John Riley Project

John Riley
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Pursue Happiness. John Riley discusses San Diego news stories and interviews politicians, community leaders, athletes, coaches, authors and influencers. Topics including free market economics, entrepreneurism, politics, leadership, current events, sports, history and philosophy. We discuss living your life on your own terms, having the political freedom to make your own choices, and a variety of topics that give life meaning and joy. We broadcast from Poway CA in the San Diego metropolitan area.

  1. Donald Trump's War on Iran, Remembering Jimmy Carter, 395 Checkpoints, Peaky Blinders

    2D AGO

    Donald Trump's War on Iran, Remembering Jimmy Carter, 395 Checkpoints, Peaky Blinders

    Trump is going to war against Iran! This is long overdue, but the way Trump is going about it is all wrong! We remember Jimmy Carter, the Iran Hostage Crisis, and the surprising bright spots in Jimmy Carter’s presidency. I share my thoughts on the drive along Hwy 395 in the Eastern Sierras to visit friends in Tahoe/Reno while wondering what the point is of these state inspection checkpoints. Finally, I’m rewatching Peaky Blinders preparing for the new movie. It’s amazing how much I missed or forgot. It’s Wednesday, March 4, 2026. This is what John Riley thinks. Thoughts on Iran War Trump’s War against Iran has me thinking. 10 years ago, I would have condemned this war effort categorically, but I’ve changed. I realize that you need to take on evil and defeat it. Iran is evil. The religious leadership slaughtered tens of thousands of Iranian protesters. Women are treated like second class citizens. Iran funds organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah which commit terrorist acts against Israel. Iran held American hostages for 14 months. Iran should have been dealt with an exceedingly long time ago, by both Israel and USA. But the way Trump is going about it is all wrong. There is no moral case made to the American people. The US objective is not clearly defined. What exactly are we trying to achieve? Plus, Congress hasn’t approved war per the Constitution. It’s another of these warmongering adventures pushed by an all-powerful POTUS. The end does not justify the means. Yet still, I am happy to see the Ayatollah eliminated. I am happy to see Iranian leadership taken out. I would be thrilled if the Iranian regime collapsed. I don’t even know yet what might replace it, but at least there is an opportunity for real change. The people in Iran seem ready to oust the clerics and install a more secular state. I’ve got to be careful I don’t fall for my own wishful thinking. What I want isn’t necessarily what I’ll get. I have this utopian future vision of the Middle East: without religious rule without sharia law without centuries old conflicts without terrorism with protection of individual rights with a productive economy with peaceful trade with professional diplomacy with friendly tourism with democracy It’s nice to think of such things. But let’s be realistic. It’s not going to happen. It certainly didn’t happen in Iraq or Afghanistan. Why should I expect otherwise? So many mixed feelings about this war. BTW, just a few observations. It seemed like it was just yesterday when MAGA was American First. They didn’t want regime change wars, forever wars. Many of the key voices like JD Vance or Tulsi Gabbard have kept quiet or are quickly changing their tune. It goes to show you that very few people have true guiding principles. Most just want to be a winner. Far too many will flip on their positions quickly. Most are not grounded in any sort of philosophical framework. Another thought. As a taxpayer what exactly is your Fair Share of war spending? What if you strongly oppose this war? Should you or I be on the hook for the tab? It’s a fair question to those that demand taxpayers pay increasingly higher and higher amounts. Rethinking Jimmy Carter This Iran War brings up the history of America’s relationship with Iran and naturally that leads us to 1979. This was when the Iranian Revolution ejected the Shah of Iran and installed a brutal Muslim theocracy. Revolutionaries invaded the US Embassy and held sixty-six hostages for up 444 days. This was the Jimmy Carter era, and his reputation took a horrible beating. I remember I was 14 years old. America was in the doldrums. The economy sucked. We had inflation. Then the hostage crisis. Jimmy Carter never stood a chance against Reagan in the 1980 election. People just wanted change. People wanted to feel good again. But upon reflection, I have really come around to support Jimmy Carter. He was the Great Deregulator. Carter deregulated oil prices, airlines, trucking and telecommunications and BEER!, wanted to withdraw from South Korea, sought disarming of nuclear weapons, peace accord with Israel and Egypt… and did extraordinarily little damage compared to other POTUSs. “America has the greatest economic system in the world. Let’s reduce government interference and give it a chance to work.” -President Jimmy Carter Looking back