Break it Down with Rick and Tim

In this episode of Break It Down with Rick and Tim, the hosts examine the ICE killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota and the official government narratives that followed, narratives later contradicted by video evidence. Rick and Tim unpack how claims of “self-defense,” “armed suspects,” and “domestic terrorism” were deployed to shape public perception, highlighting how narrative control often precedes accountability. The conversation expands into a broader historical and cultural analysis, drawing lessons from the WWII short Don’t Be a Sucker, Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph of the Will, and Hannah Arendt’s concept of the banality of evil to explore how propaganda, repetition, and bureaucratic obedience normalize violence. Touching on press freedom, selective justice, and the weaponization of imagery, the episode warns that democratic erosion rarely announces itself loudly, it advances through routine justifications, moral outsourcing, and the quiet acceptance of what should never be normal. Throughout, humor and raw emotion coexist with serious analysis, underscoring the episode’s central warning: none of this is new, none of it is accidental, and ignoring history is how it repeats itself.

In this powerful second installment of a two-part deep dive on immigration and ICE in America, Rick and Tim break down the human cost of Donald Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional terror that he has unleashed into our communities. What begins as an observation quickly turns into a moment of real risk, as Tim knowingly puts his own freedom and safety on the line by stepping forward to film and engage ICE officers with his phone, fully aware that simply documenting their actions can make someone a target. Rick stayed behind, continuing to film the entire encounter, capturing not just the confrontation itself but the fear, tension, and imbalance of power that define these moments. Together, they illustrate how witnessing and documenting state violence is no longer theoretical activism but a dangerous, necessary act unfolding in real time, even in the most ordinary public spaces. The episode centers on real incidents that expose the scope and randomness of modern immigration enforcement. Rick and Tim discuss ICE operations that resulted in people being detained without warrants, pepper-sprayed during protests, or taken while simply driving to work or school. They highlight cases involving a daycare teacher detained in front of children, teenagers seized near their schools, and families left traumatized and scrambling for answers. Throughout, they emphasize that official narratives often clash with eyewitness accounts and court rulings, revealing a pattern of overreach, ignored legal protections, and the erosion of due process. The conversation then widens to national cases that illustrate how unchecked power affects the most vulnerable. Rick and Tim examine the detention of individuals with valid work authorization, asylum protections, or special immigrant juvenile status, showing how even legal victories can be hollow when enforcement agencies refuse to follow the law. They also unpack the high-profile case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, exploring allegations tied to gang registries, tattoos, and human trafficking claims rooted largely in circumstantial evidence. Ultimately, the episode argues that documentation, resistance, and public accountability are essential, not just to challenge specific cases, but to confront a system that is inflicting lasting trauma on families, students, and entire communities. Rick also speaks openly about his fear of what comes next, when mass roundups and detention are no longer threats but policy in motion. He warns that once “the undocumented” are gone, history shows the target never disappears, it simply shifts, and the machinery built to dehumanize one group is inevitably turned on others who are deemed inconvenient, undesirable, or expendable, which includes him as an openly gay man. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about the use of voter suppression via the USPS  and Trump’s claims that teachers are not professional anymore. Rictor creates a “Let’s Trigger Tim” segment, a first! Topic: The controversial comments Neil deGrasse Tyson said about teachers on the Joe Rogan podcast. Did it set off Tim?

In this powerful first installment of our two-part deep dive on immigration in America, Rick and Tim break it down to something startling and increasingly unavoidable: historical parallels. From the early tactics of Nazi Germany to the Japanese American internment camps on U.S. soil, we examine how cruelty becomes policy, how fear becomes a weapon, and how the U.S. immigration system has evolved into something darker than most Americans realize. With humor (because if we don’t laugh, we’ll cry), personal stories, and a mountain of research, we break down: 👉 The rise of state-sanctioned intimidation 👉 Propaganda-driven fear campaigns 👉 ICE’s explosive new funding and militarized tactics 👉 Why modern enforcement resembles 1930s authoritarian playbooks 👉 How legal loopholes are weaponized by people like Stephen Miller, Tom Homan,  & Jeff Sessions 👉 The human cost: families separated, communities terrorized, and due process eroded We also look at disturbing recent cases, like the shooting of Marimar Martinez in Chicago, and examine how propaganda, cruelty-as-deterrence, and profit motive collide to shape today’s immigration reality. We’re talking detention expansion, off-shoring asylum seekers, CECOT-style camps, and the cultural normalization of dehumanization. This episode blends history, politics, community experience, and straight-up receipts to show why “it can’t happen here” has never been less true. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about the use of pejoratives. Who gets to say them? Should they even be said by anyone? What about context? Clips included are from CNN, NBC News, ABC News, Sky News, Inside Edition, 60 Minutes, Fox News, Slice Full Doc, South Park, The Boston Globe, ProPublica, Smithsonian Channel, Women’s March Win, Reuters, Rupaul’s Drag Race, Bethenny, Noticias, Tiktokkers: ms_ryan, mollaanbbingtoncompass, julesandjessie, peeberr, marxistajohan, jon59663, and wily_lara. If you appreciate truth, context, and the occasional drag-queen-level read, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down.

For this bonus episode of Red Pens & Red Flags, I sit down with alternative school educator Tazz Groffe to discuss what real accountability and care look like for students who the system has failed. We dig into state vs. federal control of curriculum, vouchers and funding, DEI done right, and why “choice” without oversight hurts the most vulnerable. Tazz shares frontline worries, from surveillance creeping into classrooms to National Guard deployments in U.S. cities, and the one thing that still gives him hope: students learning to think critically. If you care about the future of public education, this conversation is a must-listen. Teacher Groffe has a wonderful message to the Trump administration at the end of the podcast.

