Almost Above Average” is a sharp, outspoken podcast hosted by Christopher McIntyre and Jonathan Travis, where social and political issues take center stage with bold honesty. Every episode breaks down urgent headlines, political maneuvering, and controversial moves—like nuclear brinkmanship or messaging wars—using punchy analysis, humor, and a warning tone. The show focuses on current events, democracy, media bias, and the real stakes behind political strategies, aiming to cut through the noise and spark open, sometimes provocative, conversations. Whether confronting propaganda or highlighting
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May 25, 20268 min
Mary Hill & CAUSE: If We Built It, We Can Change It
72‑year‑old Amazon warehouse worker Mary “Ma Mary” Hill went viral when her message to Jeff Bezos was projected onto his luxury penthouse during the billionaires’ ball. In this raw conversation, Mary goes beyond the clip to talk about life inside the warehouse, why she co‑founded C.A.U.S.E. (Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity & Empowerment), and what it really means when she says, “If we built it, we can tear it down.”We dig into the human cost of one‑day shipping, the fight to win fair pay, safety, and dignity at Amazon’s RDU1 facility in North Carolina, and how you—whether you’re an Amazon worker or a Prime customer—can stand with Mary and the workers of C.A.U.S.E. instead of just watching the viral video and scrolling on.Take actionSupport Ma Mary directly:Fundraiser for Mary Hill by M Smith: Support Ma Mary! A Legend of the Southern Labor MovementLearn more about C.A.U.S.E. and stay plugged in:amazoncause.comInstagram: @amazoncause
April 13, 20269 min
We ‘Obliterated’ Iran Twice… So Why Are We Still Here?
Title“We ‘Obliterated’ Iran Twice… So Why Are We Still Here?”SubtitleFrom a working nuclear deal to an endless crisis: Are we winning this war in Iran, or are they lying to us?They keep telling us we’re winning.Iran, we’re told, has been “obliterated.” The pressure is working. The enemy is cornered. But as the Strait remains effectively choked, oil prices surge, and diplomacy collapses, one question refuses to go away:Are we winning this war in Iran, or are they lying to us?Not long ago, Iran’s nuclear program was boxed in by the JCPOA. It wasn’t perfect, but the trade was clear: sanctions relief and economic breathing room in exchange for strict, verifiable limits on nuclear activity. Enrichment capped, stockpiles cut, centrifuges reduced, inspectors on the ground. The risk was managed and the world had time and visibility.Then the deal was torn up.Branded “the worst deal ever,” it was scrapped without a serious replacement. “Maximum pressure” became the slogan, as if hashtags and sanctions alone could conjure a better agreement from a country that had just watched the U.S. walk away from its word.Predictably, Iran responded by stepping away from its commitments. Enrichment levels rose, stockpiles grew, and advanced centrifuges spun up. The breakout time shrank. The nuclear box we had built was kicked open.Is that winning—or is that the opposite, dressed up as toughness?Last year, a major strike on Iranian targets was sold as proof of strength—Trump’s long‑promised “obliteration.” It was presented as decisive, the kind of blow that would reset the board and force Iran to back down.Yet here we are again.If Iran was “obliterated,” why are we back in a crisis over its nuclear program? Why are we still talking about its regional power, its missiles, its proxies? What did “obliterate” actually mean if we’re now being told we might have to do it again?If you obliterate someone twice, did you ever really obliterate them at all—or are they lying about what they accomplished?This year, the desperation went diplomatic. Vice President JD Vance spent 21 hours in talks with Iranian officials, trying to claw back constraints that looked an awful lot like the ones we had under the JCPOA.Twenty‑one hours. No deal. No framework. No off‑ramp.Publicly, we’re told this is somehow “bad news for Iran” and that we’re in a position of strength. But failed negotiations, an advancing nuclear program, and no exit plan don’t look like strength. They look like a crisis no one wants to admit they created.Meanwhile, the Strait is not functioning normally. Shipping is threatened, oil prices are rising, and ordinary people far from any negotiating table are paying more at the pump and in the checkout line. More U.S. forces and hardware pour into an already tense region, increasing the odds that one mistake becomes something far worse.And through it all, the message from the top doesn’t change: this is winning, this is strength, this is necessary.Look at the timeline instead of the talking points. We went from a constrained nuclear program and a functioning deal to an unconstrained program, a shattered deal, a theatrically labeled “obliteration” that solved nothing, failed talks, a strained chokepoint, and rising global costs.So we have to keep asking:Are we winning this war in Iran—or are they lying to us about what they broke, what they bombed, and what it’s really costing?
