Episode 54: The "O" Episode
Keeping the alliteration theme going, Craig and Cody talk about the letter “O” on this episode! Opening with some, um… QUESTIONABLE (at best) beatboxing and a MUCH too deep of a dive into the anthropological implications of Disney’s Pinocchio (although some profound things were definitely accidentally said), we moved quickly to our O topics for the day:
OHTANI
Like every other baseball fan (and an increasing number of non-baseball fans), we are ENTHRALLED with Shohei “Shotime” Ohtani. What he is achieving this season so far is unprecedented in the history of the game. This discussion was recorded prior to the All-Star Game, where Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to start in the mid-season classic as both a pitcher and a hitter. He is leading the majors in home runs AND pitching very well (one disastrous outing aside). We discuss:
Preaching illustrations using Ohtani’s ability to “be ready in season or out of season”
Why self-labeled “purists” need to get over their disdain of the Babe Ruth comparisons and just enjoy what we are witnessing
OLYMPICS
Our discussion about comparing eras of sports led to an aside on activist athletes in history, and competitors whose mere existence and life story inspired minorities and moved change forward. The Olympics have historically been a place where international politics have led to some dismal decisions—and this years Olympics are no different. We discuss:
The Nigerian Olympic team being unable to field a 400 team because the JUDGES placed the cones wrong, leading to disqualifications of all competitors.
Caster Semanya, and her lifetime ban from competing due to hormone levels beyond her control
Two Nambian Olympic sprinters, Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi were disqualified from competing in the 400 meter for the same reason as Caster—natural testosterone levels too high (though they CAN compete in the 200?)
Sha’carri Richardson essentially being banned from the Olympic team for her use of marijuana.
Brianna Rollins-McNeal and her HIGHLY questionable five-year ban for “tampering with medical records,” when she CORRECTED the medical records incorrect date that was listed (she adjusted the doctor’s mistaken date of a procedure).
We notice the common denominator in ALL of this: women of color being forced not to compete.
OPEN & RELATIONAL THEOLOGY, OORD
We share some insights on Dr. Thomas Oord’s newest book Open & Relational Theology: An Introduction to Life-Changing Ideas (which features an endorsement from the All That’s Holy Blue Collar Podcast.
We give a basic overview of the book, with Cody sharing some of his favorite things about the book
How open & relational theology is a perfect avenue to explore God during times of trauma and upheaval
And of course a whole lot more!
Pertinent Links:
Learn about Shohei Ohtani
Read about Caster Semenya and her battle to overturn her ban
Educate yourself on the cases of the Nambian athletes disqualification, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Brianna Rollins-McNeal
GO BUY Dr. Oord’s newest book, Open and Relational Theology: An Introduction to Life-Changing Ideas
Follow and interact with The All That’s Holy: Blue Collar Podcast on Facebook and Twitter
Follow and buy music from At The Speed of Darkness on Bandcamp and Instagram.
