In my experience, there has been only a couple of people in my life that I could share this show with, where they would actually listen. For the most part I knew they would like it in advance because I know they are the kind of people who are open to talking about philosophy, politics, and other tough subjects in a rational manner. Most people are closed off from even bringing up these subjects in conversation. Let alone diving into an hour long show that is going to challenge their beliefs and biases. And if you do try and talk about them, they lash out. Sadly, it seems so many people have been irreversibly indoctrinated by public schools and pop culture, into not questioning anything important. Leftism, nihilism, and anti-intellectualism seem to be very present in a lot of peoples minds. Therefore I'm hard pressed to even try with a lot of people. Unless I feel like agitating them.
When I first started listening, I did not notice any verbal ticks or find Stef's voice irritating. I found him to be very easy to listen to. He's an excellent speaker.
I think if you are someone who is close minded or unreceptive to the kind of things that are talked about on Freedomain radio, then you are going to find excuses not to listen. I guess this could be considered a symptom of a false self, but I'm no expert on that theory.
I have had some difficulty with people who just didn't want to commit to hour long videos. This is one I can kind of understand. I tell them to listen to podcasts instead.
I have had been surprised by a few people who got into the show and love it now, where I had no idea that they would like it. This has made our friendships all the better.