The (Secular) Barbershop

Seventeen years ago, I got my hands on arguably the most anticipated sequel in video game history: Metal Gear Solid 2. This game did more than allow you to play a bad ass soldier, it also predicted this digital age in which we live. Today, I'm joined by writer and comedian Ajai Raj to talk about the game, fake news, and the importance of nuance.   Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: The Patroits Footnotes: Follow Ajai on Twitter Read his article one Metal Gear predicting fake news Catch his upcoming show here

A few weeks ago, I was spending the evening with my wife looking at old game shows on Amazon. After a few episodes and seeing repeat guests, I thought, "Where are they now?" So, after a quick Google search, I found one of them...and their address, their place of employment and previous addresses. Then, my wife typed my name and this episode was born. Today I welcome, Spencer Coffman to the Barbershop to discuss online privacy, how to remove your personal and private info from certain websites and databases, his website and youtube channel, and we talk about some of his future projects. Good stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: LA-LI-LU-LE-LO Go to Mylife.com first! Then, go straight to Spencer's video & protect yourself! Visit Spencer's website here. Nikola Tesla Learn about the "Dark Web"   Update: Google bought D.A.R.P.A. and what is D.A.R.P.A. Creepy robot dog-horse thing!

This week, I welcome porn vet. Sara Jay to the barbershop. We talk about being famous, the importance of privacy and downtime, being a DIY creator, and lotion.  Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Pretty Thoughts - Galimatias Footnotes Follow Sara on Twitter, Instagram, and visite her NSFW website here. Give Galimatias a follow here on Twitter. 

This week, I welcome Jillian Jansen. Not only is she great at her job, but she's also, a great storyteller. Jillian sits in the Barbershop to talk about porn and how she started while still in highschool  - yup, you read that correctly - and how she got detained while visiting the U.K. It's a crazy story, let me tell you! Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Make You Feel - Galimatias Footnotes: Follow Jillian on Twitter, Snapchat, Sex Panther, and at her NSFW website.

Today, I have Plus-sized model Brezzy B. in the Barbershop. After seeing "The new face of BBW" in her Instagram description, I was intrigued and reached out to her. She was kind gracious with her time to talk about a new model in the industry, why she started and her goals. After speaking with her, and seeing her progress in just a few weeks, I can't wait to say, "I was there, man!" Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Mass Transit - Blue Six Footnotes:  Follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 

Today I'm joined by friend of the barbershop, Josh Richards. Josh and I talk about the flooding and our personal experiences with Hurricane Harvey. We also do a lot of dick ridin' for Houston, because this is a great goddamn city, that's why. This tragically underrated city is getting its proper respect in this episode. But just like something you love, there are times where you have to ask, "What the hell are you doing?" because you love it and you want it to succeed. With that said, we asked, "Will we as Houstonians learn from this, again, again, again?" I've attached an interactive map for you, the listener - well, what the fuck else are they Uber? - to follow you that you may follow this very localized conversation.   Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Night Owl - Galimatias   Footnotes: Follow Josh on Twitter and on his website. Current flood map of Houston

This week, I'm joined by writer, producer, blogger, and dog lover Joseph Mallozzi. Joseph is the head writer and creator of popular Sci-fi like StarGate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, Stargate: Universe and, recently Dark Matter. In our conversation, we discuss the busy schedule of being a showrunner, Dark Matter and its abrupt cancellation, loyalty to his fans, his writing origin story, and what's in the future. Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Giving Tree - Skyward Footnotes: Follow Joeseph on his blog or on Twitter. Dark Matter's Reddit page. Help Dark Matter trend on Twitter Dark Horse Entertainment  

Today, I'm joined by returning guest, Heather Fazio to talk about what has happened since we last spoke in regard to weed and legalization here in Texas. In this episode, we talk about some of the wins and losses, legalization on the Federal level, and how you can help inch Texas toward legalization. Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: (m)arrow - Skyward Footnotes: Listen to Heather's first appearance here. Support Heather's work here. Cory Booker's proposal. Houston District Attorney Kim Ogg.  P.O.S. KKK member

Today I'm talking about a personal story dealing with race and ignorance, Jeff Sessions and the white supremacist's partner in crime. Good stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Footnotes Affirmative action and Jeff Session article. The so-called "New Deal." White-only Feminism article.

This week's guest is Jordan Breeding. Jordan, who writes for Cracked and Paste Magazine, sits in to elaborate on an article that wrote for Cracked, as well as other articles that talk about things that should be driving all Americans Crazy. 

