New Year's Special

what are you most looking forward to or hopping to accomplish for yourself in the new year

Ken Edwards

I would love to know how Beau and Belle met and decided to get married. 🥰🤗

Sharon Hanson

Just finding this Teri. Apologies and grateful for your comments. Agreed with everything. Tried cotton swab on flowers, worked on s few Sunflowers however we have very sandy soil because of all the pine trees on our 2 acres. I'm already starting my heirloom seeds. I am doing regenerative agriculture this year, never did it before but will try it. If it is productive I'll continue along with my 2 standing raised bed gardens. We grow, can and or freeze all of our gardens' produce . Are you on Facebook ? If so friend me please and I will be posting the different gardens progress. Thanks again, John

John Killary

What are the chances that democracy that we know it is over if Trump wins again?

Mike Reisel

Is there a reason patreon members no longer get any content?

e Hodgson

When it comes to updates about what’s going on in Ukraine. I listen to this guy: https://youtu.be/vp0MssW1nCo?feature=shared

VikingBudda

Not a question - just passing on a wonderful interview by Heather Cox Richardson with Joe Biden - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGRXnB_GQcM&ab_channel=HeatherCoxRichardson I hope that this is ok to do.

James Wile

Too bad. I have seen quite a bit of coverage on the genocide issue.

Susan Elizabeth Cowdrey

EkbarTutuluKarek

Can you please address Trump and the magnets ?

Ben Clark

Why do we keep hearing "Antisemitism from the left"?? Most of the hate I see is coming from the right.

Sue Ness

Too late for this one, but I'm hoping you will check out Carsie Blanton's music. If Joni Mitchell and Woody Guthrie had a baby, her name would be Carsie.

Lynda Colter-Bergh

Hi Everyone. Happy New Years from Tampa FL

Keri Horn

That’s incredibly kind. Thank you. And Happy New Year to you too!

Michael Masiello

Happy New Years my fellow thinkers! Let's see surprises 2024 holds, speak up, speak out, get in the way!

mclardass

I am an independent

Wendy Adams

By the way Happy New Year Beau. I am a big fan of yours. We have breakfast togeather every day. Lol

Wendy Adams

I have a question about VJ day.my brother says it was changed by the Dems. I want to be able to go back to him with the truth about VJ day. Can u explain what it was and if it was changed and who changed it. He is a Trump fan . I am not

Wendy Adams

You sound like a very good teacher and person. I wish I had an academic mentor like you when I went to college. Happy New Year, keep up the good work.

Chepe78

I wonder for some time now Beau, if you are aware bout the amount and progress grassrouts organisations make with support for Ukraine? Both in Ukraine and from all over the globe. Patching holes directly in the defence units material needs to hold the line. Lots of You Tube channel communitys forming networks right now. Becomming more knowleged and progress to a point, where they allready make a real differance for Troops on the ground. Materials like Trucks (sometimes armored, with a set of spare tires, night vision for the driver), medical supplies, scopes, nightvision, radios, batteries, Ecofloows, generators, vests and Helmets, socks, warm underwear and drones, lots of drones. All aimed at delivering exatly what is needed to where its needed asap. It is impressive to see the impact of networking and community. Learned alot form you. Now I start to become part of something bigger. Thank you Beau.

Andreas Lach

Happy New Year! Do you raise chickens for eggs? And if so, do you find their feed to be more expensive than buying eggs from the store?

Stacey Klene

Since fireworks cause quite a bit of stress to animals, veterans and people with anxiety. How would like to see the fireworks trend in 5 years?

Prang

The royal blue hoodie with the stylized yellow 303 on the upper left. Recently wore the same in Army green. WHY IS THIS NOT IN THE STORE?? I want one….in each color.

JAGOTI (JustAnotherGuyOnTheInternet)

With all apologies to Monty Python and the Three Stooges… And now for something completely different… A completely unreliable and unsubstantiated report by I. Fleecem may have found the location of the BFC empire - the booming population of the Florida panhandle town of Sopchoppy, Florida. US Census data in 2010 shows 420 residents and the estimated 2023 population now shows 446. This could only be explained by Beau’s family, his corporate empire, all farm animals (including Lucy the Wonder Horse), and German Shepherds. Sopchoppy is a mere 30 miles from Tallahassee that would allow Beau to personally see DeSantis press conferences during the 5 days a year he is actually in the state and performing his official duties.

moon4409

Here’s one more: I am a professor, and I teach English composition more than anything else—though whether I am teaching comp or lit, I am teaching critical thinking, close reading, evaluation of data, media literacy. I teach courses focused on civics sometimes. There are two imperatives I face: one, that my job is to teach how to think and analyze, not WHAT to think—we want citizens and cultured people, not sheep; and two, that my students—and I work for a pretty competitive school—split into two camps, the smaller of which has basic knowledge of current events, and a larger contingent that knows next to nothing. I have had entire classes not know any of the following: who the VP is; any specific contents of the Constitution beyond the first and second amendments, and those poorly understood; no sense of what “left” and “right” purportedly refer to; you get the idea. Now, obviously, part of my job is to supply context, and I do. But despite the fact that Gen Z trends progressive, many of them also trend toward disengaged, anxious (they avoid the news for mental health reasons). I virtually do cartwheels in class trying to make the world in which Joe Biden moves interesting to the more average students in my course. I am allegedly a very good teacher. And yet TikTok feels infinitely more powerful than I am. The question is: if you’re starting at zero and have twelve weeks to smuggle a whole lot of context into to classes that also need to teach the remedial cognitive skills pre-college education failed to provide to at least half of incoming undergraduates, what do you see as the best way to foster engagement? I’m not saying I fail entirely (I don’t), but there are certainly times when I think “Beau is better at this.” So yes, this is a college teacher asking you for pedagogical advice.