now, President Carter should have been more aggressive trying to get the hostages back. I remember a failed secret mission to save the hostages. Carter should have done so much more not just to win back Americans held against their will, but to confront this evil Iranian religious zealotry that robbed Iranians of their rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Eastern Sierras, Good Friends, and Checkpoints It’s that time of year again where I visit my old college friends on a trip to North Lake Tahoe and Reno. It’s an annual excursion of 8-20 guys each year. We were all UC San Diego fraternity mates back in the 1980s. Many of us are still close. But for some guys, we only see each other on this specific trip. It has turned into a memorial for our friend Brad who passed away a few years ago. Lots of good vibes and brotherly love. In case you are wondering, the group skis every day, but I just join them for dinner, drinks, and craps for 2 nights. I really enjoy this trip, but for many different reasons. I really like the drive up the 395. The Eastern Sierra Nevada Range is spectacular, especially in the winter. Fresh virgin snow in meadows on the side of the road. Old throwback Americana towns. The climate goes from metropolitan to high desert to alpine and eventually back to a metropolitan area. So much to see but also so much quality time to myself. I really value that time. I allow myself to decompress, listen to podcasts and turn off the noise of demands of others. I give myself time to think and wonder and dream. I do have one observation that I want to discuss. As I am returning and crossing into the State of California near Topaz Lake there is a fruit inspection checkpoint. Why is this not staffed? Don’t get me wrong. I don’t like the checkpoints. I’m happy to drive straight on through. But why isn’t it staffed? Is it seasonal? Speaking of which, there’s a fruit checkpoint when crossing the CA border on the I-15 near Las Vegas and it is rarely open. Plus, what happened to the immigration checkpoint in Camp Pendleton or Fallbrook/15? Those are rarely staffed at all. Count me as thankful. Those checkpoints are a waste of time and money. They delay my travels. Frankly, I wonder if they are even consistent with the 4th Amendment that protects people from unreasonable search and seizure. The trip was great. Looking forward to next year! Rewatching Peaky Blinders Since the new Peaky Blinders movie is coming out soon, I decided to enjoy myself by rewatching the TV series. I’m just into Season 2 and this show is fantastic. It’s amazing how much better I understand a series when I watch it again. I am much more aware of plot lines, details and subtleties. I didn’t remember the “Irish Job” killing Eammon Duggan. I didn’t fully understand the depth of PTSD that these men experienced in WW1. Their trauma, coping mechanisms and rage are so intricately linked to their gangster lifestyle. I didn’t fully appreciate how Tommy Shelby’s mind worked. I didn’t see the depth of the dichotomy of Good vs Evil morality and ruthless Winning vs Losing, and how that conflict came up repeatedly. About 5 years ago while traveling with family, we took a Peaky Blinders tour in Liverpool England. Many of the scenes were filmed there. I remember our tour guide being a real personality. He even dressed like Tommy Shelby. He brought along images from the series that corresponded to our location in Liverpool. It was nice to reconnect those places on the show to the real-life views in Liverpool. It was also fulfilling to remember those good vibes and shared experiences with my wife and son on the tour. I wish my daughter could have joined us. Looking forward to watching the rest of the series. #americafirst #donaldtrump #venezuela #nicolasmaduro #iran #freedom #muslim #jimmycarter #ayatollah #israel #womensrights #electricvehicle #ev #hyundai #easternsierras #hwy395 #us395 #checkpoints #peakyblinders #tommyshelby Thank you to our livestream participants in the Community Forum. Thank you to all that listen and view. Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It is FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/ Be sure to share this video with a friend! Sponsors: Happiness76.com – your source of gear that celebrates Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. https://happiness76.com PowayStore.com – your source for Poway T–shirts, gifts, and other Poway swag. https://powaystore.com/ I also co-host a podcast with legendary sports talk icon, Lee Hacksaw Hamilton. Check out Lee Hacksaw Hamilton’s podcast every Monday and Thursday at 1pm PT on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.youtube.com/@LeeHacksawHamiltonSports/videos ☆☆    STAY CONNECTED    ☆☆ SUBSCRIBE for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/ TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway INSTAGRAM ➡  https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/ SPONSOR ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/sponsorship/ DONATE ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/donations/donation-form/ MUSIC ➡  https://www.purple-planet.com

