PODCAST · news
Crayon Box Weekly
by Crayon Box Politics
Dive into the latest developments in state and federal legislation every week with Crayon Box Weekly! Hosted by Carl Able, this grassroots podcast breaks down complex policy updates into digestible, understandable insights.
Episodes
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The Story We Tell Ourselves: Politics, Poetry, and the Truth Problem
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly: Interview Edition, we sit down with Andrea LeDew, author of Polemics: Political Poems and Prose, to confront a deeper question behind today’s political chaos: Are we seeing reality… or the story we’ve been conditioned to believe? Through poetry, storytelling,...
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Is the Justice System Weaponized? A Conversation with a Trump Attorney
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly: Interview Edition, Carl Able sits down with a former Trump-affiliated attorney and current CEO of the American Rights Alliance to examine one of the most controversial questions in American politics today: Is the justice system being weaponized? This...
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Is the Presidency Devouring the Other Branches?
Has the presidency become too powerful? In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly: Interview Edition, Carl Able sits down with retired Marine Nicholas Hensley to examine the steady expansion of executive authority in the United States government. The U.S. Constitution established a system of checks…
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The Veteran Advantage | What Happens When Veterans Stand Together
What happens when veterans stop being political props and start organizing as a civic force? In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, Carl sits down with Army veteran and 50501 Veterans leader Katie Chorbak to examine the real state of veteran advocacy in America. This conversation tackles veteran...
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This Timeline is a Mess
Sometimes you have to laugh just to stay sane. In this episode of Crayon Box Politics, Carl sits down with journalist and podcaster Bob Gatty, host of Lean to the Left, for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about the political moment we’re living through and why so many Americans feel like...
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The Regime’s Fear, the People’s Defiance: Iran at a Point of No Return
In this conversation, Zolal Habibi, an Iranian human rights activist, shares her personal journey and the motivations behind her activism for democracy and women's rights in Iran. She discusses the historical context of Iran's political landscape, including the 1979 revolution and the subsequent...
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America 2026: Superpower or Superbully?
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, hosts Carl Able and Vanessa LaPalm discuss the recent political tensions involving the United States and Venezuela, focusing on President Trump's actions and their implications. They explore the historical context of executive actions without congressional...
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Capitalism Is the Economy of Hope: Dr. Doug Cardell on Socialism, Jobs, and Government
In our first interview of 2026, Dr. Doug Cardell discusses the complexities of economics, particularly the challenges of economic forecasting and the implications for central planning in socialist systems. He emphasizes the chaotic nature of economies, the importance of value creation, and the…
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Regression, Scapegoats, and the Road to 2026
In this final episode of the year, hosts Carl and Vanessa reflect on the significant events of 2025, discussing personal anecdotes, political developments, and the impact of immigration policies. They explore the rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric, the challenges of housing and rent, and the state of...
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Trump’s Fentanyl “WMD” Executive Order: Real Change or a Justification for War?
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, hosts Carl and Vanessa discuss various news stories, focusing on Texas SB 8, the Women's Privacy Act, and its implications for transgender rights. They also delve into the recent designation of fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, exploring the drug...
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Why I Left the GOP: One Conservative’s Breakup Story
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, Carl and Vanessa discuss various topics ranging from holiday shopping experiences to political identity and party switching. Carl shares his journey of switching from the Republican to the Democratic Party, reflecting on his core values and how they align…
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Echo Chambers, Hate Speech, and a World on Edge
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, hosts Carl and Vanessa discuss their recent personal experiences, including accidents and political engagement. They delve into the dynamics of political groups on social media, highlighting the stark differences in reception between conservative and...
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You've Heard of Butt Chugging... What About Butt Breathing?
Release Date: Monday, November 10, 2025Hosts: Carl Able & VanessaSeries: Crayon Box Weekly – News Review Edition⸻Episode SummaryThis week’s news roundup swings from science that makes you laugh (and then think) to politics that makes you question reality. Carl and Vanessa kick things off with a...
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Chaos or Unity: What Even is a State?
This episode kicks off the “States’ Rights” arc of the Chaos or Unity series — exploring how American governance walks the line between independence and interdependence. Episode Summary: In this episode, Carl and Vanessa peel back the layers of what it actually means to be a “state” in the United...
