THE 85/15 PODCAST

Carl Duckett and Randy Blair

In an era defined by division—where tribalism, outrage, and hostility toward the “other side” often dominate politics, media, and social platforms—the 85/15 Podcast offers something different: thoughtful, civil conversation between people who don’t agree on everything. We’re two longtime friends—one a seasoned old codger, the other a curious young whippersnapper—who talk about politics, sports, culture, and whatever else captures our attention. On most issues, we find ourselves aligned about 85% of the time. It’s the remaining 15% that makes things interesting. Each episode captures our effort to explore that 15% with honesty and respect—challenging one another’s assumptions, defending our perspectives, and prioritizing nuance over noise. Rather than trying to “win” arguments, we aim to understand them. Join us as we test a simple but increasingly radical idea: that every sincerely held belief deserves to be examined thoughtfully—even, and especially, when we strongly disagree.

  1. 4d ago

    An interview with 1819 CEO Bryan Dawson

    Conventional news organizations continue to lose the public trust, resulting in a diminishing influence on politics, public perception, and social change. Where did the 4th Estate take a wrong turn? What mistakes did it make along the way? Digital entertainment platforms and independent content creators have rendered old guard television networks virtually insignificant. Is it possible that the emergence of digital news organizations, media outlets, and podcasters (the new 5th Estate) have done the same thing to traditional news organizations, making them equally inconsequential? Join us as we discuss the purpose, power, and increasing prominence of digital media with Bryan Dawson, CEO of highly influential Alabama news media organization 1819 News. Dawson's is an inspiring story of overcoming personal and professional headwinds. He has a unique perspective on the ascendancy of digital media outlets as pubic information platforms that shape public opinion and hold government leadership accountable. Our conversation covers the journey of Bryan Dawson, from his life before prison to his transformation and faith-based experience during his incarceration. It delves into the themes of personal responsibility and the impact of faith on that transformation. Dawson describes his journey of faith, highlighting his encounter with God in prison, the dream and revelation that led to his spiritual awakening, finding love and redemption, and his transition from prison to professional success. The story emphasizes the power of prayer and divine intervention in shaping Bryan's life and guiding him towards a new path of purpose and fulfillment. This led to the founding of a nonprofit news organization with a conservative Christian focus. The discussion covers the influence of media and education on our nation, the challenges faced by the media and education sectors in fulfilling their obligations to society as a whole, and the surprisingly strong impact of Gen Z on current societal perceptions and values. There is a discussion of the importance of the media ensuring accountability and responsibility in government, highlighting the pursuit of truth as a core value and primary responsibility of the media. It explores the power and crucible of journalism, the impact of woke culture on present day society, the mission of 1819 News in combating that culture, and their focused path moving forward. Takeaways Personal responsibilityFaith and transformation Transformation through faithThe power of prayer and divine intervention Nonprofit news organizationConservative Christian mediaInfluence of media and educationChallenges in media and educationImpact of Gen ZPursuit of Truth Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background02:00 Life Before Prison03:10 Facing the Consequences03:54 Epiphany and Responsibility04:30 Prison Experience and Transformation34:58 Encountering God in Prison37:21 The Dream and the Revelation38:15 Finding Love and Redemption53:01 From Prison to Professional Success01:08:28 Founding a Nonprofit News Organization01:09:22 The Influence of Media and Education01:10:50 Challenges in Media and Education01:40:28 Impact of Gen Z01:41:33 Accountability and Responsibility01:42:10 The Power of Journalism01:42:54 The Impact of Woke Culture01:44:03 The Crucible of Journalism01:45:26 The Mission of 1819 News02:02:55 The Future of 1819 News

