Rules of the Game
By Butch Porter
Rules of the GameNov 30, 2020
61. “Develop the confidence to love the opposition…”
60. “Just don’t give Her the car keys just yet…”
59. “Get offline…”
58. "Be prepared to question your assumptions."
For a special mid-month episode, Butch has a “Great Conversation” with George Leef, the author of The Awakening of Jennifer Van Arsdale: A Political Fable for Our Time… George serves as the Director of Research at the James R Martin Center for Academic Renewal. George and Butch discuss the current political landscape in terms of education and why something like a fable might be necessary to wake us up from some of the silos we’ve created around ourselves.
The Rule for this Episode is:
“Be prepared to question your assumptions…”
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Education Choice: https://loudounfieldcenter.org
SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network): https://gc.inded.us
Same Blog tho: https://www.greatconversations.us
Mother Ship: https://inded.us
57. "God Save the Queen."
Butch and Jessica discuss the implications of the loss of Queen Elizabeth II -- one of the longest reigning monarchs in world history, and the longest in British history. They talk about what the UK means to the world, what the monarchy means to the UK, and what Queen Elizabeth has meant to the monarchy, and to the West.
Butch refers to an article on the latter topic: "The Queen of the West," by Ayaan Hirsi Ali:
https://spectatorworld.com/topic/she-was-the-queen-of-the-west/
Another tidbit: there were indeed only FIVE total times that the Queen gave a live televised address to the Nation:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52173825
And don't forget this:
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-broke-tradition-after-9-11-terror-attacks-solidarity-us
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Education Choice: https://loudounfieldcenter.org
SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network): https://gc.inded.us
Same Blog tho: https://www.greatconversations.us
Mother Ship: https://inded.us
56. Life Part Deux "Jessica is Obsessed With Porn."
OK... First: Jessica is NOT actually obsessed with porn, but we do talk about it a little bit in terms of how the sexual revolution has shifted how we think about abortion. We spend some time in our follow-up episode on the Dobbs case talking about the spiritual implications of the abortion issue, from Butch's position that the pro-choice (at least the virulent anti-religious segment) doesn't actually have a problem with the Christian Conservative viewpoint on LIFE, but they mostly have a problem with the CC viewpoint on SEX.... to Jessica's point that the meaning of LIFE is actually about finding opportunities to SUFFER while worshipping our Creator...
For the First Part of this discussion check out Episode 55 "The Pro Life Positions is the More Tenable Position; and it's not even close."
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Education Choice: https://loudounfieldcenter.org
SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network): https://gc.inded.us
Same Blog tho: https://www.greatconversations.us
55. "Pro-Life is the more tenable position, and it's not even close." - Part 1
For Episode 2 of Season 3, Jessica and Butch take on the Dobbs Case and all the implications of abortion regulations. This time we focused as much as we could on the legal aspects of it, and all the implications therein. For our Sept 1 episode, we'll tackle the more spiritual angle.
PLEASE find us on any of the podcast services you use at:
https://rotgpodcast.us
Share, Like, Rate us 5 stars... etc. etc.
____________________________
Butch's New Gig: https://loudounfieldcenter.org
SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network): https://gc.inded.us
Same Blog tho: https://www.greatconversations.us
54. "Shame Is Not a Healthy Way to Approach Your Identity."
Jessica and Butch are back to talk about a variety of topics; mostly “intersectionality.”
Opening Article from City Journal on Transsexuality linked to shame over being White.
https://www.city-journal.org/the-assault-on-childrens-psyches
Dostoevsky and the Pleasure of Taking Offense
https://quillette.com/2022/06/17/the-duelist-mentalityon-the-allures-of-taking-offense/
The Rise and Fall of the Modern Self
https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Triumph-Modern-Self-Individualism-ebook/dp/B089DNYCDY/
Closing of show, Jessica comments (possible tee up for next episode?) on the Orthodox Bishops’ position on Sanctity of Life:
https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2022/human-life-sacredness
(NOTE: The episode was recorded less than 24 hours before the decision was announced officially about the Dobbs case on abortion. So, guess what the topic will be for August.)
