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Come This Far with Chris Taylor

Come This Far with Chris Taylor

By Chris Taylor

WE DIDN’T COME THIS FAR TO ONLY COME THIS FAR;
We are all fighting daily battles, we all struggle and falter. Nobody has it easy in this life and nobody is perfect. Any portrayal to the contrary is most certainly a fabricated fantasy. The best thing we can do is learn to not compare our situation with anyone else's, to stop any judgment of another's actions because despite how much information you think you have, there is always more to the story that we can see from outside another person's mind and heart. Self-love and self-acceptance is a lifelong process that must be continuously nurtured.
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Step 6 Change of Heart

Come This Far with Chris TaylorFeb 02, 2021

00:00
01:07:56
#55 Uvalde; Another Elementary School Massacre

#55 Uvalde; Another Elementary School Massacre

I had to vocalize my thoughts and feelings on the recent massacre in Uvalde, Texas. As much as I’ve tried to block out seeing or reading anything related to the recent massacre in Uvalde, Texas. I just can’t. The reason I want to block it all out is simply because I already know exactly what those in power will say and do. Nothing. At least nothing of any value…
May 27, 202222:17
#54 Transform Wounds into Wisdom

#54 Transform Wounds into Wisdom

The smartest people have done the dumbest things. The most courageous people have done cowardly things, the most honest people have told lies. The kindest people have made others very sad, the most motivated people suffer from procrastination. The most morally straight people have lacked integrity.

Nobody is just one thing. We all have the capacity to do good and bad equally. It all comes down to the choices we make. Research suggests the average person will make 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day and at least 27 important consequential ones. That translates to perhaps millions over the course of a lifetime.

Of course we will regret many of those decisions. However, it is not the decisions we make, but what we make of those decisions once we have made them that makes all the difference in our lives. When we mess up, simply do the next right thing and the next right thing after that.
Dec 18, 202131:26
#53 Parents Charged in Michigan School Shooting

#53 Parents Charged in Michigan School Shooting

In an unprecedented move, prosecutors have charged the parents of the school shooter in Oxford High School in Oakland County, MI with 4 counts each of involuntary manslaughter for their actions contributing to the massacre. They are now fugitives of justice.
Dec 03, 202153:28
#52.1 Kyle Rittenhouse; Hero or Monster- Take 2

#52.1 Kyle Rittenhouse; Hero or Monster- Take 2

I provide my updated opinions of Kyle Rittenhouse after watching his exclusive interview with Tucker Carlson.
Nov 23, 202129:31
#52 Kyle Rittenhouse; Hero or Monster?

#52 Kyle Rittenhouse; Hero or Monster?

My take on the whole Kyle Rittenhouse saga.
Nov 22, 202134:41
General George Washington's Famous Prayer at Valley Forge

General George Washington's Famous Prayer at Valley Forge

We have all seen the depiction of George Washington, the Father of our great nation kneeling in humble and sincere prayer on the snow-covered grounds of Valley Forge. What kind of guidance was he likely seeking from God?
Sep 28, 202110:14
#51 9.11.2001; Where Were You When The World Changed Forever?

#51 9.11.2001; Where Were You When The World Changed Forever?

On the 20th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 we dive into the memories of that fateful day. I speak about where I was and the feelings I distinctly remember from that day and how profoundly the events changed the course of so many lives forever.
Sep 14, 202101:09:05
Bonus- Life Saving Measures; 9/11 vs Covid-19

Bonus- Life Saving Measures; 9/11 vs Covid-19

Why was everyone on board with the Government's decision to infringe on our ability to travel by airplane in the days following the 9/11 attacks in which less than 3,000 Americans died but so many people absolutely lose their minds at the very thought of the Government's good faith efforts to limit the number of deaths during a virus outbreak that has killed nearly 700,000 Americans?
Sep 12, 202109:38
#50 If America Had Six Parties, Which Would You Belong To?

#50 If America Had Six Parties, Which Would You Belong To?

Take The Quiz Here: www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/09/08/opinion/republicans-democrats-parties.html

America’s two-party system is broken. Democrats and Republicans are locked in an increasingly destructive partisan struggle that has produced gridlock and stagnation on too many critical issues — most urgently, the pandemic and climate change.
There is no reasonable or timely way to fix this broken system. But there is an alternative: more parties.
It is not so hard to imagine a six-party system — and it would not even require a constitutional amendment.

