While drinking a local stout, the boys ask whether abortion is really healthcare and then discuss that and related issues.
Healthcare is generally understood as the maintenance or improvement of health through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or management of illness, injury, and other physical or mental impairments.
How does abortion fit in with that?
Pigweed and Crowhill evaluate the reality against the propaganda and the pro-choice slogans.
Is it really “my body, my choice”?
Do people really want to affirm Roe v. Wade?
Is it actually a “conversation with my doctor”?
“Keep your laws off my body!” Is that a legit legal standard?
So where should we draw the line? When does a fetus become a human with protected rights?
The boys drink and review a festive, Christmas beer, then discuss Trump’s selections for his cabinet and what we might expect from them. Nazi Germany, of course. And fascism. And the end of democracy. But beyond that ….
As of the time of the podcast, Trump has chosen …
Marco Rubio for Secretary of State
Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense
Matt Gaetz for Attorney General (although he withdrew)
Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior
Howard Lutnick for Commerce
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS
Sean Duffy for Transportation
Chris Wright for Energy
Linda McMahon for Education
Doug Collins for Veterans Affairs
Kristi Noem for Homeland Security
Other key positions include …
Lee Zeldin for EPA
Elisa Stefanik for the UN
Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel
Tilsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
John Ratcliffe for CIA
Tom Homan as “Border Czar”
… and a few others.
He’s also asked Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head a new “Department of Government Efficiency.”
The boys drink and review Sierra Nevada’s Cold IPA, then discuss Scientology.
If you had your choice, would you rather your child be woke or a scientologist? It’s a hard choice.
Pigweed starts the discussion with a bio of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder / creator of both Dianetics and its later manifestation, Scientology. He was one of the most prolific authors in history, with as many as 1,000 titles.
The distinguishing factors of Scientology include …
The reactive vs. the analytical mind. The reactive mind stores painful traumatic memories called “engrams.” You find these through “auditing.” Once you get rid of the reactive mind you’re “clear.”
Auditing is done with the E-meter, which is essentially a galvanometer.
Opposition to Psychiatry and Psychology are flawed because they focus on symptoms rather than addressing the underlying problem of engrams.
Focus on self-empowerment and personal responsibility
Bridge to total freedom
Thetans and spiritual identity.
Survival as a core drive
But there’s another side — the mythology, including the goofy story about Xenu throwing people into volcanoes 75 million years ago.
The boys drink and review “Raised by Wolves” from Right Proper brewing, then wonder if they’re suckers for paying their income taxes when other people seem to get away with not filing!
They start by steelmanning the arguments against the income tax, which include …
The “sovereign citizen” idea
Questions about the ratification of the 16th Amendment
That it’s a violation of the constitution’s original intent
The “voluntary compliance” language
That the income tax was not intended to apply to everyone
Pigweed and Crowhill examine these arguments and give their analysis.
Broadcasting from the Royal Oak pub, the boys drink and review Crowhill’s homebrewed porter then discuss the failure of our government-run schools and the American education system.
Over the last 40 years we’ve had an increased role in education by both governments and unions, we’ve spent more and more on education, but results are worse and worse. Why?
Private schools that spend far less per student get better educational outcomes, and homeschoolers — who spend very little — frequently outperform private schools.
At the same time, we keep hearing that teachers aren’t being payed enough.
Okay, so where is all this money going? It’s going to administrators.
The boys review some statistics and discuss possible remedies.
Pigweed and Crowhill enjoy a celebratory bottle of champaign as they review the 2024 election.
Which is the more important victory: that Donald Trump won, or that Harris lost?
The first time around, Trump didn’t have a “Trump Team.” He had to cobble together an administration through recommendations from people who didn’t agree with his policies and approach. That will be entirely different this time.
Once again, the pollsters have egg on their faces. Trump overperformed by a wide margin.
Why did this go wrong for the Democrats?
