Misinformation. Disinformation. Malinformation. Three words thrown around every day that most people can't tell apart. From the courtyard at the Crawford In-Town Ranch, Tom breaks down all three, explains why he thinks the American news media has mastered one of them, and calls out the stories he says you're being fed on purpose.

Then, for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a challenge: put your charity dollars where they'll do the most good. Tom explains why the Stix & Stuff Podcast is now a monthly donor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, how to vet a charity before you give, and why one well-known organization doesn't make his cut.

In this episode: – Misinformation vs. disinformation vs. malinformation: definitions and the difference – "We report, you decide"? Tom's case that the media has already decided for you – Data centers, ICE, and the midterms: the stories Tom says are being spun – How to vet a charity: overhead, watchdog ratings, and the 75% rule – Tunnel to Towers: 91 cents of every dollar to the cause, and mortgage-free homes for the families of fallen first responders and service members

Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome from the courtyard 1:09 – What misinformation actually is 1:45 – The data center example 2:55 – What disinformation is, and why the media is a master at it 4:57 – Malinformation: truth out of context 6:10 – Abolish ICE: Tom's take on the real agenda 7:19 – Heading into the midterms: beware the half-truth 7:56 – Doing something good: the 25th anniversary of 9/11 9:08 – How to vet a charity (and why the ASPCA doesn't make Tom's cut) 10:44 – Tunnel to Towers: where your $11 a month actually goes 12:37 – Closing thoughts

Do something good this week: donate to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

Opinions in this episode are Tom's alone and do not reflect the views of any sponsor.

Stix & Stuff Podcast with Tom Crawford | Ellijay, Georgia Real Talk. Rural Life. Common Sense. Sponsor inquiries: thestixandstuffpodcast.com

Tom lights up a Nicaraguan cigar in the courtyard at the Crawford In-Town Ranch and breaks down the most talked-about technology of our time in plain English — no computer science degree required.

In this episode: – What AI actually is: data processing, learning, prediction (simpler than you think) – Data centers: why one side of the aisle suddenly can't stand them, and what Tom thinks is really behind it – "Don't let the chickens run the hen house": Tom's case for independent AI oversight that isn't Republican, Democrat, or Big Tech – Autonomous cars, AI drive-thrus, and the "nobody wants to work" tirade – Why Tom says the AI race matters as much as the Industrial Revolution did

Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome from the courtyard (and the fake chickens) 1:36 – Why today's topic is "AI in your pie" 2:17 – What AI actually is: the 3 basic parts 4:24 – So what's the big deal? Chickens and hen houses 6:54 – Data centers and the campaign against them 8:34 – Cigar break 9:19 – The internal combustion engine, and why we can't slow down now 10:16 – AI, jobs, and skilled labor 11:58 – Autonomous cars: friend or foe? 13:34 – Elections, algorithms, and the SAVE America Act 16:02 – What's coming next on Stix & Stuff

Opinions in this episode are Tom's alone and do not reflect the views of any sponsor.

Take care of yourself, enjoy life, and do something special for somebody this week.

Stix & Stuff Podcast with Tom Crawford | Ellijay, Georgia Real Talk. Rural Life. Common Sense. Sponsor inquiries: thestixandstuffpodcast.com

What happens when immigration, religion, politics, and American identity collide? Tom takes the gloves off for another "Did You Know?" commentary.

His argument runs from the Barbary Wars and America's earliest conflicts in North Africa to present-day immigration, Muslim communities in American cities, and the political strategies he believes are reshaping the country. Tom contends that demographic change in states like Michigan, Georgia, Texas, and New York carries consequences beyond religion or culture — for elections, political power, and the direction of the country.

In this episode: – The Barbary Wars and early American history – Immigration and assimilation – Changing American demographics and voting blocs – Democratic and Republican political strategy – Tom's argument about where he thinks it's heading

Agree with him. Disagree with him. Hear the argument before deciding, then do your own homework.

Opinions in this episode are Tom's alone and do not reflect the views of any sponsor.

Stix & Stuff Podcast with Tom Crawford | Ellijay, Georgia Real Talk. Rural Life. Common Sense. Sponsor inquiries: thestixandstuffpodcast.com