The Rhetoric Rick Show
Episodes
New Year thoughts
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, I’m still here folks. 2025 was a brutal year for me, but why I remain hopeful and looking forward to 2026. Also, my first complaint of the new ...
Updates and Spotify complaints
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a year, long hiatus, I’m back. I think it was a year long. Anyway, I give you some brief updates, trying this new format out, and letting you ...
2025 updates and various gripes
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wow, it took me 3 months to record the first episode of 2025. Obviously I'm alive and somewhat ok. I give you a few updates and various gripes abo...
End of Year show
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My last gripe for 2024 and a few milestones for the year and what's in store for 2025.
Christmas continued and gym influencers
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You ever notice that Christmas music, movies, etc. still go on after December 25th? Why is that? Also, my thoughts on gym influencers and workout wome...
Job Updates, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I cover my job search for the past few months, my uneventful Thanksgiving, and my gripe about Black Friday.
My election thoughts
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Someone asked what I thought about the election results. Although I am apolitical - my thoughts may surprise you.
My hypocritic job and new rants
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Find out why I've been awol the last few weeks and my thoughts on current sports and voting.
Updates and when employers waste your time
19 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Over a month for this episode to be recorded. I give some updates on my job search and gripe about employers who waste your time.
Job Hunting Woe's
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How hard is it to find a job right now? Apparently, it's impossible.
L.A. updates
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ok it's been over a month and I want to catch you all up on what's been going on and next steps.
Packing/relocating woes
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The post July 4th episode. How my packing is frustrating me and the big move is coming soon.
L.A. updates
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Giving you updates on L.A. and the move!
LA job update and UPS Store Worker
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I'm giving you an update on my job landing in L.A. and the surly UPS Store worker that saw and heard I was struggling and decided not to interject...
Cali updates and tour kid
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My updates on the job in California (livescan edition). Also, a heartfelt moment for me when I saw this kid on a ghost tour here in Portland.
Portland and LA updates
22 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What's been going on with me? Find out in this episode - big news.
Family tragedy and the irony of life
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Coming off a fun and restful Memorial Day, I was stricken with another family tragedy. Also, my take on life and a few updates.
Moving updates & job lies
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Updating everyone as I get closer to my big move back to L.A. There have been countless articles on how the economy is on the upswing and jobs are ple...
To Date or not to date?
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you met someone online, it goes well, but realize that there's no spark in person. I bet quite a few times. What about some...
AI experience and men in tv shows
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You know that I've been searching for a job and decided to give AI a try, it's been a game changer for sure. I cover my journey with it and ho...
Online items and comedy roasts
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ordering online items is a risk, especially when the item doesn't work out for you. Returning can be a hassle especially when the drop-off locatio...
Why journaling is important to me
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Someone asked me about my journaling and shared a link on the benefits of journaling but also that it's not for everyone. I share how it has helpe...
My social redemption and made up parking spots
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What a difference a day makes. After watching a few videos and recalibrating my conversation skills - I had a fantastic evening chatting with people a...
My social implosion
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You ever feel like you're not connecting with anyone socially at all? This includes people you already know. Be it the stars are misaligning for m...
Updates, coworker Pete, Fred Meyer encounter
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, updates from the last few weeks on job searches and interviews. How I ran into a coworker of mine and found out he's this big-tim...
False job market and its perils
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being that its Thursday, the US Department of Labor usually comes out with its labor report on Friday (first Friday of the month). Since I've been...
Bartenders and irritating coworkers
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You ever notice how bartenders tend to either be chatty or just transactional? I'm not talking about when they're busy, but when they actually...
Enchanted evening and restaurant parties
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you frequented a local restaurant to find out there was a large corporate party that evening? It could be very frustrating especially with the la...
Traffic and milk incidents
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back. In this episode, I talk about my very first traffic incident in the PNW and how I thought someone stole my milk from the company fridge....
Weather, Spotify, Amazon gripe
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Living in the PNW the weather can be a bit deceitful at times. Especially during the springtime. It can be sunny and beautiful for a day or two and th...
Auto repairs, job hunting, returning to work
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A few things going on this episode. Taking in your auto for routine maintenance and finding out there's more than meets the eye. Job hunting is a ...
Is everything urgent and work cliques
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You ever notice how everything is always urgent? Is it really? Most likely not. That and how workplace cliques still exist.
Work updates and getting older
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A few updates about me and my job search. Also, the perils of getting older.
Job woes, election rematch, updates
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been to the point where you're on the fence about your job and then they promote someone you thought would probably not get promoted...
Coworker story and updates
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a perception about a coworker and you come to find out that you were wrong? That happened to me recently, very humbling. I talk abou...
