The "What's Going On?" Podcast
Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop. Conversations and commentaries from the common-person perspective, a mix of diverse topics and perspectives. The conversations will seamlessly pivot between politics, music, sports, and pop culture. Our goal is to be inclusive and inviting, a broad appeal, non-pundit vibe, and memorable.
The "What's Going On?" Podcast
From Detroit Sports to Government Shutdown: A Comprehesive Discourse
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Keith, Mike, and Tom dive into a lively discussion covering the Detroit Tigers' current state, including AJ's management style and the team's performance. They then shift focus to the Detroit Lions' recent games and playoff prospects, expressing cautious optimism. The conversation later transitions to the Detroit Pistons' upcoming basketball season and the challenges in the NBA. Additionally, the trio critically analyzes the contentious topic of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance amidst political and cultural controversies. Conversations on the implications of the ongoing government shutdown and healthcare subsidies provide a socio-political angle, while a final segment delves into the impact of cell phones and social media on students' education and development.
This week's episode features sports and shutdowns, starting with Keith Picken's critique on the management of Detroit Tigers. The conversation shifts to Detroit Lion's strong performance so far in the season, as well as hopes for the Detroit Pistons upcoming basketball season. The conversation also touches on the government shutdown with different views on its impact and origins, and concludes with a debate about cell phone usage in schools.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423What's going on? Keith Pickens,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Hey, TC.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Welcome back. What's going on Mike Miller
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Hey there, Mr. Corley. How are you sir? Hey, Keith
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423What's up?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423We've had a fantastic week of sports and a fantastic week of government shutdown. So let's start with sports and we'll get into the heavy stuff later. Keith Pickens, you're our sports guy. What do you think that's going on with our Detroit Tiger?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423How long you got, bruh? What's going on with our Detroit Tigers?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Let me narrow it down for you. I know that you are always questioning AJ, so what do you think is going on in particular the other day when he is changing up pitchers
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423When you say the other day when they lost or prior to that,'cause they
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah. They lost yesterday.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423my issue with AJ is this, he's just an analytics guy as far as I'm concerned. And he's everything he does every decision he makes, it seems to be predicated on analytics. And that's okay because the numbers they say don't lie. although they can't be a 100% predictor of success, obviously. so to me, he relies so much on analytics that he plays himself sometimes. I'm an old school guy, back in the day when you had to manage without all those numbers readily available. Sometimes he does things that just don't add up. Like putting in a ly at any time insane to me because he's only got two pitches and he usually only uses one. And Major league hitters are gonna time you up. They're gonna, they're gonna, they're gonna be ready for you. And, you put yourself at peril a lot of times he's quick to pull pitchers outta gangs, even before they get to 100. so he is a little hasty just using analytics to manage as opposed to sometimes going by his baseball acumen or instincts. but when you ask what's going on with the tigers per se I don't care how good the pitching is. And Skuba was great night. He gave up two home runs.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Uhhuh.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423you don't score any runs, then it's not gonna matter at all. So they're going to have to get a couple of hitters. Everybody wants to swing for the fence. And as, as consequence of that, you get a lot of strikeouts. you miss a lot of opportunities. They're short on fundamentals. They're not really a Bunting team, although they did bunt, and the Wild Card series, and that helped them out. So there's a lot of things that I could see that they could do better. But most importantly, they're gonna have to have somebody that can move runners along on the bases, sacrifice, fly bunt here or there and just show up the team. The pitching is okay. The relief pitching is not good. And we got a couple of dependable guys but AJ wants to do everything by committee. He won't commit to having a closer, he won't commit to having a consistent rotation where people can get used to playing specific positions and so forth. And I guess it's new school or new age. But he feels that it's better to have everybody available and ready to do everything at all times. For me he's playing himself a little short, where other teams do have consistent lineups and closers for that reason alone, we're gonna have a hard time getting out of this round against Seattle.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423But didn't see ATO have six pictures the first night.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423They used the pictures that they had, they used their relief pictures. I'm not saying that the teams aren't going to, because this
