Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast

The echoes of Sunday night in Austin are still alive with me. The joy, unity, and tender moments at the Springsteen concert served as a reminder of the goodness we can foster in the world. Do yourself a favor and soak up this experience if you can! Email me at [email protected]

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A few thoughts on the show in Austin
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Host Jesse Jackson introduces a B-side episode of Set Lusting Bruce featuring Ryan Riker, a North Dakota native and retired Army infantry lieutenant colonel who served 23 years with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Ryan recalls early music influences (country fairs, Vanilla Ice, Pearl Jam) and discusses how music and visiting performers helped soldiers feel connected during deployments. He describes a Catholic upbringing, struggles with alcoholism and prescription drug abuse, and a turning point after his last drink on November 26, 2023, followed by AA, renewed Christian faith, job loss, divorce, and rebuilding his life by starting a business. Ryan explains his coaching and writing focused on trauma, limiting beliefs, and healing, outlines his podcast “Our Healer, Our Protector,” and shares goals of supporting his daughters and speaking to youth.

https://ourprotectordevelopment.com/
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Host Jesse Jackson welcomes returning guest Jeff Blum, a Chicago-based freelance sports and entertainment writer and para-professional working with autistic students. They briefly discuss current sports topics including the Bulls’ streaky season, trades, and franchise management, plus comparisons to other struggling teams. Jeff shares limited impressions of Springsteen’s large “Tracks 2” set, mentions favorite deep cuts, and discusses seeing the Springsteen-related film, praising its entertainment value and its connection to renewed appreciation for the album Nebraska. The conversation then shifts to Aaron Sorkin’s work, starting with Sports Night and covering The American President, A Few Good Men, The West Wing, The Newsroom, Moneyball, The Social Network, Steve Jobs, Molly’s Game, and Charlie Wilson’s War, emphasizing sharp dialogue, morality, journalism standards, and changing media culture. Jeff plugs upcoming writing on the Olympics and a list of 1976 albums turning 50 in 2026, and Jesse closes with show contact and network information.
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Ken Schaefer is one of my dearest friends. He watches at least one movie a night and sometimes two. He loves B Movies, the cheesier the better. I asked his thoughts on the 2025 film Sinners and he had thoughts.
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