The Brian D. O'Leary Show

TO CATCH A FISH with author Mark Kurlansky

Mark Kurlansky on The Dying Art of Catching Real Fish Guest: Mark Kurlansky We had the great fortune to sit down with Mark Kurlansky, the man who wrote the definitive book on Cod, to discuss his latest release: <a href="https://amzn.to/4bHUugF">TO CATCH A FISH</a> (Storey Publishing, March 31, 2026). The Hollywood elite want you to believe fly fishing is a ballet of endless shadow casting. We tear that myth apart. We discuss the reality behind the movie A River Runs Through It. The beautiful, looping casts you see on screen will leave you tangled in a mess of your own line. This leads directly to O’Leary’s First Law of Fly Fishing: “Thou cannot cast thyself out of a tangle.” We also confront the grim reality of the Atlantic salmon. The corporate food complex wants you to believe the salmon at your local market is wild. It is farmed. The authentic, wild Atlantic salmon are vanishing across North America and Europe. Mark shares his rare experience of landing one in Scotland. Additionally, we briefly discuss the history of baseball in the Dominican Republic, drawing on Mark’s brilliant book Eastern Stars, and, later, the listener discovers why women may be rapidly taking over the fly fishing demographic. Key Takeaways: <ul> <li>The 30-year anniversary edition of Cod is on the horizon.</li> <li>Why fly fishing is the ultimate battle of wits against an animal with a brain the size of a pencil eraser.</li> <li>Why A River Runs Through It teaches you the “why” of fly fishing, but completely ruins the “how”.</li> <li>The rise of women in the fly fishing world and how they are changing the sport.</li> </ul> *** About the author: Mark Kurlansky is a former commercial fisherman, journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Cod, Salt, The Big Oyster, and dozens of other books of fiction and non-fiction. He’s won numerous awards, including the James A. Beard Award, ALA Notable Book Award, and New York Public Library Best Books of the Year Award, and his writing has appeared in The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Audubon Magazine, Food & Wine, The Los Angeles Times, and more. He lives with his wife and daughter in New York City and Gloucester, Massachusetts. *** Links: · TO CATCH A FISH: Essays on the Joy, Frustration, Curiosity, and Allure of Fishing <a href="https://amzn.to/4bHUugF">https://amzn.to/4bHUugF</a> · Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World <a href="https://amzn.to/4s5arCg">https://amzn.to/4s5arCg</a> · The Eastern Stars: How Baseball Changed the Dominican Town of San Pedro de Macoris <a href="https://amzn.to/3PVeWlz">https://amzn.to/3PVeWlz</a> *** You survived another episode. Now do something with it. If you are ready to stop playing small and build a business that hits back, grab one of my two remaining $297 Platform Domination Consults for April. Go to <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://BrianDOLeary.com/domination">BrianDOLeary.com/domination</a> I will see you on the inside.

Apr 1, 202636 min

The Lost Years of Larry Bird with Keith O'Brien

Guest: Keith O'Brien, author of HEARTLAND: A Forgotten Place, an Impossible Dream, and The Miracle of Larry Bird by Keith O'Brien (Atria Books, March 3, 2026) <a href="https://amzn.to/47ghvEE">https://amzn.to/47ghvEE</a> Podcast Release Date: March 7, 2026 Episode Length: 42 minutes *** EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Larry Bird is one of basketball's all-time greats, but there's a chapter of his story that's rarely told. Between 1974 and 1979, from his brief time at Indiana University through his magical season at Indiana State, Bird nearly walked away from basketball entirely. In this episode, Brian O'Leary sits down with journalist and New York Times best-selling author Keith O'Brien to discuss his meticulously researched new book HEARTLAND, which fills in this forgotten narrative with unprecedented detail. Through interviews with teammates, coaches, photographers, and dozens of people who were there, O'Brien paints a vivid portrait of a shy kid from rural Indiana who changed sports history—even though he never wanted the spotlight. We discuss Bird's poverty-stricken upbringing in French Lick, his time as a garbage collector, his legendary media boycott, the iconic Sports Illustrated photo shoot, and even a softball tournament in which he beat Joe Montana. This is Larry Bird like you've never heard him before. *** TIMESTAMPS: [0:00] Introduction and Sports Illustrated covers [7:38] Keith's journalism career: Salem to Boston Globe [10:21] Why Bird left Indiana University after just weeks [12:30] Bird's $75 arrival at IU and feeling out of place [14:27] Working as a garbage collector in French Lick [16:34] How Heartland reads like a novel [19:01] Writing the book without Larry's participation [20:23] Bird's famous media boycott throughout college [23:10] The legendary Sports Illustrated photo shoot (October 1977) [27:30] Lane Stewart's struggle to photograph Bird [28:46] The softball tournament: Bird vs. Joe Montana [30:49] Bird playing baseball AFTER the 1979 championship game [33:40] The 3-3 release date and Bird's #33 jersey [34:25] The lasting impact on Bird's teammates [37:07] Where to find Keith's work and buy the book *** KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: <ul> <li>Larry Bird's brief, unhappy time at Indiana University under Bob Knight</li> <li>Bird's return to French Lick and work as a municipal worker</li> <li>The industrial league basketball that nearly became his final chapter</li> <li>Indiana State's improbable 1978-79 undefeated season</li> <li>The 1979 NCAA Championship: Bird vs. Magic Johnson</li> <li>Bird's lifelong aversion to media attention</li> <li>The Sports Illustrated cover that changed everything</li> <li>Bird's love of softball and baseball</li> <li>The ripple effects of the Bird-Magic rivalry on the NBA</li> <li>How the 1979 Indiana State team still feels the impact today</li> </ul> *** GUEST BIO: Keith O'Brien is a journalist and New York Times best-selling author whose previous books include <a href="https://amzn.to/4cvSGbr">Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose</a>. He has worked for newspapers, including the Boston Globe, and has contributed to NPR and various magazines. He specializes in narrative nonfiction and long-form storytelling. *** BOOK INFORMATION: HEARTLAND: A Forgotten Place, an Impossible Dream, and The Miracle of Larry Bird by Keith O'Brien (Atria Books, March 3, 2026) Purchase Links: <a href="https://amzn.to/47ghvEE">https://amzn.to/47ghvEE</a> Auth

