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Commencement Addresses: Looking back on going forward. episode artwork

Jun 4, 2026 37 min

Commencement Addresses: Looking back on going forward.

from Bald, Blind, and Buddies Hosted by Timothy Cordes and John Boland

John Boland and Timothy Cordes dive into the commencement season. The Buddies reflect on their own graduation from the University of Notre Dame. The Buddies review the Heckler’s veto, a university’s choice of speakers, and student resistance. Tim highlights Jonathan Haidt’s address to NYU that students with no self-awareness or sense of irony challenged. John highlights memorable speeches from David Foster Wallace, Admiral McRaven, and Steve Jobs. Tim POINTS to Fareed Zakaria as delivering a powerful address. Tim and John offer their own advice for young people. John’s whack-job thinks the Department of Defense should cast extras for a UFC match on federal grounds. Tim’s whack-job reminds him of Senator Joseph McCarthy who has found a new menace for the 21st Century. Referred to: Fareed Zakaria: 2026 Commencement at Bard College If You Want to Change the World, Start Off by Making Your Bed - Admiral McRaven - YouTube Commencement 2026: Jonathan Haidt Address Troops to get free tickets to White House UFC event, but must meet weight standards | CNN Politics We’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment or email us at [email protected]. Please, share, 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

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Commencement Addresses: Looking back on going forward.

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