____________________________
Butch's New Gig:
https://loudounfieldcenter.org
SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network):
https://gc.inded.us
(This Week is a teaser of our Video Format on Spotify... Normally the video version will ONLY be able to subscribers of SXOLE.)
Same Blog tho:
https://www.greatconversations.us
53. "If you choose to serve, prepare for disagreements."
Butch Porter has a conversation with former Loudoun County (Virginia) School Board member, Debbie Rose about the controversies surrounding the school system involving COVID, race and diversity, LGBTQIA+ issues, including the teaching of CRT in the schools, including the Resolution 8040 issue, and other issues which swirled around last months gubernatorial race. It's the beginning of a conversation about how best to approach these ideas if one is concerned about the issues at play, and how best to protect, love, cherish, and educate our children.
The rule for this episode is: "If you choose to serve, prepare for disagreements." Debbie mentioned how the school board weaponized a few rather harsh protests into shameless measures to stifle free speech, which the school board is still not fully recovered from.
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Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://www.greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org
52. “Remember the reason for the season…”
51. "Sin is sin; love is love..."
Jessica and Butch take on the topic of "same-sex attraction" and the Christian Church. This is a really dicey topic and is very complex, so we're trying to explore ways in which we can love and care for and welcome those who don't identify in a "traditional" way sexually. This is the beginning of a conversation on the topic, not the end, but we tried to lay out where the problems really lie and what the challenges are. So listen with an open mind and an open heart. That's the only way we feel like we can talk about it.
PLEASE share and subscribe and leave us a 5-Star Review.
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://www.greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org
50. “Think before you fly…”
For our third “Civics and Community” event at the Loudoun Field Center in Lucketts, VA we sat down with Preston Huntington and Tori Carr with Xelevate, a drone training and testing facility right across the street from the Loudoun Field Center, to discuss the burgeoning and blossoming drone industry. We had some kids, parents, and previous guest of Rules of the Game, Tony Howard, to chat about how this technology and those which are adjacent to it will affect the next generation.
For more information on Xelevate, check out their website: https://xelevateus.com
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://www.greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org
49. "The cancellers are the real bigots..." Sophia A Nelson fighting the woke mob at CNU
For our 49th Episode, Butch has a very frank and open conversation with Sophia A. Nelson... a repeat guest to the show. Sophia is an adjunct professor and visiting scholar at Christopher Newport University and recently tweeted a question regarding the son of Superman coming out as bisexual in DC Comics. Following the tweet, a firestorm of madness, thought police, and whining white-privileged Gen-Z hacks, with the support of a few professors who should know better have been trying to get Sophia cancelled. We'll have a full article on the topic over the weekend, but in the meantime, listen to Butch and Sophia talk this out.
48. "Extend your soul to the hungry..."
This week's episode is a wide-ranging conversation between Gary Mears, Pastor of Faith Chapel Community Church in Lucketts, Virginia, right down the road from the Loudoun Field Center; and Paul Gernhardt, the Center's Executive Director.
Butch Porter facilitates the discussion, which touches on the subjects of "mega-churches" and on how churches create a sense of community and family; helping those in need; being a place of spiritual healing, and how a church and the faith which it represents necessarily operates differently than simply a non-profit or a club. There is even a discussion about sin.
More on Faith Chapel: https://www.faith-chapel.com
and it's food pantry ministry: https://www.faith-chapel.com/our-food-pantry
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org
47. “It starts with the right soil…”
46. "Be honest, and fulfill your commitments..."
Jessica and Butch take on the crisis in Afghanistan. (Ok... when we say "take it on" we don't mean actually... doing anything about it, but talking about it for almost exactly an hour.)
