Comedy and Everything Else

[ericluxury]

Todd puts so many disclaimers so it would be hard to argue with him, but google searching 'parenting class new york' doesn't give you too many results and in the few that seemed valid were all church-related. Also, new parents are just about the busiest people around. Raising a kid is one of the most costly and time consuming things people do. I think most parents read a bunch of books about parenting, but the vast network of parenting classes is something that I think Todd is imagining.
Also, I think Todd shakes off the argument that you don't know because you aren't a parent too easily. I can chastise a comedian that gets incredibly angry, what appears to be irrationally so, about a heckler or someone talking during their show. I certainly have in my head, but I've never been on stage and had that happen. Those kind of experiences change your perspective. Having a kid and going through epic crying fits that ruin your sleep and all the million things that kids do and do at a lot of inconvienent times, in addition to the changes to a marriage and sex life that usually accompanies having a child and the changes to your perspective of time and career. I just don't believe Todd fully knows when he says to Paul, 'I know'.
In conclusion I agree with Paul's viewpoint.

[CaptainBreakfast]

nvm

[nathansmart]

Todd puts so many disclaimers so it would be hard to argue with him, but google searching 'parenting class new york' doesn't give you too many results and in the few that seemed valid were all church-related. Also, new parents are just about the busiest people around. Raising a kid is one of the most costly and time consuming things people do. I think most parents read a bunch of books about parenting, but the vast network of parenting classes is something that I think Todd is imagining.
Also, I think Todd shakes off the argument that you don't know because you aren't a parent too easily. I can chastise a comedian that gets incredibly angry, what appears to be irrationally so, about a heckler or someone talking during their show. I certainly have in my head, but I've never been on stage and had that happen. Those kind of experiences change your perspective. Having a kid and going through epic crying fits that ruin your sleep and all the million things that kids do and do at a lot of inconvienent times, in addition to the changes to a marriage and sex life that usually accompanies having a child and the changes to your perspective of time and career. I just don't believe Todd fully knows when he says to Paul, 'I know'.
In conclusion I agree with Paul's viewpoint.

But the reason why that argument doesn't work is because, in the end, if we all come to the conclusion that spanking your kid is wrong, then it doesn't matter what experiences you've had. You don't have to be a cop to know that arresting a criminal is a good thing.

If we decide that spanking your child isn't wrong and that we should decide to do it based on how our children respond to it, then the argument works.

[ericluxury]

Well thats the part of the argument where there was no disagreement, constantly repeating it doesn't make it more your side of the issue. The tide of should you hit your kids or should you spank your kids has turned to the point where I don't understand who anyone is arguing with. Paul's point is that when its experience and not an argument you are making, sometimes mistakes are made. At that point Todd would say he understands but you should take a class. Classes that are rarer than he thinks.
I think a telling thing is when Todd says that he'd rather argue with someone who thinks that hitting kids is good and right rather than someone with Paul's viewpoint. That's where you begin to think that Jimmy and Todd just want to have an argument and win rather than take an issue seriously.

[nathansmart]

Yeah, the real problem here is they brought on a guy that basically agreed with them and so there wasn't much fruit.

While I do believe that Jimmy and Todd (especially Jimmy) LOVE a good argument, I don't think that love is the only basis for wanting to discuss things. I think they want someone on there that doesn't agree so that the argument isn't a washout like this one ended up being. Plus, it's always nice to think that you might be able to change someone's mind.

And I genuinely believe that, if given the right information, Todd is someone that can change his mind on issues. It seems as if he's in a constant state of fishing.

[Gene George]

Speaking of spanking. Did anyone see Mad Men? The last episode had some punishment/ spanking drama in it.

"My dad beat the hell out of me and all it made me do was fantasize about murdering him."

[SteveAgee]

Holy shit, the new episode is so fucking great!

[Dr. Feelgood]

Well thats the part of the argument where there was no disagreement, constantly repeating it doesn't make it more your side of the issue. The tide of should you hit your kids or should you spank your kids has turned to the point where I don't understand who anyone is arguing with. Paul's point is that when its experience and not an argument you are making, sometimes mistakes are made. At that point Todd would say he understands but you should take a class. Classes that are rarer than he thinks.
I think a telling thing is when Todd says that he'd rather argue with someone who thinks that hitting kids is good and right rather than someone with Paul's viewpoint. That's where you begin to think that Jimmy and Todd just want to have an argument and win rather than take an issue seriously.

