Backyard Philosophy Podcast

Pytheas The Impossible Explorer

People have been telling tall tales for eons and most are myth and fiction but sometimes the unbelievable is in fact the truth. In todays episode I will tell you of an explorer that ventured far and wrote down his journey. We are traveling back to ancient Greece, a time when the world was still so big and unfathomable. A time when a man, a merchant became restless and sailed into the horizon.

The Worst Pope In History

February has one of the most romantic days, valentine’s day. Love is in the air, partners bestow chocolate, flowers, and romantic gestures to one another. And nothing says romance like historical sex scandals. And perhaps nothing says sex scandals more than the catholic church. And today’s episode is a composed of scandals of which many have deemed him the worst pope in history, which is just in time for valentine’s day, almost like we planned it…

Drinking Till We Understand Politics

In this weeks episode Mike and Nick try something a little different, they make a drinking game out of politics. The rules are simple every time Mike or Nick find a Pork (pork being something that does not cordises with the bill) drink. Every time they find something idiotic... drink. Hold on for a funny wild ride as they drink to understand how politics work.

Old Growth.... They Don’t Make It Like They Used To.

Have you ever heard the expression they don't make it like they used to. Well, there is some merit to that phase and some of the most evident evidence for that is the manufacturing of wood products. From 2x4's to kitchen cabinets the wood that they use is extremely different from the wood our ancestors used. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the difference between the trees and wood and how society has come to that point and how it effects everyday life. 

How 21st Century Banks Work

For centuries people have been using banks to invest and save money. But over the years banking has evolved into something very different from its earlier form. There are many different types of banks, for many different type of applications for many different people. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss how banks form, how banks make money, how banks are protected and how banks in the 21st century truly work.  

Amendments That Just Didn‘t Make It

The United States laws has changed over the centuries it has been a country. New laws added, some old laws removed. But some laws... the amendments of the United States are perhaps the most important and hardest to add to. Nick and Mike discuss the amendments purposed that just didn't make it and if it would be a good thing or bad thing to add them.

How The Navy Inspired A Clock

For centuries traveling the seven seas was done by experienced sailors with not much equipment for navigation. Traversing dangerous waters, long vogues all with not having an accurate idea where they were. Join Nick and Mike as the discuss how a common man help developed navigation gear for the British Navy.

Why Do People Troll?

Humans in one form or another have teased, lied or started rumors, but in modern era a new form of teasing... trolling. From memes to comments the internet is filled with trolls. But some questions arise, where did trolling come from? How has trolling changed in society? And is trolling destroying society? Join Nick and Mike as the discuss the history of trolling, the different types of trolling and where trolling is headed.

Why Do We Bring Christmas Trees Inside?

The holidays are stock full of traditions and cultures. Some traditions very old some very new. But one popular in many peoples homes and in cinema is the tradition of a Christmas Tree. Bringing a tree inside in the middle of winter. But where did this nuance come from? How did it originate and how is it still in modern society? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss Nicks favorite topic.... trees. 

Russia Bombing Itself.... To Save Itself

With this holiday season nothing says the holidays more than winter. Snow, ice and if your certain countries invade other countries. France, Prussia, Germany… Germany again. All made a fatal mistake they try to invaded Russia in the Winter. But this winter its not a foreign invader invading Russia no this is what happens when the winter storms are so bad that Russia has to attack itself. This is a story of how Russia bombed itself to save people from winter.