Podcasts about veterans affairs

Joe Kent Resigns Over Iran. Hegseth is Losing It. More than 200 Troops Wounded Now. Drones Hit US Embassy in Baghdad. WBC: USA vs…Venezuela. QB Dante Moore Sets A Good Example on Mental Health.  On a wild and weird St. Patrick's Day, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down Trump's expanding war in Iran and his shocking talk about “taking Cuba,” and explains why once you kick a hornet's nest, the hornets—not Trump—decide when it's over. From 50,000 U.S. troops in harm's way, growing drone threats, and a widening conflict across the Middle East, to MAGA insiders breaking ranks like Joe Kent and an unraveling Pete Hegseth, Paul calls out dangerous weakness at the top, a feckless Congress, and the newest inductees into the 2026 Chickenhawk Club. No guest, no spin—just Paul, like your political pint of Guinness, giving you the independence, information and integrity you won't get anywhere else. Paul also focuses on the human cost of war: more than 200 wounded troops in seven countries, grieving Gold Star families like Cheryl Simmons, and the vital work of helpers like TAPS and Bonnie Carroll supporting survivors long after the cameras are gone. He connects that pain to a powerful story of a young quarterback opening up about depression, using his platform to fight stigma and prove that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.  From St. Patrick's Day in New York and Dropkick Murphys on the playlist, to mental health, March Madness and a packed slate of upcoming guests like Ken Casey, General Mark Hertling, Seth Bodner, Tim Mak and more, this episode will help you stay informed, stay engaged—and stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He Is So Racist. Noem Perjury Charges? 6 More American KIA Identified. Cuba's Electrical Grid Collapses. Rep Andy Ogles is a Hateful Bigot. Stars and Stripes the Latest Target. Oscars & March Madness.  Donald Trump is a runaway train, and we're all along for the ride. In this urgent solo “Manosphere Monday” briefing, Paul Rieckhoff rips into Week Three of Trump's war in Iran, the total blackout in Cuba, and a stunning failure of imagination from both parties and much of the media as casualties mount and forever war becomes the plan, not the exception. From the lonely circuit breaker role of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, to the growing cyber battlefield where the lights go out before the bombs drop, Paul breaks down how Trump is going “all gas, no brakes,” why allies still matter, and how the human cost of this war is already immeasurable for Gold Star and surviving families here at home. He calls out the politicians cashing in on conflict, the Congressmen openly attacking Muslim Americans, and the Pentagon and Wall Street players treating war like one more business opportunity. But this episode isn't just about outrage, it's about action—and about redefining what real leadership and real manhood look like in a dangerous time. Paul spotlights the quiet courage of our allies, the sacrifice of fallen service members, and the inspiration of America's Paralympic sled hockey gold-medal run, alongside cultural flashpoints from the Oscars to the World Baseball Classic and March Madness. He draws a sharp contrast between Trump's war on the press and the work of truth-tellers like Stars and Stripes, Ukrainian filmmakers, and independent journalists risking everything to stand up to Putin and authoritarianism. If you're one of the 45% of Americans who now identify as independent—or independent-curious—and you're looking for straight talk, hard questions, and a plan to fight back against extremism from all sides, this is your show. Stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

War reveals who people are—the best of us and the worst of us. In this special episode, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff takes you inside his fiery appearance on MSNBC's Deadline White House with Nicolle Wallace, sounding the alarm about Trump's reckless march toward war with Iran, the extremism driving today's culture wars, and the urgent need for real leadership and accountability. Fresh off hits on NewsNation and Stephen Colbert, he explains why this could actually be one of the most unifying moments in recent American history—even as the drumbeats of war grow louder in the Middle East and chaos spreads at home, with opposition to a new war in Iran rising from NFL legends like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to conservatives like Newt Gingrich and unlikely critics like Megyn Kelly and Steve Bannon.​ Rieckhoff digs into how Trump and his allies have crossed into every part of American culture—sports, entertainment, even Spongebob—and why the backlash matters, from the growing popularity of opposing ICE to a broad public rejection of another Middle East war and the central role of independents—now roughly 45% of the country—in defending core American values. He goes deep on the stakes for veterans and military families, including alarming new moves by the VA to put homeless veterans under guardianship and a broader effort to turn the Pentagon into the tip of the spear for an extreme culture war—from banning books and rolling back women's rights to pushing Christian nationalism—calling it the most dangerous course for America's future and a test for politicians, retired generals, civic leaders, and every independent American -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

xAttack on Michigan Synagogue. Tragedy and Heroism at ODU's ROTC. Bombing Civilians is Bad. Trump Drops Russian Oil Sanctions. UFO General Missing. RIP Rick Bolanos. Mid-East F1 Cancelled. American caskets are coming home again. In this fierce, fiery Friday episode, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the escalating “Iran overflow” war, the KC‑135 crash that killed six American service members, the growing drumbeat of troop movements into the Middle East, and the total failure of Congress to do its job on questions of war and peace. He calls out Trump's illegal “no quarter” rhetoric, Pete Hegseth's authoritarian war on the press, ICE's abuses at home, and the dangerous normalization of UFC “Freedom Fights 250” on the White House lawn—while reminding listeners why if you're not angry, you're not paying attention.​ Then Medal of Freedom recipient, Air Force veteran, and TAPS founder Bonnie Carroll returns to go deeper on what really happens when someone is killed in action, in training, in terror attacks at home—or lost to suicide. Paul and Bonnie unpack the brutal realities of casualty notifications, the lifelong journey for surviving families, and the heroic work TAPS is doing right now for the loved ones of those lost in Iran, Iraq, Old Dominion, Michigan, and beyond—and how you can help. It's a powerful conversation about grief, courage, accountability, and hope that will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Check out and support TAPS and all of their programs. And the TAPS Honor Guard Gala which is an amazing event every year. -Urge your representatives to support and pass the Richard Star Act and protect veterans' retirement pay and disability compensation. -Take a moment and honor the legacy of Vietnam Veteran hero Rick Bolanos. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Staff in the upper chamber of Congress now have the go-ahead to use Senate data with three popular generative AI chatbots thanks to approval from an office that oversees the legislative body's administrative operations. A recent notice from the Senate Sergeant at Arms' chief information officer announced the approvals for Microsoft's Copilot, Google's Gemini, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, expanding on previous policies. That memo was previously reported by the New York Times and independently obtained by FedScoop. According to the document, Copilot is integrated into the Senate's Microsoft 365 environment already, and more information about licenses for Gemini Chat and ChatGPT Enterprise will be coming within the next 30 days. Each Senate employee will be able to get one license for either Gemini or ChatGPT at no cost. Approval of the tools comes as entities across the federal government — including Congress, executive agencies, and the federal judiciary — have been navigating their own use of the growing technology to reduce administrative toil and assist staff. The Senate, for its part, previously allowed ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft's Bing AI chat in 2023 at “moderate” risk levels, but they were only for research and evaluation or use with non-sensitive data. The new approvals are less restrictive on the type of data that can be ingested, opening the door to more widespread use. The architect of the Department of Veterans Affairs' artificial intelligence program and digital modernization strategy is leaving the agency after nearly nine years. Charles Worthington, the VA's chief AI officer and CTO, said in a LinkedIn post Thursday that “the time is right” for him to step down from his posts. A Harvard grad, Worthington joined the federal government in 2013 as a Presidential Innovation Fellow. He parlayed that experience into a role as senior advisor to the federal CTO, where he co-created the U.S. Digital Service following the disastrous rollout of HealthCare.gov. After nearly three years with USDS, including as the White House tech office's acting deputy administrator, Worthington moved on to the VA in 2017. In addition to leading the agency's digital modernization work, he also supported its adoption of commercial cloud infrastructure, oversaw the creation of vets.gov, rebuilt va.gov and launched VA Notify, per a congressional bio and his LinkedIn profile. In addition to boosting digital services for veterans, Worthington worked in recent years to spur AI adoption across the agency. Under his watch, the VA emerged as one of the most prolific AI users in the federal government, with an inventory that's now 367 use cases strong. Included in that tally is the agency's VA GPT chatbot.Worthington, who also served on the Technology Modernization Fund board for four years, didn't reveal in his LinkedIn post where he's headed next. But he said his time with the VA “has been the most important work” of his career. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Trump Endorses Jake Paul. VA Wants to Institutionalize Homeless Vets. The Loud X Minority. We Need An Indy to Run vs Fetterman. Italy Wins, Saves USA.  Trump's Iran war is spiraling, controversy is overflowing, the world is in chaos, enemies are celebrating, the VA is quietly grabbing new power over homeless vets, and John Fetterman is MIA on a horrific school strike in Iran—so Paul fires up the mic for a solo episode that pulls no punches and looks around the corner at what's coming next. From Iran to California drone threats, from outrageous “war slop” videos out of the White House to the FBI playing fanboy with UFC fighters at Quantico, this episode is a rapid-fire briefing for independent Americans who refuse to drink the bullshit both parties are serving. Paul breaks down why most Americans are not as divided as the algorithms want you to believe, why independents (especially in Pennsylvania and South Carolina) are the real sleeping giant, and how celebrity, culture, sports and even the Paralympics are being weaponized in this new era of global conflict. He closes with a powerful, emotional story of a high school hockey player who turned unimaginable loss into a double-overtime miracle—and a reminder that heroism, community and hope are still out there if you know where to look. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Community Action for Veterans (CAV) Executive Director Jill Baker says the biggest request her organization gets is support for military families. We hear an update on CAV and its work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to share details about storm chaser scams and tax scams where someone reaches out via phone or email pretending to be from the IRS. He also explains what to be cautious of at wedding expos and fake letters from Veterans Affairs.

Iran War Opposed by Most Americans. Senator Ron Johnson Hates Vets. Dr Dre is a Billionaire. USA Sled Hockey Rocks. Trump's deeply unpopular war in Iran is escalating, US troops are being wounded in large numbers, and the war on the truth is raging—so Paul Rieckhoff is back with a fast, fiery solo episode to help you cut through the chaos, fueled by G. Love & Special Sauce and fresh off a big night on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. From new reporting on undisclosed American casualties and oil shocks in the Strait of Hormuz to Trump's all‑gas‑no‑brakes foreign policy and a Congress with “no plan to stop him,” Paul breaks down what's really happening, why it feels like Iraq all over again, and what eternal vigilance looks like for you right now.​ He digs into Trump's forever war, the overextended US military, and the historic unpopularity of the Iran conflict—less support than Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan—while calling out senators who act more like pundits than leaders and demanding a real plan to constrain presidential war powers. Along the way he blasts Senator Ron Johnson for blocking the bipartisan Richard Starr Act that would ensure wounded combat veterans get both the disability and retirement pay they've earned, pulls back the curtain on his latest Colbert appearance and his push to draft Stephen to run as an independent against Lindsey Graham, spotlights Independent Veterans of America, and still finds room for joy—from USA sled hockey's Paralympic dominance and the World Baseball Classic to Dr. Dre's long‑awaited billionaire status and what the “year of the billionaire” says about America now. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rogan & Bannon Question Iran. Ignorant Outrage Over Troops Steak & Lobster. Hegseth to Approve All Hegseth Photos. Drones: “The Factory is the Weapon”. Ray Lewis Mad. Italy Stuns US. Adebayo's 83!  On this Wartime Wednesday episode of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff takes you inside the rapidly escalating war in Iran, what it really means for troops and families, and why 76% of Americans now oppose it. From a deadly U.S. strike on an Iranian school and new Pentagon revelations, to drone warfare, Cyber Command leadership, the Strait of Hormuz, and the viral Heath “lobster and steak” for Troops outrage, Paul breaks down the stories everyone should be tracking—but most news and politics shows are missing.​ Because we didn't just start covering national security and war when the war with Iran started. We focus on it always. And this is one of the few shows out there hosted by a combat veteran who gets it.  You'll also hear about wounded soldiers returning from the Middle East and speaking out, why cheap drones are the top threat of this war, and how America is still not ready enough at home or abroad. Paul hits veterans' benefits battles in Congress, the candidacy of retired General Sean Harris in Marjorie Taylor Greene's open Congressional seat in Georgia, and why independents remain the needle in American politics—plus culture and sports updates from Miley's Hannah Montana return to the World Baseball Classic, the USA at the Paralympics, and NFL legends Ed Reed and Ray Lewis pushing back on Trump's war propaganda. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let us know what you think!Veterans Challenge the VA Over GI Bill BenefitsIn this episode of Security Halt! Podcast, host Deny Caballero explains the legal challenge against the Department of Veterans Affairs over access to GI Bill education benefits.Following a Supreme Court ruling, veteran organizations argue that the VA's interpretation of the law continues to limit access to benefits that veterans have earned through their service.In This Episode• Understanding the Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill • The Supreme Court ruling affecting veteran education benefits • Why veteran organizations are challenging the VA • How long-term service could penalize some veterans • What the legal process could mean for over one million veteransChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Veteran Issues02:33 Legal Challenge Against the VA04:20 Understanding the GI Bill Programs06:03 Supreme Court Ruling and Its Implications09:15 The VA's Interpretation of the Law10:43 Next Steps in the Legal Process12:28 Final Thoughts on Education BenefitsSponsored by: Dr. Mark Gordon & Millennium Health Centers  Get the book Peptides for Health Vol.1 Medical Edition today.  Use code PTH25 for 25% off through March 15  Use code Phase2P for 10% off Millennium products  Available only at MillenniumHealthStore.comPure Liberty LabsUse code: Security_Halt_10Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/  Security Halt Mediahttps://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ Instagram: @securityhaltX: @SecurityHaltTik Tok: @security.halt.podLinkedIn: Deny Caballero Connect with Jay Today!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylimp/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-fain/ Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/SOF Heritage Designs Custom belt Buckles. Of the Regiment for the Regiment SOF-HD.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/Support the showProduced by Security Halt Media

