Steve Patterson joins me for the greatly anticipated Dog Whisperer show. We discuss the TV program The Dog Whisper, and very quickly the conversation turns toward comparing the techniques Cesar Millan uses to train dogs to the tactics parents use to control their children. Are there parenting lessons to be learned from Cesar? What is human nature? Is it hierarchical as is the nature of canines? And just what exactly does Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter have to do with all of this? You’ll have to ...
Dec 31, 2013•1 hr 1 min
Miro and Lainie from the Raising Miro on the Road of Life travel blog and podcast join me for a wonderful conversation. Lainie and her son tell me all about their life on the road in South America, living outside of the main stream, unschooling, or “world schooling” as they call it, using travel as a tool for education for both son and mother. In addition to education, much time is spent discussing the partnership that is required for successful, fulfilling parenting. Plus we find out which HP L...
Dec 17, 2013•53 min
Carson and Jeff from Bardcast, the Shakespeare podcast, join me to discuss the life and works of William Shakespeare. This is a fun conversation where we discuss why we love Shakespeare, and attempt to answer questions like “Is Shakespeare still relevant today?” and “Was Shakespeare a racist?” In addition, we spend some time talking about the glorious rock star life style us podcasters get to enjoy, and close it out with a short list of Carson’s favorite Shakespeare themed films and plays. Find ...
Dec 08, 2013•53 min
So bitcoin is a can’t miss investment that is guaranteed to go up, right? Steve Patterson joins me to discuss some of the reasons why that might not be the case. Is bitcoin too volatile to be a useful currency? Is bitcoin the AOL of cryptocurrencies? How do you perform a valuation of bitcoin as you would other investments? This fun conversation goes in many directions, covering topics like the Silk Road website, the NSA, pornography, gambling, privacy, competing currencies, and more. Find out mo...
Nov 25, 2013•56 min
In this conversation Darrell Becker and Wes Bertrand joined me to tackle the topics of judgment and responsibility. I found that these two things, judgment and responsibility (or denial of responsibility as is often the case) often go together. We discuss how these topics handled using Non-violent communication (NVC), and go over many examples, including events in the news, sexism, the Free Domaain Radio podcast, and more! Find more from Darrell here: http://voluntaryvisions.blogspot.com/ http:/...
Nov 19, 2013•1 hr 6 min
The conversation continues with Erik Townsend, as he tells us about his epic journey around the world. Many topics are explored, including the following: How do the considerations differ when evaluating a place for snow birding verses a primary residence? Hawaii is a hell hole? Why not the Carribean? But isn’t Europe fiscally insolvent? What was it like living out of a suit case perpetually? What about our good friends in the TSA? What are some good survival tips for this type of traveling? What...
Nov 08, 2013•46 min
Erik Townsend is back, but this time to cover a different topic: world travel! Erik had spent his entire life living in the United States, and thought it was time to evaluate what the rest of the world had to offer. Erik tells us about his epic trip around the world, evaluating alternative residences. Learn about the differences between traveling to a location for recreation and actually living there. Why is it that recognizing that a place is up and coming is not the same thing as determining i...
Oct 28, 2013•59 min
Jae Jun from the Old School Value blog joins me to talk about value investing. We discuss what is value investing, as well as the importance of having a systematic approach. Jae tells us about some of the specifics to his investment strategy, including tactics to help prevent letting your emotions sabotage your ability to successfully manage your money. You’ll find Jae’s blog, along with the great utilities and resources mentioned during the podcast, right here: http://www.oldschoolvalue.com/ Bu...
Oct 15, 2013•52 min
Erik Townsend returns to the show to discuss what he sees as a slow motion Armageddon. Yes, there are deep problems in the global financial system, but they’re not going to manifest overnight. It will play out over many years, as the United States uses financial repression to attempt to get out from under its debt load. What can you do to protect yourself? Many other topics are explored in this enlightening interview: Syria, hypocrisy from Obama, gold and the likelihood of confiscation, the NSA ...
Sep 23, 2013•51 min
By popular demand Andrew Horowitz is back! We discuss the Fed’s decision not to taper and how fundamentals are out the window right now if you’re trying to invest in these markets. Andrew talks about how technicals are the only thing working in this environment, and then provides some details of his technical based product Trigger Point Research. Trigger Point Research provides subscribers with detailed, actionable trades, where to get in, where to get out, sent directly to their phones the mome...