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423you gotta be all in during the playoffs.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423You just, you gotta use what you got to get to where you want to go. And so sometimes what AJ does for me, and he's the manager, he's the one get paid, all gets paid, all the big bucks, not me, his choices are questionable. He just has too much confidence in guys who aren't getting it done. Okay? And so when you go back to that same well and you expect you're gonna get something different. That for me, that's the definition of insanity, that's just my opinion.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423All right, so Keith, did we overreact week one with the Lions?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423I think so.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423The numbers are bearing it out, we're four on one now. I think that not having played everybody during the pre-season, although they did practice, ones against the ones, they came in a little rusty. They had to get acclimated to the defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator. They were caught off guard. they're a team that says, you know what? No matter how we play good, bad, or indifferent, the next game is going to be better.'cause what we're gonna do is we're gonna go in, we're gonna look at all the mistakes we made, and we're gonna correct those mistakes and we're gonna try to play clean football. And basically what they did that second game, they played fairly clean football. It hasn't been so clean the last couple of games, but their offense has opened up and their defense with Shep has gotten, I love that defense right now and the schemes that they're running. So it looks like everybody's on board, and everybody's willing to go all in. And as a consequence, even the special teams they're doing a great job. Yeah. Right now they're playing complimentary football. It's paying off in their four on one. I'm excited about going into Kansas City next week, and as long as we play clean football, I think we got a great chance because our offense is really potent and our defense is really good.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Mike Miller.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I agree with everything Keith said. Detroit is hot right now. They keep flexing us to national tv
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423next weekend is a Sunday night game.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Correct,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423or Monday night,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423It's a Sunday night.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah, that one was already, I thought, this last one against Cincinnati was flexed to the 4 25 slot, for their national telecast on Fox. They had two, one for this part of the country, one for that part of the country. But anyway,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423It shows the, everybody's paying attention to what's going on with Detroit. We are a team to be reckoned with it is a target on our back and our schedule going forward shows it We do have a tough schedule, And I love it. Bring it on. Campbell, like Keith said, he wants to play clean football, keep everybody grounded and focused. We got a goal and everybody seems to be focused. Just, in football you are always gonna have a lot of injuries. No matter what team, you're gonna have some injuries. And the injury bug, has been biting us. So we gotta hopefully stay away from that. But it's not a whole lot you can do,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423The seasons are long and Injuries come And disrupt everything.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423That's why you're number two, your backup to whatever position needs to be as good as your number one
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423yes.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423because that number one probably will get injured at some point in the season. And number two, gonna have to be ready to step in, and that's what we need. Interchangeable parts.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah. The lions really have a great and all teams in the NFL said about the next man up, but Have a legit next man up mentality where they don't lose a lot. Obviously, they lose something because the second string typically is never going to be as good. The first string, which is why their second string of course, but when they go in, they're so focused to your point, Mike, and they're so used to the fact that, we gotta be ready at all times because at all costs. And they just, like last year, they had all the defenders on the front line out, and we still played at the 15 to two season. This year we're getting decimated in the secondary. And so it'll stand the reason that, we have to either pick up somebody elevate somebody from the practice squad or just whoever's there right now is just gonna have to play up to speed. You're right. Joe Burrows was out. Maybe the game would've been different yesterday if they had their starting quarterback.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423got pounded. Lamar Jackson is out. And so that's really the key position. I mean, if we lose Goff, knows how far we fall, how depth, because even, that's just the
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Can't get a quarterback, you can't have two first string. Or you can't, it's hard to have a one A and one B quarterback because that quarterback would likely get picked up someplace else to start if they were, that good. but hopefully this guy is good enough that if something happens to Goff that he could carry us at least for a couple, few games, if that's the extent of the injury. You're right. Mike is the next man up in mentality.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423But watching yesterday's game I don't know. Goff, he got, he didn't get sacked multiple times. Did he? Just Maybe once
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423He getting sacked is one thing. Quarterback pressures, a lot of times they get hit after or during the course of the play,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423this is true.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423just about to sack.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423You're right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423but yesterday I think they got away with one. Even though they won they left a lot out there, a lot of potential scores. Fortunately for us, we were tough enough to play through it. But to Mike's point, it's our time and, we,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423go. On the field. Let's
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423yep,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423for it. You ain't got nothing to lose,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423All right. It's going on the second week in October, and basketball season is about to start in another two weeks or so.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423that's right.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423So what do you think, Mike Miller, what do you think the pistons are going to pull off this year?
