Hostile Dysfunction

Conspiracies, Psyops & The Patriot’s Diary: Inside America’s Deep Division

In this episode, Joe and Ethan sit down with Sidney Pines, author of Awakening: A Patriot’s Diary of American Deception, for a raw conversation about America’s growing division. Sidney shares how an ordinary American became deeply concerned about the growing division in the country and decided to document everything — from mainstream media manipulation and political psyops to family rifts caused by opposing beliefs. The conversation dives headfirst into conspiracies, tribalism, the “three psyops” she believes are tearing America apart, and why honest conversation feels almost impossible today. Where to find Sidney and her books: Awakening: A Patriot’s Diary of American Deception & Golden Age Rising: Book Two of a Patriot’s Diary (available on Amazon) Follow Sidney Pines on X: @Sydney1776.

What They Don’t Tell You About Gun Control: Carjacked in Australia & 3D Printed Guns

In this episode, Joe and Ethan go straight into one of the most heated topics in America: gun control. Ethan shares his terrifying real-life experience of being carjacked at gunpoint — in Australia, a country that banned guns over 25 years ago. From there, the conversation explodes into why gun bans often fail in practice, how hard it actually is to hit a target when someone’s shooting back, the explosion of 3D-printed guns, and whether mandatory gun insurance could be a realistic middle ground. The hosts also break down America’s gun culture, the Second Amendment, background checks, gun shows, and the deep tribalism that keeps both sides talking past each other. This episode challenges assumptions no matter which side you’re on.

COVID Romance, Pinup Dolls & Battlefield Humor: The Absurdity of Lockdown Living

In this episode, Joe and Ethan talk with retired soldier and author Kenny Dupar about his wild journey from combat in Iraq to writing romance novels. Kenny shares what dating was really like during COVID lockdowns: from meeting on a dating app and wearing women’s underwear as a mask to the sheer absurdity of trying to build a relationship while the world shut down. He also opens up about divorce, family, trauma, and how humor helped him process it all. Expect lots of laughs, raw stories, and classic Kenny energy as they discuss pin-up dolls, muscle cars, lockdown romance, and why “COVID as the villain” made for such a unique love story. Where to find Kenny and his book: https://www.youtube.com/@kendupar/ Book: Pin Up Dolls and Classic Cars: A COVID Love Story (available on Amazon & Audible – narrated by Kenny himself)

Housing Affordability Crisis: Renting vs Buying in 2026

In this episode, Joe and Ethan talk with real estate investor and property manager Justin Pogue, author of Rental Secrets, about the current housing affordability crisis. They discuss why home prices remain high while some rents are cooling, the real impact of corporations buying single-family homes, and the surprising rise in people living with roommates even among those over 55. Justin also shares practical insights on how renters can negotiate better and what the market really looks like on the ground. A timely and straightforward conversation about one of the biggest issues facing Americans today. Where to learn more from Justin Pogue: Book: Rental Secrets – Available on Amazon Website: rentalsecrets.net Follow @RentalSecrets on social media: (Instagram, Facebook , Twitter/X, LinkedIn)

Ben Roberts-Smith: The Arrest, The Allegations & The Truth

In this episode, Joe and Ethan dive deep into one of Australia’s most controversial cases — the arrest of decorated war hero Ben Roberts-Smith on war crimes allegations. They explore the Brereton Report, the role of media sensationalism, the psychological reality of soldiers in combat, and the difficult question: how do we judge those we send to war when they come home? The hosts also discuss authority, obedience, and moral injury (with references to the Milgram and Stanford experiments), and how truth gets lost in public opinion. Expect strong opinions, dark humor, and no sugarcoating. Listen until the end for Ethan’s wild personal story from the casino that perfectly illustrates the absurdity of modern “hate crime” enforcement. What do you think: are we holding soldiers to impossible standards after sending them into hell? Or is real accountability long overdue?