Randy Unscripted

Johns Creek Studios

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PERSONAL JOURNALS

Hosted by educator and podcaster Randy Black, Randy Unscripted dives into modern culture, technology, news, and occasional matters of faith with curiosity and candor. Listeners can expect a mix of analysis, personal anecdotes, and playful tangents that make complex topics accessible, entertaining, and relevant.

JAN 13

The Minnesota ICE Shooting: What the Law and the Video Show

In this episode of Randy Unscripted, we examine the fatal shooting of a woman in Minnesota by a federal ICE officer. Many discussions around this incident have focused on emotion, politics, or selective interpretations of video footage. Here, we cut through the noise and analyze what Minnesota law actually says about use of deadly force. We review the publicly available video evidence, which shows the vehicle moving while officers were in close proximity, no meaningful opportunity for retreat, and a rapid escalation consistent with a perceived lethal threat. Under Minnesota law, a vehicle used in a way that could cause death or great bodily harm meets the statutory definition of a dangerous weapon (Minn. Stat. §609.02), and the use of deadly force in response is justified under Minn. Stat. §609.066 when an officer reasonably perceives imminent threat. This episode breaks down the legal framework, how the “reasonable officer” standard applies, and why the video evidence supports the conclusion that the officer acted within the law. We also discuss common misconceptions in media coverage and explain how to separate law from narrative when evaluating controversial use-of-force incidents.

10 min
JAN 2

School Choice in the Mountain State – The Hope Scholarship Debate

In this episode of Randy Unscripted, Randy Black takes a thoughtful, even-handed look at the growing school choice movement in West Virginia, with a particular focus on the Hope Scholarship Program. As the program expands toward universal eligibility, it has sparked intense debate among parents, educators, policymakers, and taxpayers. This episode breaks down what the Hope Scholarship is, how it works, and why it has quickly become one of the most talked-about education policies in the state. Listeners will hear a clear explanation of the program’s growth, participation numbers, and funding structure, along with the primary arguments in favor of school choice — including parental empowerment, educational flexibility, and fiscal considerations. At the same time, the episode examines concerns raised by critics, such as the impact on public school funding, accountability and oversight issues, enrollment declines, and equity challenges for families and school districts. Rather than advocating for a single position, this episode of Randy Unscripted invites listeners to consider the full picture and reflect on what school choice means for the future of education in West Virginia. It challenges the audience to think critically about how the state can balance parental choice with its responsibility to provide a strong, equitable public education system for all students. Sources & Further Reading (with accurate URLs) Hope Scholarship Data & Program Overview Hope Scholarship 2024–25 Annual Report — participation figures, growth trends, award amounts, and distribution breakdowns. Hope Scholarship 2024–25 Annual Report (PDF) WV Treasury Press Release: Hope Scholarship Participation & Growth — program expansion and participation growth from 2022–23 through 2024–25; universal eligibility slated for 2026–27. WV Treasurer Press Release on Hope Scholarship Growth and 2026–27 Expansion WV Treasury Press Release: Hope Scholarship Funding for 2025–26 — nearly 15,000 students to receive full Hope Scholarship funding in 2025–26; award amount details. Treasure Pack Announces Hope Scholarship Funding for 2025–26 WV Treasury Press Release: Continuing Participation Confirmations — details on award amounts and prorated application windows. WV Treasurer Announces Participation Confirmations for Hope Scholarship Students WDTV Coverage: Universal Eligibility for 2026–27 — reporting on eligibility expansion to all school-age children beginning in 2026–27. Hope Scholarship to Be Open to All WV School‑Age Children in 2026–27 Public School Impact & Policy Analyses West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy – Oversight & Funding Issues — analysis of limited oversight, lack of income caps, and projected funding impacts on public education. Hope Scholarship Reduces Resources for Public Schools, Lacks Oversight (WVCBP) WVCBP Enrollment Decline Brief — county-level enrollment decline analysis linked to Hope Scholarship participation and resulting staffing impacts. Hope Scholarship‑Driven Enrollment Decline and Public School Impacts WVCBP Fact Sheet on Enrollment Losses — additional data on enrollment declines across districts and the role of the Hope Scholarship. WVCBP Fact Sheet on Hope Scholarship Enrollment Losses News Reporting on the Effects WV News – Participation Nearly Doubles — reporting by WVNews on 10,530 students receiving scholarships in 2024–25 and discussion of program expansion. Hope Scholarship Participation Nearly Doubles in WV (WV News) WVU Today – Enrollment Declines & Concerns — coverage from WVU Today on public school enrollment declines and community concerns as the Hope Scholarship expands. Hope Scholarship Expansion Raises Concerns as Public School Enrollment Declines