Mar 8, 202641 min

Monte Burke on MEN OF TROY: Pete Carroll’s USC, Reggie Bush, and the End of Amateurism

Brian O’Leary interviews author Monte Burke about his book MEN OF TROY: The Epic Afternoons, Wild Nights, and Enduring Legacy of Pete Carroll’s USC Trojans (Grand Central Publishing, published January 13, 2026). Burke traces his own path into college football and writing, contrasts the atmosphere of college football with the NFL, and explains why coaches like Carroll and Nick Saban make compelling subjects. We discuss USC’s unique Los Angeles moment with celebrity-laced practices, the program’s rise under Carroll, and how the Reggie Bush scandal exposed flaws in college football’s amateurism model and helped foreshadow NIL-era changes, while sanctions punished players like Matt Barkley who had no role in violations. The conversation revisits defining games (the “Bush Push” and the Texas title loss), Carroll’s coaching style and staff, Pac-10 ripple effects, and ends with Carroll’s fishing life and Burke’s favorite fisheries. *** Buy MEN OF TROY at Amazon: <a href="https://amzn.to/47p8Mjs">https://amzn.to/47p8Mjs</a> Find Monte Burke: <a href="https://www.monteburke.com/">https://www.monteburke.com/</a> *** Segments: Meet Monte Burke Growing Up With Football Why College Saturdays Rule From Saban to Carroll USC Takes Over LA Modern Era and Amateurism Reggie Bush and NIL Shift Sanctions Fallout on Players Inside Pete Carroll Interviews NCAA Politics and USC Anger Party Culture Backfires Agents Invade Heritage Hall Six Inches From Immortality Reggie Missing On Fourth Down Pete Carroll Defends The Call Carroll Legacy In Shadow Recreating Iconic Games USC Rivals And Pac-10 Shift Coaching Tree And Lane Kiffin Kiffin Pressure And Enemies Trout Fishing And Calming Down Raiders Job And Roster Reality Angling Talk And Farewell *** Find Brian D. O’Leary: 𝕏: <a href="https://x.com/briandoleary">https://x.com/briandoleary</a> YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@briandoleary">https://www.youtube.com/@briandoleary</a> Substack: <a href="https://briandoleary.substack.com/">https://briandoleary.substack.com/</a>

Mar 5, 202644 min

S77 Ep 108Behind the Curtain of the L.A. Lakers: The Buss Legacy & LeBron's Final Act with author Yaron Weitzman