Kamala was a horrible candidate who ran a horrible campaign
She was never selected by any democratic vote
She has been completely incompetent as vice president
Her policies, such as they were, were completely out of touch with the country
She did nothing but call names and alienate people
Walz was super weird
With hope, we can look forward to these things from DJT:
Is it my imagination, or is there renewed interest in myth, ancient belief systems, and what some might call an “enchanted” worldview? Why do people pay to hear Jordan Peterson talk for hours on Genesis and not get past chapter 1 verse 1?
I don’t want to exaggerate the claim. Most people are only interested in what’s on their phone at the moment, but there is at least some reaction against what might be called the modern myth, which promotes a sterile, lifeless, meaningless (but allegedly “scientific”) worldview. People are bored. They feel adrift, and life doesn’t have any meaning beyond pleasure or worldly success.
Rod Dreher wrote an interesting substack about this called North Toward Valhalla. It’s well worth your time.
Dreher claims that films like “The Northman” tap into this fascination, depicting a world where ritual, ancestry, and the supernatural merge into a life of profound significance. (Here’s a great review of the film by The Critical Drinker.)
As Dreher reflects on tradition and modern faith he speaks to this longing for enchantment as something missing in the stripped-down, rationalized aspects of modern life. For young men, especially, who seek meaning and connection, this resurgence in mythic storytelling highlights a need for an identity rooted in purpose, honor, and spiritual wonder. It may help to explain why so many young men are addicted to games. They provide something like a sense of meaning or purpose.
The Modern Longing for Enchantment
Modern secular, technological society is a fantastic thing. It’s given us antibiotics and labor-saving technologies that are simply amazing. But there’s no dispute that it’s come at a cost. Secular society reduces life to the material, emphasizing logic, technology, and efficiency over mystery and meaning. While these advancements offer many benefits, Dreher argues that they leave a void, creating a sense of disconnection from life’s deeper meaning.
In stark contrast, the symbolic, hero-driven narrative of The Northman shows characters motivated by a sense of duty and destiny that transcends self-interest. It’s an appeal to something timeless and heroic. But beyond that, there’s a constant sense of immanent spiritual reality. The gods are as real in The Northman as the sky and the land.
Dreher’s analysis suggests that this type of worldview, which modernity often overlooks, fulfills a deep-rooted human desire to connect with the divine, the sacred, and the transcendent.
The movie is very interesting, and — if you can handle the gore — worth a watch. But I’d like to take a diversion and discuss the lessons it should present to the modern church.
Can the church re-enchant the world?
About a year ago (I think) Jordan Peterson issued a challenge to Christian churches. One element of that challenge was to put a big sign in front of the church that said “Young Men are Welcome Here.”
I have my doubts that young men will see that sign and say, “Gee, maybe I should give it a try.” But such a public display sets a mood and an expectation. The liturgy committee now has to address how their latest effemimate nonsense will affect young men. A public sign and commitment isn’t going to have an immediate effect, but it might work its leaven into the dough over time.
The Church has historically offered an enchanted view of the world, seeing life itself as part of a divine narrative. By recovering these elements, the Church can address the growing need for something beyond the immediate, something enchanted and mysterious.
Recovering Enchantment through the Sacramental Life
For the Catholic Church, a return to enchantment begins with a reemphasis on the sacraments as tangible encounters with the divine. As Dreher emphasizes, religious traditions that are rich in symbolism, ritual, and beauty resonate more deeply than those that have adopted a utilitarian approach. The Mass, confession, and even the act of lighting a candle are not mere symbols; they’re a way to participate in divine reality. They’re actions that remind believers of the divine presence permeating their lives.
Reclaiming the depth and beauty of the sacraments means encouraging believers to experience them as genuine encounters with God, where heaven and earth meet. This type of engagement fosters an understanding that every action has spiritual weight, just as in “The Northman” every oath and ritual has cosmic significance.
Art, architecture, and music have historically been a cornerstone of Catholic spirituality. Beautiful spaces and traditions serve as reminders of the divine, stirring a sense of reverence that words alone cannot convey. Dreher notes that traditional beauty in worship is not just about aesthetics but about reaching the soul.
