Holiday consumerism in America has basically turned into a sanctioned debt marathon—maxed-out cards, overflowing landfills, and everybody pretending they're "merry" while quietly freaking out about January. This episode breaks down who actually wins from the holiday spending spree, how much damage it does to your wallet and the planet, and how you can tap out of the madness without turning into the Grinch. There's still a way to enjoy the season, see your people, and keep your sanity—even if Santa feels more like a corporate mascot than a jolly guy with a sled.

Every president promises change, but the war machine never stops spinning. In this episode, Ryan Haylett unpacks how U.S. leaders—regardless of party—fuel endless conflict, profit, and fear. From campaign rhetoric to military contractors, discover why America’s wars never end.

Ryan Haylett dives into the complex life of Benjamin Franklin—America’s favorite polymath, relentless inventor, political disruptor, and, yes, notorious flirt. Beyond kite experiments and witty quotes, this episode unpacks Franklin’s transformation from enslaver to abolitionist, the realities behind Poor Richard’s wisdom, and tales of love and intrigue in Paris.

In this episode, Ryan explores the deepening political polarization tearing the country apart. From historic elections to echo chambers online, we break down how division shapes our politics and our lives. What’s fueling the rift—and is it fixable?

Ryan tears into the idea that America is automatically 'the best,' comparing real-world outcomes in health, life, and happiness to other nations. Expect a no-nonsense breakdown of how American exceptionalism holds the country back, and what patriotism really means when the stars and stripes are bruised.

Ryan Haylett rips into the hypocrisy and brutality baked into the U.S. passport and immigration system. With sharp humor and historical receipts, he exposes the cycle of violence, racism, and control that defines America’s borders—at home and abroad.

Ryan Haylett exposes the economic wizardry at the core of American life—fractional reserve banking, debt cycles, and the monetary system's stranglehold on democracy. This episode unpacks how money is created out of nothing, who profits, and why escaping this engineered treadmill may be the only way to restore freedom and sanity.

Ryan dives into the patchwork of Pennsylvanian identity, exploring how cities like Pittsburgh, Philly, Erie, and Scranton expose America's cultural contradictions and the myth of a singular national identity. Regional divides, economic histories, and competing loyalties take center stage in this look at the real United States—fractured, gritty, and endlessly surprising.

This episode examines the intersection of smart technology, privacy, and ethics. We discuss scenarios of technological surveillance, the relevance of the 3rd and 4th Amendments in modern law, and the trade-offs between convenience and freedom. Dive into the unsettling societal impacts of living under constant observation in the era of smart homes.

Ryan Haylett exposes how multi-level marketing companies exploit hope, patriotism, and desperation to feed a broken system. With real-world examples and tough questions, the episode unpacks MLMs’ grip on the American Dream and their corrosive impact on trust and community.