Shows
Zero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 51: Stop Hustling for a Minute: The Science Behind Taking a Real PauseFeeling burned out? Distracted? Mentally overloaded?
You’re not alone — and this episode breaks down why taking a real pause is one of the most powerful things you can do for your brain, your clarity, and your life.
In this Zero Distortion episode, Russ explains the difference between “time off” and a true reset — and why most people never actually rest, even when they think they are. We unpack how constant motion, nonstop noise, and endless digital stimulation overwhelm the brain and keep you reacting instead of thinking clearly.
Backed by neuroscience — including research from the Univ...
2025-11-2503 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 50: From Burnout to Best LifeIn Part 2 of this powerful conversation, burnout expert and bestselling author Lisa Hammett breaks down the real reason so many people—especially healthcare and HR leaders—struggle to set boundaries and protect their energy.
We dig into:
✔ Why boundaries feel so uncomfortable (and why that’s exactly why you need them)
✔ How saying “yes” is really saying “no” to something else that matters
✔ Simple scripts you can use with your boss, coworkers, or friends without guilt
✔ Why mentally fit leaders create healthier teams and better workplaces
✔ How your vision and WHY anch...
2025-11-2019 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 49: The Hidden Cost of ‘Just Pushing Through'If you’ve ever said, “I’m just tired—I’ll push through it,” this episode is for you.
Russ Bates sits down with Lisa Hammett, TEDx speaker, Certified Positive Intelligence Coach, and two-time bestselling author of From Burnout to Best Life, to talk about what burnout really looks like—and how to stop it before it wrecks your health, career, and relationships.
In this conversation, Lisa shares her personal burnout story after 26 years in corporate retail, the warning signs she ignored, and the moment she knew things had to change.
She breaks down:
🚨...
2025-11-1815 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 48: The Death of ConversationWe used to talk to understand each other.
Now we talk to perform. To be seen. To win.
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates explores how we replaced conversation with content and connection with commentary. From social media performance to screen addiction, this is a raw look at how digital life is reshaping our ability to listen — and why it’s leaving us lonelier than ever.
📱 In this episode:
Why empathy levels have dropped 40% among college students (University of Michigan study).
How Gen Z communicates more but connects less (P...
2025-11-1403 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 47: The Myth of Multitasking | Why You’re Doing More But Achieving LessWe’ve turned distraction into a lifestyle — and called it productivity.
But multitasking isn’t a superpower. It’s fragmentation.
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates breaks down the neuroscience behind the myth of multitasking — why it feels productive but actually drains focus, clarity, and creativity.
🧩 In this episode:
The neuroscience of “switching cost” — why every task switch can cut your productivity by up to 40%.
How multitasking lowers your IQ (University of London) and reduces empathy (University of Sussex).
Why dopamine keeps you addicted to distraction.
How to rebu...
2025-11-1104 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 46- The Outrage MachineWe don’t just consume outrage anymore — we fuel it.
Anger isn’t an accident online; it’s the product. In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates breaks down how outrage became a commodity — and why it’s now the most profitable emotion in the world.
We live in an economy that rewards reaction over reason.
Media, politics, and social platforms profit every time you get angry, click, share, or argue. The result? Logic gets buried, empathy is mocked, and we mistake noise for truth.
🎧 In this episode:
How outrage became big busi...
2025-11-0706 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 45: The Collapse of Common Sense | How Emotion Replaced LogicWe used to rely on logic, reason, and a little thing called common sense.
Now? Emotion runs the show. Outrage is rewarded. Facts are optional.
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates breaks down how common sense collapsed — and what it’ll take to rebuild it.
🧠 You’ll learn:
Why emotion has replaced logic in modern life
How social media rewards outrage over understanding
The illusion of intelligence in the age of information
How to reclaim common sense in a noisy world
🎧 Zero Distortion i...
2025-11-0407 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 44: Stop Saying Yes to EverythingConfidence isn’t built by saying yes to everyone — it’s built by setting boundaries that protect your time, energy, and self-respect.
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates breaks down why boundaries are essential for mental health, focus, and personal growth. You’ll learn:
-Why saying “yes” too often drains your confidence
-How your boundaries define your standards
-Why enforcing boundaries isn’t rude — it’s self-respect in action
-Practical examples for protecting your time and energy
If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or guilty for saying no...