Jan 6 Plaque Finally Installed. Intel Warns Large-Scale War ‘Unlikely' to Oust Iran's Regime. Dignified Transfer of 6 Americans KIA. 7th Troop KIA. MacFarlane out at CBS. Rieckhoff on Colbert Tonight!  Trump's Iran war is escalating, American troops and civilians are dying, and the truth is already becoming the first casualty—again. In this all-new solo episode 460 of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down why the conflict feels like Vietnam all over again, what U.S. intelligence is really saying about regime change, and why American flag-draped caskets coming home must never be normalized. From a horrific school bombing in Iran to drone terror in Ukraine and rising ISIS-inspired threats in New York City, he connects the front lines overseas to the streets where you live, while calling out chicken hawks, failed leadership, and the propaganda pouring out of Trump's White House.​ Paul also spotlights the leaders and movements actually rising to the moment—from retired Admiral Mike Mullen and independent journalist Scott MacFarlane to emerging independent candidates like veteran Seth Bodnar in Montana. He honors anti-war legend Country Joe McDonald, amplifies NFL great Ed Reed's rejection of White House war hype, and previews his appearance with Stephen Colbert—inviting new listeners into a growing, hopeful independent movement that puts country over party, people over politics, and light over heat. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Independent Americans host and Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff takes you behind the scenes of his fiery CNN Newsroom clash with former Congressman and fellow Iraq vet Peter Meijer over President Trump's escalating Iran strategy and the deadly strike on an Iranian school that killed scores of children and teachers. In this raw, real-time debrief, Rieckhoff explains why Trump's rush to blame Iran despite independent analysis suggesting U.S. responsibility shreds American credibility, feels like “deja vu all over again” for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and risks dragging America into another open-ended Middle East war most Americans do not want.​ He breaks down Trump's “all gas, no brakes” approach—from regime-change talk and operations in at least eight countries in a year without real debate or authorization, to juvenile White House war memes that trivialize the very real costs for U.S. troops and civilians across the region—while slamming both parties in Congress, including Democrats like Senator Richard Blumenthal, for failing to enforce the War Powers Act or put real guardrails on the commander in chief. Drawing sharp lessons from Iraq's 20-year quagmire, Rieckhoff warns Iran could be even more dangerous and costly if we don't learn from history—and makes the case that Americans must demand transparency, real debate and actual votes before war, now more than ever. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Donald Trump launches a war on Iran, hits a whole new country in Ecuador, talks openly about striking Cuba next—and Congress can't even be bothered to interrupt its weekend to hold an emergency session—you know America has a serious problem. In this all–new episode of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff takes you inside his fiery appearance on MSNBC's Deadline White House with Nicolle Wallace, where he confronts Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal and calls out a weak, failed Congress that is “not even a speed bump” to Trump's most dangerous impulses. Rieckhoff asks the question every American should be asking our so–called leaders right now: What are you going to do about it? He lays out how Trump can effectively do anything he wants with the most powerful military in the world, why the Iran War Powers vote is coming days after the war already started, how six American service members were killed while Congress dithered, and why both parties deserve blame for letting this runaway train barrel toward boots on the ground. From the risks of a wider regional war to the hard truth that “being sad and angry is not a course of action,” this episode is a clear, independent, unapologetically patriotic call for accountability and a real plan B. If you're tired of tweets, cable hits, and empty outrage—and you want straight talk, deeper context, and concrete ways to push your representatives to finally do their jobs—this is your briefing. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Noem is Out. Chickenhawk Mullin is In—and Very, Very Dumb. House Blocks War Powers Act. Unemployment, Gas Prices Spike. Mich St Honors Pearl Harbor Vet. Paul Rieckhoff sits down with former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Air National Guard combat veteran and star of the new film "The Last Republican," now on YouTube. They dive deep into the escalating Iran war—with no clear endgame, potential boots on the ground, civilian casualties including a possible U.S. strike on an Iranian girls' school, and Congress failing to check Trump's power via War Powers resolutions. Kinzinger warns Trump may get bored and abandon the mess, analyzes threats like ICE under new head Markwayne Mullin, Cuba invasion risks, drone dangers at home, GOP corruption, and the urgent need for a pro-democracy coalition. He discusses his future (hint: considering independence), Ukraine's aid offers, and why Democrats must fight harder now. Plus, hope amid chaos: Paralympics, World Baseball Classic, and building an independent movement. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Check out Adam's SubStack https://substack.com/@adamkinzinger here. -Watch the documentary The Last Republican on YouTube for free here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Iran is Not a Football Game, Hegseth. Barron ‘Too Tall to Serve'?  American Troops KIA Identified. Another Primary Screws Independents. Indy Vet Bodnar Declares for Senate in Montana.  Trump has struck nine foreign countries in the past year and just opened a new front in Ecuador—while thousands of Americans remain stranded near Iran with no clear evacuation plan. From Times Square after sparring with Democrat Senator Blumenthal on MSNow, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff blasts a Congress acting more like “mall cops” than a check on Trump's runaway war powers. In this quick‑fire solo pod, Paul unpacks the escalating Iran conflict, honors fallen troops by name, and exposes a bipartisan “Chickenhawk Club” eager to send others to fight while keeping their own families safe. He also breaks down how Trump's team has left bases worldwide on edge, why the Pentagon is scrambling for munitions, and how Washington still lacks a plan for the new generation of veterans it's creating. Plus, Paul dives into America's broken primary system, key Texas primary shifts, and a surge of independent veteran candidates like Montana's Seth Bodner proving that independents are the needle. And for some balance after the battle talk, he hits sports and culture—from the World Baseball Classic and Paralympics to the Oscar‑nominated short Armed Only with a Camera, honoring journalist Brent Renaud and those who show the real cost of war. -WATCH full video of this episode here. As mentioned on the show:  -To help the families of our fallen servicemembers in this time of unimaginable pain and loss, support the heroic work of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): https://www.taps.org.  -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Senator Sheehy Breaks Arm of Marine Protestor. How Democrats Lost Men. War Costs $1B a Day. White House Call of Duty Video Game War Videos. 2 More Soldiers KIA Identified.  In this all-new episode of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff hits all the breaking news and most urgent topics with bestselling author of The Perfect Storm and Tribe, war reporter, and documentarian Sebastian Junger for a raw, unflinching conversation about the unfolding war in Iran, a US Senator snapping the arm of a protestor, the follies of regime change wars, the human costs of American adventurism, Trump and Hegseth's nasty brand of fake-leadership, courage, patriotism, and what it really means to live — and almost die — for something bigger than yourself.  Together, Paul and Sebastian dig into the cost of America's forever wars, the invisible wounds carried by veterans and journalists, and the hard truths most politicians would rather ignore. Paul and Sebastian dig into the real cost of our forever wars, the invisible wounds carried by veterans and war reporters, and why so many Americans feel unmoored and alone in their own country right now. If you're sick of the spin and hungry for a tough, honest, independent conversation about where we go from here, this one's for you.​ -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Check out Sebastian's latest piece on his SubStack here.   -And SebastianJunger.com for his entire catalog. As mentioned on the show:  -To help the families of our fallen servicemembers in this time of unimaginable pain and loss, support the heroic work of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): https://www.taps.org.  -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As fighting in Iran and beyond continues into its fifth day, many military families in San Diego are grappling with new stress and uncertainty. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear more about the impacts on local military families.Then, the Department of Veterans Affairs released new data last month on veteran suicides. Though the report did see a minor decline in deaths by suicide between 2022 and 2023, the numbers remain high.Over 17 veteran suicide deaths were reported on average each day in 2023.We take a look into how one local military clinic approaches providing mental health care for veterans, military members and their families.Guests:Maggie Meza, executive director, the San Diego Chapter of Blue Star FamiliesShuna Ball, regional clinic director, The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at VVSDResources:Blue Star Families Food Insecurity ResourcesBlue Star Families Deployment ResourcesVeterans Crisis Line988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Does The War Press Coverage Already Suck? With Barbara Starr. Markets Plummet. US Pilot Shows How Awesome Our Women Warriors Are. The 2026 Chickenhawk Club.  Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff breaks down Trump's fast‑escalating war with Iran, the rise of deadly drone warfare, and what it all means for American troops, families, and civilians worldwide. Then, regular guest and legendary CNN Pentagon reporter Barbara Starr joins Paul to cut through the chaos, dissect the Pentagon's long‑delayed press briefings, and explain why “air power alone” won't deliver victory in Iran—or anywhere else. From unprotected American troops killed in a makeshift Kuwaiti trailer, to embassies under threat and chaotic evacuation warnings, this episode exposes how badly Washington has prepared for the conflicts it helped ignite. Paul and Barbara also spotlight the now 6 American troops killed in action, the viral story of the downed American F‑15 pilot, the courage and professionalism of women in combat, and the mental‑health toll on service members, vets, and families now bracing for a long, uncertain war. If you care about the troops, the truth, and the future of American democracy in a time of permanent crisis, this is a must‑listen. -WATCH full video of this episode here. As mentioned on the show:  -To help the families of our fallen servicemembers in this time of unimaginable pain and loss, support the heroic work of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): https://www.taps.org.  -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"As citizens, we are in charge—especially when we take charge." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chop it up with Second Amendment attorney Peter Tilem. We dive deep into current legal issues facing gun owners in New York, from storage laws to the controversial proposed Glock ban, and the latest challenges to sensitive location restrictions in neighboring New Jersey. We share relatable stories—like my shotgun shell reloading catastrophe—and get practical, word-for-word advice from Peter for handling police interactions. Plus, we taste-test several bourbons and whiskeys, review 1911 craftsmanship, and discuss the ongoing push-and-pull between government overregulation and personal freedoms. We even explore headline news topics, including proposed gun barrel regulations, marijuana users' gun rights, and how policy changes are impacting veterans. Finally, we wrap up with our thoughts on government overreach—from NYC snow shoveling regulations to AI-grown babies in China. Call to Action 1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com 2. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify 3. Follow us on all of our social media: InstagramYoutube 4. Grab some cool TGE merch 6. Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.com 5. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors HSM Ammunition: Official ammo sponsor of The Gun Experiment. American-made, quality ammo for over 55 years. Find them at hsmammunition.com. Kings River Customs: Exceptional, hand-crafted 1911 pistols, quickly becoming a powerhouse in the industry. Discover their work at kingsrivercustoms.com. Key Takeaways New York gun storage laws can be contradictory—safe storage may or may not comply depending on your county or city. The proposed Glock ban (S.399A) is overboard and shows a lack of legislative understanding of firearm mechanics. Second Amendment jurisprudence is rapidly evolving post-Bruen, with courts now demanding historical context for any gun regulation. Marijuana users' gun rights are being challenged at the Supreme Court, potentially reshaping federal restrictions. The Colorado bill to regulate firearm barrels may lead to unintended consequences and further overreach. Veterans Affairs is finally correcting past wrongs by no longer automatically reporting veterans with fiduciaries, protecting their gun rights. If stopped by police, don't consent to vehicle searches, be brief and factual if you've defended yourself with a firearm, and know your rights at all times. Government regulation often extends beyond necessity—whether it's snow shoveling in NYC or emerging AI technologies. Guest Information Peter Tilem is a Second Amendment and criminal defense attorney, founder of Tilem & Associates Law Firm, and creator of New York Tac Defense. He is a regular, in-studio guest and authority on gun law in New York. Keywords Second Amendment, New York gun law, Glock ban, S.399A, gun storage, sensitive location law, Siegel v. Platkin, marijuana gun rights, Supreme Court, Colorado gun barrel regulation, veterans gun rights, NY Tac Defense, Peter Tilem, Kings River Customs, HSM Ammunition, bourbon tasting, gun owner rights, Word for Word, government overreach, NYC snow shoveling, AI-grown babies, law enforcement, criminal defense attorney, podcast, legal advice, firearms, gun safety, concealed carry, gun regulations.