In the latest episode of The Brian D. O’Leary show, we sat down with Yaron Weitzman in a wide-ranging interview that dove into the modern Lakers dynasty, the lasting imprint of the Buss family, and the evolving career of LeBron James. *** Featured Guest Yaron Weitzman: Author, NBA journalist, and insider on all things basketball, discussing his new Lakers book and the deeper drama surrounding LeBron, the Buss family, and team culture. Find Yaron on social media: · X/Twitter (@YaronWeitzman) · Instagram (@yaronweitzman) · TikTok (@yaronweitzman) *** Books Mentioned <a href="https://amzn.to/4hT7Vvs">A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers</a> (Doubleday, October 21, 2025) | Yaron Weitzman | A behind-the-scenes account of the recent Lakers’ journey, focusing on the politics, personalities, and tensions that have shaped the LeBron-era Lakers. <a href="https://amzn.to/3Luzi3b">Tanking to the Top: The Philadelphia 76ers and the Most Audacious Process in the History of Professional Sports</a> | Yaron Weitzman | A deep dive into the inner workings of "The Process," chronicling how the 76ers undertook an unapologetic rebuild to become a contender. <a href="https://amzn.to/4i0X6aW">Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP</a> | Mirin Fader | A New York Times Bestseller tracing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey from poverty in Greece to world stardom—a nuanced look at his off-court and on-court evolution. <a href="https://amzn.to/440pxQp">Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks</a> | Chris Herring | The definitive story of Pat Riley’s Knicks—physical, controversial, beloved, and often chaotic throughout the NBA’s golden era. <a href="https://amzn.to/3LZ36os">Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty</a> | Jeff Pearlman | The inside story of the Lakers’ 1996–2004 dynasty, documenting the unforgettable drama and cultural change led by Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Phil Jackson. I do not recommend any of Pearlman’s work, as I believe him to be a disingenuous, sanctimonious jerk … Oh, and a liar. But I’m dutifully giving you the resources. –BO’L *** Key News Stories Discussed The Luka Doncic Trade to the Lakers (February 2025): Lakers landed Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris in a three-team blockbuster trade, sending Anthony Davis to the Mavericks—a move that shifted the balance of power in the West. For full details and quotes from both the Lakers and Mavericks front offices: See ESPN: “Luka Doncic to Lakers, Anthony Davis to Mavs in 3-team trade” (February 2025). <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43659380/sources-mavericks-trading-doncic-lakers-anthony-davis">https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43659380/sources-mavericks-trading-doncic-lakers-anthony-davis</a> Dallas Mavericks Fire GM Nico Harrison (November 2025): Following the controversial Luka trade and mounting pressure from fans, the Mavericks fired GM Nico Harrison at a dramatic team meeting. For the backstory, front-office statements, and Harrison’s reasoning at the time of the trade: See ESPN: “Mavericks fire GM Nico Harrison amid continued fan angst” (November 2025). <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46928742/sources-mavericks-expected-fire-general-manager-nico-harrison">https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46928742/sources-mavericks-expected-fire-general-manager-nico-harrison</a> *** Chael Sonnen on LeBron – The "Same Guy" Allegation Viral Video/Podcast Segment: Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen claimed on the Flagrant 2 podcast that he and LeBron James “have the same drug guy.” Sonnen alleged LeBron uses EPO and other PEDs, a claim that’s made waves online but is unsupported by any formal evidence or NBA violations to date. For the podcast segment, see: <a href="https://x.com/MavsStan41/status/163

Nov 13, 202535 min

S77 Ep 107The Men Who Made the NFL Unstoppable – Interview with author KEN BELSON

Ken Belson on How Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Roger Goodell Built the NFL's $10 Billion Empire EPISODE OVERVIEW In this compelling deep-dive conversation, Brian D. O'Leary sits down with Ken Belson, New York Times sportswriter and author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller <a href="https://amzn.to/4osO7St">Every Day Is Sunday: How Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Roger Goodell Turned the NFL into a Cultural and Economic Juggernaut</a> (Grand Central Publishing, October 14, 2025). This wide-ranging interview explores the transformation of the NFL from a beloved sporting league into a ten-billion-dollar cultural phenomenon. Belson reveals the untold stories behind the three most influential figures in modern football history, their business strategies, their political maneuvering, and the existential threats now facing America's most powerful sports league. Runtime: Approximately 46 minutes Release Date: October 27, 2025 Guest: Ken Belson, New York Times Sports Business Correspondent and author of <a href="https://amzn.to/4osO7St">Every Day Is Sunday: How Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Roger Goodell Turned the NFL into a Cultural and Economic Juggernaut</a> (Grand Central Publishing, October 14, 2025) WHAT YOU'LL LEARN The Modern NFL's Foundation (1993-Present) <ul> <li>Why 1993's labor agreement—not a Super Bowl or dynasty—marks the true beginning of the modern NFL</li> <li>How free agency, salary caps, and 50-50 revenue sharing created unprecedented labor peace</li> <li>The pivotal role of Steelers owner Dan Rooney and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen in shaping the league's economics</li> </ul> Jerry Jones: The Relentless Salesman <ul> <li>How Jones "taught the NFL how to sell" despite alienating fellow owners</li> <li>The Rupert Murdoch deal that transformed television economics forever</li> <li>Robert Kraft's assessment: Jerry can "charm a dog off a meat truck"</li> <li>Why Jones doesn't chase money—he chases the chase</li> <li>The "Cowboys peanut butter" philosophy: monetizing everything not nailed down</li> </ul> Robert Kraft: The Real Estate Wizard <ul> <li>The brilliant 7-year strategy to acquire the New England Patriots</li> <li>How Kraft bought parking lots, then the stadium, then finally the team—leaving owners with nothing</li> <li>Why Connecticut and Providence offered sweetheart deals, but Kraft stayed in Foxborough</li> <li>Patriot Place: The revolutionary stadium-as-real-estate-development model</li> <li>How Kraft's unshared revenue strategy changed sports franchises forever</li> </ul> Roger Goodell: The Senator's Son <ul> <li>Goodell's childhood ambition letter: "I want to be NFL Commissioner"</li> <li>The political instincts he absorbed from his U.S. Senator father</li> <li>Why some NFL staffers called him "too nakedly ambitious"</li> <li>Goodell's strategy: schmoozing with owners at every opportunity</li> <li>Why can't he find his own replacement (or won't step down)?</li> <li>Prediction: The next commissioner will be a media expert, not a football insider</li> </ul> Bill Belichick & The Jets Resignation <ul> <li>The Leon Hess succession crisis that drove Belichick away from New York</li> <li>Was there tampering between Kraft and Belichick? The evidence examined</li> <li>Why Paul Tagliabue warned teams to "tread carefully" with Belichick</li> <li>The compensatory draft picks the Jets received—and why they got the short end</li> </ul> The Los Angeles Stadium Saga <ul> <li>Inside the 2016 Houston meeting, where Jerry Jones lobbied relentlessly for Stan Kroenke's vision</li> <li>Why the Rams-only bid beat the dual Raiders-Chargers proposal</li> <li>Paul Allen's rare appearance—and how "The Oracle" swung critical votes</li> <li>Jerry Jones, celebrating with a tumbler of scotch: "He's t

