Chicken Scratch

In the first episode of Season 3 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, join Justin as he discusses the importance of stepping back to see the bigger picture. Much happens every day in the world, but most people can become so fixated on small details they fail to see the big picture and how events, decisions, and circumstances work together. Bringing in his background in the study of history, Justin discusses the importance of context and how we must frame our understanding of where we are in light of the big picture. He also explains how incentives drive virtually everything in human decision-making, and why it is so important to discern the incentives which motivate human behavior in light of the overarching context in which people live.

Enjoy!

In Season 2 Episode 10, Justin discusses many of the things happening in the U.S. and explains why it is important for all to be well-informed and proceed with caution. Much of the events of the last 18 months have caused significant changes in society; should those changes have happened? Why are they happening? And most importantly, who has the most to gain or lose? A tumble down the rabbit hole might make you question what is happening and who might be orchestrating these events. Check it out!

The Chicken Scratch Podcast returns after a hiatus in Season 2 Episode 9 where Justin discusses the growing number of mental health issues related to stress and anxiety. It is important to recognize the impact this has on people and society as a whole. Justin offers three ways that people can begin to work on managing their anxiety. Check it out!

In Season 2 Episode 8 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin catches up after a busy month of June and reflects on goals from the first six months of 2021. He also shares insight and reflection from the book The Road to Wigan Pier (Orwell) and how it has both affected his views as well as provided important thoughts that are relevant to our time. Check it out!

In Season 2 Episode 7 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses his thoughts on a particularly striking passage from the book East of Eden by John Steinbeck. He explores the idea that our lives are full of gardens or fields that we are given dominion over, and that the best thing we can do is to take responsibility for those things and plant, water, and produce fruit. Check it out!

In Season 2 Episode 6 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses a few of the basics of investing: things that you should know or think about BEFORE you step into the investing world. You need the right attitude, a good strategy with specific goals, you must do proper research, and you must take the right action at the right time. Check it out!

Welcome to the Chicken Scratch Podcast! In Season 2 Episode 5, Justin discusses the topic of aiming at the highest ideals, and the difference between ascension toward goals, learning, and growth and the descent into complacency. What is the meaning of life? Why is life worth living? What are we living for? These questions are discussed and Justin discusses a song he wrote and its significance in relation to this discussion. Check it out!

Welcome to the Chicken Scratch Podcast! In Season 2 Episode 4, Justin discusses one of the chapters of his work-in-progress, currently titled Misery Is Optional: Making the Best of All Circumstances. Justin will outline his core views concerning procrastination, why it is unhelpful and counter-productive, why it becomes a habit for people, and how changing your life and taking responsibility for your time and actions can improve your life. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Welcome to the Chicken Scratch Podcast! In Season 2, Episode 2, Justin reflects on the events surrounding the crazy stock market stories of the week. Then, in the main segments of the episode, he discusses the inspiration behind his book concept, Misery is Optional, and touches on the issues of how misery and suffering differ, why we experience misery, and how we can begin to combat misery and begin improving the quality of our lives. Check it out! We hope you enjoy this podcast!

In Season 2 Episode 1 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin shares some happenings and thoughts about the past year, reveals a special surprise project, and discusses the philosophical underpinnings of right and wrong--and the importance of aligning our lives with those principles and values. Check it out!

In Season 1 Episode 14 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the topic of comparison. So often we compare ourselves to others, or perhaps even judge others. And often it is based on things out of our control! Justin reflects upon this idea and how we should think and respond to these concepts. Check it out!

In Season 1 Episode 11 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the Coronavirus and his thoughts on the fragility of life--and gives a reflection on how meaningful your life can be when you focus on doing the right things. Check it out!

In Season 1 Episode 7 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, a special Valentine's Day edition, Justin discusses the history of Valentine's Day, gives some advice about how to have a good day with your significant other, discusses being single and being happy, and talks about what love is and isn't. And he would have told some stories... if he had any good ones! Check it out!

NEW: If you would like to send a message to the podcast with a question or comment, go to anchor.fm/ChickenScratch/message!

In Season 1 Episode 6 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses money and budgeting. We all would love to have greater financial security, and Justin will talk about the importance of budgeting, which is the beginning of the process of getting your financial situation under control. Check it out!

In Season 1 Episode 5 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the importance of knowing yourself--your thoughts, feelings, tendencies, deficiencies, strengths, etc. He also spends time answering questions asked over the previous few weeks. Check it out!

In Season 1 Episode 4 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin reflects on the importance of hope in the world. He argues that hope is to be rooted in truth and based on the expectation that good is to come in a person's life. Check it out!

In Season 1, Episode 2 of the Chicken Scratch Podcast, Justin discusses the topic of relationships. Justin outlines some critical aspects of our attitudes toward relationships and concerning the people with which we engage in those relationships. Justin puts forth principles such as "check your intentions before dating," "get in relationships with people who want your best," and "discuss your expectations first." Check it out!