by Chris Kolb, Jorn Otte
If you care about others, want to leave things better for future generations, and wouldn’t mind making your own life a bit easier, this is where you belong. Welcome to a community where facts, logic, and empathy are still important. Welcome to Scooping Sanity. If we have one core belief here it is: When life pushes us down, society should have mechanisms to pick us back up rather than smashing our heads deeper into the gutter.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/15/2023
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
March 6, 2024
<p>We’re both from deep red states that weren’t until fairly recently. We reflect on that, which takes us into topics like our childhoods, religion, family, political shifts, hate, and fascism. What does it mean to live around a whole bunch of pretty good people whose voting patterns nonetheless perpetuate horror after horror? For mysterious reasons, the audio for this episode isn’t awesome, but it’s not terrible either. We blame the deep state. And Biden.</p> <p>Chapters:</p> <ol> <li><p>Brain Freeze, 0:00 - 7:13 — Socio-political mindlock is endemic in the United States. What made our gray matter even grayer this week? We pull a goldie oldie from the Obamacare debate vault.</p> </li> <li><p>Good morning!, 7:14 - 25:02 — Chris is an idiot. Where’s the Wal-Mart at?</p> </li> <li><p>Show Biz Church!, 25:03 - 50:05 — Jørn shares something he’s probably never told anyone outside of his family and childhood friends. It’s really funny. Saving souls on the beach. What is religion for? To a kid, Church can be far scarier than a horror film.</p> </li> <li><p>You MAGA me sick., 50:06 - 1:21:27 — The politics of dehumanization is a very real – and very dangerous – thing. Fascism is basically here, we should probably do something about it sooner rather than later. Sodom and Gomorrah pop up here for some reason.</p> </li> <li><p>Cherry on Top, 1:21:28 - 1:27:15 — We despise delusional optimism, but we really like to celebrate sparks of joy and goodness in our lives. Who knew reading about Cold War lunacy could be so awesome?</p> </li> </ol> <p>Relevant sources:</p> <p>le Carré, John. <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-small-town-in-germany-john-le-carre/6682783?ean=9780143122609"><em>A Small Town in Germany</em></a>. Penguin, 2013[1968].</p> <p>—. <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-perfect-spy-john-le-carre/11729264?ean=9780143119760"><em>A Perfect Spy</em></a>. Penguin, 2011[1986].</p> <p>—. <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-little-drummer-girl-john-le-carre/11729226?ean=9780143119746"><em>Little Drummer Girl</em></a>. Penguin, 2011[1983].</p> <p>—. <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/smiley-s-people-a-george-smiley-novel-john-le-carre/11729284?ean=9780143119777"><em>Smiley’s People: Karla Trilogy Part III</em></a>. Penguin, 2011[1979].</p> <p>—. <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-honourable-schoolboy-a-george-smiley-novel-john-le-carre/11729194?ean=9780143119739"><em>The Honourable Schoolboy: Karla Trilogy Part II</em></a>. Penguin, 2011[1977].</p> <p>—. <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/tinker-tailor-soldier-spy-a-george-smiley-novel-john-le-carre/8068843?ean=9780143119784"><em>Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: Karla Trilogy Part I</em></a>. Penguin, 2011[1974].</p> <p>We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the issues we discuss, tell us why that thing we said was really dumb, let us know how you’re doing, or send us random comments and questions on anything at all. Chris: <a href="mailto:chris@scoopingsanity.com">chris@scoopingsanity.com</a>, Jørn: <a href="mailto:otte@scoopingsanity.com">otte@scoopingsanity.com</a></p> <p>If you need immediate help related to mental health please call or text 988 to connect with a confidential crisis specialist anytime of the day seven days a week. You can also go to <a href="https://988lifeline.org/">988lifeline.org/</a> to start and chat and find other resources. The <a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/'">Trevor Project</a> offers the same thing with a focus on the LGBTQ community. Call 866-488-7386 or text 678-678.</p> <p>Logo by <a href="https://www.davesharpe.com/">Dave Sharpe</a></p> <p>Music: “Life of a Wandering Wizard” by <a href="https://www.pond5.com/artist/serge_quadrado?ref=serge_quadrado">Serge Quadrado Music</a><strong>.</strong></p> --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/1265954078/message
February 28, 2024
