After an extended hiatus, L.B. Muniz returns with a deep and wide-ranging monologue about why he stepped away, what brought him back, and why making sense of the world feels harder—and more necessary—than ever. This is less a “hot takes” episode and more a reflection on political violence, the death of easy ideologies, the sickness of wishing harm on enemies, the limits of politics itself, and how the internet has shattered traditional culture into a thousand distributed tribes.Been Awake is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show, make sure you’re following on X and here on Substack. I’m going to return to using X spaces when I record so if there’s something on your mind about politics, philosophy, or really whatever we can have a real time convo (and you can appear on the show!) In this episode we dive into some headline news, the department of education is announcing layoffs, Tucker Carlson sat down with Chris Cuomo, and Ukraine has said they’re willing to agree to a ceasefire with Russia. I sometimes worry I sound like too much of a Trump fan boy these days, but the fact is I have been enjoying much of the policy decisions and moves his second term is bringing. I mean what former libertarian turned who knows what wouldn’t enjoy hearing that the Department of Education is so worried about being shut down they’re preemptively performing layoffs?There’s a big “will they won’t they” when it comes to the war in Ukraine, but after recent defeats Zelensky is saying he’s willing to agree to a cease fire if Putin will… Great timing as always on his part. Cuomo and Tucker make for interesting conversations. Part of me laments that these kinds of conversations are not the norm but it’s interesting to watch these two insiders turned outsiders cross rhetorical swords. One thing that stands out to me is how Cuomo still wants to defend the institutions and sees those of us challenging them as a threat. It links to something I’ve noticed about this New American Right - we’re far more concerned with pragmatic solutions to complicated problems because idealism got us into the mess we have today.All this and a little bit more can be found in this episode. So give it a watch / listen and let me know what you think on X @TheLBMuniz. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show, in this episode we will recap the beginning of trumps term including his executive actions, tariffs, proposed legislation, key political appointees and his recent speech before congress, which honestly was one of his best. We’ll also spend some time talking about the two paths for conservatives and American right contrasting the differences between the “con inc” approach and the “new right” which is gaining traction. If you’ve never listened before make sure you subscribe at beenawake.com to get the latest in better sensemaking delivered right to your email inbox and follow me on social media @thelbmuniz This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show, in this episode we’re going to spend some time talking about what should bring one fulfillment in the professional world. There was a LinkedIn post that recently went viral where a woman was wondering how it was possible that her husband hadn’t worked hard all year acquiring certificates and other accolades for her job. I have some thoughts, but what do you think? Let me know in the comments or via X @TheLBMuniz This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show! In this episode LB takes a look at a recent tweet from Neil deGrasse Tyson. While Tyson is an astrophysicist and TV personality, he enjoys using his platform to try and poke the eye of religious people and religious sensibility. The recent Super Bowl gave him the perfect launching off point for him to showcase his childish view of religion - the winners thanking God. Don’t forget to like this episode and subscribe wherever you’re watching. You can find LB on your favorite social platform @TheLBMuniz and get the latest broadcasts and articles delivered to you email inbox at BeenAwake.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the Show, in this episode I’m asking you to step into the classroom of LB, and we’re going to draw out some schemas I worked up to describe a problem I see with social media, especially as it relates to people who are “smarter.” This has been something I’ve mulled over for a bit, and frankly this new annoying term “woke right” has brought it back to the top of my mind. Before I finish my two part series of James Lindsay vs St Michael the archangel (tentatively entitled James Lindsay vs the right) I just wanted us to spend a little time talking about this problem I see in social media interactions, which then leads me to explaining the problem with disaffected Liberals on the right and Liberalism writ large as I’ve come to see it. I hope you enjoy it, if you could share this with someone who would enjoy it that would make me almost as happy as having you hit that like button and subscribing at beenawake.comWatch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLEYOUTUBESUBSTACKSPOTIFYAPPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACKPATREONLOCALSOther Social PlatformsXInstagramFacebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show, in this episode we do a brief survey of President Biden’s first pardon of his lame duck presidency - his own son. Join me as we analyze the watchers and the people being watched through our veil of ignorance on the outside of politics looking in. We’ll take a look at the idea this ”lowers” the status of the presidential pardon and also what world your average reporter lives in. You can’t understand this story without remembering some important news stories from the past decade so lest we forget, I’ll remind us all why this pardon closes a chapter on another annal of government collusion, corruption, and what it means for Trump.Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLEYOUTUBESUBSTACKSPOTIFYAPPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACKPATREONLOCALSOther Social PlatformsXInstagramFacebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
