Podcast Summary: The Michael Knowles Show – "Loser Does 100 Push-Ups LIVE! YES or NO: Michael Knowles Vs. Read Choi"

Date: November 28, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Read Choi

Overview

This special episode of The Michael Knowles Show presents a lively, irreverent "Yes or No" game between Michael Knowles and his guest, Reed Choi. The stakes: the loser must do 100 push-ups live. Through friendly competition, whiskey, and cigars, the duo explore provocative questions on politics, religion, culture, and personal beliefs, punctuating the discussion with personal stories, philosophical debates, and signature banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the Game & Wagers ([02:11])

• Michael lays out the game: Answering loaded yes-or-no questions about each other's beliefs, with points and drinks at stake.
• The wager:
  • If Michael loses: 50 push-ups in two sets.
  • If Reed loses: 100 push-ups in one go.
• Both settle in while enjoying Mayflower cigars, with playful banter about cigar quality and smuggling lighters.

Quote:
"Because you're a real cigar man. You're an actual cigar man." – Michael ([03:14])

2. Humor, Stereotypes, and Dangerous Scenarios ([05:03])

• The duo joke about stereotypes via the question: Is insulting an Italian woman's cooking less dangerous than being near an Asian woman driving?
• Reed candidly recounts his aunt's road rage, bringing humor and self-deprecation.

Quote:
"I drive with my aunt pretty consistently, and I can't think of a more dangerous thing to do..." – Reed ([05:46])

3. Social Policy & Shifting Ideology ([06:11])

• They debate whether there should be a weight limit for SNAP benefits.
• Michael discusses the ideological changes regarding healthy eating, noting a flip between left and right over the last five years.
• Concludes with a satirical "let the fatties have SNAP."

Quote:
"And that's why I will let the fatties have SNAP." – Michael ([07:10])

4. Surviving Upbringing vs. Campus Culture ([07:13])

• Question: Is surviving an overbearing religious upbringing harder than surviving UC Berkeley as a conservative?
• Reed shares his personal story of religious trauma, eventual rebellion, and later return to faith, highlighting issues of abuse versus genuine faith.

Notable Moment & Quote:
"Growing up in a religious household, I got hurt a lot... at 15, I was like, maybe they got something that they haven't dealt with." – Reed ([09:41])

• Michael and Reed compare religious backgrounds, corporal punishment, and eventual reconciliation with faith.

5. Seeing Angels – Personal Anecdotes of Divine Encounters ([11:23]–[16:00])

• An intriguing exchange about experiences where both men believe they've encountered "angels appearing as black men" during pivotal low points.
• Michael recounts two New York stories; Reed shares a striking account from a difficult period in his life, connected to self-worth and faith.

Highlight Quotes:
"Both black guys. What is your black guy angel story?" – Michael ([13:10])
"I was at a Jacuzzi and at LA Fitness... this guy comes up to me and the first thing he says to me is, 'you know, I have the voice of an angel.'" – Reed ([14:23])

• Realization: The most common description of the angel Gabriel in some traditions is as a beautiful black man.

6. Nature, Nurture, and Faith: Are People Born Gay? ([16:26])

• The two discuss whether being gay is innate or a choice, comparing it to being introverted.
• Both acknowledge complexities: some people likely born that way, others possibly shaped by nurture.
• Nuanced Christian perspective: Focus on compassion over condemnation, referencing Jesus and the woman caught in adultery.

Quote:
"The most productive conversations I've had with LGBTQ has never been with shoving the Bible down their throat..." – Reed ([18:24])

7. Sacraments, Salvation, and Denominational Differences ([22:54])

• Friendly debate over Protestant vs. Catholic views on sacraments, salvation, and baptism.
• Michael stresses the importance and historicity of the sacraments; Reed highlights the balance between reverence and not idolizing ritual.

Memorable Exchange:
"Do you think me as a Protestant, you'll see me in heaven?" – Reed ([22:54])
"I hope so. ...But I am saying I think our Lord gives us sacraments for a reason." – Michael ([22:56])

8. Fashion, Plane Etiquette, and Societal Decorum ([26:27])

• Viral video prompt: Should there be a dress code on flights?
• Michael offers a (semi-tongue-in-cheek) defense of standards, calling for "fashion jail" for extreme cases, and objecting to hyper-casual attire.