Each party represents a different portion of the electorate, not only ideologically but also by economic class and political engagement.
There is no “center” party here. That is because there are very few voters in the middle across all issues. Many readers who consider themselves centrist might also think of themselves as socially liberal/fiscally moderate or socially moderate/fiscally conservative. They will find a home in either the New Liberal Party or the Growth and Opportunity Party.
These six parties reflect the underlying factions — and divides — within the Democratic and Republican parties. Until American politics nationalized in the 1980s and 1990s around divisive culture-war issues, they operated more independently within the two major political parties.
We get to such a system through proportional multimember districts. This approach features districts much larger than our current tiny congressional ones — and each elects more than one person, at once, to represent the region. So more than one party could represent a district in proportion to their popularity within that large district — just as they do in most advanced democracies.
Legislation introduced in the current Congress, the Fair Representation Act, would require use of multimember districts with ranked-choice voting in most states’ House selections as well as elections for the Senate. If more parties emerged, coalitions across parties would form to elect a speaker and organize committee assignments — just as coalitions form in multiparty legislatures around the world. Multiparty democracy would facilitate the shifting alliances and bargaining that are essential in democracy but have largely disappeared in today’s zero-sum conflict.
The Senate would most likely become a much more free-wheeling institution, as it was in the past. Absent reform to the Electoral College, presidential elections would still probably come down to two major candidates. However, with partisan loyalties less fixed, more voters would judge candidates on the content of their ideas and character rather than the D or R next to their names. Moreover, a less hyperpartisan Congress will also most likely be less gridlocked and more productive, enabling it to reclaim a more central role in our national politics, lowering the stakes of presidential elections and potentially lowering the stakes for Supreme Court nominations in a new era of reduced partisanship.
Sep 08, 202157:56
Covid Cure or Horse Dewormer?

Covid Cure or Horse Dewormer?

Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medicine that won the Nobel Prize in 2015 for breakthroughs in treating common parasites ravaging poverty stricken populations in Africa and across the World. It’s also effective for deworming cattle and horses. How has it become associated with Covid-19 and the related politically motivated and hotly debated nonsense?
Sep 08, 202114:38
Bonus- Taliban Underground Railroad

Bonus- Taliban Underground Railroad

The secret arrangement between the U.S. Special Operations Forces and the Taliban to operate an underground railroad type of operation to evacuate the highest priority Americans from Afghanistan.
Aug 31, 202128:44
Bonus- Kabul Airport Suicide Bombing

Bonus- Kabul Airport Suicide Bombing

Enough is enough, 12 US Marines were killed in today's attack. Biden must act immediately and deploy the 82nd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Global Response Force that has been staging in Kuwait to secure the Kabul Airfield and probably even another Brigade of Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Italy. This stage of the debacle now stands firmly on Biden's shoulders. He must remedy the situation now.
Aug 26, 202124:51
#49 Why Do I Care About Your Personal Choice?

#49 Why Do I Care About Your Personal Choice?

I attempt to tackle the issue I face of genuinely wanting to understand the thought process behind anti-vax individuals.
Aug 25, 202146:39
#48 Biden's remarks on Crisis in Afghanistan

#48 Biden's remarks on Crisis in Afghanistan

I break down President Biden's remarks on the crisis in Afghanistan.
Aug 17, 202101:11:10
#47 Deja Vu- Saigon to Kabul

#47 Deja Vu- Saigon to Kabul

As Kabul falls today it’s important to take a sober and objective look at what went wrong. To immediately seek perspective to deter and hinder the effectiveness of the political spin and posturing from both sides full of cartoonish politicians that seem to have all the influence over the public these days.
Here is the hard truth:
The Bush administration faltered when they decided to pivot entirely to Iraq during the early days of operations in Afghanistan. They failed when they set the precedent of never planning forward past a 1-year strategy. That blunder would then be repeated every year for 20 years. We didn’t fight a 20-year war. We essentially fought a 1- year war 20 times in a row.
The Obama administration including General McChrystal failed when they caved to Hamid Karzai’s pressure to impose crippling rules of engagement in 2009 that tied both hands behind the backs of our forces and allowed the Taliban to strengthen just as we had our boots on their necks at the brink of their destruction.
The Trump Administration failed the second they began negotiating with the Taliban while excluding the Democratically elected government of Afghanistan from the talks. Effectively delegitimizing their lawful claim to power and significantly reducing their standing with their own citizens and the world.
The Biden Administration failed when they abruptly withdrew all forces on a predetermined date. Refusing to listen to experts that urged them to keep at least 2,500-3,000 troops as a deterrent to a hostile takeover. Don’t let any side start pointing fingers. The incompetence on display over the last 20 years is shared equally with the left and the right. The Republicans and Democrats. We learned nothing in Vietnam, we better learn something from this.
My Father suffered defeat in Vietnam, I now suffer defeat in Afghanistan. I’ll be damned if my son has to experience this anguish 30 years from now in some other faraway land.
Aug 16, 202159:24
#46 The Vaccine, Lab Leak Theory, did Dr. Fauci Lie?