What it boils down to Butch on Afghanistan is that we've lost honor in the world by not fulfilling our commitments to the people that we've made promises to for almost a generation. Jessica seems to think there is more to this; there are some things going on behind the scenes that we don't understand. Other players, other stakeholders are moving the pieces behind the scenes and Joe Biden is just along for the ride. To Butch the decision, and its execution, was just a matter of ego. Time will (hopefully) tell.
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org
45. "Education is about: character, communication, and community."
Bahar Picariello, who was the FIRST guest on the Rules of the Game podcast a little over a year ago, returns to discuss the current drama going on in Loudoun County, VA, regarding gender politics, CRT, the handling of the pandemic year 2+, etc.
Along the way, we talk about what Bahar and Butch knew all along: that the public education system has lost its purpose, or at least it is pursuing purposes which are not congruent with a logical approach to education. The modern school system is built for:
1) College and Career Readiness
2) "Socialization"
3) Changing the world
Butch contends that it should be about:
1) Intellectual acuity
2) Communication Skills
3) Character Development
Bahar talks a little bit about the challenges that parents are facing and the conundrum of homeschooling and wanting some of the benefits of "school." You can find her ("The Homeschool Ambassador" on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/thehomeschoolambassador )
Butch's alternative (in conjunction with IndED) is the new Loudoun Field Center, a high school alternative launching in Lucketts, VA:
https://loudounfieldcenter.org
The field center is taking on the challenge of helping high school students escape the madness of modern education and finding peace and purpose through learning as a part of the community and not apart from it, as well as taking on opportunities to fail. On Tuesday, August 17, the Field Center will hold an information center at the Chapel. To RSVP, you can join the "Great Conversation(s)" group on Facebook, or you can check in here:
https://loudounfieldcenter.org/events/brainstorming-and-information-session/
44. "Efficiency almost always wins... and we're often the worse for it."
For Episode 21 of Season Two, Jessica and Butch talk about the gains in efficiency (based on his latest article on Great Conversation(s)) brought on by the modern age in general, the pandemic in particular, and some ways in which efficiency can come at a cost... in terms of how we work, eat, worship, and live. There is a lot of talk about prayer, and even a little on Downton Abbey.
This week's Rule is: "Efficiency almost always wins...and we're often the worse for it."
Butch's article on "Efficiency..": https://www.greatconversations.us/p/efficiency-always-wins-out
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
43. "'Adult' is not a verb..."
For our 20th episode of Season 2, Jessica and Butch discuss what it means to be an "adult"... we have a tendency to focus on the stuff and things that adults need to DO, as opposed to the qualities and characteristics they need to BE. So we talked a little about "kids these days" and some of the things that makes the upcoming generation(s)' experience different.
It's a rough way of introducing the new educational endeavor our host has taken on in Loudoun County, VA, namely: the Loudoun Field Center:
https://loudounfieldcenter.org
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
42. "Charity means loving the deplorable..."
Jessica and Butch seek to understand the "anti-tribalism" phenomenon a little more. We talk about Tanner Cross... racism vs. prejudice... what the word "systemic" means... and we ask the question: who are we supposed to love and respect the humanity of if not the person we find the most unappealing and "deplorable"?
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
41. "Fake it 'till you make it..."
For our 41st Episode, Jessica and Butch start out chatting about the Terrence Mallick film, The Tree of Life, and quickly switch gears (to dig in deeper at a later date) to "What it means to be a Southerner?" It's a conversation about "values" and "value sets" and what it means for a southern (especially a southern Christian) when they hear things like "D & I (&E)" as a "value." One of the more common slights to Southerners is their tendency to "act fake" in their kindness and sweetness, and Jessica and Butch take issue with that and the importance of handling life's ups and downs with charm, grace, and a smile... in other words: "Fake it 'till you make it.."
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
40. "Show up, pay attention, tell the truth..."