8 min
12/27/2025

The Top Ten Podcasting Myths Debunked

In this episode of Randy Unscripted, we explore the top ten myths about podcasting that can hold creators back before they even hit record. From the pressure to include video, to fears about gear, downloads, and consistency, we examine the most common misconceptions and why they aren’t always true. This episode is designed to help both new and experienced podcasters cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters for building a podcast that lasts. We dive into myths like the idea that you must launch with multiple episodes, that success comes fast if you do everything “right,” and that you need to be an expert to start. Using real-world experience, we discuss why these assumptions can create unnecessary stress and delay, and offer practical insight for creating a podcast that’s authentic, sustainable, and engaging. Listeners will come away understanding that consistency, connection, and purpose outweigh perfection, speed, and comparison. Finally, we tackle the myth that podcasting is “too saturated to start now” using real data from Podcast Index, showing just how many podcasts are truly active and consistently publishing. The episode closes with encouragement for creators to focus on serving their audience, sharing their voice, and embracing the journey rather than chasing metrics or following every so-called rule. Whether you’re just starting or have been publishing for a while, this episode provides guidance and motivation to podcast confidently and intentionally. Chapters in this Episode: 00:00 1. Introduction 02:37 2. Myth #1 – You Must Do Video to Be Relevant 05:15 3. Myth #2 – You Need Expensive Gear to Start a Podcast 07:13 4. Myth #3 – You Must Launch With Three Episodes 09:04 5. Myth #4 – You Have to Release Weekly or You’ll Fail 11:09 6. Myth #5 – Downloads Are the Only Metric That Matters 13:06 7. Myth #6 – If Your Podcast Is Good, People Will Find It 14:58 8. Myth #7 – You Have to Be an Expert to Start a Podcast 16:43 9. Myth #8 – If You’re Not Making Money, It’s Not Worth It 18:38 10. Myth #9 – Success Happens Fast If You Do It Right 20:17 11. Myth #10 – Podcasting Is Too Saturated to Start Now 23:03 12. Closing / Takeaways

25 min
12/20/2025

When a 4.0 GPA Doesn’t Mean What We Think It Means

In this episode of Randy Unscripted, Randy reflects on a thought-provoking opinion article published by Fox News that challenges a long-held assumption in education: that a 4.0 GPA automatically signals academic mastery. Drawing from the article and his own experience as an educator, Randy explores how grades have increasingly come to represent effort, compliance, and system navigation rather than true understanding. The conversation digs into how pressure on schools, teachers, parents, and students has quietly reshaped grading practices, creating a growing gap between transcripts and real preparedness. Randy discusses why this disconnect becomes especially visible when students enter college or the workforce and face expectations that no longer bend to good intentions or participation points. Rather than blaming students or educators, this episode invites listeners to rethink what grades are meant to communicate and how families and schools can prioritize honest feedback and real learning over appearances. Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/i-own-tutoring-company-your-childs-4-0-gpa-probably-isnt-real

8 min
12/13/2025

The Impact of Apostasy on the Modern Christian Church

In this episode of Randy Unscripted, Randy takes an unfiltered look at apostasy and its growing impact on the modern Christian Church. Drawing from Scripture and cultural observation, the conversation defines apostasy as a “falling away” from biblical truth and explores how this spiritual drift is not a distant theological concept, but a present and visible reality within today’s faith landscape. The episode examines how apostasy manifests through moral relativism, cultural pressure, doctrinal compromise, and declining commitment to biblical teaching and church life. Randy connects these trends to their consequences—spiritual confusion, weakened Christian witness, and moral decay in society—while grounding the discussion in clear warnings found throughout the New Testament. Rather than ending in discouragement, this episode offers a call to action for believers and the Church at large. By returning to sound doctrine, prioritizing discipleship, and engaging culture without surrendering biblical truth, Christians can stand firm in faith. This episode challenges listeners to examine their own walk with Christ and to contend earnestly for the faith in a world increasingly resistant to it. This episode is based on a blog post on Randy’s website with the same title: The Impact of Apostasy on the Modern Christian Church.