#46 The Vaccine, Lab Leak Theory, did Dr. Fauci Lie?

The emergence of the Lab Leak Theory and my opinion on the origins of the pandemic. Also, other recent developments including the defense of science and what is in my view finally valid and legitimate criticism of Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Jun 28, 202101:11:55
#45 Critical Race Theory and the United States Military

#45 Critical Race Theory and the United States Military

My thoughts on the whole Critical Race Theory outrage in general and in relation to the U.S. Military. Also, my response to the viral interaction between national treasure/Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and national embarrassment/ creepy worm Rep. Matt “Hates” Gaetz. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is equally impressive in his reaction to the Congressweasel from Florida. This and more on the new episode of the Come This Far Podcast with Chris Taylor.
Links:
Full Video of Gaetz/General Milley and Sec. Austin.
Full Video of General Barry McCaffrey defending General Mark Milley from disgusting Fox News attacks.
Jun 28, 202101:26:23
In Honor of The Phoenix Suns- Bonus episode

In Honor of The Phoenix Suns- Bonus episode

Since I was 6 years old during the magical 1992-93 NBA season of the Phoenix Suns I have been a diehard fan. In this special episode of the podcast, I honor them as they are 1 win away from reaching just their 3rd NBA Finals appearance in the 53 years of franchise history.
Jun 28, 202144:58
#44 Chosen of God or Total Fraud?

#44 Chosen of God or Total Fraud?

I’ve been fascinated lately by studying great men in the history of the world. Men like the Biblical Prophet-King David of Israel, Abraham and Moses. Men like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Ferdinand Magellan and Christopher Columbus. Men we have been taught to laud as heroes that were chosen of God to accomplish great things upon this Earth. My fascination came about after more than a few acquaintances and friends have recently abandoned their faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of which I am an active and faithful member. The reason they have turned away from a lifetime of belief and fidelity in the Church? Their discovery that the Prophet Joseph Smith, who we believe restored Jesus Christ’s original gospel and priesthood authority, committed major sins. Presumably coming to the conclusion that if he really was God’s chosen Prophet, then he couldn’t possibly have committed some of the sins he is accused of committing. In this episode I dive deep into some of these amazing men in history that fell victim to weakness and human fallibility. Knowing these facts about these men only strengthens my belief that God has always used ordinary, imperfect men and women to bring to pass his greatest purposes. It brings me hope in my own life that I am not defined by the biggest mistakes I’ve made. Every good thing I’ve done is not canceled out when I falter. We all strive to be the best versions of ourselves, we all have divine potential and because we are all human beings, we ultimately fall short. We make major mistakes. Only one perfect man ever lived on this earth and his name was Jesus Christ.
May 20, 202101:04:11
#43 “Taser, Taser, Taser; Oh $%*# I shot him.”

#43 “Taser, Taser, Taser; Oh $%*# I shot him.”

Different book, same old story as Kim Potter is charged in the killing of Daunte Wright. The “no matter what you do, back the blue” crowd immediately stigmatizes and criminalizes Daunte Wright to seemingly justify Potter’s unjustifiable actions. We’ve seen this same thing play out so many times over the last several years. This is insane. Listen to the several no brainer reforms we can implement right now. Also, Chauvin pleads the 5th in George Floyd murder trial.
Apr 16, 202101:34:32
#42 Climate Crisis?

#42 Climate Crisis?

