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Send us Fan Mail Our city is facing real challenges. In District 2, many residents are concerned about rising crime, safety issues, and the cost of living that’s making it harder for families and seniors to stay in their homes. In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the pressing issues facing Oakland’s District 2 — including public safety and housing affordability — and explore what different candidates are proposing to address them. There has been a significant reported increase in human trafficking in the area, with concerns that it has risen sharply in recent years. Students at Roosevelt Junior High and Oakland High School, particularly young women, deserve to walk streets like International Boulevard safely. At the same time, many longtime seniors are feeling the pressure from rising property taxes, making it difficult to remain in the neighborhoods they’ve called home for decades. These are serious issues that deserve serious solutions. One candidate stepping up is Murad Reed. Murad is a dedicated family man, a father, and a blue-collar worker who has deep roots in the community. He believes District 2 needs fresh leadership focused on practical results. As a candidate for City Council, Murad Reed is committed to: Combating human trafficking and improving public safety so that residents, especially families and young people, can feel secure in their neighborhoods.Supporting seniors by addressing the impact of rising property taxes and exploring ways to help longtime homeowners stay in their homes.Murad brings a working-class perspective and a commitment to accountability, transparency, and solutions that put District 2 residents first. Tune in to hear more about his vision for safer streets, stronger families, and more responsive local government. You can find out more about Murad Reed @ Facebook: murad.reed Instagram: alphamaal   Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @ X:https://x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail It's been a while — a few months, to be exact — and I want to start by saying thank you for your grace and patience. Life has a way of pulling you in different directions, but Kenni and I are here, and we have a lot to talk about: the fireworks at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and a California Governor's Race with debates that were anything but civil. I also want to take a moment for two very important dedications. To my old friend Robert Duncan Nicol — may you find peace wherever your next adventure takes you.  The Robert Duncan Nicol Silent Garden Endowed Chair And to my Father — I love you more than words. Rest in peace. You can find out more about Kenni Camota @ [email protected] Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @ X:https://x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Happy 2026, everyone! I hope you're all staying warm, safe, and ready to dive into what’s shaping up to be an intense start to the year. We're jumping straight into some of the wildest headlines kicking off 2026. In our first episode of the year, I'm joined by Kenni and Augustus as we break down two massive stories dominating the news. First, the stunning U.S. military operation in Venezuela: On January 3rd, U.S. forces launched a large-scale strike and successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro along with his wife, Cilia Flores. They were quickly extracted and flown to the United States, where Maduro now faces serious charges including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses. The operation—dubbed something like "Operation Absolute Resolve"—has led to Delcy Rodríguez stepping in as acting president, the release of hundreds of political prisoners so far, and a ton of debate over U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs, including control over oil resources and the path to any transition. It's a geopolitical earthquake with global reactions pouring in. Closer to home, we're also digging into the escalating situation in Minneapolis involving ICE enforcement actions. Tensions have boiled over with multiple fatal shootings tied to federal immigration agents during protests and operations. Key incidents include the January 7th shooting of Renee Nicole Good (a 37-year-old mother and poet) in her car, and more recently on January 24th, the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, during an encounter with agents amid protests. These events have sparked widespread outrage, ongoing demonstrations, calls for accountability, investigations (with some agents placed on leave), and questions about the aggressive immigration crackdown under Operation Metro Surge. Protests continue to grow, raising bigger issues around federal enforcement, community trust, and whether there's any path to de-escalation or middle ground between ICE operations and the people of Minnesota. We'll explore the details, the conflicting accounts, the videos and evidence emerging, and what this all means moving forward. Will we see real answers on the fraud allegations happening at The Quality Learing Center in Minneapolis? Can peace or compromise ever emerge in such a charged environment? Stick around—Kenni and Augustus bring sharp insights, and we won't hold back on unpacking the chaos of early 2026. Let's get into it! You can follow Augustus Tagaro @ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustustagaro/ https://www.theinjex.com/ You can find out more about Kenni Camota @ [email protected] Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @ X:https://x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Happy Holidays, Atomic Zero fans! 🎄 In our final wrap-up of the year, we’re looking back at the highlights that defined our 2025 and recapping all the news from December. Stay safe, stay warm, and let’s dive into the year-end review.  https://www.stopthegondola.org/ You can follow Edwin Li @: Edwinlicomedy.