Bald, Blind, and Buddies
by Timothy Cordes and John Boland
Liberal v. conservative, right, left, or libertarian. Join a thoughtful discussion with Timothy Cordes, a blind psychiatrist, and John Boland, a bald alum of the London School of Economics, who don't agree on much, but always agree to serve up their ideas with friendship and humor. ideasfirst.substack.com
Episodes
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Devices and the youth mental health crisis
Tim Cordes and John Boland review a child psychiatrist and Columbia professor’s opinion that screens are not the problem with children’s mental health. Tim explains fundamental concepts of public health that he would have hoped the author understood. John compares the obvious problem with kids…
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Lane Johnson’s retirement spurs a discussion of athlete mental health.
We begin with Lane Johnson’s retirement from the NFL and Steven A. Smith’s response. Tim sees Smith’s apology as sinical since he hasn’t apologized for his myriad other erroneous statements while John gives him the benefit of the doubt. The Buddies discuss whether athletes should be role models…
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Senate ignores war and economy to “fix” college sports with the Protect College Sports Act.
John Boland and Timothy Cordes examine the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA). College sports are a multi-billion-dollar industry where players now share in the profits. The PCSA attempts to address concerns in this evolving landscape with sweeping federal laws. John asserts that the PCSA is a...
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Uber and Lyft’s service animal problem
Timothy Cordes, the blind part of Bald, Blind, and Buddies, relates his personal experience with Lyft and his dog guide. He warns that even if you get a ride with your dog, which the law requires, drivers can still scam you with fictitious “damages.” John Boland and he discussed what it took to…
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Interview with Pat Terrell, Notre Dame safety and National Champion
Pat Terrell joins John Boland and Timothy Cordes to discuss lessons from life and football. He expounds on topics ranging from advice from his father on how to pick a university to how he adapted to challenges and handled disappointments. Pat recounts stories from Notre Dame football including…
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Learning from a tragedy: the Lindsay Clancy case
John Boland and Timothy Cordes review the Lindsay Clancy trial. They acknowledge the tragedy. Tim, a psychiatrist, tries to explain psychosis, which is treatable. He distinguishes it from postpartum depression. The Buddies consider the role of criminal punishment and wonder why people take such…
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Reflections on the twenty-fifth anniversary of September Eleventh
After catching up, John Boland and Timothy Cordes use Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to frame their reflections on September 11. They offer their thoughts on just how incomprehensible the attack was, memories from that day, and reflections on visiting the memorials. With respect, they offer…
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Interview with Bret Stephens of the New York Times
Bret Stephens joins John Boland and Timothy Cordes to discuss everything from AI in writing to the definition of genocide. Bret uses the difference between liberty and liberation to identify illiberality in the modern democrat party. Bret discusses how open societies can fix their flaws which...
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University of Michigan pushes the boundaries of coddling
John Boland and Timothy Cordes discuss how one college at the University of Michigan is eliminating letter grades for freshmen during their first semester. John explains that this is further evidence that the modern university has lost the plot, and, now, pursues its narrow financial interests at...
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Democrats lose on culture when economics could win.
Timothy Cordes and John Boland dive into why the Democrat Party loses on culture but might win on economics. The Buddies review the national budget as a statement of priorities as Dr. King described. Tim asserts that “tax the rich” is an example of the deadly sin of envy, and thus, repellent to...
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Seven letters you can’t use on your Vanity plate
John Boland and Timothy Cordes review a recent case which may go to the Supreme Court, asking is a vanity license plate “free speech,” “government speech” or something else entirely. Tim examines the human dimension of the case in Virginia which centers on feeling offended or “hate speech.” John...
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what is the fascination and power of being around water?
John Boland and Timothy Cordes, after both visiting the shore, muse on humans and water. They explore the historical and political impacts of navigable waterways as well as the human preoccupation with dihydrogen monoxide. The Buddies also discuss parking etiquette and access for service animals....
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Interview with David Berkoff, an Olympian, who defeated the goliaths of swimming.
John Boland and Timothy Cordes welcome David Berkoff, Olympic champion, and world record-setting swimmer to the podcast. He discusses how he developed the Berkoff blastoff, which revolutionized competitive swimming. We discussed changes in the sport and being a father of an athlete. David regales...
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“It’s not you, it’s me, or maybe it’s you,” fading faith in institutions.
John Boland and Timothy Cordes address the breakdown between people and their institutions. Tim uses the Ship of Thesus analogy to describe organizational drift. Tim recounts recent news on how Amnesty International (AI), which defended political prisoners now set its sites on a women’s rape…
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Professor Andrea Clements on exploring social connections to treat addictive disorders
John Boland and Timothy Cordes welcome experimental psychologist Dr. “Andi” Clements from East Tennessee State University to discuss her struggles to publish questions which threaten the “medication first” dogma for treatment of opioid use disorder. Professor Clements describes her experiences in...