Today I'm joined by educator, writer, entrepreneur Charles Easley. Charles authored the children's books "Misadventure of an Urban Nerd" and he's here to talk about growing up in Houston, being a black nerd as a kid and as an adult, racism, black childhood, and more. Good stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: I Wouldn't Cheat On You - Derek Mayo Footnotes: Support Charles' Books here. Follow Charles on Twitter, Instagram. Follow his work on his website. Follow Derek on Twitter & Instagram Map of Houston Montgomery Ward Realities of being a black nerd

Today's guest is Michael A. Wood Jr. and he's here to talk about his activism, violence prevention, civilian-led policing, and his current and future projects.  Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Call Me - Derek Mayo   Footnotes: Follow Michael on Twitter and read his Guardian article. Support veterans-stand.org, Civilian-led PD and Vans Transform Tour Check out Derek's Youtube and Twitter

In today's episode, I welcome back Stephen David Brooks and I welcome first time guests, Lucy Jenner, A.K.A Lucia Ballard, and Billy "Sly" Williams to the barbershop to talk about Stephen's film Heads N Tailz. This was the epitome of a barbershop conversation because we covered so many topics including race, Hollywood politics, acting techniques, directing techniques and how this podcast got started. I honestly had a blast and can't wait for future projects to talk about. Good stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro:  Unfold - Galamatias   Footnotes: Follow Stephen on Twitter Watch Heads N Tailz for free here! Scene from "Lucia Di Lammermoor"

Today's guest is Robert Morgan, the head of adult company Royal Empire Productions. This was a simply fantastic conversation that coverd porn, of course, but we also talked about RObert's start, where to draw the line, race, rap music & the n-word, piracy, and the future of porn, including VR. As you can see, we covered a lot. Good stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Face the Day - Blue Six Footnotes Visits Roberts NSFW site here. Follow Rober on Twitter, and Instagram Porn stats for nerds Castile’s murder acquitted of all charges

This week, The Evil Dr. Tran is my guest and we talk about the horrors of the horror movie Alien Covenant. Whether you love or hate this movie, there are somethings you just can't overlook. Then we move on Dr. Tran's spoiler free review of Wonder Woman. Can guess which fared better? Good stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Purple Rain - Galimatias   Footnotes: Follow EvilDrTran on Twitter and show him some love! Alien Prologue Alamo draft article  Man sues Alamo Draft House for discrimination.

Last year I spoke with Fran Di and Steven Wu to promote the HAAPI Film Fest. In that episode, we talked about movie tropes, racism, and lack of diversity. I'm excited to welcome HAAPI's own Andy Chang to The Barbershop to talk about the festival. We talk about his role in the organization and how he got started, Asian representation in the media and more. Good stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Rose, Rose I Love You - Shangai Restoration Project Footnotes: Visit HAAPI's website here. Youtube video on Asian Representaion in the media Last years ep. Justin Chon's youtube page  

This week, I welcome comedic writer and author of Holy Bible: Best Goddamned Version, Steve Ebling. I said on this show many times that I want to read and learn more about the bible, but jesus christ, it's fucking boring! Well, this book changes all of that. So, purchase this book on Amazon, have an actual bible as your source, and laugh your ass off because you can't make this shit up! Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: As Far As I Can See - Joseph Jacobs Footnotes: Buy Steve's book here! Pillar Saints Dead Sea Scrolls

Today, I'm rambling about Trump, going to Mars and how white it's going to be. I'm calling it now! Good Stuff Intro: Onetime - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Star People - Blue Six Footnotes: The Old article that inspired this ep. Horizon: Zero Dawn Dear White People The Expanse A Tribe Called Quest That fucking nazi I mentioned

Today, Dylan Burdette returns to the Barbershop to talk about the importance of Science. Dylan and I share some examples of things we take for granted every day, some real-life Franken-Science, some history and what's coming up for Dylan in the future. Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Mayhem in the A.M. - Exact Change Project Footnotes: Learn about Henrietta Lacks, HeLa cells and her role in cancer research. Support Dylan's Science YouTube page. Learn about Borlaug's work here. Read the New Yorker article about horse shit here. How asphalt is made. 314 Action

This week I'm joined by long time friend Kareem Harvey and local Houston artist Derek, who's a cartoonist, singer/songwriter, producer, Youtuber, paper puppeteer, and dancer does everything mentioned while having cancer! (If I forgot something Derek, please forgive me!) In this episode, we have a hilarious, nerdy, motivating, and very moving conversation between three black men of various backgrounds and beliefs talking about perspective, black masculinity, solidarity, empathy, and creation. Good Stuff Intro: One Time - Joseph Jacobs Outro: Top - Derek Mayo Footnotes: Watch Derek's art come to life here! Learn more about Can Care here. To support Derek's music, check out Bandcamp or iTunes. Follow Derek on Twitter, Instagram Follow Kareem and Vacation VIPS on twitter.