From Analog to Algorithms: Billy Dees on the State of Podcasting and Politics

Pete Hegseth for 2028: Why This Combat Vet Should Carry the MAGA Torch

In this engaging episode, host Sam welcomes retired U.S. Army veteran and military educator Paul Darling for a wide-ranging conversation covering his 27-year military career, his podcast War 102 (which breaks down strategy, doctrine, and the theory of warfare for civilians), and his support for the Real Plastic Heroes project—high-quality, American-made toy soldiers honoring Global War on Terrorism veterans. The discussion dives deep into 2028 presidential politics, with Paul making a strong case for Pete Hegseth as the ideal MAGA successor due to his combat experience, academic credentials, loyalty to Trump, and broad appeal, while critiquing other frontrunners like JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Ron DeSantis. They also explore media bias, past elections, cultural shifts, foreign policy challenges with Iran, and the importance of understanding war to hold leaders accountable. Thought-provoking, candid, and often humorous, this episode offers sharp political insights and a call for informed citizenship. - Find Paul’s podcast, War 102, on your favorite platform!  - Also, check out https://realplasticheroes.com  - To find all my deals, visit: https://mydeals.page/7fu7 [https://mydeals.page/7fu7]  - Want to be a guest on Shades of Jade Podcast? Send Samantha Jade Wooldrik a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/shadesofjadepod [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/shadesofjadepod]  - Music: Mozart Horn Concerto No. 4, K. 495 – III. Rondo: Allegro vivace, performed by Dennis Brain (public domain recording from Archive.org)

Iran, SCOTUS Rulings, & America250 Celebrations: June 28 - July 4, 2026

In this episode, I cover news related to Iran, Supreme Court rulings, immigration enforcement, election integrity, America 250 celebrations, and noteworthy tidbits.  - Check out Zivolife (exclusive patented superfood) and use my promo code JADE for 30% off your entire order! https://promocode.to/big-fork-brands/jade-k35 [https://promocode.to/big-fork-brands/jade-k35]   - Or to view all my deals, visit: https://mydeals.page/7fu7 [https://mydeals.page/7fu7]   - Want to be a guest on Shades of Jade Podcast? Send Samantha Jade Wooldrik a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/shadesofjadepod [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/shadesofjadepod]  - Music: Mozart Horn Concerto No. 4, K. 495 – III. Rondo: Allegro vivace, performed by Dennis Brain (public domain recording from Archive.org)

Beauty, Broken Cities & Politics – A Conversation with Sara Alessandrini

In this conversation, filmmaker and political commentator Sara Alessandrini returns to the show to discuss her experiences living in Los Angeles, the recent LA mayoral race featuring incumbent Karen Bass, DSA candidate Nithya Raman, and Spencer Pratt, and the city's ongoing struggles with homelessness, crime, business closures, and ineffective governance. Sara shares candid insights from her time managing the historic Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, contrasts life in LA with New York and her native Italy, and explores broader themes including energy independence, the failures of extreme environmental policies, the decline in beauty and craftsmanship in modern building, immigration and education systems, and the rise of DSA influence in Democratic politics. - Find Sara's documentary miniseries here: https://www.thisiswhatnewyorkerssay.com [https://www.thisiswhatnewyorkerssay.com/] - To view my deals, visit: https://mydeals.page/7fu7 [https://mydeals.page/7fu7]   - Want to be a guest on Shades of Jade Podcast? Send Samantha Jade Wooldrik a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/shadesofjadepod [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/shadesofjadepod]  - Music: Mozart Horn Concerto No. 4, K. 495 – III. Rondo: Allegro vivace, performed by Dennis Brain (public domain recording from Archive.org)

The Birth of a Nation: July 4, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence

Music: Mozart Horn Concerto No. 4, K. 495 – III. Rondo: Allegro vivace, performed by Dennis Brain (public domain recording from Archive.org)

Fifty Shades of True Crime: Tattoos, Sexual Deviance, and Ego-Driven Confessions

In this gripping episode, retired Alaskan police officer Doug Fifer joins the show to share his remarkable 25-year career in law enforcement, from patrolling the unique challenges of Alaska’s vast wilderness to negotiating with serial killers and investigating some of the most disturbing sexual deviant crimes imaginable. Doug discusses his true crime book, Fifty Shades of True Crime, which dives into the hidden world of fetishes, power dynamics, and shocking real-life cases—including the unforgettable “Taboo Tattoo” story from his early days—while offering an interactive twist that lets readers play detective. He explores why Alaska attracts transient predators, the psychology of psychopaths versus sociopaths, the power (and limitations) of DNA evidence, hostage negotiations, and the emotional toll of child victim cases, all while delivering practical safety tips like trusting your gut and securing your home. - Check out Doug’s book on Amazon and visit https://dougfifer.com for more. - To find all my deals, visit: https://mydeals.page/7fu7 [https://mydeals.page/7fu7]  - Want to be a guest on Shades of Jade Podcast? Send Samantha Jade Wooldrik a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/shadesofjadepod [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/shadesofjadepod]  - Music: Mozart Horn Concerto No. 4, K. 495 – III. Rondo: Allegro vivace, performed by Dennis Brain (public domain recording from Archive.org)