Beer and Conversation Podcast

No, this isn’t a sneaky conversion attempt. You can be a full-blown skeptic and still get a ton of value out of going to church (or any place of worship). In this light-hearted, irreverent, and maybe a little provocative video, we lay out the reasons why showing up on Sunday might actually be good for you—even if you don’t believe in God or a word of the sermon.

We’re talking real-life benefits like:

✅ Getting over yourself in a world obsessed with self-esteem
✅ Hearing actual moral instruction (not just Twitter rants)
✅ Being reminded of bigger, more important things than your inbox
✅ Singing with other humans (awkward, yes—but surprisingly good for the soul)
✅ Taking an hour off from your iPhone addiction
✅ Meeting people outside your social media echo chamber
✅ Practicing patience and attention in a world of dopamine hits
✅ Finding ways to help others through charitable work
✅ Connecting to a long human tradition
✅ And maybe—just maybe—being surprised by something you didn’t expect

Think of this as a modern survival guide to ancient wisdom, minus the preaching. Whether you’re curious, cynical, or just looking for something meaningful to do on a Sunday morning—this one’s for you.

👀 Watch now, and let us know what your reason would be.

Are we being controlled by fear or by pleasure?

The boys drink and review an imperial pilsner, then discuss the contrasting visions of the future by Orwell and Huxley.

P&C explore the strange relevance of 1984 and Brave New World — from constant surveillance, censorship, and thought control, to mindless entertainment, dopamine addiction, and emotional infantilization. Both dystopian visions offer chilling insights into modern society.

We break down the contrasting methods of control: Orwell’s world of pain and suppression vs. Huxley’s world of pleasure and distraction. Drawing from key quotes, real-world parallels, and cultural trends.

For more information on this topic, read The Price of Mass Amusement.

The boys drink and review an IPA from Lost Rhino, then discuss the distressing direction of the state of Maryland. It’s as if Maryland wants to follow all the most disastrous liberal policies they can find.

Pigweed and Crowhill review problems with our horrible governor, stupid new laws and taxes, and the general tax and spend stupidity of the state.

Maryland is a deep blue state that is on its way to recession.

P&C reflect on some odd facts about Lent, then discuss the possibility of a new Druze homeland in the middle east. All while drinking two Irish stouts.

Pigweed starts off with some observations about St. Patrick’s Day and Lent, and the amusing / horrible answers from ChatGPT.

The boys also address a question in Louisiana about whether alligator is “a fish” for purposes for the Lenten fast.

In the Middle East, Syria is falling apart. Long time leader / dictator Assad is gone, but it hasn’t turned out as well as people hoped. Syria has become a violent basket case.

The Druze are a very old offshoot from Islam that still survives (barely) in the Middle East. They’ve been hunted and persecuted by Muslims for centuries. They’re spread across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, and have no autonomy of their own.

Now there’s a movement for the Druze to carve out their own homeland, which would create another non-Muslim area in the middle east, which will set the Muslims’ hair on fire.

The boys drink and review Crowhill’s Extra Special Bitter, then discuss the philosophy of anarchism and how it’s different than anarchy.

Hobbes (see episode 487) believed that the life of man in the state of nature is so horrible that no matter how bad the sovereign is, he’s better off under the sovereign than not.

Anarchists take the opposite view — that men can and do cooperate, and we don’t need rulers to oppose their coercive authority on us.

P&C discuss the good aspects of anarchism, then point out some of its weaknesses.

The boys drink and review Gaelic Storm, an imperial red ale, then ask why, since “women’s rights” have made such great strides in recent decades, women are actually less happy?

According to the 2024 American Family Survey, liberal women are half as happy as conservative women.

There’s no greater currency in liberalhood than being a victim. Liberal women therefore feel better — that is, they feel worse — the more they can claim to be a victim.

What causes all this? Why was feminism such a horrible failure?

With special guest Longinus, Pigweed and Crowhill drink Senate beer, then discuss the impact and popularity of Vikings.

What drove the Vikings to set sail on their legendary raids? In this video, we explore the forces that pushed the Norse to leave their homelands in search of wealth, land, and glory. We begin with the infamous 793 AD raid on Lindisfarne, a brutal attack that shocked medieval Europe and marked the beginning of the Viking Age. Then, we dive into the fascinating possibility that Vikings reached North America centuries before Columbus, settling in Newfoundland at L’Anse aux Meadows. Finally, we examine how Viking history, mythology, and warrior culture continue to shape modern popular culture—from TV shows and video games to heavy metal and sports teams.

Join us as we separate fact from fiction and uncover the real story of the Vikings!

