In this episode of Randy Unscripted, we examine the fatal shooting of a woman in Minnesota by a federal ICE officer. Many discussions around this incident have focused on emotion, politics, or selective interpretations of video footage. Here, we cut through the noise and analyze what Minnesota law actually says about use of deadly force.

We review the publicly available video evidence, which shows the vehicle moving while officers were in close proximity, no meaningful opportunity for retreat, and a rapid escalation consistent with a perceived lethal threat. Under Minnesota law, a vehicle used in a way that could cause death or great bodily harm meets the statutory definition of a dangerous weapon (Minn. Stat. §609.02), and the use of deadly force in response is justified under Minn. Stat. §609.066 when an officer reasonably perceives imminent threat.

This episode breaks down the legal framework, how the “reasonable officer” standard applies, and why the video evidence supports the conclusion that the officer acted within the law. We also discuss common misconceptions in media coverage and explain how to separate law from narrative when evaluating controversial use-of-force incidents.

In this episode of Randy Unscripted, we explore the top ten myths about podcasting that can hold creators back before they even hit record. From the pressure to include video, to fears about gear, downloads, and consistency, we examine the most common misconceptions and why they aren’t always true. This episode is designed to help both new and experienced podcasters cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters for building a podcast that lasts.

We dive into myths like the idea that you must launch with multiple episodes, that success comes fast if you do everything “right,” and that you need to be an expert to start. Using real-world experience, we discuss why these assumptions can create unnecessary stress and delay, and offer practical insight for creating a podcast that’s authentic, sustainable, and engaging. Listeners will come away understanding that consistency, connection, and purpose outweigh perfection, speed, and comparison.

Finally, we tackle the myth that podcasting is “too saturated to start now” using real data from Podcast Index, showing just how many podcasts are truly active and consistently publishing. The episode closes with encouragement for creators to focus on serving their audience, sharing their voice, and embracing the journey rather than chasing metrics or following every so-called rule. Whether you’re just starting or have been publishing for a while, this episode provides guidance and motivation to podcast confidently and intentionally.

00:00 1. Introduction
02:37 2. Myth #1 – You Must Do Video to Be Relevant
05:15 3. Myth #2 – You Need Expensive Gear to Start a Podcast
07:13 4. Myth #3 – You Must Launch With Three Episodes
09:04 5. Myth #4 – You Have to Release Weekly or You’ll Fail
11:09 6. Myth #5 – Downloads Are the Only Metric That Matters
13:06 7. Myth #6 – If Your Podcast Is Good, People Will Find It
14:58 8. Myth #7 – You Have to Be an Expert to Start a Podcast
16:43 9. Myth #8 – If You’re Not Making Money, It’s Not Worth It
18:38 10. Myth #9 – Success Happens Fast If You Do It Right
20:17 11. Myth #10 – Podcasting Is Too Saturated to Start Now
23:03 12. Closing / Takeaways

In this episode of Randy Unscripted, Randy reflects on a thought-provoking opinion article published by Fox News that challenges a long-held assumption in education: that a 4.0 GPA automatically signals academic mastery. Drawing from the article and his own experience as an educator, Randy explores how grades have increasingly come to represent effort, compliance, and system navigation rather than true understanding.

The conversation digs into how pressure on schools, teachers, parents, and students has quietly reshaped grading practices, creating a growing gap between transcripts and real preparedness. Randy discusses why this disconnect becomes especially visible when students enter college or the workforce and face expectations that no longer bend to good intentions or participation points.

Rather than blaming students or educators, this episode invites listeners to rethink what grades are meant to communicate and how families and schools can prioritize honest feedback and real learning over appearances.

Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/i-own-tutoring-company-your-childs-4-0-gpa-probably-isnt-real

In this episode of Randy Unscripted, Randy takes an unfiltered look at apostasy and its growing impact on the modern Christian Church. Drawing from Scripture and cultural observation, the conversation defines apostasy as a “falling away” from biblical truth and explores how this spiritual drift is not a distant theological concept, but a present and visible reality within today’s faith landscape.

The episode examines how apostasy manifests through moral relativism, cultural pressure, doctrinal compromise, and declining commitment to biblical teaching and church life. Randy connects these trends to their consequences—spiritual confusion, weakened Christian witness, and moral decay in society—while grounding the discussion in clear warnings found throughout the New Testament.