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Vote or Be Ruled: All Politics are Local
Carl and Vanessa close out the Vote or Be Ruled series with a grounded discussion on why voting still matters—even when it feels futile. They explore voter apathy, political longevity, age in leadership, and how personal participation keeps democracy from decaying into complacency. ⸻ Key Topics &...
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Vote or be Ruled: The Illusion of Democracy
Carl and Vanessa dissect America’s democratic mythos—how the Electoral College, primary system, and party elites shape outcomes long before voters step into a booth. The discussion threads from the Founders’ elitism to the 2024 Democratic transition, revealing how much “representation” is managed...
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Vote or Be Ruled: The Amendments That Unlocked Voting Power
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, Carl and co-host Vanessa explore the evolution of voting rights in America, discussing key amendments such as the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. They delve into historical contexts and legal...
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Vote or Be Ruled: How Australia Won the West
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, host Carl, joined by guest host Vanessa, discuss the progression of voting rights and systems, focusing on the adoption of the Australian voting system in the United States. The conversation covers the historical context of public voting, the impact of the...
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Protest or Perish: Defending Our Rights in a Shifting Landscape
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, we discuss the historical and contemporary significance of protest in maintaining democratic freedoms. We review key moments in American history, such as the Boston Tea Party and recent movements like BLM, to demonstrate the impact of protest on societal...
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Protest or Perish: Preparing for Tomorrow's Challenges
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, We discuss the evolving landscape of civil liberties and government actions impacting the right to protest. We highlight the increase in anti-protest legislation, with 45 states introducing over 350 bills since 2017, the establishment of National Guard units...
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Protest or Perish: Unmasking Government Overreach in Modern America
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, we discuss the evolving landscape of protest rights post 9/11. We delve into the impact of the US Patriot Act and how it facilitated federal overreach, specifically targeting African American protestors and downplaying far-right threats. We also address...
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Protest or Perish: The Battle for Free Speech in America
In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, we dive into the historical development and legal foundations of the right to protest in the United States. We explore its origins from English legal traditions and the influence of philosophical figures like John Locke and Montesquieu, through the passage of...
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We Interrupt This Podcast…
Crayon Box Weekly is hitting pause—but not for long. In this special update episode, hosts Carl and Avery announce a temporary hiatus to focus on personal matters and major updates to the Crayon Box Politics platform. The podcast will return in September with brand-new political content…
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Free Speech, Brought to You by Jesus and the GOP
This episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly is all about the tangled web of religion and politics in the U.S. From the commercialization of faith by high-profile figures to the latest state and federal legislation on religious freedoms, Carl and co-host Avery dive deep into the complexities and...
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The MAGA Guide to Free Speech: Obey or Shut Up
This week, hosts Carl and Avery discuss recent federal and state legislation affecting protest rights, including resolutions from Rep. Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene, executive orders, and key Supreme Court rulings. The episode also touches on the international context, comparing U.S....
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They Love Free Speech… Until You Use It
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, Carl and Avery delve into the current state of free speech in the U.S., discussing its importance as a core right enshrined in the Constitution. Recorded on April 14, 2025, the podcast critiques the policies of the Trump administration concerning…
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1, 2, 3, 4, Trump Declares a Trade War
In this week’s episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, Carl and Avery break down the recent tariffs announced by President Trump on April 2nd, referred to as 'Liberation Day'. The discussion delves into the economic and global impact of these tariffs on various countries, including China, Vietnam,...
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Classified Chaos and DUI Hires: The Signal Gate Scandal from the Perspective of a Retired Intelligence Professional
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, recorded on March 31, 2025, hosts Carl and Avery, discuss the critical issue of 'Signal Gate.' Stepping away from their usual format of analyzing congressional and presidential activities, they delve into the mishandling of classified information via...
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Politicians and Pills: The Healthcare Law Debate
This episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly covers the latest updates on state and federal legislation affecting healthcare and government funding. Hosts Carl and Avery discuss the passage of the continuing resolution bill to fund the federal government and a wide range of healthcare-related…
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Puff, Politics, and Policy: Marijuana Laws in Focus
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, recorded on Monday, March 10th, 2025, hosts Carl and Avery discuss the latest state and federal legislation related to marijuana. The discussion includes a detailed look at congressional bills such as the Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act...
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Election Security or Election Suppression? Examining Current Voting Rights Legislation
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, hosts Carl and Avery delve into the latest developments in voting rights and election legislation at both federal and state levels. They break down Congressional activities, executive actions by President Trump, and state-level bills in Alabama,...
