Badlands Media

Taking It Back Ep. 123: Trump, Iran, and the Battle Inside the America First Movement

Adel Nero and Zak Paine dive straight into one of the most heated debates circulating across the America First movement: the backlash surrounding President Trump’s actions toward Iran and the growing accusations that the U.S. is sliding toward another global conflict. With plenty of sarcasm and blunt analysis, the hosts push back on the online narrative that Trump has betrayed his base, arguing instead that geopolitical decisions require far more context and patience than social media outrage allows.
The conversation explores Trump’s track record with military force, the strategic argument for limited strikes against Iranian capabilities, and why many critics may be ignoring the broader diplomatic and regional dynamics at play. Adel and Zak also examine how anti war sentiment is being weaponized to divide the movement itself, and why some influencers may be fueling unnecessary panic.
In the second half of the discussion, the focus shifts to domestic politics with a breakdown of the Texas Senate primary battle between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. The hosts analyze the massive spending disparity in the race, the possibility of strategic endorsements, and how political deal making in Washington can conflict with the will of voters.
Throughout the episode, Adel and Zak emphasize a central theme: big geopolitical moves and political strategy rarely look simple from the outside, and reacting too quickly to headlines can play directly into the hands of those trying to fracture the movement. 
 

The Choice: Beyond Mountains (S2E8)

In the Season 2 finale of The Choice, Ghost and Ashe in America unpack one of the most pivotal moments in the Gospel narrative as the story moves toward the Sermon on the Mount. The episode introduces Judas and explores a fictionalized backstory that examines how ambition, moral compromise, and the temptations of worldly success can shape a man’s path. Through sharp analysis of the show’s storytelling choices, Ghost and Ashe discuss how Judas’s early decisions reveal the tension between pursuing power in the world and following the call of the Messiah.
Meanwhile, the disciples struggle with division, insecurity, and doubt as they prepare for one of the most important teachings of Jesus’ ministry. Against this backdrop of chaos and uncertainty, Jesus works with Matthew to craft the Sermon on the Mount, framing it as a revolutionary manifesto that challenges the moral assumptions of the world.
The hosts break down the symbolism behind “salt of the earth,” the deeper meaning of the Beatitudes, and the contrast between the kingdom of God and the systems of power represented by religious leaders and political scheming. The result is a powerful discussion about humility, righteousness, and what it truly means to follow Christ.

The Daily Herold: 3/5/26 - Regime Change Questions, Election Integrity, and SAVE Act Strategy

Jon Herold hosts a more free flowing Thursday episode, leaning heavily on audience questions while exploring several developing political narratives. Early in the show he discusses reports that President Trump may want influence over selecting Iran’s next leader, raising the obvious question of whether that qualifies as regime change and how that squares with official messaging. Jon also revisits the ongoing election integrity debate, emphasizing that reforms like voter ID and proof of citizenship remain central to restoring trust in the system.
A major portion of the episode focuses on the SAVE America Act and the political maneuvering surrounding it. Jon analyzes how changes in Senate membership could affect the vote count and speculates that Trump may be strategically “rug pulling” the legislation in order to reshape the political landscape before pushing it forward again. Along the way he critiques establishment media narratives, discusses Big Tech accountability, and invites viewers to help suggest potential interview guests for future episodes. The result is a conversational but sharp breakdown of strategy, skepticism, and the importance of questioning political decisions even from allies.

Badlands Daily: 3/5/26 - Tariffs, Peace Talks, and the Art of Leverage

In this March 5 episode of Badlands Daily, CannCon and Alpha Warrior walk through the rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic landscape, focusing on the strategic use of tariffs, global negotiations, and how pressure can be applied without traditional warfare. The conversation centers on President Trump’s approach to economic leverage, particularly through tariffs, and how these tools reshape negotiations on the world stage.
The hosts explore how economic pressure can function as a diplomatic weapon, forcing adversaries and allies alike to reconsider long-standing arrangements. They examine how media narratives often frame tariffs as reckless escalation while ignoring their role as negotiating leverage. CannCon and Alpha also discuss the broader implications of ongoing peace talks and how strategic pressure can create openings for resolution rather than conflict.
Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of recognizing narrative framing, questioning headlines, and understanding the difference between economic confrontation and actual war. The discussion blends economic strategy, geopolitics, and media skepticism while encouraging listeners to look beyond surface-level reporting.

Devolution Power Hour Ep. 437: Narrative Warfare, Iran, and the Battle Over “Israel for Last”

Jon Herold and Burning Bright dive deep into the intense debate surrounding Trump, Iran, and the reaction from both the truth community and the broader public. The hosts examine the sudden narrative shifts happening online, particularly the evolving interpretation of the long-discussed phrase “Israel for last,” and how influencers and commentators adapt their positions in real time when major geopolitical events unfold.
They also explore the psychology of the truth community, discussing why admitting you were wrong has become so difficult for many commentators, and how narrative control plays a central role in modern information warfare. The conversation expands into Trump’s strategic provocations, how public reaction itself may be part of a broader fifth-generation warfare environment, and the role narrative operations play in shaping political perception.
Along the way, Jon and Burning Bright unpack how Trump’s actions often provoke outrage or confusion in the moment but may later appear strategic in hindsight. The episode ultimately asks whether current events surrounding Iran represent a real military escalation, a narrative operation, or something more complex unfolding beneath the surface.