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Edwinlicomedy Twitter: Edwinlicomedy You can find out more about Kenni Camota @ [email protected] Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @ X:https://x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail How do you find a person who has been missing for half a century? This week on Atomic Zero, we are honored to host Oakland-based filmmaker Tony Nguyễn, a storyteller who has dedicated his career to capturing the overlooked threads that make up the fabric of "The Town." Tony’s previous work has always bridged the gap between the personal and the political—whether exploring the complexities of the Vietnamese refugee experience in Enforcing the Silence and Giap’s Last Day at the Ironing Board Factory, or celebrating the local legends of Oakland in Fresh Frozen and I See Me. But his latest project, Year of the Cat, is perhaps his most daunting and intimate work yet. In this episode, we discuss Tony’s extraordinary quest to solve a 50-year-old mystery: the disappearance of his father during the chaotic Fall of Saigon. Crafted in the style of an "investigative home movie," the documentary is an intensely raw look at a son’s search for the truth. We explore how Tony balances moments of genuine humor with profound heartache, and what his journey reveals about how the children of refugees are permanently shaped by the echoes of war and the weight of loss. It is a conversation about memory, identity, and the courage it takes to look backward in order to move forward. You can find out more about Tony Nguyen @ Linktree: papa_t510 Instagram: papa_t510 You can find out more about Kyle Le Dot Net @ Youtube: Kyle Le Dot Net Instagram: kyleledotnet kylele.net Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @ X:https://x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail  Happy Thanksgiving, Atomic Zero Fans! We hope you have a safe and stress-free holiday—and that you survive Black Friday! This week, we're diving into two massive stories shaping the national conversation: The outrageous decision by the Department of Education to exclude nursing from the "professional degree" definition, threatening our healthcare workforce. We'll break down what this move really means. Plus, we tackle the latest, most controversial claims and public feuds swirling around Candace Owens right now. Don't miss this crucial holiday week breakdown!  You can find out more about Kenni Camota @ [email protected] Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @ X:https://x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail It’s been another "Hard Luck" year, but there’s no better way to turn the page than with some new ink! Join us for a special on-location episode as we travel to Lodi to hang out with the wonderful tattoo artist, Bao. We’re catching up on life, luck, and everything in between... all while the needle is buzzing! Will the pain be too much this time? Tune in to hear the sounds, the stories, and a brand new cat tattoo! Photos of the ink (and the artist's amazing work) are posted on X and IG! You can find out more about Hard Luck Tattoo@ Instagram: hardlucktattoolodi  7 N. Sacramento Street Lodi, California (209)365-1455 Email: [email protected] Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @ X:https://x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, Atomic Zero Fans! Co-host Steve Lee is finally out of the hospital and returns to the mic alongside Kenni Camota for a massive catch-up episode. We dive straight into the deep end, first discussing the latest developments in the Middle East and then asking the controversial question: Did Donald Trump truly deserve the Nobel Peace Prize? We'll also break down what's happening closer to home, analyzing California's fiery "No Kings" Protests and the complicated politics swirling around Prop 50. Stay tuned to the end of the show for our grand finale, where we break down the unbelievable, Hollywood-style $100 Million Heist that stunned the Louvre in France! You can find out more about Steve Lee@  http://www.steveleecomedy.com You can find out more about Kenni Camota @  [email protected] Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @ Twitter: twitter.com/atomiczeroshow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, join Augustus, Kenni, and me as we dive into some of the most talked-about topics. First up: the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the polarizing reactions that followed. We then shift our focus to Nepal, where we'll explore what "One Piece in Nepal" means for the younger generation taking control of their future and the Nation. To wrap things up, we'll explain the buzz around "nepo babies" in the Philippines—who they are and why they're becoming a hot topic. Stay tuned—and stay safe! You can find out more about Kenni Camota @  [email protected] You can follow Augustus Tagaro @ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustustagaro/ https://www.theinjex.com/ Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @: Twitter: twitter.com/atomiczeroshow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail We’re thrilled to welcome Sean Dulake, a multifaceted actor, producer, director, and the co-founder and CEO of Third Culture Content, to the Atomic Zero Show. Today, we’re diving into his exciting new project, the Amazon Prime Original Series Butterfly, starring and executive produced by the acclaimed Daniel Dae Kim. Born and raised in the US, Sean first captured audiences with his 2010 debut on Korean primetime television, launching a vibrant career that seamlessly bridges the entertainment industries of Asia and the US. Sean’s creative journey spans acting, producing, and directing, showcasing his versatility and passion for storytelling. He starred in and produced the innovative English-Korean fantasy rom-com Dramaworld, which premiered on Netflix to global acclaim and clinched the Best Foreign Drama award at the Seoul International Drama Awards. As a director, Sean helmed the Discovery Channel documentary Korea Next: Finding Hallyuwood, earning a Best Director nomination at the Asian Television Awards for its insightful exploration of Korean entertainment’s worldwide influence. His extensive acting credits include The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (Netflix), Blood Free (Disney+), Operation Chromite (CJ ENM), Athena: Goddess of War (SBS), Jejungwon (SBS), and now the highly anticipated Butterfly on Amazon Prime. Sean is proudly represented by BH Entertainment and Untitled Entertainment. As CEO of Third Culture Content, Sean leads a global television and film production company with offices in Los Angeles and Seoul, dedicated to crafting high-quality, multicultural narratives that transcend borders. Partnering with top-tier creatives, filmmakers, and storytellers, Third Culture Content develops and produces an expansive slate of projects across the US, Canada, South Korea, India, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, captivating audiences on all platforms. Join us as we dive into Sean’s multifaceted career, the mission behind Third Culture Content, and what makes Butterfly a must-watch series! Prim Video: Butterfly - Season 1 You can find out more about Sean Dulake@ Instagram: seandulake X: @seandulake Third Culture Content Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show@ X: x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh You can find Willy Chen @: willychenphotography.com/ Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail On the next episode of the Atomic Zero Show, we’re thrilled to welcome Monica Macansantos, a talented Filipino writer hailing from Baguio.  