Michael Masiello

Horrible. Hang in there, Michelle.

Michael Masiello

Hi Beau, happy impending New Year. I will ask a serious question and a lighthearted one too. Serious question: every day now we see things taking new and seemingly devastating turns for the former president. Yet his delay tactics still seem to be effective, and he seems never to run out of motions. What, if anything, makes you think the lumbering machinery of our bureaucracy can respond to the threat in time, before the fascist seizes power? Sub-question to this: if SCOTUS does uphold his immunity claims (against their interests, and despite what it authorizes Biden to do), why do I feel like Biden’s idea of patriotism is institutional enough that he would hand the reins of government over to Orange Hitler in the name of preserving the peaceful transition of power Trump attacked on 1/6? On a long enough timeline we win… unless we are all dragged behind the trucks of Trump’s loyal “patriots.” Okay, so that wasn’t fun. Fun question: Do your own “Easter egg” props ever crack you up? I am remembering the fact that I had to rewind more than one video of yours because the big stuffed Curious George was “gagged” will electrical tape. How much glee do you derive from such little touches? I can tell you that they sometimes do as much to lighten my heart as your own calm, sane voice—a voice for which I am more thankful than I can say.

Michael Masiello

Curious as to how many emails you receive on average in a week or month?

Joy M

To tack onto this from Big Sky/Bear Country, choose your weapon: bear spray or an air horn?

Alex Emerson

What I came here to ask!

Alex Emerson

You are my most-trusted source of information. I'd like to hear your thoughts on what, if anything, all of us should do to prepare for another possible Trump presidency.

Kathy Jura

Beau - As a left-leaning Canadian I find your content gives a really good, even perspective of what's realistic and what's likely to happen. Our federal elections are run by an independent, non-partisan agency, Elections Canada, which has its pros and cons, but more pros in my opinion at least for a multi-party country like ours. Do you think that something similar would be a good idea in the US? Or would that be seen as the federal government overreaching? And on a lighter note, have you ever tried real (100%) maple syrup on French vanilla ice cream?

Cynthia H Brown

Firstly: Thanks for what you do, Beau. Silly question, I suppose, compared to the others being posed... You do so very much for others. What do you do to refill your tank, so to speak? Happy New Year, and Peace be with you and you loved ones!

Michael Knowles

Maybe not light-hearted, but seeking hope: I have a friend who is still very worried because he hears that Trump has a good chance to win the the Republican candidacy/election overall. I've tried to convince him otherwise, but I also know it is a very real fear and don't want to seem as if I'm making the mistake of not taking him seriously. Can you make a clear concise case for why things don't look good for Trump, or direct me to some good poll numbers I can use to give my friend some evidence that might ease his anxiety?

Zachary M Condida

Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses? But really: what's the most ridiculous altercation you've ever gotten into with a non-human animal and who started it?

Sturdy

Beau- I’d like to be funny. But I’ve lost hope this year. Work fell out in may and as a 54 year old woman with “transferable skills” I seem to be pretty easily ignored. Instead of working in my 60,000.00 a year field I’m working at my local supermarket. Not for lack of trying for sure. But the hiring process is broken. I feel left behind- AI seems to be doing nothing good for this process. I feel like businesses think AI will solve all the needs for paying people that they consider just grunts… customer service people, bankers etc. My husband thinks that a universal wage will need to be paid if AI that’s over as many jobs as big business seems to think it will. What are your thoughts? Thank you for all you do. You comfort me and have for years. It is nice to have a voice of reason.

Michelle Knutson

Just FYI on Celt—he’s been dealing with some health issues and am sure an add to his Patreon subscriptions would be welcome 🙂

Megan Lyn

Beau, I’m a mom of a gaggle of kidlets and always have a collection of hilarious quotes by the end of the year (ex. One of my 4yos yelled at her twin “I call yourself a plungerhead!”). Is there a particularly memorable quote you could share with the Internet People?

Brekke El

A little context before I get to the question. One of the reasons I started watching your YouTube videos regularly is the length. Not because they are short, but because they are exactly as long as they need to be. I don't want you to start asking us to like, subscribe and comment, but I'm sure the almighty algorithm punishes you for this. I know you like that engagement is driven by your community in the comments and otherwise, but it would probably help for you to talk about it from time to time. Many viewers probably don't know that, in addition to liking, subscribing and turning on notifications, the algorithm is driven by comments, comments on comments, sharing, and watching the video through to the very end. Okay, we have finally reached the question. Are you okay with your community driving YouTube engagement by occasionally making you read about these things in a Q&A?

Gregg Bonti

We know that you sometimes prepare date-agnostic videos to air on slow news days. What's the longest that one of those videos remained in the backup pile before airing, and what was it about?