In this powerful season finale of Red Pens and Red Flags, we step outside the classroom and into the heart of the home with parent and advocate Bertha Robinson. A single mother of 14 (and counting), Bertha shares what it’s like raising a neurodiverse, multiracial family in today’s volatile education landscape. From busing and DEI rollbacks to special education funding and Project 2025, Bertha offers a raw, unfiltered view into how political decisions are impacting real families, especially those raising children with disabilities. With humor, passion, and a deep sense of justice, Bertha calls out the hypocrisy of leaders who gut public education while never having relied on it themselves. She questions the morality of autism registries, defends ELD programs, and reminds us that equity isn’t charity, it’s a right. Whether she’s explaining why her autistic son plays 17 instruments or why she checks ParentSquare daily, Bertha shows us what real parental involvement looks like. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who thinks public education should serve all children, not just the privileged few. After the interview, there are some closing thoughts from Rictor Riolo on the current state of public education, which ends with an inspiring quote from poet and teacher Maya Angelou. History is watching.

In this powerful sixth episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo steps into the metaphorical (and literal) principal’s office to tackle the deeply unsettling implications of Project 2025 on America’s most vulnerable students. He’s joined by Jennifer Jones, a district administrator for alternative education, and Kaitlen Green, a high school social worker, who offer raw, unfiltered insights into how marginalized students are already fighting to survive in a system that’s stacked against them. Together, they examine the role of trauma-informed education, the erosion of federal protections, and what happens when discipline policies abandon equity in favor of “common sense” punishment. Spoiler: it’s anything but common or sensible. The conversation doesn’t just critique, it galvanizes. Jennifer and Kaitlen bring receipts, personal stories, and decades of experience working with students who’ve been pushed out, written off, and underserved. From the gut-punch reality of the school-to-prison pipeline to the glimmers of hope in Oregon’s DEI resistance, this episode dares to imagine a better way forward, even as the walls seem to be closing in. If you care about public education, civil rights, or the survival of empathy in policy, this episode is required listening. Like what Mr. Rogers once said, "In times of disaster, look for the helpers."

In the fifth episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, self-described MAGA conservative high school math teacher, Aaron Megrian, joins the conversation to discuss the shifting landscape of American education. While he presents himself as a champion of neutrality, Aaron openly acknowledges that students may be treated differently based on race and socioeconomic status, yet he resists challenging these disparities. He frames assimilation as the solution, suggesting that tailoring education to meet diverse student needs is inconvenient for the broader community. Aaron advocates for returning power to the states, trusting local values over federal oversight, even though he admits that some states have historically failed marginalized groups. His comments reveal a preference for stability over equity and a belief that equality comes through conformity rather than transformation. Despite insisting that political indoctrination has no place in the classroom, Aaron contradicts himself when discussing religious mandates. He expresses no concern over Bible placements in public school classrooms, arguing that moral instruction aligned with “traditional American values” is beneficial, so long as it reflects his personal ideology. He dodges a direct answer when asked if he supports DEI, opting instead to reframe it as a political buzzword that divides rather than unites. Likewise, when questioned about the educational inequities rooted in the Jim Crow era, he skirts the topic entirely, claiming he can’t speak to it. In doing so, Aaron inadvertently highlights a common tension in education today: the desire to appear apolitical while endorsing ideologies that reinforce existing power structures.

In this emotionally charged and deeply human 4th episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with middle school band director Mylo, a fierce advocate, passionate educator, and proud queer non-binary teacher, to talk about what it means to hold space for students during a time when education feels like it’s under siege.  Mylo speaks candidly about the realities of being a public school teacher in a system riddled with inequities: from fighting for basic instrument repairs and equitable funding, to protecting students’ identities in a climate where DEI is being politicized and weaponized. They explain the emotional labor behind trauma-informed teaching and the pressure of showing up every day as a safe, nonjudgmental adult when many students don’t have that anywhere else. Through every moment, Mylo’s commitment to student voice, inclusive classrooms, and the power of the arts shines through like a spotlight on a quiet stage. The conversation takes a turn as Mylo reflects on Project 2025, state-mandated religious materials in classrooms, and the frightening possibility of the Department of Education being dismantled. They articulate the heartbreak of having to hide their identity, and the devastation of watching students be told, implicitly or explicitly, that they don’t belong. And yet, despite the fear and the fatigue, Mylo offers hope. Their faith in youth activism, grassroots change, and the sheer tenacity of the next generation is inspirational. Whether you're a fellow educator, a student, or just someone trying to understand what’s at stake in today’s schools, this episode offers honesty, empathy, and a powerful reminder: the fight for inclusive, safe, and equitable education is personal, and it's far from over.  

In this third episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with Nancy Gonzalez, an ELD (English Language Development) paraprofessional at the middle school level, for an honest and insightful conversation about the realities of supporting multilingual learners in today’s political climate. Nancy discusses her role in guiding newcomer students, those who have recently arrived in the U.S., through their academic day, helping them navigate not only English but also the cultural shift of a new country. She opens up about the linguistic diversity she sees in the classroom, including students from Micronesia, Mexico, Ukraine, and Indonesia, and how tools like Google Translate, push-in support, and personalized assistance are essential in creating an inclusive environment. Nancy also critiques standardized assessments like the ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment), questioning whether they accurately reflect a student’s English ability and expressing concern over how long some students, especially U.S.-born kids, remain trapped in the ELD system, limiting their academic growth. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Nancy addresses the political threats to the Department of Education, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, and dual language immersion. She reflects on the potential dismantling of these systems and what that would mean for vulnerable students who still need support, even if the programs disappear. Nancy passionately advocates for inclusive, integrated classrooms where students can see themselves reflected in their teachers and feel emotionally supported amidst growing national anxiety. She shares her own journey as a former ELD student, her aspirations to become a social studies teacher, and her unwavering hope that, even if the policies change, dedicated educators will continue to show up, speak up, and care deeply for every learner. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of equitable education.

