Necessary Bullshit Podcast

In this episode, Josh and Ian talk about the US national public debt and other political breaking points. They talk about the age of elected officials and their ability to represent the public, the failure of populism and the cares of the middle-class, the scale of US military spending and public trust, foreign social welfare programs compared to the US, the increasing cost of living, the myth of foreign-held debt, the crises of raising the debt ceiling, the cost of education and the looming problem of student loans, the conflict of working to live vs. living to work, how separated national politics are from the local, and various other topics. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 03 June 2023

In this episode, Josh and Ian discuss recent tragedies of mass-shootings and gun violence in America. They talk about general firearm safety and hunter safety courses for minors, how similar faux guns can be to real firearms, the effectiveness and lethality of firearms as tools of destruction, how America's unique history informs the collective psyche of violence, the culture of firearms, how reason and statistical analysis is often ignored around the conversation of gun control, weapon restrictions that are already in place, the vagueness of mental illness and infringing on individual rights, the context surrounding the Second Amendment in the US Bill of Rights, how law enforcement factors into gun violence and protecting the rights of citizens, how dangerous guns truly are, gun violence statistics and the definitions of a mass-shooting, the differences between inner-city gun violence and mass-shootings, the hard problem of mass-shootings and the instinct to kill others with no seeming justification at a societal level, access to firearms as the point of tension in gun violence, how culture ought to have a higher level of responsibility, the ignorance of the specifics of firearms on the question of gun control, and various other topics. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 26 April 2023

In this episode, Josh and Ian catch up on their own mental health psychological troubles. They talk about childish naivete and adult cynicism, a careful balance between optimism and pessimism, how change affects our mental states, how parents imprint on their children, how children are thrust into an indifferent world, Josh's recent diagnosis, how anxiety affects people differently, the common symptoms of depression, revenge bedtime procrastination, the terror of sleep paralysis and hallucination, Patrick Rothfuss and his literary allusions, cognitive behavioral therapy and its links to stoicism, a romantic's critique of stoicism, the distraction of intrusive thoughts, embracing the real world and emotions, the importance of diet on our minds and "fad" diets, and other topics. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 30 March 2023

In this episode, Josh and Ian talk about the importance of art in human culture and the separation of artists and their art. They talk about linguistic derivations of the word "art" and academic study of its definition, whether or not anything could be called art and something's inherent aesthetic value, the differences between "art" and "craft", the function of and subset of art, how art is used to share narratives about culture, the emotional and physiological connection to aesthetics, Napoleon Bonaparte and other highly influential historical figures, Friedrich Nietzsche's perspective on the necessity of art, ugliness and beauty, the work of contemporary artists and emergence of "modern" art, the influence of Richard Wagner and the increase of antisemitism, how so-called "success" holds back the cancelling of prominent public figures, the public controversy of J.K. Rowling and the backlash to her remarks from voices within the queer and transgender movement, how Rowling's success has given her the power of influence in the culture, whether or not Rowling is or what she has said is "transphobic", the extreme reactions to Rowling's comments from those within the trans-activist movement, the use of moralistic language, the differences between sex and gender and Rowling's concern of the trans-movement's direction, how movements have been successful throughout history, and various other topics. What is art?The Definition of ArtAesthetics"The Joyous Science" by Friedrich NietzschePeriods in Western Art HistoryHow Art Arrived At Jackson PollockA Complete Breakdown of the J.K. Rowling Transgender-Comments ControversyJ.K. Rowling Writes about Her Reasons for Speaking out on Sex and Gender IssuesThe Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | The Free PressBBC apologizes for ‘unchallenged claims’ about J.K. Rowling for the second time this monthJ.K. Rowling Criticizes Reform Bill That Makes It Easier for Trans People to Legally Change GenderJ.K. Rowling Funds Sex Abuse Crisis Center That Excludes Trans WomenFollow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 16 March 2023

In this episode, Josh and Ian discuss the implications and responsibility of online streaming and content creation. They talk about the minimal barriers of becoming a streamer or "content creator" and the attraction of the industry to children and young adult creators, the exposure to technology that children now have, the battle for engagement on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, the lengths people are going to achieve fame and wealth and redefining work, mukbang and the reflection an audience has of the overall culture, Mr. Beast and his supposed altruistic and philanthropic acts of donation and charity in exchange for viewership and engagement, the large audiences that content creators have over legacy media, speech and intent, the recent controversy over defamation at Fox News, vocal minorities and the language of "misinformation", a micro-controversy in the Hunt: Showdown gaming community, certainty and skepticism, audience capture and influence, having measured conversations and knowing when or when not to talk about certain topics, the illusion of freedom and imprisonment of passion, the dangers of solipsism and nihilism from someone like Alex Jones and his followers, how some are held to entirely different standards of accountability, and various other topics. Twitch tries clearing up confusion over streamers’ responsibility for community actionsList of most-followed Twitch channelsFox News’ ‘The Five’ topples ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight’ to become new cable news ratings leaderHow Much Do Twitch Streamers MakeInside the daily lives of successful live streamersHow livestreaming has changed gaming cultureMrBeast: Why has YouTuber faced criticism for blind surgery video?Forget law school, these kids want to be a YouTube starInside the rise of Nikocado Avocado, the extreme-eating YouTuber whose dramatic meltdowns have led to years of controversy and feudsHuuge Twitch ChannelAmerica’s Favorite Flimsy Pretext for Limiting Free SpeechFollow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 03 March 2023