"What is up with the real estate market?!?" is a question a lot of us have been asking lately. Butch has a "Great Conversation" with his good friend (and the best Real Estate agent in the Milky Way Galaxy) Pamela Jones with Extraordinary Transitions in Loudoun County, VA. We talk about what's going on, why it's so crazy here and elsewhere... a little bit about why women are so much BETTER at it, and how she views what it means to put down roots and be a part of the community.
Pamela's Rule for the podcast is a four parter:
"Show up, pay attention, tell the truth, and don't be attached to the outcome."
For more information on Extraordinary Transitions and Pamela's work, go to:
https://pamsellsfinehomes.com
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
39. "Pursue morality first..."
Jessica and Butch continue a conversation started with our special guest in the previous episode with a question of, "From where do people get their moral foundations if not from religion?" We explore the issue thoroughly in terms of online communities, and the workplace and the #metoo world as well. Notwithstanding the conundrum of finding morality in the secular world, we posit that "power" is a poor measure of it. The rule for the day is: "Pursue morality first..." because without it, where will justice emerge from something as confusing as #metoo?
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
38. "Come to me as a human being first..."
Local business consultant, Debbie Gee, is a special guest of Butch Porter, and they talk about powerful women in the workforce, the "battle of the sexes" and culture wars in general, the #metoo movement, among other topics involving men and women.
The rule for this episode is little bit of a crib from Heather Heying:
"Come to me as a human being first, an individual second, and THEN you can go tribal..."
For more information on Debbie, check out:
https://www.maximumstrategiesllc.com
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
37. "Be curious - not judgmental..."
For Episode 37, Jessica and Butch have decided to dive deep into the dilemma of: Truth vs Unity. Is it more important to be RIGHT, or to be UNITED? Is it more important to admit what the real "truth" is or to get along with your fellow man? Do we have to choose between, say "evangelism" vs. "ecumenism" in our religious conversations? We talk about CRT a little and specifically what it means for continuing "dialogue" when County Governments, like the one in Loudoun County, VA (where Butch lives) create a "Chief Equity Officer" position.
https://www.jobapscloud.com/LDN/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1=21&R2=139&R3=2200
Today's Rule, oddly enough came from the AppleTV show: Ted Lasso, where Ted wins a bet, while explaining how important it is to... ask questions.... be CURIOUS, before judging someone.
Next week, Butch will be continuing the conversation with none other than Loudoun's own: Sophia Nelson, who visited with Butch on his SECOND episode. This one will take the "Truth vs Unity" question to the modern political situation with the Republican Party, Donald Trump, "Conservatism," etc.
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
36. "Tell stories that are True..."
For our 36th episode, Jessica and Butch discuss the nature of terms of the intellect. The journey of Jordan Peterson is a big topic, as well as the concepts of fasting and feasting, intellectual humility vs. "skepticism" and of course the proper way to do theology: apophatically.
The Rule for the day is: "Tell stories that are True..."
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
35. "Hug your neighbor with both arms ... and count to 20."
Jessica and Butch chat about the importance of human connection and how much it's been compromised for the last year. Sure the pandemic is serious, but just like anything else, there are tradeoffs, and the cost of losing human connection has been really high, while the benefit is very hard to define or prove. For weeks we were told how (we're still being told how) to wash our hands and count to 20. Our rule for this week:
"Hug your neighbor with both arms... and count to 20."
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
34. "The Future of Education is not 'STEM'..."
Jessica and Butch spend some time talking about the future of education, in terms of what education means, what its purpose is, and what a teacher is. We talk about how the most important thing to teach kids is WHO THEY ARE; also what our responsibilities are as parents, as a community; and the goal of a multi-generational community which needs its elderly (see Episode 33) and it needs its children. Jessica spoke about "intentional" parenting, which involves educator as the role of the parent. Obviously the role of technology came up, and the rule of this episode is, of course: "The Future of Education is not 'STEM'..."
