PODCAST · news
deGRIFTify
by deGRIFTify
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.”The cold war of the 21st century isn’t fought with weapons, and it isn’t waged between countries; it’s with information, between people. Whether you know it or not, you’re already a belligerent! Learn how to cut to the core of the issues, sift through the nonsense, and see what each side’s true goals are. And if you think we’re wrong, tell us why. We’ll tell you why we aren’t (unless we are).” - T & J
Episodes
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056 - Midterms
In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss the American midterm elections and their possible outcomes. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that...
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055 - Is Russia systemically broken?
In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss the pervasive nature of the Russian disregard for human life. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that...
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054 - Ukraine in Moscow, Russian offensive?
In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss the state of Russia's genocidal war on Ukraine. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts...
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053 - AI Crisis: OpenAI and Hugging Face
In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss a prominent leak and cyberattack that occurred over the summer. Thanks for listening. -An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of…
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052 - Distrust U.S. Inc (part 2)
In today's episode Thomas and Joel continue their discussion of the erosion of trust in public institutions, focusing on the period between 2016 and 2024. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a...
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051 - Distrust U.S. Inc (part 1)
In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss the erosion of trust in public institutions, starting from the middle of the 20th century. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast…
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050 - Khmer Rouge and little red hats
In today's episode Thomas and Joel talk about the Khmer Rouge and its similarities with the modern culture of anti-credentialism. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to...
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049 - Cuba (recorded 06/10
In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss Cuba. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary…
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047 - Iran Pre-Treaty (06/18)
In today's episode, recorded on the 18th of June, Thomas and Joel discuss the algae in the reflecting pool and the most recent 14 point plan relating to hostilities in Iran. The terms of the treaty were broken the very next day. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is...
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046 - Crimea river
In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss Ukraine's recent advances in its defense against Russia. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that…
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045 - Seaways, drones, and AI
In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss the Straight of Hormuz and other seaways. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas...
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044 - Bye-bye Orban
Thomas and Joel discuss the recent election in Hungary and its implications. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel...
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043 - Treason? Grand strategy in the Middle East
Thomas and Joel discuss the state of President Trump's war on Iran. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel…
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Iran update 3/02
Thomas and Joel discuss the state of President Trump's war on Iran, its objectives, and its outlook. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that…
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041 - Iran and US mass mobilization
Thomas and Joel discuss the recent reassignment of various military assets. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel...
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040 - ICE episode
A rambling and by no means exhaustive discussion of ICE, its grifts, its harm to the American public, and its future. Thanks for listening. https://www.ft.com/content/c74170d3-237d-459c-8642-bfd71530897d - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and...
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039 - Foreign Policy. What is it? Do we even have one?
In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss the basic tenets of foreign policy in the United States and briefly compare and contrast the present administration's with those of previous Presidents. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams,...
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038 - Greenland & trade deficits
President Trump has lately declared his intention of putting Greenland under US control, one way or another. His reasons for doing so are varied, but the reasoning behind it is related to his view on the balance of trade between the US and foreign countries. In today's episode Thomas and Joel...
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037 - Venezuela, Maduro, and you (New Years' predictions revisited)
Boy howdy, did we ever not see the Trump administration's capture of Maduro coming. In this episode Thomas and Joel assess the geopolitical implications of recent events and speculate what might happen next. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled...
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036 - Six Predictions for 2026
Thomas and Joel give their predictions for 2026 in this year-end episode. Topics range from Venezuela and Ukraine to more domestic issues. Happy holidays, and thanks for listening! - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a...
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035 - The K-Shaped Economy and You (Thomas's Christmas Special)
In today's episode Thomas discusses the so-called K-Shaped Economy and fields a few predictions for 2025. Happy holidays! - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that…
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034 - Five Conspiracy Theories
In today's episode Thomas and Joel walk through five conspiracy theories related to recent news and discuss the merits of each. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to…
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033 - American Literacy
A brief overview of how No Child Left Behind and the doctrine of Whole Word Reading failed a generation. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that...
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032 - Venezuela, why?...Where?
What is the U.S.'s interest in Venezuela, and why should you care? Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize...
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031 - Spaghetti at the Wall
In today's mini episode, Thomas braves the unmedicated pain of a broken toe to highlight three issues among the present mediascape muddle. Which are more distraction than crisis? Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and…
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030 - Voter Suppression in Texas
Thomas and Joel broadly describe voter suppression and discuss some of the methods that have been employed in Texas. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through...
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029 - AIPAC Overview
In this episode Thomas and Joel briefly discuss the history and operation of the American Israeli Political Action Committee. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut...
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028 - Analyzing Protests
In this episode (recorded 10/20) Thomas and Joel briefly discuss the history of mass protest in America including the recent No Kings protest. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion…
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027 - The Portland Frog
In this episode (recorded October 13th) Thomas and Joel discuss recent protests at the ICE facility in Portland, OR. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through...
