Seasoned & Unfiltered

Steveo, Big Bull Media

Seasoned & Unfiltered is where experience leads the conversation. No buzzwords. No polish. Just straight talk from someone who’s lived enough life to know the difference between noise and substance. Each episode explores business, leadership, culture, money, relationships, and the lessons you only learn the hard way. The wins, the mistakes, and the moments where reality shows up unannounced—it’s all on the table. Expect direct opinions, thoughtful reflection, and conversations that don’t bend just to make people comfortable. Hosted by Hot Steveo, a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the show is grounded in real-world experience shaped by service, discipline, and decades of perspective. This isn’t advice pulled from a book or a trend. It’s insight earned over time—seasoned by life and delivered unfiltered. New episodes available wherever you get your podcasts.

  1. 5d ago ·  Video

    Deported: When “Law and Order” Gets Complicated

    Steveo has never been particularly subtle about illegal immigration. Enter illegally and commit crimes in America? Deport them. But what happens when you actually look at who is getting swept up in America's 2026 immigration crackdown? In this episode of Seasoned & Unfiltered, Steveo does something uncomfortable: he challenges his own position. Immigration arrests have surged, but Steveo examines data indicating that a large share of those arrested have no criminal conviction. Some are longtime residents. Some came to America as children. Some have jobs, families and U.S.-citizen children. Others are fighting asylum or immigration cases while sitting in detention.  steveo-ded6b83d-80a9-4806-8f97-… Then there's something many Americans may not realize is happening at all: third-country deportations. Instead of being returned home, some migrants are being sent to countries where they've never lived, may not speak the language and have no family or support system.  steveo-ded6b83d-80a9-4806-8f97-… Steveo also shares the story of a young man he personally knew who came to America from Mexico at about two years old, grew up here, graduated from a local high school and was eventually deported after an arrest. It's a case that forces Steveo to wrestle with where enforcement ends and proportionality begins.  steveo-ded6b83d-80a9-4806-8f97-… This isn't an argument for open borders. It isn't an argument against immigration enforcement. It's a harder question: How far should America go to enforce its immigration laws—and who are we willing to break in the process?  steveo-ded6b83d-80a9-4806-8f97-… Experience leads the conversation. The noise stays at the door. This is Seasoned & Unfiltered. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 — The Knock at 5:45 AMWhat America's immigration crackdown can look like inside an ordinary home. 01:10 — Steveo Hasn't Changed His Mind About CriminalsIf you entered illegally and commit serious crimes, Steveo's position is clear. 02:30 — But This Gets ComplicatedWhat happens when enforcement reaches people who don't fit that picture? 03:08 — The Angel Pillow 04:36 — ICE Arrests Are ExplodingRecord arrests—and a deportation system struggling to keep pace. 05:30 — Who Is Actually Being Arrested?Criminal convictions versus immigration violations and pending cases. 06:55 — The Numbers That Changed the ConversationSteveo examines the criminal-record breakdown among arrestees. 08:11 — When Mom or Dad Doesn't Come HomeDetention, legal limbo and the impact on families. 09:07 — How the Immigration Crackdown Actually Works 09:41 — The Hyundai Plant RaidHundreds of workers arrested in one massive operation. 11:29 — What Happens After You're Detained? 13:18 — Deportation Doesn't Always Mean Going HomeThe expanding use of third-country removals. 15:01 — Sent Somewhere You've Never LivedNo family. No language. No established life waiting for you. 16:05 — Steveo Knows Someone This Happened ToA personal story that makes the policy much harder to discuss in the abstract. 18:23 — America's Immigration System Is Broken TooEnforcement is one issue. The legal immigration process is another. 20:31 — What About People Brought Here as Children?When America is the only home someone remembers. 21:16 — Aggressive Enforcement Meets an Overloaded System 21:38 — The Workers Who Weren't Even the TargetsA closer look at the Hyundai operation. 23:32 — Third-Country ExileWhat happens when deportees are relocated somewhere entirely unfamiliar? 25:29 — When Immigration Enforcement Reaches a Lawful ResidentA Milwaukee case raises a different set of civil-liberty questions. 28:25 — This Is Bigger Than the BorderFactories, highways, homes and communities are all part of the enforcement picture. 29:14 — Record Arrests, Detention and Legal Limbo 30:28 — The Question Steveo Can't IgnoreNot whether America should enforce immigration law—but how far should it go? 31:02 — Does This Make America Safer—or More Afraid? 32:35 — Stay Seasoned, Stay Spicy, Stay Unfiltered

  2. Sep 18 ·  Video

    They Missed. We Sank Their Tankers.