Oct 27, 202546 min

Baseball in the ROARING TWENTIES - Interview with author Thomas Wolf

<a href="https://amzn.to/4msYLGF">BASEBALL IN THE ROARING TWENTIES: The Yankees, the Cardinals, and the Captivating 1926 Season</a> by Thomas Wolf (University of Nebraska Press, September 1, 2025) Quick recap The discussion between Brian and Tom Wolf centered on Wolf's new book about the 1926 baseball season, which explored notable players like Babe Ruth and the competitive dynamics between teams that year. The conversation delved into the broader sports landscape of the 1920s, including the rise of different sports and the challenges faced by black baseball players during this era. The discussion concluded with an examination of key figures in baseball history, including Rube Foster's role in forming the Negro Leagues and the alleged scandal involving Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker. 1926 Baseball Season Highlights Tom Wolf discussed his new book, <a href="https://amzn.to/4msYLGF">BASEBALL IN THE ROARING TWENTIES</a>, focusing on the 1926 season, which he selected for research related to his previous book, <a href="https://amzn.to/4nDu0Qv">The Called Shot: Babe Ruth, the Chicago Cubs, and the Unforgettable Major League Baseball Season of 1932</a> (Nebraska, 2020). He highlighted the compelling nature of the 1926 season, which featured notable players like Babe Ruth and Rogers Hornsby, and explored their rivalry despite never playing against each other in the same league. Tom noted that the season's dynamics, including the Yankees' and Cardinals' intense competition, made it particularly interesting. The discussion focused on the 1926 baseball season, particularly the dramatic career turnaround of Babe Ruth, who went from a poor 1925 season to lead the Yankees to first place in 1926, marking the beginning of his second-half career dominance. The conversation also explored the broader context of 1920s sports, including the rise of college football, boxing, and horse racing, as well as the emergence of the Negro Leagues and the challenges faced by black baseball players during that era. The discussion highlighted how the Black Sox scandal and Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis's opposition to integration effectively halted the progress toward racial integration in baseball, despite early efforts by managers like John McGraw and Connie Mack to sign black players. Rube Foster's Vision for Integration The discussion focused on Rube Foster, a pivotal figure in the formation of the Negro Leagues in 1920, and his vision for integrating baseball. Foster's health crisis in 1926 led to his decline and eventual death. Still, his legacy includes the first colored World Series in 1924 and an 11-game World Series between the Chicago American Giants and the Atlantic City Giants. The conversation explored Foster's ultimate goal of integrating the major leagues, which began to happen with Jackie Robinson in 1948, and his proposal for exhibition games between Negro League teams and Major League teams, which was rejected by MLB owners concerned about the impact of integration on their bottom line. 1919 Black Sox Scandal Investigation Brian and Tom discussed the alleged scandal involving Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker, which Dutch Leonard claimed was a fixed game in 1919. They explored the history of the scandal, including Cobb and Speaker's retirements under pressure from Commissioner Landis, as well as the $20,000 in hush money paid to Leonard by Ban Johnson. The conversation highlighted the complex relationships and power dynamics between baseball executives and players during this period. 1926 Baseball Rivalry Insights The discussion turned to the rivalry between the American League and the National League. Tom and Brian explored the careers of several legendary players, the 1927 Yankees' dominance, and Babe Ruth's controversial stolen base attempt in the 1926 World Series. They also discussed the different styles and strategies of the two leagues, emphasizing the historical significance of the World Series when the leagues were more distinct in their approaches. # # # Ready for insights reserved for serious listeners only? Subscribe now and join thousands of readers who've discovered why Brian O'Leary's perspective is reshaping how thoughtful Americans understand our culture. Visit <a href="http://BrianDOLeary.Substack.com">BrianDOLeary.Substack.com</a> fo

Sep 27, 202532 min

The Heart of Performance: Jim Murphy on Inner Excellence

In the latest episode of the Brian D. O'Leary Show, Jim Murphy, the author of the bestselling book INNER EXCELLENCE: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance in the Best Possible Life, discusses the widespread impact and philosophy behind his work. Highlighting how NFL star AJ Brown benefited from Inner Excellence's teachings during critical games, Murphy elaborates on the book's core system that promotes being fully present and mastering self for extraordinary performance. He compares his concepts to those popularized by James Clear in Atomic Habits, emphasizing the importance of redefining success and learning from perceived failures. Murphy draws from his rich background as a former professional baseball player and coach, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences that shaped his understanding of sports psychology and human behavior. He emphasizes the importance of emotional stability, adaptability, and self-mastery both in sports and life. With his heartfelt insights and practical advice, Jim Murphy offers listeners the tools to navigate their lives with clarity, purpose, and resilience. Find <a href="https://amzn.to/3YyyTjJ">INNER EXCELLENCE: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life</a> (Grand Central Publishing, April 29, 2025) at <a href="https://briandoleary.com/innerexcellence">https://briandoleary.com/innerexcellence</a>