I attempt to tackle an issue that has always been difficult for me to grasp. See where I stand on the climate change issue.
Apr 11, 202101:02:57
#41 Derek Chauvin Murder Trial/Death of George Floyd

#41 Derek Chauvin Murder Trial/Death of George Floyd

Guess who is back? It has been a little while since I have put out an episode. I have been very busy, but I have been watching this trial in depth. Not just the highlights on the news, but hours each day. Analyzing each witness as if I was a juror. I have a unique perspective on many aspects of this trial as an individual that has battled addiction, one with extensive contact with law enforcement officers, and I am a certified firefighter and have extensive tactical combat casualty care/combat lifesaver training as well as Emergency Medical Technician training. Listen to my take on the trial thus far.
Apr 09, 202101:09:55
Where Have I Been?; I am alive and well.

Where Have I Been?; I am alive and well.

I just wanted to put out a little quick episode detailing where I have been the last few weeks. I am alive and well, I had been posting multiple episodes per week for a while and then disappeared. I have been busy cranking out some chapters of my book after procrastinating in classic Chris Taylor form, so I locked myself down and wrote 40,000 words in a few days! Some of the best writing I've ever done!


I also just started a new term for my bachelor's degree program, that has me busy as well. In this short segment, I detail some of the first in depth stats from my podcast audience. So many shocking truths in the numbers! Listen to this episode to hear them. I will be back with regular episodes as soon as next week! Much Love!

Mar 09, 202119:40
#40 *Exclusive* 911 Tape of Overdose

#40 *Exclusive* 911 Tape of Overdose

*Exclusive* Listen to the never before heard 911 tape of the near-fatal overdose incident.

 Exactly 1 year ago on February 19th, 2020 at 10:15 PM, I suffered a near-fatal heroin overdose. If it wasn’t for the quick and fearless actions of my wife and the first responders on the scene, I wouldn’t be alive today. 

My only motivation for releasing this recording is to show the reality of drug use. My hope is that someone hearing this will think twice before using that “last shot” of Heroin. There is no “one more time.” It’s now or never, life or death. It could all be over in the blink of an eye. It's not worth it, don’t wait until "tomorrow". Tomorrow may never come. Get help NOW if you are struggling.


Watch the Video version of this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/luETIgZkNhQ

Feb 20, 202123:12
21-Day POW Challenge

21-Day POW Challenge

Next weekend, February 20th, 2021 will be the 1-year anniversary of my relapse and overdose. I will have one year completely sober and back in recovery! Over this last year, I have experienced more personal growth, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually than ever before. There is one last mountain I need to climb; my personal physical health. I eat and drink the most unhealthy things you can imagine and I don’t drink water. Soda, Red Bull, donuts, ice cream, hot Cheeto fries, white cheddar popcorn. You name it, I eat it. I don’t just love it, I am dependent on it. 


Today I am finally committing to cutting all that out for good. Over the next 21 days, I will go to the extreme of drinking only water, cutting out all sugar, and restricting food intake to very small portions of dried, lean meat. Between the hours of Noon and 7 pm. Intermittent fasting. Cold Turkey on all the comfort food and drinks I have lived on forever. When it gets tough, when I feel sorry for myself, I will summons the power of American Prisoners of War. I will think about what they endured, what they sacrificed and I will rely heavily on God and my personal relationship with him to get through. Another reason I am calling it the POW challenge is because I am literally a prisoner of these substances. I don’t want to be a prisoner, I don’t want to be powerless over anything in life. This is the last enemy I need to vanquish. Join me!


Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/7I1ePx2Z2KA

Feb 13, 202115:22
#39 Black Military History is American Military History

#39 Black Military History is American Military History

This is my 2nd installment of a special series for Black history month. One month out of the year is hardly enough to highlight the amazing stories of Black Americans throughout history. In this episode I highlight several stories of incredible heroism and courage by Black Medal of Honor recipients from the American Revolutionary War to the Civil War, to WWII, to Vietnam, and all the way to the most recent war in Iraq.
Feb 11, 202158:08
#38 QAnon; How You May Be an Unwitting Follower

#38 QAnon; How You May Be an Unwitting Follower

How you may be a follower of QAnon and not even be aware of it. Millions of Americans have fallen victim to a dangerously delusional fantasyland. In this episode, I talk about how this happens.

Catch the video version of the episode on YouTube here: youtu.be/r9AI2_3OB2I
Feb 10, 202101:11:01
#37 Black History is American History

#37 Black History is American History

Feb 09, 202101:09:06
Step 7 Humility

Step 7 Humility

Feb 09, 202134:09
#36 JoJo Siwa; a Crossroads For Parents?

#36 JoJo Siwa; a Crossroads For Parents?

