Centered From Reality

The Big Lie 2.0: A Hurricane of Disinformation

In this episode, Alex shares an anecdote about walking into a restaurant that was full of people that had just come from the Trump Rally. He talks about how the vibe was similar to sports fans going to the bar next to a stadium after the game ended. Later, Alex goes into the recent interviews that both Trump and Harris did over the last week. For the remainder of the episode, Alex looks into the Hurricane of Disinformation that has been spreading on X and other platforms following the tragic aftermath of the recent hurricanes. He looks at everything from Alex Jones claiming that the deep state is controlling the weather to Trump claiming that FEMA is holding up aid to make sure Republicans can’t vote in the upcoming election. 

11th Hour Election Changes in Georgia & Hurricane Helene Called UNPRECEDENTED

In this episode, Alex starts by pondering why it is so hard for Republicans to pronounce Kamala Harris’ name correctly. Then he gets into a new election law that was put fourth by Georgia’s Electoral Board in September. While it is not legally wrong, it could delay some counting of total ballots that could provide adequate time for election deniers to spew disinformation. Trump thrives in chaos and Alex worries if this eleventh hour change could bring said chaos. Finally, Alex talks about Hurricane Helene and breaks down the extent of damage and tragedy brought to the southeast by the storm. He talks about the failures of requiring flood insurance in most of the regions impacted, how this storm could impact voting in NW North Carolina, and more. 

Midwest Nice Prevails: A Debate More like 2008 (VP Debate Analysis & Recap)

In this episode, Alex provides some analysis and recap on the vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz. As Alex breaks down the different segments, he argues that the debate felt more like a throwback to 2008 rather than 2020. While he acknowledges that Vance polished Trump’s lies, he thinks that there was some middle ground established and Walz was able to thrive in it. 

The Great American Grift: $100K Watches, Trump Coins & Late-Stage Capitalism (+ Alex Defends Olivia Nuzzi)

In this episode, Alex rushes to get his thoughts out before making some shrimp tacos. He starts by sharing his thoughts on the alleged “online” affair between the New York Magazine journalist Olivia Nuzzi and RFK Jr. Alex thinks that the coverage has been too focused on her and not enough on RFK Jr., who has a record of unethical behavior. Next, Alex focuses on Hurricane Helene and how this summer has been unprecedented regarding hurricanes and damage. With more establishments being impacted by hurricane damage, the public policy world is going to need to evolve. Finally, Alex talks about Trump releasing a series of limited watches that range from $100k to $500. Alex talks about the attention economy, why Trump is doing this, and why he is shocked that Trump’s grift continues to work. 

A Troubling Execution in Missouri, Putin Threatens Nukes & the Katy Perry Rant

In this episode, Alex starts with a rant on Katy Perry. Then he gives a brief update on the federal charges launched at Mayor Eric Adams. For the rest of the episode, Alex talks about Vladamir Putin threatening the use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine if the west supplies it with long range missiles. He also talks about the tragic and likely unjust execution of Marcellus Williams by the justice system in Missouri. 

Israel/Hezbollah on the Brink, Failures from Israel’s Dahiya Doctrine & Radicalizing for Clout (+ Trump’s 2028 Admission)

In this episode, Alex starts by talking about the horrific candidate in North Carolina’s gubernatorial race, Mark Robinson. Next, Alex reacts to a recent interview with Donald Trump. In the interview, Trump said that he would not run in 2028 if he loses in 2024. Finally, Alex breaks down the recent back and fourth attacks in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah following the pager attacks last week. Israel’s attacks in Lebanon have been the worst since the 2006 war. 

Pager Bombs in Lebanon, JD's Twitter Crusade, Diddy Indicted & Trump Losing in Key States!

In this episode, Alex looks out into the rain and reflects on the news of the day. First, the rapper Sean Combs (Diddy, Puff Daddy, etc) was indicted by the Southern District of New York. US Attorney in the district, Damien Williams, outlined the charges, they include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and interstate transportation for prostitution. Next, Alex laments Scientific American endorsing Kamala Harris because he doesn’t like the precedent it sets. Then Alex talks about Trump’s war with Taylor Swift, JD Vance’s crusade to look like an a**hole, and how Kamala Harris is now leading in some swing states. Finally, Alex breaks down the pager bomb attacks that rocked Lebanon yesterday. He worries that this is relude to a larger Israeli operation in Lebanon. For months Israel has been growing increasingly frustrated at Hezbollah over rocket attacks in the northern Israel. Now it looks like diplomacy has failed. 

Another Attempt on Trump’s Life, the Laura Loomer Problem & Trump vs. His Campaign (+ Lamenting TikTok Success)

In this episode, Alex starts by lamenting his career choices while TikTok influencers are doing better than ever. Next, Alex gets to the serious news talking about the second assassination attempt on Donald Trump within two months. Alex breaks down the logistics, politics, and outcry around this event. He doesn’t think it is good that Trump is blaming the rhetoric of Democrats for the attempt while he is also getting more radicalized. Finally, Alex takes a deep dive into Laura Loomer. She is a white nationalist and conspiracy theorist who’s proximity to Donald Trump is worrying some campaign staffers and Republican lawmakers. Alex wonders if the end is coming for the movement as Trump seems to be increasingly unhinged and close to extremists. 

Tucker Retcons the Holocaust, It’s Not Time to Celebrate the Debate & Taylor Swift Shakes off the Trolls (+ the Problem with Podcast Historians)

In this episode, Alex starts by ranting about how the kids aren’t alright these days. Then he gets into the post-debate news cycle, polling shows that a lot of voters think Harris won the debate but Alex encourages people to be cautious and not celebrate yet. The race is still close and there is a lot of time. Later, Alex talks about whether Trump will do a second debate, why he claims to have won the debate, and whether the moderators did a fair job. Alex also talks about Elon Musk and Megyn Kelly attacking Taylor Swift for endorsing Harris. He thinks they just look small and petty. Finally, Alex finally reacts to the interview between Tucker Carlson and Darryl Cooper. Cooper is a pseudo historian with no background that Tucker claims is the greatest in the world. Cooper claims that Winston Churchill was the real villain of World War 2 and that the Nazis killed a lot of people due to logistical issues and a lack of supplies to give to POWs. Alex argues that Tucker is trying to create an alternative narrative for right-wing isolationism. He also talks about how podcast historians can be dangerous. 

Lies on Tap: They're Coming for Your Cats! (Debate Night Recap & Analysis)

In this episode, Alex does a full recep of the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. He argues that Harris did not win the debate, but she did perform better than Trump who lied non-stop but seemed calm and collected. Alex wonders if this debate changed any minds. It seems like her positive message may have appealed to moderates, but with a close election, most people have already made up their minds.