Death of the Human Element? MLB’s Robot Revolution

Death of the Human Element? MLB’s Robot Revolution

Author: Ben Evers March 13, 2026 Duration: 51:33

Is baseball losing its soul or finally getting it right? This week on the Common Folk Podcast, the crew tackles MLB’s official move to implement the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System for the 2026 season. Ben is firmly in the "keep it human" camp, arguing that the beauty of the game lies in the drama of a missed call and a manager’s heated ejection. Meanwhile, Andy and Morgan dive into the logistics: can a machine truly account for a hitter's height in real-time, and will a 15-second challenge window actually speed up the game?. Grab a cold one and join the debate as we ask: are we ready for a strike zone that never blinks?



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Common Folk is a podcast hosted by Ben Evers that brings you straight talk from the heartland. This isn't about theory or ivory towers; it's grounded conversation from everyday, hardworking people who see the world through a practical, blue-collar lens. You'll hear a 'common sense' spin on a wide range of topics that matter to people building real lives, from the trials and triumphs of starting a business to the honest realities of raising kids. The discussions also tackle current events, filtering the noise through a perspective often left out of the mainstream. It’s a show for anyone who appreciates authenticity over pretense, where complex issues are broken down with relatable Midwestern candor. Tune into this podcast for a regular dose of down-to-earth dialogue that feels like a conversation with thoughtful neighbors.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Common Folk
Podcast Episodes
Rebooting Legacy: The Dehner Boot Co. Revival (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:12
We're sitting back down with the new owners of one of Nebraska’s most iconic companies — the legendary Dehner Boot Company, established in 1875. Once crafting boots for the likes of General Patton, Ronald Reagan, and eve…
Rebooting Legacy: The Dehner Boot Co. Revival (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:04
This week on the Common Folk Podcast, we sit down with the new owners of one of Nebraska’s most iconic companies — the legendary Dehner Boot Company, established in 1875. Once crafting boots for the likes of General Patt…
Into the Wild: Ben’s First Elk Hunt Adventure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:16
Lace up your boots and pack your gear — Ben’s taking us to the Colorado mountains for his first elk hunt. It’s a week filled with adventure, challenge, and reflection as he tests himself against nature, the elements, and…
Growing Big: The Welkers’ Farm to Fame Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:15
The Welkers stop by Common Folk to share how a family farm in Montana became one of YouTube’s biggest ag channels. From humble beginnings to teaming up with Farm Focused, they open up about building community, telling th…
Buzzed Out: Living in the Age of Notifications [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:50
Dings, pings, buzzes, and banners — our phones never stop yelling at us. But what happens when the notifications won’t stop… or when you don’t get any at all? This week on Common Folk, Ben, Morgan, and Andy break down th…
Smoke, Swings & Service: Live from the Daegan Page Hero Scramble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:55
This week, Common Folk goes LIVE from behind the BBQ smoker as Ben tends the meat and the crew soaks in the sights, sounds, and laughter of the Daegan Page Hero Scramble. It’s a weekend of golf, good food, and great peop…
K-Pop, Chaos, and Common Sense [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:39
The news cycle never stops, but Common Folk isn’t afraid to pump the brakes and call things how we see them. From global pop culture with K-pop’s Netflix takeover to boots-on-the-ground realities in Chicago, the crew sli…
Can a Mentor Really Change Everything? (Spoiler: Yes) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:44
The crew welcomes in Ashton Honnor, Marketing and Communications Manager of TeamMates Mentoring. Their mission is to positively impact the world by inspiring students to reach their full potential.NOTE: This is a re-air…
Home, Life, Auto… and a Whole Lotta Headaches [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:26
Is insurance a safety net—or just another trap in fine print? Ben brings his fresh wounds from dealing with home, life, and auto policies to the mic, and the Common Folk crew doesn’t hold back. If you’ve ever battled wit…
Headlines Meet the Heartland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:46
Big city headlines meet small-town sensibilities as the crew tackles lab-grown meat bans, Rosie O’Donnell’s protest push, and a few other headlines lighting up the news cycle. Ben, Morgan, and Andy take the latest viral…