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Intellectual Nourishment: Articles and Books Worth Your Attention
Episode 104 • 25th October 2025 • The Secular Foxhole • Blair Schofield and Martin Lindeskog
00:00:00 00:25:25

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The principal focus of this podcast episode is the extensive array of news items presented by Blair, who curates a buffet of intellectual nourishment for our listeners. Martin, in a parallel vein, articulates a compelling call to action, urging our audience to engage with the content and support the podcast through various means. We delve into significant contemporary issues, including the celebration of Columbus Day and the implications of current political climates, particularly regarding the Trump administration's actions. Additionally, we highlight recent literary contributions from authors previously featured on the show, emphasizing the importance of understanding rhetoric and political developments. As we navigate these topics, we invite our audience to reflect critically and participate actively in the discourse.

A comprehensive exploration of contemporary intellectual discourse unfolds as we delve into a buffet of thought-provoking articles and literary recommendations. The discussion commences with a nod to Columbus Day, as we reflect on the significance of historical figures like Christopher Columbus amidst the current socio-political climate. The conversation seamlessly transitions to the realm of literature, highlighting Robert Begley's 'Voices of Reason', which elucidates the principles of rhetoric through the lens of Aristotle, enabling listeners to better articulate their philosophical positions. Additionally, we examine Robert Tracinski's 'Dictatorship From Day One', which critically analyzes the constitutional implications of recent executive actions, provoking a deeper contemplation of the delicate balance between authority and individual liberty. The dialogue extends to the importance of local political engagement as a catalyst for broader societal change, invoking the necessity of grassroots movements in the pursuit of a truly free society. As we navigate through these themes, we invite our audience to engage with the recommended resources to foster a more profound understanding of the intricate dynamics at play in our world today.

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

Links referenced in this episode:

Article, books, individuals, and organizations mentioned in this episode:

Episode 104 (25 minutes) was recorded at 2200 Central European Time, on October, 20, 2025, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Captivate Assistant.

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Transcripts

Martin:

Foreign.

Blair:

Good afternoon. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Martin and I are sitting together in the secular foxhole today. It's just us. Yes. And we're gonna do.

We normally have a new sandwich, but I am gonna call it today a buffet. I have several interesting articles and websites that our listeners should investigate for their own intellectual nourishment.

Martin:

Yes, yes. Eat as much as you want for how and what's the price? We talked about that in the green room. This show is so called free.

But there are, as we know, there ain't no such thing as a free lunch. Right. But you could listen to this and if you value this, you could. Yeah. You could pay in one way or another.

Blair:

That's right. Well, we, we will. Especially our website on Captivate. Yes, it does.

It does have a donation page and if you would kindly check that out and then send us a few dollars, that'd be great. Very, very much appreciated. Yes.

Martin:

And we have had some, yes. Generous donations from guests and from others and listeners. So we appreciate that very much.

Blair:

Absolutely.

Martin:

Yeah. And I will talk at the end. Also, these new modern podcast applications, what you could do also.

So you have now the buffet here with some interesting sandwiches and others first.

Blair:

I want to commemorate otherwise a few days ago, I want to commemorate Columbus Day here in the United States.

Martin:

Yes.

Blair:

It is not Indigenous Peoples Day. It is Columbus Day and I just discovered.

Martin:

Chili pepper. I think.

Blair:

No, no, this is something completely different. In the certain section of the city I live in, there is a Christopher Columbus statue.

And I want to go by there and photograph that because it's a very majestic looking statue and happily it has never been defamed or toppled.

Martin:

And so do they have one in Columbus, Ohio also?

Blair:

I would assume they do.

But you know, I, I, although I've been to Columbus, I, I never was, I was way much younger than I am now and I don't, I wasn't interested in those things back then. But today, here, locally, we do have a wonderful Christopher Columbus statue.

Martin:

Yeah. And we will then also that could be a booktip also Columbus. That's one of the books by an objectivist.

Blair:

That's sure. Tom Bowden wrote the Enemies of Christopher Columbus or something to that effect. And he defended obviously Christopher Columbus.

And so we highly recommend that. Well, I didn't get the link to that, but maybe.

Martin:

Yeah, I'm finding. Yep.

Blair:

And then speaking of books, I do want to mention two recent books by two authors that we have had on the show recently. The first one I want to talk about is our friend Robert Begley.

His book Voices of Reason, where he discusses the proper way to advocate your ideas using Aristotle's Principles of Rhetoric. And that's. So that's an excellent book to look for. And I, I do have a link for that.