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423That's hard to say.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Lost a few people.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah, but we gained a few. think they're gonna do they won't do worse than they did last year, that's for sure. They really don't have anywhere to go but up.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423So you see playoffs, you see a postseason.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I see a postseason, it may be a first round postseason but isn't oh, what's his name coming back?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Ivy. He's coming back.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423We might get to the second round if he can really, get through the season. I know That he broke his leg, wasn't it?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yes, he did.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423first season is gonna be a little tough, getting your legs back under you. But by Midseason, you get that confidence back where your muscles are strong enough to, you're not worried about it. I think they can make it to the second round. They can make it, they're young and they're hungry.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Exactly.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423That's the thing. They have youth on their side and now they have some experience. And as long as they don't have too many. Injuries again, injury bug. They can really get to that second round. It's a process. It's a process coming behind. You know what happened? What was it, two years ago?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423So the coaching is fine,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Oh my God.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Way better than it was. That I don't wanna disparage anybody, but, we know that coach didn't wanna be here
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423right?
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423And he made it clear he didn't wanna be here.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Correct.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423They, his rotation showed that he didn't wanna be there, now, they have a coach that cares. It looks like, they're developing into something like I said, a playoff team that can be there. And they have the youth. That's the key. They have the youth. My concern is. This contract that the NBA has showing the games on so many different platforms. Peacock, NBC,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423TBS?
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423CBSS,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423No, TBS.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Oh, TBS. That's right. ESPN still has a few games, don't they?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Likely, I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah. So many different platforms. I was wondering where I could see the pistons other than, FanDuel, which, you can see all of the But there's so many I can't keep up. So
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Which gives you a lot of op, which gives you a lot of options.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Correct.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Did you guys see the promotion for Bad Bunny doing the Super Bowl?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423I did not see the promotion heard a lot of scuttle, but,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423I,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Seeing the promotion.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423The promotion was pretty clever. It is a closeup of his face and he's looking off to the side then he looks at the camera draws back, you see him with a straw hat on, and then it pans back further and you see him in a loosely fitted suit sitting on the goalpost. The goalpost is on the beach and the ocean is behind them and you hear, seagulls and stuff like that. And then it plays a little bit of his song. Then it cuts. It is a pretty cool, sneaky, surprising commercial. I,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423good.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah, I thought it was pretty cleverly done. But speaking of the scuttle, but as you say, Keith, wow.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423So much venom.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Ignorance, hatred, racism, let's call it what it
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423It just makes no sense. And half of those idiots don't even realize
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yes.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423is part of the United States.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423right. Yep.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Our
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423I,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423not realize
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423it's just ignorance, blatant, the racism is so obvious. It's just shameful.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Do you have an issue with the fact that you won't be able to understand anything he's singing.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423No I don't have a problem with that. And he might in his infinite wisdom, he may sing some of it in English
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423he can.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423I saw something where it was suggested that, do people have a problem when they go to the opera, listen to an aria and other languages? It's just the beauty of the music. It's just. It is what it is. And so when you make the type of music that he makes, if you got a great beat And his popularity is immense.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423guarantee you that a lot of the audience, most of the audience, whether they're MAGA or not, and it'll, some, it'll be some MAGA folks too That enjoy his music.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Oh, absolutely.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423they will all, they wanna make everything about politics if they can
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423to continue to be divisive which they are.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Critics disapprove of bad bunny's, public criticism of Donald Trump's administration and his support for Puerto Rican and immigrant communities. I have a big problem with that, just like you said. Keith Puerto Rico is part of the United States. He's the United States citizen. So how can you, you are a supporter of the United States and our constitution, how are you gonna criticize, bad bunny for his support, for his own community?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423is, that's un-American to me. In addition, some conservatives have complained that bad bunny sings exclusively in Spanish and is therefore un-American. Bad bunny, a Puerto Rican native responded to the criticism. During his Saturday Night Live monologue by saying, if you don't understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Oh, nice.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423that.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Nice.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Now Mike, you have to tell us the source'cause we probably have to get credit.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I'm not writing this, this source from 18 different sites. is an AI generated on Google.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Oh,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Google what is the controversy
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423okay.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Okay.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I Googled it, but this morning on NBC craig Melvin had Jennifer Lopez on, she has this new movie coming out. Anyway, he asked her about the controversy. bad Bunny. And she said, what controversy, what are you talking about? And he left. Oh, and without saying it, they said what you said, Keith. know what I mean? She said, look, he puts on a wonderful performance. Look at the performance. Listen to the music on a wonderful show. It's nothing, with his political stances. That's part of being American. Support for your community is part of being American. Having a grievance with the government over different policies is part of being American. That's what ma, that's what has made us great. A lot of people just don't like this coming behind, Kendrick Lamar's performance year at the Super We had a black guy last year and now we got a Puerto Rican guy. Oh, poor.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423MAGA supporters. Are they need to tone it down.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423How can you.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423need to tone it
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Can you be a DEI performer?
