Rob Rosen joins John Boland and Timothy Cordes to talk about his new book Crimes of Omission: Distorted Justice: The Media’s War on Truth.Rob uses a recent example from NPR to show how what is said is as important as what is left out and explains how his book explores this theme with critical stories over the past 2 decades.We discuss the reasons for media’s focus on something other than truth. We consider objectivity and sensationalism. We note that comedy is subject to the same forces as journalism and highlight the success of comedians who call out both sides. Rob offers us reasons for hope and strategies to see past the media fragmentation.Referred to:Crimes of omission by rob rosen on AmazonNPR public editor admits glaring absence of Jewish victim’s voices in coverage of Michigan synagogue attackWe would love to hear from you. Drop a comment or reach out [email protected], share, like or subscribe.Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

Timothy Cordes and John Boland discuss the concept of “right to repair.” Tim explains how the Digital Millenium Copyright Act allows companies to lock consumers into exclusive arrangements where they are beholding to the company for repairs. Consumers become licensees instead of owners.The Buddies discuss how John Deere recently settled a $99 million class action suit from farmers over this issue, but it’s not just tractors that are impacted.Tim gives examples from Apple, to printers, and coffee makers.John discusses other practices which take advantage of human tendencies and gives his personal example of this locked-in system in action.There is hope, and the buddies discuss efforts to correct this problem at the state and national levels.Tim’s heroes are community members helping their own.John’s hero is Senator Ben Sasse.Referred to:Deere settles US right-to-repair lawsuit with $99 million fund, repair commitments | ReutersUnlocking the Black Box: How the DMCA Became a Barrier to Repair – Journal of High Technology LawHP printer class action suit ends in disappointment | PCWorldDead Simple Hack Allows For “Rebel” Keurig K-Cups | HackadayRight to Repair Laws Have Now Been Introduced in All 50 US States - iFixitWe would probably love to hear from you. Drop a comment or email [email protected], like or subscribe.Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

Timothy Cordes and John Boland dive into the Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini story. John asserts that people’s business that does not impact their work should be theirs alone, and John bemoans our Victorian culture.The Buddies agree that Dianna Russini’s relationship could have compromised her journalistic independence, and they note the currently abysmal trust in the media.Tim offers a set of ancient rules which could help one avoid these types of problems going forward.Tim’s whack-jobs are the teachers in Madison, Wisconsin who would rather protest than teach children—the job they are paid to do.John’s hero is someone anonymous who unselfishly took on a major challenge, and John uses this as an example of the heroes quietly walking among us.Referred to:What Happened with Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini? Photo Controversy, ExplainedThe Front Runner: The Real History of the Gary Hart ScandalJournalism’s Essential Value | The New York Times CompanyMadison schools closed May 1 for immigrant rights protest | channel3000.comWe would love to hear from you. Send show ideas, your heroes, comments to [email protected] AI pitches, please. We’re using our brains and we hope you will use yours, too.Please show that you care, like and share.Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

After a week in which J.D. Vance told Pope Leo XIV to be “careful” with his theology, Timothy Cordes and John Boland spend time on the Vice-president. John acknowledges that evil happens when others enable it and is frustrated with otherwise highly capable people like Vance who perform that role. Tim notes that Vance has been committed to his ambition throughout and swapping ideologies in service to that may be no conversion at all. The Buddies talk about Tom Nichols piece in the Washington Post as an example of America’s no longer respecting expertise. Both concede that the experts have given up much of their authority through their choices. John’s whack-jobs are the sports organizations who somehow thought they could welcome gambling in without consequences for the game or their fans. Tim’s hero of the week isCatholic Charities of Miami -Support Our MissionWho have been threatened by funding cuts from the current administration. Please, consider giving. Referred to:Trump yanks millions from Catholic Charities amid Pope feudPope James David Vance the First - The Atlantic13 things to know about J.D. Vance’s Catholic journey - Catholic TelegraphHigher education’s frozen yogurt moment by the Washington PostGuardians' Clase, Ortiz plead not guilty in pitch-rigging caseGeorge's Life Hack We would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here or send questions to [email protected]. Let's keep talking.   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

We first review the University of Wisconsin Board of Regent’s recent firing of their president and John explains the fundamental nature of academiaWe launch into understanding why we like sports and the sports we like hitting on growth, excellence, violence, and group cohesion., John shares why he likes Baseball as a simultaneously individual and group effort. They both muse on the draw of golf.Tim outlines what he appreciates about football while highlighting the absurdity of the obsession with the draft. In doing so, he explains why the NFL is like a McRib sandwich.John’s whack-job is smart enough to know better.Tim’s heroes acted quickly, at personal risk, to save a stranger.Referred to:Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by : Lewis, Michael on AmazonMen at Work : The Craft of Baseball by George F. Will (1991, Paperback, Reprint) | eBayGeorge will bookColumbia men receive Carnegie Medal for heroic Duck River rescue - Main Street Media of TennesseeJames Earl Jones baseball speech from Field of Dreams on YouTubeWe’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment here or send show ideas, questions, or suggestions to [email protected]’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