    54 min
  2. Minneapolis ICE Shooting & Authoritarianism, Trump's Venezuela Plan, Individualism vs Collectivism

    JAN 10

    Minneapolis ICE Shooting & Authoritarianism, Trump's Venezuela Plan, Individualism vs Collectivism

    Happy New Year! This Minnesota ICE shooting story has captivated the nation. It’s like a political Rorschach Test… you see what your political mind thinks it sees. Was JD Vance gaslighting the press as he scolded them about their coverage? Meanwhile, Trump has invaded Venezuela and continues making overtures about Greenland. We discuss Trump’s potential plans, as well as the future of the Western Hemisphere. Finally, we breakdown Mohram Zamdani’s comments about the frigidity of individualism versus the warmth of Collectivism. It’s Friday, January 9, 2026. This is what John Riley thinks. Minneapolis ICE Murder Video review (like the NFL) Different interpretations based on political POV JD Vance – don’t believe what your eyes show you, Orwellian Authoritarian I have no problem with illegal immigrants. Trump’s Venezuela Plan Removing Socialist Dictator, replace with another. Gangs enforcing anti-USA policies. More trade, less war is best – Trump does opposite Sphere’s of Influence? Western Hemisphere vs Russia/Euro vs China/Asia New era of global power? Greenland too? What if USA annexed all nations in North and South America? It would be a mess. We all have different views of utopia. Better to create a free trade zone, support rule of law, champion liberty. What’s next? Individualism vs Collectivism Zohran Mamdani quote Definition of Each Slide of examples #americafirst #donaldtrump #immigration #trade #tariffs #bigbeautifulbill #venezuela #nicolasmaduro #freetrade #freetradezone #nyc #zohranmamdani #individualism #collectivism #illegalimmigration #ice #kristinoem #minnesota #minneapolis Thank you to our livestream participants in the Community Forum. Thank you to all that listen and view. Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It is FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/ Be sure to share this video with a friend! Sponsors: Happiness76.com – your source of gear that celebrates Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. https://happiness76.com PowayStore.com – your source for Poway T–shirts, gifts, and other Poway swag. https://powaystore.com/ I also co-host a podcast with legendary sports talk icon, Lee Hacksaw Hamilton. Check out Lee Hacksaw Hamilton’s podcast every Monday and Thursday at 1pm PT on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.youtube.com/@LeeHacksawHamiltonSports/videos ☆☆    STAY CONNECTED    ☆☆ SUBSCRIBE for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/ TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway INSTAGRAM ➡  https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/ SPONSOR ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/sponsorship/ DONATE ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/donations/donation-form/ MUSIC ➡  https://www.purple-planet.com

    1h 1m
  3. Trump Accounts vs Social Security, Travel Bans, Tom Steyer CA YIMBY, Grok AI Review, Poway Springett

    12/05/2025

    Trump Accounts vs Social Security, Travel Bans, Tom Steyer CA YIMBY, Grok AI Review, Poway Springett

    Are we seeing the beginnings of something that might fix or replace Social Security? Dell Computer founder Michael Dell and his wife Susan are donating $6.25B to fund children under 10 years old to supplement Trump Accounts for newborns. These private accounts will grow faster than Social Security. Trump sees an opportunity to throw gas on the immigration fire by enacting greater travel bans. Costco is fighting back against Trump tariffs. Is Tom Steyer the CA YIMBY hero we need? Bernie Sanders and class warfare. Plus, Elon Musk, Grok AI, and Vanessa Springett in Poway. What a show! It’s Thursday, December 4, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks. Michael Dell giving away $6.25B …. to replace Social Security? Libs still angry about it. They want higher taxes. They want to make him donate instead to low income only, etc. Libs don’t see voluntary charity by billionaires as noble. Goes to show you that they don’t really support altruism as much as they think they do. They just want to tear down their imaginary oppressors. Could this be a replacement for Social Security? Trump Account = $1,000 for every newborn when you open account Dell donating $6.25B gives some children under ten $250 seed money but only in zip codes with median income below $150,000. Others can donate up to $2500 of pretax money to specific child accounts. Managed by US Treasury. US equity index funds Charge no more than 0.1% Assuming a 7% return, the $1,000 seed money becomes approx. $3,570 in 18 years. Magic of compound interest Some states like CA, CT, DC pilot similar programs https://apnews.com/article/trump-accounts-kids-michael-dell-1831095c23ead75b67edc65ead5309fd Travel Bans. Trump revoking citizenship or legal resident status. In response to Afghan shooting National Guardsman Pausing immigration from nineteen restricted nations. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem wants to expand this to 30-32 nations. President Trump has recently vowed to “denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any foreign national who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western civilization”, as part of a broader, ongoing immigration crackdown MAGA says they only object to ILLEGAL immigration. You sure? Trump’s choice to revoke citizenship or legal resident status shows this was just a bigoted, racist policy from the start. It’s a clear virtue signal to MAGA base. Too many have lost sight about America’s founding values and history. Tom Steyer CA YIMBY Hero? Candidate for CA Governor. Former Dem Candidate for POTUS. Billionaire. Made billions as hedge fund investor. Now investing in liberal/environmental causes. He gets it. We need to build more. Wants to deregulate new construction. He’s a billionaire Dems like, but we’ll see. Will they vote for him for Gov? Sometimes he tries too hard to virtue signal that he is a commoner. Costco sues Trump over tariffs. Want to be well positioned to get refunds should SCOTUS overrule tariffs. POTUS has no authority. Rightful lawsuit. There is no emergency. Great to see Corporate America fighting back. So many Costco goods, especially non-food items, are imported. Tariffs are a terrible economic policy. Elon Musk Grok AI is Mind Blowing Voice activated while driving. Very conversational. Friendly. Asking questions about podcast. Sharing ideas. Will challenge you. Will brainstorm with you. Can customize tone and voices. Ancestry research was very surprising. Trying to think what I might ask it to help me with Billionaires aren’t the reason you’re broke. So many divisive posts on X trying to get people angry with each other. Many politicians using social media teams putting up questions or screeching about issues to stir the pot. So much is about division Us vs Them, Rich vs Poor, Citizens vs Illegal Immigrants Bernie Sanders example. Zero sum assumption is FALSE. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg make money by offering value to customers. But hey, if you want to end the green tech subsidies for Musk, then go for it. The billionaires aren’t stealing from you. They are trading with you. They help build and expand the economy. Vanessa Springett to replace Tony Blain in Poway? Spoke recently to Poway Democratic Club Candidate for D2 to replace Tony Blain Jared Wilson too? New names? Good to see Vanessa jumping back in the arena. #poway #trump #housing #tonyblain #perjury #bribery #stevevaus #tariffs #vanessaspringett #trumpaccounts #michaeldell #dellcomputer #berniesanders #classwarfare #elonmusk #grok #xai #jeffbezos #markzuckerberg #travelban #costco #tomsteyer #yimby #socialsecurity #maga Thank you to our livestream participants in the Community Forum. Thank you to all that listen and view. Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It is FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/ Be sure to share this video with a friend! Sponsors: Happiness76.com – your source of gear that celebrates Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. https://happiness76.com PowayStore.com – your source for Poway T–shirts, gifts, and other Poway swag. https://powaystore.com/ I also co-host a podcast with legendary sports talk icon, Lee Hacksaw Hamilton. Check out Lee Hacksaw Hamilton’s podcast every Monday and Thursday at 1pm PT on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.youtube.com/@LeeHacksawHamiltonSports/videos ☆☆    STAY CONNECTED    ☆☆ SUBSCRIBE for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/ TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway INSTAGRAM ➡  https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/ SPONSOR ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/sponsorship/ DONATE ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/donations/donation-form/ MUSIC ➡  https://www.purple-planet.com

