Coup Save America

“We can only operate from what we know and what we have. And when we learn something new, we operate from that new place. Judging ourselves backward? Futile, right?” Sean’s Monologue: The Impact of Social Construct Today’s episode features the amazing Dr. Nava Israel, author of the award-winning book CONEtrolled: How We've Lost our Freedom and How to Reclaim It. Nava begins by defining the idea of “core certainties”, a term she herself coined during the conception of her CONE theory. And, would you believe it, they are very much like dog shock collars! Listen to hear why Dr. Israel feels we are teetering on a worldwide tipping point. Next, using religion as an example, Nava talks about how oppressive constructs can fizzle out, but then laments that humanity tends to build new constructs on the ashes of the old ones. Find out Nava’s hope for her book and learn how people often react in their lives after learning the concepts of CONE theory. Nava tells us about the structure of CONES, citing examples, and explains how a person can become their own CONE after internalizing a set of beliefs. We learn what it’s like to discover your own neurodivergent thinking structure later in adulthood, as Nava tells us a little of her life story. Spending her early childhood in the Soviet Union, young Nava avoided indoctrination by simply not buying into the propaganda they fed her in school – as Nava puts it, “people with autism see beyond the bullshit.” Soon after, as an immigrant to Israel, she couldn’t comprehend the country’s strong national pride. As adult – now in Canada – Nava earned her PhD in epidemiology and began to understand more about the patterns she’d been noticing her whole life. Finally, the pieces fell into place and left her with a simple model to share with the world. Sean talks about how Nava’s book has changed the way he sees himself and his own ideas, while Nava disputes the concepts of shame and guilt. She tells us about “social lynching” and “moral homelessness”, then she walks us through each layer that creates a CONE of core certainties. Listen to learn why marriage is a solution to a very persistent problem and how something that is inanimate – a system – can be self-conscious. Sean asks Nava to tell the “Listerine story”, which leads to a discussion of manufactured needs & climate crisis (which is NOT manufactured). Then Nava explains how the illusion of choice creates dependency, using the example of modern medicine. She tells us how CONEs operate and reincarnate with two different types of CONE masters. During this topic, Nava speaks about communism with the authority of a person born in the Soviet Union. As horrible as many aspects of her childhood may have been, she can acknowledge the good features of communism, and she warns us how CONEs can cause harm by promoting a ‘burn it all down’ philosophy, rather than observing, learning, contemplating, and creating something better. Then Nava shares a wonderful story of collaborative and communal living in Sri Lanka. What is the takeaway? How do we change our thinking to create the best solutions to our problems? Listen to find out! You can learn more about Dr. Nava Israel and CONEtrolled: How We've Lost our Freedom and How to Reclaim It by visiting: https://www.navainc.ca https://www.facebook.com/nava.israel.92

It is a time of unprecedented confusion and chaos in immigration. Where are the oversight agencies that should be enforcing “the rule of law”? Sean’s Monologue: Illegal Detention & Deportation Today Coup Save America invites Andy Semotiuk, a highly experienced immigration attorney, to talk about the deportation debacle that is erupting so fanatically in Trump’s second term. Andy is quick to assure us that the vast majority of immigrants are NOT criminals, but simply people attempting to survive as they escape dire circumstances in their home countries. He explains that the main category of illegal immigrants are folks who have simply overstayed their visitors’ visas. “What I see is martial law in slow motion,” Andy tells us, as he and Sean wonder if all of this immigration chaos is a part of an agenda to prepare for the midterm elections. Andy defines a country’s “rule of law” as “a predictable state of existence in society”, then he goes on to explain the set-up of powers in the United States that is responsible for enforcing this rule of law. Where are the checks and balances now? Andy talks about how attempting to deport a plane full of children in the middle of the night on Labor Day weekend is a litmus test of where our country is trying to take us. Andy goes on to blame the problems in our nation on its disparity of wealth, echoing a common theme of Coup Save America. He wonders why the cluster of “progressive” oligarchs surrounding Trump aren’t calling him out. Wouldn’t it be in their best interest to be leaders in the fight for freedom of speech and liberalism? And has America decided that we no longer need allies? Sean and Andy discuss the culture of fear that keeps everyone quiet, and Andy expresses horror at the recent attacks on our most prestigious educational institutions. They talk about the people who still won’t acknowledge that Trump lost the election in 2020, the tragedies of the Ukraine and Gaza, and if the Democratic Party is complicit in democracy’s decline. Are the people who do speak out being genuine or merely pandering for political leverage? Switching gears, Andy and Sean discuss the general state of America. With his experience living in both CA’s – Canada and California – Andy can speak with authority about the “checkerboard quality” of both education and healthcare in the United States. He feels that we should do better at teaching children to be critical thinkers, we should admit to our mistakes instead of doubling down on stupidity, and we should read more books and listen to fewer podcasts – hypocrisy fully acknowledged! Returning to the show’s main topic, Andy explains to us that the plight of immigration, much like climate change, is a bigger problem than the United States can handle on its own. There is a world refugee crisis, and it requires a world solution. However, Andy feels hopeful about our future. Listen to hear why he has optimism and for his wild guess on when things will get better in the world. Andy talks about why it’s false to believe that illegal residents have no rights, and he tells us that comprehensive immigration reform should be the number one target for Congress. He goes over the problems we currently face when it comes to immigration law, and he gives his recommendations for people who are approached by I.C.E. or the police. We conclude the episode by hearing stories of Andy’s most shocking immigration cases, talking about non-binary and trans immigrants, and discussing the impact of removing temporary protective statuses. Andy Semotiuk can be reached by visiting: http://pacelawfirm.com https://www.facebook.com/asemotiuk https://www.facebook.com/myworkvisa