May 12, 202531 min

Reading People – Human Typology with Scott Fischbuch

After a long delay in production … Brian hosts Scott Fischbuch, a Jungian Typology expert, for an in-depth conversation on personality types and his methods. Scott explains his approach to personality typing, which involves analyzing preferences in conversation, turns of phrase, and behavioral mannerisms. Brian shares his journey into podcasting and reflects on how his personality type has evolved. Scott identifies Brian's personality type as ISTJ and explains the significance of introverted sensing and extraverted intuition. They discuss the impact of cultural influences on personality and the importance of effort and team dynamics in professional and personal settings. The episode touches on the nuances of effective communication and the role of empathy and sympathy in understanding others. Scott's site: <a href="https://ToolsWithScott.com">ToolsWithScott.com</a> Brian O'Leary – <ul> <li><a href="https://BrianDOLeary.com">BrianDOLeary.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/briandoleary">@BrianDOLeary on 𝕏–Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@briandoleary">@BrianDOLeary on YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://briandoleary.substack.com/">BrianDOLeary on Substack</a></li> </ul>

Feb 28, 20251h 16m

They hate you for believing in real things. Who's team are you on?

Website re-launch: <a href="https://briandoleary.com">https://briandoleary.com</a> Los Gatos Review (quarterly magazine): <a href="https://losgatosreview.com">https://losgatosreview.com</a> The O'Leary Letter: <a href="http://OLearyLetter.com">http://OLearyLetter.com</a> O'Leary's Laws O'Leary's First Law: Nice is not a virtue. O'Leary's Second Law: You can't cast yourself out of a tangle. O'Leary's Third Law: While apologies are often necessary or appropriate, never should you have to explain yourself, particularly for something you believe and are not sorry for.

Oct 2, 202427 min

They're now calling it discourse ... not disinformation

Column at Substack: <a href="https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/theyre-now-calling-it-discourse">https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/theyre-now-calling-it-discourse</a> For our regular emails: <a href="https://briandoleary.com/letter">https://briandoleary.com/letter</a> Find us on 𝕏-Twitter : <a href="https://x.com/BrianDOLeary">https://x.com/BrianDOLeary</a> This column on 𝕏-Twitter : <a href="https://x.com/BrianDOLeary/status/1814045579301019731">https://x.com/BrianDOLeary/status/1814045579301019731</a> Text of article follows: They're now calling it 'discourse' What happened to disinformation? By now, you've probably seen a host of graphics in the swampwaters of social media, hastily cobbled together by run-of-the-mill milquetoast leftists. Virtue-signalers, viz. A meme gone viral over the last few days is a checklist that attempts to pacify the reader with a bunch of platitudes, one being "Contribute to discourse, not division." This, of course, is a less-than-subtle dig at non-leftists. Gaslighting. To oppose the leftist agenda naturally causes "division" in the minds of these people. However, and as a matter of principle, it is really only our people who have been the ones to contribute — and show interest in — discourse so-called. We're the ones with ideas and questions. They're the ones scolding you and forcing compliance with their inanities. In other words, the left divides. Their people dismiss you and want you dead. The underlying motive is still not entirely clear, but it matters not. Remember if you wanted to learn more about the coronavirus mania and the resulting panic? You were told to shut up, wear a mask, and get injected with vaccines. Any information that did not tow the party line was called "disinformation" and was not allowed within their polite society. That's division. Now, it appears that the political left — the most violent and destructive force in the entirety of Western Civilization — still runs cover for those within its ranks. Lately it's for those who express displeasure in the fact that the gunman in Butler, Pennsylvania "missed." Once again, this is nothing short of division. There is no discourse where this is remotely appropriate. Yet, the talking heads in corporate media circles and the lunatic fringe spouting "conspiracy theories" are nonetheless given free range. The meme concludes: "We can transcend the bitterness and be better, even when we disagree." No we can't. They should, however. It is their problem and it is much more than disagreement. It is an impossibility. Where there was once a large fissure within the culture, the last several days have revealed a cleaving on that divide. For it is not tenable to maintain a polity or a culture with people that hate you and want you dead. These people are your enemies. They are the dividers. It is personal. They came for your family and your livelihood. They'll do it again. It is political — which is, to say, little more than the simple distinction between who is a friend and who is an enemy. And it has nothing to do with elections. Some people might think there are hard choices to be made. To the contrary — the choices aren't difficult. Painful perhaps, but pain is part of life. It's unavoidable. Suffering, on the other hand, is a choice. For too long folks have been entirely too comfortable suffering and enduring under this regime. Admittedly, the left may be a catalyst for such "victim mentality," but mentality is a choice. Attitude is also a choice and you are in control of your choices. As always, Brian

Jul 18, 20247 min

Surround yourself with better people

<a href="https://briandoleary.com">BrianDOLeary.com</a> Straight to the email list + our FREE Time Management checklist : <a href="https://BrianDOLeary.com/letter">BrianDOLeary.com/letter</a> <a href="https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/we-deserve-apologies-were-never-going">O'Leary's First Law: Nice is not a virtue.</a> O'Leary's Inner Sphere : <a href="http://OLearyInnerSphere.com">http://OLearyInnerSphere.com</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3Ltp4wG">The Vintage Mencken</a> (gathered by Alistair Cooke) “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Since we tend to “Serious Content Amidst an Unserious Culture,” we don’t believe in linking to anything that isn’t worthwhile. We believe in our mission here and we’re in the business of keeping our website, emails, and podcasts going. Affiliate commissions do help to cover some associated costs.