The Steve Gruber Show | The State of the Union --- 00:00 - Monologue 19:00 – Jeffrey McCall, Professor of Communication at DePauw University and nationally recognized media critic. McCall breaks down the State of the Union and highlights the biggest takeaways. He analyzes messaging, media coverage, and how the speech may resonate with voters. 27:52 – Peter Gillooly, CEO of The Wellness Company. Gillooly discusses rising colorectal cancer rates among Americans under 50 and what may be driving the trend. He also addresses interest in repurposed drugs, prevention strategies, and supplements that could support overall health. Visit twc.health/GRUBER and use promo code GRUBERto save 10%. 37:58 - Monologue 46:56 – Steven Grayhm, writer, director, and star of SHEEPDOG. Grayhm discusses stagnant veteran suicide rates and how his film calls on Americans to support Department of Veterans Affairs prevention efforts. He highlights the importance of mental health awareness and community involvement. 56:57 – John Koufos, former criminal trial attorney who previously served time in prison and now advises on criminal justice reform. Koufos discusses the concept of “Healthy Prisons, Healthy Communities.” He explains how prison reform and rehabilitation efforts can improve public safety outcomes. 1:15:39 - Monologue 1:24:31 – Ron Rademacher, travel writer, author, speaker, storyteller, and record-holder for getting lost on Michigan's back roads. Rademacher shares travel stories and destinations from around Michigan. He highlights unique places and events happening across the state. 1:34:39 – Aaron Kall, Director of Debate at the University of Michigan. Kall provides post–State of the Union analysis and looks ahead to the upcoming State of the State address. He discusses political strategy and audience reaction. 1:43:15 – Ivey Gruber, President of the Michigan Talk Network. Gruber shares his takeaways from the State of the Union, focusing on economic messaging and key policy wins. The segment also includes a tribute honoring Charlie Kirk.  --- Check out our brand new podcast, 'Forgotten America'... The second episode is live NOW at Steve Gruber on YouTube! Link below: https://youtu.be/vZiEUjtQ-m4

The latest BARRACKS TALK podcast episode is waiting, press 'play' now! NOTE:: VA Ratings discussion begins at approximately 17 minutes. In this week's episode of BARRACKS TALK from DV Radio: We jump right into it, the worst decision that Veterans Affairs has made in quite some time! The DV Radio Crew has a few laughs throughout, but this is an absolute disgrace to those that signed the dotted line, were promised to be taken care of, and then this. (Yes, the decision was reversed but, for how long?) Let us know your thoughts after hearing exactly what was going on and, if you leave any comments (on the link below) or reach-out to any representatives please, do so in a PROFESSIONAL manner. - VA RATINGS IMPACT OF MEDICATION::  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/17/2026-03068/evaluative-rating-impact-of-medication - GOFUNDME CAMPAIGNS  Ms Lynn:: https://www.gofundme.com/f/standing-with-lynn-through-her-cancer-battle   Ashley's Daughter's After Losing Their Mom:: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lifting-up-ashleys-daughters-after-tragedy - Grab Your DV Radio Merch! https://bit.ly/DVR-StreamLabs-Merch - Star Spangled Brewing Co. [THE OFFICIAL BEER OF DV RADIO] https://www.starspangledbrewingco.com/ - Hard Of Hearing, Deaf, or Have Other Hearing Issues? READ THE TRANSCRIPT! https://dvradio.net/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/ - Hope For 22 A Day https://hopefor22aday.org/ - Liberty Risk Podcast https://beacons.ai/libertyriskpodcast - INERT Mugs www.inertmugs.com - Laugh It Off https://www.laughitoff.org/ - Want To Sponsor DV Radio? No pricing model beats DV Radio when it comes to sponsorship. https://bit.ly/SponsorDVRadio DV Radio on Rumble https://rumble.com/c/DVRadio DV Radio on twitch.tv https://www.twitch.tv/dvradio - Burn It Down Change Unchained Tumbler from INERT Mugs Website: https://www.inertmugs.com/products/20oz-burn-it-down-thermite-tumbler [NOTE: Click these links!] ---------- DV Farm Septic System Fundraiser https://donorbox.org/dv-farm-septic-system ---------- Parental Control Apps https://bit.ly/ChildSafeInternet ---------- Backpacks For Life https://backpacksforlife.org/ ---------- Wah-Tie Woodturning https://wahtiewoodturning.com/ ---------- Backpacks For Life Fundraiser https://ko-fi.com/dvradio/goal?g=1 ---------- Edited by Munkee Bawlz Media https://www.munkeebawlzmedia.com/ ---------- Are you a Veteran Owned Business? Have unique, handmade items that we can buy and review on a show? Contact us, show us what you have, and we'll (at least Bo) will spend up to $50 per month and speak openly about your product(s)!! ---------- Find Out More About Betsy Ross At Her Website https://bit.ly/Fight-With-Betsy-Ross ---------- *Got an idea for BARRACKS TALK or any other show? Want to be a guest? Then please feel free to contact us by sending an email to info[at]dvradio.net or oink[at]dvradio.net.* ---------- **LINKS TO CHECK OUT** EVERYTHING DYSFUNCTIONAL VETERANS https://whereisdv.carrd.co  ---------- Grab DV Radio's Battlegrounds From XXX Coffee At: Unfortunately, Ubora changed owners a little while ago. After that, the owner DID reach out to us for a meeting, we responded and never heard back from him. As of now, DV Radio's Battlegrounds Coffee is no long available. If you'd like to be the possible coffee makers of Battlegrounds, feel free to reach out to us.  ---------- DV RADIO PARTNERS, SPONSORS, and AFFILIATES https://dvr-listen-support.carrd.co

Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by NC1 Alex Sewell. Damo opens with smoke for Aaron over the lack of coverage on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson before the guys take a moment to honor his legacy and impact. They also give flowers to retired CSCM William Foster for the run of the “Don't Give Up The Ship” podcast as he transitions the platform to Chief Ariana LaChuisa. The conversation shifts to communication flow and how newly announced information is being pushed out. Aaron doubles back on “FCPO Package Rodeos,” and Alex reflects on crossrating from Naval Aircrewman Mechanical to Navy Career Counselor. The guys highlight the “new guy dump” and talk through recent Veterans Affairs updates. Things take a turn when they react to a viral video of police raiding a frat house, which leads Alex into sharing his life before the Navy as a 10th grade biology teacher. He talks about joining later in life, accepting the possibility of going past 20 years, and the role mentors played in shaping his path. Damo dives into “expectation politics,” and the crew revisits the debate of a young first class versus a senior FCPO competing for the LPO role, breaking down the difference between the exception and the standard. NC1 Sewell shares what keeps him grounded, what he wants people to understand when working with him professionally, and which rank group gives him the hardest time. The “Do Better” segment hits moving companies that fumble military household goods. Damon calls out base traffic lights. Aaron has words for people putting sugar where it does not belong. Damo closes with his full review of It by Stephen King. The guys catch up on television and discuss the recently released documentary about America's Next Top Model. They end by acknowledging Seaman Apprentice Joshua Jones, who was found deceased in Great Lakes. These and more topics are covered in this episode.   Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com     Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast   Links and more from this episode: Sailor Found Dead in Great Lakes - https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/02/20/sailor-found-dead-at-naval-station-great-lakes/   Picks of the Week: Damo: It (Stephen King) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/830502.It   Alex: Unlearn (Humble The Poet) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/153840454-unlearn   Aaron: Dota: Dragon's Blood - https://www.netflix.com/title/80994336       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

On Feb. 17, the Department of Veterans Affairs published an interim final rule that changes one deceptively simple question at the heart of disability exams. Then on  February 19, the VA halted the enforcement the controversial Rule. 

In this episode of Derms and Conditions, host James Q. Del Rosso, DO, is joined by Steven Daveluy, MD, for a wide-ranging conversation that connects oncodermatology, teledermatology, and integrative approaches to patient care. The discussion opens with Dr Daveluy's work in an oncodermatology clinic and the critical role dermatologists play in managing cutaneous side effects from cancer therapies. He explains that while oncologists may be inclined to pause or discontinue cancer treatment in the face of severe skin reactions, dermatologists are uniquely positioned to identify, manage, and mitigate these effects, often allowing patients to remain on life-saving therapy and achieve better oncologic outcomes. The conversation then shifts to teledermatology, highlighting the Veterans Affairs health system's leadership in expanding access, particularly for rural patients. Dr Daveluy describes his team-based model in which dermatoscopy is standardized across sites, allowing frontline clinicians to submit high-quality images for rapid dermatologic input. Clinical pearls follow, including management of epidermal growth factor receptor-inhibitor eruptions with tetracyclines and selective use of agents such as isotretinoin or dapsone to keep patients on cancer therapy. Importantly, brisk skin reactions may correlate with positive tumor response, reinforcing the goal of treating through, rather than stopping, therapy. The episode concludes with an exploration of integrative dermatology. Dr Daveluy advocates for consideration of evidence-based supplements, thoughtful discussion of diet and stress, and careful counseling rather than dismissing patient interest. Case examples illustrate both benefit and harm, underscoring the importance of third-party testing and drug–supplement awareness. A final reflection on mind-body medicine through practices like “laughter yoga” highlights tools that can help patients reframe flares and improve quality of life, even when disease activity is beyond their control. Tune in to the episode to hear expert insights on managing cancer-therapy–related skin reactions, expanding access through teledermatology, and thoughtfully integrating complementary approaches into everyday dermatology practice.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. TSA Architects is a Salt Lake City based firm dedicated exclusively to healthcare design, creating environments that support patients, caregivers and communities. As the firm marks a milestone year and a new chapter in leadership, joining us is Director of Business Development, Mark Sabouri. Mark Sabouri: At TSA Architects, our work has always centered on designing healthcare environments that support those who give care and those who receive it. This year marks our 30th anniversary and a thoughtful leadership transition. Our founder, Tracy Stocking, has stepped into the role of Senior Architect and President Emeritus, while a new partner group is leading the firm day to day. Tracy remains actively involved, and that continuity is important to our clients and team. The transition brings fresh energy while preserving what clients count on: deep healthcare expertise, trusted relationships and values rooted in innovation, experience and heart. We're proud to partner with organizations like University of Utah Health, MountainStar Healthcare, Common Spirit Health, Intermountain Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs, working on projects from hospitals to community health centers. As we move into this next chapter, our purpose remains the same — making place for the human spirit by creating healthcare environments that support people, purpose and better outcomes every day. Derek Miller: TSA Architects combines decades of expertise with a forward-looking leadership team — bringing clarity, care and intention to complex healthcare environments. Learn more at TSA-USA.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 2/18/26

Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs shows it cut health care hiring times by more half. The Trump administration directed agencies to speed up time-to-hire governmentwide. But a closer look at the VA's data shows that it's using different metrics than it's used in the past. For a closer look at the numbers … Federal News Network's Jory Heckman has more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Knoxville American Legion Post Commander Curt Froyen discusses a new event put on by the Marion County Commission of Veterans Affairs happening Wednesday called Comrade Coffee.

On January 7, 2026, Renee Good, a Minneapolis resident, was fatally shot by an ICE officer, drawing widespread public concern and scrutiny over the federal government's immigration enforcement tactics. Just weeks later, Alex Pretti—a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who worked at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis—was shot and killed by border patrol agents during another immigration enforcement action in the city.  The deaths of Good and Pretti prompted protests across the Bay Area and condemnation from local Democratic political leaders. The incidents also raised the question: could Northern California be next?  In this special Commonwealth Club World Affairs town hall, moderated by KQED's Guy Marzorati, we'll get local reactions to the events in Minneapolis. Join us to hear from an elected official, a faith leader, a legal expert, and an investigative journalist about the political and human rights implications of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement campaign and what to expect in the weeks and months ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February 10, 2026 Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo's Legislation to Protect Veterans Signed Into Law Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Celebrates Major Victory for California veterans SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, today announced that the Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act (SB 694) was signed into law, strengthening California's protections for veterans and service members seeking the benefits they have earned. The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta and co-authored by Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, was a top priority for Assemblywoman Schiavo. SB 694 stops illegal, deceptive and predatory practices by unaccredited companies who exploit veterans. These VA benefit claim sharks sometimes charge veterans as much as $20,000 for services that they can instead access for free from County Veteran Service Officers and other federally accredited organizations. “As Chair of the Military and Veterans Committee and the daughter of a disabled veteran, alongside so many, we fought to protect disabled veterans from illegal fees charged by predatory claims sharks,” said Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. “Veterans who earned their benefits through service and great sacrifice, deserve every penny. With the Governor's signature of SB 694, we are making it clear that we will always protect our veterans and hold predators accountable.” The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act brings California law into alignment with federal law and accreditation standards and strengthens enforcement tools to protect veterans from financial harm. It establishes clear guardrails to prevent illegal fees and financial exploitation by requiring individuals who assist with veterans' benefits claims to meet federal accreditation standards. It also creates important privacy protections by restricting the misuse and sharing of veterans' private data. “Today, I am proud to stand with a coalition of veterans organizations in celebration of the signing of SB 694, legislation that continues our commitment to vigorously protect those who have sacrificed so much to protect us," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Claim sharks pose a financial risk to veterans who need help with their benefits claims. SB 694 will degrade and deter the ability of these predatory individuals or companies to exploit veterans seeking help accessing their benefits. I thank Senators Archuleta and Cervantes, and Assemblywoman Schiavo, for authoring this legislation and Governor Newsom for signing it into law and making it clear: If you want to charge veterans for help with their benefits claims, you must be accredited by the VA." “Veterans served this nation with honor and sacrifice, and they have earned every benefit their country owes them,” said Senator Bob Archuleta, Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. “This legislation ensures veterans are protected from individuals who prey on their trust, their service, and their need for help. This law reinforces California's commitment to honoring veterans with real, meaningful protections.” The signing of the Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act builds on California's broader efforts to safeguard veterans, service members, and their families who call California home to ensure they receive the benefits that they have earned. The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act takes effect on January 1, 2027. ### Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo was elected to the California State Assembly in November of 2022 and re-elected in 2024 to represent the 40th Assembly District, representing the Northwest San Fernando Valley, Val Verde, Castaic and the Santa Clarita Valley. Upon her election, she was appointed as Assistant Majority Whip by the Speaker of the Assembly and now serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. During her first term she brought back a record $93 million district investment in school and community safety, seniors meal programs, veteran housing, domestic violence services and creating local jobs. Prior to her election, Assemblywoman Schiavo was a Nurse Advocate and Small Business Owner who worked in the labor movement for more than 20 years. Throughout her career, Assemblywoman Schiavo helped deliver healthcare, including reproductive healthcare, to more than one million people. In the Northwest San Fernando Valley, she co-founded an organization that helped secure housing for Veterans experiencing homelessness, has delivered more than 50,000 meals to people in need, and increased resources to help keep our communities safe. Assemblywoman Schiavo lives in Chatsworth with her creative kid where they love to hike in the Santa Susana Mountains.

