Category: General

EDC Post – 2026

March 4, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Another in my series of seeing how things change year over year. I tend to carry a lot of stuff. Here are my previous posts:

2018 post.

2019 post.

2020 post.

2021 post.

2022 post.

2023 post.

2024 post.

2025 post.

With the return to the office, my daily carry has semi-expanded, in as much as I have a completely different set of bags that routinely get used.

On Person – Just Around The House

This is the EDC I will carry most days that I don’t go outside the house, or at least, outside the neighborhood.

Phone

I’m using an iPhone 16 Pro. I have the 512 GB model because I kept hitting storage limits on my old phone. Particularly since I’m out and about more. My case is one of those that allow me to use MagSafe chargers. It came with a wallet, but I really disliked it. I splurged and picked up a Pelican branded one that slips into my pocket better. Plus, I like the carbon fiber look.

Earbuds

I’ve been using some Apple AirPods Pro 2. I particularly like Apple’s “transparent” mode which allows more of the outside sound through. I’ve experimented with a few other earbuds, but I keep coming back to my Airpods.

Pocketknife

I carry a Leatherman Skeletool. for just around the house. Much to The Wife’s chagrin, I’ve found I need a knife or one of the myriad of little tools far too often.

Flashlight

For walking around the house, I have my Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA. I switched out my previous flashlight for one that took AA batteries, as I have a lot of rechargeables and some quick rechargers.

Watch

I’m using a 45mm Series 9 Apple Watch. I’m in the Apple ecosystem, and the Apple Watch works best.

On Person – Out of the House

Additional stuff when I’m going out that I keep on my person.

Wallet

I use a Saddleback Large Leather Wallet to hold all the cards and such that don’t fit into the phone wallet.

Keys

The Brother gave me a Lifelong Ring 300 key ring system a few years ago. I mainly use the main big ring and have all my keys on wire key rings. In addition to my keys, I keep:

  1. Olight I1R 2 Pro Eos – I don’t pull my keys out a lot, but there have been a few times I’ve needed extra light.
  2. Gerber Mullet multi-tool – Mostly because it’s TSA-approved
  3. SSK 128 GB flash drive – I like that the body is metal and has USB-A and USB-C attachments.

Pocketknife

My Leatherman gets switched out for a Spyderco Tenacious. I’ve always liked Spyderco knives, and I found this one on sale.

Flashlight

For going out of the house, I carry a Streamlight ProTac 750 lumen flashlight. It’s too big to really be a pocket flashlight, so I carry it in one of my IWB spare magazine holders.

Pepper Spray

I carry a small POM pepper spray for when I need something between strong words and deadly force.

Sidearm

Unless I’m going to a place I’m not legally allowed to carry, I generally have my Smith and Wesson M&P9 M2.0.

  1. Weapon-Mounted Light – Streamlight TLR-1 has been my go to for years
  2. Ammo – 124-grain Speer Gold Dots in the pistol and in the spare magazine, since that’s what the local cops use
  3. Holster – These days, I use a Raven Concealment IWB holster and Concealment Solutions IWB double mag holder.

On Person – Going to Work

Pretty much the same as above, but some things get switched out due to workplace restrictions. Some other stuff gets left home, but I’m not going to mention those.

Pocketknife

I carry a Leatherman Skeletool to work, but a different one. Mostly because my work Leatherman’s clip is bent and can’t really be securely clipped to my pants. It just rides in a pocket.

Flashlight

I have a Streamlight Pro-Tac 500 lumen that I carry to work. Small enough to ride in the pocket, but strong enough to throw a lot of light.

The Bags – Non-Work

Generally when I go out some place around town, I carry a 5.11 LVC12 Backpack for all the other essential bits and bobs I want to have on-hand.

Electronics Support

  1. Spare cables – I have a Maxpedition Fatboy Organizer with several cables that I need to recharge my various devices. I use almost exclusively Anker cables.
  2. Earbuds – A spare pair of Apple EarPods in case my Airpods are not available. Or someone needs them.
  3. Power Banks – I keep a couple versions of Anker’s MagChargers because I like the ability to just slap them on the back of my phone to recharge.
  4. Wall Plug – I have an Anker wall plug to recharge when the batteries are depleted. Or when I don’t want to use my chargers.
  5. Batteries – I keep some spare CR123’s for my flashlights and a couple of AA’s for the odd device that needs them.

First Aid Stuff

  1. The “Boo-Boo” First Aid Kit – Coleman Mini First Aid Kit although I’ve replaced most of the guts with my own band-aids, disinfecting wipes, and small antibiotics.
  2. The “Oh-Shit” First Aid Kit – I have a generic MOLLE IFAK bag that I stashed a CAT Tourniquet (because that’s what I trained with), a QuickClot bandage, a pair of trauma shears, a roll of vet tape, and a bunch of gauze pads.
  3. Spare Meds – I generally keep small bottles of ibuprofen, tylenol, and Pepcid AC. Because that’s generally what I need to deal with the aches and pains of going outside.
  4. N-95 Mask – I keep a couple of the 3M N-95 disposables in case of sickness or other such emergencies. Or I’m in a confined space and someone is coughing just a bit too much.

