Reason Bound

Award winning British journalist and court reporter, Charles Thomson, returns to the Reason Bound podcast to talk with Ryan for the anniversary of the Michael Jackson trial verdict. Charles has written articles on the enigmatic superstar for news outlets such as Huffington Post and has been quoted in books about the iconic performer's life. For the first time ever, from start to finish, Charles talks with Ryan about the most controversial aspect of the pop icon's life in a three hour show beginning with the allegations from 1993 and going through the end of his 2005 trial. This is a podcast about recognizing good and bad arguments as well as a discussion between Ryan and Charles about the Jackson trial being the first time both realized how recklessly dishonest and lazy the media could be in reporting on certain events.

Addendeum to episode #9

Stephanie Drury who runs the popular Facebook page "Stuff Christian Culture Likes" talks with Ryan in this episode about "Christian Culture". Topics include the love affair with so-called "Daddy-Daughter Dates" as well as MANLY evangelical leaders such as Marc Driscoll and Eric Dykstra and the messages they deliver to their congregants. Most importantly, they talk about what it felt like to question everything they thought they knew about their once held theology and where they ended up as a result.

Award winning British journalist and court reporter, Charles Thomson, talks with Ryan about how crucial it is to preserve the presumption of innocence in a just society. In this episode they address bizarre musings from Dr. Jackson Katz, such as asserting there is in fact a victim upon the accuser's claim before a crime has been proved to have occurred. They also discuss the controversy surrounding the film The Birth of a Nation and director Nate Parker's alleged rape allegations as well as the fallout from the Ched Evans acquittal of similar charges and how that's shaping policy in Britain.

For many Americans, European society is seen as the model that American society should aspire to. In this episode, Ryan speaks with Mari Buljo who is a Norwegian citizen, college student, model, and speaker of 7 different languages whom he met during his studies in Japan. Ryan and Mari discuss Norway, currently ranked as the world's happiest country, and the contrast with Nordic values in education, religion, and social welfare (among others), compared with those in the states.

During his studies in Tokyo, Ryan met Manny Militello, a man with a great mind for international relations, who is currently working in consulting related to The Middle East and North Africa. In this episode, some of the main issues Ryan and Manny discuss include Obama’s legacy in the Middle East, the Syrian Civil War, ISIS, the utility of certain narratives on terrorism, and refugee assimilation in the west.

Ryan has on Holly Wilt to discuss Trump's directive to rescind protections for transgendered students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. They also discuss non discrimination in being able to purchase goods and services. Finally, they end with the latest in the sad story of a professional provocateur who should've watched and took a lesson from Bambi. It's a great show with a great partner! 

Cody Linklater talks with Ryan about his dream of moving to a land far, far away and how the perspective of living abroad has shaped his view of America. They also discuss the importance of people uniting under one language and the current political climate back in the states.

Kai McFarlane talks to Ryan about growing up as a Jehovah's Witness as well as his current belief in what he refers to as "The Spirit". Ryan asks if it's reasonable to believe the claims of self-proclaimed psychics and mediums.

The first episode of the Reason Bound Podcast! Live from Tokyo and Oregon, Ryan and Holly talk about a survey of issues that include extremism, entertainment, and the importance of trying for friendship instead of attempting to find fault in others.