In this second episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with Veronica Spedner, a veteran special education teacher working in one of Oregon's most diverse high schools. Veronica shares how her core values—hard work, preparation, and inclusion—guide her daily work with students who have IEPs. She emphasizes the importance of supporting students not just academically, but socially and emotionally, so they can thrive beyond high school, whether in college, the workforce, or independent living. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Veronica critiques the current political climate, expressing deep concern about efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back DEI policies. She argues that the erosion of federal oversight could severely impact students with disabilities, English learners, and other marginalized groups. Veronica shares her fears that without strong federal protections, we risk returning to an era of segregation and exclusion. Her response to Project 2025 is blunt: “It feels like we’re going backward.” But amid these challenges, Veronica remains hopeful. She believes in the resilience of educators and the power of inclusive classrooms where students with disabilities not only belong but also enrich the learning experience for everyone. Her message to policymakers is clear: spend time in public schools, talk to students, and see the impact of inclusive education firsthand. This episode is a powerful reminder that equity in education isn’t a luxury, it’s a legal and moral imperative.

In this introductory episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo speaks with Dr. Gina Rogers, a middle school educator, about the emotional and political landscape facing her English Language Development (ELD) students in the United States. As the lead teacher for a newcomer program serving refugee and immigrant students, Dr. Rogers discusses the challenges her students face, from navigating school for the first time in a new country to coping with fears of deportation and housing instability. She describes the heightened stress levels in her classroom after the election and the profound impact of national uncertainty surrounding the Department of Education’s future under Trump’s administration. Drawing from her personal journey as a Romanian immigrant during the Carter era, Dr. Rogers emphasizes the power of safety, stability, and compassion in the classroom. This heartfelt conversation blends policy, pedagogy, and personal experience, showing that in a time of political upheaval, educators like Dr. Rogers are fighting to keep schools a sanctuary for their most vulnerable students.

The podcast begins with Rick and Tim's reaction to the 2024 election results of the first election in US history where an adjudicated rapist, convicted felon, and insurrectionist won a presidential election. Topics include Elon Musk, Luigi Mangione, immigration, and what went wrong with Kamala Harris's election campaign. 

What did President Biden accomplish during his historic presidential term? Rick and Tim break it all down, covering the highs, the lows, and the Trump controversies. They explore Biden's 50-year career in politics, touching on everything from the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan to the passing of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill. They also discuss Biden's role in key issues like the DACA program, the 2023 railroad strike, and his attempt at the most comprehensive border bill ever proposed to the Senate—only to see it blocked by MAGA politicians who wanted it for Trump's own political gains. The conversation also delves into Biden's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the contentious claim of his part in the so-called "genocide" of Palestinians. Tim highlights Biden's achievements with the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps insulin costs and implements regulations to rein in big pharma, alongside efforts to allocate funds for student loan relief. The discussion turns to the fairness of college loans issued by banks and whether they were given with good intentions. Tim argues that insurance is a scam and suggests, "As a community, we should have the capability to take care of ourselves. Insurance exists to serve their interests, not ours." Rick raises the question of whether the Democratic Party and the media were opportunistic in their handling of Biden's poor debate performance. Tim believes Biden was over-prepared and got lost in his talking points, while Rick thinks Biden was set up as a sacrificial lamb. Who was responsible for the missteps—Biden himself or his team? This week's "Let's Trigger Rictor" is about what Donald Trump says about being a dictator on day one. Clips included are from CNN, NBC News, ABC News, C-SPAN, The White House, TikTokkers: charpmedia, civicsdean, empiricaluniversity, and yahoonews.

Trump’s rogue Supreme Court has done something unthinkable and unimaginable. They have given him immunity with king-like powers. How do we save our country from this radical shift toward autocracy? Did Ruth Bader Ginsburg let us down by not retiring sooner? What kind of court reform must be done if the Democrats win the election? What can be done? Do we stack the court? Impeach the biased and compromised judges? Create term limits? Codify Roe vs. Wade into law? Rick and Tim talk about what they think should happen to bring our nation back to normal and they both have different opinions. Who will these radical Christian nationalists target next? This episode is a comprehensive review of the current unprecedented judicial system that will have a lasting impact on our country for 50 years to come. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about the commercialization of Gay Pride. is it a good thing? This podcast continues the ongoing discussion regarding the evolution of this corrupt and unprecedented Supreme Court in American history. Clips include NBC News, MSNBC, The Washington Post, Al Jazeera English, Black History In Two Minutes Or So, and TikTokkers jordan.thewlis, doingdarciethings, thedemocrats, stormqbreaker, glamourmag, davidpakmanshow, nowthisimpact, matthewcummingsuellar, and bmbempower8. If you wish to write a letter to the Supreme Court, the address is: Supreme Court of the United States 1 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20543

For the premiere episode of season 2, Rick and Tim talk about ghosts. Things have made Rick a believer; whereas Tim is still skeptical. Has Rick's involvement with the Bigfoot world ruined any skeptical integrity he may have? Or is he able to see things from a different perspective? Tim and Rick discover they both have a commonality with their experiences... unexplained phenomena affecting their lights and electrical equipment. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about the rematch we never asked for: Biden vs. Trump. God help us. Media clips are included from The Sixth Sense, Ghostbusters, Southpark, Poltergeist, Ghost, and The Shining.

