Stream Of Thought

Ep. 59 - Take 59

Here we GOOOOOOO!!! Number 59 begins with a swan dive into the beauty of books. Yes, books! How fascinating. But what do you do if it’s not your cup of tea. Do you finish it anyway in hopes things pick up or shelve it? People. Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em. What is it about human nature that drives us to love, and despise one another? “MONEY! MONEY! MONEY!”, says the billion-dollar corporation. Why is it so easy for them to predict human behavior? Victor and Rix look at societal rhythms from a new angle. Join the conversation on a plethora of topics sure to titillate your sensations on this episode of Stream of Thought.  We hope you… Enjoy!

Ep. 58 - The Twilight Zone

Though the Midwest had a surprisngly warm day today in the middle of January, it still gets dark super early.  What does that mean? Yes, we still continue to feel depressed and entertain the idea of SLEEP. Listen to Victor's second thoughts on the Sleep Cycle app as he expresses his concerns in tracking his most beloved pasttime. What happened at Evergreen University that stirred a ruckus amongst students that led to the resignation of a professor? Clue: RACISM. Speaking of which, did you know a nationwide raid ocurred the other day in regards to potential illegal immigrants? And what better place to conduct those raids than 7-Eleven.  Seriously? It doesn't get any more blatantly racist than that. Also, an inside look into our president's work schedule, national politics and last but certainly not least, a look into the classic TV program, The Twilight Zone!!

Ep. 57 - Reefer Madness

What's the most beneficial way to start any day? Proper sleep of course. Listen as Rix and Victor discuss their newfound app which they can't stop raving about and how it truly revolutionizes the way people start their day. You have trouble sleepiong, you say? Get your hands on some weed before Attorney General Jeff Sessions releases the Feds on all dispensaries. The pros and cons (there are no cons) of Marijuana and how illegalization on a federal level is holding us back.

Ep. 56 - Damn, 2018!?

Wow, so 2018 has certainly kicked off to an interesting start, and Victor and Rix are eating it up. For Victor, it's the simple joy of finding a free buck laying on the ground, for Rix it's YouTube sucking, nuclear war being possible and weather kicking everyones' asses, but he holds that the night is always darkest before the dawn, so this too shall pass. But we move beyond that and talk the great things of 2018, keeping track of where our time goes while we're awake and asleep and learning to live life one day at a time. So in our shortest episode to date, number 56, we welcome you into a new year, and hope you... enjoy!

Ep. 55 - Here Lies 2017... [01/01/2017-12/31/2017]

We’re closing the books on 2017 with one more episode of Stream of Thought, number 55, which takes us back through what were very different types of years for both Victor and Rix. We start off with a recap of Rix’s pet project, The Drywall Doctor on YouTube and its growth the past year, what it means to manage a finically stable social media platform and hopes for the future.

Then, Victor sums up his own year in 2017, in awe of the changes and growth he’s gone through in his acting profession, and just how positive most of the year was. He also learned you can’t make pudding with almond milk.

For Rix it was a year of reckoning, facing demons and hurdles pretty much all at once and on a pretty large scale. He also talks about our culture facing a year of reckoning with the #metoo movement, neo nazis, removal of safeguards for society and more. But we did the hard thing and faced the music (for the most part) and we’ve come out in one piece! He learned one important lesson; you can only control yourself.

But with a purge like we’ve had this year, 2018 will surely grow flowers from the manure that was smeared across our nation.

 

Thanks for being with us for 2017 and we can’t wait to catch you next time for our first episode of 2018!

Ep. 54 - Walk Away a Winner

Christmas is over. What does that mean? For Victor, it's freedom for another 364 days and Rix counters with his own experience of family time, followed inevitably by a back-and-forth over how personal experiences really color the season.

Then, the weather. -40 with the wind chill in Minnesota, 0 degrees here in Chicago; would you rather take cold or snow? But this too shall pass, and as late 2017 transitions into 2018, Victor and Rix discuss goals big and large, whether it’s worth setting them, and just how hard it is to keep at a goal year round.

And finally, bringing up the rear is the results from Victor’s fantasy football finish. He was in the championship game… but did he win? Considering this was his most engaged year, Victor shares what went down, and his takeaways from a competitive yet friendly year in fantasy sports. So with that, here comes a pre-new years eve edition of Stream of Thought, episode 54! We hope you… enjoy

Ep. 53 - All of the Lights

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Boxing Day! And of course, Yule!

