Centered From Reality

In this episode, Alex gives a mini lesson on the economics of purchasing price parity (PPP) and how it is a useful (albeit imperfect) tool to compare the economics, GDP, and currency values of different countries. He uses the example of the Economist's "Big Mac Index" and talks about how Trump's tariffs are not doing what he promised they would do. Confidence in the US dollar is dropping and it is reflective in the price of Big Macs.

Alex starts by talking about a troubling scandal in Florida between Ron DeSantis, political allies, and private security firms to build Alligator Alcatraz. Then Alex talks about how the Make America Healthy Again movement is losing the plot. He talks about a rise in tanning and sunscreen conspiracies, reversing taxes on tanning beds, and an effort to "Make Coca-Cola Great Again."

In this episode, Alex talks about how Donald Trump seems to be a soccer fan and why the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a useful smokescreen for Trumpism. Trump seems to see hosting the World Cup as a weapon of soft power. Alex also talks about FIFA, anger in Europe, and why its president is buddying up to authoritarian leaders.

In this episode, talks about why you need a permit to drink beer in parts of India, why xAI’s Grok is falling in love with Hitler, and about new Epstein/Trump conspiracies.