<p>What is the role of comedy, if any, in highlighting political hypocrisy, immorality, and evil? Should political comedy aim to unsettle us rather than make us laugh? We attempt to answer these questions by discussing two people — Jon Stewart and Barack Obama — that made a lot of lefties feel good for a while but we wonder if they really did anything more than that.</p> <p>Chapters</p> <ol> <li>Brain Freeze, 0:00 - 14:03 — Socio-political mindlock is endemic in the United States. What made our gray matter even grayer this week? Let’s add to the list of things radical right-wingers love more than actual people.</li> <li>Dumb and Dumber with a Chainsaw, 14:04 - 31:12 — Is there a thing called the Comedy/Horror Nexus? We think so.</li> <li>Is bothsidesism a problem?, 31:13 - 41:07 — Sort of. We shouldn’t invent or emphasize things just to appear politically balanced. Usually, we don’t have to.</li> <li>America got a wedgie., 41:08 - 48:01 — Not giving a shit about a lot of things is fine. That’s a problem for politicians who don’t stand for anything but still need our votes.</li> <li>The past doesn’t exist., 48:02 - 58:00 — As Patrick from Sponge Bob said, “Maybe if we all close our eyes nothing bad will happen.”</li> <li>It’s later than you think., 58:01 - 1:12:57 — Why don’t politicians ever go and talk to actual people? There’s a chance it could help. Democrats and Republicans alike are eviscerating the constitution.</li> <li>We gotta grow up., 1:12:58 - 1:26:53 — We only have two choices: Build power to resist oppression by the wealthy white patriarchal establishment or quietly submit. We must hold the big criminals accountable.</li> <li>Cherry on Top, 1:26:54 - 1:28:40 — We despise delusional optimism, but we really like to celebrate sparks of joy and goodness in our lives. Jørn has a <a href="https://www.neemaavashia.com/another-appalachia">fantastic book recommendation</a>!</li> </ol> <p>Relevant sources:</p> <p>Adams, Sam. “Return to Bullshit Mountain.” <em>Slate</em>, 12 Feb. 2024. <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2024/02/jon-stewart-daily-show-host-comedy-central-return.html">slate.com/culture/2024/02/jon-stewart-daily-show-host-comedy-central-return.html</a>. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024.</p> <p>—. “Jon Stewart’s <em>Daily Show</em> Comeback Acknowledged the Criticisms of His Return—Then Sidestepped Them.” <em>Slate</em>, 13 Feb. 2024. <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2024/02/jon-stewart-daily-show-return-trump-biden-age.html">slate.com/culture/2024/02/jon-stewart-daily-show-return-trump-biden-age.html</a>. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024.</p> <p>Avashia, Neema. <a href="https://wvupressonline.com/node/903"><em>Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place</em></a>. West Virginia University. </p> <p>Baldwin, James. “National Press Club Speech, 10 Dec. 1986.” <em>YouTube</em>, uploaded by thepostarchive, 13 Jan. 2019, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_1ZEYgtijk">youtube.com/watch?v=7_1ZEYgtijk</a>. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024.</p> <p>Lerner, Max. <em>It’s Later Than You Think: The Need for a Militant Democracy</em>. Routledge. 1989[1938].</p> <p>Pierce, Charles P. “The Cynic and Senator Obama.” <em>Esquire</em>, 20 Jul. 2015. <a href="https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a4559/barack-obama-0608/">www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a4559/barack-obama-0608/</a>. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024.</p> <p>—. “The Cynic and President Obama.” <em>Esquire</em>, 27 Jul. 2015. <a href="https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a16259/cynic-president-obama-1112/">www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a16259/cynic-president-obama-1112/</a>. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024.</p> <p>We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the issues we discuss, tell us why that thing we said was really dumb, let us know how you’re doing, or send us random comments and questions on anything at all. Chris: <a href="mailto:chris@scoopingsanity.com">chris@scoopingsanity.com</a>, Jørn: <a href="mailto:otte@scoopingsanity.com">otte@scoopingsanity.com</a></p> <p>If you need immediate help related to mental health please call or text 988 to connect with a confidential crisis specialist anytime of the day seven days a week. You can also go to <a href="https://988lifeline.org/">988lifeline.org/</a> to start and chat and find other resources. The <a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/'">Trevor Project</a> offers the same thing with a focus on the LGBTQ community. Call 866-488-7386 or text 678-678.</p> <p>Music: “Life of a Wandering Wizard” by <a href="https://www.pond5.com/artist/serge_quadrado?ref=serge_quadrado">Serge Quadrado Music</a>.<br>Logo by<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.davesharpe.com/">Dave Sharpe</a></p> --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/1265954078/message
February 21, 2024