Feb 05, 202148:55
Step 6 Change of Heart

Step 6 Change of Heart

Feb 02, 202101:07:56
Step 5 Confession

Step 5 Confession

Jan 31, 202136:00
Step 4 Truth

Step 4 Truth

New Special Series: 12 Steps to Complete Healing; My personal journey through each step of recovery.   Step 4- Make a searching and fearless written moral inventory of yourself.  This is the most difficult step for most people. This is the step so many people decide to jump off the “wagon”. They don’t fall off the wagon, they jump off. Step 4, when done correctly, is without a doubt one of the hardest things one can ever do.   I’ve been around 12 step groups and people in Recovery since I was 18 years old. When attempting to work the steps forward myself, I would always skip step 4.

 I would go through the motions, I would pretend to do it. But in reality, I had never done a real step 4 ever before.   Finally, after my relapse and near-fatal overdose, I was able to do a rigorous searching and fearless inventory of each phase of my life. Working with a therapist, I was able to discover some things from my childhood and teenage years that I had absolutely no idea were affecting me so much. Without doing an honest and fearless inventory of those stages of life, I would have never processed those things that I had suppressed deep down in my soul. 

The discoveries were shocking, difficult to revisit. But in the end, they were the watershed moment that I needed to heal and move forward on a solid foundation.   In this episode, I discuss that process and the shocking things I uncovered after burying them for nearly 2 decades.


Catch the video version of the episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/04mK3n6I0S8

Jan 29, 202136:17
Step 3 Trust

Step 3 Trust

New Special Series- 12 Steps to Complete Healing; My personal journey through each step of Recovery.     Step 3 Trust- Decide to turn your will and your life over to the care of God the eternal father, and his son Jesus Christ.    Step 3 is a decision step. After feeling that burden lifted ever so slightly in step 1, and that glimmer of hope in step 2. Step 3, is where you really come to a decision. Action is absolutely necessary to find healing. Many people feel the glorious sensations in steps 1 and 2. But that is often fleeting. Step 3 is where the real work begins.    In this episode I explain my personal experiences with this step and how I’ve come to realize that this step above maybe all else, must be continually applied. Every day that decision is the same.


Catch the video version of the episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/qTrROqHhEKk

Jan 29, 202131:33
Step 2- Hope

Step 2- Hope

Jan 28, 202136:20
Team Fauci; The Truth Will Set You Free

Team Fauci; The Truth Will Set You Free

Jan 27, 202117:02
Step 1: Honesty

Step 1: Honesty

New Special Series recounting my personal journey through the 12 steps of Recovery. This episode goes in-depth with the personal story of my near-fatal overdose. The incident brought me face to face with reality once again. It took a major incident like this, but I started anew by sincerely taking step 1.  

Step 1: Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable.    “Rarely do people caught in addictive behaviors admit to being addicted. To deny the seriousness of our condition and to avoid detection and the consequences of our choices, we tried to minimize or hide our behaviors. We did not realize that by deceiving others and ourselves, we slipped deeper into our addictions. As our powerlessness over addiction increased, many of us found fault with family, friends, even God.    

We plunged into greater and greater isolation, separating ourselves from others, especially from God. When we, as addicts, resorted to lies and secrecy, hoping to excuse ourselves or blame others, we weakened spiritually. With each act of dishonesty, we bound ourselves with “flaxen cords” that soon became as strong as chains. Then a time came when we were brought face to face with reality. We could no longer hide our addictions by telling one more lie or by rationalizing any further.”

Catch the video version of the episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/K8Pihh1PX1Q

Jan 27, 202135:55
in Memory of Bradley B. Moore; Always More Colorful Than the World Around Him

in Memory of Bradley B. Moore; Always More Colorful Than the World Around Him

Celebrating the life of one of the best friends I’ve ever had. 4 years ago today he was tragically killed in an incident involving the police. One of the biggest honors of my life was being asked to give the sermon at his funeral. In this special episode I read that sermon. Brad was a friend to all and an enemy to none. He was always more colorful than the world around him. I love him and miss him.
Jan 25, 202126:21
The Notorious MTG; My Personal Marjorie Taylor Greene Story

The Notorious MTG; My Personal Marjorie Taylor Greene Story

It was July 2019 and I found myself in a Washington D.C. high rise board room presenting to a conference room full of The Who’s who of Republican “King Makers”. It was Grover Norquist’s infamous Wednesday meeting of the wealthy donors and highly influential power brokers of the conservative right. In order to receive an invite to such a prestigious group of individuals, you had to pass their muster, in terms of being a credible candidate with the clout to win a seat in the House of Representatives. Only two congressional candidates of the 2020 cycle were invited this particular day to attempt to win support. The two candidates? Myself and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Don’t miss the inside story of the very origins of the “QAnon Cutie” already becoming “The Notorious MTG”.