The truest things that are said today are said by comedians. Sean’s Monologue: Where’s the Democracy? Today on Coup Save America, Sean has a conversation with Paul Greenberg, author of seven books, including the New York Times bestseller Four Fish. Paul’s most recent book, A Third Term is a work of satirical fiction, in which Paul explores what might happen if a sitting president were to finagle an extra four years from the American people – and could this problem be solved by resurrecting George Washington and bringing him to the 21st century? Paul starts by sharing his childhood passion for the environment, which moved him to become an author. His disgust for the theatrics of politics inspired him to make a shift from non-fiction and pen a novel based on the ultimate theatrical president (guess who?). Paul answers the question of why satire is an effective method of making a point. He tells us about his friendship with his cover designer, Barry Blitt, artist of The New Yorker fame. Paul goes on to explain why he chose not to use Trump’s name in A Third Term, although the book’s antagonist is blatantly based on our current president. How does Hollywood contribute to public awareness and opinion? Was the movie Jaws a political allegory? Without revealing the twist ending, Sean and Paul discuss whether the events of A Third Term are really so absurd as to be impossible – aside from resurrecting dead presidents, of course. Paul disagrees with Sean’s belief that America was intentionally built and designed to disenfranchise the poor, and he shares his opinions on the founding father’s potential motives. And what would George Washington have thought about Donald Trump? Is there anything about “the tyrant” that may have impressed him? What’s the deal with presidents who have served in the military vs. those who did not? Paul shares personal stories about other podcast appearances and his work with a non-profit in Russia. He and Sean wonder if Al Franken could have defeated Trump – and was that why he got cancelled? – and they discuss the hypocrisy of the Epstein files controversy. They talk about how politicians use distraction to cover up what really going on (with RFK being one of those distractions), then Paul turns the tables and asks Sean to answer a few questions about his own belief system. Paul tells us what he’s found to be the most surprising thing about the first six months of the second Trump administration, and he shares some interesting ideas about making it illegal to be a lawyer and designing “MAGA goggles.” Then he talks about how autocracies work, using examples from his time in Russia, the book 1984, Croatia, and South Park. Sean and Paul then focus on the story elements of A Third Term. Paul tells us how term limits began in the first place and explains a workaround used in Serbia to bypass term limit laws. He tells a story about bumping in Chuck Schumer one Christmas Eve. Paul asks the question, “Why must our politicians be so darn old?” He and Sean talk about how Zohran Mamdani is actually seeing problems and proposing solutions, and they look again at the debacle of Boomers vs. Millennials and how the latter get a bad rap simply for growing up in a society that worked differently from previous decades. Finally, we listen to an excerpt from A Third Term, and we find out something that Sean has in common with George Washington. Paul talks about how America is in literal physical pain, and what that does to a nation. He discusses the historical and scientific accuracy of his book, and he tells us how AI helped him with the 2024 rewrite. Paul concludes with a brief overview of his previous works, and he promises to come back on the show to discuss other important matters he’s studied. You can learn about Paul and his many books by visiting: www.paulgreenberg.org You can connect with Paul at: https://bsky.app/profile/4fishgreenberg.bsky.social

“We need human contact to help people succeed.” Sean’s Monologue: Epstein, Espionage, and Inconvenient Truths Today, Coup Save America has a conversation with Lance Hillslinger, a veteran social worker and author of the advocacy books: Build a Better Bridge: Social Policy for the 21st Century and In Place of the Parent: Inside Child Protective Services. The episode begins as Lance describes his career as a Child Protective Services agent in the state of California and shares a bit about how the system works. He talks about how his experiences inspired him to write books that will educate and advocate for change. Lance briefly addresses the Jeffrey Epstein controversy and asks the question, “Where were the parents of the girls on Epstein’s island?” Lance and Sean discuss the correlations between poverty and our country’s various social problems, talk about the governmental standards that define poverty, and decide that the War on Poverty has only made things worse. Lance tells us that the most common reason why children are removed from homes is because their parents neglect to care for them because of drug use. He expresses empathy toward these parents, pointing out the underlying causes of drug addiction, how drugs can alter a parents’ perception of what a child needs, and the roadblocks these parents face while living in poverty, such as the difficulty of securing things like affordable dental care for their children. Do poor people have more children? Why has poverty increased? And is homelessness a gender inequality issue? Lance talks about how our government is “pennywise and pound foolish” when it comes to funding social services. He shares how child support works when the non-custodial parent is low income, goes through the history of social services, then describes the shortages of resources and how the decline in home ownership rates is detrimental to future generations. Lance and Sean go on to discuss the importance of education. What can be done to increase the graduation rate for boys? Would adjusting our methods of teaching English be helpful? Lance shares a couple of cost-free changes that California has made in their school systems to increase attendance and academic success. Sean asks Lance about the intent of the War on Poverty and why it didn’t succeed. They discuss issues such as age-adjusted food stamp benefits, public transportation, job availability, and metrics to measure the success of anti-poverty programs. Lance stresses the importance of the government supporting outdoor recreation and schools doing a better job of encouraging music and sports. Are men being left behind in current society? Gender disparities in education and the work force seem to suggest so. Lance opines on the importance of a social network for parenting, developing morality in kids, and the strengths/weaknesses of Child Protective Services. As always, Sean brings up the Nordic model of social safety, and he and Lance discuss why politicians demonize any systems – working or not – that suggest any level of “socialism.” Could a Universal Basic Income make a difference? Lance points out the misunderstandings and misinformation about welfare programs, and then shares ideas about how to combat chronic unemployment. You can find Lance’s books at: http://lancehillisnger.net For every book purchased, Lance donates money to Razom, a humanitarian program in Ukraine.

