Crayon Box Weekly

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 em...

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”...

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 lar...

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 (M...

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 executiv...

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 uprising...

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 geopolitic...

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, th...

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 politic...

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 highli...

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...

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 spr...

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 b...

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 evo...

Carl and Vanessa close out the Vote or Be Ruled series with a grounded discussion on why voting still matters—even when it feels futile. They explore voter apathy, political longevity, age in leadership, and how personal participation keeps democracy from decaying into complacency. ⸻ Key Topics & Corrections Voting Frequency and Civic Power • There’s always an election happening somewhere in t...

Carl and Vanessa dissect America’s democratic mythos—how the Electoral College, primary system, and party elites shape outcomes long before voters step into a booth. The discussion threads from the Founders’ elitism to the 2024 Democratic transition, revealing how much “representation” is managed behind the curtain. Correction: The Electoral College originated in 1787—not to deny democracy, but to...

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, Carl and co-host Vanessa explore the evolution of voting rights in America, discussing key amendments such as the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. They delve into historical contexts and legal frameworks that shaped voting eligibility, including age requirements tied to the Vietnam War draft, wo...

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, host Carl, joined by guest host Vanessa, discuss the progression of voting rights and systems, focusing on the adoption of the Australian voting system in the United States. The conversation covers the historical context of public voting, the impact of the secret ballot on voter confidentiality, and how different states manage election regulations. They also d...

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, we discuss the historical and contemporary significance of protest in maintaining democratic freedoms. We review key moments in American history, such as the Boston Tea Party and recent movements like BLM, to demonstrate the impact of protest on societal change. As we move forward it is important to emphasize the importance of staying informed, engaged, and pr...

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, We discuss the evolving landscape of civil liberties and government actions impacting the right to protest. We highlight the increase in anti-protest legislation, with 45 states introducing over 350 bills since 2017, the establishment of National Guard units for public order, and heightened surveillance measures such as geofence warrants and facial recognition...

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, we discuss the evolving landscape of protest rights post 9/11. We delve into the impact of the US Patriot Act and how it facilitated federal overreach, specifically targeting African American protestors and downplaying far-right threats. We also address controversial government tactics like fusion centers, drone surveillance, and secret police methods in prote...

In this episode of Crayon Box Weekly, we dive into the historical development and legal foundations of the right to protest in the United States. We explore its origins from English legal traditions and the influence of philosophical figures like John Locke and Montesquieu, through the passage of the Bill of Rights and key Supreme Court decisions. Our discussion highlights significant protests and...

Crayon Box Weekly is hitting pause—but not for long. In this special update episode, hosts Carl and Avery announce a temporary hiatus to focus on personal matters and major updates to the Crayon Box Politics platform. The podcast will return in September with brand-new political content, including an exclusive interview with Alexander Moss, author of The De Federalized Democrat. Carl and Avery ref...

This episode of Crayon Box Politics Weekly is all about the tangled web of religion and politics in the U.S. From the commercialization of faith by high-profile figures to the latest state and federal legislation on religious freedoms, Carl and co-host Avery dive deep into the complexities and absurdities shaping our lives one bill at a time. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us keep the sh...

This week, hosts Carl and Avery discuss recent federal and state legislation affecting protest rights, including resolutions from Rep. Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene, executive orders, and key Supreme Court rulings. The episode also touches on the international context, comparing U.S. policies to those in other countries. They round off with an update on recent political issues includin...