    Iran fired ballistic missiles at U.S. Navy warships. The missiles missed. The response didn’t. In this episode of Seasoned & Unfiltered, Steveo digs into the September attacks on American warships and the subsequent U.S. strikes against Iranian oil tankers — a military story he argues got overshadowed by headlines about rising oil and fuel prices. And those prices matter. When oil jumps, Americans feel it at the pump, at the grocery store, through shipping costs, and everywhere else fuel touches the economy. But Steveo’s question is simple: Can you explain the price without explaining what caused it? The episode also looks at Iran’s alleged sanctions-evasion “shadow fleet,” the competing narratives coming from Iran and the United States, and the possibility that continued attacks could either force Iran to back down—or push the region toward an even larger confrontation. Steveo also gives the other side its due: maybe focusing on oil prices was reasonable because that’s the part millions of Americans immediately feel in their wallets. But telling the economic story without the military story leaves out important context. And underneath all of it are American sailors doing their jobs while missiles are coming their way. Missiles. Tankers. Oil prices. Propaganda. And the story behind what you're paying at the pump. Stay seasoned. Stay spicy. Keep it unfiltered. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 — They Missed. We Sank.The story Steveo says got buried beneath the oil-price headlines. 00:30 — What Happened to the Iranian Tankers?The attacks on U.S. warships and America's response. 02:03 — And Then Oil Prices Took OffHow conflict in the region reaches American wallets. 03:26 — Combat vs. the HeadlinesWhy Steveo thinks an important part of the story was overlooked. 03:50 — The Angel Pillow 05:03 — What CENTCOM Says HappenedThe military response and the immediate pressure on energy markets. 06:41 — A Moment to Remember 9/11Steveo reflects on September 11 and those who served. 07:39 — If You Shoot at American Forces, What Happens Next?The deterrence argument behind the U.S. response. 08:26 — Why the Oil Tankers MatteredThe alleged sanctions-evasion network and funding behind Iran's operations. 10:08 — Eight Tankers in Four DaysSteveo lays out his case for why the strikes mattered. 11:10 — Iran's Shadow FleetOil, cash, weapons and regional proxies. 12:23 — The New Exchange Rate: Warships for TankersThe warning being sent to Iran. 13:31 — Iran Says It Sank U.S. WarshipsSteveo examines competing claims and propaganda. 14:20 — Okay, Let's Give the Other Side a Fair ShotMaybe oil prices really were the story Americans needed most. 15:22 — Price Without Cause Is Half the StoryWhy Steveo argues the military and economic stories belong together. 17:21 — What Happens If Iran Doesn't Back Down?Deterrence versus the possibility of a wider confrontation. 18:17 — Your Gas Gauge Is Connected to TehranHow decisions overseas reach fuel, freight and grocery prices at home. 18:34 — Don't Forget the SailorsAmerican service members faced live missile fire and came home safely. 20:10 — Don't Take Steveo's Word for ItA challenge to research the claims and draw your own conclusions. 21:38 — Facts First. You Decide. 21:58 — Stay Seasoned, Stay Spicy, Keep It Unfiltered