March 31, 20268 min
America Flunked the Epstein Test
In this episode of Almost Above Average, Chris dives into the Epstein files and asks a simple question nobody in power seems eager to answer: why are other countries taking action while the United States does… basically nothing?From princes in the U.K. getting dragged into questioning, to former prime ministers in Norway facing corruption charges, to France and even small Baltic states launching trafficking and financial crime probes, Chris walks through how governments around the world are actually going after their own when their names show up next to Epstein’s.Then he turns back to America — the country at the center of Epstein’s operation, whose president appears repeatedly in the documents and once vowed to “release all the files” — and breaks down how the U.S. managed to turn the biggest child‑sex‑trafficking scandal of our era into a brief news cycle and a whole lot of silence.If you think the people named in those files shouldn’t be the same people deciding what we’re allowed to see, this episode is for you.
March 26, 202611 min
Why is TSA funding currently in crisis?
[FIRST 125 CHARS] Why are TSA lines getting longer? Because Trump is holding the country hostage for his SAVE Act. Tag someone who needs to hear this! The chaos at airports is real. With 174-minute wait times, travelers are feeling the pressure as TSA struggles without funding. Meanwhile, ICE agents step in without the proper training, only adding to the confusion. This isn't just about travel delays; it's a strategic move to undermine the Democratic vote. The SAVE Act could strip voting rights from millions by enforcing strict ID requirements, making it harder for people to vote. We’re witnessing a critical moment in our democracy. What can we do? Call your representatives and demand action. Full discussion in bio!
March 15, 202634 min
How Connor’s 50‑Foot Mural Is Redefining Disability, Storytelling, and What It Means to Go Big or Go Home
How Connor’s 50‑Foot Mural Is Redefining Disability, Storytelling, and What It Means to Go Big or Go Home.On this episode of Almost Above Average, Chris talks with filmmaker Kari Barber, author Ashleigh (Ashley) Goodwin, and artist–advocate Connor Fogal about The Muralist and the children’s book Different Like Me: Connor Can. You Can, Too. Together they tell the story of how Connor, who lives with cerebral palsy, used a small brush strapped to his head to paint a 50‑foot public mural at the University of Nevada, Reno—and how that project is changing the way people think about disability, creativity, and what it really means to “go big or go home.”Watch, read, and connect here:Episode & showYouTube – Almost Above Average Podcast:https://youtube.com/@almostaboveaveragepod?si=BYO8cR8KIHWcr2uCThe film & Kari BarberUNR feature on The Muralist:https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2025/the-muralist-premiereBehind‑the‑scenes article “Making ‘The Muralist’”:https://doublescoop.art/making-the-muralist/Trailer for The Muralist:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnPQvH8f0rEKari Barber – Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/docu.kari/Kari Barber – LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kari-barber-38b4505Connor Fogal – artist & advocateUNR profile on Connor and his mural:https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2024/connor-fogal-emerald-bay-muralConnor on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_mylow_nv_/Ashley (Ashleigh) Goodwin & the bookDifferent Like Me: Connor Can. You Can, Too. – ThriftBooks:https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/different-like-me-connor-can-you-can-too_ashleigh-goodwin_connor-fogal/58251440/Different Like Me: Connor Can. You Can, Too. – Walmart:https://www.walmart.com/ip/Different-Like-Me-Different-Like-Me-Connor-Can-You-Can-too-Paperback-9798278636038/19602969338Different Like Me – Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/people/Different-Like-Me/61585039401570/MCMEdia / Almost Above Average socialsInstagram reel for this episode:https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVw6aNokVi8/X (Twitter) – MCMEdia:https://x.com/LlcMcmedia/status/2032129864300478849?s=20Facebook – episode video:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HQyF4farM/Facebook – additional clip/share:https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1E1gnCpjGw/
February 27, 202610 min
Trump’s “Golden Age” State of the Union Was One Long Lie
Donald Trump just gave his 2026 State of the Union — and it was a disaster.In this video, I break down the wildest moments from the speech: the fake “golden age” economy, the bogus crime stats, the migrant fear‑mongering, the “cheating is rampant” election rant, and that ridiculous $18 trillion claim. I roll the clips, fact‑check them in real time, and show you how far this speech was from reality.But the most telling part isn’t what he said… it’s what he didn’t. While Epstein survivors sat in the gallery demanding the truth and the release of the Epstein files, Trump never mentioned them once. No acknowledgment. No promise of transparency. Nothing.👀 In this video:Trump’s lies about inflation, gas prices, and “roaring” growthHis migrant “murderers” claim and crime spinThe “cheating is rampant” voter fraud mythWhy ignoring Epstein survivors on that stage is a massive red flag🎙 I’m Chris McIntyre, host of the Almost Above Average podcast. Around here we push back on MAGA lies, break down the political circus, and share empowering stories from real people actually living this stuff.👍 If this helped you make sense of the speech, hit like.💬 Drop a comment with the most insane line you heard in Trump’s State of the Union.🔔 Subscribe to join the Almost Above Average community and get more breakdowns like this.#Trump #StateOfTheUnion #Politics #Epstein #AlmostAboveAverage
