Rules of the Game

For a special mid-month episode, Butch has a “Great Conversation” with George Leef, the author of The Awakening of Jennifer Van Arsdale: A Political Fable for Our Time… George serves as the Director of Research at the James R Martin Center for Academic Renewal. George and Butch discuss the current political landscape in terms of education and why something like a fable might be necessary to wake us up from some of the silos we’ve created around ourselves.    The Rule for this Episode is:

   “Be prepared to question your assumptions…” ____________________ Education Choice: https://loudounfieldcenter.org SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network): https://gc.inded.us Same Blog tho: https://www.greatconversations.us Mother Ship: https://inded.us

Butch and Jessica discuss the implications of the loss of Queen Elizabeth II -- one of the longest reigning monarchs in world history, and the longest in British history. They talk about what the UK means to the world, what the monarchy means to the UK, and what Queen Elizabeth has meant to the monarchy, and to the West.   Butch refers to an article on the latter topic: "The Queen of the West," by Ayaan Hirsi Ali:   https://spectatorworld.com/topic/she-was-the-queen-of-the-west/  Another tidbit: there were indeed only FIVE total times that the Queen gave a live televised address to the Nation: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52173825 And don't forget this: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-broke-tradition-after-9-11-terror-attacks-solidarity-us ____________________  Education Choice: https://loudounfieldcenter.org SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network): https://gc.inded.us Same Blog tho: https://www.greatconversations.us Mother Ship: https://inded.us

OK... First: Jessica is NOT actually obsessed with porn, but we do talk about it a little bit in terms of how the sexual revolution has shifted how we think about abortion. We spend some time in our follow-up episode on the Dobbs case talking about the spiritual implications of the abortion issue, from Butch's position that the pro-choice (at least the virulent anti-religious segment) doesn't actually have a problem with the Christian Conservative viewpoint on LIFE, but they mostly have a problem with the CC viewpoint on SEX.... to Jessica's point that the meaning of LIFE is actually about finding opportunities to SUFFER while worshipping our Creator... For the First Part of this discussion check out Episode 55 "The Pro Life Positions is the More Tenable Position; and it's not even close." ____________________________ Education Choice: https://loudounfieldcenter.org SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network): https://gc.inded.us Same Blog tho: https://www.greatconversations.us

For Episode 2 of Season 3, Jessica and Butch take on the Dobbs Case and all the implications of abortion regulations. This time we focused as much as we could on the legal aspects of it, and all the implications therein. For our Sept 1 episode, we'll tackle the more spiritual angle.   PLEASE find us on any of the podcast services you use at:  https://rotgpodcast.us   Share, Like, Rate us 5 stars... etc. etc.  ____________________________   Butch's New Gig: https://loudounfieldcenter.org   SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network): https://gc.inded.us Same Blog tho: https://www.greatconversations.us

Jessica and Butch are back to talk about a variety of topics; mostly “intersectionality.” Opening Article from City Journal on Transsexuality linked to shame over being White. https://www.city-journal.org/the-assault-on-childrens-psyches Dostoevsky and the Pleasure of Taking Offense https://quillette.com/2022/06/17/the-duelist-mentalityon-the-allures-of-taking-offense/ The Rise and Fall of the Modern Self https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Triumph-Modern-Self-Individualism-ebook/dp/B089DNYCDY/ Closing of show, Jessica comments (possible tee up for next episode?) on the Orthodox Bishops’ position on Sanctity of Life: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2022/human-life-sacredness (NOTE: The episode was recorded less than 24 hours before the decision was announced officially about the Dobbs case on abortion. So, guess what the topic will be for August.) ____________________________ Butch's New Gig: https://loudounfieldcenter.org SXole (formerly Great Conversation(s) Network): https://gc.inded.us (This Week is a teaser of our Video Format on Spotify... Normally the video version will ONLY be able to subscribers of SXOLE.) Same Blog tho: https://www.greatconversations.us

