CommonX Podcast

There are artists who perform. Then there's Daniel Villegas -- a Colombian-born slam poet, bilingual hip-hop emcee, and conga player who has spent over a decade making music that actually means something, without a label, a machine, or a shortcut behind him.In this episode, we get into how a Hamlet assignment in English class at 16 cracked him open, what it took to come back after a decade of near-silence caused by Lyme disease, and the night a stranger walked up after a college open mic and told him a poem kept them from ending their life.We also talk about how he writes in both English and Spanish and why it took years to get there, what the cultural weight of a song like "Time Travel" means right now, the real economics of being an independent artist in the streaming era, and how he's using creative writing workshops to unlock voices in young people who've been told they have nothing to say.Plus: an epic story about going completely blank on stage while opening for Immortal Technique, and the moment in a hospital bed when he decided to go all in anyway.Daniel's new album "Beats and Lyrics" is out now on all platforms. His vinyl "Evolution Gold" is available at his shows.→ Going from the back of an English class to performing spoken word in front of crowds→ How "Time Travel" captures the cultural moment around immigration, identity, and freedom→ Big Pun, DMX, Vico C, and the 90s golden age that shaped his craft→ Why independent artists win on creativity but lose on the business side→ The bubble technique he uses to unlock voices in young people→ What happened when he blanked onstage opening for Immortal Technique→ The turning point: a stranger's confession about "I Wanna Live in America"Find Daniel:Instagram: @DanielVjGuys MusicYouTube: Daniel Villegas MusicAlbum: "Beats and Lyrics" -- out now on all platforms---00:00 Intro / Welcome to CommonX00:57 Colombia, his grandmother, and the first music01:49 The Hamlet poem that changed everything03:38 Hip-hop influences: Mos Def, Big Pun, DMX, Vico C05:07 How bilingual music evolved over time07:04 "Time Travel," immigration, and cultural weight10:13 Writing without a target in mind11:36 Do artists have a responsibility to speak truth?13:15 Pressure to represent vs. just being yourself14:31 Stepping outside the lifestyle matrix16:33 How he describes his own sound18:19 "Jaguar" and writing music to lyrics (not the other way around)20:27 Merging slam poetry and hip-hop21:19 The hardest part of staying independent23:38 Teaching creative writing to youth25:12 The bubble technique for unlocking student voices27:03 Epic stage fail: going blank opening for Immortal Technique28:35 The hospital moment he almost walked away31:21 Biggest breakthroughs: KRS-One, Flowbots, and "I Wanna Live in America"34:32 New album "Beats and Lyrics" + where to find Daniel36:09 Jared's Five---Like what you heard? Subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next.CommonXPodcast.com | Check the X-Files⚠️ Chapter timestamps are estimated from transcript. Spot-check against final edit before publishing.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You pull the lever, but who really decided what's on the ballot?Metin Pekin, author of Breaking Democracy's Chains, joins Jared and Ian to make the case that the real problem with democracy isn't the politicians - it's the party system behind them. When billionaire donors and major financiers control which candidates even make it to the ballot, your vote doesn't choose your representative. It just ratifies someone else's shortlist.In this conversation:-> The "party bottleneck" - why you're voting between two managers of the same system-> Why campaign finance reform keeps failing (and why tinkering won't fix it)-> What a no-party democracy actually looks like in practice-> The Democracy Tax: a structural fix for money in politics-> The Vaclav Havel greengrocer analogy - and what it says about your vote-> How ranked choice voting and independent reps could break the cycle-> Why 45% of Americans call themselves independents but still vote for a party-> What to actually do if you want to change the systemMetin Pekin is the author of Breaking Democracy's Chains, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.If this episode got your wheels turning, check out:- E83: Ramon Perez on the Digital Democracy Project- E81: Tom Joseph on America's Main Street PartySubscribe and visit CommonXPodcast.com for more.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She didn't just write a book about wishing. She mapped the science behind it across over a dozen disciplines. And once she explains it, you'll never blow out birthday candles the same way again.Brownell Landrum is the author of "The Art and Science of Wishing" and founder of the Cosmic Wish Experiment. In this episode she breaks down why most people wish wrong, what separates a wish from a prayer from a goal, and how neuroplasticity, the reticular activating system, quantum physics, and ten other sciences activate every time you make one.Also: limiting beliefs, collective wishing, why protest energy keeps us stuck, and whether Jared's hemp obsession already qualifies as a wish.Cosmic Wish Experiment: cosmicwishexperiment.comLearn more: commonxpodcast.comThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob Rosen spent decades inside the machine. From KCBS Los Angeles to five seasons producing Reasonable Doubt on HBO Max, he has watched journalism drift from fact-gathering into something closer to activism -- and he has documented exactly how it happened.His new book, Crimes of Omission, makes a case most people already suspect but can't quite articulate: the media's biggest problem isn't outright lies. It's the stories they decide you never need to hear.In this episode, Rob walks us through the cases, the newsroom culture, and the moment around 2012 when legacy media stopped holding up a mirror and started choosing sides. If you grew up trusting Cronkite and Brokaw, this one will hit.TOPICS COVERED:-- The "crimes of omission" concept: bias through silence, not fabrication-- The 2012 inflection point when soft bias became active advocacy-- Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray: what the coverage left out-- Tony Timpa: the police killing that was worse than anything you saw on TV -- and that you've never heard of-- Why newsroom monoculture is the structural root of the problem-- What the morning meeting decides about your reality-- Reasonable Doubt: why 3 out of 4 cases they investigated, the convict was actually guilty-- How to protect yourself as a news consumer-- FCC pressure on legacy media and whether the market is the answer-- The vibe shift: is the public ready for objective journalism again?TIMESTAMPS:0:00 -- Intro and Dead Files tangent (Jared is a fan)1:17 -- What "Crimes of Omission" means3:51 -- Why omission is more dangerous than an outright lie5:01 -- The 2012 inflection point10:21 -- Newsroom culture and who populates the room13:30 -- Morning meetings set the national agenda15:27 -- Behind the scenes during Ferguson and BLM17:43 -- Where the pressure actually comes from23:34 -- Reasonable Doubt: a real search for truth on HBO Max27:46 -- Is there a path back to objective journalism?35:13 -- Why covering Trump put the media on tilt38:59 -- FCC and government pressure on legacy media40:44 -- Why Rob wrote this book now47:55 -- How to be a better news consumer53:09 -- Tony Timpa: the case no one covered1:01:25 -- Jared's Five rapid-fireCrimes of Omission is available for presale now. Out June 2nd.SUBSCRIBE for new episodes and follow us at CommonXPodcast.com.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley to break down the controversial decision to remove ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) from a county government facility.This move has sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum — raising critical questions about immigration policy, federal vs. local authority, taxpayer accountability, and leadership responsibility.Mark Pinsley shares the inside story of how the decision unfolded, what he discovered about ICE operating in the building, and why he ultimately chose to take action.Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation dives deep into one of the most polarizing issues in America today.👉 Topics Covered:ICE presence in local government buildingsFederal vs. local authorityImmigration policy and enforcementGovernment transparency and taxpayer accountabilityLeadership under pressure🎙️ Subscribe for more real, unfiltered conversations with leaders, innovators, and disruptors.