Centered From Reality

A Pointless Debate that Told Us Everything

In this episode, Alex starts by talking about the former House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, and the breaking news around him resigning at the end of the year. Then Alex rants about odd statements from Biden. He also is furious and saddened by a new shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Finally, for the remainder of the episode, Alex breaks down the fourth GOP Presidential Debate with the four remaining candidates. He laments that the debate means nothing but usefully tells its viewers a lot. 

Hamas’ Crypto Network, An Olive Oil Scandal in Spain and Italy, Rizz is the Word of the Year & Santos Sells Greetings on Cameo

In this episode, Alex talks about troubled George Santos doing Cameo holiday greetings and affirmations. Then he talks about how “rizz” , an online slang meaning charm or charisma, has been made Oxford English Dictionary’s word of the year. Later, Alex talks about an olive oil scandal in Spain and Italy that highlights how global prices and climate change have impacted Spain and Italy’s olive exporting. Finally, Alex looks into how Hamas may have funded October 7th using a fast-growing crypto network called Tron as well as insider knowledge to short sell Israeli stocks. 

Venezuela Votes to Annex Guyana, Secretary Austin Warns Israel of Strategic Defeat & Israel’s Conundrum

In this episode, Alex mainly takes a dive into recent events happening in Gaza. Israel has ramped up its attacks again as the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, warns that more civillian casulaties could lead to a strategic failure in Gaza that could hurt Israel. Alex also looks into the moral and ethical dilemma Israel faces. Finally, Alex analyzes a recent referendum that occurred in Venezuela where 95% of particpants voting yes for practically annexing Guyana due to oil interests. 

Ukraine is Descending Into Darkness

In this episode, Alex starts by reacting to a podcast he listened to that discusses Trump’s personality changes from 2016 to now. It seems like desperation and darkness have consumed him. Next, Alex looks into how external and internal factors are making it so that Ukraine is struggling against Russia and the likelyhood of Russia getting some concessions is increasing. Alex argues that complacency, internal stagnation, and Russia’s recovering war machine will make Ukraine’s agenda more and more difficult. Also, the spectre of Trump 2.0 looms on the horizon. Finally, Alex laments the fact that the QAnon Shaman is running for office. 

Santos EXPELLED, the LAME Red State/Blue State Debate & Tensions EXPLODE in Gaza

In this episode, Alex starts by expressing his hesitations around George Santos getting expelled from the House of Representatives. Since Santos has not been found guilty of a crime (yet), Alex argues that this could set a bad precedent considering how polarized congress has become. Next, Alex shares his thoughts after watching the entire Red State/Blue State debate between Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis. With Sean Hannity moderating the debate, Alex argues that the debate was less about policy and economics, and more about making California look bad. Finally, it looks like the hostage swap/temporary ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has ended after both sides claim the other violated the agreement. New violence has been reported. 

Gail Lewis: the Hero We Need, Henry Kissinger’s Amoral Realism & Finland Closes its Border With Russia

In this episode, Alex reacts to the TikTok sensation that is Gail Lewis, the Walmart employee from Illinois that signed off after ten years of duty. Alex genuinely enjoys this video and talks about why it actually is what America needs right now. Next, Alex takes a deep dive into Henry Kissinger, who died at the age of 100 on Wednesday night. He argues that Kissinger was a complicated and (maybe) morally corrupt figure that was highly involved in almost every layer of the Cold War. Finally, Alex talks about a fascinating situation unfolding on the Finnish-Russian border. The Finnish government has shut down the border for two weeks due to fears of Russia sending migrants and asylum seekers into Finland to cause political instability. Finland is the latest country to join NATO. 

The Ephemeral Dilemma of Progress, the GOP Schism Intensifies, a Foiled Assassination in the US & Analyzing the Most Expensive Cities of 2023

In this episode, Alex covers everything that is visible in the podcast name. He takes a dark tone to start and talks about why it is tough to believe in progress when everything seems to degrade over time. Then he gets into the current events. Does the Koch Network’s endorsement of Nikki Haley mean anything when Trump is up 40 points? Does it mean anything to analyze expensive cities when wealth disparity is not budging and only war and chaos can change the rankings?  

A Stabbing in Dublin Leads to Misinformation and Violent Riots & Derek Chauvin Stabbed in Prison

In this Saturday episode, Alex reacts to Derek Chauvin getting stabbed in an Arizona Prison. He talks about how George Floyd’s killer is clearly a bad apple but he has been convicted and is serving time. Therefore, he should be protected while he serves his time in prison. Later, Alex talks about a knife attack in Dublin, Ireland outside of a school that hurt several children and adults. The stabbing led to an online rumor that the attacker was a recent immigrant. This information led to violent protests and destruction by far-right groups that oppose immigration. 

The Dutch Donald Trump Wins Biggly, Peter Meijer Shifts to the Grift, a Three Year Cruise From Hell & Thoughts on Turkey Trots

In this episode, Alex starts by lamenting the recent comments put fourth by Peter Meijer, one of the only Republican Congressmen to impeach Trump after January 6th. Meijer is now running for the senate in Michigan and has changed his tone on Trump. Alex breaks down why this is disappointing and probably not going to work. Next, Geert Wilders, a far-right Dutch politician, and his Party for Freedom, shocked Dutch voters. The PVV won the most seats in parliament and now must form a coalition. Wilders is an islamaphobic leader with a lot of baggage and a lot of problems. Later, Alex talks about the maiden voyage that never happened of a cruise that was supposed to sail the world for three years. Reports state that people arrived in Istanbul to depart on the cruise, but the company eventually stated that it didn’t have the boat and the cruise was cancelled. Some people had sold their businesses and homes to go on this cruise. Finally, Alex rants about Turkey Trots and why they perfectly highlight the contrast of excess and purity in American culture. 

The Nikki Haley Fantasy, A Hostage Release Deal in Gaza & DeSantis Defends Elon Musk

In this episode, Alex starts by reluctabtly revisiting Elon Musk’s recent retweet (re-X) of an antisemetic post doubling down on the Great Replacement Theory. In an interview with Jake Tapper, Ron DeSantis defends Musk while stating that he was unaware of the X statement. Alex questions this line of thought as DeSantis defends Musk. Next, Alex breaks down what is next in the Republican presidential primary process. He argues that Nikki Haley is likely going to be the runner-up to Donald Trump but he is hesitant to think that she has any chance of dethroning him. Finally, Alex quickly talks about recent events between Israel and Hamas. There appears to be a hostage swap that has been agreed upon and now many wonder, what is next?