Jul 16, 202430 min

Biden v. Trump - where do we stand right now?

The first and perhaps only presidential debate happened on June 27. Adam Haman and Brian O'Leary have the definitive smackdown of the whole thing. The fellows awarded a winner and offered some commentary. Hilarity ensues (though not necessarily intentional - it's a factor of who was "debating.") Adam Haman - https://hamannature.substack.com/ Brian O'Leary - https://briandoleary.com/ O'Leary's FREE e-book Run at Thunder, Vol. 1 - https://runatthunder.com/ Natural Order - https://naturalorderpodcast.com/

Jul 9, 202450 min

Henry Bingaman - Freedom Through Freelancing

Links: <ul> <li><a href="http://HenryBing.co/freetools">HenryBing.co/freetools</a></li> <li><a href="http://HenryBing.co/liberty">HenryBing.co/liberty</a></li> <li><a href="http://FreeMe123.com">FreeMe123.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://BrianDOLeary.com/tsol">BrianDOLeary.com/tsol</a> (Tom Woods School of Life)</li> </ul> <a href="https://briandoleary.com/ep98">https://briandoleary.com/ep98</a>

Mar 8, 202448 min

Save Standard Time — Ditch Daylight Saving. Keep Standard.

<a href="https://briandoleary.com/ep97">https://briandoleary.com/ep97</a> Links: <ul> <li><a href="https://briandoleary.com/time/">https://briandoleary.com/time/</a></li> <li>O'Leary and Company <a href="https://olearyandcompany.com/">https://olearyandcompany.com/</a></li> <li>Brian O'Leary on 𝕏-Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianDOLeary">https://twitter.com/BrianDOLeary</a></li> <li>Save Standard Time on 𝕏-Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/SaveStandard">https://twitter.com/SaveStandard</a></li> </ul>

Feb 15, 202421 min

Jason Purcell on the Petrodollar System (part 3)

Links: <ul> <li>Tucker talks to Vlad about the role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency. They must have been listening to Purcell and O’Leary … <a href="https://x.com/TCNetwork/status/1755748344465342565?s=20">https://x.com/TCNetwork/status/1755748344465342565?s=20</a></li> <li>O’Leary side project (Natural Order Podcast) breaks down the entire Tucker-Vlad interview… <a href="https://naturalorderpodcast.com/ep18/">https://naturalorderpodcast.com/ep18/</a></li> <li>Possible definitions of “petrodollar” <ul> <li>1. Revenues from petroleum exports. Dollars paid to oil-producing nations (petrodollar recycling). <ol> <li>The currency of oil-producing nations usually fluctuates with the price of oil. E.g.s when the price of oil rises, the currency has more value. Vice-versa … when the price of oil falls, the currency’s value drops. Thus, Petrodollar/Petrocurrency?</li> <li>The pricing of oil in US dollars: currencies used as a unit of account to price oil in the international market.</li></ol></li></ul></li> <li>Zoltan Pozsar – Hungarian-American “shadow banker” <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoltan_Pozsar">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoltan_Pozsar</a></li> <li>Moscow Gold <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_gold_(Spain)">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_gold_(Spain)</a> <ul> <li>In the first year of the Spanish Civil War, the New York Times reported on August 7, 1936, that Spanish gold reserves (held in Madrid) were the equivalent of $718 million (US), which was the equivalent to $15.14 billion in 2022 USD. Reports range from 72.6% to upwards of 90% of Spanish gold reserves were given to the USSR months after the outbreak of the civil war. The communist-backed government of the Second Spanish Republic under Francisco Largo Caballero either sold the gold to the Soviets or placed the reserves in Moscow for the Soviets to act as custodians. Well, that was a bad move. Largo Caballero and his Republican cause were eventually defeated by the Nationalist side and Spain was left broke, for most if not all of the remaining gold reserves were sold to France for currency. In the context of the Spanish War, the gold the Soviets ended up with (ostensibly to caretake or use for deposit on future munitions) is known as “Moscow Gold.” The gold taken in by the French is called the “Paris Gold.” </li></ul></li> <li>King Juan Carlos I of Spain<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Carlos_I">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Carlos_I</a> There is speculation that Spain stayed out of the western oil embargo during the 1970s because of the then-prince and future-king’s business dealings with the Arab oil merchants.Juan Carlos abdicated the Spanish throne in 2014 and as of 2020, he now makes the United Arab Emirates his permanent residence.</li> <li>Warren Mosler – It doesn’t matter what currency you trade in … What do you save in?<a href="https://moslereconomics.com/">https://moslereconomics.com/</a><a href="https://warrenmosler.com/">https://warrenmosler.com/</a></li> <li>Wesley Schlemmer on The Brian D. O’Leary Show <a href="https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/building-wealth-with-bitcoin">https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/building-wealth-with-bitcoin</a></li> <li>Peter Schiff (is welcome on the program to talk Petrodollar) <a href="https://schiffradio.com/">https://schiffradio.com/</a></li> <li>Fountain.FM – Listen to podcasts, earn bitcoin. <ul> <li><a href="https://fountain.fm/briandoleary?code=2f1a9cad53">https://fountain.fm/briandoleary?code=2f1a9cad53</a></li></ul></li> </ul>