    1h 14m
  4. Why is Everything So Expensive? Poway Tony Blain News. MAGA angry at Ken Burns American Revolution.

    11/20/2025

    Why is Everything So Expensive? Poway Tony Blain News. MAGA angry at Ken Burns American Revolution.

    Why is everything so expensive? We break down the average family budget and discuss a range of government policies that increase prices unnecessarily on American consumers. Poway councilman Tony Blain has been indicted. Is he back stateside or still on deployment? Who might run against him? Plus, the Ken Burns documentary The American Revolution has evoked rage from MAGA because it doesn’t always portray our Founding Fathers in the best possible light. It’s Wednesday, November 19, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks. What is everything so expensive? Because govt tax and regulation policies distort the market. Overall: Money Printing Housing: NIMBY, Tariffs Food: Tariffs Transportation: Tariffs, Fuel Taxes Why are poor and working class not allowed to use same tools as wealthy? Who will replace Poway Councilman Tony Blain? New update – waiting on his return to Poway? City Council weighing April vs June election. Standalone or with June primary? Next election speculation: Vaus pick, Springett/Wilson, Tony Russo, who? Ken Burns American Revolution documentary angers MAGA. MAGA angry with information about George Washington owning slaves, pushed in face. Project today’s values backwards. Fighting for freedom but not for everyone. Noble ideals but flawed execution. Our founders were heroes but not angels. Our founders lived in contradiction.  The times of the day were different. The Revolutionary War was still a huge step in the positive direction for freedom. Civil War is an eye-opening new idea for me. Project 1776 values forward. Seeing themes of that time in context today. Project forward. Reinforcement of Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness People demand freedom. People angry about taxes/tariffs People thinking in terms of “liberty for me, but not for thee.” Equality of rights #SanDiego #poway #trump #housing #tonyblain #perjury #bribery #stevevaus #tariffs #kenburns #MAGA #georgewashington #americanrevolution #zohranmamdani Thank you to our livestream participants in the Community Forum. Thank you to all that listen and view. Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It is FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/ Be sure to share this video with a friend! Sponsors: Happiness76.com – your source of gear that celebrates Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. https://happiness76.com PowayStore.com – your source for Poway T–shirts, gifts, and other Poway swag. https://powaystore.com/ I also co-host a podcast with legendary sports talk icon, Lee Hacksaw Hamilton. Check out Lee Hacksaw Hamilton’s podcast every Monday and Thursday at 1pm PT on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.youtube.com/@LeeHacksawHamiltonSports/videos ☆☆    STAY CONNECTED    ☆☆ SUBSCRIBE for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/ TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway INSTAGRAM ➡  https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/ SPONSOR ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/sponsorship/ DONATE ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/donations/donation-form/ MUSIC ➡  https://www.purple-planet.com