Sep 19, 2013•26 min
Acclaimed author Warren Farrell joins me to discuss couples communication. We talk about how the human species evolved a certain reaction to criticism which was useful during more primitive times, but is no longer serving us in modern times as we try to have fulfilling marriages. The focus is primarily on communication with a life partner, but we dip into parenting, education, and communication with friends, co-workers, or anyone! http://www.warrenfarrell.com/ Meet Warren in person! Scroll to th...
Sep 12, 2013•56 min
Darrell Becker from Tragedy and Hope joined Steve Patterson and me to discuss merging the Trivium with Non-Violent Communication. This was a fun and fascinating journey into melding two seemingly very different things, a strategy for learning and a strategy for connecting with yourself and others, and finding that the sum of the parts creates something greater. Darrell is the first person I’ve interviewed where he was the one to initiate contact. He’s been a long time listener, and it was a new ...
Aug 30, 2013•1 hr 23 min
Wes Bertrand from the Complete Liberty Podcast joins me to talk about my personal experience with the Virgin Diet, as well as a general look at N=1 experiments. We spend a good bit of time discussing what makes for good science: removing bias, controlling variables, and so on, while mixing in my own anecdotal findings while trying JJ Virgin's elimination diet. Choice Conversations is now on Facebook. Stop in, say hi, discuss the shows, and more! If you like what you hear from me, "like" me on fa...
Aug 21, 2013•1 hr 16 min
Steve Patterson joined me for a free-flowing discussion, a “BS session” if you will. A potpourri of subjects was covered, including the following: Edward Snowden Bradley Manning traitors vs heroes The American Revolution 9/11 critical thinking skills questioning authority (but I repeat myself) the economy What would you do if you were chairman of the FED? inflation competing currencies being bearish during a bull market the challenges of running a podcast being star struck setting major life goa...
Aug 14, 2013•1 hr 14 min
I was privileged to have the chance to speak with legendary investor Jim Rogers. Jim is one of my favorite authors, as his books are not only full of great investing advice, but they also hold a wealth of lessons that are useful in all facets of life. We spent much of the time talking about his latest book, Street Smarts: Adventures on the Road and in the Markets, which details his journey to this point in his life. It is quite possibly his best book yet! Jim is a hero of mine, having already ac...
Aug 13, 2013•24 min
Andrew Craig, author of Own the World, is back for another great discussion. Andy starts by sharing his journey from working on “The Hill” in DC, to working as a broker in the banking industry, to starting his own business, and recently returning to investment banking. We learn how he developed his strategies for investing and get a small peak “under the hood” at some of the details of these strategies. Check out Andy’s blog: http://www.plainenglishfinance.com/ Bumper music: https://www.youtube....
Aug 06, 2013•1 hr 14 min
Today, I’m joined by neurosurgeon Jack Kruse. Dr. Kruse used foundational laws of science to develop protocols to maximize hormones in the body and optimize health. This is done by timing when to eat, getting in tune with natural circadian rhythms, using cold thermogenesis, and most importantly utilizing labs. Dr. Kruse tells out about the success he’s had, doing such amazing things as adding muscle mass without weight lifting and losing weight while eating more and exercising less! I considered...
Jul 16, 2013•46 min
Gene Odening comes back to continue the discussion of the trivium, this time focusing on rhetoric. Gene takes us on a walk through many topics: history, philosophy, psychology, politics, education, Non-violent Communication, and tying all of it back to the trivium. The show ends with Gene detailing ways you can increase your skill with rhetoric. Trivium Resources: http://www.triviumeducation.com/ http://www.gnosticmedia.com/triviumstudy http://triviumbinder.blogspot.com/ http://www.unpluggedmom....
Jul 08, 2013•1 hr 14 min
Liz Wolfe joins me to discuss healthy skin and hair. She provides us with practical, natural solutions that you can make at home for shaving, hair care, and more! There is much more where this came from at her sites below. Check them out! Liz’s sites: http://cavegirleats.com/ http://skinterventionguide.com/ http://balancedbites.com/podcast As discussed during the show: http://purelyprimalskincare.com/easy-homemade-toner-for-sensitive-skin/ http://www.amazon.com/The-Vitamin-Solution-Strategy-Prob...
Jul 04, 2013•54 min
Steve Crandall joins me to discuss Leader Effectiveness Training, as developed by Thomas Gordon. LET is a method of communication and conflict resolution that enables anyone who has been placed in a leadership position to get better results and to do it in a manner that is pleasant for both the leader and their followers. It is based on the same principals as Gordon’s Parent Effectiveness Training, which of course has been mentioned numerous times on the show. To find out more from Steve go to h...