After trivia where Tim gets a sports question right, John Boland and Timothy Cordes launch into quick hits from the news.The Buddies review the Idaho bill limiting bathroom access to one’s biological gender.John comments on the Supreme Court’s recent trend of carving out religious exemptions while the Buddies address the recent SCOTUS decision on Colorado’s ban on “conversion therapy.” Tim connects that ruling to Kristi Noem’s husband’s case and why someone might want to change “gender-related behaviors.” John asserts that the Republican party has given up its claim to the moral high ground.Tim gives an update on China, which in a recent poll was considered mor trustworthy than the U.S.Both consider George Will’s opinion on the recent jury ruling against Meta and YouTube. The buddies highlight how the ubiquity of technology may change the calculus.John’s whack-job has made no compelling case for action in Iran with myriad consequences to follow.Tim’s whack-job is the Board of Regents of the Universities of Wisconsin, who eventually did carry out their threat to fire the system president after our recording time. Let the discovery begin …Buckle up folks, there’s a lot here.Referred to:‘Conversion Therapy’ and the Constitution - WSJThe sinister verdict in Meta and Google social media addiction case - The Washington PostFBI: Chinese national, two Americans accused of conspiring to smuggle AI tech to ChinaSatellite Photos Show China’s Massive Manmade Island in Disputed Waters - NewsweekGallup poll finds world views China better than United States | The StarUniversities of Wisconsin Board of Regents votes to fire Jay RothmanWe would love to hear from you. Send show ideas, comments or questions to [email protected]’re also tooling up for another exciting season. If you have tweaks or suggestions, let us know.Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

After trivia, the buddies begin with a re-imagining of A Few Good Men with a tech executive on the stand. They review two key adverse rulings against social media companies in New Mexico and Los Angeles.John asserts the primacy of individual choice and responsibility.Tim points out that there should be a higher standard for children.Tim reviews what addiction is and whether people can be addicted to social media. John points to the new suit against on-line gambling companies, and they speculate about what will happen next and how things could be improved.John’s whack-job spent three years in law school so that he could be fined for using AI to write his brief.Tim’s hero is a proponent of girl’s sport in Minnesota and a proud Gopher fan.Referred to:New Mexico social media lawsuit ends in $375-million verdict against MetaVerdicts against social platforms validate concerns long raised by parents, whistleblowers | AP NewsMeta had a 17-strike policy for sex trafficking, former safety leader claims | The VergeBroken Code by Jeff HorwitzAttorney Hit with Historic Fine for Citing AI-Generated CasesMeet the Blanket Lady, a Gophers Basketball Superfan Who Blazed Trails for Women’s Hoops - RacketWe would love to hear from you. Send comments to [email protected]’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

We welcome University of Notre Dame football players Frank Stams and Wes Pritchett, members of the 1988 National Championship team, to the show to reminisce and share their thoughts on Coach Lou Holtz.The two expand on Lou’s leadership, vision, attention to detail, and consistency.Wes explains how he came to appreciate Lou more as he grew into a man with his own family. He recounts Lou’s Three Rules for Life.Frank and Wes share anecdotes and talk about the team’s chemistry.Our apologies, some of the audio is rough. I’d encourage you to stick with it.Referred to:Wins, Losses, and Lessons: An Autobiography.Inside Lou Holtz’s impact on his Notre Dame players: Aaron TaylorA Confession of the Legendary Lou Holtz - Word on FireTen things about former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz you might not knowWe would love to hear from you. Send comments, suggestions, or show ideas to [email protected], share this podcast with a friend.Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

John Boland and Timothy Cordes welcome Lauren Zelt of Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) to Bald, Blind, and Buddies.Lauren expands on the hidden costs of lawsuit abuse highlighting staged accidents and unnecessary medical procedures as examples. She reviews state successes in beginning to address these problems.Tim and John wonder if there are ways to hold the lawyers who perpetrate fraud accountable. Tim reminds us how much the fear of legal action drags on healthcare providers and indirectly raises costs.Lauren reviews warning signs for people who need to engage legal help after an accident.Lauren’s hero is Governor Brian Kemp who signed a lawsuit reform bill in Georgia.Referred to:Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT)2025-2026 Executive Summary - Judicial HellholesNew U.S. Chamber Study: Lawsuit System Costs Reach Over $4,200 Per Household - ILRGeorgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs off on sweeping new limits on lawsuits | AP NewsWe would love to hear from you. If you have an alternate opinion, comments, suggestions, or non-AI-crafted show pitch send them [email protected], share, like or subscribe to the podcast.Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

This episode has mature topics including sexual violence.Dr. Schlesinger, a forensic psychologist and expert in criminal behavior, explains what we know, don’t know, and how we know what we do about serial killers.He reviews the role the Silence of the Lambs played in sparking interest in the topic and who is drawn to media on true crime. We speculate on why that may be.Dr. Schlesinger dispels common myths like serial killers are typically intelligent and shares ideas on whether rehabilitation is possible.We discuss the challenges in trying to study this topic and consider whether people need to fear serial killers in their daily lives.Dr. Schlesinger shares his hero, Dr. Eugene Revitch, a pioneer in understanding criminal behavior.Referred to:“He’s not the murderer” scene from “Seinfeld” The Masseuse (TV Episode 1993)Psychiatric Aspects of Criminal Behavior: Collected Papers of Eugene Revitch on AmazonSexual Murder: Catathymic and Compulsive Homicides: AmazonWe would love to hear from you. Tell us why you like ‘true crime.” Send show ideas, comments, or advice [email protected] you want to do one thing to help the podcast, share it with a friend, acquaintance, or stranger.Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com