2025-10-3003 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 43: Build Unshakable ConfidenceReal confidence isn’t built overnight — it’s earned through discipline, consistency, and keeping the promises you make to yourself. In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates breaks down why confidence doesn’t come before action — it comes from it.
Every time you follow through, you’re proving to yourself that you can be trusted. That’s how self-trust and real, lasting confidence are built.
If you’re ready to stop waiting for motivation and start building momentum, this episode is for you.
👉 Like, subscribe, and hit the alert bell — it’s free and helps the chan...
2025-10-2803 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 43: Choose Your Inputs | Protect Your Mindset from Negativity & Build FocusYour mindset is only as strong as the inputs you allow in. Garbage in, garbage out.
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates breaks down why what you consume—news, social media, conversations—directly shapes your mindset and focus.
👉 You’ll learn:
-Why negativity is baked into the news cycle and social media
-How to identify inputs that drain your energy
-What to replace them with to protect and fuel your mindset
-A one-week challenge to audit your inputs and choose better ones
You can’t con...
2025-10-2303 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 41: Discipline Beats MotivationMotivation comes and goes — discipline is what keeps you moving when the spark fades.
In this Zero Distortion episode, Russ Bates breaks down the difference between chasing motivation and building discipline that lasts.
You’ll learn why consistency beats emotion every time, how to train your mindset for follow-through, and why showing up matters more than feeling inspired.
Because anyone can start — but discipline is what gets you across the finish line.
If this hits home, drop a comment: Are you driven by motivation or discipline?
#Discipline #Motivation #Consistency #Mindse...
2025-10-2103 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 40: The Boy Who Gave It All Away 💛 | A 9-Year-Old’s Act of Kindness That Went ViralNine-year-old Mateo had just celebrated his birthday with $23 in hand. But instead of spending it on toys, he saw a woman selling candy at a stoplight — and gave her all of his birthday money so she could buy milk for her baby. That selfless act of kindness went viral, touching hearts around the world.
In this Feel Good Friday episode of Zero Distortion with Russ Bates, we share Mateo’s story — a simple moment that reminds us what generosity really looks like.
Because kindness doesn’t need an occasion. Sometimes it’s as easy as giving wha...
2025-10-1703 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 39: Respond, Don’t React | How to Stay in Control When Emotions Run HighEmotions are running high everywhere — politics, social media, even day-to-day conversations. But here’s the truth: if you don’t control your emotions, they’ll control you. In this short Zero Distortion episode, Russ Bates breaks down how to stop reacting on impulse and start responding with intention.
You’ll learn why emotional control isn’t about shutting down — it’s about protecting your peace, thinking before reacting, and choosing your response instead of letting the moment dictate it.
Take a breath, regain control, and move forward — one decision at a time.
Watch now and don’t forg...
2025-10-1503 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 38: Keep Moving ForwardThe world’s changing fast — work, life, everything. But staying stuck isn’t an option.
In this short Zero Distortion episode, Russ Bates breaks down how to adapt, grow, and keep moving forward when everything around you feels uncertain.
Learn how to:
-Stay focused when the world keeps shifting
-Recognize the signs of stagnation before they take hold
-Build the mindset to adapt, not just react
-Keep evolving — one small step at a time
Change is constant. Progress is a choice.
💥 Like, subscribe, and hit the...
2025-10-1402 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 37-Fitness Over 40 (Part 2): Mindset, Habits & Leadership with Joe CallariIn Part 2 of this Zero Distortion conversation, Russ Bates and fitness coach Joe Callari go beyond workouts and dieting to explore how fitness builds mindset, discipline, and leadership for busy men over 40.
Joe breaks down how the promises we make to ourselves shape our confidence, why sustainable habits beat extreme diets every time, and how small daily wins create unstoppable momentum.
We dive into practical, real-world strategies, including:
-How fitness habits translate into stronger leadership at work and at home
-Simple health hacks for busy professionals (movement, hydration, protein, recovery)
2025-10-1118 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 36: Elevate Your Circle | Surround Yourself with People Who Lift You UpWho you spend your time with matters more than you think. Your circle either pulls you forward or holds you back. There’s no middle ground.
