Best REVERSE COWBOY Podcasts (2026)

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Weapons Grade Stupid 1:08:10

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14m ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Look, if you’re still scrolling Twitter for shitty takes on why the Arctic is "strategic," do yourself a favor and put down your phone (after you hit play on this episode). It's a choke point for ICBMs and the GIUK gap, not a brand new new real estate discovery. Tada :) The real story isn't about rare earths or buying ice - it’s about the raw power…

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The Worst Takes on Venezuela 1:02:41

1h ago1:02:41

1:02:41

The Cousins™ dismantle the lazy myths swirling around Venezuela, U.S. power, and the idea that every successful strike is a reusable template. This is about oil, incentives, and why markets consistently misunderstand force until it’s already been applied. Most importantly, this episode is a warning against one of the most dangerous impulses in geop…

1
The Chuck Norris Premium (US invades Venezuela) 1:21:06

4d ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Welcome to another normal week in geopolitics - on your left, you'll see the Trump administration (allegedly) flying into Caracas at 1am and walking Nicolás Maduro out the door. No moral sermons, no democracy talk, just raw power politics, naked and unapologetic. Jacob and Marko unpack what this moment says about American empire, hypocrisy fatigue,…

1
The (Geopolitical) Movies That Made Us 1:37:08

6d ago1:37:08

1:37:08

Geopolitics isn’t just policy memos and grim men in bad suits... it’s explosions, bad decisions, and unintended consequences (preferably set to a great score). The movies that we obsess over aren’t accidental; they’re training wheels for understanding power. War films that explain absolutely nothing. Spy thrillers where everyone is in the wrong. Re…

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Forecast 2026 57:46

13d ago57:46

57:46

Welcome to the future. In 2026, we're pretty convinced that the global map will get some major rewrites. Our '26 bingo card has the potential collapse of the Venezuelan and Cuban regimes, the end of the war in Ukraine, and the subsequent battle for Russia’s very soul crossed out. While others fear peaking deglobalization, Marko and Jacob see a path…

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Interview: Country music artist Cornelius Versa "The Crystal Cowboy" 32:14

19d ago32:14

32:14

Today I’m chatting with the oh-so-talented out recording artist Cornelius Versa. Raised on a soundtrack of LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, and Verdi, Cornelius blends country storytelling with the drama of his classical roots. His debut album, “The Crystal Cowboy,” is a wide-open jukebox of heartache, rebellion, and queer identity, tracing the road to …

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Cocaine Cowboys 1:12:29

20d ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Look, the world is decoupling, and everyone is making their bet. Mexico just threw their chips on the table with 50% tariffs, effectively divorcing China to marry the U.S. in a desperate play for North American relevance. Meanwhile, the Andes are swinging hard right, betting that nationalism and market-pro policies are the only way to survive a mul…

1
Do Better 1:08:15

24d ago1:08:15

1:08:15

The global discourse has hit a new low: political commentators are creating content out of a YouTube moron’s mean-spirited quest for clicks. Nick Fuentes, please, for the love of god, do better. Marko and Jacob drill past the outrage to ask why "mean" has become the default setting for public life. Then, Marko takes on the herculean task of defendi…

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Ctrl, Alt, Del 1:32:37

30d ago1:32:37

1:32:37

Let's talk about the National Security Strategy! American policy is entering its “choose-your-own-adventure” era, where fiscal dreams meet bond-market reality, and every global problem looks oddly like a mortgage-rate issue. What happens when primacy of nations collides with actual nations... some of which are run by people you wouldn’t trust with …

1
LGBTQ News: World AIDS Day 2025 + HBO's "Heated Rivalry" + more 9:56

1M ago9:56

9:56

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Today is World AIDS Day - I take a look at where we are in the fight against the epidemic• The top court in the European Union told Poland it has to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other member countries• WICKED star Jonathan Bailey is officially the top-grossing actor of 2025• And the new series "Heated R…

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Comrades and Fuehrers 1:29:12

