post-War Krakow

52:15 Travel Plans and Cultural Insights

A few links:

Hotel group Courtney references

Taylor Lorenz piece on dark money dem influencers at Wired

Courtney’s favorite post from her Country Inn sponsorship

I’ve been asked for timestamps, so enjoy these AI-generated notes, -C :

00:00 Hotel Breakfast Preferences

03:23 Family Travel Dynamics

06:19 Hotel Design and Aesthetics

08:56 Experiences with Hotel Chains

11:44 Social Media Influence on Travel

14:47 Comparing International Hotel Standards

24:28 The Rise of Hipster Hotels

27:11 The Dichotomy of Influencer Life

30:26 Influencer Ethics and Transparency

34:26 Political Influencing and Messaging

46:37 The Need for Cohesion in Political Messaging

47:58 The Evolving Landscape of Political Influence

51:13 Leveraging Influencers for Political Messaging

54:30 Challenges of Coordination on the Right

57:13 Monetization and the Influencer Economy

01:00:52 Building Networks for Conservative Voices

01:05:31 The Power of Non-Traditional Influencers

01:09:03 The Need for Self-Identification as Influencers

After recording, I found a route to avoid the pride of Ireland, so hold your prayers for me for now.

I’m also going to find a better mic for when I’m traveling, sorry.

A note on sound: towards the end lee gets up for a break and I had to cut out me calling my son so when we start talking about him that’s why.

Don’t worry, I’ve already told Lee he’s not allowed to have a pen he can click next time, and I am trying to mute my mic more during my morning asthma attacks and maybe yell a bit less… we’re trying.

Someday I will learn how to operate a computer.

My family on the way to Missouri

Next week should be normal. Should be.

Also I somehow didn’t realize this didn’t publish on Friday as scheduled, whoops. So now Happy Mothers Day!

Leave a comment and tell us what you want from show notes, and maybe plead with Lee to do them ;)

Also find Courtney’s take on the disastrous “With Love, Meghan” at the Federalist, today.