PODCAST · society
THE 85/15 PODCAST
by 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 w
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10
Readin', Ritin', and Rithmatic...Has Education Failed the United States?
The conversation looks at the state of education and the role of conformity and self-censorship in shaping the educational system. It explores the use of education as a tool for indoctrination and the impact of social and political influences on the educational process. It delves into the challenges of censorship on college campuses and the impact of social media on free speech. It also explores the role of parents in education as advocates for the children and raises the question of who should be in charge of education. Additionally, it discusses the influence of corporate America in shaping educational pathways and the need for a reevaluation of the purpose of our education system. The conversation delves into the future of education, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in learning and the role of liberal arts in developing critical thinking. It also explores the disconnect between academia and industry, the impact of education on economic development, and the importance of collaboration between industry and education for talent acquisition.TakeawaysEducation as a tool for indoctrinationConformity and self-censorship in education Censorship on college campusesRole of parents in education Collaboration in education is crucialThe value of a liberal arts education in developing critical thinking and well-rounded individualsChapters00:00 The Role of Conformity and Self-Censorship in Education31:58 Censorship on College Campuses40:38 Who Should Be in Charge of Education?46:36 The Upside-Down Pyramid of Education59:29 Corporate Influence in Education01:05:03 The Role of Liberal Arts in Education and Specialization
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9
Sharing the Wealth: Equitable Funding of College Sports
The challenges in college sports funding and structure are explored, along with the primary revenue streams in college sports. The impact of TV revenue on college sports funding is discussed, followed by proposed solutions for equitable funding and salary caps in college sports. The conversation delves into the concept of equitable funding and revenue sharing in college football, exploring its impact on competitive parity and the overall fan experience. It also discusses the challenges and implications of revenue sharing across a large number of teams, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to ensure fairness and sustainability. The conversation delves into the complexities of antitrust laws and automatic bids in college football, the implications of revenue sharing on player development, the need for sustainable funding, the importance of equitable funding for a better fan experience, and the need for stronger leadership and greater vision not only for college football, but for all intercollegiate sports.TakeawaysEquitable funding of college sports Equitable funding and revenue sharing in college footballImpact of revenue sharing on competitive parity Equitable funding is not the same as equal fundingThe sustainability of college football is a major concernChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcasting Experience08:24 Primary Revenue Streams in College Sports13:27 Proposed Solutions for Equitable Funding and Salary Caps in College Sports30:44 Equitable Funding and Revenue Sharing36:58 Impact on Competitive Parity54:15 Antitrust and Automatic Bids59:35 Leadership and Vision for College Football
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8
Sacrificing conferences on the altar of the CFP
The conversation delves into the challenges of conference realignment and the impact of the College Football Playoff (CFP) on the significance of conference championships. It explores the tension between nostalgia and modernization in college football, as well as the concept of relegation and promotion in the sport. The conversation delves into the restructuring of the college football playoff, proposing a new playoff model, seeding, home stadium advantage, the national championship venue, and the debate around playoff models. It also covers scheduling, season length, and equitable revenue sharing for college sports.TakeawaysConference RealignmentImpact of CFPNostalgia vs. ModernizationRelegation and Promotion Equitable sharing of revenue for college sportsThe importance of revenue generation and its impact on college sportsThe need for a model that takes the human element out and settles it on the fieldChapters00:00 The Challenge of Conference Realignment and CFP Impact53:08 Equitable Revenue Sharing for College Sports
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7
Let's fix college sports...starting with NIL and the Transfer Portal
The conversation delves into the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on college sports, addressing differing opinions, proposed solutions, and the problems associated with the portal. It also explores the role of coaches and contracts, the impact on player development, and the potential shift in high school recruiting dynamics. The conversation delves into the power dynamics of college football conferences, highlighting the influence of money, roster retention, and the impact on parity. It also explores the potential for reform in college football, focusing on high school recruiting, player development, and the influence of NFL talent scouting.TakeawaysImpact of NIL and the transfer portal on college sportsRole of coaches and contracts in the context of the transfer portal Money drives the power and influence of college football conferences.Reform in college football should emphasize high school recruiting, player development, and NFL talent scouting.Chapters00:00 Setting the Stage13:30 The Problem with the Portal22:04 Coaches and Contracts30:34 The Power of Conferences01:01:19 Funding and Investment in College Sports
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6
America's Role in the World: Leader, Protector, or Last Responder?
What exactly is America's role in the world? How is it perceived in our own country versus how it is perceived in the rest of the world? What should our role be? Are we world leaders, world protectors, or are we the last responders that the world looks to when there are no other alternatives? Have the roles that we have filled in the past been beneficial or detrimental to the world at large? How about our own country? Have we sacrificed our own well-being in fulfilling a role that no one else wants or is incapable of filling? What (or who) is really driving the roles that America is taking on in the world body politic? Join us as we discuss the roles America has historically played, analyze the roles that we currently find ourselves in, and attempt to define the roles that we should play in the future.
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5
What the #@!% Happened to !%@# Decorum
We discuss what appears to be a total abandonment of decorum within our government institutions, educational systems, media, and its effect on our political and social discourse. Is it possible to pull back from the abyss of vulgarity that pervades every avenue of communication in our society? Are we sacrificing civility in the name of authenticity? Can we return to the days of etiquette, decency, and propriety? Do we want to? Join our discussion of the current state of communication as we look at the pros and cons of what is often excused as honesty in communication.
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4
Iran: Deterrence, Regime Change, or another Forever War?
This episode explores the complex and nuanced issues surrounding Iran, nuclear deterrence, regime change, and U.S. foreign policy. Hosts Carl and Randy engage in a deep, respectful debate on the motivations, implications, and strategic considerations of recent actions in the Middle East and beyond.
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3
Why would I care what you think?
The 8515 Podcast is a platform for respectful and civil discourse on a wide range of topics, emphasizing the importance of open-mindedness and rational disagreement. The hosts, Randy and Carl, explore the challenges of disagreement, the impact of tribalism, and the need for respectful discourse in today's society. The conversation delves into the concept of open-mindedness, the dangers of being intellectually lazy, the importance of foundational beliefs, and the impact of love and respect in disagreements. It also emphasizes the need for critical thinking and the pursuit of objective truth.TakeawaysRespectful discourse and rational disagreement are essential for fostering critical thinking and understanding different perspectives.Tribalism, intentional division, and the desire to be right contribute to the breakdown of civil discourse and open-mindedness. Open-mindedness can become a rigid box of conformityFoundational beliefs are essential for personal identity and decision-makingLove and respect are crucial in navigating disagreements and discussionsCritical thinking and the pursuit of objective truth are necessary for intellectual growthChapters00:00 Introduction to the 8515 Podcast07:35 Historical Context of Political Discourse13:52 The Desire to Be Right and the Impact of Tribalism27:20 The Definition of Open-Mindedness34:35 The Importance of Foundational Beliefs46:55 Maintaining a Berean Mindset
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 w
HOSTED BY
Carl Duckett and Randy Blair
CATEGORIES
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