In this compelling episode of Rush to Reason, host John Rush, alongside Andy Peth, delves into the significant issue of fraud within certain communities, spotlighting how alleged scams have misappropriated government funds. Joined by spirited discussions on New Year’s resolutions, the hosts bring a mix of humor and serious discourse to light the potential consequences of such fraudulent activities. With guest appearances by Luke Cashman and Ashley Carter, the conversation explores both personal goals and societal criticisms.
SPEAKER 08 :
It’s finally Friday on Rush to Reason with your host, John Rush. So I tell him I’m a pro, Jack. And who do you think they give you? The Dalai Lama himself. So we finish 18, and he’s gonna sniff me. And I say, hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know? And he says, oh, uh, it won’t be any money. But when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness. So I got that going. And movie reviews with Andy Payne.
SPEAKER 14 :
I think that you got the wrong impression about me. I think in all fairness, I should explain to you exactly what it is that I do.
SPEAKER 01 :
What I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you.
SPEAKER 02 :
Jim Ray, what do you want to do tonight?
SPEAKER 08 :
The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world. Stick a fork in me, Jerry. I’m done. Now, here is your host of Rush to Reason, John Rush.
SPEAKER 10 :
Filling in is Andy Pate, party of choice.
SPEAKER 05 :
And I’m your host, Andy Pate, filling in for John Rush one more day. John is back on Monday. Yay! Yay! I think we’re all excited about that. I’m joined, of course, by Luke Cash. Man! And Ashley Cart. Her! That’s right. We got two guys, one girl. The guys, once again, are outnumbered.
SPEAKER 09 :
As it should be.
SPEAKER 05 :
As my wife reminds me, women are all powerful. Yes. Every woman is a walking veto vote.
SPEAKER 17 :
Oh, yeah, absolutely.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, they’re absolutely in charge. Ashley, have you already decided what New Year’s resolutions you’re going to break?
SPEAKER 17 :
Oh, you know, I haven’t even thought about breaking one yet. You haven’t? No.
SPEAKER 05 :
Do you have any resolutions?
SPEAKER 17 :
No, I gave up on that when I was like 12.
SPEAKER 05 :
I wish a resolution upon a star and just I leave it up to the star to make it happen.
SPEAKER 17 :
Fair enough. I think my ongoing resolution is always the, I will try to be nicer to people and then I always fail that. Always.
SPEAKER 05 :
Well, substitute puppies. They’re easy to be nice to.
SPEAKER 17 :
Oh, there we go. Perfect.
SPEAKER 05 :
There we go. Okay. You will be nicer to puppies. Unlike what everything that you did in 2025. Okay. Luke. Yes. What resolutions are you going to break?
SPEAKER 06 :
Oh, probably the one to eat better. I always tell myself that this year I’m going to fix my diet, and then every year all the delicious food starts making its way into my nostrils like a beckoning hand from an old cartoon. I will say… However, the resolution to go to the gym has so far been working out. Cool. So far sticking with that one.
SPEAKER 05 :
No pun intended. No.
SPEAKER 06 :
So we’re sticking with that one. Let’s hope we can keep that one going to the end of the year. I also did start that one like halfway through 2025.
SPEAKER 05 :
Does your girlfriend spot you when you’re benching?
SPEAKER 06 :
Yeah, yeah. Does she go like… No, it’s very easy for her. Come on, come on, come on.
SPEAKER 05 :
You’re letting me down. Be a man.
SPEAKER 06 :
Be a man. She could lift the whole bar with her pinky finger and I’m sitting there struggling.
SPEAKER 05 :
My wife can lift it with her will. Wow. It’s really incredible.
SPEAKER 06 :
That’s impressive.
SPEAKER 05 :
No, we go to the gym. We do. We go together side by side on the ellipticals. Nice. We race. I lose. It’s very exciting. Okay. Okay. I want to play a quick clip. We’re going to do so. Oh, by the way, we’re going to do movies today. I forgot to mention that. We’re going to have We Bury the Dead and The Plague.
SPEAKER 06 :
Wow.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, I’m starting off on a real high note, a real happy note.
SPEAKER 17 :
Very optimistic. Yeah, those sounded like real great movies.
SPEAKER 05 :
I was really hoping that they could put out an art film called Because Of, just Because Of, that I could have done We Bury the Dead Because Of the Plague. I think that would have been pretty cool. What do you think? I think that would have been good. It would have been very arty, very cool. Actually, these are pretty interesting movies. We’ll get into that. One got disrupted. Luke was sitting in the middle and was shooting his gun off in the theater. Yeah. Luke, I told you to stop doing that.
SPEAKER 17 :
Why do you constantly do that?
SPEAKER 05 :
I get excited. I know you do. People were scattering, Luke. Now, you could do that in Texas, and nobody would care. There’d be a guy up in the back, oh, man, I didn’t know I was supposed to bring mine. And he’d be shamed.
SPEAKER 06 :
It’s baked into my blood. I have to kind of everywhere. It’s like a Tourette’s tick almost.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah. Well, I will say this. People were having a lot of fun at the theaters yesterday because that’s where I was, of course. I was watching the movies. And it was really crowded. Now, one thing I will say with the eating, I do not start eating healthy until about a week into the new year because leftovers. True. I want to give myself a grace period for the leftovers and enjoy that. So my wife and I are enjoying the leftovers. Then we’ll start eating healthy, getting skinny, and we’re going to look absolutely, you know, 20 years old by June. And we’re very excited about that. I am lying. Okay, up next is a clip. Now, as you all know, in Minnesota, the Somalians have been defrauding us. And is it all Somalians? Of course not. They had help. All right. We’ll get to that in just a moment. But for those who haven’t heard this, this is awful. This is ridiculous. They had a press conference with a number of the Somalian community members. And their supporters. And their supporters, of course, they’ve got these white people holding up signs that, you know, education dollars, education is our future, whatever. I don’t know. Help protect our children. Help protect our children.
SPEAKER 17 :
The true definition of activism.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah.
SPEAKER 17 :
We hold a sign.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, we hold a sign that is lying because there were no children at most of these places, and that’s kind of the problem. All right. Here is a, I believe, Somalian mother in Somalian garb reading a prepared statement and reading this off her phone. Here we go. I know this clip. Here we go.
