Call It Like I See It - podcast cover

Call It Like I See It

James Keys, Tunde Ogunlanacallitlikeiseeit.com
Call It Like I See It proves that news and social commentary does not have to be manipulative or sensationalist to be interesting, so join hosts James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana as they take a weekly look at notable news stories, opinion pieces, or products of our culture and break down what they see.
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Episodes

Real History has been Hidden, but not Everything You Find Is Real; Also, Keeping Up With Our Evolving Selves

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the difficulty in, and importance of, distinguishing between what is real and what is not when it is known history has been hidden in the context of the antisemitic documentary promoted by Kyrie Irving, the experience of Black Americans, and human societies in general (01:59). The guys also discuss the tendency for people to perceive themself as the same person as they were in the past even though they may have changed (48:04). What Does Kyrie Irving See in ...

Nov 08, 20221 hr

The Need to Keep Antisemitism Out of Decent Society; Also, Preventing AI From Destroying Humanity

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the recent antisemitic comments by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and consider whether the way mainstream society reacted was appropriate in light of his position and his status in society (01:41). The guys also take a look at recent research aimed at preventing AI from destroying humanity (42:04). Adidas ends Ye deal over hate speech, costing rapper his billionaire status (Reuters) Kanye West antisemitism controversy: What rapper said and how people have...

Nov 01, 202253 min

Does the Approach of Some Environmentalists Hold Back Environmental Progress? Also, Technology Growing Faster Than Our Perception

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the premise that is argued from time to time that the mindset of, and approach taken by, some environmentalists may be counterproductive as far as doing better on the environment (01:29). The guys also discuss the increasing pace of scientific discovery and why people’s view of modern times typically shortchanges what is coming in the future (42:22). The energy historian who says rapid decarbonization is a fantasy (LA Times) Not Everyone Should Have a Say (...

Oct 25, 202256 min

The Impact, or Lack Thereof, of the January 6th Hearings; Also, Eating Late Ruins Tomorrow

As it appears that we have seen the last January 6th hearing, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss their overall takeaways from the hearings and why the countless damming revelations seemed to have such little impact on the American public (01:16). The guys also discuss recent research on how eating late affects your body well into the next day (43:09). The Jan. 6 hearings are over. Time to vote. (WaPo) Jan. 6 Committee’s fact-finding and bipartisanship will lead to an impact in coming decades,...

Oct 18, 202256 min

Hyperpartisanship and the Loss of Even the Expectation of Honesty; Also, Why the US is Still Beholden to OPEC

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take note of how many in the US seem to take little offense to being lied to by politicians they support, consider how many in the political class have reacted to this, and discuss George Washington’s warning to the country about the dangers of political parties (01:32). The guys also discuss OPEC’s recent cut in oil production and how this exposes a way in which our politics could harm national security (54:38). Herschel Walker Urged Woman to Have a 2nd Abortion, S...

Oct 11, 20221 hr 14 min

Culture Series: Disintegration, a Book by Eugene Robinson

Eugene Robinson’s “Disintegration” explores what Robinson refers to as “[t]he Splintering of Black America” that has followed integration, and James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the background and the framework presented in the book and discuss how they see some of the concepts illustrated in different parts of American society. NOTE: This podcast contains spoilers. Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America (Publisher's Weekly) The Great Unraveling (NY Times) The 'Splintering' Of Amer...

Oct 04, 202258 min

The Fed is Flying the Economy Into Turbulence on a Wing and a Prayer; Also, Shooting for the Stars with the Cancer Moonshot

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the Federal Reserve’s aggression in raising interest rates over the past few months, the fallout we can expect from it, and whether such aggression makes sense under the circumstances (01:29). The guys also weigh in on President Biden’s relaunch of the Cancer Moonshot initiative and the value of taking big swings in government (45:52). Fed raises rates by another three-quarters of a percentage point, pledges more hikes to fight inflation (CNBC) Buckle up, Am...

