24 chapters across the catalog
The hosts contrast the modern "Four-No" movement with their own childhood experiences of forced physical education, Boy Scouts, and community center dances. They argue that the removal of structured socialization for teenagers has led to the current state of neglect and isolation. A report on Chinese youth is scrutinized for potentially using an AI-generated voiceover.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced a significant policy shift, stating they will now accept scouts based on the gender identity provided on their application rather than their birth certificate. This follows previous moves to allow gay scouts and leaders. The hosts note the irony that this change occurred as former BSA head Rex Tillerson was confirmed as Secretary of State.
Sir Dave Earl shared his experiences using Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap during Boy Scout camping trips and his recent travels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The soap's extensive list of purported uses—from toothpaste to engine degreaser—is reviewed, along with the "manifesto" printed on the bottle.
Boy Scouts Abuse, Statute of Limitations
New records indicate that over 12,000 victims were abused by Boy Scout leaders between 1944 and 2016. The discussion covers the recent changes to New York state law that extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims.
Mormon Church and Boy Scouts, Ending Century-Long Partnership
The Mormon Church (LDS) announced it will end its 100-year relationship with the Boy Scouts of America by the end of 2019. The split follows the BSA's policy changes regarding inclusive membership. The church plans to launch its own global youth development program to replace the scouting curriculum.
The Boy Scouts of America announced a name change to "Scouts BSA" to reflect the inclusion of girls in the program. This decision was discussed on "The View," where hosts debated whether girls benefit from being in male-dominated environments. The hosts examine the logistical reality that troops will remain gender-segregated despite the shared organizational name.
Eagle Scout listeners provide feedback comparing the Girl Scouts of America to the Boy Scouts, labeling the former a "cookie cult" focused on fundraising rather than outdoor skills. They argue that the Boy Scouts offer a more rigorous merit badge system and objective standards. The Girl Scouts are reportedly facing financial difficulties and closing camps across the country.
The Mormon Church (LDS), which makes up 20% of the Boy Scouts' membership, announced it will leave the organization to start its own youth program by 2020. This follows the BSA's policy changes regarding gay and transgender members. Analysts suggest the decision to admit girls is a desperate move by the BSA to replace the massive loss of Mormon youth members.
Multiple Eagle Scouts share conflicting views on the integration of girls and LGBTQ members into the Boy Scouts. Some argue the program provides a necessary "refuge" for boys to mature away from domestic influences, while others support expanding the prestigious Eagle Scout rank to girls. The role of corporate sponsors like Intel and UPS in pushing for these policy changes is also highlighted.
Corporate Sponsorship and Social Pressure in Scouting
The Boy Scouts' policy shifts are attributed to pressure from major corporate sponsors who threatened to withdraw funding. This is compared to historical "strong-arm" tactics used by activists to influence organizational values. The hosts discuss how the modern advertising model and social networks have made organizations more vulnerable to such pressure.
The Boy Scouts of America announced it will change the name of its flagship program to Scouts BSA in 2019 to reflect the inclusion of girls. While the organization maintains that troops will remain single-gender, the move has drawn criticism from the Girl Scouts of the USA and traditionalists. One host recounts personal history as a Sea Scout in the Netherlands and sleeping in the historic home of founder Robert Baden-Powell.
Boy Scouts Accept Girls, Girl Scouts Backlash
The Boy Scouts of America announced they will begin accepting girls into their programs, a move the hosts view as the "de-masculinization" of American males. The New York Times published an article suggesting boys should similarly join the Girl Scouts. The hosts wonder if former Boy Scout President Rex Tillerson has commented on the policy change.
Mainstream media reports from NBC and ABC are scrutinized for their coverage of President Trump's claims regarding phone calls from the Boy Scouts and the President of Mexico. While the White House later clarified these were in-person conversations rather than calls, the media's "lumping" of these stories with unverified rumors about Trump calling the White House a "dump" is criticized as a form of structured propaganda.
Donald Trump Boy Scout Jamboree Speech, Media Criticism
President Trump's speech at the Boy Scout Jamboree drew sharp criticism from media outlets, with some comparing the event to a Hitler Youth rally. The hosts defend the scouts and critique the "tolerant left" for seeing fascism in every Trump appearance. They also play a clip of Roland Martin on MSNBC calling the President a "crackhead" for large crowds.
Boycouts of America Transgender Membership Controversy
The removal of 8-year-old Joe Maldonado from a New Jersey Cub Scout pack due to his gender identity is discussed. The hosts note that the current president of the Boy Scouts is Rex Tillerson, Trump's Secretary of State nominee. They critique the media's framing of the story and the parents' role in the child's public transition.
Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State Nomination and Boy Scouts
Donald Trump's nomination of ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State has drawn criticism over his ties to Vladimir Putin and a $500 billion Arctic oil deal. Tillerson is a Distinguished Eagle Scout and former president of the Boy Scouts of America, where he led the decision to allow gay scouts. Critics like John McCain and Lindsey Graham have expressed alarm over his potential to lift Russian sanctions.
Republican Primary Pledge Hypocrisy, Paul Ryan Boy Scout Award
The hosts discuss the hypocrisy of Republican candidates who pledged to support the eventual nominee during the primaries but have since abandoned Trump. They highlight Paul Ryan's "sinister" behavior, noting he was accepting an award from the Boy Scouts while Trump was campaigning in Florida. The segment characterizes the GOP establishment's actions as a betrayal of their own rules.
Eagle Scout Recognition and Reverend Manning Rap
A listener's son, Steven, is congratulated for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The segment includes a "de-douching" ceremony and a play of the "Reverend Manning Rap" as requested by the donor. The difficulty of obtaining the Eagle Scout rank and the tradition of receiving letters from politicians are discussed.
National Awareness Months, Prepper Month, Ham Radio
The hosts review various presidential proclamations for September, including National Wilderness Month, Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and National Preparedness Month. They joke about the conflicting "awareness" campaigns and encourage listeners to get their ham radio licenses as part of being prepared for emergencies.
The release of the Boy Scouts of America "perversion files" reveals decades of documented child abuse within the organization. The timing and framing of the news, specifically highlighting a Mormon bishop who failed to report abuse, is interpreted as a political smear against Mitt Romney. The files contain records of thousands of suspected molesters kicked out of the scouts.
