4 Comments

Thanks for the Ukraine coverage Marshall! I really liked the guests and the conversations. Today, there is really a lack of trust in institutions in general (media, federal gov, CDC, etc.), and I find myself sticking up for, not the institutions per se, but the many honest employees of those institutions who go about their work in good faith. I am constantly arguing against friends who have fallen into this very cynical view that these institutions are all lying about everything and they are actively working against the interests of the people who they are supposed to be working for. I like your more nuanced takes on this subject where you acknowledge there are some bad actors or there are some foundational problems with institutions (example MIC), but that is not a reflection of the vast majority of the people working in those institutions who care about the country and its people and are not intentionally working against them. I think this lack of trust is one of the fundamental problems in America today, and we need strong institutions that people can trust. I'd appreciate more content where you have conversations with people who work in those institutions and they have the opportunity to show that they are good people doing honest work and they are much more aligned with the average American. Too often, the institutions are faceless and nameless, and so it is very easy for people to forget that there are real people behind these institutions that went to college, specialized in an area, and got a job to do what they are passionate about. A couple other notes....one hour is enough in most cases, but I found myself wanting a little longer episodes on some of the topics. As for paid memberships, I get it, but from the consumer perspective, you are competing against all of the other paid entertainment. For example, I have a youtube tv subscription, a youtube premium subscription, netflix, etc. If all of the pods I also listen to were to go to a paid model, I would quickly be back to the $150 cable bill I used to pay and loathed. Anyway, I like the pod and thought I would post a comment to provide feedback.

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Marshall's Ukraine coverage rocks. I've been going back and revisiting interviews as the situation changes. This is how history should be taught and conversations should grow. Thanks for all the hard work.

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Apr 11, 2022·edited Apr 11, 2022

JHC! I'm giving more, way more $$$ to Saagar's endeavors than I've ever spent on hookers!

(OK, I've never paid a hooker, but you know what I mean... <shaddap about 'sex workers' ya Millenials!> LOL)

You guys are doing a good job. Not a fantastic job, b/c you're new & young and despite your wonderful CV's, and your educations you're still kinda wet behind the ears. You won't believe how much your current attitudes/perspectives and values will be different in 10 years guys. Honestly; being 30 and running your own enterprise does not grant you wisdom.

Having said that, your hearts are in the right places, and you're genuinely trying to do the best job you can. You're each brilliant (Aaron's so wicked smart he scares me sometimes...this kid's only in HIGH SCHOOL???) and you apply that intellect in every episode.

For example, The Realignment is the ONLY podcast I listen to twice if there's a good guest. No shit. In the past six months I've listened to so many of your pods more than once.

Not since Russia invaded though. Sadly, my perspective on that issue is more in line w/what Jimmy Dore's discussing on his YT channel. (I'm feel badly that Breaking Points and him have fallen out) In short: Russia has valid reasons for the invasion, but MSM (and those in the blob) absolutely refuse to even examine them.

Other than that issue, many of your podcasts have shown me a better perspective on whatever issue is discussed. Christopher Leonard's book on the FRB is a work of genius. So's DiStefano's (his book has given me hope for the survival of the USA), Glenn Greenwald, Josh Rogin, Eric Wienstien were all, ALL epic episodes; and I'm just scratching the surface.

Sorry, but you guys really dropped the ball w/ Joe Scarboro; I think you were too star struck or something. Your worst ever ep was w/ Helen Andrews- she's as shallow as a puddle; it sounded more like a HS lunchroom conversation b/t Honor students than anything insightful. Oh well...If anything, that particular episode is a good example of your youth and need for seasoning.

Anyway... my only regret is that I'm not making enough $$$ that I could do the nickel instead of the $50.

Keep up the great work.

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Congrats on taking this major step forward! Happy to help in some small way towards your growth objectives. It's a nominal price to pay for the effort and content we receive.

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