SPEAKER 12 :
If child care is cut, I’m unable to work or go to school. I understand fraud is bad.
SPEAKER 05 :
she covers her mouth oh she doesn’t know what to do yeah she can’t continue so they applaud her she says fraud is bad realizes oh my gosh that was in the script why was that in the script
SPEAKER 17 :
Because it.
SPEAKER 05 :
All we’ve been doing is fraud.
SPEAKER 17 :
Yeah. Go ahead. Because I saw that clip and I saw people arguing in the comments of that clip because it’s like, why would she start crying when she said fraud is bad? That’s the truth. Fraud is bad. Because. It’s this thing of by saying it, she almost kind of admitted to the fact that there is fraud happening.
SPEAKER 05 :
Well, and how could you not admit to it? They’ve already convicted like 80, 90 people. All right. This is everywhere. This was immense. I saw the film that Nick Shirley did at one place. Folks, he goes there and says, you received two point six six million in federal funding this or in state funding, whatever government funding this year. Two point five last year. Where are the kids? All right, what is going on? He was asking them, hey, could I bring my kid and enroll my kid? No, no, you can’t. I can’t enroll little Joey here to come to your school. No, no, no. And they would shut the doors and everything would be blocked down. They would be blocking their faces, hiding their faces and all this kind of stuff. It’s like for crying out loud, that one location, $5 million in two years.
SPEAKER 17 :
of state funding well and the crazy the hoops that they’re jumping through to try to make it seem like he’s like nick is the bad guy in this where it’s like well he came outside of business hours our business hours are two to ten yeah that’s not daycare that’s nightcare okay first of all that would be after school care which they don’t market it as and at the same time i’m pretty sure i saw something that mentioned that minnesota law requires child care to open at 10.
SPEAKER 05 :
Well, and also they had a lot of people in the areas of these places all saying, we’ve not seen any kids at these places. Look, guys, they’re just taking the checks and funneling them either to their community, to their families, to terrorists, to Somalia. Okay. Maybe some warlord. Okay. They are funding. Look, we, the American taxpayer are funding crime and it’s all through one political party. Okay.
SPEAKER 17 :
This is not bipartisan. You cannot convince me that this is not another laundering scheme.
SPEAKER 05 :
Oh, totally. I mean, think about this. You really believe, does anyone believe Luke? Do you believe that? Do I believe? Yes. Do you believe Luke? Do you believe Luke? Do you believe Luke? Go with the force, Luke. Luke, do you believe that these people who couldn’t even speak English came from this third world country? And suddenly we’re able to master the American system and defraud the American people of Billy. Look, we’re not just talking Minnesota. We’re talking nationwide. It’s got to be tens, tens, hundreds of billions of dollars that they have robbed from the country that, by the way, they talk how much they hate this country and love Somalia. And they robbed this country of hundreds of billions of dollars. Do you think they did this without handlers helping them?
SPEAKER 06 :
I think if it was that easy, then you, the listener, go out and start a daycare real quick and defraud the government. Oh, yeah. Good luck with that. If it’s that easy, yeah, just go out and do it. There’s a lot of steps to this process. There’s a lot of pieces to this very particular puzzle. It’s not something you wake up one morning and go, you know what? I’m going to defraud the government real quick.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, well, they had another guy who got up and speak, and he runs one of these learning centers. Apparently, he was wearing an incredibly expensive pair of glasses, I’m told.
SPEAKER 17 :
Oh, gee, I wonder how he afforded those.
SPEAKER 05 :
Ludicrously expensive pair of glasses. Okay, but anyway, that’s what I heard. I don’t know. Anyway, what does he say? He says, well, we don’t have our records, bank records and sign-up sheets, all these kinds of things. Why? Because they were stolen. So some robbers came in. They didn’t rob the rest of the place. They robbed all the evidence that would have proven that we were actually on the up and up. I mean, look.
SPEAKER 17 :
Another point to my conspiracy board on this. What robber do you know would break into a place to steal paperwork from?
SPEAKER 05 :
None, zero, zip, zilch, nada. This guy is a criminal. He is a criminal. You are a criminal. You have been robbing the American people. We let you in because you were in, quote unquote, war-torn Somalia. And so we let you in out of the goodness of our hearts. You came over here and robbed us blind. You did it. A bunch of people in your community did it. And by the way, a bunch of people not in your community who are Democrats, I guarantee it’s 99% at least Democrats. OK, and am I taking shots at that party right now? I am. If this were Republicans, guess what I’d be doing right now, Luke? I’d be taking shots at Republicans. I would. I’d be saying, Republicans, you did this. But there was no MAGA. OK, let me tell you what I want. First of all, I don’t want, well, first of all, the obvious. They should all lose their citizenship immediately. You came here and robbed us blind. No, you’re denaturalized. That’s a given. Secondly, do you think I want to put them in prison? No. Do you honestly think I want the American taxpayer to pay to house, feed, clothe, and guard these people at taxpayer expense? Absolutely not. Absolutely not. I say we go to their homes, we take everything. everything they own and we make sure and we look into and investigate who benefited any family member that benefited take it all take their cars take their homes take their clothes take every leave them a jumpsuit that’ll make sense in a moment and Just take it all. Take obviously their jewelry. Take that really good pair of glasses. Take everything from them and give them one thing. I want to strap a parachute on the back of each one of them and airdrop them into that country they love more than ours. Enjoy Somalia. Say hi to a warlord. Okay? Get out. I don’t want to imprison you at my expense. Okay? You’ve done enough at my expense.
SPEAKER 01 :
I want you out.
SPEAKER 05 :
You’re never coming back. Yeah, I want you out. You’re never coming back. And I’m fine with airdropping you. And now, of course, if we just take them in a plane and drop them off. Whatever. But get them out. What do you guys think?
SPEAKER 17 :
I mean… I agree. I don’t want them here. I want them deported. I want them to have to pay back what they stole from the American people for sure, some way, somehow.
SPEAKER 05 :
As much as we can get from them.