Building Brotherhood and Purpose
Dreher frequently advocates for community as a vital aspect of spiritual life, especially in a fragmented modern world where people don’t even know their neighbors. Young men often desire to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they seek a sense of belonging and brotherhood. To foster this, the Church might focus on creating spaces where men can explore faith in a supportive, purposeful environment.
Just as “The Northman” appeals to the timeless call of honor and bravery, the Church can focus on stories of saints, martyrs, and biblical figures who faced trials with courage and conviction. There is a heroic tradition in Christianity, and it can inspire young men to see themselves as part of a grand, meaningful narrative.
Rekindling Mystery and the Transcendent
Dreher points out that the search for mystery is not about answers but about opening oneself to questions that resist easy explanation. Accepting mystery can be powerful, encouraging believers to see their faith as a journey of discovery rather than a set of conclusions (blech!). The Church’s emphasis on prayer, meditation, and the mysteries of the faith invite believers to embrace the unknown with reverence, engaging with God in a dynamic, personal way.
By reawakening a sense of enchantment and mystery, the Catholic Church can speak directly to the modern heart’s deep yearnings. A return to an “enchanted” vision of life — one that celebrates meaning, beauty, community, and purpose — may well be the antidote to the secular malaise that leaves so many young men adrift. Through the sacraments, sacred art, and stories of valor and sacrifice, the Church can inspire a generation longing for meaning, offering them a path into a life where the sacred and the heroic are not relics of the past but living realities.
The boys drink and review “Beast of Both Worlds,” a “Bi-Coastal IPA” from Lagunitas.
George Soros has become a whipping boy for the right. The man was born a Hungarian Jew and lived through both Naziism and communism, but made his respectable pile of money in the United States. P&C start off with a brief biography, but move on to speak about his underlying philosophy and the causes he promotes.
Soros was deeply influenced by the philosophy of Karl Popper and his concept of open and closed societies. In an open society individuals are free to think and act independently with minimal government control. An open society has pluralism and tolerance, democratic governance, change and reform (because no one holds the ultimate truth), and a commitment to our own limitations (fallibilism).
If giving to political causes qualifies a person as a philanthropist, Soros is a big one. His foundation supports …
Democracy and human rights
Education
Criminal justice reform
Public health
LGBTQIDYSDLKSDH rights
Immigration and refugee support
Racial and social justice
Economic equity
Media freedom
Climate change and environmental protection
All of these flow logically from his commitment to the “open society” concept, and Soros takes a very liberal stance on all these issues.
Science is real
Black Lives matter
Love is love
No human is illegal
Climate change is real
Women’s rights are human rights
Kindness is everything
What does that sign really mean? P&C break it down, line by line.
But there are other versions, like this, from a public school (if you can believe it).
The American dream is a scan
Policing originates from runaway slave patrols
Capitalism exploits
Colonialism is evil
The founding fathers were racist
American imperialism must end
America was built on genocide and slavery
This country is on stolen, indigenous land
With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review Slightly Mighty IPA by Dogfish Head brewing, then discuss their recent jaunt down to Washington, D.C., to review the architecture on some key buildings.
Their trip took them to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, St. Matthews cathedral, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Capitol.
Longinus was able to give Pigweed and Crowhill some insights into the history and architecture of these amazing buildings.
The boys discuss the psychological effect and message of these buildings, but the show isn’t only about architecture. They discuss issues related to the freemasons, the Catholics, and the U.S. government.
With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review Southern Tier’s Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, then discuss five stories by the master of horror.
After a brief bio on King, they review …
The Jaunt — King presents a futuristic story where teleportation, or “jaunting,” allows instant travel but comes with a terrifying caveat: while the physical body arrives safely, the mind remains conscious in a timeless, endless void during the journey. When a young boy defies the rules and jaunts while awake, the horrifying consequences reveal the true nightmare of experiencing eternity alone.