Butch Porter has a conversation with former Loudoun County (Virginia) School Board member, Debbie Rose about the controversies surrounding the school system involving COVID, race and diversity, LGBTQIA+ issues, including the teaching of CRT in the schools, including the Resolution 8040 issue, and other issues which swirled around last months gubernatorial race. It's the beginning of a conversation about how best to approach these ideas if one is concerned about the issues at play, and how best to protect, love, cherish, and educate our children. The rule for this episode is: "If you choose to serve, prepare for disagreements." Debbie mentioned how the school board weaponized a few rather harsh protests into shameless measures to stifle free speech, which the school board is still not fully recovered from. _______________________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://www.greatconversations.us   Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org

Butch Porter sits down with Patricia Phillips to talk about the Leesburg Nativity Tour and Loudoun Awakening. https://leesburgnativitytour.org

Jessica and Butch take on the topic of "same-sex attraction" and the Christian Church. This is a really dicey topic and is very complex, so we're trying to explore ways in which we can love and care for and welcome those who don't identify in a "traditional" way sexually. This is the beginning of a conversation on the topic, not the end, but we tried to lay out where the problems really lie and what the challenges are. So listen with an open mind and an open heart. That's the only way we feel like we can talk about it. PLEASE share and subscribe and leave us a 5-Star Review. ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us    Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://www.greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us    Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org

For our third “Civics and Community” event at the Loudoun Field Center in Lucketts, VA we sat down with Preston Huntington and Tori Carr with Xelevate, a drone training and testing facility right across the street from the Loudoun Field Center, to discuss the burgeoning and blossoming drone industry. We had some kids, parents, and previous guest of Rules of the Game, Tony Howard, to chat about how this technology and those which are adjacent to it will affect the next generation. For more information on Xelevate, check out their website: https://xelevateus.com ________________________  Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://www.greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org

For our 49th Episode, Butch has a very frank and open conversation with Sophia A. Nelson... a repeat guest to the show. Sophia is an adjunct professor and visiting scholar at Christopher Newport University and recently tweeted a question regarding the son of Superman coming out as bisexual in DC Comics. Following the tweet, a firestorm of madness, thought police, and whining white-privileged Gen-Z hacks, with the support of a few professors who should know better have been trying to get Sophia cancelled. We'll have a full article on the topic over the weekend, but in the meantime, listen to Butch and Sophia talk this out.

This week's episode is a wide-ranging conversation between Gary Mears, Pastor of Faith Chapel Community Church in Lucketts, Virginia, right down the road from the Loudoun Field Center; and Paul Gernhardt, the Center's Executive Director. Butch Porter facilitates the discussion, which touches on the subjects of "mega-churches" and on how churches create a sense of community and family; helping those in need; being a place of spiritual healing, and how a church and the faith which it represents necessarily operates differently than simply a non-profit or a club. There is even a discussion about sin. More on Faith Chapel: https://www.faith-chapel.com and it's food pantry ministry:  https://www.faith-chapel.com/our-food-pantry ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org

School is in! And we’re launching IndED’s Civics and Community program at the Loudoun Field Center as part of their new high school alternative in Lucketts, VA. This week we chat with Doug Fabbioli of Fabbioli Cellars to talk about ag business, ag education and the importance of staying in touch with nature. We were joined by a few middle school and high school students who asked some very insightful questions. Doug’s Rule is: “It starts with the right soil…” — For more information on the Loudoun Field Center go to: LoudounFieldCenter.org. For more info on Fabbioli Cellars and the New Ag School, go to: http://www.fabbioliwines.com

Jessica and Butch take on the crisis in Afghanistan. (Ok... when we say "take it on" we don't mean actually... doing anything about it, but talking about it for almost exactly an hour.) What it boils down to Butch on Afghanistan is that we've lost honor in the world by not fulfilling our commitments to the people that we've made promises to for almost a generation. Jessica seems to think there is more to this; there are some things going on behind the scenes that we don't understand. Other players, other stakeholders are moving the pieces behind the scenes and Joe Biden is just along for the ride. To Butch the decision, and its execution, was just a matter of ego. Time will (hopefully) tell. ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame Loudoun Field Center (Lucketts, VA): https://loudounfieldcenter.org

