The Civil Union

31 Episodes
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By: Ryan Granger & Alex Galindo

2 Midwest husbands breaking down politics with humor, receipts, and real-life context you won’t hear on the coasts. 

Venezuela Raid, Jack Smith Testimony, Premiums Skyrocket, Georgia Fraud
#9
01/08/2026

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union,' the host dives into a wide range of pressing issues, from recent political actions to personal grievances. The discussion covers Trump's recent raid in Venezuela, the implications for taxpayers, and questions the motives behind U.S. military interventions. The host also critiques high healthcare costs in the U.S., blaming GOP policies for premiums skyrocket and proposing universal healthcare as a solution. Further political commentary includes critiques of Missouri politicians and the scandal involving Pam Bondi's brother. 

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topics

01:36 M...


Bourbon, Bondi Praises Biden, Bessent spits in his food.
#8
01/05/2026

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union,' the hosts discuss various political and social topics moving into 2026. Kamala Harris opens the episode with a call to unity and the importance of voting. The host reflect on what life could have been like with different leadership, contrasting the current political climate. They share a humorous yet critical commentary on Pam Bondi’s accidental praise of the Biden administration, critique Trump’s immigration and tariff policies, and highlight the absurdity of Trump's updates to the Presidential Walk of Fame. A significant segment discusses the econ...


ICE Voodoo Dolls, Dory’s Vote, and Grifters | 12.21.25
#7
12/22/2025

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In this episode of the Civil Union Podcast, the hosts cover a range of topics from the peculiar behavior of retail workers to political discussions and a playful analysis of Dory from 'Finding Nemo.' They share behind-the-scenes details of their hectic content creation week and discuss political figures like Rob Reiner. Debates on Trump’s actions, ICE detentions, and voodoo dolls are interspersed with humor and personal anecdotes. The show concludes with a thoughtful reflection on holiday stress using a Mel Robbins quote, emphasizing the importance of self-focus and letting go of ot...


Bananas, Mar-A-Lago Face, and Tuscany | 12.12.25
#6
12/12/2025

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In this episode of the Civil Union Podcast, the hosts introduce a new, spirited intro and discuss topics like Mar-a-Lago face affordability, Katie Miller's meltdown, and try out a new game that involves assessing movie characters' political affiliations. Additionally, they talk about a controversial decision by the US National Park Service and the Pantone color of the year. 

00:00 Welcome to the Civil Union Podcast

02:15 Funny Headlines and T-Shirt Ideas

08:01 New Game: How Would Movie Characters Vote?

13:25 Katie Miller's Meltdown and GOP Critique

18:12 Trump's E...


Double Tap Strikes & Unqualified People | 12.05.25
#5
12/05/2025

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In this episode of The Civil Union, the hosts tackle a series of diverse topics, blending humor and serious discourse. They discuss local quirky news, like a drunken raccoon found in a Virginia liquor store, and dive deep into political controversies, including the legality of U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and the Trump administration's appointments of unqualified individuals. They also touch on topics like lab-grown meat, Trump’s Thanksgiving outbursts, and current pop culture mentions. The episode is fueled by a mix of personal anecdotes and strong opinions on pressing political is...


Not So Civil "Seditious Behavior" | 12.02.25
#4
12/02/2025

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union' podcast, the hosts return from a long Thanksgiving break, sharing humorous and authentic stories about their holiday experiences, family drama, and weather woes. The discussion transitions into a political discourse, addressing the influence of politics on family dynamics and the importance of effective communication. Key political topics covered include a controversial video by Democratic lawmakers, Missouri political candidates challenging Ann Wagner, and intriguing local news stories. The episode wraps up with personal reflections and positivity inspired by Mel Robbins' advice.

00:00 Introduction to the Civil...


Civil Bites | 50-Year Mortgages: A Broken Housing System
#302
11/26/2025

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This episode discusses the U.S. housing crisis and explores the proposed 50-year mortgage. It delves into why housing prices continue to rise while incomes stagnate, highlighting the insufficient housing supply and increased mobility of Americans. We also discuss socio-political factors that influence migration patterns, including LGBT laws and racial inequalities. We talk about the proposed long-term mortgage for its impracticality, address the potential consequences of current policies, and stress the urgent need for building and investment, especially in underdeveloped areas, as a viable solution.

00:00 Introduction: The 50-Year Mortgage Proposal
00:11...