Morning SBUX drivers, pick up trucks, updates
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Morning commuters: your lane is stopped and once you merge to the next lane to pass the gridlock you come to find out it's someone trying to get i...
3 stories and updates
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I have 3 interesting stories that have happened to me from the last episode I recorded. Also, some updates I would like to share with you.
Dumpling week and Spotify woes
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being a dumpling fiend, I am partaking in the dumpling week here in Portland. Find out my frustration with it and why I am hating Spotify podcasting m...
Chatty people
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever seen when people get too chatty with the waitstaff? How about when a random person gets chatty with you?
Work kitchens and TikTok experience
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is good episode, I think. I go over my thoughts about my work kitchen and how it gets cleaned up (hint: it doesn't). Also, my first (and prob...
Coworkers and getting older
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a crazy, nosy, and/or vindictive coworker? If so, make sure you comment and let me know your story. This and how is sucks getting older.
Personal gripe and milestone
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I talk about a gripe that I'm trying not to live - checking out at work. With my decision to move being firm, I'm trying not to fall int...
Weather gripe and corporate red tape
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Special episode - update on LA/LV move (verdict in). Also, winter weather woes and when a company gets too big.
New Year updates and gripes
13 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year to you all. For those who remember - LA or LV? I found out where I'm moving to and other updates.
Traffic
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was a long time coming. This topic could go on and on but I decided to talk about a few recent incidents that happened to me.
People in the way and bicyclists
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
These people who like to have 'pow-wows' in the middle of a walkway. You've seen them or are one that just likes to take up space where pe...
Move updates and pet owners
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Updates regarding my time in Portland and pet owner gripes.
Listener submission gripes
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The long-awaited episode. Where I read what some of the gripes you submitted to me and give you my thoughts on it.
Las Vegas news, line cutters, aisle hogs
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Don't you hate when people cut in line, especially when no one notices or even calls them out on it? What about people who leave their carts in th...
Updates and drivers in the passing lane
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Just a few updates about me and my situation. Also, drivers who are in the passing lane and don't move.
Giving life details to a stranger
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's an old saying to 'keep your friends close but not too close,' which I wholeheartedly agree. But would you give a stranger your who...
Sober October update, travel items, bar ordering
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Talk about a random episode. I give my update on sober October. Missing items when traveling and ordering at a bar during sobriety.
Common area mishaps
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For those who live in communities (townhouses, condos, apartments, etc.) what is your biggest pet peeve? What person(s) at your community is area offe...
RTO - what are your thoughts
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
RTO - Return to office is a highly anticipated event, especially for 2025. Many companies are planning on it and mandating employees to come back to w...
Sychophants
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you've ever work someone who really knows how to 'kiss ass' to the boss? Maybe you're one yourself. My thoughts on this.
Sober October and why I am doing it.
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to this one episode - it's dear to me. My vulnerability and my way taking control of my life.
Break up aftermath and people who peddle at events
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you give yourself time to mourn after a break-up or bad incident or do you keep yourself busy so you don't have to think about it? After a mont...
Not so special evening and restaurants at closing time
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You have to hear my less-than-stellar moment on the anniversary of someone's passing. Also, restaurants that 'gently' start pushing you ou...
People's opinion is worth 2 cents
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You ever notice how people are willing to share their thoughts and feelings on any topic, especially on social media. I have the mantra, "If they...
Annoying people and post relationship thoughts
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode went hand in hand for me based on a question that a friend posed. Someone is really annoying him and asked at what point should he say or...
Uninvited people and know when a relationship is over
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We've all been in a situation where we host some type of event and people either invite other people (that you prefer not to be there) or people a...
People that just make you feel good by doing nothing
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a different episode for me. You can tell I struggled with the episode not only because I was unprepared but by the fact because my visiting fa...
Decision makers, restaurant equipment epidemic
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You ever had one small significant event/person help you decide on a major life decision? What's going on with restaurant equipment going out here...
Inconvenient visits and WOT presentations
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is happening to me again - an executive visiting our office at the wrong time. Every time I have family visiting (twice a year) - someone happens...
Weather and seasonal changes
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's rainy and muggy in Portland, OR. Yes, you read that right. Seems that I can't escape the weather. This and how it shows we're going i...
Breakups and therapy
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of my shortest episodes ever. Just wanted to get your takes on how long breaking up with someone should take - the actual process. Also, is couple...
City closures and movie critics
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why does the city government have to close down the city for an event? Why not just have it at city hall? Also, do film critics say the opposite of th...
Movies that don't honor original source
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Spoiler alert - In this episode, I talk about my experience watching 'The Last Voyage of the Demeter' and how it took liberties steering away ...
