I agree completely with your assessment, with one reservation. You used the term "common sense" several times. I would argue that what you likely mean is "good sense."
To my view, those things you attribute to common sense are clearly not at all common.
Amazing. I was actually laughing out loud at the "of course we should care about other cultures, but don't tell me a white person can't make a burrito! FUCK YOUUUU!!" hahaha laughing because you are so right and I completely agree and also because what a stupid thing to be an issue lol
Like many of your listeners, I live overseas. I understand that the US is in a crazy place at present - but from the other side of the planet, it seems to be of little importance.
Sure, rolling back climate programs might have some effect - but they were pretty inconsequential anyway.
This sounds a little trollish - but the USA isn't very influential any more and main impact on Trump on my daily life is the gift of another form of entertainment.
So is the "World" "spinning into collapse" or just the US?
@chris. This is fucking brilliant mate. I want to send this entire pod to friends and family but they don’t have a subscription. Can you just make this one free for all? It’s a message that has to be heard by the masses 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thanks for this one Chris. I've found myself trying to tune out of politics lately, it's just too much bullshit. It's refreshing to hear someone speak so honestly and call the bullshit out on both sides.
If Trump was a Russian spy, it would have been revealed during the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax, which was proven a hoax..he was receiving junk mail from some internet sever, not communicating!
You want to talk about buying influence but leave out the Biden crime family? The laptop? How about Hunters artwork that has tanked in value now that his dad no longer has power?
How about Rachel maddow’s 25 mil salary to spread misinformation for entertainment purposes only! No influence there, smh!
Thank you to DOGE and all the USAID bs they are finding!
That’s where your logic falls apart..it’s our side vs their side but “I don’t see it that way”. But you go on to say if it is us vs them, it does not include Trump since he’s not for America? I’d argue he’s a lot more pro America than the Biden crime family that got caught taking massive overseas salaries for bs jobs? How fauci repeated non sense about Covid and pushed it down our throats, then I hear you rant the same position on your podcasts. That’s where I observe you leaning left and not as independent as you say!
I’m arguing Trump and Elon want things to improve just as much as we do. They spent years weaponizing our own justice system to take Trump down, but failed cuz it was BS! Meanwhile the laptop from hell was the supposed Russian disinformation, signed off by 51 former cia/ fbi officers and analysts, whom have since been stripped of their security clearances!
My dude. Chris shits on the dems more than anyone I know or talk to. Why you think he’s left leaning just because he’s not a cuck to Trump is beyond me. That’s where I believe at this point the MAGA movement has become a cult, and with people too far gone within the cult mindset, there is no debate to be had. The cult mindset manifests no actual thought and just pure talking points. It’s elite vs the non elite. NOT Dems vs Republican. Did you hear his podcast at all? Chris spent half of it talking about the ridiculousness of the trans atheletes argument and censorship surrounding it. And yet some words of disagreement towards your boy who is known to lie through his teeth every other sentence and it’s all “protect the leader at all costs!” I would never claim to protect Biden or Obama at all costs, neither would Chris. We should always be critical about those in power. Don’t get cucked to any elitist.
I’m amped up and want change to happen already. But feel it’s hindered when scratch your back I’ll scratch yours becomes the focus of the argument instead corruption that DOGE is uncovering. Scratching each other’s backs is how society functions well. Any business understands that and the government is a business. We all seek something from a relationship but Trump gets picked apart for it? Yes he’s had bankruptcy and all that but he understands business more than most. He saved his hotels a lot of money by recycling food scraps to farmers instead of dumping it in landfill..a great business tactic. But since it’s Trump and he has his name plastered on the business, it goes under the radar. Id say that’s left leaning!
“Asset,” not “spy.” You’re just spouting talking points. Rachel Maddow’s salary doesn’t prove anything. What are the salaries on Fox News? People bought access via Hunter’s paintings. No shit. Billy Carter was doing the same in the 70s. If you want to disagree, disagree, but the whole point of what I’m saying is that they’re both corrupt in various ways, so pulling out these tired lines about Biden is not relevant or interesting.