Mrs. Rittenhouse

Beau, what did you think of the Beatles 'Now & Then' single and video? I found it refreshing to have this gift of new Beatles material with a positive message after a long year of chaos and angst. Hope you wear the proper T-Shirt to answer this question!

Clay Beat-E-O

Beau, what did you think of the Beatles '

Clay Beat-E-O

Dear Beau: I only started paying for no-ads Youtube because of you and now that I've stopped working for money, I'm watching mostly youtube, which has substantially diminished my attention span, and to my great disgust, now causes me to pay to watch in-video ads which I skip through -- so what is the point of paying for Premium. So first, thank you for not doing that or marketing your own vitamins or whatever. Second, and I think I know the answer, I should unsubscribe from the $14.00 a month and put that into the Patreon kitty, for those few youtubers I support (you, Rare Earth, Bob Wells' Cheap RV living HOWA charity, tidelinetoalpine). I did like Big Red Celt, at your suggestion, but it seems he's not making videos? Anyway, lastly, it seems strange that at this point in my life, I'm turning to a source like YT for so much information. What's your thinking on the future of the social-media media horizon? Will Youtubers organize? Is Google undermining the existing media unions? What other platforms are reliable places for the disparate kinds of info we need to understand, you know, when to stockpile and when to pack the bags?

Meg Feeley

When Biden was elected in 2020, I assumed he'd be the equivalent of a Band-Aid, something to stop the bleeding caused by Trump and stop the wound getting infected / worse while a better, younger candidate was found. However, despite some failings, would it be fair to say he's surprised you as he has me by exceeding expectations?

Major Ward

Carter installed solar panels on the White House roof only to have Reagan remove them. Why hasn’t any president since moved to reinstall such panels? Wouldn’t it be a way of leading by example? For the record I have 13.6kwh of solar on my roof and I’m very pleased with it

Jeff

What were everyone's favorite Christmas gifts?

Nila Repard

There is a lot of talk from the usual talking heads about states seceding , my question is, should the rest of the U.S. just let them. See how that works out. Maybe Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson can give them a few tips on how to do it properly ha ha.

jude stynes

Also, a bit more light-hearted - What's the passport stamp/visa you're most proud of?

Mark Ryen Anderson

I've lived abroad for nearly 15 years in multiple countries & keep wondering when Americans will finally wake up/rise up & realize how badly they're getting screwed in favor of trillions in funding for war, foreign interventions/coups, tax breaks for the wealthy, etc.? Is it due to a lack of international knowledge & travel? Selective ignorance? Highly effective distractions (reality TV, sports, multiple jobs, etc.)?

Mark Ryen Anderson

What inspired you to have the curious george velcro patch and to turn it over when being sarcastic? :)

FloundericiousWA

Beau, my kid is 19. I have aimed to raise a conscientious citizen and instill the importance of voting in them as my parents did for me. My kid was proud to vote for Rev Warnock and against Hershel Walker in their first election last year. (While we were in line, I almost got us thrown out for stage-whispering, "Did you know a werewolf can kill a vampire?" And the poll worker shushed me, "No political discussions!" What strange times we live in.) So Beau, my kid could use talking points about what the Biden administration has done that will tangibly help the people of their generation. Their goals include to choose a career fit for the future, complete their education, buy an electric car, switch to solar and more eco-friendly energy, and protect individual liberties like choosing who to marry. Can you help us refine their elevator pitch to peers on campus?

𝙽𝚒𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚎𝟷𝟸𝟽

Not Fun: What is your opinion on the argument that fighting disinformation is a form of censorship? This argument can recently be seen within Michael Shellenberger's "CTIL Files" Fun: If you were forced to choose one year to live in with your loved ones Groundhog Day style, what year would you choose? (you/they take the place of yourselves in that year)

Seric

Not a question, but an invitation: you mentioned once about coming up to PA. I live in NW PA, fairly rural. While I grew up in central PA, I moved to Northern VA for a few decades and recently moved back. It’s been a reeducation for me - like remembering to not flush toilets when the power’s out. Anyway, if you’re in the area, I’d be happy to provide you with a beverage of choice.

Flo

Is it ethical to use the same conspiracy theory techniques to deprogram MAGA as were used to program them in the first place? Or have I just spent too much of my career around IC folks?

Flo

Is the New Year’s Eve party overrated or underrated? What headcount is just right for a party?

Flo

Love the Elf on the Shelf with the mug shot of the FG. Really enjoyed it.

Mary Perez Moreno

You can see a large percent of them in the merch section

Teri Hart

He has a lot of members. I struggled to grow tomatoes but saw another person used an electric toothbrush etc on their plants, I just used a baby toothbrush but I had tiny flowers and one plant, and I did stimulate the flower buds plus shared by touching the toothbrush to all the flowers, hopefully passing along the nectar, trying to do insect work, as otherwise they were dying off without fruit. There were a lot of bees at my very large lavender plant, but it is far from the tomato. Wondering if it’s the seeds and all the gen mod they do?

Teri Hart

Thank you for being so awesome that I can listen over the speaker while kids are in the room.

EDWARD SADZEWICZ

"Where do babies come from?" (yes it's incredible immature but it'd be funny)

Dave Grant

Hey Beau. Do you have any funny (or maybe touching) Christmas or New Years stories about you, your family or neighbors that you can share?

william woods

How do you get your beard to fork like that? Is it natural or do you style it? I have tried and couldn't get it to stick.