The Raft — Four college students, two men and two women, take a late-year visit to a lake where they hope to swim out to the raft that’s used by the summer visitors. They run into an unexpected visitor.
Survivor Type — a disgraced surgeon stranded on a deserted island resorts to extreme measures to survive, including self-amputation and cannibalism. The story, presented through the character’s journal entries, reveals a descent into madness as he makes horrifying sacrifices in a desperate struggle for life.
Gramma — a young boy named George is left alone to care for his ailing, bedridden grandmother, whose dark and supernatural powers begin to reveal themselves in terrifying ways. As the night progresses, George’s fear escalates as he realizes his grandmother harbors a sinister secret that threatens his safety.
The Reach — elderly Stella Flanders faces her fear of crossing the frozen stretch of water separating her island home from the mainland, drawn by visions of deceased loved ones calling her to the other side. As she traverses the ice, Stella experiences a haunting journey that blends life and death, ultimately finding peace in accepting her fate.
The boys drink and review a pumpkin beer from Sam Adams, then discuss the origins of Halloween and paganism in general.
Halloween came from something called Samhain, which was a pagan feast for the end of the year. In the years before capitalism and industrial food production, this was a time of year where you desperately hope and your family won’t starve over the winter.
At Samhain, ghosts and spirits walk around on earth. The veil between this world and the world of the dead gets thin. To scare away the spirits our ancestors would dress up as scary characters. They’d also carve vegetables with scary faces.
When the Scots and other Europeans came to America they brought some of these customs with them. It wasn’t until the middle of the 20th century that we got full-blown Halloween in the United States. So we’d buy candy and costumes and such.
They then review paganism in general. Its history. What the word means? Who are the pagans? What did they believe? And so on.
Unfortunately, we don’t know much. Even the Druids and the cult of Mithra — both very influential in their time — are not well known.
The boys drink and review Lord Maltimore, a Marzen from Key Brewing Company, then discuss the state of the election and their predictions.
Pigweed starts off ripping Kamala as a phony with no talent and little brains. Crowhill says she’s mean and vapid. She slept her way to the top and has no idea what she’s doing.
No one is voting for Harris. They’re voting against Trump.
Harris gets three groups. (1) The “not Trump” vote. (2) The “it’s time for a black woman” vote. (3) The “pull the D lever” vote. In addition, Harris has the media, Hollywood, the arts, academia, and the entrenched bureaucrats all pulling for her.
Is that enough to win?
The polls don’t look that way. Trump has a slight edge nationally and seems to be winning in enough states to become president.
P&C recount some of Trump’s failings, but believe he’s still the man for the hour.
The boys drink a shandy and talk about Indigenous People’s Day.
Pigweed suggests various ways to celebrate the holiday, observing some of the customs of the indigenous people.
The boys review some of the negative aspects of indigenous cultures — such as human sacrifice — and point out how silly it is to measure people in the past by modern moral standards. If we’re going to hold Columbus to modern standards, why not the indigenous people too?
Columbus had his faults, but he also brought about an incredible sequence of events that led to functional, modern societies in the western hemisphere.
Trigger warning: This is a very politically incorrect episode.
The boys compare Crowhill’s homebrewed dopplebock against Paulaner’s Salvator, then discuss conspiracy theories.
Pigweed found a chart that characterized conspiracy theories in ascending order of craziness, from actually true, to you have left the world of sanity. Pigweed and Crowhill go through a list and rank them from true to impossible.
Some conspiracies actually happened, like the Tuskegee experiment, MK Ultra, the FBI spying on Martin Luther King, etc.
Then there’s completely nutty things. Like chemtrails. Is the white trail behind jets really condensation, or is it a chemical the government is using on us to manipulate our behavior?
The boys go through a long list of conspiracies, including …
* Did the government aim the hurricane at Trump voters?
* Was Maui a controlled burn so Oprah could buy cheap land in Hawaii?
* Did Epstein kill himself?
* Did the Titanic really sink?
* Is Joe Biden a robot?
* Are white people being replaced?