A federal employee union head is stepping down after leading it for more than 14 years. Lee Saunders is retiring as president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Despite the name, it also represents federal employees in the departments of Justice, Transportation, Agriculture and Veterans Affairs as well as the Library of Congress. Saunders will step down in August after the union elects a new president. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new review shows Department of Veterans Affairs clinicians are using AI tools for documentation and decision support, but there's no system in place to detect mistakes or respond to risks. Without better oversight, the technology could unintentionally affect patient diagnoses and care. Here to explain the warning and what needs to happen next is the VA's Inspector General, Cheryl Mason.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Veterans Affairs is exploring hundreds of potential uses for artificial intelligence. More than half of them would impact its health-care mission. The VA says AI-assisted colonoscopies are leading to better detection of tumors. It also says AI helps mitigate the risk of opioid overdose and suicide among patients. The department says more than 130 use cases are currently being deployed across its operations and that many more are still in development. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The CX Tipping Point Podcast, Martha Dorris sat down with Dr. Paul Lawrence, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Lawrence previously served as the Under Secretary for Benefits during his first term at VA and was named the 2019 Service to the Citizen Government Executive of the Year.As Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Lawrence oversees VA operations and supports the Secretary in delivering on the Department's priorities. Throughout the conversation, he reiterated his commitment to veterans and to ensuring they have a positive experience when accessing VA health care and benefits.Dr. Lawrence highlighted several key achievements, including progress in housing homeless veterans, expanding access through the opening of new clinics, and improving the speed and accuracy of benefits processing — all while working with fewer resources. He emphasized the importance of engaging directly with veterans, listening to their feedback, and using metrics to identify the areas that matter most.Additional topics discussed included:VA's ongoing rollout of the Electronic Health Record, a major transformation effort aimed at improving both the health care experience and operational efficiency, for which Dr. Lawrence serves as executive champion.Enhancements to the overall veteran experience beyond medical care, including small but meaningful changes that demonstrate respect and compassion.The value of hearing veterans' concerns firsthand through in-person visits, and how even minor adjustments can make a significant difference.The importance of aligning technology investments with clear outcomes and managing change carefully to ensure successful adoption.VA's responsibility to serve veterans across generations, from their late teens to over 100 years old, requiring excellence across all service delivery channels.The conversation concluded with a focus on VA's plans to continue improving benefits processing, simplifying forms, streamlining processes, and enhancing the end-to-end health care experience. Dr. Lawrence noted that veteran trust in VA has increased significantly over the past nine years, underscoring the impact of these efforts.Thank you for listening to this episode of The CX Tipping Point Podcast! If you enjoyed it, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners! Stay Connected: Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @DorrisConsultingInternational Twitter: @DorrisConsultng Facebook: @DCInternational Resources Mentioned: Citizen Services Newsletter 2024 Service to the Citizen Awards Nomination Form

Another exciting local sports venture is coming to the community... Findlay Force hockey will drop the puck next season (at 13:24) --- Veterans and caregivers take note - The Department of Veterans Affairs is accelerating the deployment of its Federal Electronic Health Record system... We explain what that means and what you need to know (at 24:45) --- To Your Health: Lung Cancer is the leading cause of death from the disease, and yet fewer than one-in-five people at high risk have been screened... It's time to change that (at 32:07)

As the 2026 midterm season kicks off with primaries in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas, the political landscape is being shaped by President Trump's push for increased federal involvement in election oversight. This movement coincides with raids of election facilities in Georgia and Puerto Rico, as the administration continues to re-examine the results of the 2020 election. Republican strategist and co-founder of South and Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, joins the Rundown to break down the key issues taking center stage as candidates begin their fight for party wins. President Trump has signaled a renewed focus on veterans' health care, highlighting a significant reduction in benefit claim backlogs and a record number of homeless veterans being placed in permanent housing during the first year of his second term. Building on the reforms started during his first administration, the current leadership is pushing for a "generational change" intended to shift the focus from bureaucracy to individual patient needs. U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, discusses the ongoing mission to eliminate wait times and address the critical issues of veteran homelessness and suicide. Plus, commentary by Riley Gaines, political activist, 12-time NCAA All-American and host of "The Riley Gaines Show" podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nathan Tierney joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a retired Army Warrant Officer and former Navy rescue swimmer. After transitioning from a career as a helicopter pilot to the civilian sector, Nathan ascended to senior executive roles at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, serving as Deputy CIO and Chief People Officer. Throughout his career, he has relied on the discipline and drive learned in the military, paired with the guidance of key mentors, to navigate large-scale organizational transformations. The conversation also covers Nathan's book, Rebel Leaders GSD, which he wrote to provide leaders with the practical education needed to handle high-pressure environments. He outlines the three core sections of the book and emphasizes the fundamental importance of mastering the basics to ensure success. Today, Nathan focuses on helping leaders make clear, decisive calls in the face of uncertainty and high-stakes consequences. Episode Resources: Nathan Tierney - Gartner | LinkedIn Rebel Leaders GSD on Amazon   About Our Guest Nathan Tierney is a special operations veteran, former senior federal executive, and author of Rebel Leaders GSD. Over a 25-year career, he has led teams in combat, crisis response, and large-scale federal transformation, including serving as Deputy CIO and Chief People Officer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Today, he helps leaders make clear, decisive calls when pressure, uncertainty, and consequences are real.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty and their families can become members. Have you been saving up for the season of cheer and joy that is just around the corner? With Navy Federal Credit Union's cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards, you could earn a $250 cash bonus when you spend $2,500 in the first 90 days. Offer ends 1/1/26. You could earn up to 2% unlimited cash back with the cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards. With Navy Federal, members have access to financial advice and money management and 24/7 access to award-winning service. Whether you're a Veteran of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard, you and your family can become members. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane's Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today. Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you purchase via the link provided.

CLE credit for this event will be available at On-Demand CLE. Anticipated availability date: March 15th.This webinar brings together current and former General Counsels from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of War (Defense), and the Department of the Navy. Drawing on their experience, practice, and diverse career paths, the panel will explore the practice of law within the Department of War and the individual services; the opportunities, challenges, and rewards of this dynamic field of law and policy; the skills and competencies critical to success both within government service and beyond; and how this unique area of practice broadens Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) as attorneys and equips them for successful transitions to civilian practice.This program serves as the inaugural webinar of the Armed Services Legal Network. To learn more about this new initiative of the Federalist Society, click here. If you are currently a JAG or a veteran practicing law and are interested in participating in the Network, please contact us at Networks@fedsoc.org.CLE InfoFeaturing:Hon. James Baehr, General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs; Lieutenant Colonel, USMC Reserve; Former Military JudgeHon. Paul C. Ney, Former General Counsel of the Department of Defense and currently Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLPHon. Robert J. Sander, Former General Counsel of the Department of the Navy, Former Acting General Counsel of the Army, and currently Founding Partner, The Sander Group, PLLC(Moderator) Toby Curto, Colonel, U.S. Army

As the 2026 midterm season kicks off with primaries in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas, the political landscape is being shaped by President Trump's push for increased federal involvement in election oversight. This movement coincides with raids of election facilities in Georgia and Puerto Rico, as the administration continues to re-examine the results of the 2020 election. Republican strategist and co-founder of South and Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, joins the Rundown to break down the key issues taking center stage as candidates begin their fight for party wins. President Trump has signaled a renewed focus on veterans' health care, highlighting a significant reduction in benefit claim backlogs and a record number of homeless veterans being placed in permanent housing during the first year of his second term. Building on the reforms started during his first administration, the current leadership is pushing for a "generational change" intended to shift the focus from bureaucracy to individual patient needs. U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, discusses the ongoing mission to eliminate wait times and address the critical issues of veteran homelessness and suicide. Plus, commentary by Riley Gaines, political activist, 12-time NCAA All-American and host of "The Riley Gaines Show" podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luke Schleusener, Co-Founder & CEO of Out In National Security (ONS) talks to Mike and Kyle about US national security, the second Lavender Scare, healthcare (or lack thereof) of Veterans Affairs, the trans military ban, and even Greenland. Learn more about Out in National Security at http://outinnationalsecurity.org/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/outinnatsec/. In this episode: News- 1:49 || Main Topic (National Security)- 18:42 || Guest (Luke Schleusener)- 20:42 || Gayest & Straightest- 1:04:31 Buy our book, You're Probably Gayish, available right now at www.gayishpodcast.com/book! Each chapter dissects one gay stereotype ranging from drugs to gaydar to iced coffee. It's also available as an audiobook on Audible, Spotify, and more. If you want to join Mike and Kyle on their 2027 Mexican Riviera cruise, visit www.gayishpodcast.com/cruise to sign up. Make sure to check Gayish as the podcast you're attending for. On the Patreon bonus segment, Mike and Kyle talk about (hating) ICE. If you want to support our show while getting ad-free episodes a day early, go to www.patreon.com/gayishpodcast.

This episode rockets from the edge of the atmosphere straight into the headlines you did not see coming. SpaceX is reportedly sketching out plans for a jaw dropping orbital data center network that could one day blanket Earth with up to a million satellites, turning low Earth orbit into the ultimate cloud server farm (06:06). Space may soon have more traffic than a holiday weekend highway. Back on the ground, major reforms are brewing inside the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with leadership signaling a shake up aimed at changing how veterans receive care in the months ahead (14:16). What gets streamlined, what gets cut, and what it means for former service members could reshape the system millions rely on. And in the most “history literally repeats itself” story of the week, a man in France landed in the hospital after an unexploded World War I munition turned up in a place no battlefield historian would recommend (21:52). Authorities had to treat the situation like a bomb disposal call, proving once again that old ordnance and bad decisions are a timeless combination. From mega constellations in orbit to system wide veteran care changes to a history lesson no one asked for, this lineup delivers whiplash in the best way. https://lateforchangeover.com/

On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, was shot and killed by Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez in Minneapolis. In this episode, Moira and Adrian delve into questions of gender, solidarity, whiteness and the MAGA imagination as they pertain to the murder and the reaction across media and society. Please note: We briefly mention the comparison sometimes made with the Nazi-era Gestapo. If this is a comparison that interests you, Moira and Adrian recorded an emergency episode on that group, its history, and the use of comparing it to ICE for our Patreon. You can find it here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-119-149640913

More than 100 people gathered Friday at a Missoula hospital to honor Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs nurse killed last week by ICE agents in Minneapolis

As part of its effort to root out the waste and abuse of government resources, the Trump administration has recently placed fraud squarely in its crosshairs. With that, senior government officials and other policymakers have pointed to the need for stronger and more prevalent identity verification to combat fraud. An expert in digital identity verification, Jordan Burris, former chief of staff to the federal CIO during the first Trump administration and part of President Biden's term and now head of public sector at Socure, joins the Daily Scoop to discuss the ongoing issues around identity fraud, the U.S.'s journey to a national digital identity verification system and why Washington has struggled so much to get identity right. The Department of Energy is piloting Grok, the generative AI tool from Elon Musk's xAI, within its Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, according to the agency's AI use case inventory. The pilot began at the end of June 2025 and has been used to find general answers to questions, summarize information and create documents. The Grok pilot comes at a time when the Energy Department is pursuing ambitious AI goals as part of its role in leading the Trump administration's Genesis Mission. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has repeatedly characterized the AI effort as “the Manhattan Project of our time.” Grok has been a controversial addition to the federal government's workflows since the start, following its posting of racist and antisemitic comments last July. A group of more than 30 advocacy organizations called on the Office of Management and Budget to prohibit the use of Grok across the federal government just a month after xAI launched “Grok for Government” last summer. Grok has continued to dominate headlines in the months since. The chatbot has generated biased or misleading claims, garnering the attention of foreign governments and domestic watchdogs. The Department of Veterans Affairs has tapped former government technology leader Zack Schwartz to serve as the next principal deputy assistant secretary for the agency's Office of Information and Technology. In this role, Schwartz will “oversee technology strategy, daily IT operations, cybersecurity, systems modernization, and service delivery across the department,” VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence wrote in a LinkedIn post Monday. Schwartz will work under Lawrence, who also serves as the agency's acting chief information officer and assistant secretary for OIT. Schwartz joins the VA with more than a decade of government IT experience, having previously served at the Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau. These roles involved work on modernization and agency-wide transformation initiatives, Lawrence said. Schwartz announced the move on LinkedIn Sunday evening, writing that he appreciates “the many colleagues across VA who supported my transition and welcomed me into the role.” Schwartz most recently served as the chief information and technology officer at Events DC, an events hosting company, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Hundreds of union nurses, federal workers, and local residents gathered outside the Veterans Affairs central office building in Washington, DC, on Jan. 28, to hold a vigil for Alex Pretti and all who have been killed by ICE. The vigil was one of many events organized or co-sponsored by National Nurses United, the nation's largest union and professional association of registered nurses, which has forcefully called for ICE to be abolished in the wake of Pretti's killing. We speak with attendees of the vigil in this on-the-ground edition of Working People.   Additional links/info:  Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, "'A hero': Nurses, federal workers honor Alex Pretti (Documentary Report)" Maximillian Alvarez Working People / The Real News Network, "Largest nurses union calls to abolish ICE after Alex Pretti killing: 'They messed with the wrong profession'" National Nurses United: "Week of action in honor of Alex Pretti, RN and all others killed by ICE" National Nurses United press release (1/24/26): "National Nurses United outraged by murder of VA registered nurse by immigration agents, demand abolition of ICE" National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United website, Facebook page, Twitter/X page, and Instagram Credits: Audio Post-Production: Jules Taylor