In this episode, Josh and Ian speak about the Covid-19 disease and the impact on the world at the tail-end of the pandemic. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 12 January 2023

In this episode, Josh and Ian return from their holiday break to revisit their podcast anniversary conversation. They talk about the evolution of their own perspectives, whether or not democracy is the best way to govern society, their descriptions of 'happiness', the pressure of economic stability, stability as a navigational challenge and fairness, the recent $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill passed by the US Congress, the opaqueness of US social welfare programs, the allocation of the US Federal budget, man's effect on nature and artificial selection, what large scale issues mean for individuals, the lack of familiarity in our social lives, the social problems of living in cities, an attempt at political moderation, the woes of the medical industry, redefining class, how anxiety can be petrifying, how the idea of freedom can be distracting in American politics, and various other topics. Five highlights from the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill Congress just passedOctober 1993: Congress Cancels Funding for the SSCNuclear fusion researchers have achieved historic energy milestoneHalf of Americans Don’t Vote. What Are They Thinking?Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 30 December 2022

In this episode, Josh and Ian talk about former US President Donald Trump declaring his Presidential run for 2024, the potential campaign of Ron DeSantis and Republican party division, similarities between Biden and Trump, what it means to be a productive citizen in a capitalist society, the value of a college degree, griefing and the competition of debt and punishment, the monopoly of TicketMaster, President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan being held up in the courts, the ineptitude of US Congress and legislation by fiat, economic comparisons between the US and Nordic countries, the possible antisemitism or mental degradation of Kanye West, the power and responsibility of artists and people of great influence, the death of Aaron Carter, the difference between consumer and independant art, the world of Twitch streamers and participating in content creation, the importance of art in culture, NASA's recent and upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon, and various other topics. A federal judge calls student loan relief unlawful, deepening limbo for borrowersKanye West exclusive: Rapper tells Tucker Carlson story behind White Lives Matter shirtKanye 'Ye' West Interview | Lex Fridman Podcast #332Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 19 November 2022

In this episode, Josh and Ian return from an extended break on the podcast to catch up and comment on current events. They talk about time management in adulthood and family life, Ian's various career choices, challenges in parenthood and how alike children are to their parents, will to power and the battle between passion and reason, the art of performance, celebrity podcasters, the podcast as an outlet and the exercise of conversation, the craft of misery making, understanding our own philosophical perspective, the current Russian-Ukranian war, the annexation of the Crimean penninsula and Putin's egoism, America's and the West's investments into Ukranian support, the potential fears of another World War, Elon Musk's $44 billion purchase of Twitter and his intent on making the platform a bastion of free speech, and other subjects. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 5 November 2022

Returning from Apathetic Avenue to BS Boulevard, Josh and Ian return to discuss Doctor Strange speculation and take a (perfectly legitimate and not a trick from Harvard) test to determine whether or not Ian is transphobic. They discuss: Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 21 January 2022

On this Bullshit Boulevard, Josh and Ian talk about the MCU, the "Great Resignation", and some other bullshit. Some of the topics include: Spider-Man: No Way Home,Shang-Chi EternalsElden RingFollow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 18 November 2021

This week, Josh and Ian get together to talk some bullshit about careers and psychology. Some of the topics include: - Personality traits vs. work environment, - Jungian psychology, - what makes a career, - the value of experience, - following the money first, - becoming the US President, - failing creative children, - building up our culture, - content creators and the attention market, - struggling artists, - the rise of YouTube and future creators, - the ubiquity of systems and markets, - production and globalization - happiness and fulfillment, - and other bullshit. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 28 Oct 2021

This week in the world, Josh and Ian get together on a Thursday night to talk bullshit and nerdshit. Some of the points include but are not limited to: - How Christian Chick-Fill-A employees bless every chicken sandwich and customer, - "Homophobic" and/or religious companies, - Service industry loopholes and discrimination, - Culture shock within the state and whether or not blackface is still in style, - Companies catering to the vocal minority and "woke" capitalism, - Celebrity role models, - The new "racist" NASA telescope, - Cultural vs. Legal justice, - How public virtue signalling might effect personal relationships, - Biden's $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill, - Playing the nerdy-ass Dark Souls games and challenging our buttholes. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/