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Exactly. The Super Bowl committee determines who they want. And here's the most interesting thing before we go to the next subject, why would ICE start, say they're gonna ramp up patrols at the Super Bowl Of his performance? you know how much it costs to go to the Super Bowl?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Absolutely
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_17042312,000. 15,000.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423what Illegal immigrant is gonna shut off that kinda money. That is just plain. I, it is what it
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423They're ignorant.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423right. They're showing just how dumb they.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423we're gonna ramp up patrols at the Super He's performing well. He's an American citizen,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yep. Hey, Mike, you're like this. They've gotta spend taxpayer money to show up because they're not showing up for free. Right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423No. Ice, the modern version of the Gestapo,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Basically.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Uhhuh. That's what this is turned into, but I don't wanna get to that right now. We got other stuff to talk about,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423I think it's a brilliant move on the NFL by having bad bunny do the halftime show, especially with their endeavors of trying to get viewership globally. They started off with one game in London, now they're doing games in Brazil london and Germany
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423ireland.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Ireland,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yes. So on their part, it's a brilliant move because he's international,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423curious, does Jay-Z still have input in terms of what artists will perform?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah. It was his pick.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423that's what I thought.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423ROC Nation made that call.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423About that?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Good. Okay.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423And like Mike said, behind closed doors, he probably had to persuade them. He may not have to persuade him. Now, of course, all of that came about because of racism. Some of the football still
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423field still have
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423yes. From,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423From the protests around Colin Kaepernick, 100%.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right. Black Lives Matter.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423and Black Lives Matter.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Uhhuh.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423imagine a human cry knowing that Jay-Z has that kind of authority to make decisions like that. They'll be saying, you know what? There's 1D EI you're gonna have to get rid of. But the thing about it is it's gonna be tough. It's gonna be tough to strong guard the NFL because they bring billions.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423about influence,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423There you go.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Down the NFL,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423You can't do it.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423No, Uhuh.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423We got our shutdown, we got our federal government shutdown, the country as at a halt. We talked about possibly doing other methods or means, but the federal government's shutting down. Now Democrats have somewhat of an edge at this point. Now they're saying they, they're doing it because of the affordable Care Act, but truth be told is because of the lawlessness of our president. They're not really saying that upfront, but, that's a factor to give in order to continue to give him to purse strings to do what he wants to do.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423That's the Congress does have the power of the purse, and he's overstepping every line can imagine. And I think that again, it's obviously a part of the MAGA playbook. And it was anticipated. The Democrats have dug in their heels they're playing, hardball or they're fighting fire with fire. And it, a lot of times in a situation like this, obviously the people are the ones who lose, right? The ones who suffer. But I think in this particular instance you can't always acquiesce to the other side because that's what they anticipate. Sometimes you gotta dig in and let things play out. ultimately, from the standpoint of the populace, people are aware of what's going on. And although they're pointing fingers at the Democrats, I think people are recognized that, when the Republicans have, both seats of the legislature and the executive position the presidency, that's where the power lies. And so they can at any time decide to, make some amends give in, give a little bit. particularly as it relates to people's healthcare. The Lord had mercy and this thing can, the government can open back up but to your point Tom, you know, it's about power. It's about, the president overstepping his bounds and at what point do you just say, enough is enough. And this sounds, this seems to be that point, how much of a difference it'll make. We'll see. But nobody's blinking yet.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423But the whole idea of not having conversations about the Affordable Care Act seems very strange when you're talking about when you walked in the door saying, Hey, we're gonna reduce your cost of living and this administration's gonna do everything we can, And everything says if you take away those subsidies, that the cost of living is gonna go up.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Absolutely.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423as well.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Oh yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423People off of Medicaid reducing monies for Medicare. People are suffering and I don't think anything he has said up to this point has any truth in it. He's done contrary to everything he's promised, and he's doing it with his chest stuck out. Go ahead, Mike.'cause I can see you boiling over.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423No.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423you, get your
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423I did watch the shows this weekend in particular, I watched meet the press and I was exhausted by Hakeem Jeffries, responses to the questions. They were yes or no questions, but, his answers were just ex
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423I don't look at it as being passionate. I look at it as being excuses, yeah. Rhetoric or whatever.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Okay.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423But that's just my take on it. And, after the. Watching that show Meet the press and then catching a little bit of the one on CBS. I was just kind of, oh yeah, I was just exhausted from that,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Okay.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Mike.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423We gotta take a step back here and remember how the budget was determined anyway,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423which was with zero Democratic input.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Correct.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423just said, this is what it is, this is what it's gonna be. You're gonna have to accept And that's to my knowledge that there was zero input from the other side. Very little, if any, and I don't think there was any what the Democrats conditioned their support on was extending healthcare subsidies and reversing cuts to Medicare and other health programs.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Okay.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423And of course, the Republicans have so far declined to support those changes. The reason that they did that is because if this were to pass, even if they extend temporary funding bill, the cuts to healthcare are going to expire. The subsidies to healthcare are