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates breaks down why the people you surround yourself with shape your mindset, your energy, and ultimately, your future.
👉 You’ll learn:
-How negative people normalize excuses and stagnation
-Why positive people normalize growth and progress
-The importance of auditing your circle
-A challenge to invest more energy into relationships that elevate you
At th...
2025-10-1102 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 35: Don’t Take the Bait | Protect Your Energy & Stay Focused in a Distracted WorldNot every fight is worth your time. But in today’s world—social media, endless news, even daily conversations—it’s harder than ever to remember that.
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates breaks down why discipline is about protecting your energy and refusing to be pulled into chaos.
👉 You’ll learn:
-How social media, news, and arguments act as bait for your attention
-Why reacting to everything hands over your energy and power
-A simple pause-and-ask framework for deciding what’s worth your time
-How to redirec...
2025-10-0702 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 34-The Power of Small Wins | How Momentum Builds Confidence & ProgressMomentum is everything. When you have it, even big challenges feel manageable. When you don’t, even small tasks feel overwhelming.
In this short solo episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates explains why small wins matter more than we think.
👉 You’ll learn:
-How small wins create momentum and shift your mindset
-Why stacking daily wins leads to lasting progress
-Examples of small actions that build confidence
-A challenge to grab one small win today and keep building forward
Big breakthroughs don’t just happen—they’re bui...
2025-10-0303 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 33-Fitness Over 40: Joe Callari’s 3-Step Framework to Lose Weight, Regain Energy & Build DisciplineIn this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates sits down with fitness coach Joe Callari to break down what it really takes for men over 40 to get back in shape, lose stubborn belly fat, and boost energy without extreme dieting or endless cardio.
Joe shares his personal journey, the powerful lessons that shaped his approach, and his 3-step framework (Coaching • Consistency • Community) that has helped thousands of busy professionals lose 20–50+ pounds and keep it off.
We dive into:
-Joe’s story and why he focuses on men over 40
-The biggest myths about fi...
2025-09-3023 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 32: 4th Quarter Lock In: Fitness, Mindset & Couple GrowthWhy wait until New Year’s Eve to make resolutions? In this special episode of Zero Distortion, Russ and his wife Alisa share their 4th Quarter Lock In strategy — using the final 3 months of 2025 to focus on fitness, mental self-growth, and growing together as a couple.
Alisa opens up about her personal fitness goals (including Dexa scans, body composition, and daily habits), her mental growth practices (better sleep, reducing toxic scrolling, learning Spanish), and the ways she and Russ are strengthening their relationship heading into an empty-nest chapter.
This is all about momentum: not coasting thro...
2025-09-2911 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 31: Staying Positive in Divisive TimesIn this short solo episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates gets real about how tough it is to stay optimistic when the world feels divided and chaotic. Politics, culture, even everyday conversations can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: you can’t control the whole world—you can control how you show up in yours.
👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:
-Why optimism isn’t about ignoring reality
-How to control what you can control
-The ripple effect of positive daily choices
-Practical steps to keep negativity fr...
2025-09-2503 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 30: Climate Change: Physics, Denial, and Real Solutions w/ Tim ChristophersenIn this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates sits down with Tim Christophersen, VP of Climate Action at Salesforce, former UN Environment leader, and author of Generation Restoration. Together they cut through the noise on climate change, exploring:
The science and physics behind global warming
Real-world impacts on insurance, food, and water
How the money behind denial and misinformation has evolved
Myths about renewables, CO₂, and reliability—debunked
Why nature is critical infrastructure and how restoration can scale solutions
What individuals, companies, and governments can do right now
2025-09-2335 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 29: Mindset Coaching with Rebecca SchockerIn this episode of Zero Distortion, I sit down with professional mindset and life coach Rebecca Schocker for a conversation that goes way beyond theory. Rebecca doesn’t just talk mindset — she lives it, and she agreed to do something different on today’s show: coach me live, right here on the pod.
We dig into:
Rebecca’s journey from real estate and sales to becoming a professional mindset coach for men.
Why men over 35 often struggle with identity, emotions, and fulfillment.
