Centered From Reality

MyPillow in the Machine, ChatGPT Solves a Problem it Created & Chaos in the House!

In this episode, Alex starts with some troubling news about a groundhog from Canada that died right before he was to predict that winter was remaining for six more weeks. Alex rants about how Groundhog Day is a perfect metaphor for the GOP ignoring the looming threat of Trump 2024. Next, Alex goes through some of America’s most pressing issues, these include an amazingly funny interview between Jimmy Kimmel and Mike Lindell (who is in a claw machine), Ilhan Omar being removed from her committee for anti-semitism while the deciding vote was from an antisemitic guy named George Santos, and MTG being unable to hold a hearing. Later, Alex goes into the meeting between Kevin McCarthy and Joe Biden, why nothing happened, and why “strengthening social security” is a lie and it really means cutting social security to bring it back to solvency. Finally, Alex goes over his experience with ChatGPT and discusses why it won’t be taking over the United States yet. He also goes into how ChatGPT has created a problem in education and then has provided the solution, and why he thinks these intelligence platforms could be both beneficial and a problem. 

Egypt and Netflix are on the Brink, Hot-Spot Policing Sucks & Matt Schlapp Schlapps a Schlapp

In this episode, Alex discusses the most democratic and least democratic countries in the world, then he goes into his grievances with the new Netflix policy over password surveillance. He asks the question, “does Netflix hate its viewers and want them to leave!?” Next, Alex touches on Tom Brady and then goes into Matt Schlapp, the President of CPAC, who seems to be vehemently against “traditional family values.” Later, Alex goes into new revelations about how the Memphis police department managed to both over-police and under-police neighborhoods while failing to address the cultural issues inside of the department. Finally, Alex takes a deep dive into the Egyptian Coup of 2013, the country’s recent economic collapse, and why it all matters.

Thoughts on the Tyre Nichols Murder, Judicial Deference & Qualified Immunity

In this episode, Alex starts with a pallet cleanser. He goes into new revelations from the George Santos saga; apparently, Santos is stepping back from his committee positions until his “issues” are resolved. For the remainder of the episode, Alex goes over the atrocious, tragic, and brutal murder of Tyre Nichols. Nichols was beaten and killed by five police officers in early January. Alex goes over his thoughts on why racism is part of the issue, why systemic issues persist, why police reform may not be enough, and why accountability/oversight is still lacking in police departments across the United States. Alex also discusses his thoughts on the failures of body cams and why interactions between the police and the public must be reduced. Finally, Alex goes into some of the systemic issues that have allowed these incidences of brutality to persist. He discusses how victims of police brutality rarely get justice. Alex argues that this dilemma is caused by constitutional and legal barriers that are in the United States government, administration, and legal system. He goes over judicial deference, judicial review, and qualified immunity. All of these terms are related to granting public agencies the ability to self-investigate and regulate themselves under the view that agencies are better fit to interpret their own rules and policies. 

Biden’s New Chief of Staff, Good Economic News From Spain, the RNC Election Circius & Fireball Lawsuit

In this end-of-week episode, Alex covers a plethora of topics. He starts by talking about some new grifts/lies from George Santos. Then he gets into a lawsuit against Fireball Whiskey. Next, he talks about economic trends that are promising out of Spain and how they may backfire. For the rest of the episode, he looks at Jeff Zients, Joe Biden’s new chief of staff. Alex argues that Zients is a corporatist that will go against the progress that Biden’s administration has accomplished. He goes into Zients’ long resume which leads to many contradictory actions. Finally, Alex looks into the recent chairperson election in the Republican National Committee. It was a circus; however, Ronna McDaniel held out and was re-elected. Alex compares McDaniel to Kevin McCarthy and notes that her struggles have just begun. 

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.