JWSP

Alex Midway and Eric Halsey
  • 5.0 (5)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

John Wayne's Surge Protector podcast is two guys discussing the world around us on a twice weekly basis. We try to look at things that we think are huge deals and sometimes those items are also flying under the radar for a lot of other media channels. Having known each other for many years some of the jokes you hear may not come off as jokes. Keep listening and you will get in the loop soon enough as well. We have a link to leave any feedback in most of the episodes so don't hesitate to reach out. 

  1. The Ceasefire That Wasn't

    1D AGO

    The Ceasefire That Wasn't

    Tesla ticks up slightly but there's a bigger supply chain story lurking underneath that the tech world hasn't fully reckoned with yet — and it connects to everything happening in the Middle East right now. Ukraine meanwhile is having a very productive week in places Russia thought were safe. JD Vance is still on his European tour and sits down for an interview that goes about as well as you'd expect — a greatest hits of revisionist history, questionable math, and some truly bold takes on what counts as foreign interference. We dig into what's actually being asked of Ukraine versus what Russia has been asked to give up, and why the ceasefire that was supposed to be a big win is starting to look a little different in the fine print. On the home front, your favorite snack brand has been quietly doing something shady for years and just got caught — and the way they're "fixing" it might actually make things worse. Speaking of things getting worse, there's some chatter out of DC about a registration process that hasn't been relevant since 1973, which raises some uncomfortable questions about how confident the people in charge really are about this whole ceasefire thing. RFK Jr. has a new venture, the Pope has some strong words for the White House, and the White House has some very surprising words right back for the Pope. We open with a quote and challenge you to guess who said it — it's a good one. Got feedback? We want to hear it.

    44 min
  2. We Don't Have a Plan

    4D AGO

    We Don't Have a Plan

    Tesla keeps sliding and now one of Wall Street's biggest names is throwing out a number that's going to make a lot of owners very uncomfortable. Ukraine, meanwhile, is proving it doesn't take a day off — just when Russia thought a key oil terminal was back in business, Kyiv had other plans. A bombshell report drops about a certain European leader and what he allegedly told Putin behind closed doors — and the timing of a very prominent American visitor showing up to campaign for him is something you're going to want to hear about. The war with Iran takes a turn that the Pentagon is conspicuously quiet about, involving some aircraft, a mysterious mission, and what may or may not have been a secret operation that went very sideways. And if you're wondering how military readiness is holding up — we'll talk about who just got fired, in the middle of an active war, and exactly what kind of career that person had before getting the boot. Back home, a senior FEMA official has a story to tell — and we promise it involves a Waffle House, a ditch near a church, and a very confident man who has definitely never heard of Occam's razor. We close out with a Truth Social post that raises some serious questions about whether anyone in charge has actually read the Geneva Convention — or has any plan at all. Got feedback? We want to hear it.

    40 min
  3. The Art of the Fumble

    APR 2

    The Art of the Fumble

    Tesla's taking another hit and the reasons behind it are raising some familiar questions. Meanwhile Russia is pulling off moves that are making a certain "blockade" look more like a suggestion than a policy — and they're apparently just getting started. On the war front, things take a wild turn when someone with a very clear agenda decides to bomb the guy in charge of peace talks. Europe is stepping up to try and fill the diplomatic vacuum, but the US seems more interested in threatening to leave NATO than actually leading — and there's a very specific law about that which someone in ill-fitting shoes seems to have forgotten to read. Israel makes a jaw-dropping legislative move this week that raises serious questions about who certain laws actually apply to and where. And closer to home, two members of the MAGA cabinet have very different but equally chaotic weeks — one involving a botched job and some missing files, the other involving a leaked photo shoot that nobody saw coming. We close out with a feel-good story from the beautiful shores of Hawaii, where someone showed up to a protest with a very bold costume choice and found out very quickly that execution matters as much as ambition. Got feedback? We want to hear it.

