Centered From Reality

J6: Three Years Later, its Ghosts Haunt Our Democracy

In this episode, Alex mainly focuses on the events of January 6th three years later. He takes an emotional, and somewhat dark, approach to reflecting on how much everything has changed since the initial events. Alex argues that our democracy and institutions cannot function correctly if a wannabe insurrection attempt goes unpunished. 

The New York Times v. OpenAI, the GOP’s Potemkin Village Primary & Debunking the Epstein Revelations

In this episode, Alex starts by giving some updates around more carnage in the Middle East. He also provides new reports that highlight the Islamic State being involved in the terror attacks that killed over 100 in Iran. Next, Alex argues that the 2024 GOP primary race is a Potemkin Village, meaning that the entire race is a facade, considering that Trump is almost certain to be the winner. Next, the New York Times has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft. The lawsuit highlights the growing conflict between journalism and artificial intelligence. Alex believes that AI is not inevitable, but can be useful; however, he also argues that the politics of inevitability should be treated with skepticism and organizations like the New York Times should challenge the growth of OpenAI and other companies. Finally, Alex reacts to the recent release of documents surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and his atrocious actions involving underaged girls. 

Four Events Highlight a Troubling Inflection Point in the Middle East: Terrorism in Iran, Escalation in Lebananon, Violence in the Red Sea & Pure Death in Gaza

In this episode, Alex looks at how four events could dramatically escalate conflicts around the Middle East. Of course there is the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza after October 7th and the rising violence in the Red Sea. However, Alex relates these events to two recent ones. He talks about the killing of a high-ranking Hamas official in Lebanon as the UN warns of rising violence in the area. He also discusses the recent terrorist attack in Iran that killed over 100 people during the anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s death. This attack hit the soul of the Iranian regime and will see cascading effects. Alex worries that all of these events show that the world is at an inflection point as the risk of a larger conflict is growing. Alex hopes that there is enough good, pragmatic, leadership in the world to prevent an escalatory moment that could lead to a regional crisis at best, and a global conflict at the worst. 

Young Thug’s RICO Trial: Using Art Against the Artist, Harvard’s President Resigns & Worrying Death Tolls in Ukraine

In this first episode of 2024, Alex looks into the Atlanta trial of the rapper Young Thug and five co-defendants. This trial is noteworthy because prosecutors are using some lyrics from Young Thug’s songs as evidence of his drug trafficking and gang activity. Alex breaks down why his feels this precedent is controversial and could backfire. He also looks at how racial bias could be involved due to the public’s bias towards rap music. Next, Alex reacts to Harvard’s president, Claudine Gay, stepping down. She finally has left her position after her disasterous testimony on Capitol Hill involving free speech and antisemitism on college campuses. She also appears to have plagiarized some of her academic works. Finally, Alex gives a bleak update on the events occurring in Ukraine and Russia. It seems like Putin is looking to go scorched earth as his military has ramped up strikes on cities ranging from Kyiv to Kharkiv. Ukraine has also hit towns inside of Russia, killing hundreds. 

New Year’s Revolutions (with Jon Friesen)

In this New Year’s Eve episode, Alex sits down with his good buddy Jon Friesen to look ahead to 2024 and reflect on 2023. They talk about the state of the world, the war in Ukraine, the tragic death toll in Gaza, and the 2024 election. They also talk about the cultural issues growing in the United States and why they worry things are only getting worse. 

Ye’s Tone Deaf Apology, Trump Barred in Maine & Aerial Attacks Intensify Throughout Ukraine

In this episode, Alex starts with a unique and tone deaf apology to the Jewish Community from the rapper, formerly known as Kanye West. Ye has apologized for his unintential harm to the community, Alex personally thinks that the timing is perfect for trying to promote his new album while evading his irresponsible rhetoric. Next, Alex reacts to Nikki Haley saying she would pardon Donald Trump and why this again evades the rule of law. Alex then talks about Trump being barred from the 2024 primary ballot in Maine (pending appeal) and talks about what could be next. Finally, it looks like Russia is ramping up its aerial raids in Ukraine and Alex argues that this is the time recognize that Ukraine needs help. 

Transferring Frozen Russian Assets to Ukraine, Nikki Haley’s Internal Civil War Goes External & Trump’s Heartfelt Christmas Message

In this episode, Alex starts by talking about Trump’s heartfelt holiday greeting in which he tells his politial enemies to rot in hell. Next, Alex reacts to Nikki Haley’s inability to answer a direct question about slavery’s influece on the start of the American Civil War. It seems like she is trying to not anger the MAGA base and also doesn’t want to sound woke. Alex argues that she is a weaker candidate than she thought and cannot play both sides on this or talk about “states rights.” Finally, Alex looks into an interesting legal paper on how the US president could use emergency powers to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. Alex breaks down the pros and cons of these actions. 

The Pod Before Christmas

In this episode on the night before Christmas, Alex talks about the holidays and a recent article in the Atlantic he liked by Arthur C. Brooks. The article talks about how it is important to have fun during the holidays, but it is also important to make some time for meditative thought on this time of year and what it means. Later, Alex breaks down a Mediaite article on the 75 most influention people in the news for 2023. He does not agree with most of the picks. Alex also gives some updates on Trump being barred from the ballot in Colorado. 

Argentina Becomes a Public Policy Nightmare: Austerity, Stimulus & Radical Decrees

In this episode, Alex starts by giving some updates on the Shakespearean fall of Rudy Giuliani, who has now filed for bankruptcy after being order to pay hundreds of millions of dollars for defaming two Georgia election workers. Next, Alex looks into how Javier Milei’s radical economic policies in Argentina may make the country a public policy nightmare. Alex talks about austerity measures vs stimulus policies and argues that Argentina is about to become a fascinating place. Finally, Alex talks about a tragic shooting at a university in Prague. 

A Troubling US Steel Deal, Biden Loses Support with Young Americans, Looking Into the Colorado Court Decision & A New Civil War Movie Gaslights All!

In this episode, Alex starts by talking about his worries surrounding a probable merger between the once-powerful US Steel and Nippon Steel, Japan’s largest steelmaker. He discusses why this isn’t only bad for the US economy and the symbolism of American industrialization, but it also could be problematic for national security reasons. Next, Alex looks at a new New York Times/Sienna Poll that shows that President Biden is losing support amongst younger voters to Donald Trump. It seems like the chaos in domestic and foreign politics has caused a shift away from Biden. Later, Alex goes through an interesting Atlantic piece by George Conway that discusses why the Colorado Supreme Court decision barring Trump from its ballot may have some legitimacy based on the failure of its dissenters to argue a feasible reason for not supporting it. Finally, Alex goes over the controversial map in Alex Garland’s upcoming movie “Civil War.”