Centered From Reality

The (Un)Constitutional Sheriff Movement, Looming Sectarian Violence & Tennessee Madness

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing why Tennessee has recently been in the spotlight for political chaos. This week, there was an explusion of two Democrats from the state’s House of Representatives for breaking the rules and speaking out against policies related to the recent school shooting near Nashville. While three Democrats came together in solidarity, the two black members were part of the expulsion and the white member survived the vote. Alex gives some takeaways on why this whole thing is a mess. For the rest of the episode, he looks into why he is concerned about decentralized violence, sectarian chaos, and looming threats of institutional breakdowns that could lead to minority oppression, coups, and voter intimidation.  Alex notes that the Constitutional Sheriff Movement is a far-right movement that argues that sheriffs have power over state and federal government policies and can use their own interpretation of the constitution. This movement’s founder was a board member of the Oath Keepers and there are growing worries that this movement is illiberal, nativist, and extreme.

Chicago, a Deeply Divided City, Elects a Progressive as Mayor

In this episode, Alex talks about the recent Mayoral election in Chicago where the progressive candidate, Brandon Johnson, defeated the centrist Paul Vallas. Johnson had 51.42% of the vote to 48.58% for Vallas. Alex discusses how the city is deeply divided and it will be interesting to see how Johnson handles crime, as well as other issues in the windy city. 

Failures of the Green Revolution, A Global Rice Crisis & Underwhelming Protests in NYC

In this episode, Alex starts by looking at how pro-Trump protests in New York City have been called “underwhelming.” Following his arraignment, Trump is now heading to Florida for an evening “event.” For the rest of the episode, Alex looks into a growing global rice crisis. He looks into the Green Revolution of the 20th century which emphasized efficiency, higher crop yields, global trade, and mass production. While the Green Revolution helped reduce famines in places like China and India, the usage of pesticides and fertilizers, as well as deforestation and methan production, led to other issues. Alex discusses how the mass production of rice is now backfiring as demand is increasing while yields are decreasing. Also, rice is proving to be a resource demanding crop that could intensify climate change concerns. Alex argues that governments must incentivize growing local grains that are better suited for various environments. 

Russian Blogger Gets Bust Bombed, NYC Prepares for Trump Arrest & DeSantis Appears Cowardly as Hutchinson Announces

In this episode, Alex starts by reacting to a cringy 60 Minutes interview that features Marjorie Taylor Greene was feature on. Next, he looks into the 2024 Republican Primary contenders. The Former Governor of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, has announced his candidacy; however, Alex does not think that there is any chance that Hutchinson, a critical anti-Trumper, could win. Alex also looks into why Ron DeSantis looks weak and problematic. He recently said he would oppose extraditing Trump to New York. While he must appease the Trump base, Alex thinks this makes him look weak and like someone that is threatening the fundamentals of the American federal system. Also, DeSantis is not polling well and the indictment only seems to be helping Trump. As Trump has arrived in New York City for the indictment events, Alex wonders if chaos will follow. Finally, Alex looks into the strange death of a far-right Russian blogger who went by the name of Vladlen Tatarsky. He supported the war in Ukraine but was critical of the Putin Government’s lack of aggression. Reuters reports that “Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed in a bomb attack in a St Petersburg cafe on Sunday in which some 30 other people were wounded.” Alex discusses whether the attack was by internal factions, the Kremlin, or by pro-Ukrainian groups either inside or outside of Russia. 

Trump INDICTED, Gwneyth Paltrow VINDICATED & Could DeSantis Wait Until 2028?

In this episode, Alex is fired up and talks about the two biggest news events of our time — Donald Trump and Gwyneth Paltrow. Trump was indicted by the Manhattan grand jury and made history as the first sitting or former president to be indicted. Alex is conflicted on this case and gives examples as to why. Also, Gwyneth Paltrow was found to be innocent in the fascinating and absurd Utah Ski Accident Case of 2016. Finally, Alex discusses why it would be smart for Ron DeSantis to wait until 2028 to run. 

David Pakman Needs Our Support, Voter Suppression on College Campuses & Chris Christie: Live From La La Land!