SPEAKER 17 :
As much as we can get back. But my big thing is I want the government officials to answer for what happened. A child learning center needs inspections, yearly inspections. You need to follow audit. You need to pass audits, inspections, all this manner of stuff that if they’ve been going on and stealing millions of dollars… How did they not get caught sooner? It’s clearly the government’s problem. Now, whether they were aiding and abetting is not my problem.
SPEAKER 05 :
Look, they didn’t get caught because Democrats were covering it up. This was a money laundering operation. They were enriching people who were also donating to them. Okay, these politicians don’t do something if there isn’t a kickback.
SPEAKER 17 :
I mean, that’s the point. I need them to answer for what they did, their role in this.
SPEAKER 05 :
Oh, yeah. Well, that’s next. I was going to get to that next. Next, what I would do is I would look at every American. Okay, Democrat, because they’re all Democrats. Okay, and if there’s any Republicans in this, you too, buddy. Okay, everybody who helped them, denaturalize them too. But my family’s been here for 150 years. Well, you didn’t make it to 151. Put a parachute on them, drop them too. Bye. Count to 10, pull the cord. I do not care. If we’re real nice, we’ll drop you off, okay? But you’re going to Somalia too. Get out. All of you get out. I don’t want to pay one dime. One dime to house, feed, clothe, and guard these people. Why? All of Somalia is a prison. Go there. That is your prison. Enjoy it. Okay? Get out. And one last thing. I then want the American people to look squarely at the Democrat Party and say, oh, guys. This November, you are toast. We are going to vote you out in every swing district in the entire country. We are going to punish you for this because you robbed us blind using these communities, and they’re not the only one, using these communities to rob us blind. We are going to punish you at the ballot box everywhere, high and low, from coast to coast, buddy, sea to shining sea. You are going to be punished, and you will never do this again because you are criminals. You are criminals when you enable this kind of stuff. You’re criminals. And any Republicans who are a part of it, you too, buddy. You’re gone. And that is what I think. What do you think?
SPEAKER 17 :
I agree with that. Yeah, I like it.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, get them out. I’m sorry, but look, I’m angry, okay? Get them out. I’ve had it. I’ve had it. I don’t even want to see perp walks. I want to see parachutes. I want them gone. I want them out of the country. And that is what I want to see next. And, Olin, by the way, good news. What you were asking for, Ashley, they’re doing. Okay, the federal government has basically come out and said, going forward, no money to any of these child care facilities anywhere in the nation without paperwork and documentation.
SPEAKER 17 :
I did see that, and I saw the massive uproar about it because, oh my gosh, Trump is trying to take away child education. No, he’s trying to stop fraud.
SPEAKER 05 :
He is trying to stop fraud because guess what? What if it’s some Norwegian white place that’s robbing us blind? Does that make it any better?
SPEAKER 17 :
Well, and my thing, too, is you want to talk about the rich getting richer. This laundering thing, it’s going back into Democrat pockets, which means the rich Democrats are only getting richer.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah. Oh, yeah. Look, a lot of this money was going to the Democrat Party. We all know that. We all know it was being funneled, not just to them, but to terrorists and to the community. They were robbing us blind. You’re gone. That’s it. Okay. We’ve got to take a break because when we come back, I’ve got to do some movies. Are you ready? Got to do some movies. We’ve got to do some movies. Okay, up next is Dr. Scott Faulkner. Hey, your doctor should be thinking about you, not insurance and pharmaceutical companies. For You First Medicine, call Dr. Scott at 303-663-6990.
SPEAKER 10 :
What if you could get over 110 lab biomarkers tested just like Dr. Mark Hyman advertises, but for a fraction of the cost and with a doctor who actually explains the results? At Castle Rock Regenerative Health, Dr. Scott Faulkner has recreated this powerful biomarker test panel at a substantial savings. We have a special price for both men and women today. Just $689. That’s a savings of over $2,500 over the standard price. And here’s the difference. With Hyman, you get numbers on a page. With Castle Rock Regenerative Health, you get Dr. Faulkner and his team walking you through every result, showing what’s off and creating a personalized plan to fix it. What’s even better, you don’t even have to be a concierge patient to get this pricing. This is open to everyone. Think about it. Most people’s deductible is higher than this special price. And your regular doctor, if he could get approved by your insurance, would never order this many tests, let alone know what to do with them. Call 303-663-6990 today or visit CastleRockRegenerativeHealth.com. That’s 303-669-6990. Take control of your health at Castle Rock Regenerative Health.
SPEAKER 05 :
Roof Savers, winner is here. Is your roof ready? Make sure with Roof Savers at 303-710-6916.
SPEAKER 11 :
cold weather is coming is your roof ready to face it before winter winds and heavy snow hit colorado give your roof some love with roof max roof max is an eco-friendly treatment that revives old shingles adds flexibility and extends roof life saving you thousands but if it’s not time for a full replacement don’t worry we’re a full service roofing company roofs sidings gutters we do it all keeping your home cozy and protected all winter long And yes, with the right conditions, we can service your roof through the winter. Call Roof Savers of Colorado today at 303-710-6916 or visit roofsavers.com for your free winter checkup. KLZ listeners receive $250 off their treatment. Roof Savers of Colorado. Revive it or replace it. We’ll make your home winter ready.
SPEAKER 05 :
Group insurance analysts have the experts shop all the insurance options for you, and it doesn’t cost extra. Call Paul and Igro at 303-423-0162.
SPEAKER 18 :
The good news for seniors on Medicare is that you have more options today than ever before. The challenge is that all of these new options can be very confusing and making the wrong choice can cost you thousands of dollars more out of your pocket. Call Paul Linagro at GIA Insurance and his team of Medicare specialists will help you find the right plan for your needs. As independent brokers, GIA Insurance can help you navigate the maze of Medicare options so that you get the right plan to fit your needs and at the best premium. GIA never charges fees, and your premiums will never be any higher than going directly to the insurance companies or buying online. Receive the local hands-on service that you don’t get with a call center or online. Whether it is a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, a standalone prescription plan, long-term care, or final expense insurance, GIA has got you covered. Call 303-423-0162, extension 100. 303-423-0162. Or go online to e-gia.com. Suck it up, buttercup. Back to Rush to Reason.
