Episode 194: For generations, the American Dream has been portrayed as a promise of success — a good job, a home to call your own and a better life for your family. But in 2025, that dream looks very different depending on where you live and who you ask.

Hosts Scott Rada and Rick Kyte explore how lifestyle choices have become a new front in America’s ongoing cultural divide.

“Some people picture success as owning a big truck and a home with plenty of space,” Rada said. “Others see it as living in a walkable neighborhood with fewer material possessions and a smaller environmental footprint. Both claim the label of the American Dream — but they’re often in direct conflict when it comes to public policy.”

The episode looks at how zoning laws, housing shortages and infrastructure debates have turned personal preferences into political battles. Rada and Kyte discuss a growing movement called the “Abundance Agenda,” which argues that America should focus on building more — more homes, more transit, more energy — to create opportunities for everyone. However, they also warn of the risks associated with prioritizing economic growth as the sole objective.

“We’ve built systems that reward some dreams while shutting out others,” Kyte said. “And often, the people making these decisions aren’t the ones feeling the consequences.”

The episode also highlights recent political messaging that encourages Americans to settle for less, such as higher prices or fewer product choices, in the name of national interest. Kyte and Rada debate whether that kind of sacrifice is a noble calling or a political distraction.

In the end, the hosts agree that America’s real challenge may not be choosing between big trucks or bike lanes, but learning how to make space for both.

“Our democracy works best when people are willing to compromise and respect different paths to a meaningful life,” Kyte said. “The question is whether we’re still willing to do that.”

Episode 193: Hosts Scott Rada and Richard Kyte explore the erosion of social etiquette in American life and why it may be more consequential than it first appears.

From rising road rage and customer service outbursts to the coarse tone of online discourse, the episode looks at how rudeness has become more visible — and perhaps more accepted. One recent Pew Research Center study found that nearly half of Americans believe people have become ruder since the COVID-19 pandemic, though most don’t see themselves as part of the problem.

The conversation touches on generational divides, including sharp differences in attitudes toward profanity, and explores how digital communication and AI-driven systems reshape civility expectations. Kyte also reflects on his own classroom experiences and the ways formality and politeness in education have shifted over time.

Rather than seeing manners as outdated relics, Kyte argues they play a vital role in building trust, humility and cooperation. While norms constantly evolve, he cautions against the assumption that abandoning them altogether leads to greater freedom. Instead, he calls for a redefinition of etiquette that upholds respect and reinforces a more community-minded society.

Episode 192: Hosts Scott Rada and Richard Kyte delve into the critical role of curiosity in modern life, examining how individuals can maintain a sense of wonder and learning throughout their personal and professional journeys.

The discussion highlights how children naturally embody curiosity, constantly exploring and questioning the world around them. However, as people age, this innate sense of wonder often diminishes, replaced by routine and narrow professional focus.

Kyte emphasizes the importance of asking questions and challenging existing beliefs. He notes that many educational systems prioritize test scores and information retention over genuine understanding and intellectual exploration.

The podcast explores several key challenges to maintaining curiosity, including:

• The tendency to seek information that confirms existing beliefs
• The increasing political polarization that narrows perspectives
• Professional environments that reward specialization over broad learning

The hosts think curiosity is closely linked to humility, suggesting that truly curious individuals must be willing to admit what they don't know and remain open to changing their understanding.

They also critique modern educational and professional systems that often discourage questioning and prioritize narrow expertise. The podcast suggests that individuals should actively work to maintain their sense of wonder, continually seeking new knowledge and perspectives.