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423The right,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423The subsidies are going to expire this process, what the Democrats are saying. No. During this process, you cannot let these expire. And the Republicans are, we don't get it done in time, and then they're just gonna expire
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423they're not gonna get it done trump had no problem shutting the government down. He really doesn't have a problem with it.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Congress is not in session
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423they don't have a problem. They all get their paychecks.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423shutting it down.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423that's Johnson sending them home.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423right?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423That's the ploy. That's part of the playbook.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423what's his name? Oh gosh. The the big the big billionaire guy, he came up with a plan. He said if you wanna stop this nonsense, one, if the government shuts down, they don't get their paychecks. Not the president, not Congress, not anybody.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423That's the number one And when you serve, you get your paycheck, but when you leave, you don't get healthcare for the rest of your life.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Do that.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423And you don't get the healthcare that you getting now unless you paying for it.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423'cause they not paying for it.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423No.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423We are paying for that.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Correct.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423a lot of changes. That was, Had a lot. I have that post. That was very interesting. What he said could be done to avoid all of this. Any government shutdowns.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423This, is that the same article he was talking about to eliminate deficits?
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I believe so.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah, because I've seen that floating around.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423If there was a deficit, it there Raises were tied to something. I have to read the article again, but you're right. It had something to do with deficits in there also. And I was reading Tangle, they present both sides. The democratic side, the left and the
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423They present the left and the right And I don't always agree with the right, but they present it.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423it is what it is. But then they go to the reader survey and most of'em say The reason that this government is shut down, which of the following parties do you think deserves the most blame for the current government? Down 61.5% said President Trump. Some said House Republicans, 1.5% said House Democrats. But it's clear he wanted this shutdown. He's not worried about it. He didn't care if he fires people. It's like you said, Keith, it's part of the program. Shut it down. Then that makes your plan go even faster.'cause you wanna get rid of a lot of these civil servants anyway. Once you take control of the government, that's it. How are we gonna get rid of these fascists?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423He is.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423part of the plan.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423This was the only thing that the Democrats had in their bag to pull.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423They're doing it.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Like Keith said, I hope they stick to their guns on this. Yeah. Because they need it. They need to, they don't need to do any extensions and no crs. They need to go ahead and ride this out. And hopefully they can't persuade any more senators.'cause right now they got three. All they need is four more.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yep.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423To pass the sixties total To open the government back up.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423I wasn't aware there was three. I thought there was one, didn't know that two others had jumped on board, but Schumer who like you said, initially went for it has been on TV saying loud and clear. We just can't allow this to happen because it's going to impact so many people and it's also going to shoot up the cost of healthcare like by over a hundred percent I heard
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423by over a hundred percent.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423well Ooh,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423He's hitting everybody's pocket and because it doesn't impact him or his family. Or his friends, right? So he literally doesn't care about the people. and it's, it is apparent.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423now my understanding too was that it was not just gonna affect the people who were getting a subsidy. But private health insurance was gonna go up also. Did you guys hear that? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. That's why,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423be impacted.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423That's why
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423So that's that, man it is what it is. It's a lot of people gonna be without healthcare, a whole lot. What can I do? I better start eating right. Because this ain't gonna work.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423my mind go,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423It's a shame. You can't afford to even get a common cold.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423right,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423imagine the people who get bronchitis or, just basic things, right?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423you get care and it doesn't have to be deathly, but it could turn into something deathly if you can't afford to get care.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423I can't remember who the Congress person was, but it was Bernie Sanders. He said that this will impact 50,000 lives per year If we allow this to happen, because there'd be so many people taking off of the roles for healthcare. a lot of people won't afford healthcare, and as a consequence, people who would otherwise live will die. The projection is 50,000 people per year.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423That's app penance to the fastest young chief. He could care less. And that is unfortunately 100% true.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423So we're at a standstill. If we can't get Mike Johnson to hold a session for votes,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423They were gonna hold another session today, from what I understand, but they
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423To
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423that's in the Senate right?
