The Troubadour Podcast

Send us a textEric Harris, one of the Columbine killers, was a young man who had his house in order. He was good with the ladies. He had several close friends, including Dylan Klebold (fellow Columbine Killer). He recently received a promotion. Though he had recently been punished for breaking into a van with his compatriot Dylan, Eric had graduated from the "diversion program," as one of the more distinguished young men. The judge who saw him believed him to be a fine young man with a good father. He was good with computers, smart, good-looking and charming.  Had we a time machine to take to Eric Harris the book "12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos" by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, Eric would have merely become a more efficient killer. Had Eric taken to heart the blase advice by Peterson to put his house in perfect order before criticizing the world, Eric would merely have become a more efficient murderer. He would have arranged the chairs more properly on his sinking Titanic. In this podcast episode I dive deep into what connects Eric and Dylan to Islamic radicals, to Nazis, to Communists, and to any individual or group who has created a subjectivist irrational worldview and acted it out to it's fullest conclusion. In previous podcasts on rules 1-5 I have mostly praised Dr. Jordan Peterson. In this podcast I had no choice but to destroy his ideology. He is dead wrong about these ideologically motivated killers. Peterson also commits the gravest of crimes (though I am hoping he has been merely duped by his Christianity). But, he has committed the crime of intellectual dishonesty. There is no other conclusion that can be drawn when he compares the suffering of Eric and Dylan to that of the brutal murdering Carl Panzram.  Dylan and Eric were upper middle class, very loved and very lucky young men. Carl Panzram was raped and brutalized as a child in a correctional facility. To even pretend that these were the same, and that their "suffering" is what led them to seek vengeance is absurd and dishonest. Something else motivated Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold and Eliot Rodgers and Adam Lanza and Cho Seung-Hui to attempt to annihilate the universe, by pointing guns at school students. This is what we will explore in today's podcast on Rule #6: Set Your House in Perfect Order before You Criticize the World

Send us a textWhether or not you are a parent, ask yourself this question. If you had to choose for your child which would you prefer: Outward success or inner happiness? In Jordan Peterson's rule 5 "Do Not Let Your Children Do Anything That Makes You Dislike Them," Peterson gives his answer clear as day. At least it is an answer. In this discussion of Peterson's book "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote To Chaos," I bring up the stories of Sleeping Beauty versus Petronilla, William Blake's poem "The Little Vagabond," Edward Dyer's "My Mind to Me A Kingdom Is," and a fair bit of Socratic inquiry. Peterson offers many interesting insights. The more I dig into his self-help philosophy the more I see the glaring face of a very peculiar American Philosopher, and the more I fall down holes that cannot be rectified. Well, at least not by Peterson.

Delve into the complexities of interpreting Thomas Chatterton's 'The Three Minstrels', explore the evolution of words in poetry, unravel the poetic threads of the poem, and examine symbolism and desire in poetry. The podcast highlights linguistic nuances, historical origins of language rules, and the emotive connection between joy and careful consideration in nature's transitions.

Send us a textToday I'll be reading and discussing William Cowper's last poem "The Castaway." The poem is about a real life incident of a man who fell overboard, but in the hands of a great poet this accident of life becomes a powerful and tragic universal metaphor. Do you see the secret message in the poem? Follow along and let's find it.

The podcast delves into the beauty and emotional depth of English romantic poetry, showcasing how poems like 'To The Nightingale' by William Cowper can uplift spirits and provide solace. It emphasizes the accessibility of poetry to all, urging listeners to explore the layers of meaning and symbolism within verses. Themes of nature's beauty, sadness, hope, and personal transformation are discussed, along with the tragic tale of betrayal and revenge in the story of Philomela.

Send us a textHow to build an indomitable character (according to Napoleon Hill). Today I read and discuss the poem "Invictus" by Henley

Send us a textToday I'll be reading the poem "Success" by Ralph Waldo Emerson and talking about the importance of defining success for yourself.

Explore how poetry and literature can influence success, as discussed through Napoleon Hill's inclusion of poems in 'Think and Grow Rich'. Delve into the meaning of 'A Psalm of Life' by Longfellow, emphasizing the value of personal relationships and integrity. Contrast beliefs on success and the afterlife, highlighting the importance of living a fulfilled earthly existence. Learn about setting clear goals and striving for personal growth, illustrated through the story of a successful partnership with Thomas A. Edison.

Send us a textNapoleon Hill wrote one of the first self-help books "Think and Grow Rich." Within it were some selected poems. But Hill liked many poems, from complex Shakespearen sonnets to simple everyday poems. Today I'm going to very briefly read one short poem called "Success," which is about aiming high and defining your belief about success. Even if you're not someone who likes poetry, if you like success, or Napoleon Hill, I can promise you'll enjoy this poem.

Exploring the themes of boundaries, communication, and symbolism in Robert Frost's 'Mending Wall'. Delving into the importance of ownership, collaboration, and renewal in maintaining relationships. Analyzing the connection between spring, repair, and interpersonal bonds within the poem.