“Voters are looking for an economy that works. From anyone…even an orange-haired reality host.” Sean’s Monologue: An Empire in Peril Today Sean talks with Cameron Cowan of The Cameron Journal. Cameron is joining us to promote his new book America’s Lost Generation and to discuss various current events. He launches right with telling us how there really is no hope for Millennials, the Americans born between 1980 and 1996. Sean and Cameron discuss the possibility of Social Security collapsing in 2035, micro-transition generations, and how Millennials don’t deserve the bad reputation that the media likes to promote. What will our country look like when all of our politicians are Millennials? Cameron points out that progressives urgently need better PR. As time passes, will they return to center or go for broke? He uses the example of fascist Italy to explain how the right-wing is realigning itself with the economic populist message. Cameron goes on to answer questions about what AI could do to our workforce and whether we can still use the old paradigm to build an economy that works for everyone. He talks about how young men are being left behind in current society…and what the heck is happening now in Japan? Cameron explains how WE are the ones paying the cost of tariffs and tells the story of how America lost its manufacturing power. Could massive government subsidies restore our working force and economy? Learn how the Boomer generation benefited from an older system and how our country accidentally destroyed its own steel industry. Cameron uses the universal healthcare debacle as an example of how we can’t make major changes because just enough Americans are doing okay, so there’s not enough push to upset the apple cart. Just wait until a few more of us hit bottom. Cameron tells us how and why inflation became the biggest issue for the last election, then he talks about the need for progressives to find the right message to make people who are not affected care about social problems. The concept of individual exceptionalism makes it necessary to keep your message “personal and local.” Sean and Cameron discuss the ever-popular topic of corporate influence on elections. Listen to learn what quietly happened during Trump’s first term to help the rich get richer while keeping the poor down in the muck. And how did Joe Biden help facilitate the 2008 financial crisis? Cameron talks about going around state capitals to get things done, how owning assets gets you ahead while labor no longer can, and that crypto currency is a Ponzi scheme that our society embraces out of desperation. Is there anything we can do to save the middle class? Cameron says, “Well, disenfranchise the rich -but good luck with that!” This leads to remembering the revolutions in Russia and France. Cameron tells us about the acute devastation that had to occur before suffering people rose up against the wealthy and reiterates that our system “still works enough” to keep revolution at bay. “The collapse has to get a whole lot more collapse-y,” he explains, but it will happen very soon. Maybe by 2032, the 100th anniversary of America’s last economic upheaval – which was heartbreaking but left us with a functional society in the end. Who will be our next FDR? Could it be Zohran Mamdani? Would the democrats allow that now that the whole party is so gun shy? Cameron talks about the importance of securing the black vote and how leftist progressives should start hobby podcasts so they can slip in political topics. Finally, he ends the episode by sharing his own life story. Hear and connect with Cameron Cowan: http://cameronjournal.com http://cameronjournal.com/podcast http://instagram.com/cameroncowan http://tiktik.com/cameronjournal http://twitter.com/cameroncowan https://linkedin.com/in/cameroncowan

Have you ever noticed how the word “outrage” is so close to the word “outrageous”? Sean’s Monologue: The One Big Ugly Bill Today Coup Save America welcomes Scott Grace – an uplifting song writer, comedian, author, and public speaker. Scott is not on the show to “get political”, but to teach us: “How to Evolve During the Trump Experience Whether Humanity Joins You or Not.” Scott begins with a quick run-through of his life story and how he developed his entertainment (and cop dodging) skills working as a street vender in NYC…which led to him opening as a comedian for the likes of Robin Williams and Dana Carvey. Once a self-proclaimed “MAGA Liberal”, Scott explains his disenchantment with being a member of the “Outrage Olympics” and talks about what inspired him to start his Beyond Red and Blue project, where he blends humor, music, story, and spiritual insight to help people feel less polarized, rise above outrage and reconnect—with themselves and with people with different points of view, and, dare I say it, people who voted differently. Next, Scott tells us how nonviolent communication can be used to address political polarization and reads us a poem by his alter-ego, The Spiritual Dr. Suess. He goes on to talk about two world views – “survival of the fittest” and “we’re all in this together.” And he brings up that dirtiest of words – socialism. Scott believes that outrage without action can be crippling, so what do we actually do with problems like The Big Beautiful Bill. He reminds us about times of change in history and points out how there is opportunity in crisis. Is it time for the American empire to die? Scott tells us his story of meeting a MAGA couple on a plane & what he discovered about them and their hopes for the future. Then he answers Sean’s question about how he remains politically neutral while still honoring his true values. Then Scott brings out his guitar to play a little John Lennon and illustrate how music changed the world back in the 60’s and continues to do so today. There’s a shout out to Randy Rainbow as Scott entertains us with his own satirical cover – what Kenny Loggins’ Danny’s Song would sound like if Donald Trump had written the lyrics. Scott tells us about his career as a musician, doing opening acts for a variety of celebrity public speakers, and in the process learning how to be a public speaker himself. Then Scott needs a bathroom break, so we play the trailer for Beyond Red and Blue. When Scott returns, he and Sean discuss the history of polarization in politics and how to conquer social fears – both real and imagined. Scott uses the example of experiencing No Kings Day in Mexico to describe the power of social action, and when Sean presses him to come up with solutions beyond public protests, Scott plays us an awesome improvised song about Sean and his ideals. One thing Scott learned while working with famous changemakers is that “passion is messy.” Scott tells us about the intuitive training involved in improvised comedy, the effects of AI on the economy, and why speaking with people who are ideologically different has been both encouraging and disheartening. He talks with Sean about wars, people who see Trump as a conduit to destruction, and is it for real that the NYT reports a global trend of less war and poverty? Listen to hear about Scott’s “commit, don’t criticize” philosophy (but don’t commit suicide yet!), his book about mindful masculinity, the takeaway from the emergency meeting Scott attended after Trump’s first presidential victory, and another Suess-esque poem about peace and Trump. Connect with Scott Grace at: https://www.scottsongs.com https://www.facebook.com/scottkgrace

“From each according to his ability to each according to his need – that’s communism. That’s also a potluck. Sean’s Monologue: The Case Against Capitalism Today Coup Save America talks with Beth Green, a fascinating and intelligent woman who wears the many hats of author, intuitively-guided counselor, teacher, spiritual activist, composer, workshop leader, original thinker, and a catalyst for change. According to Beth, “My life is full of horrors and miracles – there is no in-between.” She introduces herself by sharing her early experiences as a tiny activist, who, despite the setback of a serious illness continued to make political waves throughout her youth. Listen to learn about Beth’s letter to the New York Times that got her expelled from an Ivy League college. Sean and Beth discuss the differences in activism between now and the 1960’s and the stigma associated with the label “socialism.” Beth attests that we are brainwashed from an early age and trained to compete for everything. She explains The Ego – an awareness of the individual existence – and how we must shift our consciousness before we can effectively mobilize for change. We need an inner revolution based on oneness, accountability, and mutual support. Beth sums it all up in one sentence when she says: “The purpose of the economy and society is to meet the needs of the people and the Earth.” Beth talks about “The New Declaration of Independence” that can be found on Change.org and reminds us that it is American to abolish our government. She and Sean talk about how “It’s a lonely soul that’s caught up in competition” and “You cannot clean the air over one home in Los Angeles.” They give a shout out to mutual aid organizations. Beth offers her insight on why people are depressed and explains more about how the ego has an infantile consciousness that needs to be taught better. She speculates with Sean about the positive roles that our egos might play, then she shares a simple question we can ask ourselves to help us make good life decisions. Beth also describes how to truly make an amend to someone you’ve wronged. Beth goes on to explain about the spiritual awakening that completely changed her understanding of a higher power and her approach to activism. Listen to the story of her “inner voice” that even Beth admits that most people will not believe. In the end, she tells us, “Beliefs are just beliefs. They aren’t reality.” A person’s belief system changes as they grow and evolve as a person, and “we co-create reality in a subtle dance of intention and allowance.” How do we build a new consciousness? By talking to everybody and questioning everything, of course! To conclude the show, Beth reminds us that “If you are not well, you don’t think straight – If you’re stressed, then you’re frantic.” She reiterates the many FREE resources that she offers the world for hope, healing, and a path to a better humanity. Learn more about Beth at: Bethgreen.org Co-create with Beth at: https://thestream.info/ Experience Beth’s music and books at: https://healingartsnetwork.org/ http://facebook.com/GrannyRocksOn View Beth at: https://www.youtube.com/@BethGreenTV

