Cleared Hot Episode: Full Auto Friday 2/7/2025
Host: Andy Stumpf
Release Date: February 7, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf delves into a variety of pressing topics, blending personal anecdotes with broader social and political discussions. The episode features insightful Q&A sessions addressing personal struggles, the complexities of firearms legislation, and the profound impact of health crises on relationships. Throughout the episode, Andy interjects with his characteristic candor and practical advice, enriched by notable quotes and real-life experiences.

1. Navigating Divorce and Moving Forward

Timestamp: 15:30 - 35:45

A heartfelt listener reaches out to Andy, sharing his tumultuous journey through a challenging divorce at 40 years old. Married at 23 with six children, the listener outlines the financial and emotional aftermath of the dissolution, highlighting significant child support obligations and the struggle to rebuild his life.

Key Points:

• Self-Reflection and Accountability: The listener has invested considerable time in self-improvement and counseling to address personal shortcomings contributing to the failed marriage.

• Hypervigilance in Relationships: Post-divorce, he finds himself overly cautious and jaded when forming new relationships, compounded by the skepticism faced due to his status as a single father with a large family.

• Emotional Resilience: Despite feelings of depression and fear of lifelong solitude, the listener remains hopeful about finding love and rebuilding his family structure.

Notable Quotes:

• Listener: “I had to borrow a lot of money to financially appease my ex-wife as well as put myself in a position where I have to pay a significant amount of child support.” [16:45]

• Andy Stumpf: “Self-awareness can most certainly be a gift, but have also found that through my journey of healing... I now look at people and relationships through a very jaded lens.” [22:10]

Andy’s Response and Advice: Andy empathetically acknowledges the listener's struggles, emphasizing the importance of time and the inevitability of both good and bad phases in life. He reassures him that the right partner exists and encourages patience and perseverance.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Stumpf: “Nothing will last forever. It will pass.” [28:30]

• Andy Stumpf: “Your kids are worth it. You are worth it. And that might mean it's going to take a while.” [34:50]

2. The Implications of Declaring Mexican Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

Timestamp: 36:15 - 1:10:00

A listener’s inquiry propels Andy into a deep dive into the ramifications of President Trump labeling Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The discussion explores the unintended consequences for asylum seekers and the broader issue of firearms smuggling into Mexico.

Key Points:

• Asylum Claims Misconceptions: Andy clarifies that Mexican citizens cannot currently claim asylum based solely on fleeing classified FTOs, debunking some misconceptions presented in the listener’s email.

• Firearms Smuggling Statistics: He cites alarming figures, noting that over 10,000 firearms are traced from the U.S. to Mexico annually, with estimates ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 illegally smuggled guns each year.

• Impact on Gun Stores and Owners: The designation of cartels as FTOs imposes stricter legal consequences on gun store owners who unknowingly facilitate strawman purchases, thereby inadvertently aiding terrorist activities.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Stumpf: “200,000 to 500,000 guns from the United States are smuggled illegally into Mexico every year.” [42:20]

• Andy Stumpf: “The penalties associated with that, the penalty for money laundering are great by any stretch, but you add the aid and abet a terrorist organization, you've taken it to a whole different level.” [54:45]

Analysis and Solutions: Andy discusses the role of firearm responsibility in mitigating smuggling and emphasizes the need for comprehensive domestic reforms alongside tactical measures against cartels. He also touches on the economic factors driving illegal arms trafficking and the importance of addressing these root causes.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Stumpf: “The issue not that they should do a strawman purchase, the issue is the complexity comes from the person presenting themselves at the counter.” [1:02:30]

• Andy Stumpf: “We have a lot to clean up ourselves north of the U.S. Canadian border.” [1:09:15]

3. Personal Health Crisis and Its Impact on Relationships

Timestamp: 1:10:15 - 1:50:00

The episode shifts to a poignant narrative from another listener who experienced a heart attack, placing strain on his marriage. This segment explores the interplay between personal health, lifestyle choices, and marital dynamics.

Key Points:

• Health and Lifestyle Choices: The listener discusses his battle with obesity, rigorous workout routines including Jiu-Jitsu and CrossFit, yet struggles with maintaining a healthy weight, culminating in a heart attack.

• Impact on Marriage: Andy highlights the importance of open communication and proactive health management in preserving marital relationships, especially when faced with life-threatening health issues.

• Emotional Support and Planning: The conversation underscores the necessity of discussing end-of-life wishes and creating legal documents like wills and living wills to alleviate emotional burdens during crises.

Notable Quotes:

• Listener: “The hospital food was enough to drop me below the 300-pound mark for the first time in too long.” [1:15:50]

• Andy Stumpf: “If you have a question or curiosity, ask it and then pay attention to the answer.” [1:45:25]

Andy’s Practical Advice: Andy advises couples to engage in honest conversations about fears and future plans, advocating for preparedness without succumbing to anxiety. He emphasizes the importance of mutual support and understanding to navigate health crises effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Stumpf: “Have those conversations, but just ask your wife, how is she feeling?” [1:47:10]

• Andy Stumpf: “Nobody wants to make decisions when you're dealing with the loss of somebody that you cared about more than your own life.” [1:48:30]

Conclusion

In this episode of Cleared Hot, Andy Stumpf masterfully balances personal storytelling with intricate discussions on societal issues. Whether addressing the emotional aftermath of divorce, the complexities of international firearms trafficking, or the profound effects of a health crisis on personal relationships, Andy provides listeners with thoughtful insights and actionable advice. His blend of empathy, realism, and strategic thinking offers valuable guidance for navigating life's multifaceted challenges.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Listener on Divorce: “I had to borrow a lot of money to financially appease my ex-wife..." [16:45]

• Andy on Self-Awareness: “Self-awareness can most certainly be a gift..." [22:10]

• Andy on Resilience: “Nothing will last forever. It will pass.” [28:30]

• Andy on Worthiness: “Your kids are worth it. You are worth it." [34:50]

• Andy on Firearms Smuggling: “200,000 to 500,000 guns from the United States are smuggled illegally into Mexico every year.” [42:20]

• Andy on FTO Penalties: “You've taken it to a whole different level.” [54:45]

• Listener on Health Crisis: “The hospital food was enough to drop me below the 300-pound mark..." [1:15:50]

• Andy on Communication: “Have those conversations, but just ask your wife, how is she feeling?” [1:47:10]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the discussions and insights shared by Andy Stumpf and his guests.