9 min
11/30/2025

NaPodPoMo 2025 Episode #30 – Nov. 30, 2025

Reflection and Challenges Randy Black reflects on the month of NAPODPOMO 2025, highlighting how the journey tested his discipline and creativity. The month was particularly challenging due to a personal loss when his father-in-law passed away on day 24. Despite this setback, Randy realized that the routine and focus cultivated through NAPODPOMO provided a lifeline, helping him maintain purpose and control during chaotic times. Role of Faith and Routine Randy emphasizes the central role of faith in overcoming personal trials. His faith enabled him to support his family while continuing with his podcast goals. He learned that perseverance is about consistent effort rather than perfection and that showing up daily is an act of resilience. Lessons Learned Randy identifies three key lessons: He can achieve set goals with planning and commitment. His faith guides him through challenging times. He can support others while allowing himself to grieve. Impact on Future The experience of NAPODPOMO has reinforced the value of commitment and resilience. Randy anticipates that this journey will not drastically change his podcasting routine but will serve as a reminder to trust consistency and faith even in difficult times. Advice for Others Randy advises those considering similar creative challenges to start, emphasizing that improvement comes from doing. He encourages listeners to embrace consistency and trust their faith, sharing that showing up daily can reveal one’s full capabilities. Conclusion Randy concludes by expressing gratitude for the journey and hopes his experience inspires others to persevere and trust their abilities.

7 min
11/30/2025

NaPodPoMo 2025 Episode #29 – Nov. 29, 2025

Reflection on NaPodPoMo 2025 Experience: Randy Black reflects on the challenges and lessons learned from completing 30 podcast episodes in 30 days. Initially expecting the endeavor to be incredibly difficult, Randy faced worries about creativity, inspiration, and burnout. However, he discovered that commitment to the process led to personal growth and resilience. Challenges and Adaptations: Creative Pressure: Maintaining fresh content daily was challenging. Fear of Burnout: Concerns about creative fatigue and burnout by day 10 or 15. Adaptation: Learned to adapt and grow despite initial fears. Routine and Discipline: Consistent Schedule: The daily rhythm became a source of momentum and focus. Structure as Freedom: The routine removed uncertainty and focused efforts on timing and execution. Impact on Life: Time Management: Deliberate scheduling required balancing work, home, and podcasting. Focus Enhancement: Disciplined focus improved efficiency across all tasks. Lessons and Growth: Commitment and Resilience: Demonstrated capability to commit, show up, and follow through despite challenges. Perseverance and Determination: Completion of the challenge highlighted the importance of discipline and focus in various life aspects. Future Reflections: Upcoming Episode 30: Randy plans to share deeper reflections and lessons learned from the entire month. Encouragement: Aimed to inspire those considering similar challenges. Actionable Items/Tasks: Commit to Challenges: Encourage commitment to personal challenges. Develop Routine: Establish consistent routines for accountability and focus. Prioritize Time Management: Practice deliberate scheduling to balance responsibilities. Cultivate Focus: Apply disciplined focus to improve efficiency in tasks beyond podcasting.

7 min
11/28/2025

NaPodPoMo 2025 Episode #28 – Nov. 28, 2025

Randy Black’s Reflection on Christmas Introduction: Randy reflects on the holiday season, focusing on the deeper spiritual meaning of Christmas rather than the commercialism often associated with it. The Commercialization of Christmas: Randy notes the overwhelming commercialism during the holiday season, with advertisements for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other sales inundating people. He emphasizes the importance of remembering that Christmas did not begin with retail stores but in Bethlehem in a manger. The True Meaning of Christmas: Randy highlights that the real meaning of Christmas is rooted in the birth of Jesus Christ, not in possessions or decorations. He encourages listeners to reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, as described in Luke chapters 1 and 2, and to focus on the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. Practical Actions: Slow Down: Take time to reflect on the spiritual significance of Christmas and slow down from the commercial rush. Read the Scriptures: Read the Christmas accounts in Luke 1 and 2 to deepen your understanding of the true meaning of the holiday. Pray and Share: Pray for opportunities to share the hope of Christ and let generosity come from the heart, not from advertisements. Gratitude: Keep your celebration centered on gratitude for Jesus Christ, rather than what’s under the tree. Conclusion: Randy reminds listeners that Christmas is not a temporary event driven by consumerism but a celebration driven by God’s love, anchored in the birth of Jesus Christ. He encourages listeners to let the peace and presence of Christ shape their joy and to remember that only Christ can bring salvation.

9 min

Hosted by educator and podcaster Randy Black, Randy Unscripted dives into modern culture, technology, news, and occasional matters of faith with curiosity and candor. Listeners can expect a mix of analysis, personal anecdotes, and playful tangents that make complex topics accessible, entertaining, and relevant.

Channel

Johns Creek Studios
Creator

Johns Creek Studios
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

36
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Randy Unscripted

Self-Improvement

Self-Improvement

Updated Weekly
Christianity

Christianity

Updated Weekly