Royce White: The Ugly Truth About U.S. Elections | DSH #1506 - Digital Social Hour

Episode Overview

Podcast: Digital Social Hour
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Royce White
Episode: #1506 – "Royce White: The Ugly Truth About U.S. Elections"
Date: August 23, 2025

In this candid, no-holds-barred episode, Sean Kelly sits down virtually with Royce White—former pro basketball player, political candidate, activist, and unapologetic truth-teller. White, running for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, opens up about the steep challenges faced by outsiders in American politics, systemic corruption in elections, his views on mental health, the evolving media landscape, and what he calls the ugly truths about U.S. democracy, politicians, and the culture wars. The conversation spans from White’s experiences in politics and sports to deep dives into controversial subjects, including election integrity, identity politics, globalism, and personal anecdotes on resilience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Uphill Battle of Political Outsiders

[01:24–02:52]

White’s Campaign Context: Challenging entrenched incumbents is a massive undertaking, especially in "deep blue" states.
“The biggest thing that I've learned so far is... you may think you're popular... But do people know you across an entire state of 4 million voters? That's a big difference.” (Royce White, 01:59)
Invisible Influence: The party machine, name recognition, and massive fundraising disparities overwhelmingly favor incumbents. Royce underscores the need for persistence beyond one election cycle.

Minnesota as Microcosm of America

[02:54–05:22]

Senate Races Are National Races: Issues transcend state lines because 100 Senators shape law for everyone.
Corporate Power & Farming: With major companies and agricultural interests, Minnesota embodies "uni-party" politics where both corporate and government powers squeeze out average people.
White points to his flipping 29 rural counties (2024) as evidence of some progress despite overwhelming opposition.

The Corrupting Power of Campaign Finance

[05:25–07:36]

Fundraising Reality: Raised $1.5m vs. Amy Klobuchar’s $16m+ war chest.
“I’m categorically against special interests and lobbies altogether... the big corporations are tipping the scales.” (White, 06:04)
White believes low voter turnout—especially among Christians—is a root problem: “Nearly 30 million Christians... didn't vote even in the 2024 election...” (06:36)

Distrust in Elections & Voting Technology

[08:18–11:28]

Deep Distrust: White questions whether statistical participation numbers are real, given the unreliability of information.
Machines are a major concern: “The average slot machine at a local casino has a better chain of custody than your average voting machine, which is unacceptable...” (White, 10:28)
Supports removal of voting machines and mail-in ballots, even if it inconveniences rural voters, citing rampant problems and threats to national security.
“If you don’t care about your citizenship enough to... make the drive and secure the process, then you deserve to die under communism, and by God you will.” (White, 10:36)

Labeling, Identity Politics, and Media Spin

[11:28–15:05]

Accusations of anti-Semitism and conspiracy theorist labels are used as weapons to discredit independent-minded outsiders.
On ‘Globalism’ as a Dog Whistle: The term is deliberately mischaracterized by legacy media to smear critics (White references his own experience with the Minneapolis Star Tribune).
Contrasts use of Black and Jewish identity in political rhetoric—argues both are manipulated to expand state or global power.

The Steve Bannon Factor & Trends in Political Realignment

[15:09–18:44]

Steve Bannon is White’s political mentor: “It’s easy to pander to the echo chambers... he doesn’t do that. And he’s still been able to have one of the most successful shows and impactful shows in the world.” (White, 16:30)
Bannon’s push for MAGA to embrace the working-class, including Black and Hispanic voters, marks a crucial shift.

Tech, Transhumanism, and Elon Musk

[18:44–22:42]

Deep skepticism toward Elon Musk and the "tech bro" vision.
Warns against the perils of AI and transhumanism, arguing that transgender ideology is the "predicate for transhumanism."
“We don’t want to be growing organic human babies in labs that don’t have any human rights because they belong to corporations... We fought an entire civil war so that people weren’t considered property. Now we’ve come to the technological point where we’re going to create [new] property?” (White, 20:40)
Calls for an immigration moratorium: “If you don’t have a border, you don’t have a country.”

