Listen now (70 mins) | On Trump's Peking pilgrimage, the New York Times's descent into blood libel, and developments in Iran.

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	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more   The Rational Policy Podcast Episode 37 - Summitry Punditry 0:00 1:10:27   Listen now   Episode 37 - Summitry Punditry On Trump's Peking pilgrimage, the New York Times's descent into blood libel, and developments in Iran. Mike Coté May 14   READ IN APP   Episode 37 of the Rational Policy Podcast is live! In this installment, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay dive into the news of the week, touching on global, domestic, and media affairs. We start with an update on the progress (or lack thereof) of the Iran War, exploring how things have changed and what might come next for the conflict. Most of the show, however, is dedicated to a different topic entirely: the Trump-Xi summit in China. We explain what is happening, why it shouldn’t be happening, and our concerns for the outcome of this trip. We discuss what it means for US-China relations and whether this approach is a useful one. Along the way, we touch on various semi-related issues, ranging from the future of the Cuban regime to the economics and geopolitics of tariffs and decoupling from Beijing. Finally, we shift to the media, lambasting a disgraceful antisemitic blood libel published by the New York Times, claiming that Israel uses sexual violence as a tool of state power. These claims not only fly in the face of reality, the timing of their publication - immediately prior to the release of a full report from the Israeli commission investigating the mass Hamas sexual violence of October 7 - speaks to the nefarious intent behind the piece. Share Check it out, follow us on Twitter/X (Mike / Art), and share the podcast with anyone you think might appreciate it. Thanks for listening. We’ll be back next week. Until then, let’s hope that Trump’s Chinese vacation ends with very few souvenirs. Cheers! Pledge your support Rational Policy is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Rational Policy that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. Pledge your support   Like Comment Restack   © 2026 Mike Coté 548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104 Unsubscribe

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May 14, 2026   |   Read online The ability to walk away is real power Leverage begins when you're willing to leave. Most people stay too long. They stay in conversations that no longer serve them. They stay in relationships that drain them. They stay in opportunities that feel misaligned, but difficult to release. Not because they don’t see the issue…but because they fear the loss. Or at least, what they perceive as a loss. And that fear removes their leverage. The moment you feel like you need something to work, your position weakens and you begin compromising. You tolerate behaviors and things you normally wouldn’t. You adjust yourself to preserve what no longer fits, just because it once did. Sort of like forcing that old outfit to work even though something inside of you knows it looks silly. This is how misalignment becomes prolonged over time, day by day. Strong individuals, though, operate differently. They do not cling, but instead, they evaluate. And when something is clearly not aligned…they are willing to walk away. Not with any pomp and circumstance, not with a big noise or announcement…just sort of…silently. This willingness changes a few things: It restores control. It restores clarity. It restores self-respect. Because walking away is not about losing, it is about selecting. You are choosing not to invest further in something that does not meet your standard. And that decision puts you in a position of strength. In negotiations, the person who can walk away cannot be pressured. In relationships, the person who can walk away cannot be manipulated. In life, the person who can walk away cannot be controlled. This is where real power exists. Not in forcing outcomes, but in refusing the things that jeopardize them. Most people try to make things work, but sometimes real strength isn’t about holding on…it’s about being able to let go of the wrong things. Without hesitation, without over-explanation, without attachment to what “could have” been. They trust their judgment enough to move on. This creates forward momentum. Because instead of being stuck in something that drains them, they create space for something that aligns. Remember that walking away is not failure, it is refinement. It is the removal of what no longer supports your growth. And once you develop that ability, you move through life differently. Calmer, more selective, less dependent. Because you know something most people don’t: You are always one decision away from reclaiming your position. Your coach, -James Michael Sama P.S.: If you’re looking for a private advisor to help you develop these qualities, let’s talk.   Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2026 Your secret weapon. 228 Park Ave S, #29976, New York, New York 10003, United States Powered by beehiiv Terms of Service

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May 13, 2026   |   Read online Re: Two Spots Thought you'd be interested in this. There comes a point in life where more information is no longer the answer. You already know how to work hard. You already know how to execute. You already know what discipline looks like. What many high performers actually need is refinement. Even more clarity. A shift in perspective. A fresh strategy. Someone on the outside who’s capable of seeing the blind spots that we so frequently miss after doing something for so long. Can you relate? Yes No Over the past 13+ years, I’ve had the honor of working behind the scenes with hundreds of founders, executives, CEOs, public figures, entrepreneurs, and people carrying enormous responsibility behind the scenes that they can’t tell anyone else about… Not because they lacked the intelligence or capability, but because the higher you climb, the fewer people around you can truly challenge your thinking, sharpen your decision-making, or help you recalibrate before burnout, drifting, or misalignment sets in. Private advisory has never been about hype, motivation, or surface-level coaching. It’s about helping good people become even more precise. Even more grounded. Even more intentional. Even more effective in the rooms that matter most. Business. Relationships. Presence. Leadership. Communication. Legacy. The external results tend to improve naturally when the internal architecture becomes stronger. At the moment, I have space for two additional private clients in my calendar. I’m selective about who I work with because the relationship matters. The trust matters. The standard matters. I manage a tight calendar so I can give each individual client my full attention. But this is not reserved for some imaginary category of “perfect” people. The individuals who get the most from this work are often simply those who know they’re capable of even more and are finally ready to approach their next chapter with greater intention. If this resonates with you, schedule a consultation call with me here, and I’ll personally get in touch. No representative, no AI, no salesperson. I look forward to learning how we can unlock your next level together. Your coach, - James Michael Sama   Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2026 Your secret weapon. 228 Park Ave S, #29976, New York, New York 10003, United States Powered by beehiiv Terms of Service