  3. Sep 13 ·  Video

    When Political Violence Becomes a Punchline

    One year after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Steveo has a question that goes far beyond whether you agreed with the man: When did political violence become something to joke about? In this episode of Seasoned & Unfiltered, Steveo looks at the anniversary of Kirk’s assassination, Utah Valley University’s decision to cancel classes while a memorial takes place under heightened security, and the uncomfortable way institutions talk around political violence without always calling it what it is. Then there’s the internet. Memes, jokes, mockery and viral content surrounding the death of a husband and father. Steveo argues that you don’t have to agree with Charlie Kirk—or even like him—to recognize that celebrating or trivializing political violence crosses a line. But one of the most powerful parts of this story isn’t political at all. It’s Erika Kirk. While the internet argues, she has spoken publicly about grief rather than revenge, offering a very different example of strength, restraint and dignity after unimaginable loss. This episode isn’t about making Charlie Kirk a saint. It’s about something much bigger: whether Americans can still disagree, debate and fight for ideas without becoming comfortable with violence against the people on the other side. Because once bullets enter the conversation, we’ve already lost something bigger than the argument. Stay seasoned. Stay spicy. Keep it unfiltered. Chapters 00:00 — The University Can't Say His NameSteveo opens on the one-year anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. 01:45 — One Year Later: What Happened to Charlie KirkWhy Steveo believes the anniversary needs to be addressed plainly. 03:18 — This Isn't About Worshiping Charlie KirkThe larger conversation about political violence, institutions and honesty. 03:48 — Utah Valley University Shuts Down CampusClasses are canceled while security increases and a memorial takes place. 05:16 — Why Won't Institutions Just Say It?“Reflection” and “healing” versus directly confronting political violence. 06:12 — When Murder Becomes Internet ContentMemes, mockery and the culture surrounding Kirk's death. 07:52 — You Don't Have to Agree With HimWhy condemning political violence shouldn't depend on politics. 08:37 — The Murder Case Moves ForwardSteveo discusses the ongoing legal proceedings. 10:01 — Erika Kirk Chooses Grief Over RageA widow's response becomes one of the episode's most important moments. 11:37 — What Real Strength Actually Looks LikeRestraint, dignity and carrying loss without surrendering to bitterness. 13:27 — America Isn't Just Divided Over PolicyAre we becoming divided over truth—and whether our opponents are still human? 14:35 — Silence Isn't NeutralSteveo challenges institutions that choose softer language when clarity is needed. 15:26 — The University's Side of the ArgumentWhy UVU might want peace, security and distance from becoming a permanent political battleground. 17:05 — Laughing at Death Is a WarningWhat happens when cruelty and political violence become normalized online. 18:29 — So What Do We Do About It?Tell the truth, reject political violence and stop treating tragedy like a team sport. 19:24 — Charlie Kirk Isn't Really the TestThe real question is how we respond when someone we disagree with is killed. 20:57 — Bullets Don't Belong in the ConversationHard disagreement is part of a free country. Political violence cannot be. 21:43 — Truth, Courage and RestraintSteveo closes with what he believes patriotism requires from Americans now.

  4. Aug 24 ·  Video

    “Transitory” Was a Hell of an Expensive Word

    They told us inflation was “transitory.” Apparently, “transitory” can last a little longer than expected. In this episode of Seasoned & Unfiltered, Steveo runs the tape on one of the most repeated economic talking points of the Biden years and asks a simple question: when the numbers changed, why did the response take so long? We dig into the inflation surge that began in 2021, the Fed’s delayed interest-rate response, the 9.1% peak in 2022, and what rising prices actually meant for American families. Then Steveo puts the Biden-era numbers next to the first part of Trump’s second term to see what the data says about inflation, wages, tariffs, grocery prices, and the cost of living. And yes, there’s an argument for the other side. COVID disrupted supply chains. The economy reopened unevenly. Russia invaded Ukraine. Nobody had a crystal ball. But being wrong once is one thing. Staying wrong while the numbers keep changing? That deserves a conversation. Prices don’t magically go back down just because inflation slows — and Americans are still living with the consequences. This is Seasoned & Unfiltered. Check the numbers. Make up your own mind. And if it makes you a little mad… well, good. CHAPTERS 00:00 — “Transitory.” Yeah… About ThatThe word that aged about as well as milk. 02:16 — The 21.2% QuestionSteveo lays out the number that drives the entire episode. 02:33 — When Yellen Called Inflation “Transitory”What Americans were being told in 2021. 04:27 — The Numbers Were Already ChangingInflation climbs while policymakers maintain their position. 06:06 — Then Inflation Hit 9.1%The 2022 peak and why “temporary” became harder to defend. 07:20 — What Inflation Actually Cost American FamiliesThis wasn't just an economic chart — households felt it. 08:42 — The Best Defense of Yellen and PowellCOVID, supply chains, reopening and the argument from the other side. 11:48 — When Being Wrong Becomes PolicyWas the Federal Reserve too slow to react? 14:44 — Why Did the First Rate Hike Take So Long?The timeline from rising inflation to the March 2022 response. 15:21 — Can You Blame Ukraine for All of It?Separating inflation already underway from the later energy shock. 16:49 — The Accountability ProblemOfficials could admit mistakes. Families still paid the bill. 19:20 — Inflation Slowed. Your Grocery Bill Didn't.Why lower inflation doesn't mean prices return to where they started. 22:16 — Let's Actually Look at the CPI NumbersBreaking down the Biden years one year at a time. 25:22 — 21.2% Cumulative InflationPrices versus earnings and why families fell behind. 28:05 — Now Let's Look at Trump's Second TermComparing the early numbers from 2025–2026. 29:29 — Tariffs, Inflation and What Actually HappenedDid tariffs send inflation through the roof? 31:13 — The 2026 Middle East VariableWhy energy and geopolitical shocks complicate the numbers. 33:30 — The Real-Wage KickerAre wages finally gaining ground on prices? 35:20 — What Aren't You Being Told?Steveo's bottom line — and a challenge to check the numbers yourself. 35:51 — Stay Seasoned, Stay Spicy, Stay Unfiltered