And then prior to that we had Robert Tracinski on and his recent release called Dictatorship From Day One. How, how Donald Trump has. I don't remember the actual subtitle, but how he's shredded the Constitution. In other words.

Martin:

Could, could you explain a little bit? Because I haven't followed that because here in Sweden we have a king. The good thing is that it's more like a figurehead.

You could say he doesn't really have a real power, but still, as me, as a Republican, like for a constitutional republic, not a royalist. It's a bit, it's not the biggest, you know, topic, but it's a Republican association.

You could say it here in Sweden trying to push talking about this, but it's so ingrained, I think. But, and it's interesting if you look at the history about kings and queens and, and whatnot, but in America hasn't have that.

But now they are talking in the streets about no kings. What's that?

Blair:

Well, it is, I'm not sure if it's a.

Organized by a particular political party, but it is something that is occurred fairly spontaneously across the country about protesting Donald Trump's incursions into, like bringing, bringing the military into cities, which is profoundly unconstitutional and immoral in my personal opinion.

And so, yeah, he is overstepping his boundaries in many, many ways, which further on here in a few minutes, I will point to a website called Executive Watch, which documents these abuse abuses run by Robert Tracynski, who just published this book, Dictatorship from Day One. Dictator From Day One, about Donald Trump and what else.

But it's these again, people are protesting him being taking, you know, just ignoring constitutional norms and so on and so forth and bypassing. And of course, he's got all the help of the world because Congress is. They're a bunch of lame, valueless, intellectually void robots.

And so, yeah, he's got free reign right now.

Martin:

So how could that be in the future? We don't talk so much about local politics, but is that an idea to try to get some alternatives in future?

Blair:

Well, certainly most movements have to start at the local level. I mean, you have to.

I was reading the other day and I want to reread this certain section of George Reisman's book on capitalism where he discussed specifically a chapter toward a laissez Faire capitalist society. And he mentions how to go about re establishing or establishing a totally free society. But it's starting at the local level.

Martin:

That's interesting.

Blair:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I wish I could reach out to him. I'm pretty sure he's an advanced age and I know he's retired from.

Martin:

I think I see the site is still up and running so.

Blair:

Oh yeah, I think somebody's taking care of that for him if not himself. But.

Martin:

But maybe we'll come come back to that. I have been pretty critical myself with. So we know about. And we're not spoiling anything but we talk about Atlantis and this secret place.

But there have been some so called projects there called Atlantis and it have been oil platforms, it have been seasteading. It has been between countries like one called Lieberland for example. And some of them are leaning libertarian and some are maybe, you know, anarchic.

Blair:

Yeah, yeah.

Martin:

And so on.

Blair:

But libertarian anarchy, same thing.

Martin:

So yeah, but the thing is when we talk about that and how you constitute a country or a sovereign state, it's interesting how you could do it in a local way. And. And also so this is pretty interesting how this play play out. We had an interesting way. It's. It was not political in that way.

But we had one episode that was so fascinating, you know, substance, how you could be underground.

Blair:

Yes, I know that. That was great with. Yeah. Gentleman last name Niles. Yes. And one more Courthart. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Those guys were great.

And I remember it was our 50th episode. Ground baking. Ground baking episode is a pun in pun intended.

Martin:

Intended.

Blair:

Yes.

Martin:

Because we are really over the ground now because now we have done 100 plus.

Blair:

That's right.

Martin:

But it's good to hear.

And I think that also when we have been talking with people from different Pain and Thomas Paine Institute new and old about that it's important to look at the history and see learn from the history and not so it will not end up like, you know, the French Revolution ended up taking away kings but in a bloody way, in a violent way and then ended up in tyranny. And here in Europe we have. You have a suit in a slow way tyranny. And now you see that in America.

Blair:

Yes, I know.

Martin:

And I have always been thought that this system that you have this balanced system. So maybe we should have an expert on that field and say how dangerous is this?

Or is it still fact and check and balances or where are we headed and what could you do?

And Traczynski has plenty of ideas of that in the book and also as you said on the site and also it's really interesting to document it because nowadays I think the general person is so how to say it flashes on the news and then it's gone, right?

Blair:

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

Martin:

And then it's voting day. And you know, have you followed that the mayor race, who the mayor raised.

Blair:

About this New York City's mayor race?