Catch the video version of this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/r4frz3KkSSw

Jan 24, 202126:55
#35 Hitting the Wall

#35 Hitting the Wall

We all know about the acute withdrawal symptoms that come when abruptly stopping drug use. Especially any opioid drug. The fear of that intense withdrawal after all, is precisely why it is so difficult to stop using drugs in the first place. Detox treatment overseen by a medical professional is necessary to accomplish the first days and weeks in sobriety. Then comes some level of intensive therapy. Clarity is gained, coping skills and tools are learned, overall physical and mental health is restored. The new energy and vigor for life brings renewal. We feel so good for the first time in so long. We believe wholeheartedly that we will never return to our active addiction. This early recovery “adrenaline” carries us for months and even years. But then, for some reason, many of us seem to hit the wall, blindsided. Relapse often occurs and it comes as a complete surprise. Listen to what I learned about Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and the role it plays in relapse after solid years in Recovery, and more importantly how to guard against it.
Jan 23, 202144:23
Introducing Come This Far with Chris Taylor

Introducing Come This Far with Chris Taylor

Official Trailer
Jan 22, 202102:22
#34 Eternal Marriage Comes With Eternal Struggles

#34 Eternal Marriage Comes With Eternal Struggles

The moment many of you have been waiting for. Chris' wife Sarah breaks her silence nearly a year after her husband's near-fatal overdose. It wasn’t fatal only because she heroically administered life-saving aid after discovering him unresponsive, bleeding, and convulsing on the cold bathroom floor. The harrowing incident included her conducting CPR as his heart stopped beating. You have read the sensationalized media reports based on an exaggerated and vindictive police report of the incident. You have watched from afar and listened to Chris' words on the subject, you have wondered where his wife stands with it all. Wait no more. Don't miss this extra special inspiring episode.
Jan 21, 202101:01:57
“My Whole Soul is in it”

“My Whole Soul is in it”

Special Inauguration bonus episode. As he signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying, “If my name ever goes into history it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it.” As President Joseph R. Biden Jr. took the oath of office he recited that story and speaking on the subject of unity, he echoed Lincoln’s sentiment. He said, “My whole soul is in this.” I believe him. We should all give him the chance to bring us together. I love this country. God Bless America.
Jan 21, 202121:48
#33 How To Really Make America Great Again

#33 How To Really Make America Great Again

We have heard the slogan everyday since 2015. But what it actually means has never really been explained. Because of this, enemies of the AMERICA First ideology were able to effectively say what it really meant was racist, (make America white again). But what I always pictured when I heard the slogan was re-creating the period of time immediately following WWII. The Greatest Generation and the Golden years of the American Dream. In this episode I break it down and talk about how we could actually make America great again, but for real. Enjoy.
Jan 20, 202101:02:17
#32 Russians being Russians

#32 Russians being Russians

Alexey Navalny, Vladimir Putin’s number one opposition leader who was poisoned in August after failing to stop criticizing Putin and gaining support even after being found guilty of fraud and sentenced. The military nerve agent didn’t kill him however, and he fled to Germany to recover. He returned to Moscow today and was arrested again. This time on charges of violating his probation, for failing to be available tor scheduled inspections and check ins with his probation officer, because he was in a German hospital recovering from a near death assassination attempt. You literally can’t make this kind of stuff up.
Jan 19, 202137:18
The Dream is still alive

