Centered From Reality

Iran Sends Mixed Signals & Walz Combats MAGA's Faux Populism

In this episode, Alex starts by arguing that the Republican attacks on Tim Walz for being a socialist are missing the point. Walz could actually have national appeal because he is a progressive, labor and economic populist from the midwest. He can potentially appeal to families and blue collar Americans that vote based on wages and the economy and don’t care for the culture war. Walz could be the vaccine for Trump’s faux populism. Later, Alex talks about how Iran is sending mixed signals on how it will respond to Israel’s assassination of a Hamas official deep in Tehran. With more ceasefire talks happening in Doha, it seems like Iran is either waiting for an outcome or showing the world that it is weaker than expected. 

The Late, Great Hannibal Lecter: Trump Keeps Scoring Own Goals (+ Dissecting the GOP Platform)

In soccer you can score an “own goal”, this means you can score on yourself. In politics, you can also score on yourself and it seems like the Trump campaign is struggling to stay afloat since Kamala Harris became the presumptive nominee. In this episode, Alex talks about Trump pissing off labor unions, his new racist conspiracies, his obsession with Hannibal Lecter (the late, great), his delusions about crowds, and more. Later, Alex dissects the GOP’s 2024 platform. It provides 20 promises and Alex analyzes each one and reacts to whether they are promises or pure lies. 

Russia SUDDENLY Cares About Borders & Athens ALMOST Burns Down (+ the Faroe Islands Rant)

In this episode, Alex starts on a happy note by discussing his new fascination with the Faroe Islands and why he wants to not only be an armchair expert on them, but also travel there (very) soon. Next, Alex talks about the fires near Athens, Greece and what they may mean for the future of climate struggles in Europe. Finally, Alex gives a full background and analysis on the Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory. There are pros and cons to these actions and Alex breaks them all down. 

JD Vance: the Dark Enlightenment Movement + Post-Liberalism

In this episode, Alex wants to put a focus on why JD Vance has turned from “Never-Trump” to “Red-Pilled” New Right. Alex argues that a lot of people are unaware of Curtis Yarvin and the “Dark Enlightenment” movement that has become increasingly popular amongst tech-bros in Silicon Valley. This is a post-liberal, monarchist movement that is both anti-elite and pro-elite. The movement finds democracy to be tired and outdated, and also finds central control (and decentralization?) to be crucial. Alex argues that while this movement is parallel to fascism, it is unique and different. Unfortunately, it is growing untapped, and many are not aware of its downfalls. 

To the Window to the Walz

In this episode, Alex reacts to Kamala Harris choosing Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. The “Coach Taylor” of gubernatorial politics is both kind, impressive, caring for the needy, and cool. This is a guy you would drink some beers with. However, Alex worries that he may be labeled as too progressive. This argument may not be accurate, but the right will run with it. 

Dead and Dumped Bears, Creepy Racism in Virginia City, JD’s Ambitions & A Worrying Global Economy (+ Does Trump Want George???)

In this episode, Alex covers a plethora of topics. He starts by reacting to a troubling video out of Virginia City, Nevada. In the viral video, a black man is intimidated by a group of older white locals and then they harass and laugh at him after telling him there is a hanging tree in his backyard. Next, Alex talks about Trump’s recent rally in Georgia — he attacked its popular governor, ranted about the 2020 election, and praised Putin. Later, Alex talks about the anger in JD Vance and what his former Yale Law School friend thinks happened to him. Further in the episode, Alex plays the audio of RFK Jr. admitting to dumping a dead bear cub in Central Park after he wanted to skin in, but ran out of time, and thought he could leave it there. Finally, as the stock market has dropped over the last 24 hours, Alex looks at why this is happening. Is it a recession? The AI bubble bursting? Or struggles with the Japanese Yen? 

The Middle East Braces for War (Semi-Emergency Pod)

In this quasi-emergency pod, Alex expresses concerns about the Israel-Hamas humanitarian nightmare spilling into a regional war. After weeks of growing shared rocket attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, growing political assassinations, and threats of retaliation from Iran, it looks like there is a growing crisis in Lebanon. Yesterday, more than a dozen countries told their citizens to leave Beirut as flights have been cancelled and there are worries of Iran attacking Israel and Israel retaliating. Later, Alex talks about how Donald Trump won’t debate Kamala Harris on ABC, now he wants a debate on Fox News. Alex argues that Harris should call his bluff and go on Fox News. 

The Clock is Ticking in Venezuela (Maduro is Done but Violence to Come)

In this episode, Alex gives a full breakdown and background on the recent election in Venezuela. Most reports show that the opposition movement, unified under María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, won close to 80% of the vote. However, the authoritarian and entrenched regime of Nicolás Maduro declared victory, only with 51% of the vote (which is telling for an autocracy). Now the Venezuelan people are angry, María Corina is in hiding, and Alex (amongst others) worries that the worst is yet to come while the clock is also ticking on Maduro’s time in power. 

It’s Summer ’16 Again: Prisoner Swaps, Trump Takes Shots & JD Flops

In this episode, Alex ponders why only Mexican Beer seems to come with a lime, then he dives into more substantive issues. It feels awfully similar to the summer of 2016 — Trump is reverting back to his divisive and animalistic rhetoric as the country is warming up to an historic candidate running against him. Specifically, Alex focuses on Trump’s comments around Kamala Harris being a biracial woman. Later, Alex looks into the recent prisoner sway between Russia and Germany/the United States. He argues that prisoner negotiations are never perfect, and while he is glad people like Paul Whelan are home, he worries this has emboldened Putin to keep taking hostages. Finally, Alex reflects on Gov. Josh Shapiro and why he would be the best VP choice. 

The Paris Olympics Test Below Safety Standards (Arson, Bad Water & A Bloated Opening Ceremony)

In this episode, Alex focuses on the lead-up and opening day of the Paris Summer Olympics. It seems like the universe, mother nature, and some Parisians really do not want the games to take place. From Arson attacks on major French railways to the River Seine not passing Olympic water quality standards to a very bloated opening ceremony, Alex argues that these games seem to be a perfect microcosm of our current geopolitical and cultural moment. Alex also briefly talks about JD Vance’s early issues as the VP nominee, Bibi Netanyahu’s lie-riddled address to Congress, and why Biden’s address to the nation was just mediocre.