The Barn Philosopher

In this solo episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge takes the mic alone to explore one of Shelby’s favorite subjects: the seven deadly sins. With Shelby away (and probably being ironically envious.), Ridge breaks down the classic vices—pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth—and offers reflections on how they show up in daily life.
But it doesn’t stop there. Ridge also turns the conversation toward the antidotes: the seven heavenly virtues—humility, charity, patience, kindness, chastity, temperance, and diligence. With thoughtful insights, some dry humor, and the peaceful absence of Shelby’s emotional interruptions, this might just be one of Ridge’s best solo turns yet.
Tune in for a quiet, contemplative journey through human weakness, spiritual strength, and everything in between.
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ADVENTURE TIME! In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge flips the script and interviews Shelby before he sets off on a big international adventure. With Tokyo, Guam, and South Korea on the itinerary, Shelby shares what he’s looking forward to most—especially the food. From sushi in Japan to family meals in Guam and spicy dishes in Seoul, this trip is less about sightseeing and more about eating his way across the Pacific.
We also talk a little about the cultural expectations, family connections, and how Shelby plans to embrace the journey (and survive the jet lag).
Pack your bags and join us for this pre-trip episode full of anticipation, laughs, and a little envy.
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In this heartfelt episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby sits down with his wife, Rita, for a reflective conversation on what truly holds value in life. As they navigate the challenges of parenting adult children who seem drawn to materialism, the two open up about their own evolving perspectives.
With age and experience comes clarity—and for Shelby and Rita, it’s clear that relationships far outweigh riches. Whether it’s within family, friendships, or work, meaningful connections have proven to be the most lasting and rewarding investments.
They also discuss the discomfort of watching others flaunt their wealth while they’ve chosen a quieter path—one rooted in appreciation, presence, and humility.
Tune in for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about what it means to live a life of substance, not just success.
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In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby sits down with Ridge’s wife, Joan, for a lively and enlightening conversation about common misconceptions surrounding the Catholic faith. From misunderstood traditions to pop culture myths, Joan brings clarity, insight, and a good dose of grace to the table—while Shelby asks the questions many are too afraid (or too confused) to ask.
Whether you're Catholic, curious, or just confused, this episode offers a respectful and approachable deep dive into what the Church actually teaches—and what it doesn’t.
Listen in as Joan kindly sets Shelby straight (and maybe you, too).
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In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, we dive into a more adult topic—one sparked by a jarring and unexpected Facebook ad featuring suggestive content that somehow avoided violating community guidelines. Shelby and Ridge unpack the moment and explore how digital algorithms serve up content based on age, gender, and user behavior—even when that content doesn’t align with what you typically consume.
We also discuss Ridge’s experience with questionable content showing up on his household's devices and the awkward detective work that followed. This conversation leads us to broader questions about privacy, digital targeting, and what it means to be online today.
It’s an honest, slightly uncomfortable, and surprisingly thoughtful discussion about the way tech knows us (or thinks it does)—and what it means for families and individuals navigating today's digital landscape.
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In this light-hearted episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby sits down with his wife, Rita, for a warm and funny conversation about their shared (and sometimes wild) interests. From foraging for mushrooms in the woods to experimenting with unusual crops like paw paws and Israeli artichokes, they reflect on the joy of trying new things—even if they don’t always work out.
Along the way, Rita offers some honest insight into what it’s like living with Shelby and his many… quirks. It’s an easygoing chat full of laughs, a little dirt under the fingernails, and a lot of heart.
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Episode Title: Stolen Valor and Borrowed Brilliance
In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge and Shelby dive into the topic of stolen valor—not just in the military sense, but in all areas of life where people claim honors, experience, or expertise they haven't earned. From fake war stories to people pretending to be pros in fields they barely understand, we unpack what drives this need to seem accomplished and how it erodes real trust.
We also reflect on the awards we've received and why they don’t mean as much to us as the actual work and growth behind them. It's a conversation about integrity, imposters, and what really gives value to our words and achievements.
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In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge and Shelby dig into the murky world of digital ownership. Do we really own the things we buy online—eBooks, movies, games—or are we just renting access until a company decides otherwise? From rumored cases of disappearing digital libraries to sneaky changes in service agreements, we explore how the modern marketplace has quietly redefined what it means to “own” something.
Shelby gets especially fired up over streaming services. What once promised ad-free content for a premium price is now sliding commercials back in under the banner of “new tiers” and “enhanced options”—while the original product quietly downgrades.
Join us as we unpack the illusions of digital permanence, consumer rights, and the frustration of paying more for less.
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In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, we reflect on a surprising cultural shift—young people today are drinking less.
Shelby and Ridge take a walk down memory lane, back to a time when drinking was almost a rite of passage. From rowdy nights to questionable choices, it felt like part of living fast and making the most of a fleeting youth. But times are changing—and maybe for the better.
We unpack what this trend says about a new generation, and how it ties into our own youthful sense of mortality. Was all that urgency about really living—or just fearing the clock would run out too soon?
Join us for stories, reflection, and maybe a little wisdom from the other side of the bar.
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In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, we explore the value of trying something—anything—at least once.
Ridge shares his family's annual tradition of butchering steers to feed the masses, offering a glimpse into the grit, connection, and satisfaction that comes with doing hard things together. Shelby balances things out with a less intense (but no less formative) story about how changing oil became his gateway into DIY mechanical work—and, naturally, he finds time to rant about the damage commercial fishing has done to our oceans.
From blood to oil, we reflect on how hands-on experiences shape our perspective and deepen our appreciation for the world—and people—around us.
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