Centered From Reality

Politics in a Box, The Forest Defenders vs. the Police & a Looming Health Crisis in France

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing how Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin may be the next big player in Russian politics. As Putin continues to struggle in Ukraine, Prigozhin is a master of creating “politics in a box” and funding ultra-nationalist groups (like the Wagner Group). It seems like Prigozhin is up to something. Next, Alex reflects on how Kobe Bryant died three years ago. Time is strange and the death of Bryant was the beginning of a tragic and chaotic 2020. Later, Alex goes into new revelations from the National Archives, CNN has reported that the National Archives are asking former presidents and vice presidents to check into their classified documents. Later, Alex discusses a troubling trend in France — according to new reports, the obesity rate has doubled to almost 17% of the population. This trend is occurring throughout Europe and is problematic for the future. Finally, Alex discusses a very chaotic and contradictory event that occurred between the police and activists in Atlanta, Georgia. He sides with the police after the city was only trying to create a more hospitable environment for all. 

Tanks to Ukraine, War Games in South Africa, Russian Subs in Hawaii & Tucker Carlson Deep Dives into Crazy!

In this episode, Alex starts by looking into why Tucker Carlson is more worried about fearmongering around the M&M “spokescandies” and a Space Vagina instead of real issues. He breaks down why Tucker does what he does. Later, Alex focuses the rest of the episode on recent revelations associated with the War in Ukraine. He talks about Russian submarines spotted in Hawaii, what the US and Germany sending tanks to Ukraine means, and the implications of a military drill between South Africa, China, and Russia. 

Driving Through Utah: Hotel Room Horrors, Chinese Decline, Mike Pence Hypocrisy & Shootings

In this installment of Alex’s “Driving Through” series, Alex sits in the passenger seat as the car moves through the Great Salt Lake. He reflects on some horrors that occurred the night before in his hotel room, relates these events to the recent shootings, and discusses why extreme gun rights have become negative impacts on people’s individual liberties. Later, Alex discusses a report that the Chinese population has declined for the first time since the 1960s. This will lead to severe health system issues and high societal costs as a large, older population is growing. Alex also notes that this decline is just another issue in China, as the COVID protests and anger in younger populations are leading to a ticking time bomb. Finally, there are recent revelations about classified documents being found in Mike Pence’s residence in Indiana. Alex argues that the US has a classified documents problem that covers the entire political spectrum. 

Driving Through Wyoming: Reflections on Moral Bankruptcy, Hemingway, George Santos & the Debt Ceiling

In this episode, Alex sits in the passenger seat as they drive through the interior of Wyoming. He starts by giving an update on when the podcast will be back. Then he rants about the scenery, and why he likes Wyoming. Later he gets into some thoughts on the moral bankruptcy of the GOP, the debt ceiling crisis, and some recent mass shootings. Wyoming really makes one reflect on everything. 

*** apologies for the car noise and less-than-perfect audio quality. 

Security Struggles in the Sahel, Instability in Nigeria & Biden’s Woes Worsen

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing how Joe Biden’s woes are getting worse; Merrick Garland has opened up a special counsel investigation into Biden’s mishandling of classified documents while he was vice president. Alex worries that this is a political nightmare that will allow moderate Republicans to defend Donald Trump. For the rest of the episode, Alex takes a deep dive into the issues in the Sahel. The region has seen a troubling mix of growing extremism (like the Islamic State), climate crises, and food insecurity. This mix of factors has created a socio-political climate that is perfect for coups, authoritarianism, and a cycle of violence. Alex goes into some of the examples in the region and why they could impact everyone. 

MTG Goes to (PR)Rehab, Mother Nature’s Cruel Joke, More Flight Risks & Santos is in Congress

In this episode, Alex starts by pondering why Donald Trump has become a recluse. Then he discusses why the Nassau County GOP has asked Robert Santos to resign, will be? No. Next, Alex discusses another airline nightmare. The Economist notes that “Domestic flights are gradually resuming in America hours after the Federal Aviation Administration canceled departures due to a fault in its computer systems.” Apparently, the F.A.A.’s “Notice to Air Missions” systems had failures and this caused cancellations and shutdowns. Later, Alex looks into the recent weather catastrophes in California. The state has gone from epic droughts to debilitating floods. These shifts are difficult for tangible public policies to get passed and highlight the issues that California will face. Finally, Alex takes a deep dive into Marjorie Taylor Greene’s attempt at rehabilitating her image. She is now trying to be moderate and is trying to cleanse any records of her time as a QAnon, anti-semite. Alex worries that her flexibility is working and shows new issues with McCarthy’s GOP.