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Promises vs. Progress: Trump’s Misses and Democrats' Housing Push
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, hosts Carl and Avery dive into various state and federal legislations affecting housing policies. They start by exploring two significant bills passed in the House of Representatives: HR 965 and HR 224, aimed at providing rental assistance to…
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Thoughts and Prayers: Unpacking Gun Legislation Across America
In this week's episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, Carl and Avery discuss the latest developments in state and federal legislation. The episode breaks down various topics ranging from the introduction of legislation in the House and Senate to a heated debate in the House Oversight and…
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The War on Education: Unmasking School Choice and Policy Shifts
Join Carl and Avery in this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly as they explore the critical issues shaping America's education system. Recorded on February 3rd, 2025, this episode dives into federal and state legislation affecting everything from diversity programs in federal employment to...
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Protecting Veterans and Challenging Discrimination
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, hosts Carl, a retired Marine turned political enthusiast, and Avery, dive deep into the chaotic week in politics following Martin Luther King Day and Presidential Inauguration Day. They cover the swift pace at which the House of Representatives...
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Legislating Choice: Unraveling Abortion Policies and Rights Across States
The episode covers an extremely busy week in the House of Representatives, highlighting the introduction of 257 pieces of legislation, including 226 bills. Carl and Avery delve into the specifics of two controversial bills, H.R. 28 (Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025) and H.R. 30...
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Trans Rights in Focus: Exploring Legislative Battles Across America
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, hosts Carl and Avery dive into the latest updates on state and federal legislation. The show kicks off with Carl and Avery introducing themselves and their mission to decode complicated political policies for listeners. They discuss recent…
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December 15 - 21 2024
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, hosts Carl and Avery delve into the major political events and challenges of 2024, providing in-depth analysis and personal reflections. They discuss the implications of federal employee vacations, the impact of a debate performance by Joe Biden, the...
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December 7 - 14 2024
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, Avery and special guest Vanessa engage in a comprehensive discussion about the transgender community. The episode delves into the personal journey of discovering one's transgender identity, the challenges faced by transgender individuals in the…
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November 29 - December 6 2024
In this week’s episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, Carl and Avery kick things off with a lighthearted chat about their Thanksgiving experiences. They then dive into the headlines shaping the nation, starting with a deep dive into President Biden and Hunter Biden’s legal challenges and a…
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November 16 - 22 2024
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, hosts Carl and Avery analyze significant stories shaping the political landscape. Topics include the U.S. ranking as the top AI ecosystem, mental health impacts from abortion bans, and the foreshadowing of political unrest. They also discuss the...
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November 8-15 2024
In this episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly, Carl and Avery break down the past week’s biggest headlines and take a closer look at the stories shaping the political landscape. From the fast-moving nature of recent events to Donald Trump’s controversial picks for his anticipated second term, we...
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November 1-7 2024
In this episode, Carl and Avery discuss the implications of Donald Trump’s election on diverse aspects of American life. They delve into the reasons behind the recent Democratic Party loss, emphasizing the party’s struggle to connect effectively with average Americans and working-class…
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October 24-31 2024
In the 2024 election, the presidential race isn’t the only critical decision facing voters. Down-ballot issues like reproductive rights and election security are also in the spotlight. In this episode, we explore these crucial topics and delve into the potential impacts of a Trump or Harris...
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October 12-18 2024
A new format! This week, Carl is joined by co-host Avery to discuss Israel, FEMA, Election Integrity and why a second Trump term poses a very real threat to the dream that is American self governance. Interested in the podcast mentioned by Carl? Follow the link below:...
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October 6-11 2024
Rumors, mis-information and conspiracy theories have always been part of the fabric of our nation, but when false narratives are pushed by our political leadership, they can be harmful to the American people. That is exactly what is happening now following the destruction wrought by Hurricanes...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Crayon Box Weekly have?
Crayon Box Weekly currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Crayon Box Weekly about?
Dive into the latest developments in state and federal legislation every week with Crayon Box Weekly! Hosted by Carl Able, this grassroots podcast breaks down complex policy updates into digestible, understandable insights.
How often does Crayon Box Weekly release new episodes?
Crayon Box Weekly has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Crayon Box Weekly?
You can listen to Crayon Box Weekly on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Crayon Box Weekly?
Crayon Box Weekly is created and hosted by Crayon Box Politics.
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