Masculinity, U.S.-China Relations, and Political Theater

[23:08–25:33]

Critiques Gavin Newsom for welcoming Chinese President Xi, calling it a betrayal of American values and a sign of weak leadership.
“We just need a return to some real, genuine masculine leadership.” (White, 23:34)
Asserts the political and media establishment thinks Americans are stupid, citing his campaign consultants’ advice: “Don’t talk above the level of a fifth grader.” (24:22)

Alternative Media and a Waking Public

[25:33–26:46]

Alternative media is eroding establishment control, yet propaganda and echo chambers remain powerful.
Anecdotes about fighting "conspiracy theorist" labels, often worn now as a badge of honor: “If they say I'm a conspiracy theorist as the qualifier, you should vote for me...” (White, 26:46)

Royce’s Athletic & Personal Journey

[27:13–36:36]

Still active in Big3 basketball, future interests in MMA.
Revisits career in the NBA, ahead of his time advocating for player mental health.
Shares struggles with anxiety and the NBA’s lack of proper policy/support: “Doctors will tell you, you should only take Xanax on a very temporary basis... You start getting into the realm of inner dose withdrawals.” (40:11)

Flying, 9/11, and Societal Anxieties

[45:56–46:10, 50:23–51:34]

Describes his aversion to flying, tying it to both personal trauma (9/11 as a kid) and broader political skepticism.
Critiques post-9/11 security theater, calls for the immediate repeal of the Patriot Act:
“If there’s a second thing we need to do besides get rid of the machines, it’s repeal the Patriot Act.” (50:36)
Links physical detachment (flying, digital life) to alienation in society.

Broader Critiques: Deep State, Democracy, AI

[51:34–56:37]

Praises Trump’s fight against entrenched power but cautions that democracy itself is often a red herring protecting corrupt institutions.
Outlines four “heresies of the West”: scientific method, democracy (especially French influence), computer technology, and artificial intelligence.
“The word democracy has become... a sort of red herring... That just makes them institutionalists. That’s just their way to shill and cover for the corruption of the institutions.” (White, 54:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Political Machines:
“Anybody who thinks that we can take one shot at these incumbents, especially in these deep blue states like Minnesota, California, New York... is mistaken or they're in it just for the money.” (01:49)
On Campaign Finance:
“I'm categorically against special interests and lobbies... but essentially the big corporations are tipping the scales.” (06:04)
On Election Integrity:
“The average slot machine at a local casino has a better chain of custody than your average voting machine, which is unacceptable...” (10:28)
On Identity Politics:
“The black identity is used to justify the expansion of the federal government... the identity is used to justify the expansion of global government.” (12:13)
On Steve Bannon:
“[Bannon is] the tip of the spear for that change in American politics. And, you know, I respect him deeply for sticking his neck out there and just going for the truth 100%.” (18:44)
On Technology:
“Transgenderism is the predicate for transhumanism... I’m completely distrusting of Elon Musk because of his affinity for technology and AI and, you know, the whole transhuman idea.” (19:07–20:40)
On Media & Propaganda:
“It was just a, an example to me that the identity was going to be used as a cudgel to discredit me. And I've just leaned right into that and said, bring it on. I mean, I don't give a fuck.” (14:28)
On Alternative Media:
“I couldn't walk a mile in [Bannon’s] shoes... It's easy to pander to echo chambers. He doesn't do that.” (16:27)
On Sport as Social Glue:
“Sports is one of the last real places that young people have to physically come to participate and interact with one another... sports is like the last bastion of reality.” (47:42)
On Mental Health & NBA:
“I was kind of ahead of my time saying that mental health is one of the greatest issues we face now... It was on principle that the NBA is a watering hole for a global corporate community, and they really are.” (32:03–40:11)
On “Conspiracy Theorist” Label:
“This should be the best campaign material I could possibly get. If they say I'm a conspiracy theorist as the qualifier, you should vote for me, in my opinion.” (26:46)
On Modern America:
“I have more faith in the human spirit than that... I'm going to talk to people the way that they deserve to be talked to with some dignity. I'm not going to talk to people like they're stupid.” (24:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Introduction—Virtual Interview Begins: 01:10
The Challenge of Running as an Outsider: 01:21–02:52
Minnesota’s Political Complexity, Flipping Counties: 02:54–05:22
Fundraising Disparity, Corruption in Money: 05:25–07:36
Distrust in Voting Machines and Systems: 08:18–11:28
Identity Politics & 'Conspiracy Theorist' Label: 11:28–15:05
Steve Bannon’s Influence: 15:09–18:44
Tech, AI, and Transhumanism: 18:44–22:42
Masculinity & China’s Influence in U.S. Politics: 23:08–25:33
Alternative Media, Public Awakening: 25:33–26:46
Embracing the “Conspiracy Theorist” Badge: 26:46–27:07
Royce White’s Athletic Career & Mental Health: 27:13–40:11
Anxiety, 9/11 Impact, and Social Disconnection: 45:56–51:34
Repeal the Patriot Act, Deep State Critique: 50:23–51:34
Critique of Democracy and Modern Heresies: 53:20–56:37
Where to Find Royce White Online: 55:47–56:37