    “Transitory” Was a Hell of an Expensive Word
  5. Aug 13 ·  Video

    The Ceasefire Was a Free Sample. Now the Bill Is Due. | Iran & the Strait of Hormuz | Ep. 22

    The ceasefire was supposed to buy peace. But did it actually just buy Iran time? In this episode of Seasoned & Unfiltered, Steveo takes a hard look at the agreement between the United States and Iran following the conflict that disrupted one of the most important shipping routes in the world: the Strait of Hormuz. At the center of Steveo’s concern is some very specific language in the 14-point agreement. Iran agreed to use its “best efforts” to allow commercial vessels to safely pass through the Strait with no charge for 60 days only. To Steveo, those few words raise a much bigger question: What happens on Day 61? With roughly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade passing through the Strait before the conflict, control of Hormuz isn’t just a Middle Eastern issue. What happens there can affect fuel prices, shipping, energy markets, and economies around the world. Steveo examines what happened after the agreement was signed, including Iran’s efforts to control shipping routes through the Strait, reported confrontations with commercial vessels, and the eventual collapse of the agreement weeks later. He also gives the other side of the argument: after enormous disruptions to oil and LNG shipping, an imperfect 60-day agreement may have been preferable to allowing the conflict to escalate into an even larger regional war. But Steveo ultimately asks whether American negotiators misunderstood what Iran wanted from the negotiations. Was Iran working toward a lasting agreement—or using the ceasefire to survive, reposition, and reassert control? Steveo ends this episode with a challenge: don’t simply take his word for it. Read the agreement yourself, look at the language, and decide whether America negotiated a ceasefire… or a lease agreement. Chapters 00:00 – The Ceasefire Was a Free Sample00:17 – The 14-Point Agreement With Iran00:51 – Sponsor: The Angel Pillow01:50 – How the Conflict With Iran Began02:14 – Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters02:52 – The June 17 Agreement03:32 – What the Fine Print Actually Says04:10 – The Problem With “Best Efforts”05:35 – No Charge… For 60 Days Only06:58 – What Happens on Day 61?08:20 – Steveo Questions the Deal09:13 – Iran Reasserts Control of the Strait10:16 – Warning Shots & Commercial Ships10:46 – Did Iran Just Build a Toll Booth?11:22 – Was the Ceasefire Really a Grace Period?12:12 – The Best Argument FOR the Agreement12:34 – The Economic Cost of the Conflict14:03 – Was 60 Days a Necessary Concession?15:06 – Steveo: We Didn't Make a Good Deal16:15 – Was Iran Buying Time?16:58 – The Agreement Collapses After 22 Days18:19 – Why Steveo Says Iran Cannot Have a Nuclear Weapon19:43 – The Nuclear Negotiations Hit a Wall20:59 – Iran's Enriched Uranium Stockpile21:47 – What's at Stake Now?22:35 – Could the World Be Paying an “Iran Tax”?23:17 – What Would Victory Actually Look Like?24:26 – Steveo's Challenge: Read It Yourself25:34 – Ceasefire or Lease Agreement?26:11 – Stay Seasoned, Stay Spicy & Keep It Unfiltered

