Outrage Overload: BONUS – From Outrage to Reflection
Podcast: Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and media
Host: David Beckemeyer
Guest: JJ (host of "What's Your Ripple?" podcast)
Date: March 26, 2025
Duration: ~11 minutes

Episode Overview

In this special bonus episode, David Beckemeyer shares a deeply personal and reflective practice—a weekly "pebble ritual"—as an antidote to the outrage and distraction that often dominate modern political and media environments. Joined by JJ of the "What's Your Ripple?" podcast, David explores how simple, intentional acts of mindfulness can help individuals focus on their values, recognize their lasting impact (their "ripples"), and stay grounded amidst societal turbulence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Pebble Ritual: Mindful Weekly Reflection

• David describes a ritual he began a few years ago: collecting a jar of natural pebbles, each representing a week of his life into the future.
• Every week, he places one pebble in his pocket as a tangible reminder of his values and the kind of person he wants to be.
• At the end of the week, he disposes of the pebble—ideally in a natural body of water—after reflecting on how well he lived up to his ideals. The ripples created symbolize the effects of his actions.
• The ritual underscores the finite nature of time and the impossibility of reclaiming spent weeks, encouraging mindfulness and intentionality.

“At the beginning of each week, I take a pebble and I put it in my pocket... It's kind of a reminder of who I want to be, how do I want to behave in life, what are some things I aspire to. A little reminder that's always there.”
— David Beckemeyer (02:29)

Ripples as Metaphor: Impact and Presence

• Tossing a pebble into still water generates visible ripples, representing the tangible and intangible ways we affect the world and those around us.
• David recounts a moment when the stream was extraordinarily still, allowing him to observe the pebble’s ripples for a long distance—an experience that deepened the metaphor.
• The phenomenon suggests that in moments of calm (versus chaos), our actions can have clearer, greater impact.

“When you're not throwing it into a storm... you can see your impact.”
— David Beckemeyer (04:50)

• JJ responds positively, appreciating the practical and metaphorical beauty of the ritual, and relates it to his own theme of making positive ripples in the world.

Facing Transience and Embracing Presence

• David addresses potential sadness in the ritual—what happens when the pebbles run out? He reframes it as a motivation to appreciate the preciousness of time and to live intentionally.
• He highlights the importance of recognizing that past weeks (pebbles) cannot be reclaimed, reinforcing the need to act mindfully in the present.

“To me, that pebble represents a week I could never get back... You can't get it back. They're gone forever.”
— David Beckemeyer (05:52)

Values and Reflection: A Psychological Anchor

• David ties his ritual to neuroscience and psychology: knowing one’s values is crucial for making good decisions and mitigating stress.
• Frequent reflection (prompted by the pebble) keeps his life aligned to his values—something often neglected due to distraction and busyness.

“If we don't really understand our values, it's hard... How can you make a decision about things if you don't really understand yourself well enough? And so this little ritual makes me revisit that more often than we usually do.”
— David Beckemeyer (06:42)

• JJ affirms, noting how quickly one can become lost without self-clarity, and praises the ripple ritual as a grounding mechanism.

The Ongoing Power of Ripples and Community

• Inspired by JJ, David now incorporates reflection on the kind of “ripple” he has made each week into his ritual.
• JJ expresses gratitude for having a positive influence on David, reinforcing the episode’s broader message that small, mindful actions add up to meaningful change.

“I'm glad I'm making a ripple in your life.”
— JJ (08:34)

Reminders on Impermanence and Letting Go

• Both hosts touch on the impermanent nature of things, emphasizing the need not to get too attached to any one week, moment, or material object.

“Don't get too attached to anything because it's all temporary.”
— JJ (08:58)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “It’s a big piece that... the pebble represents a week I could never get back.” — David Beckemeyer (05:52)
• “If we don’t really understand our values, it’s hard... This little ritual makes me revisit that more often than we usually do.” — David Beckemeyer (06:41)
• “I just watched those ripples—for as long as I can—and kind of think about that reflection.” — David Beckemeyer (03:37)
• "I'm glad I'm making a ripple in your life." — JJ (08:34)
• “Don't get too attached to anything because it's all temporary.” — JJ (08:58)

Important Timestamps

• 00:57 Host introduces purpose of bonus episode and pebble story.
• 01:45 David begins explaining the pebble ritual.
• 02:29–03:55 Details of the weekly pebble practice and significance of the ripples.
• 04:50 Reflection on the metaphor of still water and clarity of impact.
• 06:28–07:53 How the ritual helps with self-understanding and decision-making.
• 08:09–08:34 David incorporates new elements into his ritual after meeting JJ.
• 08:58 Discussion of impermanence and letting go.

Episode Takeaways

• Simple, physical rituals can serve as powerful reminders to act in alignment with our values and be conscious of our impact on others.
• Moments of calm offer the greatest clarity on the subtleties of our influence ("ripples").
• Mindfulness about the fleeting nature of time provides motivation to live intentionally, fostering emotional resilience and personal accountability, especially in high-conflict environments.
• Reflection, community, and a willingness to examine one's own values are essential in counteracting the outrage and polarization amplified by media and technology.

For more insights and updates, visit outrageoverload.net or follow David Beckemeyer's newsletter.