Conclusion & How to Connect

Royce White encourages listeners to find him at roycewhite.us, “Please Call Me Crazy” podcast (Mon/Wed/Fri), and Real America’s Voice (Saturdays). Active on X, Getter, Truth Social, and Facebook (55:47–56:37).

For those seeking bold, contrarian views on the American political system, and a firsthand account of battling establishment forces—this episode is both unfiltered and galvanizing. Royce White’s take-no-prisoners approach delivers a stark, multi-faceted portrait of the current U.S. political and cultural climate.

Episode Overview

Podcast: Digital Social Hour
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Royce White
Episode: #1506 – "Royce White: The Ugly Truth About U.S. Elections"
Date: August 23, 2025

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Uphill Battle of Political Outsiders

[01:24–02:52]

White’s Campaign Context: Challenging entrenched incumbents is a massive undertaking, especially in "deep blue" states.
“The biggest thing that I've learned so far is... you may think you're popular... But do people know you across an entire state of 4 million voters? That's a big difference.” (Royce White, 01:59)
Invisible Influence: The party machine, name recognition, and massive fundraising disparities overwhelmingly favor incumbents. Royce underscores the need for persistence beyond one election cycle.

Minnesota as Microcosm of America

[02:54–05:22]

Senate Races Are National Races: Issues transcend state lines because 100 Senators shape law for everyone.
Corporate Power & Farming: With major companies and agricultural interests, Minnesota embodies "uni-party" politics where both corporate and government powers squeeze out average people.
White points to his flipping 29 rural counties (2024) as evidence of some progress despite overwhelming opposition.

The Corrupting Power of Campaign Finance

[05:25–07:36]

Fundraising Reality: Raised $1.5m vs. Amy Klobuchar’s $16m+ war chest.
“I’m categorically against special interests and lobbies altogether... the big corporations are tipping the scales.” (White, 06:04)
White believes low voter turnout—especially among Christians—is a root problem: “Nearly 30 million Christians... didn't vote even in the 2024 election...” (06:36)

Distrust in Elections & Voting Technology

[08:18–11:28]

Deep Distrust: White questions whether statistical participation numbers are real, given the unreliability of information.
Machines are a major concern: “The average slot machine at a local casino has a better chain of custody than your average voting machine, which is unacceptable...” (White, 10:28)
Supports removal of voting machines and mail-in ballots, even if it inconveniences rural voters, citing rampant problems and threats to national security.
“If you don’t care about your citizenship enough to... make the drive and secure the process, then you deserve to die under communism, and by God you will.” (White, 10:36)

Labeling, Identity Politics, and Media Spin

[11:28–15:05]

Accusations of anti-Semitism and conspiracy theorist labels are used as weapons to discredit independent-minded outsiders.
On ‘Globalism’ as a Dog Whistle: The term is deliberately mischaracterized by legacy media to smear critics (White references his own experience with the Minneapolis Star Tribune).
Contrasts use of Black and Jewish identity in political rhetoric—argues both are manipulated to expand state or global power.