“We went from killing for peace to caring for peace. We’re already doing it.” Sean’s Monologue: The Ongoing Problems We Face in Our World As we launch our fourth season of Coup Save America, Sean interviews Jeffrey Charles Hardy, founder and president of the non-profit organization Care for Peace and author of the brilliant book To Care for Peace – A Global Mandate to Secure the Second Human Evolution in Perpetuity. Jeff begins this interview by telling the story of how a childhood trip to Tijuana shocked him into an awareness of world conditions just beyond his own comfortable life in California, then he talks about how his later work in the U.S. Coast Guard helped him to define the true meaning of peace. This leads to an explanation of Jeff’s concept around “caring for peace.” Jeff tells us about his lifelong career in healthcare and hospitals both domestically and abroad. He shares the successes and struggles of setting up his prototype tele-connected Care for Peace Community Development and Health Center in Myanmar, then he and Sean discuss what our society needs to change to help people “care for peace” in our hateful and divided world. Can global change agents propel the agenda by creating a new language with words that we already have? Jeff explains that his book does not contain templates for change, but templates for considering change. We are in a pre-planning stage for evolving the human condition. He talks about the three stages of the second human evolution and describes the ways humankind is moving in the right direction during this time of suspended human evolution. But what factors are holding us back? Getting administrations to come to the right mindset is crucial to progress. Listen to learn how hospitals are like stadium bathrooms, why Jeff enjoys working with Muslim professionals, and how dictators can be beneficial to society. Sean asks Jeff if capitalism is compatible with his vision and - spoiler alert - The Monty Python song is speaking truth when it calls Finland “the country where I’d like to be.” Jeff gives us a teaser about his new book in progress, then we hear more about Jeff’s Care for Peace clinics and learn why the individual members of Al-Qaida are probably are not as bad as we think they are. To learn more about Jeffrey Hardy’s work and book, please visit: https://www.CareforPeace.org https://www.facebook.com/Care4Peace/

We are no longer relying on Bernie Sanders; we’re relying on the movement that Bernie has asked us to build. Sean’s Monologue: America the Militarized Today Sean speaks with author and campaign activist Kacey Carpenter about the grassroots fight for progressive change. First, Kacey tells us his story of meeting Bernie Sanders and explains the event that helped him realize that the privilege he’d enjoyed in life was tenuous and the fight for democracy belongs in the hands of the people. With his eyes open to the problems in the world, Kacey was inspired to become a campaign volunteer and to write the book My Journey with Bernie: The Revolution Starts with Us. Sean shares the moment when Bernie Sanders won his heart, and he talks with Kacey about Bernie’s policies, how Bernie prevented Trump from winning the 2020 election, and overcoming the neoliberalism of the DNC. “The solution to the corruption of the Democratic Party is to literally stop taking the money,” Kacey says, a concept that he expands upon in his book Ready, Set, Go! Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes. Sean asks Kacey about his biggest fear for Donald Trump 2.0, and Kacey warns about the biggest obstacle Trump will face in his second term. Kacey tells us about his involvement in local government elections, supporting corporate-free candidates, building a coalition independent of the 2-party system, rank choice voting, and “Bernie math.” After discussing the possibility of AOC as president, Sean and Kacey talk about the playbook for building a successful movement, then Kacey shares a pivotal moment while canvassing for Bernie in rural Pennsylvania that taught him how to talk effectively with people and convert them to action. Now that he has shifting his focus from running for office to supporting and mentoring other candidates, Kacey has plenty of insight to share about sustaining momentum in the face of setbacks and the power of different generations coming together to teach each other new skills. Listen to find out an easy way to get a free hour of campaign coaching from Kacey! Next, Kacey talks about separating your personal life from your political life, the power of storytelling in effecting change, and what it means to be a “conservative progressive.” He tells us about his support of local organizations that don’t take corporate money (for example – fruit gleaners) and he gives tips for organizations forming partnerships. Kacey talks about finding commonality with your enemies and how being open to others’ beliefs is the way to dial back the MAGA movement and create a People’s Movement in its place. He and Sean discuss how misinformation has divided us and how we can find truth despite obstacles like AI and a mainstream media with corporate interests. After Kacey tells us about his experiences as a union organizer, he and Sean end the episode by talking about the time they met in person. Subscribe to Kacey Carpenter’s free weekly newsletter at: https://lifeisajourney.substack.com/ Learn more about Kacey’s books: READY, SET, GO! Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes My Journey with Bernie Connect with Kacey on social media: https://www.facebook.com/kacey.carpenter.104/ https://www.instagram.com/kaceycarpenter1/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaceycarpenter/ https://x.com/kaceycarpenter https://bsky.app/profile/kaceycarpenter.bsky.social