Bahar Picariello, who was the FIRST guest on the Rules of the Game podcast a little over a year ago, returns to discuss the current drama going on in Loudoun County, VA, regarding gender politics, CRT, the handling of the pandemic year 2+, etc. Along the way, we talk about what Bahar and Butch knew all along: that the public education system has lost its purpose, or at least it is pursuing purposes which are not congruent with a logical approach to education. The modern school system is built for: 1) College and Career Readiness 2) "Socialization" 3) Changing the world Butch contends that it should be about: 1) Intellectual acuity 2) Communication Skills 3) Character Development Bahar talks a little bit about the challenges that parents are facing and the conundrum of homeschooling and wanting some of the benefits of "school." You can find her ("The Homeschool Ambassador" on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/thehomeschoolambassador ) Butch's alternative (in conjunction with IndED) is the new Loudoun Field Center, a high school alternative launching in Lucketts, VA: https://loudounfieldcenter.org The field center is taking on the challenge of helping high school students escape the madness of modern education and finding peace and purpose through learning as a part of the community and not apart from it, as well as taking on opportunities to fail. On Tuesday, August 17, the Field Center will hold an information center at the Chapel. To RSVP, you can join the "Great Conversation(s)" group on Facebook, or you can check in here: https://loudounfieldcenter.org/events/brainstorming-and-information-session/

For Episode 21 of Season Two, Jessica and Butch talk about the gains in efficiency (based on his latest article on Great Conversation(s)) brought on by the modern age in general, the pandemic in particular, and some ways in which efficiency can come at a cost... in terms of how we work, eat, worship, and live. There is a lot of talk about prayer, and even a little on Downton Abbey. This week's Rule is: "Efficiency almost always wins...and we're often the worse for it." Butch's article on "Efficiency..": https://www.greatconversations.us/p/efficiency-always-wins-out ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

For our 20th episode of Season 2, Jessica and Butch discuss what it means to be an "adult"... we have a tendency to focus on the stuff and things that adults need to DO, as opposed to the qualities and characteristics they need to BE. So we talked a little about "kids these days" and some of the things that makes the upcoming generation(s)' experience different. It's a rough way of introducing the new educational endeavor our host has taken on in Loudoun County, VA, namely: the Loudoun Field Center: https://loudounfieldcenter.org ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

Jessica and Butch seek to understand the "anti-tribalism" phenomenon a little more. We talk about Tanner Cross... racism vs. prejudice... what the word "systemic" means... and we ask the question: who are we supposed to love and respect the humanity of if not the person we find the most unappealing and "deplorable"? ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

For our 41st Episode, Jessica and Butch start out chatting about the Terrence Mallick film, The Tree of Life, and quickly switch gears (to dig in deeper at a later date) to "What it means to be a Southerner?" It's a conversation about "values" and "value sets" and what it means for a southern (especially a southern Christian) when they hear things like "D & I (&E)" as a "value." One of the more common slights to Southerners is their tendency to "act fake" in their kindness and sweetness, and Jessica and Butch take issue with that and the importance of handling life's ups and downs with charm, grace, and a smile... in other words: "Fake it 'till you make it.." ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

"What is up with the real estate market?!?" is a question a lot of us have been asking lately. Butch has a "Great Conversation" with his good friend (and the best Real Estate agent in the Milky Way Galaxy) Pamela Jones with Extraordinary Transitions in Loudoun County, VA. We talk about what's going on, why it's so crazy here and elsewhere... a little bit about why women are so much BETTER at it, and how she views what it means to put down roots and be a part of the community. Pamela's Rule for the podcast is a four parter: "Show up, pay attention, tell the truth, and don't be attached to the outcome." For more information on Extraordinary Transitions and Pamela's work, go to: https://pamsellsfinehomes.com ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

Jessica and Butch continue a conversation started with our special guest in the previous episode with a question of, "From where do people get their moral foundations if not from religion?" We explore the issue thoroughly in terms of online communities, and the workplace and the #metoo world as well. Notwithstanding the conundrum of finding morality in the secular world, we posit that "power" is a poor measure of it. The rule for the day is: "Pursue morality first..." because without it, where will justice emerge from something as confusing as #metoo? ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

Local business consultant, Debbie Gee, is a special guest of Butch Porter, and they talk about powerful women in the workforce, the "battle of the sexes" and culture wars in general, the #metoo movement, among other topics involving men and women.  The rule for this episode is little bit of a crib from Heather Heying: "Come to me as a human being first, an individual second, and THEN you can go tribal..." For more information on Debbie, check out: https://www.maximumstrategiesllc.com ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