What better way to celebrate the season than to reminisce on classic holiday movies and traditions. What's your favorite part of the season? For us it's the lights. SO MAGICAL. Enjoy this episode with a fine glass of egg nog, or peppermint coffee with a splash of Schnapps! Bundle up and throw another log on the fire as we explore the wonders of the holiday season.  

Ep. 52 - Changing of the Guard

What better way to spend one's time than in a deep slumber, especially in these cold, winter months when there's nothing to do except talk about how cold it is. What is art? It's certainly not a large piece of canvas with paint spattered in random patterns, or is it? How do we determine value? What drives our need to find meaning?  TECHNOLOGY. Still in it's infancy. How long until society extablishes social norms in terms of behavior? It may be a while given the current direction of people's behavioral patters, but hopefully not that long.

Ep. 51 - Awesome Mix Vol. 51

We did it! We’ve surpassed 50 episodes! *dj scratches/obnoxious airhorn/confetti* What’s in store for 51 you say? Humorous observations with an extra side of personality.  Aka, “The Usual”. First and foremost, Subway game strong. That’s for sure. What happened? Tell us more. Listen and find out.  But wait, there’s more! Second City, Guardians of the Galaxy and last but certainly not least, annoying neighbors.  Is it a cultural barrier or are they just assholes?? Our conclusion: (Spoiler Alert) Yes, they’re assholes. DBAA.  We hope you… enjoy!

Ep. 50 - God Bless America

Doug Jones (D) has WON Alabama and America is saved… for the time being. What a monumental upset for Roy Moore (R), and half the state of Alabama, whose values lie in an outdated and prejudiced culture. SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! FOOTBALL! Fantasy leagues.  Are they a nuisance to the cognitive development of human beings or just innocent fun? Rix and Victor go head-to-head. Last, but not least, bad drivers. Tf are you doing, bro? Rix and Victor share a few stories regarding cars, bicycles and pedestrians.

Ep. 49 - Boots, Headphones & Chocolate: A Beginner's Guide to Self-Awakening

Sleep. Who needs it? Rix and Victor start things off by addressing Victor's awkward and slightly inconvenient sleep pattern. CHOO! CHOO! Another ride on the Metra equates to an interesting encounter with a new personality. Steel Toe boots and wireless headphones; who would've thought the two had such a profound impact on people's lives? A true marvel of epic proportions.  Chocolate. Cioccolato. Chocolat. What better way to wrap things up than to touch on the intoxicating wonders of chocolate!? Welcome as we make a pitstop on the way to 50 EPISODES! We hope you... enjoy!

Ep. 48 - EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It!

We are BACK for another episode of Stream of Thought and on #48 we start off with Victor’s brief cameo in Chicago Med, season 3 episode 2 (about 5 minutes from the end) and whether Victor with do extra work in the near future. 

Then, it’s the Metra, the Chicago way to travel. Will conductors let you off on the middle of the track? Turns out, if you’re annoying enough they will. Which leads us down the rabbit hole of human psychology. Rix tries to convince Victor it’s so much better than trusting in your own direction... whether his argument holds any weight is another story.

And finally, we transition into a conversation on the guilt of donating money to a free church event. Is there some guilt there? Maybe churches could do a better job of not intimidating new potential members? And do non profits spend money as efficiently as they could. Rix breaks down this dynamic from his academic and personal experience in this sector.

An engaging and entertaining conversation sure to shine a light on new topics, episode number 48, and as always, we hope you... enjoy!

Ep. 47 - Minnesota, eh? (Part 2/2)

Prior to getting back on track with the trip Minnesota, Rix and Victor briefly go over the final performance of Second City's, Sabotage!. What did Victor learn over the course of this 5-week show and what were his overall thoughts?  But back to the MAIN SQUEEZE! Minnesota! "Fire and Fury" as Rix likes to put it.  Listen as he describes his adventure through a forest, the fire he witnessed and the lack of servitude local law enforcement embodies.  The two finish things off with a few airport experiences. Upon Rix's return home he landed 40 minutes early.  Wow!  But it's not all that glamourous when he describes what happened next.  As we encroach 50 episodes of Stream of Thought, take a stop at number 47!  We hope you... enjoy!

