Premeditated Opinions

Josh & Pamela
  • 5.0 (10)
  • COMEDY

Some thoughts are premeditated. These are worse. Join Pamela & Josh for a fun-filled, highly opinionated spiral through what it means to live in today's world.

  1. It’s Giving Dating in 2026

    13H AGO

    It’s Giving Dating in 2026

    This week on Premeditated Opinions, we gathered a couple of our favorite people around the microphones to talk about one of the most confusing modern experiences imaginable: ✨ being single in your 40s ✨ And listen… this episode went from hilarious dating stories to purity culture trauma to AI matchmaking theories faster than anyone expected.  Joining us this week are Chrissie Rivers and Ariel Talitha, two smart, funny, brutally honest women sharing what it’s actually like navigating dating, relationships, divorce, healing, and companionship in 2026. And let’s just say: the apps are bleak, the vibes are confusing, and everybody needs therapy. In this episode, we talk about:  Dating apps in your 40s and why the vibes feel… off  Purity culture, marriage expectations, and growing up in high-control religious environments  Why so many women were taught that marriage = survival  Learning to exist outside the “wife as life goal” narrative  Dating after divorce, trauma, weight loss, and personal reinvention  The uniquely cursed experience of trying to date in Texas as a non-MAGA woman  Whether AI should screen potential partners before humans waste their time Because apparently the future of dating might just be: your chatbot talking to someone else’s chatbot while you sit there emotionally exhausted.  Also in this episode:  A man aggressively ignoring social cues at a karaoke bar  Josh accidentally volunteering to become a dating coach for men  Pamela trying to turn modern dating into a project management workflow  The phrase: “A man is not a retirement plan.”  A genuinely fascinating conversation about vulnerability, race, gender expectations, and modern companionship This episode is funny. It’s uncomfortable. It’s deeply honest. And honestly? It’s probably going to make at least one person text their therapist. If you’ve ever:  deleted and re-downloaded Hinge 14 times  wondered if healthy relationships are actually real  survived purity culture  or questioned whether modern dating is broken for everybody …this one’s for you. Support the show Stay Connected with us on these platforms: Website: https://www.premeditatedopinions.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@premeditatedopinionspodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@premeditatedopinions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeditated_opinions/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@premeditated_opinions And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share us with your friends and family!

    1h 5m
  2. It’s Giving Right to Repair… Now What? (Part 2)

    MAY 13

    It’s Giving Right to Repair… Now What? (Part 2)

    We’re back with Part 2 of our Right to Repair conversation, and if you were hoping for a clean answer… Yeah. No. In this follow-up, we go beyond the basics and get into the part of this conversation that actually makes people uncomfortable: 👉 There is no clear “right” answer here. We’re joined again by: Scott Blair — career technician, 20+ years in the field, friend of the pod Josh Thomas — Pamela’s husband (yes, still two Joshes, still thriving) And this time, we’re digging into the gray areas: 🔍 In Part 2, we unpack:  Why software—not hardware—is the real battleground Intellectual property, security risks, and “keys to the kingdom” access  What happens when the wrong person has the right tools The reality of modern vehicles: over-the-air updates, remote access, and full system integration  Why diagnosing problems is becoming “replace this part… then this part…” instead of actual expertise  How cost, trust, and risk all collide when choosing where to repair Because here’s the tension: We want people to fix their own stuff. We want independent shops to compete. …but we also don’t want:  hacked vehicles  unsafe repairs  or entire systems getting compromised Small ask. 🤝 Also in this episode:  Why farmers are some of the most impacted by Right to Repair  A surprisingly passionate recommendation for Clarkson’s Farm Why “doing the right thing” depends on who you ask (and how much money they have)  The uncomfortable reality that we may just have to live in the tension This episode doesn’t wrap things up neatly. It does something better: It shows you why it’s messy. And maybe that’s the point. If you’ve ever:  assumed this was a simple “consumer vs corporation” issue  wondered why repairs feel harder (and more expensive) than they should  or realized that “ownership” doesn’t mean what it used to …this one’s for you. Support the show Stay Connected with us on these platforms: Website: https://www.premeditatedopinions.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@premeditatedopinionspodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@premeditatedopinions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeditated_opinions/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@premeditated_opinions And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share us with your friends and family!