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026 - Venezuela not-so-covert ops
In this mini-episode Thomas and Joel discuss the recent reveal of clandestine CIA operations in Venezuela. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of…
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025 - Apathy, Atomization, and...Chili's
The price of living goes up, while wages remain the same. All the while, the quality of services and entertainment decreases. What's a person to do? Thomas and Joel provide advice and commentary. Thanks for listening. -
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024 - Government shutdown 2025 & SecWar's Big Meeting
In this episode Thomas and Joel discuss two current events - the government's failure to pass a budget and Secretary Hegseth's recent meeting with flag officers of every branch of the military. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams,...
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023 - Russian aircraft in European airspaces
Russian drones and MiGs, oh my! On today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss the political motivations for the recent pattern of incursions into European nations' airspace. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts....
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022 - Information control: archive deletion and bad science
We're back, after something of a hiatus. In today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss how the Trump administration has been shaping the narrative in two ways. First, relating to recent press releases about autism. Second, by deleting archival information from the internet. Thanks for listening.…
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021 - Platforms for 2028
Thomas and Joel discuss what kinds of issues and what sorts of messaging could be effective in the lead up to the next presidential election. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast...
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020 - Trump & Putin's meeting {"Moscow Delenda Est"}
Thomas is angry about the recent meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska. We also discuss Democratic messaging and possible paths forward. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast...
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019 - Death of the Department of Education
The Trump administration has obtained a green light from the Supreme Court to shutter the Department of Education. In today's episode we talk about what that might mean for you. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and…
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018 - NASA cuts
The Trump administration is preparing to gut the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In today's episode we talk about why we think that's a bad idea. Thanks for listening. - https://www.nasa.gov/value-of-nasa/ An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams,...
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017 - "Good" News Roundup
Doing something slightly different, we each picked two pieces of good news that we heard recently and talked about it. Recorded 6/17. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast…
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016 - Epstein Strikes Back
It's 2025, and we're still talking about Jeffrey Epstein. On today's episode Thomas and Joel chat about why that's good. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut...
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015 - the O[dious] Big Beautiful Bill, passed
Some things we hate about the BBB, now that it has been signed into law. This is by no means an exhaustive list and should be considered highlights at best. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a...
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014 - The American Dream [unscripted]
Ages ago (on the 9th of April, 2025) we recorded an unscripted episode about "the American Dream," what it means or ought to mean, whether it exists, and if so, where it can be found. We're hosting it as a very special July 3rd episode, mostly because nothing else we've attempted recently has…
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013 - Iran (rec 6/23)
Hot takes and projections in light of the recent American "intervention," plus the usual context and grifts. Thanks for listening. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of...
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012 - Ukraine, past and present
Returning to the subject of the war in Ukraine. Thomas gives an overview of modern Ukrainian history and contextualizes the conflict in its context. We tackle several overarching narrative grifts that are pervasive in contemporary coverage of the crisis. As always, thank you for listening. Send...
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011 - "Nepo-reps," no-tax-increase pledges, weakness, and the complexity ratchet, Thomas and Joel's top five Congressional grifts pt. 3
Final episode of our congressional grift cycle. Send us stuff at [email protected]. Thanks for listening! Wilson-Hayes matrix https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z7nwk3NzVjai-hQb2k2KiyLLsjGyH0y9/view?usp=sharing - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams…
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010 - Term limits, auto-filibuster, PAYGO, and insider trading, Thomas and Joel's top five Congressional grifts pt. 2
Working independently, we each came up with five major problems related to the Congressional branch of the government. In this episode we discuss "Gerrymandering," what it is, how it affects you, and to a very limited extent what sort of things might be done about it. Now soliciting feedback,...
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009 - Gerrymandering (& class conflict), Thomas and Joel's top five Congressional grifts pt. 1
Working independently, we each came up with five major problems related to the Congressional branch of the government. In this episode we discuss "Gerrymandering," what it is, how it affects you, and to a very limited extent what sort of things might be done about it. Thomas & Joel's top 5: I....
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008 - H.R.1 (the BBB) and Its Future
The One Big, Beautiful Bill and consequences will be a disaster for (etc.) Recorded 05-22. Catching up on some editing; sorry for the delay. - An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut…
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007 - Egypt, Israel, and Foreign Aid (ft. tariff update)
With an initial digression into the latest twist in our collective tariff troubles. We get numerous dates wrong in this episode, though usually only slightly. Sorry. USA foreign aid data table...
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006 - A recent IndoPak happening, recorded 05/07
TL;DR nothing ever happens unless there's mass mobilization. An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.”The cold war of the 21st century isn’t fought with weapons, and it isn’t waged between countries; it’s with information, between people. Whether you know it or not, you’re already a belligerent! Learn how to cut to the core of the issues, sift through the nonsense, and see what each side’s true goals are. And if you think we’re wrong, tell us why. We’ll tell you why we aren’t (unless we are).” - T & J
HOSTED BY
deGRIFTify
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does deGRIFTify have?
deGRIFTify currently has 55 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is deGRIFTify about?
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives,...
How often does deGRIFTify release new episodes?
deGRIFTify has 55 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to deGRIFTify?
You can listen to deGRIFTify 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 deGRIFTify?
deGRIFTify is created and hosted by deGRIFTify.
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