Centered From Reality

Trump + Tucker + Twitter(X) = Projection at its Finest

In this episode, Alex breaks down the counterprograming that was the Trump-Tucker Interview that premiered during the Fox News 2024 debate. Through clips and analysis, Alex argues that Trump is running off of the fumes of projection, vitrial, and something very derranged. 

GOP Debate Recap: Missed Shots, Have-Nots & Lost Thoughts (Plus Alex is Depressed)

In this episode, Alex conducts an in-depth analysis of the first 2024 GOP Presidential Debate. He discusses how every candidate responded to every question and also focuses on their reactions to the other candidates. Alex focuses on how the GOP is completely divided and numerous candidates vehemently disagree with one another. 

Prighozin’s Ghost Will Haunt Russia & Terrorize the Sahel

In this episode, Alex argues that Yevgeny Prigozhin's ghost will haunt Putin for a long time. According to reports from the Associated Press, “Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a plane that crashed Wednesday near Russia's Tver region, northwest of Moscow.” Alex breaks down why these events are fascinating inside of Russia, but also paint a troubling picture around what is happening outside of the country. For example, prior to his death, Prigozhin was calling for more aid towards his forces in the Sahel region of Africa. It seems like the Wagner Group is struggling in Russia, but could be gaining support inside of the African Continent. 

’He Needs a Personality Transplant’: An Autopsy of the Rob DeSanctis Campaign

In this episode, Alex focuses on why the GOP should be irritated about Ron DeSantis’s failing presidential campaign. He starts by going into new leaked memos from donors that highlight how DeSantis should attack others but defend Trump in the debates. Alex argues that this tactic is horrible and will make DeSantis look even weaker than before. For the rest of the episode, Alex conducts an autopsy of what went wrong and wonders what will happen in the general election — a lot of establishment Republicans turned on Trump and went all in for DeSantis. 

The Colombian Connection: The Need for Drug Reform & The Rich Men North of Richmond: a Faux-Populist Hit

In this episode, Alex takes listeners on a tour through the political and criminal chaos occurring in Latin America; he discusses how a good amount of these problems stem from the war on drugs, the rising influence of cartels from Colombia and Mexico, and how drug policy reform must stem from the United States and other actors in the region. Alex also notes that since the Colombian Peace referendum in 2016, former FARC members received amnesty; however, many bad actors on the left and the right have been involved in coup attempts in Venezuela and assassinations in Haiti and Ecuador. While Republcians want to militarize the southern border, Alex thinks reasonable drug policy reform is needed. Later, Alex looks into the new song “Rich Men North of Richmond.” It is blowing up in right-wing media and Alex argues that it is a faux populist hit that misses the mark but touches on important issues. 

Saudi Arabia Sportswashes its Human Rights Record, an Assassination in Ecuador & Grim News for Latin American Democracy

In this episode, Alex finally dives into why Saudi Arabia, under MBS, is getting involved in every sports league from the PGA Tour to Formula 1 and European Soccer. The country is also paying hundreds of millions to bring soccer stars like Karim Benzema and Christiano Ronaldo to play in the kingdom. Alex argues that this is bad for the historic culture of some of the sports and it is a way for MBS to try and liberalize Saudi Arabia while sportswashing its horrendous human rights record. Later in the episode, Alex gives an update on the state of democracy in Latin America; countries ranging from Mexico to Nicaragua to Brazil are seeing authoritarian crackdowns. Now, Ecuador is falling into chaos and martial law as a presidential candidate that invesgiated corruption was assassinated. Twenty years ago, the future of Latin America was looking bright; however, the current situation is looking more and more grim. 

The Iowa Fair: Vivek Loses Himself to the Music, Meatball Ron Gets Humilitated, Trump Trolls Them All & Nikki Hailey Was There, Right?

In this episode, Alex breaks down the Iowa State Fair and argues that it is a perfect microcosm for the state of the Republican Party. Alex uses videos and clips to argue that Trump is a force that the others cannot go against, and most of other candidates seem like they are going into the “has run for president” category. It is a shame because polls show that a significant  portion of Iowan voters would entertain the idea of someone other than Trump. 

Hunter’s Special Counsel Brings Backlash, Rogan Does His Own Research & Trump Threatens More Judges

In this episode, Alex is disappointed with Joe Rogan. Rogan has gone further down the rabbit hole and now seems to push conspiracies that he should do more research on. In this case, Rogan agrees that election fraud may have stolen the Arizona Gubernatorial election from Kari Lake (even though like 6 lawsuits say otherwise). Next, David Weiss has been appointed as the Special Counsel to investigate Hunter Biden and his tax evasion, gun related lies, and foreign connections. Alex thinks this is good news, but some think this is just camouflage to distract the public from the Joe-Hunter connection. Finally, Alex goes into Trump’s record of intimidating witnesses and judges are is concerned about where the actions may lead. 

The USWNT Didn’t Lose Because of Wokeness, DeSantis Drops Further, College Football Becomes a Parody & Culture Wars Are Ruining Public Policy!

In this episode, Alex talks about how GOP voters have gotten to know Ron DeSantis and REALLY don’t like him. He is dropping further in the polls and Alex wonders when his time may finally be up. Next, Alex gets into some sports topics that can be related to politics and culture. He discusses the pending demise of the Pac-12 conference as more teams have left for bigger and wealthier conferences. Later, Alex discusses the right’s reaction to the US Women’s National Team losing to Sweden in the World Cup. Many commentators blame wokeness on the loss. Alex argues that this is absurd and the party has become solely focused on culture wars. 

PragerU in Florida Schools, The War Drums in Africa Are Getting Louder & Russians in Niger?

In this episode, Alex talks about how PragerU’s “selective curriculum” may be coming to a Florida K-12 school near you. The state of Florida has sanctioned public schools to use PragerU material (while also banning AP African American courses). Alex notes that this is all insane, while Florida leadership is banning “woke ideologies” it is allowing right-wing advocacy groups like PragerU to retcon history and promote American Exceptionalism. For the rest of the episode, Alex goes into how ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, is talking about sending forces into Niger if the democratically elected government is not restored. The drums of war are banging as the Russian-Wagner forces now control several militaries in the Sahel and diplomatic talks have failed. Alex worries that this could be a new proxy issue in the Ukrainian invasion/war.