2M ago1:29:12

1:29:12

Rising political extremes, shifting alliances, and competing visions of global order collide as leaders improvise their way through economic anxiety and geopolitical recalibration. Matt Gertken hops into the fray to help the cousins probe the uncomfortable overlap between left-wing populism and right-wing nationalism, the strategic ambiguity surrou…

1
Starting Five: US Presidents 2:03:16

2M ago2:03:16

2:03:16

Jacob and Marko finally caved to the mob on X and did what everyone (one guy who asked nicely) keeps yelling at them to do - rank the top five geopolitical U.S. presidents and the bottom five disasters. Not the best presidents. Not the most “inspirational.” The most geopolitically competent… and the ones who should never have been allowed within 50…

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LGBTQ News: Jonathan Bailey 'Sexiest Man Alive' + SCOTUS upholds marriage equality + more 10:56

2M ago10:56

10:56

In this week’s headlines:• WICKED star Jonathan Bailey is the first out gay man to be named PEOPLE Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive”• The Supreme Court declines former county clerk Kim Davis’s request to overturn its 2015 same-sex marriage ruling• Seventeen longtime transgender members of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have filed a lawsuit against…

1
Communist Reagan 1:34:55

2M ago1:34:55

1:34:55

Power tilts, voter moods, and economic pressures collide as shifting swing-state margins, rising price levels, and clashing visions of populism redefine the boundaries of U.S. politics. Marko Papic and Jacob Shapiro traces how competing narratives on inflation, governance, and national identity shape the struggles within both major parties, while g…

1
LGBTQ News: Luke Evans in 'The Rocky Horror Show' + UK honors LGBTQ vets + more 10:39

2M ago10:39

10:39

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Out action movie star Luke Evans will make his Broadway debut in a new revival of “The Rocky Horror Show" this spring.• King Charles III attended the unveiling of the U.K.’s first national monument to LGBTQ+ veterans, 25 years after the country lifted its ban on homosexuality in the military.• The U.S. Virgin Island…

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Reverse Nixon 1:50:05

3M ago1:50:05

1:50:05

Sanctions, alliances, and power balances are shifting faster than markets can price them. Marko Papic and Jacob Shapiro look at the U.S. Treasury’s crackdown on Russian oil, the fragility of global energy flows, and the illusion of stability in a world built on competing pain thresholds. Between Washington’s brinkmanship, Moscow’s resolve, and Beij…

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LGBTQ News: Trump orders disgraced former Rep. George Santos released from prison + more 13:17

3M ago13:17

13:17

In this week’s LGBTQ news:• Donald Trump ordered serial liar and former out gay Republicans Rep. George Santos released from prison• The Supreme Court appears poised to strike down Colorado's law banning the harmful practice of so-called "conversion therapy" on minors, which purports to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity• The C…

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The Illusion of Decoupling 1:19:09

3M ago1:19:09

1:19:09

Global trade isn’t just an economic story - it’s a test of power, pride, and patience. Jacob and Marko dive into the illusion of U.S.-China decoupling, exploring how power, dependency, and ideology are colliding in a world too connected to pull apart. From semiconductor choke points to rare earth retaliation, the United States and China are caught …

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The New Cold Peace 1:41:42

3M ago1:41:42

1:41:42

What happens when a superpower’s bluff runs out? Jacob and Marko trace Russia’s unraveling - from collapsing refineries and fading deterrence to the myth of its “paper bear” strength. They ask what real power looks like when fear no longer works, why Europe feels emboldened, and how Ukraine’s strategy is quietly rewriting modern warfare. Beyond the…

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121 | Michael Greene: Carbon Cowboy or Lone Ranger Part 2 – The $200 Million Land Heist in the Amazon 2:26:19

3M ago2:26:19

2:26:19

In this episode of Bionic Planet, we finally catch up with Michael Greene — the carbon developer branded a "land grabber of epic proportions" in The Washington Post, and now at the center of an unfolding saga that feels more like a political thriller than a conservation story. When Greene began building carbon projects in the Brazilian Amazon, he d…

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LGBTQ News: Austin Wolf sentenced to prison, Republicans seek to cut HIV prevention funding, and more 17:04