For Episode 37, Jessica and Butch have decided to dive deep into the dilemma of: Truth vs Unity. Is it more important to be RIGHT, or to be UNITED? Is it more important to admit what the real "truth" is or to get along with your fellow man? Do we have to choose between, say "evangelism" vs. "ecumenism" in our religious conversations? We talk about CRT a little and specifically what it means for continuing "dialogue" when County Governments, like the one in Loudoun County, VA (where Butch lives) create a "Chief Equity Officer" position. https://www.jobapscloud.com/LDN/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1=21&R2=139&R3=2200 Today's Rule, oddly enough came from the AppleTV show: Ted Lasso, where Ted wins a bet, while explaining how important it is to... ask questions.... be CURIOUS, before judging someone. Next week, Butch will be continuing the conversation with none other than Loudoun's own: Sophia Nelson, who visited with Butch on his SECOND episode. This one will take the "Truth vs Unity" question to the modern political situation with the Republican Party, Donald Trump, "Conservatism," etc. ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

For our 36th episode, Jessica and Butch discuss the nature of terms of the intellect. The journey of Jordan Peterson is a big topic, as well as the concepts of fasting and feasting, intellectual humility vs. "skepticism" and of course the proper way to do theology: apophatically. The Rule for the day is: "Tell stories that are True..." ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

Jessica and Butch chat about the importance of human connection and how much it's been compromised for the last year. Sure the pandemic is serious, but just like anything else, there are tradeoffs, and the cost of losing human connection has been really high, while the benefit is very hard to define or prove. For weeks we were told how (we're still being told how) to wash our hands and count to 20. Our rule for this week: "Hug your neighbor with both arms... and count to 20." ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

Jessica and Butch spend some time talking about the future of education, in terms of what education means, what its purpose is, and what a teacher is. We talk about how the most important thing to teach kids is WHO THEY ARE; also what our responsibilities are as parents, as a community; and the goal of a multi-generational community which needs its elderly (see Episode 33) and it needs its children. Jessica spoke about "intentional" parenting, which involves educator as the role of the parent. Obviously the role of technology came up, and the rule of this episode is, of course: "The Future of Education is not 'STEM'..." For more information on IndED's "The Best Education of a Lifetime Course Is..." course join the conversation at: https://gc.inded.us, (which will also give you access to the video versions of this podcast!) and find the "IndED Community" group... For only $20 a month you can join a small but growing number of families who are striving to be more intentional in how they teach their kids, whether they go to public, private, or homeschool. ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

Butch welcomes Special Guest Stella Morabito, who is a senior contributor at the Federalist to discuss one of her latest articles on the Cuomo nursing homes scandal. We talk about how, in addition to the simple cost of precious human lives, the callous and dismissive treatment of the elderly has an even greater cost in "cultural memory." In addition we connect the conversation with how our culture has devalued the elderly in terms of how we're raising and educating our kids. Stella's Rule is: "Respect your elders." To read more from Stella, go to: https://thefederalist.com/author/stellamorabito/ ________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

For our 9th episode this season, Jessica and Butch discuss the topic of gun control and gun rights. The goal is to get a grasp on what each side of this debate is not seeing of the other one, and get to the heart of the matter: protecting communities. Our rule is "Be prepared to serve... " and do your duty to your community. The rights are one thing... the responsibility is something else altogether. _______ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

Butch and Jessica are finally digging in and talking about religion (GASP!), and we spend this podcast focusing on the ways in which we access and seek spiritual Truth. Through art and music, through study, and through an ascetic and prayerful approach during the Lenten season as well. The rule for the day is: "Pursue Truth with every tool at your disposal..." We must look for LOVE, and TRUTH, and BEAUTY, and JOY, and GOOD... everywhere around us. We find these things, sometimes where we least expect it. __________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