Ep. 46 - Minnesota, eh? (Part 1)

What happens up in the Great White North? No not, Canada, but about as close as you can get, as Rix visits friends up in the Twin Cities, spending time doing some out-of-the-ordinary things.

First and foremost, a new phone??? After toilets and cracked screens, Rix's iPhone 4s goes out of commission in a weird twist of fate, just in time to capture some sweet video from his first tailgate at the University of Minnesota, something Victor has been able to relate to from his own Big Ten college experience.

Then, a Friendsgiving filled with drinks and revelry, Cards Against Humanity and a good old fashion Alabama football loss (YAY), all of which paint a bigger picture Rix and Victor break down.

And finally, MISCOMMUNICATION. Rix was angry at Victor for failing to record an episode Sunday. Victor needed to prove his point that he wasn't at fault. So who was right? In a twist, we discover something about human nature and the better angles of our nature.

With a fun-filled episode of Stream of Thought, our 46th adventure starts now, and we hope you... enjoy!

Ep. 45 - Turkey Nuts (Gobble Gobble)

Happy Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for, like this entertaining podcast that gives us so many laughs.  Rix and Victor start things out by discussing family dynamics; the pros and cons of small/large gatherings.  What's the best part about Thanksgiving?  No, not family. That response is both lame and cliché.  FOOD! Duh.  What your favorite dish? But in all seriousness, a lot to be thankful for as Rix and Victor share how they've grown since this time last year and what they hope to gain in the future.

Ep. 44 - 30 Going On 44

It's episode 44 for the big 30. It's Rix's birthday and he's out of his 20s. What does that mean? Aside from the fact that he's old now, it's a chance to reflect on the last 2 years to where he and Victor are now. There's a gift of socks and a story of pants patches that's sure to amuse and entertain.

Then, Victor's on full throttle at Second City where he tries to nail his 3rd show for SABOTAGE, and Rix recounts his jury duty this past week. From the subject of the law to an agent of the law, it's been quite a turn around that Victor and Rix reflect on.

And as comes the law, so too is there the question of morality, as the #metoo movement picks up steam, Victor remarks at the speed of the movement, and Rix vents about false Christian leaders embracing bad behavior as God's will.

And finally, a couple minutes on the nearly 6 months and 44 episode of Stream of Thought. For those joining up on the journey, we thank you for being a part of this and as always, we hope you... enjoy!

Ep. 43 - Let's Play Ball

There comes a time when every person needs to take a stand, even... if not especially, in times where you've made a mistake and must confront consequences.

What if those consequences themselves aren't fair, or even morally wrong?

Rix takes the approach that two wrongs don't make a right as he shares and exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience going up against a debt collector for an actually trial, and his attempt to take on the man.

Showing up is half the battle... and sometimes it’s even more than that. Victory or defeat, we are sure you'll enjoy Episode number 43 of Stream of Thought.

Ep. 41 - What Happens after the Show...

What happens after the show? A whole lot of crazy, unexpected and revealing things...

Victor and Rix share their perspectives on Victor's latest show, "Sabatoge", airing at Second City for a limited time. It's a sketch comedy that showcases some great improv ability, but what's really of interest are the personalities behind the characters they play.

And so, in a twist of fate, Rix is able to make the show, talk with Victor's colleagues and get a taste of the unpredictable and unexpected in the after party. Rix gives his HONEST feedback for Victor's performance, and they discuss just how valuable that feedback is coming from an outsider.

Filled with twists and turns, laughs and cringes, another episode of Stream of Thought not to miss is right ahead. So with that being said, we hope you... enjoy!

Ep. 40 - Twin Brothers Greg and Mike Coady: Part I

Welcome to Stream of Thought's first mobile episode! Rix and Victor record at Second City Chicago where the two sit with Greg and Mike Coady, twin brothers and castmates of Victor in the Second City production of "Sabotage".  Rochester natives Greg and Mike share a plethora of laughs as they discuss what it was like to grow up as twins, what brought them to Chicago/Second City and the handful of times they escaped the perilous grips of death... and arrest. Welcome to a new edition of Stream of Thought as Rix and Victor open their discussion with the outside world. Prepare for the podcasts very first guests and the many more to come!  With that being said, we hope you... enjoy!

 

Ep. 39 - Neither Snow nor rain...