Tools

  1. Mini Tape Measure – I think mine is from Tractor Supply, but running around with The Wife necessitates having a tape measure when she finds stuff for the house.
  2. Reusable twist ties – The Brother got me these a long time ago, and they’ve come in handy on more than one occasion.
  3. Flashlight – Streamlight Polytac X Flashlight – Yes, I have another flashlight. Don’t judge. I like this one because it has a rechargeable battery, but will also run on a couple of CR123’s.
  4. Pair of Paracord Shoelaces – Because sometimes my shoelaces break in the most inconvenient places. Or I need to tie something while I’m out and about.

Odds and Ends

  1. Cleaning cloth – Amazon Microfiber Cloth – These are really handy for cleaning my eyeglasses and my electronics’ screens.
  2. Hand Sanitizer – I prefer the small little bottles from Bath and Bodyworks.
  3. Field Notes Notebook – Well, a generic version of the little pad of paper.
  4. Pen(s) – Zebra Metal Ball Point Pens – I’ve been keeping a couple of these in the bag. These tend to get through security better than dedicated tactical pens.
  5. Travel Pack Tissues – I keep a pack or two of the Kleenex Travel Packs. Because allergies. And occasional cleaning.
  6. Emergency cash – No, I’m not going to say how much
  7. Hairbrush
  8. Lint Roller – Flint Retractable Roller – I like this one because of its form factor

The Bags – Work

The Briefcase

My briefcase is a Maxpedition Attache bag. The concept behind the briefcase is it should have everything I need to set up for work. I should be able to sit down at a desk or table and have everything I need to do my job.

Workstation and Peripherals

  1. Laptop and Phone – These are issued by my employer, so I have no control or input on what I get. It also makes getting peripherals sometimes challenging. Particularly for anything I want that would require software being installed.
  2. Portable Monitor – I have an LG Gram portable monitor. The Wife and I got used to having two monitors even while traveling.
  3. Headphones – My headphones for work-related stuff (meetings, calls, etc) is a pair of Jabra Evolve 75 UC. I really like the light weight, comfortable fit, and noise cancellation.
  4. Laptop Stands – I keep a couple of collapsible stands. They help keep the monitors at eye level and the laptop from overheating.
  5. Phone Stand – I have a foldable stand that I use for the work phone so I can monitor it while I’m working. Plus it lets me plug in the phone while on the stand.
  6. Webcam – I keep a Logitech C310 webcam in my bag. It lets me get a better picture when I’m required to have my camera on.
  7. Trackball – I have a Logitech MX Ergo trackball. I prefer trackballs for their ergonomics and the fact that they don’t need additional space beyond their footprint to work. It helps in tight spaces.
  8. Keyboard – With the laptop on a stand, I can’t use its keyboard. So, I have a ProtoArc Ergonomic Foldable Keyboard

Electronic Support

  1. Extension Cord / Power Bar – I have an Anker Nano Charging Station. It’s relatively small and compact, as well as being able to take two traditional plugs, two USB-A and two USB-C.
  2. Power Block – I keep an Anker 140W MAX charging block. It has three USB-C ports and a USB-A port.
  3. Cables – I keep a pouch with the necessary cables, such as Thunderbolt, USB-C, lightning, and Micro-USB. Again, these are generally Anker.
  4. USB Hub – I have a Monkin USB Hub because it has two USB-C display ports. Which is helpful if I have my ASUS dual monitors along.

The Backpack

I have a 5.11 COVRT 24 backpack that I use as my “get home” and version of my non-work slingbag. It carries almost all same things as my normal backpack – or at least some variation thereof. In addition, I tend to carry along:

Nebula Capsule – Because I have gone into a presentation/training one too many times where there was no screen / monitor to show my slides.

Headphones – I have some Soundcore over the ear headphones. They work pretty well, fit pretty well, will get through several days of music, and I really like their transparency mode.

The Lunchbox

I use a Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack as my lunchbox. Really, it’s more of a drink carrier, but I make sure I have additional supplies – just in case.

Drinks – I keep a pair of Camelbak 50 oz bottles – one for sweet tea and one for Crystal Lite. In addition, I have a smaller Camelbak Eddy full of water, just in case.

Emergency Food – I keep a Cliff bar for emergency food, because I can eat a Cliff bar and not like it. Which means I won’t eat it unless I really need to.

Breath mints – I keep a tin of cinnamon Altoids. Most of the time, it’s just to “reload” the tin I keep in the car.

State of the Podcasts 2026

February 4, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Previous posts:

State of Podcasts 2018

State of Podcasts 2019

State of Podcasts 2020

State of Podcasts 2021

State of Podcasts 2022

State of Podcasts 2023

State of Podcasts 2024

State of Podcasts 2025

This is the eighth year I’ve reviewed which podcasts I listen to, how I listen to them, and when I listen to them. Part of it’s my own curiosity at how my podcast habits change. I’m also curious what others think about the same podcasts and which podcasts come and go.