Monica is the author of the acclaimed story collection Love and Other Rituals, published in 2022 by Grattan Street Press.  She’s currently a 2024-2025 Shearing Fellow at the prestigious Black Mountain Institute in Las Vegas.  Her impressive body of work has been featured in renowned publications like Colorado Review, The Hopkins Review, Bennington Review, River Styx, Electric Literature, Literary Hub, and Katherine Mansfield and Children (Edinburgh University Press), among others.  Monica also holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the Victoria University of Wellington’s International Institute of Modern Letters and is a former James A. Michener Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin.  Her essays have been recognized as Notable in Best American Essays for multiple years, including 2016 and 2021-2023.  Don’t miss this conversation with a writer whose work continues to captivate and inspire readers around the world.  Tune in to hear her story, her journey, and her insights into the art of writing! You can find out more about Monica Macansantos@ Instagram: madamebutchay Linktree: Monica Macansantos You can purchase her books@ Returning to My Father's Kitchen from her publisher, Northwestern University Press: https://nupress.northwestern.edu/9780810148390/returning-to-my-fathers-kitchen/ Or purchase it from City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco: https://citylights.com/belles-lettres-essays/returning-to-my-fathers-kitchen-essay/ Or from Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/returning-to-my-fathers-kitchen-monica-macansantos/1146594847?ean=9780810148390 Purchase my first book, Love and Other Rituals, from Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-and-other-rituals-selected-stories-monica-macansantos/18834429?ean=9780645481303&next=t Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show@ X: x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh You can find Willy Chen @: willychenphotography.com/ Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week on the Atomic Zero Show, we welcome Kris Simeon, a folk/jazz soul singer-songwriter from Oxnard, California. His music channels the timeless vibes of James Taylor, The Beatles, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and Frankie Valli, shaped by the eclectic influences of his Southern California roots. Kris is on a mission to share his songs with the world, performing at bars, cafés, wineries, street corners, or anywhere listeners gather. Armed with his guitar, harmonica, tambourine, and sometimes a ukulele, he brings soulful energy to every stage. Tune in to hear his journey and the music that moves him! You can find out more about Kris Simeon@ Spotify Spartacus Krissimeon.com Instagram: @Krissimeonmusic X.com/Krissimeonmusic Youtube.com/Krissimeon Los Boogiemen youtube.com/@LosBoogiemen losboogiemen.bigcartel.com Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show@ X: x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh You can find Willy Chen @: willychenphotography.com/ Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, Atomic Zero Fans! This week, Willy and I are diving into major current events. We'll start with the evolving situation in Los Angeles, where protests have led to significant unrest. Then, we're tackling the ongoing discussion surrounding Joe Biden's decline. Concerns about his age and cognitive abilities have been voiced by many, from voters to political figures like President Donald Trump and even Democratic Congressman Dean Phillips, who challenged Biden in the 2024 primaries citing the need for "generational change." The Robert Hur report, noting "significant limitations" in Biden's memory, further fueled these concerns, especially after his debate performance in June 2024 which led to his withdrawal from the reelection bid. And finally, we'll get into the public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. What's the latest in this high-profile spat? Buckle up, Atomic Zero Fans, because we've got a lot to unpack! Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @: X: x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh You can find Willy Chen @: willychenphotography.com/ Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show

Send us Fan Mail  After being away, Steve is back in America and ready to join us for the next Atomic Zero. Let's get this going!  You can find out more about Steve Lee@  http://www.steveleecomedy.com Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @: X: x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh You can find Willy Chen @: willychenphotography.com/ Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the sh Support the show

Send us Fan Mail From the bustling streets of Quezon City to the sacred lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone in San Francisco, jxtheo (j-thee-o), or Jean (JT) Teodoro, has cultivated a unique voice as an environmentalist, proletarian internationalist, poet, and educator. Their artistic expression extends beyond words, encompassing the discipline of boxing. As an instructor of Bayanihan Boxing in San Francisco, and with upcoming classes in Oakland, jxtheo embodies the strength and resilience found in both physical and intellectual pursuits. They are also a founding member and vocalist of the hip-hop/rock band Boondock Squad and a founding member of Anakbayan San Francisco. Their graphic poetry book, 'Paper Trail of FREEDOM', available at www.jxtheo.net, reflects their commitment to social justice, and they are currently developing a Boondock Squad album, a solo hip-hop album, and an audiobook adaptation of their published work.  You can find out more about JXTHEO@ www.jxtheo.net @jxtheo Pre-order “Paper Trail of FREEDOM” now 🏮🌌 www.jxtheo.net/papertrailof Bayanihan Boxing www.jxtheo.net/bayanihanboxing @bayanihanboxing Please Subscribe & Follow The Atomic Zero Show @: X: x.com/AtomicZeroShow Facebook: facebook.com/AtomicZeroShow Instagram: instagram.com/atomiczeroshow Email: [email protected] ~James Banh You can find Willy Chen @: willychenphotography.com/ Chief Editor: ~Jump Support the show