In this episode, Alex starts by defending David Pakman who has been brutally attacked by bad faith actors for his true (albeit cold) comments about how thoughts and prayers won’t stop a school shooting. Alex is angry about these attacks on Pakman because the right, which was once against cancel culture, is now trying to cancel Pakman in bad faith. Please support his work by subscribing on Youtube and buying a membership! Later in the show, Alex goes into how some Republican states are looking to limit college voting by passing laws that ban the use of student IDs to vote. Finally, Alex discusses why Chris Christie will not beat Trump in the Republican Primary. Christie may run in 2024, but he has no chance. 

Terrorism in Northern Ireland, Trans Hysteria Intensifies, Mass Protests in Israel & Mammoth Meatballs...!?

In this episode, Alex glances out in the blizzard and thinks he’s ready for the winter chaos to continue. As he stares into the blizzard, he talks about Mammoth Meatballs that were made in Australia to demonstrate the efficacy of lab-grown meat. Then he talks about the recent and tragic shooting at a elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee. Since the shooting happened at a Christian school, and the shooter appeared to be a transgender 28 year old, the Right-Wing propaganda machine has gone into full hysteria against the Transgender Community. Alex goes over some of the hateful blaming and worries that this will lead to more violence and harm against the community. Later, Alex looks into the protests in Israel and how they have forced Benjamin Netanyahu to delay some of the more radical judicial reforms. On a positive note, it seems like the Israeli people are not willing to accept Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition. Finally, Alex discusses a new report about growing threats of terrorism in Northern Ireland. He implies that the Brexit chaos, anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, sectarian tensions, and more, are all causing this growing crisis. 

Losing Five Hours on TikTok Could Be a National Security Risk & Trump Rallies in Waco on its Anniversary!

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing why he is fascinated by the Gwyneth Paltrow trial over a ski incident in Utah. Then he talks about Trump’s recent rally in Waco, Texas. Trump gave a raged filled speech close to the anniversary of the standoff between the Branch Davidians and Law Enforcement. This was a strange venue due to the event’s symbolism related to anti-government violence. Finally, Alex looks into TikTok and the new Congressional hearings that were quite hostile to the company. He also discusses whether TikTok is a national security risk, whether Biden should ban it or force the company to sell, and much more!

Deep Fakes Could Create the Next October Surprise, Leaving the Uncanny Valley & A Specter is Haunting Austria

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing new reports out of Russia regarding Putin threatening to place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Next, Alex looks into the normalization of the alt-right in Austria and why its far-right, Freedom Party, is looking to do well in the upcoming elections. Alex notes that Austria is an interesting case study into how a country has attempted to balance east and west, yet the Invasion of Ukraine has made this more difficult. Finally, Alex looks into how deep fakes may be flying out of the uncanny valley and may come to an election near you. He discusses how deep fakes are becoming more of a threat for elections, propaganda, and disinformation. He also worries that the next October surprise may really be an October lie from a fake video of someone like Biden or Trump. Alex ends by playing (and then reacting) to a deep fake of President Biden calling for a military draft. 

Bibi is Breaking Israel, Michael Knowles Calls for Indicting Libs & Comer Self-Exposes Himself

In this episode, Alex starts with a clip from Tucker Carlson that is once again a great example of deflection. Next, Congressman James Comer has self-exposed himself to a lot of hypocrisy. The chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee admitted a lot in a recent interview with the New York Times. Alex discusses how this only makes him look like a partisan fool, which is fitting for the guy who is pushing for accountability. Later, Alex goes into the recent issues in Israel. He discusses the historic levels of violence between Palestianians and Israelis, why the United States has had a rare moment of criticism towards Israel, and why recent reforms in the Knesset show that Bibi Netanyahu’s new hardline governing coalition is looking to erode the courts and give more power to extremist minorities. As thousands have taken to the streets to protest these illiberal reforms, Alex worries that Netanyahu must moderate his views or it will make Israel vulnerable. Finally, Alex reacts to a new and insane take from Michael Knowles.