For more information on IndED's "The Best Education of a Lifetime Course Is..." course join the conversation at: https://gc.inded.us, (which will also give you access to the video versions of this podcast!) and find the "IndED Community" group... For only $20 a month you can join a small but growing number of families who are striving to be more intentional in how they teach their kids, whether they go to public, private, or homeschool.
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
33. "Respect your elders..."
Butch welcomes Special Guest Stella Morabito, who is a senior contributor at the Federalist to discuss one of her latest articles on the Cuomo nursing homes scandal. We talk about how, in addition to the simple cost of precious human lives, the callous and dismissive treatment of the elderly has an even greater cost in "cultural memory." In addition we connect the conversation with how our culture has devalued the elderly in terms of how we're raising and educating our kids.
Stella's Rule is: "Respect your elders."
To read more from Stella, go to:
https://thefederalist.com/author/stellamorabito/
________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
32. "Be prepared to serve your community..."
For our 9th episode this season, Jessica and Butch discuss the topic of gun control and gun rights. The goal is to get a grasp on what each side of this debate is not seeing of the other one, and get to the heart of the matter: protecting communities. Our rule is "Be prepared to serve... " and do your duty to your community. The rights are one thing... the responsibility is something else altogether.
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Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
31. "Pursue Truth with every tool at your disposal..."
Butch and Jessica are finally digging in and talking about religion (GASP!), and we spend this podcast focusing on the ways in which we access and seek spiritual Truth. Through art and music, through study, and through an ascetic and prayerful approach during the Lenten season as well.
The rule for the day is: "Pursue Truth with every tool at your disposal..." We must look for LOVE, and TRUTH, and BEAUTY, and JOY, and GOOD... everywhere around us. We find these things, sometimes where we least expect it.
__________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
30. "Don't take yourself too seriously..."
For our first "Independent Education Spotlight" of 2021 Butch has a productive conversation with Tim Gardiner of Gamepoint Athletics. We talk about fitness, both before and during the age of COVID-19; we discuss the importance of character and how coaching for athletics and sports is applied to character in life. In addition to exploring a little bit the role of fathers in education, we land upon one of Butch's AND Tim's favorite Virtue in a long list of virtues: Humility. This brings us to Tim's Rule:
"Don't take yourself too seriously..."
(As one of our Independent Education Spotlight episodes, the VIDEO version is available only to subscribers/members of the "IndED Community" Group on the GC Network.)
For more information on Gamepoint Athletics, go to:
https://gamepointathletics.com
_______
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us
Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
29. "Pursue leisure for leisure's sake..."
Jessica and Butch do a deep dive into the concept of "leisure" and specifically the book by Josef Pieper, "Leisure: the Basis of Culture" which came out in 1947 in Germany... a rather counterintuitive approach considering the close of a generation or two of war. Pieper (and we to the best we are able) distinguish between leisure and "idleness"...And we talk about committing to a more intentional lifestyle, and the rule for the week is: "Pursue leisure for leisure's sake..."
______________________________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user126997330
28. "Embrace the Sacred Feminine and Stop Saving the World..."
Jessica and Butch tackle the topic that is at the top of everyone's mind: the extinction of the human species, and our responsibility (or lack thereof) towards preventing it. It's not that we don't CARE about what is happening on Pennsylvania Avenue... it's just that at this point, we're sort of over it. Instead we talk about Jessica's Rule (as expressed with a twist by Butch): "Embrace the Sacred Feminine and Stop Saving the World"... in other words, stop being "that guy" who tries to solve all the world's problems, and just... wait, listen... It'll likely work itself out.
Jessica references a book called the Red Tent:
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Tent-20th-Anniversary-Novel/dp/0312427298
Butch mentions a book that he couldn't remember the title to about the "tension"(The Enduring Tension, by Donald Devine) :
https://www.amazon.com/Enduring-Tension-Capitalism-Moral-Order/dp/1641771518/
_______
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user126997330
27. "China is not our friend..."
26. "Think Galactically, Be Human..."
