Brad Polumbo joins us to break down today’s political discourse, right-wing media shifts, and cancel culture in the Trump era. We explore how social media accelerates public opinion swings, why checks and balances matter more than ever, and what independent media can do to keep both sides honest.Brad explains how Trump narrowed the “big tent” of conservatism, the internal GOP fights over fiscal responsibility, omnibus bills, and proposed age limit reforms. They also dive into immigration policy, focusing on due process versus national security. Plus, Brad shares audience engagement trends—rising social division and heated gender identity debates reshaping online communities.🔑 Key Topics:• Political discourse & media polarization• Cancel culture’s impact on debate• Evolution of right-wing media in the Trump era• GOP fiscal battles, omnibus bills, age limit reforms• Immigration policy & due process• Social division & gender identity trends👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Elevated Thoughts. #BradPolumbo #ElevatedThoughts #MediaPolarization #CancelCulture #Conservatism00:00 Restoring Productive Discourse03:42 The Evolution of Right-Wing Media07:28 Navigating the New Independent Media Landscape09:37 The Pendulum of Political Discourse12:53 Checks and Balances in a Polarized Era17:14 Legislating for Possibilities vs. Realities22:01 The Role of Due Process in Immigration Policy28:12 Defining Modern Conservatism30:46 The Evolution of Conservatism33:06 Deficits and Spending: A Conservative Dilemma36:29 The Internal Struggle of the Republican Party39:58 The Omnibus Bill Crisis41:51 Age Limits in Politics: A Necessary Reform50:15 Engaging with the Audience: A Two-Way Conversation𝕏 Follow Brad on X → https://x.com/brad_polumbo🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!

We sat down with Dr. Hugh Thomas, field director at Zagora and co‑lead of the Pack_Up archaeological project in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, to separate sensational pseudo‑archaeology from rigorous science.

From the 7,000‑year‑old mustatil ritual rectangles scattered across the desert to the epic excavations at Zagora in Greece, Dr. Thomas takes us behind the scenes of real fieldwork: the stakes of destructive excavation, the necessity of ethical reburial of human remains, and why each dig is literally a “one‑shot” opportunity to preserve context.

We explore how community archaeology empowers local stakeholders to combat conspiracy theories and how groundbreaking lab methods like radiocarbon (C¹⁴) and bioapatite dating, isotope analysis, and even protein fingerprinting of ancient cattle teeth, are transforming our understanding of Neolithic ritual practices.

If you’ve ever wondered how honest archaeology stacks up against fast‑and‑loose myths about Atlantis, aliens, or lost super‑civilizations, this is the conversation to stick around for.

𝕏 Follow our guest on X → https://x.com/hughs_news

And Follow the Pack_Up Project here → https://x.com/PAKEP_KSA

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00:00 Introduction to Archaeology and Its Misconceptions

02:54 Real Experiences in Archaeology

06:02 Excavation Techniques and Ethical Considerations

09:04 Challenges of Field Work in Remote Locations

12:00 The Reality of Excavating Human Remains

14:55 Understanding Ancient Structures in Saudi Arabia

18:03 The Significance of Mustatil Structures

20:52 Ethics in Archaeology and Human Remains

23:56 Cultural Perspectives on Archaeological Practices

33:08 Ancient Cults and Community Structures

36:26 Modern Archaeological Techniques and Discoveries

39:24 The Role of Local Communities in Archaeology

42:37 Challenging Archaeological Orthodoxy

46:11 The Importance of Science Communication in Archaeology

49:44 Adapting Theories in Light of New Evidence

55:44 The Physical Demands of Archaeological Excavation

01:04:34 Engaging with the Public and Future of Archaeology

Classical archaeologist Dr. Joseph Wilson (UMass Amherst) takes us inside the world of archaeological echo chambers and alt-history conspiracies.

Learn how click-bait communicators block critical voices, why “symmetrical vases” aren’t proof of lost ice-age civilizations in the archaeological record, and how forged artifacts flood the antiquities market. Joe breaks down the real scientific methods—field excavation, provenance analysis, isotope testing—that professional archaeologists use to separate fact from fiction.

Whether you’re curious about Atlantis myths, Gobekli Tepe preservation, or the tactics behind echo-chamber thinking, Dr. Wilson arms you with the tools to spot bad archaeology and demand better discourse. Hit subscribe and ring the bell so you never miss another deep dive with Elevated Thoughts.

