The Barn Philosopher

Welcome to The Barn Philosopher—where life’s quirks, curiosities, and occasional absurdities meet thoughtful reflection and a good dose of humor.

Join Shelby and Ridge as they dive into the kinds of conversations that resonate with the modern man: relationships, faith, everyday dilemmas, and those head-scratching questions that make life interesting. Shaped by their Y chromosomes and evolving Catholic faith, these two bring a refreshing, honest, and often hilarious perspective on what it means to navigate today’s world.

From deep dives to light banter, no topic is too big—or too small—for the barn. Whether they’re unpacking life’s complexities or finding meaning in the mundane, you’ll find surprising insight around every corner.

So pour a glass, light a pipe, and enjoy the journey. And if you like what you hear, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share—because every barn door opens a little wider with your support.

Episodes

Nov 17, 2024

15 min

Sunday Short time! This week on The Barn Philosopher, Shelby and Ridge tackle the ultimate question of civilization: Why won’t people return their shopping carts? Is it laziness, rebellion, or a symptom of deeper societal decay? Join the guys as they explore the psychology of the “cart leaver,” share hilariously petty parking lot stories, and debate whether the shopping cart is truly humanity’s most underrated moral test.
From rogue carts smashing cars to the heroes who actually walk the extra 20 feet, Shelby and Ridge leave no cart unchecked in this fun and surprisingly philosophical episode. Tune in, laugh along, and maybe—just maybe—feel a little inspired to be the change next time you shop.

Nov 17, 2024

15 min

Nov 13, 2024

32 min

This week on The Barn Philosopher, Shelby and Ridge dive into the surprisingly controversial world of spouses with separate hobbies. Why do some people think it’s strange for couples to enjoy different things? Is there really such a thing as “too much alone time,” or is it the secret to staying happily hitched? Shelby and Ridge swap stories, share some questionable advice, and break down the pros and cons of solo hobbies—from music, parenting, grandparenting, and all the way to leave me alone.
Join us for a lively chat about the joys (and occasional perils) of independence in marriage. Whether you're all about shared interests or love your solo time, tune in as we uncover why having your own thing might just be the best thing. So grab your hobby of choice, sit back, and enjoy the ride with The Barn Philosopher!

Nov 13, 2024

32 min

Nov 10, 2024

15 min

Welcome to another Sunday Short. This week on The Barn Philosopher, Shelby and Ridge dive into one of life’s great debates: should men pee standing up or sitting down? Get ready for a (surprisingly thoughtful) conversation as they tackle the pros, cons, and surprising nuances of both approaches. From debates about bathroom etiquette to hilarious personal stories, Shelby and Ridge leave no stone—or seat—unturned.
Join the guys as they overanalyze, question societal norms, and maybe even spark a bathroom revolution. It’s an episode full of laughs, unexpected insights, and maybe a few too many puns. So sit back—or stand up—and enjoy the ride with The Barn Philosopher!

Nov 10, 2024

15 min

Nov 6, 2024

40 min

Do you argue to win, or are you just trying to survive the conversation? This week on The Barn Philosopher, Shelby and Ridge dive into the fine art of argument styles—because let’s face it, everyone’s got one. Whether it’s the “broken man,” the “fight to win,” or the “debater,” your hosts break down the tactics we all use and misuse when things get heated.
Get ready for some laughs as Shelby reveals his Gandhi like passivism, while Ridge explains his evolving argument style. From playful disagreements to full-blown standoffs, they’ll explore how arguing can be both ridiculous and revealing. Tune in and find out which argument style fits you best—and maybe learn a trick or two for your next showdown!

Nov 6, 2024

40 min

Nov 3, 2024

21 min

Ever wonder what’s edible out there in the Ohio wilderness? Well, so do Shelby and Ridge! In this week’s episode of The Barn Philosopher, they dive into the mysterious (and possibly tasty) world of Ohio foraging. With zero guarantees on identifying the right mushrooms, these two non-experts grab a basket, hit the trail, and share their foraging finds – whether or not they’re actually supposed to be eaten.
Expect plenty of laughs, questionable discoveries, and the duo’s attempts at convincing each other that “this one is totally safe!” If you’ve ever thought about foraging or just want to join two friends who are definitely learning as they go, tune in for an episode that’s more about the journey than the actual plants. Let’s see what they come up with (and hope they don’t get poisoned in the process)!

Nov 3, 2024

21 min

Oct 30, 2024

43 min

Welcome to The Barn Philosopher! In this episode, “Q&A,” hosts Shelby and Ridge are ready to tackle intriguing questions with their signature blend of humor and wisdom. From the mysteries of the universe to the quirks of life, nothing is off-limits! Join us as we explore the big ideas that shape our lives—while having a blast along the way. Whether you’re milking cows or simply milking life for all it’s worth, you’ll find something to ponder in this lively chat. So saddle up and let’s get philosophizing!

Oct 30, 2024

43 min

Oct 27, 2024

16 min

Sunday Short time! Welcome to 'The Barn Philosopher,' where deep thoughts meet dusty straw bales! I’m Shelby, and joining me is my co-corn husker, Ridge. Today, we’re diving into the question that’s kept folks awake for centuries: Boo or Boo-Hoo? We’ll explore the haunting truth behind what goes bump in the night. Is it a ghostly apparition or just a raccoon in the rafters? Let’s get our philosopher hats on and uncover the spooky secrets of the dark!

Oct 27, 2024

16 min

Oct 23, 2024

26 min

What are your greatest fears? Do you still dream? Is it reasonable to fear alien invasion?
Join us, as a simple question of fears, turns into an odd revelation of lucid dreaming, helping the world, and murder. Have a drink and a pipe with Ridge and Shelby as they dive into their fears and dreams.
thebarnphilosopher@gmail.com

Oct 23, 2024

26 min

Oct 20, 2024

12 min

Join Ridge and Shelby as they discuss drinking habits and the one month a year someone avoids them. Let us know if you take part in this annual ritual and what your experiences are. thebarnphilosopher@gmail.com

Oct 20, 2024

12 min

Oct 19, 2024

1 hr 8 min

Have you ever drank something you know you shouldn’t have? Well, this episode we do just that. It’s a special beer starter, with regrets, that keeps on giving. Welcome back to the barn. In this episode, Ridge and Shelby talk about their experiences with relationships with the opposite sex and one inappropriate relationship with someone of the same. We would love to hear your stories of the good and bad that confront you every day. Also, would you have drunk the beer? thebarnphilosopher@gmail.com

Oct 19, 2024

1 hr 8 min

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