Episodes

  • Monsters Among Men
    Oct 20 2024

    In this episode of The Fool Scoop, Alan, Winston, and Johnny delve into a chilling mix of true crime, cultural commentary, and nostalgic reflections. The conversation begins with a lighthearted exploration of technical difficulties and the spooky season, leading to a deeper discussion of immigration issues and the infamous serial killer La Bestia. They also revisit the 30th anniversary of the beloved animated series Gargoyles, examining its enduring impact and the themes of friendship and justice it explores. Throughout the episode, the hosts navigate a complex interplay of darkness and light, examining the human capacity for both evil and good. As they delve into the chilling story of La Bestia, it becomes clear that monsters can indeed exist among men.

    Here are the links to the Stories in this episode:

    • Gargoyles (TV Show)
    • Yolanda Saldivar Parole 2025
    • Back to the Future (1985)
    • Luis Garavito “La Bestia”
    • Little Golden Books
    • Parents “Redshirting” Kids

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    54 mins
  • Immoral Machines (Cut for Time)
    Jul 31 2024

    In this episode, the gang looks back on the history of music and file sharing. From the stone age days of Napster through the viral minefield of Kazza and Limewire. Additionally, we also tackle all sorts of “isms” as we work through the “Man or Bear (and not the Man-Bear-Pig monstrosity)” “Trolley” and “AI Morality” thought experiments. Is there a racial discrimination in our technologies, or have we imbued our machines with our own biases? Are we human? Or are we moral? Tune in to see how our choices can impact the advancement of A.I. We also take a more lighthearted look at streaking and the age old cats vs dogs debate.

    Here are the links to the Stories in this episode:

    • Man or Bear In The Woods | TikTok
    • Man or Bear in The Woods | TikTok | yourtango
    • Man or Bear in The Woods | TikTok | happygoliving
    • Man or Bear in The Woods | TikTok | sadly_420
    • Man or Bear in The Woods | TikTok | daykayla13
    • The Trolley Experiment
    • Moral Machine research site | Contribute to the Future of Ai
    • Racial Bias in Photography – Silverman Trykowski Associates, Inc. (sta-design.com)
    • Photography is inherently racist. Can new technology change that? (fastcompany.com)
    • Light And Dark: The Racial Biases That Remain In Photography : Code Switch : NPR
    • Chicago’s “Race-Neutral” Traffic Cameras Ticket Black and Latino Drivers the Most — ProPublica
    • Maine coon | The Largest Cat breed - YouTube

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    30 mins
  • News of the Week - July 21, 2024
    Jul 26 2024

    On this episode, the Fool Scoopers discuss some a variety of topics, beginning with what may be the biggest headline of the summer: The assassination attempt of Donald Trump. Also discussed are other historical assassination attempts and duels with pistols. Then, The Fool Scoop covers the recent Republican National Convention including the surprise run-in of professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and Donald Trump Jr.’s wife’s itchy situation. On a more serious note, the Democrats and their upcoming DNC is also brought up along with what can be done to compete with the RNC. Finally, the recent Microsoft outage is also discussed with hopefully no additional outages during the conversation.

    Here are the links to the Stories in this episode:

    • Attempted Assassination on Trump at Rally
    • Trump Rally Shooter
    • RNC Hulk Hogan
    • President Camacho in Idiocracy
    • Kimberly Guilfoyle Ridiculed For Lifting Up Her Dress During RNC (okmagazine.com)
    • Crowdstrike Shutdowns the World

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    55 mins
  • Mine Trumps Yours
    Jul 16 2024

    Things get heated on the Fool Scoop as we break down the ins and outs of Donald Trump’s conviction. What happened? How will it affect the election? And who will win the battle for Alan Brown’s political soul? Find out as the Fool Scoop dives deep into The Trial of Donald Trump.

    Here are the links to the Stories in this episode:

    • Donald Trump was found guilty, convicted of 34 Counts
    • Pod Save America: New Polling on Trump’s Felony Conviction
    • Immigration | Gallup Historical Trends - And since many of you may not read the results, here’s the summary: immigration is a big deal, but America is split on “why” it is a big problem and “how” to solve the issue. Across the board, most Americans favor positive immigration reform, while at the same time supporting a way to stem the illegal flow of immigrants across the border.
    • Abortion | Gallup Historical Trends - Most Americans support pro-choice, Mifepristone availability, and strongly disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V. Wade.
    • LGBTQ+ Rights | Gallup Historical Trends - While most American’s are in favor of gay rights they still believe about half of America is still against gay rights. A testament that we’re probably still dealing with the legacy of the stigma of open sexuality. When it comes to Trans rights and Gender re-assignment, most Americans are uncomfortable.
    • Race Relations | Gallup Historical Trends - Not much of a surprise. White Americans mostly think race relations are “somewhat good to somewhat bad” whereas Black Americans see race relations as “somewhat bad to very bad.”
    • Quantifying the rise of America’s far right (economist.com) - “Data published by the Centre on Extremism […] showed that all 25 extremist-related murders in its database from 2022 had connections to the far right.”
    • Political Polarization in the American Public | Pew Research Center - This is an older article, to illustrate that Trump did not create the divide. However, he has taken advantage of it with his rhetoric, and there is a correlation to note between his rise and the deepening divide.
    • [Left-Wing vs Right-Wing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left–right_political_spectrum#:~:text=It originated during the French,in the French National Assembly.)
    • THE MONKEY/STEPLADDER EXPERIMENT (youtube.com)
    • Trump vs Biden Economies by the Numbers
    • Yes, the VP Used to go to the Runner Up
    • Let's Bring Ranked Choice Voting To America | Rank The Vote

