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. Jul 11

    No cash bail and electronic monitoring: Protecting civil rights at the expense of public safety?

    Ken Good, a Texas attorney and expert in the bail industry and current attempts at bail reform, joins the podcast to discuss the issues with the current bail process and the potential problems associated with the proposed reforms to the bail system. The conversation explores bail and bail reform, misconceptions around bail and bail bondsmen, failure to appear rates and statistics, the intent and impact of bail reform, judicial discretion, and the problems associated with electronic monitoring. The conversation delves into the complexities of bail reform and the criminal justice system, highlighting the influence of activists and the role of the private industry. It explores the extremes of criminal justice advocacy, the impact of political influence on the bail discussion, and the confusion created by the public perception of the bail industry. The effectiveness of electronic monitoring, the importance of involvement in local politics, and the need for more public input on criminal justice issues are also discussed. Chapters 04:51 Introduction to Ken W. Good and His Background05:55 Understanding Bail and Bail Reform11:00 The Misconceptions Around Bail and Bail Bondsman13:46 Failure to Appear Rates and Statistics18:48 The Intent and Impact of Bail Reform21:05 Judicial Discretion and Systemic Racism27:11 Abuse of Judicial Discretion30:15 The Debate on Bail Reform31:05 Activist Influence on Bail Reform32:03 The Extremes of Criminal Justice Advocacy33:01 The Political Landscape and Party Extremism34:22 The Bail Industry and Public Perception39:50 The Effectiveness of Electronic Monitoring42:52 Potential Solutions to Crime and Public Safety51:31 Involvement in Local Politics and Criminal Justice

  2. Jul 1

    A consideration of Libertarianism: How small can we make an effective government? - Part 2

    The conversation delves into the Libertarian Party platform, focusing on government interference with economic liberty. It explores the role of government in economic systems, property rights, environmental protection, energy pricing, and government finance and spending. The discussion highlights the Libertarian party's emphasis on individual rights and limited government intervention in economic and environmental matters. The conversation delves into various aspects of government finance, including taxation, government debt, and a balanced budget. It also explores the role of financial institutions, the Federal Reserve, election processes, and the concept of free markets. The discussion emphasizes the importance of limited government intervention in personal economic decisions and the necessity of adherence to constitutional principles. The conversation covers a range of topics including regulation and standards for public services, decriminalization of prostitution and drug use, privatization of education and healthcare, and personal responsibility for retirement planning and income security. This includes the need for a transition from the current social security system to a private voluntary system of retirement planning and funding. The discussion delves into the role of government interference in labor markets, the concepts of privatization of education and healthcare, and the impact of personal medical decision making on healthcare. Takeaways Economic LibertyGovernment Intervention Taxation and government spendingGovernment debt and balanced budgetFinancial institutions and regulationsFederal Reserve and monetary policiesElection processes and government interventionFree markets and occupational licensing Regulation and standards for public servicesDecriminalization of prostitution and drug usePrivatization of education and healthcareRetirement planning and income security Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Libertarian Party Platform06:02 Property Rights and Aggression12:46 Environmental Protection and Government Enforcement18:01 Government Control of Energy Pricing24:50 Government Finance and Spending33:39 Taxation and Government Spending43:03 Financial Institutions and Regulations56:54 Federal Reserve and Monetary Policies01:03:47 Election Processes and Government Intervention01:10:41 Labor Markets and Government Interference01:19:56 Retirement Planning and Income Security

  3. Jun 27

    A consideration of Libertarianism: How small can we make an effective government? - Part 1

    The conversation covers the conflicts between current governing philosophies and libertarian ideals, the rise of socialism in the Democratic Party, and a comparison between the historical evolution of the US government structure and the structure which currently guides policy making. It delves into the apparent shift in the global perception of the US, the desired role of the Libertarian Party in changing that perception, and the evolution and growth of government departments and agencies over time. The conversation delves into the Libertarian Party's stance on minimal government involvement and defense of individual rights, exploring the idea that the government's limited role in governance should be focused only on individual and national defense, protection of property rights, and a judiciary with the singular focus on the protection of constitutional rights. It also examines individual liberty in terms of freedom of expression, religious activities, and privacy, as well as addressing concerns related to protection from unreasonable search and seizure and government surveillance on individual privacy. The conversation covers a range of topics including freedom from government interference in personal relationships, protection of parental rights, acknowledgment of adult rights and responsibilities, crime and justice, and gun rights and self-defense. The discussion delves into the complexities and implications of these issues, offering diverse perspectives and insights. Takeaways The portrayal of the US in global media has a profound effect on how the country is perceived abroadMinimal government involvement in our personal livesDefense of individual rightsNational defense and foreign policyProtection of constitutional rightsFreedom of expression and communicationIndividual privacy and government transparencyProtection from unreasonable search and seizureGovernment surveillance and privacy concerns Privacy and surveillance raise concerns about individual privacy and government surveillance.Personal relationships and parental rights intersect with individual liberties and societal norms. Chapters 00:00 Government Spending and its Conflict with Libertarian Ideals17:13 Socialism and Democratic Party27:47 Libertarian Party Stance36:16 Differing Governing Philosophies46:35 Protection of Individual Liberties55:54 Privacy and Surveillance01:03:07 Personal Relationships and Individual Rights01:09:57 Adult Rights and Responsibilities01:25:33 Gun Rights and Self-Defense

  4. May 28

    Losing our voice: Have our individual freedoms been co opted by politicians? - Part 2

    The conversation delves into the debate between the use of the Electoral College rather than the Popular Vote in electing the President, exploring its historical context, original rationale on the part of the framers of our constitution, and contribution to state sovereignty. It also addresses the potential negative impact of a popular vote system on individual state representation and influence on the makeup of the incoming government. The conversation delves into the differing philosophies of conservatives and progressives and how they shape the perspectives of each regarding the election process, the impact of election integrity on voter confidence and participation, and a comparison with the more simplified voting process utilized in Ecuador. It also explores the importance of ensuring a clear understanding and strong embrace of the power of the individual vote. It considers changes to voter ID requirements, instituting bipartisan management of the voting process, placing limitations on challenging voting results, and enhancing the importance of election day on a national scale. It also explores the often falsely perceived impact of presidents on the daily lives of voters, the possibility that civil protest creates more significant and immediate change than does the ballot box, and the overarching need to return to a true constitutional model of balance of powers within the government. Additionally, it discusses the importance of understanding that the impact of local government on daily life can and should be far stronger and of greater importance than that of the State and Federal governments. Takeaways Electoral College vs. Popular VoteState Sovereignty and RepresentationElection integrity is crucial for voter confidenceComparison to the election process in Ecuador Chapters 00:00 Weekend Recap and Introduction08:54 Debate on the Electoral College19:10 Implications of Popular Vote29:11 State Autonomy and Electoral College35:05 Conservatives and Changing Rules50:27 Voting Process in Ecuador59:37 Ensuring Election Integrity01:05:08 Challenges in Voting Results01:10:48 Importance of Voting and ID Requirement01:15:48 Impact of Popular Vote for President01:22:25 Leaders' Tendencies: War or Women

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.