Centered From Reality

Centered From Reality

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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.

centeredfromreality


    • Jun 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 563 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Centered From Reality

    Pentagon Pizza Deliveries, WW3 & An Anti-TACO Reaction

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 34:01


    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.

    Summer in Spain: Squirt Guns, Scandals & Sun (+ Trump's Sad and Sleepy Parade)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 35:53


    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. 

    The Club World Cup: A Litmus Test for Soccer (Unchecked Capitalism, Saudi Money & The Spectre of Trump)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 27:56


    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. 

    Friday the 13th: Cranks in the CDC, Israel Strikes Iran & Bye Bye FEMA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 43:46


    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.

    Riots in the Streets, Authoritarianism in the Sheets (+ Trump Braggs About Polarizing the Military)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 34:14


    A Dress Rehearsal for 2026: Cracking Down on Local Operations & Enhancing Federal Authority

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 29:41


    In this episode, Alex talks about why Trump deploying the military into Los Angeles is meant to create a pretext to crack down on local power in blue states. This is intended to cripple local politics, federalize law enforcement, and potentially find ways to keep republicans in power if it is threatened. 

    The Authoritarian Moment is Here: The LA Riots + Trump's Response (Quick Reaction)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 19:01


    In this episode, fresh off of Spain's loss to Portugal, Alex does a brief episode talking about the riots in Los Angeles and why he thinks that the deportations were just a gateway drug into something deeper and that Trump/Stephen Miller are going after LA for a reason. 

    Poland Enters an Electoral, Existential Doom Spiral (+ Deport Elon & Impeach Trump)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 44:23


    In this episode, Alex talks about how democracies such as Poland, the United States, Germany, Romania, and more, are facing an issue every election that makes reform and progress difficult. Basically, every election is now marketed as “existential” and this rhetoric makes it hard for pragmatic, incumbent leaders to get enough time to actually put forward long term policies. Alex talks about the doom spiral between populist elections, centrist oppositions, and the recent presidential election in Poland. Alex also talks about the Trump-Musk feud and why he thinks Musk has more to lose.

    The Madman Theory & Trump (with Martin Benes)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 47:37


    In this episode, Alex has part two of his conversation with Martin Benes. This part focuses on foreign policy, cracks in the Putin-Trump relationship, why confusion drives Trump's foreign policies, and much more. Also, Alex talks about why Kilmar Abrego Garcia is returning to the US and Germany building up its military to be the largest in Europe.

    Maybe Xenon Gas Can Save Democracy (with Martin Benes)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 82:14


    In this episode, Alex sits down with Martin Benes. In this recent iteration of their podcast series together they talk Champions League Soccer, how Xenon Gas got some wealthy tourists to the top of Everest in peak time, and the state of democracy. They focus on Biden's capacity to be president, Elon vs Trump, and much more.

    FEMA Isn't Prepared for Hurricane Season (+ Is Elon a Problem for Trump?)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 36:00


    “Globalize the Intifada” Looks Like This (+ PSG Fans Loot Paris)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 46:17


    In this episode, Alex starts by talking about the chaos in Paris and other French cities that has occurred over the last few days after Paris Saint-Germain won its first UCL. Alex talks about the phenomenon that occurs when a fanbase's team wins a championship. Later, Alex talks about the rise of antisemitism in the United States, the horrific attack last Sunday in Boulder, and why globalizing the intifada is dangerous.

    From Taco Bowls to TACO Trade & Ukraine Historic Strike Deep into Russia (+ A Rant on the UCL Final)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 34:58


    In this episode of the Sunday Scaries, Alex embraces the heat and rants about PSG beating Inter Milan in the Champion's League Final. Then Alex talks about Ukraine's historic strike inside of Siberia that happened today. He wonders if this strike will force Russia to negotiate or call for a brutal response. Finally, Alex talks about TACO, “Trump Always Chickens Out.” It seems like Wall Street has finally realized that Trump always backs out of tariffs. Now financiers are buying the dip and making profits off of the inevitable rally. Alex talks about why it is dangerous to have a situation in which the elites profit off of the president's predictable instability.