    49 min
  3. It’s Giving Right to Repair... Kind Of (Part 1)

    APR 29

    It’s Giving Right to Repair... Kind Of (Part 1)

    This week on Premeditated Opinions, we’re kicking off a two-part conversation on something that sounds niche… until you realize it affects literally everything you own: Right to Repair. From cars to phones to tractors, the question is simple:  👉 If you bought it… do you actually own it? To help us unpack it, we brought in people who actually live this world: Scott Blair — longtime friend of Josh and Pamela Thomas, career technician with 20+ years of experience Josh Thomas — Pamela’s husband (yes, there are two Joshes in her daily life, and no, it’s not confusing at all… we’re doing great) Together, we get into what this looks like in the real world, not just headlines and hot takes. 🔧 In Part 1, we break down:  What “Right to Repair” actually means (and why it’s trending)  How modern vehicles are built to require manufacturer access to function  The growing role of software, programming, and proprietary systems  Why a “simple fix” can turn into a dealership-only situation  The tension between consumer rights, safety, and corporate control Because here’s where it gets frustrating: You can replace the part. You can install it perfectly. …and your car still won’t work without access to the right software.  🔍 Also in this episode:  A casual story about someone being on fire (as one does)  The difference between knowing how to fix something and being allowed to  The Dunning-Kruger effect, but make it mechanical  Why EVs and high-voltage systems raise the stakes significantly  The reality of dealerships vs independent shops vs DIY This isn’t a rant. It’s not a takedown. It’s a real conversation about a system that’s evolving fast—and the trade-offs most people don’t see until they’re stuck in it. Part 2 drops in two weeks. If you’ve ever:  tried to fix something and hit a wall  questioned why everything requires special access  or just want to understand how ownership actually works in 2026 …this one’s for you. Support the show Stay Connected with us on these platforms: Website: https://www.premeditatedopinions.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@premeditatedopinionspodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@premeditatedopinions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeditated_opinions/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@premeditated_opinions And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share us with your friends and family!

    51 min
  4. It's Giving, Menstrual Leave Debate

    APR 20

    It's Giving, Menstrual Leave Debate

    This week, we’re trying something new. Less “what just happened?” and more “let’s actually talk about it.” Our main topic: Should workplaces account for real life… specifically women’s health? We’re diving into a piece of legislation out of Kenya that allows women to take up to two days off per month for menstrual health, and unpacking all the thoughts that come with it: Is this progress… or complicated progress?Where’s the line between fairness and equity?And why does the U.S. still feel like it’s behind on even the baseline (looking at you, PTO and maternity leave)?We bring both perspectives (female and male) and let it get a little uncomfortable, a little honest, and a lot more nuanced than a hot take. Because the reality is: people don’t perform well when they’re forced to ignore being human. Also in this episode (because we can’t stay on one lane): 🚀 The Artemis II mission and why four astronauts might be modeling better humanity than the rest of us 🌍 The unexpected emotional impact of… space? 👶 The math problem that is childcare, maternity leave, and existing in America 🎬 Our official (and slightly emotional) endorsement of Project Hail Mary 🎙️ A peek into our new format, recording remotely, and figuring it out as we go This episode is thoughtful, a little rebellious, occasionally sarcastic, but grounded in one idea: If we want better outcomes, we might need better systems. Wild concept. Follow & Support If you liked this episode, follow us on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. It helps more than you think, and it keeps us talking into microphones instead of just yelling into the void. Support the show Stay Connected with us on these platforms: Website: https://www.premeditatedopinions.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@premeditatedopinionspodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@premeditatedopinions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeditated_opinions/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@premeditated_opinions And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share us with your friends and family!

    1h 11m
  5. It’s Giving, Reset Energy

    APR 1

    It’s Giving, Reset Energy

    We’re back. Not in a “nothing happened, everything’s normal” kind of way… but in a “life happened, we took a beat, and now we’re figuring it out in real time” kind of way. After an unexpected 3-week hiatus, this episode is a reset. We’re talking about:  Where we’ve been (mentally, emotionally, and logistically)  Why we hit pause—and why that mattered  What’s changing with the podcast (format, cadence, and expectations)  What’s staying the same (the honesty, the humor, the slightly unhinged commentary)  And how we’re approaching this next season in a way that actually works for real life Because here’s the truth: We love this podcast. We love this community. But we’re also not interested in running ourselves into the ground to keep up appearances. So we’re doing something radical (apparently): We’re adjusting. This episode sets the stage for what’s next— a slightly different rhythm, a little more flexibility, and the same conversations you came here for. If you’ve ever:  Needed to step back and regroup  Felt the pressure to “keep going” when you probably shouldn’t  Or are trying to build something sustainable without losing yourself in the process You’ll feel right at home here. We’re not starting over. We’re just doing it differently. And honestly? That might be better. Support the show Stay Connected with us on these platforms: Website: https://www.premeditatedopinions.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@premeditatedopinionspodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@premeditatedopinions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeditated_opinions/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@premeditated_opinions And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share us with your friends and family!

