The Reasoned Reality Podcast

Summary

In this in-depth interview, retired Air Force Major Steve Nolan discusses his expertise in mental health, focusing on Donald Trump's personality disorders and their implications for leadership and national security. Nolan provides insights into how mental health issues influence political behavior and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of understanding these disorders in the context of American politics.

Key topics

Donald Trump's personality disorders

Impact of mental health on leadership

Political deception and manipulation

Resources

https://www.amazon.com/American-Carnage-Officers-Duty-Warn/dp/1933974400

https://buckscountybeacon.com/2025/12/interview-the-maga-fication-of-the-us-military-and-american-foreign-policy-with-bucks-county-veteran-and-author-steve-nolan/

Stay connected with all things Reasoned Reality

Reasoned Reality: https://reasonedrealityproject.com/

Reasoned Reality Substack: https://reasonedreality.substack.com/

Joe Smith: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith/

Therealjoesmith Substack: https://therealjoesmith.substack.com/

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Cate Russell as we explore the heavy topics of faith, politics, social issues, and personal resilience. This episode offers insights into navigating a tumultuous world while maintaining integrity and compassion.

Key topics

• Faith and social issues
• Impact of politics on personal faith
• Strategies for mental resilience in heavy times

Connect with Cate: https://www.instagram.com/thecaterussell/

Stay connected with all things Reasoned Reality

• Reasoned Reality: https://reasonedrealityproject.com/
• Reasoned Reality Substack: https://reasonedreality.substack.com/
• Joe Smith: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith/
• Therealjoesmith Substack: https://therealjoesmith.substack.com/

In this insightful interview, Tia Lievings shares her journey of healing from high control religion, the importance of self-identity, and practical steps for deconstruction and recovery. Discover how to reclaim your life and foster compassion in a world influenced by religious trauma.

Key Topics

• The impact of high control religion on self-identity
• The process of deconstruction and questioning beliefs
• Practical steps for healing and self-recovery
• The role of community and boundaries in healing
• How religious trauma affects empathy and worldview

Tia Levings: https://www.instagram.com/tialevingswriter/

Stay Connected

Reasoned Reality: https://reasonedrealityproject.com/

Reasoned Reality Substack: https://reasonedreality.substack.com/

Joe Smith: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith/

Therealjoesmith Substack: https://therealjoesmith.substack.com/

In this episode, Dr. Rachel Coleman, a Florida-based pediatrician with over 20 years of experience, discusses the rise of vaccine misinformation, parental concerns, and how to rebuild trust in science and healthcare. We explore the impact of cultural beliefs, social media, and policy on public health decisions.Main Topics:

• The shift in vaccine perceptions and misinformation since COVID-19
• The influence of social media and online influencers in health decisions
• Comparing international vaccine practices and the importance of context
• The role of natural and holistic health beliefs in parental choices
• Debunking myths about vaccine safety, number of shots, and vaccine injuries
• The effect of political ideologies and religious beliefs on health behaviors
• Strategies for healthcare providers to improve communication and trust
• How to navigate misinformation with evidence-based information

Connect with Dr. Rachel Coleman:

• Website
• Instagram

Stay Connected

• Reasoned Reality: https://reasonedrealityproject.com/
• Reasoned Reality Substack: https://reasonedreality.substack.com/
• Joe Smith: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith/
• Therealjoesmith Substack: https://therealjoesmith.substack.com/

In this episode of the Reasoned Reality Podcast, former Major League Baseball player Ryan Kalish shares his transformative journey from sports to humanitarian work. He discusses his evolving relationship with faith, the impact of his experiences abroad, and the importance of compassion and action in addressing systemic issues.

Kalish emphasizes the need for love and forgiveness in a divided world and reflects on the role of social media in amplifying humanitarian efforts. He shares personal stories from his travels, highlighting the connections made with those in need and the potential for change through collective action.

Takeaways

• Ryan Kalish transitioned from a professional athlete to a humanitarian.
• His experiences in sports shaped his understanding of faith and spirituality.
• Kalish emphasizes the importance of compassion in action.
• He believes that love and forgiveness are essential for healing societal divisions.
• Social media plays a crucial role in raising awareness for humanitarian efforts.
• Kalish's travels have exposed him to various cultures and perspectives.
• He advocates for a movement that prioritizes helping the less fortunate.
• The systemic issues in America need to be addressed with love and action.
• Personal stories from his humanitarian work highlight the power of connection.
• Kalish encourages others to engage in meaningful action to create change.

Ryan Kalish Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamryankalish/

Donate to his work: https://givebutter.com/5cXLHs?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bi0

Stay Connected

Reasoned Reality: https://reasonedrealityproject.com/

Reasoned Reality Substack: https://reasonedreality.substack.com/

Joe Smith: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith/

Therealjoesmith Substack: https://therealjoesmith.substack.com/

In this episode, we explore the profound and often overlooked aspects of grief, faith, masculinity, and emotional expression through conversations with author and Chaplain J.S. Park. His insights challenge cultural narratives around vulnerability and offer a compassionate view on the importance of community and authentic connection in healing.