For our first "Independent Education Spotlight" of 2021 Butch has a productive conversation with Tim Gardiner of Gamepoint Athletics. We talk about fitness, both before and during the age of COVID-19; we discuss the importance of character and how coaching for athletics and sports is applied to character in life. In addition to exploring a little bit the role of fathers in education, we land upon one of Butch's AND Tim's favorite Virtue in a long list of virtues: Humility. This brings us to Tim's Rule: "Don't take yourself too seriously..." (As one of our Independent Education Spotlight episodes, the VIDEO version is available only to subscribers/members of the "IndED Community" Group on the GC Network.) For more information on Gamepoint Athletics, go to: https://gamepointathletics.com _______ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s) Blog: https://greatconversations.us    Great Conversation(s) Network: https://gc.inded.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

Jessica and Butch do a deep dive into the concept of "leisure" and specifically the book by Josef Pieper, "Leisure: the Basis of Culture" which came out in 1947 in Germany... a rather counterintuitive approach considering the close of a generation or two of war. Pieper (and we to the best we are able) distinguish between leisure and "idleness"...And we talk about committing to a more intentional lifestyle, and the rule for the week is: "Pursue leisure for leisure's sake..." ______________________________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us    ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame  Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user126997330

Jessica and Butch tackle the topic that is at the top of everyone's mind: the extinction of the human species, and our responsibility (or lack thereof) towards preventing it. It's not that we don't CARE about what is happening on Pennsylvania Avenue... it's just that at this point, we're sort of over it. Instead we talk about Jessica's Rule (as expressed with a twist by Butch): "Embrace the Sacred Feminine and Stop Saving the World"... in other words, stop being "that guy" who tries to solve all the world's problems, and just... wait, listen... It'll likely work itself out. Jessica references a book called the Red Tent: https://www.amazon.com/Red-Tent-20th-Anniversary-Novel/dp/0312427298 Butch mentions a book that he couldn't remember the title to about the "tension"(The Enduring Tension, by Donald Devine) : https://www.amazon.com/Enduring-Tension-Capitalism-Moral-Order/dp/1641771518/ _______ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us    ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame   Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user126997330

For Season 2, Episode 4, Butch chats with fellow Leesburger, Bill Fox with U.Group. The topic, of course, is our main geopolitical adversary at the moment: China. We talk about some of the security challenges with "smart" technology (including what televisions we probably shouldn't buy), along with what the implications are with the administrations of Presidents 44, 45, and now 46. Bill's Rule is pretty simple: "China is not our friend."

In anticipation of our next episode where we are going to finally move on from the travails in D.C. and talk about ... the important things, Jessica and Butch take the hour and talk about the path forward for the citizenry in dealing with such division and turmoil. Who is to blame? A little of that... but mostly a call to stay healthy (Jessica shares some nutrition advice) be good people, and keep the conversation and civilization going. That's our job, not the President's. And thank God for that.

For our first session back for Season Two....we talk about the riots and protests at the Capitol the previous week. It requires a return to Butch's FIRST rule: "Two things can be true at the same time..."   It can be true that a lot of protesters are legitimately concerned that the Republic is being stolen from them, and it can also be true that the events at the capitol were double plus ungood. It can be true that impeachment is a bad idea and bad mojo, and that impeachment is completely and totally necessary (which we don't get to until next time, as we started having audio problems at the one hour mark)...

For the kick off to Season Two of Rules of the Game, we have Part 2 of Butch Porter's conversation with Muoki Musau (of the "Growing Pains" podcast) on the topic of masculinity. We take a slightly different tack, whereas we decide to watch "Die Hard" (your host's favorite Christmas movie) and talk about the characters there to discover what we mean when we say things like "The Patriarchy"...and "toxic masculinity" etc... Muoki's Rule for Part 2 is: "If you say 'awoman,' then you don't know what 'amen' means." For more from Muoki, check out the "Growing Pains" podcast here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-pains-podcast/id1542556008

Butch starts this podcast episode out with a public service announcement warning people NOT to go see the new Wonder Woman movie. It's... horrible. After that, Jessica and Butch tackle the issue of vaccines and whether it should be mandatory, and parsing out what is good for society and what is good for families and individuals. _______ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us    ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast   Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user126997330

