Hostile Dysfunction

In this episode, Joseph Edgar and Ethan Krok sit down with Keith Barton — a 20-year Marine veteran, author, and congressional candidate in Texas.
After more than 16 years navigating the family court system (including representing himself and winning a published custody appeal), Keith has become a strong advocate for family court reform. He offers a clear-eyed look at how government incentives, custody systems, and public policy can either strengthen families or work against them.

Learn more about Keith and his platform:
bartonfortexas.com

In this conversation, Joe and Ethan sit down with Lisa Berlanga, author of Dementia in the Raw: Confessions of a Caregiver Uncensored.
The discussion covers the sandwich generation, early warning signs that feel like gaslighting, the “Zombieland” phase of overnight chaos, sibling drama and Adult Protective Services visits, how to redesign a home for someone with dementia, and why so many caregivers feel completely alone.

Learn more about Lisa and her book:
 https://dementiaintheraw.com

In this thought-provoking episode, Joe and Ethan sit down with Ramon Perez, a former US Air Force intelligence officer and NSA veteran. Roman breaks down his transition from military intelligence to founding the Digital Democracy Project, a nonprofit using secure mobile voting technology and AI to bridge the gap between citizens and their elected officials. Together, they discuss the flaws of the two-party system, gerrymandering, ranked-choice voting, and how AI can act as a translation layer for complex legislation to help hold politicians accountable.

Learn more about Ramon’s work and get involved at digitaldemocracyproject.org.

In this episode, Joe and Ethan dig into what that demographic tipping point actually means. They look at life expectancy gaps between the US and other developed countries, the growing political power of older voters, and how an aging population could reshape everyday life — from driving licenses and city design to nightlife, parks, and consumer spending.

In this episode, Joe and Ethan talk with Joel Rakow, a lifelong Democrat for over 50 years, who walked away and explains exactly why. Joel shares what he witnessed inside institutions, why he left the Democratic Party in 2020, and how “woke” ideology shifted focus from the middle class to fringe group identity. They dig into individual rights vs. group rights, the Constitution as the real foundation of American freedom, the rise of ESG and DEI, political polarization, and Joel’s new AI tool — the Liberty Scorecard — that rates public officials on how well they align with constitutional principles.

Look up Jo...

Join hosts Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok for a conversation with Justin Smith, founder of the dating safety app Cray. This episode digs into the reality of toxic relationships and emotional abuse, the control tactics that keep people stuck, the problems with modern dating apps (scams, catfishing, imbalance), and why so many miss the warning signs until it’s too late. The hosts also share their own experiences and explore the wider cultural fallout — isolation, social media, shifting gender dynamics, and how these relationship breakdowns quietly feed into larger issues around trust, family, and connection.

Cray app: avai...

Joe and Ethan talk with Kevin Stoffman — real estate technology investor, former C-level executive, and father of three — about the growing gap between housing costs and the ability to start a family.

They dig into why so many young people are delaying marriage and kids, how local housing policies either help or crush supply, and what it actually takes to raise a family in today’s market. Kevin also shares his personal story, including raising a child with severe autism, and gives an insider look at what’s working (and failing) in real estate tech.

In this powerful episode, Joe and Ethan talk with Sara Im, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia and author of How I Survived the Killing Fields. Sara spent four years in a forced labor camp during a period when roughly a quarter of Cambodia’s population died. In this conversation she shares what extreme fear and trauma do to a person — and how she eventually found hope, rebuilt her life, and turned her experience into a message of resilience.

Find Sara’s book How I Survived the Killing Fields at saraim.com

In this episode, Joe and Ethan dive into unconventional productivity habits, break down the recent news surrounding virus outbreaks in the DRC, and discuss how the wealthy profit off global emergencies. From the mechanics of government spending and foreign aid to cultural law enforcement differences, we leave no stone unturned.

In this episode Joe and Ethan talk with Jean Kelly Widner, adoptee and author of The Adoption Paradox, about the parts of adoption that rarely get discussed. From sealed birth records and identity loss to the lasting impact of the Baby Scoop Era, Jean challenges the simple “happy ending” narrative and explores the complex realities faced by adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families. 

Where to find Jean’s book The Adoption Paradox:
Amazon or at adoptionparadox.com

In this episode Joe and Ethan dig into media power, censorship, and the collapse of public trust. They break down the decision by major networks not to air Trump’s speech, the rise of “manufactured reality,” and how slogans are increasingly replacing substance. The conversation expands into America’s fading global influence, growing anxiety, and why so many people are now hesitant to have children. 

In this episode, Joe and Ethan talk with Amjad M. Tadros — veteran Middle East journalist and former CBS News producer — about his three decades as a fixer in some of the region’s most dangerous conflicts.