SPEAKER 05 :
And welcome back to Rush to Reason, Denver’s Afternoon Rush, KLZ 560, Andy Pate sitting in for John Rush. Yes, I’m calming down, folks. I’m calming down.
SPEAKER 17 :
Slowly but surely. Oh, I am angry. We took a few calming breaths during the break.
SPEAKER 05 :
I’m angry. I’m angry. I’m angry, angry, angry. I want these people out. Okay. But I am joined by… Luke Cash and Ashley Cart. Her. Okay. And Ashley. What’s up? I’ve been a little too serious, so I got another question for you.
SPEAKER 17 :
All right.
SPEAKER 05 :
I’m ready.
SPEAKER 17 :
Are you ready for a movie?
SPEAKER 05 :
I am ready for a movie. Oh, wow. That was very, very good. You sounded very into it. I’m excited. I’m so impressed. Okay. Well, it’s a fight for survival after a tragedy in We Bury the Dead.
SPEAKER 09 :
Our nation thanks you for volunteering your services during this dark time. Hey, this is Mitch. Please leave a message and I’ll get right back to you.
SPEAKER 11 :
Please. Tell me you’re okay. I need you. I love you.
SPEAKER 02 :
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
SPEAKER 1 :
Wake up! Wake up!
SPEAKER 12 :
I’ll keep trying. I’ll keep trying.
SPEAKER 01 :
If you find your husband, I hope you understand what that could mean.
SPEAKER 15 :
The odd ones that do come back online are docile. I can assure you, you have nothing to fear.
SPEAKER 05 :
Ashley, what do you think?
SPEAKER 17 :
Definitely does not sound like my vibe.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, that last part was teeth.
SPEAKER 17 :
Nope.
SPEAKER 05 :
Teeth and jaws. Okay, here we go. The bad old Americans, of course, have detonated a dangerous experiment off the coast of Tasmania, and the results are catastrophic. This was a new version of EMP, shutting down, of course, everything electrical, but including people’s brains instantly. So everybody just dropped over dead. Thousands are dead, but some are walking. Ooh, okay. Daisy Ridley. I like her a lot. She stars as Ava, a traumatized woman who comes to Tasmania searching for her husband, Mitch. He was there in business. Is he among the dead? Ava signs on to join a body retrieval unit in hopes of finding Mitch dead or alive. So is Ava just running for her life the whole time from zombies? Actually, no. Much of her time is spent pulling bodies out of the homes, having images of what their lives were like before the disaster. This also causes Ava to think about her own life and her mistakes. Ava is joined by Clay, played by Brenton Thwaites, good actor, a cynical, aggressive guy. Clay plows ahead into tragedy, robbing the dead of valuables because who cares? That’s Clay’s way of looking at it. Ava initially resists this, but comes to realize Clay has a point. Besides, she needs to get far south where her husband was, and Clay has a motorcycle. Well, unfortunately, some dead aren’t staying dead, as I said earlier, and Ava soon finds herself battling them for survival. No, they don’t infect you, but they grind their teeth and turn violent. One guy named Riley is played by Mark Cole Smith. He’s a miserable military man who manipulates and victimizes those he quote-unquote saves. Ava is definitely at risk with this villain. But ultimately, Ava, she must find Mitch and decide what’s next for her life. Can she survive? If so, how? What is left after such a disaster in a world filled with corruption?
SPEAKER 17 :
I mean, look, horror thriller, not my vibe, but Daisy Ridley, great actress. And honestly, I think this sounds like a really interesting take on zombie apocalypse.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, it is a very interesting take. Okay, here we go. What works in We Bury the Dead? Well, this is not a typical action zombie, zombie, zombie thriller. It really isn’t. It’s much more thinking and emotional experience. Fewer zombies, more death, and personal revelations. Now, it’s a good time, let’s just say this, it’s good for a film to examine the age-old question, how do you bury the dead when they don’t want to be buried? I think it’s about time we asked that. What do you think?
SPEAKER 17 :
I think that’s a solid question.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, we haven’t really dealt with that. Ridley is simply an outstanding actress. She really is. Once again, folks, rent, don’t rent, go to Disney, watch Young Woman in the Sea. I’m just saying, okay. She’s an outstanding actress. She can switch from quiet to action instantly, and she always has. In fact, all the acting was first-rate. It really was. Smith was the kind of lunatic villain you see in a world where people have suddenly lost everything and go insane. Thwaites, that’s the guy who plays him, was real. He came off as very real. There were some haunting images and harrowing experiences. Burying the dead isn’t just literal burial. All right. But burying the damage they caused us, burying the dead, the people we leave behind and moving forward. So it’s kind of a double meaning for the title of the film. All right. What doesn’t work in We Bury the Dead? Well, it’s a slow burn, folks, for a zombie flick. It really is. For those who want zombies, zombies, zombies. I don’t. I get really terrified of zombies personally. They scare the bejeebies out of me. But it’s slow. All right. Not super slow. The film does. The story does move along pretty well. And it’s only just over an hour and a half. Not that long. Great acting, though, can’t cover a slow story. Next, we get virtually no answers. What was the American company actually doing? We don’t know. Why do only a few of the dead start walking? Don’t really understand. What’s the actual point of all this? Besides just going through the trauma of what she is experiencing. I don’t know. I mean, it’s a good dramatic story with a terrific performance. And even though it’s at the very beginning of the year, she might be up for Best Actress for this.
SPEAKER 04 :
Really?
SPEAKER 05 :
It’s possible. It’s a long year. We’ll see how it goes. Ultimately, I think the point was that we don’t always get answers in such tragedy. When you have a horrible tragedy like this that is so all encompassing, a lot of times you don’t come out of it having answers, answers, answers and knowing everything. You just have to move forward. That’s the story of We Bury the Dead. Ashley, what do you think?
SPEAKER 17 :
It sounds unique. It sounds good. Will I watch it? Probably not. But it sounds like it might be a good watch for someone who’s into that.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, it is. Okay, Rotten Tomatoes gave We Bury the Dead 85%. That’s good. Yeah, they liked it a lot. Right. I’m not going to go quite that high, but I am going to give it a pretty decent score. Quality, three stars. Now, political, I’m going to give it a one star. You know me. Quit bashing America. I’m so sick of it.
SPEAKER 17 :
I’m tired of the evil Americans trope.
