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

In this final episode of the year, hosts Carl and Vanessa reflect on the significant events of 2025, discussing personal anecdotes, political developments, and the impact of immigration policies. They explore the rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric, the challenges of housing and rent, and the state of Congress. Looking ahead, they share their plans for the next year, emphasizing the importance of political representation and engagement.

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, hosts Carl and Vanessa discuss various news stories, focusing on Texas SB 8, the Women's Privacy Act, and its implications for transgender rights. They also delve into the recent designation of fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, exploring the drug epidemic in America and the political motivations behind these legislative actions. The conversation highlights personal anecdotes, societal issues, and the importance of understanding different perspectives in political discourse.

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, Carl and Vanessa discuss various topics ranging from holiday shopping experiences to political identity and party switching. Carl shares his journey of switching from the Republican to the Democratic Party, reflecting on his core values and how they align with the Democratic platform. The conversation shifts to current events, including political commentary on the state of the nation, racial profiling, and the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions.

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In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, hosts Carl and Vanessa discuss their recent personal experiences, including accidents and political engagement. They delve into the dynamics of political groups on social media, highlighting the stark differences in reception between conservative and progressive communities. The conversation shifts to the impact of hate speech and division in politics, the spread of misinformation, and current geopolitical tensions, particularly between China and Taiwan. They also touch on military actions and the implications of international relations, concluding with plans for future episodes and community engagement.

Release Date: Monday, November 10, 2025Hosts: Carl Able & VanessaSeries: Crayon Box Weekly – News Review Edition⸻Episode SummaryThis week’s news roundup swings from science that makes you laugh (and then think) to politics that makes you question reality. Carl and Vanessa kick things off with a look at Japan’s latest clinical breakthrough — intestinal oxygen absorption, better known as “butt breathing.” What starts as comic disbelief turns into a serious conversation about medical innovation and emergency care.Then the focus shifts stateside, where Election Day confusion hit new levels. Some voters in Kentucky tried to cast ballots in an election that didn’t exist, while political tensions flared nationwide over mail-in voting, state aid, and Trump’s increasingly erratic influence on upcoming races. From coin shortages to the end of the penny, the hosts close with a grounded (and surprisingly costly) look at the tiny details shaping our economy.⸻In This Episode • 0:08 – Welcome to the new two-part format: News Review & In-Depth • 1:00 – Japan’s “butt breathing” research enters human trials • 5:45 – COVID’s legacy and the search for alternative oxygen methods • 10:30 – Election Day confusion: Kentucky voters show up for the wrong race • 13:00 – Trump’s threats, state aid politics, and the Mamdani election • 18:00 – The Department of War? Trump’s “fit or fired” military directive • 25:00 – The penny’s demise and why rounding up could cost you • 30:40 – What losing Lincoln means and how small change adds up⸻Key Takeaways • Science meets absurdity: “Butt breathing” could save lives — and egos. • Politics remains performance art: Even off-cycle elections can reveal major 2026 energy. • Every cent counts: The penny’s removal could quietly raise costs for cash users.⸻Listen & Engage📩 Submit your news stories: contact@crayonboxpolitics.com🎧 Listen to past episodes: www.crayonboxpolitics.com/podcast💬 Join the discussion: “64” Community on Facebook

This episode kicks off the “States’ Rights” arc of the Chaos or Unity series — exploring how American governance walks the line between independence and interdependence.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Carl and Vanessa peel back the layers of what it actually means to be a “state” in the United States. From the Articles of Confederation to the 10th Amendment, they trace how state sovereignty evolved — and how that independence continues to collide with federal power today. Through humor, history, and a few well-timed tangents (including undercooked military meals and Trump’s platform shoes), they make sense of one of America’s most misunderstood foundations: the balance between chaos and unity.

Key Topics:

• The origins of the states and the Articles of Confederation

• How the Constitution redefined the balance between state and federal power

• The 10th Amendment and the Supremacy Clause explained (without the legal jargon)

• Texas v. White (1869) and why states can’t legally secede

• Federal vs. state authority — from SNAP benefits to National Guard deployment

• Everyday examples: marijuana laws, taxes, and the gray area between local and federal control

• Why the U.S. system confuses the world — and sometimes, us too

Takeaways:

• A “state” is both sovereign and bound — independent within, united without.

• The Constitution intentionally left room for friction; it’s what keeps democracy alive.

• Federal authority may trump state law, but local governance remains the engine of everyday life.

• Understanding these dynamics is key to understanding how—and why—America governs itself the way it does.

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