Amjad shares the surreal story of being injured by a cruise missile in Baghdad, meeting Saddam Hussein in the hospital, and how that brief encounter opened doors for years of exclusive reporting. The conversation moves from the chaos of post-invasion Iraq to today’s Iran tensions, the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthis, and why the Middle East remains so volatile.

Get...

In this honest and humorous episode, Joe and Ethan sit down with Gaylen Wilson — heart transplant survivor, 20-years-sober former alcoholic, relationship author, erectile dysfunction advocate, and Certified Thriving Relationship Coach.

Gaylen shares his powerful personal journey from farm failure and alcoholism to surviving a heart transplant, and how these experiences shaped his mission to help people build relationships that feel like a true refuge.

Where to find Gaylen & his work:
Monument Method Institute: monumentmethodinstitute.com
His books on Amazon (search “Gaylen Wilson”)

In this raw and insightful episode, Joe and Ethan sit down with Eric Robinson — a retired FBI Special Agent with 24 years of high-stakes experience.

They dive deep into the realities of deception detection (why micro-expressions and polygraphs often fail), the tension between protecting citizens and becoming the tyrant, and how fear of terrorism has shaped law enforcement while raising concerns about institutions turning inward on their own people.

A candid, humorous, and thought-provoking conversation from someone who’s seen both sides of the badge.

Where to find Eric:
Instagram: @_eric_robinson
His...

In this inspiring episode, Joe and Ethan welcome Guy Morris — multiple award-winning author, tech pioneer, and AI visionary.
They dive deep into his incredible life story, the realities of deception detection, the massive societal changes AI is bringing, and what individuals can do to survive and thrive in the coming wave.

Where to find Guy’s books:
Amazon
Official website: guymorrisbooks.com

In this episode, Joe and Ethan speak with Ed Wilson — UFO historian, author, and NASA archive researcher — about one of the most compelling cases in early space history.

Ed dives deep into the 1966 Gemini XI mission, a strange object captured on film, the missing original NASA photography, and how sensitive images were intercepted and controlled by intelligence agencies (CIA, NRO, and NPIC) during the Cold War. Using declassified documents, chain-of-custody records, and forensic analysis, he makes the case that NASA did not maintain full control of its own space photography.

Where to find Ed Wilson’s book...

In this episode, Joe and Ethan dive deep into the frustrations of modern government, bureaucracy, and why everything feels so broken.

From building a house and getting hit with $26,000 in permit fees to questioning why our political system runs on empty slogans instead of real solutions, they explore government inefficiency, corruption, and whether AI could actually do a better job than politicians.

The hosts also touch on population decline, economic growth, and how our systems seem designed to keep things inefficient. 

In this episode, Joe and Ethan talk with Russell Van Brocklen — a dyslexia researcher and founder of DyslexiaClasses.com — about one of the most misunderstood learning challenges today.

The conversation dives deep into why the current education system fails so many bright kids, how dyslexia is often mistaken for a disability when it can actually be a superpower, and the surprising statistics linking dyslexia to both high achievement (entrepreneurship) and serious struggles (incarceration and homelessness).

Where to find Russell Van Brocklen:
Website & Free Guide: dyslexiaclasses.com

In this eye-opening episode, Joe and Ethan talk with Clifford Brown, a former USAID Mission Director with 27 years of experience across Latin America, Central Asia, and Africa.

Clifford shares firsthand stories from the field, including the terrifying moment his wife was kidnapped in Kyrgyzstan, and reveals what life is really like running missions in unstable countries and war zones. They discuss controversial internal decisions at USAID, the realities of foreign aid, corruption, coups, and what the agency’s sudden termination means for global stability and migration.

Where to find Clifford Brown and his book:
We...

In this episode, Joe talks with Charlie Sheppard right after Charlie finished a 4-day fast. They explore why so many young people today are hesitant or choosing not to have children — from climate anxiety and economic pressures to the collapse of real human connection caused by constant screen time and declining empathy.

A thoughtful conversation about the behavioral and cultural roots of population decline and what it means for our future.

Where to learn more from Charlie Sheppard:
Books: Get Off the Fence and Save Your Drama for Your Mama (available on Amazon)
Wo...

In this episode, Joe and Ethan sit down with Sidney Pines, author of Awakening: A Patriot’s Diary of American Deception, for a raw conversation about America’s growing division.

Sidney shares how an ordinary American became deeply concerned about the growing division in the country and decided to document everything — from mainstream media manipulation and political psyops to family rifts caused by opposing beliefs. The conversation dives headfirst into conspiracies, tribalism, the “three psyops” she believes are tearing America apart, and why honest conversation feels almost impossible today.