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would it look like if everyday Americans could weigh in on actual legislation, not just every few years at the ballot box, but in real time, on every bill being debated in Washington or their state capitol?Ramon Perez is a Georgia Tech-educated engineer who changed course after 9/11, became a military intelligence officer, deployed to four combat zones, and lost a friend to a sniper in Fallujah. That experience shaped his understanding of what democracy means and what it costs when it starts to fail.After January 6th and the protests in Portland, Ramon saw the same pattern he'd watched abroad: when people stop believing the system works for them, they start looking for alternatives. His answer was Digital Democracy Project, a nonprofit using blockchain-based mobile voting software to let verified U.S. citizens vote on real legislation and see exactly how their representatives voted on the same bills.The result is a scorecard, like a baseball card, that shows every legislator's alignment with the people who elected them.We get into the structural reasons democracy feels broken (gerrymandering, one-party districts, politicians who write the rules they compete under), why the Princeton study on public opinion vs. legislation passing should make your blood boil, and why Ramon thinks AI and fusion energy are reasons to be genuinely optimistic right now.Also: the best answer we've ever gotten to "what would you tell your teenage self."Visit digitaldemocracyproject.org to verify, vote, and see how your legislators score.CommonX is two Gen X dads talking to people actually doing things in the real world. Subscribe on YouTube and visit CommonXPodcast.com for more.Related episode: E81 -- Thomas Joseph, Main Street Party (directly connected to the structural reform conversation in this episode)The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raymond Lavine has spent 16 years helping families prepare for one of the most emotionally brutal — and financially devastating — things that can happen: a parent, spouse, or sibling needing long-term care. He's an author, podcast host, and financial services professional. He's also watched his own family navigate it — his mother used a long-term care policy for 18 years and lived to 103. He gets it from both sides.In this episode, Raymond breaks down what long-term care actually means (hint: it's way more than diapers), why Gen X is uniquely squeezed between raising kids and caring for aging parents, and why "I'll figure it out when it happens" is the most expensive plan you can have. He also admits something most people in his industry won't say out loud: he doesn't enjoy being a caregiver. And that's exactly why he plans for it.If you've been avoiding this conversation — this one's for you.🎙️ Guest: Raymond Lavine — Co-author of Empathy and Understanding in Business, host of Planning with Purpose and The Caregiver's Blueprint📌 Topics covered:→ What long-term care planning actually means for a regular family→ Why caregiver burnout causes real mental health crises→ How LTC insurance works (and what it actually pays for)→ The "sandwich generation" squeeze on Gen X→ Why self-insuring is a bigger gamble than most people realize→ How to start planning even on a tight budget🌐 CommonXpodcast.com📺 Subscribe on YouTube | 🎧 Listen wherever you get podcastsThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your congressman probably wasn't picked by you. Tom Joseph — founder of America's Main Street Party — breaks down the machinery that decides who even makes it onto your ballot, why gerrymandering is less about drawing lines and more about burying opposition votes, and how he found a legal loophole that lets a political party run a free, moneyless nomination contest completely outside the reach of the FEC.If you've ever felt like the process is rigged — that the real decisions happen before you ever see a name on a ballot — this one's for you.🌐 mainstreetparty.org | wilsonsfountain.us📋 Sign the petition at mainstreetparty.org——🕐 CHAPTERS0:00 — Intro: politics as a group text nobody can leave2:07 — Meet Tom Joseph, founder of America's Main Street Party2:14 — What is gerrymandering, actually?4:52 — The COVID breaking point that started all this7:05 — How the people's primary app works9:10 — Getting nominees onto the actual ballot10:17 — The ideologically neutral Super PAC12:25 — When did Tom realize the whole nomination process was broken?15:49 — How this cuts the cord between candidates and donors16:40 — Operating inside the current legal system without changing it18:49 — What a people's primary looks like for an everyday citizen21:18 — Local committees and keeping them incorruptible22:28 — The term limits debate24:03 — The Digital Democracy Project (Ramon Perez is coming on the show)25:20 — Keeping it non-ideological: equal red and blue districts26:42 — Reaching younger voters who've already checked out27:44 — Can this actually break gerrymandering?28:40 — Public response so far — and why mainstream media won't cover it30:04 — James Wilson and the "fountain of democracy"31:59 — Who's most threatened by this idea (the answer will surprise you)33:08 — To the skeptics: someone will just corrupt this too34:44 — A system from 1929 that hasn't caught up with technology37:31 — What's kept Tom going when everyone said it couldn't be done38:52 — What America looks like in 5–10 years if this works40:20 — A message to the politically homeless41:32 — Mobile voting security: blockchain, face ID, and Carnegie Mellon42:38 — Jared's Five: movies, cartoons, and collecting John Lennon's autograph49:10 — Outro——CommonX is two Gen X dads talking to people actually doing things in the real world. New episodes weekly.🎙️ CommonXPodcast.com📺 Subscribe on YouTube📝 X-Files Blog: CommonXPodcast.comThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us are drowning in content but starving for actual facts. This week, Jared and Ian sit down with Kira Shishkin — 4-time entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of Inform.now — to talk about why the news media stopped serving readers and started serving advertisers, how misinformation is manufactured at scale, and what a genuine "information diet" actually looks like.Kira built TurboTax Full Service at Intuit, evaluated 600+ venture deals, and grew up across Ukraine, Israel, and the U.S. — giving him a front-row seat to information warfare in three different cultures. He's not just complaining about the problem; he built a solution: news by SMS, no accounts, no ads, no data collection, just facts from primary sources.Whether you still watch cable news or you've checked out entirely, this one will make you rethink how you consume information.Check out Kira's company: https://inform.now📌 CHAPTERS0:00 — Ian's overcooked intro0:43 — Meet Kira Shishkin1:46 — Why he left Intuit and TurboTax Full Service2:51 — How Inform.now works: news by SMS4:15 — Sourcing only from primary sources6:46 — How news became an advertising business9:44 — Are people waking up to media manipulation?12:09 — AI in journalism: useful tool or dangerous shortcut?21:46 — The coming era of information overload25:54 — What a healthy information diet actually looks like28:51 — Growing up in Ukraine, Israel, and the U.S.33:42 — SMS, anonymity, and radical privacy36:16 — Will the world be more or less informed in 10 years?38:19 — Evaluating 600+ venture deals — does Inform.now pass its own test?41:42 — Are we living in truly unique times?43:21 — Is America's division real, or manufactured by media?45:26 — Jared's 5 rapid-fire questions51:02 — Outro🎙️ CONNECT WITH USCommonX Podcast | Two Gen X dads talking to people actually doing things in the real world.#CommonXPodcast #MediaLiteracy #Misinformation #InformationOverload #GenX #NewsMedia #Inform #KiraShishkin #FactsNotOpinions #MediaBiasThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if America isn't as divided as the news makes it look? Adam Mizel left a successful finance career to find out — hitting the road in a purple and white pickup truck, talking to thousands of everyday Americans from parking lots to state fairs, and filming a documentary along the way.Adam is the founder of Us United, a national unity movement built around one core idea: you can't sympathize with a label, only a person. In this conversation, he shares what he actually found on the road (spoiler: people are more united than you think), why Generation X needs to stop sitting on the fence, and the surprisingly simple things each of us can do to change the culture starting today.We also dig into his unlikely friendship with Sheriff Chris Swanson — the Flint, Michigan sheriff who famously took off his body armor and walked arm-in-arm with protesters in 2020 — and how that moment sparked the creation of Us United.--Chapters:00:00 — Intro & welcome01:00 — Why Adam walked away from finance03:00 — Meeting Sheriff Chris Swanson & the Flint march06:00 — How Us United was born08:00 — Sheriffs as community unifiers13:00 — The cross-country road trip16:00 — What Adam found: America isn't that divided20:00 — Gen X needs to get off the fence22:00 — What's fueling the divide (it's not just politics)28:00 — The power of storytelling: the redlining conversation32:00 — Shaq's one-word definition of unity33:00 — National Unity Day, December 1338:00 — Simple things every American can do right now41:00 — If you were president for a day...45:00 — Jared's Five50:00 — Adam's personal story: success built from collapse--Learn more about Us United: https://www.usunited.orgFind all CommonX episodes at CommonXPodcast.comIf this episode resonated, please like, subscribe, and share — it helps more people find conversations like this one.