Martin:

Yeah. New York City, they have one with this, what is called coming from this. How do you say that protected civilians with these angels. What is called.

Blair:

Oh, Guardian Angels.

Martin:

Guardian angels. That guy is running as one. But he is not Trump's favorite. He had this Como type that is moving out, I think. And then it's very interesting.

And then I was thinking is it true that every, you know, mayor in New York have, have some kind of scandal? So I have to do some research of that. If because if you think about it.

Blair:

That wouldn't surprise me. Yeah. With that said, I'm very close to that city.

Martin:

Yes.

Blair:

I'm very close to that city. But I pay hard hardly any attention to it. Yeah. I have other. I have problems of my own. Yes. But nonetheless.

But anyway, so the buffet includes the mention of Robert Bakley's book and Robert Tracynski's book. And then I came upon. I love this website, human progress.org.

Martin:

Yeah. Is it run by now I interrupt you but is it run by Cato or is it independent from that or is it.

I believe they are independent talking about libertarianism. But maybe they have changed a bit or developed or they are not so much into party politics in that way.

Blair:

I don't like.

I think they're just basically they do they, they scour the intellectual arena and and world facts to discover ways of progress and things that happen that don't get press.

Martin:

Yeah.

Blair:

And I saw, I wanted to bring those a couple of those things up today.

Martin:

These two.

Blair:

But now that you mention it, an economic academic economist, Peter. I'm going to say Botke B O E T T K E maybe.

Martin:

Yeah.

Blair:

He has an article on human progress.org called How Liberty Made Progress Possible and I want to point that out to our listeners again. We'll have the links in the show notes.

Martin:

Great.

Blair:

And again that's just an enlightening article about how they go hand in hand and one can't exist without the other. And as, as Rand made abundantly clear and all of her writings. Ms. Rand.

Martin:

Yeah.

Blair:

But what else There could be a.

Martin:

Future guest of another Human Progress.

Blair:

I want to get. Yeah. His name is Marion Tuppy.

He runs that human progress.org I wanted to reach out to him and because they've written that organization's written at least three books about progress and, and then.

Martin:

You have what's his name?

Blair:

Jason. Jason Crawford. Also the Roots of Progress Institute.

Yeah, that's another great mention that we should put in the show notes a link to that institute he's coming out. Well he's introduced every chapter of the book he's been writing so hopefully the book itself will be out in the next year.

It's, I don't recall the name of it but it's obviously it's, I think it's called the Techno Futurist Manifesto or something to that effect. But don't take my word for it. And that's, that's something to look forward to as well.

But again, as we want to stand against the flowing tide of tyranny around the world, I do want to mention this great website called the Unpopulist. And they have, they are so the host of Executive Watch run by Robert Tracynski where he documents the abuses of the Trump administration.

But they also have what's called, let me bring it up here, the Institute for the Study of modern authoritarianism. Isma and that's isma global.org if people want to check them out and they should donate to that worthy organization. And let's see.

But again the Unpopulist, let me get to their website and rid off some of their titles of their, some of their most recent. There's a debate between. Has liberalism's very success in delivering human flourishing doomed it question mark?

Stephen Pinker is involved in a debate with some other gentlemen and that's a link on the unpopulous web page which is the unpopulous dot net and but they are a flourishing organization. Hopefully that will is a figure in the dyke, so to speak. And what else do I got here?

Oh, oh, and to round it all up, I do want to mention because of the riot, because of the overwhelming.

I want to be courteous but also a bit scathing the blind worship of and I, I did, I don't have anything against this the young man, but they've overdone what happened to him. In my personal opinion. I'm talking about Charlie Kirk and Martin. If you think that's too explosive, you can feel free to delete it.

Martin:

But I think we have freedom of expression here.

Blair:

So it's a tragedy in horror what happened to him. It's a disgrace.

Martin:

But it's, it's Become a martyrdom or cult.

Blair:

Martyrdom. That's. That's a good word. Yes. It's overdone and by the right. And they're exploiting it far beyond anything. Anything of dignity.

Martin:

And the whole thing, how this happened, I don't want to be in a conspiracy theory, but something is. Something is strange with the whole thing, because he was. And that was a good aspect of it. He was taking debates and discussions.

Blair:

Right. Which is the proper way to do anything.

Martin:

Yes. And people knew that. So it's lots of interesting.

Maybe that's not the right word, but, you know, strange things in the whole thing that happened and also after now the fact and how they are using it politically, both for and against.