Hundreds of union nurses, federal workers, and local residents gathered outside the Veterans Affairs central office building in Washington, DC, on Jan. 28, to hold a vigil for Alex Pretti and all who have been killed by ICE. The vigil was one of many events organized or co-sponsored by National Nurses United, the nation's largest union and professional association of registered nurses, which has forcefully called for ICE to be abolished in the wake of Pretti's killing. We speak with attendees of the vigil in this on-the-ground edition of Working People.  Additional links/info: Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “‘A hero': Nurses, federal workers honor Alex Pretti (Documentary Report)”Maximillian Alvarez Working People / The Real News Network, “Largest nurses union calls to abolish ICE after Alex Pretti killing: ‘They messed with the wrong profession'”National Nurses United: “Week of action in honor of Alex Pretti, RN and all others killed by ICE”National Nurses United press release (1/24/26): “National Nurses United outraged by murder of VA registered nurse by immigration agents, demand abolition of ICE”National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United website, Facebook page, Twitter/X page, and InstagramCredits:Audio Post-Production: Jules TaylorBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

Chris Cuomo responds to the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis during protests over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Cuomo walks through what we actually know, why local leaders are pushing back hard against federal enforcement tactics, and how this moment fits into a familiar pattern of escalation — one where the outcome wasn't unpredictable.Cuomo makes a clear distinction between supporting law enforcement and accepting strategies that make violence more likely. He explains why flooding heavily armed federal agents into already tense protest zones doesn't calm situations down, and why pretending these outcomes are “shocking” after the fact avoids the harder question: what kind of country are we becoming if this keeps happening? Join The Chris Cuomo Project on YouTube for ad-free episodes, early releases, exclusive access to Chris, and more: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscuomo/join Follow and subscribe to The Chris Cuomo Project on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday: https://linktr.ee/cuomoproject Support our sponsors: Get 20% off your first order of Lucy nicotine pouches at lucy.co with code CUOMO, or find a store near you at https://lucy.co/stores Grab 30% OFF the Maximum Male System by Juvenon here: https://bloodflow7.com/CUOMO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Christina Warren and Brett Terpstra as they navigate the freezing Minnesotan cold without running water, delve into the intersection of tech and political turmoil, and explore the latest in AI agents and multi-agent workflows. Dive into a whirlwind of emotions, tech tips, and political ranting, all while contemplating the ethics of open source funding and AI coding. From brutal weather updates to philosophical debates on modern fascism, this episode pulls no punches. Sponsor Copilot Money can help you take control of your finances. Get a fresh start with your money for 2026 with 2 months free when you visit try.copilot.money/overtired. Show Links Crimethinc: Being “Peaceful” and “Law-Abiding” Will Not Stop Authoritarianism Gas Town Apex OpenCode Backdrop Cindori Sensei Moltbot Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Host Updates 00:21 Brett’s Water Crisis 02:27 Political Climate and Media Suppression 06:32 Police Violence and Public Response 18:31 Social Media and Surveillance 22:15 Sponsor Break: Copilot Money 26:20 Tech Talk: Gas Town and AI Agents 31:58 Crypto Controversies 37:09 Ethics in Journalism and Personal Dilemmas 39:45 The Future of Open Source and Cryptocurrency 45:03 Apex 1.0? 48:25 Challenges and Innovations in Markdown Processing 01:02:16 AI in Coding and Personal Assistants 01:06:36 GrAPPtitude 01:14:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Plans Join the Conversation Merch Come chat on Discord! Twitter/ovrtrd Instagram/ovrtrd Youtube Get the Newsletter Thanks! You’re downloading today’s show from CacheFly’s network BackBeat Media Podcast Network Check out more episodes at overtiredpod.com and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Find Brett as @ttscoff, Christina as @film_girl, Jeff as @jsguntzel, and follow Overtired at @ovrtrd on Twitter. Transcript AI Agents and Political Chaos Introduction and Host Updates Christina: [00:00:00] Welcome back. You’re listening to Overtired. I’m Christina Warren. Joined as always by Brett Terpstra. Jeff Severns. Guntzel could not be with us this week, um, but uh, but Brett and I are here. So Brett, how are you? How’s the cold? Brett: The cold. Brett’s Water Crisis Brett: So I’m going on day four without running water. Um, I drove to my parents last night to shower and we’re, we’re driving loads of dishes to friends’ house to wash them. We have big buckets of melted snow in our bathtub that we use to flush the Toyland. Um, and we have like big jugs with a spout on them for drinking water. So we’re surviving, but it is highly inconvenient. Um, and we don’t know yet if it’s a frozen pipe. Or if we have [00:01:00] a bad pump on our, well, uh, hopefully we’ll find that out today. But no guarantees because all the plumbers are very busy right now with negative 30 degree weather. They tend to get a lot of calls, lots of stuff happens. Um, so yeah, but I’m, I’m staying warm. I got a fireplace, I got my heat’s working Christina: I mean, that’s the important thing. Brett: and that went out, that went out twice, in, twice already. This winter, our heat has gone out, um, which I’m thankful. We, we finally, we added glycol to our, so our heat pumps water through, like, it’s not radiators, it’s like baseboard heat, but it, it uses water and. Um, and though we were getting like frozen spots, not burst pipes, just enough that the water wouldn’t go through fast enough to heat anything. So we added glycol to that [00:02:00] system to bring the freeze point down to like zero degrees. So it’s not perfect, but we also hardwired the pump so that it always circulates water, um, even when the heat’s not running. So hopefully it’ll never freeze again. That’s the goal. Um, and if we replace the well pump, that should be good for another 20 years. So hopefully after this things will be smoother. Political Climate and Media Suppression Brett: Um, yeah, but that, that’s all in addition to, you know, my state being occupied by federal agents and even in my small town, we’ve got people being like, abducted. Things are escalating quickly at this point, and a lot of it doesn’t get talked about on mainstream media. Um, but yeah, things, I don’t know, man. I think we’re making progress because, um, apparently Binos [00:03:00] getting retired Christina: I was going to say, I, I, I, I heard, I heard that, and I don’t know if that’s good or if that’s bad. Um, I can’t, I can’t tell. Brett: it’s, it’s like, it’s like if Trump died, we wouldn’t know if that was good or bad because JD Vance as president, like maybe things get way worse. Who knows? Uh, none of these, none of these actual figureheads are the solution. Removing them isn’t the solution to removing the kinda maga philosophy behind it. But yeah, and that’s also Jeff is, you know, highly involved and I, I won’t, I won’t talk about that for him. I hope we can get him monsoon to talk about that. Christina: No, me, me, me too. Because I’ve, I’ve been thinking about, about him and about you and about your whole area, your communities, you know, from several thousand miles away. Like all, all we, all we see is either what people post online, which of course now is being suppressed. [00:04:00] Uh, thanks a lot. You know, like, like the, oh, TikTok was gonna be so terrible. Chi the, the Chinese are gonna take over our, uh, our algorithms. Right? No, Larry Ellison is, is actually going to completely, you know, fuck up the algorithms, um, and, and suppress anything. I, yeah. Yeah. They’re, they’re Brett: is TikTok? Well, ’cause Victor was telling me that, they were seeing videos. Uh, you would see one frame of the video and then it would black out. And it all seemed to be videos that were negative towards the administration and we weren’t sure. Is this a glitch? Is this coincidence? Christina: well, they claim it’s a glitch, but I don’t believe it. Brett: Yeah, it seems, it seems Christina: I, I mean, I mean, I mean, the thing is like, maybe it is, maybe it is a glitch and we’re overreacting. I don’t know. Um, all I know is that they’ve given us absolutely zero reason to trust them, and so I don’t, and so, um, uh, apparently the, the state of California, this is, [00:05:00] so we are recording this on Tuesday morning. Apparently the state of California has said that they are going to look into whether things are being, you know, suppressed or not, and if that’s violating California law, um, because now that, that, that TikTok is, is controlled by an American entity, um, even if it is, you know, owned by like a, you know, uh, evil, uh, billionaire, you know, uh, crony sto fuck you, Larry Ellison. Um, uh, I guess that means we won’t be getting an Oracle sponsorship. Sorry. Um, uh, Brett: take it anyway. Christina: I, I know you wouldn’t, I know you wouldn’t. That’s why I felt safe saying that. Um, but, uh, but even if, if, if that were the case, like I, you know, but apparently like now that it is like a, you know, kind of, you know, state based like US thing, like California could step in and potentially make things difficult for them. I mean, I think that’s probably a lot of bluster on Newsom’s part. I don’t think that he could really, honestly achieve any sort of change if they are doing things to the algorithm. Brett: Yeah. Uh, [00:06:00] if, if laws even matter anymore, it would be something that got tied up in court for a long time Christina: Right. Which effectively wouldn’t matter. Right. And, and then that opens up a lot of other interesting, um, things about like, okay, well, you know, should we, like what, what is the role? Like even for algorithmically determined things of the government to even step in or whatever, right now, obviously does, I think, become like more of a speech issue if it’s government speech that’s being suppressed, but regardless, it, it is just, it’s bad. So I’ve been, I’ve been thinking about you, I’ve been thinking about Jeff. Police Violence and Public Response Christina: Um, you know, we all saw what happened over the weekend and, and, you know, people be, people are being murdered in the streets and I mean that, that, that’s what’s happening. And, Brett: white people no less, Christina: Right. Well, I mean, that’s the thing, right? Like, is that like, but, but, but they keep moving the bar. They, they keep moving the goalpost, right? So first it’s a white woman and, oh, she, she was, she was running over. The, the officer [00:07:00] or the ice guy, and it’s like, no, she wasn’t, but, but, but that, that’s immediately where they go and, and she’s, you know, radical whatever and, and, and a terrorist and this and that. Okay. Then you have a literal veterans affair nurse, right? Like somebody who literally, like, you know, has, has worked with, with, with combat veterans and has done those things. Who, um, is stepping in to help someone who’s being pepper sprayed, you know, is, is just observing. And because he happens to have, um, a, a, a, a gun on him legally, which he’s allowed to do, um, they immediately used that as cover to execute him. But if he hadn’t had the gun, they would’ve, they would’ve come up with something else. Oh, we thought he had a gun, and they, you know what I mean? So like, they, they got lucky with that one because they removed the method, the, the, the weapon and then shot him 10 times. You know, they literally executed him in the street. But if he hadn’t had a gun, they still would’ve executed. Brett: Yeah, no, for sure. Um, it’s really frustrating that [00:08:00] they took the gun away. So he was disarmed and, and immobilized and then they shot him. Um, like so that’s just a straight up execution. And then to bring, like, to say that it, he, because he had a gun, he was dangerous, is such a, an affront to America has spent so long fighting against gun control and saying that we had the right to carry fucking assault rifles in the Christina: Kyle Rittenhouse. Kyle Rittenhouse was literally acquitted. Right? Brett: Yeah. And he killed people. Christina: and, and he killed people. He was literally walking around little fucking stogey, you know, little blubbering little bitch, like, you know, crying, you know, he’s like carrying around like Rambo a gun and literally snipe shooting people. That’s okay. Brett: They defended Christina: if you have a. They defended him. Of course they did. Right? Of course they did. Oh, well he has the right to carry and this and that, and Oh, you should be able to be armed in [00:09:00] these places. Oh, no, but, but if you’re, um, somebody that we don’t like Brett: Yeah, Christina: and you have a concealed carry permit, and I don’t even know if he was really concealed. Right. Because I think that if you have it on your holster, I don’t even think that counts as concealed to Brett: was supposedly in Christina: I, I, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t. Brett: like it Christina: Which I don’t think counts as concealed. I think. Brett: No. Christina: Right, right. So, so, so, so, so that, that, that wouldn’t be concealed. Be because you have someone in, in that situation, then all of a sudden, oh, no. Now, now the, the key, the goalpost, okay, well, it’s fine if it’s, you know, uh, police we don’t like, or, or other people. And, and, and if you’re going after protesters, then you can shoot and kill whoever you want, um, because you’ve perceived a threat and you can take actions into your, to your own hands. Um, but now if you are even a white person, um, even, you know, someone who’s, who’s worked in Veterans Affairs, whatever, if, if you have, uh, even if you’re like a, a, a, you know, a, a gun owner and, and have permits, um, now [00:10:00] if we don’t like you and you are anywhere in the vicinity of anybody associated with law enforcement, now they have the right to shoot you dead. Like that’s, that’s, that’s the argument, which is insanity. Brett: so I’m, I’m just gonna point out that as the third right came to power, they disarmed the Jews and they disarmed the anarchists and the socialists and they armed the rest of the population and it became, um, gun control for people they didn’t like. Um, and this is, it’s just straight up the same playbook. There’s no, there’s no differentiation anymore. Christina: No, it, it, it actively makes me angry that, um, I, I could be, because, ’cause what can we do? And, and what they’re counting on is the fact that we’re all tired and we’re all kind of, you know, like just, [00:11:00] you know, from, from what happened, you know, six years ago and, and, and what happened, you know, five years ago. Um, and, and, and various things. I think a lot of people are, are just. It kind of like Brett: Sure. Christina: done with, with, with being able to, to, to, right. But now the actual fascism is here, right? Like, like we, we, we saw a, a, you know, a whiff of this on, on, on January 6th, but now it’s actual fascism and they control every branch of government. Brett: Yeah. Christina: And, um, and, and, and I, and I don’t know what we’re supposed to do, right? Like, I mean it, because I mean, you know, uh, Philadelphia is, is, is begging for, for, for them to come. And I think that would be an interesting kind of standoff. Seattle is this, this is what a friend of mine said was like, you know, you know Philadelphia, Filch Philadelphia is begging them to come. Seattle is like scared. Um, that, that they’re going to come, um, because honestly, like we’re a bunch of little bitch babies and, um, [00:12:00] people think they’re like, oh, you know the WTO. I’m like, yeah, that was, that was 27 years ago. Um, uh, I, I don’t think that Seattle has the juice to hold that sort of line again. Um, but I also don’t wanna find out, right? Like, but, but, but this is, this is the attack thing. It’s like, okay, why are they in Minnesota? Right? They’re what, like 130,000, um, Brett: exactly Christina: um, immigrants in, in Minnesota. There are, there are however many million in Texas, however many million in Florida. We know exactly why, right? This isn’t about. Anything more than Brett: in any way. Christina: and opt. Right, right. It has nothing, it has nothing to do with, with, with immigration anyway. I mean, even, even the Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal who a, you know, ran an op-ed basically saying get out of Minnesota. They also, they also had like a, you know, a news story, which was not from the opinion board, which like broke down the, the, the footage showing, you know, that like the, the video footage doesn’t match the administration’s claims, but they also ran a story. Um, that [00:13:00] basically did the math, I guess, on like the number of, of criminals, um, or people with criminal records who have been deported. And at this point, like in, you know, and, and when things started out, like, I guess when the raid started out, the, the majority of the people that they were kind of going after were people who had criminal records. Now, whether they were really violent, the worst, the worst, I mean that’s, I’m, I’m not gonna get into that, but you could at least say like, they, they could at least say, oh, well these were people who had criminal records, whatever. Now some, some huge percentage, I think it’s close to 80% don’t have anything. And many of the people that do the, the criminal like thing that they would hold would be, you know, some sort of visa violation. Right. So it’s, it’s, it’s Brett: they deported a five-year-old kid after using him as bait to try to get the rest of his family. Christina: as bait. Brett: Yeah. And like it’s, it’s pretty deplorable. But I will say I am proud of Minnesota. Um, they have not backed [00:14:00] down. They have stood up in the face of increasing increasingly escalated attacks, and they have shown up in force thousands of people out in the streets. Like Conti, like last night they had a, um, well, yeah, I mean, it’s been ongoing, but, uh, what’s his name? Preddy Alex. Um, at the place where he was shot, they had a, like continuing kind of memorial protest, I guess, and there’s footage of like a thousand, a thousand mins surrounding about 50, um, ICE agents and. Like basically corralling them to the point where they were all backed into a corner and weren’t moving. And I don’t know what happened after that. Um, but thus far it hasn’t been violent on the part of protesters. It’s been very violent on the part of ice. I [00:15:00] personally, I don’t know where I stand on, like, I feel like the Democrats are urging pacifism because it affects their hold on power. And I don’t necessarily think that peace when they’re murdering us in the street. I don’t know if peace is the right response, but I don’t know. I’m not openly declaring that I support violence at this point, but. At the same time, do I not? I’m not sure. Like I keep going back and forth on is it time for a war or do we try to vote our way out of this? Christina: I mean, well, and the scary thing about voting our way out of this is will we even be able to have free elections, right? Be because they’re using any sort of anything, even the most benign sort of legal [00:16:00] protest, even if violence isn’t involved in all of a sudden, talks of the Insurrection Act come Brett: yeah. And Trump, Trump offered to pull out of Minnesota if Minnesota will turn over its voter database to the federal government. Like that’s just blatant, like that’s obviously the end goal is suppression. Christina: Right, right. And, and so to your point, I don’t know. Right. And I’m, I’m never somebody who would wanna advocate outwardly for violence, but I, I, I, I, I don’t know. I mean, they’re killing citizens in the streets. They’re assassinating people in cold blood. They’re executing people, right. That’s what they’re doing. They’re literally executing people in the streets and then covering it up in real time. Brett: if the argument is, if we are violent, it will cause them to kill us. They’re already killing Christina: already doing it. Right. So at, at this point, I mean, like, you know, I mean, like, w to your point, wars have been started for, for, for less, or for the exact same things. Brett: [00:17:00] Yeah. Christina: So, I don’t know. I don’t know. Um, I know that that’s a depressing way to probably do mental health corner and whatnot, but this is what’s happening in our world right now and in and in your community, and it’s, it’s terrifying. Brett: I’m going to link in the show notes an article from Crime Think that was written by, uh, people in Germany who have studied, um, both