SPEAKER 05 :
I really am. I’m just no, I’m done. You know, there’s got to be something on the earth that we didn’t do. OK, I’m just saying something somewhere more religious, too, for obvious reasons. We Bury the Dead. Is it a good movie? Do I recommend you go to this movie if you are into zombie movies? Yes, I do. But also just if you are into dramas, if you are into watching great acting, if you are into watching somebody go through and realize what’s happening in their lives while also having to deal with some chills and thrills. And here’s the last thing. If you’re one of these folks, and there are many of us who are just terrified of zombies, understand there aren’t that many. They don’t infect you. And from what I saw, they’re not even trying to eat you.
SPEAKER 17 :
In all honesty, that’s kind of the biggest good thing is that they don’t infect other people.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah. Right? I mean, in most zombie movies, when they infect everybody, the first time I saw 28 Days Later, wow. Wow. That was the scariest thing I’d ever seen for zombies. And when I see that kind of stuff, it’s very terrifying. This is nothing like this, folks. It’s nowhere near as scary. It’s eerie. It’s very well acted. It’s a pretty good story. Do I recommend it? Yes. If you like anything like that kind of movie. All right. All right, let’s take a break. Up next is veteran windows and doors. Buy one to three windows, get 35% off. Buy four to seven, get 40%. Buy eight or more and you get 45% off. Call veteran at 303-529-0720.
SPEAKER 04 :
For exceptional quality and truly unique design options for your windows and doors, you need Veteran Windows and Doors. As a platinum dealer for Provia, Veteran offers exclusive features you won’t find with traditional companies. And because they’re a direct-to-factory distributor, they pass those cost savings directly on to you. With Veteran, you can choose from a wide range of colors and design options to elevate your curb appeal. And they can even help you create your own custom design to achieve the exact look you want. They also carry Provia Endure windows, the number one rated vinyl window known for being cost-effective, low maintenance, and available in multiple classic wood grain finishes. A quick heads up, Provia is discontinuing their Heritage and Embark door series at the end of the year. So now is the time to order. When it comes to unmatched cost and value, no one compares to veteran windows and doors. Find them at klzradio.com.
SPEAKER 05 :
Golden Eagle Financial, your financial future isn’t a self-help project. Get a proven expert with Al Smith, 303-744-1128.
SPEAKER 16 :
Al Smith of Golden Eagle Financial helps you get on track for 2026 by taking a fresh look at your retirement plan. If you’re like most people, money gets spread out over time. Old accounts, new jobs, life changes, and suddenly it’s hard to see the whole picture. Taking a fresh look with Al often means simplifying what’s gotten complicated. So less confusion, clearer records, and a solid plan for the future. And it’s not just about numbers. Al asks what’s really driving you to come in. because sometimes the issue isn’t your 401k. It’s a move you’re considering. Family dynamics, new health concerns, or uncertainty about retirement timing. Golden Eagle Financial plans at your speed and follows up regularly so you can be confident that you’re retiring on your terms and getting the most out of what you’ve spent a lifetime putting in. Get a fresh look at your retirement plan with a no-obligation meeting with Al Smith. Find out how on the klzradio.com advertisers page.
SPEAKER 05 :
Mile High Coin, for all your collectibles and valuables. Hey, find out what they’re worth with Mile High Coin. Call David Gonzalez at 720-370-3400.
SPEAKER 10 :
Mile High Coin and Brokerage will come to you. The owner, David Gonzalez, believes in building trusted relationships with his clients, and that starts with making it as easy as possible for them. He also guarantees free and fair appraisal of your valuables as part of that position of trust. David has been meeting clients in person for over 30 years. and has worked successfully with all the reasons people decide to sell their coin collections, inherited jewelry, and other valuables. And by coming to your home, David makes it easy and safe for you. No need to pack and transfer your collection to a dealer you don’t know or trust. Just call Mile High Coin and explain what you have and when it’s right for you. David can meet wherever it’s convenient for you. Mile High Coin & Brokerage is our trusted and highly rated partner that treats each person with honesty and integrity. Call 720-370-3400 or you can find KLZ’s professional coin and jewelry expert, Mile High Coin & Brokerage at klzradio.com.
SPEAKER 18 :
The best export we have is common sense. You’re listening to Rush to Reason.
SPEAKER 05 :
And welcome back to Rush to Reason, Denver’s Afternoon Rush, KLC 560, Andy Pate filling in for John Rush, along with Ashley Cart, and Luke Cash, and Luke!
SPEAKER 06 :
Yeah.
SPEAKER 05 :
Buddy.
SPEAKER 06 :
What’s going on? What’s going on? Are you ready for a movie? Yes, I am ready for a movie!
SPEAKER 05 :
Alright!
SPEAKER 06 :
Yeah! Is it an arty movie?
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, pretty.
SPEAKER 06 :
I should have gone semi-arty. Yes, sir. I’m ready for a movie. Quiet.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, okay. All right. Well, bullying and peer pressure takes center stage in The Plague.
SPEAKER 07 :
So what’s with Eli? Eli’s got the plague. It’s not funny, bro. Is that contagious? Incredibly. But only through touch, so… If you’re exposed, oh man, you just gotta watch yourself like staff. Turned your brain into baby food.
SPEAKER 1 :
No brain, no nothing.
SPEAKER 07 :
The flag is fake. So can you please tell everyone that I’m good? Okay.
SPEAKER 01 :
I think there’s something wrong with me. What do you mean? I just feel something’s wrong.
SPEAKER 14 :
Someone giving you a hard time, Ben.
SPEAKER 07 :
Why are you doing this to me?
SPEAKER 05 :
Eerie. What do you think, Luke?
SPEAKER 06 :
Surreal. I don’t know. That’s kind of trippy.
SPEAKER 05 :
Okay, well, let’s jump into The Plague. No, not a horror movie. Okay, it’s a different kind of movie. At a water polo camp, 12-year-old boys, they replay Lord of the Flies. Have you guys heard of Lord of the Flies?
SPEAKER 17 :
Yes. I have a Bachelor of Arts in English. I have heard of Lord of the Flies.