In anticipation of our next episode where we are going to finally move on from the travails in D.C. and talk about ... the important things, Jessica and Butch take the hour and talk about the path forward for the citizenry in dealing with such division and turmoil. Who is to blame? A little of that... but mostly a call to stay healthy (Jessica shares some nutrition advice) be good people, and keep the conversation and civilization going. That's our job, not the President's. And thank God for that.
25. "Two things can be true at the same time..."
For our first session back for Season Two....we talk about the riots and protests at the Capitol the previous week. It requires a return to Butch's FIRST rule: "Two things can be true at the same time..."
It can be true that a lot of protesters are legitimately concerned that the Republic is being stolen from them, and it can also be true that the events at the capitol were double plus ungood. It can be true that impeachment is a bad idea and bad mojo, and that impeachment is completely and totally necessary (which we don't get to until next time, as we started having audio problems at the one hour mark)...
24. "If you say 'awoman'..."
For the kick off to Season Two of Rules of the Game, we have Part 2 of Butch Porter's conversation with Muoki Musau (of the "Growing Pains" podcast) on the topic of masculinity. We take a slightly different tack, whereas we decide to watch "Die Hard" (your host's favorite Christmas movie) and talk about the characters there to discover what we mean when we say things like "The Patriarchy"...and "toxic masculinity" etc...
Muoki's Rule for Part 2 is: "If you say 'awoman,' then you don't know what 'amen' means."
For more from Muoki, check out the "Growing Pains" podcast here:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-pains-podcast/id1542556008
23. "First, Do No Harm..."
Butch starts this podcast episode out with a public service announcement warning people NOT to go see the new Wonder Woman movie. It's... horrible. After that, Jessica and Butch tackle the issue of vaccines and whether it should be mandatory, and parsing out what is good for society and what is good for families and individuals.
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Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user126997330
22. "Let Dad be Dad..."
Butch has a chat with his friend and theologian, Muoki Musau, one of the co-hosts of the "Growing Pains" podcast. The topic of the day is masculinity and fatherhood. What does it mean to be a man in the modern age. One of the focuses is of course how it's looked at generationally, as Butch being a Generation X guy looks at it differently than the Millennials of the world. We also connected it to Muoki's discussions on Growing Pains about the meaning of "The American Dream."
(This is Part 1 of 2.... Part 2 will launch Season 2 of Rules of the Game!)
For the Growing Pains Podcast, go here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-pains-podcast/id1542556008
_______
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user126997330
21.. "Speak your mind, with love and compassion."
(This is our first LIVESTREAM on FB and YouTube. We're hoping to add some Q&A opportunities, so stay tuned for our next LIVESTREAM next Tuesday, December 29.)
Today we'll be discussing Butch's recent article regarding Ellen/Elliot Page. It's not simply about respect and care for those who are different, but also for those who THINK different, and most importantly how we treat reality and history.
Is it more important that people are not challenged with how they think about themselves, than it is that people are allowed their own views of the world, reality, and reason?
Here's the article on Great Conversation(s):
greatconversations.us/p/identity-and-ellen-page
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Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/
20. "Never be intimidated by being by yourself..."
We had a chance to visit with a couple fellow Virginians, Flor Flores and her son Fernando, in their home, where we discussed their fine collection of Nativity Scenes (“we stopped counting after 200”)… We apologize for the less than perfect audio, but either way this is of course best experienced through the video, where we highlight some of the nativities discussed:
https://vimeo.com/491308861
Flor's Rule is: "Never be intimidated by being by yourself, because you can always find something that is close to your heart to give you comfort."
For more information on the Leesburg Nativity Tour, go go:
https://www.loudounawakening.org/leesburgnativitytour
_______
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/
BONUS Episode - Butch is guest of Sophia's on the "One America Podcast"
SO enjoyed visiting with Sophia over the weekend. She's right. It starts with us.