Yeah I’m growing tired of the “what aboutism” in the Republican Party. So overused. I have yet to come across a conservative willing to call out their own party. I see left leaning folks doing it all the time
I donated to Bernie for the first time in 2016 and they screwed him over…what about that? Yea I’m getting tired of “what aboutism” as well..it’s all bs. You’re either a globalist or a nationalist at this point! We have problems here at home but let’s send billions way over there cuz Dick Cheney, the Dems and the Military industrial complex said so.
It’s money laundering and we should all want to know how/ why our taxes are being utilized. Billions unaccounted for would never fly in the free market, how is it ok when it’s the government?
I agree with everything you've said, but your logic falls apart when you insist on framing it in terms of a defense of "orange man." Orange man is as bad -- or worse -- than the rest of them. You say you're tired of "what aboutism," but then you proceed to engage in it. Cheney, the Dems, the military industrial complex are all fleecing the public. So is your guy. Why you would think he's some kind of exception is beyond me.
How do we make it through any conversation without talking about and defending our side of the what aboutism..it’s called debate. And it should be happening in every home, office, store all the way up to government and world offices. Debate should definitely be on the national stage! Trump is no saint but he is now the anti war candidate but you argue against that? I find it wild and have to speak up! Thanks for being here and sparking these conversations!
Again, my point is that you’re choosing to see it as “our side” vs “their side.” I don’t see it that way, and I don’t think it’s a helpful way of framing it. For the third and last time, my point is that they are BOTH corrupt. The entire society is founded on deceit and denial. The only us vs them is those of us who want something better (which includes you, me, and almost everyone who listens to my podcast), and those who want it to stay the same or get worse.
There are some: Andrew Sullivan (here on Substack), Tim Miller (Bulwark), even some of the NYTimes columnists have called out Trump over the years. Not enough, but some.
I just got back from a week hiking in the New Zealand southern alps and had decided to continue checking out of the news cycle and politics for a while.
I hit play on the ROMA quick smart, as I always do, and then when it veered into politics I wondered if I should turn off. So glad I didn’t. Such a refreshing take, and honestly just makes me feel great to hear some common sense on these otherwise unnecessarily explosive topics. You’re right, they ARE the right questions, and by god I hope some intelligent, passionate, grounded and nuanced individuals can run on these in the future.
It’s a shame most of those people probably don’t want to touch politics with a 10 foot barge pole. Oh well, here’s hoping.
Thanks for this one Chris. Hope the spring treats you well. From the rat race in Melbourne, Australia.
Great ROMA! Couldn't agree more with what you said including the emotions behind it. These times are insane and you bring reasonable and intelligent perspectives, please keep these coming!!
After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, Ukraine had the third largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world.
They were asked to disarm.
There was an agreement, the Budapest Memorandum, that provided that if Ukraine gave up that stockpile, the signatories including the US, UK .. and wait for it … Russia, would assure that Ukraine would retain its sovereignty and it received security guarantees.
They made an enormous sacrifice and Putin trashed it.
Ukraine was savagely invaded, large swaths of the country are destroyed.
Hospitals in rubble..
20000 children kidnapped and taken to Russia..
Promises should mean something. One of the problems posed by the current administration is that our allies can’t trust the US any longer. This will likely cause long range foreign policy problems.
I was anti intervention anti war with Afghanistan and Iraq. I knew it’s was all a pile of NeoCon bullshit. I’ve worked with young men who went to war and continue to pay a price. It’s tragic.
I suppose that I’m ’triggered’ to some extent because this seems disgustingly reminiscent of the last time a dictator rolled across Europe and it seems to me that we either stand up to him now, or we’ll pay a more significant price later. A stitch in time and all that.
Thanks for reaching out.. I’m in Michigan and Sunday we had a real taste of spring after a long brutal winter and I sipped an IPA outside listening, laughing and nodding in agreement with 90 plus percent of what you were saying.