𝕏 Follow our guest on X and BlueSky:

https://x.com/JosephAPWilson1

https://bsky.app/profile/josephapwilson.bsky.social

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We are also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

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#archaeology #ancienthistory #debunkingmyths

00:00 – Intro & Podcast Welcome

02:09 – Meet Dr. Joseph Wilson

02:50 – Joe’s Academic Background & Early Research

07:10 – The Rise of Alternative Archaeology Online

13:57 – Science vs. Pseudoscience in the Field

20:00 – Confronting Echo Chambers & Troll Tactics

26:18 – Authentic vs. Forged Artifacts Explained

32:00 – Site Preservation & Infrastructure Myths

40:08 – Archaeology as Humanities & Science

50:45 – Funding Cuts & Policy Challenges

57:44 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Joe

China's critical mineral supply chains, rare earths, cobalt, tariffs, US reliance—our latest episode unpacks how exposed America has become with our guest, Mahnaz Khan, VP of Policy for Critical Minerals at the Silverado Policy Accelerator.

We dig into where we get the tiny magnets inside your AirPods, the subsidies that warp “free trade,” and the high‑stakes game of critical minerals exports and imports. From China’s early acquisition of DRC cobalt mines to the 95% U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earths, this conversation reveals exactly why critical minerals have become the centerpiece of global competition.

You’ll hear Mahnaz explain the “Great, mineral hope” for domestic production, the urgency behind a proposed Trade Defense Pack, and the real costs of letting Beijing steam‑roll ahead. Whether you’re curious about the politics, the economics, or the tech under your fingertips, this episode delivers both insider insight and actionable takeaways.

💎 Follow Mahnaz on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahnaz-khan

🇺🇸 Follow Silverado Policy Accelerator on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/silverado-accelerator?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

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🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535

💬 What do you think? Comment below!

#supplychain #chinaeconomy #minerals

00:00 Introduction

03:02 Understanding Critical Minerals

06:04 The Role of U.S. Trade Agencies

09:05 China's Influence on Critical Minerals

12:08 The Rare Earths Story

15:00 Cobalt and Global Supply Dynamics

18:12 U.S. Domestic Production Challenges

20:48 China's Belt and Road Initiative

24:10 Strategies for Ethical Supply Chains

28:05 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Life

28:56 Understanding Bilateral Relations and Trade Policies

30:07 Critical Minerals and Trade Agreements

33:05 China's Influence in Global Supply Chains

35:54 Challenges of Product Dumping and Tariffs

38:56 Addressing Labor Issues in Mining

41:59 The U.S. Perception in Global Markets

44:04 The Role of the U.S. in Global Supply Chains

46:02 Circular Economy and Recycling Initiatives

50:00 Future Directions for U.S. Trade Policy

Trump tariffs, the looming global trade war, supply chain disruption, and trade deficits are all at the forefront in this episode of Elevated Thoughts.

Our guest, Adam Cochran, lays out how Trump’s new tariff tactics are shaking global markets, impacting everything from U.S. manufacturing to international trade relationships with China, Vietnam, and the EU. This discussion offers a comprehensive look at volatile policy shifts and the evolving dynamics of modern economic strategy.

We break down the ripple effects of these tariffs on supply chains, market stability, and global economic competitiveness. If you’re looking to understand the profound impact of U.S. trade policy in today’s interconnected world, hit subscribe and stay tuned for more expert insights on Elevated Thoughts.

𝕏 Follow Adam on X and YouTube:

https://x.com/adamscochran

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@AdamOnFinance⁩

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@AdamSCochran⁩

🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms

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💬 What do you think? Comment below!