I agree with Todd inasmuch as I don't think he's saying anything he doesn't have license to say. All Todd is saying is that if you think you might get to the point of having to hit your kid, or if you do get to that point, then it's something that you have to try your hardest to correct, and if you're doing so and make a mistake here and there, then you're not a bad parent. In other words, Todd doesn't take issue with anyone who's trying their hardest. Is Paul arguing against trying your hardest? You could say parenting classes are rare, but Todd didn't say just parenting classes (or just classes for that matter). He said the basic point of a class would be to learn anger management. A search for anger management NY lists an immensity of resources, some of which don't even require that you leave your house. The argument simply can't be made that it's too hard to seek help in managing anger, especially given the stakes – a kid's upbringing. And if I recall, most if not all of the examples Paul gave of hitting his kids had to do with losing his temper.

I think Todd said he'd rather have someone who really disagreed with him because Paul didn't really even say anything. All I got from Paul was that he agreed with Todd and Jimmy, but Todd and Jimmy aren't parents so they should shut the fuck up. I don't remember one point Paul made that challenged Todd's reasoning. So what do you mean when you say you agree with Paul's viewpoint? And what issue isn't Todd taking seriously?

I think where Paul and I differ is that he thinks it's time well spent to get up in arms because someone who has an opinion about something doesn't have the personal experience with that thing that he has, and then to express this as if to offer a counter-argument, but then indeed offer none. I think the angry reactions from listeners like Paul create for Todd the illusion of people with counter-arguments and this is what drives him to want to engage with those people. But really people are just mad at him for uncompelling reasons that have nothing to do with his arguments, and that's irksome to me. I don't think Todd's argumentative impulses are misdirected, they're just confused by people like Paul, who have the impulse without the argument. If Todd does so much prefacing that it's hard to argue with him, then why argue with him?

[Matt Mira]

When you say the new one Steve do you mean episode 13?

Anyway sorry we disappeared for a month there, Jimmy and Todd were touring and I was back in Boston. But, we are back and going to be updating regularly. I'm shooting for every Saturday. Trust me, we are aware of the importance of regularly updating and are going to be doing so.

So in closing look for new episodes a-plenty.
Hopefully Todd's views on parenting are finally clear. (oh God I hope they are clear)

[Gene George]

Trust me, we are aware of the importance of regularly updating and are going to be doing so.

That'll keep you regular.

[Keith Whitener]

Some people could be angry because Todd is right and the burden of responsibility is on them. They choose to hit their kids rather than learn to control their anger. People can be very stubborn and refuse to admit that they are wrong.

[Dr. Feelgood]

That is what I really suspect.

Also, Ep. 13 was awesome. Please talk about Norm MacDonald at the roast next time!

[Meen Bellpeppers]

I don't understand why you use M4A instead of plain ol compatible with everything and doesn't need to be converted MP3. It makes me sad.

[KevinLee]

whoever brought up the "Waite For It" podcast thanks a lot.

I'm a fan of Dave's from Rooftop and I was hoping to see him in Cinnci at some point.

I'm going to go google stuff.

[Matt Mira]

I don't understand why you use M4A instead of plain ol compatible with everything and doesn't need to be converted MP3. It makes me sad.

The last three have been mp3's and they will continue to be so you don't have to be sad anymore.

[Shane]

whoever brought up the "Waite For It" podcast thanks a lot.

I'm a fan of Dave's from Rooftop and I was hoping to see him in Cinnci at some point.

I'm going to go google stuff.

He's always at Go Bananas on Wednesdays. This Wednesday is the Cincinnati All Star showcase, so him and a couple other predominately feature acts will be performing. They each do like 20 min or so. The next one of these is September 24. The other Wednesdays is the open mic, so it's definitely better to see him on the all star days.

[angryrobot]

Speaking as a parent, it doesn't make a difference if you have kids or not to have an opinion on corporal punishment. Just having children doesn't give you any more insight into what is right and wrong in child rearing. although it does make you a hell of a lot less judgmental when you see someone yelling at their kids in public.

I have a question for Jimmy Dore. I'm just today becoming aware of you and I love that Pop and Politics thing you did you Funny or Die. Are there more episodes in the planning or was this some sort of failed pilot that you just stuck up on the site?

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/dc5b00c7a7

[mondo]

Anyone else getting an error message trying to download the newest episode in itunes? (the one with Paul F. Tompkins) Such a tease to see the show description and not be able to listen.

[Shane]

Try it now, it just worked for me after a couple errors

[Matt Mira]

The new episode is now officially up! Server is NOW responding correctly... So gather round the podcast machine kids and behold yarns spun by Paul and Jimmy and Todd and Stef. It's a good one this week folks. Best part is that hitting your kids is only mentioned for 90 seconds.