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Celebrating America: the idea, the progress, and the reasons for hope
John Boland and Timothy Cordes are joined by Peter Cordes this week to discuss America’s Semiquincentennial. The Buddies consider America as a meta-political idea, grounded in equality and liberty which transcends factions like political parties. Peter shares his thoughts on the First Amendment…
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Interview with Ramesh Ponnuru,Editor of National Review
Ramesh Ponnuru the Editor of the National Review joins John Boland and Tim Cordes to address democrats and socialism, to the race to the moral bottom, and January 6. Ramesh and the Buddies review issues raised by vice-presidents, namely J.D. Vance’s change of heart and Dick Cheney’s inability to...
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“Peace in our time:” President Trump style
After highlighting the importance of fathers, John Boland and Timothy Cordes discuss the framework for ending the Iran conflict. Tim looks back to Prime Minister Neville chamberlain and the history of appeasement. He wonders about negotiating as if your adversary is a rational actor. John reviews...
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Graham Platner: Is this the era of post-moral politics?
John Boland and Timothy Cordes dive into an article by Bret Stevens on what the Graham Platner story can tell us about morality and politics. John asserts that a politician’s efficacy is what matters most. Tim offers that a history of moral action improves one’s ability to predict future…
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On abortion of the disabled: A response to Jesse Ridgway
Timothy Cordes and John Boland review the recent social media controversy over, @McJuggernuggets, Jesse Ridgway’s announcement of a pregnancy termination because of a Down syndrome diagnosis mere weeks before fetal viability. Tim, who is blind, and a parent of a child with Down syndrome…
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Commencement Addresses: Looking back on going forward.
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...
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The power of service
After discussing Brat Fest in Madison, Wisconsin, John Boland and Timothy Cordes consider mandatory national service in the military or elsewhere. Tim offers benefits from the plan. John gives statistics on how many countries have some form of compulsory national service. The Buddies debate the...
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Where we’ve been and where we’re going: Season Two Review
John Boland and Timothy (Timmy) Cordes review themes and key guests from the last season. They range from technology and artificial intelligence to insights into policing and politics. The Buddies brainstorm options for next season including ideas like multi-part series, upcoming guests, possibly...
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Rob Rosen on his new book Crimes of Omission
Rob Rosen joins John Boland and Timothy Cordes to talk about his new book Crimes of Omission: Distorted Justice: The Media’s War on Truth. Rob uses a recent example from NPR to show how what is said is as important as what is left out and explains how his book explores this theme with critical...
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You own it, you should be able to fix it: the Right to Repair
Timothy Cordes and John Boland discuss the concept of “right to repair.” Tim explains how the Digital Millenium Copyright Act allows companies to lock consumers into exclusive arrangements where they are beholding to the company for repairs. Consumers become licensees instead of owners. The…
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Should we care about the Mike Vrable story.
Timothy Cordes and John Boland dive into the Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini story. John asserts that people’s business that does not impact their work should be theirs alone, and John bemoans our Victorian culture. The Buddies agree that Dianna Russini’s relationship could have compromised her...
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Our “careful” thoughts On J.D. Vance, the Pope and expertise.
After a week in which J.D. Vance told Pope Leo XIV to be “careful” with his theology, Timothy Cordes and John Boland spend time on the Vice-president. John acknowledges that evil happens when others enable it and is frustrated with otherwise highly capable people like Vance who perform that role....
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Why we love sports, as individuals and communities
We first review the University of Wisconsin Board of Regent’s recent firing of their president and John explains the fundamental nature of academia We launch into understanding why we like sports and the sports we like hitting on growth, excellence, violence, and group cohesion. , John shares why...
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News Items that caught our eye or ear
After trivia where Tim gets a sports question right, John Boland and Timothy Cordes launch into quick hits from the news. The Buddies review the Idaho bill limiting bathroom access to one’s biological gender. John comments on the Supreme Court’s recent trend of carving out religious exemptions...
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recent legal rulings against Meta and Youtube
After trivia, the buddies begin with a re-imagining of A Few Good Men with a tech executive on the stand. They review two key adverse rulings against social media companies in New Mexico and Los Angeles. John asserts the primacy of individual choice and responsibility. Tim points out that there...
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In memory of Lou Holtz
We welcome University of Notre Dame football players Frank Stams and Wes Pritchett, members of the 1988 National Championship team, to the show to reminisce and share their thoughts on Coach Lou Holtz. The two expand on Lou’s leadership, vision, attention to detail, and consistency. Wes explains...
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Lauren Zelt on the problem of lawsuit abuse
John Boland and Timothy Cordes welcome Lauren Zelt of Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) to Bald, Blind, and Buddies. Lauren expands on the hidden costs of lawsuit abuse highlighting staged accidents and unnecessary medical procedures as examples. She reviews state successes in…
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Dr. Louis Schlesinger on Forensic psychology and serial killers
This episode has mature topics including sexual violence. Dr. Schlesinger, a forensic psychologist and expert in criminal behavior, explains what we know, don’t know, and how we know what we do about serial killers. He reviews the role the Silence of the Lambs played in sparking interest in the...