<p>What is the role of comedy, if any, in highlighting political hypocrisy, immorality, and evil? Should political comedy aim to unsettle us rather than make us laugh? We attempt to answer these questions by discussing two people — Jon Stewart and Barack Obama — that made a lot of lefties feel good for a while but we wonder if they really did anything more than that.</p> <p>Chapters</p> <ol> <li><p>Brain Freeze, 0:00 - 14:03 — Socio-political mindlock is endemic in the United States. What made our gray matter even grayer this week? Let’s add to the list of things radical right-wingers love more than actual people.</p> </li> <li><p>Dumb and Dumber with a Chainsaw, 14:04 - 31:12 — Is there a thing called the Comedy/Horror Nexus? We think so.</p> </li> <li><p>Is bothsidesism a problem?, 31:13 - 41:07 — Sort of. We shouldn’t invent or emphasize things just to appear politically balanced. Usually, we don’t have to.</p> </li> <li><p>America got a wedgie., 41:08 - 48:01 — Not giving a shit about a lot of things is fine. That’s a problem for politicians who don’t stand for anything but still need our votes.</p> </li> <li><p>The past doesn’t exist., 48:02 - 58:00 — As Patrick from Sponge Bob said, “Maybe if we all close our eyes nothing bad will happen.”</p> </li> <li><p>It’s later than you think., 58:01 - 1:12:57 — Why don’t politicians ever go and talk to actual people? There’s a chance it could help. Democrats and Republicans alike are eviscerating the constitution.</p> </li> <li><p>We gotta grow up., 1:12:58 - 1:26:53 — We only have two choices: Build power to resist oppression by the wealthy white patriarchal establishment or quietly submit. We must hold the big criminals accountable.</p> </li> <li><p>Cherry on Top, 1:26:54 - 1:28:40 — We despise delusional optimism, but we really like to celebrate sparks of joy and goodness in our lives. Jørn has a <a href="https://www.neemaavashia.com/another-appalachia">fantastic book recommendation</a>!</p> </li> </ol> <p>Relevant sources:</p> <p>Gerth, Joe. “White Kentucky Politician Who Opposes DEI Tells NAACP: ‘My Father Was a Slave’.” <em>The Courier-Journal</em>, 13 Feb. 2024. <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/columnists/gerth/2024/02/13/white-kentucky-representative-against-dei-tells-naacp-her-father-was-a-slave/72511779007/">https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/columnists/gerth/2024/02/13/white-kentucky-representative-against-dei-tells-naacp-her-father-was-a-slave/72511779007/</a>. Accessed on 1 Mar. 2024.</p> <p>Korten, David. “Assault of the Corporate Libertarians.” <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/when-corporations-rule-the-world-9781887208017"><em>When Corporations Rule the World</em></a>, pp. 69-86.</p> <p>Korten, David. “Rise of Corporate Power in America.” <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/when-corporations-rule-the-world-9781887208017"><em>When Corporations Rule the World</em></a>, pp. 53-68.</p> <p>Korten, David. “Buying Out Democracy.” <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/when-corporations-rule-the-world-9781887208017"><em>When Corporations Rule the World</em></a>, pp. 141-8.</p> <p>Korten, David. <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/when-corporations-rule-the-world-9781887208017"><em>When Corporations Rule the World</em></a>. Kumarian. 1995.</p> <p>We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the issues we discuss, tell us why that thing we said was really dumb, let us know how you’re doing, or send us random comments and questions on anything at all. Chris: <a href="mailto:chris@scoopingsanity.com">chris@scoopingsanity.com</a>, Jørn: <a href="mailto:otte@scoopingsanity.com">otte@scoopingsanity.com</a></p> <p>If you need immediate help related to mental health please call or text 988 to connect with a confidential crisis specialist anytime of the day seven days a week. You can also go to <a href="https://988lifeline.org/">988lifeline.org/</a> to start and chat and find other resources. The <a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/'">Trevor Project</a> offers the same thing with a focus on the LGBTQ community. Call 866-488-7386 or text 678-678.</p> <p>Logo by <a href="https://www.davesharpe.com/">Dave Sharpe</a></p> <p>Music: “Life of a Wandering Wizard” by<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.pond5.com/artist/serge_quadrado?ref=serge_quadrado">Serge Quadrado Music</a><strong>.</strong></p> --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/1265954078/message
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
If you care about others, want to leave things better for future generations, and wouldn’t mind making your own life a bit easier, this is where you belong. Welcome to a community where facts, logic, and empathy are still important. Welcome to Scooping Sanity.
If we have one core belief here it is: When life pushes us down, society should have mechanisms to pick us back up rather than smashing our heads deeper into the gutter.
This podcast updates inactive.
This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.