  2. Sep 10

    Land of Opportunity and Land of the Free. Promises or Platitudes?-Part 2

    The conversation covers a range of topics, including the comparison of the United States as the land of opportunity and the land of the free, historical context of civil rights and political awareness, government infringement on individual freedoms, fear-driven government actions, and the use of flock cameras and mass surveillance. The discussion delves into personal experiences, historical events, and the impact of fear on government actions and public response. It highlights the pattern of expanded government power in times of crisis and the use of fear to justify expanded government power. The conversation delves into the debate surrounding Flock cameras and the impact of technology on privacy, discussing the weaponization of data, the erosion of individual liberties, and the challenges in unwinding technology's impact. The conversation covers topics related to data usage and access, AI and social media, the Human Freedom Index, and the role of media in relation to freedom. It delves into legal access to data, the impact of AI, rankings and trends in the Human Freedom Index, and the influence of both liberal and conservative media. Takeaways Fear drives government actions and public responseHistorical context shapes perspectives on freedom and opportunity Debate on the impact of Flock cameras and surveillance in public spacesChallenges in unwinding the impact of technology on privacy and freedom Data can be a powerful tool when used properlyThe role of media in shaping perceptions of freedom is significant Chapters 01:20 Land of Opportunity vs. Land of Freedom03:10 Historical Context of Civil Rights and Political Awareness08:26 Government Infringement on Individual Freedoms13:31 Fear-Driven Government Actions21:30 Flock Cameras and Mass Surveillance34:26 Public and Political Response to Flock Cameras34:56 The Debate on Flock Cameras38:19 Weaponization of Data43:13 Impact of Technology on Privacy47:44 Unwinding the Impact of Technology01:03:18 Parental Concerns and Social Media01:07:18 Data Usage and Access01:10:19 AI and Social Media01:11:08 Human Freedom Index01:16:02 Media and Freedom

  3. Sep 3

    Land of Opportunity and Land of the Free. Promises or Platitudes? - Part 1

    The conversation covers concerns about opportunities for the younger generation, the state of opportunity in America, education and its impact on opportunity, taxation and its influence on opportunity, and entrepreneurship and business opportunities. The discussion delves into the challenges and prospects of each of these themes, providing valuable insights and perspectives. The conversation considers the concept of the American Dream, exploring the themes of opportunity, mobility, wealth disparity, and contentment. It also addresses the impact of wealth separation on economic growth and the evolving definition of the American Dream. It considers a redefinition of opportunity and success in the digital age, the role of influencers, and the creation of new markets and industries, and their impact on opportunity. It emphasizes the need to rethink how we define opportunity, success, and the American dream, as well as the concern about the trajectory of freedom and opportunity in the United States. Takeaways College football week and its impact on sports enthusiasts.The correlation between education and opportunity in America. The American Dream is still alive, but its definition and attainability vary based on age, income, and societal influences.Wealth separation and economic growth are interconnected, and the perception of wealth disparity affects the pursuit of the American Dream. Redefine opportunity and successRecognize the impact of influencersValue entertainment and funCreate new markets and industriesAddress the erosion of freedom and opportunity Chapters 01:35 Concerns About Opportunity02:58 The State of Opportunity in America07:52 Education and Opportunity22:35 Taxation and Opportunity34:24 Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities36:22 The American Dream: Opportunity and Mobility41:39 Defining the American Dream43:58 Wealth Disparity and the American Dream56:22 Wealth Separation and Economic Growth59:28 The American Dream and Contentment01:07:05 Redefining Opportunity and Success01:08:28 The Digital World and Opportunity01:09:22 The American Dream and Success01:10:12 The Impact of Influencers01:14:11 Creating New Markets and Opportunities01:20:35 The Erosion of Freedom and Opportunity

  4. Aug 28

    The CFP. Does it really matter, and do we really care? Yes...and...yes!

    The conversation begins with a discussion about extreme weather conditions, leading to a shared anticipation of the arrival of fall. It then transitions into a detailed discussion about college football predictions for the upcoming season, including conference champions and playoff scenarios. The conversation covers college football predictions, team rankings, conference champions, regular season records, playoff seeding, quarterfinal matchups, talent index, and draft picks. The hosts discuss their predictions for the upcoming college football season, including team rankings, playoff seeding, and potential matchups. The conversation delves into college football playoff predictions, the impact of these predictions, semifinal matchups, national championship predictions, the hype around Notre Dame, strength of schedule, conference reshuffling, playoff expansion, the future of college football, and the anticipation for the Landman series and college football season. Takeaways Extreme weather conditions and the anticipation of fallCollege football predictions and playoff scenarios Detailed college football predictions and playoff seedingInsights into team rankings and talent indexDiscussion of conference champions and regular season records College football playoff predictions are influenced by various factors such as team talent, matchups, and strength of schedule.The playoff committee's decisions and the potential for conference reshuffling and expansion have a significant impact on the future of college football. Chapters 00:00 Weather Woes02:06 Anticipation of Fall03:00 College Football Predictions27:16 Team Rankings and Projections28:14 Conference Champions Predictions29:13 Regular Season Records and Playoff Seeding30:10 Quarterfinal Matchups and Predictions46:17 Talent Index and Draft Picks51:03 Quarterfinal Matchups and Predictions (Continued)55:28 College Football Playoff Predictions56:20 The Impact of Playoff Predictions57:20 Semifinal Matchups and Predictions57:37 National Championship Prediction57:58 Hype Around Notre Dame59:21 Strength of Schedule and Playoff Committee01:05:32 Conference Reshuffling and Playoff Expansion01:13:08 The Future of College Football01:15:26 Landman and College Football Season