The more you know about the U.S. criminal justice system, the more you realize how many innocent people are being incarcerated. Sean’s Monologue: The Power of Presidential Pardons For this special episode of Coup Save America, we are joined by Shannon Lynch, the producer and host of The Alley: DC's 8th and H Case, a podcast dedicated to telling the story of six men who were falsely accused of murder and who are now seeking presidential pardons after serving long prison terms for a crime they did not commit. On October 1st, 1984, Catherine Fuller was murdered in an alley near the intersections of 8th and H streets northeast in Washington, DC. Shannon begins by telling us the background of this brutal case and how a miscarriage of justice resulted in the arrest of eleven young black people who were falsely accused of committing a vicious gang rape. Shannon and Sean discuss the possible reasons why police and prosecutors might latch onto an incorrect theory of the crime and pursue it so doggedly despite evidence that pointed to more logical explanations of what happened that afternoon. Shannon lists the many reasons why law enforcements’ narrative of the event makes little sense, and she explains the problems posed by tunnel vision and confirmation bias. Most people are surprised to learn that the police are allowed – and even encouraged – to lie to citizens during interrogations. Shannon sheds light on the many tactics used to obtain confessions and how these practices can destroy the accuracy of the acquired information. She talks about the evidence that was withheld during the 8th and H Case and how difficult it is to prove that prosecutors have committed a Brady violation. Why did the Supreme Court wrongly decide that the nine men ultimately charged with Catherine Fuller’s murder had received a fair trial? Shannon goes on to explain why having eleven defendants in one case meant that the accused young people did not receive adequate representation. Why were two of the accused acquitted while the other nine were found guilty? What is the process of applying for a presidential pardon? Shannon describes the complexities and required details that result in these petitions being upwards of 400 pages long. She walks us through what happens after your application is submitted, talks about the power of sole discretion that the president wields, and tells us why it’s so difficult for a person charged in Washington DC to receive a pardon for their crime. Listen to learn why the falsely accused men chose to remain in prison when they could have been released years earlier. Why seek a presidential pardon? What are the potential benefits? Shannon tells us what makes her feel so hopeful that Biden will grant clemency to the six petitioners from the 8th and H Case. We hear about the longstanding involvement of The Innocence Project in this case, then Shannon tells us what inspired an audio engineer to step out of her comfort zone and host her own podcast about the 8th and H murder. She talks about how her impressions of our country’s criminal justice system have changed and what she has learned from her experience. Shannon plans to continue The Alley with episodes featuring the current lives of the falsely accused survivors so the whole world can be as impressed as she is by their attitudes, resilience, kindness, and their many contributions to their communities and society as a whole. We conclude our show with a call-to-action, hoping our listeners will be inspired to spread the word and to sign the petition that might help six men receive the presidential pardons they so badly deserve. To learn more about the 8th and H case and to sign the pardon petition, visit: https://8thandhjustice.org To hear the full story and connect with Shannon Lynch, visit: https://www.newamerica.org/the-alley/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonleighlynch/

“There will be a lot of dead people, but politicians don’t tend to care about dead people.” Sean’s Monologue: Israeli-Palestinian Relations Recap On today’s episode of Coup Save America, Robert Cook joins us to talk about the conflict in the Middle East. Robert is a US Veteran, Western Civilization Expert, public intellectual historian and the author of "The Mahdi," a timely thriller novel which explores geopolitical tensions through a fictional lens. The episode opens with Robert telling us about his series of national security thrillers starring a modern, liberal Muslim character, Alex Cuchulain or “Cooch.” In previous novels, Cooch has proven his heroism in Colombia, Yemen, and Iran … but in this latest installment – The Mahdi – he returns to his Bedouin homeland and finds himself mixed up in a clash between Jewish and Islamic ideologies. Can technology and enlightened thinking prevail over entrenched dogma? Robert talks about how his military experience has shaped his perceptions of Middle Eastern conflicts and how writing fiction allows an author certain liberties with the storytelling. As for the harsh realities of the situation between Israel and Palestine, although he “doesn’t have a dog in the fight” Robert would like the Middle East to be a good place for children to grow up. Is a US war with Iran inevitable? Listen to find out what Robert means when he says that problems in the Middle East will not be solved by politicians or by warfare – they will be solved by religion. Sean and Robert go on to discuss “unintended consequences”, quantum computers, and how AI chatbots could be used to educate children. On the topic of innovative styles of teaching, Robert tells us about the Cook Honors College he launched at the University of Alabama in Pennsylvania. On the topic of America’s impending regime change, Robert feels that Trump will “really break a lot of glass” but will ultimately make our country better in the end. Listen to learn why Robert feels we are better off funding the government with tariffs rather than with tax revenues. He also explains the diversity of opinions across the MAGA movement and tells us how to listen through the noise for the real message. The conversation turns back to the implications of AI in modern warfare, along with the genocide & the future of the Palestinian State. We conclude the show with Robert’s advice for people wanting to remain informed about current events – Keep an open mind and listen to reliable voices on both sides. Don’t just be a viewer, be a thinker. Follow Robert Cook and buy his books at: https://x.com/robertcooknovel http://www.robertcooknovels.com Cook Honors College: https://www.iup.edu/honors/index.html

If kindness doesn’t benefit us personally, should there be an obligation to pursue kindness without reward? Sean’s Monologue: The Myth of Rugged Individualism Our guest this episode is Damien Dubose, author of the book America's Ethical Archetype: Establishing the Psychology of Moral Authority and Correcting our Country’s Politics. We go into the show acknowledging that Damien’s subject matter goes against Coup Save America’s core beliefs, but we hope that he and Sean will find some common ground. We start by listening to Damien tell us what inspired him to write his book and to Sean marveling that it took only two years to write a book he describes as “in depth and intellectual.” Damien defines moral authority and explains why it’s so critical in modern politics. He talks about using the philosophies of Ayn Rand and Carl Jung as tools to interpret different people’s approaches to reason. Sean wonders if individualism and collectivism are incompatible, so Damien explains the individualistic approach described in his book. Sean and Damien discuss “group think” and “cancel culture”, then they find out that they agree about some of the flaws in our education system. Damien worries that America is not developing individuals. He feels that people will solve the world’s problems by pursuing their own values. He and Sean talk about exploitation of others and factors that contribute to a person having the ability to make decisions that are in their best interest. While admitting that it is not his area of expertise, Damien tells us that he is opposed to social safety net programs and he feels they should be phased out. Listen to learn why he doesn’t apply the same principles to collective social systems such as military and emergency services. The discussion turns to problems that are collective in nature and how why Damien is not in favor of using collective means to solve them. It all comes down to a question of conscious consent. Damien’s main fight is for an individualist approach in politics, so he talks about our need for better leaders. Sean and Damien discuss how too much technology and media might lead to a collective way of thinking, then Damien explains his philosophy that people create their own circumstance by going about their lives more intentionally. He talks about why it is important to defend individualism through philosophy rather than through tradition or religion and about how individualism is imbedded into America’s founding. Damien gives us a teaser for his book - creating a better nation would start with the legislative branch of government. Damien makes his case for why there should not be a negative connotation to selfishness, then Sean points out a portion of America's Ethical Archetype that he found particularly compelling. What role does emotional intelligence play in making moral decisions? Why is some outside force controlling Damien’s 401K? What does it mean that “nothingness is the villain of the story”? The episode ends as Damien talks about the intended audience of his book, and Sean challenges listeners to read the book even if they are NOT the intended audience. You can find America's Ethical Archetype: Establishing the Psychology of Moral Authority and Correcting our Country’s Politics on Amazon or by visiting Damien Dubose on social media: https://x.com/US_eleader https://www.instagram.com/damientdubose/ http://www.linkedin.com/in/damientdubose