Brian Stewart

Howdy Beau & happy new year! Do you have any thoughts or advice on encouraging progressives to get interested in agriculture? I'm young and I really care about preserving rare heritage poultry breeds in the U.S., but every time I talk about it people either shame me for not going fully vegan (not in the cards for me health-wise, but I sdon't judge) or they assume I'm from the country and therefore don't know anything about progressive politics :/

Wingding

What are your thoughts on comedians like Ricky Gervais, who have been progressive on many issues in the past but seem to fill their routines with insensitive bad takes...though occasionally make a good point. How often can a "joke" about race, sexual identity, or gender status land in a way that is acceptable? I asked Trae this question too. I mostly didn't laugh at Gervais's most recent special but he had a couple of good moments.

Pelicans are my favorite dinosaur

Why don't hybrid manufacturers put flex fuel engines in their cars? I sent a letter to the manufacturer of the hybrid I own and I got a bland letter back thanking me for my interest. No answer. To me it's a no brainer to give owners the option of burning far less fossil fuel. A choice you can make at the pump with each visit. The technology is off the shelf stuff.

Calvin Ward

Who is your favorite Star Trek character and why is it Garak?

Strong Betty White of the Waves

Great idea to show propaganda surrounding Israel and Gaza circa 2005 as a lesson in how truth is twisted for either side... Pro-Israel folks were saying Palestinians in Gaza destroyed green houses as an act of anger, while pro-Palestinians would say Jews leaving Gaza destroyed them before leaving. When I researched both sides I did find the truth. Truth is Jews that had greenhouses dismantled (about 50%) them wanting to bring them into Israel, but Israel said NO. Jews wanted compensation and this took some time. Jews left them dismantled, and after they left some people in Gaza used the piping for other purposes. There was someone that purchased the greenhouses from the Jews - for Gaza people to keep. The piping was replaced and greenhouses rebuilt. Took a far bit of searching to find the truth, but both sides love to use the lies to maintain hate. Also researched the oil / gas resources as well. Found propaganda from Russian and Lebanon Hezbolah being shared by pro-Palestinian side as well, which was disturbing (friends sharing it). Just a good moment for clarity through propaganda to share.

Terran Baylor

What would be your last meal if you had to choose one?

Sean

What's your perfect day?

Sean

So hard to find accurate sources these days - feel you. Follow many of the same people you do as well. MeidasTouch for mostly legal lines has been remarkably accurate. What I've learned from listening to Beau over the years is actually recognizing propaganda very quickly - and understanding where that comes from (not enough information OR just filling standard line - copying others). We need to fall back into accepting the radical discussions on both ends and saying to ourselves - there must be truth in the middle. Then searching for the middle using the right keywords.

Terran Baylor

Well howdy there Beau, serious question coming in. In the aftermath of Israel / Gaza / West Bank - I personally only see an outcome going in two directions. (1) More likely all Palestinians will be forced to leave Israel OR (2) Israel will be forced to reconstitute a new republic incorporating all people under secular government. As I am writing this - seems (1) is more likely. But, (1) seems like we have a decision to make being friendly to their existence. Do not see them escaping war-crimes unscathed and perhaps the US as well. Getting rid of the rot on top isn't going to be enough. Perhaps this isn't a question on opinion, but rather - how could option (2) occur and is there a comparison historically?

Terran Baylor

As you stated,I will ask a simple question. In 30 seconds can you explain to a Canadian do people actually get a countable vote in the US federal elections or is it more like 3 card Monty. Try as I might I cannot for the life of me understand how some members of the House or Senate get elected.

screaming Lord Sutch

Hey Beau. First off just wanted to say thanks , as a trans man who’s pretty disillusioned with my adopted gender you’ve consistently been a model of the kind of man I want to be. But I’d love to know, what’s your favourite album, an album people wouldn’t expect you to like, and an album you’d recommend to someone who wanted to get to know you better?

Axel Craig

Hi Beau, love your show so much, I finally decided to become a Patreon member. So, I have a question. I'm a progressive Democrat but because my dad was self employed and I was the sole proprietor of my own business for awhile, I kind of get the conservative Republican position on certain things. My "sibling" took over my dad's construction business and, of course, votes Republican too. They are staunchly anti-union and if Satan was the Republican front runner for president, they'd vote for Satan, despite being conservative Christian. (We were all raised Catholic, and as the oldest child, I was extremely religious until I was about 19 and was so tired of all the hypocrisy, I left organized religion but still respect the core teachings of Jesus) Anyway, this family member believes that there are thousands of immigrants flooding into the U.S. from Mexico and those immigrants include people from Africa, Asia, and other countries, not just from Central and South America. They say immigrants are swarming into this country and then moving to more northern cities and states, not just border states like California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. I was under the impression that immigrants are stuck at the border until they get documented. My question is, where can I get accurate, unbiased information about immigration. I also need accurate, unbiased info on employment statistics because he says that employment was high under Trump and that under Biden employment is lower than its ever been. I've heard the exact opposite for the past year, but I listen mostly to progressive YouTube channels (i.e., TYT, David Pakman, Farron Cousins, Glenn Kirschner, Brian Tyler Cohen) and you, because in my humble opinion, you all have more accurate information, usually. My sibling is transphobic, thinks people inventing the whole thing, like people are deciding at the drop of a hat that they want to change their gender, even after I provided information to the contrary from medical textbooks and articles about different cultures. They can be such a wonderful, sweet person but gets so much stuff wrong, that it worries me. This sibling is six years younger than I am, and once said that the reason we had to duck and cover under our desks as kids in grade school (this was the late 60's), was because the U.S. was afraid the Japanese were going to bomb us. Like doesn't everyone know it was the Russians we were afraid of? Oh, and reason why housing prices are so high is because wives are working. Where do they get this nonsense? I need to know where to find accurate, unbiased information so I can try and give them info that doesn't come from a left leaning source they won't listen to or believe. Thank you. Apologies for the run-on sentences, but when I try to use shift + Enter, it just posts what I've written, instead of beginning a new line. Have a great day, love your show. And keep up the great work!