  5. Aug 19

    Is winning at all costs costing too much?

    The conversation delves into the pursuit of winning, the impact of winning on youth sports, the culture of winning in politics and athletics, the definition of winning, and the negative effects of a win-at-all-cost mentality. It explores the psychological and emotional burnout, loss of motivation, anxiety, fear, and identity crisis associated with a win-at-all-cost mentality. The conversation delves into the toxic culture of winning at all costs, the temptation to cheat and cut corners, the impact on health and development, the fear of losing and skill stagnation, the misunderstanding of winning the process and the how, the attrition in a win at all cost environment, the misconception of winning and losing, and the importance of defining winning and losing. Takeaways The pursuit of winning can have a significant impact on individuals and society, influencing behavior and decision-making.A win-at-all-cost mentality can lead to negative psychological and emotional effects, including burnout, loss of motivation, anxiety, and an identity crisis. The pursuit of winning at all costs can lead to a toxic culture and negative consequences.Defining what winning and losing means is essential for personal and professional growth. Chapters 00:00 The Pursuit of Winning03:03 The Impact of Winning on Youth Sports10:05 The Culture of Winning in Politics and Athletics19:59 The Definition of Winning31:51 The Negative Effects of a Win-at-All-Cost Mentality44:40 The Toxic Culture of Winning at All Costs45:38 The Temptation to Cheat and Cut Corners46:07 The Impact on Health and Development47:02 The Fear of Losing and Skill Stagnation47:45 Understanding that Winning is a Process, not a Result50:19 The Attrition in a Win at All Cost Environment49:21 The Misconception of Winning and Losing01:23:23 Defining Winning and Losing

  6. Aug 14

    They want to do what? Exposing the inanity of the Democratic Socialists of America platform

    The conversation delves into the concept of a classless society and the Democratic Socialist of America Party platform. It explores the implications of universal basic income, equal opportunity, and the challenges of achieving equality of outcome. The discussion also touches on the impact of government control on industry, the role of human nature in work and achievement, and the value of opportunity in the United States. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including healthcare, housing, healthcare reform, and foreign policy. It delves into the impact of pharmaceutical companies, the cost of healthcare, public housing, and the role of the government in healthcare and housing. It also addresses the issue of police departments, prisons, and the military, as well as immigration and government corruption. The conversation delves into the discussion of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and their agenda, as well as the potential impact of their policies on the political landscape. The conversation also explores the challenges and implications of the DSA's proposals, as well as the broader implications for the future of American politics. Takeaways Classless societyUniversal basic income Healthcare reformHousing and public housingForeign policy and military involvementImmigration and government corruption Electoral CollegeAbolishing InstitutionsPolitical Ideologies Chapters 00:00 The Vision of a Classless Society06:10 The Challenge of Equality of Outcome12:50 The Impact of Government Control on Industry19:01 The Role of Human Nature in Work and Achievement26:01 The Value of Opportunity in the United States40:11 Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Influence43:14 Housing and Public Housing56:41 Foreign Policy and Military Involvement01:13:44 Immigration and Government Corruption00:01 The DSA Agenda14:53 The Impact of DSA Policies30:03 The Future of American Politics

  7. Aug 5

    "If you ain't first...you're last." How is America's focus on being the best viewed by the world?