3M ago17:04

17:04

In this week's LGBTQ news:• Gay porn performer Austin Wolf sentenced to 19 years in prison• Republicans are seeking deep cuts to HIV prevention and treatment funding• An FBI agent fired for having a Pride flag on his desk• Madonna has penned a new song dedicated to her late brother• New music from out recording artist Milahroy - "Sleep In"All that …

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17 Seconds or Less 1:24:31

4M ago1:24:31

1:24:31

Marko and Jacob dive into the latest twists of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Marko makes the case that Russia’s size—once its biggest advantage—is now a glaring weakness, as Ukraine’s drones expose just how fragile pipelines, refineries, and infrastructure really are. Along the way, they poke fun at NATO’s cautious responses, revisit Poland’s not-so…

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120 | Indonesia is Still Moving its Capitol, and Nobody Cares? 1:25:30

4M ago1:25:30

1:25:30

In this episode of Bionic Planet, we delve into the pressing issue of climate change and its profound impact on coastal ecosystems, particularly focusing on blue carbon. We kick off the discussion by highlighting Indonesia's monumental decision to relocate its capital from Jakarta to Borneo due to the city sinking under the dual pressures of climat…

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Elon and Orwell 1:34:20

4M ago1:34:20

1:34:20

Pokemon cards outperforming Meta, Cornell students skinning bears, and Elon Musk misusing Orwell... Welcome to this Geopolitical Cousins episode 25. Jacob and Marko continue their conversation about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, arguing that his killing was likely driven less by ideology and more simply a symptom of disaffected young men radic…

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LGBTQ News: Big wins at 77th Emmy Awards, coming-of-age film 'Griffin in Summer' and more 12:22

4M ago12:22

12:22

In this week’s LGBTQ news:• Rounding up the big LGBTQ wins at the 77th Emmy Awards• The Justice Department is considering new regulations that could restrict gun ownership for trans people• A Republican Oregon state lawmaker has flipped to Democrat and credits his gay son for the decision• Plus, my review of the new coming-of-age film “Griffin In S…

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Political Violence And Theater 1:17:39

4M ago1:17:39

1:17:39

Jacob and Marko open up today's emergency episode with a sobering reflection on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, part of a disturbing rise in U.S. political violence. They urge caution against rushing to assign motives before facts emerge, warning that both left and right are exploiting the tragedy for division. From there, the episode dives into…

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We're So Back (It's So Over) 1:25:55

4M ago1:25:55

1:25:55

After battling several rounds of pneumonia, Jacob Shapiro rejoins the fray with Marko and tackles the whole month of missed content. The two spar over vaccine mandates and the cultural recycling of movies before turning to the economic disruptions posed by artificial intelligence. From there, the discussion moves to geopolitics: a hot-mic exchange …

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119 | Blue Carbon Pioneer James Kairo on How Mangroves Combat Climate Change: First of Three Parts 1:25:04

4M ago1:25:04

1:25:04

Like what you hear? Support us at patreon.com/bionicplanet. Today's guest, Blue Carbon Pioneer James Kairo, brings us into the fascinating world of mangroves and their immense economic and ecological value. Our journey begins with a brief overview of mangroves, which, despite covering only 0.01% of the sea surface and just 1% of Kenya's land area, …

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LGBTQ News: Rainbow crosswalks being erased, new Netflix series BOOTS, and more 11:07

4M ago11:07

11:07

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• An appeals court has ruled West Texas A&M University’s ban on drag shows is likely to be unconstitutional• The Florida Department of Transportation erased the Pulse Nightclub memorial crosswalk in the middle of the night• A trans woman has been found guilty of “sexual assault” after not revealing her gender identity…

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LGBTQ News: New series 'The Nature Of Us,' Air Force reverses on trans early retirement, and more 10:31

5M ago10:31

10:31

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• The Air Force has reversed on an option for transgender military service members to take early retirement, opting instead to force them out with no retirement benefits• The U.S. Supreme Court has been formally asked to reconsider its 2015 ruling that made same-sex marriage legal nationwide• The enchanting new web se…

