Bald, Blind, and Buddies

Timothy Cordes and John Boland
  • 5.0 (23)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Liberal v. conservative, right, left, or libertarian. Join a thoughtful discussion with Timothy Cordes, a blind psychiatrist, and John Boland, a bald alum of the London School of Economics, who don't agree on much, but always agree to serve up their ideas with friendship and humor. ideasfirst.substack.com

  1. 5d ago

    Learning from a tragedy: the Lindsay Clancy case

    John Boland and Timothy Cordes review the Lindsay Clancy trial. They acknowledge the tragedy. Tim, a psychiatrist, tries to explain psychosis, which is treatable. He distinguishes it from postpartum depression. The Buddies consider the role of criminal punishment and wonder why people take such an interest in this story. John’s whack-job is a Fox News host who laughs off a Presidential statement. Tim’s hero thought quickly and saved a life instead of waiting to capture a death on his phone. Referred to: I’m a Psychiatrist. Here’s What the Lindsay Clancy Jury Should Have Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: What It Means and How Rare It Is Hero waiter tackles Ohio lawyer as he tries to shoot ex-wife We’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment or send comments to IDEASFIRST@SUBSTACK.COM. If you liked this podcast, don’t forget to hit the Like button and feed the algorithmic beast. Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

    Learning from a tragedy: the Lindsay Clancy case

  2. Sep 7

    Reflections on the twenty-fifth anniversary of September Eleventh

    After catching up, John Boland and Timothy Cordes use Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to frame their reflections on September 11. They offer their thoughts on just how incomprehensible the attack was, memories from that day, and reflections on visiting the memorials. With respect, they offer gratitude for all those who risked or lost their lives so that others might live. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” John 15:13. Related to this episode: 9/11 Charities List: How to Donate to 9/11 Victims, Families | Money the FDNY Foundation The New York City Police Foundation Please, consider donating to these charities or others if you can. We would love to hear from you. Drop a comment or email us at IDEASFIRST@SUBSTACK.COM. Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

    Reflections on the twenty-fifth anniversary of September Eleventh

  3. Aug 31

    Interview with Bret Stephens of the New York Times

    Bret Stephens joins John Boland and Timothy Cordes to discuss everything from AI in writing to the definition of genocide. Bret uses the difference between liberty and liberation to identify illiberality in the modern democrat party. Bret discusses how open societies can fix their flaws which ultimately allows for solutions. Bret gives reasons for hope including how Ukraine demonstrates the power of courage that sometime springs from unlikely places. It wouldn’t be an episode of Bald, Blind, and Buddies without John Boland bringing up J.D. Vance. Bret offers his thoughts as well as ideas about MAGA compared with its messenger. Bret’s hero of the week is Dolly Parton, who united people across boundaries. Referred to: Bret Stephens - The New York Times I’m Begging You: Never Write With A.I. - The New York Times Remembering an American Icon: Dolly Parton (1946-2026) We would love to hear from you. Drop a comment or send us an email to IDEASFIRST@SUBSTACK.COM. Please, like, share, and subscribe. Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

    Interview with Bret Stephens of the New York Times

  4. Aug 25

    University of Michigan pushes the boundaries of coddling

    John Boland and Timothy Cordes discuss how one college at the University of Michigan is eliminating letter grades for freshmen during their first semester. John explains that this is further evidence that the modern university has lost the plot, and, now, pursues its narrow financial interests at the expense of all else. Tim uses FDR’s famous “Fear Itself” speech to show how this colleg’s move is motivated by fear and that our ability to manage our emotions is what makes us human, so giving into fear is anathema to human development. The Buddies discuss whether there is a “mental health crisis” among youth and what might contribute to it. They consider solutions for universities. Tim’s whack-jobs are proponents of the “No zero” grading policy.” John salutes a local Little League team that made the World Series. Referred to: George F. Will: Imagine Michigan’s new hide-the-grades policy in a Wolverines practice Have grades become meaningless as A’s become the norm at University of Michigan and other schools? - mlive.com Florida teacher was fired after giving zeroes to students who didn’t turn in their assignments West Chester team loses 1st Little League Baseball World Series game, plays again Monday We would love to hear from you. Drop a comment or send an email to IDEASFIRST@SUBSTACK.COM. With our new “No 0 policy,” you will get credit even if you do not send us a message. Do not forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, or share. Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

    University of Michigan pushes the boundaries of coddling

  5. Aug 18

    Democrats lose on culture when economics could win.