Main Topics Covered:

• The power of honesty and vulnerability in grief and faith
• Differences between chaplains and pastors in caregiving roles
• The cultural suppression of emotion, especially among men
• Deconstructing ego and shame in spiritual and emotional healing
• The importance of community, shared vulnerability, and “bearing with each other”
• How trauma, anger, and grief are misrepresented in society
• Building healthy masculinity through vulnerability and emotional expression
• The impact of social narratives on grief and mental health
• Practical ways to stay present and cultivate peace amidst chaos

Stay Connected

J.S. Park Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00NZ70FDW

J.S Park Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/jspark3000/

Reasoned Reality: https://reasonedrealityproject.com/

Reasoned Reality Substack: https://reasonedreality.substack.com/

Joe Smith: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith/

Therealjoesmith Substack: https://therealjoesmith.substack.com/ Jen Johannsen: https://www.instagram.com/jenjohannsen

In this episode of the Reasoned Reality podcast, grassroots candidates Harry Jarin, Bri Woodson, and Hunter Miranda share their experiences, challenges, and hopes for transforming the political system from the ground up. They discuss systemic barriers, campaign finance issues, the importance of primaries, and the need for progressive change.

Harry Jarin | Maryland – U.S. House (MD-05)

Background: Small business owner and longtime volunteer firefighter with deep local roots.

Harry is mounting a serious challenge to a seat held since 1981, offering generational change grounded in service, fiscal responsibility, and community-first leadership rather than political legacy.

Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/harryjarin_web

Brianna Woodson | Georgia

Background: Licensed mental health counselor and community organizer grounded in rural Georgia advocacy.

Woodson brings deep community experience and emphasizes accessible healthcare, economic fairness, and rebuilding trust in democratic institutions.

Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/woodsonlistens

Hunter Miranda | California – U.S. House (CA-47)

Background: Attorney and sharp legal thinker with a calm, disciplined communication style. Represents a younger generation of leadership grounded in democratic norms and institutional accountability.

Hunter is challenging an unpopular first-term incumbent with a campaign centered on ethics, competence, and restoring trust. He is widely regarded as exceptionally articulate and credible in both legal and public-facing settings.

Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hunter-miranda

Dr. Jen Johannsen works with progressive candidates who refuse influential funding, helping them run grassroots campaigns that are both effective and values-driven. Through a partnership with the Reasoned Reality Project, she identifies, mentors, and supports candidates who embody a different standard of political leadership—rooted in moral clarity, human dignity, and practical governance. These candidates are unbought, unafraid to speak truth to power, and relentlessly people-first, even when it carries political risk.

If you’re a federal candidate or campaign team looking for guidance, you can connect with her on Instagram (@jenjohannsen) or via email ([email protected]).

Stay Connected

Reasoned Reality: https://reasonedrealityproject.com/

Reasoned Reality Substack: https://reasonedreality.substack.com/

Joe Smith: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith/

Therealjoesmith Substack: https://therealjoesmith.substack.com/

Jen Johannsen: https://www.instagram.com/jenjohannsen

In this episode, Yen Bailey shares her inspiring journey from refugee to grassroots political candidate, emphasizing the importance of accountability, community engagement, and fighting for working families. We explore her perspective on political reform, her personal background, and how living through hardship shapes her approach to policy and representation.Key topics:

• Yen Bailey’s immigrant family story and its influence on her values
• The challenges and rewards of grassroots campaigning in a gerrymandered district
• The importance of accountability and transparency in government
• Building infrastructure and constituent services in rural and underrepresented areas
• The impact of personal experience working as a guardian ad litem on policy perspectives
• Why fighting for healthcare, economic justice, and campaign finance reform matters
• Strategies for engaging voters in "red" districts and overcoming political apathy
• The significance of small acts of citizenship and community-building
• How to stay centered and resilient amidst political negativity and opposition
• The role of courage and perseverance in challenging the status quo

Stay Connected

Reasoned Reality

Reasoned Reality Substack

Joe Smith Instagram

Therealjoesmith Substack

In this episode, we delve into the harrowing realities of growing up in extremist religious environments, the tactics used to control and manipulate members, and the brave journey out of these harmful systems. Margaret Bronson shares her personal story of deconstruction, the impact of cult-like teachings, and how she's now working tirelessly to support survivors and expose dangerous ideologies.Main Topics:

• The psychological and physical impact of cult-like religious communities
• How access to misinterpreted Scripture fuels fear and control
• Strategies for deconstructing belief systems and healing trauma
• The importance of supporting survivors through community, advocacy, and funding
• The rise of Christian nationalism and its implications for society and policy
• Practical ways listeners can get involved to help dismantle harmful systems

Deconstructing Doulas

Margaret Bronson

The Whole Story CNN

Stay Connected

• Reasoned Reality
• Reasoned Reality substack
• Joe Smith
• Therealjoesmith Substack

Summary

In this episode of the Reasoned Reality podcast, host Joe Smith engages with Luke and Lizzy, the original creators of the Reasoned Reality project. They discuss their journey from anonymity to stepping into the public eye, the importance of critical thinking in understanding faith and politics, and their personal experiences with deconstruction from evangelicalism. The conversation explores their church backgrounds, the impact of education on their beliefs, and the challenges of navigating relationships post-deconstruction.

They also touch on the political landscape and the role of community in fostering hope and change.

Takeaways

• The importance of speaking out during critical times.
• Deconstruction is a personal journey that varies for everyone.
• Education can significantly impact one's beliefs and worldview.
• Critical thinking is essential in questioning authority and beliefs.
• Navigating relationships after deconstruction can be challenging but necessary.
• Community support is vital for those questioning their faith.
• The political landscape is intertwined with personal beliefs and faith.
• It's important to challenge harmful narratives within religious communities.
• Finding hope in shared experiences and collective grief is crucial.
• Reasoned Reality aims to foster critical thinking and open dialogue.

Stay Connected

Reasoned Reality: https://reasonedrealityproject.com/Reasoned

Reality Substack: https://reasonedreality.substack.com/

Joe Smith: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith/

Joe Smith Substack: https://therealjoesmith.substack.com/