Sep 27, 202257 min

Moving Migrants To Spite Political Opponents; Also, the Extent to Which Accountability and Ownership Mix in the NBA

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider whether the apparent trafficking of migrants from southern states to northern cities is more of a request for assistance or an effort by some to stick it to their countrymen and discuss how immigrant issues have always had a big influence on American politics (01:35). The guys also take a look at the NBA’s report on the misdeeds of the controlling owner of the Phoenix Suns and their approach to discipline someone who is a franchise owner as opposed to an em...

Sep 20, 202258 min

The British Monarchy as Both Consequential and Controversial; Also, Men Going Overboard in the Quest to be “Jacked”

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and ascension of King Charles III, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the British monarchy’s evolution over the past 1000 years and the role it has played, and continues to play in countries around the world (01:25). The guys also discuss recent revelations about the body image problems many men are facing as a result of muscle dysmorphia (35:40). King Charles III, the new monarch (BBC) Not everyone mourns the queen. For many, she can't be sepa...

Sep 13, 202255 min

Learning from the Plot to Bring Fascism to the US and the Marine Who Exposed It; Also, Is Being an Early Bird Genetic?

There are many parallels between the 1933 “Business Plot” and recent events, so James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the historical record of the plot, the role Smedley Butler played in exposing it, and what can be learned from it about efforts to overthrow a democratic system from (01:23). The guys also take a look at recent research about chronotypes which suggests that the extent to which someone may be an early bird or a night owl could be something that is genetic (34:58). Why is so little...

Sep 06, 202250 min

Recognizing “News Entertainment” in the Modern Media Landscape; Also, Rolling Out Student Loan Forgiveness

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana react to CNN’s apparent effort to be less confrontational politically and discuss the (de)evolution of the news media into a profit centered entertainment offering (01:22). The guys also discuss Biden’s student loan forgiveness program and how the merits of government assistance are often judged based not on the amounts in question but rather on who is getting assisted (37:02). CNN cancels 'Reliable Sources,' host Stelter leaving network (Yahoo!) RIP Reliable Source...

Aug 30, 202257 min

The Anticipated Fall of America and Ray Dalio’s “Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order;” Also, Body Positivity v. Science

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana react to Ray Dalio’s Youtube video “Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order” and discuss how America’s historic and current trajectory match up with Dalio’s “big cycle” for empires (01:13). The guys also consider whether it is necessary for body positivity messaging to adopt anti-scientific messaging to be effective (40:22). Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio (YouTube) Record percentage says US headed in wrong direction: N...

Aug 23, 20221 hr

The FBI “Raids” Mar-a-Lago and Trump Assails Rule of Law; Also, Bringing Dead Animals Back to Life

Following the FBI's retrieval of several boxes of sensitive documents from the residence of former President Trump, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the rising idolatry around Trump and the ongoing effort to subvert our government of laws and not men (01:13). The guys also react to reports that scientists have been able to bring cells from a pig back from the dead (40:22). FBI executes search warrant at Trump's Mar-a-Lago in document investigation (CNN) Mar-a-Lago warrant unsealed. What we ...

Aug 16, 202251 min

Alex Jones and the Line Between Free Speech and the Business of Dishonesty; Also, Our Teacher Shortage and Our Priorities

Seeing the substantial damage award that Alex Jones has been ordered to pay for pushing a lie, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss whether legal liability can be an effective check on misinformation peddling, especially considering how lucrative misinformation peddling appears to be (01:20). The guys also consider how the current shortage of teachers reflects a longstanding deprioritization of building up future generations (29:39). Jury orders Alex Jones to pay Sandy Hook parents nearly $50 m...