Deborah L. Murphy

Being greedy at the end of the year: What was your most romantic gift to Beau's Wife and what was her's to you?

Frances Wong

Gosh, your team needs a funner definition of "light hearted and fun." Whenever you say that, I kinda brace myself for the opposite. Like, right now, here's my question: To what do you attribute your moral and ethical development? Your intellect--I get--wide ranging curiosity, high IQ, honed cognitive skills. But you have a depth of kindness and connection that amazes me. Examples: your recent video on phone calls; your advice to the questioner about his trans-female co-worker that skirted the obvious issue of his attraction; your attempt to broker a deeper relationship between the daughter and her career military dad. Thank you.

Frances Wong

Star Trek Question: Out of all the episodes you can recall, what was one you found the told the most relevant and impactful story when you sae it, and what was one you found the most fun? Also curious to know where the episode that Quark's bar tries to unionize falls for ya.

Mister Joshua

Ok, I tried to do the shift + Return/Enter to start a new line and it just posted "Hi Beau." I'm trying to do this on my cell phone. So I'll try again.

Deborah L. Murphy

Hi Beau,

Deborah L. Murphy

Who are the other members of the team? Names and roles please!

Cynthia Jones

What is a good book(s) that gives a fair and impartial overview of the Middle East situation? I’m trying really hard to stay out of debates because I see far too many otherwise people getting completely irrational about the issue and I want to know facts rather than biased opinions. Follow-up: how do you explain to an American, of Jewish descent that their view that all Palestinians would like to see her dead and therefore Israel must eradicate everyone in Gaza is misguided (seems to me the same “logic” was tried by a guy back in the 30s and 40s in Europe. The minute I tried to argue that Palestinians deserve to live too and that presumably most are good people just trying to live their lives, she called me a “self loathing Jew” even though I’m an atheist (as is she). Tl;DR how do I learn the facts, and how do I convey them to people that think this is a binary issue where one side is right and the other evil. How can I become a voice of reason ?

Jeff

Would you ever consider doing a TED Talk? What would it be about?

Jason Smith

Something I’ve been curious about for a while: How do you categorize and track your t-shirt collection? Do you have a database or Excel spreadsheet that you use to keep track of them all?

Erin Wright

If I should succeed in my New Year's resolution of winning $1 billion, how would you suggest I spend it to have the most impact to do good in the world?

Mairn

What can Europeans do to support democracy in the US? The stability of our democratic systems is also negatively affected if things get worse for you. We need to have critical mass as democracies in a world were authoritarians grab power.

AnKeM

This would be a fun thing to share-Where did the term OK come from? This video tells the story. https://www.facebook.com/share/vcGxirZKjGvTZkbV/?mibextid=dD9HTC

Sherry Sahlstrom

Thought of Beau the other day when I saw a card with Teddy Roosevelt on a T-Rex. The card read "Walk softly and carry a big stick. And ride a T-Rex. T-Rexes are cool." TR on a TR. That would be a very TR thing to do.

Donald Wert

Are you familiar with Tommy Smothers, and one of the most famous Comedian Cancellations of all time? Watch “Smothered” Nixon pushed them off CBS for their work opposing War in SouthEast Asia. RIP Tommy Smothers

Robert Bess

What do you expect the best thing to happen will be in 2024?

Kate Trabue

Can you sell some of the really cool t-shirts you wear, like “detrumpification”? Also, how’s the white horse who’s so in love with you? I can’t remember her name. Another story about your wife, please.

Mary Whalen

What are the phone apps you use most?

Meg Sampson AKA Blonde Avenger

Do you have a favorite action movie? Comedy? I know you like The Fifth Element. Is that your favorite SciFi film? (Mine are the original Predator, Animal House with Blazing Saddles a close second, and the original Planet of the Apes (1968). 1951's War of the Worlds is great too.) Happy New Year to you, your family and your animals.

Steve Brant

What would it take to implement and/or bring back laws (such as the Fairness Doctrine). We need to get a hold of all the misinformation in the media these days. Even YouTube channels that amass a certain number of followers should have some responsibility of what they put out on the airwaves….your thoughts…?

Atheist Jesus

Who are your personal heroes (past as well as present)? And who inspired you growing up and/ or later in life to become the person you are today? (My father was such a narcissistic monster, that my first hero was George Reeves who portrayed Clark Kent/Superman on TV in the 1950s. I watched reruns of that show every day after school growing up in the 1960s.)

