Alex Kopytko is a centrist that wants to understand the extremes. He is concerned about where the United States is headed and through conversations with people from all sides of the political spectrum, he wants to know how Americans can limit the tribalism that is flourishing. As a ”skeptical Republican”, Alex thinks the country needs to come together and talk to one another before it could be too late. This podcast covers domestic politics, as well as political philosophy, and international issues.
If vigilantism becomes the only form of protest left, speech isn't safe.
In this bonus segment, Alex and Martin Benes have an interesting conversation about the contrast between ephemeral, fleeting moments in life, travel, and relationships versus stability and longterm growth. The two talk about travel tales, life, and more. They are split.
In this episode, Alex gives a mini lesson on the economics of purchasing price parity (PPP) and how it is a useful (albeit imperfect) tool to compare the economics, GDP, and currency values of different countries. He uses the example of the Economist's "Big Mac Index" and talks about how Trump's tariffs are not doing what he promised they would do. Confidence in the US dollar is dropping and it is reflective in the price of Big Macs.
Alex starts by talking about a troubling scandal in Florida between Ron DeSantis, political allies, and private security firms to build Alligator Alcatraz. Then Alex talks about how the Make America Healthy Again movement is losing the plot. He talks about a rise in tanning and sunscreen conspiracies, reversing taxes on tanning beds, and an effort to "Make Coca-Cola Great Again."
In this episode, Alex talks about how Donald Trump seems to be a soccer fan and why the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a useful smokescreen for Trumpism. Trump seems to see hosting the World Cup as a weapon of soft power. Alex also talks about FIFA, anger in Europe, and why its president is buddying up to authoritarian leaders.
In this episode, talks about why you need a permit to drink beer in parts of India, why xAI's Grok is falling in love with Hitler, and about new Epstein/Trump conspiracies.
In this episode, Alex talks about Tulsi Gabbard flipping on everything after the strikes in Iran. He also talks about Zohran Mamdani's massive rise and whether he will help democrats or drag the party deeper into the wilderness. Then he talks about whether JD Vance memes and pictures of weed pipes can get you detained and sent back to your country. Finally, he talks about the Supreme Court's 11th hour decisions that include limits on nationwide injunctions, IDs to view porn, cuts to Planned Parenthood, and more. He asks his listeners, is SCOTUS bending the knee to Trump?
In this episode, Alex starts with a recap, going over the events that have occurred between Iran, Israel, and the United States over the last days. He talks about the so-called “ceasefire” and whether it will hold. He also talks about recent, preliminary, reports that show that the strikes may not have destroyed enough enriched uranium. Trump has told his base that the strikes were successful and Alex worries that Trump will now ignore intelligence that says the contrary. Could this change the course of the war and lead to unexpected consequences?
In this episode, Alex gives his initial reaction to the Trump Administration carrying out a large strike on three facilities in Iran that have been linked to enriching uranium to a level close to making a nuclear weapon. Alex is torn because he thinks that this may have been the right move, but the people that did it are careless and make have other motives. He also worries about the escalation this could bring and whether Israel tries to make this a regime change war.
In this episode, Alex talks about the recent escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States. He also talks about how pizza delivery rates to the Pentagon probably don't, but could, foreshadow a war. Alex argues either way that wars are easy to start and hard to end.
In this episode, Alex talks about Spain's housing issues associated with over-tourism and short term rentals. Squirt guns have come to symbolize the anger locals have. Next, Alex talks about how Spain's far-right is taking advantage of a corruption scandal to attack the Spanish system. Finally, Alex reacts to Trump's sleepy parade.
In this episode, Alex is torn on what he feels about FIFA's Club World Cup. This is a new experiment that FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, hopes will expand the international soccer market and make FIFA more money. Alex talks about how players are exhausted and not excited about the cup, sponsors have pulled out, and Saudi money is infused in the broadcasting. Alex also notes that the cup is in the United States and the specter of Trump's immigration crackdowns lurks over it.
Alex talks about Israel striking Iran and he worries that Iran is actually closer to a nuclear weapon than before, even though he thinks Israel is pushing Iran further in that direction. He also talks about Trump officially announcing the end of FEMA. Alex also talks about RFK Jr. appointing Dr. Robert Malone as one of eight new members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. He fired the old 17 and is placing them with conspiracy cranks.
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