Hostile Dysfunction

In this episode Joe and Ethan dig into media power, censorship, and the collapse of public trust. They break down the decision by major networks not to air Trump’s speech, the rise of “manufactured reality,” and how slogans are increasingly replacing substance. The conversation expands into America’s fading global influence, growing anxiety, and why so many people are now hesitant to have children. 

In this episode, Joe and Ethan talk with Amjad M. Tadros — veteran Middle East journalist and former CBS News producer — about his three decades as a fixer in some of the region’s most dangerous conflicts.

Amjad shares the surreal story of being injured by a cruise missile in Baghdad, meeting Saddam Hussein in the hospital, and how that brief encounter opened doors for years of exclusive reporting. The conversation moves from the chaos of post-invasion Iraq to today’s Iran tensions, the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthis, and why the Middle East remains so volatile.

Get Amjad’s book The Fixer:
Amazon (ebook, paperback & hardcover)
or directly at amjadtadros.com

In this honest and humorous episode, Joe and Ethan sit down with Gaylen Wilson — heart transplant survivor, 20-years-sober former alcoholic, relationship author, erectile dysfunction advocate, and Certified Thriving Relationship Coach.

Gaylen shares his powerful personal journey from farm failure and alcoholism to surviving a heart transplant, and how these experiences shaped his mission to help people build relationships that feel like a true refuge.

Where to find Gaylen & his work:
Monument Method Institute: monumentmethodinstitute.com
His books on Amazon (search “Gaylen Wilson”)

In this raw and insightful episode, Joe and Ethan sit down with Eric Robinson — a retired FBI Special Agent with 24 years of high-stakes experience.

They dive deep into the realities of deception detection (why micro-expressions and polygraphs often fail), the tension between protecting citizens and becoming the tyrant, and how fear of terrorism has shaped law enforcement while raising concerns about institutions turning inward on their own people.

A candid, humorous, and thought-provoking conversation from someone who’s seen both sides of the badge.

Where to find Eric:
Instagram: @_eric_robinson
His upcoming book: Irreverend: From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners in the FBI (coming October 2026)

In this inspiring episode, Joe and Ethan welcome Guy Morris — multiple award-winning author, tech pioneer, and AI visionary.
They dive deep into his incredible life story, the realities of deception detection, the massive societal changes AI is bringing, and what individuals can do to survive and thrive in the coming wave.

Where to find Guy’s books:
Amazon
Official website: guymorrisbooks.com

In this episode, Joe and Ethan speak with Ed Wilson — UFO historian, author, and NASA archive researcher — about one of the most compelling cases in early space history.

Ed dives deep into the 1966 Gemini XI mission, a strange object captured on film, the missing original NASA photography, and how sensitive images were intercepted and controlled by intelligence agencies (CIA, NRO, and NPIC) during the Cold War. Using declassified documents, chain-of-custody records, and forensic analysis, he makes the case that NASA did not maintain full control of its own space photography.

Where to find Ed Wilson’s books:
The Simpkinson NASA Archive UFO series (3 volumes) is available on Amazon

In this episode, Joe and Ethan dive deep into the frustrations of modern government, bureaucracy, and why everything feels so broken.

From building a house and getting hit with $26,000 in permit fees to questioning why our political system runs on empty slogans instead of real solutions, they explore government inefficiency, corruption, and whether AI could actually do a better job than politicians.

The hosts also touch on population decline, economic growth, and how our systems seem designed to keep things inefficient. 

In this episode, Joe and Ethan talk with Russell Van Brocklen — a dyslexia researcher and founder of DyslexiaClasses.com — about one of the most misunderstood learning challenges today.

The conversation dives deep into why the current education system fails so many bright kids, how dyslexia is often mistaken for a disability when it can actually be a superpower, and the surprising statistics linking dyslexia to both high achievement (entrepreneurship) and serious struggles (incarceration and homelessness).

Where to find Russell Van Brocklen:
Website & Free Guide: dyslexiaclasses.com

In this eye-opening episode, Joe and Ethan talk with Clifford Brown, a former USAID Mission Director with 27 years of experience across Latin America, Central Asia, and Africa.

Clifford shares firsthand stories from the field, including the terrifying moment his wife was kidnapped in Kyrgyzstan, and reveals what life is really like running missions in unstable countries and war zones. They discuss controversial internal decisions at USAID, the realities of foreign aid, corruption, coups, and what the agency’s sudden termination means for global stability and migration.

Where to find Clifford Brown and his book:
Website: cliffordHbrown.com
LinkedIn:   / clifford-h-brown-2608428
Substack: https://cliffordbrown.substack.com
X / Twitter: @bliffordcrown
Book – Inside USAID: An Odyssey of Foreign Assistance: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inside-usaid-clifford-brown/1148399558?ean=9781967458912

In this episode, Joe talks with Charlie Sheppard right after Charlie finished a 4-day fast. They explore why so many young people today are hesitant or choosing not to have children — from climate anxiety and economic pressures to the collapse of real human connection caused by constant screen time and declining empathy.

A thoughtful conversation about the behavioral and cultural roots of population decline and what it means for our future.

Where to learn more from Charlie Sheppard:
Books: Get Off the Fence and Save Your Drama for Your Mama (available on Amazon)
World Bridge University: worldbridgeuniversity.com
Arjuna Therapeutics (oncology biotech)
Follow Charlie on social media and LinkedIn