I listen to my podcasts in Overcast. I prefer Overcast because the app deletes podcasts I’ve listened to, plus it has a smart speed feature which will speed up if it hears dead air. Generally, I listen to my podcasts at 2X speed.

The Podcasts

Active Self Protection Podcast – I listen to build up my “scenario card file” for self-defense. I generally don’t listen to the episode with Steve Gutowski because he covers much of the same topics on his own podcast.

Advisory Opinions – This one helps me understand how the law “thinks” and why it sometimes is at odds with what people think it should think. It’s helped me gain perspective on why things happen the way the do when it comes to the courts.

Alienating the Audience – Andrew Heaton goes into aspects of science-fiction with authors and his friends. This one makes me think and introduces me to new sci-fi properties.

Angry Planet – Another of my “opposing view” podcasts with a focus on conflict in the modern world.

Assorted Calibers Podcast – Weer’d Beard and Erin Pallette are the real reason I listen to this, but the other segments are generally surprisingly good. I’m also a patron, and listen to the Mag Dump round tables, Film Tracks, and Blooper Reels (which are hysterically funny).

Bound By Oath – This is another legal podcast, but dives into a specific subject throughout a season.

The Bradenton Times Podcast – This is one I use to get to know what’s going on in my local community. And as much as I disagree with the host, at least he makes me think and re-evaluate my stances. I will admit to fast forwarding when they start talking national politics. It’s not what I listen to them for.

Chambers, Changes, & Conversations – The official podcast of Manatee County government, which is why I listen to it. I want to know what the government wants me to hear about what they’re doing. I’ve learned a lot about some of the workings of the county government and other entities.

The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast – I will always listen to Charlie Cooke, and he brings in some very interesting guests to talk over their books.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History – This podcast is a master craft in how to tell history in an exciting and entertaining way. It’s probably better to treat the arcs as audiobooks and just listen to them all at once to get the width and breadth of the story. This updates very infrequently.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: Addendum – A companion to the Hardcore History podcast where Dan Carlin does segments outside his normal narrative style. Often very informative.

The Dispatch Podcast – Roundtables with Dispatch writers, editors, and contributors to discuss the issues of the day.

Econtalk– This is one of those podcasts that discuss a wide range of topics – almost always interesting.

The Editors – Editors from National Review discussing the issues of the day. Part of my keeping an idea of the conservative side of the issues of the day.

Fall of Civilizations Podcast – This is a good companion to Hardcore History in its story-telling style. Not that they cover the same things, but this one does an excellent job in showing the decline and fall of various civilizations from every level.

FBI Case File Review – This has been very useful in dispelling some misconceptions about how the FBI works. Plus, many of the cases are very compelling and excellent for storytelling.

The Fifth Column – This is an excellent roundup focusing on the issues of the day and how the media reports them. They also bring on guests who will disagree with them and have excellent discussions.

The Handgun Radio Show – Delving more into the history and technological aspects of guns – mostly handguns. Also, just fun musings on different aspects of guns. Sometimes they bring on interesting guests.

Honestly – Sometimes this one is interviews, and sometimes Bari brings on several guests for a panel to discuss an issue. This is also one where opposing views are a common and welcome feature. Currently on hiatus.

Honoverse Today – The three hosts analyze the Honor Harrington books in publication order. The nifty catch is that two of them are brand new to the series, while the third is a fan who has read the series multiple times. It’s interesting to hear the different items they pick out from the books. Plus, David Weber makes an occasional appearance.

How The World Works – Kevin Williamson is another person I always enjoy listening to, and his podcast focusing on the work people do is excellent. Mainly, a lot of intellectuals, but he’s been doing a good job bringing on other occupations.

Left, Right, & Center – I generally like the format of the show, particularly as the hosts debate, but are not confrontational. I’ve heard many folks whose opinions I completely oppose but wouldn’t mind having the discussion.

The Michael Shermer Show – Very thought-provoking conversations as Dr. Shermer interviews scientists, scholars, and other intellectuals – generally on their new books.

The Pack Podcast – This discusses the Mercy Thompson-universe of books, which The Wife and I highly enjoy.

The Political Orphanage – Andrew Heaton interviews a variety of individuals to discuss issues that aren’t normally covered by other podcasts. And sometimes he does deep dives into subjects that I just don’t get other places. Then he does musicals based on those deep dives, which is amusing.

Politics Politics Politics – This is essentially an ESPN-style podcast for politics. Not calling whose position is wrong or right, but what makes sense politically. I find it intriguing for the sausage-making side of politics.

The Reason Roundtable – The Reason crew discusses the issues of the day from their unique libertarian point of view.

The Remnant With Jonah Goldberg – This is mostly another interview show with mostly interesting guests. Jonah also does a weekly solo rant on the issues of the day.