    54 min
  5. Trump Bailing Out Argentina?, San Diego Fighting ADUs, Poway Tony Blain Indictment

    10/31/2025

    Trump Bailing Out Argentina?, San Diego Fighting ADUs, Poway Tony Blain Indictment

    Is Trump bailing out Argentina? It’s complicated. We break down the positive and negatives of Javier Milei’s Argentina turnaround. San Diego homeowners are upset when ADUs are built towering over their backyard fence. But do people understand why these distortions are happening? Poway Councilman Tony Blain has been indicted for perjury, bribes and much more. Meanwhile, there is a Recall Tony Blain campaign happening right now. Is there a way he can survive this? I share my ballot choices which only include Prop 50. Plus, a lesson in the pursuit of happiness. How do you identify good vs evil? Is there a better way? We broke down the Win-Win Matrix. It’s Thursday, October 30, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks. Trump is Bailing Out Argentina? Many Americans are complaining about the $40B for Argentina while the US government is shut down and SNAP & ACA subsidies will stop. Not a bailout. Argentina running surpluses. Decelerated inflation from 20% per month to 2% per month (Oct 2025) Deregulation – eliminated import licenses, lifted prices controls, removed rent control. Attracted foreign investment. Increased economic activity. Economy and wages growing. Reduced poverty from 52.9% to 40%. Then what is the $40B for? $20B currency swap to shore up confidence in “international investors” after previous regional elections indicated Milei’s side may lose nationally. Currency stabilization, political support/lifeline, geopolitical strategy, economic stabilization. The other $20B is from private sources to help achieve similar objectives. Ultimately a way for Trump to save foreign investors and build geopolitical alliances than a desire to help the people of Argentina. BTW, there is plenty of money available for ACA and SNAP subsidies. The govt spends $7T per year. Just open up the govt. Better solution = work to eliminate poverty, not continue to prop up safety net programs. Embattled San Diego Homeowners Fighting ADUs https://www.facebook.com/reel/1934223690485389 Poway Councilman Tony Blain Indicted. Will He Survive Recall? Embattled Poway Councilmember Tony Blain was charged with four felonies and a misdemeanor Friday, less than two weeks away from his recall election. The District Attorney’s Office charged Blaine with perjury, asking for a bribe, soliciting a bribe and destruction of public papers, as well as a misdemeanor for stealing a campaign sign. The charging document says Blain committed perjury on or about Sept. 24, 2024, by allegedly swearing in a complaint to the Fair Political Practices Commission that he was a current Poway Councilmember before being elected. Blain is also accused of one count of asking for a bribe and another of soliciting a bribe. In those charges, the D.A.’s filing says between Dec. 22, 2024, and Jan. 9, 2025, he allegedly agreed to vote for appointing Councilmember Peter De Hoff as deputy mayor in exchange for De Hoff’s vote in favor of a special election to fill a council vacancy. The complaint also alleges that between Dec. 7, 2024, and Sept. 18, 2025, Blain knowingly destroyed “communications relating to city business that were subject to discloser under the California Public Records Act” and took steps to “evade compliance with that Act.” https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2025/10/24/poway-councilmember-tony-blain-charged-with-four-felonies-ahead-of-recall Deployed overseas? What is legal process? Recall likely? Blain supporters because he is anti-Vaus. LOL My Ballot, Prop 50 Harry Levine, Pomerado News, Just Sayin’ Op-Ed It’s not a vote for or against gerrymandering. WTF? Biblical reference Eye for Eye? Turn other cheek? It’s neither. It’s a matter of standing up for principle in fair elections. Pick a different battle. Lessons in Pursuing Happiness – Win-Win Matrix Common Moral POV: Are you a good person who wants to help his fellow man or a Lying, cheating bastard? Reinforced by centuries of religion. But are those the only two options? If you are not one, does that mean you must be the other? Yaron Brook, Ayn Rand Institute, Podcaster opened my eyes to a different way to see this. Win-Win Matrix. Lots of confusion What is “selfish”? Are there two kinds of selfishness? What is “good”? What is sacrifice? Are there two kinds of sacrifice? What should we strive for? This is a model I hope to use moving forward to discuss a wide variety of different topics in the podcast. #SanDiego #poway #trump #housing #prop50 #gerrymandering #argentina #javiermilei #winwin #motherteresa #adu #grannyflat #tonyblain #perjury #bribery #stevevaus Thank you to our livestream participants in the Community Forum. Thank you to all that listen and view. Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It is FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/ Be sure to share this video with a friend! Sponsors: Happiness76.com – your source of gear that celebrates Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. https://happiness76.com PowayStore.com – your source for Poway T–shirts, gifts, and other Poway swag. https://powaystore.com/ I also co-host a podcast with legendary sports talk icon, Lee Hacksaw Hamilton. Check out Lee Hacksaw Hamilton’s podcast every Monday and Thursday at 1pm PT on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.youtube.com/@LeeHacksawHamiltonSports/videos ☆☆    STAY CONNECTED    ☆☆ SUBSCRIBE for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/ TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway INSTAGRAM ➡  https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/ SPONSOR ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/sponsorship/ DONATE ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/donations/donation-form/ MUSIC ➡  https://www.purple-planet.com