#CommonX #Unity #AdamMizel #UsUnited #GenerationX #America #PodcastThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most organizations are throwing millions at firewalls and security software — but the real vulnerability isn't the tech. It's the people using it.In this episode of CommonX, we sit down with Robert Siciliano — bestselling author, cybersecurity expert, and the architect of the Strategic Human Firewall framework. He's appeared on CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and Anderson Cooper 360, and been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and The New York Times.We break down:→ The "human blind spot" — why we're biologically wired to trust, and how criminals exploit it→ Why denial is the #1 driver of data breaches (not hackers)→ AI deepfakes, voice cloning, and how a fake Zoom call cost one company $25 million→ The Strategic Human Firewall — how to build a security culture that actually works→ Why 15 billion compromised passwords are sitting on the dark web right now→ The real reason your IT team still uses default passwordsThis conversation could literally save your business — or your bank account.🔗 Find Robert: ProtectNowLLC.com📰 Full X-Files article: CommonXPodcast.com⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Why humans are the real security risk06:30 – The Human Blind Spot explained10:00 – Denial, trust, and the 3–6% predator problem17:00 – Making security personal (the key that's being missed)22:00 – Pig butchering & wrong-number crypto scams28:00 – How to build a Strategic Human Firewall31:30 – The $25M AI deepfake Zoom call40:00 – Dark web, passwords, and 2FA47:00 – Jared's 5 rapid fire#CyberSecurity #HumanFirewall #RobertSiciliano #CommonXPodcast #ScamPreventionThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barbara Banner didn't set out to become a medium. She spent over 35 years volunteering on crisis hotlines, in emergency rooms, and at police response scenes — showing up for people on the worst days of their lives. Then, at an age when most people are winding down, her house started going haywire: lights flashing, objects falling off shelves, orbs appearing. It was hard to ignore.In this conversation, Barbara shares how a career in trauma response turned out to be the perfect preparation for communicating with the dead, why skepticism can actually block a reading, and what the "other side" is like according to the spirits she speaks with (spoiler: no anger, no judgment — only love and joy).She also walks Jared and Ian through a simple exercise that helps grieving people receive signs from their loved ones on their own — no medium required. The stories she shares, including a disabled daughter whose gold nugget was simply being "normal" on the other side, are hard to forget.Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just curious — this one will make you think differently about grief, loss, and what it means to be here.🔗 Learn more about Barbara at BannerMedium.com 📖 Read her full X-File at CommonXPodcast.comThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Army veteran and public affairs expert Dr. Chase Spears joins Ian and Jared on the CommonX Podcast for a raw, no-filter conversation about the inner workings of the U.S. military — from how social media is reshaping wartime communication to why he turned down a promotion to Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of service.Dr. Spears breaks down the myth of the "apolitical" military, explains how that word was weaponized against conservative service members under the Biden administration, and makes a compelling case for why the recent strikes on Iran are justified under just-war tradition — even as someone who considers himself nearly an isolationist.Plus, Jared dives deep on the Anthropic vs. Department of War showdown over AI guardrails and autonomous weapons, and Chase responds to the "Seditious Six" controversy around Senator Mark Kelly.In this episode:What military public affairs actually does — and where it goes wrongHow the Army went from banning social media to running viral Rapid Response accountsWhy Anthropic (makers of Claude AI) refused to remove safety guardrails for autonomous military weaponsThe word "apolitical" and how it was used to silence constitutional-minded service membersWhy Chase got written up just for asking about conscience protections on the transgender policyWere the Iran strikes justified? A combat vet's honest takeThe "Seditious Six" — treason or protected speech?Why public trust in the military collapsed in 2022 — and whether it can recoverOver 8,000 troops still unaccounted for after the COVID mandate purgeConnect with Dr. Chase Spears: 🎙️ Finding Your Spine Podcast — [search your podcast app] 🐦 Follow on X: @[ChaseSpears handle]CommonX Podcast: 🌐 CommonXPodcast.com 📺 Subscribe for weekly episodes on politics, military, culture & America's future"War is a human endeavor. We should never lose sight of that." — Dr. Chase Spears#CommonXPodcast #MilitaryVet #ArmyVeteran #Iran #ArtificialIntelligence #Anthropic #CovidMandate #MilitaryTruth #FindingYourSpineThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does it take 4 months to get an 85-year-old grandmother on Medicaid when she has zero assets? In this episode of CommonX, Peter Justen, founder of Ameritrust Solutions, breaks down why government benefit systems are stuck in the past — and what his team is doing to fix it.Peter shares how a personal experience with his mother's Medicaid application led him to build a platform that reduces a 209-question process down to about 20 questions and completes applications in 12 minutes. He explains how his company feeds better data into existing state systems without costly rip-and-replace upgrades, flags fraud before it enters the system, and helps rural hospitals recover billions in uncompensated care.Topics covered: Medicaid application reform, government fraud detection, rural hospital funding, VA disability benefits, the uncompensated patient problem, ACA subsidy expiration, and why trust in institutions gets rebuilt one brick at a time.Learn more: AmeritrustSolutions.comVisit our site and X-Files Blog: https://www.commonxpodcast.com/thex-filesWatch the Video on our YouTube Channel (and subscribe)Keywords: Medicaid reform, government automation, Ameritrust Solutions, Peter Justen, CommonX Podcast, government fraud, rural hospitals, healthcare technology, Medicaid application, government efficiency, VA disability benefits, uncompensated care, healthcare innovation, government benefits, public sector technology, application fatigue, Medicaid fraud, rural healthcare, government modernization, health and human servicesThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Traditional safes haven’t really evolved in decades — and Oscar Hedaya decided that was insane.In Episode 74 of the CommonX Podcast, we sit down with Oscar Hedaya (founder of SpaceSafe) to talk about why physical security still feels stuck in the 90s, what it takes to build hardware + software the hard way, and why “visibility + accountability” is the real upgrade: tamper notifications, movement alerts, and a safer that can work connected or offline.We also get into the realities of manufacturing (margins, development costs, PCB mistakes you only make once), what it would take to expand into bigger safe formats (yes… gun safe conversations), and Oscar’s long-term goal of selling the company and using his time to help other founders.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 73, we’re joined by the crazy minds behind Geezer Magazine Laura LeBleu and Paul Von Zielbauer — a publication built by and for Gen X — and let’s just say… we’ve got thoughts.The economy feels weird.Politics feels weird.Culture feels weird.And apparently Gen X is now officially old enough to have a magazine.So we ask the question:Is everything falling apart…Or are we just seasoned enough to see the cracks?We talk about:• Why institutions feel unstable• The “middle child” generation perspective• Scarcity mindset vs abundance thinking• Whether Gen X is uniquely positioned to lead• Why chaos might actually be transitionPlus — what happens when the generation raised on latchkeys, MTV, and “figure it out yourself” becomes the adults in the room.No doom spirals. No yelling. Just perspective — with a little humor.If you’ve ever thought, “Is it just me…?”It’s not just you.Check out Geezer Magazine - www.geezermagazine.comCheck out CommonX - www.commonxpodcast.comThe CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 72 of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with Dame Claire Bertschinger — humanitarian nurse, global advocate, and a woman whose life has been defined by moral courage.From war zones and famine crises to the failures of global systems, Claire shares what it means to witness suffering firsthand — and still choose compassion.We explore:What real humanitarian work looks like behind the scenesWhy bureaucracy often slows lifesaving actionThe emotional cost of caringMoral courage in a world increasingly driven by self-interestHow ordinary people can still make extraordinary impactThis episode is not about politics.It’s about humanity.And the question:Have we lost our sense of responsibility to each other?