The Rhetoric Rick Show

Yes, I’m still here folks. 2025 was a brutal year for me, but why I remain hopeful and looking forward to 2026. Also, my first complaint of the new year.

After a year, long hiatus, I’m back. I think it was a year long. Anyway, I give you some brief updates, trying this new format out, and letting you know what’s coming up.

Wow, it took me 3 months to record the first episode of 2025. Obviously I'm alive and somewhat ok. I give you a few updates and various gripes about job searching and psychology.

My last gripe for 2024 and a few milestones for the year and what's in store for 2025.

You ever notice that Christmas music, movies, etc. still go on after December 25th? Why is that? Also, my thoughts on gym influencers and workout women who want attention and get mad when they get it.

In this episode, I cover my job search for the past few months, my uneventful Thanksgiving, and my gripe about Black Friday.

Someone asked what I thought about the election results. Although I am apolitical - my thoughts may surprise you.

Find out why I've been awol the last few weeks and my thoughts on current sports and voting.

Over a month for this episode to be recorded. I give some updates on my job search and gripe about employers who waste your time.

How hard is it to find a job right now? Apparently, it's impossible.

Ok it's been over a month and I want to catch you all up on what's been going on and next steps.

The post July 4th episode. How my packing is frustrating me and the big move is coming soon.

Giving you updates on L.A. and the move!

I'm giving you an update on my job landing in L.A. and the surly UPS Store worker that saw and heard I was struggling and decided not to interject even though he could've.

My updates on the job in California (livescan edition). Also, a heartfelt moment for me when I saw this kid on a ghost tour here in Portland.

Coming off a fun and restful Memorial Day, I was stricken with another family tragedy. Also, my take on life and a few updates.

Updating everyone as I get closer to my big move back to L.A. There have been countless articles on how the economy is on the upswing and jobs are plentiful. I go over why that is a lie.

When was the last time you met someone online, it goes well, but realize that there's no spark in person. I bet quite a few times. What about someone you met in person, still attracted to them by the end of the date but realize that there could be potential red flags down the road? What changed your mind?

You know that I've been searching for a job and decided to give AI a try, it's been a game changer for sure. I cover my journey with it and how watching a tv show made me realized why we're so frustrated as men.

Ordering online items is a risk, especially when the item doesn't work out for you. Returning can be a hassle especially when the drop-off locations aren't near you. How about celebrity roasts on the TV? I personally love them but am surprised they're still around.

Someone asked me about my journaling and shared a link on the benefits of journaling but also that it's not for everyone. I share how it has helped me and here is the link to the article: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/journaling-can-have-major-benefits--but-its-not-for-everyone-heres-what-to-do-if-youre-struggling-to-write-down-your-thoughts-171512300.html

What a difference a day makes. After watching a few videos and recalibrating my conversation skills - I had a fantastic evening chatting with people at a local restaurant bar and online. Listen to the story. This and why do people decide to make up their own parking spot when there's nothing around. They need to walk.

You ever feel like you're not connecting with anyone socially at all? This includes people you already know. Be it the stars are misaligning for me, or I'm giving off negative vibes, I don't know. Yes this is probably all in my head but too obvious to ignore. Just sayin'.

In this episode, updates from the last few weeks on job searches and interviews. How I ran into a coworker of mine and found out he's this big-time Casanova. Lastly, how I purposedly tried to get a Fred Meyer employee to talk.

Being that its Thursday, the US Department of Labor usually comes out with its labor report on Friday (first Friday of the month). Since I've been looking for a job, I give my thoughts on their data and the frustrations of looking for a job in the current economy. Also, my frustrations with looking for one and with my current position.

You ever notice how bartenders tend to either be chatty or just transactional? I'm not talking about when they're busy, but when they actually have time to chat but either do or don't with you. Also, coworkers who don't get how irritating they are.

Have you frequented a local restaurant to find out there was a large corporate party that evening? It could be very frustrating especially with the large amount of people there. The restaurant I went to, handled it especially well. Also, my social activity for that evening.

Welcome back. In this episode, I talk about my very first traffic incident in the PNW and how I thought someone stole my milk from the company fridge. Also, a few updates and me being back on the 'app.'

Living in the PNW the weather can be a bit deceitful at times. Especially during the springtime. It can be sunny and beautiful for a day or two and then BAM!! Rain and wind are back in town. This and why I still don't like Spotify and now Amazon streaming is on my radar.

A few things going on this episode. Taking in your auto for routine maintenance and finding out there's more than meets the eye. Job hunting is a job in itself. Coming back to the office after a few days/weeks of vacation can be a struggle.

You ever notice how everything is always urgent? Is it really? Most likely not. That and how workplace cliques still exist.

A few updates about me and my job search. Also, the perils of getting older.

Have you ever been to the point where you're on the fence about your job and then they promote someone you thought would probably not get promoted ever? How about a rematch of the 2020 Election? This and the positive things I've been doing for myself lately.

Have you ever had a perception about a coworker and you come to find out that you were wrong? That happened to me recently, very humbling. I talk about this and a few updates in this episode.

Morning commuters: your lane is stopped and once you merge to the next lane to pass the gridlock you come to find out it's someone trying to get into the Starbucks parking lot - frustrating. My side rant about large pick up truck drivers and updates.

I have 3 interesting stories that have happened to me from the last episode I recorded. Also, some updates I would like to share with you.

Being a dumpling fiend, I am partaking in the dumpling week here in Portland. Find out my frustration with it and why I am hating Spotify podcasting more now.

Ever seen when people get too chatty with the waitstaff? How about when a random person gets chatty with you?

This is good episode, I think. I go over my thoughts about my work kitchen and how it gets cleaned up (hint: it doesn't). Also, my first (and probably last) time watching someone live on TikTok.

Do you have a crazy, nosy, and/or vindictive coworker? If so, make sure you comment and let me know your story. This and how is sucks getting older.

Today I talk about a gripe that I'm trying not to live - checking out at work. With my decision to move being firm, I'm trying not to fall into this category. Also, I update you on a milestone I just achieved.

Special episode - update on LA/LV move (verdict in). Also, winter weather woes and when a company gets too big.

Happy New Year to you all. For those who remember - LA or LV? I found out where I'm moving to and other updates.

This episode was a long time coming. This topic could go on and on but I decided to talk about a few recent incidents that happened to me.

These people who like to have 'pow-wows' in the middle of a walkway. You've seen them or are one that just likes to take up space where people are walking, why? Also, why are bicyclists so entitled?

Updates regarding my time in Portland and pet owner gripes.

The long-awaited episode. Where I read what some of the gripes you submitted to me and give you my thoughts on it.

Don't you hate when people cut in line, especially when no one notices or even calls them out on it? What about people who leave their carts in the middle of the aisle at a store? This and why Las Vegas is of importance to me.

Just a few updates about me and my situation. Also, drivers who are in the passing lane and don't move.

There's an old saying to 'keep your friends close but not too close,' which I wholeheartedly agree. But would you give a stranger your whole story knowing that they'll never see you again? I did, find out what happened.