In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly: Interview Edition, we sit down with Andrea LeDew, author of Polemics: Political Poems and Prose, to confront a deeper question behind today’s political chaos:

Are we seeing reality… or the story we’ve been conditioned to believe?

Through poetry, storytelling, and lived experience, this conversation explores how narratives shape political perception, where emotion collides with fact, and how messaging can both clarify and distort the truth.

We break down:
• How storytelling influences what people believe about politics
• Where narrative crosses the line into manipulation
• Why emotion often overrides facts in public discourse
• How distilling complex issues can sharpen understanding—or mislead entirely

This isn’t about left vs right. It’s about how we interpret what we’re told—and whether we’re thinking critically about it.

No talking points. No partisan spin. Just a real conversation about truth, perception, and power.

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly: Interview Edition, Carl Able sits down with a former Trump-affiliated attorney and current CEO of the American Rights Alliance to examine one of the most controversial questions in American politics today:

Is the justice system being weaponized?

This conversation explores the intersection of law, power, and political influence, including:

• Claims of “lawfare” and selective prosecution

• The role of the Department of Justice and state attorneys general

• The legal and ethical boundaries of advocacy in politically charged cases

• Election integrity, fraud allegations, and the limits of the courts

• The case of Tina Peters and broader concerns about due process

• Whether the American justice system is applied equally across political lines

Rather than focusing on partisan talking points, this discussion challenges assumptions from both sides and digs into how the system actually functions — and where it may be breaking down.

No spin. No easy answers. Just a real conversation.

Has the presidency become too powerful?

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly: Interview Edition, Carl Able sits down with retired Marine Nicholas Hensley to examine the steady expansion of executive authority in the United States government.

The U.S. Constitution established a system of checks and balances intended to prevent any one branch from dominating the others. Congress was granted the largest number of enumerated powers, while the president was designed to execute the laws, not dominate the political system. Yet over the course of American history, wars, national emergencies, economic crises, and political gridlock have gradually shifted more power toward the executive branch.

Carl and Nicholas explore how this shift occurred, from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wartime expansion of presidential authority, to the War Powers era during Vietnam, to the post-9/11 Authorizations for Use of Military Force, and the modern use of executive orders, national emergency declarations, and delegated trade authority.

The conversation also examines the role of Congress in enabling this growth and asks a fundamental question: has a stronger presidency made the United States more effective at governing, or has it weakened the constitutional balance the founders intended?

This episode explores the history, constitutional foundations, and modern implications of the expanding presidency.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. And always color outside the lines.

What happens when veterans stop being political props and start organizing as a civic force?

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, Carl sits down with Army veteran and 50501 Veterans leader Katie Chorbak to examine the real state of veteran advocacy in America. This conversation tackles veteran homelessness, nonprofit funding incentives, VA healthcare and community care, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), National Guard deployments, and the broader role veterans play in civic leadership.

They break down how VA funding works, why community care remains controversial, how Military Sexual Trauma reform has evolved, and what accountability should look like inside military and veteran systems. They also discuss the political narrative surrounding veterans and why veteran voices matter in conversations about democracy, public policy, and institutional reform.

Veterans represent just over 6% of the U.S. population. When they organize, advocate, and hold leadership accountable, they become a powerful civic force — not just for themselves, but for the country they served.

If you care about veteran policy, VA reform, military accountability, or the future of civic leadership in America, this conversation is for you.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. And always color outside the lines.

Sometimes you have to laugh just to stay sane.

In this episode of Crayon Box Politics, Carl sits down with journalist and podcaster Bob Gatty, host of Lean to the Left, for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about the political moment we’re living through and why so many Americans feel like they’re watching reality bend in real time.

From media narratives and political tribalism to executive power, polling trends, and the strange new normal of American politics, this episode balances serious insight with the kind of “you seeing this too?” energy that makes tough conversations bearable.

It’s not a debate.

It’s not a meltdown.

It’s two people paying attention and trying to make sense of the absurd.

In this conversation, Zolal Habibi, an Iranian human rights activist, shares her personal journey and the motivations behind her activism for democracy and women's rights in Iran. She discusses the historical context of Iran's political landscape, including the 1979 revolution and the subsequent rise of the current regime. Zolal highlights the role of the Iranian resistance and the recent uprisings, emphasizing the resilience of the Iranian people in their fight for freedom. The conversation also touches on the international community's response to the situation in Iran and the potential future of a democratic Iran as a stabilizing force in the region.

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, hosts Carl Able and Vanessa LaPalm discuss the recent political tensions involving the United States and Venezuela, focusing on President Trump's actions and their implications. They explore the historical context of executive actions without congressional approval, comparing them to past administrations. The conversation also touches on the broader geopolitical landscape, including the role of oil and international relations. Additionally, they address the recent incident involving ICE and its impact on public perception and policy. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding both sides of complex issues and encourage listeners to engage in thoughtful dialogue.

In our first interview of 2026, Dr. Doug Cardell discusses the complexities of economics, particularly the challenges of economic forecasting and the implications for central planning in socialist systems. He emphasizes the chaotic nature of economies, the importance of value creation, and the role of government in regulating markets. The discussion also touches on the transition of industries, the necessity of self-improvement, and the impact of entrepreneurs on society. Dr. Cardell argues against socialism, highlighting its inefficiencies and the importance of capitalism as a system that fosters hope and progress. He concludes by promoting his book, which explores the economic errors that undermine utopian ideals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Doug Cardell

03:12 The Challenges of Economic Forecasting

12:52 The Role of Government in the Economy

18:24 Government Intervention and Economic Morality

25:37 Creating Value in a Changing Job Market

34:30 Transitioning Workers in a Shifting Economy

39:06 The Importance of Hope and Capitalism

43:40 The Misconceptions of Wealth and Capitalism

46:07 The Evolution of Capitalism and Economic Growth

51:30 The Role of Entrepreneurs in Wealth Creation

56:12 The Flaws of Socialism and Historical Context

01:00:53 Spontaneous Order and Self-Interest in Economics

01:09:01 The Dangers of a Socialist Economy

01:16:49 The Purpose of the Book and Final Thoughts