The real meaning of mindset as a modality — and why rewiri...
2025-09-1633 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 25: Matchmaking Without the Swipe: I Know Why You’re Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault)What if the reason you’re single… is you?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates sits down with Jennifer Miotke, a professional matchmaker with over 15 years of experience, President of One on One Matchmaking, and author of the new book “I Know Why You Are Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault).”
Russ shares his own success story — meeting his wife almost a decade ago through a matchmaker — as they dive into:
-Why matchmaking works when apps don’t
-How modern dating has shifted in 2025
-The self-sabotaging habits that keep...
2025-09-1538 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 28: The Day One Lie: Trump Promised Lower Prices, Americans Got Higher CostsDonald Trump promised to slash costs on day one — from gas under $2, to cheaper groceries, affordable housing, and cutting electricity bills in half. Nine months in, the receipts tell a different story:
Gas averages $3.14/gal, not under $2
Groceries are up 2.2% since January
Housing prices climbed to $422K median
Electricity costs are up 18%, not down
New tariffs act as hidden taxes, adding 18.6% to prices
In this episode of the Zero Distortion Podcast, Russ Bates sits down with Jade Davis, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Thornton Buckeye Group, to br...
2025-09-1137 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 27: Leadership, Media & Success: Dr. Kim McNair’s Blueprint for EntrepreneursIn this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ sits down with Dr. Kim McNair — entrepreneur, media expert, and advocate for women in business — for a no-nonsense conversation about leadership, building a personal brand, and thriving in competitive industries.
Dr. McNair shares her journey from breaking into the media world to becoming a trusted voice for women entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses. From overcoming systemic challenges to harnessing opportunities in media, event production, and business development, her insights are a blueprint for anyone looking to level up their professional game.
If you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or som...
2025-09-0945 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 26: Solar Truth Bombs: Aaron Nichols on Storytelling, Renewable Energy Policy & The Big Billionaire BillIn this Zero Distortion Podcast episode, Russ Bates interviews Aaron Nichols, host of This Week in Solar and NABCEP-PV Associate, about the future of solar energy, clean energy policy battles, and the fight against fossil fuel misinformation. They break down why storytelling beats statistics for changing minds on renewable energy, how the Big Billionaire Bill slashes federal solar incentives, and the urgent need to act before tax credits expire. Nichols shares insights from his work in solar sales, installation, marketing, and policy, explains how rising electricity rates, blackouts, and brownouts will drive adoption of solar power and battery storage...
2025-09-0245 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 26: Matchmaking Without the Swipe: I Know Why You’re Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault)What if the reason you’re single… is you?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates sits down with Jennifer Miotke, a professional matchmaker with over 15 years of experience, President of One on One Matchmaking, and author of the new book “I Know Why You Are Single (And Yes, It’s Your Fault).”
Russ shares his own success story — meeting his wife almost a decade ago through a matchmaker — as they dive into:
Why matchmaking works when apps don’t
How modern dating has shifted in 2025
The self-sabotaging habits that keep...
2025-08-2638 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 24: Imposter Syndrome: Why Successful People Still Feel Like FraudsEver felt like you don’t belong — even after you’ve earned your place?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates sits down with writer and researcher Jay Fox to unpack Imposter Syndrome — that nagging belief that you’re faking it and someone’s about to find out.
Jay’s career spans literary fiction, Passive House energy standards, risk management, and medicine — all without formal training in those fields. He shares how he’s built a reputation for translating complex topics into clarity while battling his own inner critic.
We cover:
-What Imposter S...
2025-08-1942 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 23: Megawatts to Mega Recycling | Emilie O’Leary on Solar Waste, Decommissioning & the Circular Clean Energy EconomyWhat happens when solar panels, wind turbines, and clean energy systems reach the end of their life?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates talks with Emilie O’Leary, CEO of Green Clean Solar & Wind and author of Megawatts to Mega Recycling. Emilie has been on the front lines of the solar industry — scaling one of the largest mechanical solar firms in the U.S. — and is now leading the charge on solar panel recycling, wind turbine decommissioning, and building a truly circular clean energy economy.
We cover:
Why solar waste is the in...