    The conversation delves into the exploration of different cultures, the perceptions of work and life, the distinction between success and contentment, the pursuit of happiness and joy, and observations from Greece and Ecuador. The speakers discuss the impact of cultural differences on work-life balance, the importance of relationships and contentment, and the contrast between material success and personal fulfillment. The conversation explores the pursuit of material possessions, the correlation between hard work and happiness, and the impact of a slower pace of life on contentment. It also delves into the role of faith and religion in fostering joy and contentment, highlighting the influence of Catholicism on the culture of contentment in certain regions. The discussion concludes with the impact of following the example of Christ on overall happiness and contentment. Takeaways Cultural differences impact work-life balanceSuccess and contentment are distinct conceptsThe pursuit of happiness and joy is essential for a fulfilling life The pursuit of material possessions does not necessarily lead to happiness.A slower pace of life and a focus on faith and religion can contribute to greater contentment and joy. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Different Cultures03:16 Perceptions of Work and Life19:37 Success vs. Contentment32:36 Pursuit of Happiness and Joy40:10 Observations from Greece42:55 The Pursuit of Stuff44:18 Hard vs. Simple Living45:15 The Correlation Between Hard Work and Happiness48:06 Island Time and Slower Pace of Life49:29 The Middle Section of Life and Contentment50:23 The Attraction of a Slower Lifestyle53:42 The Pursuit of Wealth and Power55:34 The Role of Faith and Religion in Contentment01:05:54 The Choice of Joy and Contentment01:09:34 The Role of Faith in Happiness01:13:15 The Influence of Catholicism on Contentment01:20:06 The Impact of Discipleship for Christ

  8. Jul 30

    A consideration of Libertarianism: How small can we make an effective government? - Part 3

    The conversation covers a range of topics, including a review of the Libertarian Party platform, discussions on individual liberty, national defense, geopolitical tensions, human rights, moral responsibility, and government mandates. The conversation delves into the conflict between individual rights and government actions. The conversation covers a range of topics including the response to COVID-19, oversight of intelligence agencies, challenges with the CIA, immigration and border control, and rights and discrimination. The discussion delves into the Libertarian Party's perspective on these issues and the implications for policy and governance. There is a review of the Libertarian Party's stance on representative government, campaign finance reform, ballot access, initiative referendums, and political self-determination. It also explores the challenges of implementing the libertarian agenda and the importance of evaluating candidates based on pro-liberty policies. Takeaways Individual liberty is a fundamental aspect of the Libertarian Party platform.Geopolitical tensions and alliances play a significant role in shaping international relations. COVID-19 response and workplace flexibilityChallenges with CIA oversight and intelligence communityLibertarian perspective on immigration and rights The Libertarian Party advocates for representative government, campaign finance reform, and political self-determination.The implementation of the libertarian agenda poses significant challenges, and evaluating candidates based on pro-liberty policies is crucial. Chapters 02:25 Libertarian Party Platform Review05:41 Individual Liberty and Government11:10 National Defense and Foreign Policy15:36 Geopolitical Tensions and Alliances30:09 Human Rights and Moral Responsibility33:34 Government Mandates and Individual Rights36:44 Response to COVID-1938:18 Oversight of Intelligence Agencies39:14 CIA and Lack of Oversight41:07 Challenges with Intelligence Community47:56 Immigration and Border Control01:10:09 Rights and Discrimination01:16:41 Libertarian Party's Take on Representative Government01:18:06 Campaign Finance Reform and Ballot Access01:20:00 Initiative Referendums and Political Self-Determination01:22:06 The Libertarian Agenda and the Implementation Challenge01:45:09 Pro-Liberty Policies and the Lens for Candidate Evaluation

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

In an era defined by division—where tribalism, outrage, and hostility toward the “other side” often dominate politics, media, and social platforms—the 85/15 Podcast offers something different: thoughtful, civil conversation between people who don’t agree on everything. We’re two longtime friends—one a seasoned old codger, the other a curious young whippersnapper—who talk about politics, sports, culture, and whatever else captures our attention. On most issues, we find ourselves aligned about 85% of the time. It’s the remaining 15% that makes things interesting. Each episode captures our effort to explore that 15% with honesty and respect—challenging one another’s assumptions, defending our perspectives, and prioritizing nuance over noise. Rather than trying to “win” arguments, we aim to understand them. Join us as we test a simple but increasingly radical idea: that every sincerely held belief deserves to be examined thoughtfully—even, and especially, when we strongly disagree.

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