The Dream is still alive

MLK day 2021 special episode.
Jan 19, 202117:24
#31 The Second Great Denial

#31 The Second Great Denial

We all know about the first denial associated with addiction. The person that hasn’t been using substances or engaging in troubling behavior for very long. They are able to maintain some normalcy and can even hide their addiction. As they spiral downward, everyone around them can see what is happening; they are clearly addicted. But denial is real, and the person is quite literally blinded to the fact that their lives have become unmanageable and they need help. Interventions are staged, loved ones are brutally honest and usually, the individual is able to come to grips with the truth. They can admit that they are sick and can’t do it alone. They accept help. It’s a major step in the process of recovery. Some even say it’s as much as half the battle.
The individual abstains from the addiction and seeks help. In the absence of their addiction, they have been able to find clarity. They gain tools to cope and the soul that seemed to be dead or greatly diminished returns to full health. It’s a miracle. Loved ones often say things like, “The real (enter name here) is back!” The person who was out of control earlier has now attained newfound happiness. They make amends, gain back trust, embark down a path of healing and restoration of their lives and families. They have triumphed. It’s human nature to want to declare victory and rest from the battle. Bask in the glory of overcoming great adversity. But what happens when a year or more into sobriety, something happens and relapse occurs? Shame comes screaming back. “I’ve been through so much, I’ve overcome so much, I’ve earned so much trust back, I don’t know what happened, but I’m ok. I’ll get back on the right path. Nobody needs to know I took some steps backward.” “I’m strong, I know how to recover, I’ve done it before, I can do it again.” “What would people think if they knew I had slipped up again? I don’t need help with this because I’ve learned all there is to know about addiction, seeking help now would only bring negative consequences, I’ll double my efforts in private. I can do it alone.”
This second great denial is more dangerous than the first, it’s often more fatal. It’s why almost all of the people you know who have overdosed and died seem to have been doing so well. They had achieved some long term recovery. They had figured it out. It’s a shock. It wouldn’t have been a shock years earlier when everyone could tell they were struggling. But it’s so surprising now. That person was stuck in the second great denial. Unable to admit that they once again, needed some help. They couldn’t do it alone.
Jan 16, 202101:01:08
#30 The Genesis of an American Taliban

#30 The Genesis of an American Taliban

Over the course of the last 4 or 5 years, the group of far right-wing individuals have been radicalized. Nearly the same way Islamic Terrorists are radicalized in the 21st century. Otherwise decent and law-abiding people have given in to their confirmation bias, narrowing their sources of information. In the echo chamber is where the master manipulators are able to influence and persuade people little by little. Fox News was complicit for financial reasons, but fringe platforms like Parler, OANN, Newsmax, Breitbart, and others have spun the MAGA nation into a hateful, violent, seditious movement. The culmination of which played out before our very eyes on 6 January 2021. The bloody failed coup attempt resulted in the death of 6 Americans.

A scene no different than the Benghazi attack in 2012. Terrorism is terrorism. The only difference right now is that this is simply the Genesis of this American Taliban. The siege of the Capitol was just a preview of what could come if we don’t crush this insurrection before they can organize and be further emboldened to use more violent means to achieve their political ends. We should not see this threat against our democracy any different than we saw Al Qaeda after 9/11. Both groups are using violence to support their stated political goals. Both groups are motivated by their hatred of the American Government. There is no difference.
Jan 14, 202101:00:21
#29 SEDITION

#29 SEDITION

My soul is forever damaged by what took place today in the seditious insurrection. January 6th, 2021-A day that will live in infamy. Sedition is a serious felony punishable by fines and up to 20 years in prison and it refers to the act of inciting revolt or violence against a lawful authority with the goal of destroying or overthrowing it. How can anyone say that is not what happened as the President of the United States incited his mob moments before Vice President Pence presided over the joint session of Congress. The MAGA mob stormed the Capitol and breached the security. Literally tearing down the American flag and raising the Trump flag. Busting into the house and senate floors while the leaders of our nation hunkered down under desks and were eventually evacuated. It was a scene reminiscent of Benghazi.

Catch the video version of the episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/5KEc21Olgaw

Jan 13, 202121:55
#28 We the 80%

#28 We the 80%

I’ve long held the belief that a small portion of extremists, about 10% on both sides, have hijacked our political system. They are the loudest and most vocal. They are driven by anger and other emotions. The traditional media cater to their behaviors because they add to the perception that America is greatly divided. That divisiveness and negativity fuel the ad revenue in the clickbate era. The politicians that would otherwise be pragmatic, moderate and level-headed feel like hostages to this loud minority. They stoke the anger and distrust which adds to the division. Because of this, they get the most airtime on the networks. This visibility brings in campaign contributions and name recognition making it nearly impossible for anyone to beat them. It’s all a game. But if we the 80% of normal good hearted people would band together and reject the fringe lunatics and take back our political process we can restore sanity and honor to the country.
Jan 06, 202130:58