2025-08-1240 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 22: Can You Talk Politics Without Losing Friends? We Tried.In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates is joined by longtime friend and business leader Craig Heller for the kind of conversation we need more of—one that spans political lines without turning into a shouting match.
Craig identifies as a conservative Democrat, and while he and Russ don’t see eye-to-eye on everything, they both agree: we need to start listening to each other again.
This conversation tackles:
Craig’s first-hand experience with Democratic Party dysfunction
His political evolution and where he sees the country headed
How we nav...
2025-08-051h 01Zero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 21: EV Myths, Fires & Fearmongering: Jess Shanahan on the Truth About Electric VehiclesAre EVs really dangerous? Are battery fires as common as the headlines suggest? In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ sits down with UK-based data storyteller and journalist Jess Shanahan to cut through the EV misinformation dominating the media.
Jess, founder of Charge Happy, breaks down what the data actually says about electric vehicle safety, charging convenience, and the media’s obsession with clickbait fear. From EV battery myths to the psychology behind adoption resistance, this episode dives deep into the stories being told—and the truth being buried.
🔌 Topics covered:
-Are EV fires r...
2025-07-2940 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 20: Comfort Is Lying to YouMost people aren’t stuck because they’re unqualified — they’re stuck because they’re too comfortable.
In this solo episode, Russ Bates gets brutally honest about how comfort zones become cages. He shares his own experience of avoiding public speaking, staying behind the scenes, and letting fear dictate what opportunities were “for him.” That fear kept him quiet. And it kept him small.
But once he stepped out? Everything changed.
Now Russ hosts two podcasts, speaks on panels, and has delivered expert witness testimony that helped shape real state energy policy — all because he chose...
2025-07-2206 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 19: Casey Weinstein on Corruption, Courage & a Possible U.S. Senate RunOhio State Senator Casey Weinstein joins Zero Distortion to talk about political courage, government corruption, the HB6 scandal, and whether he’ll run for the U.S. Senate in 2026.
In this unfiltered conversation with Russ Bates, Casey opens up about:
Fighting corruption in Ohio’s Statehouse
The truth behind the $600M HB6 energy scandal
What real leadership looks like in a broken system Gerrymandering, political cowardice, and the messaging wars
Whether he's ready to challenge the status quo in Washington
If you're tired of soundbite politics and want...
2025-07-1540 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 18-Clean Energy’s Next Chapter: Can We Thrive Without the ITC?The Big Ugly Bill is now law — and clean energy is officially on the clock.
In this Zero Distortion panel, host Russ Bates is joined by Jessica Fishman, Jeff Wolfe, and Kevin Doffing to cut through the spin and break down what this means for solar, storage, and America’s energy future.
🔹 What the bill actually does (beyond the headlines)
🔹 How it disrupts residential, commercial, and federal clean energy efforts
🔹 The surge in electricity demand from AI, EVs, and manufacturing
🔹 Why fossil fuel “alternatives” aren’t a viable path forward
🔹 What comes next — and how the...
2025-07-1056 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 17: What Real Leadership Looks Like | Randal "Tiny" Smith on Strategy, Empathy & Team PerformanceWhat makes a great leader in today’s world of constant pressure, rapid change, and overhyped management trends?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates talks with Randal “Tiny” Smith, a 6’7” British military veteran, aerospace engineer, and former Chief Operating Officer at Jaguar Land Rover, who’s led global teams in the military and private sector alike.
With deep experience in EV deployment, renewable energy strategy, and high-value manufacturing, Randal brings a grounded and battle-tested perspective to modern leadership.
🎯 Topics covered:
What real leadership means in high-stakes environments
The 3Ts Leaders...
2025-07-0744 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 16-The Manosphere Exposed: Why Fake “Alpha” Culture Is Failing Young MenIn this episode of Zero Distortion, host Russ Bates dives into the rise of the manosphere—an online world of “alpha male” influencers like Andrew Tate, Sneako, Fresh & Fit, and Nick Fuentes. What started as self-help for struggling men has morphed into a toxic blend of misogyny, status obsession, and grievance-based masculinity. Russ shares his perspective as someone who grew up admiring figures like Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Arnold Schwarzenegger—men who let their actions speak louder than their words. He explores how today’s “alpha” culture trades quiet strength for loud insecurity and why so many young men are fallin...