🎧 Listen. Reflect. Share.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 71 of the Common-X Podcast, Jared and Ian sit down with researcher Jenny Chan to explore the overlooked history of World War II in the Pacific.We discuss:• The incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans under Executive Order 9066• The Supreme Court decision in Korematsu v. United States• The biological warfare atrocities of Unit 731• The Cold War immunity granted to figures like Shiro Ishii• The Soviet Khabarovsk trials• Why parts of WWII history are widely known — and others are barely discussedThis episode examines fear, civil liberties, wartime propaganda, and the difficult moral tradeoffs governments make during global conflict.History is rarely simple. And sometimes what we don’t learn says as much as what we do.🎧 Listen now.🔥 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge the narrative.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with John Kammer of Guardian AIngels to talk about something deeper than technology — grief.After losing three of his closest friends, including one to suicide and another in a tragic accident, John spiraled into years of substance-fueled avoidance. What followed was guilt, emotional shutdown, and a reckoning that forced him to confront who he had become.This is a raw conversation about:Suicide and survivor’s guiltAddiction in high-functioning environmentsLosing your inner circleFatherhood and responsibilityTurning pain into purposeWhy Guardian Angels AI was builtThis episode isn’t about hype. It’s about what happens when life shatters you — and you decide to build something meaningful anyway.If you’ve ever lost someone, numbed yourself to cope, or wondered how to rebuild after rock bottom… this one’s for you.Our site: www.commonxpodcast.comGuardian AIngels site: www.guardianaingels.aiSEO:guardian angels ai, suicide loss story, grief and addiction recovery, pain to purpose entrepreneur, founder story after tragedy, coping with guilt after death, high functioning addiction, fatherhood and grief, rebuilding after rock bottom, common x podcast episode 70The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 69 – The Constitution, Gun Rights & the Edge of CrisisIn the wake of a fatal shooting involving federal agents and a lawfully armed citizen, the national conversation moved fast. Accusations. Statements. Counterstatements.But what does the law actually say?In this episode of Common-X, we sit down with constitutional law professor Adam Winkler to separate political rhetoric from legal reality. As a leading expert on the history of gun rights and gun regulation in America, Winkler explains how the Second Amendment has always existed alongside firearm laws — and why that balance is foundational to the American system.We discuss:What the Second Amendment truly protectsHow courts interpret gun rightsThe tension between individual liberty and public safetyWhether America is facing a constitutional crisisWhat happens if executive power defies judicial authorityThis conversation moves beyond headlines and into the structural foundations of American governance.If you care about rights, regulation, and the future of constitutional order — this is one you don’t want to miss.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Common-X, we sit down with comedian, writer, and cultural observer Victor Varnado for a wide-ranging conversation on comedy, algorithms, and why modern life feels increasingly absurd.We dig into how comedy has shifted in the age of short clips and viral incentives, why context keeps collapsing in media and public discourse, and how algorithms reward reaction over understanding. Victor breaks down how comedians are forced to adapt—not just creatively, but structurally—when jokes are stripped of nuance and redistributed without intent.The conversation also touches on creative tools, including Victor’s work with Magic Bookifier, and the broader question of whether technology is flattening human expression—or simply revealing the systems that already were.This episode isn’t about cancel culture or tech panic. It’s about incentives, attention, and why absurdity might be the most honest response left.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 67 of the Common-X Podcast, Jared and Ian go off-script and straight to the core.This episode is a raw, unfiltered rant sparked by growing concerns around Spotify, platform power, and who really controls speech in the so-called “creator economy.”After facing threats of removal, we ask the uncomfortable questions:Are platforms still neutral, or are they quietly becoming gatekeepers?What happens when algorithms, advertisers, and corporate optics decide what’s allowed?Is “free speech” just a marketing slogan now?This isn’t a polished debate — it’s frustration, honesty, and a reality check about how centralized platforms shape culture, conversation, and dissent.If you’re a creator, a listener, or someone who still believes the internet was supposed to be free — this one’s for you.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is authenticity dead in a world run by algorithms, branding, and corporate culture?In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with John Becker, aka We Knew Nothing — a veteran of LA’s punk scene who’s spent decades pushing back against fake culture, manufactured rebellion, and art stripped of meaning.This isn’t a political episode. It’s a culture and music conversation about:What happens when art becomes contentHow punk was absorbed, monetized, and dilutedThe difference between rebellion and brandingWhy authenticity still matters — and where it survivesPower, control, and the illusion of choice in modern cultureIf you’ve ever felt like everything around you looks polished but feels hollow, this conversation will hit home.Punk isn’t dead — it’s just uncomfortable.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Common-X, we sit down with Chris Angle — writer, philosopher, and host of The Philosophical Angle — to step beyond surface-level political debate and into the deeper ideas shaping modern culture.Rather than arguing headlines or party talking points, Chris breaks down the philosophical assumptions beneath the political Left and Right, including why humans seek dominance, how narratives form, and why each side fundamentally disagrees on human nature itself.Drawing from thinkers like St. Augustine, evolutionary biology, economics, and both Eastern and Western philosophy, this conversation explores why division feels so entrenched today — and why politics may be more about worldview than policy.If you’ve ever felt that modern discourse is stuck in reaction instead of understanding, this episode is for you.This isn’t about choosing sides.It’s about understanding the forces quietly shaping how we think, argue, and live.The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with Kate Assaraf, founder of DIP, to talk about what it really means to build a business without permission—and why that mindset may be critical to humanity’s future.Kate shares her journey building DIP without major retail outlets, venture pressure, or legacy gatekeepers—choosing instead to grow intentionally through community, direct relationships, and values-driven decision-making.From there, the conversation goes deeper.We explore the uncomfortable truth about plastics in the food system, why sustainability shame doesn’t work, and how plastic has become not just an environmental issue—but a human health and systems problem. Kate offers an inside-the-system perspective on the real constraints founders face, the tradeoffs no one talks about, and where responsibility for change truly lies.This episode isn’t about perfection.It’s about honesty, consciousness, and what kind of systems humans are choosing to build next.CommonX Website: www.commonxpodcast.comDIP Website: www.dipalready.comKate Assaraf, DIP founder, conscious business, plastic pollution, sustainable food brands, direct to consumer brands, ethical entrepreneurship, food packaging plastics, environmental health, future of business, human centered companies, sustainability without shame, systems thinking, conscious capitalism, Common X Podcast#CommonXPodcast#KateAssaraf#ConsciousBusiness#PlasticCrisis#FutureOfHumanity#EthicalEntrepreneurship#SustainabilityTruth#HumanCenteredBusiness#DirectToConsumer#FoodIndustry#SystemsThinking#NoPermissionNeeded#EnvironmentalHealth