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What The F*ck Is a Framework Trade Agreement??? 1:15:24

5M ago1:15:24

1:15:24

Jacob and Marko roll out their first “Geopolitical Six Pack,” each bringing three key global developments to the table. They unpack the Trump-EU “framework” trade deal, argue over the strategic logic of tariffs, and assess Europe’s long game. From Taiwan’s volatile domestic politics to Trump’s AI policy pivot and Chinese tech strategy, the cousins …

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LGBTQ News: London’s Trans+ Pride March, "Where The Bears Are" returns + more 11:44

6M ago11:44

11:44

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Over 100,000 people marched in London’s Trans+ Pride event over the weekend, making it the biggest trans Pride march in the world• The creative team behind the acclaimed web series “Where the Bears Are” is back with a hilarious and touching documentary titled “A Big, Gay, Hairy Hit — Where the Bears Are: The Documen…

1
Putin’s Out of Time, Not Troops 54:36

6M ago54:36

54:36

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic dive into the shifting dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war and Trump’s evolving stance. They analyze Trump’s 50-day ultimatum to Putin, potential secondary sanctions, and U.S. weapons sales to NATO. The conversation critiques misconceptions about Trump’s loyalty, explores Putin’s domestic challenges, and assesses the po…

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Realpolitik with Range (Trade Value Leaders Index P2) 2:06:09

6M ago2:06:09

2:06:09

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic deliver part two of their Trade Value Leaders ranking—a spirited, analytical exercise measuring global leaders by their geopolitical utility. Shapiro leans into controversial picks like Lula and Netanyahu, defends the logic behind selecting Orban, and emphasizes competence over charisma. Marko defends bold picks like S…

1
LGBTQ News: LGBTQ critics announce 2025 Dorian TV Awards, conversion therapy ban in Wisconsin + more 9:37

6M ago9:37

9:37

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A Catholic school in Louisiana has fired a 21-year veteran music teacher after a disgruntled parent discovered his deceased husband’s obituary from two years ago• The Wisconsin Supreme Court has cleared the way for a ban on the harmful practice of conversion therapy• California education officials have rejected a de…

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The Trade Value Leader Index 1:26:04

6M ago1:26:04

1:26:04

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic debut a provocative “Trade Value Index” - ranking the top 30 global leaders by geopolitical and economic value, modeled after Bill Simmons’ NBA Trade Value framework. They debate each pick based on leadership effectiveness, economic performance, future potential, and strategic skill. Categories include “products of the…

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LGBTQ News: Budapest Pride, Supreme Court on LGBTQ books, Marriage equality boost to economy + more 10:53

6M ago10:53

10:53

In this week’s headlines:• Over the past 10 years, same-sex weddings have boosted the U.S. economy by nearly $6 billion• Budapest’s Pride Parade broke attendance records despite Hungarian Prime Minister's attempts to ban the event• The Supreme Court has ruled parents have the right to opt their kids out of school lessons that include LGBTQ characte…

1
Postmortem on the Iran-Israel War 57:19

7M ago57:19

57:19

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic discuss the aftermath of the Iran-Israel war, analyzing President Trump's controversial claims of obliterating Iran's nuclear program and the broader geopolitical implications. They critique the media's response, evaluate future scenarios for Iran—including regime stability or shifts toward authoritarianism—and express…

1
America Strikes Iran 1:24:21

7M ago1:24:21

1:24:21

Jacob and Marko break down the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, unpacking the strategic logic, historical echoes, and likely retaliation scenarios. They debate the possibility of regime change, Iranian restraint, and why Strait of Hormuz closure is the true red line. The cousins also explore Trump’s foreign policy instincts, the limits of mul…

1
To Bomb or Not To Bomb 1:42:19

7M ago1:42:19

1:42:19

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic respond to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. They unpack the potential for U.S. airstrikes, the unraveling MAGA coalition, and the fantasy of regime change in Iran. Marko draws parallels to the 1999 NATO campaign in Serbia, warning against simplistic assumptions about military power. Jacob proposes four scen…