The twice impeached, quadrupled indicted criminal ex-president, Donald John Trump, is now facing a grand total of 91 felonies that include racketeering and conspiracy charges to steal the 2020 presidential election. Georgia’s Fulton County District Attorney, Fani Willis is playing hardball and brought RICO charges against Trump and his merry band of sycophants. On this podcast, Rick and Tim break down the 13 charges Trump is facing and who his naughty accomplices are. He is charged with violating state racketeering laws and soliciting a public official to violate his oath of office (Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger), conspiring to commit forgery in the first degree, conspiring to file false documents, and making false statements. Trump’s criminal enterprise includes our 911 fallen America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, farting his way into infamy with, like Trump, also has 13 charges. The blond Twitter troll and MAGA blond bimbo, Jenna Ellis, has 2 charges of her own for interfering with the election. The cuckoo lady, Sidney Powell, is facing 7 counts of violating Georgia’s racketeering laws, conspiracy to commit election fraud, conspiracy to commit computer theft, conspiracy to commit computer trespass, conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy, and conspiracy to defraud the state. Attorney Kenneth Chesebro has 7 counts against him because he was the first to suggest the false electors strategy. Trump’s coup architect, John Eastman, has 9 charges, and Trump’s Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, has 2 counts of conspiracy for allegedly being deeply involved in the efforts to keep Trump in power. He organized phone calls with Georgia state officials and communicated with Trump allies as they pushed election conspiracy theories. Justice Department lawyer, Jeffrey Clark, has 2 counts of violating the state’s racketeering laws and a criminal attempt to create false statements and writings. MAGA school teacher Cathy Latham has 11 counts of attempting to steal the election as a fake elector. Georgia State Senator Shawn Still has 7 counts as a fake elector along with David Shafer who has 8 counts for being a fraud. He portrayed himself as the “chairperson” of the Electoral College of Georgia and filed 16 fake electoral votes for Trump. Illinois police officer Stephen Lee has 5 counts for intimidating election workers Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman. Kanye West’s publicist, Trevian Kutti, has 3 counts for trying to intimidate Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman. The Director of Black Voices for Trump Willy Floyd has 3 counts for arranging Trevian Kutti to meet Ruby and Shay. Robert Cheeley has 10 counts going against him, Michael Roman has 7 counts, Ray Stallings Smith the 3rd has a staggering 12 counts, Coffee County election supervisor Misty Hampton has 7 counts of conspiracy for helping Trump supporters access Coffee County’s voting equipment. Last but not least, Trump supporter, Bail Bondsman Scott Graham, has 7 counts for messing with the voting equipment in a restricted area. Tim successfully triggers Rick with this week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment regarding MAGA and what should be done to them. Clips include reformed MAGA insurrectionist Pam Hemphill, testimony from the January 6 Commission, MSNBC, Vice News, and CNN.

The United States of America vs Donald Trump indictment includes the accusations that Trump knew he lost the 2020 election even though his officials told him so. It also alleges Trump enlisted the help of six co-conspirators (and we think we know who four of them are). It has the false elector scheme and a top justice department officials’ effort to delay election certification.  Trump turned on Pence as January Six approached, and details how Trump reacted to the attack on the Capitol. As of the podcast recording, Trump faces 78 felony charges in total stemming from the Stormy Daniels Case, the stealing classified documents, and the January Six Insurrection. We don’t know what the Georgia indictments will bring just yet. Rick and Tim go over Trump's J6 co-conspirators: Rudy Giuliani (Mr. Farts and Sexual Harassment), John Eastman (Mr. I Plead The Fifth), Sidney Powell (Ms. Dominion Cuckoo), and Jeffrey Clark (Mr. Insurrection Architect).  They also try to guess who the other unnamed conspirators are. Who could they be? Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows? Former Senior Advisor Jared Kushner? Attorney Kenneth Chesebro? Wife of Supreme Court Justice Ginni Thomas? And then there’s Steven Miller, Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, and Pillow Boy Mike Lindell. Trump's defense for inciting the insurrection is Freedom of Speech. But his words, “Fight like hell” aren't an opinion, it’s direction. Rick asks Tim why does the Republican Party still put Trump on a golden pedestal? Tim’s answer: Because they can’t afford to lose their base. The recent New York Times/Sienna Poll is discussed and the reason why Republicans still like Trump is because he’s “fun.” Mitch McConnell was booed at a recent political event which brings up the discussion of Republicans abusing our political institutions by not playing fair, and trying to do everything they can to gain power, even if it means exploitation through disruption. That also includes using religion as a tool to gain power and money. For example, what the previous Wyoming representative, Liz Cheney, once claimed Democrats were doing to babies. Mike Pence has finally flipped on Trump, but is it too little too late? Trump’s Mobb-like social media posts are filled with innuendo and are going to be getting him in trouble with the Department of Justice. Republican candidate Chris Christie has a few things to say about Donald Trump and Tim thinks Christie knows he's not going to win and is only doing this to bring down Donald Trump. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about Jason Aldean and his MAGAtastic song, “In A Small Town.” Clips included are from NBC News, CNN, Politico, and TikTokker TheRealDoubledeemuva.