America doesn’t have an education problem—it has a systems problem.In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we’re joined by investigative journalist and author Chris Papst, host at FOX45 Baltimore, to discuss his book Fail Factory and why America’s education system continues to fail students, parents, and teachers—while consuming more money than ever.Drawing from years of reporting, Papst breaks down:How bureaucracy and incentives keep broken systems aliveWhy failing schools rarely face real accountabilityThe disconnect between funding, outcomes, and student successHow education failure fuels distrust in institutions and mediaWhy reform efforts often collapse under politics and unionsThis conversation isn’t about left vs right—it’s about results vs excuses.📘 Fail Factory exposes why fixing education is so hard—and why ignoring it comes at a massive cost to society.Chris's Book:https://a.co/d/12pzSJZCommon-X: The X-Files: https://www.commonxpodcast.com/thex-filesMerch:https://www.commonxpodcast.com/commonx-gearFail Factory book, American education system failure, education reform podcast, school system corruption, failing public schools, education accountability, Chris Papst interview, education bureaucracy, education and media trust, Common X Podcast#FailFactory #EducationReform #BrokenSchools #Accountability #CommonX #EducationCrisis #Journalism

In this episode of Common-X, we sit down with Dr. Owen Anderson, professor of philosophy and religious studies, to explore some of the most urgent questions facing modern civilization:• Is philosophy being replaced by ideology?• Can truth survive without free speech?• What does separation of church and state actually mean?• Does artificial intelligence challenge the idea of God or the soul?• And what happens to religion if technology allows humans to live forever?This conversation goes beyond politics and theology into something deeper — how societies decide what is real, what is allowed to be said, and what ultimately gives life meaning.If AI becomes more intelligent, institutions lose trust, and death is no longer inevitable…What does it mean to be human?This episode is for thinkers, skeptics, believers, technologists, and anyone questioning where civilization is headed next.👇 Join the conversation. Question everything.Check out our site and Blogs:www.commonxpodcast.comCheck out Dr. Anderson's Site:https://drowenanderson.com