Host Sophia Nelson sits down for a two part interview with Virginia Conservative, political activist, businessman, educator, and PODCAST creator Butch Porter. This is a NOT To miss dialogue on what over 74 Million Trump voters are thinking, how they feel about our politics, America, Race, the rise of "socialism" and more. The second round explores what we will need to do as neighbors, citizens, friends and family to heal our nation. It is not up to Washington, D.C. It is up to us.
On the One America Podcast in Two Parts:
PART ONE
PART TWO
19. "Be thankful for your many blessings..."
Butch and Jessica take a stab at Thanksgiving, at the draconian regulations of numerous state, county, and city executives in limiting the number of people gathered in a private home for the holiday. They talk about the latest article on the "Great Conversations" blog ( https://www.greatconversations.us/p/lord-we-thank-you-for-lines-not-to ) regarding what lines would you not allow the government to cross, and what are you willing to endure to stop them.
_______
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/
18. "Never underestimate what someone else can do..."
This week's rule is an inverse of the rule from Episode 16, which was (courtesy of General Bugs Forsythe): "Don't let anybody ever tell you you can't do something." Wayne Estes instead takes a look at his responsibility as a teacher and says, "Never underestimate what someone else can do." Kids will surprise you...adults will surprise you, too, in what they can do if they put their mind to something or take a different, or unexpected angle at it...
This episode is one of our Education Spotlights, (like Episode's 5 and 7) where we take a deep dive conversation into what it means to really dig in and find that "spark" in learning, and using hidden talents.
For more information on The Catoctin School of Music, go to:
https://www.thecatoctinschoolofmusic.com
_______
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/
17. "Enforce the Tenth Amendment"
Jessica and Butch take some time to discuss the results of the election, and the implications of Donald Trump's efforts to fight the results. They also talk about what they look for in a President, what we should for, and how that applies to State and local positions.
#elections #trump #biden #politics #election2020
___________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/
16. "Don't let anybody ever tell you you can't do something..."
For the 8th and last #LoudounRules episode for 2020, we're back in the Library at Dodona Manor, with General Hugh "Bugs" Forsythe. We talked about Veteran's Day, the state of the military in the U.S., a little foreign policy, and the challenges of leadership. The General's Rule is: "Don't let anybody ever tell you you can't do something."
Veteran's Day is tomorrow (Wednesday November 11). If you're in range of Leesburg, VA, come commemorate our Veterans at Dodona Manor in Leesburg:
https://www.georgecmarshall.org/events/veterans-day-commemoration
___________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/
15. "Become a great listener..."
We're back at Kahvilla Coffee House with local legend, Suhile Alami, creator and Chief Hands Bringer at the Real Husbands of Loudoun County (RHOLC) group. We talk about Suhile' immigrant experience, the Foundation that RHOLC created, as well as (again) things that Butch is really bad at, like dieting, working out, and playing golf. We also touch on what it means to be a man in the modern age. Suhile's rule is: "Become a great listener..." What an important message for Election Day.
For more about the RHOLC, go to:
https://www.rholcfoundation.org/
________
Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/
14. "Own your choices..."
Patreon full episode: www.patreon.com/posts/43223761
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Independent Education: inded.us
Great Conversation(s): greatconversations.substack.com
ROTG Podcast: rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: patreon.com/rotgpodcast
Twitter: twitter.com/realbutchporter
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/
13. "Be nice to people..."
What do you get when you get a guy who is fairly obsessed with politics and also sees it as his sport, and a guy who is obsessed with sports and sees politics as his reality television? Butch Porter, your host, and special guest Geoff Crawley, host of "Voice of the Fan," (formerly and soon to be rehabilitated). We talk about sports, politics, the politics of sports, and a LITTLE about the sport of politics. Geoff's RULE is one that should be simple, but it obviously isn't, or we wouldn't be where we are: "Be nice to people..."
#NBA #NFL #ColinKaepernick #MLS #EPL #StickToSports #LeBronJames #BLM #blacklivesmatter #CRT #criticalracetheory
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Independent Education: https://inded.us
Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com
ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us
Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast