The Gut Reaction

The Gut Reaction

The Gut Reaction is a fun, casual podcast primarily covering politics, philosophy, the arts, and science. Specializing in finding the hidden connections between topics and ideas, surprising facts, and interesting takes. Coming to you from the West Coast and the Midwest, the hosts are lifelong friends. Follow along as they sit down each week to chat about a new subject or current events.

Episodes

January 4, 2025 53 mins

In this episode, Joe and Triple M explore a new conversational format for their podcast, reflecting on recent tragic events and their implications. They delve into the nature of terrorism, the complexities of defining it, and the legal ramifications surrounding charges. The discussion also touches on the exploitation of prison labor and the economic systems that perpetuate inequality, drawing parallels to historical forms of servit...

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In this conversation, Joe and Triple M explore the dynamics between the left and right in American politics, focusing on the perceived power of progressive ideals versus conservative values. They discuss various topics, including healthcare and gun control, examining how these issues are framed within the political landscape and the implications for society. The conversation highlights the complexities of ideology, the influence of...

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In this conversation, Joe Gut and his guests discuss their favorite holiday movies, 'Christmas Vacation' and 'Scrooged'. They explore themes of corporate greed, class struggles, and the importance of family and relationships during the holiday season. The discussion delves into character motivations, the impact of societal expectations, and the lessons learned from both films, emphasizing the need for understanding and balance in p...

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In this conversation, Joe and Triple M delve into the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), discussing its mission, key figures, and the potential implications of its policies on the upcoming Trump administration. They explore the controversies surrounding leadership picks, particularly Pam Bondi, and analyze the AFPI's policy pillars, with a focus on education and its implications for trans rights and voting. The discussion highl...

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November 30, 2024 56 mins

In this conversation, Joe and Triple M delve into the complex nature of reality, exploring various philosophical perspectives from Plato, Aristotle, and Taoism. They discuss the implications of change and harmony in understanding reality, the limitations of human perception, and the fascinating realm of quantum reality. The dialogue also touches on the concept of reality tunnels, emphasizing how individual perspectives shape our un...

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In this conversation, Joe and his co-host delve into the intricate web of Trump's top donors, exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and the potential implications of their contributions on policy and governance. They discuss notable figures such as Timothy Mellon, Elon Musk, Miriam Adelson, and Diane Hendricks, analyzing how their financial support may influence Trump's cabinet picks and broader political landscape. The convers...

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In this bonus episode, Joe and Triple M discuss various solutions to pressing societal issues, focusing on food access, nutrition, credit access, and the role of government in economic solutions. They explore innovative ideas such as subsidizing fresh produce for low-income communities, reducing food waste, reimagining credit access for the underserved, and addressing housing affordability and price gouging. The conversation emphas...

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In this conversation, Joe and Triple M delve into the themes of plutocracy and late stage capitalism, exploring how these concepts manifest in society. They discuss the implications of commodification, the role of AI and technology, environmental concerns, and the impact of social media on self-image. The conversation highlights the cycles of health and food quality, corporate influence, and the convenience economy, ultimately ques...

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November 9, 2024 60 mins

In this post-election episode, Joe and Triple M reflect on the surprising outcomes of the recent election, discussing voter turnout, the impact of incumbency, and the role of media and billionaires in shaping political narratives. They explore the dynamics of consumer sentiment and racial perceptions in politics, emphasizing the challenges of misinformation and the complexities of voter behavior. In this conversation, the speakers ...

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In this conversation, Joe and Triple M delve into the upcoming election, analyzing polling trends, voter sentiment, and the implications of the electoral college. They discuss the shifting dynamics between candidates, particularly focusing on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and explore the potential impact of early voting. The conversation also touches on the hidden costs of Trump's presidency and the need for reform in the elector...

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October 26, 2024 53 mins

Summary

In this episode, Joe and Triple M discuss various topics, starting with the impact of climate change on sports teams, particularly the Arizona Diamondbacks. They explore how climate change is forcing teams to rethink stadium designs and fan experiences. The conversation then shifts to the contentious issue of stadium funding, questioning whether taxpayers should bear the costs for wealthy sports franchises. They compare the...

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October 19, 2024 53 mins
In this conversation, Joe and the Main Man from the Midwest delve into the intricate relationship between brain function, free will, and decision-making. They explore insights from experts like Robert Sapolsky and Max Bennett, discussing how stress, trauma, and cultural influences shape our choices. The dialogue emphasizes the interplay of nature and nurture, the evolution of intelligence, and the complexities of exercising free wi...
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    October 15, 2024 22 mins
    In this episode, Joe and the Main Man from the Midwest delve deeper into the themes of Fight Club, particularly focusing on the political and religious aspects. They explore the characters' motivations, the underlying philosophies of nihilism, socialism, and communism, and how these ideas manifest in the actions of Project Mayhem. Additionally, they draw parallels between the suffering depicted in Fight Club and religious experienc...
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    October 12, 2024 55 mins
    In this conversation, Joe and the Main Man from the Midwest delve into the themes of the film Fight Club, exploring its generational significance, the philosophical underpinnings of nihilism, and the search for identity and belonging. They discuss the impact of pain and suffering on personal connections, the quest for meaning in a consumer-driven society, and the complexities of male identity in the modern world. The dialogue also ...
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    In this episode, Joe and the Main Man from the Midwest discuss a variety of topics, starting with a review of the recent presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance. They analyze the candidates' performances, focusing on their delivery, substance, and the role of truth in political discourse. The conversation then shifts to the awareness of death in animals and the complexities of defining consciousness. They explore the impl...
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    September 28, 2024 41 mins

    In this conversation, Joe and the Main from the Midwest explore various aspects of American society that they perceive as backwards. They discuss the healthcare system, emphasizing its focus on treatment rather than prevention, and compare it to models in other cultures. The conversation shifts to the food system, taxation, and the influence of money in politics, highlighting how these factors contribute to economic inequality and ...

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    September 21, 2024 67 mins

    What is identity? From the ship of Theseus to gender, internal vs. external identity, there are so many facets of identity to discuss. We break it all down with examples from history and our own personal philosophies.

    What's more important, how you perceive yourself or how other people perceive you, and what is your real identity? What happens when your personality completely changes after a traumatic brain injury? How does the leg...

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    September 21, 2024 36 mins

    Welcome to the Gut Reaction, a new podcast discussing politics, philosophy, the arts, and science. Today we give a background on the hosts and introduce the show, then we get into some political topics like unions and money in politics. Join us for a fun and casual discussion. 

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