    29 min

  6. MAR 10

    Quick Announcement from Josh!

    Just a quick update for this week! There's more coming soon, thank you for being here! Support the show Stay Connected with us on these platforms: Website: https://www.premeditatedopinions.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@premeditatedopinionspodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@premeditatedopinions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeditated_opinions/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@premeditated_opinions And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share us with your friends and family!

    1 min
  7. We Accidentally Roasted Congress While Debating Dog Breeds

    MAR 3

    We Accidentally Roasted Congress While Debating Dog Breeds

    This week on Premeditated Opinions, we do what we do best: Have strong opinions about extremely low-stakes topics…  and then accidentally wander into politics anyway. Inspired by the party game Bad Opinions from Dyce Games, we decided to put ourselves on the spot and answer prompts like: What would you do if you were invisible for a day?What movie series is wildly overrated?What dog breed are you not fond of?What job should everyone experience at least once?What city won’t exist in 50 years?Who should retire immediately? (👀)Somewhere between Limp Bizkit, Le Mans racing, Mission Impossible slander, and doodle dogs catching strays… we: Defend servers and retail workers with our livesQuestion the entire concept of career politiciansAccidentally roast Tom CruiseConfess our guilty pleasure songsDiscuss why some cartoons are simply not for usAnd agree that most of Congress should probably pack it upThis episode is pure “strong opinions about small things”…  until it isn’t. If you love: Low-stakes debatesDry humorMild chaosSlightly unhinged cultural takesAnd emotionally responsible spiralingYou’re home. Grab the game, play it with friends, and then come argue with us in the comments. And yes, we still want you on Substack. That part was not a joke. Dyce GamesDyce Games supports and sponsors this podcast!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Stay Connected with us on these platforms: Website: https://www.premeditatedopinions.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@premeditatedopinionspodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@premeditatedopinions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeditated_opinions/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@premeditated_opinions And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share us with your friends and family!

    53 min
  8. All Of Our Theology Is Written in Pencil

    FEB 24

    All Of Our Theology Is Written in Pencil

    This week on Premeditated Opinions, we’re doing something a little different. We’re not here to drag anyone.  We’re not here to start a denomination.  We’re definitely not starting a cult (Substack jokes aside). But we are talking about church hurt, purity culture, deconstruction, and what spirituality looks like on the other side of it. After attending an event featuring Dr. Hillary McBride and Joshua Harris — yes, that Joshua Harris of I Kissed Dating Goodbye fame — we realized it was time to offer some clarity about where we stand spiritually… and how we got here. In this episode, we unpack: Growing up in high-control evangelical environmentsPurity culture, modesty policing, and the damage it doesBeing on church stages while quietly unraveling insideGetting “dress-coded” for worship leadingDiscovering affirming churches and asking better questionsDeconstruction: what it actually means (and what it doesn’t)Why Christian nationalism feels like a breaking point“All my theology is written in pencil”Why you can sing worship songs without agreeing with every lyricAnd whether you can just declare yourself a frog (you cannot)This isn’t a takedown of faith. It’s not anti-spiritual. It’s not anti-church. It’s a conversation about how spirituality can be formative, beautiful, and grounding, without being harmful, exclusionary, or weaponized. We talk honestly about: Why some of us still speak Christianity as a “native language”Why others don’t want to use that label at allAnd why asking questions doesn’t make you broken, it makes you awakeIf you’ve ever wrestled with religion… If you’ve ever felt betrayed by church culture… If you’ve ever tried to reconcile faith with politics… If you’re spiritually curious but institutionally skeptical… This one’s for you. We’re not offering answers. We’re offering context. And maybe a little breathing room. Support the show Stay Connected with us on these platforms: Website: https://www.premeditatedopinions.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@premeditatedopinionspodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@premeditatedopinions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeditated_opinions/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@premeditated_opinions And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share us with your friends and family!

    1h 9m
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Some thoughts are premeditated. These are worse. Join Pamela & Josh for a fun-filled, highly opinionated spiral through what it means to live in today's world.

Information

  • Creator
    Josh & Pamela
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Premeditated Opinions
  • Show Website
    Premeditated Opinions

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