2025-07-0106 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 15-Electric Julie on EVs, Clean Energy, and Why the Politics Shouldn't Matter AnymoreIn this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ sits down with Julie Johnson—better known as Electric Julie—a powerhouse in clean transportation, logistics, and energy strategy.
From heavy-duty EVs to the future of sustainability, Julie shares her journey from pulp and paper to pharmaceuticals to becoming a national voice in clean tech. They dive into the reality of deploying electric fleets, the misinformation slowing progress, and how the clean energy movement is charging ahead—despite political headwinds.
🔌 Why EVs are more than just Teslas
🌎 How business leaders can navigate the chaos of the energy trans...
2025-06-2436 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 13-State Rep. Tristan Rader: How Ohio Just Took Down Big Utility CorruptionIn this episode of Zero Distortion, State Representative Tristan Rader joins Russ Bates to break down his first major legislative victory: HB 15, a sweeping, bipartisan clean energy reform law that repeals Ohio’s corrupt coal subsidies from HB 6, introduces new solar energy financing for schools, and puts real guardrails on utility billing practices.
Tristan shares what it’s like transitioning from local politics to the Ohio Statehouse, how the national political climate is bleeding into state-level policymaking, and why the fight for clean, affordable energy is far from over. We dive into utility accountability, energy system fragility, misi...
2025-06-1633 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 13: Cowards in the CommentsIn this solo episode, Russ cuts through the noise and breaks down why online bullies aren’t worth your time, how to spot the difference between ignorance and bad faith, and why staying focused is the most powerful response.
We don’t argue with keyboard cowards. We don’t feed the trolls. We let them boost the algorithm — and move on.
New episodes of Zero Distortion drop weekly. Subscribe and stay sharp. 🔔 Subscribe for more real talk
🎙️ Listen on Spotify/Apple
📩 Contact or book Russ: russ@nxtgencleanenergy.com
#ZeroDistortion #Trolls #RealTalk #C...
2025-06-1204 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 12: Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Cuts Medicaid, Helps the Wealthy — Here’s What’s InsideTrump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” just squeaked through the House — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In this episode of Zero Distortion, we unpack what this proposed legislation really means for America:
🔹 A massive extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts
🔹 Deep Medicaid cuts that threaten healthcare access
🔹 Huge tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy
🔹 Rollbacks on clean energy incentives
🔹 A projected $4 trillion added to the federal deficit Republican leaders claim it will grow the economy and benefit working families — but does it?
We examine the truth behind the promises...
2025-06-0504 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 11-Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts: Who Really Benefited?Did Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts really help working Americans — or just the wealthy elite? In this episode of Zero Distortion, host Russ Bates breaks down the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, what was promised, and who actually benefited. We analyze the real impact of the 2017 Trump tax law, including: How much the top 1% of earners gained from the tax cuts What middle-class families actually received Whether the law “paid for itself” or ballooned the national debt How foreign investors profited while the poorest Americans got crumbs With data from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) and insights...
2025-06-0307 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 10-Manifestation That Actually Works: Mindset, Energy & Real-Life ResultsIn this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates is joined by his wife Alisa and guests Lanie Latios and Caroline Vincent for a deep, real, and practical conversation about manifestation—what it actually is, how it works in business, relationships, and mindset, and why it’s more than just wishful thinking. We unpack manifestation techniques, including journaling, visualization, affirmations, method acting, energetic alignment, and even neural anchoring.
We discuss:
-What manifestation means in real life (not just TikTok trends)
-Success stories from careers, The Bachelor, and personal growth
-The science and mind...
2025-05-2729 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 9-Made in America-Is It Still Realistic TodayEveryone’s talking about bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. — but what does it actually take to rebuild an industrial base in today’s global economy?
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates is joined by Mush Khan, Co-Founder & CEO of Alchemy Industrial, for a real conversation on the gap between political ambition and manufacturing reality.
Mush brings decades of experience in industrial strategy, operations, and innovation — and shares what it’s like to lead a domestic manufacturing company during a time of big promises and uncertain policy.
Together, they explore:
🔩 Why...
