In this episode of Hardpoints, hosts Mike Smith and Neal Rickner delve into the intricate world of rigged systems, from gambling scandals involving NBA players to the broader implications of a "casino economy." They explore how these dynamics affect everything from sports to energy security, and discuss the societal impacts of these rigged games. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and uncovers the hidden forces shaping our world.

Aging jokes aside, Neal & Mike riff on precision in speech—why lazy phrases (“hate mail,” “to be honest…”) muddy debate and how clear language shapes how we think (Carlin’s “shell shock” → “PTSD” thread).

Renewables overtake coal (H1 2025): Big milestone globally, driven heavily by China/India. Celebration tempered by frustration that U.S. policy/industry missteps are ceding ground (TPI bankruptcy, Ørsted layoffs).

Coal’s collapse, policy whiplash: A massive Powder River Basin lease draws a token bid—coal’s economics keep sliding even as “energy dominance” rhetoric persists.

The looming electricity crunch: AI, chips, and reshoring point to a ~36–38 GW near-term generation gap; utilities already seeking rate hikes. Gas is the fast bridge—but turbines and supply chains are bottlenecked.

What households can do: Rooftop solar pencils out better as grid prices rise. DIY route = buy panels, do the racking/wiring, hire a master electrician for the final tie-in; tools like Project Sunroof help size a system.

Ukraine, Russia & energy war: Targeting of energy assets escalates; Ukraine’s deep-strike capability pressures Russia’s infrastructure while Russian casualties and cash burn mount—energy flows are central to the war of attrition.

Domestic politics turn combustible: Trump’s troop deployments to Chicago/Portland get labeled “war zones.” The hosts argue the facts don’t match the imagery, worry about legal overreach, and call for principled refusals of unlawful orders.

Autonomy on the highway: $100M more into autonomous trucking (Einride). Long-haul seen as the first big AV beachhead; EV trucking still constrained by charging/logistics.

A clever hybrid hack: Spotlight on REVOY’s powered “booster” trailer module—effectively turns diesel semis into hybrids with regen and swappable batteries to slash fuel costs without replacing tractors.

In this episode of Hardpoints, hosts Mike Smith and Neal Rickner are joined by Alexander McCoy, a veterans advocate and climate campaign leader, to explore the intricate connections between energy security, national policy, and climate change. The discussion delves into the historical and ongoing roles of oil companies, the importance of transitioning to renewable energy, and the impact of these dynamics on national security and the economy. With insights from McCoy's experiences in the Marines and his work with veterans, the conversation highlights the need for accountability, innovation, and a collective effort to create a sustainable future.

In this episode, Mike Smith and Neal Rickner discuss the intersection of energy security and the startup economy, touching on various themes such as public speaking, fundraising challenges, political violence, and the importance of free speech. They explore the implications of recent political events, the need for moral courage in leadership, and the urgency of improving energy infrastructure to meet growing demands, particularly in the context of AI. The conversation also delves into the role of government in fostering innovation and the challenges faced in renewable energy development, all while reflecting on the economic realities of current policies. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a unifying vision in politics and the dangers of divisive rhetoric.

Neal lands a lead investor—unlocking insider commitments and government matching funds—buying his company ~18 months of runway and hard-won momentum. Mike talks small-team turbulence and a parenting weekend that went sideways (bee sting + campout sushi). From there, the guys dive into the energy-policy whiplash hitting wind projects and what it signals for U.S. energy security and AI-driven load growth. Then they zoom out: memes, militarization, and a six-point “authoritarian playbook” (undermining norms, information control, polarization/scapegoating, weakening rule of law, cult of personality, and crisis exploitation). They wrestle with the legality of domestic Guard deployments, whether institutions will hold through 2026, and the real-world burden on officers asked to refuse illegal orders.

In this episode of Hardpoints, Mike and Neal weave personal stories—like sleepless nights, scout projects, and time outdoors—into heavier discussions on U.S. politics, national security, and the economy. They critique the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. as a troubling sign of authoritarian overreach, debate the implications of a proposed government stake in Intel, and unpack Trump’s approach to Russia and Ukraine. Along the way, they highlight the fragility of democratic institutions, the danger of moral compromise, and the importance of individual responsibility. The episode closes with personal reflections on service, youth mentorship, and building tools for climate literacy.

This week on Hardpoints, Mike returns from an epic, no-internet, log-hopping backpacking trip in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, while Neal hustles through high-stakes fundraising and startup networking in Austin. The two dive into a whirlwind of hot-button issues—from Trump’s military moves in D.C., Epstein-fueled political distractions, and the looming Putin summit in Alaska, to Israel’s Gaza strategy, wildfire devastation in the West, and the dangerous heat building in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, they debate the future of ESG, swap takes on GPT-5, and flag a brewing Supreme Court fight over same-sex marriage. Equal parts adventure recap, unfiltered political analysis, and tech talk—this episode is as unpredictable as the news cycle itself.

In this fiery and deeply personal episode of Hard Points, Mike and Neal dive into the illusion of leadership in American politics, kicking off with a sobering analysis of the proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system and why it’s more fantasy than feasible.

They chart the rise of China in advanced manufacturing and warn of America’s self-inflicted industrial decline. The duo laments the Democratic Party’s tone-deaf messaging, misplaced priorities, and inability to meet the moment—especially as the country faces real economic and social crossroads. 

Along the way, they touch on everything from trans rights and national security to rail infrastructure and the politics of distraction. Raw, unscripted, and urgent, this episode is a call for vision, coherence, and actual leadership in a time of crisis.

Conspiracy theories thrive where the official story falls flat—when the world feels rigged, unfair, or just off. This episode of Hardpoints meets that unease head-on. We unpack the real forces behind the chaos—from missing Epstein files to chemtrail hearings and tech fraud—and explore why the loudest voices offering answers are often selling something. Because the truth? It's messier, less cinematic—but far more important to face.

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This episode of Hardpoints explores the intersection of power—political, economic, and literal. Mike and Neal dissect how America's priorities are shifting: ICE receives a staggering budget increase while climate-fueled disasters gut the insurance industry, startups navigate rising costs and wealth concentration, and tech giants buy into speculative energy futures like fusion. Against this backdrop, they debate the balance between liberty and control, question the integrity of markets, and share hope that innovation—especially in energy—might still deliver progress, if equity and urgency can catch up with capital.