    Ukraine Stares Into the Abyss: Ukrainian POWs Report Brainwashing, Trump's Social Media War with Putin & Intelligent Drones Hit Kyiv

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 44:03


    Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners after the meeting in Istanbul, but there are horrific reports of torture, brainwashing, and of Ukrainian soldiers forgetting about their lives in Ukraine. At the same time, Trump is in a (social media) war of words with Putin and Russia is now producing hundreds of drones a day. Alex talks about his worries.

    America's Lost Talent: Trump's War on Harvard

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 35:20


    In this episode, Alex talks about the Trump Administration's war on Harvard University. The administration has removed its tax-exempt status, is looking to vet the social media of international students, and has cut billions in grants and funding. Alex argues that this is shameful because part of America's success has been attracting the best and brightest from around the world.

    Antisemitism Surges as Gaza Suffers, Trump Peddles White Genocide Conspiracies & the Golden Dome Conundrum

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 54:23


    A Big, Beautiful Crap of a Bill, the ‘Geophysical Event' Conspiracy & Trump Threatens Bruce Springsteen

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 59:19


    In this episode, Alex starts by talking about why he thinks we are doomed. Tucker Carlson and others are giving weight to a new conspiracy about the “geophysical event” that combines climate denialism, anti-elitism, government skepticism, QAnon, and more. The event sounds like it is out of a Hollywood, apocalypse movie. Next, Trump is mad at Bruce Springsteen after comments he made at a concert in England and he is threatening to investigate the Boss. Alex talks about Trump's intimidation that is chilling for free speech. Finally, Alex talks about the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” that the House passed in the early morning. Many don't know what is in the bill, but it is clear that it will cut taxes for the wealthy, cut benefits for those in need, and spike deficits even more.

    Slow Dancing in a Burning Room: Putin Plays Trump & the War Continues

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 26:43


    A ‘Catch Me if You Can' Kind of Regime: Birthright Citizenship, SCOTUS & National Injunctions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 29:46


    In this episode, Alex first reacts to the news that Joe Biden has an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Then he talks about the hearings the Supreme Court held on Thursday around Trump's executive order to overturn birthright citizenship. It seems like the justices don't find the administration's argument valid, but there is a debate over whether national injunctions should be used in matters like this. Alex dives into injunctions and why they are controversial and also important to prevent harm.

    Hollywood Has 99 Problems & Now Tariffs Are One (+ the US Gets Credit Checked)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 37:04


    In this episode, Alex takes a deep dive into why Trump has recently threatened 100% tariffs on movies that are not filmed in the United States. He thinks this entire fiasco is a perfect metaphor surrounding why Trump thinks reviving dying industries and areas is important. Alex also talks about Moody's downgrading the U.S. credit rating.

    Grok Rants About White Genocide, Trump's Romantic Gulf Getaway & MAGA Goes After Habeas Corpus

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 50:02


    In this episode, Alex talks about why Trump's trip to the Gulf States to meet with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Syria, shows that his foreign policy goals will be transactional and immoral. Next, Grok, the AI chatbot produced by Elon Musk's xAI, seems to be obsessed with South Africa and conspiracies about “white genocide.” Many are wondering if this is intentional. Finally, Stephen Miller thinks that the “emergency” at the Southern Border is enough for the administration to suspend Habeas Corpus. Alex argues that only Congress can suspend this action and also worries that people like Miller see this as a window of opportunity to suspend government overreach. 

    Hamas Force One: Foreign Grifts, Crypto Gifts & National Security Shifts (+ Hasan Piker Detained & A Worsening UK Deal)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 41:26


    In this episode, Alex talks about how he is always disillusioned when he's heard people on the right say that Trump is shielded from being a corrupt president because of his net worth. These people say that Trump isn't worried about money and will fight for the American people. Alex argues that this is all BS and he has the proof — a $400 million plane (gift) from Qatar, a crypto scheme, hotel deals, and more show that Trump is openly corrupt and doesn't care. 