Feb 14, 202458 min

Remembering Buddy Holly and Friends

<a href="https://briandoleary.com/ep95">https://briandoleary.com/ep95</a> Links: <ul> <li><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Winter_Dance_Party_Tour_Schedule,_1959.svg">Winter Dance Party Tour Schedule, 1959</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buddyholly.com/">Buddy Holly</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Bopper">The Big Bopper</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritchie_Valens">Ritchie Valens</a></li> <li><a href="https://waylonshop.com/">Waylon Jennings</a></li> <li><a href="https://diondimucci.com/">Dion DiMucci</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11243571/Don-McLean-76-steps-model-girlfriend-Paris-Dylan-28-Manchester.html">Don McLean, 76, steps out with his model girlfriend Paris Dylan, 28, ahead of his performance at Manchester Bridgewater Hall</a></li> <li><a href="https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/why-the-beatles-owe-their-success">Why the Beatles owe their success to the Comanche Indians</a></li> </ul>

Feb 3, 202428 min

Building wealth with ₿itcoin w/ Wesley Schlemmer (Bitcoin Bay)

The Brian D. O’Leary Show January 27, 2024 Wesley Schlemmer – Bitcoin Bay Ep. 94 Wesley Schlemmer is a leading bitcoin (₿) evangelist and educator in the Tampa Bay region. One of the goals of his 501c3 organization — Bitcoin Bay — is to create a circular economy with bitcoin at the center of it all. We had Wesley on the show a few months back to talk about <a href="https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/taking-the-orange-pill-w-bitcoin">“taking the orange pill.”</a> Wesley is a born-and-raised “Florida Man” who is working to Make America Florida. Links and topics mentioned: <a href="https://www.bitcoinbay.live/">Bitcoin Bay</a> · <a href="https://www.bitcoinbay.live/">https://www.bitcoinbay.live/</a> · ₿itcoin Bay 𝕏-Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/bitcoinbaytpa">https://twitter.com/bitcoinbaytpa</a> · ₿itcoin Bay Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbaytpa">https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbaytpa</a> · ₿itcoin Bay nostr – <a href="https://iris.to/npub1tampasjf5z0rllvrh8nlqckrjtzzj9590uljzeuu6ymsr8hq9pjsrw0ynt">https://iris.to/npub1tampasjf5z0rllvrh8nlqckrjtzzj9590uljzeuu6ymsr8hq9pjsrw0ynt</a> · ₿itcoin Bay Telegram - <a href="https://t.me/+6TaP_y99LpM3NmIx">https://t.me/+6TaP_y99LpM3NmIx</a> <a href="https://floridabeefinitiative.com/">Florida Beef Initiative</a> · <a href="https://floridabeefinitiative.com/">https://floridabeefinitiative.com/</a> · The mission of the Florida Beef Initiative “is simple yet profound: to create a self-sustaining local economy where wealth circulates within the community. We achieve this through a blend of traditional practices and modern innovations.” Price of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies · CoinGecko - <a href="https://www.coingecko.com/">https://www.coingecko.com/</a> <a href="https://fountain.fm/briandoleary?code=2f1a9cad53">Fountain.FM</a> · We are big fans of Fountain.FM at the Brian D. O’Leary headquarters. Earn bitcoin while listening to podcasts… who wouldn’t love that? · Fountain is now out of beta testing and it is a great podcast app. · Sign up today to start earning ₿itcoin at <a href="https://fountain.fm/briandoleary?code=2f1a9cad53">Fountain.FM</a> <a href="https://www.getmonero.org/">Monero</a> · <a href="https://www.getmonero.org/">Monero</a> is a private, decentralized cryptocurrency that keeps your finances confidential and secure.

Jan 28, 202450 min

Jason Purcell — The Petrodollar System (Part 2) - The Brian D. O'Leary Show Ep 93