#tariffs #trumpnews #economy

00:00 Introduction to Economic Discourse

02:56 Understanding Tariffs and Trade Deficits

06:02 The Impact of Tariffs on Global Relations

09:11 Historical Context of Tariffs

11:53 The Complexity of Supply Chains

14:58 Market Reactions and Economic Predictions

18:02 The Role of Debt in Economic Stability

20:58 The Future of Trade Relations with China

27:43 Closing the Competition Gap with China

29:44 The Power of Trade Blocks Against US Tariffs

31:51 The Impact of US Foreign Policy on Global Relations

32:43 Trust in Expertise and the Influence of Social Media

36:33 The Dangers of Overreliance on Experts

39:05 Soft Power and the Success of USAID Programs

42:03 Government Inefficiencies and Budget Auditing

43:21 Understanding NFTs and the Pudgy Penguins

45:51 The Future of Stable Coins and Cryptocurrency Regulation

49:10 The Impossibility of Returning to a Gold Standard

In this episode of Elevated Thoughts, guests Ben A. Vagle (Treasury policy analyst) and Stephen G. Brooks (Dartmouth professor) challenge the conventional narrative about China’s economic prowess. #china #economy #policy Based on their upcoming book, Command of Commerce: America’s Enduring Economic Power Advantage Over China, they reveal why China’s rise may be more overhyped than it appears. Discover how traditional metrics like GDP fail to capture true economic power, why multinational corporations and high-tech innovation keep America ahead, and how tariffs, global alliances, and overcapacity play into this complex rivalry.📖 Preorder our guest's book → CommandofCommerce.com🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!00:00 Introduction to the US-China Economic War02:26 Understanding the Treasury's Role in Economic Strategy04:54 The Genesis of the Book: Research and Insights07:32 Challenging Conventional Wisdom on US-China Relations09:38 Economic Metrics: Profits vs. GDP12:37 The Complexity of Global Supply Chains15:41 The Semiconductor Industry: A Critical Choke Point18:38 The Importance of Multilateral Alliances20:52 Leveraging Economic Relationships with China23:38 The Risks of Unilateral Actions26:55 The Future of US-China Relations: A Balanced Perspective29:39 China's Economic Perception vs. Reality31:03 The Dynamics of U.S.-China Relations33:00 Understanding China's Overcapacity Crisis37:00 The Impact of Tariffs on Global Trade41:08 The Role of Allies in Constraining China44:57 The Future of Manufacturing in the U.S.49:06 Strategic Use of Tariffs and Economic Policy

Eric Olander, Editor-in-Chief of the China Global South Project, exposes a seismic global shift reshaping our world. From America’s crumbling social contract to China’s rapid innovation, he argues that the traditional West has lost its grip.In this explosive episode, Eric unpacks bold insights into a new global order where old alliances are breaking down and emerging powers are rewriting the rules. Tune in to discover why “there is no more West” and what that means for our future.📖 Check out the China-Global South Project → https://chinaglobalsouth.com/🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 Spotify → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!

Aviation journalist Jeff Wise breaks down the perplexing mystery of MH370.

We explore his theory that suggests cyber sabotage may have altered the plane’s signals—linking drifting buoy data, NOAA research, and sophisticated electronic warfare to a global conspiracy.

Join this discussion on the missing Malaysia Flight MH370, emerging technologies, geopolitical maneuvers, and how a polluted information environment could be rewriting the narrative of one of aviation’s greatest enigmas.

📖 Get our guest's book → https://a.co/d/8ttykFL

𝕏 Follow our guest on X → https://x.com/ManvBrain

#mh370 #mystery #cybersecurity

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00:00 – Introduction to MH370 and Recent Developments

01:40 – The Complexity of MH370 and Community Involvement

04:39 – NOAA Data and Barnacle Research

07:36 – Ocean Infinity's Search Efforts

10:22 – Theories on the Plane's Disappearance

13:31 – Challenges in the Information Environment

16:35 – Public Perception and Scientific Process

19:32 – The Political Landscape Surrounding MH370

22:28 – Conclusion and Future Directions

28:20 – The Disappearance of MH370: A New Perspective

34:21 – Cybersecurity and Aviation: A Growing Concern

38:10 – The Complexity of Modern Threats

43:27 – Geopolitical Implications: Russia vs. China

51:13 – Misinformation and Democracy: A Call to Action

55:54 – The Slippery Slope of Free Speech

00:58:46 – Democracy and the Exchange of Ideas

01:00:24 – The Dilemma of Expertise in Modern Society

01:03:36 – The Challenge of Misinformation

01:07:30 – Distinguishing Between Theories and Notions

01:11:21 – The Virality of Ideas and Misinformation

01:15:38 – Conclusion and Reflections on the Conversation