The Rest Is History – I’ve learned quite a bit of new historical tidbits. Plus, I have a lot of other podcasts that reference this one, so it helps to keep in the conversation.

The Rewatchables – Variety panel of guests discussing a movie that is considered highly rewatchable. Depending on what movie they’re reviewing, if it’s one I haven’t seen, I’ll delete it. The categories are neat, but sometimes I get lost when they make sports references.

Tactical Tangents – I picked this one up originally because it has some excellent breakdowns of historical gunfights and mass shootings. It’s mostly geared to the professional, but the regular person can pick up some really good info. I tend to delete if it’s too “service focused” and less stuff I can use as a civilian or writer.

Tracer Burnout – This has been a good podcast for me to learn small details that make up service in the American military.

Urban Warfare Project – I picked this one up after hearing the host discuss the Gaza War. I found some interesting points to consider about the unique nature of urban warfare.

We’re Not Wrong – This is another one of those I listen to because the hosts bring different views than my normal feeds and challenge my ideas.

The Weekly Reload Podcast – The audio companion to The Reload newsletter. The host interviews a wide variety of pro-gun and anti-gun guests, or those who just have something important to add to the world around guns.

Wells Said – This is the podcast from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. I’ve learned about some interesting local programs and initiatives from the MCSO to deal with crime and welfare.

What the Hell Is Going On – This is another one of those that keep me apprised of the what’s going on in conservative world. Or more to point, what are some of the talking points and issues high on the minds of the conservatives.

Words & Numbers – An economist and a political scientist discuss different aspects of economics from a libertarian perspective. Sometimes dipping into issues of the day.

Writer Dojo – This one has helped me with the art of writing. If I ever decide to actually get my stories published, I’ll probably go back through those episodes on the business of writing.

That Was An Interesting Storm Season

November 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Okay, technically, the hurricane season lasts until the end of the month. And there’s the superstitious fragment of me that fears I’m tempting fate by talking about it as if it’s done. Still, with the nasty cold front that’s come through Ward Manor’s environs, I’m fairly certain we won’t see any tropicals until next year.

Looking globally, it hasn’t been a slow year. If anything, it’s been an unusually strong year. There were three Cat 5’s. Which, according to Wikipedia, hasn’t occurred since 2005. Looking at what Melissa did to Jamaica brought back the terror I felt when Milton was at its peak and headed straight towards us.

What made it interesting is the entire lack of impacts at Ward Manor. I look back at past blog posts, and it seems we get a busy year, a slow year, a busy year, etc.

Now, I could look at 2025 as the pendulum swing from 2024 – which was extremely active for my AO with three nasty storms in less than two months. However, that side of me that drives my prepper instincts is screaming that I need to be super-prepped for 2026.

I’m hoping for an easy 2026, but I’ve got my list of things to do before mid-May rolls around.

The Xterra Is Returning… In A Few Years

November 17, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Before the Ward Wagon and the Wardmobile, I had a 2011 Nissan Xterra. That car was the first car I bought simply because I wanted a new vehicle. It was a few years into my professional career after years of fast food management. While I loved my Aztek that I had at the time, I wanted something a little more nondescript, and something that didn’t have the lingering odor of fast food grease.

Way back in the early aughts, Mom rented me an Xterra to use in the lead up to my first wedding. I fell in love with that truck, and desperately wanted one when I was looking for a new vehicle before purchasing the Aztek. I just couldn’t afford them at the time. However, after being gainfully employed at the current day job for a few years, I was financially able to pick up my Xterra.

I loved that truck – even more after I upgraded the stereo to Carplay and added the backup camera. Yet, once we were all sent on telework, it just didn’t get driven much. So, it was traded in along with The Wife’s car at the time for the Ward Wagon.

Now, I find out that Nissan is reintroducing the Xterra after more than a decade. Well, sorta. They’re introducing a new SUV with the Xterra badge.

What It Is A reincarnation of the 2000–2015 Xterra as a tidy, off-road-focused hybrid SUV, as confirmed to Bloomberg by Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier. Leading up to the announcement, Nissan filed a trademark application for the Xterra name in the U.S. and a teaser photo of upcoming Nissans included a boxy SUV with prominent roof rails, a silhouette familiar to Xterra fans (and on which our speculative renderings are based). Meunier also confirmed the new Xterra will be built starting in 2028 at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi, plant in order to take advantage of available capacity at the facility.

Why It Matters Nissan’s product lineup needs a few more injections of “interesting,” and with several off-road-focused SUVs now popular in the market—think Ford Bronco and Toyota Land Cruiser—it makes sense Nissan would greenlight an Xterra reincarnation. The first generation of this SUV won MotorTrend’s Truck of the Year award in 2000 and performed rather well within its segment.

I dunno. I look at the new Xterra and I don’t get the same rush I did from the original. It just seems like a semi-modded version of a standard mid-sized SUV. As of right now, nothing that would make me want to change from the Ward Wagon or Ward Mobile.