The boys drink and review one of Pigweed’s homebrews, then discuss the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf.

What makes Beowulf such a timeless epic? In this episode of Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill, we dive into the legendary Old English poem, exploring its themes of heroism, honor, and the battle between good and evil.

We discuss Beowulf’s iconic fights with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon—unpacking the deeper meanings behind these monstrous encounters. How does Beowulf reflect the values of warrior culture? What does it reveal about fate, leadership, and the tension between pagan and Christian worldviews?

Join us as we break down the literary significance of Beowulf, its historical context, and why it still resonates today.

📌 Topics Covered:
✅ The heroic code and the pursuit of glory
✅ Symbolism of Grendel, his mother, and the dragon
✅ Pagan vs. Christian themes in Beowulf
✅ Beowulf as a warrior-king: Strength vs. wisdom
✅ Why Beowulf remains a must-read

If you love epic literature, mythology, or deep dives into classic texts, this episode is for you!

P&C drink and review Nugget Nectar by Troegs, then (starting about 4:47) discuss the Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk.

The boys expected DOGE to be investigating and studying things until July of 2026. DOGE is supposed to be finding waste, fraud, abuse, and inefficiency, and it’s off to a mad start, kicking down doors and taking names right from the start.

So far, a handful of 20-somethings working for DOGE have found things that our professionals inspectors have missed.

One of the first casualties was USAID, which seems to be nothing more than a mechanism for politicians to pay off their cronies.

P&C drink and review a stout from Jamaica then ask what’s the point of a liberal church?

Wokeism has taken over many liberal Christian denominations, with their BLM posters and LGBTlmnop flags.

Why do people go to church in the first place? Usually people go to church to become a better disciple of Jesus. The liberal churches seem to have interpreted that as being uber-tolerant.

Pigweed asks “but aren’t churches supposed to be judgy?,” and doesn’t forgiveness come after repentance?

Here are some characteristics of liberal churches.

• They don’t believe the Bible.
• They betray basic Christian doctrines such as the virgin birth and the deity of Christ.
• They believe man is good rather than sinful and in need of a savior.
• They compromise on sexual ethics. Same-sex marriage, LGBlmnop, gender fluidity, etc.
• The believe everyone goes to heaven.
• They deny the resurrection and Christ’s miracles.
• They put social justice over the Gospel.

The West is based on Christianity, and the West is under attack by many forces, such as Islam, secularism, and communism. Can the liberal church stand up against these attacks?

In this episode of the podcast, we crack open a Smuttynose “Finest Kind” IPA and dive into the fascinating life and legacy of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. Known to many as the “fourth assassinated president” alongside Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, and John F. Kennedy, McKinley’s story goes far beyond trivia night. From his heroic service during the Civil War to his transformative presidency, we explore what made him one of the most influential figures in American history.

We discuss McKinley’s courageous actions on the battlefield—running through enemy fire to deliver crucial messages—and his rise from an enlisted soldier to the rank of brevet major. Transitioning into politics, McKinley served multiple terms in the House of Representatives, became Governor of Ohio, and ultimately won the presidency in 1896. Learn how his “front porch campaign” changed the face of presidential elections and why he’s the only U.S. president to have served in the House but not the Senate.

McKinley’s presidency marked a turning point for the United States, establishing the nation as a global power. We delve into the impact of the Spanish-American War (1898), which led to the U.S. acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, as well as the annexation of Hawaii. McKinley championed the gold standard over silver-backed currency and supported protective tariffs to boost American manufacturing—policies that draw comparisons to modern leaders like Donald Trump. We also touch on his role in strengthening the U.S. Navy, expanding the nation’s global influence, and consolidating the power of the Republican Party for decades.

Of course, we also cover McKinley’s tragic assassination at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, by anarchist Leon Czolgosz—a pivotal event that reshaped presidential security and led to the Secret Service assuming its protective role. Plus, we explore the eerie coincidence of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, being present at the assassinations of three U.S. presidents: Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley.

Finally, we discuss the controversy surrounding Mount McKinley—North America’s tallest peak—originally named in McKinley’s honor but renamed Denali during the Obama administration, sparking debates about history, culture, and politics.

Grab a drink, settle in, and join us for a fun and insightful conversation about history, politics, and craft beer. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!

In this episode, we dive deep into the controversies surrounding Joe Biden and his family, tackling some of the most debated topics in American politics today. From Hunter Biden’s infamous laptop to allegations of corruption involving Ukraine and China, we examine the key evidence, media coverage, and political fallout that have fueled questions about accountability at the highest levels of government.