Butch has a chat with his friend and theologian, Muoki Musau, one of the co-hosts of the "Growing Pains" podcast. The topic of the day is masculinity and fatherhood. What does it mean to be a man in the modern age. One of the focuses is of course how it's looked at generationally, as Butch being a Generation X guy looks at it differently than the Millennials of the world. We also connected it to Muoki's discussions on Growing Pains about the meaning of "The American Dream." (This is Part 1 of 2.... Part 2 will launch Season 2 of Rules of the Game!) For the Growing Pains Podcast, go here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-pains-podcast/id1542556008 _______ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us    ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast   Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user126997330

(This is our first LIVESTREAM on FB and YouTube. We're hoping to add some Q&A opportunities, so stay tuned for our next LIVESTREAM next Tuesday, December 29.) Today we'll be discussing Butch's recent article regarding Ellen/Elliot Page. It's not simply about respect and care for those who are different, but also for those who THINK different, and most importantly how we treat reality and history. Is it more important that people are not challenged with how they think about themselves, than it is that people are allowed their own views of the world, reality, and reason? Here's the article on Great Conversation(s): greatconversations.us/p/identity-and-ellen-page _______ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us    ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast   Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/

We had a chance to visit with a couple fellow Virginians, Flor Flores and her son Fernando, in their home, where we discussed their fine collection of Nativity Scenes (“we stopped counting after 200”)… We apologize for the less than perfect audio, but either way this is of course best experienced through the video, where we highlight some of the nativities discussed: https://vimeo.com/491308861 Flor's Rule is: "Never be intimidated by being by yourself, because you can always find something that is close to your heart to give you comfort." For more information on the Leesburg Nativity Tour, go go: https://www.loudounawakening.org/leesburgnativitytour _______ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us    ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast   Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/

SO enjoyed visiting with Sophia over the weekend. She's right. It starts with us. Host Sophia Nelson sits down for a two part interview with Virginia Conservative, political activist, businessman, educator, and PODCAST creator Butch Porter. This is a NOT To miss dialogue on what over 74 Million Trump voters are thinking, how they feel about our politics, America, Race, the rise of "socialism" and more. The second round explores what we will need to do as neighbors, citizens, friends and family to heal our nation. It is not up to Washington, D.C. It is up to us. On the One America Podcast in Two Parts: PART ONE PART TWO

Butch and Jessica take a stab at Thanksgiving, at the draconian regulations of numerous state, county, and city executives in limiting the number of people gathered in a private home for the holiday. They talk about the latest article on the "Great Conversations" blog ( https://www.greatconversations.us/p/lord-we-thank-you-for-lines-not-to ) regarding what lines would you not allow the government to cross, and what are you willing to endure to stop them. _______ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us    ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast   Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/

This week's rule is an inverse of the rule from Episode 16, which was (courtesy of General Bugs Forsythe):  "Don't let anybody ever tell you you can't do something." Wayne Estes instead takes a look at his responsibility as a teacher and says, "Never underestimate what someone else can do." Kids will surprise you...adults will surprise you, too, in what they can do if they put their mind to something or take a different, or unexpected angle at it...   This episode is one of our Education Spotlights, (like Episode's 5 and 7) where we take a deep dive conversation into what it means to really dig in and find that "spark" in learning, and using hidden talents. For more information on The Catoctin School of Music, go to:  https://www.thecatoctinschoolofmusic.com _______ Independent Education: https://inded.us    Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.us    ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us    Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast    Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/

Jessica and Butch take some time to discuss the results of the election, and the implications of Donald Trump's efforts to fight the results. They also talk about what they look for in a President, what we should for, and how that applies to State and local positions. #elections #trump #biden #politics #election2020 ___________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com   ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast   Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/

For the 8th and last #LoudounRules episode for 2020, we're back in the Library at Dodona Manor, with General Hugh "Bugs" Forsythe. We talked about Veteran's Day, the state of the military in the U.S., a little foreign policy, and the challenges of leadership. The General's Rule is: "Don't let anybody ever tell you you can't do something." Veteran's Day is tomorrow (Wednesday November 11). If you're in range of Leesburg, VA, come commemorate our Veterans at Dodona Manor in Leesburg: https://www.georgecmarshall.org/events/veterans-day-commemoration ___________ Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com   ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast   Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/