Derek’s Mildly Useful Reviews – Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

September 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The Wife and I are fans of Downton Abbey. So much so that we have physical media so we can watch it if we lose internet. As a fan, the movie hit a lot of the same notes. In many ways, the movies seem less grand spectacles and more “very special episodes.” Which has its good points and its bad points. While I enjoyed the movie, there was a certain flatness when I put on my writing hat.

The main plot surrounds the passing of the torch from the elder characters to their younger counterparts. Once again, scandal surrounds the eldest daughter and presumed heiress Mary. A small quibble here is that it’s a case of “in late, out early,” but in some ways, we come in far too late. This, I fear, is the case of telling the story over a two hour film and not an eight-ten hour episode arc. In some ways, the various plots and subplots are rehashes of themes and issues that were previously done in the episodes. But, there’s an endearing quality to that as well.

It is a fitting end to the entire arc of the Downton Abbey saga. While I may have some quibbles from a writing standpoint, as a fan, I was immensely pleased to seeing these characters one last time. And feeling the touch of

State of the Podcasts 2025

February 6, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Previous posts:

State of Podcasts 2018

State of Podcasts 2019

State of Podcasts 2020

State of Podcasts 2021

State of Podcasts 2022

State of Podcasts 2023

State of Podcasts 2024

This is the eighth year I’ve reviewed which podcasts I listen to, how I listen to them, and when I listen to them. Part of it’s my own curiosity at how my podcast habits change. I’m also curious what others think about the same podcasts and which podcasts come and go.

I listen to my podcasts in Overcast. I prefer Overcast because the app deletes podcasts I’ve listened to, plus it has a smart speed feature which will speed up if it hears dead air. Generally, I listen to my podcasts at 2X speed.

This past year I did a pretty decent cull of some that I found were repetitive of podcasts I liked more.

I decided not to do categories anymore. You should be able to pick up the kind of podcast from the blurb. I’m going to include the show’s “blurb” and then any of my comments.

The Podcasts

Active Self Protection Podcast – Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast, you will hear stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less than lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this riveting. One of the shows I listen to build up my “scenario card file” for self defense. Plus, the end segment with the host of The Reload (see below) is excellent.

Advisory Opinions – Hosts David French and Sarah Isgur have a weekly conversation about the law, culture, and why it matters This one helps me understand how the law “thinks” and why it sometimes is at odds with what people think it should think.

Alienating the Audience – Andrew Heaton and an army of nerds plunge deep, deep into films, books, and TV shows to ask: what’s science fiction really about? What is The Twilight Zone really exploring? What are the underlying themes of Star Trek? What is the worldview of Star Wars? Also sometimes Heaton performs comedy on other planets. This one tends to go in spurts, although the host has said he’s going to try and make it more regular.

Angry Planet – Conversations about conflict on an angry planet. This podcast is an interesting look at politics and military issues through interviews with specialists, but definitely not from my political point of view.

Assorted Calibers Podcast – Everything including the kitchen sink. Weer’d Beard and Erin Pallette are the real reason I listen to this, but the other segments are generally surprisingly good. I’m also a patron, and listen to the Mag Dump round tables, Film Tracks, and Blooper Reels (which are hysterically funny).

Bound By Oath – Bound By Oath is a new podcast by IJ’s Center for Judicial Engagement where the Constitution’s past catches up to the present. Article VI of the U.S. Constitution requires every judge to be “bound by Oath” to uphold “this Constitution”. But to understand if judges are following that oath, it’s important to ask, “What is in ‘this Constitution’”? In this podcast series, Short Circuit takes a deep dive into specific parts of the Constitution, starting with the 14th Amendment, which turned 150 in 2018. “Bound By Oath” features interviews with historians, legal scholars, and the real people involved in historical and contemporary cases. The first season was on the 14th amendment and the second was on qualified immunity. Good primer on the legal issues surrounding those topics.

The Bradenton Times Podcast – A weekly podcast by the Bradenton Times that highlights the people and issues in the Manatee County community. This is one I use to get to know what’s going on in my local community. And as much as I disagree with the host, at least he makes me think and re-evaluate my stances.

The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast – A show about politics, music, technology, rollercoasters, golf carts, and the United States of America. The spiritual successor to Mad Dogs and Englishmen after Kevin Williamson’s departure to The Dispatch. Charlie Cooke’s still providing thought provoking takes and brings on guests to expound on them.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History – In “Hardcore History” journalist and broadcaster Dan Carlin takes his “Martian”, unorthodox way of thinking and applies it to the past. Was Alexander the Great as bad a person as Adolf Hitler? What would Apaches with modern weapons be like? Will our modern civilization ever fall like civilizations from past eras? This isn’t academic history (and Carlin isn’t a historian) but the podcast’s unique blend of high drama, masterful narration and Twilight Zone-style twists has entertained millions of listeners. This podcast is a master craft in how to tell history in an exciting and entertaining way. It’s probably better to treat the arcs as audiobooks and just listen to them all at once to get the width and breadth of the story. This updates very infrequently.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: Addendum – Interviews, musings and extra material from the makers of Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History. If it did not fit in the HH feed it’s probably here. A companion to the Hardcore History podcast where Dan Carlin does segments outside his normal narrative style. Often very informative.

