The Barn Philosopher

This episode was inspired by Shelby’s wife, who dropped some unexpected wisdom: “Life is like a roll of toilet paper—it spins faster the closer you get to the end.”
Shelby’s been feeling that truth lately, and Ridge calls it “the quickening”—that strange acceleration of time as we get older. We talk about how this feeling shows up in everyday life, what it means to live with intention, and how to make peace with time slipping by.
It’s a thoughtful conversation about growing older, not taking things for granted, and squeezing meaning out of every spin of the roll.
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We’ve all dealt with them—those people who seem to make life harder just because they can. In this episode, Ridge and Shelby swap stories about the most difficult people they’ve encountered, from stubborn coworkers to impossible customers.
Shelby even claims victory over one particularly tough case… by simply outliving them. (A win is a win, right?)
But at the end of the day, why do some people go out of their way to be a problem? And is there any way to handle them without losing your mind? Tune in as we break it down with our usual mix of wisdom, humor, and mild regret.
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Kids and phones—an endless debate. Ridge and Shelby dive into the impact of smartphones on the next generation, from constant distractions to the way instant access to everything (yes, everything) changes how they grow up.
We also take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about a time when finding certain things (ahem) required real effort—unlike today, where the internet serves it up on a silver platter.
Are kids better off, or are we raising a generation that’s too plugged in? Tune in for a conversation that’s part nostalgic, part cautionary, and as always, full of good laughs.
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In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Ridge and Shelby break down the classic rule of project management: Cheap, Good, Fast – pick two. Want it cheap and good? It won’t be fast. Need it fast and good? It won’t be cheap. Shelby swears he and a coworker invented this saying, but Ridge has his doubts.
But Ridge isn’t stopping there—he’s adding a fourth rule: You can’t hassle the person you hired. Because if you’re already cutting corners, maybe harassing the worker isn’t the best strategy.
Join us as we rant, debate, and share real-world experiences of customers who want it all but refuse to accept reality.
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It’s one thing to say "love thy enemy," but it’s another thing entirely when that enemy has wronged you. In this episode, Ridge and Shelby share personal stories of people who have tested their patience, their forgiveness, and their ability to take the high road.
With Lent in full swing, we’re challenging ourselves—and our listeners—to wrestle with what it really means to love those who have done us wrong. Can we let go of grudges? Should we? And does forgiveness mean we have to forget?
Join us for an honest, sometimes painful, and (of course) slightly sidetracked conversation about grace, grudges, and the struggle to be better.
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We’ve all had those jobs—the ones that test your patience, your sanity, and your willingness to ever set foot in that industry again. In this episode, we dive into the worst jobs we’ve ever had, from cleaning septic tanks to scrubbing potatoes by the ton.
Some say tough jobs build character, others say they just make you desperate for an exit strategy. We talk about what we learned, how these experiences shaped us, and why sometimes the worst jobs teach the best lessons.
Tune in for stories of hard labor, rancid waste, and the motivation to aim higher. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more!

In this episode, Ridge unveils his latest invention—an acronym that just might change the way we communicate. THINKING isn’t just something we do, it’s a guide for how we should approach conversations.
We break down what it means to be Thoughtful, Honest, and Humble, why some words are more Necessary than others, and—well, you’ll have to tune in to hear the rest.
Join us as we explore the power of words, the impact of how we speak to others, and why Ridge believes this simple idea could make a big difference.
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"On the Road: The Great Fast Food Fish Sandwich Sacrifice"
For the first time ever, we hit the road for a Barn Philosopher field trip—on a mission we’re already regretting. It’s Lent, which means it’s time to embrace the age-old tradition of suffering... by eating fast food fish sandwiches.
The problem? We both despise fish.
Armed with questionable judgment and way too much tartar sauce, we brave the drive-thru in search of the least terrible option. Will we find an edible fish sandwich? Or will this experiment test our faith in both fast food and humanity?
Join us for bad decisions, food reviews, and a road trip filled with regret. Listen now on Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more! Don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe.

Welcome to one of the first recordings of The Barn philosopher.
People have given their lives for all kinds of reasons—some noble, some questionable, and some downright strange. So when we talk about Jesus’ crucifixion, was it an act of ultimate courage, or was it simply inevitable?
In this episode, Shelby quickly regrets his thoughts as The Barn Philosophers dive into the idea of sacrifice, comparing Jesus’ death to others throughout history who have died for far less.
It’s a conversation about faith, courage, and what it truly means to give up everything. Join us as we question, debate, and (as always) get a little sidetracked along the way.
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It’s time for a State of the Podcast Union.
In this episode, we take a step back to reflect on where The Barn Philosopher has been and where it’s headed. We talk about our favorite episodes, the moments that made us laugh the hardest, and even a few recordings that were way too controversial to ever see the light of day.
What do we want from this podcast? More laughs? Deeper conversations? Fewer cancel-worthy moments? (Maybe.)
Join us as we take a behind-the-scenes look at the past, present, and future of The Barn Philosopher.
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