Centered From Reality

The Velociraptors Can Open Doors NOW, Trump Rewards Bad Behavior with Cabinet Positions & A New Guilded Age? (with Cole Costello)

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing how the Trump 2.0 cabinet is like the Velociraptors in Jurassic Park — they’ve figured out how to open the doors and now they are a danger. The training wheels are off and now they are ready to ride. Alex is also irritated that Trump is rewarding the bad behavior of people like Elise Stefanik with nominations to key positions. For the second part of the episode, Alex talks with his good friend Cole Costello about the election. They discuss what it means for labor movements, whether a new guilded age is coming, and much more!

Sundown in America (with María Tribe)

Alex calls this his “favorite podcast he’s recorded with a guest.” In this episode, he sits down for part two of the interview with María Tribe (over Zoom) to discuss what a European thinks about waking up to a second Donald Trump presidency. There is a quote from the movie, No Country for Old Men, that Alex uses to drive the discussion around norms and how the Democrats should respond to this era — “If the rules that you follow led you to this point, then of what use were they?” For the episode, Alex and María use that quote to talk about Trump, how the left can mobilize to be better at politics, and how the republic isn’t dead (just) yet. They also get into issues regarding gay rights, how the trans movement changes Democratic strategies, and whether María would like to visit the United States as a person in the LGBTQ+ community. This episode is not to be missed!

Polarization, Floods & A Climate Emergency in Spain (with María Tribe)

In this episode, Alex sits down (over Zoom) to talk to one of his best friends from Spain, María Tribe. The intention was to focus the episode on the election of Donald Trump; however, the two get talking about María’s parents getting married in Iran, how the country has changed, and how a society can progress during oppressive times. Alex and María also spend a lot of time talking about the tragic and unprecedented floods in Valencia, Catalunya, and other parts. They talk about how different political parties want to blame others without addressing public safety or climate change. They also talk about how this relates to federal disaster responses in the United States. 

No Country for Sane Men: Dems Enter the Wilderness & Trump Eyes His Cabinet

In this episode, Alex has had a few days to unpack the election results and assess how to move forward. Alex holds no punches, he critisizes the Democratic message, the elitism of some members of the party, Joe Biden’s arrogance, Kamala’s interviews, and much more. He also talks about how incumbency has been an issues for leaders all over the world. Alex also wonders if Democrats should keep holding the higher ground if they keep failing to win elections. Finally, Alex talks about some potential people that could be part of Trump’s next administration. 

I Stared Into the Abyss & Trump Won Back

In this episode, Alex reacts to the projected victory for Donald Trump in the United States. He will be the second person in American history to win non-consecutive terms. Alex discusses the senate numbers, the presidential numbers, and why the Democratic Party needs to take a long and hard look into the mirror of its existence. He also worries that as Europe wakes up to these results, the future of stability is at stake. 

Election Pregame: Selzer Predicts Iowa for Harris, a "Toss Up" in Nevada & Arizona Leans Right

In this episode, Alex watches the final quarter of Monday Night Football, sips on a beer, and stairs in the void that is the 2024 election. In less than 24 hours, early results will start coming in and Alex gives his final takeaways and predictions. He focuses on an interesting survey from Ann Selzer out of Iowa, Jon Ralston’s final prediction that Kamala Harris wins Nevada, and why Arizona is seeing heavy/early Republican turnout. Alex also worries that some Republicans are convinced that Trump can’t lose. 

European Parties Warn About Jill Stein as a SPOILER, The 2024 Gender Divide Grows & Trump Threatens Liz Cheney

In this episode, Alex starts by talking about a Digital Guilded Age. Then he transitions to talking about Jill Stein and the American Green Party. Stein has been popular with angry progressives that cannot vote for either party; however, commentators think she is a spoiler that may help Trump. Alex debunks the candidacy of Stein, the Green Parties of Europe have condemned Stein, calling her a threat. Alex also looks into the money, many GOP PACs have been funding her ads in swing states. Next, Alex talks about Gen Z discovering the Access Hollywood tape of Trump bragging about harassing women. He also talks about the gender divide for the 2024 election and how it looks more divided than in 2016. Finally, Alex covers Trump’s comments on Liz Cheney. He said that she is a warhawk and should be put into a situation where nine guns are trained on her. Republicans have called the statement a criticism of her foreign policies, critics think this describes a firing squad. 

Kamala's Khan Conundrum, Musk Meddles(?) in Pennsylvania & Trick-R-Treat Returns to Des Moines

In this episode, Alex is fired up. He is tired of election text messages from Sam Brown in Nevada and GOTV people showing up at his house early on weekends. He also learns that Des Moines, Iowa, hasn’t Trick-R-Treated since 1938, and instead the kids have gone the night before. However, weather forced the town to allow the kids to go out on Halloween once again. For the rest of the episode, Alex talks about Elon Musks’s potentially illegal monetary involvement in the elections happening in swing states. He also talks about how the FTC chair, Lina Khan, has become a polarizing figure in the Democratic Party and helps highlight the divide between the left and the center. He wonders if this could impact the election. 

Was Tony Hinchcliffe the October Surprise? (+ Climate Disaster in Spain & Bad Bunny Responds to the MSG Rally)

In this episode, Alex covers the historic flooding that occurred over the past few days in the Spanish provinces of Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucía. Over a hundred have been killed as unique rain storms flooded the region with unprecedented levels after years of drought. Next, Alex dives into everything relating to the Madison Square Garden Trump Rally. He relates it to the historic Nazi rally, talks about the comments at the rally, worries about the future of bipartisanship, and then focuses on the election. 

Stolen McValor: Grappling With Trump 2.0 as the World Stares Into the Abyss

In this episode, Alex tries to utilize the skills related to Trump’s “weave.” He talks about a recent New York Times interview with General Kelly, in which the former chief of staff calls Trump a fascist. Alex relates this revelation to other moments where Trump has wished his generals to be more like Hitler’s, has disparaged veterans, and recently said he wouldn’t pay $60,000 for the funeral of a soldier because she was Mexican. Alex then weaves over to updates in Ukraine. North Korea has sent troops to train in Russia as experts worry the world is getting closer to a larger conflict that could bring in countries like the United States. All of this is relevant to Alex as he asks his listeners — as the world seems to be on the brink of a larger conflict, do you want someone back into power that doesn’t understand the military, serving a higher power, or the honor it brings to someone?