Steve Bradshaw from Tractor Boy returns to the podcast for a conversation that moves between politics, military service, music, and the strange reality of trying to make sense of the world right now. We talk about ICE, the war with Iran, government propaganda, political loyalty, social media, and why it has become so difficult to agree on even the basic facts of what is happening around us. Steve also reflects on his time in the Army, the lasting effects of PTSD, the fear veterans face when criticizing the government, and how songwriting has helped him process some of those experiences. Later, we get into Tractor Boy’s new album, Midwest Loud, the stories behind songs like “Blue Harvester,” “Broken GWOTer,” “Hive Mind,” and “Now It Can Be Told,” and why heavy music is sometimes the best way to explain class, war, conspiracy culture, and everything else rattling around in your head. We also settle on some practical advice for surviving modern life: lift weights, spend less time online, listen to Van Halen in your garage, and drink a beer with your neighbors. If you want to support the show, head to our Patreon for exclusive merch, extra content, and to help us build a more inclusive gun community. Edited by Matthew Boerger