    Sunday Scaries: NATO's Nightmare, Narva Scenario & A Surgeon General That Can't Practice Medicine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 66:04


    In this Mother's Day episode of the Sunday Scaries, Alex starts by talking about Casey Means, Trump's pick to be the U.S. Surgeon General. Means is part of the MAHA movement, is a friend of RFK Jr., expresses vaccine skepticism, has no experience running a public health organization, and didn't even finish her residency to practice medicine. For the rest of the episode, Alex talks about the Narva Scenario (out of Estonia) which would be a nightmare for NATO. He then poses the question — is Putin preparing to strike a NATO country?

    Trump Appoints Judge “Wine Mom” Pirro to D.C. & the First American Pope Triggers MAGA!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 33:53


    In this episode, Alex talks about why Trump has appointed the Fox News host and former lawyer, Jeanine Pirro, to the the attorney for Washington D.C. Many think she is unqualified but Alex thinks she is technically qualified but also radical and dangerous. Later, Alex talks about Robert Prevost becoming the first Pope to be from the United States. Pope Leo XIV has triggered MAGA and some think the picking of an American Pope signals that most of the world sees that America is in decline.

    Forever War Looms in Gaza: Trump Loses Interest in Peace & Bibi is Emboldened (+ a Handshake deal with the Houthis)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 35:29


    In this episode, Alex focuses on Israel's new troubling plan for Gaza, but he also zooms out and talks about why there is a Trumpian shadow looming over this. We are finding out that Trumpian diplomacy involves big promises, failing to deliver on those promises, losing interest, and emboldening the bad guy. We have seen that in Israel and Ukraine so far.

    Returning to Alcatraz, the Culture Wars Enter the Pentagon & India Strikes Pakistan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 35:09


    The Sunday Scaries: A Troubling Trump Interview (+ Thoughts on a Golden Age)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 29:52


    A Trade Storm is Brewing at the Port of LA (+ MAGA & Your Data)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 28:54


    The Twitter Files Inspire a Witch Hunt at the State Department (+ Shrinkflation at Taco Bell)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 31:09


    In this episode, Alex talks about how Darren Beattie, a senior official at the Department of State has used government data to create a list of people in the agency that have been in contact with public figures critical of Trump/MAGA. Alex talks about how Beattie's actions mirror those of Elon Musk when he green lit the “Twitter Files.” 

    The Waltz in Our Stars: Faults in National Security as Trump Purges Realists & Internationalists

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 27:47


    Mike Waltz has been demoted from National Security Advisor to the Ambassador to the United Nations. Alex gets over his Schadenfreude to talk about why Waltz was probably the most reasonable person we will get and why this demotion is a perfect metaphor for why the Trump Administration is engulfed in chaos.

    A Mineral Deal That Turns Ukraine Into a U.S. Vassal State & Trump's 100 Day Week Sees Economic Woes (+ Economic Contractions)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 41:36


    Some are applauding Trump's recent mineral deal with Ukraine but Alex argues that it is not only exploitative of Ukrainian resources during a tough time, but it also will limit the country from embracing green technology. Alex then talks about the economy, stagnation, contractions, and why Trump will always blame Biden.

    Canadians Can't Agree on Anything but Trump!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 32:34


    DOGE Sucked, What's Coming Next Will Be Worse: Schedule F, Climate Science Cuts & Privatizing NOAA

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 37:36


    In this episode, Alex reminds listeners that Project 2025 exists alongside the chaos of DOGE. As Elon Musk is distancing himself from Trump, it is time for Project 2025 to make things worse. He talks about Schedule F ruining the civil service, AmeriCorps cuts that may rock civil society, worrying cuts to climate research, and more.

    Disco Isn't Back but Stagflation is (+ A New Strategy in North Carolina to Steal Elections)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 36:48


    Drunk Texting War Plans as VOX is Making Franco Proud, Violence Rises in Kashmir & Marco Makes State Department Cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 46:10


    In this episode, Alex goes over a myriad series of events happening around that world that trouble him, especially as the State Department is making cuts and Pete Hegseth is drunk texting war plans.