Aug 09, 202247 min

Andrew Yang, Joe Rogan and the Problem of Expecting Absolute Conformity in the Two Party System; Also, Bill Russell’s True American Life

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss America’s two political party system, how the newly announced 3rd party, Forward, and its co-chairs Andrew Yang and Christine Whitman can make an impact, and why Joe Rogan pushback against claims that he is a Republican is also a pushback against the increasingly prevalent expectation that everyone must conform to the entire platform of one of the two dominant political parties (01:25). The guys also reflect on the life and legacy of Bill Russell (36:30). Fo...

Aug 02, 202257 min

Trucker Protests and Finding the Line Between Employees and Contractors; Also, Overdosing on Beautiful Faces

Seeing trucker protests nearly shutting down cargo operations at the Port of Oakland over a legal classification issue, and James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana break down the issue of independent contractor v employee and debate whether regulators are clearly overreaching or are justified in their efforts to rebalance working relationships (01:15). The guys also react to recent discussions about whether we can be exposed to too many beautiful faces and whether that can have negative effects on us (26:...

Jul 26, 202249 min

“The Limits of Growth” and Predicting a Collapse of Civilization; Also, Uncovering a Southbound Underground Railroad

50 years ago, the book, “The Limits of Growth,” made some controversial predictions about a potential collapse of civilization due to our culture’s unsustainable approach to growth, and James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at how the book got to its predictions and consider how things have developed since then (01:22). The guys also react to the recently uncovered history about a southbound route to freedom for enslaved Americans in the 1800s (31:38). The Infamous 1972 Report That Warned of...

Jul 19, 202248 min

Russia’s Use of WNBA Star Griner is Not Fair and Not Uncommon; Also, Musk Backing Out of Twitter Deal is On Brand

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at Brittney Griner’s detention and recent trial in Russia and consider how common geopolitical leverage ploys seems dirtier when a person’s life or liberty is at stake (01:50). The guys also discuss Elon Musk’s move to get out of his contract to buy Twitter and how some in our society leverage adoration to avoid consequences for their actions (36:20). Timeline of Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia: Griner pleads guilty in court hearing (The Athletic)...

Jul 12, 202258 min

We Can See AI in Our Lives, but Sentience is in the Eyes of the Beholder; Also, Science is Tracking Down the Fountain of Youth

Following reports that a Google engineer believes that Google has developed a sentient AI, James Keys, Tunde Ogunlana, and Robert Buschel (author of the novel "God's Ponzi") discuss the idea of sentience in machines and how the increasingly advancing artificial intelligence in our technology could change society for better and/or worse (01:42). The guys also react to recent claims by some scientists that they are close to being able to de-age our bodies (45:37). The Google engineer who thinks th...

Jul 05, 202258 min

The Path to Overturning Roe and Concerns About the Win at all Cost Mentality; Also, the Role of Large Investors in Slowing Climate Change

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana react to the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization and discuss how the win at all costs mentality invading our judicial system can be harmful to our overall system (01:26). The guys also take a look at BlackRock’s retreat from its past efforts to champion ESG investing (35:13). Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (pdf)(supremecourt.gov) The Supreme Court’s Argument For Overturning Roe v. Wade (538) AOC says Supreme Court j...

Jun 28, 202253 min

What the LIV Golf Tour Tells Us About Our Priorities; Also, Commercializing Juneteenth is the American Way

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the newly launched LIV golf tour and discuss the strong reactions many have had to it as well as how sports washing efforts like these typically work (01:20). The guys also consider whether the commercialization of Juneteenth is something to be concerned about or the indication of a job well done, particularly in light of what the holiday signifies (33:46). The Saudi-backed LIV Golf tees off, and the PGA Tour quickly suspends 17 players (NPR) Saudi-ba...

Jun 21, 202251 min

January 6th Hearings and the Effect of Prioritizing Narrative Over News; Also, A Key Lesson from Tesla’s Success

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana briefly react to the initial hearings from the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021 US Capitol attack and discuss what the way the hearings are being covered reveal about our overall news environment (01:26). The guys also look back at the government loan that helped Telsa become the power that it is today and consider whether government is still doing its part in promoting economic and technological growth (39:33). Select Committee to Investigat...