The Dispatch Podcast – Host Sarah Imgur is joined by Steve Hayes and Jonah Goldberg for a weekly thoughtful discussion on politics, policy, and culture. The panel rotates a bit more often with other members of the Dispatch staff which gives the panel discussion a wider variety. The interviews are always entertaining.

Econtalk– Econtalk: Conversations for the Curious is an award-winning weekly podcast hosted by Russ Roberts of Shalem College in Jerusalem and Stanford’s Hoover Institution. The eclectic guest list includes authors, doctors, psychologists, historians, philosophers, economists, and more. Learn how the health care system really works, the serenity that comes from humility, the challenge of interpreting data, how potato chips are made, what it’s like to run an upscale Manhattan restaurant, what caused the 2008 financial crisis, the nature of consciousness, and more. I’ve been learning a lot on economics, and even more on some wildly different topics.

The Editors – Unravel the threads of American politics with incisive commentary and in-depth analysis on the state of the political scene. Editors from National Review discussing the issues of the day. Part of my keeping an idea of the conservative side of the issues of the day.

Fall of Civilizations Podcast – A history podcast looking at the collapse of a different civilization each episode. What did they have in common? Why did they fail? And what did it feel like to watch it happen? This is a good companion to Hardcore History and Revolutions. Not that they cover the same things, but this one does an excellent job in showing the decline and fall of various civilizations from every level.

FBI Retired Case File Review – Host Jerri Williams is a retired FBI agent and author on a mission to show you who the FBI is and what the FBI does by interviewing retired agents, her former colleagues, about their most intriguing and high-profiled cases, as well as fascinating but not as well-known FBI investigations. This has been very useful in dispelling some misconceptions about how the FBI works. Plus, many of the cases are very compelling.

The Fifth Column – Your weekly rhetorical assault on the news cycle, the people who make it, and occasionally ourselves. Kmele Foster (Freethink), Michael Moynihan (formerly Vice), and Matt Welch (Reason) talk and laugh and drink their way to at least quasi-sanity in a world gone mad, often with the aid of clean and articulate guests. This is an excellent roundup focusing on the issues of the day and how the media reports them. They also bring on guests who will disagree with them and have excellent discussions.

GLoP Culture – Jonah Goldberg, Commentary’s John Podhoretz, and Ricochet’s Rob Long discuss culture and politics. The hosts often muse on current POTD and culture through the lens of Gen X experiences.

The Handgun Radio Show – Your home for all the news, information and discussion in the handgunning world. Delving more into the history and technological aspects of guns – mostly handguns. Also, just fun musings on different aspects of guns. Sometimes they bring on interesting guests.

Honestly – The most interesting conversations in American life now happen in private. This show is bringing them out of the closet. Stories no one else is telling and conversations with the most fascinating people in the country, every week from former New York Times and Wall Street Journal journalist Bari Weiss. Sometimes this one is interviews, and sometimes Bari brings on several guests for a panel to discuss an issue.

Honoverse Today – Honoverse Today is a fan podcast providing review, commentary, and opinion for the Honor Harrington and Honorverse book series written by David Weber and published by Baen Books. The Honor Harrington series is one of the largest and most successful science fiction series in history. Yet it has never had a podcast. Until now. The series chronicles the life and world of Honor Harrington from her humble beginnings through the changing of the galactic order. The series includes 14 main series books, 2 spinoff series, several anthologies, 2 prequels, a comic series (which we will not be covering at this point), and several non-fiction reference and/or RPG game books. Honorverse Today will be covering the body of fictional stories, with the possible exception of the comics. More imporant, we will be covering all of the books in publication order. The three hosts analyze the Honor Harrington books. The nifty catch is that two of them are brand new to the series, while the third is a fan who has read the series multiple times. It’s interesting to hear the different items they pick out from the books.

How The World Works – “How The World Works” features author, political commentator, and CEI writer in residence KEvin D. Williamson having a series of conversations with notable guests about work, specifically, the jobs he and his guests have had, why work matters, the role of work in our economy, and policy ideas for helping workers and employers get the most out of the work they do. Still in early days with this one, but I enjoy Williamson’s work.

Just Asking Questions – One guest. One topic. Many questions. Reason’s Liz Wolfe and Zach Weissmueller put a current event, trend, or idea under the microscope and analyze it at length with help from an outside guest who knows a thing or two about it. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have lots of questions. The first episode with Russ Roberts on the changes in Israel since October 7 hooked me.

Left, Right, & Center – Left, Right, and Center is KCRW’s weekly civilized yet provocative confrontation over politics, policy and pop culture. This podcast covers the week’s political events with a progressive, a conservative, and a host who’s a left-leaning centrist. Guests are brought on to provide additional commentary – who tend to be overwhelmingly on the left-side of the aisles. Still, the debates are more conversational rather than confrontational.

