Kind of a Lot with Matt Ruby

>>> Watch this episode on YouTube. Matt Ruby delves into the enchanting story of Ronan Mattin, a young boy whose spontaneous expression of joy—an exuberant “Wow!”—at a symphonic performance ignites a deeper conversation about authenticity and expression. This particular incident occurred in 2019 at Boston's Symphony Hall during a piece by Mozart, and it serves as a perfect backdrop to explore how the pure, unfiltered reactions of children can reveal profound truths often overlooked by adults. Similar to the story, 'The Emperor's New Clothes,' where the boldness of an innocent voice cuts through societal pretense, Ronan’s gleeful outburst created a ripple of laughter and applause, underscoring not just the enjoyment of music but also the rarity of such raw expressions of delight in formal environments. Ultimately, Matt challenges listeners to actively seek out their own “wows,” asking them to identify moments of beauty that break through the mundane. In drawing attention to society’s tendencies to hush candid expressions, perhaps we can illuminate the extraordinary aspects of our shared human experience.===- Written and presented by Matt Ruby- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay===https://www.mattrubycomedy.com/https://stereoactivemedia.com

>>> Watch this episode on YouTube.Matt Ruby dives into the ever-controversial world of media bias, particularly focusing on the New York Times and its critics from both the left and the right. This widespread disdain raises a crucial question: is the Times doing its job effectively if it is equally reviled by both sides?Matt tackles the notion that the New York Times, despite its critics, when both sides of the political spectrum find common ground in their disdain, it could signal that the publication is operating in a realm that prioritizes journalism over partisan narratives. This leads to a broader commentary on what constitutes real journalism today—an essential endeavor that goes beyond opinions and relies on reporting that uncovers truths, investigates corruption, conducts tough interviews, and holds power accountable, all important traditional journalism practices that involve rigorous fact-checking and the ethical considerations of protecting sources, especially in an era where misinformation runs rampant.He addresses the shortcomings and challenges faced by the mainstream media, including the decline of local reporting due to technological shifts, resulting in a significant disconnect between journalists and the communities they serve and leading to increased suspicion and a tendency to label media representatives as "elites" rather than as essential watchdogs. He further argues that without accessible local news, the public's perception of journalism can shift dangerously towards antipathy and distrust. He also delves into the existing climate in journalism where the distinction between opinion and factual reporting is becoming increasingly blurred. The inundation of opinions has led to a dilution of trust in the media, as audiences find it challenging to differentiate between thorough reporting and personal takes. We also explore the consequences of the conventional media's missteps, citing high-profile examples like the WMDs in Iraq and the Rolling Stone UVA assault story to illustrate the fallout and accountability mechanisms that come with traditional journalism.In reflecting on the state of the New York Times, Matt raises concerns about the sustainability of real journalism in a landscape where many reputable outlets are closed, closing, or in decline. He makes a case for the necessity of supporting institutions like the Times while also remaining aware of their shortcomings, ultimately advocating for a journalistic landscape where the pursuit of truth takes precedence over partisan alignment and urging audiences to consider the role of fair-minded journalism in preserving democratic discourse.===- Written and presented by Matt Ruby- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay===https://www.mattrubycomedy.com/https://stereoactivemedia.com

Matt explores the concept of 'weird' in the 2024 presidential election cycle, noting the Democratic Party's rhetorical shift from taking the higher ground to embracing something at least a little bit like rage. He discusses the GOP's cultural vibe and contrasts it with how the left is perceived and delves into political dynamics, such as the power play behind using terms like 'weird' and 'bully' in discourse. The conversation then examines the blurring of 'mainstream' and 'weird' in a fragmented society and touches on the relationship of all of this to minority rule, righteousness, and the perception of truth in politics. Matt and Producer J also reflect on how the confrontation of differing realities in an online-driven world, prompting thoughts on healthy societal awareness and the challenge of acknowledging diverse perspectives. //// This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.===https://www.mattrubycomedy.com/https://stereoactivemedia.com

Matt explores the prevalence of repetitive and trite discourse among some on the left and what they may be able to learn from standup comedians about getting their points across more effectively. He emphasizes the importance of offering original, engaging, and introspective viewpoints while simultaneously avoiding tired tropes that may alienate an audience.This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.===https://www.mattrubycomedy.com/https://stereoactivemedia.com

Matt embarks on a reflective journey, delving into the profound teachings he's encountered while exploring the world of plant intelligence through, among other things, his experiences with ayahuasca. Discover the valuable lessons in humility, community, and resilience that plants offer, serving as poignant reminders of interconnectedness and sustainability. Embrace the wisdom of plants to cultivate a harmonious coexistence with the natural world and strive for balance and acceptance in life.This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.===https://www.mattrubycomedy.com/https://stereoactivemedia.com===Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w7YZA6kX-j4

Matt delves into the concept of embracing discomfort as a means of growth and transcendence, suggesting personal experiences where initial discomfort can lead to valuable outcomes. He explores how modern society tends to avoid discomfort, often inflating minor inconveniences into significant issues, as well as the importance of distinguishing between productive suffering that fosters growth and the kind that leads to trauma. During the Pushback/Feedback segment, Matt and Producer J discuss generational differences in processing experiences and learning from supposed hardships along with the impact of technology. The discussion also touches on the role of technology in connecting people and bringing awareness to shared experiences and perspectives.This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.===https://www.mattrubycomedy.com/https://stereoactivemedia.com

Matt shares his views on the upcoming presidential election rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Maybe, just maybe, it's reality and not the media that makes everyone think Biden is old. And maybe, just maybe, the thought of another Trump presidency, along with the constant shenanigans and scandals we managed to live through last time, is enough to stress us all out all over again.This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.===https://www.mattrubycomedy.com/https://stereoactivemedia.com