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423That's an
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423They didn't expect anything to pass
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423no. Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Everybody dug into their position and we should not have caved the
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423I agree.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423so now we're in a really bad position. So now we can't cave. No, just don't do it. I know it's gonna affect a lot of people, but you can't do it. And so here's my question. If the government stays shut down, would the subsidies still expire anyway?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423My, I would think, yes. I would think, yeah,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423I don't know
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423I don't know the answer either,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423know what? I
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423but
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423would, because
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423but
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423the subsidies aren't tied to whether the government is open or not. They say they gonna stop these subsidies as
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423December 31st.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I don't see the government staying shut down until that time
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423I don't, I can't foresee that in it.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423But I do see them just doing continuing resolutions to fund the government for another two months 60 days or 90 days, whatever they come up with.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423And
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423But,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423continuing resolutions, that's what they're saying the subsidies will expire. That's why they want guarantees that no, these won't expire. Even with the crs, they won't expire. So no, they need to dig their heels in and the other side needs to relent on that one.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah, it's gonna be painful either way
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423either way.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423as it stands even with bills that have been passed for specific spending on different projects,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Oh
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423The government has refused to continue to fund those projects. And so
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423about that.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423what they do is get what they want and then do what they want.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Right, right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423It is not a win-win situation. And that's why I said we've gotten to this place because as Democrats, they've always tried to quote unquote, play fair. They want to come across as the good guys, per se. and unfortunately, politics is dirty and the Republicans have played the
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Don't say that.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah the Republicans don't play fair. And now we've gotta play the same. You gotta fight fire with fire time,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423We gotta get in the, we gotta get in the mud, huh?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Gotta get deep into the mud. Because basically they're gonna say, you know what? Do it this way. We'll, their compromise is just do it our way and at some point we'll do it your way. And then when you come back and say, I thought you were gonna do it our way, ah, get outta here suckers.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423That's exactly what they're saying.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Right,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423We'll talk about it.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423That's that.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423We fell for that.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423too many times.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Don't more fall for
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423This my way of the highway thing started under Ronald Reagan. Previous to Ronald Reagan the Republican party did have some morals. What they did was,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423What?
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423there were always disagreements.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yes. Always.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423If it was so bad, the leaders of both parties went to a room, they had lunch, they had dinner, And they hashed out what it was gonna be. They came out and each of'em told their respective parties, Deal. This is what you're gonna vote. You're gonna vote yes on this deal. Until Ronald Reagan came in saying My way to the highway. And then Newt Gingrich was the first one shutting down the government.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Ah-ha.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423progressively worse Forward in time. So now we're at a point where every time someone acquiesces power to the fascist in chief, it fuels his ambition
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yes.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423and he just wants
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423He wants more.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Right. And that's what we got going with this budget deal because when they went into that room the left and the right, the With the president, he just had a temper tantrum. He just told him, you gonna accept this deal? I'll just shut it down. And that's it. So you shut down.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423the one thing about the willingness to compromise or to play politics, though the population that people do not win because way it's been done traditionally, when you go in those rooms and you make deals, basically what they do is give more than they can. And so in a lot of ways, those deals have fattened the budget, they bloated the budget. They've Makes it hard to balance the budget when you're give and take is just really give, okay, I'll make an exception. If you do this for that person or you do this for my state, We can work on that, but you have to do this for my people. before you know it, the budget is bloated because the compromise is based on give and take, but it's more give on each side, right? My opinion, a lot of times you come out of there and it's, I mean, how do you compromise? Everybody want, you're not going in giving up nothing, giving up everything and getting nothing. And so a lot of times, when you make that compromise, you're selling out, in a way you're selling your people out in a way. To the extent that you're trying to get more money for this project or that project, it might benefit your state, but it's bloating the budget because our budget is, if that's a whole nother conversation,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423That's another
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423But
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423trillions coming in from these tariffs.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Oh
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423sending us so much money. That's
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I don't understand why the budget is outta whack now. We got so much money. Where's it going?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Hey, look, he's got everybody he wants in place so that can say whatever they want. And it's, as far as he's concerned, he can make up anything. It is the truth.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423at a point like other countries where propaganda is so prevalent at some point, none of us are gonna know up from down. Trust, the other government that we have will no longer be there
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Scary.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Correct.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423this game he's played with, everything is fake news, except what I say
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Huh.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Soured. Not that politics was ever sweet, has soured people on politics and it's. It's red pill, blue pill. You know what I mean? You know what, which pill do you want? It's all the matrix at the end of the day. People won't know what to believe and that's the truth. And people won't know what to believe. Man,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423He said matrix.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423real. It's the matrix, Tom. It's the matrix. Which pill do you want to take? The red one or the blue one. And you know the irony of it? Red, blue,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right. Yeah. Yeah. The irony of it. Yep.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Or the blue
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423yep.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Which rabbit hole do you wanna go
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Which hole you want to go down?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah. What's your reality?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423It's been a while since we had a save the children's segment you got psychologists having input and reports are being done. You have the surgeon general talking about how social media and cell phones are, Causing mental health and physical health.'Cause you. Kids are, staring at their phones when they should be sleeping, and not getting enough sleep. That's your physical. You're staring at your phone and seeing social media and comparing yourself to social media, there's the mental. So now where I'm at, I'm substitute teaching again at another school, another district. The kids still have access to their phones, but they're not supposed to take'em out during the course of the day. But then I saw something the other day on CBS Sunday morning, where they were talking to kids and the kids don't have access to their phone at all. Or in some cases no electronics at all. Not even computers. Well, no, that computer situation was on a university campus. A professor didn't want anything in his classroom. But what's your take on cell phones in school?