Civil Bites | Local Newspaper Wins Big
#301
11/26/2025

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In Marion County, Kansas, a small town dispute escalated into a series of dramatic events involving police raids, press freedom violations, and allegations of misconduct. The conflict stemmed from a divorce case involving a local restaurant owner, Carrie, who was accused of driving without a license. The local newspaper, Marion County Record, became entangled in the dispute and faced severe repercussions, including a police raid on their office and the homes of their staff. The raid led to legal actions, health issues for employees, and the eventual death of the newspaper’s 98-year-old co...


Not So Civil Raids and a Housing Crisis | 11.24.25
#3
11/24/2025

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union' podcast, Midwest husbands Ryan and Alex explore a variety of topics ranging from personal anecdotes to in-depth political discussions. They open with a humorous recap of their weekend, tackling the everyday annoyances of parking woes at Starbucks and discussing favorite local eateries. The conversation transitions to more serious topics, including the housing crisis, the potential impact of 50-year mortgages, and the recent resignation of Marjorie Taylor Green from Congress. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing a high-profile legal case in Marion County...


Not So Civil Government Shutdown | 11.14.25
#2
11/14/2025

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In this episode of the Civil Union Pod, the hosts discuss a range of topics, including the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Trump's construction of a $300 million ballroom at the White House, and the political and economic impacts of Missouri's anti-LGBTQ+ laws. They express frustration over Republican policies affecting healthcare costs and SNAP benefits, and criticize the handling of the shutdown by both parties. The episode also touches on California's Prop 50 outcome, the resignation of Congressman Jared Golden, and the consequences of Missouri's discriminatory legislation on state economics...


Not So Civil Gerrymandering and Stripper Index | 09.09.25
#1
09/09/2025

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Welcome back to the Civil Union Podcast with Ryan and Alex! In the season 2 premiere episode, the duo returns after a summer hiatus, highlighting their trip to Las Vegas and discussing the unforgettable Backstreet Boys concert at the Sphere. They dive into current political issues, including concerns over gerrymandering and Governor Mike Kehoe's actions in Missouri. The conversation gets heated as they critique the Missouri Republicans' stance on redistricting and gun control, especially in the context of a recent school shooting perpetrated by a transgender individual. They also talk about the economic conditions...


Not So Civil Pope Trump Intimidations | 05.09.25
#18
05/09/2025

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union', hosts Alex and Ryan discuss their anecdotes from their week, including dining at local sushi restaurants and dessert spots. They delve into current political controversies such as Trump’s AI-generated Pope image, the scandal involving Ron DeSantis’s Hope Florida foundation, and the arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan. Additionally, they cover updates on the significant reliance of the horse racing industry on foreign workers with H-2B visas and play a fun game comparing quotes from Trump and Darth Vader. The episode wraps up with rema...


Not So Civil Pope Trump Intimidations | 05.09.25
#18
05/09/2025

In this episode of 'The Civil Union', hosts Alex and Ryan discuss their anecdotes from their week, including dining at local sushi restaurants and dessert spots. They delve into current political controversies such as Trump’s AI-generated Pope image, the scandal involving Ron DeSantis’s Hope Florida foundation, and the arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan. Additionally, they cover updates on the significant reliance of the horse racing industry on foreign workers with H-2B visas and play a fun game comparing quotes from Trump and Darth Vader. The episode wraps up with remarks on Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's tact...


Not So Civil DNC Leadership and GOP Gratitude | 05.05.25
#17
05/05/2025

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In this episode of 'Civil Union,' hosts Alex and Ryan discuss a variety of topics from the humorous experience of AI-generated dating ads to the serious issue of political engagement in conservative states. They delve into the challenges faced during a town hall meeting with Senator Chris Murphy and the importance of greater political representation for millennials and Gen Z. The episode also highlights the concerning proposed cuts to funding for a federal suicide prevention hotline and the need for younger leadership in the Democratic Party. Additionally, Alex and Ryan play a...


Not So Civil Student Loans and Federal Disaster Relief | 04.30.25
#16
04/30/2025

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In Episode 16 of the 'Civil Union' podcast, hosts Alex and Ryan discuss their recent outings and tackle pressing political issues. They recount their exciting night at the Alyssa Edwards drag show and a thrilling St. Louis Blues playoff game, adding humorous and candid anecdotes about their adventures. The episode shifts to a serious tone as they delve into the contentious topic of student loan defaults, criticizing recent Trump administration policies, and the implications on the economy. They further explore the political landscape with a game comparing quotes from RuPaul's Drag Race and GOP...


