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Chicken Scratch

Chicken Scratch

By Justin Thomason

A podcast about anything and everything.
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Thieves Dressed as Philanthropists

Chicken ScratchJul 12, 2021

00:00
01:03:38
Lower Your Time Preference!

Lower Your Time Preference!

In Season 3 Episode 2, join Justin as he talks about the importance of lowering your time preference. Time preference at the most basic level is the extent to which a person prioritizes the present versus the future. The ability (and willingness) to delay gratification is linked to the extent to which a person has an optimistic outlook of the future. A high time preference means a person is discounting the value of the future compared to the present, while a person with low time preference is willing to store up and plan for the future. Time preference both shapes and is shaped by people's circumstances and their overall behaviors. Typically, as people age from childhood into adulthood, time preference trends lower. However, in Western society today time preference is continuing to trend higher and higher for individuals. But the issue of time preference is not just important for the individual; it is also plays a crucial role in the shaping of society at large. We hope you enjoy today's show!
Apr 26, 202201:23:47
Forest. Trees.

Forest. Trees.

In the first episode of Season 3 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, join Justin as he discusses the importance of stepping back to see the bigger picture. Much happens every day in the world, but most people can become so fixated on small details they fail to see the big picture and how events, decisions, and circumstances work together. Bringing in his background in the study of history, Justin discusses the importance of context and how we must frame our understanding of where we are in light of the big picture. He also explains how incentives drive virtually everything in human decision-making, and why it is so important to discern the incentives which motivate human behavior in light of the overarching context in which people live.

Enjoy!

Apr 19, 202201:29:34
Red Pilled

Red Pilled

In Season 2 Episode 10, Justin discusses many of the things happening in the U.S. and explains why it is important for all to be well-informed and proceed with caution. Much of the events of the last 18 months have caused significant changes in society; should those changes have happened? Why are they happening? And most importantly, who has the most to gain or lose? A tumble down the rabbit hole might make you question what is happening and who might be orchestrating these events. Check it out!

Nov 24, 202101:07:41
Three Ways to Deal With Anxiety

Three Ways to Deal With Anxiety

The Chicken Scratch Podcast returns after a hiatus in Season 2 Episode 9 where Justin discusses the growing number of mental health issues related to stress and anxiety. It is important to recognize the impact this has on people and society as a whole. Justin offers three ways that people can begin to work on managing their anxiety. Check it out!

Nov 21, 202101:02:39
Thieves Dressed as Philanthropists
Jul 12, 202101:03:38
Progress & Change

Progress & Change

In Season 2 Episode 8 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin catches up after a busy month of June and reflects on goals from the first six months of 2021. He also shares insight and reflection from the book The Road to Wigan Pier (Orwell) and how it has both affected his views as well as provided important thoughts that are relevant to our time. Check it out!

Jul 02, 202153:40
Something Will Grow

Something Will Grow

In Season 2 Episode 7 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses his thoughts on a particularly striking passage from the book East of Eden by John Steinbeck. He explores the idea that our lives are full of gardens or fields that we are given dominion over, and that the best thing we can do is to take responsibility for those things and plant, water, and produce fruit. Check it out!

May 14, 202131:47
Investing 101

Investing 101

In Season 2 Episode 6 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses a few of the basics of investing: things that you should know or think about BEFORE you step into the investing world. You need the right attitude, a good strategy with specific goals, you must do proper research, and you must take the right action at the right time. Check it out!

Apr 08, 202148:34
Aim High

Aim High

Welcome to the Chicken Scratch Podcast! In Season 2 Episode 5, Justin discusses the topic of aiming at the highest ideals, and the difference between ascension toward goals, learning, and growth and the descent into complacency. What is the meaning of life? Why is life worth living? What are we living for? These questions are discussed and Justin discusses a song he wrote and its significance in relation to this discussion. Check it out!

Mar 27, 202141:28
Misery Is Optional - Part 2: Planning, Not Procrastination

Misery Is Optional - Part 2: Planning, Not Procrastination

Welcome to the Chicken Scratch Podcast! In Season 2 Episode 4, Justin discusses one of the chapters of his work-in-progress, currently titled Misery Is Optional: Making the Best of All Circumstances. Justin will outline his core views concerning procrastination, why it is unhelpful and counter-productive, why it becomes a habit for people, and how changing your life and taking responsibility for your time and actions can improve your life. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Mar 05, 202156:30
It's All Control Anyway

It's All Control Anyway

In Season 2, Episode 3 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses a whole load of different thoughts concerning money, from savings and investing to inflation and taxes, and a few other topics thrown in as well! Money is important to understand because in our day and age it is the key to sovereignty--financial freedom is something we should hope to attain, and we should look at what is happening in the financial world and understand the reason why. We hope you enjoy the episode!
Feb 19, 202147:48
Misery is Optional - Part 1

Misery is Optional - Part 1

Welcome to the Chicken Scratch Podcast! In Season 2, Episode 2, Justin reflects on the events surrounding the crazy stock market stories of the week. Then, in the main segments of the episode, he discusses the inspiration behind his book concept, Misery is Optional, and touches on the issues of how misery and suffering differ, why we experience misery, and how we can begin to combat misery and begin improving the quality of our lives. Check it out! We hope you enjoy this podcast!