We are now at the end of The Break it Down with Rick and Tim Podcast. The goal was to make ten shows. Instead, Rick and Tim made 17. Over the past year, many topics were discussed from Critical Race Theory to UFOS and Bigfoot. Everything was brought to the table to be broken down that mattered to both Rick and Tim. On the last show, the guys go over the different episodes and if they have had a change in opinion on the different topics or not. Numerous clips are shown from the previous 16 episodes. From Caitlyn Jenner on The Ellen Degeneres Show to trans advocate Dylan Mulvaney to White Power Hower Tucker Carlson. But for this episode, we added a few new clips from TikTokkers @Gia_gunn3, @riceandhiabichuelas, and Musclesandnursing. A couple quick movie clips from Pulp Fiction and Napoleon Dynamite were included as well. 

Rick and Tim talk about the recent devastating Supreme Court 2023 decisions and how they affect everyone. Gays, blacks, and women. Affirmative Action, President Biden’s Student Loan Relief, and protecting LGBTQ are the three topics struck down. Tim wants to know what is the current student loan debt and Rick gets lost as Tim tries to explain the debt’s numbers and compound interest. They both discuss the hypocritical Clarence Thomas who ruled against the very thing that got him into Yale College: Affirmative Action. Do we still need it? Tim thinks we need to educate ourselves on it and know that it's not perfect. Legacy Students vs Affirmative Action Students. Federalism is explained and is now eroding the federal government through the judicial branch. Lori Smith and her fraudulent manufactured illegitimate court case (which was based on a lie and an unfounded worry) now allows LGBTQ+ people to be discriminated against by religious people. By deciding on a hypothetical, the court set a precedent and opens the door for more bigotry and subjugation against a marginalized community. Tim uses the metaphor of a role-playing game being walked before the supreme court. Redlining is referred to. Tim keeps saying he wants to draw a differentiation with what the law says and Rick keeps reminding him that these hate-filled Christian bigots don't play by the law and are empowered by their renegade Supreme Court. Religious freedom ends when it becomes an excuse to harm other people. Legal advocacy groups are undermining our society in the name of Jesus, like the Alliance Defending Freedom. Rick and Tim discuss what's next with the Supreme Court in the next term: Second Amendment for those on a restraining order, gay marriage, and contraception. Should businesses have the right to vote as an entity is this week's "Let's Trigger Rictor" segment.

Rick and Tim talk about the recent new target the Republicans are dehumanizing and radicalizing with their evangelical base, which is trans people. For example, the hate monger Marjorie Taylor Greene calls trans people like Dylan Mulvaney pedophiles. Caitlyn Jenner’s abusive and absurd internalized hate toward young trans advocate, Dylan Mulvaney, is also explored. The “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment is about Ron DeSantis’s Florida bill HB1403 which allows doctors to discriminate against anyone that goes against their religious beliefs. Tim asks, what is the conscientious objection stated in the bill? President Lyndon B. Johnson once said, “If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best-colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you.” Rick and Tim explore ideas to celebrate and protect trans people while addressing the obstacles they face on a daily basis. Clips include Sunny Hostin from The View, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, TikTokker Dylan Mulvaney.

No topic. No structure. That was the goal of this episode. Rick and Tim decided to talk about whatever came to mind, however, the episode was originally recorded in January, so Rick and Tim needed to add a minor update on what has been happening in the country with the topic of Elon Musk and his recent abysmal interview on CNBC. The discussion shifts to what Ron DeSantis has done to Florida with his extreme Christian Nationalist fascist laws targeting LGBTQ+ people. Tim says we are witnessing a "brain drain" from the red states to the blue states because of the restrictions and lack of human rights. The riff topic returns back to the original recording with Rick and Tim’s thoughts on Star Wars, and their shared opinions about what Disney has done to the franchise since George Lucas sold everything to Disney. It turns into a critical commentary on Director Rian Johnson and what he did to the Star Wars Sequels with Episode 8: The Last Jedi. In this week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment, Tim asked Rictor what his thoughts were on Avatar 2: The Way of Water. Did Rick like it? Does Rick bitch about it as expected? Or does Tim himself get triggered by the topic? Tim refers to the Matrix franchise which he really likes and shares his thoughts on the recent Matrix film Resurrections. Rick and Tim riff on a few serious things they have experienced over the past year. Rick decided to finish college as a middle-aged adult and Tim talked about what he has experienced with gun violence with the tragic loss of his student. Tim breaks down how the military-industrial complex helps our economy. Rick loves the achievements made with the James Webb Telescope and all things science. Why did Tim decide to become an educator? Religion returns as a topic in regard to how divisive it can be. Rick proposes why can’t Christians just forgive Satan? Tim answers because religion is fear-based, and Christians need to fear Satan in order to have an identity as a flock. Why is Rick’s real name Rictor and where does it come from? Clips include CNBC, TikTokkers .allie. Phillips and alawnerrr, NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, clips from The Last Jedi, and The Star Wars Special Edition commercial.

Tim and Rick discuss the historical lawsuit brought on by Dominion voting machines vs the fraudulent Fox News channel. Tim goes through the 20 examples where Fox News was liable, and Rick knows Smartmatic is coming in for the kill. Tim finally sets Rictor off with his “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment with the topic of Elon Musk, whom Rictor despises with tremendous passion. Tim tries to defend Elon Musk as best as possible, but Rictor's contempt for Musk is overwhelming with what he has done with Twitter and reinforcing bigotry and hate on social media. Clips include Jon Stewart, a ridiculous Right-Wing commercial for Relaxium, Rick voting electronically, and multiple clips from Fox News implicating themselves repeatedly with Dominion Voting Systems.