Hi Michael. Yes, this is all true. But of course, there are the counter narratives, including the one where the US and others promised that NATO would never move one inch closer to the Russian border (was it Brezinski who signed that document?), but then promptly admitted Poland, the Baltic states and so on, then seemed to be open to Ukraine as well.
Reasonable arguments on both sides of the issue, but my point was more basic than that. Reasonable people could ask, "What is my interest in being involved in disputes between Russia and Ukraine? Israel and Gaza? India and Pakistan?" In other words, why is the US the world's policeman? Why are Americans paying, in blood and treasure, to oust the Taliban (failed), bring democracy to Iraq (failed), and so on?
I know there are arguments about global stability benefitting the US, as the dominant economic power and all that, but I think the average American might listen to these arguments and conclude that they are really about benefitting American companies and their shareholders, not "America" per se or Americans. Why should a farmer's kid from Kansas go get shot at in Iraq? That's an increasingly reasonable question and I haven't heard a single decent answer.
Chris, you often talk about how stories shape reality—how dominant narratives influence how people think, act, and even justify injustice. But when it comes to language causing harm, you suddenly act like words are just empty sounds. If stories can shape reality in profound ways, why wouldn’t harmful speech—propaganda, hate speech, verbal abuse—do real damage? You’re right that free speech matters, but denying the power of words to harm (just like they can inspire or heal) feels like an intentional blind spot.
I agree completely with your assessment, with one reservation. You used the term "common sense" several times. I would argue that what you likely mean is "good sense."
To my view, those things you attribute to common sense are clearly not at all common.
Amazing. I was actually laughing out loud at the "of course we should care about other cultures, but don't tell me a white person can't make a burrito! FUCK YOUUUU!!" hahaha laughing because you are so right and I completely agree and also because what a stupid thing to be an issue lol
Hi Chris
Like many of your listeners, I live overseas. I understand that the US is in a crazy place at present - but from the other side of the planet, it seems to be of little importance.
Sure, rolling back climate programs might have some effect - but they were pretty inconsequential anyway.
This sounds a little trollish - but the USA isn't very influential any more and main impact on Trump on my daily life is the gift of another form of entertainment.
So is the "World" "spinning into collapse" or just the US?
I'd be interested in your perspective.
As always, love your ROMA.
Good question. I'll give my thoughts on this in the next ROMA. Thanks, Nigel. Enjoy your safe distance!
Speaking of ol' Ronald Reagan, in case you havent heard the song from Killer Mike. Good stuff! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lIqNjC1RKU
@chris. This is fucking brilliant mate. I want to send this entire pod to friends and family but they don’t have a subscription. Can you just make this one free for all? It’s a message that has to be heard by the masses 🙏🏼🙏🏼
It's free. I opened it up an hour or so after I posted it.
This was so deliciously reasonable.
Thanks for this one Chris. I've found myself trying to tune out of politics lately, it's just too much bullshit. It's refreshing to hear someone speak so honestly and call the bullshit out on both sides.
https://apple.news/AHAmfP4ZgQ9WVkrWKStDWvg
If Trump was a Russian spy, it would have been revealed during the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax, which was proven a hoax..he was receiving junk mail from some internet sever, not communicating!
You want to talk about buying influence but leave out the Biden crime family? The laptop? How about Hunters artwork that has tanked in value now that his dad no longer has power?
How about Rachel maddow’s 25 mil salary to spread misinformation for entertainment purposes only! No influence there, smh!
Thank you to DOGE and all the USAID bs they are finding!
https://x.com/myhandleno/status/1898282862127768005?s=46&t=eLplPDgxMsg-kDeXe0JNkw
That’s where your logic falls apart..it’s our side vs their side but “I don’t see it that way”. But you go on to say if it is us vs them, it does not include Trump since he’s not for America? I’d argue he’s a lot more pro America than the Biden crime family that got caught taking massive overseas salaries for bs jobs? How fauci repeated non sense about Covid and pushed it down our throats, then I hear you rant the same position on your podcasts. That’s where I observe you leaning left and not as independent as you say!