The New York Post put out and then stealth edited an editorial talking about how red pill men are a problem when it comes to dating. What kind of dangerous trends were discovered? Well according to 6 women on Reddit, there were 3-4 major red flags. Let’s talk about this article and show how blue pilled types confuse subjectivity with reality. Don’t forget, content comes in waves so make sure you’re subscribed here at beenawake.com and follow me everywhere by searching “Been Awake with LB” or finding me @thelbmuniz Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLEYOUTUBESUBSTACKSPOTIFYAPPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACKPATREONLOCALSOther Social PlatformsXInstagramFacebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
In this thought-provoking episode, LB Muniz delves deep into the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, questioning the competence of the Secret Service and the media's response to the incident. With a sober and insightful perspective, LB analyzes the larger implications of the event, from the state of American democracy to the public perception of Trump himself. Then LB traces the timeline over the last month lest we forget what happened in such a short span of time. Don't miss this captivating episode that challenges conventional narratives and encourages listeners to think critically about the world around them.Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLEYOUTUBESUBSTACKSPOTIFYAPPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACKPATREONLOCALSOther Social PlatformsXInstagramFacebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
In the latest episode of "Been Awake with LB," host LB discusses the first presidential debate and the concerning signs of President Biden's mental decline. LB argues that Biden's inability to articulate coherent thoughts and engage in dynamic debate is a clear indication that he is too old and unfit to lead the country.LB criticizes the liberal left media for their attempts to shield Biden from scrutiny and emphasizes the need to face the reality of his mental state. He also discusses the potential reasons behind Biden's ability to perform during speeches and debates, including the use of teleprompters, performance-enhancing drugs, and the possibility of external assistance.The episode also delves into the role of the president as a figurehead and questions who is truly in charge of the government. LB highlights the influence of intelligence agencies, bureaucracy, and the lack of meaningful change despite the president's role.LB concludes the episode by urging listeners to critically examine the president's mental state and the implications for the democratic process. He encourages staying informed and questioning the media's role in shaping public perception.Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLE | YOUTUBE | SUBSTACK | SPOTIFY | APPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACK | PATREON | LOCALSOther Social Platforms@TheLBMuniz on X | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, host LB Muniz discusses a range of topics, including the release of Julian Assange, a new bill in Louisiana requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, and a controversial post by Pearl Davis regarding male attraction dynamics.LB opens by expressing relief over Julian Assange's release from prison after a lengthy legal battle with the US government, highlighting Assange's role in challenging government secrecy and the implications of his case for freedom of the press and government transparency.The conversation then shifts to the new Louisiana bill, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. LB examines the legal and cultural implications of this bill, particularly the debate over the separation of church and state and the role of religious symbols in public spaces. He critiques the knee-jerk reactions against the bill and argues for a more nuanced understanding of the Western tradition's roots in Christian values.LB also discusses a controversial post by Pearl Davis, a popular figure in the "red pill" movement, which posits that men are more attracted to new partners than to their current, more attractive wives. LB critiques Davis's oversimplification of male attraction and highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of human relationships, the role of desire versus attraction, and the societal consequences of such views.Throughout the episode, LB emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and critical thinking in navigating modern societal issues and challenges listeners to engage with these topics thoughtfully and critically.Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLE | YOUTUBE | SUBSTACK | SPOTIFY | APPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACK | PATREON | LOCALSOther Social Platforms@TheLBMuniz on X | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
"Humans are hierarchical...It’s within our nature to fall into a hierarchy." "By the same token, we are also egalitarian...It’s something that helps form bonds and relationships that has given all of us meaning beyond simply existing as a creature that needs to eat, sleep, and relieve itself of waste."L.B. Muñiz Welcome to the show, In this episode of "Been Awake with LB," we delve into the concepts of hierarchy and equality, examining their origins, implications, and the inherent tension between them in human societies. LB discusses the historical roots of the term "doctor of philosophy," the pursuit of wisdom, and the role of expertise in today's world. The conversation then shifts to a personal anecdote about a philosophy club meeting, highlighting the importance of reframing questions to foster deeper understanding.Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLE | YOUTUBE | SUBSTACK | SPOTIFY | APPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACK | PATREON | LOCALSOther Social Platforms@TheLBMuniz on X | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show! This was supposed to be episode 100, but hey things happen. Join Me in discussing some more abstract philosophical ideas like whether one can think for oneself and what exactly is the cult of American democracy, and why those words matter.Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLEYOUTUBESUBSTACKSPOTIFYAPPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACKPATREONLOCALSOther Social PlatformsXInstagramFacebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show! I go live every tuesday and wednesday to talk about the news and important cultural and philosophical concepts missing from the discourse. Go follow me on X @thelbmuniz to join one of the spaces live and add your voice! In this episode I have a monologue or prepared piece about something that has been rattling in my mind for awhile now. It has to do with how we on the right should be orienting ourselves. I think too many have become comfortable being cast out to the edges of acceptable discourse, and unless we march to the center we will never take the appropriate place as guarantors of order. Listen to learn more and please let me know your thoughts in the comments or by reaching out directly. This is something I want feed back on.Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLE | YOUTUBE | SUBSTACK | SPOTIFY | APPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACK | PATREON | LOCALSOther Social Platforms@TheLBMuniz on X | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show! We go live in X Spaces Tuesday and Wednesday Nights to talk about politics, news, philosophy, mindset, and whatever else is on your mind (or mine.) Join me on X @TheLBMuniz or at BeenAwake.com and subscribe with your email. In this episode we talk about the recent Trump conviction in New York, the facts, the subtext, and the history that brought us here. We also get into an intellectual journey that I think is becoming more common - from not caring for Trump to realizing he's the only person worth voting for in 2024. (not an endorsement though) Join LB and help the world make more sense! Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLE | YOUTUBE | SUBSTACK | SPOTIFY | APPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACK | PATREON | LOCALSOther Social Platforms@TheLBMuniz on X | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show! This episode streamed live originally in x spaces. Stop by every tuesday and wednesday around 9pm to join in and offer your thoughts. In this episode I discussed an article that came across my desk recently that calls out the "new right" or different elements of conservative thought found online as being... well very vulgar, and not worthy of good Christian. I think there's more to the question, and in fact there is a place for us unafraid of fighting back against leftism and the inverted evils we see across society. We don't have to passively allow ourselves to go extinct. Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLE | YOUTUBE | SUBSTACK | SPOTIFY | APPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACK | PATREON | LOCALSOther Social Platforms@TheLBMuniz on X | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show! This episode was recorded live in X Spaces. I’ll go live every Tuesday and Wednesday night to discuss important cultural topics and news of the day so make sure you join on the fun there!In this episode I talk a little bit about the LNC that would be the “libertarian national committee” a lot of otherwise decent people have spent the last 4 years trying to rehab the LP to be a viable 3rd party alternative and the result? A candidate that doesn’t support physically mutilating children, just chemically altering them in the name of affirming care, Yikes. There’s more to the story including why 3rd party politics and especially LP politics fails so I discuss that and am joined live by Jason from 2bit Podcast in X Spaces. Then we pivot and I discuss “sad women” the algorithm kept showing me videos of sad women, either sad because they couldn’t find the mate they wanted, sad because they didn’t understand what a relationship was about, or sad because they were… well… psycho. We discuss how we’ve all gotten better at pattern recognition and how we can spot the psychos without knowing all the “facts.” Turns out you can judge a book by its cover. Watch And listen on your favorite platformSearch “Been Awake with LB” to find the showRUMBLE|YOUTUBE|SUBSTACK|SPOTIFY|APPLE|XContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACK|PATREON|LOCALSOther Social Platforms@TheLBMuniz on X|Instagram|Facebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
In this gripping episode of "Been Awake with LB," LB Muniz dives into the controversial $1 billion aid package recently passed for Israel, shedding light on the elements withheld from a previous aid package and the implications for the region. As if that weren't enough, LB also discusses the latest subvariants of COVID-19, now known as FLiRT, and their potential impact on global health.Join LB as he dissects the intricacies of international aid and pandemic response, offering a unique perspective on these pressing issues. Get the inside scoop on the latest developments and stay informed with LB's sharp analysis and engaging commentary.Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation – follow @thelbmuniz on X and Instagram for more insights, and search for "Been Awake with LB" in your favorite podcast or video player to tune in to this must-listen episode.Watch And listen on your favorite platformRUMBLE | YOUTUBE | SUBSTACK | SPOTIFY | APPLEContribute to the mission of Better SensemakingSUBSTACK | PATREON | LOCALSOther Social Platforms@TheLBMuniz | Instagram | Facebook This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show, in this episode I want you to walk with me as we talk about a category of people I’m calling the disaffected liberal or “disaffected lib.” Over the course of our conversation, we’ll look at a few popular commentators like Bill Maher, Colin Wright, and Adam Crigler that I think embody this archetype and discover the common thread that links them together. We also explore the latest boogey man dejure Christian Nationalism. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the show, in this episode we go over a recent piece I wrote at beenawake.com that discusses why the type of content I produce here at the mission of better sense making matters. It would be easy to reach for the lowest hanging fruit to chase likes and follows, but that wouldn’t be giving you what I think every well-intentioned person deserves. Namely, a better understanding of the world around them. Join me in this episode and if you like what I have to say, a follow or like goes a long way to keeping the content train chugging along. Find the show everywhere by searching “Been Awake with LB” and find me on all social media @thelbmuniz This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beenawake.substack.com/subscribe