Birthday thoughts
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yours truly just celebrated his birthday alone and loved every minute of it. Why is it that when people find this out they feel bad for you? Even wors...
Face food, morning woe, trash day
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I cover a few rants. I actually had food on my face and no one told me. I had a good night's sleep but still wokeup tired. Lastly...
Mid year thoughts
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Wow, we're already halfway through the year. My thoughts and plans. What's yours?
Lottery hopes and work woes
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you see that the Powerball was over a billion? Only one winner? Amazing. This and how my decision to leave my company is already proving to be a g...
Kitchen sink, lack of consistency, and educational pitfalls
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lately I feel like I've been in a transitional lull and trying to get out of it. Update on my educational journey and costs I've found. Also, ...
Summer thoughts, week without coworkers, my diet
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Halfway through the year and what my thoughts and plans are. A relatively quiet week at work and got a lot done without idiotic interruptions. My diet...
Powerball
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We ask this as a fun question: What would you do if you would win the Lottery? Welp, the Powerball is over $700MM at the time of this episode and I ha...
Job search woes and Las Vegas
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I keep reading articles that state there is no recession but the job market says otherwise. My company says otherwise. Who should I believe? Also, why...
Random rants
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I just mention any BS that's hitting me this day. Enjoy!
Windshield woes and random rants
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
in this episode, I talk about a few things in a short amount of time. From the crack in my windshield to speaking after a breakup.
Difficult decisions
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had to make a decision that was just not easy to make? The more you stall, the worse it gets. Oh yeah, it just happened to me. My delay ...
Staying single and gut feelings
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You ever date someone and they completely remind you why staying single is a better option? I cover this and why one can't always trust their '...
To tip or not tip, that is the very question
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I recently received a DM question regarding tipping. It's now everywhere you go. You see it on the screen or receipt when paying - add tip? Some p...
Up-update and people who interrupt your mojo
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Just wanted to follow up with you all regarding a 'plan' I was seeking out from the last episode. Also, people who interrupt you while you'...
Updates and Monday thoughts
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Just a few thoughts of what's new with my and my plan of action on a Monday morning.
Humans as time wasters
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You ever have dealt with someone that wasted your time? I'm not talking about someone trying to sell you something or convert your belief system. ...
Travel woes and random updates
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How are kids allowed in business class? This and a few random thoughts about AI, jobs, and real estate in this episode
Is it really talent or favoritism - people who move up in company's so quickly
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about how I've noticed young and inexperienced people who move up company ranks so quickly - how?
Fake feelings and random updates
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You ever had a conversation where you're clicking with the person and getting flirty with them and feel like a player? Then you see them doing the...
Can someone be too nice too often?
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I recently had an encounter with a friend of a friend (meeting for the first time) and I wasn't feeling it from the start. It wasn't a pleasan...
Sbux fascination and dated money advice
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I live in an area here in Portland where it's cheaper to get breakfast at Starbucks than a restaurant - amazing. Also, money advice that has not a...
Mid-life crisis 2 and people moving to mid-sized cities
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Seems like 3 years is a magic number when people relocate somewhere by themselves. Find out my thoughts on it and on how Portland is becoming as expen...
Creepy elevator dude and mid-life crisis?
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I had an interesting encounter on the elevator early morning and shared that in this episode. Today's gripe: mid-life crisis. Am I going through o...
Hate for Spotify podcasting and on Starbucks
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Spotify bought out Anchor.fm and why I hate that as a podcaster. Also, the only day I was really banking on having Sbux and it didn't happen.
Time stealers and hot weather
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever have someone hijack your time - especially when you're trying to run a business? That and how the heat here in Oregon is not making me miss s...
Why relationships suck and my eventful week
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Guess who's single again. Why I am more than ok with this and what else has been going on this week.
More stuff going on and my studio apartment
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, some more updates regarding life, work, and personal things. Someone actually likes hearing about it other than me. Also, my love/hate relation w...
More updates and more construction woes
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I give you more updates of whats going on both at work and personally. Most of it is dealing with construction everywhere I go.
Moving, traffic, post-pandemic plans
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How much is it a pain to move? Yes, it's a good change of scenery but a hassle nonetheless. What is it with people wanting to drive less than the ...
Updates and work place drama
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What's been going on with me and my work? Find out some of the drama that's been going on here on this episode.
People who follow others blindly
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
So I received an email regarding what type of training we should have for our office building. It was poll and you'll never believe the results - ...
Nostalgia and job hunting
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever notice that when we think back to our earlier life things weren't as bad and maybe even better than we have it now? Why is that? I go ...