One storyteller author inventor cult expert, Mark Laxer. One long-distance runner music educator world-traveler singer songwriter, Eric Maring. Take Me For A Ride is a philosophical podcast exploring ideas of the day, books and music of note plus freeform absurdity, warmth, sensitivity, and intelligence.
“These guys are delightful - the perfect mix of wisdom and absurdity to capture this era. ”
–Pastor Pat Kahnke, Author of MAGA Seduction
TM4R'ers rejoice in their first episode together in the same space as they ponder story-telling and recall a hair-raising taxi ride in Varanasi, India. "The Lady or the Tiger" reveals the power and crippling effect of decision making and what it means to have your boots on the ground. Mr. Peach chooses door number one and receives a slimy fish.
This one goes to eleven. TM4R discovers secrets of 11 in math and revels in the wonder of chess. Mark and Eric discuss Megha Majumdar’s dark and highly acclaimed first novel, A Burning. A musical tribute to a great patriot follows before Mr. Peach begs us to consider Ted Cruz’s canine care coupled with his crazy Cancun caper.
Mark and Eric celebrate TM4R’s 10th episode for a hot second. Then a disheartening look at “White Noise”, the Atlantic’s documentary on leaders in the alt-right movement lays the groundwork for grappling with Isabel Wilkerson’s recent and already classic nonfiction book Caste - The Origins of Our Discontents. TM4R asks their teens about the value of the internet and Mr. Peach discovers the many uses for a space laser.
....Links....
The Coup We Are Not Talking About, OpEd from NYTimes.....
Dedication of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice on Youtube
TM4R ponders the meaning and fallout of the Capitol breach. Tara Westover’s extraordinary memoir Educated is the book of note. Inspired by the discussion, Eric weaves in his latest song “You Don’t Die From a Broken Wing or a Broken Heart” before Mr. Peach asks whether we should count all the goats or just those that drive Teslas.
Mark and Eric ponder the case of Jewish doctor Taylor Nichols who treated a COVID patient covered in Nazi tattoos. Interview with Richard Bell, author of the powerful and heart-wrenching book Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home. TM4R sings the praises of "Oh, Freedom!" before Mitch McConnell helps Mr. Peach seek the moral high ground.
Links:
Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home
