In Search of Sanity

In Search of Sanity presents a new ThoughtCast that brings two protagonists with opposing views together in search of sanity and common ground. We aim to explore 'ideas not ideology'. The first episode looks at the claims that the American people were cheated because the US Presidential election was tainted by wide scale material election fraud. Sanity prevailed in that two reasonable people were able to agree to disagree while still reaching a consensus on the best way forward.

Mark starts the new year by throwing cold water over lots of subjects, including himself. Sometimes its invigorating, and sometimes he gives his subjects a good soaking. Warning us all against being victims of the hysterical response of Main Stream Media, Mark reminds us that our democracy is not in danger and that nothing is new in our world. Including the fact that both parties have a history of trying to influence the electoral college and invalidate votes. He also gives a soaking to the latest efforts to control the virus.

Mark wraps up an 'insane' year by discussing the latest news locally and nationally, including SLO City's decision to award a 10% pay raise to its highest paid employees in the middle of its biggest recession in modern history at the same time as raising taxes. He calls Clive to get an update on what is happening across the pond with the emergence of a new ' UK mutant virus'. Together they look forward to 2021 and commit to evangelising the principle of independent thinking and being reasonable! Wishful thinking or more insanity?

Whether it's elections, journalism & media bias, free speech or free will, Mark ponders why it is that everything we hold dear seems to be under attack and why it is trust has collapsed in our institutions and in our communities. If the 'way Its working isn't working', what do we need to change to get things back onto an even keel?

Mark looks at the hypocrisy of our State and National political leaders. While we the common folk are locked down, Governor Newsome and other members of the political elite ignore the very rules they insist we follow. Plus Mark looks at Trump's final acts as he looks to keep his followers 'Enraged & Engaged'. 

After being deluged like the rest of us by waterfalls of campaign material, Mark has ticked his boxes and sent in his ballot. In this ThoughtCast, he looks forward to what the next 4 years might look like; nationally, across The State and locally on The Central Coast. Will we be laughing or crying? Probably a bit of both.

The second part of Mark's recent conversation with his In Search of Sanity Partner - Clive Pinder. Mark praises Diane Feinstein for a rare act of non-partisanship. Clive lives up to his 'equal opportunity offender' billing as they tackle the question of why people move to The Central Coast from LA & SFO because they love the community spirit and neighborly values born of 'Pioneer Principles'; then immediately look to challenge those principles and change them. Plus Mark asks Clive for his POTUS prediction.

Mark is joined by Clive, his Co-Founder of In Search of Sanity to have a reasonable conversation about topics of the day. Trying to understand why you can fly in a plane but not go to church? If putting your mask on between bites will really help reduce infection rates? Plus Mark challenges Clive on his opinions on their local newspaper - The San Luis Obispo Tribune. Something here for everyone, and while you may not agree you may think a little differently!

Mark brings his usual irreverence to a quick fire review of some of the more absurd news stories of the week so far. From Michigan militia using PT Cruisers as their attack vehicle of choice, to ICE Cube being accused of selling out black people! Alas none of our political leaders, nationally or locally, come out smelling of roses! Heidi Harmon & Donald Trump especially, and you don't often see those two names in the same sentence! On this occasion boy (girl, ze, xe, ae - take your pick) does Heidi earn it for a classic case of opening mouth before engaging brain!

In this ThoughtCast Mark notes that politicians seem to have perfected the art of not answering questions directly. Journalists seem to have perfected the art of not asking direct questions. While The World Health Organisation seem to change their mind on what the right answers are regularly, with catastrophic economic consequences.

Mark reminisces about the days when comics, writers, musicians and entertainers had the creative license to entertain without fear of being cancelled or worse prosecuted and convicted. Using his trademark appeal for all of us to be 'REASONABLE', Mark encourages everyone to stand up for free speech, demand civil discourse, respect everyone's right to a point of view even if you don't agree with it, and of course to vote.

Mark honors his 'equal opportunity offender' status, giving both sides both barrels as he responds to the latest attempt by both parties to buy our votes through 'stimulus checks'. He also gives his honest opinion on President Trump. Hint, it isn't pretty. Talking of which, he also shares his thoughts on Nancy Pelosi. In the immortal words of the Incredible Hulk...."You wont like me when I'm angry"!

After a debate where direct answers to direct questions were as rare as a politician honoring their campaign promises, Mark takes a quick 10 minute look at some of the absurd and maybe dishonest claims made in the VP Candidate Debate. Followed by 10 minutes pondering about more absurdities doing the CV19 circuit, like wearing masks in between bites!

Mark reminds us that if you want to understand the motivation of people, just follow the money. Sad yet too often true! He looks at recent CV19 controversies at CalPoly as well as local tax increase initiatives on the ballot. All in just over 20 minutes!

Mark returns from a brief hiatus to remind us all that today's 'news' is more interested in stirring the proverbial pot that providing balanced, fact based reporting. From Trump's dice with CV19 to Newsom's pledge to ban gas powered cars, Mark looks under the covers to provide a more reasonable and non-partisan perspective.

Mark musters up all his sense of humour to avoid being outraged. First at the "stitch up" of Nancy Pelosi's haircut, and then at the plans by California to introduce 'Ethnic Studies' to the school curriculum . Then he is joined by Clive across the pond from England to discuss how our allies across the pond are dealing with Coronavirus and the small matter of Black Lives Matter!

Mark reflects on Convention Season. To save us from having to sit through over a weeks worth self-serving character assassinations, grandiose claims and 'egos writing checks their bodies cant cash', Mark threw his own body on the line to spare us the insanity. In this weeks episode, Mark ruminates on what he saw, heard and learned.

The Mark Wilson Show reflects Mark’s organic curiosity about people and the world around him. 

This inaugural show sets the stage for Mark's move to podcasting, looks at the 'Dog Days of Summer' as California rolls from one trial to another tribulation, laments about the hyper-partisanship in America and the latest on BLM in San Luis Obispo.

A sequel to our first show on homelessness in which we follow-up with Heidi at Haaven, an example of how individual entrepreneurship could solve this problem, if only the system wouldn't stand in its way. 

Mark & Clive take an honest and refreshing look at one of the most challenging issues of our time. There’s laughter & tears, ‘you can’t be serious’ moments, harsh words, uplifting stories and a happy ending. Hopefully the show will leave you thinking differently about homelessness.