Where to find Sidney and her books:

In this episode, Joe and Ethan go straight into one of the most heated topics in America: gun control.

Ethan shares his terrifying real-life experience of being carjacked at gunpoint — in Australia, a country that banned guns over 25 years ago. From there, the conversation explodes into why gun bans often fail in practice, how hard it actually is to hit a target when someone’s shooting back, the explosion of 3D-printed guns, and whether mandatory gun insurance could be a realistic middle ground.

The hosts also break down America’s gun culture, the Second Amendment, backgr...

In this episode, Joe and Ethan talk with retired soldier and author Kenny Dupar about his wild journey from combat in Iraq to writing romance novels.

Kenny shares what dating was really like during COVID lockdowns: from meeting on a dating app and wearing women’s underwear as a mask to the sheer absurdity of trying to build a relationship while the world shut down. He also opens up about divorce, family, trauma, and how humor helped him process it all.

Expect lots of laughs, raw stories, and classic Kenny energy as they discuss pin-up do...

In this episode, Joe and Ethan talk with real estate investor and property manager Justin Pogue, author of Rental Secrets, about the current housing affordability crisis.

They discuss why home prices remain high while some rents are cooling, the real impact of corporations buying single-family homes, and the surprising rise in people living with roommates even among those over 55.

Justin also shares practical insights on how renters can negotiate better and what the market really looks like on the ground.

A timely and straightforward conversation about one of the biggest issues facing Americans...

In this episode, Joe and Ethan dive deep into one of Australia’s most controversial cases — the arrest of decorated war hero Ben Roberts-Smith on war crimes allegations. They explore the Brereton Report, the role of media sensationalism, the psychological reality of soldiers in combat, and the difficult question: how do we judge those we send to war when they come home?

The hosts also discuss authority, obedience, and moral injury (with references to the Milgram and Stanford experiments), and how truth gets lost in public opinion.

Expect strong opinions, dark humor, and no sugarcoating. List...

In this wild and thought-provoking episode, Joe and Ethan talk with author and psychedelic facilitator Diane Colleen about her debut novel They Could Be Saviors.

Diane shares how her own trauma, psychedelic therapy journey, and frustration with extreme wealth inequality inspired a story that blends fiction with radical ideas: billionaire-ism as a mental illness, the power of psychedelics to heal deep wounds, and whether collaboration (not competition) could actually fix the world.

From childhood poverty and sexual assault to psychedelic sessions that saved her life — this conversation is provocative, honest, and full of unexpected laughs.

In this heartwarming episode, Joe and Ethan speak with two remarkable sisters: Relia Skinner(99) and Neoma Soelberg(almost 101), who grew up together in rural Star Valley, Wyoming during the late 1920s and the Great Depression.
The sisters share vivid stories of survival, love, and resilience. They talk about big families, music, dating scandals, the joy of simple things, and how life has changed so dramatically in the last 100 years.
Funny, touching, and full of wisdom from two women who have seen it all.
If you want to hear what life was really like before electricity, refrigerators...

In this powerful episode, Joe and Ethan have an honest and unflinching conversation with Iranian-American activist Zolal Habibi about Iran’s 120-year fight for freedom.

Zolal takes us through the painful history: from the 1953 CIA-backed coup that overthrew Iran’s only democratic government, to the 1979 Revolution that was hijacked, the mass executions, forced hijab, and how foreign powers have repeatedly crushed Iran’s hopes for real democracy.

She explains why women have become the driving force of resistance, the role of the MEK and organized opposition, and why the Iranian people continue to rise despite brutal...

In this episode, Joe and Ethan dive headfirst into the chaos of 2026: Epstein files, Iran conflict, collapsing trust, and the death of shared reality.
The hosts explore how we’ve entered the Age of Lies & Tribes, where truth is optional, narratives are weaponized, and everyone is stuck in their own bubble. From government flip-flopping on Iran to the Epstein cover-up drama and the accelerating singularity, this conversation is straight to the point.

Join hosts Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok in this unfiltered, straight-talking conversation unpacking the biggest economic and labor shifts of the decade. This episode digs into why the job market flipped: demographics, cultural withdrawal, gig economy explosion, and the automation paradox that went from “AI will kill jobs” to “we don’t have enough humans to do them.” The hosts break down real family struggles (kids stuck in education limbo), eye-opening charts (participation rates, Anthropic’s AI impact map), and the broader fallout — China’s population crash, Russia’s demographic panic, and the looming reality that labor scarcity is now the defining e...