What if technology didn’t try to replace humans — but instead helped us remember who we are?In this episode of Common-X, we talk with Miles Spencer, founder of Reflekta, about a new kind of AI designed to preserve human stories, wisdom, and identity — not as static archives, but as interactive memories future generations can engage with.This conversation goes far beyond “AI tools” and productivity hype. We explore:What it means when memory becomes conversationalWhether preserving wisdom matters more than living foreverThe ethical line between honoring legacy and digital overreachHow human-centered AI could change grief, culture, and society itselfAlong the way, we touch on science-fiction ideas that may be arriving sooner than we think — not as dystopia, but as a test of how responsibly humanity can evolve alongside intelligent machines.This episode isn’t about fear.It’s about what we choose to remember — and why it matters.Check out our site:www.commonxpodcast.comExplore Reflektawww.reflekta.aiAI remembers you, AI legacy, digital immortality, Reflekta AI, Miles Spencer Reflekta, artificial intelligence and humanity, ethical AI, human centered AI, AI and memory, AI and death, preserving human wisdom, future of humanity, AI philosophy, science fiction becoming real, digital afterlife, legacy technology, AI ethics debate, Common X Podcast, future society, human AI coexistence

The world keeps asking the wrong question: “When will Putin seek peace?”On this episode of Common-X, we sit down with former U.S. Marine and military strategy analyst Issac Davis to dismantle that assumption entirely.Issac explains why Vladimir Putin is not interested in peace negotiations, why proxy wars are accelerating across multiple continents, and how the Western world consistently misreads Russian strategy, history, and tolerance for suffering.We dig into the long cycles that precede global wars, why Europe is re-arming, how fear and media narratives act as escalation engines, and what recent events — including regime-change signals in South America — communicate to Moscow and Beijing.This isn’t a headline recap. It’s a strategic breakdown of why World War III wouldn’t start with a declaration — but with miscalculation, denial, and silence.If you think global war is unthinkable, this conversation explains why that belief itself may be the greatest risk.Check out our Site:www.commonxpodcast.com#Putin #WorldWar3 #ProxyWars #Geopolitics #RussiaUkraine #MilitaryStrategy #GlobalConflict #CommonXPodcast

In Episode 59 of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with authors Peter Calfree and J. Kevin Dolan to unpack the urgent themes of their book Hijacked: Our Republic, Unless We Can Save It.This conversation explores how America’s political system has been gradually overtaken by concentrated wealth, corporate influence, and institutional corruption—leaving everyday citizens increasingly disconnected from real representation. We discuss the erosion of democratic norms, the role of media and money in shaping public perception, and how polarization has become a feature, not a flaw, of modern politics.Most importantly, we ask the hard question: Is it too late to fix the system,or is there still a path to reclaiming the republic? Calfree and Dolan outline what meaningful reform would actually require and what responsibility still rests with the public.This episode is a sobering but necessary conversation for anyone concerned about democracy, accountability, and the future of American self-governance.Check out our site:www.commonxpodcast.comGet the book:https://www.amazon.com/HIJACKED-Our-REPUBLIC-Unless-SAVE/dp/B0FK6CC63B#AmericanDemocracy #PoliticalCorruption #MoneyInPolitics #CorporateInfluence #SavingDemocracy #GovernmentAccountability #ConstitutionalCrisis #PoliticalReform #MediaManipulation #CivicResponsibility

America spends more than any other nation on healthcare and education — yet outcomes continue to fall behind.In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Nelva Lee to unpack why two of the most critical systems in our society are failing the people they’re meant to serve.We explore:Why healthcare costs keep rising while access and outcomes declineHow education has become unequal, outdated, and misaligned with realityThe structural incentives that keep broken systems aliveWhat meaningful reform actually looks like — beyond political talking pointsThis conversation isn’t about left vs. right — it’s about fixing systems that no longer work and imagining smarter, more human-centered solutions for the future.If you care about healthcare, education, or the long-term stability of society, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.www.commonxpodcast.comhealthcare reform, education reform, broken system, American healthcare costs, public education crisis, fixing healthcare, fixing education, systemic failure America, Common X Podcast, Dr Nelva Lee

Why does politics feel broken — no matter who’s in power?In this episode of Common-X, we talk with Travis Misurell, founder of FiNC, about the real reason democracy isn’t working — and why arguing Left vs Right keeps us trapped.Travis introduces a powerful new lens: power-first vs people-first, revealing how money, media, and gatekeeping quietly decide who gets seen, heard, and elected.This conversation isn’t about parties or ideology.It’s about upgrading the system itself.future of democracy, broken political system, how politics really works, power vs people, political gatekeeping, digital democracy, post partisan politics, system change, common-xpodcast

Joey “Devil Doc Talk” Martinez returns to discuss veterans’ mental health, PTSD recovery, the impact of political leadership — including Trump — and why America’s support system for vets is failing. A deep dive into real solutions, lived experience, and the truth behind the veteran crisis.

In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with Lisa Ekman, author of Deprogramming Democrats, to explore how political narratives, media conditioning, and emotional manipulation shape modern America. Lisa shares her personal journey of waking up from partisan programming, what she’s learned about the machinery behind political identity, and how we can move toward critical thinking and common sense—beyond left or right.Lisa Ekman, Deprogramming Democrats, political conditioning, media manipulation, cognitive dissonance, political awakening, independent thinking, Common-X Podcast, political psychology, bipartisan truth, propaganda, awakening, social programming, freedom of thought, critical thinking.