Tim discusses the infrastructure for mental health. Where do we develop our shapes of reality in regard to development and critical thinking? Why does the topic of mental health have the stigma of shame associated with it? Seasonal Affective Disorder affects 20% of people living in the Pacific Northwest, including Rick. He shares how he was able to defeat it by using a therapy light. How do we support kids in the school environment? As a teacher, Tim thinks it would be ideal to have a teacher and a counselor for every classroom. Rick suggests the Internet and social media contribute to the well-being of a person’s mental health. You can’t control what people say but you can control how you react. Not everyone likes you, but not everyone matters. New York law allows for involuntary hospitalization when a person’s mental illness prevents them from providing for their own basic needs, as well as when they present a danger to themselves or others. Is that the answer for getting the drug-induced psychosis homeless population off the streets? What does a solid healthcare system that addresses mental health look like? Rick mentions how California's Governor Ronald Reagan signed the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act in 1967, all but ending the practice of institutionalizing patients against their will in the state of California. The number of mentally ill people entering the criminal justice system doubled in the first year after the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act was enacted. When deinstitutionalization began 50 years ago, California mistakenly relied on community treatment facilities, which were never built. In this week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment, Tim asked Rick what his thoughts were on Brazil’s version of Donald Trump and where radicalization starts. Clips include TMZ’s Van Lathan standing up to Kanye West, TikTokker hopebraincenter, American History X (1998).

In this episode, Tim breaks down what caused Rick to become so involved in the absurd bigfoot cult. Rictor still stands with his new opinion on the subject: bigfoot is not real. Rick says it’s a make-believe gold rush reinforced by grifters and narcissistic womanizers. Every belief system caters to the broken individual and that included Rick as he shares why he fell hard into the bigfoot rabbit hole. Tim really shines in this episode with his experience in talking to people who have experienced trauma. He also succeeds in setting Rictor off with the “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment regarding how Lucasfilm handled Star Wars, especially when compared to Star Trek’s showrunner, Terry Matalas’ handling of Season three of Picard. Clips include Mark Hamill giving his opinion on Rian Johnson’s handling of Luke Skywalker on ABC News, “The Ten Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty” from Spike TV, “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.

This is the first episode in a three-part series dedicated to the topic of mental health. Rick and Tim talk about how mental health encompasses your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences cognition, perception, and behavior and it determines how an individual handles stress, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making. Why does society ignore those dealing with mental health problems? For example, Britain's Royal Family?  Chronic drug use creates mental health problems and creates abusive relationships. Trauma. Rick shares how he was at the breaking point with the loss of his family and how he is holding it together. Dealing with grief along with his home security being challenged by Portland's drug-addicted homeless has added to his shaky mental health. Tim shares how he witnessed Rick lose his cool with a trespassing vagrant on drugs stealing property. Tim asks, "Do the homeless on drugs deserve any empathy?" Rick has a surprising answer and states drugs are a choice, and the decision to destroy your own life from drugs does not give you the right to destroy other people’s lives —and the right to hijack our neighborhoods. Tim defends the drug-afflicted by saying their decision-making skills are impaired from the drugs they are taking. Has the Covid lockdown stopped us from being able to communicate effectively? By locking up the drug addiction population and being punitive, does that perpetuate the cycle of trauma? Does peer outreach provide an answer? Is white rage a mental health problem? Do Trump cultists suffer from a shared psychosis? In this week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment, Tim succeeds in setting Rick off in regard to accepting people who choose drugs over friends and family. Clips include The Daily Show with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry talking about mental health, Tiktokker crookedcounselorcooper, and a clip of Flat Earthers at a Flat Earther convention. And you think you have problems?

Are MAGA cultists suffering from a mental health disorder? Rick and Tim discuss Donald H. Christ (our criminal ex-president) and his big announcement of running for president again. The question is, did Donald make his announcement too soon? The damage Donald Trump has caused, and his platform of hate are returning in the next election cycle. Who coined the term “Make America Great Again?” Hint: it wasn’t Donald Trump. Were the Obama years as bad as conservatives say they were? Has our country been pulled so far to the extreme right that moderates are now looking like the extreme left? The absurdity of Ron DeSantis suggesting he was sent by God to be a fighter is talked about and deservedly laughed at. Tim admonishes Rick for objectifying people and that is an example of what America has become today. Rick is unapologetic and disagrees and says it’s not wrong to objectify people who are harming people’s lives in a profound way. For example. Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump. Rick doesn’t think they deserve any respect. Tim concedes that if done for the purpose of comedy, then it’s okay, as long as it’s not taking away from the importance of the topic. The use of the N-Word is heavily discussed as to why Rick and Tim despise its use. Tim wants a culture shift to happen in our country where our politicians work for us and not fight for us in Washington and gave his classroom’s fifth-period lunch as an example. Rick confesses he is suffering from anxiety because of FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out and Tim offers an intervention. The subject of Elon Musk is discussed with what he has done to Twitter along with Joe Rogan making an ass out of himself in regard to his claims about Oregon and conspiracy theories. Rick shares what it is like to return to college as a middle-aged man getting his bachelor’s degree and Tim talks about what it’s like as a teacher losing students to gun warfare. In this week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment, Tim asks Rick about his thoughts on animal cruelty. Does Tim succeed in getting Rick set off? The subject delves into Portland State University’s lack of ethical conduct in preparing students for graphic content in films teachers present in class. An incident made Rick take an issue all the way to the Dean of Students in regard to the African film, Touki Bouki (1973), for which the class was assigned to watch without being given a disclaimer for its graphic and disturbing imagery. Because of that, Rick shares a story of animal cruelty that he, unfortunately, witnessed as a seven-year-old boy which has traumatized his entire life. The impact of social media also reinforces trauma with graphic videos being blindly shared on newsfeeds. Clips include The Daily Show with Jordan Klepper interviewing uneducated brain-dead MAGA cultists, Joe Rogan’s podcast, various MAGA TikTokkers and MAGA politicians, CNN’s interview with Oprah Winfrey and the use of the n-word, and most importantly a clip of the late Dr. Maya Angelou educating us on the power of words.   

