THE 85/15 PODCAST

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

THE 85/15 PODCAST is a society podcast hosted by Carl Duckett and Randy Blair, with 27 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Carl Duckett and Randy Blair hosts THE 85/15 PODCAST, a society show with 27 episodes published.

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  Episode #28

  A.I. - Just the latest computing upgrade or a modern day apocalypse?

  Sep 30, 20261h 21mS1

  A.I. has become the poster child for hyperbole for the speak first and ignore the facts forever world in which we live. Like President - like Country, I suppose. Seldom has something so misunderstood been so disconcerting to so many. Join us as we discuss this new toy in the sandbox of the digital playground which many politicians are seeing as justification for more regulation and which many conservative Christians are seeing as John the Revelator's Apocalypse. We address such questions as: 1. What is A.I.? 2. Can an A.I. model become truly autonomous? 3. Can A.I. destroy the world? 4. Should A.I. be regulated? 5. How can it be policed? 6. What should the penalties be for unregulated development of A.I. models? 7. Should society be free to develop A.I. without restraints, relying on market dynamics to create restraints organically? We explore the evolution and implications of artificial intelligence (AI), discussing its rapid advancements, societal perceptions, and the underlying technology of neural networks. The hosts reflect on their personal experiences with AI, contrasting it with historical fears surrounding technological advancements, and emphasize the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations. The conversation delves into the complexities of AI, particularly focusing on neural networks and the implications of AI's capabilities, including a recent incident involving Hugging Face and OpenAI. The discussion highlights the perceived need for regulation in AI development while questioning the motives of tech leaders and politicians advocating for such measures. The conversation delves into the complexities of artificial intelligence, discussing the motivations behind its development, the implications of regulation, and the potential for stifling innovation in the name of supposed danger. The speakers express skepticism about the altruism of tech leaders and emphasize the need for open access to AI technology while considering the risks of its integration into critical systems. Takeaways AI's rapid evolution Understanding neural networks AI's complexity requires understanding Regulation may serve tech leaders' interests Skepticism about tech leaders' motives Need for open access to AI Chapters 00:00 The Rise of AI: A New Era 11:09 Understanding Neural Networks 22:04 AI's Capabilities and Limitations 29:13 The Future of AI and Society 29:49 Understanding Neural Networks 33:12 Grounded Theory and AI Research 40:33 The Hugging Face Incident 54:27 Implications of AI Regulation 01:03:50 The Evolution of AI Terminology 01:04:20 Skepticism Towards AI Development 01:05:46 The Role of Regulation in AI 01:07:32 Zuckerberg's Vision for AI 01:10:26 The Balance of Power in AI Development 01:18:29 The Dangers of Regulation 01:25:03 The Future of AI and Humanity

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  THE 85/15 PODCAST

  TikTok - Innocuous social media platform or ticking time bomb for our children?

  Sep 23, 202657 min

  Recent studies by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the U.S. Surgeon General's Office indicate that the extensive use of social media by adolescents (currently used by by 95% of those age 13-17, with increasing numbers of children age 9-12) is causing a significant increase in mental health issues being reported by parents, educators, and health professionals across the U.S. This includes heightened anxiety, depression, feelings of deep loneliness, "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO) on unrealistic idealized lifestyles, and an erosion of real-world social skills. Join us as we discuss the issue of social media's influence on our children. As parents of daughters who are actively involved in social media, we discuss what, if anything, can be done to protect our children from the negative impacts of social media use. Is regulation the answer? Are there guardrails that can be put in place through technology? Do our educational institutions need to play a role? What are our responsibilities as parents? We take a deep dive into the benefits and dangers of social media when it comes to our children. Our conversation delves into the impact of social media on adolescents, highlighting issues such as online bullying, FOMO, and the rise of negative self-perception. It also explores the challenges faced by parents in navigating the digital world and the potential dangers associated with social media. The discussion covers a wide range of topics related to social media, parenting, and the impact of technology on society. We address the positive and negative aspects of social media, the challenges of parenting in the digital age, and the role of AI in shaping the future. Takeaways Online bullying and FOMO have a significant impact on adolescents. The consequences of making wrong turns in the digital world are higher, putting more pressure on parenting. Social media has both positive and negative effects on individuals, especially teenagers. Parenting in the digital age requires active participation, discipline, and setting boundaries for children's use of technology. Chapters 00:00 Consequences and Challenges of Parenting in the Digital Age 34:28 The Impact of Social Media on Connection and Learning 36:23 Creativity, Business, and Influencer Culture 37:22 Harmful Content and Addiction on Social Media 39:15 Parenting Strategies for Managing Social Media Use 48:29 The Role of Parenting in Child Development and Decision Making 59:33 Introduction to AI and Its Implications for Society