1
LGBTQ News: Breakthrough in search for HIV cure, how Americans feel about trans athletes, and more 13:06

7M ago13:06

13:06

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A research team in Australia has announced a significant breakthrough in the search for a cure for HIV• The Trump administration has quietly made official its plan to eliminate a federal suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youth• A new Gallup poll breaks down how Americans feel about trans athletes and how they co…

1
Israel Strikes Iran 1:02:02

7M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic react in real time to Israel’s stunning military strikes on Iran. With key nuclear sites hit and top Iranian commanders killed, the cousins break down what this means for Iran’s capacity to retaliate, the role (or lack thereof) of U.S. strategy, and why Saudi Arabia’s response might be the most important of all. They e…

1
Manufactured Chaos 1:33:38

7M ago1:33:38

1:33:38

Marko and Jacob unpack the media frenzy and political theater surrounding the ICE raids and escalating protests in Los Angeles. Marko cuts through the noise, calling out the mutually parasitic relationship between Trump and the media, and argues that California’s political posturing may hint at deeper national fissures. They dig into immigration hy…

1
The New Age of Making Stuff (or Pretending To) 1:46:56

7M ago1:46:56

1:46:56

Marko tears into the political class’s inability to talk about industrial policy without veering into Cold War nostalgia. He and Jacob unpack why tariffs are back—not as economic tools, but as cultural signals. Marko argues that globalization was always a political project, and it’s unraveling just as planned. From American washing machines to Euro…

1
LGBTQ News: Defense Sec orders Harvey Milk's name removed from ship, Pride flags in Hawaii, and more 12:31

7M ago12:31

12:31

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the name of pioneering gay rights activist Harvey Milk to be removed from a US Navy ship• A new report ranks the best and worst states for LGBTQ safety• Missoula city council designates Pride flag as "official city flag"• Pride Flags fly over Hawaii’s capital for the first …

1
Uber-Manliness 1:32:21

8M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

Marko kicks off this week’s episode with a takedown of Middle East punditry, arguing that Biden’s calm, calculated response to Iran’s attack on Israel is exactly what stability looks like in a multipolar world. While Jacob frets over deterrence and mixed signals, Marko doubles down: ambiguity is the new clarity. They unpack India’s chaotic yet pred…

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118 | Kenyan Herders Say Judgement Against Them Based on Forged Signatures / Continuation of Episode 117 1:02:25

8M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

In this episode of Bionic Planet, we continue our dive into the complex and often contentious world of community conservancies in northern Kenya, focusing on the Biliqo Bulesa and Cherub Community Conservancies. The episode opens with a powerful statement from community members, emphasizing that the ongoing legal battles surrounding these conservan…

1
LGBTQ News: Adult film star Colton Ford dead at 62, Title VII & LGBTQ workplace discrimination, more 10:07

8M ago10:07

10:07

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A federal judge has ruled Title VII does not protect LGBTQ people from workplace discrimination. His verdict directly contradicts a 2020 ruling by the Supreme Court• A petition to ban the harmful practice of “conversion therapy” has garnered over 1 million signatures in the European Union, requiring the European Com…

1
Maple Syrup and Soft Power 1:51:12

8M ago1:51:12

1:51:12

Marko and Jacob wrap up their Geopolitical Power Draft, spar over Canada’s place in the top 10, and debate whether demographics or tech will shape the next world order. Marko defends Canada with maple syrup, AI, and ag exports, while Jacob sides with rivers, realpolitik, and skepticism. They explore honorable mentions like the UAE, Rwanda, and a hy…

1
Our 2025 Geopolitical Power Draft 1:26:47

8M ago1:26:47

1:26:47

The cousins return with chaos, caffeine, and an inaugural Geopolitical Power Draft - but not before Marko rants about Gulf monarchies, Trump’s diplomatic plane deals, and why Saudi Arabia might out-liberal Israel by 2050. He skewers Western pearl-clutching, explains why Qatar owes him a jet, and declares multipolarity the new default. Along the way…