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Let me put it to you like this. I didn't have a cell phone in school and I'm doing fine, right?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423If, all seriousness, if it's a disruptive factor, which in many cases it is
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yep.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423so addictive, it's not only addictive for kids, let's keep it real. It's addictive for us adults too.'Cause you know, I put my phone down a lot, but when I pick it up, I'm, I tune in the fb, see what's going on, then I tune out or, the algorithms are already set up. So I got a lot of sports stuff coming in. I Up on the Lions, pistons, tigers, but that's the catch 22. A lot of times parents are saying, no, I need to be able to reach out to my kids at any point with all of the school shootings or the threats of school shooting, you want access to your kids.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423That that, that is, that's there. But they. I would say the likelihood, Maybe not take the phone from the kid because you, like you said, you want to have access to'em, Chances are 99% of the time you're not reaching out to your kid. And Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Agree with
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah. And then if, like you say, back in the day, if my mom needed to reach me, she called the office.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423the office.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423now, because of the age we're living in now with, school shootings, you can't negate those things. Not, those things are actually happening.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423There's ways around it. Tom, how would you feel about all your parents having your cell phone number to contact you at any given time?
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423How would I feel having them
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Because shut the kids' phones down.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423If you allow'em to keep'em, kids can be sneaky. The bad kids gonna do what the bad
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423right,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423but you can say, Hey, you can pledge to shut'em down if you turn'em on, or if I see you on it, you're going to be kicked outta school for a day
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423right,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423homework or whatever it might be. But I don't think that it should be as difficult as what we make it, because, at this point, we want to be able to say to the kids, you can have whatever you want, whenever you want it. Kids are kids
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423We have to be able to make decisions that's going to benefit those kids. And being attached to the phone 90% of the time is not beneficial.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423I think that. administrators should not be afraid to take a stance to communicate to parents that it's disruptive, it's not benefiting your child.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423I would prefer if it were me, not in the school system to leave the phone at home, but short of that, the kid has to, if he's gonna bring it or she's gonna bring it, then they have to have it off
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Now if they seem to turn it on in between classes for whatever that's worth, so be it. I can't 100% monitor that,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423right.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423but in my class the kids will not have a phone.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423That's how I feel about it.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423That's how I feel about it too. What I'm thinking in my head is when you tell a kid to do something as an adult, there used to be a time they did it.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Absolutely.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Now they're so disrespectful, in a sense that, like you said, they're gonna be sneaky and it's not just. Bad kids is all kids, they're gonna stretch. They're going to, come up to the line and see if they can step over that line every time. Again, it is not just the bad kids, it's the good kids who are influenced and influenced into doing that. Right now, I think the best thing is, to allow them to have the phone in their possession, but not take it outta their backpack, or not take it outta their pocket or their purse. They can look at it in between classes or on a lunch break
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423do they turn it off or do they just
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423I,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423because Or ring or
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423yeah, that's true. But I don't think I would have him turn it off because of the potential of craziness in this world that can take place now.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423would they just put it on vibrate
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Just put it on vibrate, because you need to go hide in the corner and call somebody or make an emergency call. And if you don't have your phone, I hate to think what kind of potential lawsuits would come out of that. My kid was not able to save themselves. I'm getting to a point now that I have, I could be talking about this in circles and not really come to a conclusion on it.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Okay.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423It's always good to hear Mike, when we put a lot out there
