Episodes

  • TAOMTP 019 - Don't Be An Asshole To Yourself While Listening to The Wu-Tang
    Aug 27 2025

    In this episode of 'The Art of Missing the Point,' hosts Brian and Ruth explore themes of chaos, clumsiness, and self-reflection, particularly in the context of birthdays. They discuss the humorous aspects of being clumsy and how it affects relationships, as well as the challenges of digital hoarding and the importance of health awareness. The conversation also touches on navigating friendships and the lessons learned from humorous or chaotic situations, all while maintaining a light-hearted and comedic tone. In this engaging conversation, Brian and Ruth explore the complexities of wealth, morality, and the consequences of greed, particularly through the lens of the Wu-Tang Clan's unique album sale. They discuss the impact of peer pressure on personal choices, the struggles of youth, and the importance of accountability in the art world. The dialogue is rich with insights and reflections on societal values, making it a thought-provoking listen.


    Chapters

    00:00 Birthday Reflections and Aging

    02:45 Digital Memories and Hoarding

    05:28 Self-Reflection and Life Choices

    08:28 Memory and Forgetting

    11:11 Navigating Relationships and Communication

    13:57 The Art of Editing and Sharing Online

    18:31 Navigating Crushes and Peer Pressure

    20:11 Navigating Relationships and Peer Pressure

    22:50 The Complexity of Young Love

    26:32 The Dilemma of Honesty in Relationships

    30:48 Consequences of Actions and Social Dynamics

    37:52 Reflections on Youth and Personal Growth

    39:42 Reflections on High School Memories

    40:44 Clumsiness and Chaos in Daily Life

    42:25 Understanding Clumsiness: A Deeper Look

    45:40 The Importance of Eye Health

    49:28 Health Concerns and Family Dynamics

    51:59 Taking Health Seriously: A Personal Responsibility

    54:31 Navigating Clumsiness and Health Awareness

    57:22 Dumb Criminals: A Shift in Focus

    01:00:17 The Unique Concept of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin

    01:05:12 The Controversial Buyer: Martin Shkreli

    01:09:51 The Legal Fallout and Wu-Tang's Response

    01:13:35 The Album's Legacy and Cultural Impact

    01:17:59 Reflections on Art, Greed, and Justice


    Takeaways

    It's okay to feel weird about getting older.

    Chaos can be a part of life, especially in social settings.

    Digital hoarding can lead to nostalgia and regret.

    Self-reflection is important, especially on birthdays.

    Communication is key in relationships, especially when addressing concerns.

    Clumsiness can be a source of humor and connection with friends.

    Health issues should be taken seriously, even if they seem trivial.

    Navigating friendships can be complicated, especially with peer pressure.

    It's important to check in on friends and family regarding their well-being.

    Life lessons often come from humorous or chaotic situations. Wealth can often come with moral dilemmas.

    The Wu-Tang Clan's album sale was a unique commentary on art and ownership.

    Greed can lead to significant consequences, as seen in the case of Martin Shkreli.

    Peer pressure can influence personal decisions in profound ways.

    Youthful mistakes can lead to long-lasting regrets.

    Art should be accessible and not commodified to the point of exclusion.

    Accountability is crucial in both personal and professional realms.

    The universe balances good and evil in unexpected ways.

    Cultural references can help contextualize modern dilemmas.

    Engaging in self-reflection is essential for personal growth.


    Keywords

    comedy podcast, self-reflection, digital hoarding, health, relationships, clumsiness, chaos, memory, birthday, humor, wealth, morality, Wu-Tang Clan, album sale, greed, power, peer pressure, personal choices, youth, regret, accountability




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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • TAOMTP 018 - The Tightwadness that is the United States
    Aug 18 2025

    Summary


    In this episode, Brian and Ruth explore various themes ranging from personal preferences in numbers to the dynamics of band formations. They discuss summer vibes, the quirks of pets, and the ethics of pet ownership. The conversation shifts to human behavior and social norms, leading to a segment on Reddit's 'Am I the Asshole?' where they analyze personal boundaries in public spaces and the implications of nudity in private settings. In this conversation, Ruth and Brian explore the complexities of parenting, body image, and societal norms surrounding nudity. They discuss the impact of prudishness on children's self-perception and the cultural differences in attitudes towards nudity. The conversation then shifts to the realm of technology, particularly AI, examining the human element behind tech innovations and the unsettling nature of tech leaders. Finally, they delve into the vibrant world of pinball culture, highlighting community engagement and personal experiences in tournaments.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Numbers and Preferences

    02:05 Cafe Confrontation Scenario

    26:13 Navigating Social Norms and Personal Boundaries

    37:17 The Right to Privacy in Personal Spaces

    52:28 Cultural Perspectives on Nudity

    55:30 The AIpocalypse: A Look at AI's Impact

    01:07:22 The Human Element in Technology

    01:12:47 Pinball Passion and Community

    01:26:35 TAOMTP - Outro


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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • TAOMTP 017: Scapegoat Trash Bag
    Aug 11 2025

    In this episode of "The Art of Missing the Point," hosts Brian and Ruth explore the gap between futuristic expectations and today's reality, diving into societal issues and personal anecdotes. They humorously dissect posts from the "Am I the Asshole" subreddit, discuss the implications of AI on society, and share updates from the vibrant world of pinball tournaments. Join them for a thoughtful and entertaining conversation that challenges perspectives and celebrates community. #Podcast #AI #PinballChapter list:

    1. Introduction and Welcome

      • Hosts Brian and Ruth introduce the podcast and set the stage for the episode.
    2. Expectations vs. Reality

      • Discussion on futuristic expectations like flying cars and teleportation, and the reality of today's world.
    3. The Human Condition

      • A deep dive into societal issues, personal experiences, and the concept of "missing the point."
    4. Reddit and AITA Segment

      • Exploring the "Am I the Asshole" subreddit, with humorous and serious takes on various posts.
    5. AI Apocalypse

      • A segment on the impact of AI on society, critical thinking, and the environment.
    6. Pinball Passion

      • Ruth shares updates on pinball tournaments and the community's camaraderie.
    7. Final Thoughts and Farewell

      • Closing remarks, reflections on the episode's themes, and gratitude to listeners.
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • TAOMTP 016: The Equation of Discomfort
    Aug 4 2025

    In this episode of 'The Art of Missing the Point,' hosts Brian and Ruth explore various themes through humor and personal anecdotes. They celebrate National Pinball Day, discuss the cultural phenomenon of Shark Week, and delve into the importance of communication in relationships. The conversation shifts to Reddit's AITA subreddit, where they analyze moral dilemmas and the consequences of infidelity. The hosts emphasize the value of introspection and self-awareness while navigating friendships and difficult conversations. In this episode, Brian and Ruth discuss the importance of friendship and accountability in relationships, the introduction of a new segment on dumb criminals, and the absurdity of a lawsuit involving Chris Martin. They also celebrate National Pinball Day, highlighting the significance of communication and personal growth.

    Email us at theartofmisisnghtepoint@gmail.com


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and National Pinball Day

    02:52 Celebrating Shark Week and Its Impact

    05:51 The Importance of Communication in Relationships

    13:27 Reddit Discussions: AITA and Social Dynamics

    26:17 Navigating Relationship Conflicts

    30:44 The Dilemma of Infidelity

    33:20 The Consequences of Truth-Telling

    38:26 Ethics of Intervening in Relationships

    48:05 Friendship and Accountability in Relationships

    51:08 Dumb Criminals: A New Segment

    54:10 The Lawsuit Against Coldplay: Missing the Point

    58:10 Staged Events and Attention-Seeking Behavior

    01:11:52 The Nature of Manipulation and Power Dynamics

    01:14:51 Conspiracy Theories and the Search for Truth

    01:17:10 The Absurdity of Criminality

    01:18:40 Celebrating National Pinball Day

    01:22:55 The History of Pinball and Its Cultural Significance

    01:27:31 Reflections on Communication and Personal Values


    Keywords


    podcast, comedy, relationships, communication, Reddit, Shark Week, infidelity, trust, AITA, National Pinball Day, friendship, accountability, relationships, dumb criminals, Chris Martin, Donald Trump, pinball, communication, conspiracy theories, personal growth



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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • TAOMTP 015: A Spreadsheet With Asshole In It
    Jul 28 2025

    Brian and Ruth are back, and snarkier than ever. Join us as we delve into the depths of Reddit for "Am I The Asshole", dig into the world of AI girlfriends, and pick up a new segment, "Dumb Criminals".


    Contact us at theartofmissingthepoint at gmail.com and find us on all your favorite social media networks.


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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • TAOMTP 14 - Promo Code Jerkstore
    May 26 2023

    The Art of Missing the Point - Episode 14

    Brian, Lex, and Ruth sit down to discuss relationship advice and answer the question; what the hell is going on with men?

    Listen in for some serious laughs in this episode -- we had a lot of fun doing it.

    Wanna talk to us? Find us on social media, or email us at theartofmissingthepoint at gmail dot com.

    Send us your weird and wacky stories and we'll see about getting them on-air.

    The Art of Missing the Point publishes every Wednesday from beautiful Albuquerque, NM.

    Thanks to Greatfox for our amazing into/outro song, "The Point". Get the whole album here:

    https://greatfox.bandcamp.com/album/leftovers


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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • TAOMTP 013 - How Much Mayonnaise is in there
    Apr 26 2023

    Our first episode in THREE YEARS. We're BACK.

    Brian, Lex, and Ruth sit down to discuss the trash fire that is Reddit, Twitter, and the Internet in general.

    Wanna talk to us? Find us on social media, or email us at theartofmissingthepoint at gmail dot com.

    Send us your weird and wacky stories and we'll see about getting them on-air.

    The Art of Missing the Point publishes every Wednesday from beautiful Albuquerque, NM.

    Thanks to Greatfox for our amazing into/outro song, "The Point". Get the whole album here:

    https://greatfox.bandcamp.com/album/leftovers

    Thank you to everyone for listening, and sticking with us in our downtime!



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    47 mins
  • TAOMTP 012 - We Need to Give Our Ding Ding to a Stranger
    Dec 14 2020

    Episode 12: As lockdown in New Mexico continues, we explore Lex's weird sex dream, Ruth talks about some AITA segments from Reddit, and Brian explores the depths of despair on Wish.com.

    Music: "The Point" by Todd the Greatfox, http://greatfox.bandcamp.com

    Email us at theartofmissingthepoint@gmail.com


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    1 hr and 21 mins