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  THE 85/15 PODCAST

  An interview with 1819 CEO Bryan Dawson

  Sep 16, 20261h 55m

  Conventional news organizations continue to lose the public trust, resulting in a diminishing influence on politics, public perception, and social change. Where did the 4th Estate take a wrong turn? What mistakes did it make along the way? Digital entertainment platforms and independent content creators have rendered old guard television networks virtually insignificant. Is it possible that the emergence of digital news organizations, media outlets, and podcasters (the new 5th Estate) have done the same thing to traditional news organizations, making them equally inconsequential? Join us as we discuss the purpose, power, and increasing prominence of digital media with Bryan Dawson, CEO of highly influential Alabama news media organization 1819 News. Dawson's is an inspiring story of overcoming personal and professional headwinds. He has a unique perspective on the ascendancy of digital media outlets as pubic information platforms that shape public opinion and hold government leadership accountable. Our conversation covers the journey of Bryan Dawson, from his life before prison to his transformation and faith-based experience during his incarceration. It delves into the themes of personal responsibility and the impact of faith on that transformation. Dawson describes his journey of faith, highlighting his encounter with God in prison, the dream and revelation that led to his spiritual awakening, finding love and redemption, and his transition from prison to professional success. The story emphasizes the power of prayer and divine intervention in shaping Bryan's life and guiding him towards a new path of purpose and fulfillment. This led to the founding of a nonprofit news organization with a conservative Christian focus. The discussion covers the influence of media and education on our nation, the challenges faced by the media and education sectors in fulfilling their obligations to society as a whole, and the surprisingly strong impact of Gen Z on current societal perceptions and values. There is a discussion of the importance of the media ensuring accountability and responsibility in government, highlighting the pursuit of truth as a core value and primary responsibility of the media. It explores the power and crucible of journalism, the impact of woke culture on present day society, the mission of 1819 News in combating that culture, and their focused path moving forward. Takeaways Personal responsibility Faith and transformation Transformation through faith The power of prayer and divine intervention Nonprofit news organization Conservative Christian media Influence of media and education Challenges in media and education Impact of Gen Z Pursuit of Truth Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:00 Life Before Prison 03:10 Facing the Consequences 03:54 Epiphany and Responsibility 04:30 Prison Experience and Transformation 34:58 Encountering God in Prison 37:21 The Dream and the Revelation 38:15 Finding Love and Redemption 53:01 From Prison to Professional Success 01:08:28 Founding a Nonprofit News Organization 01:09:22 The Influence of Media and Education 01:10:50 Challenges in Media and Education 01:40:28 Impact of Gen Z 01:41:33 Accountability and Responsibility 01:42:10 The Power of Journalism 01:42:54 The Impact of Woke Culture 01:44:03 The Crucible of Journalism 01:45:26 The Mission of 1819 News 02:02:55 The Future of 1819 News

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  Episode #25

  Land of Opportunity and Land of the Free. Promises or Platitudes?-Part 2

  Sep 10, 20261h 22mS1

  The conversation covers a range of topics, including the comparison of the United States as the land of opportunity and the land of the free, historical context of civil rights and political awareness, government infringement on individual freedoms, fear-driven government actions, and the use of flock cameras and mass surveillance. The discussion delves into personal experiences, historical events, and the impact of fear on government actions and public response. It highlights the pattern of expanded government power in times of crisis and the use of fear to justify expanded government power. The conversation delves into the debate surrounding Flock cameras and the impact of technology on privacy, discussing the weaponization of data, the erosion of individual liberties, and the challenges in unwinding technology's impact. The conversation covers topics related to data usage and access, AI and social media, the Human Freedom Index, and the role of media in relation to freedom. It delves into legal access to data, the impact of AI, rankings and trends in the Human Freedom Index, and the influence of both liberal and conservative media. Takeaways Fear drives government actions and public response Historical context shapes perspectives on freedom and opportunity Debate on the impact of Flock cameras and surveillance in public spaces Challenges in unwinding the impact of technology on privacy and freedom Data can be a powerful tool when used properly The role of media in shaping perceptions of freedom is significant Chapters 01:20 Land of Opportunity vs. Land of Freedom 03:10 Historical Context of Civil Rights and Political Awareness 08:26 Government Infringement on Individual Freedoms 13:31 Fear-Driven Government Actions 21:30 Flock Cameras and Mass Surveillance 34:26 Public and Political Response to Flock Cameras 34:56 The Debate on Flock Cameras 38:19 Weaponization of Data 43:13 Impact of Technology on Privacy 47:44 Unwinding the Impact of Technology 01:03:18 Parental Concerns and Social Media 01:07:18 Data Usage and Access 01:10:19 AI and Social Media 01:11:08 Human Freedom Index 01:16:02 Media and Freedom

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  Episode #24

  Land of Opportunity and Land of the Free. Promises or Platitudes? - Part 1

  Sep 3, 20261h 18mS1

  The conversation covers concerns about opportunities for the younger generation, the state of opportunity in America, education and its impact on opportunity, taxation and its influence on opportunity, and entrepreneurship and business opportunities. The discussion delves into the challenges and prospects of each of these themes, providing valuable insights and perspectives. The conversation considers the concept of the American Dream, exploring the themes of opportunity, mobility, wealth disparity, and contentment. It also addresses the impact of wealth separation on economic growth and the evolving definition of the American Dream. It considers a redefinition of opportunity and success in the digital age, the role of influencers, and the creation of new markets and industries, and their impact on opportunity. It emphasizes the need to rethink how we define opportunity, success, and the American dream, as well as the concern about the trajectory of freedom and opportunity in the United States. Takeaways College football week and its impact on sports enthusiasts. The correlation between education and opportunity in America. The American Dream is still alive, but its definition and attainability vary based on age, income, and societal influences. Wealth separation and economic growth are interconnected, and the perception of wealth disparity affects the pursuit of the American Dream. Redefine opportunity and success Recognize the impact of influencers Value entertainment and fun Create new markets and industries Address the erosion of freedom and opportunity Chapters 01:35 Concerns About Opportunity 02:58 The State of Opportunity in America 07:52 Education and Opportunity 22:35 Taxation and Opportunity 34:24 Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities 36:22 The American Dream: Opportunity and Mobility 41:39 Defining the American Dream 43:58 Wealth Disparity and the American Dream 56:22 Wealth Separation and Economic Growth 59:28 The American Dream and Contentment 01:07:05 Redefining Opportunity and Success 01:08:28 The Digital World and Opportunity 01:09:22 The American Dream and Success 01:10:12 The Impact of Influencers 01:14:11 Creating New Markets and Opportunities 01:20:35 The Erosion of Freedom and Opportunity

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