deGRIFTify
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects. ”The cold war of the 21st century isn’t fought with weapons, and it isn’t waged between countries; it’s with information, between people. Whether you know it or not, you’re already a belligerent! Learn how to cut to the core of the issues, sift through the nonsense, and see what each side’s true goals are. And if you think we’re wrong, tell us why. We’ll tell you why we aren’t (unless we are).” - T & J
Episodes

Dec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025
49 min
What is the U.S.'s interest in Venezuela, and why should you care?
Thanks for listening.-
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.
[licensing]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Intro, edits in volume onlySkimel - Double tracked distorted electric guitar playing chords.ogghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double_tracked_distorted_electric_guitar_playing_chords.ogg
Outro, edits in volume onlyClaude Reid - Acoustic Jazz Quartet no1 (métronome à 100 ) accompagnement.flachttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acoustic_Jazz_Quartet_no1_(m%C3%A9tronome_%C3%A0_100_)_accompagnement.flac
Transitional sound effects, heavily distortedRobin Huw Bowen - Y Fwyalchen, from the 2015 album Iaith Enaidhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Y_Fwyalchen_-_Robin_Huw_Bowen.ogg

Nov 25, 2025
Nov 25, 2025
22 min
In today's mini episode, Thomas braves the unmedicated pain of a broken toe to highlight three issues among the present mediascape muddle. Which are more distraction than crisis?
Thanks for listening.-
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.
[licensing]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Intro, edits in volume onlySkimel - Double tracked distorted electric guitar playing chords.ogghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double_tracked_distorted_electric_guitar_playing_chords.ogg
Outro, edits in volume onlyClaude Reid - Acoustic Jazz Quartet no1 (métronome à 100 ) accompagnement.flachttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acoustic_Jazz_Quartet_no1_(m%C3%A9tronome_%C3%A0_100_)_accompagnement.flac
Transitional sound effects, heavily distortedRobin Huw Bowen - Y Fwyalchen, from the 2015 album Iaith Enaidhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Y_Fwyalchen_-_Robin_Huw_Bowen.ogg

Nov 11, 2025
Nov 11, 2025
1 hr 56 sec
Thomas and Joel broadly describe voter suppression and discuss some of the methods that have been employed in Texas.
Thanks for listening.-
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.
[licensing]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Intro, edits in volume onlySkimel - Double tracked distorted electric guitar playing chords.ogghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double_tracked_distorted_electric_guitar_playing_chords.ogg
Outro, edits in volume onlyClaude Reid - Acoustic Jazz Quartet no1 (métronome à 100 ) accompagnement.flachttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acoustic_Jazz_Quartet_no1_(m%C3%A9tronome_%C3%A0_100_)_accompagnement.flac
Transitional sound effects, heavily distortedRobin Huw Bowen - Y Fwyalchen, from the 2015 album Iaith Enaidhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Y_Fwyalchen_-_Robin_Huw_Bowen.ogg

Nov 4, 2025
Nov 4, 2025
45 min
In this episode Thomas and Joel briefly discuss the history and operation of the American Israeli Political Action Committee.
Thanks for listening.-
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.
[licensing]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Intro, edits in volume onlySkimel - Double tracked distorted electric guitar playing chords.ogghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double_tracked_distorted_electric_guitar_playing_chords.ogg
Outro, edits in volume onlyClaude Reid - Acoustic Jazz Quartet no1 (métronome à 100 ) accompagnement.flachttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acoustic_Jazz_Quartet_no1_(m%C3%A9tronome_%C3%A0_100_)_accompagnement.flac
Transitional sound effects, heavily distortedRobin Huw Bowen - Y Fwyalchen, from the 2015 album Iaith Enaidhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Y_Fwyalchen_-_Robin_Huw_Bowen.ogg

Oct 28, 2025
Oct 28, 2025
39 min
In this episode (recorded 10/20) Thomas and Joel briefly discuss the history of mass protest in America including the recent No Kings protest.
Thanks for listening. -
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.
[licensing]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Intro, edits in volume onlySkimel - Double tracked distorted electric guitar playing chords.ogghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double_tracked_distorted_electric_guitar_playing_chords.ogg
Outro, edits in volume onlyClaude Reid - Acoustic Jazz Quartet no1 (métronome à 100 ) accompagnement.flachttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acoustic_Jazz_Quartet_no1_(m%C3%A9tronome_%C3%A0_100_)_accompagnement.flac
Transitional sound effects, heavily distortedRobin Huw Bowen - Y Fwyalchen, from the 2015 album Iaith Enaidhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Y_Fwyalchen_-_Robin_Huw_Bowen.ogg

