Zero Distortion with Russ Bates
Real talk. No filters. No fluff. Zero Distortion is a podcast for curious minds who want to grow, challenge the norm, and hear conversations that actually go somewhere. Hosted by Russ Bates, this show dives into business, politics, relationships, mindset, health, and more—with solo takes and honest conversations with people worth hearing from. If you’re done with safe spins and want something real, you’re in the right place. Mic on. Let’s go.
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Episodes
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
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 Administration's Goals Are Met, Is the Outcome Beneficial?
We recorded this episode just after the April 9th news that Trump paused most tariffs for 90 days, just days after announcing them on what he called "Liberation Day." Between the chaos, market losses, and global reaction, we take a step back and ask: does any of this make sense in 2025?
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Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
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 straight-up and worth your time.
If you're looking for something honest in a world full of noise, you're in the right place.
Mic on. Let’s go.