The Steve Bannon Factor & Trends in Political Realignment

[15:09–18:44]

Steve Bannon is White’s political mentor: “It’s easy to pander to the echo chambers... he doesn’t do that. And he’s still been able to have one of the most successful shows and impactful shows in the world.” (White, 16:30)
Bannon’s push for MAGA to embrace the working-class, including Black and Hispanic voters, marks a crucial shift.

Tech, Transhumanism, and Elon Musk

[18:44–22:42]

Deep skepticism toward Elon Musk and the "tech bro" vision.
Warns against the perils of AI and transhumanism, arguing that transgender ideology is the "predicate for transhumanism."
“We don’t want to be growing organic human babies in labs that don’t have any human rights because they belong to corporations... We fought an entire civil war so that people weren’t considered property. Now we’ve come to the technological point where we’re going to create [new] property?” (White, 20:40)
Calls for an immigration moratorium: “If you don’t have a border, you don’t have a country.”

Masculinity, U.S.-China Relations, and Political Theater

[23:08–25:33]

Critiques Gavin Newsom for welcoming Chinese President Xi, calling it a betrayal of American values and a sign of weak leadership.
“We just need a return to some real, genuine masculine leadership.” (White, 23:34)
Asserts the political and media establishment thinks Americans are stupid, citing his campaign consultants’ advice: “Don’t talk above the level of a fifth grader.” (24:22)

Alternative Media and a Waking Public

[25:33–26:46]

Alternative media is eroding establishment control, yet propaganda and echo chambers remain powerful.
Anecdotes about fighting "conspiracy theorist" labels, often worn now as a badge of honor: “If they say I'm a conspiracy theorist as the qualifier, you should vote for me...” (White, 26:46)

Royce’s Athletic & Personal Journey

[27:13–36:36]

Still active in Big3 basketball, future interests in MMA.
Revisits career in the NBA, ahead of his time advocating for player mental health.
Shares struggles with anxiety and the NBA’s lack of proper policy/support: “Doctors will tell you, you should only take Xanax on a very temporary basis... You start getting into the realm of inner dose withdrawals.” (40:11)

Flying, 9/11, and Societal Anxieties

[45:56–46:10, 50:23–51:34]

Describes his aversion to flying, tying it to both personal trauma (9/11 as a kid) and broader political skepticism.
Critiques post-9/11 security theater, calls for the immediate repeal of the Patriot Act:
“If there’s a second thing we need to do besides get rid of the machines, it’s repeal the Patriot Act.” (50:36)
Links physical detachment (flying, digital life) to alienation in society.

Broader Critiques: Deep State, Democracy, AI

[51:34–56:37]