“There’s the law…then compassion. And the law and compassion don’t always see eye to eye.” Sean’s Monologue: Barriers to Birthing Today we welcome Mark Bello - attorney, civil justice advocate, and an award-winning legal-themed novelist. Mark opens the with the story of why he became an attorney, what turned him to social justice, and what inspired him to write his first novel based on his own experience as one of the first people to sue the Catholic Church over sexual abuse by clergy. He tells us why he chose to write fiction rather than a factual account when penning his debut novel, Betrayal of Faith, thirty years after his groundbreaking litigation. Mark goes on to tell us how the 2016 election turned a single book into a series that now contains nine titles, then laughs about how Trump unwittingly turned fiction into fact. This leads to a discussion with Sean about how America shoots itself in the foot by voting against its own self-interest. Mark is of Jewish heritage, and he shares his fears about mass deportation by saying “Yesterday’s Jew is today’s Haitian.” He bemoans a political swing to the right that he really didn’t expect, then he and Sean talk about what went wrong in the 2024 election. Mark had promised himself that he wouldn’t be bitter on our show…but, you know. The conversation turns to how America’s justice system has proven that some people are simply above the law. Did Trump reach the legal standard for a felony murder charge following the January 6th insurrection? A viewer of the show writes in to assure us that “Trump is working for Jesus.” As an attorney, Mark is all too aware that justice is not always equal and blue-collar criminals are not able to hire the best lawyers. He and Sean chat about other American inequalities, money in politics, the perception that the Far Left is controlling the country, campaigning on immigration, and what went wrong with trickle-down economics. The conversation takes a less frustrated turn as Mark tells us about his “Justice Counts” podcast, which allows him to vent with like-minded guests about the shit going on in the world and the legal issues of the day. Sean brings up one of the “Justice Counts” episodes, then they discuss the US probation system and how it needs reform. Mckenzie reluctantly comes on air to talk about participatory photography. Mark hints about the adventures of his lawyer hero, Zachary Blake, along with his pornography-addicted P.I. as they fight for social justice in his latest legal thriller, The Anti-Semite Next Door. He tells us about his children’s books and lists off the topic of each book in his Zachary Blake series. Mark explains that after writing books for others, The Anti-Semite Next Door is the book he finally wrote for himself, then he takes a few minutes to share his views as a Jewish American on the Gaza-Israel conflict. To learn more about Mark’s books, podcast, and more, visit: https://markmbello.com

You are not responsible for the circumstances of your birth, but you are responsible for what you do with your life. Sean’s Monologue: Post Election Reflections Coup Save America welcomes the remarkable John David Graham, founder of the Good Samaritan Home, a non-profit agency helping people restart their lives after prison. John is also the author of Running as Fast as I Can, a loosely autobiographical, fictionalized story of one man’s journey to overcome an abusive background to find forgiveness and love. John begins the episode by sharing his incredible life story and the events that led him to open up his home to ex-offenders. Listen to hear how John’s life was turned around when he attended a protest just to meet girls. Next, John talks about the project he launched in 2001 that has since expanded from his own residence to 19 facilities spanning over 3 counties in Ohio and is helping thousands of men and women reintegrate back into society. John explains post-release control of offenders and how the Good Samaritan Home plays a role with what he calls “habilitation” skills. He describes how he has dealt with the challenge of the “Not in my backyard” mentality, and how it took seven years and a snow blower to get the local community to start waving at them with a whole hand instead of just one finger. Sean and John discuss the recent election and the concept of hating the system while still loving your neighbor. John, who received a doctorate of Applied Theology late in life, tells us “It has been my work in the street helping broken people restart their lives that has allowed me to maintain my faith.” He talks about Christianity, and how “morality cannot be legislated.” Later in the episode, our “minister without a portfolio” speaks more about his faith and the importance of a religious community vs. his disillusionment with the church. John shares success stories of the people who have benefited from the services of Good Samaritan Home, and he tells us about his partnerships in the re-entry coalition. He chuckles at how the Good Samaritan Home project is appealing to Democrats because it is morally responsible, but it is appealing to Republicans because it is fiscally responsible. John tells us about the long process of writing his novel. We watch the trailer for his book, and John describes how he took marketing and promotion into his own hands after old-style publishing failed him. He talks about the theme of his novel – self-forgiveness - and how his main character must be reminded again and again that life is written in pencil and gives us many opportunities to erase and start again. John goes on to talk about the biggest challenges for people coming out of prison, the power of the Civil Rights movement, and why Texas is a good state to start over. He talks about acceptable vs. unacceptable crimes and tells us that his “you’re here, you need help, how can I help?” philosophy guides him to overlook the “unforgiveable sin” and reach out to everyone equally. John explains how family structures influence a person’s future and how our family structures have changed over time. What are the differences between younger and older people who come out of the prison system? What does “normal” really mean? And could the 60’s generation be to blame for our current high incarceration rate? John concludes by sharing his continuity plan for Good Samaritan Home. Will his project be able to weather the oncoming political storm? John is very much aware that “the state giveth & the state taketh away.” To learn more about Good Samaritan Home and the book Running as Fast as I Can, visit John’s website & read his thoughts on Substack: https://johndavidgraham.com https://johndavidgraham.substack.com/ Follow John on social media: https://www.facebook.com/JGrahamAuthor https://www.instagram.com/JGrahamAuthor https://www.tiktok.com/@jgrahamauthor

