Send us a text

A new year, a new sound, and a lot to unpack. We kick things off by stress-testing the Rode Streamer X against the Motu and talk through why tiny hardware choices—like a reliable physical mute and smarter onboard processing—change how often we ship. Then the scope widens fast: we tackle the Minnesota fraud scandal and the fragile limits of “tolerance,” pull threads through Iran’s pre- and post-1979 identity, and revisit the strategic misreads around Iraq, WMDs, and missed leverage. It’s policy without the euphemisms—who benefits, who pays, and what norms are worth defending.

On the practical side, we map a DIY path to quiet shooting with Form 1 suppressors: serializing thread adapters, 3D-printed baffles, modular hub standards, and why pressure curves matter more than bullet size for lifespan. Expect early scarcity, then a wave of innovation as metal additive manufacturing enables complex, efficient internals that machining can’t touch. If you’ve been suppressor-curious, this is your blueprint.

We also get personal. One of us prepares for a two-week fast with a plan to beat the day-two slump and a smarter refeed; the other goes full Lego Enterprise and confesses a utilitarian streak revealed by space-building games. Along the way we trade notes on scaling creator businesses (what to outsource, what to own), call out the costs of performative influence, and celebrate small wins—like fixing foot pain by ditching hard heels.

If you’re into audio gear, DIY firearms, geopolitics, fasting, or the craft of making more with less, you’ll find something to grab onto. Subscribe, share with a friend who shares your sense of humor, and leave a review telling us which chapter you want us to go deeper on next.

Want to hear old episodes? All subscribers have access to the full back catalog of episodes and specials! Just Two Good Old Boys (Just Two Good Old Boys +)

Communicate with us directly on x.com by joining the Good Old Boys community! https://x.com/i/communities/1887018898605641825

Can't donate?
Listen to Amy Clare Smith Music

Check out Gene's other podcasts -
podcast.sirgene.com and unrelenting.show

Read Ben's blog and see product links at namedben.com