<p>Martin and Alex map out their messy 2026 goals while rocking out to “Smoke on the Water”— because Martin’s dad knows the guy who inspired the song, which somehow makes their life planning feel epic.</p>

Martin and Alex map out their messy 2026 goals while rocking out to “Smoke on the Water”— because Martin’s dad knows the guy who inspired the song, which somehow makes their life planning feel epic.

Smoke on the 2026 Water (with Martin Benes)

Alex Kopytko is a ”radical centrist” that wants to understand the extremes. He has worked in politics and has studied public policy and political science. Alex argues that centrism is less about being a contrarian, it is about being able to change your mind and embrace an openness to new ideas. He is concerned about where the United States is headed and through conversations with people from all sides of the political spectrum, he wants to know how Americans can limit the tribalism that is flourishing. As someone that dances along the center-right of the political spectrum, Alex thinks the country needs to come together and talk to one another before it could be too late. This podcast covers domestic politics, as well as political philosophy, and international issues.

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Smoke on the 2026 Water (with Martin Benes)

Smoke on the 2026 Water (with Martin Benes)

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