    44 min
  4. The Blockade, the Bomber, and the Gift Cards

    MAR 31

    The Blockade, the Bomber, and the Gift Cards

    Tesla's back in the news and the stock is making moves — but is the reason behind the jump as solid as it sounds? This week also brings some eyebrow-raising developments on the Russia front, including a tanker that somehow sailed right through a blockade with a very casual White House response. Ukraine's drone campaign is still putting in work, and there's a grim anniversary this week that's worth remembering. The Iran conflict takes a serious turn with a major US asset destroyed in a strike — one that raises some uncomfortable questions about preparation and priorities. Speaking of priorities, we get into some recent personnel decisions at the FBI that start to make a lot more sense once you learn who those agents were investigating. On the home front, the TSA is back in the news — again — and there's a feel-good story involving a Hollywood heavyweight that somehow still manages to go sideways. We've also got some thoughts on religion, war, and the interesting gap between what's being preached at the Pentagon versus what's coming out of the Vatican. And we close out with two stories that really capture the week — one involving a state senator's chief of staff whose Snapchat habits caught up with him thanks to one very justified mother, and another update from the front lines of Russian patriotism that continues to deliver. Got feedback? We want to hear it.

    43 min
  5. Sanctions, Satellites, and Sharpies

    MAR 27

    Sanctions, Satellites, and Sharpies

    This week's episode has something for everyone — markets, mayhem, and a whole lot of people in power doing questionable things. Tesla's stock is on a ride, and there are some big predictions about where the company might be headed. The DOGE drama gets a new chapter as the courts weigh in on whether Elon Musk is actually running the show — or if someone else is technically in charge (wink). On the international front, Ukraine is having quite the week — turns out a small country with a lot of drones can do some serious damage. Meanwhile the US is asking Ukraine to make some pretty significant concessions, and Marco Rubio has some thoughts about that... sort of. There's also a Capitol Hill moment that'll make you do a double take involving some very notable guests. The Iran conflict takes a few unexpected turns, and when you start connecting the dots between Russia, satellites, and some missing Pentagon responses, things get interesting fast. We'll also get into what's happening with America's weapons stockpile — and what the White House has to say about it. On the home front: a surprise award, a historic election result near a very famous golf resort, a hacker group making headlines, and a budget win from the Oval Office that involves a very specific office supply. And we close out with a story that is equal parts tragic and a masterclass in what NOT to do on social media. Got feedback? We want to hear it.

    45 min
  6. The Port Attacks, the Fake Flags, and the Real Deal: The Truman Show of Global Tensions

    MAR 25

    The Port Attacks, the Fake Flags, and the Real Deal: The Truman Show of Global Tensions

    Most of us are just trying to keep up with the chaos. But what if the real story isn’t what’s on the news — it’s what’s behind all of it? In this episode, we unravel the bizarre world of international drone warfare, political shenanigans, and the mind-boggling decisions making world leaders look like they’re playing 4D chess while everyone else is just trying not to trip over it. Spoiler: nobody wins when Ukraine’s drones start playing “autonomous” chess with Russian refineries. You’ll discover how a Ukrainian startup called Swarmer is on the verge of turning the drone game upside down, with AI-controlled tech that’s already raking in millions. Plus, listen in as we break down the insane logic behind lifting sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Ukraine—all at the same time—and why that makes about as much sense as a screen door on a submarine. We also cover the latest on Port of Primorsk, secret military bases, and why Iran might be the ultimate scapegoat in this global theater of chaos. We’ll also take you through the crazy implications of secret military operations, international alliances, and the surprising role of some of the most controversial figures in defense and politics—plus the real story behind the “Save America Act” and some hilariously questionable election tactics. And let’s not forget the hero of the moment—Chuck Norris—who’s apparently the only guy who could still throw a roundhouse kick in his sleep and keep things interesting. Perfect for anyone who wants to stay sane while the world feels like it’s flipping the script faster than you can say “global conspiracy.” If you’re tired of hearing the news and want the dirt straight from people who are just as confused but way more entertaining, this episode’s your new go-to. Buckle up, it’s a wild ride — and yes, we’re just as surprised as you are that it’s all happening right now. Got feedback? We want to hear it.