Jun 14, 202256 min

An Evangelical Pastor’s Effort to Get the Church Out of Politics; Also, the Western U.S. is Running Out of Water

Seeing the recent efforts of Andy Stanley, a prominent evangelical pastor from Georgia, to get the church out of politics, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider how this mirrors the efforts of the founding fathers to keep religion separate from politics and governance and why this concept can resonate from both a political and religious perspective (01:19). The guys also raise the alarm about the looming dead pool in Lake Mead which could result in parts of the U.S. losing access to sources of ...

Jun 07, 202248 min

Mass Shootings in the U.S. and the Need to Do Something; Also, Sweat Does a Body Good

Seeing the recent run of mass shootings in the United States as unacceptable, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss how the public at large appears to be being targeted and how our society has gotten to the point where it is seemingly unable to do anything to address the problem (01:08). The guys also react to some recent findings on how sweat works and is beneficial for our bodies (41:31). Two shootings, 10 days apart: Texas school massacre comes on heels of racist killings in Buffalo (USAToday...

May 31, 202254 min

Culture Series: The Righteous Mind, a Book by Jonathan Haidt

As explained in its subtitle, Jonathan Haidt’s 2012 book “The Righteous Mind” considers “Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion,” and James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at some of the key concepts presented in the book and discuss how they see some of them play out in our modern society. NOTE: This podcast contains spoilers. The Righteous Mind (Penguin Random House)...

May 24, 202257 min

When is Government Control Over Personal Health Decisions Justified? Also, Did Humans Share the Earth with Hobbits?

With the Supreme Court reportedly poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss how the decades long effort which brought us here and consider what types of circumstances justify, and do not justify, the government dictating personal healthcare decisions (01:40). The guys also take a look at recent research which establishes that modern humans were around much earlier than previously believed (34:35). Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion show...

May 17, 202252 min

Americans Seem to Love, and Hate, Both Market Economies and Democracy; Also, Toxic Productivity in the 21st Century

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider why the affinity many Americans profess for things like democracy and market economies often appears to be very conditional on the outcome being produced(01:34). The guys also discuss the idea of toxic productivity and how the feeling that one needs to be accessible and productive may be harmful for our health (36:31). Do Americans Still Care About Democracy? (Bloomberg) Bellyaching and howls vs. NIL can't stop American commerce — and don't expect Congress ...

May 10, 202250 min

Is the Push to End Amazon’s Government Contracts an Abuse of Power? Also, Action Still Beats Manifestation

Seeing Senator Bernie Sanders’ push to get the U.S. government to end its contracts with Amazon over the company’s labor practices, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the boundaries of the legitimate use of government power and whether labor and unions still have a place in society (01:34). The guys also compare Sanders’ push to Florida governor Ron Desantis’ recent move to punish Disney for speaking against a recent Florida law (25:02) and discuss the importance of action in bringing about ...

May 03, 202251 min

Streaming Between the Lines - Prohibition

“Prohibition”, the 2011 documentary miniseries, gives a pretty extensive look at America’s experiment with the prohibition of alcohol, and James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss what stood out most in this Ken Burns and Lynn Novick documentary as well as the lessons we can and should take away from America’s failed prohibition experiment. Prohibition: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick (PBS) Prohibition: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick (Amazon Prime Video)...

Apr 26, 202252 min

Florida’s Apparent Embrace of Big Government Principles; Also, Human Lifespan Explained

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss how several recent of laws and regulations enacted by Florida’s state government reveal an unmistakable trend of seizing power from local authorities and requiring that everyone follow decrees coming from the state capitol (01:11). The guys also react to recent research which offers new insight into how the lifespan of mammals, including human beings, tends to work (36:07). Florida rejects 41% of new math textbooks, citing critical race theory among its reas...

Apr 19, 202251 min
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