Jun 28, 20130
Stefan Molyneux is back, and this time we discuss his fantastic novel The God of Atheists. I had a ton of fun talking about this book with Stefan, and if you’ve not yet read it, don’t worry, this episode does not contain any spoilers. And if you’ve not yet read The God of Atheists, I have to ask why not? This novel is truly a masterwork, the most important work of fiction since The Fountain Head. You’ve got to read this book! The paperback version can be found here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/stef...
Jun 12, 2013•41 min
Steve Patterson co-hosts with me as we talk to Alfie Kohn, the best-selling author of many books on parenting and education. We spend a large portion of the show discussing how using punishments and rewards, carrots and sticks, teaches children that they are only loved under certain conditions, they are only valuable when they do good. There are many ramifications of this approach, none of which are desirable. We also discuss some of the flaws of the public education system, how it crushes the n...
Jun 11, 2013•29 min
In this show I speak with Seth Andrews, author of Deconverted: a Journey from Religion to Reason, and founder of the website and podcast The Thinking Atheist. We talk about Seth’s journey from being a Christian radio DJ to being a public advocate for truth, what proof is required to believe in a deity, free markets, and more! Please visit Seth’s wonderful site and buy his book: http://www.thethinkingatheist.com/ Bumper music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xA84aIAWEk...
Jun 04, 2013•53 min
Andrew Horowitz joins me to discuss investing in the financial markets. He talks about his journey working in the industry the last 20 plus years and how much things have changed. We discuss the economy, and learn what do you do when the economy and the market send you different signals. Find more from Andrew here: http://www.thedisciplinedinvestor.com Bumper music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAdQzCq53XE...
May 17, 2013•22 min
With Mother’s Day looming, there is no better time to have on one of my favorite mothers, Adele Faber. In this show, we both share stories about our experience as parents. Adele talks about the new edition of her best seller How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids will Talk and provides us with scores of sage advice. You can find Adele here: http://www.fabermazlish.com/ And her books here: http://www.fabermazlish.com/publications.php Bumper music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHj...
May 10, 2013•59 min
Sean Croxton teaches us about JERF, Just Eat Real Foods. We learn exactly what real food is, how our friends sabotage us when we’re trying to lose weight, why it’s important to have good reasons to get healthy, the importance of sleep, and how Sean gained a fear of planes! You can find Sean below: http://undergroundwellness.com/ https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/btr-underground-wellness-show/id296766401 http://www.youtube.com/undergroundwellness https://twitter.com/ugwellness https://www.faceb...
Apr 30, 2013•33 min
I welcome back Pete Gerlach to discuss psychology and self-help. We cover his great article “Five Epidemic Personal, Marital, and Family Hazards”: http://sfhelp.org/hazards.htm Here is the link to his free 7 lesson self-improvement course mentioned during the show: http://sfhelp.org/pop/course.htm Pete’s youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/gercacn/videos?view=1&flow=grid Pete provides phone consultations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xznYTHZGjps&feature=player_embedded Or find...
Apr 26, 2013•58 min
Two Beers with Steve has now become the Choice Conversations podcast. In this show we learn about the host’s journey; how he unplugged from the matrix. Below are links to several items mentioned during the show. Peter Gerlach’s “Break the Cycle” website: http://sfhelp.org/pop/course.htm Wes Bertrand and Complete Liberty: http://completeliberty.com/ The Market for Liberty free audio book: http://podiobooks.com/title/the-market-for-liberty/ True News 13: Statism is Dead - Part 3 - The Matrix: http...
Apr 16, 2013•46 min
Our guest this week is Andy Craig, CEO & Founder of Plain English Finance. We talk about his book “Own the World,” which is about the importance of learning to invest; why everyone can and should manage their own money. Learn more about Andy at his blog: http://plainenglishfinance.com/ Here are links to the free newsletters Andy mentions during the show: http://www.stansberryresearch.com/products#podcasts http://agorafinancial.com/...
Apr 07, 2013•38 min
This show is a short conversation Steve and I had while waiting to interview Andy Craig. We talked about parenting, specifically Alfie Kohn’s great book Unconditional Parenting. Since the topic of this opening discussion was dramatically different then the topic of our interview of Andy Craig (which was finance/investing), I decided to break the discussion up into two separate podcasts. Here is a link to Wes Bertrand’s reading of the book Unconditional Parenting, as discussed during the show: ht...
Apr 03, 2013•19 min