I’m arguing Trump and Elon want things to improve just as much as we do. They spent years weaponizing our own justice system to take Trump down, but failed cuz it was BS! Meanwhile the laptop from hell was the supposed Russian disinformation, signed off by 51 former cia/ fbi officers and analysts, whom have since been stripped of their security clearances!
My dude. Chris shits on the dems more than anyone I know or talk to. Why you think he’s left leaning just because he’s not a cuck to Trump is beyond me. That’s where I believe at this point the MAGA movement has become a cult, and with people too far gone within the cult mindset, there is no debate to be had. The cult mindset manifests no actual thought and just pure talking points. It’s elite vs the non elite. NOT Dems vs Republican. Did you hear his podcast at all? Chris spent half of it talking about the ridiculousness of the trans atheletes argument and censorship surrounding it. And yet some words of disagreement towards your boy who is known to lie through his teeth every other sentence and it’s all “protect the leader at all costs!” I would never claim to protect Biden or Obama at all costs, neither would Chris. We should always be critical about those in power. Don’t get cucked to any elitist.
I’m amped up and want change to happen already. But feel it’s hindered when scratch your back I’ll scratch yours becomes the focus of the argument instead corruption that DOGE is uncovering. Scratching each other’s backs is how society functions well. Any business understands that and the government is a business. We all seek something from a relationship but Trump gets picked apart for it? Yes he’s had bankruptcy and all that but he understands business more than most. He saved his hotels a lot of money by recycling food scraps to farmers instead of dumping it in landfill..a great business tactic. But since it’s Trump and he has his name plastered on the business, it goes under the radar. Id say that’s left leaning!
“Asset,” not “spy.” You’re just spouting talking points. Rachel Maddow’s salary doesn’t prove anything. What are the salaries on Fox News? People bought access via Hunter’s paintings. No shit. Billy Carter was doing the same in the 70s. If you want to disagree, disagree, but the whole point of what I’m saying is that they’re both corrupt in various ways, so pulling out these tired lines about Biden is not relevant or interesting.
Yeah I’m growing tired of the “what aboutism” in the Republican Party. So overused. I have yet to come across a conservative willing to call out their own party. I see left leaning folks doing it all the time
I donated to Bernie for the first time in 2016 and they screwed him over…what about that? Yea I’m getting tired of “what aboutism” as well..it’s all bs. You’re either a globalist or a nationalist at this point! We have problems here at home but let’s send billions way over there cuz Dick Cheney, the Dems and the Military industrial complex said so.
It’s money laundering and we should all want to know how/ why our taxes are being utilized. Billions unaccounted for would never fly in the free market, how is it ok when it’s the government?
But orange man bad..got it!
I agree with everything you've said, but your logic falls apart when you insist on framing it in terms of a defense of "orange man." Orange man is as bad -- or worse -- than the rest of them. You say you're tired of "what aboutism," but then you proceed to engage in it. Cheney, the Dems, the military industrial complex are all fleecing the public. So is your guy. Why you would think he's some kind of exception is beyond me.
How do we make it through any conversation without talking about and defending our side of the what aboutism..it’s called debate. And it should be happening in every home, office, store all the way up to government and world offices. Debate should definitely be on the national stage! Trump is no saint but he is now the anti war candidate but you argue against that? I find it wild and have to speak up! Thanks for being here and sparking these conversations!
Again, my point is that you’re choosing to see it as “our side” vs “their side.” I don’t see it that way, and I don’t think it’s a helpful way of framing it. For the third and last time, my point is that they are BOTH corrupt. The entire society is founded on deceit and denial. The only us vs them is those of us who want something better (which includes you, me, and almost everyone who listens to my podcast), and those who want it to stay the same or get worse.
There are some: Andrew Sullivan (here on Substack), Tim Miller (Bulwark), even some of the NYTimes columnists have called out Trump over the years. Not enough, but some.