Blair:

It also reveals the sick, twisted subjects.

Martin:

Yeah.

Blair:

That are taught in universities that allow particularly disturbed people to take action that crosses the norm, so to speak.

Martin:

Yeah.

Blair:

Anyhow, let's go back to better things. Yes.

The last link I have in my buffet is to round all this up is I have a link to Ayn Rand's unforgettable lecture, Faith and force, the destroyers of the modern world.

I encourage everyone within the sound of our voices to not only read it, but study it sentence by sentence and challenge your own conclusions, come what may.

Martin:

Yep.

Blair:

But otherwise, we're here in October.

Martin:

Yeah.

Blair:

Gorgeous weather here in northeastern United States. Yes.

Martin:

Is it Indian summer?

Blair:

Almost. Yeah. I mean, it's still in. It's. It's in the 50s at night and today it was only like 65. So that's. For me, I'm. It's perfect football weather.

I love Americans. I love American.

Martin:

Yes. American football or soccer. And then you have to learn, you know, the Celsius system. Also. I never learned Fahrenheit.

Blair:

Ah. Okay. So I think 65 might be 30.

Martin:

Are you sure we will include the translation.

Blair:

Yes, that's right. You can do that, too. But I do want to. Let me think here.

Martin:

Yes.

Blair:

In the show and before we went on air, you mentioned. Oh, I also. I want to tip the hat to a personal hero of mine, Dr. Leonard Peacock, who celebrated his 92nd birthday.

Martin:

Yeah.

Blair:

Again, A couple of days ago. Cheerio, sir.

Martin:

Yes.

Blair:

May you live another 25 years.

Martin:

Yeah.

Blair:

In good health.

Martin:

Yes.

Blair:

Both mental and physical. And we talked about Carl Barney. So.

Martin:

Yeah.

Blair:

Put his website out there, too. It's carlbarney.com.

Martin:

Yeah. Because he has published a book also recently.

Blair:

Right. Yeah. His book is the Happiness Experiment, and his latest article is called the Mistake of, quote, finding your purpose in life, unquote. So that's.

I haven't read that, but I'm going to read that here after we hang up.

Martin:

Good.

Blair:

But otherwise, those are the notes I have for today's show and I want to wish everyone a great, great day. And we should hopefully. I haven't gotten any guests lately, but I'm planning on a big show in early December. Yeah.

But so Martin and I will probably do another show or two before then.

Martin:

Yep.

Blair:

And that's, that's all I've got.

Martin:

That's great, Blair. It was a tasty and nutritious and informative buffet. And again with a hat tip to Amy Pico for the news sandwich segment.

Blair:

That's right, the idea begin with the.

Martin:

Idea come up when we do that.

So I will say this call to action, go to TrueFans FM and register for free and then adding add us the secular Foxhole podcast to your favorite and there you could then listen and stream satoshis and send booster grams or super comments and be active in that way and give back in a non sacrificial way. So we'll talk more about that because that's something that religious are good at. They are.

You know, after the sermon they are coming up with this donation thing and it's time treasure and talent and we'll talk more about that in a duo show here because we want to continue and it's very to get like constructive feedback to get thumbs up to send a donation. As you said, this Captivate support page or now they could send the silver to me and you player.

Have you followed this in podcasting 2.0 podcast, the latest episode they talked about the gold price and the silver price and so on. Things are happening there.

Blair:

Oh yes, yes.

Martin:

Maybe we should look a bit into that also.

Blair:

Although we have we haven't purchased any lately. We we some we steadily buy gold and silver coins. Yeah. Although gold coins in the very small but silver you can get still relatively inexpensively.

So we have a lot of 0.999 silver bars and so on in silver and good for you.

Martin:

And maybe that will be the time to start bartering with that and you know, using that in different ways and I think that's interesting and important to understand.

Blair:

True, true. Yes.

Martin:

So we will talk about that.

And again that's the call to action to go to TrueFans FM and sign up for an account and follow us and add us as a favorite and stream satoshis and send us boostergram super comments. And yeah, keep in, keep in touch.

We will talk more about that how to do with this show notes and links and how we could continue the conversation also. So with that, Blair, I say thank you very much and we will talk soon again.

Blair:

That's right. Yeah.

Martin:

Great.

Blair:

Well, you're welcome, Martin. And thank you. And. All right, folks, enjoy the show. Let us know and we'll be back.

Martin:

Yes. Bye. Bye. Bye for now.

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