The day has come that Rick and Tim have been longing to discuss. The first official indictment against our criminal ex-president, Donald J. Trump. Was Rick right in his guess of what Donald J. Dump would do? How is Tim teaching his students about this historical moment in our country? Aside from talking about the failure of our previous president, topics include Twitter's suppression of information, Marjorie Taylor Green's dangerous and inflammatory rhetoric, and her harassing mass shooting victims like Parkland survivor David Hogg. Tim asks, what is the goal of America? Is it the economy that comes first over people? Or is it a socialist point of view? Rictor proposes why we can’t be in favor of capitalism at the expense of human lives. Tim brings up the trail derailments and blames President Biden for it. But Rictor reminds Tim that President Dump is responsible for rolling back train regulations in 2018. The "Let's Trigger Rictor" segment is about Ron Desantis and weaponizing his state against the Federal Government. Clips include Now This, Tiktokker Animenewsnetwork, The Daily Show, and 60 Minutes.

In this episode, Tim and Rick talk about where they were when the country went into lockdown/quarantine. Tim shares how he foretold what was to come with his statistics high school class and that his at-risk students were vulnerable to missing out on their education because of their lack of access to online learning (while upper-class parents were able to pay for tutors and private instruction for their children). Tim believes a generation of students is damaged from the lockdown and what will be the ripple effect because of it? Tim also breaks down what “Cattening the Curve” is in how he explained the whole pandemic to his class. Rick explains he understood the danger of the hospitals being overwhelmed with how the virus was multiplying vs the number of hospital beds that were available. The economy vs human lives is discussed. Rick made a commitment to take care of his new puppies by first taking care of himself —by wearing his facemask and getting the vaccine. He also shares a video he made of getting the historic vaccine for the first time and Tim talks about Nicki Minaj and her cousin in Trinidad that she tweeted had global consequences for people of color. Rick tells Tim about how he first found out about the virus being aerosol based because of the infection at a Washington state church’s choir practice and how he almost lost a Trumper cousin to the virus’s MAGA misinformation while at the same time, a MAGA cult victim friend of his died. In this week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment, Tim asks Rick if LGBTQIA+ should be separated by preference and gender. Tim also educates Rick on the new term 2-Spirited that has been added to the full acronym: LGBTQIA2S+. Rick does think LGB should be separated from being lumped in with gender identification. Clips include Fox News’ Tucker Carlson interviewing Dan Patrick, the Texas Lieutenant Governor, who advocated for the elderly to die for the sake of the economy, CNN news clips of Bob Woodward’s tapes of Donald Trump admitting the virus was aerosol based and withholding that information, Dr. Hiren Mehta from Florida, Malcolm Clark from the LGB Alliance, and various Tiktokkers.

Fresh from the discussion of religion, politics, and bigfoot, Rick and Tim decide to take on the bigger questions in this episode with... are Aliens real?  What was the WOW signal of 1977? As a Catholic, what are Tim’s thoughts on aliens and their possible motives? The discussion revolves around Bob Lazar’s Area 51 claims and the different UFO footage recently released by the Pentagon. Is soft disclosure happening? Rick shares his thoughts on the long-running show, Ancient Aliens. Is it utter bullshit? And this week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” Tim attempts to set Rick off with the topic of guns. Do guns kill people? Clips included are Contact (1997), Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), The Lazar Tape (1991), Ancient Aliens (Series), and Cosmos: A Personal Voyage (1980).

Critical Race Theory and The White/Grand Replacement Theory topics are continued on this episode of Break it Down with Rick and Tim. Tim brings up the topic of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay Law” and how absurd it is. Rick then shares a moment when a teacher outed him for being gay at the age of 9 to his mother. Why did that teacher sexualize Rick before Rick even knew what he was? MAGA extremists are attempting to manipulate adults with commercials promoting book banning. These include historical books about Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights advocate Ruby Bridges, Pulitzer Prize nominee author Toni Morrison, and author Alice Walker. The MAGA list of book hate also includes LGBTQIA+ books. All thanks to the hateful rhetoric of MAGA Governors Ron DeSantis, Glenn Youngkin, and Greg Abbott. The fearmongering and lying done by MAGA Republicans are referenced with Arizona gubernatorial loser, Kari Lake, and loser Donald Trump with his election tampering. Tim explains to Rick what exactly is white fragility and uses Tucker Carlson as an example. Both men talk about their experiences with white rage in public. In this week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment, Tim brings up more of what Florida Governor DeSantis is trying to do to his state’s students and their access to information. Tim explains why Republicans think they are always winning before the mail-in votes are counted. Fighting gets us nowhere. Fighting creates trauma. Talking. Compromising. Finding avenues through empathy that allow for progress. Why can’t we do that?  Clips include Bill Maher saying his definition of “woke” is, APB Speakers on Dave Pelzer, Channel 12 News in Arizona, Army General Mark A. Milley testifying before congress, and a Tennessee politician named Jerry Sexton suggesting book burnings.