historical fascism and the current rise of the A FD, which will soon be the most powerful party in Germany, um, which is straight up a Nazi party. Um, and it, they offered, like their hope right now lies in America stopping fascism. Christina: Yeah. Brett: Like if we can, if we can stop fascism, then they believe the rest of Europe can stop fascism. Um, but like they, it, it’s a good article. It kind of, it kind of broaches the same questions I do about like, is it [00:18:00] time for violence? And they offer, like, we don’t, we’re not advocating for a civil war, but like Civil wars might. If you, if you, if you broach them as revolutions, it’s kind of, they’re kind of the same thing in cases like this. So anyway, I’ll, I’ll link that for anyone who wants to read kinda what’s going on in my head. I’m making a note to dig that up. I, uh, I love Crime Fake Oh and Blue Sky. Social Media and Surveillance Brett: Um, so I have not, up until very recently been an avid Blue Sky user. Um, I think I have like, I think I have maybe like 200 followers there and I follow like 50 people. But I’ve been expanding that and I am getting a ton of my news from Blue Sky and like to get stories from people on the ground, like news as it happens, unfiltered and Blue Sky has been [00:19:00] really good for that. Um, I, it’s. There’s not like an algorithm. I just get my stuff and like Macedon, I have a much larger following and I follow a lot more people, but it’s very tech, Christina: It’s very tech and, Brett: there for. Christina: well, and, and MAs on, um, understandably too is also European, um, in a lot of regards. And so it’s just, it’s not. Gonna have the same amount of, of people who are gonna be able to, at least for instances like this, like be on the ground and doing real-time stuff. It’s not, it doesn’t have like the more normy stuff. So, no, that makes sense. Um, no, that’s great. I think, yeah, blue Sky’s been been really good for, for these sorts of real-time events because again, they don’t have an algorithm. Like you can have one, like for a personalized kind of like for you feed or whatever, but in terms of what you see, you know, you see it naturally. You’re not seeing it being adjusted by anything, which can be good and bad. I, I think is good because nothing’s suppressing things and you see things in real time. It can be bad because sometimes you miss things, but I think on the whole, it’s better. [00:20:00] The only thing I will say, just to anyone listening and, and just to spread onto, you know, people in your communities too, from what I’ve observed from others, like, it does seem like the, the government and other sorts of, you know, uh, uh, the, you know, bodies like that are finally starting to pay more attention to blue sky in terms of monitoring things. And so that’s not to say don’t. You know, use it at all. But the same way, you don’t make threats on Twitter if you don’t want the Feds to show up at your house. Don’t make threats on Blue Sky, because it’s not just a little microcosm where, you know, no one will see it. People are, it, it’s still small, but it’s, it’s getting bigger to the point that like when people look at like where some of the, the, the fire hose, you know, things observable things are there, there seem to be more and more of them located in the Washington DC area, which could just be because data centers are there, who knows? But I’ve also just seen anecdotally, like people who have had, like other instances, it’s like, don’t, don’t think [00:21:00] that like, oh, okay, well, you know, no one’s monitoring this. Um, of course people are so just don’t be dumb, don’t, don’t say things that could potentially get you in trouble. Um. Brett: a political candidate in Florida. Um, had the cops show up at her house and read her one of her Facebook posts. I mean, this was local. This was local cops, but still, yeah, you Christina: right. Well, yeah, that’s the thing, right? No, totally. And, and my, my only point with that is we’ve known that they do that for Facebook and for, for, you know, Twitter and, and, uh, you know, Instagram and things like that, but they, but Blue Sky, like, I don’t know if it’s on background checks yet, but it, uh, like for, uh, for jobs and things like that, I, I, I don’t know if that’s happening, but it definitely is at that point where, um, I know that people are starting to monitor those things. So just, you know, uh, not even saying for you per se, but just for anybody out there, like, it’s awesome and I’m so glad that like, that’s where people can get information out, but don’t be like [00:22:00] lulled into this false sense of security. Like, oh, well they’re not gonna monitor this. They’re not Brett: Nobody’s watching me here. Christina: It is like, no, they are, they are. Um, so especially as it becomes, you know, more prominent. So I’m, I’m glad that that’s. That’s an option there too. Um, okay. Sponsor Break: Copilot Money Christina: This is like the worst possible segue ever, but should we go ahead and segue to our, our, our sponsor break? Brett: Let’s do it. Let’s, let’s talk about capitalism. Christina: All right. This episode is brought to you by copilot money. Copilot money is not just another finance app. It’s your personal finance partner designed to help you feel clear, calm, and in control of your money. Whether it’s tracking your spending, saving for specific goals, or simply getting the handle on your investments. Copilot money has you covered as we enter the new year. Clarity and control over our finances has never been more important with the recent shutdown of Mint and rising financial stress, for many consumers are looking for a modern, trustworthy tool to help navigate their financial journeys. That’s where copilot money comes in. 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Download copilot money on your devices or visit. Try copilot money slash [00:24:00] overti today to claim you’re two months free and embrace a more organized, stress-free approach to your finances. Try copilot.money/ Overtired. Brett: Awesome that I appreciate this segue. ’cause we, we, we could, we could be talking about other things. Um, like it’s, it feels so weird, like when I go on social media and I just want to post that like my water’s out. It feels out of place right now because there’s everything that’s going on feels so much more important than, Christina: Right. Brett: than anything else. Um, but there’s still a place for living our lives, um, Christina: there are a absolutely. I mean, and, and, and in a certain extent, like not to, I mean, maybe this is a little bit of a cope, but it’s like, if all we do is focus on the things that we can’t control at the expense of everything else, it’s like then they win. You know? Like, which, which isn’t, which, which isn’t even to [00:25:00] say, like, don’t talk about what’s happening. Don’t try to help, don’t try to speak out and, and, um, and do what we can do, but also. Like as individuals, there’s very little we can control about things. And being completely, you know, subsumed by that is, is not necessarily good either. Um, so yeah, there’s, there, there are other things going on and it’s important for us to get out of our heads. It’s important, especially for you, you know, being in the region, I think to be able to, to focus on other things and, and hopefully your water will be back soon. ’cause that sucks like that. I’ve been, I’ve been worried about you. I’m glad that you have heat. I’m glad you have internet. I’m glad you have power, but you know, the pipes being frozen and all that stuff is like, not Brett: it, the, the internet has also been down for up to six hours at a time. I don’t know why. There’s like an amplifier down on our street. Um, and that has sucked because I, out here, I live in a, I’m not gonna call it rural. Uh, we’re like five minutes from town, [00:26:00] but, um, we, we don’t. We have shitty internet. Like I pay for a gigabit and I get 500 megabits and it’s, and it’s up and down all the time and I hate it. But anyway. Tech Talk: Gas Town and AI Agents Brett: Let’s talk about, uh, let’s talk about Gas Town. What can you tell me about Gastown? Christina: Okay. So we’ve talked a lot about like AI agents and, um, kind of like, uh, coding, um, loops and, and things like that. And so Gastown, uh, which is available, um, at, I, it is not Gas Town. Let me find the URL, um, one second. It’s, it’s at a gas town. No, it’s not. Lemme find it. Um. Right. So this is a thing that, that Steve Yy, uh, has created, and [00:27:00] it is a multi-agent workspace manager. And so the idea is basically that you can be running like a lot of instances of, um, of, of Claude Code or, um, I guess you could use Codex. You could use, uh, uh, uh, co-pilot, um, SDK or CLI agent and whatnot. Um, and basically what it’s designed to do is to basically let you coordinate like multiple coding agents at one time so they can all be working on different tasks, but then instead of having, um, like the context get lost when agents restart, it creates like a, a persistent, um, like. Work state, which it uses with, with git on the backend, which is supposed to basically enable more multi-agent workflows. So, um, basically the idea would be like, you get, have multiple agents working at once, kind of talking to one another, handing things off, you know, each doing their own task and then coordinating the work with what the other ones are doing. But then you have like a persistent, um, uh, I guess kind of like, you know, layer in the backend so that if an agent has to restart or whatever, it’s not gonna lose the, [00:28:00] the context, um, that that’s happening. And you don’t have to manually, um, worry about things like, okay, you know, I’ve lost certain things in memory and, and I’ve, you know, don’t know how I’m, I’m managing all these things together. Um, there, there’s another project, uh, called Ralph, which is kind of based on this, this concept of like, what of Ralph Wickham was, you know, coding or, or was doing kind of a loop. And, and it’s, it’s, it’s a, it’s kind of a similar idea. Um, there’s also. Brett: my nose wouldn’t bleed so much if I just kept my finger out of there. Christina: Exactly, exactly. My cat’s breath smells like cat food. Um, and um, and so. Like there are ideas of like Ralph Loops and Gastown. And so these are a couple of like projects, um, that have really started to, uh, take over. So like, uh, Ralph is more of an autonomous AI agent loop that basically like it runs like over and over and over again until, uh, a task is done. Um, and, and a lot of people use, use Gastown and, [00:29:00] and, and Ralph together. Um, but yeah, no Ga gastown is is pretty cool. Um, we’ll we’re gonna talk about it more ’cause it’s my pick of the week. We’ll talk about Molt bot previously known as Claude Bot, which is, uses some, some similar ideas. But it’s really been interesting to see like how, like the, the multi-agent workflow, and by multi-agent, I mean like, people are running like 20 or 30 of them, you know, at a time. So it’s more than that, um, is really starting to become a thing that people can, uh, can do. Um, Brett: gets expensive though. Christina: I was, I was just about to say that’s the one thing, right? Most people who are using things like Gastown. Are using them with the Claude, um, code Max plans, which is $200 a month. And those plans do give you more value than like, what the, what it would be if you spent $200 in API credits, uh, but $200 a month. Like that’s not an expensive, that’s, you know, that, that’s, that, that, like, you know what I mean? Like, like that, that, that, that, that, that’s a lot of money to spend on these sorts of things. Um, but people [00:30:00] are getting good results out of it. It’s pretty cool. Um. There have been some open models, which of course, most people don’t have equipment that would be fast enough for them to, to run, uh, to be able to kind of do what they would want, um, reliably. But the, the AgTech stuff coming to some of the open models is better. And so if these things can continue, of course now we’re in a ram crisis and storage crisis and everything else, so who knows when the hardware will get good enough again, and we can, when we as consumers can even reasonably get things ourselves. But, but in, in theory, you know, if, if these sorts of things continue, I could see like a, a world where like, you know, some of the WAN models and some of the other things, uh, potentially, um, or Quinn models rather, um, could, uh. Be things that you could conceivably, like be running on your own equipment to run these sorts of nonstop ag agentic loops. But yeah, right now, like it’s really freaking cool and I’ve played around with it because I’m fortunate enough to have access to a lot of tokens. [00:31:00] Um, but yeah, I can get expensive real, real fast. Uh, but, but it’s still, it’s still pretty awesome. Brett: I do appreciate that. So, guest Town, the name is a reference to Mad Max and in the kind of, uh, vernacular that they built for things like background agents and I, uh, there’s a whole bunch, there are different levels of, of the interface that they kind of extrapolated on the gas town kind of metaphor for. Uh, I, it was, it, it, there were some interesting naming conventions and then they totally went in other directions with some of the names. It, they didn’t keep the theme very well, but, but still, uh, I appreciate Ralph Wig and Mad Max. That’s. It’s at the very least, it’s interesting. Christina: No, it definitely is. It definitely is. Crypto Controversies Christina: I will say that there’s been like a little bit [00:32:00] of a kerfuffle, uh, involved in both of those, uh, developers because, um, they’re both now promoting shit coins and, uh, and so that’s sort of an interesting thing. Um, basically there’s like this, this, this crypto company called bags that I guess apparently like if people want to, they will create crypto coins for popular open source projects, and then they will designate someone to, I guess get the, the gas fees, um, in, um, uh, a Solana parlance, uh, no pun intended, with the gas town, um, where basically like that’s, you know, like the, the, the fees that you spend to have the transaction work off of the blockchain, right? Like, especially if there’s. A lot of times that it would take, like, you pay a certain percentage of something and like those fees could be designated to an individual. And, um, in this case, like both of these guys were reached out to when basically they were like, Hey, this coin exists. You’ve got all this money just kind of sitting in a crypto wallet waiting for you. [00:33:00] Take the money, get, get the, the transaction fees, so to speak. And, uh, I mean, I think that, that, that’s, if you wanna take that money right, it’s, it’s there for you. I’m not gonna certainly judge anyone for that. What I will judge you for is if you then promote your shit coin to your community and basically kind of encourage everyone. To kind of buy into it. Maybe you put in the caveat, oh, this isn’t financial advice. Oh, this is all just for whatever. But, but you’re trying to do that and then you go one step beyond, which I think is actually pretty dumb, which is to be like, okay, well, ’cause like, here’s the thing, I’m not gonna judge anyone. If someone who’s like, Hey, here’s a wallet that we’re gonna give you, and it has real cash in it, and you can do whatever you want with it, and these are the transaction fees, so to speak, like, you know, the gas fees, whatever, you know what you do. You, even if you wanna let your audience know that you’ve done that, and maybe you’re promoting that, maybe some people will buy into it, like, people are adults. Fine. Where, where I do like side eye a little bit is if you are, then for whatever reason [00:34:00] going to be like, oh, I’m gonna take my fees and I’m gonna reinvest it in the coin. Like, okay, you are literally sitting on top of the pyramid, like you could not be in a better position and now you’re, but right. And now you’re literally like paying into the pyramid scheme. It’s like, this is not going to work well for you. These are rug bulls. Um, and so like the, the, the, the gas town coin like dropped like massively. The Ralph coin like dropped massively, like after the, the, the Ralph creator, I think he took out like 300 K or something and people, or, you know, sold like 300 K worth of coins. And people were like, oh, he’s pulling a rug pull. And I’m like, well, A, what did you expect? But B it’s like, this is why don’t, like, if someone’s gonna give you free money from something that’s, you know, kind of scammy, like, I’m not saying don’t take the money. I am saying maybe be smart enough to not to reinvest it into the scam. Brett: Yeah. Christina: Like, I don’t know. Anyway, that’s the only thing I will mention on that. ’cause I don’t think that that takes [00:35:00] anything away from either of those projects or it says that you shouldn’t use or play around with it either of those ideas at all. But that is just a thing that’s happened in the last couple of weeks too, where it’s like, oh, and now there’s like crypto, you know, the crypto people are trying to get kind of involved with these projects and, um, I, I think that that’s, uh, okay. You know, um, like I said, I’m, I’m not gonna judge anybody for taking free money that, that somebody is gonna offer them. I will judge you if you’re gonna try to then, you know, try to like, promote that to your audience and try to be like, oh, this is a great way where we, where you can help me and we can all get rich. It’s like, no, there are, if you really wanna support creators, like there are things like GitHub sponsors and there are like other methods that you can, you can do that, that don’t involve making financial risks on shit coins. Brett: I wish anything I made could be popular enough that I could do something that’s stupid. Yeah. Like [00:36:00] I, I, I, I’m not gonna pull a rug pull on anyone, but the chances that I’ll ever make $300,000 on anything I’m working on, it’s pretty slim. Christina: Yeah, but at the same time, like if you, if you did, if you were in that position, like, I don’t know, I mean, I guess that’d be a thing that you would have to kind of figure out, um, yourself would be like, okay, I have access to this amount of money. Am I going to try to, you know, go all in and, and maybe go full grift to get even more? Some, something tells me that like your own personal ethics would probably preclude you from that. Brett: I, um, I have spent, what, um, how old am I? 47. I, I’ve been, since I started blogging in like 1999, 2000, um, I have always adhered to a very strict code and like turning down sponsors. I didn’t agree with [00:37:00] not doing anything that would be shady. Not taking, not, not taking money from anyone I was writing about. Ethics in Journalism and Personal Dilemmas Brett: Like, it’s been, it’s a pain in the ass to try to be truly ethical, but I feel like I’ve done it for 30 some years and, and I don’t know, I wouldn’t change it. I’m not rich. I’ll never be rich. But yeah, I think ethics are important, especially if you’re in any kind of journalism. Christina: Yeah, if you’re in any sort of journalism. I think so, and I think like how people wanna define those things, I think it’s up to them. And, and like I said, like I’m not gonna even necessarily like, like judge people like for, because I, I don’t know personally like what my situation would be like. Like if somebody was like, Christina, here’s a wallet that has the equivalent of $300,000 in it and it’s just sitting here and we’re not even asking you to do anything with this. I would probably take the money. I’m not gonna lie, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t [00:38:00] know if I would promote it or anything and I maybe I would feel compelled to disclose, Hey, Brett: That is Christina: wallet belongs to me. Brett: money though. Christina: I, I, right. I, I, I might, I might be, I might feel compelled to com to, to disclose, Hey, someone created this coin in this thing. They created the foam grow coin and they are giving me, you know, the, the, the gas fees and I have accepted Brett: could be, I’d feel like you could do it if you were transparent enough about it. Christina: Yeah, I mean, I, I, I think where I draw the line is when you then go from like, because again, it’s fine if you wanna take it. It’s then when you are a. Reinvesting the free money into the coin, which I think is just idiotic. Like, I think that’s just actually dumb. Um, like I just, I just do like, that just seems like you are literally, like I said, you’re at the top of the pyramid and you’re literally like volunteering to get into the bottom again. Um, and, or, or b like if you do that and then you try to rationalize in some way, oh, well, you know, I think [00:39:00] that this could be a great thing for everybody to, you know, I get rich, you know, you could get rich, we could all get money out of this because this is the future of, you know, creator economy or whatever. It’s like, no, it’s not. This is