    The Ceasefire Was a Free Sample. Now the Bill Is Due. | Iran & the Strait of Hormuz | Ep. 22
  6. Jul 24 ·  Video

    A Bomb Is a Bomb | The Double Standard on Political Violence | Seasoned & Unfiltered Ep. 21

    Does political violence get judged differently depending on who's responsible? This week on Seasoned & Unfiltered, Steve O. examines a controversial speech delivered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asks whether America has spent decades applying different standards to political violence based on ideology. From the Weather Underground and Bill Ayers to modern-day terrorism statistics and media coverage, Steve explores whether institutions, academia, and the press have consistently portrayed left-wing and right-wing violence differently—and what that means for public trust. The discussion isn't about excusing one side or condemning the other. It's about asking whether all acts of political violence should be treated equally, regardless of who commits them. In this episode: Marco Rubio's remarks on political terrorismThe history of the Weather UndergroundBill Ayers and the controversy surrounding his academic careerData comparing recent left-wing and right-wing extremist violenceClaims of institutional and media biasWhy Steve believes consistency matters when discussing political violence Whether you agree or disagree with the conclusions, this episode challenges listeners to examine the evidence, question prevailing narratives, and think critically about how political violence is discussed in America. Chapters 00:00 – "A Bomb Is a Bomb"01:34 – Marco Rubio's Controversial Speech02:22 – Why This Story Matters Now03:02 – Political Violence & Double Standards04:43 – A Two-Tiered System?05:28 – The Weather Underground Explained06:47 – Bill Ayers and the Pentagon Bombing08:13 – What the Latest Terrorism Data Shows09:10 – Left vs. Right: The Numbers10:33 – Is Far-Left Violence Being Ignored?11:38 – The Counterargument Examined13:17 – Steve's Response to the Critics14:33 – Academia, Media & Public Perception15:53 – Allegations of Missing Context in Reporting17:20 – Should Counterterrorism Be Consistent?17:52 – Looking Back at the 1970s20:12 – What Does Victory Against Political Violence Look Like?21:18 – "A Bomb Is a Bomb"22:12 – Why Steve Wants You to Watch Rubio's Full Speech23:49 – Final Thoughts on Institutional Bias26:32 – Stay Seasoned, Stay Spicy

    A Bomb Is a Bomb | The Double Standard on Political Violence | Seasoned & Unfiltered Ep. 21
  7. Jul 19

    Why Are Millions of Americans Leaving Blue States? | The Real Story Behind America's Great Migration | Seasoned & Unfiltered Ep. 20

    Why are so many Americans packing up everything they own and moving across the country? The answer may not be what you think. In this episode of Seasoned & Unfiltered, Steve O explores one of the biggest demographic shifts in modern America: the migration from high-cost coastal states to places like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. But this isn't just about politics. It's about affordability. It's about safety. It's about raising a family. And it's about finding a place that feels like home. Drawing from conversations with families who have already made the move, Steve examines the common themes driving these decisions—from rising housing costs and property taxes to concerns about schools, community, faith, and quality of life. He also discusses the realities people don't always talk about: leaving family behind, adapting to a new culture, and discovering that no place is perfect. Whether you've already relocated, you're thinking about it, or you're simply curious why this trend continues to grow, this episode offers an honest conversation about what Americans are looking for in the next chapter of their lives. Chapters 00:00 – Why Millions of Americans Are Moving01:12 – Housing Costs & Property Taxes Push Families Out02:24 – Crime, Safety & Quality of Life03:11 – Schools, Curriculum & Raising Kids04:04 – Freedom of Speech & Personal Beliefs05:59 – Sponsor: Angel Pillow 07:18 – Why Red States Are Attracting New Residents07:51 – Lower Taxes, Small Business & Opportunity08:35 – Faith, Community & Shared Values09:19 – Culture Shock: Finding a Different Way of Life10:40 – It's About More Than Politics 11:18 – What Happened After Families Moved?13:22 – Did They Actually Feel Safer?14:51 – Did Their Finances Improve?16:13 – How the Kids Adjusted17:30 – The Emotional Cost of Moving18:18 – What Families Miss Most19:32 – The Unexpected Culture Changes20:12 – Was the Move Worth It? 21:47 – Steve's Advice Before You Relocate22:32 – Research Before You Pack23:15 – A Cheaper House Isn't Always a Better Life24:19 – Family, Community & Long-Term Happiness26:44 – Why This Is Really an American Story27:27 – Final Thoughts & Share Your Story