Drug Wars in Mexico, Deja Coup in Brazil, Biden’s Document Disaster & Netflix Sucks

In this episode, Alex starts with a rant about why he is irritated with Netflix. He discusses how it constantly cancels good shows without giving them time to breathe or grow. This has created a loyalty issue because viewers are afraid to get into a new show because it could be canceled. Alex tells his listeners to watch Ginny and Georgia so this won’t happen and it will get renewed. For the rest of the episode, Alex gets serious and talks about Biden’s meeting with Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The two met in Mexico City on Monday and things did not start off well after the two argued about American influence in Mexico. Next, Alex discusses how violence has erupted in Sinaloa between the Sinaloa Cartel and the Mexican Military. The Guardian writes about people “scrambling for cover as security forces and cartel gunmen fought for control of an airfield that had become the latest frontline of a Latin American drug conflict that claims tens of thousands of lives every year.” Later, Alex discusses an optics nightmare for the Biden Administration. Apparently, classified documents were found in the old office of Joe Biden. This has created a nightmare for Merrick Garland, whose Department of Justice has been going after Donald Trump for the same thing. Finally, Alex goes over the recent chaos that erupted in Brasilia, Brazil over the weekend. Supporters of the former president, Jair Bolsanaro, stormed the Congressional Building and Supreme Court. The events looked eerily similar to what happened almost two years ago in the United States. 

McCarthy Sold His Soul at a Discount Price & Still Lost!

In this episode, Alex shares his thoughts on Kevin McCarthy finally getting the role of House Speaker after 15 votes. Then rants, raves, and roasts about McCarthy due to all the concessions he made to become the speaker. Basically, McCarthy gave away all of his power and will be a hostage to the far-right. 

A Broken House, Lula Inaugurated as Bolsonaro Flees & Escalation in Ukraine?

In this episode, Alex starts with some good news about plans in Northern Europe to create a renewable energy sector that could make Europe energy independent. Then he discusses reports that both Germany and the United States are going to send armored vehicles to Ukraine in a decision that had previously been avoided due to fears of angering Russia. Alex also discusses how escalation may be occurring and what to expect from these events. Later, he discusses new updates in the House of Representatives. As of now, Kevin McCarthy has failed ten votes to become the speaker. Alex notes that while this is entertaining, these events show that his detractors are willing to hold public policy and legislation hostage. Finally, Alex discusses the inauguration of Brazil’s new president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Lula, as he is sometimes called, was president before, and staged a political comeback to beat Jair Bolsanaro. Bolsanaro broke from tradition and did not attend the inauguration, instead, he went to Florida. 

Schadenfreude Over McCarthy’s Failures, The Talented Mr. (Santos) Ripley & NFL Darkness

In this episode, Alex starts by going over why he finds Truth Social to be so alluring and fascinating. Then he discusses the new nickname that Democrats have been calling Robert Santos — the Talented Mr. Ripley. Alex then goes into Santos’ new scandal regarding stolen checks in Brazil. Brazilian officials are now investigating him. Next, Alex goes into the tragic events that happened during the Bills-Bengals game in which Damar Hamlin had a cardiac arrested and collapsed on the field. After needing to be revived twice, he is not in critical condition in the hospital. Since the accident, Alex discusses how there have been numerous vaccine conspiracies that sound ridiculous. Also, he admits that many NFL viewers are hesitant to admit that the NFL will always be unsafe and it is a sport that will likely never be able to fully change. Finally, Alex goes over all the chaos surrounding Kevin McCarthy’s inability to get enough votes to become the speaker of the house. As of Wednesday night, he has lost six rounds of votes to be the speaker. The Democrats are currently unified, while the GOP is in disarray.