Join hosts Joe Edgar and Ethan krok in this in-depth conversation with Lindsay Knerl, an expert in homeschooling with over 20 years of experience educating her six children. This episode explores Lindsay's journey from traditional schooling to homeschooling, her perspectives on the pros and cons of both, and the intricacies involved in balancing career responsibilities with children's education. Discover practical guidance from her book 'Homeschool Hacks' and glean insights into the growing trend of homeschooling, its impact on education, and challenges that come with it. Also, learn about public school systems, trade education, homeschooling policies, and financial strategies for parents...

Join Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok as we dive into an engaging conversation with Ian Noble, founder of Run Steady Investments, who shares his unique journey from taking over his father's dry cleaning business to investing in real estate and mobile home parks. Ian provides insights into the challenges and successes of running a small business, navigating family dynamics, and the strategic shift to real estate to maximize investments and reduce tax burdens. Don't miss out on Ian's practical advice for budding entrepreneurs and his thoughts on the current state of capitalism for the younger generation.

Join Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok in this enlightening conversation with Dr. David Hatch from the University of Texas at Austin's Institute of Fusion Studies. We discuss the intricacies of nuclear fusion, the challenges and strides being made in the field, and the future of energy sustainability. Learn about the differences between fusion and fission, the innovative approaches being explored, and the significance of recent advancements. Dr. Hatch also shares insights into the technological hurdles, the role of private sector investment, and the promising outlook for achieving high fusion gain. Tune in to understand how fusion energy could revolutionize...

In this episode, hosts Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok dive deep into the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They discuss the motivations behind Putin's invasion, the historical context, and the narratives that shape our perceptions. From NATO's influence to the portrayal of Russia in American media, they explore whether the portrayal of Russia as the ultimate enemy is grounded in reality or fueled by propaganda. Tune in as they separate fact from fiction and discuss the global implications of this ongoing conflict.

Join host Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok as they converses with Paul Mussen, author of 'Capital Offense' and investment expert with over 30 years of experience. Paul discusses the reasons behind the widening wealth gap, the effects of central bank policies, and the concept of good deflation. They delve into Paul's journey from an aspiring student in Montreal to a successful career in investment, highlighting the role of interest rates, asset prices, and the importance of informed policy making. Paul shares insights on the housing market crisis, quantitative easing, and the long-term consequences of current economic policies. This episode is...

From Israeli Navy to Global Entrepreneur: Meir Ezra's Journey & Insights
Join Joe Edgar and Ethan krok in a riveting conversation with Meir Ezra, a spiritual entrepreneur and expert in human behavior. Born in Israel and having served in the elite Israeli Navy submarine unit, Meir's journey is nothing short of remarkable. This episode delves into his life in South Africa, the challenges and potentials of the country, and his views on global politics, particularly in Israel and Gaza. Meir shares his unique perspective on education, spirituality, and the essence of good leadership. Don't miss this insightful and thought-provoking...

In this episode of Hostile Dysfunction, hosts Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok explore the complexities and nuances of modern censorship and freedom of speech. They discuss experiences in different countries, the role of media, and the impact of government policies on public discourse. Topics include digital IDs, media manipulation, self-censorship, and the influence of social media and influencers on news dissemination. The hosts also examine how different forms of control—from Russia's coercion to the U.S.'s manipulation—shape public perception and trust in media. Tune in to understand the interconnected chaos shaping the world today.

In this episode, hosts Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok sit down with Paris Cluff, a professional YouTuber and owner of Financial Self-Reliance. Paris shares his fascinating journey from financial downfall, involving risky investments in a Ponzi-like real estate scheme, to rebuilding his life and financial stability. The conversation also delves into Paris's expertise in financial coaching, where he offers actionable advice on budgeting, debt elimination, and smart investing. The discussion takes an intriguing turn as they explore modern conspiracies, including chemtrails, government interventions, and prepping for unforeseen events. Paris emphasizes the importance of preparedness, whether it's financial or survivalist...

In this episode, Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok welcome Ralph Estep Jr., an accomplished accountant, author, and host of several financial podcasts. Ralph shares his expertise on the challenges facing the Social Security system, exploring potential solutions such as raising the retirement age, means testing, and addressing government spending. He also provides valuable advice for individuals on how to secure their financial future, emphasizing the importance of starting early with savings and managing personal finances effectively. The conversation delves into Ralph's personal story, including his unique journey into cattle farming and experiences from his upbringing that shaped his passion...

Joe Edgar and Ethan Krok dive deep into an engaging conversation with Lynette West, a business professional and single mother, who rose to fame through HBO Max's reality series, 'Milf Manor.' Lynette shares her insightful perspectives on community behavior, societal expectations, and her personal journey through addiction, mental health struggles, and recovery. Discover how she navigated family complexities, personal setbacks, and emerged stronger. Don't miss an inspiring episode filled with raw honesty, resilience, and life lessons.