Steve Brant

My son is looking to arm all his gay friends because he thinks civil war is sure to come & it will be rednecks against gays. I thought it prudent for a cute guy in a skirt and cat tail/ears, driving around in the middle of the night in a Honda Civic with his husband to carry a good little handgun. He did this & joined the gun club. Since then, the one handgun has taken root and propagated. What is it with Guns? Why does this have the feel of addiction to it? Why do people fondle their Guns? He keeps trying to get me to join this mind-set & you can probably guess my response.

Julie Shaffer

Will you and your wife please join Threads? Or have you both given up on posting to any social media? (I'm assuming you no longer use what was once called Twitter.)

Steve Brant

Several residents of my small, MAGA-centric SoCA city (Yucaipa) are trying to recall several long-standing city council members. I'm thinking of running to represent my district. Any tips for campaigning in a small city with limited funds?

Sean Brewer

How tall are you? I feel like you might be what the kids call a short king, but there's probably a chance you're a giant. Either way, I'm 6'2", and I'm pretty sure if we met we'd be looking eye to clavicle one way or the other.

Sean Brewer

I saw an item that Tesla is recalling ALL Teslas sold in the US to adjust the self-driving computer programming. Do you think they could also recall Musk?

Susan Elizabeth Cowdrey

What is your feeling on books/movies that "haven't aged well" - can you enjoy things from the past for what they were at the time, or do you generally just avoid? (example; The Sopranos, older books, etc)

Lee B.

How many tshirts do you own?

Nick

Beau, I am uncle to a chocolate Labrador and watch from time to time. She has been reluctant to return thrown balls or frisbees. Should I switch to sticks? Have a great new year.

Dan

Are there any pictures of your “pets” we can see?

Phyllis Hatch

I have to ask: is the old injury that's been acting up your werewolf bite?

Emily Tersoff

What's really behind GOP's opposition to approve additional funding for Ukraine's fight against Putin's aggression, and what calculations might be influencing their stance?

Cesar Barria

How did Sonic and Mario get to the Olympic games anyway?

Pat

Hi Beau! Have you been doing your viewing homework? Have you watched any Babylon 5 yet? Happy New Year!

alexander gaitan

Thanks, I will look into MYBR!

Jennifer Reynolds

Hey Beau and friends. Wondering if you are ever going to go on the road. Have a town hall, Beau chats on the couch kind of thing. I'm sure you could sell out a venue or three. Thanks. Joey from Galway. ☘️

joey bell

How do you keep yourself grounded with the research, constant news and noise of the world you keep up with?

S Marie

Ooooh there's another YouTuber who made a big old list! Look for "message to the fans of rich men North of Richmond" by Radical reviewer.

Amy Gleixner

I have a good one that I am still shocked all the Leftty commentators missed and Beau never brought it up once either (you liberal shill you) but this will hopefully give everyone a good laugh: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/29/michigan-republican-party-faces-financial-turmoil-bank-records-show/71003017007/. And this: https://www.mlive.com/politics/2023/09/michigans-gop-is-a-doggone-mess-inside-a-party-torn-by-infighting-and-paranoia.html Michigan GOP is going straight broke, with the first article talking about how they held a fundraiser to try and net $10 million dollars and only got $35,000, something my current salary dwarfs 💀. The other article speaks about the infighting going on in the Michigan GOP (which is part of the literal infighting you covered) but with the financial troubles of the Federal GOP, this helps provide a micro-cosm of what the state level looks like. But I guess my question now is: what exactly would it look like, or what would happen, if the State GOP goes belly-up during an election? Do their candidates just have to find their own campaign or are they not allowed to do that? Also what's a good email? I have another topic I'd like Beau to discuss after New Year's but it revolved around a screenshot from an article a friend of my sent that talks about the octegenarians in office not wanting to retire because "retirement is death". Would make for a good video especially since we'll be heading into an election.

Encosen

Oof haha! Have you been reading Paul Krugman's "Considered of a Liberal", too?

Amy Gleixner

As a software developer, i may be biased, but I think coding, or at least being able to read/logic through code, is going to continue to be a future proof skill. I see code as one of the best ways to reduce toil and free up humans to do things that are actually interesting/fulfilling. Anything that is boring AF can/should be automated so we can do the thinky stuff, in my opinion. Think filling and filing forms, clicking the same buttons in the same sequence, picking out the same information over and over and transferring it to another location... And the more of that code we have, the more we'll need to keep it running and performant and maintainable. Just my thoughts. :)

Amy Gleixner

Could you tell us a little about the rabbits?

Patty Boris

Yes: Tee Tour!!!

ILove Privacy

Wall street wags keep talking about recession. The numbers JUST don't justify any of that. Why are they doing this? And how does it help rich people to say these repeatedly [two years now!]

Crab Donkey

I'm sorry you're experiencing that. I broke up with a friend when I graduated college, but I don't think i really did it...well? It wasn't a formal breakup, i just decided not to respond to their final blow up at me and never spoke to them again. It was easier because i was moving to a different state altogether, so I didn't have to avoid friend gatherings, and the shared friends I wanted to keep had also decided the person was not good for their lives, either. I guess what I'm saying is, in my opinion, breaking up with friends is sometimes the right decision. Good luck! ♥️

Amy Gleixner

Can you please describe how you came up with the name “Beau of the fifth column”? Also - if you could spend an evening in conversation with any person throughout history, who would you pick and why?

