Days 383-389

1461 Days of Ignoring The Trump Administration • Days 383-389Hi, it's Josh.Mindfulness. Optimism. Hope.“1461 Days of Ignoring The Trump Administration” is the series in which I endeavor to remind myself — and you, if you feel like it — to remain mindful, optimistic, and hopeful during these challenging 1461 days.We are living in trying times that are trying to take our time away from living. The goal with this show — beyond entertainment — is to reclaim that time, regain my mind, and focus on what is important.I am not a self-help guru, I'm just trying to help myself.™+++Follow the 1461 Days of Ignoring with Josh Bloom podcast!Pick your preferred podcast app here: https://pod.link/1866233663+++This week on the show...On Day 383, I talk about actor Sean Penn’s greatest role, which remains his portrayal of high school student Jeff Spicoli in the problematic film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. One of this character’s lines has stuck with me over the decades, and I use it on Day 383 to explain how Jeff Spicoli is an example of how traditional education and intelligence do not necessarily go hand in hand, or hand in Mr. Hand. I also mention Mr. Pizza Guy.On Day 384, I talk about the car club that meets at the P every Saturday and how it reminds me that people ignore meaningless social division if they have interests and values in common. I sometimes get the impression that society is beginning to more openly tolerate racism and bigotry in this current climate, and so when I see real-world camaraderie, it reassures me that my faith in the car club over the Supreme Court of the United States is well placed.On Day 385, I talk about lying and liars and how being an effective liar does not require intellect; it requires shamelessness. Some people are born into an environment where shamelessness is considered a character trait to be encouraged and developed. I do not think you will be surprised about who I attribute this skill to. Of course, as usual, I also point out why we need to suffer this indignity for now so we can recognize these nefarious actors in the future.On Day 386, I indulge in a little pettiness after realizing that the Leader of the Trump Administration has never beaten a man for the Presidency. He has only beaten women, and I will leave that right there. But really, you know it must bother him that he could only win if he was running against a woman. Again, I realize this is petty, but I do get a kick out of imagining how irritated Donald gets when his masculinity is on the line.On Day 387, I explain why I have been feeling even more optimistic than usual lately despite what I see as increasing depravity from the Leader of the Trump Administration. I argue that accelerating toward the bottom means arriving more quickly at the point where people collectively decide they have had enough. I bring pop culture to bear in the conversation, as well, when I invoke the fictional trope of the Django Freeman–Calvin Candie relationship.On Day 388, I talk about how hateful, angry, and vengeful behavior often originates in hateful, angry, and vengeful environments. If you haven’t heard of Senate candidate James Talarico of Texas, you will today as I use him as a jumping-off point to reflect on how your vote is an expression of personal values and identity. I also continue to express hope for those people who cannot hold themselves accountable because without accountability there cannot be change, and some people need to change!We wrap up the week on Day 389 when I respond to a cynical comment I saw about Pete Buttigieg’s growing role in supporting Democratic candidates around the country. I am not a fan of cynicism, as you may have guessed by now. I argue that Pete’s ability to communicate with a wide range of people is exactly what is needed in an extremely polarized society. I also bring up that Pete is gay because it always gets brought up by big bigoted dum-dums. Luckily, Pete doesn’t use rhetoric like mine. +++Thanks for listening!Follow the 1461 Days of Ignoring with Josh Bloom podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app!Watch a compilation of the daily videos that this week’s episode of the show is based on over at YouTube.Follow The Josh Bloom Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app!+++Support!If you enjoy my work and want to support me, please consider a Substack subscription, or you can Buy Me A Coffee!My book about psych-pop icons and Elephant 6 co-founding band The Apples in Stereo is available now! Choose your preferred bookseller at applesbook.com.+++Let’s connect!Visit me everywhere for everything at iamjoshbloom.com or superjews.com.+++More about Josh:I write in the first-person because it’s the only way I know how to take you with me. Topics don’t matter. What matters is understanding what I think and feel when I’m finished.I published my first newsletter before the age of ten, written using my next-door neighbor’s typewriter, copied with carbon paper, and distributed to mailboxes on my bicycle.One of my first stories was the obituary of John Belushi. Strange for a ten year old? Yes!I'm serious about not taking life too seriously.™❤️ 🏳️‍🌈 ✡️ 🧘‍♂️ 🥯 🍔 🍩