In this episode of Common-X, we talk with Johnny Ceravolo, a musician best known for his work with When in Rome 2 and other projects across the years. Johnny takes us through his life in music — from the thrill of performing to the quiet moments of reflection that followed. He opens up about the choices he’s made, the regrets that still echo, and the healing that comes from facing them head-on. It’s a candid conversation about growth, forgiveness, and the power of music to tell the truth.Check out our sitewww.commonxpodcast.comJohnny Ceravolo, When in Rome 2, Common-X Podcast, music interview, musician journey, music industry stories, redemption, regret, personal growth, 80s music revival, synthpop, new wave, behind the music, rock musician interview, life lessons, creative process, songwriting, artist redemption, music and forgiveness, emotional storytelling, independent artist, music career insights#CommonXPodcast #JohnnyCeravolo #WhenInRome2 #MusicInterview #MusicianLife #BehindTheMusic #RedemptionStory #MusicJourney #NewWaveMusic #80sMusicRevival #Songwriting #ArtistGrowth #RockInterview #MusicIndustry #PersonalGrowth #MusicAndForgiveness #CreativeProcess #IndependentArtist #PodcastInterview #RealConversations

This week on The Common-X Podcast, we sit down with comedian Matt King, whose uncanny Donald Trump impersonations have taken the internet by storm. Matt talks about the art of satire, how comedy can expose truth in a divided world, and what it’s like to “become” one of the most polarizing figures in modern history. From viral fame to social commentary, this conversation explores the fine line between humor and honesty in a time when the world desperately needs both.Visit and support us - www.commonxpodcast.comMatt King, Trump impersonation, comedy, satire, viral comedian, social commentary, humor and politics, Common-X Podcast, cultural divide, Gen X perspective, free speech, political humor

In this episode of The Common-X Podcast, we sit down with singer and songwriter Derek Morris, whose deeply personal music explores life after trauma and the healing power of creativity. Derek opens up about his journey with PTSD, how music became both his therapy and his voice, and why art can reach places that words alone cannot. We talk about the connection between emotional honesty, mental health, and finding purpose through artistic expression.Whether you’re a musician, a survivor, or someone searching for meaning, this conversation reminds us that healing often begins with a single note.Show your love and support: www.commonxpodcast.comwww.derekmorris777.comDerek Morris, PTSD, trauma recovery, music therapy, healing through art, songwriting, mental health, veterans, emotional healing, Common-X Podcast, creative expression, post-traumatic stress, art therapy, self-healing, inspiration#CommonXPodcast #DerekMorris #PTSD #MusicHeals #ArtTherapy #HealingThroughMusic #MentalHealthAwareness #SongwriterStories #CreativeHealing #VeteranVoices #MusicTherapy

In this episode of The Common-X Podcast, we sit down with the ladies from the Saddle Born Podcast — a show dedicated to the untamed spirit of the West, the resilience of rural women, and the grit it takes to thrive in a changing world.www.commonxpodcast.comhttp://www.youtube.com/@SaddleBornPodcast-w5oSaddle Born Podcast, Common-X Podcast, cowgirl culture, women of the West, modern ranch life, rural America, country living, western lifestyle, rodeo life, strong women, podcast interview, rural voices, modern cowgirls, farm life, community, western grit, resilience, authenticity, women empowerment#SaddleBorn #CommonXPodcast #WesternWomen #RuralVoices #CowgirlCulture #PodcastInterview

In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with Richard Oshen — the man behind the lights for some of rock’s biggest names, including Aerosmith. Richard shares what life on the road was really like working with legendary bands, how lighting design shapes the live concert experience, and how his career eventually expanded into film lighting and authorship. From wild tour stories to the artistry of capturing emotion through light, this episode shines a spotlight on the creative mind who helped illuminate rock history.Check out our site: www.commonxpodcast.comCheck out Richard's site: www.richardoshen.comRichard Oshen, Aerosmith, concert lighting, rock bands, tour life, lighting design, film lighting, behind the scenes, rock and roll, stage production, Common X Podcast, music industry, lighting engineer, books, road stories, rock history, creative careers, music documentaries, entertainment lighting, live shows#CommonXPodcast #RichardOshen #Aerosmith #RockAndRoll #LightingDesign #ConcertLife #StageLighting #FilmLighting #MusicIndustry #TourLife #BehindTheScenes #RockLegends #CreativeMind #PodcastInterview

In this episode of The Common-X Podcast, Jared and Ian sit down with Chris Ballew, the legendary frontman of The Presidents of the United States of America — the band that gave us the 90s anthems Lump, Peaches, and Kitty.Chris opens up about his musical journey from Seattle’s alt-rock scene to his unexpected second act as Caspar Babypants, creating joyful, imaginative music for kids and families. He shares how stripping music down to two strings and pure creativity became his secret to happiness, and how letting go of fame led to a deeper artistic freedom.From stories of the 90s grunge era to reflections on parenthood, mindfulness, and the power of simplicity, this episode dives deep into the mind of an artist who continues to evolve — and inspire others to do the same.Chris Ballew, The Presidents of the United States of America, Lump, Peaches, Caspar Babypants, Seattle music scene, 90s rock, alternative rock, grunge era, creative reinvention, kids music, mindfulness, simplicity in art, Common-X Podcast, Jared Mayzak, Ian Common X#CommonXPodcast #ChrisBallew #ThePresidentsOfTheUnitedStatesOfAmerica #CasparBabypants #90sRock #SeattleMusic #AltRock #GrungeEra #Lump #Peaches #MusicReinvention #CreativeFreedom #PodcastInterview #CommonSenseRevolution #GenXVoices

Historian Dr. Gerald Horne joins us to unpack his book The Counter-Revolution of 1776, showing how America’s Revolution was less about freedom and more about preserving slavery. We explore the hidden truths of U.S. history, how they shape today’s struggles over race, power, and democracy, and what it will take to create real change.Dr. Gerald Horne, Counter-Revolution of 1776, American Revolution, slavery and freedom, history of slavery, U.S. history, racial capitalism, colonialism, democracy, fascism, civil rights, voter suppression, American empire, social movements, Common-X Podcast