The Michael Shermer Show – The Michael Shermer Show is a series of long-form conversations between Dr. Michael Shermer and leading scientists, philosophers, historians, scholars, writers and thinkers about the most important issues of our times. Very thought provoking conversations as Dr. Shermer interviews scientists, scholars, and other intellectuals – generally on their new books.

No Lowballers – Hear the truth behind the trigger on this show that highlights the insanity, calamity, and oddity of firearm history, collectibles, and the crazy valuables. Every week historian Logan Metesh of High Caliber History joins the teams at Gunbroker.com and GoWild to discuss topics such as mobster favorites, collector pieces, war-time weapons, hunting gun history, competition firearms, and more. This is my replacement for the dormant High Caliber History podcast.

The Political Orphanage – Politics minus bile plus jokes. Comedian Andrew Heaton interviews authors and thought leaders about policy and big thinky stuff. Andrew Heaton interviews a variety of individuals to discuss issues that aren’t normally covered by other podcasts.

Politics Politics Politics – Unbiased political analysis the way you wish still existed. Justin Robert Young isn’t here to tell you what to think, he’s here to tell you who is going to win and why. I picked this one up to give me a perspective a bit less mainstream, but not extreme.

Rad History – A history podcast ONLY about the 80s and 90s. The music, the movies, the people, the politics, the culture and more. Rad history for our troubled times. Okay, this is mostly nostalgia bait for me.

The Reason Roundtable – Every Monday, the libertarian editors of the magazine of “Free Minds and Free Markets” – Matt Welch, Nick Gillespie, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Peter Suderman – discuss and debate the week’s biggest stories and what fresh hell awaits us all.

The Remnant With Jonah Goldberg – In “The Remnant”, Jonah Goldberg enlists a “Cannonball Run”-style cast of stars, has-beens, and never-weres to address the most pressing issues of the day. Is America doomed? Has liberalism failed? And will mankind ever invent something better than ’90s-era “Simpsons”? Mixing political history, pop culture, rank punditry, and shameless book-plugging, Goldberg and guests will have the kinds of conversations we wish they features on TV. And the nudity will (almost) always be tasteful. Brace your bingo cards. The Wednesday show is interviewing pundits, politicians, and others. The Friday show is Jonah musings.

The Rest Is History – The world’s most popular history podcast, with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. I’ve learned quite a bit of new historical tidbits. Plus, I have a lot of other podcasts that reference this one, so it helps to keep in the conversation.

The Rewatchables – “The Rewatchables”, a film podcast from The Ringer Podcast Network, features The Ringer’s Bill Simmonds and a roundtable of people from the Ringer universe discussing movies they can’t seem to stop watching. Variety panel of guests discussing a movie that is considered highly rewatchable. Depending on what movie they’re reviewing, if it’s one I haven’t seen, I’ll delete it. The categories are neat, but sometimes I get lost when they make sports references.

Skeptoid – The true science behind our most popular urban legends. Historical mysteries, paranormal claims, popular science myths, aliens and UFO reports, conspiracy theories, and worthless alternative medicine schemers… Skeptoid has you covered. From the sublime to the startling, no topic is sacred. Another one that helped in developing my skeptical outlook. It takes a particular pseudo-science claim and investigates with a skeptical eye.

So To Speak: The Free Speech Podcast – So To Speak: The Free Speech Podcast takes an uncensored look at the world of free expression through personal stories and candid conversations. FIRE’s podcast discussing free speech issues. The guests and legal theories put this more into theory although it sometimes delves into the issues of the day.

Tactical Tangents – Mike is a police SWAT team member, K9 handler, and tactical medic. Jim is an Air Force pilot with a background in close air support and combat search and rescue. Our goal is to elevate the conversation about all the things tactical for public safety, military, and concerned citizens. Join us to hear lessons learned about decision making, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork. I picked this one up originally because it has some excellent breakdowns of historical gunfights and mass shootings. It’s mostly geared to the professional, but the regular person can pick up some really good info. I tend to delete if it’s too “service focused” and less stuff I can use as a civilian or writer.

Techmeme Ride Home – The day’s teach news, every day at 5pm. From Techmeme.com, Silicon Valley’s most read new source. Fifteen minutes and you’re up to date. This is a relatively short, but thorough examination of the big news in tech.

Tracer Burnout – Tracer Burnout is a platform for military veterans to share their stories of service in order to: 1) Help civilians better understand life in the service, 2) Assist veterans in reconnecting with old friends, 3) Preserve each veteran’s service memories for future generations, 4) Help veterans feel hear and that their service matters. This has been a good podcast for me to learn small details that make up service in the American military.

Urban Warfare Project – As the world is increasingly urbanized, military forces must be prepared for cities to become battlefields. The Urban Ware Project Podcast, from the Modern War Institute at West Point, features insightful discussions with scholars and practitioners as it sets out to explore the unique characteristics of urban warfare. I picked this one up after hearing the host discuss the Gaza War. I found some interesting points to consider about the unique nature of urban warfare.