gambling. Um, and, and, and, and you could make the argument to me, and I’d probably be persuaded to be like, this isn’t that different from poly market or any of the other sorts of things. But you know what? I don’t do those things either. And I wouldn’t promote those things to any audience that I had either. Um, but if somebody wanted to give me free money. I probably wouldn’t turn it down. I’m not gonna pretend that my ethics are, are that strong. Uh, I just don’t know if I would, if I would, uh, go on the other end and be like, okay, to the Moom, everyone let, let’s all go in on the crypto stuff. It’s like, okay, The Future of Open Source and Cryptocurrency Brett: So is this the future of open source is, ’cause I mean like open source has survived for decades as like a concept and it’s never been terribly profitable. But a [00:40:00] lot of large companies have invested in open source, and I guess at this point, like most of the big open source projects are either run by a corporation or by a foundation. Um, that are independently financed, but for a project like Gastown, like is it the future? Is this, is this something people are gonna start doing to like, kind of make open source profitable? Christina: I mean, maybe, I don’t know. I think the problem though is that it’s not necessarily predictable, right? And, and not to say that like normal donations or, or support methods are predictable, but at least that could be a thing where you’re like, they’re not, but, but, but it’s not volatile to the extent where you’re like, okay, I’m basing, you know, like my income based on how well this shit coin that someone else controls the supply of someone else, you know, uh, uh, created someone else, you know, burned, so to speak, somebody else’s is going to be, uh, [00:41:00] controlling and, and has other things and could be responsible for, you know, big seismic like market movements like that I think is very different, um, than anything else. And so, I don’t know. I mean, I, I think that they, what I do expect that we’ll see more of is more and more popular projects, things that go viral, especially around ai. Probably being approached or people like proactively creating coins around those things. And there have been some, um, developers who’ve already, you know, stood up oddly and been like, if you see anybody trying to create a coin around this, it is not associated with me. I won’t be associated with any of it. I won’t do it. Right. Uh, and I think that becomes a problem where you’re like, okay, if these things do become popular, then that becomes like another risk if you don’t wanna be involved in it. If you’re involved with a, with a popular project, right? Like the, like the, like the creator of MPM Isaac, like, I think there’s like an MPM coin now, and that, that he’s, you know, like involved in and it’s like, you know, again, he didn’t create it, but he is happy to promote it. He’s happy to take the money. I’m like, look, I’m happy for [00:42:00] Isaac to get money from NPMI am at the same time, you know, bun, which is basically like, you know, the, you know, replacement for, for Node and NPM in a lot of ways, they sold to Anthropic for. I guarantee you a fuck load more money than whatever Isaac is gonna make off of some MPM shitcoin. So, so like, it, it’s all a lottery and it’s not sustainable. But I also feel like for a lot of open source projects, and this isn’t like me saying that the people shouldn’t get paid for the work, quite the contrary. But I think if you go into it with the expectation of I’m going to be able to make a sustainable living off of something, like when you start a project, I think that that is not necessarily going to set you up for, I think that those expectations are misaligned with what reality might be, which again, isn’t to say that you shouldn’t get paid for your work, it’s just that the reason that we give back and the reason we contribute open source is to try to be part of like the, the greater good and to make things more available to everyone. Not to be [00:43:00] like, oh, I can, you know, quit my job. Like, that would be wonderful. I, I wish that more and more people could do that. And I give to a lot of, um, open source projects on, on a monthly basis or on an annual basis. Um, Brett: I, I give basically all the money that’s given to me for my open source projects I distribute among other open source projects. So it’s a, it’s a, it’s a wash for me, but yeah, I am, I, I pay, you know, five, 10 bucks a month to 20 different projects and yeah. Christina: Yeah. I mean, I think it’s important, but, but I, I don’t know. I, I, I hope that it’s not the future. I’m not mad, I think like if that’s a way where people can make, you know, a, a, an income. But I do, I guess worry the sense that like, if, if, if, I don’t want that to be, the reason why somebody would start an open source project is because they’re like, oh, I, I can get rich on a crypto thing. Right? Like, ’cause that that’s the exact wrong Brett: that’s not open source. That’s not the open source philosophy. Christina: no, [00:44:00] it’s not. And, and so, I mean, but I think, I think if it already exists, I mean, I don’t know. I, I also feel like no one should feel obligated. This should go without saying that. If you see a project that you like that is involved in one of those coins. Do you have a zero obligation to be, uh, supportive of that in any way? And in fact, it is probably in your financial best interest to not be involved. Um, it, it is your life, your money, your, you do whatever you want, gamble, however you want. But, uh, I, I, I, I do, I guess I, I bristle a little bit. Like if people try to portray it like, oh, well this is how you can support me by like buying into this thing. I’m like, okay, that’s alright. Like, I, I, if you wanna, again, like I said, if you wanna play poly market with this, fine, but don’t, don’t try to wrap that around like, oh, well this is how you can give back. It’s like, no, you can give back in other ways. Like you can do direct donations, you can do other stuff. Like I would, I would much rather encourage people to be like, rather than putting a hundred dollars in Ralph Coin, [00:45:00] give a hundred dollars to the Ralph Guy directly. Apex 1.0? Brett: So, speaking of unprofitable open source, I have Apex almost to 1.0. Um, it officially handles, I think, all of the syntax that I had hoped it would handle. Um, it does like crazy things, uh, that it’s all built on common mark, GFM, uh, like cmar, GFM, GitHub’s project. Um, so it, it does all of that. Plus it handles stuff from like M mark with like indices. Indices, and it incorporates, uh. Uh, oh, I forget the name of it. Like two different ways of creating indices. It handles all kinds of bibliography syntax, like every known bibliography syntax. Um, I just added, you can, you can create insert tags with plus, plus, uh, the same way you would create a deletion with, uh, til detail. Um, and [00:46:00] I’ve added a full plugin structure, and the plugins now can be project local. So you can have global plugins. And then if you have specific settings, so like I have a, I, my blogs are all based on cramdown and like the bunch documentation is based on cramdown, but then like the mark documentation. And most of my writing is based on multi markdown and they have different. Like the, for example, the IDs that go on headers in multi markdown. If it’s, if it has a space in multi markdown, it gets compressed to no space in common Mark or GFM, it gets a dash instead of a space, which means if I have cross links, cross references in my document, if I don’t have the right header syntax, the cross reference will break. So now I can put a, a config into like my bunch documentation that tells Apex to use, [00:47:00] um, the dash syntax. And in my Mark documentation, I can tell it to use the multi markdown syntax. And then I can just run Apex with no command line arguments and everything works. And I don’t know, I, I haven’t gotten adoption for it. Like the one place I thought it could be really useful was DEVONthink, Christina: Mm-hmm. Brett: which has always been based on multi markdown, which. Um, is I love multi markdown and I love Fletcher and, um, it’s just, it’s missing a lot of what I would consider modern syntax. Christina: Right. Brett: so I, I offered it to Devin think, and it turned out they were working on their own project along the same lines at the same time. Um, but I’m hoping to find some, some apps that will incorporate it and maybe get it some traction. It’s solid, it’s fast, it’s not as fast as common Mark, but it does twice as much. Um, like the [00:48:00] benchmarks, it a complex document renders in common mark in about. Uh, 27 milliseconds, and in Apex it’s more like 46 milliseconds. But in the grand scheme of things, I could render my whole blog 10 times faster than I can with cramm down or Panoc and yeah, and, and I can use all the syntax I want. Challenges and Innovations in Markdown Processing Brett: Did I tell you about, did I tell you about, uh, Panoc Divs? The div extension, um, like you can in with the panoc D extension, you can put colon, colon, colon instead of like back, take, back, take backtick. So normally, like back ticks would create a code block with colons, it creates a div, and you can apply, you can apply inline attribute lists after the colons to make, to give it a class and an ID and any other attributes you wanna apply to it. I extended that so that you can do colon, [00:49:00] colon, colon, and then type a tag name. So if you type colon, colon, colon aside and then applied an attribute list to it, it would create an aside tag with those attributes. Um, the, the only pan deck extension that I wish I could support that I don’t yet is grid tables. Have you ever seen grid tables? Christina: I have not. Brett: There, it’s, it’s kind of like multi markdown table syntax, except you use like plus signs for joints and uh, pipes and dashes, and you actually draw out the table like old ASCI diagrams Christina: Okay. Brett: and that would render that into a valid HTML table. But that supporting that has just been, uh, tables. Tables are the thing. I’ve pulled the most hair out over. Christina: Yeah, I was gonna say, I think I, they feel like tables are hard. I also feel like in a lot of circumstances, I mean obviously people use tables and whatnot, but like, [00:50:00] only thing I would say to you, like, you know, apex is, is so cool and I hope that other projects adopt it. Um, and, uh, potentially with the POC support as far as you’ve gotten with it, maybe, you know, projects that support some of POC stuff could, could, you know, uh, jump into it. But I will say it does feel like. Once you go into like the Panoc universe, like that almost feels like a separate thing from the markdown Flavors like that almost feels like its own like ecosystem. You know what I mean? Brett: Well, yeah, and I haven’t tried to adopt everything Panoc does because you can als, you can also use panoc. You can pipe from Apex into Panoc or vice versa. So I’m not gonna try to like one for one replicate panoc, Christina: No, no. Totally Brett: do all of panoc export options because Panoc can take HTML in and then output PDFs and Doc X and everything. So you can just pipe output from Apex into Panoc to create your PDF or whatever Christina: And like, and, and like to, [00:51:00] and like to me, like that seems ideal, right? But I feel like maybe like adopting some of the other things, especially like, like their grid, you know, table, things like that. Like that would be cool. But like, that feels like that’s a, potentially has the, has the potential, maybe slow down rendering and do other stuff which you don’t want. And then b it’s like, okay, now are we complicated to the point that like, this is, this is now not becoming like one markdown processor to rule them all, but you Brett: Yeah, the whole point, the whole point is to be able to just run Apex and not worry about what cex you’re using. Um, but grid tables are the kind of thing that are so intentional that you’re not gonna accidentally use them. Like the, the, the, the impetus for Apex was all these support requests I get from people that are like the tilde syntax for underline or delete doesn’t work in Mark. And it, it does if you choose the right processor. But then you have to know, yeah, you have to [00:52:00] know what processor supports what syntax and that takes research and time and bringing stuff in from, say, obsidian into mart. You would just kind of expect things to work. And that’s, that’s why I built Apex and Christina: right? Brett: you are correct that grid tables are the kind of thing, no one’s going to use grid tables if they haven’t specifically researched what Christina: I right. Brett: they’re gonna work with. Christina: And they’re going to have a way that has their file marked so that it is designated as poc and then whatever, you know, flags for whatever POC features it supports, um, does. Now I know that the whole point of APEX is you don’t have to worry about this, but, but I am assuming, based on kind of what you said, like if I pass like arguments like in like a, you know, in a config file or something like where I was like, these documents or, or, or this URL or these things are, you know, in this process or in this in another, then it can, it can just automatically apply those rules without having to infer based on the, on the syntax, right. Brett: right. It has [00:53:00] modes for cram down and common mark and GFM and discount, and you can like tell it what mode you’re writing in and it will limit the feature set to just what that processor would handle. Um, and then all of the flags, all of the features have neg negotiable flags on them. So if you wanted to say. Skip, uh, relax table rendering. You could turn that off on the command line or in a config file. Um, so yeah, everything, everything, you can make it behave like any particular processor. Uh, but I focus mostly on the unified mode, which again, like you don’t have to think about which processor you are using. Christina: Are you seeing, I guess like in, in circumstances like, ’cause I, in, in my, like, my experience, like, I would never think to, like, I would probably like, like to, I would probably do like what you do, which is like, I’m [00:54:00] going to use one syntax or, or one, you know, processor for one type of files and maybe another and another. Um, but I, I don’t think that like, I would ever have a, and maybe I’m misunderstanding this, but I don’t think I would ever have an instance where I would be like mixing the two together in the same file. Brett: See, that’s my, so that’s, that’s what’s changing for me is I’m switching my blog over to use Apex instead of Cramdown, which means I can now incorporate syntax that wasn’t available before. So moving forward, I am mixing, um, things from common mark, things from cram down, things from multi markdown. Um, and, and like, so once you know you have the option Christina: right. Then you might do that Brett: you have all the syntax available, you start doing it. And historically you won’t have, but like once you get used to it, then you can. Christina: Okay. So here’s the next existential question for you. At what point then does it go from being, you know, like [00:55:00] a, a, a rendering engine, kind of like an omni rendering engine to being a syntax and a flavor in and of itself? Brett: That is that, yeah, no, that’s a, that’s a very valid question and one that I have to keep asking myself, um, because I never, okay, so what to, to encapsulate what you’re saying, if you got used to writing for Apex and you were mixing your syntax, all of a sudden you have a document that can’t render in anything except Apex, which does eventually make it its own. Yeah, no, it is, it’s always, it’s a concern the whole time. Christina: well, and I, I wouldn’t even necessarily, I mean, like, and I think it could be two things, right? I mean, like, you could have it live in two worlds where, like on the one hand it could be like the rendering engine to end all rendering engines and it can render, you know, files and any of them, and you can specify like whatever, like in, in, in like a tunnel or something. Like, you know, these files are, [00:56:00] are this format, these are these, and you know, maybe have some sort of, you know, um, something, even like a header files or whatever to be like, this is what this rendering engine is. Um, you know, with, with your projects to have it, uh, do that. Um. Or have it infer, you know, based on, on, on, um, the, the logic that you’re importing. But it could also be one of those things where you’re like, okay, I just have created like, you know, the omni syntax. And that’s a thing that maybe, maybe you get people to try to encourage or try, try to adopt, right? Like, it’s like, okay, you can always just use common mark. You can always just use GFM, you can always just use multi markdown, but we support these other things too, from these other, um, systems and you can intermix and match them. Um, because, because I, I do feel like at a certain point, like at least the way you’re running it yourself, you have your own syntax. Like, like, you know. Brett: yeah. No, you have perfectly encapsulated the, the major [00:57:00] design concern. And I think you’re correct. It can exist, it can be both things at once. Um, but I have like, nobody needs another markdown syntax. Like there are so many flavors right now. Okay. There may be a dozen. It’s not like an infinite number, but, but there’s enough that the confusion is real. Um, and we don’t need yet another markdown flavor, but we do need a universal processor that. Makes the differentiations less, but yeah, no, it’s, I need, I need to nail down that philosophy, uh, and really like, put it into writing and say, this is the design goal of this project, uh, which I have like hinted at, but I’m a scattered thinker and like, part of, part of the design philosophy is if someone says, Hey, [00:58:00] could you make this work? I just wanted a project where I could say, yeah, I’m gonna make that work. I, I, I’m gonna add this somewhat esoteric syntax and it’s just gonna work and it’s not gonna affect anything else. And you don’t have to use it, but if you do, there it is. So it’s kind of, it was designed to bloat to a circuit certain extent. Um, but yeah, I need to, I need to actually write a page That’s just the philosophy and really, really, uh, put, put all my thoughts together on that. Christina: Yeah, no, ’cause I was just kind of thinking, I was like, ’cause it’s so cool. Um, but the way that I would’ve envisioned using it, like I, I still like, it’s cool that you can mix all those things in together. I still feel like I probably wouldn’t because I’m not you. And so then I would just have like this additional dependency that it’s like, okay, if something happens to Apex one day and that’s the only thing that can render my documents, then like, you know what I mean? And, and, and if it’s not getting updated [00:59:00] anymore or whatever, then I’m kind of like SOL, um, Brett: Maku. Do you remember Maku? Christina: vaguely. Brett: It’s, the project is kind of dead and a lot of its syntax has been incorporated into various other processors. But if you built your whole blog on Maku, you have to, you have to be able to run like a 7-year-old binary, um, and, and it’ll never be updated, and eventually you’re gonna run into trouble. The nice thing about Unix based stuff is it’s. Has a, you can stop developing it and it’ll work for a decade, um, until, like, there’s a major shift in processors, but like, just the shift to arm. Like if, if Maku was only ever compiled for, uh, for, uh, Intel and it wasn’t open source, you would, it would be gone. You wouldn’t be able to run it anymore. So yeah, these things can happen. Christina: [01:00:00] Well, and I just even think about like, you know, the fact that like, you know, like some of the early processors, like I remember like back, I mean this is a million years ago, but having to use like certain, like pearl, you know, based things, you know, but depending on like whatever your backend system was, then you moved to PHP, they maybe you move, moved to, you know, Ruby, if you’re using like Jekyll and maybe you move to something else. And I was like, okay, you know, what will the thing be in the future? Yeah. If, if I, if it’s open source and there’s a way that, you know, you can write a new, a new processor for that, but it does create like, dependencies on top of dependencies, which is why I, I kind of feel like I like having like the omni processor. I don’t know if, like, for me, I’m like, okay, I, I would probably be personally leery about intermingling all my different syntaxes together. Brett: to that end though, that is why I wanted it in C um, because C will probably never die. C can be compiled on just about any platform. And it can be used with, like, if you have, if you have a Jekyll blog and you wanna [01:01:00] incorporate a C program into a gem, it’s no problem. Uh, you can incorporate it into just about any. Langu