On this episode of Break it Down with Rick and Tim, the boys move the podcast out of the kitchen and into a studio. Today’s vehement topic: Critical Race Theory and The White/Grand Replacement Theory. What is the cause of white rage? The Texas history of Juneteenth is talked about with both Rick and Tim realizing, while growing up, their public schooling conveniently left out a very important part of Black History. The history of Rosa Parks is discussed which surprises Rick. Statistics are also shared with the amount of incarcerated black men vs white men in the prison system and the systematic racism with housing. Rick discusses the origin of the Grand Replacement Theory and how white supremacy has exploded all over the world, thanks to Donald Trump. How are MAGA extremists like Ron DeSantis and media propagandists like Tucker Carlson using it to incite fear among the uneducated? Is their white fragility being challenged? How does immigration factor into this and the consequences of The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965? How does Tim deal with teaching the history of slavery in his classroom? CRT is also erasing the sacrifice of abolitionists during the Civil War which leads to Rick and Tim debating the reasons for the war. Where does CRT come from?  This week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment is about the n-word and using racial and sexual pejoratives. The episode ends with the late American poet and black activist, Maya Angelou, sharing her words of wisdom. Additional clips included in this episode are from American diversity educator, Jane Elliot, the boys at The Good Liars: Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler, investigative reporter Christopher F Rufo, and TikToker, Jamaiwuyor.

Tim is a married man and takes the topic of women’s rights very seriously as a father of two little girls. Pay discrepancies and Roe v. Wade are on Tim’s mind especially with women becoming second-class citizens in our red states. What’s going to happen to women in the rest of the country? Republicans want a national abortion ban. Can that happen? Look at what happened in Ohio, why are little girls being forced to carry a rapist’s baby? Who is going to be the next target of our rogue Supreme Court? Roe v. Wade being overturned wasn’t the first time women had their rights taken away from them. Is stacking the court the answer? The topic briefly segues into the ludicrous White Replacement Theory that extremists are manipulating voters with. Tim explains how the Bible has been used as a tool against women from the very beginning. This week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment is about poverty and the resources available to people. Is there any? MAGA clip by The Good Liars: Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler. *Note: If you live in the Pacific Northwest (especially Idaho) and need an abortion, the Northwest Abortion Access Fund (www.nwaafund.org) is there to help you. Their phone number is: (866) 692-2310.

Who are Rick and Tim and why are they making a podcast called Break it Down? One is a reformed bigfoot cult member, and the other is a high school teacher who offers examples of how to understand the world we live in. Seeing things through the lens of empathy is a quote Tim uses as he and Rick discuss how they came up with the podcast and why they felt the need to discuss such hot topics. TikTok and China are discussed with a possible catastrophic impact that TikTok has on Western Culture and our unsuspecting teenagers. Does Rick think TikTok should be banned? Tim attempts to explain to Rick what “Be Real” is, the latest social media trend. Rick explains to Tim what Generation Jones is and how it is the forgotten generation. Politicians using the Bible as a moral compass vs our true American religion: capitalism is discussed. Rick confesses how he votes. Echoes of the past and what happened on January 6th, remind us that “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Rick shares his feelings on what September 11th did and how Millennials don’t have the lived-in experience of the life we had before all our lives changed. Tim chooses a topic for “Let’s Trigger Rictor” that would generally be a sure bet in sending Rick into lunar orbit: Associating LGBT people with pedophilia. Instead, it makes Rick very sad and reflective, and he explains why. Pedophilia is not a sexual preference. One does not equate the other based on hateful destructive assumptions. The “Let’s Quiz Tim” segment has to be the funniest one Rick has made. Warning: It’s not politically correct and the naughty jokes are about politics. Clips include TikTokker: newgirlny_fl and CNN archival footage.

Break it Down with Rick and Tim concludes the topic of Belief Systems with discussions on Harvey Weinstein, the abuse women continuously face, and how Donald Trump has infected the minds of good, hard-working people. If you are an attractive person, you get to do attractive things. How children are at risk because of sexual predators which include the story of James Safechuck and Wade Robson’s account of surviving Michael Jackson’s alleged molestation. Rick discloses the social programming that he had to overcome, and Tim recollects how his church poorly handled an LGBTQ kid. Tim shares the religious grooming he witnessed at a park where a local church told everyone in a song that the “other” is the enemy. Part 2 of 2 on Belief Systems. This week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment is on male pattern baldness and Rick’s consumption of soda. Clips included are from The Megyn Kelly show, The Wendy Williams Show, Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland and The View.

The boys take on a serious topic right out of the gate in the first episode of Break it Down with Rick and Tim. Topic: Belief Systems and how they affect us. From religion, politics, and mass brainwashing, all the way to something as absurd as bigfoot. Tim talks about his Catholic upbringing and what made him stop practicing Catholicism while Rick shares how his Italian grandmother was quite the trendsetter in the 1940s by leaving the Catholic church. They discuss the problem with MAGA and the mass brainwashing Donald Trump has been done through every form of media. This includes one issue voters, and the grip religion has on people. Primary socialization leads to peer social groups. But corporations have a different outlook now that conflicts with Christian Nationalism. Disney was once anti-gay, and in the 1990s, they changed course with their attitude toward gays and lesbians. Rick talks about his experience with homophobia and the bigfoot cult he was once a part of. Part 1 of 2 on Belief Systems. The segment, “Let’s Trigger Rictor” is introduced when Tim tries to set Rick off with a topic. This week’s trigger is the Royal Family from England. What are Rick’s thoughts on Prince Harry’s tell-all book? Clips include The Ten Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty, Prince Harry’s Audio Book, The Today Show, PBS News Hour, and miscellaneous news clips.