We break down the sequence of events, starting with Hunter Biden’s connections to Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company operating in one of Europe’s most corrupt countries. How did Hunter secure a lucrative position despite his lack of industry experience? What role did Joe Biden play when Ukrainian investigators began looking into Burisma’s activities? We explore the widely circulated video of Joe Biden admitting to pressuring Ukraine to fire a prosecutor investigating Burisma and discuss what this means for the integrity of American foreign policy.

But the story doesn’t stop there. We also look at Hunter Biden’s financial ties with Chinese companies, the IRS whistleblower allegations that claim the Department of Justice slow-walked investigations into Hunter’s taxes and foreign dealings, and the bank records that raise questions about where the money went. Did Joe Biden benefit from these business ventures? And what about the emails referencing “10% for the big guy”? We discuss Tony Bobulinski’s claims that Joe Biden was aware of and involved in his family’s business dealings, as well as the broader implications for government transparency and ethics.

Beyond the allegations themselves, we analyze the media’s response and why so many mainstream outlets seemed reluctant to investigate these stories. Why did 51 intelligence officials label Hunter Biden’s laptop as having “all the hallmarks of Russian propaganda”? Was this a coordinated effort to shield Joe Biden during a critical election cycle? We explore the role of social media platforms, government pressure on tech companies like Twitter and Facebook, and the broader issue of censorship and free speech in the digital age.

Finally, we discuss what happens next. With allegations of corruption, shell companies, and suspicious financial transactions, should there be further investigations? Or, as some argue, should the focus shift to more pressing national issues like government waste, military reform, and economic stability? And what about the political precedent—should former presidents and their families be subject to legal scrutiny after leaving office, or does that risk further dividing an already polarized nation?

Tune in for a no-holds-barred conversation that cuts through the noise and examines the facts. Whether you think Joe Biden is above the law or believe the allegations are politically motivated, this episode will give you plenty to consider.

The boys drink and review a pilsner, then discuss the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes.

Hobbes is best known for his characterization of life in the state of nature as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

Pigweed sets the historical context with some dates and the very consequential events that occurred during Hobbes’ life — including the English civil war, the execution of Charles I, and the restoration.

Hobbes wanted to know who gets to rule, under what circumstances, and within what limits. He starts by reflecting on human nature, which he says is a horrific state of war where people live in a constant state of fear. People can make agreements with their neighbors, but Hobbes says there’s a need for a sovereign who makes sure people keep their agreements.

In Hobbes’ mind, the state of nature is so awful that any sovereign, no matter how awful, no matter how tyrannical, is better. Consequently, he supported the monarchy and its radical claims.

P&C evaluate and criticize Hobbes’ claims.

The boys drink and review a robust porter then discuss “abusive empathy.”

Abusive empathy is when you turn empathy into a weapon or a tool to manipulate.

Some examples would include …

• Telling college age kids they’re too fragile to face other views
• Passing kids to the next grade rather than hurting their feelings
• Prioritizing emotions over facts
• Infantilizing people rather than allowing them to become strong
• Silencing dissent by labeling other opinions as cruel or unfeeling

It’s similar to the Jungian concept of the “devouring mother,” where mom protects the kids from the natural consequences of their actions, doesn’t allow them to face struggle or failure, in an effort to keep them dependent.

Examples in media would include Danny Kaye in White Christmas, or Eddie Haskall in Leave it to Beaver.

Then the boys entertain a question from a listener about whether Elon should apologize for his alleged “Nazi salute,” which leads to a discussion about when an apology is appropriate.

Which in turn leads to a discussion of the social media meme that “no matter how much you hate the media, you don’t hate them enough.”

The boys drink and review an Irish Cream Stout from Southern Tier, then discuss slavery around the world and throughout history.

From the earliest records of mankind there has been slavery. From Hammurabi, the Bible, Aristotle, records from Egypt — slavery was assumed to be a part of life. The Bible didn’t outlaw slavery, but it set limits on it. Later, we see a similar pattern in the Koran.

Slavery continues into the Roman Empire, where we see several different types of slaves, from gladiators, galley slaves, and miners, to easier roles like body slaves, household slaves, and even slaves who ran businesses. You might have become a slave from debt or from committing a crime. Slaves might have made up as much as 30 percent of the population.

The “slavs” are so called because so many of them were forced into slavery. American Indians had slaves. Europeans, Africans, and Asians all enslaved one another. Vikings took slaves. Everybody everywhere took slaves.

The whole concept is brutal and unthinkable to a modern man, but in a world where life was nasty, brutish, and short, sometimes slavery was better than the alternative.

The first U.S. war was fought against the Barbary pirates, who were capturing and enslaving Americans and Europeans.

Up until about 300 years ago, almost nobody questioned slavery.