Is it possible to know the nature of humans without the benefit of religion or philosophy? Sean’s Monologue: The 2024 Election Today Coup Save America welcomes Anne Riley, author of the upcoming book The Human Idea: Nature's Newest Ecosystem and the brilliant mind behind the “ideasphere.” Ideas are a human concept, and Anne is confident that we can design collaborative systems – such as governments, institutions, and tax and elections systems – that will serve our country better if we use similar structures to the ones nature uses to keep her own long-lasting and proven collaborative systems functioning. Anne talks about the fifty years she’s spent pondering the question of where human beings fit into the scheme of nature and how Michael Rothschild’s book Bionomics, Economics as Ecosystem helped her to think in a new direction and solidify her own ideas. Anne describes government as a coordinating mechanism in both humans and nature, how that works, and why it’s important. Anne explains the deceptively simple nature of life & how it complies with the ecosystem around it, then goes on to tell us that “choice” is the human superpower – both for better and for worse. Anne and Sean discuss how choice is different from free will and they explore the reasons why people hang on to bad ideas. Anne believes that the whole job of young adulthood is to unlearn everything we’ve learned and figure out which human ideas actually work for us. Anne helps us to understand that our government does not function well because it defies the rules of nature. She tells us how democracy came about, why it was such a great idea, and what other ideas have gotten in the way of it. Anne’s one basic tenant for having healthy societies is “Hey, do what you want, but don’t harm others in the process.” What is harm and how can harm be regulated? And how does AI fits into the ideasphere? Anne shares her vision of the “idealsphere” – the perfect combination of nature’s systems with an ability to make choices. If society could work in a way similar to how the human body functions, how would this address issues like education and income inequality? Listen to Anne’s well thought out proposal for a 4th branch of government & how it would work to improve democracy. Unlike many Coup Save America guests, Anne is a proponent of capitalism. Listen to hear her reasons for supporting capitalism and why she feels this system can maximize choice while minimizing harm. Anne explains how institutions evolved within the ideasphere, then the conversation turns to some of Sean’s favorite subjects - hunter/gatherer societies and life in Nordic countries. The episode concludes with a discussion of the “wild west” we’ve been haplessly thrown into – the Internet and social media. Anne cringes at how humans were not prepared for an informational tool so vast, and she talks about how we as a society need help learning how to manage and navigate the Internet, and especially tools to help us discern lies from the truth online. The Human Idea: Nature's Newest Ecosystem will be available soon wherever books are hold + you can learn more about the ideasphere by following Anne on social media: https://www.facebook.com/anne.riley.16144606/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-riley-656b0125a/ https://www.instagram.com/anne_riley_ideasphere/?hl=en

Today on Coup Save America, producer Mckenzie guest hosts a special pre-election episode: The Battle of the Books!!! Coup Save America invites two authors – Dan McCrory and William R. Douglas to talk about their polar-opposite political polarization novels. What could happen if a Republican president refused to concede the Whitehouse? What if left-wing extremists took hold of power and ran with it? Could our country survive the tyranny if either political party were to go hurtling off the rails? Our guest authors have explored the possibilities in their respective novels, and now, on the eve of a pivotal presidential election, they are both coming to Coup Save America for a three-way discussion with Sean about the potential problems posed in their books. With a cast of over-the-top characters placed into hair-raising situations, are these novels satire or a looming reality? You be the judge… After each author talks about his book with Mckenzie, all three guests come together to show how people with starkly different viewpoints can engage in a productive conversation about our country by listening and learning from each other. From Dan McCrory, author of Worst Case Scenario: Election Night: “In this satirical thriller that strikes uncomfortably close to real life events, President Adolf Wallace declares martial law and accuses the Democrats of rigging the election. Native Americans decide to band together and take back their country. Ensuing incidents call for an assessment of loyalties that could mean life or death. An EMP detonated by North Korea only makes matters worse. At times funny and sometimes deadly serious, Worst Case Scenario shows what could happen in this nightmarish state of affairs.” From William R. Douglas, author of The Sum of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0: “What if our present-day polarizations and anger go unchecked? What if they continue to simmer and intensify with no relief? Award-winning author William R. Douglas’ takes the reader into the realm of the unthinkable with his gripping and sweeping new novel, The SUM of ALL OUR ANGER. In 2061, new President Devin Cyrus is determined to sweep away the Old Way in America to pave the way for a Socialist utopia under his New Way policy. First, he must deal with renegade states by whatever means necessary. Oklahoma Governor Mary Whitfield, a patriotic supporter of the Old Way, rallies like-minded Governors and citizens to keep a remnant of the Old Union intact by opposing the New Way at all costs. Military, National Guard, Militia, and Civilian leaders must choose sides as events escalate. Our Union and way of life hang in the balance as the two opposing world views collide head-on in a final showdown. Which one will triumph?” To learn more about these authors and their political novels, visit: https://www.facebook.com/dan.mccrory.1650 https://www.youtube.com/@writingbiz1 http://tiktok.com/@danmccrory https://www.authorwilliamrdouglas.com https://x.com/authorwilliamr

Are the American people desperate enough for change to embrace a few all-new solutions? Sean’s Monologue: The Two-Party Cartel Evan Jaqua, founder of The Solutions Party, joins us today to talk about real, functional remedies to the shortcomings of government and to the social issues plaguing both sides of our political aisle. Evan launches the episode by describing what he believes is the crux of our country’s woes – our politicians’ addiction to power – which then leads to prioritizing corporate interests, the spread of misinformation, and other weaknesses in democracy. The Solutions Party has a plan that could end lobbying, lying, and expensive “razzle-dazzle” campaigning. Listen to Evan’s well-thought-out ideas for ending re-election and bringing accountability back into government. Could such an ambitious plan ever come to fruition while the powers-that-be cling so ferociously to the status quo? The main things holding us back from solving our country’s problems are a lack of political will and a lack of fresh ideas. Sean and Evan go on to discuss political tribalization by design, creating all-new, revolving political parties, and reforming the electoral college. Evan doesn’t just complain about the decline of journalistic integrity and the media’s use of emotional manipulation, he lays out a workable plan to fix the problems. We hear about Evan’s life experiences that inspired him to envision The Solutions Party. He goes on to share his ideas about creating a path to pay off college loans, improving efficiency in government jobs, empowering informed voters, supporting immigration, and ending the war on drugs. As a conservative Republican, Evan might have different reasons for wanting the same things that liberal progressives want, but his solutions to our society’s problems will make us ALL winners in the end. And, as expected, Sean and Evan talk about our impeding presidential election…which not-so-expectedly leads to a discussion on nuclear proliferation and a transcontinental bikeway. Evan Jaqua believes that “the way forward for our country is through honest debate and civility.” If you are ready to embrace some fresh ideas for a better future, check out: http://www.solutionsparty.org http://www.facebook.com/TheSolutionsParty