We're back at Kahvilla Coffee House with local legend, Suhile Alami, creator and Chief Hands Bringer at the Real Husbands of Loudoun County (RHOLC) group. We talk about Suhile' immigrant experience, the Foundation that RHOLC created, as well as (again) things that Butch is really bad at, like dieting, working out, and playing golf. We also touch on what it means to be a man in the modern age. Suhile's rule is: "Become a great listener..." What an important message for Election Day. For more about the RHOLC, go to: https://www.rholcfoundation.org/ ________     Independent Education: https://inded.us   Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com   ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us   Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast   Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/

Butch and Jessica reconvene over various topics, including Covid, local races, and of course... the big decision this coming Tuesday, and that is who we are going to vote for and why for President and Vice President. Both Jessica and Butch voted third party in the previous election, but now we have to make a choice....and own it. (This is the free to the public half-hour version of the episode... the full version will be available with subscription on Great Conversations and/or Patreon.) Patreon full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43223761 ________   Independent Education: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/realbutchporter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_ohlIxFFnr6yt-exsfZKA/

What do you get when you get a guy who is fairly obsessed with politics and also sees it as his sport, and a guy who is obsessed with sports and sees politics as his reality television? Butch Porter, your host, and special guest Geoff Crawley, host of "Voice of the Fan," (formerly and soon to be rehabilitated). We talk about sports, politics, the politics of sports, and a LITTLE about the sport of politics. Geoff's RULE is one that should be simple, but it obviously isn't, or we wouldn't be where we are: "Be nice to people..." #NBA #NFL #ColinKaepernick #MLS #EPL #StickToSports #LeBronJames #BLM #blacklivesmatter #CRT #criticalracetheory ________ Independent Education: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast

For our 7th "Loudoun Rules" episode (#12 for the podcast) Butch is back at Dodona Manor --  this time on the front porch on what had to be the most beautiful day of the year -- to have a "Great Conversation" with Phyllis Randall, the current Chair of the Board of Supervisors of Loudoun County, Virginia. We learn a little about her background, chat about criminal justice reform, the office of the President, checks and balances,  the role of government as a whole and the importance of local government. Phyllis' official Chair webpage: https://www.loudoun.gov/2223/Chair-Phyllis-J-Randall _____________  Independent Education: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame

Jessica Hausberger has made it to the second round in our nationwide search for a regular co-host on the Rules of the Game Podcast. For Episode 11, Butch and Jessica chat about: Aristotle and citizenship, choosing legislators by lottery, voter fraud, local elections and a little about the November Presidential race. Jessica's new article is up on Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com/p/democracy-and-the-politics-of-voting Relate Podcast with Jessica and Grace https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-relate-podcast-w-jessica-grace/id1479244826 ________ Independent Education: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast

For our 10th episode, we go national again with the beautiful and talented Jessica Hausberger, who also has a podcast with her mother Grace called, "Relate Podcast."   The topic of the day is the "Social Dilemma" Documentary on Netflix where former execs of the leading social media companies explain, technically, and with great conviction, why their platforms might have gone a little too far in creating... well... an addiction to their services. Center for Humane Technology https://www.humanetech.com "Social Dilemma" Film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaaC57tcci0 Relate Podcast with Jessica and Grace https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-relate-podcast-w-jessica-grace/id1479244826 ________ Independent Education: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us Patreon: https://patreon.com/rotgpodcast

For our 9th Episode, we sit down with Tony Howard, President of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, to talk about the state of business and the economy in the age of COVID-19. We discuss "mixed use," thinking outside the box, the competitive position that Loudoun County, Virginia is in, a little Richmond and D.C. politics, and lastly, Tony's rule, especially for these troubling times: "Keep the Faith..." Keep working hard and doing your best, and we'll get through this as neighbors and businesses. More info: https://loudounchamber.org _____________ Independent Education https://inded.us Great Conversation(s) https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast https://rotgpodcast.us

Local artist Kaeley Boyle is our guest for Episode 8. Kaeley is a painter, and owner of the “Fine Gallery” (it’s FINE... really. Everything is fine.). She is also the Director of the Loudoun Arts Film Festival which starts Thursday Sept. 10.  We talked about being a gallery owner in the age of Covid, geeked out on movies a little bit, and talked about Kaeley's Rule which is: "If you're going to do something, don't half-ass it..." Because, even though hate has no home on the ROTG Podcast, Kaeley had to admit that she HATES mediocrity. For more info on the festival, go to: http://loudounartsfilmfestival.com Loudoun Arts: http://loudounarts.org Fine Gallery: https://www.facebook.com/thefinegallery/ ___________________ IndED: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us