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"  Wow! Serious stuff. How many mailmen actually live by the USPS motto and treat their responsibilites as a civil duty rather than a job? Rix and Victor share their experiences regarding the memories of their mailmen as they grew up.  *Heavenly auras of light, angels singing*  Rix tells us of his interesting morning that took place at the Holy Grail of electronic stores. The two then transition to retail encounters that prove, time and time again, common sense isn't so common. Yes, "Venting Victor" makes an appearance. Christmas decorations on November 1st? Seriously!? Finally, the two wrap things up with keen observations of holiday nuances that both frustrate and excite as we move from one holiday to the next this last quarter of 2017. And as usual, we hope you... enjoy!

 

Ep. 38 - Swap or Swipe?

Where do you draw the line of morality? Do you even think about it? If you need a new pair of shoe laces and Target has the perfect pair on display, do you swap them out without a second thought? If you're disrespected in the workplace, do you find a way to get your revenge? And if you leave a comment on YouTube, Facebook or Twitter, what should you honestly expect?

Luckily, Victor and Rix are able to wade through these questions with some probing questions about their own behavior and how it relates to others. We start out with the simple example of Victor switching out a defective wristband on his watch and transition into some of Rix's more controversial encounters with his employers who he doesn't think respected him on several instances.

And finally, there's the exploration of encounters with social media. Rix makes a post about being a white guy who doesn't mind being told he's wrong by black individuals, and well... all hell breaks loose on Philip DeFranco's YouTube comment section.

In a not-to-miss episode of Stream of Thought, we head into episode 38 with gusto and vigor; a ride worth joining us on. So with that, we hope you... enjoy!

Ep. 37 - Time: Does It Exist?

We begin this episode of stream of thought with Victor sharing a minor revelation: traffic frustrates him. Then Rix delves into his thoughts on the importance of communication in a time when we're lost in our own little social bubbles. Then we take a turn into the realm of technology and sit in awe of what's on the horizon of anything from virtual reality to taking a selfie. That brings up the last frontier of human experience. Time. Victor and Rix discuss a provocative question: is time real?

Ep. 36 - A Tweet and a Twit

There's little doubt that sh*t talking the president is our national pastime, however Victor and Rix went downtown Chicago this weekend to absorb the work of the Presidential Twitter Library #DailyShowLibrary.

They start episode 36 by talking a little bit about the challenge of "live streaming" on YouTube and Rix talks a little bit about his frustrations with perfection.

Then the two swing back to the main story of the evening; the massive production that was Trevor Noah's Trump Twitter Library which both Victor and Rix had a chance to attend and capture the full experience. So much was happening, too much to capture on camera, so we take a couple minutes to examine some of our favorite moments and whether or not the trip was worth it.

Finally, they round out the discussion with some FUN stories that's delve deep into topics like: what do you do if you find a mouse in a grocery store??? Want to know the conclusion to that question? Stay tuned for our epsisode, and as always, we hope you... enjoy!

Ep. 35 - Medically Induced

Do you ever get that feeling...? Deep inside, where it bubbles and rises to the point where you can't contain it? Well, get ready for a similar roller coaster as Victor and Rix share experiences of that sick feeling that comes out of the blue and threatens to destroy everyone near to you. In this literally explosive take, we look at the dangers of not being on the same page as your stomach.

Speaking of gag reflexes, Victor visits the dentist! A fair warning to most of you out there, he's one of those people who actually takes care of his teeth, so once again, not a cavity to be found... although the rest of his visit was quite interesting.

And then, we round it out our medically induced show by a reflection on eye drops... which somehow leads us down the rabbit hole of corporate greed when it comes to selling us more than we could ever need.

A viscerally provocative show, we take on Episode 35 with gusto, and as always, we hope you... enjoy.

Ep. 34 - Don't want to die? We've got a chip for that.

What's the huge upswing to working at a grocery store? Attractive women. I guess that's why Victor always provides the highest quality of customer service to only a select few, and one in particular.

Facebook, so popular yet so unreliable.  What? A majority of full grown adults receive their "news" from social media? For real? "What's the alternative, we just don't use Facebook" - says an author from the Huffington Post. Yeah, dude, we did just fine without it. Remember that time Facebook shut down it's AI bots because they created their own language that humans could not decipher?

How close are we to a new world order where technology preside over human beings? Will a digital frontier be inevitable? Find out on this episode of Stream of Thought! We hope you... enjoy.