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A Million Ring Doorbells to Watch them all
John Boland and Timothy Cordes address the Ring Doorbell Super Bowl ad, privacy controversy, and fallout. The Buddies begin with NFL trivia and Tim take prides in his “dumb” home. John and Tim discussed how the Ring Doorbell ad was supposed to warm hearts, but it had a chilling effect. Tim…
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Notre Dame picks pro-abortion professor to lead an institute.
John Boland and Timothy Cordes reflect on Valentine’s Day, lessons from Cherion Koshy, our last guest, and ease into trivia. The Buddies review Professor Susan Ostermann’s appointment to lead the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies at the University of Notre Dame, and the objections of...
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Generosity and giving with Cherian Koshy
John Boland and Timothy Cordes welcome Cherian Koshy, author of Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision-Making to the Bald, Blind and Buddies podcast. Cherian Koshy describes the benefits of generosity considering that “generosity is the new green juice.” The Buddies and Cherian examine the…
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Super Bowl, Bad Bunny, and the NFL
John Boland and Timothy Cordes first review news from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin finally flees the fly-over fields for Columbia University. Next, The Buddies dive into College Associated Minor League (CAML) sports trivia. John and Tim reflect on the appeal…
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Interview with Edward Davis former police commissioner of Boston
This is a timely, must-listen-to episode. John Boland and Tim Cordes interview Edward Davis who was the Boston Police Commissioner during the Boston Marathon bombing and manhunt. Edward Davis describes how he saw federal and local agencies worked together towards common goals. He shares what it…
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How many greenbacks for Greenland?
After touching on the College Associated Minor League (CAML) football championship, John Boland and Timothy Cordes launch into CAML football trivia. We preview upcoming guests including Ed Davis, the former Boston Police Commissioner. John marvels at the absurdity of the Buddies needing to talk...
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Thoughts on U.S. action in Venezuela
John Boland and Timothy Cordes address the fatal shooting in Minnesota. John describes the powerful video, and they consider what threat a driver poses. The Buddies review RFK Junior’s new dietary guidelines, finding much to agree with in it. John poses a trivia question about the worst college...
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Interview with Dalia Al-Aqidi
John and Tim talk with Dalia Al-Aqidi who is challenging Ilhan Omar in Minnesota’s Fifth congressional district. Dalia talks about her appreciation for America, illegal immigration, and terrorism. Dalia discusses her opponent, and we demonstrate the power of civil discussion when she and John...
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Key guests and special moments from this year’s podcast
John and Tim muse on saying “Merry Christmas.” We review Christmas tree trivia. Then, John and Tim launch into a ‘clip show,” drawing on times when they surprised each other with heterodox opinions on China and the Department of Education. They share moments from interviews with Bob Ricks, Lisa...
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University of California San Diego says Many college Students can’t do Math.
After a podcast update and a round of trivia, John and Tim play what do those song lyrics really mean. Then, the buddies explore a damning report from UC San Diego describing how a growing proportion of its admitted students are unable to do even middle school math. We touch on grade inflation,...
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Mark Kelly, Free speech, an Obvious fact, or sedition
We discuss Senator Mark Kelly’s video urging troops not to follow illegal orders and the related blowback. How is Trump using presidential authority differently and what might constitute an illegal order. We pass through the looking glass into a world of an AI voice clone of John. Tim’s whack-job...
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Reasons for hope
John Boland and Timothy Cordes each share three observations that give them hope. From the Catholic Church to the New York Football Giants, and from politics to universities. They praise ingenuity and the American spirit which is refreshed by immigrants. John and Tim recount heroes who have saved...
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The Epstein documents
John Boland and Timothy Cordes discuss the pending release of the Jeffrey Epstein documents, acknowledging the evil that Epstein and his facilitators perpetrated. We ponder if the wealthy operate under different rules and why. We discuss complicity and opportunism both first ignoring Epstein and...
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Lawfare: "They fought with the law and the law won."
Timothy Cordes and John Boland dive into lawfare, the use of law for political ends. But first, they give an update on College-Associated Minor League Football. They try to interpret a U-2 song lyric, and John offers baseball trivia. Tim and John try to define lawfare. Tim asserts that part of…
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Zohrhan Mamdani: Democratic Socialist and New York Mayor
Big Apple goes red delicious with communism 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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Thoughts on China
We discuss China, acknowledging its magnitude and progress. We consider whether it is a threat, and if so, what to do about it. Tim offers an analogy for China’s preoccupation with Taiwan and wisdom from Winston Churchill. Tim’s whack-job is the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and…
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Interview with Randall Coyne, a key member of Timothy McVeigh’s defense team
Timothy Cordes and John Boland talk with Professor Randall Coyne who tells us about his experiences on the defense team for Timothy McVeigh and the effects the trial had for him personally. We talk about the defense, theories of the case, drumming, and a little football. Referred to: Bio —…
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About this show
Liberal v. conservative, right, left, or libertarian. Join a thoughtful discussion with Timothy Cordes, a blind psychiatrist, and John Boland, a bald alum of the London School of Economics, who don't agree on much, but always agree to serve up their ideas with friendship and humor.
ideasfirst.substack.com
Hosted by
Timothy Cordes and John Boland
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