A lot of the conversation around the Israel/Palestine conflict goes off the rails when people start confuse the people for the government or anti-semitism for anti-zionism. So with that in mind, Matt offers some tips to keep in mind if you want to mindfully criticize Israel without coming off as either uninformed or potentially bigoted.Produced by Stereoactive Media

Matt's father was an Israeli who grew up in Palestine back before the state of Israel even existed. He was also reluctantly a tank commander in the Israeli army because he had to serve. Now, Matt brings the perspective of his father, along with his own as he tries to explain how many Jewish people may be feeling in the wake of events in Israel and Gaza this month, which have added yet another chapter to the long cycle of violence in which brutality is disproportionately countered with further brutality.Produced by Stereoactive Media

Have you ever gone to a rock (or pop) show and wondered why people pull out their phones to record it instead of just experiencing it? Well, now there's a place seemingly built just for those people. U2, once a band that explicitly criticized big commercialized theatrics (admittedly while exploiting big commercialized theatrics), recently played at the latestLas Vegas mecca of opulence. And if you were online as it was happening, you could have easily seen footage from it from many of the people in attendance. So, what does this new way of "elevating" live music mean for the future of music, live shows, and the communal experience?Produced by Stereoactive Media

As the saying goes, “a family is a dictatorship ruled over by its sickest member.” Matt describes his first hand experience with this idea by way of his own mother, but also parallels the concept with other organizational structures, from the armed forces to society itself. What lessons can we all learn from the both simple and complicated circumstance of having a loved one that needs special attention.Produced by Stereoactive Media

From time to time, Matt shares some of his favorite paragraphs of writing he’s come across. In this episode, he and producer J. McVay discuss a few of those paragraphs and the ideas behind them. Featuring passages from the following:“Vicious Traps” by Morgan Housel (Collab Fund)“Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Great ‘Indiana Jones’ Adventure” by David Marchese (The New York Times Magazine)“How Stewart Made Tucker” by Jon Askonas (The New Atlantis)Produced by Stereoactive Media

Have you ever been in a coffee shop or other public area when someone gets on a Zoom meeting, plays their music out loud, or does something else that should politely be kept private? Well, Matt has an open letter for all those people about the agreed upon rules of a civil society because it sure seems like a lot of people need a refresher in our after spending so much time away from other people during the pandemic.Produced by Stereoactive Media

From time to time, someone proposes the ingenious idea of a so-called national divorce to finally separate blue and red states that, to some, seem irreconcilable in their differences. Sometimes the proposal comes from someone on the right, sometimes someone on the left – and sometimes it’s someone as completely ignorant as Marjorie Taylor Greene. Well, now it’s Matt’s turn to play out the scenario… So who gets what when the divorce is final? Or is it just too dumb to work, especially if the real divide is between urban and rural neighbors. Produced by Stereoactive Media

“Aging well” is an oxymoron and the future will frown upon all of us. Matt explores the friction between generations that occurs when younger people expect elders to be able to keep up with changing expectations about language, behavior, etc, even as many elders are unreasonable in their refusal to even try. A wider willingness to forgive elders who are trying might be helpful, but it would probably also help if elders better recognized their own generational shortcomings as well as the advantages they had that will largely not be passed on.Produced by Stereoactive Media

Matt collects aphorisms, mantras, and other brief thoughts that represent lessons he’s learned throughout his life. In this episode, he and producer J. McVay discuss a handful of these so-called “Rubyisms,” the stories behind them, and the deeper truths they’re connected to:We’ll have so many photos of so much nothing and no one will look at them. Meanwhile, your grandparents had a few photos in a shoebox and viewed them hundreds of times.Let your weight be absorbed by the ground. (Lesson from yoga.)An embarrassing success is worse than a proud failure.Produced by Stereoactive Media

Matt collects aphorisms, mantras, and other brief thoughts that represent lessons he’s learned throughout his life. In this episode, he and producer J. McVay discuss a handful of these so-called “Rubyisms,” the stories behind them, and the deeper truths they’re connected to:Cynics are just disappointed romantics.Tradition makes you focus on the wrong things. Want people to remember your wedding? Skip the cake and spend that money on a choreographer for your first dance. No one cares about cake anyway.Make your violence beautiful. Make your violence, beautiful.Just because something is illegal doesn't mean it's wrong. Laws often have an ulterior motive.Produced by Stereoactive Media

Matt collects aphorisms, mantras, and other brief thoughts that represent lessons he’s learned throughout his life. In this episode, he and producer J. McVay discuss a handful of these so-called “Rubyisms,” the stories behind them, and the deeper truths they’re connected to:When we ran out of needs to fulfill, they started manufacturing desire.Never underestimate the power of inertia.We call our medicine “drugs” and our drugs “medicine.”Tension is a form of prayer.Produced by Stereoactive Media

On the heels of the recent psychedelics conference in Denver organized by the MAPS organization – the largest such conference ever held – Matt shares how he thinks psychedelics should actually be treated as they gain wider acceptance as a therapeutic treatment. Maybe it doesn't have to be all microdosing, mental health, and big business. Maybe there should also be  room for a little bit of “wild.”Produced by Stereoactive Media

A recent story about how a Colombian girl managed to help keep her younger siblings alive while lost in the jungle for months because of “ancestral knowledge” begs the question of how most American kids – or adults, for that matter – might fare under similar circumstances. Matt ponders the ways in which  our increasing isolation from each other, driven by technology that further encloses our personal bubbles, may be closing us off to truths we’d have available to us if we’d only remember how to look.Produced by Stereoactive Media