I just got back from a week hiking in the New Zealand southern alps and had decided to continue checking out of the news cycle and politics for a while.
I hit play on the ROMA quick smart, as I always do, and then when it veered into politics I wondered if I should turn off. So glad I didn’t. Such a refreshing take, and honestly just makes me feel great to hear some common sense on these otherwise unnecessarily explosive topics. You’re right, they ARE the right questions, and by god I hope some intelligent, passionate, grounded and nuanced individuals can run on these in the future.
It’s a shame most of those people probably don’t want to touch politics with a 10 foot barge pole. Oh well, here’s hoping.
Thanks for this one Chris. Hope the spring treats you well. From the rat race in Melbourne, Australia.
Solid break down.
But i think the CIA and their sketchy escapades are playing a bigger role in this than you might think. And other intel agencies
Incredible episode.
Great ROMA! Couldn't agree more with what you said including the emotions behind it. These times are insane and you bring reasonable and intelligent perspectives, please keep these coming!!
Chris:
This was an epic ROMA.
I would only make the following observation.
You ask:
‘Why are we involved with Ukraine?’
After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, Ukraine had the third largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world.
They were asked to disarm.
There was an agreement, the Budapest Memorandum, that provided that if Ukraine gave up that stockpile, the signatories including the US, UK .. and wait for it … Russia, would assure that Ukraine would retain its sovereignty and it received security guarantees.
They made an enormous sacrifice and Putin trashed it.
Ukraine was savagely invaded, large swaths of the country are destroyed.
Hospitals in rubble..
20000 children kidnapped and taken to Russia..
Promises should mean something. One of the problems posed by the current administration is that our allies can’t trust the US any longer. This will likely cause long range foreign policy problems.
In any event, I enjoyed the rest of the pod.
Chris:
I was anti intervention anti war with Afghanistan and Iraq. I knew it’s was all a pile of NeoCon bullshit. I’ve worked with young men who went to war and continue to pay a price. It’s tragic.
I suppose that I’m ’triggered’ to some extent because this seems disgustingly reminiscent of the last time a dictator rolled across Europe and it seems to me that we either stand up to him now, or we’ll pay a more significant price later. A stitch in time and all that.
Thanks for reaching out.. I’m in Michigan and Sunday we had a real taste of spring after a long brutal winter and I sipped an IPA outside listening, laughing and nodding in agreement with 90 plus percent of what you were saying.
Salut!
Hi Michael. Yes, this is all true. But of course, there are the counter narratives, including the one where the US and others promised that NATO would never move one inch closer to the Russian border (was it Brezinski who signed that document?), but then promptly admitted Poland, the Baltic states and so on, then seemed to be open to Ukraine as well.
Reasonable arguments on both sides of the issue, but my point was more basic than that. Reasonable people could ask, "What is my interest in being involved in disputes between Russia and Ukraine? Israel and Gaza? India and Pakistan?" In other words, why is the US the world's policeman? Why are Americans paying, in blood and treasure, to oust the Taliban (failed), bring democracy to Iraq (failed), and so on?
I know there are arguments about global stability benefitting the US, as the dominant economic power and all that, but I think the average American might listen to these arguments and conclude that they are really about benefitting American companies and their shareholders, not "America" per se or Americans. Why should a farmer's kid from Kansas go get shot at in Iraq? That's an increasingly reasonable question and I haven't heard a single decent answer.
This is that Chris Ryan at his best!
Wish this one was public, be a good one to share beyond the tribe..
You're right. Just made it public.
I just saw this. Thank you!!!
Chris, you often talk about how stories shape reality—how dominant narratives influence how people think, act, and even justify injustice. But when it comes to language causing harm, you suddenly act like words are just empty sounds. If stories can shape reality in profound ways, why wouldn’t harmful speech—propaganda, hate speech, verbal abuse—do real damage? You’re right that free speech matters, but denying the power of words to harm (just like they can inspire or heal) feels like an intentional blind spot.