    55 min
  6. America is an Idea - No Kings, CA Prop 50 Gerrymandering Moral? SB79 Housing, San Diego Tour, Poway

    10/18/2025

    America is an Idea - No Kings, CA Prop 50 Gerrymandering Moral? SB79 Housing, San Diego Tour, Poway

    Today we discuss Trump and Gaza, America is an Idea, CA Prop 50 Gerrymandering, CA SB79 and the Housing Crisis, Best Places for a quick San Diego Tour, Rush is touring again!, Poway’s struggle with the City in the County idea, Tony Blain Poway Recall, and much more. Got a question or comment? Drop your take in the live chat on YouTube, X or Facebook to join the Community Forum. It’s Friday, October 17, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks. Trump Gaza Ceasefire It’s a ceasefire and hostage exchange, not peace. Will it hold? I have doubts. Trump sees it as a rebuilding effort, not 1 vs 2 state solution. Trump is a con man. America is an Idea – No Kings Immigration/ICE, Blood and Soil Inalienable Rights Education System Failing Rush is Touring Again! All-time favorites Incredibly happy for Geddy and Alex Anika Gilles Pursue Happiness, don’t sacrifice your interests because of Neil. Neil tribute Rooting for new drummer CA Prop 50 – Gerrymandering Is gerrymandering a good policy? Principles vs Pragmatism Pick Your Battles GOP vs Dem vs Independent CA SB79 – High Density Housing near Mass Transit What is it? Newsom signs it Housing Crisis Implications in San Diego County (San Diego, East County, Poway) Visit San Diego in a Half Day Old Town Petco Park Seaport Village Cabrillo Monument (skipped) Mission Bay Boardwalk, Roller Coaster La Jolla Cove, Children’s Pool Mt Soledad Torrey Pines State Reserve Dinner at Jakes, Del Mar Poway City vs Country Is Poway’s motto The City in the Country dead? Is it a contradiction? Or both? Great article on Substack https://carfreeamerica.substack.com/p/the-rise-of-blandville-the-cost-of Europe understands how to do Urban Cities and Rural Country. In America, many cities combine the two and get disastrous results. Americans want it all. Single family home, big yard, city conveniences, quiet neighborhoods, open space, fast roads, retail stores, jobs, etc. We get Big Box stores with giant parking lots, too much traffic, unwalkable neighborhoods, and a complete obliteration of any semblance of country. We have created Blandville. Blend of urban and rural Soulless, sprawling, overly wide streets, dead downtown, huge setbacks, car-depending, under-utilized parks Not vibrant or charming Stroads Neighborhoods with lots of useless open space Restaurants and coffee shops banned by zoning. Highly walkable banned by zoning Lack of community energy Minimum parking requirements for retail and create big unfilled lots. Height limits (Poway and Coastal Commission) Opposition to density around traffic stops Europe has vibrant, dense downtowns…  rural countryside, and small villages with small downtown energy. Results are non-human, no energy, disconnected. Poway’s city motto has been dead for 20+ years. It harkens back to a time in the past. Recommend making Poway Rd a narrow, diagonal parking, downtown feel Poway Street. Redirect traffic to actual Roads (Twin Peaks, Scripps Poway Parkway, Espola, Pomerado, Community?) Recommend allowing mixed use in neighborhoods (multi family, retail, restaurant, coffee) Poway Tony Blain Recall Finally get to vote Does he survive? #SanDiego #poway #trump #sb79 #housing #prop50 #gerrymandering #gaza #inalienablerights #strongtowns #stroads #tonyblain #propertytax Thank you to our livestream participants in the Community Forum. Thank you to all that listen and view. Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It is FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/ Be sure to share this video with a friend! Sponsors: Happiness76.com – your source of gear that celebrates Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. https://happiness76.com PowayStore.com – your source for Poway T–shirts, gifts, and other Poway swag. https://powaystore.com/ I also co-host a podcast with legendary sports talk icon, Lee Hacksaw Hamilton. Check out Lee Hacksaw Hamilton’s podcast every Monday and Thursday at 1pm PT on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.youtube.com/@LeeHacksawHamiltonSports/videos ☆☆    STAY CONNECTED    ☆☆ SUBSCRIBE for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/ TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway INSTAGRAM ➡  https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/ SPONSOR ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/sponsorship/ DONATE ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/donations/donation-form/ MUSIC ➡  https://www.purple-planet.com

