The Obvious Podcast

In this episode, Peter and Sonny review a 1979 interview between Nobel laureate economist Milton Friedman and Phil Donahue, where capitalism and free enterprise are presented as the only alternative for the improvement of most of society. They illustrate their conversation with examples of countries that have experienced socialism and communism when compared with post-World War II Japan’s economy....

In this episode, Peter and Sonny recap and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ABC Institute Apprenticeship College, with the 2025 graduation of 110 students, who will be building America in seven construction trades. It was a ceremony that culminated the apprenticeship and achievements of our students as they transition into a new array of professional opportunities. Enjoy a powerful 10-minute vide...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny are joined by a special guest: Israel Silva, the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of the ABC Institute. They all delve into Israel’s background and his path to building his American Dream. They also discuss mentorship, taking advantage of opportunities,  the ABC Institute’s mission, and the recent graduation ceremony. A must-see/listen episode. The full audiovi...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the natural limitations of the left's politics, their failures in the last election, and how their message hasn’t really changed. They discuss how can we focus on the “collective agenda” when we can’t agree on basic truths. They also touch on Cynthia Gonzalez (Vice Mayor of Cudahy, CA) video calling for local gang members to defend their territory agai...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny wish everyone a Happy Independence Day as they discuss how socialism has harmed many countries. They praise the USA’s contributions to the world as we reach our 249th anniversary, and they also explain how ABC has contributed to that success through the growth of our chapter, promoting meritocracy, establishing the ABC Cares Foundation, influencing government affai...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and its subsequent cover-up while still running for reelection. They touch on the Jake Tapper book and the possibility of unelected officials taking decisions on his behalf. Who was really running the country? If you want to see Bob Hope’s 1940 movie clip, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a6YdNmK77k...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the impact that toxic leadership has, how to recognize it, how to prevent it, and how easy it is to transition from one to the other. The full audiovisual version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Vnqkj4jLW30  “The Obvious Podcast” is a production of ABC Florida East Coast Chapter. Unless otherwise stated, all content reflects the op...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the democratization of misinformation, using examples such as Biden’s mental acuity, Tapper's promotion of his new book, and the litany of hypocritical issues that fall apart upon closer examination. The full audiovisual version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sMpbtQWiwIw “The Obvious Podcast” is a production of ABC Florida Ea...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny celebrate 40 episodes by discussing the upcoming ABC National Legislative Conference, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., later this month. We will be sharing our legislative priorities and merit shop philosophy with members of Congress and senators.  The full audiovisual version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eg3Oo_3nFtY   “The...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the lessons that our society did not learn from COVID. Issues like our antibiotics, medical supplies, and semiconductor supply shortages due to our reliance on other countries. The full audiovisual version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3L3eZtnJ31M “The Obvious Podcast” is a production of ABC Florida East Coast Chapter. Unless oth...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss an article in which Mike Rowe raises the alarm about seven million able-bodied men leaving the workforce in the US and how this deteriorates the fabric of society in our country. Males are currently declining in college education and societal engagement. ABC Institute Apprenticeship College is a solid alternative to those interested in returning to the work...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss Cardinal Robert Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV. They chat about the conclave process and the election's repercussions for the Catholic Church and the Christian world in general.  The full audiovisual version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3wCsAD3r_cg   “The Obvious Podcast” is a production of ABC Florida East Coast C...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss our recent partnership with Space Florida, which was signed on April 29th at the Kennedy Space Center. ABC-FEC and ABCI will have a 2nd headquarters at this, the busiest space port in the world, where the workforce goes beyond engineers and scientists. Success at ABC-FEC is happening in many avenues, and the future looks bright. We are in a “What a week! Wh...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny take the show on the road. They taped live in Orlando from Coverings 2025, the preeminent event for North America’s ceramic tile and natural stone industry for more than 32 years. They interview Rudy Llerena, President & CEO of D&B Tile Distributors, and a Board Member at the ABC Institute Apprenticeship College. They discuss the Coverings show, how ABC mem...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny deconstruct Katherine Maher's testimony in Congress before the DOGE Committee. Ms. Maher is NPR’s CEO. They center on the questioning by U.S. Representative Brandon Gill (R-TX). You can find the Schweddy Balls SNL skit by clicking here .  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPpcfH_HHH8 The link to NPR’s CEO testimony can be found by clicking here . https://www.you...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss how Gen Z (1997-2012) is currently being attracted to the Republican Party's MAGA movement. They have shifted to a politically more conservative position than their parents' generation. They discuss their trends and how they are influencing society these days. “The Obvious Podcast” is a production of ABC Florida East Coast Chapter. Unless otherwis...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny dive into President Trump's new tariff policy and its wide-ranging impact. They discuss how the policy has the left in turmoil, the stock market's reaction, praise from Michigan unions, and the legacy media's double standards in covering the issue. They also explore the reasons behind the tariffs and how they’re designed to benefit U.S. industries. T...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny deconstruct a story about illegal alien crossings from Canada that ran on 60 Minutes a couple of weeks ago. They point out the contradictions within the story and the source interviewed for it. To view the entire 60 Minute episode, click the following link - https://www.cbsnews.com/video/60minutes-2025-03-23/ The full audiovisual version of this episode is availabl...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny celebrate 30 episodes of our podcast by recapping all that happened at the 2025 ABC National Convention in Las Vegas. They go in-depth on the National Craft Championship, the Construction Management Competition, and our chapter's multiple awards obtained during the event. To download a copy of our 2024 Year in Success Report, click the following link: https://...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss what this new administration means for our industry: construction. This includes labor, immigration, essential work, and the need to be careful of the doctored images that currently circulate on social media. Check out this lively conversation, which touches on many more topics related to the exciting outlook on our country’s future. To receive a digital co...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss property taxes, how they are unconstitutional, and why they must be abolished. Governor Ron DeSantis has mentioned the issue, and our hosts delve into why this makes sense. They also share data on our podcast channel and how much we have grown since we launched in August of last year.  To download a copy of our 2024 Year in Success Report, click this link:...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the Oval Office confrontation between the Ukrainian President and our President and VP. They also touch on the undetermined amount of aid received by Ukraine so far. They also recommend you watch the entire 45-minute Oval Office meeting, instead of the 5-minute clip currently shown by the media. To check the ABC News interview with Marco Rubio, click this l...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss how meritocracy and construction work together. One of ABC’s top values is Merit Shop, which, as Martin Luther King stated, is about being judged on the content of your character and not the color of your skin. They also touch on the small percentage of construction workers (under 10%), currently union members. In Florida, the non-union construction workers...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss if there are long-term benefits that stand from having been influenced by Western colonization in the United States and other places in the world. They argue that the cultures colonized by Wester civilization, to this day, still enjoy long-term benefits while accepting that it had it was not a smooth and fair-for-all process. To read the article Sonny refer...

In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the launch of the ABC Cares Mental Health App, designed to support the well-being of workers in the construction industry. They are joined by Sam Wilcox, from our partner organization HARC. Together they describe how this app aims to make a significant impact on the construction industry in South Florida. The conversation highlights the app’s role in addres...