Shovel Duds

The 'Shovel Duds' episode of 'The Blindboy Podcast' opens with an advertisement for Irish true crime documentaries, hinting at the darker themes to follow. The host, Blindboy, engages listeners with his characteristic blend of humor and casual banter, discussing topics ranging from his electric cigarette to the misrepresentation of technology in the film 'Blade Runner.' He reflects on the absurdity of Donald Trump's tweets, likening them to the irrational outbursts of an intoxicated relative, and contemplates the impact of Trump's communication style on U.S. foreign policy. Blindboy also addresses the criticism he received for discussing politics, arguing that Trump's behavior transcends traditional political discourse and enters the realm of pantomime or reality television.

Blindboy then transitions to a more personal narrative, recounting his experience with Conor McGregor fanboys on Twitter after criticizing McGregor's behavior. He explores the complexity of admiring someone's talent while disapproving of their actions, and the difficulty some fans have in separating the two. Blindboy calls for a compassionate society that allows space for individuals to grow and change, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between a person's behavior and their intrinsic value.

The episode takes a turn as Blindboy introduces a short story from his book, 'The Gospel According to Blindboy.' The story, 'Shovel Duds,' follows a young woman working in an organic beef farm who harbors a dark fascination with the ISIS execution videos she watches online. She yearns to experience the power of taking a life and devises a plan to prove her readiness to join ISIS. The woman stages a gruesome spectacle, setting a calf on fire while dressed in an orange jumpsuit to mimic the ISIS videos. She records the act and sends it to an ISIS contact, hoping to be accepted into their ranks. However, she is ultimately rejected and betrayed, leading to her arrest.