Altered State S4 Ep. 19: Primaries, Political Corruption, and the Iran Debate

Brad Zerbo and Zak Paine open the show with classic Altered State banter before diving into a wide range of political and cultural topics. The conversation begins with a breakdown of recent primary elections and President Trump’s endorsement success rate, including discussion of controversial races and political scandals. From there, the hosts examine government corruption allegations tied to massive fraud investigations in Minnesota, highlighting testimony from state officials and whistleblower claims surrounding the Feeding Our Future scandal.
The episode also explores broader issues like police quotas, questionable DUI arrests, and the challenges of accountability in law enforcement. Later in the show, Brad and Zak shift to geopolitical tensions, discussing the long history of conflict with Iran and Trump’s past warnings about the dangers of nuclear enrichment. They debate whether the current situation represents strategic restraint, deep state manipulation, or a broader restructuring of global power dynamics. Along the way, the hosts mix serious political analysis with personal stories, humor, and commentary on everything from sobriety to bizarre cultural stories circulating online.

The Shipwreck Show Ep. 44: War, Power, and the Cross: When Politics Claims God

Tonight, I’m sitting down with J_T to have a conversation many people avoid—but desperately need.
We’re unpacking war and the language used to sell it.We’re examining the GOP’s relationship with Christianity—and whether faith is being followed or exploited.And we’re asking a question that cuts straight to the core:What does Christianity look like when it’s stripped of party talking points and returned to its actual teachings?No slogans. No blind allegiance.Just truth, conviction, and an honest conversation.
Follow J_T here: https://linktr.ee/jtfollowsjc

Space Revolution Ep. 8: Building Factories in Space and the Logistics That Will Change the Economy

In Episode 8 of Space Revolution, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Steven L. Kwast shifts from theory to practicality, explaining how the future space economy will actually be built. Using a visual walkthrough of the SpaceBilt concept, Kwast breaks down the logistics of constructing satellites and infrastructure directly in space using modular “LEGO-style” components, robotic assembly, and reusable launch systems pioneered by companies like SpaceX. Instead of fragile satellites built on Earth and launched fully assembled, this model sends modular parts into orbit where robotic factories construct satellites in a single day. The approach dramatically lowers costs, allows refueling and repairs in orbit, and enables satellites to be reconfigured or upgraded instead of becoming space junk.
Kwast also explores how maneuverable satellites, modular payloads, and AI-assisted robotics could transform everything from lunar monitoring to space debris recycling. These systems could create an entirely new commercial marketplace in space where companies rent payload space, swap technologies as innovation advances, and build massive structures through modular assembly lines. The episode closes by emphasizing that leadership in space will shape the rules of the next economic frontier, making innovation, security, and responsible stewardship critical as humanity expands beyond Earth.

Tuckabee & The Jews Part 2: Land, Bloodlines, and the Covenant Debate

In Part 2 of their deep dive into the Tucker Carlson and Mike Huckabee interview, Ashe in America and Ghost continue unpacking the theological, historical, and political claims surrounding Israel, biblical land promises, and modern geopolitics.
The conversation explores the question at the center of Tucker’s challenge: who exactly are the people entitled to the biblical promise of land, and how would anyone prove that connection today? Ashe and Ghost examine arguments about ancestry, conversion, DNA, and the claim that modern Israel inherits promises made to Abraham’s descendants thousands of years ago.
They also dig into the broader implications of Christian Zionism, the historical borders described in scripture, and the tension between biblical covenant theology and modern nation-state politics. Along the way, they critique Huckabee’s performance in the interview, arguing that many of Tucker’s core questions went unanswered.
The episode closes with a reflection on intellectual honesty in political and religious debates and a reminder that, for Christians, the central question remains the same: who do you say that Jesus is?

Badlands Media Special Coverage - President Trump's Roundtable on Ratepayer Protection Pledge - 3/4/26

President Donald Trump hosts a White House roundtable with major technology leaders, administration officials, and lawmakers to unveil the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, an initiative designed to prevent rising electricity costs for American households as AI infrastructure rapidly expands.
The discussion centers on the massive energy demands created by AI data centers and the administration’s strategy to ensure those costs are not passed on to consumers. Under the pledge, leading tech companies including Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Amazon Web Services, Oracle, and XAI commit to fully funding the electricity generation and infrastructure required to power their AI facilities, including building new power plants and expanding grid capacity.
Participants highlight how the agreement aims to expand American energy production while strengthening the power grid, creating skilled labor jobs, and positioning the United States to maintain global leadership in artificial intelligence. Officials emphasize that companies will pay for the energy their operations require and invest in local infrastructure, workforce training, and backup power systems for surrounding communities.
Throughout the roundtable, speakers frame the pledge as a partnership between government, industry, and labor to support economic growth, AI innovation, and long term energy stability while protecting American ratepayers from increased electricity costs.