Oct 21, 2025
Oct 21, 2025
35 min
In this episode (recorded October 13th) Thomas and Joel discuss recent protests at the ICE facility in Portland, OR.
Thanks for listening.-
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.
[licensing]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Intro, edits in volume onlySkimel - Double tracked distorted electric guitar playing chords.ogghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double_tracked_distorted_electric_guitar_playing_chords.ogg
Outro, edits in volume onlyClaude Reid - Acoustic Jazz Quartet no1 (métronome à 100 ) accompagnement.flachttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acoustic_Jazz_Quartet_no1_(m%C3%A9tronome_%C3%A0_100_)_accompagnement.flac
Transitional sound effects, heavily distortedRobin Huw Bowen - Y Fwyalchen, from the 2015 album Iaith Enaidhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Y_Fwyalchen_-_Robin_Huw_Bowen.ogg

Oct 21, 2025
Oct 21, 2025
32 min
In this mini-episode Thomas and Joel discuss the recent reveal of clandestine CIA operations in Venezuela.
Thanks for listening.-
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.
[licensing]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Intro, edits in volume onlySkimel - Double tracked distorted electric guitar playing chords.ogghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double_tracked_distorted_electric_guitar_playing_chords.ogg
Outro, edits in volume onlyClaude Reid - Acoustic Jazz Quartet no1 (métronome à 100 ) accompagnement.flachttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acoustic_Jazz_Quartet_no1_(m%C3%A9tronome_%C3%A0_100_)_accompagnement.flac
Transitional sound effects, heavily distortedRobin Huw Bowen - Y Fwyalchen, from the 2015 album Iaith Enaidhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Y_Fwyalchen_-_Robin_Huw_Bowen.ogg

Oct 14, 2025
Oct 14, 2025
47 min
The price of living goes up, while wages remain the same. All the while, the quality of services and entertainment decreases. What's a person to do? Thomas and Joel provide advice and commentary.Thanks for listening.-

Oct 7, 2025
Oct 7, 2025
52 min
In this episode Thomas and Joel discuss two current events - the government's failure to pass a budget and Secretary Hegseth's recent meeting with flag officers of every branch of the military. Thanks for listening.-
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.
[licensing]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Intro, edits in volume onlySkimel - Double tracked distorted electric guitar playing chords.ogghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double_tracked_distorted_electric_guitar_playing_chords.ogg
Outro, edits in volume onlyClaude Reid - Acoustic Jazz Quartet no1 (métronome à 100 ) accompagnement.flachttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acoustic_Jazz_Quartet_no1_(m%C3%A9tronome_%C3%A0_100_)_accompagnement.flac
Transitional sound effects, heavily distortedRobin Huw Bowen - Y Fwyalchen, from the 2015 album Iaith Enaidhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Y_Fwyalchen_-_Robin_Huw_Bowen.ogg

Sep 30, 2025
Sep 30, 2025
45 min
Russian drones and MiGs, oh my! On today's episode Thomas and Joel discuss the political motivations for the recent pattern of incursions into European nations' airspace.Thanks for listening.-
An increasingly complex world is one that is increasingly filled with scams, tricks, and grifts. deGRIFTify is a discussion podcast intended to cut through some of that haze. Hosts Thomas and Joel summarize contemporary issues by identifying hidden interests, highlighting contradicting narratives, and drawing comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar subjects.
[licensing]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Intro, edits in volume onlySkimel - Double tracked distorted electric guitar playing chords.ogghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double_tracked_distorted_electric_guitar_playing_chords.ogg
Outro, edits in volume onlyClaude Reid - Acoustic Jazz Quartet no1 (métronome à 100 ) accompagnement.flachttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acoustic_Jazz_Quartet_no1_(m%C3%A9tronome_%C3%A0_100_)_accompagnement.flac
Transitional sound effects, heavily distortedRobin Huw Bowen - Y Fwyalchen, from the 2015 album Iaith Enaidhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Y_Fwyalchen_-_Robin_Huw_Bowen.ogg