    36 min
  7. Ukraine’s Kids Are Still Playing Hide and Seek in Bunkers—And Somehow It’s Worse Than War

    MAR 20

    Ukraine’s Kids Are Still Playing Hide and Seek in Bunkers—And Somehow It’s Worse Than War

    Most big truths are buried in the chaos—and this episode is no different. From a hilarious game of "who said it and why" involving Pearl Harbor jokes that almost got President Teddy Roosevelt impeached (just kidding), to behind-the-scenes intel on Elon Musk's timeline versus Samsung’s, we’re ripping back the curtain on world events, tech madness, and political clown show antics.Dive into the bizarre world where world leaders casually joke about surprise attacks, and political figures are more often seen patting backforeign friends than solving problems. We break down the latest Tesla FSD updates, the Ukraine war effect on kids in bomb shelters, and how a pipeline plan in Hungary is basically playing "whack-a-mole" with Putin’s oil supply—yes, it’s as wild as it sounds. Plus, how billionaires cry about taxes while secretly playing stock market magic with billions in loopholes. Spoiler: they’re doing just fine, thank you very much.You'll discover:  Why global political banter could be the most awkward dinner party ever  The real story behind Ukraine’s kids hiding in metro stations (and how they think of underground bunkers as their new playground)  How Elon Musk’s timeline is about as reliable as your neighbor’s garage sales  The secret weapon in Hungary’s political playbook: a pipeline made for... “friendship”? Why Afro Man is now a hero for turning a no-knock raid into a multi-million-dollar petty revenge saga  Why does all this matter? Because ignoring the madness means missing out on understanding how the chaos influences your wallet, your safety, and your quiet Sunday naps. This episode is essential listening if you want to stay woke without losing your mind or your sense of humor.Perfect for anyone tired of the same old news, craving a spicy take on international drama, tech satire, and political farce—all served with a side of wit and a pinch of “did that really happen?” Don’t miss out—hit play, laugh, and stay one step ahead of the world’s absurdity. The Trump w/ Japan's PM, Sanae Takaichi, video https://bbc.com/news/videos/cx248jvgwj8o Got feedback? We want to hear it.

    47 min
  8. Why Ticketmaster’s Monopoly is More Than Just Bad Seating—It’s a Crime

    MAR 19

    Why Ticketmaster’s Monopoly is More Than Just Bad Seating—It’s a Crime

    Most of what you hear about the world’s crises is just fancy noise—until it’s not. In this episode, we cut through the chaos with a dose of reckless honesty, exposing how billionaires and world leaders are really playing 4D chess... and it’s probably this many moves away from being a nightmare. Think your life feels absurd? Wait until you hear about Biden’s warehouse deals, Kid Rock’s conspiracy rants, and Sean Penn’s secret trips to Ukraine—all in one wild ride. Whether it’s Tesla’s stock rollercoaster, the U.S. invasion of your sanity via Ukraine, or the government’s latest scheme to turn a tiny Georgia town into a detention center, you'll discover how the powers-that-be are doing everything in their inflated power to keep us distracted, confused, or just plain broke. We break down the latest antics of Elon Musk (spoiler: it involves an AI chips project fired off in seven days... or something Elon related), the real story behind Ticketmaster’s monopoly coup, and how DHS is buying warehouses in Russia’s backyard—yep, you heard that right. We’ll also explore the hilarious yet horrifying spectacle of Congress’s ongoing farce, from war-mongering generals to Kid Rock’s $5,000 ticket price. Plus, a deep dive into Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and unannounced world peace operations that make you wonder if anyone’s even in charge anymore—or if we’re all just playing a really bad game of global Monopoly. This episode is perfect for anyone tired of the mainstream spin, craving some unfiltered truth, or just wanting to laugh at how utterly ridiculous world affairs have become. Because if you’re not laughing, you’re probably crying—so grab a drink and enjoy the ride. And yes, we’re calling out the shady billionaires and politicians — because someone’s got to say it. Tune in, as we blast through the nonsense and leave you with a smile... or at least a grimace of understanding. Note: No actual warehouses were harmed in the making of this episode, but taxpayers’ dollars sure took a hit. Got feedback? We want to hear it.

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
5 Ratings

About

John Wayne's Surge Protector podcast is two guys discussing the world around us on a twice weekly basis. We try to look at things that we think are huge deals and sometimes those items are also flying under the radar for a lot of other media channels. Having known each other for many years some of the jokes you hear may not come off as jokes. Keep listening and you will get in the loop soon enough as well. We have a link to leave any feedback in most of the episodes so don't hesitate to reach out. 

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Midway and Eric Halsey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 John Wayne's Surge Protector
  • Show Website
    JWSP