Rather than ending in discouragement, this episode offers a call to action for believers and the Church at large. By returning to sound doctrine, prioritizing discipleship, and engaging culture without surrendering biblical truth, Christians can stand firm in faith. This episode challenges listeners to examine their own walk with Christ and to contend earnestly for the faith in a world increasingly resistant to it.

This episode is based on a blog post on Randy’s website with the same title: The Impact of Apostasy on the Modern Christian Church.

Randy Black reflects on the month of NAPODPOMO 2025, highlighting how the journey tested his discipline and creativity. The month was particularly challenging due to a personal loss when his father-in-law passed away on day 24. Despite this setback, Randy realized that the routine and focus cultivated through NAPODPOMO provided a lifeline, helping him maintain purpose and control during chaotic times.

Randy emphasizes the central role of faith in overcoming personal trials. His faith enabled him to support his family while continuing with his podcast goals. He learned that perseverance is about consistent effort rather than perfection and that showing up daily is an act of resilience.

Randy identifies three key lessons:

1. He can achieve set goals with planning and commitment.
2. His faith guides him through challenging times.
3. He can support others while allowing himself to grieve.

The experience of NAPODPOMO has reinforced the value of commitment and resilience. Randy anticipates that this journey will not drastically change his podcasting routine but will serve as a reminder to trust consistency and faith even in difficult times.

Randy advises those considering similar creative challenges to start, emphasizing that improvement comes from doing. He encourages listeners to embrace consistency and trust their faith, sharing that showing up daily can reveal one’s full capabilities.

Randy concludes by expressing gratitude for the journey and hopes his experience inspires others to persevere and trust their abilities.

Randy Black reflects on the challenges and lessons learned from completing 30 podcast episodes in 30 days. Initially expecting the endeavor to be incredibly difficult, Randy faced worries about creativity, inspiration, and burnout. However, he discovered that commitment to the process led to personal growth and resilience.

Challenges and Adaptations:

• Creative Pressure: Maintaining fresh content daily was challenging.
• Fear of Burnout: Concerns about creative fatigue and burnout by day 10 or 15.
• Adaptation: Learned to adapt and grow despite initial fears.

Routine and Discipline:

• Consistent Schedule: The daily rhythm became a source of momentum and focus.
• Structure as Freedom: The routine removed uncertainty and focused efforts on timing and execution.

Impact on Life:

• Time Management: Deliberate scheduling required balancing work, home, and podcasting.
• Focus Enhancement: Disciplined focus improved efficiency across all tasks.

Lessons and Growth:

• Commitment and Resilience: Demonstrated capability to commit, show up, and follow through despite challenges.
• Perseverance and Determination: Completion of the challenge highlighted the importance of discipline and focus in various life aspects.

Future Reflections:

• Upcoming Episode 30: Randy plans to share deeper reflections and lessons learned from the entire month.
• Encouragement: Aimed to inspire those considering similar challenges.

Actionable Items/Tasks:

• Commit to Challenges: Encourage commitment to personal challenges.
• Develop Routine: Establish consistent routines for accountability and focus.
• Prioritize Time Management: Practice deliberate scheduling to balance responsibilities.
• Cultivate Focus: Apply disciplined focus to improve efficiency in tasks beyond podcasting.

Introduction:

Randy reflects on the holiday season, focusing on the deeper spiritual meaning of Christmas rather than the commercialism often associated with it.

The Commercialization of Christmas:

• Randy notes the overwhelming commercialism during the holiday season, with advertisements for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other sales inundating people.
• He emphasizes the importance of remembering that Christmas did not begin with retail stores but in Bethlehem in a manger.

The True Meaning of Christmas:

• Randy highlights that the real meaning of Christmas is rooted in the birth of Jesus Christ, not in possessions or decorations.
• He encourages listeners to reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, as described in Luke chapters 1 and 2, and to focus on the joy that comes from knowing Jesus.

Practical Actions:

• Slow Down: Take time to reflect on the spiritual significance of Christmas and slow down from the commercial rush.
• Read the Scriptures: Read the Christmas accounts in Luke 1 and 2 to deepen your understanding of the true meaning of the holiday.
• Pray and Share: Pray for opportunities to share the hope of Christ and let generosity come from the heart, not from advertisements.
• Gratitude: Keep your celebration centered on gratitude for Jesus Christ, rather than what’s under the tree.

Conclusion:

Randy reminds listeners that Christmas is not a temporary event driven by consumerism but a celebration driven by God’s love, anchored in the birth of Jesus Christ. He encourages listeners to let the peace and presence of Christ shape their joy and to remember that only Christ can bring salvation.