SPEAKER 05 :
Okay, it’s classic, right? The frightening book about kids being stranded on an island and turning to savagery. Well, Everett Blunk stars as Ben, a new kid from Boston whose parents just divorced. Ben is good-natured, kind, wants to fit in. But almost immediately, Ben learns that Jake, played by K.O. Martin, is the alpha. There’s always an alpha, right? In a sea of kids wanting to belong, there are always three groups. By the way, this is true. I’m going to add four in just a moment. But there’s always three groups. You got the large group addicted to belonging, right? You got a few alphas addicted to controlling. And you have that rare caring kid wanting everyone to belong. But you also have, I’m going to add one, the outcasts. Right.
SPEAKER 17 :
There’s always an outcast.
SPEAKER 05 :
Right. Who can’t possibly belong. Well, the alphas. And this is real life. I’m not even talking about the movie yet. Alphas see that last group as a threat. Right. Not the outcast, but the the caring ones. Every time they see somebody come in who wants everybody to belong. Alphas eat them alive. Why? Because that person could raise the conscience. Of the group. Right. All right. And the Alpha doesn’t want that. You ever see Mean Girls? Yes. A million times. Yeah, exactly. Actually, Luke was supposed to say, oh, a million times.
SPEAKER 06 :
I should have. I know. I’m sorry.
SPEAKER 05 :
I know. Next time. I missed my cue. You missed your cue. But that’s okay. She picked up for you. Alpha see that last group as a threat. The last thing you want is anybody awakening conscience in the members. Okay, alphas are amazing to watch. And I’m just talking from somebody who’s watched it over the years. I was in that group that wanted everybody to belong. And I suffered through what I’m about to tell you. So this movie was very real for me. But here’s the thing about alphas. With no training, as kids, they instantly know how to strut and weaponize the desire for belonging in all those around them. They have no conscience whatsoever. And they know instantly how to manipulate everybody around them because they know everybody around them wants to belong. And it’s incredible. You’re talking about kids. You’re talking about six, seven, eight-year-olds who instantly know how to do this on a playground and dominate just as well as some guy who does it in a boardroom. Am I right?
SPEAKER 06 :
Yeah, it’s very true.
SPEAKER 05 :
It’s really amazing. It’s kind of shocking. Right. Well, this movie, The Plague, is going to… The reason I’m giving you this long buildup, The Plague studies that exact phenomenon. Here we go. Okay, we call these bullies. And bullying isn’t just physical, it’s psychological and heartless. Okay, back to the story. K.O. immediately looks for weakness in the new arrival, making fun of how Ben pronounces a common word. In an instant, Ben is labeled. There’s an outcast named Eli. Now, Eli has a skin problem. So, Kao convinces everyone this is leprosy. The plague. Okay? Okay. So, he’s got the whole group. And this is before Ben even arrives, right? Kao has the whole group convinced that Eli has the plague. And they have all these rules that they have to have around Eli because of it. That KO makes sure that they follow. All right. So if Eli sits down at a table, everyone scatters. If Eli touches someone, that boy must wash immediately. The plague is KO’s absolute power over the group. As a rare caring person, Ben feels bad for Eli and resents Kao’s power. But Ben still desperately wants to be liked himself. So Kao still has this power over Ben. The stage is set. Now Kao must alienate Ben since anyone who cares for outcasts is a threat to the Alpha. Remember that? So when Ben befriends Eli, Kao convinces everyone Ben now has caught the plague. Immediately, no one will sit with Ben. And they wash themselves if he touches them. They all scatter and run to the showers. Get soap. In water polo, no one will throw Ben the ball. He’s completely alone in a pool full of kids. sitting in the center of a pool full of kids. He is alone. He has not done anything wrong. The alpha sees him as a threat. Well, it’s really something to see. This is horrifying for Ben, of course, but it gets worse. There’s a terrible hazing episode involving cockroaches. Now it’s war. Unfortunately, Ben’s only ally is Eli. But Eli is already deeply damaged and weird himself. The guy dances with a cardboard cutout of a cartoon. I think it was like Betty Boop or something like that. I can’t remember which cartoon. What can Ben do? And that is the story of The Plague. What do you think?
SPEAKER 06 :
Sounds like this is really personal. Surely this was written from someone who has some experience living this. It feels like a deeply personal story.
SPEAKER 05 :
Guys, I lived this. I was Ben as a kid. I was the nice kid. I was in the super popular crowd. And I was the nice one to the outcast. And before long, I became an outcast. And it was unbelievable what I went through, the bullying and the beating up. I went from being Mr. Popular to that almost overnight. And it is unbelievable watching what kids can do and what the alphas can do and the power they have. Okay, here we go. What works in The Plague? Well, it shows the true power of alphas weaponizing your desire for belonging. It’s just haunting watching this. Everett Blunk and K.O. Martin, the bad guy, they may be new stars in the making. I really like both of their performances. They were just terrific. Good bad guy, good good guy, and I was really watching the two play off each other. Well done. Joel Edgerton, you know him? No, not offhand. Yeah, he’s a pretty well-known actor. Well, he depicts the coach who is totally incompetent at dealing with alphas. And this is kind of interesting because so often in these movies you’ll have the wise coach who speaks wisdom into the situation, unless it’s an evil coach who helps the bad guys. But, I mean, usually you’ll have one or the other. This guy’s just incompetent. He doesn’t know how to deal with an alpha run amok, and he doesn’t know what to do about it. More horrible than a horror film, this feels real. This movie actually feels, because at least in a horror film, okay, the slasher, the monster, the whatever.
SPEAKER 06 :
This is just real life. Real life is far more terrifying.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yes, yes. You look at these monsters and you’re just like, okay, man, aliens are terrifying, but they’re not real.
SPEAKER 17 :
I can watch a horror movie and go, oh, why’d you run upstairs? That’s a stupid decision. I would have run downstairs. You watch something like this and it’s like, no, yep, that would have happened to me.
SPEAKER 05 :
I read a number of reviews and there were a number of reviewers who were just almost shell shocked saying, I just watched my childhood. Okay. I just watched the most terrifying part of my childhood, whichever, maybe they were the outcast or maybe they were the one who, you know, the caring dude, or maybe they were just one of the sheep or whatever. Right. But it’s a lot of reviewers really hit by this.