In this episode, Josh and Ian continue their ongoing series of candid conversations. They talk about the explosion in Nashville, TN, Coyote Ugly and 'relevant' country singers, Trump's exit from the US Presidency, the electoral college, the government stimulus package for covid relief, Wonder Woman 1984 and the future of the DCEU, Disney's plan for introducing the multiverse into the MCU, the gonorrhea super-strain and high school health classes, covid vaccines finally hitting the market, the mystification of science, the problem of the 'cure' for cancer(s), consistency of information surrounding the pandemic, political conspiracies and conservative fears of Democrats and Kamala Harris, and various other shenanigans. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 27 December 2020

In this episode, Josh and Ian continue their ongoing series of candid conversations. They talk about feedback to their recent episode on revolution, the nature of ideas and bridging the gap between the political spectrum, the value of compassion within a collective society, the class disparity within larger communities, market competition and the success of production, accountability on the powers that be, and various other topics. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 28 November 2020

In this episode, Josh and Ian discuss the podcast going on hiatus and what the future will bring. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 19 March 2022

In this episode, Josh and Ian return from their holiday break to revisit their podcast anniversary conversation. They talk about cultural heritage and racial pride, birthright and happenstance, a proper place for critique, hyperbolic reactionary politics, the media's impact on cultural conversations and whether or not democracy is in decline, the Democratic Party's push-back against W. Virginian Senator Joe Manchin, the tribal back-and-forth that political parties play as they take office, the problem with the overall federal structure, the American focus on the US Presidency, the divide between local and national politics, the vast difference between US states in their covid responses, the federal government's response to failing industries and spending taxpayer's money, the lack of incentive for political change, the Biden administration's latest OSHA regulations on vaccine mandates and the effectiveness of the actual mandates, the ongoing schism between individualism and collectivism, a possibly "poor" old Honda metaphor and being humbled by nature, how media and entertainment distract us from real issues, cultural attention deficit, and other topics. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Recorded 30 December 2021

In this episode, Josh and Ian discuss criticisms of religious faith, the prospects of God and Nature, and the Netflix series Midnight Mass. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Links: Baruch SpinozaA Confession and Other Religious WritingsThe Brothers KaramazovBook 5, Ch. 4Recorded 24 November 2021

In this episode, Josh and Ian discuss the themes and moral lessons that can be found in fantasy stories and the recent film The Green Knight. They talk about the symbolism found in the aesthetics of The Green Knight film adaptation, the nature of the Green Knight's game, Sir Gawain's growth into adulthood and knighthood, honor and following your principles, how fantasy has been inspired by medieval lore and mythology, accepting your fate, what constitutes and how we define fantasy, the direct link between fantasy and mythology, the popularity of young adult fiction, the importance of language of meaning of words, fantasy races and their allegorical representation, Sauron's Ring of Power, how fantasy literature can affect the same people at different ages, children and honesty, the flames of ambition, how games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring illustrate our own world, superstition and ritual, and other topics. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Links: What The Green Knight Wants You To Think AboutThe Lord of the Rings Illustrated EditionSir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl, and Sir OrfeoGame of Thrones Leather Boxed Set Song of Ice and Fire SeriesDark Souls Exclusive ReviewELDEN RING - Official Gameplay RevealRecorded 11 November 2021

In this episode, Josh and Ian discuss the controversy of Dave Chappelle's Netflix special "The Closer", and then later talk about the comedic parallels in Fyodor Dostoevsky's short story "Polzunkov". In the first half, they talk about how comedy is supposed to function and understanding the performance of a comedian, offense and being made uncomfortable, how jokes might cater to safetyism and whether or not "offensive" jokes lead to physical harm, progressive tribalism, differentiating between sex and gender, whether or not a concept can be "real", the trappings of idealism, how Chappelle's special led to controversy at Netflix and the mass company walkout, whether or not criticism can be undergone by not consuming what is being criticized, their own "tasteful" jokes, the emergence of comedy in history, and Chappelle's new soapbox. In the second half, they talk about an April Fool's Day gone wrong in Dostoevsky's short story, the birth of a Russian comedian, the wisdom of people who live on the streets, what it takes to be public speaker, whether or not the story can be viewed as a cautionary tale, and the burden of embarrassment. Follow them on Twitter at: Josh @Simpsonj423 Ian @modernoverman and the podcast @necessarybspod Website: https://www.necessarybspod.com/ Links: Netflix Boss Doubles Down On Dave Chappelle's Transphobia In Embarrassing EmailDave Chappelle’s BetrayalDave Chappelle's Trans Comments in The Closer Are Causing Ripple Effects Through NetflixPolzunkov (1848) by DostoevskyRecorded 14 October 2021