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423you're all correct, but, okay here's, just hear me out. There is no emergency that I can think of, that I can think of gonna happen in a school classroom where a phone call from your child to the parent is gonna save them or make any difference as to what's happening at that point in time.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423True.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Whatever's hap, if there's a school shooter phone call ain't gonna do nothing. focus of the child and the teacher safety at that point. It's not calling, it's nobody you can call. Calls have already been I wouldn't worry about any lawsuits from anybody there. There's no phone call that's going to hold off whatever's going on in that classroom at that time. And that's number one. Number two and I guess more importantly, num than number one, study after study, scientific study after study have shown that the more screen time that a child has, affects the development of their brain. And that is the bottom line Matter what CD, C or anybody else is. What's that crazy man's name? RFK, junior. The bottom line. Real scientists, real studies.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Like I said, the surgeon General says that, social media.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423So here in Michigan, while there's no statewide law, it is up to the school districts to come up with their own policy. Avondale uses magnetically sealed bags to secure phones during the school day. Frazier public schools require students to keep phones in lockers or class caddies. Phone uses generally prohibited even at lunch. Flushing High School implemented a bell to bell ban for the twenty five twenty six school year with phones who required to be put away in class and not used in hallways. Lakeview school district expanded a be to bell phone ban to include all grade levels from kindergarten to 12th grade. Wan consolidated schools requires high school students to place phones in a caddy at the start of each class. That's just some of them, everybody has their own, policy. no, I don't think that I think that a phone in class is a distraction. It's not needed. It's not required. If anything is going on, there's no phone call that the child is gonna make to a parent that's going to affect the outcome they can't leave the classroom anyway. You know what I mean? If there's an
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423no you's locked
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423You don't leave unless you're going out of a window to get away from bullets flying in the hallway.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423And you don't need to call anybody to tell you to do that. I don't think that phone should be in anyone's possession during school time. That you are. It's hard enough for these kids to learn. Now look how hard it is for them to even change at a fast food place. And you want me to have cell phones in these classrooms
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423make it even harder. Uhuh no. No more distractions. They can't do simple math as it is. So my take on it. Nope, it's not needed at all. Look what's happened so far. So nope. We don't need any more distraction.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Hey Mike, that puts me right back to the beginning. I didn't have a cell phone in school
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Thank you. We
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423at.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423cell phone. We
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423let college either.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423right, right. We didn't have GPS yet. We knew how to get to all of our friends' Homes. We knew their phone numbers by heart. Think
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423We did.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423In high school, you knew all, you didn't have, I didn't have to look at a book to know my friend's phone. I knew my friends', all my friends', phone
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423single one of'em.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I knew how to get to their houses, even if I couldn't remember the exact address, I knew the landmarks and right where that house was. There's a GPS right
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423That's right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423God gave you a GPS. That's right. And we got along just fine. We got along just fine.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yes,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423These kids that can't even remember simple things I don't get it. I just don't get it. And they look at you funny. When you know what you're doing, you can remember that. How do you know that? Like your routing number and account number for your bank account that you've been using all your life. I went in when I wanted the automatic payment for my cell phone and signed it up, through my checking account. He said, do you have a check with you? I said, I know my numbers. And I rattled them off to him At me really strange and he said,
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423I would have too. I was like, why are you retaining at,
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I'm like, because I use it all the time. I see this check
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Yeah.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423I've been writing checks all my life.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Right, right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423that what these not, that's something that gets embedded in it for me.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423No, there are certain things. You're right.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Right. There's certain things that you just know and Yeah, I know my routing number in my account To do something while I'm out, I don't need to have a physical check. I know what my numbers are exactly,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423And my guess, I dare say that's really good. But I wonder how many people we've been known there. Driver's license number.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423know
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423these kids won't know their social security number.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Oh
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423there's just things that, they've given up because they're relying on the technology And some would say it's there, so use it. But to your point, Mike, you gotta use the brain power is very important and
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423brain is what invented this phone, this mobile computer.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423absolutely
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423what invented this,
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423correct.
michaelmiller_1_10-06-2025_170423Yep. So I'm gonna leave it at that.
meet-the-music-a-to-z_1_10-06-2025_170423All right guys, I think we we kind of, came to an end on that one.
squadcaster-82fb_1_10-06-2025_170423Okay.
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