SPEAKER 17 :
Got it. Go watch the movie, book a therapy appointment.
SPEAKER 05 :
Exactly. Exactly. Okay. Okay. And next, what else works in the plague? It shows when you take away someone’s coping mechanism, they have nothing left. Okay, so one kid has a way he’s coping with all of this. That is taken away with a speech. And the kid, let’s just say, reacts in a shocking way. And it’s well done. Okay, what doesn’t work in the plague? Well, it’s a touching study of social savagery, but is it entertaining? Okay? Is it really entertaining? And I did ask the crowd afterward to give me thumbs up, thumbs down. Every single person, thumbs down.
SPEAKER 02 :
Oof.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yep. They did not like this movie, and I can understand that. Okay? It probably hit a little too close to home for some. The music. It’s so weird. It’s distracting. Very distracting, weird music. I hate that arty stuff. That was made for you, Lou.
SPEAKER 06 :
Okay.
SPEAKER 05 :
Luke could really enjoy and be clicking his fingers. Yeah, I’m digging it. I’m digging it. For most people, it’s really distracting. The pacing, very uneven. The story can move along very quickly and then suddenly slow down. You have some incredible acting by the main character, especially at the end. But, you know, you’re just and you’re totally invested in him. You really are. You care about this kid. But it is hard. And the ending, I’m just going to say it, it falls flat. All right. And the people who were in there, I got the ending. I did. But the people who were in there didn’t like it. All right. Finally, there’s a moronic moment equating bullying with the eating of meat. Okay, guys, guys, guys.
SPEAKER 06 :
Interesting choice.
SPEAKER 05 :
Whatever your personal beliefs on that, you’re doing a story on the bullying with kids. Don’t throw agenda in it. Leave it out. Stay focused. Focus, focus, focus, right? You’ve got to be able to just get your message across because the second you put in other little things, you’re going to kind of mess with it, and they did. It was pure agenda. Okay, Rotten Tomatoes, get ready. 100%. Whoa. I see 100% scores about once every four years.
SPEAKER 17 :
Yeah, that’s a very uncommon occurrence for Rotten Tomatoes.
SPEAKER 05 :
It really was. Now, the audience score, 59%. Big gap there. Huge gap. A 41% gap. Wow.
SPEAKER 17 :
So it really is an artsy movie. That’s why the critics like it. Well, it’s…
SPEAKER 05 :
Look, a lot of it does work well, okay? The story moves along well. A lot of the performances are very good. It is haunting, and it does take you back to your childhood. Obviously, for me, it hit me, right? Because it reminded me of days I didn’t want to remember, so there you go. But it was just… Well done in a lot of ways. Not so well done in some others. You know, the music and some of the off, you know, the offness was just kind of guys, you’re overshooting. Just tell the story. You got a good thing going here. But I didn’t think it was that good. I really didn’t. And the audience all thumbs down. Folks, I’m here for the audience. I’m not here for me. OK, my my grade for this is quality is two stars. Okay, I’m going to give it two stars. Why? Because, yes, they dealt with an issue better than I’ve ever seen it dealt with. This is the best I’ve ever seen this done since Lord of the Flies. It really is. And, in fact, this was better in some ways. It was more real. Political, too, obviously, because they shoved the agenda in with the meat. Come on, guys. What are you doing? more religious three night not up or down didn’t preach in that way there’s no problem with that you know it it was just a very interesting movie i will tell you this folks a lot of you are going to find this movie and say wow that hit me i loved it that is there were people fans going out and just saying this is the greatest movie i have ever seen flat out period bar none and there were people saying this is the worst movie i have ever seen This is one of the biggest high and low scores I’ve ever seen in a movie. So it was very interesting. What do you think? Okay.
SPEAKER 06 :
I mean, I’m probably going to check it out. It sounds like it’s up my alley. It kind of is. I like artsy stuff.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, I think you can get into this. And I think you, look, you’re a very intellectual guy. You are. Oh, thank you. Well, you are. You know, not nearly as intelligent as I am. Of course. Because, you know, my gosh.
SPEAKER 06 :
The high bar is set.
SPEAKER 05 :
Wow. I mean, you’re only human. That’s very true. Yeah, yeah, of course. Unfortunately. Yeah, yeah. No, but really, you’re a very intellectual guy. I think you could get into this and really look at the various types of people and be like, yep, seen it. Yep, this makes perfect sense. Yep. So you might enjoy it. But for general audiences, folks, I’m not going to recommend this because I sat in a room of general audiences last night and they didn’t like it. So do I recommend going to the plague? No, I don’t. I don’t think for most people it is good. I think if you are into this kind of thing, it is. And that is the plague. Okay, let’s take a break. Up next is Geno’s Auto Service. They got an A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau. To get your car fixed at the best, call Geno’s at 303-794-6700.
SPEAKER 13 :
It’s the holiday season and a great time to take advantage of Geno’s Auto Services Alignment and Tire Rotation Special. Winter in Colorado can be tough on your car. Now, through the end of the month, save $30 and get your vehicle aligned and all four tires rotated. Geno’s can also check to see that your heater is working properly with the cold months ahead. Have you ever noticed how your tires have a way of finding holes in the pavement? With consistent alignments every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, your vehicle will get better gas mileage and longer tire life. At Geno’s, we offer loaner vehicles so you can drop your car off and pick up when ready. Geno’s is AAA approved and located at Bowles and Platt Canyon. Save $30 on an alignment and tire rotation. Geno’s Auto Services is celebrating our 43rd holiday season. Thank you to all our clients and longtime customers for your patronage and support. We truly appreciate it. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stop in or visit us online at genosautoservice.com.
SPEAKER 05 :
Cub Creek Heating and Air. Avoid winter emergencies. Get your heater working 100%. Call Cub Creek at 303-656-5467.