In Episode 47 of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with Richard Karn—beloved for his role as Al Borland on Home Improvement and as host of Family Feud. Richard opens up about his journey in Hollywood, what it was like stepping into iconic roles, and how those experiences shaped his career. We also dive into his Seattle roots, his love for the Seahawks, and the stories that make him more than just the man with the flannel.Join us for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with one of television’s most recognizable faces.Richard Karn, Al Borland, Home Improvement, Family Feud, Seattle, Seattle Seahawks, 90s sitcoms, television history, Common-X Podcast, Hollywood careers

On November 24, 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest Orient flight, parachuted into the night with $200,000 in ransom, and vanished without a trace. To this day, it remains the only unsolved skyjacking in U.S. history.In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with journalist and author Bruce A. Smith, one of the leading researchers on the D.B. Cooper case. We explore the FBI investigation, the suspects, the myths versus facts, and why this mystery still grips the public imagination more than 50 years later. Was Cooper a criminal mastermind who got away clean — or a desperate man who didn’t survive the jump?DB Cooper, Bruce A Smith, Common X Podcast, skyjacking mystery, Northwest Orient Flight 305, FBI investigation, unsolved crimes, true crime podcast, American mysteries, Cooper suspects, ransom money, parachute hijacking, 1971 hijacking, aviation history, conspiracy theories

On this episode of Common-X, we sit down with musician Steve Thoma, who toured with Fleetwood Mac in the mid-90s and played keyboards on their 1995 album Time. Steve shares behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road, what it was like stepping into one of rock’s most legendary bands, and how the music industry looked from the inside during that era. We also dive into raw conversations about alcohol, cocaine, and the highs and lows of rock-and-roll culture.Fleetwood Mac, Steve Thoma, Fleetwood Mac Time album, Fleetwood Mac tour, Fleetwood Mac interview, Common-X Podcast, rock and roll stories, Fleetwood Mac behind the scenes, Fleetwood Mac 1990s, Hammond B3 organ, music industry podcast, rock music history, alcohol and drug use in music

On this episode of the Common-X Podcast, Jared and Ian sit down with Dr. Jared Ball — professor, media critic, and author of The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power. We dive into the trillion-dollar talking point repeated in the media, where it comes from, and why it’s not the economic “power” it’s made out to be. Dr. Ball explains how this myth shifts attention away from structural inequality, housing discrimination, and systemic wealth theft — and puts the blame back on Black communities instead. We also talk about media propaganda, the destruction of the middle class, and what real power looks like: labor, budgets, and ownership. This is a must-listen if you want to understand how money, politics, and race intersect in America today.Dr Jared Ball, Black buying power myth, Common X Podcast, racial wealth gap, propaganda and media, economic inequality, systemic racism in America, wealth vs spending, African American economics, Black wealth myth, media critique, truth about buying power, Gen X podcast, CommonX, racial justice and economics#CommonXPodcast, #JaredBall, #BlackBuyingPower, #EconomicJustice, #WealthGap, #MediaPropaganda, #SystemicRacism, #TruthPodcast, #GenXVoices, #RacialEquity

In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with KC from the Netflix show The Kings of Tupelo. We talk about the roots of Tupelo, Elvis’s hometown legacy, and the culture that shaped the South. But KC doesn’t stop there—he shares his perspective on corruption, exploitation, and even shocking claims about body part trafficking tied to the community.It’s raw, unfiltered, and eye-opening. Whether you’re a fan of music history, Southern culture, or digging for the truth behind the curtain, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Common-X Podcast, KC Kings of Tupelo, Tupelo Netflix show, Elvis hometown, Tupelo Mississippi culture, Southern history, Netflix documentary interview, KC interview Common-X, Tupelo trafficking claims, body part trafficking Tupelo, small town corruption, Elvis Tupelo truth#CommonXPodcast #KingsOfTupelo #Netflix #Tupelo #Elvis #SouthernCulture #ExposingCorruption #BodyTraffickingClaims #MusicHistory #GenXTalk

Join Jared and Ian as they dive into the world of industrial hemp — one of the most versatile plants on the planet. From breaking down the myths and hype to exploring its 50,000 uses, they unpack why this crop could transform industries, economies, and the environment. The conversation also tackles legalization, prohibition, and why it’s time to finally free hemp from outdated laws.industrial hemp, hemp legalization, hemp myths, hemp products, hemp industry, hemp vs marijuana, hemp prohibition, sustainable farming, green economy, hemp podcast, Common-X Podcast, Jared and Ian

We’re back for a brand-new season, and our first guests are none other than our wives. What starts as a conversation about how movies, TV, and social media create unrealistic expectations of how men and women should act and look… quickly spirals into a hilarious, unfiltered ride. We dive into raising kids, the state of education, and yes—things even get spicy with a talk about the Epstein files. It’s honest, messy, and 100% us.Common-X Podcast, marriage talk, unrealistic expectations, social media myths, raising kids, parenting, modern education, Epstein files, Gen X podcast, relationships and media, husband and wife podcast, funny relationship talk, marriage advice, modern parenting, pop culture and relationships

Season 2 of the CommonX Podcast kicks off with a bang. From guest-starring on Sam Tripoli’s Tin Foil Hat podcast to the long-awaited return of 9/11 truth-teller Richard Gage, we’re doubling down on the conversations others won’t touch. We’re celebrating our first full year of pushing boundaries with a special birthday episode—but not before we take things personal.Episode One opens the season with our most honest roundtable yet—featuring our wives, April Primmer and Sabrina Mayzak. Together, we dive deep into the Epstein files, break down the latest global chaos, and explore how current events affect everyday families like ours. No scripts. No filters. Just real talk from people who care about the truth and aren’t afraid to ask hard questions.Season 2 is about leveling up, speaking louder, and pulling no punches. Buckle up.

In Episode 40, we speak with Andru Martin, whose video went viral after being arrested for simply sleeping in his car. We dive deep into citizens' rights, discuss police overreach, and explore Andru's ongoing struggle with the Pryor, Oklahoma Police Department, who he claims hold a personal vendetta against him. This eye-opening conversation questions the line between law enforcement and harassment.Andru Martin, Pryor OK Police, viral arrest video, citizen rights, police harassment, wrongful arrest, civil liberties, police misconduct, sleeping in car arrest, legal rights, personal vendetta, Common-X Podcast, Gen X perspective, viral injustice, accountability in policing