    Timothy Cordes and John Boland dive into why the Democrat Party loses on culture but might win on economics. The Buddies review the national budget as a statement of priorities as Dr. King described. Tim asserts that “tax the rich” is an example of the deadly sin of envy, and thus, repellent to some. John has trouble reconciling why people seem to care about culture and yet elected the current president. Tim asserts that certain democratic stances on culture are fixed dogmas and out of touch with America. The Buddies use the recent WNBA controversy as a case in point. They also review the recent triumph of a moderate over a socialist in Wisconsin’s governor’s primary. John’s whack-job tried to force the sale of a chunk of FIFA. Tim’s hero was a physician who advanced science and cared for his community. Referred to: The Democrats’ dilemma is how to talk about culture war issues - The Wash Post “Lie to People Who Want to be Lied to”: How to Make a Political Fortune as a Far-Left Democrat – JONATHAN TURLEY How Colleges Produce Socialists - WSJ How the WNBA Season Spiraled into Absolute Chaos - WSJ FIFA president nixes idea to sell stakes in World Cup to private equity investors Dr. Theodore Louis Goodfriend Obituary - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel We’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment or email us (we are Gen Xers after all) at IDEASFIRST@SUBSTACK.COM. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, share, comment, review, rate, post about, tell your aunt, get a related tattoo, … Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

    Democrats lose on culture when economics could win.

  6. Aug 11

    Seven letters you can’t use on your Vanity plate

    John Boland and Timothy Cordes review a recent case which may go to the Supreme Court, asking is a vanity license plate “free speech,” “government speech” or something else entirely. Tim examines the human dimension of the case in Virginia which centers on feeling offended or “hate speech.” John explains that regional variation may matter in enforcement as it does in other areas. John worries about political motives that might drive SCOTUS to hear this case. Tim’s whack-jobs are those who have bought into Gentle Parenting surrendering their own power and authority as adults in the room, leading to canceled flights and more. John’s hero saved a life with CPR. Please consider donating to Turks Head Trail - Facebook, which is a local restoration project. Referred to: Fourth Circuit defines anti-cop license plate as protected private speech | Courthouse News Service Edgy Vanity Plates Test Limits of Free Speech - The New York Times Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles rejects 1,300+ custom license plates in 2025 | WFRV Flight canceled after toddler refused to buckle seatbelt Online CPR Certification | Red Cross We would love to hear from you. Drop a comment or send an email to IDEASFIRST@SUBSTACK.COM. Please rate us, write a review, and share. Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

    Seven letters you can’t use on your Vanity plate

  7. Aug 6

    what is the fascination and power of being around water?

    John Boland and Timothy Cordes, after both visiting the shore, muse on humans and water. They explore the historical and political impacts of navigable waterways as well as the human preoccupation with dihydrogen monoxide. The Buddies also discuss parking etiquette and access for service animals. John’s hero this week is a group promoting organ donation. Referred to: 15% of People Live Near Coasts – And the Number Keeps Rising - North American Community Hub Donate Life - Coleman Sweeney | Hand-picked by Good Ads Matter - YouTube Service Animals | US Department of Transportation We would love to hear from you. Drop a comment, like and subscribe. Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

    what is the fascination and power of being around water?

  8. Jul 27

    Interview with David Berkoff, an Olympian, who defeated the goliaths of swimming.

    John Boland and Timothy Cordes welcome David Berkoff, Olympic champion, and world record-setting swimmer to the podcast. He discusses how he developed the Berkoff blastoff, which revolutionized competitive swimming. We discussed changes in the sport and being a father of an athlete. David regales us with tales of getting to know Soviets during the Cold War as well as his desire to focus on the positive, recognizing we are all imperfect. David admires Pablo Morales for embodying persistence, and he gives Paul Newman praise for living life his own way. Referred to: When Backstroke Went Rogue: David Berkoff Changed the Event BERKOFF BLASTOFF on YouTube Pablo Morales and a Great Feel-Good Stories in the Sport’s History We would love to hear from you. Drop a comment or send us your thoughts at IDEASFIRST@SUBSTACK.COM. Do not forget to share, like or subscribe. Let’s keep talking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ideasfirst.substack.com

    Interview with David Berkoff, an Olympian, who defeated the goliaths of swimming.
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About

Liberal v. conservative, right, left, or libertarian. Join a thoughtful discussion with Timothy Cordes, a blind psychiatrist, and John Boland, a bald alum of the London School of Economics, who don't agree on much, but always agree to serve up their ideas with friendship and humor. ideasfirst.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Timothy Cordes and John Boland
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Timothy Cordes
  • Show Website
    Bald, Blind, and Buddies

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