2025-05-2033 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 8 – The Business of the Bachelor with Lanie LatsiosThe Business of the Bachelor
The Bachelor isn't just a dating show — it's a billion-dollar brand built on emotion, competition, and carefully crafted narratives.
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ is joined by Lanie L. Latsios, a contestant from Joey’s season of The Bachelor, along with my wife Alisa, a longtime fan of the franchise. Together, we dive into the machine behind the roses — and what happens to the people inside it.
🎙️ We unpack:
➡️ How contestants are selected, prepared, and positioned
💡 The emotional cost of...
2025-05-1540 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 7-Answer the Damn QuestionWhy is it so hard for politicians to just answer the damn question?
In this solo episode, Russ Bates breaks down one of the most frustrating things in politics today — long-winded, empty responses that say nothing. Whether it’s a press conference, a podcast, or testifying before Congress, too many politicians from both sides talk in circles, dodge accountability, and insult our intelligence with rehearsed spin.
Russ explains why this isn’t a partisan problem — it’s a leadership one. And why pretending to answer is worse than just saying “I’m not going to answer that.”
2025-05-1304 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 6: Work/Life BalanceWhat does work-life balance really mean — and is it even the right goal? In this episode, Russ shares a personal take on how his view of balance has evolved over time. From working on vacation to finding purpose in the hustle, this isn’t about burnout or boundaries — it’s about alignment.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or just someone trying to make it all fit — this one’s for you.
💬 Subscribe for more real talk from Zero Distortion.
2025-05-0606 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 5-Vacation Vibes & Real Talk: A Quick Zero Distortion Update from Mexico
Hola from Mexico! 🌴
In this short update, Russ Bates shares a few vacation vibes while thanking Zero Distortion listeners for the early support.
With new episodes coming soon — covering everything from TikTok to politics to behind-the-scenes stories from The Bachelor — there’s a lot to look forward to.
Thanks for being part of the ride. Subscribe and stay tuned — real talk is just getting started.
🎙️ #ZeroDistortion
2025-04-3001 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesAngela Muresan — Marketing with Meaning
In this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates sits down with Angela Muresan — a multilingual marketing strategist, content creator, and presenter — to talk about the journey from early influences to building a purpose-driven career.
Angela shares how her values, cultural background, and passion for storytelling have shaped her path in marketing. From freelancing and show hosting to creating sustainable brand strategies, she opens up about staying inspired, working with intention, and the importance of authenticity in both life and business.
🎙️ Topics include:
How Angela’s personal story shaped her work
Creativity...
2025-04-2234 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesZero Distortion Episode 3-The Fall of Elon MuskIn this episode of Zero Distortion, Russ Bates unpacks Elon Musk’s shift from admired innovator to political lightning rod.
We cover:
-Musk’s $275M donation and D.O.G.E. appointment
-The myth of $2T in “savings” vs. $150B in new federal spending
-Why even Trump is now backing away
-And how Musk may be hurting the very legacy he built
This isn’t reform. It’s spectacle.
2025-04-1508 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesZero Distortion Ep. 2 – Tariffs: Who Pays, Why Now, and What It All MeansIn this episode of Zero Distortion, host Russ Bates breaks down the recent wave of tariff announcements—and reversals—from the Trump administration. With special guest John Ellis (Founder & CEO of Agile Auto, economist, and U.S. Marine veteran), we explore:
1) What Are Tariffs, and Who Pays for Them? (spoiler: it's not the exporting country)
2) What Is the Trump Administration Aiming to Achieve with These Tariffs?
3) If the Administration's Goals Are Met, Is the Outcome Beneficial?
We recorded this episode just after the April 9th news that Trump paused most tariffs for...
2025-04-1052 minZero Distortion with Russ BatesEpisode 1-Why I Started Zero DistortionIn this first episode of Zero Distortion, I break down why I launched this podcast and what it’s really about.
I’m not here to go viral or pretend I’ve got it all figured out. I’m here to learn, ask questions, and have real conversations—with no fluff, no spin, and no filters.
We’ll cover everything from business and politics to mindset, relationships, society, and culture. Some episodes will be light, some heavy—but always straight-up and worth your time.
If you're looking for something honest in a world full of noise...
2025-04-0704 min