    1h 33m
  7. BOOK REVIEW: Pete Neild - Memories of Driving Calypso

    10/09/2025

    BOOK REVIEW: Pete Neild - Memories of Driving Calypso

    Good to be back! Our favorite guest, Pete Neild, joins me to discuss his new e-book (working title Memories of Driving Calypso. It’s an exploration of the songs that backup Pete’s pursuit of happiness. Feel join us on the live chat with questions and comments. It’s Wednesday, October 8, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks. Pete Neild shares his passion project documenting the songs and stories of his life. Regular people write autobiographies, but Pete is not a regular person. LOL. Pete has created a set of YouTube playlists that include hundreds of his video recordings along with accompanying music that sets the mood for special memories in his life. Each video is accompanied by a PDF link of a 1–3-page story that describes in greater detail the meaning of the music and how it is linked to his special memories. This started out as road trip music when he picked up his custom Corvette from the factory in Bowling Green KY. It has grown to include a wide range of other stories involving Navy, Poway, Maui and much more. Pete enjoys both driving to these background songs and taking in the full audio experience while floating in his backyard pool. This is the first time I have ever witnessed someone outlining, documenting, and cross referencing their key moments in their life linked to videos and music encapsulated in YouTube playlists. Have you heard of such a thing? Thanks Pete! Here is the link to the YouTube Playlist currently called “DRIVING CALYPSO”, note that the name might change but it will not affect the link to the playlist. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjkQQaCQ4NZjIPChzej7GhkBDbRXENZkG&si=jmVjJz__kIm1D6N7 Here is the link to the PDF of the PowerPoint slides music selection slides (all 8 of them): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKL7_i0SdXSw5CZ7-RY9u87Bmt2SvHnB/view?usp=drive_link #SanDiego #poway #peteneild #maui #poway #usnavy #seastories #calypso Thank you to our livestream participants in the Community Forum. Thank you to all that listen and view. Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It is FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/ Be sure to share this video with a friend! Sponsors: Happiness76.com – your source of gear that celebrates Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. https://happiness76.com PowayStore.com – your source for Poway T–shirts, gifts, and other Poway swag. https://powaystore.com/ I also co-host a podcast with legendary sports talk icon, Lee Hacksaw Hamilton. Check out Lee Hacksaw Hamilton’s podcast every Monday and Thursday at 1pm PT on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.youtube.com/@LeeHacksawHamiltonSports/videos ☆☆    STAY CONNECTED    ☆☆ SUBSCRIBE for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/ TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway INSTAGRAM ➡  https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/ SPONSOR ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/sponsorship/ DONATE ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/donations/donation-form/ MUSIC ➡  https://www.purple-planet.com

    1h 31m
  8. When Protesting Backfires, Cusp of WW3?, MAGA Libertarian Regret, Ed Franklin No Limits

    06/19/2025

    When Protesting Backfires, Cusp of WW3?, MAGA Libertarian Regret, Ed Franklin No Limits