February 26, 20265 min
Trump’s Big Speech, Bigger Mess: The Real State of the Union in 2026
Donald Trump is about to walk into the 2026 State of the Union and tell you everything is “great.”But outside that room? Tariffs are a mess, the Supreme Court just slapped down his power, the government is partially shut down, airports are chaos, and the U.S. military is literally blowing up boats in the Caribbean.In this video, I break down the real state of the union in 2026:How Trump’s tariff plan backfired and what it means for pricesWhy DHS messed with TSA PreCheck / Global Entry during a shutdownThe quiet U.S. strikes on “drug boats” almost nobody’s talking aboutAnd how all of this actually hits your wallet, your travel, and your day‑to‑day lifeI’m not here for the applause lines. I’m here to connect the headlines to real life — your money, your time, and your sanity.⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – The “official” vs real State of the Union2:00 – Tariffs, Supreme Court smackdown & the economy5:30 – Shutdown games at the airport (TSA & Global Entry)8:00 – U.S. blows up boats in the Caribbean11:00 – What this all means for you🎙 I’m Chris McIntyre, host of the Almost Above Average podcast — a business owner breaking down politics from the perspective of people who actually have to live with this stuff.👍 Like the video if this helped you make sense of the chaos.💬 Comment: What’s the most ridiculous part of the “official” State of the Union to you?🔔 Subscribe for more breakdowns that go past the sound bites and into real life.#Trump #StateOfTheUnion #Politics #Tariffs #Shutdown #AlmostAboveAverage
February 23, 202643 min
Connor Can, You Can Too: Cerebral Palsy, Bodybuilding, and Unstoppable Advocacy
In this powerful episode of Almost Above Average, Chris McIntyre sits down with Ashley, a journalist and author, and Connor, a bodybuilder and artist living with cerebral palsy, to share the real story behind the book Connor Can, You Can Too. Together, they dive into the daily realities of living with a disability, the mental and physical discipline behind Connor’s bodybuilding journey, and how his art has become a voice for self-expression and resilience.Ashley explains how Connor inspired her to write a book that challenges stereotypes and invites readers to see disability through a lens of strength, dignity, and possibility. Connor also opens up about his advocacy work, including his role in helping pass an important bill to protect access to wheelchair repairs and independence for people with disabilities.This conversation is about perseverance, inclusion, and the power of community support. If you need a reminder that your challenges don’t define your potential, this episode will move you, motivate you, and prove that if Connor can, you can too.GET BOOK HEREhttps://a.co/d/06w3Eu99FOLLOW CONNOW ON IG!https://www.instagram.com/differentlikemetoo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==My Life On WheelsNOW $11.99 on Amazon Prime. $8.99 on Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Different-Like-Me-Connor-Can/dp/B0GCY1SCWM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Differentlikemetoo.art.blog Facebook page: Different Like Me: https://www.facebook.com/people/Different-Like-Me/61585039401570/Past articles from Ashleigh: https://muckrack.com/Agoodwin/articlesCalendars and Art by Connor, along with his story:https://www.mylownv.com/The Muralist: https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2025/the-muralist-premiereKari Barber: https://www.unr.edu/journalism/faculty-and-staff/directory/barber-kari
February 21, 202656 min
The Chasm between Americans
In this conversation, Tyler H and Chris Mcintyre delve into various pressing societal issues, including the quest for justice for victims of high-profile crimes, the corrupting influence of wealth, the role of technology in shaping human interactions, and the complexities of immigration and labor markets. They explore the dynamics of political accountability, the evolution of racism in America, and the impact of digital information overload on critical thinking. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of personal responsibility, work ethic, and the need for individuals to think for themselves in an increasingly polarized society.
February 9, 202646 min
Sauna Talk: Men, Heat, and Honest Healing
Sauna Talk is a men’s wellness podcast recorded inside the sauna at LNGVTY Hub in Carrboro, NC. Each episode brings together host Chris McIntyre and owner Tim Pederson, along with rotating guests, for raw, unfiltered conversations about what men are really going through.In the heat, the walls come down—no titles, no posturing, no pretending everything is fine. Men talk openly about past trauma, depression, shame, addiction, fatherhood, relationships, and the pressure to “hold it all together.” Some guests share their names, others stay anonymous. The focus is safety, honesty, and healing.Rooted in health, wellness, fitness, and emotional sobriety, Sauna Talk explores how practices like sauna, cold exposure, strength training, breathwork, and better daily habits can support men not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.If you’re a man who’s tired of carrying everything alone—or someone who loves a man who is struggling—these conversations are for you. Step into the heat, listen in, and join a new kind of dialogue about what it means to be a man who actually heals.
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