Praises Trump’s fight against entrenched power but cautions that democracy itself is often a red herring protecting corrupt institutions.
Outlines four “heresies of the West”: scientific method, democracy (especially French influence), computer technology, and artificial intelligence.
“The word democracy has become... a sort of red herring... That just makes them institutionalists. That’s just their way to shill and cover for the corruption of the institutions.” (White, 54:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Political Machines:
“Anybody who thinks that we can take one shot at these incumbents, especially in these deep blue states like Minnesota, California, New York... is mistaken or they're in it just for the money.” (01:49)
On Campaign Finance:
“I'm categorically against special interests and lobbies... but essentially the big corporations are tipping the scales.” (06:04)
On Election Integrity:
“The average slot machine at a local casino has a better chain of custody than your average voting machine, which is unacceptable...” (10:28)
On Identity Politics:
“The black identity is used to justify the expansion of the federal government... the identity is used to justify the expansion of global government.” (12:13)
On Steve Bannon:
“[Bannon is] the tip of the spear for that change in American politics. And, you know, I respect him deeply for sticking his neck out there and just going for the truth 100%.” (18:44)
On Technology:
“Transgenderism is the predicate for transhumanism... I’m completely distrusting of Elon Musk because of his affinity for technology and AI and, you know, the whole transhuman idea.” (19:07–20:40)
On Media & Propaganda:
“It was just a, an example to me that the identity was going to be used as a cudgel to discredit me. And I've just leaned right into that and said, bring it on. I mean, I don't give a fuck.” (14:28)
On Alternative Media:
“I couldn't walk a mile in [Bannon’s] shoes... It's easy to pander to echo chambers. He doesn't do that.” (16:27)
On Sport as Social Glue:
“Sports is one of the last real places that young people have to physically come to participate and interact with one another... sports is like the last bastion of reality.” (47:42)
On Mental Health & NBA:
“I was kind of ahead of my time saying that mental health is one of the greatest issues we face now... It was on principle that the NBA is a watering hole for a global corporate community, and they really are.” (32:03–40:11)
On “Conspiracy Theorist” Label:
“This should be the best campaign material I could possibly get. If they say I'm a conspiracy theorist as the qualifier, you should vote for me, in my opinion.” (26:46)
On Modern America:
“I have more faith in the human spirit than that... I'm going to talk to people the way that they deserve to be talked to with some dignity. I'm not going to talk to people like they're stupid.” (24:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Introduction—Virtual Interview Begins: 01:10
The Challenge of Running as an Outsider: 01:21–02:52
Minnesota’s Political Complexity, Flipping Counties: 02:54–05:22
Fundraising Disparity, Corruption in Money: 05:25–07:36
Distrust in Voting Machines and Systems: 08:18–11:28
Identity Politics & 'Conspiracy Theorist' Label: 11:28–15:05
Steve Bannon’s Influence: 15:09–18:44
Tech, AI, and Transhumanism: 18:44–22:42
Masculinity & China’s Influence in U.S. Politics: 23:08–25:33
Alternative Media, Public Awakening: 25:33–26:46
Embracing the “Conspiracy Theorist” Badge: 26:46–27:07
Royce White’s Athletic Career & Mental Health: 27:13–40:11
Anxiety, 9/11 Impact, and Social Disconnection: 45:56–51:34
Repeal the Patriot Act, Deep State Critique: 50:23–51:34
Critique of Democracy and Modern Heresies: 53:20–56:37
Where to Find Royce White Online: 55:47–56:37

Conclusion & How to Connect

Royce White encourages listeners to find him at roycewhite.us, “Please Call Me Crazy” podcast (Mon/Wed/Fri), and Real America’s Voice (Saturdays). Active on X, Getter, Truth Social, and Facebook (55:47–56:37).

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Royce White: The Ugly Truth About U.S. Elections | DSH #1506

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Uphill Battle of Political Outsiders

Minnesota as Microcosm of America

The Corrupting Power of Campaign Finance

Distrust in Elections & Voting Technology

Labeling, Identity Politics, and Media Spin

The Steve Bannon Factor & Trends in Political Realignment

Tech, Transhumanism, and Elon Musk

Masculinity, U.S.-China Relations, and Political Theater

Alternative Media and a Waking Public

Royce’s Athletic & Personal Journey

Flying, 9/11, and Societal Anxieties

Broader Critiques: Deep State, Democracy, AI

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion & How to Connect

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Uphill Battle of Political Outsiders

Minnesota as Microcosm of America

The Corrupting Power of Campaign Finance

Distrust in Elections & Voting Technology

Labeling, Identity Politics, and Media Spin

The Steve Bannon Factor & Trends in Political Realignment

Tech, Transhumanism, and Elon Musk

Masculinity, U.S.-China Relations, and Political Theater

Alternative Media and a Waking Public

Royce’s Athletic & Personal Journey

Flying, 9/11, and Societal Anxieties

Broader Critiques: Deep State, Democracy, AI

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion & How to Connect