Eric Bossler

IDK what kind of mutual aid group you're interested in, but a few that i think are important are focused on supporting trans folks (be that monetarily, or with things like moving to safer states, or just finding care). My Yellow Brick Road is one that is quickest to respond as far as volunteer offers. There's also: rainbow passage, a place for Marsha official, and trans resistance network. And if you are or know a psychologist, there's the GALAP (gender affirming letter access project).

Amy Gleixner

What something new you want to learn about in 2024? What has sparked your interest but you haven’t had a chance to look into yet because of everything that’s going on.

Sarah Sabbara

How would you imagine the world could look like for an 18 year old, 20 years from now?

EMANUELA GOLDENBERG

Beau, I am an avid listener of your program and respect you very much. I actually have had a lot of questions for you over the last couple of years but one keeps niggling at the back of my mind. Are you a smoker? And if so what do you smoke? Cigarettes, a pipe, cigars, pot? I know it's private but your voice leaves this question up in the air. I used to be a smoker so I can tell. I picture you smoking a pipe maybe or rolling one and having long conversations over the fire with your political counterparts. Am I close? Just a thought....

Sally Simpson

While every one is distracted by the UFO/UAP disinfo saga in the US, what myth, legend, biblical tale would you most like to find out is real in 2024?

Tristan Lenhart

What did you do to the Beaus of the First through Fourth Columns? Do you ever worry they'll be back for revenge?

Another Warren

I donate to Peace Action and talk with those guy pretty often. The "money in politics" and the military industrial complex are always the fuel for our hawkishness. I am struggling with cynicism at the moment and am getting so exhausted by the "stop the bleeding/harm reduction" tactics that seem to be our only way to dampen the symptom of suffering caused by the root condition of corruption. Is there and real movement/effort/organization that is making a serious attempt to correct citizens united and fix this issue that seems to be the origin of nearly all of political problems?

Brian Carroll

You never seem to be surprised by things. Was there anything in 2023 that really surprised you, that you didn't see coming?

ANDERSON CLARK

I know you say general traditions are peer pressure from dead people, but do you have any traditions throughout the year that you've created for yourself? (Besides the livestream charity drive.)

odomirr

We don’t have a question but maybe you could do a showcase of all your different t-shirts! My husband is 86 and he usually tells you on the tv to step back so he can see the shirt! Love to all.

LEANNE Mull

Tell us a story about one of your children using your own words back at you. I remember hearing one over the years but there must be other examples.

Samwise

You do a lot for disaster response .. can you comment on Team Rubicon?

Jan Allbright

Do you have any seasonal traditions or food that you look forward to all year and you could absolutely do at other times of the year -- like have turkey and dressing -- but you don't because part of the tradition is that thing being "only" for the season/holiday?

Angie

If you had a time machine, who or when would you go visit?

The Shyest Barbarian

What have the horses been up to lately - any fun stories to share?

Leslie Shank

What are your thoughts on polyamory?

Mina Krause

Aside from The Pale Moonlight, what's your favorite Star Trek Episode?

Charles DiVittorio

How much wood, could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

odomirr

I bet you're pulling for actual rural broadband, what is the first thing you'd do with a reliable high speed and low latency connection?

Rob Jobin

Do you have any irrational fears from childhood that, no matter how much critical thinking practice you've had, you just can't shake it/them? What is it?

Angie

Have you ever read the Discworld books or Good Omens?

Link PT

Why did you walk away from Omelas?

Jay

What country is on your bucket list for you to visit for a vacation and what would you most like to see and/or do most in that country?

William Stefens

I have traveled and read so much that I seem only to notice the similarities of people and cultures. What was the most surprising person or place that you found exactly to same as everywhere else?

Jay

Related, are there any games you'd recommend on the basis that they teach concepts that have specific everyday applicability in real life?

Jerry Van Leeuwen

If you were to hypothetically "leave the US if [X]", which are the top 3 countries you'd seriously consider moving to?

Jerry Van Leeuwen

I’m turning 24 on new years. In a cheeky attempt to make you feel old, what were you up to leading up to Y2K? Were you preparing for the end of the world?

Landon Johnson

Post Script: we live in Castleton, Vermont .

John Killary

Over the last 2 years I, a 35 year Master Gardener have had less and less luck after growing the first anything save for flowers. I read up on regenerative gardening. Also, spoken with a neighbor ( Mennonite ) and his usual crops have lessened too. He's tried 2 slightly different methods the last 3 years but nothing seems to help. Is this a never ending trend at this point. There are fewer bees so less flowers too. Please, do a video or two on this. Growing ones own food is much healthier then buying processed crap. Thank you Beau. Not that you'll get this. I've written 2 or 3 other times but I guess those about you never deemed them important. Growing our own food is !!

John Killary

I really enjoy the community on your Discord. I saw you have a channel for pen-and-paper RPGs. Are you a gamer, or was that by patron request? If you do game, what's your favorite?

Jeff Sparks

Would you tell us more about your educational background? How did you become interested in foreign policy and warfare and how did you become so knowledgeable?