Not So Civil Fictional America and Mace | 04.25.25
#15
04/25/2025

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union,' hosts Alex and Ryan discuss their eventful Easter weekend and delve into various political issues. They start with a controversial Easter message from the President and share their insights on their local soccer team's struggles. The hosts talk about attending a Missouri Democratic fundraiser and discuss the need for new political candidates to challenge incumbents. They also review recent TV shows and highlight their political and social commentaries. The episode transitions into serious discussions about immigration, mass deportations, and how current policies impact both documented...


Not So Civil Bathrooms and Press Freedoms | 04.23.25
#14
04/23/2025

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In the 14th episode of 'The Civil Union' podcast, Alex and Ryan, a married couple residing in a conservative state, provide sharp insights and candid discussions on various political issues. This episode covers their personal weekend activities, including yard work and attending a Remi Wolf concert, and delves into serious political debates about transgender bathroom issues, the erosion of press freedoms by the Trump administration, and the broader implications of current political trends on democracy. The episode ends with an engaging game segment, 'White Lotus or White House,' and a motivational speech...


Not So Civil Planet, A Globe We Called Earth | 04.09.25
#13
04/09/2025

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union' podcast, hosts Alex and Ryan, a married couple from a conservative state, return after a two-week hiatus. They share personal updates, including birthday celebrations, movie nights, and dining experiences, before diving into current political discussions. Topics include the erratic schedules of movie theaters, outrageous posts from Trump's Truth Social platform, political maneuverings in the Republican party, and a controversial military planning breach via a group chat among top officials. The episode also touches on state legislation, amusing lawsuits, and lighter stories, such as Robert Irwin's modeling...


Not So Civil Furries and Deportation Flights | 03.21.25
#12
03/21/2025

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In episode 12 of the Civil Union podcast, hosts Alex and Ryan discuss life updates, including recent weather issues and hobbies like matcha drinks and movie marathons. They delve into political topics like a controversial bill in Texas aimed at curbing non-human behavior in schools, Chief Justice John Roberts' rare public statement responding to Trump, and the implications for handling judicial disagreements. The duo also plays their 'Red State, Blue State, or No State' game, addressing bizarre laws and policies across the USA. Additional topics include challenges to the 2024 election results in North Carolina...


Not So Civil Town Halls and 2nd Amendment Protections | 03.19.25
#11
03/19/2025

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Navigating Political Storms and Local Adventures

In this episode of 'The Civil Union' podcast, Alex and Ryan, a married couple in a conservative state, delve into their hectic week which included severe weather, tornadoes, and a soccer game. They disclose a recent mayoral election and their support for candidate Kara Spencer, touch on Women's History Month by highlighting 'Chef Mel's Sauce,' and discuss the GOP's avoidance of in-person town halls amid backlash. Democrats' struggles and shifting political landscapes, as well as contentious topics like gun rights and health statistics removal...


Not So Civil Economy and a 'Take It Down' Bill | 03.12.25
#10
03/12/2025

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union', hosts Alex and Ryan discuss their personal experiences over the weekend, including a local soccer game and recent movies such as 'Mickey 17' and Pamela Anderson's performance in ‘The Last Showgirl’. The podcast then shifts focus to political issues, analyzing Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico, his unpredictable policies, and the implications on the economy. They also discuss the potential censorship implications of the Take It Down Act, endorsed by Trump. The episode concludes with Bernie Sanders' tour across the Midwest aiming to regain Democratic alignment and...


Not So Civil Adventures in Nashville and Cultural Observations | 03.05.25
#9
03/05/2025

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union,' hosts Alex and Ryan recount their vibrant road trip to Nashville. From Kacey Musgraves' phenomenal performance at The Pinnacle to dining at Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa restaurant, the couple dives deep into their concert experiences and culinary adventures. They also touch on the cultural growth of Nashville and its similarities to other major cities. Humor and real-life challenges pepper their narrative, including Alex's painting escapade at 'Art Urban Nashville,' navigating the city's nightlife, and even a memorable moment of sickness at Hampton Social. Sprinkled...


Not So Civil Politicians and Misinformation | 02.27.25
#8
02/27/2025

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In this episode of The Civil Union, hosts Alex and Ryan navigate their lives and debates in a conservative state, sharing sharp insights and opinions on political issues, including a detailed discussion on same-sex marriage in Missouri and a personal account of their encounter with State Senator Karla May. Asking her to resign and the idea of holding values over party. They also do their weekly ‘Who Said It?’ game featuring quotes from Doechii and Pelosi. Next, they delve into the controversies surrounding abortion statistics in red states post-Roe v. Wade, and the broa...