SPEAKER 03 :
Cup Creek Heating and AC are your friends in the business, here to help you navigate the new ultra-low NOx regulations taking effect January 1st. These changes could raise your energy bill by $60 to $100 a month. And after the new Colorado legislation takes effect, replacing a unit could cost up to 60% more. Cup Creek isn’t like those big corporate HVAC companies. They’re a father and son team who care more about doing what’s right than pushing a sale. In fact, Hunter talks often about how the industry has shifted towards sales instead of comfort and how Cub Creek refuses to operate that way. Hunter and the ream certified pro partner technicians at Cub Creek are true craftsmen. They take pride in their work. They operate with integrity and they’re always on your side. So let them give you an honest assessment of your furnace. If it still has life left, they’ll tell you. And if it’s time for a replacement, they’ll walk you through easy, affordable options before the new regulations drive prices up. Schedule your no-obligation consultation today at klzradio.com.
SPEAKER 05 :
Ridgeline Auto Brokers. Used cars are the best deal if you can trust your dealer. For great deals from people you can trust, look to Ridgeline Auto at klzradio.com.
SPEAKER 18 :
Looking for the right car at the right price? Ridgeline Auto Brokers makes it easy. They specialize in quality vehicles priced between $15,000 and $25,000, perfect for first-time drivers, families, or anyone who wants real value without the hassle. Every vehicle is thoroughly inspected by Legacy Automotive, a trusted drive radio sponsor. That means you can buy with confidence, knowing your next ride is ready for the road. No dealer fees, competitive financing, and trades are welcomed. A 30-day warranty on every vehicle and your first oil change is just $1. Explore detailed videos of every car at RidgelineAutobrokers.com before you visit. Ridgeline also has a great consignment program to assist you in the sale of your car, truck, or SUV. So if you’re ready to buy, trade, or sell your vehicle, call 303-442-4141 or visit RidgelineAutobrokers.com. Ridgeline Auto Brokers, the right car, the right price, right now.
SPEAKER 05 :
Now back to Rush to Reason on KLZ 560. And welcome back to Rush to Reason. Denver’s Afternoon Rush, KLZ 560. Andy Pate filling in for John Rush along with Luke Cash and Ashley Carter. Okay, guys. That was a couple of weird movies to start the year, wasn’t it? Yeah.
SPEAKER 17 :
Very weird.
SPEAKER 05 :
A zombie movie that’s not really a zombie movie. And then a movie called The Plague, which doesn’t have a plague.
SPEAKER 06 :
No, it’s just the Lord of the flies, but different.
SPEAKER 05 :
Lord of the flies, but different in a swimming pool.
SPEAKER 06 :
Lord of the flies in a swimming pool.
SPEAKER 05 :
Hey, okay. Very weird. Okay. Now this is the time of year when everybody wants to get motivated. This is the time of year when everybody does their resolutions and they promise the entire world and themselves. I will not be anything like the person I was the last 365 days. Okay. In other words, we lie at this time of year. Okay. So yeah, I think, but people, I think it’s actually a good thing. I like the fact, especially in America that we have new years as kind of a motivational jumpstart in our lives.
SPEAKER 06 :
Yeah, the effort’s worth something.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, what do you think?
SPEAKER 06 :
I like it. You know, it’s a good excuse to, at the very least, set a goal for yourself. And setting goals, even if you don’t stick with it the whole year, it’s like, you know, it’s a good thing to do.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, I think so.
SPEAKER 06 :
What do you think, Ashley?
SPEAKER 17 :
It’s something to at least try. I mean, I like the… I don’t know. I’m one of the ones where, no, I don’t go around saying new year, new me. But I do like the idea that New Year’s means a time of renewal and just it’s a new time. You can forget about last year. You can forget about the mistakes of last year and you can just try again.
SPEAKER 05 :
See, my wife, she’ll say, new year, new husband.
SPEAKER 06 :
I mean, should I be offended? I was wondering why it’s a different person who comes in to host the show every year. I’ve been wondering that.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah, I know. Well, you know, she’s very popular. Yes. I love you, honey. I know you’re listening. Okay. Motivational movies. Have you ever watched, do you watch these motivational movies? Are there some that just get you? Where you come out of there and you are ready to take the world.
SPEAKER 17 :
I mean, I think most movies that I enjoy make me feel like I can take on the world, but the motivational movies make me feel like I can do it 10 times faster.
SPEAKER 05 :
Yeah. I’ll say this. Motivational movies, they’re different for everybody. Totally different. Everybody has their own list. We are going to have very little crossover here. You think so? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, there will be a few that are common, but there will be a lot. Different people are motivated by different things who come out of a movie and say, I want to do this in my life starting this week. haven’t you had that happen when you watch a movie I mean you watch Saving Private Ryan didn’t you want to storm a beach that’s very true get shot at I thought man that looked fun you know when I walked out of Avatar I did want to go to Pandora did you paint yourself blue
SPEAKER 17 :
No.
SPEAKER 05 :
Well, then you weren’t motivated.
SPEAKER 06 :
You didn’t transfer your consciousness into the nearest squirrel? So it didn’t work, is what you’re saying.
SPEAKER 17 :
I mean, in all technicality, I went home and immediately played the Avatar game. So I did actually become blue and go to Pandora.
SPEAKER 05 :
Fair enough. That’s good. That’s very good. So you threw your life away on video games because you were motivated. That’s good. Yeah, I like it. Something to be proud of. I… No, I mean, seriously, folks, there are a lot of movies that do get me motivated. And virtually every movie with Denzel Washington, for whatever reason, motivates me. I have no idea why. Just because it’s Denzel? Because it’s Denzel.
SPEAKER 06 :
Yeah, that’s very fair.
SPEAKER 05 :
I will never be Denzel. My wife has reminded me of this. You will never be Denzel.
SPEAKER 06 :
Well, I think there’s maybe one or two things that would prevent that from happening.
SPEAKER 05 :
Ah, yes, yes, yes. But, I mean, also, she’s mainly just talking the cool, actually. She thinks I’m pretty cool. But motivational movies is what we’re going to be talking about in hour two. If you have any ideas, give us a call at 303-477-5600. We would like to hear what you find to be a motivational movie in the next hour. You guys ready?
SPEAKER 03 :
I’m ready.
SPEAKER 05 :
All right. That’s it for hour number one and hour two. Once again, to honor everyone’s New Year’s resolutions, we’re doing motivational movies. Until then, keep it right here on Rush to Reason, KLC 560.
SPEAKER 09 :
Average guys.
SPEAKER 1 :
Ordinary average guys.