    How can you protest for equal rights while violating it at the same time? When protestors block the road, they undermine their cause. Trump now competes as a phone entrepreneur while regulating his competition with tariffs. World War 3 is just a stupid move from happening and now MAGA Libertarians are finally giving up on Trump. Plus, I share thoughts on my recent appearance on the Ed Franklin – No Limits podcast. It’s Wednesday, June 18, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks. WHEN PROTESTING BACKFIRES. Anti-ICE protesters forcibly block traffic, then get near runover by a car driver. LW, inconvenience, deal with it. RW friends want to run over the protesters and wipe them out (damn right!). Hypocrisy – protesting right to freely travel in America. The other guy has rights too. Piss off others. Local law enforcement Ayn Rand quote Civil disobedience may be justifiable, in some cases, when and if an individual disobeys a law in order to bring an issue to court, as a test case. Such an action involves respect for legality and a protest directed only at a particular law which the individual seeks an opportunity to prove to be unjust. The same is true of a group of individuals when and if the risks involved are their own. But there is no justification, in a civilized society, for the kind of mass civil disobedience that involves the violation of the rights of others—regardless of whether the demonstrators’ goal is good or evil. The end does not justify the means. No one’s rights can be secured by the violation of the rights of others. Mass disobedience is an assault on the concept of rights: it is a mob’s defiance of legality as such. CONNOR BOYACK: The most revolutionary act in today’s world isn’t protesting in the streets—it’s raising critical-thinking kids who question political authority, who are skeptical of media, and who operate independently and self-sufficiently. https://x.com/cboyack/status/1935424278239031335 CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? Trump phones? You’ve got to be kidding. Tariff guy going into phone business. Made in America? Rig the system. Trump University? Trump Vodka? $2.9B Crypto Wealth? then finding a way to personally profit from it. Will this go down like Trump University? Trump Vodka? Trump Steaks? Or will this go down like the $2.9T in crypto assets his family has amassed. Trump has no principles other than enriching Trump. There is no consistent policy philosophy guiding his world view. END THE WAR ON DAY 1? Trump took office to end the wars. There were 2 then. Now there are 3. “Day 1” promise = BS detector Trump is a Con Man. More power, less democracy. MAGA LIBERTARIAN REGRET. Libertarians that jumped ship to support Trump. Innovative Strategy to get something. Dave Smith example. Get us out of foreign wars! Now Iran vs Israel with Trump bravado. Con man to get vote. We tried to warn them. Trump is not trustworthy, does not really care about freedom. WORLD WAR 3? Israel vs Iran conflict. Israel meets all of their objectives in 1-2 weeks. Another WMD lie? Some want a regime change (Tulsi!) Trump threatening to assassinate Iran religious leader. What if irrational actors jump in? America should oppose Iran and its leadership for a variety of reasons including US Hostage Crisis, Human Rights, separation of church and state. Iran is the greater villain. US leadership needs to be as a vocal supporter of our inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This cannot turn into a war involving American troops. Trump likes proving he is better than everyone thinks he is. Trump and his bravado are going to make this worse. Unconditional surrender. Stay focused. NO KINGS OR QUEENS. LWs love No Kings Protest. Bernie Over 5M people Energy in San Diego. Considered attending. Next time bring a card table, microphones, and a video camera. FAREWELL TO KINGS? Did the protest make that big of a difference? Protesters broad community support, affinity, affirmation. Move the needle? I don’t think so. JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY #2. ALL slaves understood that they were free. Free at Last! Did not learn as a student. Celebrate as Independence Day #2 AMAZON AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, addressed his employees. transformational power of AI. expected layoffs at Amazon. Agents that you can speak to in natural language that will do tasks for you using a range of AI tools like writing a business plan, writing computer code, running errands, etc. Moving Fast. Amazon already has 1000 initiatives underway. The big message to me in this article is to fully embrace AI. 60-year-old Tool to achieve higher goals. Be innovative. Rote work effortless. Stay productive. Don’t cling to old models. ED FRANKLIN – NO LIMITS. New episode. Proud. Talk about similar things, but in very different ways. Result = being better, achieving success and ultimately pursuing your happiness.\ This podcast gave me greater confidence that my Pursue Happiness message has an opportunity for success. I just need to keep reinforcing the idea using current events. #SanDiego #poway #tonyblain #donaldtrump #tariffs #freetrade #americafirst #davesmith #edfranklin #juneteenth #amazon #ai #nokings #libertarian #aynrand Thank you to our livestream participants in the Community Forum. Thank you to all that listen and view. Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It is FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/ Be sure to share this video with a friend! Sponsors: Happiness76.com – your source of gear that celebrates Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. https://happiness76.com PowayStore.com – your source for Poway T–shirts, gifts, and other Poway swag. https://powaystore.com/ I also co-host a podcast with legendary sports talk icon, Lee Hacksaw Hamilton. Check out Lee Hacksaw Hamilton’s podcast every Monday and Thursday at 1pm PT on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.youtube.com/@LeeHacksawHamiltonSports/videos ☆☆    STAY CONNECTED    ☆☆ SUBSCRIBE for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/ TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway INSTAGRAM ➡  https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/ SPONSOR ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/sponsorship/ DONATE ➡  https://johnrileyproject.com/donations/donation-form/ MUSIC ➡  https://www.purple-planet.com

    1 hr
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5
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9 Ratings

About

Pursue Happiness. John Riley discusses San Diego news stories and interviews politicians, community leaders, athletes, coaches, authors and influencers. Topics including free market economics, entrepreneurism, politics, leadership, current events, sports, history and philosophy. We discuss living your life on your own terms, having the political freedom to make your own choices, and a variety of topics that give life meaning and joy. We broadcast from Poway CA in the San Diego metropolitan area.

Information

  • Creator
    John Riley
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 John Riley Project
  • Show Website
    John Riley Project

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