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Immoral Machines
    Jul 2 2024

    In this episode, the gang looks back on the history of music and file sharing. From the stone age days of Napster through the viral minefield of Kazza and Limewire. Additionally, we also tackle all sorts of “isms” as we work through the “Man or Bear (and not the Man-Bear-Pig monstrosity)” “Trolley” and “AI Morality” thought experiments. Is there a racial discrimination in our technologies, or have we imbued our machines with our own biases? Are we human? Or are we moral? Tune in to see how our choices can impact the advancement of A.I. We also take a more lighthearted look at streaking and the age old cats vs dogs debate.

    Here are the links to the Stories in this episode:

    • Man or Bear In The Woods | TikTok
    • Man or Bear in The Woods | TikTok | yourtango
    • Man or Bear in The Woods | TikTok | happygoliving
    • Man or Bear in The Woods | TikTok | sadly_420
    • Man or Bear in The Woods | TikTok | daykayla13
    • The Trolley Experiment
    • Moral Machine research site | Contribute to the Future of Ai
    • Racial Bias in Photography – Silverman Trykowski Associates, Inc. (sta-design.com)
    • Photography is inherently racist. Can new technology change that? (fastcompany.com)
    • Light And Dark: The Racial Biases That Remain In Photography : Code Switch : NPR
    • Chicago’s “Race-Neutral” Traffic Cameras Ticket Black and Latino Drivers the Most — ProPublica
    • Maine coon | The Largest Cat breed - YouTube

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Jamais Vu
    Jun 19 2024

    We forgot we even recorded this episode where we talk about Jamais Vu? What is it? Tune in to find out and hear about our other brain pains.

    Here are the links to the Stories in this episode:

    • Deja Vu And Jamais Vu! What Do These Effects Contain In Themselves? True Facts About Memory Effects (youtube.com)
    • [What Is Jamais Vu? | HowStuffWorks](https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/jamais-vu.htm#:~:text=Some research suggests the temporal,memory and even facial recognition.)
    • [Jamais vu, the opposite of déjà vu?](https://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/transmission/2023/10/10/jamais-vu-the-opposite-of-deja-vu-why-does-the-familiar-feel-strangely-new-sometimes/#:~:text=In basic terms%2C jamais vu,very familiar with%2C” Dr.)
    • The Troxler Effect (youtube.com)
    • Staring in a Mirror Until I Hallucinate (it works!) (youtube.com)
    • Repeating a Word Until It Loses Its Meaning: It’s a Thing (thecut.com)
    • Automaticity—Why We Act Without Thinking (verywellmind.com)
    • Unconscious vs Conscious Automaticity
    • How to Cultivate Jason Bourne's Situational Awareness - Gentleman Spy
    • Jinn in the mirror. My sister's story that gives me goosebumps everytime i think about it. : r/Paranormal (reddit.com)

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    50 mins
  • The Body: Breakthroughs & Breakdowns
    Jun 12 2024

    It’s time for some more health news as only the Fool Scoop can bring it. We discuss all matter of bodily subjects: injuries, allergies, aging, medication, and maintenance. And we look to the future with a possible workout pill and how it actually works. Be sure to tune in for some info and some laughs.

    Here are the links to the Stories in this episode:

    • US Happiness Ranking Plummets as One Group Struggles Most : ScienceAlert
    • Landmark Study Confirms Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is 'Unambiguously Biological' : ScienceAlert
    • Glowcester Wheel of Cheese
    • Workout in a pill: Scientists move one step closer to an exercise-mimicking drug | Live Science
    • Body Farms
    • Extend Your Life with The Body Electric

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Local News for Laredoans
    Jun 5 2024

    Today, the Fool Scoop opens with a roundtable discussion centered on King Charles’ terrifying new royal portrait. Then, we move on to more locally centered news involving a potentially self-sustaining town, making the grade with a hospital, new food trucks, and air capture plants. Don’t miss out on some interesting local, homegrown news from the Fool Scoop.

    Here are the links to the Stories in this episode:

    • Talise, a new self-sufficient town, begins development
    • KGNS News On Your Side: Did Laredo hospitals make the grade?
    • Laredo’s Vietnam Veterans Park to transform into food truck spot
    • BlackRock invests $550M in world’s largest direct air capture plant
    • Bugs & Daffy - Hassan Chop! (youtube.com)
    • Aladdin 2 The Return of Jafar (1994) - Arabian Nights [2K] (youtube.com)

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    42 mins