Cindy Lemaire

Do you have any plans to travel outside of the US in 2024 and how do you handle meeting random fans when you're out and about? Are they generally positive experiences for you?

Deb de Jonge

What do you think is your demographic breakdown by age, gender, political persuasion?

Cindy Lemaire

Hi Beau! What is the best way to seek out mutual aid and other groups to give my time and effort? I am fairly new to a remote area in a New England state. I am finding that the nearest leftist organizations are many hours away. Previously, I lived in a more densely populated state and had been there long enough to have developed community connections. Here, I have tried online searches, and social media searches, but have not found any groups. Any advice?

Jennifer Reynolds

Is there a musician you admire for non-musical reasons? Who is the musician and what are the reasons?

B.C. Fortenberry

What's your favorite board game / card game and why?

Byll

As a former educator, one of the best parts of the job was hearing surprising insights from young people. Can you share any examples of insights you've learned from young people you know?

Iochannon

What are your plans for your beard in the new year?

Fat Gnome

Oh, and have you caught yourself watching Nanalan?

John W. Daly

What’s your beard maintenance routine? Also hedge or string trimmer for the spring time trim?

Jollyjàckáss

Beau, what is your preferred way to deal with topics that have been poisoned by conspiracy theories? I have been making great efforts to “de-conspiracy” my life, but unfortunately I seem to have reflexively become very hostile to certain subjects, for example: my fiancé didn’t know what Bohemian Grove was and ran into a conspiracy tiktok about it (tiktok has become such a cesspool of conspiracy nonsense, but that’s a whole ‘nother question/video), and I immediately went on high alert when she started talking about it. Thankfully she’d looked into it further and found more debunking than conspiracy, but it just as easily could have gone the other way and I feel like my initial reaction was the kind that would not have made that conversation as constructive as the one we did have. Thanks as always for everything you do, and I hope the tour gets going this year so me and her can come see “garage man” (her nickname for you) in person instead of up on the tv. (And to end lighthearted: what did you get for Christmas this year?)

Triscaleon

How do you break up with a friend? Is that even something you need to do as an adult? My friendship with this guy has evaporated over the course of the past few months. He looks like you aged down 20 years, and he thinks he’s the authority on all foreign affairs matters in existence because he’s a reddit mod. It’s honestly completely insufferable. I’m just tired. I don’t know how to explain that I center civilians and that when elephants fight the grass gets trampled. I’m latino. It’s not something I can hide, so his abrasive condescending explanation of why things have to happen the way they do is disgusting, dehumanizing, and demented. If any of the text convos we’ve been having about this had taken place in person we would’ve come to blows. Is it ok to ghost people as an adult? Im just so fucking tired, and heartbroken.

Lorenzo

Now that Christmas is past, will the little elf go away and who decides where it moves in the videos? We are loyal fans and hope you and your family have a wonderful new year!

Gary Droege

Hi Beau, what do you think are the "skills of the future" in the workplace? I've reached out via email before but the question doesn't seem to have ever made the cut. Perhaps it's apt for a New Year's Q&A. Don't read this if you want to give a spontaneous answer but if you want to comment on my thoughts, so far the skills I was thinking of iinclude: How to embrace/deal with a world that gets slightly more progressive on a long enough timeline, how to keep up with digitization, how to work with AI, and being more empathetic.

Ralf Paul

Have you decided in what way you will publish your book, when will it be published can we expect more books from you in the future and what will their themes or genres be? (Yes I know those are 4 questions, but I only used one question mark, so..., ;-)

Mo po

What is your take about the fact that during the last 40 years, the national debt has increased by 20T$ while, at the same time, the cumulated wealth of the 1% has increased by … about 20T$

Philippe G.

Beau, I follow you faithfully every day because you are a potent force of perspective and wisdom. But one thing bugs me: I can’t read your tee shirts. The top half appears on screen, but the bottom half lies below line of sight. Since you obviously work hard to match subject with tee, is there anyway to show the entire message?

Paul Schwartz

If Beau ever becomes President what would your priorities be?

Derek Newbury

If you ever decided to take your family and move to Ireland, where in Ireland would you like to settle?

lawhoff95

Did you watch ‘Leave the World Behind’ and what could you add to yr survival videos to combat this, esp acoustic warfare? Sorry this is my idea of fun and lighthearted.

Teri Hart

Upon the inevitable death of either "The Dear Leader" and or "President Brandon". Who will be the nominee of either respective party?

Hadley

The word is ("some people say...") trump may not even think he should have immunity--he's just trying to delay long enough to become president and order an end to the federal cases. What are the chances he can delay that long with this appeal? Obviously, we need to make sure he doesn't become president again in any case. Oops. This isn't lighthearted and fun! Maybe a question for another time

Annelisejj

Do you make resolutions? Care to share?

Wcoasttigger (E Hodgson)

If you celebrate Xmas,, what types of gifts this year for the fam? Do your animals get treats?

Wcoasttigger (E Hodgson)

How are you feeling? You had mentioned pain/health. I hope things have improved.

Wcoasttigger (E Hodgson)

What leftist folk artists do you listen to other than David Rovics?

Jake Slater

If Trump is elected, will the US military fall apart over the divide?

John W. Daly