For Episode 7 (our third Education Focus episode) we “Zoomed” with Charles McDowell of Hard Work Martial Arts in Sterling, VA. We talked about what Kung Fu actually means, why physical discipline is critical in developing mental discipline, the challenge of maintaining a kid-centric business during... the “C word”, and some tips on helping kids stay on task with “zoomschool”...  More info on Hard Work Martial Arts: https://www.hardworkma.com _______________ IndED: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us

Episode 6 is a wide ranging conversation about faith, church, political disagreements, and how a changing culture and the pandemic have combined to affect church. Our special guest is Drew Clyde, pastor of Headway Church, and creator of Leesburg Junction and organizer of the One Gathering, a local prayer event where several local churches come together and pray for our nation and world. More info: Headway Church: https://www.makeheadway.org Leesburg Junction: https://www.leesburgjunction.com One Gathering: https://onechurchloudoun.org _______________ IndED: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us

For our 5th episode, we're on the "Zooms" again to chat with Chad Hamel, who runs the Coderschool in Ashburn, Virginia (down the road from your host). CoderSchool helps kids learn how to code, and through coding, how to think, to ask tough questions (mainly: "Why?). More on their program can be found at: CoderSchool Ashburn.  We talk about the reason why coding is such a valuable tool, and Chad's Rule, which is: "Slow Down... and think." (It's almost like Ferris Bueller's rule... but completely different) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsYBtfQ3QDo Other Notes: We're up on ALL the podcast services now, so subscribe as you see fit. We also have a new website: rotgpocast.us, which will be where all of Butch's blog posts from GC, podcast episodes (and various other thoughts are collected). _______________ IndED: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us

For Episode 4 we sit down in the kitchen at Dodona Manor with local attorney, Peter Burnett, to talk about the Ampersand Pantry Project. Peter’s Rule was a collection of five “suggestions for a more productive life”: Avoid Regret. Go First. Practice Kindness, Be Grateful, Enjoy Today... for more info on the Ampersand Pantry Project, go here: https://volunteer.loudouncares.org/agency/detail/?agency_id=113322 __________ Independent Education: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): http://greatconversations.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us

For Episode 3 of the Podcast, we have Special Guest, Randy Lioz, from Braver Angels, an organization created in late 2016, dedicated to fighting polarization in American politics and discourse. Randy’s rule is: “If you think you truly understand something (especially how someone thinks or why they think it), ask one more question.” https://braverangels.org __________ Independent Education: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): http://greatconversations.us ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us

This week, for our second episode we move to the living room at Dodona Manor, the historical home of George C. Marshall in Downtown Leesburg, Virginia. Host Butch Porter sits down with local author, Sophia A. Nelson to talk about Republican Party politics in Virginia, race relations, Confederate statues, and her book "E Pluribus One." Listen in. Share. Like. etc. One more episode which will be recorded on Aug 12, and we’ll be launching into Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc. But for now, share this link and our "substack" at Great Conversation(s). #leesburgrules #loudounrules #rulesofthegame _______________ IndED: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us

This week, for our inaugural podcast, we kick off our podcast in the breakfast room at Dodona Manor, the historical home of George C Marshall in Downtown Leesburg, Virginia. Our special guest is Bahar Picariello, the “Homeschool Ambassador” who as a single working mom has turned her homeschooling into a platform/enterprise for supporting other parents. Not only our inaugural video podcast, but also Mr. Porter’s entry into the Reimagine Education Conference, which launches this weekend. If you’re considering taking on true blue homeschooling this year, check out the conference, and learn more about IndED. The topic of the day, in addition to homeschooling in general, is of course the role of DADS in homeschooling.  BAHAR’S RULE: "You can plan to your hearts content, but you have to be prepared for it not to go your way." Bahar Picariello _______________ IndED: https://inded.us Great Conversation(s): https://greatconversations.substack.com ROTG Podcast: https://rotgpodcast.us Patreon: https://patreon.com/rulesofthegame