Not So Civil Politicians and Misinformation | 02.26.25
#8
02/26/2025

In this episode of The Civil Union, hosts Alex and Ryan navigate their lives and debates in a conservative state, sharing sharp insights and opinions on political issues, including a detailed discussion on same-sex marriage in Missouri and a personal account of their encounter with State Senator Karla May. Asking her to resign and the idea of holding values over party. They also do their weekly ‘Who Said It’ game featuring quotes from Doechii and Pelosi. Next, they delve into the controversies surrounding abortion statistics in red states post-Roe v. Wade, and the broader impacts of misinformation in politics and...


Not So Civil Layoffs and Attacks on The Press | 02.19.25
#7
02/19/2025

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In this episode of 'The Civil Union,' Alex and Ryan, a married couple, delve into various topics while navigating the chilly winter in a conservative state. They discuss the ongoing layoffs affecting crucial U.S. departments, including the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, and the implications for national security and public safety. They touch on the controversial DEI lawsuit against Starbucks by Missouri's AG Andrew Bailey and express worries about potential changes to press freedom through a Supreme Court case involving Steve Wynn. The hosts also highlight rising...


Not So Civil Funding Cuts and a Constitutional Crisis | 02.12.25
#6
02/12/2025

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In this episode of 'Civil Union,' hosts Alex and Ryan, kick off with a discussion on Alex's recent bout with the flu and their activities, including painting a soccer Tifo and binge-watching the Twilight movies. The conversation then pivots to a detailed examination of various political and social issues such as AI technology, its impacts, and public fear around it. A thorough critique is given on USAID's recent funding cuts and its global implications. The hosts also discuss other recent political developments including Trump's reversal of Biden's classified information access, FCC investigations...


Not So Civil Musk and Walters | 02.07.25
#5
02/07/2025

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In this episode of 'Civil Union,' hosts Alex and Ryan dive into a variety of topical discussions, combining personal anecdotes with political analysis. They kick off with lighter banter about their week and humorous commentary on public figures like Trump's new press secretary and The Grammys, then move onto serious issues such as Elon Musk's controversial role in the U.S. government, the dismantling of pivotal agencies like the EPA and USAID, and the dire state of public education in Oklahoma under Ryan Walters. The hosts also engage in a trenchant critique...


Not So Civil Tariffs and Government Accountability | 02.03.25
#4
02/03/2025

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In the fourth episode of Civil Union, hosts Alex and Ryan delve into a variety of pressing political issues. The couple passionately discusses the economic and geopolitical impacts of tariffs, emphasizing how these policies ultimately burden American consumers and damage relations with key allies such as Canada and Mexico. They critique the Trump administration's handling of these tariffs and the broader political landscape, highlighting systemic failures and Republican policies. The episode also touches on recent aviation tragedies, linking them to administrative decisions within the FAA, and criticizes Trump's exploitation of these events for...


Not So Civil Confirmation Hearings and Abortion Legislation | 01.31.25
#3
01/31/2025

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Navigating Politics, Personal Stories, and the Pulse of Current Events

In this episode of 'The Civil Union,' Alex and Ryan start by touching on the Chinese New Year and their podcast's journey up to the third episode. The couple dives into engaging discussions about the current political appointments, and confirmations, including Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard. They address the slow implementation of Missouri's pro-choice bill and other passed measures. There's a candid conversation about the ongoing immigration raids and their societal impacts. They also discuss the nationwide implications of recent...


Not So Civil Executive Orders | 01.26.25
#2
01/26/2025

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Trump's First Week: DEI Controversy, WHO Exit, and Immigration Fiascos

In this episode of Civil Union, hosts Alex and Ryan dive into a whirlwind week marked by numerous executive orders from President Trump. They delve into the ramifications of the attempted closure of DEI offices, Trump's request to exit the WHO, and the potential end of birthright citizenship. The episode also touches on the historic significance and current political drama surrounding the Panama Canal and the Paris Climate Agreement. Additionally, the hosts share personal reflections, including Alex's family history and the...


Not So Civil Inauguration and Immigration Raids | 01.22.25
#1
01/22/2025

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Civil Union Podcast: Trump's Inauguration, TikTok Ban, and Political Insights

In this episode of 'Civil Union,' Alex and Ryan discuss the political events of the week, sharing their opinions on Trump's second inauguration, which some have called one of the darkest in history. They cover notable attendees including billionaires and influencers, as well as controversial executive orders and policies, such as Trump's gender executive order, education reform, and immigration raids. The hosts also delve into the temporary TikTok ban, the surge of social media as a news source, the pardoning...