Episodes

We take a long look at the tragedies in El Paso and Dayton where 29 people lost their life. We explore how a flawed philosophy of collectivism and nihilism plays a huge role in these terrible events in El Paso and Dayton. I spend a great deal of time showcasing how leadership matters, yet sadly we have a president that uses rhetoric that inspires these hate crimes. Then we discuss ways to impact positive change including embracing self-ownership, self-love and respect for the individual rights o...

In this Self Improvement episode, we break down 8 strategies you can put forth to improve your health. Many of the themes discussed include valuing your own life, setting boundaries, letting go, and acceptance. We talk plenty about taking care of yourself first, so you can then take care of other people. I share my own struggles on each issue and offer up a variety of success stories and personal failures. I also talk about the purpose of the John Riley Project podcast and what I am trying to a...

We break down the “Send Her Back” chant, Trump’s tweets that stoke division and fear and explore this topic more broadly within the context of our inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We also get in to the political style of The Squad, a delicatessen that is trying to capitalize on the Send Her Back rhetoric and the “Move to Somalia!” retort by many progressives. Then we dive deep into the topic of the Death Penalty as it re-emerges on the national stage. We look ...

In this episode we discuss issues of Property Rights and Equality Under the Law within the context of recent policy proposals from the Poway City Council. In the aftermath of the Poway Chabad Shooting, Mayor Steve Vaus has proposed a revision to the city code to give Places of Worship a waiver so they do not have to come before the City Council to ask for a variance to build a wall or a fence above the 6 ft limit. This ultimately will give people greater security so they can pray without...

In this episode we cover The Declaration of Independence, Justin Amash’s own declaration of independence from the Republican Party and News & Notes in DC and here in Poway. We start off with Congressman Justin Amash (I-MI) and his statement of leaving the GOP. Or, did the GOP actually leave Amash? We get into Amash’s record as a bold, principled and transparent congressman and a staunch defender of the Constitution and individual rights. We explore Amash’s criticism of the GOP and the Re...

We break down the first round of Democratic Debate including the candidates, the issues and the debate format. Who has the presidential gravitas? Who is likable? Who delivered on their brand image? Who had a necessary grasp of the policies? I give each candidate a grade based on how well they performed on stage in the Democratic Debate. My grades address their energy, likability and command on stage. I didn’t grade them as I like them. If I did, they would all be begging me to grade them on a c...

I love debate night! We break down all 20 Presidential Candidates in the Democratic Debates the next 2 nights this week. I share my top of mind thoughts on each candidate, their policies and profile. I discuss what I am looking for in the Democratic Debates each night: likeability, brand identity, positioning, leadership qualities and calmness under pressure. We talk about the format of 10 candidates in 2 hours with short soundbites vs the long form conversations we had with candidates here on t...

Jessica Johnson joined us to talk about her new book, Abandoned San Diego, that documents hidden treasures found in secret locations around San Diego that walk us through history, culture and nature. It was wonderful to discuss so many of the special locations and landmarks in Jessica’s book and her website: www.hiddensandiego.net. We talked about gold mines, haunted houses, secret caves, hidden waterfalls, partially built castles, graveyards, 19th century homes and so much more. But for me...

Before we get into the topic of entrepreneurism, we start off our podcast talking about Poway News including Anna Vaus making her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, the City of Poway’s tight budget, Poway Unified School District’s continued financial irresponsibility and unwillingness to heed good advice. We explore the Democratic Presidential race and the upcoming debates. We talk about the recent Padres surge. We tip a hat to two Pirates: Poway High grad Kevin Newman, and Grossmont High grad Joe Mus...

Imagine if everyone got a check each month from the government for $1,000. We break down the topic of Universal Basic Income (UBI). We look at the history, the morality, the rationale, the assumptions, the funding sources, the politics and the objectives of the initiative. How does Universal Basic Income play a role in the discussions of minimum wage, living wage, poverty and incentives to work? Of course, we can’t discuss Universal Basic Income without discussing the candidacy of Andrew Yang...

Pete Neild shared his incredible adventure traveling cross country fulfilling a promise to his deceased mother. It’s a story of family, childhood memories, Corvettes, America the Beautiful and the special people you meet along the way. Pete’s journey across America touched the cities and places of Poway, San Diego, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Fort Smith, Bowling Green, Richmond, North Carolina, Virginia Beach, ADorrien Point, Nags Head, Lincoln RI, Bridgeport, Ithaca, Berkshires, Syrac...

Rory Herrman joined us to talk about his hockey story coming up through the ranks in youth hockey, competing in the highest-level amateur hockey league in the United States and preparing for NCAA Division 1 Hockey. Rory Herrman got the bug to play hockey from experiencing the amazing energy and excitement attending San Diego Gulls games with this family at the San Diego Sports Arena. We trace his story from roller hockey at the Poway Sportsplex and Kit Carson Park in Escondido all the way to...