The Brian D. O’Leary Show December 5, 2023 Jason Purcell – The petrodollar system (Part 2) Ep. 93 Check us out on Substack: <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/briandoleary/p/jason-purcell-the-petrodollar-system?r=3c44f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web">https://open.substack.com/pub/briandoleary/p/jason-purcell-the-petrodollar-system?r=3c44f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web</a> We welcome financial analyst Jason Purcell on the program for the second part in a series on the history of money and banking. We’re talking about the “petrodollar” once again. Jason is working on a book on the topic which includes a chapter about his theory of the “Petrodollar System.” You can find the first episode at our Substack page (and on all podcatchers): <a href="https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/the-petrodollar-system-part-1-w-jason">https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/the-petrodollar-system-part-1-w-jason</a> Jason will be on the show again soon to complete his analysis of the petrodollar system. Once we complete the discussion, we’ll have a longer compilation episode and more robust show notes page for you. Topics discussed: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidblackmon/2023/04/02/a-spate-of-recent-deals-raises-chatter-of-a-fading-petrodollar/?sh=3a1afa2d5964">A Spate Of Recent Deals Raises Chatter Of A Fading Petrodollar</a> (Forbes) · Jason mentions this article as an entry point into our discussion. <a href="https://mises.org/wire/petrodollar-saudi-axis-why-washington-hates-iran">Petrodollar-Saudi Axis Is Why Washington Hates Iran</a> · Gary Richied article that Jason mentions. "Petrodollar" search at Mises.org · <a href="https://mises.org/search-mises?search=petrodollar">https://mises.org/search-mises?search=petrodollar</a> · Several mises.org articles reference “petrodollar” (36 at last count). Take some time and read the free resources. · Jason’s theory runs somewhat counter to what you’ll hear in Forbes or mises.org, but it helps to have the background Not So Fast My Friend! · <a href="https://ebay.us/kyMQ2e">Lee Corso autographed 8x10 poster</a> (eBay) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OPEC">OPEC</a> · OPEC countries include: Algeria, Angola, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela o The host was unaware that Nigeria was a part of OPEC. It is! · OPEC+ is a loose grouping of countries that includes Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, and Sudan. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRICS">BRICS</a>

Dec 5, 202347 min

Matthew Sercely - Agorist Tax Advisor

The Brian D. O’Leary Show December 4, 2023 Matthew Sercely – Agorist Tax Advisor Ep. 92 Matthew Sercely has been a licensed attorney since 2009, and in 2020 he founded his own company to provide tax advice and planning for small businesses. He is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and side-hustlers by setting up their businesses to legally avoid as much tax as possible. While he exclusively works with those who have or are starting businesses, Matthew’s weekly newsletter offers general advice that anyone can use. When he's not screwing with the government, Matthew enjoys camping, weightlifting, and gaming. For Matthew’s free report on over 60 Business Expense Ideas (and a few personal deductions as well), go to <a href="http://www.agoristTaxAdvice.com/oleary">www.agoristTaxAdvice.com/oleary</a> Topics discussed: 1031 Exchange · According to <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0110/10-things-to-know-about-1031-exchanges.aspx">Investopedia, a 1031 Exchange</a> is a swap of one real estate investment property for another that allows capital gains taxes to be deferred. Agorism · The <a href="https://wiki.mises.org/wiki/Agorism">mises.org wiki</a> defines <a href="https://wiki.mises.org/wiki/Agorism">agorism</a> as the practice of counter-economics and the ideas associated with that practice. Agorist ideas assert that Libertarian philosophy occurs in practice, in the real world, as Counter-Economics. It was first proposed by libertarian philosopher Samuel Edward Konkin III in 1975. · The Agora program at Boston College we mentioned is now apparently retired: <a href="http://agora.bc.edu/">http://agora.bc.edu/</a> Libertarianism · On the <a href="https://naturalorderpodcast.com/">Natural Order Podcast</a>, we give listeners a primer on libertarianism in <a href="https://naturalorderpodcast.com/ep1/">episode 1</a> of the show. · The Substack page for that show: <a href="https://naturalorder.substack.com/p/libertarian-political-philosophy">https://naturalorder.substack.com/p/libertarian-political-philosophy</a> Austrian Economics · Also on the <a href="https://naturalorderpodcast.com/ep3/">Natural Order Podcast</a>, we dedicate a show for our listeners to learn the basics of the <a href="https://naturalorderpodcast.com/ep3/">Austrian school of economics</a>.

Dec 5, 202346 min

The Petrodollar System (Part 1) w/ Jason Purcell

The Brian D. O’Leary Show November 29, 2023 We welcome financial analyst Jason Purcell on the program for the first part of what we hope to be a series on the history of money and banking. Jason is working on a book on the topic which includes a chapter about his theory of the “Petrodollar System.” In this first part of our series, Jason gives us a background on the history leading up to the idea of the “petrodollar” phenomenon. Jason will be on the show again soon to complete his analysis of the petrodollar system. Once we complete the discussion, we’ll have a more robust show notes page for you. Until then, check out these resources… Jason Purcell – LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmpurcell/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmpurcell/</a> Purcell Investments - YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@purcellinvestments">https://www.youtube.com/@purcellinvestments</a> Email Jason <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> Supply & Demand Update - Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/supplyndemandupdate/">https://www.instagram.com/supplyndemandupdate/</a> Jason Purcell Senior Writer, Financial Markets at The Lake Street Review <a href="https://www.thelakestreetreview.com/profile/jpurcell525/profile">https://www.thelakestreetreview.com/profile/jpurcell525/profile</a> Tom Woods School of Life <a href="https://briandoleary.com/tsol/">https://briandoleary.com/tsol/</a> Brian O’Leary on 𝕏-Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianDOLeary">https://twitter.com/BrianDOLeary</a> Fountain.FM Listen and support us at the same time over at <a href="https://fountain.fm/briandoleary?code=2f1a9cad53">Fountain.FM</a> For all the rest of it, go to <a href="https://briandoleary.com/">BrianDOLeary.com</a> for more information.

Nov 29, 202349 min