Centered From Reality

"I Helped Create a Monster": The Apprentice & the Mythos of Trump (+ David Duke Endorses Jill Stein)

In this episode, Alex hopes that with three weeks to go until the election, he can still make the case against Trump even more clear. He talks about how a producer of the Apprentice is apologizing for creating the mythos of “Trump the Businessman.” He also talks about Trump’s increasingly troubling and fascistic rhetoric. Also, he talks about David Duke endorsing Jill Stein. 

I'm Worried About the Election (+ Thoughts on Indigenous People's Day)

On this beautiful, fall, Indigenous People’s Day, Alex sits out on his back patio and records a podcast that encompasses all of his worries leading up to the presidential election. As the race has tightened (almost a tie according to a NBC News Poll), Alex argues that Harris has not been able to distinguish herself enough from Biden and  hasn’t made a good enough case for her economic agenda. With only 21 days to go, Alex is concerned. Later, Alex talks about Indigenous People’s Day and Colombus Day, he argues that our nation should instead compromise and celebrate “Explorers’ Day.” This would be a day that acknowledges the humans throughout our history, for good and bad, that have left the comfortable for the unknown, and have changed humanity along the way. 

The Big Lie 2.0: A Hurricane of Disinformation

In this episode, Alex shares an anecdote about walking into a restaurant that was full of people that had just come from the Trump Rally. He talks about how the vibe was similar to sports fans going to the bar next to a stadium after the game ended. Later, Alex goes into the recent interviews that both Trump and Harris did over the last week. For the remainder of the episode, Alex looks into the Hurricane of Disinformation that has been spreading on X and other platforms following the tragic aftermath of the recent hurricanes. He looks at everything from Alex Jones claiming that the deep state is controlling the weather to Trump claiming that FEMA is holding up aid to make sure Republicans can’t vote in the upcoming election. 

11th Hour Election Changes in Georgia & Hurricane Helene Called UNPRECEDENTED

In this episode, Alex starts by pondering why it is so hard for Republicans to pronounce Kamala Harris’ name correctly. Then he gets into a new election law that was put fourth by Georgia’s Electoral Board in September. While it is not legally wrong, it could delay some counting of total ballots that could provide adequate time for election deniers to spew disinformation. Trump thrives in chaos and Alex worries if this eleventh hour change could bring said chaos. Finally, Alex talks about Hurricane Helene and breaks down the extent of damage and tragedy brought to the southeast by the storm. He talks about the failures of requiring flood insurance in most of the regions impacted, how this storm could impact voting in NW North Carolina, and more. 

Midwest Nice Prevails: A Debate More like 2008 (VP Debate Analysis & Recap)

In this episode, Alex provides some analysis and recap on the vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz. As Alex breaks down the different segments, he argues that the debate felt more like a throwback to 2008 rather than 2020. While he acknowledges that Vance polished Trump’s lies, he thinks that there was some middle ground established and Walz was able to thrive in it. 

The Great American Grift: $100K Watches, Trump Coins & Late-Stage Capitalism (+ Alex Defends Olivia Nuzzi)

In this episode, Alex rushes to get his thoughts out before making some shrimp tacos. He starts by sharing his thoughts on the alleged “online” affair between the New York Magazine journalist Olivia Nuzzi and RFK Jr. Alex thinks that the coverage has been too focused on her and not enough on RFK Jr., who has a record of unethical behavior. Next, Alex focuses on Hurricane Helene and how this summer has been unprecedented regarding hurricanes and damage. With more establishments being impacted by hurricane damage, the public policy world is going to need to evolve. Finally, Alex talks about Trump releasing a series of limited watches that range from $100k to $500. Alex talks about the attention economy, why Trump is doing this, and why he is shocked that Trump’s grift continues to work. 

A Troubling Execution in Missouri, Putin Threatens Nukes & the Katy Perry Rant

In this episode, Alex starts with a rant on Katy Perry. Then he gives a brief update on the federal charges launched at Mayor Eric Adams. For the rest of the episode, Alex talks about Vladamir Putin threatening the use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine if the west supplies it with long range missiles. He also talks about the tragic and likely unjust execution of Marcellus Williams by the justice system in Missouri. 

Israel/Hezbollah on the Brink, Failures from Israel’s Dahiya Doctrine & Radicalizing for Clout (+ Trump’s 2028 Admission)

In this episode, Alex starts by talking about the horrific candidate in North Carolina’s gubernatorial race, Mark Robinson. Next, Alex reacts to a recent interview with Donald Trump. In the interview, Trump said that he would not run in 2028 if he loses in 2024. Finally, Alex breaks down the recent back and fourth attacks in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah following the pager attacks last week. Israel’s attacks in Lebanon have been the worst since the 2006 war. 

Pager Bombs in Lebanon, JD's Twitter Crusade, Diddy Indicted & Trump Losing in Key States!

In this episode, Alex looks out into the rain and reflects on the news of the day. First, the rapper Sean Combs (Diddy, Puff Daddy, etc) was indicted by the Southern District of New York. US Attorney in the district, Damien Williams, outlined the charges, they include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and interstate transportation for prostitution. Next, Alex laments Scientific American endorsing Kamala Harris because he doesn’t like the precedent it sets. Then Alex talks about Trump’s war with Taylor Swift, JD Vance’s crusade to look like an a**hole, and how Kamala Harris is now leading in some swing states. Finally, Alex breaks down the pager bomb attacks that rocked Lebanon yesterday. He worries that this is relude to a larger Israeli operation in Lebanon. For months Israel has been growing increasingly frustrated at Hezbollah over rocket attacks in the northern Israel. Now it looks like diplomacy has failed. 

Another Attempt on Trump’s Life, the Laura Loomer Problem & Trump vs. His Campaign (+ Lamenting TikTok Success)

In this episode, Alex starts by lamenting his career choices while TikTok influencers are doing better than ever. Next, Alex gets to the serious news talking about the second assassination attempt on Donald Trump within two months. Alex breaks down the logistics, politics, and outcry around this event. He doesn’t think it is good that Trump is blaming the rhetoric of Democrats for the attempt while he is also getting more radicalized. Finally, Alex takes a deep dive into Laura Loomer. She is a white nationalist and conspiracy theorist who’s proximity to Donald Trump is worrying some campaign staffers and Republican lawmakers. Alex wonders if the end is coming for the movement as Trump seems to be increasingly unhinged and close to extremists.