Centered From Reality

Nikki Haley Sells Out to an Alternative Political Reality

In this short reaction episode, Alex is furious at himself for thinking that Nikki Haley would do the right thing. Instead, Nikki Haley has said that she will vote for Donald Trump because Joe Biden has been a terrible and “catastrophic” president. Alex doesn’t know how Haley can square the circle making this argument, she spent the remaining weeks of her presidential campaign attacking Trump and saying he was unfit to be president. Alex argues that Haley falls into the superficial category of Trump critics — those that will do it as long as it helps their media attention and doesn’t hurt their future aspirations. 

Bird Flu Spreads to Cows, Iran's President is Dead & the ICC Calls to Arrest Israeli and Hamas Leaders

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing how Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s president, died in a helicoper crash in bad weather on Sunday. This event will likely cause political infighting and electoral chaos as Iran’s aging Ali Khamenei was likely looking to groom Raisi into his position down the road. Iran’s constitution requires an election within 50 days and it is likely to be neither free nor fair. Next, an International Criminal Court prosecutor has recommended arrest warrants for Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, and Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader. Alex thinks this is a fairly good move but discusses opposition and outcomes. Finally, Alex dives into the recent revelations about Bird Flu (N5H1) spreading to dairy cattle in the United States. He goes over the state, local, and federal issues that have occurred in tracking and testing this outbreak and what the larger ramifications could be. 

Biden, Trump & The End of Free Trade: Bipartisanship in all the Wrong Places

In this episode, Alex explains why he has enjoyed recording the podcasts outdoors, though this is only solidifying his phobia of birds. Then Alex spends the majority of the episode lamenting the fact that both political parties in the United States have moved away from supporting unfettered free trade and are moving towards protectionism. Last Tuesday, President Biden announced the US would put tariffs on many Chinese sectors, including 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Alex notes that Biden is only building off of what President Trump did during his presidency and argues that tariffs and protectionism may be good for short term political wins, but will hurt the economy and the American consumer. Later, Alex gives his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker, who made headlines after some controversial and unpopular comments about gay rights, women, and more. 

Zelensky's Election Dilemma & Aaron Rodgers: Putin's Next Top Useful Idiot

In this episode, Alex focuses on Ukraine and Zelensky’s new dilemma — his 5 year term is over on May 20 but due to the war, he can’t hold elections. Alex understands why elections can’t be held while martial law is in place, but he also worries that this will help Russian propagandists spew disinformation that challenges Ukraine’s image as a democratic country. Later, Alex briefly touches on Aaron Rodgers’ recent appearance on Tucker Carlson’s show. Aaron Rodgers has reached his finally form as he not only questioned the election results on the show, but also called Putin an interesting and thoughtful figure. Sadly, it seems like Aaron Rodgers is another useful idiot for Putin’s propaganda campaign against Democracy. 

Biden/Trump Agree on Debate, Lindsay Graham Goes Scorched Earth in Rafah & Biden's 99 Problems (& Gaza is One)

In this episode, Alex sits in his old room in Madrid and reflects on how anti-establishment talking points on Biden and others have become international. He talks about how the same talking points are being used from the US to Spain to Italy and beyond. Later, Alex takes a deep dive into Biden’s issues going into the election. Apparently Trump and Biden will debate twice, once in June and once in September. Alex also talks about Biden’s dilemma involving providing lethal weapons to Israel and whether the Israeli destruction in Gaza will hurt Biden in the election. Alex ends by talking about Jerry Seinfeld’s speech at a commencement ceremony at Duke University. 

Melancholy in Madrid: Cohen Testifies, McEntee Brags About Cruelty & Another Troubling Biden Poll

In this episode, Alex sits in a park in Madrid, Spain, where he reflects on why returning to Madrid always is bittersweet and brings back a lot of nostalgia. For the majority of the episode, Alex talks about Michael Cohen’s testimony in the Manhattan hush-money trial; he argues that Cohen is both the least trustworthy witness but also the most likely. Alex also talks about another troubling figure in the Trump Universe — Johnny McEntee. He is a Trump loyalist, former administration member, and future thought leader that some call the deputy-president. McEntee put out a disturbing TikTok that sums up the cruel elements of the MAGA movement. In the video, he bragged (and found joy) in finding ways to give unhoused people fake money so that they will spend it and end up in jail. Alex argues that this deranged  puritanism, mixed with Trump’s rhetoric about vermin and “real Americans”, can lead to a dark place. 

Rants From a Greek Beach: A Stormy Testimony, RFK Jr. Brainworms & College Contradictions

In this episode, Alex sits on a Greek beach and reflects on the state of the world and his travel adventures. He starts with some comparisons between Greece and the United States. Then he gets into Stormy Daniels’ stormy testimony in Manhattan that detailed the horrid situation of having sex with Donald Trump. Alex is also irritated about the state of the other Trump cases and worries that the Manhattan case may be the only one that sees a trial. Later, Alex talks about RFK Jr. having actual brainworms and shares his thoughts on the college protests and civil unrest. Life’s a beach and Alex is just ranting in the sand. 

Trump’s Unprecedented Catch-and-Kill-Scheme (+ Distance Running & a Quarter Life Crisis)

In this episode, Alex starts by talking about some troubling revelations after the first few days of Trump’s hush money payment trial in New York. David Pecker, the former editor for the National Enquirer, admitted to working with Trump and Michael Cohen in a catch-and-kill-scheme to cover up news stories that could hurt Trump. Also, Pecker admitted to putting out false stories and narratives prior to the 2016 election that attacked Trump’s opponents and rivals. Alex wonders about how some of these stories could have tarnished other candidates and influenced some people’s voting preferences. Alex also argues that this is fairly unprecedented — a national publication is being paid by a political figure to serve as its propganda arm. Later, Alex reacts to an article in the Atlantic that talks about how training for a distance running race is helping younger Millenials and older Gen Zers find control during a period of chaos and uncertainty. While he doesn’t agree with everything, Alex does note that many younger adults are having a quarter life crisis that could be occurring due to previous indicators of adulthood (such as housing, marriage, careers) becoming less standard. 

A Foreign Aid Package as Earth Day is Overshadowed by Chaotic Domestic Politics (+ Alex Reacts to Tucker on Rogan & a Fancy Taco Bell)

In this episode, Alex gives his thoughts on Israel taking the bait and striking back at Iran. He also talks about his road trip last weekend and how he forced himself to listen to a very troubling conversation between Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan. Later, Alex discusses the recently passed foreign aid package that went through the House and Senate and now will be signed by President Biden. The bill is a mixed bag, while it provides aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, it also bolsters a TikTok ban and reauthorizes FISA. Alex is surprised that Speaker Mike Johnson found his moral fortitude. 

The Straw that Broke the Middle East's Back: Israel and Iran's Proxy War Ends

In this episode, Alex starts by sharing his thoughts on the future of Van Life, why he really enjoyed the new Civil War Movie, and why he thinks the Trump hush money trial that starts tomorrow will be total chaos. For the remainder of the episode, Alex dives into the troubling events happening in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. In early April, Israel targeted an Iranian embassy in Damascus. This attack killed two Iranian generals as well as other officials. Now in retaliation, Iran sent over 300 missiles and drones into Israel. This set a troubling new precedent because before this attack, Iran had relied on its regional proxies to target Israel. Alex argues that the shadow war between the two countries is over and fears of direct retaliation are becoming more likely. Alex also talks about why this was a strategic blunder for Iran and has bought Israel time.