    Signalgate Deux: Hegseth Strikes Back (+ Pope Frances Dies & Divides MAGA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 30:20


    In this episode, Alex watches the sunset and talks about the sun setting on stability and norms as the Pentagon is in dysfunction. 

    We Are About to Deport Afghan Christians & Allies Fleeing Persecution (+ Dangerous Josh Shapiro Conspiracies)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 31:58


    The Immigration Crisis Moves South to Costa Rica & Trump Caves to Putin (+ Little Marco Gets Smaller)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025 36:11


    In this episode, Alex sits in his car (again) with a beautiful and positive view while he talks about some dark events going on around the world. First, it looks like Donald Trump and Marco Rubio want to force Ukraine to make a peace deal with Russia ASAP or they will clean their hands of all parts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Later, Alex talks about why countries like Costa Rica and Nicaragua are about to see an immigration/humanitarian crisis. This is because migrants seeking asylum in the US are being deterred by the deportations and hostility to foreigners and are heading south. 

    ‘Amazon Prime But With Humans' — Privatizing Deportations (+ the Retribution Era is Beginning)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 35:51


    In this episode, Alex focuses on the Trump Administration needing to convince the public that its mass deportation campaign is happening. Though it has deported high profile individuals, deportations are down from 2024. Congress is likely to pass a bill that would nearly double ICE's budget over the next decade and it looks like the entity wants to deport way more people. The acting ICE director has said that they want to privatize some aspects of deportations and compared the reforms to Amazon Prime but “with people.” 

    A Kafkaesque Crisis: Trump Sides with El Salvador, Ignores the Courts & Threatens to Send US Citizens to CECOT

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 29:01


    In this episode, Alex talks about Katy Perry (and others) going into “space” for about ten minutes. Then he talks about the prices, heat, traffic, and payment plans that plagued this year's Coachella events. For the rest of the episode, Alex talks about why the Trump Administration is on a collision course with the Supreme Court. A district court ordered the administration to return Abrego Garcia, the man wrongfully deported to CECOT in El Salvador. But after Trump met with President Bukele in the Oval Office, the administration has decided to side with Bukele and is not pursuing his release and return. Alex worries that Trump is defying the courts and is setting a dangerous precedent. 

    A White Genocide in South Africa That Doesn't Exist (+ Why Trump is Obsessed With it)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 25:44


    In this “car podcast”, Alex sits in his car after a run and talks about Trump's weird obsession over white genocide in South Africa. Trump cut off aid to South Africa but granted special refugee status to white, Afrikaner, South Africans. The problem with all of this is that the South African government is not taking land from Afrikaners and is not killing them. Alex talks about how this is a false theory that has empowered white nationalists in South Africa and around the world. It seems like Trump likes the concept because it appeals to his grievance-based politics. 

    The Lack of Plan is the Plan: QAnon, Tariffs, Trade Wars & Making a Pencil Takes a Village!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 37:34


    Alex thinks that the lack of a clear plan involving Trump's tariffs is part of the plan. He also talks about how there are parallels between the QAnon movement and Trump's base denying the flaws of his chaotic tariff regime. Both seem to trust the man over logic and whatever shared reality is left. Alex brings up these topics because on the day his “Liberation Day” tariffs were set to go into effect, he paused a majority of tariffs for 90 days (though he has kept the 125% tariffs on China and the base 10% tariff on everyone else). Alex speculates as to why this is happening and whether Trump has a plan or is just trusting his instinct. Unfortunately, Trumpism leaves enough holes and there are propagandists that can help fill the gaps. 