Quotes:
"To dress decently conveys respect for yourself and for other people." – Michael ([28:15])
"Instead of asking that woman to dress properly, maybe just don't look." – Reed ([29:32])

• Expands to philosophical territory: societal standards and their relation to personal virtue (citing Aquinas).

9. Rapid Fire Round ([34:44])

• Three quick questions, little time to think:
  • Is it morally acceptable for Christian actors to perform romantic roles? (Yes.)
  • TikTok: profit-focused or tool for mind control? Both agree on propaganda potential.
  • Michael's critics call him a hypocrite for cigar promotion but anti-marijuana stance – Michael draws distinctions.

10. Demonic Encounters – Sleep Paralysis & Supernatural Experiences ([36:56])

• Both discuss possible supernatural encounters with evil.
• Michael shares stories of sleep paralysis and potential demonic voices; Reed recounts seeing a friend's face change into a "goat demon" for a moment, then discusses forms of temptation.

Quote:
"I've seen a demon once." – Reed ([38:19])

• Includes references to Catholic exorcism teachings and priest interviews (e.g., Father Rehill's story).

11. Faith, Works, and the Book of James ([43:20])

• Final round: Is the Book of James a solid defense of Protestantism?
• Both express deep affection for James, reciting passages and discussing the tension between faith and works.

Memorable Quotes:
"I think it is the handbook for Christians, like, straight to the point." – Reed ([43:49])
"Probably 'faith without works is dead.' Followed by 'man is justified by works and not by faith alone.'" – Michael ([45:36])

12. K-Pop Demon Hunters: Pop Culture and Esoteric vs. Accessible Art ([49:01])

• Playful takes on intelligence, translating the esoteric for the masses, and personal humility.
• Discuss the anime film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" as an example: Is it great or problematic (e.g., for inspiring AI anime addiction)? Mixed, but largely tongue-in-cheek.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Angelic Encounters:
  "How much more do I have to take away from you before you realize I'm the only thing that you had to begin with?" – Reed ([14:13])

• On Christianity and Works:
  "God's grace is entirely what comes down the mountain and reaches out to you. But there's a recognition that you do have the free will to cooperate with that grace..." – Michael ([46:31])

• On Faith as Heroic Endeavor:
  "When you join this side, you're on the enemy's radar and things are gonna get tough and you should expect it." – Reed ([47:54])

• On Push-Ups and Competition:
  (After Reed does 100 push-ups live)
  "Not only was it 100 push ups just back to back right away during the show, it was also after a bunch of whiskey." – Michael ([57:39])

Important Timestamps

• Game & Cigar Intro: [02:11]
• Dangerous Stereotypes: [05:03]
• Debate on SNAP & Weight: [06:11]
• Religion vs. Campus: [07:13]
• Religious Upbringing Trauma: [09:41]
• Angels as Black Men: [11:23]–[16:00]
• Are People Born Gay?: [16:26]
• Protestant v. Catholic: [22:54]
• Airline Attire Debate: [26:27]
• Rapid Fire Round: [34:44]
• Supernatural Encounters: [36:56]
• Faith & Book of James: [43:20]
• On K-Pop Demon Hunters: [49:01]
• 100 Live Push-Ups: [57:37]

Tone & Style

The episode is playful, candid, and often self-deprecating, blending philosophical and theological depth with irreverent humor and honest storytelling. Both Michael and Reed openly discuss deeply personal topics—faith, trauma, supernatural experiences—with a mix of empathy, parody, and intellectual rigor. The show thrives on banter, but never at the expense of sincerity.

Summary

A memorable, laughter-filled episode that combines serious conversations on faith, morality, and culture with absurd wagers and biting humor. Whether earnestly affirming the value of the Book of James, reflecting on angel encounters, or riffing on the perils of plane pajamas, Knowles and Choi exemplify thoughtful, spirited discourse—with the added spectacle of 100 live push-ups.