Jan 29, 202148:26
The Philosophy of Morality

The Philosophy of Morality

In Season 2 Episode 1 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin shares some happenings and thoughts about the past year, reveals a special surprise project, and discusses the philosophical underpinnings of right and wrong--and the importance of aligning our lives with those principles and values. Check it out!

Jan 16, 202147:54
A Living Sacrifice: How We Herald the Return of the King in 2021

A Living Sacrifice: How We Herald the Return of the King in 2021

This special bonus episode was delivered on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Northgate Community Church. The focus was on how Romans 12 teaches Christians that, as we head into 2021, our lives must be marked by humility as we receive the grace bestowed upon us and as we live out our call to love others while awaiting the return of Jesus.
Dec 31, 202032:50
Relationships & Marriage

Relationships & Marriage

In Season 1 Episode 15 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin welcomes everyone back with a hearty discussion on relationships, dating, and marriage. What do we need to remember about relationships? What is the proper way to view relationships? What should we do to have successful relationships? All this is discussed and more! Check it out!
Aug 02, 202042:26
Nothing Compares

Nothing Compares

In Season 1 Episode 14 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the topic of comparison. So often we compare ourselves to others, or perhaps even judge others. And often it is based on things out of our control! Justin reflects upon this idea and how we should think and respond to these concepts. Check it out!

May 15, 202047:09
Worth Something

Worth Something

In Season 1 Episode 13 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the idea that we are responsible to make our actions valuable. In order to do this, we need to make sure we take care of ourselves properly, pursue the things that are meaningful, and clean up our lives and actions. By having the proper perspective, we can do extremely meaningful things to make the world better. Check it out!
Apr 30, 202038:57
Who We Are

Who We Are

In Season 1 Episode 12 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin welcomes everyone back after a multi-week hiatus, catching up on the latest things going on in the world. Justin discusses the idea that the COVID crisis in the world serves to remind us about our finite-ness and that it forces us to look in the mirror at the people we truly are. Check it out!
Apr 17, 202051:58
Fragile.

Fragile.

In Season 1 Episode 11 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the Coronavirus and his thoughts on the fragility of life--and gives a reflection on how meaningful your life can be when you focus on doing the right things. Check it out!

Mar 21, 202044:56
Super [Politics]

Super [Politics]

In Season 1 Episode 10 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses Super Tuesday and some of his takes on the presidential race in 2020. He also makes a prediction on who gets the nomination. Check it out!
Mar 06, 202001:00:53
Leadership
Feb 27, 202050:25
Vision.

Vision.

In Season 1 Episode 8 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the importance of vision. Vision requires a foundation of a meaningful mission accompanied by deeply rooted values. Vision is important because it allows you to narrow your focus in your life. Check it out!
Feb 21, 202039:01
Be My Valentine... Or Not?

Be My Valentine... Or Not?

In Season 1 Episode 7 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, a special Valentine's Day edition, Justin discusses the history of Valentine's Day, gives some advice about how to have a good day with your significant other, discusses being single and being happy, and talks about what love is and isn't. And he would have told some stories... if he had any good ones! Check it out!

NEW: If you would like to send a message to the podcast with a question or comment, go to anchor.fm/ChickenScratch/message!

Feb 14, 202052:18
Count the Cost

Count the Cost

In Season 1 Episode 6 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses money and budgeting. We all would love to have greater financial security, and Justin will talk about the importance of budgeting, which is the beginning of the process of getting your financial situation under control. Check it out!

Feb 07, 202051:55
Know Thyself

Know Thyself

In Season 1 Episode 5 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the importance of knowing yourself--your thoughts, feelings, tendencies, deficiencies, strengths, etc. He also spends time answering questions asked over the previous few weeks. Check it out!

Jan 31, 202051:53
Hope is the Anthem

Hope is the Anthem

In Season 1 Episode 4 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin reflects on the importance of hope in the world. He argues that hope is to be rooted in truth and based on the expectation that good is to come in a person's life. Check it out!

Jan 24, 202032:10
Be Competent, Not Compliant

Be Competent, Not Compliant

In Season 1 Episode 3 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the importance of pursuing competence in all that you do. He argues that competence makes a person desirable, while compliance only makes a person expendable. He also gives a few pieces of advice to help you think about how to make your life better. Check it out!
Jan 17, 202054:37
Basically, Relationships

Basically, Relationships

In Season 1, Episode 2 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the topic of relationships. Justin outlines some critical aspects of our attitudes toward relationships and concerning the people with which we engage in those relationships. Justin puts forth principles such as "check your intentions before dating," "get in relationships with people who want your best," and "discuss your expectations first." Check it out!

Jan 10, 202047:40
Words.

Words.

In Season 1 Episode 1 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses about the importance of word and speech through a survey of the Bible.
Jan 03, 202038:40