Why rein in radicalism when you can use it to make a profit? Sean’s Monologue: Republican Extremism: A Manufactured Reality For today's show, we have invited back David Shaw, author of the book Deplorable Politics: Propaganda for the Brainwashed, to talk about the direction of the current Republican Party and, more specifically, the MIS-direction of presidential candidate Donald Trump. David begins by using examples from the rapidly approaching presidential election to showcase how his book is even more relevant today than it was when he published it last year. He explains the characteristics of malignant narcissism and poses the question: Does Trump lie because he believes what he says is true… or because he knows that lying will work? Why do Trump’s followers refuse to recognize his lies? Sean and David chat more about “Teflon Don” and why he’s been so hard to prosecute, then call out the Democratic Party for their lack of a progressive agenda. They dive deep into the history of the Dems, and David explains how the Christian Right is a small group that the Republican Party blows up to a big group. Our host and guest speculate about the biggest threats of a second Trump presidency and what it might do to democracy. They agree about the dangers of the Supreme Court immunity ruling and how propaganda and the corporate media are the biggest influences on public opinions. And is Trump really threating to take over the media??? David lists the various rationales of the Trump voters he’s spoken with, highlights some common propaganda terms, and points out that we essentially have a three party system – Republicans, Democrats, and MAGA. He and Sean discuss how difficult it is for Dem politicians to navigate the crisis in the Middle East, plus ponder the feasibility of holding control of the House and Senate. They talk about the role that fear plays in Trump’s messaging, and David scoffs at how easy it would be to solve our country’s border problems, except the Republicans want to keep campaigning on those issues. David tells us about his “Defend Democracy” Facebook sharing campaign, then answers questions like – Why hasn’t Kamala Harris come out with a more populist campaign? – “What other radical right politicians are currently on the international stage? – Why won’t psychological experts call out craziness in politicians? – and the biggest question of all – Is J.D. Vance more dangerous than Donald Trump? Learn more about David Shaw and his book at: https://www.facebook.com/deplorablepolitics.org http://Deplorablepolitics.org

Politicians think: “If we keep you focused on fighting for that emotionally triggering issue over there, you won’t notice this bill we’re passing over here.” Sean’s Monologue: The Outrage Economy Today’s guest, David Beckemeyer, is the host of "Outrage Overload," a podcast dedicated to exploring the outrage industry and finding solutions to toxic polarization. David begins the show by telling us a story of watching relationships erode around him, which led him to launch his podcast. Sean and David discuss the many pieces that work together to cause US citizens such high levels of outrage, plus talk about how politicians on both sides use polarization to simplify their jobs and shrug off accountability. David warns about the inherent danger of people thinking they are on the “right” side, which can justify actions that they would otherwise never perform or accept. He sheds light on the reasons why people feel they can’t have meaningful conversations with people they disagree with, then he tells Sean which intellectual groups feel safe from the possibility of a civil war and which groups fear that our outrage could lead to violence. There are so many news sources out there these days – it’s a wide-open playing field and very difficult to navigate. David talks about strategies that can help us consume news without giving in to emotions, find news sources that are less biased, and become more comfortable with delving into nuance. He warns us that reading only the headline is never enough because the story beneath it might be completely different. We are ignoring HALF of the first amendment! David feels confident that while there is no magic bullet to fix our nation’s outrage economy, there are enough smart people working on the problem to give us hope for our future. He talks about how we must overcome the fundamental psychology of being human and develop critical thinking skills that are not innate to our survival. Remember that Trump is proof that a bottom-up strategy can influence the elites and be satisfied by doing small things that work will toward changing the system. Developing real human connections will help our political identities become less important. Why are humans so good at grouping up? Sean and David discuss the ramifications of another Trump presidency, ways to protect our own mental health, and the idea of adding “media literacy” to curriculums. David tells us the steps for avoiding outrage overload and turning our passion into action (sending a Tweet is NOT action!). Sean asks David to think of examples of time when outrage has led to positive outcomes, then the two ponder the question of whether voters are becoming cynical and tuning out due to our climate of outrage. David stresses the importance of primary voters and their influence on candidates, then shares his tips for having healthy political conversations with family and friends. Listen to David’s podcast by visiting: https://outrageoverload.net

To break our cycle of chaos, we need to understand how we got here. Sean’s Monologue: Free Speech Arrests Via Anti-Terrorism Laws Our guest today is Matthew Warshauer, professor of history at Central Connecticut State University and author of the book Creating and Failing the 9/11 Generation: The Real Story of September 11. Matthew begins the interview by talking about the history of the 9/11 attacks and how the aftermath of this event affected Generation Z, more aptly called “The 9/11 Generation.” Matthew goes on to talk about The Patriot Act, George W. Bush’s infamous “Axis of Evil” State of the Union Address, and other American reactions to 9/11 that blew our nation’s opportunity to improve international relations at a time when the whole world was reaching out to embrace us. He and Sean discuss what led up to the 9/11 attacks and Matthew shares the current reactions of his university students when they read the Declaration of Jihad. Do other countries have a right to exist and to reasonably defend themselves? How does the US project its power? How does “othering” and xenophobia fuel the extreme right? Matthew shares the story behind writing his book and talks about the tightrope of examining such a difficult topic with honesty, but also with respect for the American people who were harmed in so many ways. His book strives to delve past “the tragedy and triumph narrative of 9/11” which only covers what Matthew refers to as the “102 minutes” – from the time that the first plane struck the first tower to the time when that tower fell – which is only a small fraction of the full story. Sean and Matthew talk about the pervasive distrust that young people feel toward government, the upcoming presidential election, and how the Republican Party will look after Trump - ultimately ending the conversation on an optimistic note for the future. To learn more about Matthew Warshauser, his books, and his fantastic Halloween decorations, visit: www.themindfulprofessor.org