    Why Are Millions of Americans Leaving Blue States? | The Real Story Behind America's Great Migration | Seasoned & Unfiltered Ep. 20
  8. Jun 30

    They Want to Track Every Mile You Drive? | The Truth About the VMT Tax | Seasoned & Unfiltered Ep. 19

    What if paying for the roads meant giving up your privacy? This week on Seasoned & Unfiltered, Steve O takes a closer look at the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Tax—a proposal that could fundamentally change how Americans pay for highway infrastructure. With gas tax revenues shrinking due to electric vehicles and increasingly fuel-efficient cars, lawmakers are exploring a mileage-based tax that charges drivers for every mile they travel. While supporters say it's a fair way to fund America's roads, critics argue it opens the door to unprecedented government tracking and raises serious questions about privacy, fairness, and taxation. Steve breaks down how these programs work, why several states are already testing them, and what it could mean for your daily commute, your wallet, and your personal freedom. Whether you're skeptical, supportive, or hearing about the VMT tax for the first time, this episode provides the context you need to understand one of the least-discussed policy proposals currently being explored. In this episode:  Why the Highway Trust Fund is running out of money  How a Vehicle Miles Traveled tax works  Why electric vehicles have changed transportation funding  Pilot programs already underway across the country  Privacy concerns surrounding mileage tracking  Could Americans end up paying both gas taxes and mileage taxes?  What this proposal could mean for rural drivers and long-distance commuters Stay informed. Ask questions. And decide for yourself. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Sponsor Message 01:52 – Why We're Revisiting the VMT Tax 02:22 – What Is the Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax? 03:09 – Why the Highway Trust Fund Is Running Out of Money 03:50 – The Gas Tax Hasn't Changed Since 1993 04:34 – Would the Government Track Every Mile? 05:17 – What a Mileage Tracking System Could Know 06:05 – States Already Testing VMT Programs 06:54 – The EV Funding Problem Explained 08:51 – Are EV Owners Paying Their Fair Share? 10:10 – Why This Isn't About Electric Vehicles Alone 11:24 – The High Cost of Collecting Mileage Taxes 12:18 – Privacy vs. Infrastructure Funding 13:35 – Could Location Data Be Misused? 14:15 – Why Every Driver Should Know About This 15:27 – Tracking, Privacy & Government Oversight 18:02 – The 2028 Highway Funding Deadline 18:41 – Colorado, Oregon & California Pilot Programs 20:53 – Fuel Efficiency and the Funding Gap 21:37 – Will the Gas Tax Ever Disappear? 22:21 – Voluntary Today… Mandatory Tomorrow? 23:46 – How We Got Here 24:28 – Understanding Road Usage Fees 25:12 – How the Pilot Programs Actually Work 26:42 – Could States Add Their Own Mileage Tax? 27:17 – The Impact on Rural America 27:57 – What About Farmers and Long-Distance Drivers? 28:39 – Final Thoughts & What Comes Next 29:18 – Like, Subscribe & Join the Conversation

    They Want to Track Every Mile You Drive? | The Truth About the VMT Tax | Seasoned & Unfiltered Ep. 19

About

Seasoned & Unfiltered is where experience leads the conversation. No buzzwords. No polish. Just straight talk from someone who’s lived enough life to know the difference between noise and substance. Each episode explores business, leadership, culture, money, relationships, and the lessons you only learn the hard way. The wins, the mistakes, and the moments where reality shows up unannounced—it’s all on the table. Expect direct opinions, thoughtful reflection, and conversations that don’t bend just to make people comfortable. Hosted by Hot Steveo, a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the show is grounded in real-world experience shaped by service, discipline, and decades of perspective. This isn’t advice pulled from a book or a trend. It’s insight earned over time—seasoned by life and delivered unfiltered. New episodes available wherever you get your podcasts.