On Saturday, Alex Pretti – a 37-year-old registered nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis – was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents. It's the third shooting in three weeks by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. And as violence from federal law enforcement becomes increasingly more common, it begs the question – who is joining these agencies? A few months ago, freelance journalist Laura Jedeed applied for a job with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And she got a final offer, despite not doing the required paperwork and undergoing what she put as “minimal” vetting. We spoke to Laura before the shooting of Pretti about her background, the ICE recruitment process, and what questions she still has.And in headlines, a partial government shutdown looms as Senate Democrats vow to oppose a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, Trump threatens a new tariff on Canada if the country makes a free trade deal with China, and California steps up after President Trump pulls the U.S. out of the World Health Organization. Show Notes: Check out Laura's Substack – www.firewalledmedia.com/Call Congress – 202-224-3121Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we unpack the latest revelations surrounding the controversial Arctic Frost investigation, where the special counsel's office approved a $20,000 payment to an FBI informant providing information on Donald Trump and his supporters. John Solomon discusses the implications of this payment, raising questions about the potential weaponization of the FBI and the civil liberties of American citizens.Joining the conversation is Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, who shares significant updates on the VA's progress in reducing the backlog of delayed benefits by 60% and expanding services for veterans. Collins highlights the opening of 20 new regional centers and the increase in veteran appointments, emphasizing the commitment to better serve those who have served our country.In the second segment, investigative reporter Mike Howell, now leading the Oversight Project, provides insights into strategies for addressing illegal immigration and discusses how President Trump can enhance efforts to remove undocumented individuals from the country.Finally, we shift gears to focus on health and wellness, featuring our friends at Pure Health as they explore new trends and natural products in the health sector. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.