Steve walks through a blunt, bipartisan history of U.S. immigration—from Ellis Island and the 1924 quotas to the 1965 INA, the 1980 Refugee Act, Reagan’s 1986 “grand bargain,” and the 1990 H-1B era—asking why enforcement and legalization keep collapsing. Chris zooms out on wealth inequality (what even counts as “enough”?) and uses Taylor Swift’s engagement and marketing juggernaut to dissect “good billionaire” myths, collectible hype cycles, and streaming leverage.

What’s On Your Plate: tintype portraits at the Boise Tattoo Convention, Meta Ray-Ban “Buddy Holly” glasses, and why time is the only real luxury. Dessert lands on getting older, caring less to care better, and finding life in a cemetery full of deer.

It’s skeptical, human, and a little spicy—headphones advised. If it sparked a convo, follow, rate, and share Supper Talk.

Recorded 08.27.2025

A botched upload, a bunch of audio issues, and some NA beers set the tone for a looser Supper Talk. Chris walks through hitting “submit” on a life-altering job application and the head-on collision between autonomy and security. Steve brings context to the 80th anniversary conversations around Hiroshima/Nagasaki—laying out the wider Pacific war, China and Russia’s sacrifices, and why today’s remilitarization headlines matter. Together they unpack labels (identity vs. expression), guidance-counselor blind spots, and how community beats boxes. There’s a quick jab at billionaire worship (yes, even the pop kind) and a frank look at why today’s capitalism traps families—like daycare costing more than in-state tuition. Dessert is a Table Topics curveball: “If your whole family had to move countries?” Denmark

Plus: a mid-October live recording in Boulder on Pearl Street—come say hi.

Follow, rate, and share if this episode helps bridge a conversation in your world.

recorded 08.20.2025

In this episode of the Supper Talk podcast, Steve and Chris delve into the complexities of China's geopolitical strategies, particularly regarding Taiwan. They discuss the potential for conflict, the implications of China's military and economic maneuvers, and the broader context of international relations. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes about wildlife encounters, fitness journeys, dietary changes, and the intricacies of the dairy industry, providing a multifaceted view of contemporary issues. The conversation delves into the complexities of US-China relations, particularly regarding Taiwan, and the implications of potential military conflict. It explores the economic ramifications of war, the historical context of military decisions, and the anti-war sentiment prevalent in society. The discussion also touches on the role of personal experiences in shaping political perspectives, the impact of large corporations on housing markets through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and the media's portrayal of violence and economic anxiety. Additionally, the conversation examines the evolving nature of capitalism in America and the future implications of AI in information dissemination and societal change.

Recorded on 8.6.2025

This week on Supper Talk, Chris and Steve cover everything from real-world dangers to spiritual deception. Steve opens with stories of dealing with gout and a mountain lion attack in his neighborhood, while Chris recounts a surreal Idaho birthday trip filled with hot springs, alligator farms, and questionable church signs. The conversation turns sharp as they dive into AI ethics, the Vatican’s surprising role in shaping the conversation, and Chris’s fiery sermon on why he believes Donald Trump embodies the biblical Antichrist. From snake venom whiskey in Thailand to Boy Scout “squirrel” dinners, the father-son duo balance heavy cultural commentary with their signature humor and humanity. It’s a bold, unfiltered dinner-table talk that checks the boxes of both politics and religion—without losing the laughter.

Recorded on 07.30.2025

In this sprawling, intimate episode, Chris and Steve dive headfirst into the themes of shame, anger, and America’s long decline into shareholder capitalism. What begins as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne—sparked by a heartfelt moment across from Boise’s Simplot gravesite—quickly unfolds into a winding exploration of trauma, sobriety, and the spiritual weight of growing older. Chris shares the origin story of his experimental OnlyFans project as an act of reclaiming personal shame through art and anonymity, while Steve responds with thoughtful reflections on artistic integrity, identity, and the long history of nude modeling as self-expression.

From there, the episode turns toward structure as Steve presents a five-act history of American capitalism—from the era of robber barons to the current dysfunction of corporate feudalism. The father-son duo end up in rare political agreement, critiquing modern wealth concentration, performative populism, and the hollow promises of late-night comedy. The tone is reflective, rebellious, and—true to Supper Talk’s core—rooted in love, humor, and generational reckoning.

recorded on 7.23.2025

Season two kicks off with a new format, a new theme song, and a deeper conversation about where we’re heading — personally, politically, and spiritually. Chris shares the story behind launching his nonprofit art gallery inside a barbershop, while Steve reflects on academic wins powered by AI and the erosion of America’s manufacturing base. From punk rock AI workflows to a heartfelt debate about belief, father and son unpack what it means to seek meaning in a world that feels both connected and chaotic. Expect barbed honesty, heartfelt turns, and a clear-eyed sense of growth — from Boise to Boulder.

Originally Recorded - 07.16.2025

It's Father's Day and we see what we've missed in the world as we've taken a mental health break.

Nothing happened while we were gone, did it?

Recorded on 06.15.2025

This week, Chris and Steve swap the news cycle for stories that actually shaped them. From Steve’s firsthand account of the 1983 Grenada rescue mission to Chris’s slow-burn love affair with whiskey, this episode is a winding walk through memory, meaning, and the messy idea of progress.

They touch on:

• Why some nonprofits collapse under their own purity

• Why Mars might be Musk’s ego playground (and why Chris still wants to go)

• The cultural roots of cinnamon toast, Pop-Tarts, and the Black church

• And what the Pope, Elon, and ectogenesis have in common (spoiler: hubris)

It’s personal, philosophical, and a bit absurd—as always.

This marks the end of Season 1. Supper Talk will return mid-July after a short seasonal break. If you’ve loved the show, send it to a friend who needs help having hard conversations—without losing their humanity.

Originally recorded on 05.28.2025