We’re Not Wrong – Jen Briney, Andrew Heaton, and Justin Robert Young discuss the world of politics, government, and media. They have never, and will never, be incorrect about anything. This is another one of those I listen to because the hosts bring different views than my normal feeds and challenge my ideas.

The Weekly Reload Podcast – A podcast from The Reload that offers sober, serious firearms reporting and analysis. It focuses on gun policy, politics, and culture. Tune in to hear from Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski and special guests from across the gun world each week. The audio companion to The Reload newsletter. The host interviews a wide variety of pro-gun and anti-gun guests, or those who just have something to important to add to the world around guns.

What the Hell Is Going On – The American Enterprise Institute’s Danielle Pletka and Marc Thiessen addresses the questions we’re all asking in their podcast, “What the Hell Is Going On?” In conversational and irreverent episodes, Pletka and Thiessen interview policymakers and experts, asking tough probing questions about the most important foreign policy and security challenges facing the world today.

White Collar Crime and Fraud Podcast – An exploration of fraud and white collar crime. Your host is Gene P. Tausk of The Tausk Law Firm in Houston, Texas. We will discuss various aspects of fraud and white collar crim including: legal, historical, the personalities involved, law enforcement responses, and the victims of fraud. This show discusses more of the theory behind scams and frauds, but also discusses actual cases. It’s been quiet here lately, but I would recommend the back episodes.

Words & Numbers – Words & Numbers touches on issues of Economics, Political Science, Current Events and Policy. An economist and a political scientist discuss different aspects of economics from a libertarian perspective. Sometimes dipping into issues of the day.

Writer Dojo – The WriterDojo is different than most other writing podcasts out there – our primary purpose is to cut through all the bad advice and help you tell stories that people want to read (and get you paid in the process.) This is advice on becoming a Professional Writer from two very knowledgeable Professional Writers. Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss the ins and outs of writing for fun and profit. Readers will find interesting tidbits as well and may come away with new insights into what goes into creating the stories they love. This one has helped me with the art of writing. If I ever decide to actually get my stories published, I’ll probably go back through those episodes. One of the podcasts I support financially.

Monday Links

February 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I normally start off with Reason links, but a story broke over the weekend that I want to address first.

Trump decided to go ahead and initiate 25% tariffs against Canada and Mexico. Canada has responded with their own. I can’t see this helping anyone among the three countries. But Trump is so mired in 19th century economics that he can’t or won’t see the downstream effects. This is certainly not going to help bring down the prices for consumers.

Now back to our normally scheduled Reason links.

This piece looks at the assertions that DEI and understaffing were the causes of the Washington plane crash. I’m going to wait for the NTSB report. The rapidity everyone went to their political corners and came out swinging reminds me of anytime we have a mass shooter.

California bill would allow people and insurers to sue oil companies for disasters. There are days when I think more companies should take Ronnie Barrett’s stance and tell California that if they think their product is so horrible, then it won’t be sold in their state.

More on the continuing gap in education post-pandemic.

Biden’s antitrust attack on tech reduced innovation.

Trump directs FDA to roll back menthol ban for cigarettes. Now if he can get them to roll back their bullshit bans on vapes he could do real damage to cancer.

Surprising no one who follows the issue, UK officials are blaming the spike in violent crime on access to knives. Please provide two forms of ID if you want to purchase knives in the UK – coming soon.

Also surprising no one who follows the issue, the LA Sheriffs Office improperly used a confidential database to run background checks for concealed weapons permits. Let’s see how many wrong things there are in that sentence.

The Fifth Circuit strikes down the ban on handgun sales to 18 – 20 year olds.

A thinkpiece on the grammar of the Second Amendment.

On to other articles.

The Dispatch discusses how SLAPP lawsuits threaten free speech rights. The author is the head of FIRE.

I’m linking to Borepatch’s linking of an article on human mistakes vs AI mistakes.

CBS reports on a civilian jet breaking the sound barrier.

An article from Seibertron on Hasbro looking to produce less toys. It looks like they want to farm out the toy production through licenses and transition to an IP company. Call me skeptical of that particular strategy. It feels more like ossification than dynamism.

Blogus Quietus

November 25, 2024 / / 0 Comments

I’m getting that drained feeling again. Probably because the last few months have just been a whirlwind – personally, professionally, politically. So, fresh content may be sporadic for a while.

Metal Tuesdays and B-Side Fridays will continue as I cue those up a month at a time. Same with Anime Recommendations. Monday Links? Eh, maybe. Ward Manor happenings? Maybe, if something notable happens that I want to remember.

I’m just looking at the next month or two and realizing that I need to kind of take a step back. I want to focus a bit more on finishing a couple of writing projects. One will definitely get posted here at some point. The other? I’m not sure.

Enjoy your holidays folks! I’m going to enjoy mine at Ward Manor.