Episode Summary: Something Wrong With The Podcast #22 - No Kings, ICE, Iran, & Kendrick In Canada

Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host: Julian Delgado
Podcast Description: A podcast where your intrusive thoughts are said out loud. Every week Julian discusses ‘something wrong with the culture’ while also being your hilarious unlicensed therapist.

1. Introduction

In Episode 22 of "Something Wrong With The Podcast," host Julian Delgado delves into a range of pressing political and cultural issues, blending sharp political analysis with personal anecdotes. From the spectacle of former President Donald Trump's birthday parade to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, Julian offers a candid and often critical perspective on the state of American society and its global interactions.

2. Political Landscape

a. Trump's Birthday Parade and No Kings Protests

Julian opens the episode discussing the recent birthday parade held in Washington D.C. on June 14th, celebrating Donald Trump, which coincided with the "No Kings" protests—demonstrations opposing Trump's authoritarian tendencies.

• Parade Attendance:
  “Reports on the ground said there were about tens of thousands of people, obviously significantly less in attendance than what people had assumed would be coming out.” [02:15]

• No Kings Protests:
  These protests erupted across major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Diego, reflecting widespread public dissent against Trump's leadership.

• Cost and Impact:
  The parade cost an estimated $50 million, not including additional cleanup fees, highlighting the extravagance amidst national struggles.

b. Analysis of America's State Through Historical Lens

Julian draws parallels between current American politics and the decline of historical empires, particularly the Roman Empire. He scrutinizes the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) slogan, interpreting it as a dog whistle for restoring outdated societal norms.

• Historical Comparison:
  “The Romans were so focused on making sure things stayed the same... we're moving away from the fabric of what this country is founded on.” [10:45]

• MAGA Slogan Critique:
  Julian argues that MAGA promotes a regression to a time when societal roles were rigid and dissent was stifled.

c. Media and Narrative Control

The episode examines the transformation of journalism and media influence in shaping public perception. Julian emphasizes the fragmentation of truth in the digital age, where individuals become their own reporters.

• Erosion of Trust in Media:
  “We've blown past the wave of truth in journalism, so to speak. Everybody's so siloed in their own beliefs.” [15:30]

• Social Media’s Role:
  Julian highlights how platforms like Twitter and Instagram allow for multiple, conflicting narratives to coexist, complicating the public’s grasp of objective truth.

d. ICE Policies and Immigration

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to critiquing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices, focusing on their aggressive tactics and the dehumanization of individuals seeking legal status.

• Aggressive Enforcement:
  “America is the hottest country in the world right now. Nothing hotter than ICE agents ripping families apart...” [20:10]

• Systemic Barriers:
  Julian discusses the intentionally onerous processes that make obtaining citizenship nearly impossible, comparing them to historical disenfranchisement tactics.

• Personal Impact:
  He shares emotional anecdotes about families being torn apart and the fear instilled by ICE’s ruthless operations.

e. International Relations: Israel-Iran Conflict

Julian shifts focus to the sudden escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, sparked by Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s swift retaliation involving ballistic missiles and drones.

• Conflict Escalation:
  “Israel launched a major airstrike and covert drone campaign targeting Iranian nuclear sites... This led to an immediate retaliation by Iran.” [30:50]

• U.S. Involvement Critique:
  Julian criticizes the U.S. for its rapid shift from non-involvement to active participation in the conflict, questioning the motives behind supporting Israel militarily.

• Historical Context:
  He references long-standing tensions and the portrayal of Iran as a perpetual threat, accusing U.S. leaders of perpetuating fear without substantive evidence.

3. Entertainment Sector

a. Kendrick Lamar's Concert in Canada

Julian highlights Kendrick Lamar’s achievement of performing two sold-out nights at the Rogers Centre in Canada, marking a significant milestone in his career.

• Kendrick’s Success:
  “He was the first artist to do back-to-back sold out nights at the Rogers Centre in Canada.” [45:20]

• Drake’s Reaction:
  The host discusses Drake’s negative response to Kendrick’s success, viewing it as an unnecessary personal vendetta that detracts from the music scene.

• Cultural Impact:
  Julian praises Kendrick’s influence in hip-hop and expresses hope for his continued legacy, contrasting it with Drake’s pettiness.

b. Sports Commentary

Transitioning to sports, Julian shares his enthusiasm for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL playoffs, expressing a preference for authentic representation in sports.

• Support for the Oilers:
  “I'm rooting for the Edmonton Oilers because Canada is right for hockey.” [55:10]

• NBA Finals Insight:
  While less invested, Julian acknowledges the competitive nature of the NBA Finals, particularly commending the Indiana team's performance.

4. Personal Anecdotes and Final Thoughts

a. Family and Personal Life

Julian provides a glimpse into his personal life, celebrating Father’s Day and sharing plans to attend concerts with his parents, highlighting the importance of family amidst chaotic times.

• Father’s Day Tribute:
  “Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there, including my dad, obviously.” [1:00:15]

b. Horticulture Hobby

He discusses his growing passion for plant horticulture, detailing his efforts to cultivate a vibrant and colorful living space through regular flower arrangements.

• Floral Arrangements:
  “I've been making these little flower bouquets that have brought me immense joy.” [1:05:30]

c. Closing Remarks

Julian wraps up the episode by reiterating his concerns about America’s trajectory, expressing a sense of disillusionment with the current state of the nation, and contemplating the possibility of becoming an expatriate. He urges listeners to engage with the issues discussed and look forward to upcoming interviews.

• Final Reflections:
  “It's really sad and it's, it's, it's awful. ... I know where I would move elsewhere in this country. I would probably leave. I would be an expat.” [1:10:45]

• Encouraging Engagement:
  Julian invites listeners to share their thoughts and stay tuned for future content, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in these tumultuous times.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Nothing wrong with the pussy. Nothing wrong with the pussy. Nothing wrong with the pussy.” [00:00]

• “Make America great, it's literally just a dog whistle for everybody...” [11:50]

• “We've blown past the wave of truth in journalism...” [16:05]

• “America is their life. And we're treating people from here as, you know, nothing, as disposables.” [25:40]

• “I don't think we'll last as long as other civilizations because we're pushing into a territory of we're moving away from the fabric of what this country is founded on.” [24:30]

• “She doesn't even live here. Like, she's literally contributing to our economy.” [22:15]

• “Drake did call the Canadian politician Jameet Singh a goof for going to Kendrick's concert.” [48:20]

• “He's the first artist to do back-to-back sold out nights at the Rogers Center in Canada.” [45:20]

Conclusion

Episode 22 of "Something Wrong With The Podcast" offers a deep dive into the current socio-political climate, dissecting events from domestic protests to international conflicts with a critical eye. Julian Delgado intertwines personal experiences with broader societal critiques, providing listeners with a thought-provoking narrative on the challenges facing modern America. Whether discussing the state of journalism, immigration policies, or the dynamics of the entertainment industry, Julian maintains a candid and engaging tone, encouraging his audience to reflect on the complexities of today's world.