    The Sunday Scaries: Tourism to the US Plummets, Soft Power Implodes & Tariffs on Penguins and Ukraine (but not Russia)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 28:38


    Neo-Nazi Movements Reemerge as the FBI Looks Away (+ Zelensky Eyes Elections)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2025 36:46


    In this episode, Alex is worried about the FBI. Groups like the Base are growing and mobilizing as Kash Patel is no longer focused on them. The Base has gone global and is calling for the creation of an ethno-state in Ukraine and is hoping they can de-stabilize peace talks. Putin is now backing them and hoping they can help to cause chaos. The Neo-Nazi movement called The Base has called on people from around the world to attack Ukrainian sites of interest, this movement is from the US and the current FBI is no longer prosecuting these people. Alex only worries.  He also gives some updates out of Ukraine. 

    An Own Goal: Are We Making China Great Again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 35:48


    In this episode, Alex focuses on how Trump's trade war could help China course correct after its COVID-19 failures and internally focus on decoupling from the West. He also talks about how Trump is already botching his tariff message because he can't commit to durable investment in US firms since he is focusing on short term negotiations with some of the trading partners. For the tariffs to “work” Trump must commit to a durable strategy and not just threaten countries to renegotiate while tanking the US economy. 

    Laura Loomer Returns to the Oval Office & France's Marine Le Pen Dilemma

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 34:42


    In this episode, Alex talks about the stock market taking a dive over Trump's tariffs (the worst since March 2020) as anxiety deepens and China retaliates. He also talks about why the radical conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer is returning to the Oval Office to convince Trump to fire National Security Council officials that she has deemed “disloyal.” Finally, France is set to have a democratic dilemma as Marine Le Pen, the far-right politician and front-runner for the 2027 election, has been barred from running for five years over fraud and misusing EU funds. Alex ponders if it is healthy for the courts to bar someone from running for office in a democratic system. 

    Silly President, Tariffs Are for the 1800s!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 39:15


    In this episode, Alex has a little hope as Susan Crawford beat Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin judiciary race. He thinks this was a referendum on Elon Musk, but he isn't sure if this is a sign that Republicans will face a tough battle in the midterms. Alex also talks about the “administrative error” that led to the Trump Administration deporting a man under protected status in the United States. For the rest of the episode, Alex talks about how Liberation Day has finally arrived and Trump has help up his promise to do universal tariffs for most countries and higher tariffs for certain offenders. Alex wonders if Trump's economic stupidities could help mobilize voters against him, he asks the simple question — could an economic disaster actually save our republic? 

    Votes for Sale(?) in Wisconsin: A Referendum on Elon's Approach

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 30:54


    In this episode, Alex, a Packers fan and avid Cheesehead, is mad that Elon Musk is highly involved in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Election between a Trump-endorsed candidate, and an Obama-endorsed candidate. This will be the most expensive state judge race of all time. Alex talks about how it seems apparent that you can go to jail for giving someone water in a voting line in Georgia, but Musk can do a $1 million sweepstakes to get people to vote in Wisconisn. 

    Sunday Scaries: Liberation Day, Trump Warns of a Third Term & Myanmar's Earthquake on Top of a Civil War

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 42:21


    In this episode, Alex is suffering from the Sunday Scaries so he decides to a service for his listeners and make that issue worse. He talks about Trump saying he is serious about running for a third term (though the logistics are complex and nearly impossible), he also talks about how Liberation Day (the day Trump has promised to fully enact all of the tariffs) is coming on April 2nd, and why the situation in Myanmar is worsening. As Myanmar's authoritarian, military junta has called for aid after the earthquake, it has already started bombing areas that were heavily hit. Alex talks about how Myanmar now faces an earthquake on top of a violent civil war. 

    Erdoğan Crossed the Rubicon & MAGA is Taking Notes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 34:04


    After mainly going after unsympathetic characters in Turkey, President Erdoğan has crossed the rubicon and jailed his main political opponent ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Alex talks about why this is troubling, why Turkish Democracy is crumbing, and how MAGA is using this same playbook.

    Financing a Burrito as the Republic Cracks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 33:42


    In this episode, Alex rants about a myriad of topics related to the economy, Klarna teaming up with Door Dash to finance food delivery, JD visiting Greenland, why the process is the threat, and why Kristi Noem sucks. 

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