Zero Distortion with Russ Bates

In 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 ta...

Trump’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...

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 b...

In 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 ev...

Everyone’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 in...

The 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 insi...

Why 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 th...

What 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.

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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 ope...

In 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 Adm...

In 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 straigh...