Crayon Box Weekly

Crayon Box Politics
  • 0.0 (0)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dive into the latest developments in state and federal legislation every week with Crayon Box Weekly! Hosted by Carl Able, this grassroots podcast breaks down complex policy updates into digestible, understandable insights.

  1. Is the Presidency Devouring the Other Branches?

    1 DAY AGO

    Is the Presidency Devouring the Other Branches?

    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 largest number of enumerated powers, while the president was designed to execute the laws, not dominate the political system. Yet over the course of American history, wars, national emergencies, economic crises, and political gridlock have gradually shifted more power toward the executive branch. Carl and Nicholas explore how this shift occurred, from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wartime expansion of presidential authority, to the War Powers era during Vietnam, to the post-9/11 Authorizations for Use of Military Force, and the modern use of executive orders, national emergency declarations, and delegated trade authority. The conversation also examines the role of Congress in enabling this growth and asks a fundamental question: has a stronger presidency made the United States more effective at governing, or has it weakened the constitutional balance the founders intended? This episode explores the history, constitutional foundations, and modern implications of the expanding presidency. Stay informed. Stay engaged. And always color outside the lines.

    1h 8m
  2. The Veteran Advantage | What Happens When Veterans Stand Together

    20 FEB

    The Veteran Advantage | What Happens When Veterans Stand Together

    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 (MST), National Guard deployments, and the broader role veterans play in civic leadership. They break down how VA funding works, why community care remains controversial, how Military Sexual Trauma reform has evolved, and what accountability should look like inside military and veteran systems. They also discuss the political narrative surrounding veterans and why veteran voices matter in conversations about democracy, public policy, and institutional reform. Veterans represent just over 6% of the U.S. population. When they organize, advocate, and hold leadership accountable, they become a powerful civic force — not just for themselves, but for the country they served. If you care about veteran policy, VA reform, military accountability, or the future of civic leadership in America, this conversation is for you. Stay informed. Stay engaged. And always color outside the lines.

    1h 14m
  3. This Timeline is a Mess

    13 FEB

    This Timeline is a Mess

    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 executive power, polling trends, and the strange new normal of American politics, this episode balances serious insight with the kind of “you seeing this too?” energy that makes tough conversations bearable. It’s not a debate. It’s not a meltdown. It’s two people paying attention and trying to make sense of the absurd.

    44 min
  4. The Regime’s Fear, the People’s Defiance: Iran at a Point of No Return

    6 FEB

    The Regime’s Fear, the People’s Defiance: Iran at a Point of No Return

    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 uprisings, emphasizing the resilience of the Iranian people in their fight for freedom. The conversation also touches on the international community's response to the situation in Iran and the potential future of a democratic Iran as a stabilizing force in the region.

    1h 12m
  5. America 2026: Superpower or Superbully?

    10 JAN

    America 2026: Superpower or Superbully?

    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.

    59 min
  6. Capitalism Is the Economy of Hope: Dr. Doug Cardell on Socialism, Jobs, and Government

    6 JAN

    Capitalism Is the Economy of Hope: Dr. Doug Cardell on Socialism, Jobs, and Government

    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

    1h 16m
  7. Regression, Scapegoats, and the Road to 2026

    26/12/2025

    Regression, Scapegoats, and the Road to 2026

    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.

    57 min
  8. Trump’s Fentanyl “WMD” Executive Order: Real Change or a Justification for War?

    16/12/2025

    Trump’s Fentanyl “WMD” Executive Order: Real Change or a Justification for War?

    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.

    44 min
See All (44)

About

Dive into the latest developments in state and federal legislation every week with Crayon Box Weekly! Hosted by Carl Able, this grassroots podcast breaks down complex policy updates into digestible, understandable insights.

Information

  • Creator
    Crayon Box Politics
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Crayon Box Politics
  • Show Website
    Crayon Box Weekly