Episodes

Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Explore the Trump administration's halt on police reform agreements, its impact on DEI initiatives and civil service protections, and the legal complexities surrounding TikTok's federal ban. This episode delves into the political and societal implications of these decisions, offering insights into the evolving landscape of federal governance and tech regulation.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/22/politics/justice-department-trump-police-reform-agreements/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/22/politics/civil-service-protections-dei-trump/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/22/politics/video/january-6-rioters-gop-lawmakers-capitol-trump-collins-src-digvidhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/22/politics/tiktok-trump-legal-executive-order/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:42) Trump’s Justice Department halts police reform agreements(00:03:59) Trump targets DEI and civil service protections, striking fear in some federal workers(00:06:46) GOP lawmaker welcomes rioters back to Capitol to ‘hear their side of the story’(00:10:06) Trump’s executive order for TikTok shows his willingness to skirt federal laws and keep app in limbo, legal experts say

Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Explore the legal and political ramifications of Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship, the suspension of federal DEI staff, and the pardoning of January 6 defendants. Delve into the concept of authoritarian populism and its impact on global democracy. This episode unpacks the complexities of these pivotal issues, offering insights into the evolving political landscape and its implications for American society and governance.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/21/politics/democratic-states-sue-birthright-citizenship-trump/index.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2025/01/22/nx-s1-5270081/trump-executive-orders-deihttps://news.berkeley.edu/2025/01/21/theres-a-term-for-trumps-political-style-authoritarian-populism/https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/21/politics/republicans-reaction-trump-pardons-january-6/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:42) Democratic states sue over Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship(00:04:03) Trump administration puts federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff on leave(00:07:08) There's a term for Trump's political style: authoritarian populism(00:10:00) Republicans struggle to answer for Trump’s pardon on January 6 defendants just hours into his presidency

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Explore the dramatic shifts in American politics as Donald Trump begins his second term as President. From his optimistic inaugural address to the controversial pardons of January 6th defendants, this episode delves into the complexities of Trump's leadership and its impact on the Republican Party and national policy. We also examine the implications of Vivek Ramaswamy's political ambitions and the evolving role of business leaders in governance. Join us for an in-depth analysis of the changing political landscape and its potential effects on the future of American democracy.Sources:https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fox-news-politics-newsletter-dawn-new-erahttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/as-he-mulls-run-for-ohio-governor-ramaswamy-wont-serve-on-trumps-government-efficiency-commissionhttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/with-the-full-embrace-of-republicans-trump-returns-to-a-changed-washingtonhttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-pardons-nearly-all-jan-6-defendants-inauguration-dayOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:44) Fox News Politics Newsletter: Dawn of a New Era(00:04:08) As he mulls run for Ohio governor, Ramaswamy won't serve on Trump's government efficiency commission(00:07:23) With the full embrace of Republicans, Trump returns to a changed Washington(00:10:37) Trump pardons nearly all Jan. 6 defendants on inauguration day

Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
This week, global politics and markets are poised for transformation with Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President, the World Economic Forum in Davos focusing on AI and geopolitical shifts, and TikTok's uncertain future in the U.S. as Speaker Johnson and GOP senators diverge from Trump's stance. Explore the implications of these events on international relations, economic strategies, and digital freedom.Sources:https://kyivindependent.com/the-week-ahead-key-developments-impacting-global-politics-markets-6/https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/19/politics/democrats-party-change-cnn-poll/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/19/politics/pardon-trump-january-6-rioters/index.htmlhttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/speaker-johnson-2-gop-senators-break-trump-tiktok-extension-rcna188307Outline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:44) The Week Ahead: Key Developments Impacting Global Politics & Markets(00:04:01) CNN Poll: Most Democrats think their party needs major change, while the GOP coalesces around Trump(00:06:48) Trump plans to issue Day 1 pardons for some convicted January 6 rioters(00:10:15) Speaker Johnson and 2 GOP senators break with Trump on TikTok extension

Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Explore Elon Musk's controversial foray into European politics with his 'Make Europe Great Again' slogan and its implications. Delve into Israel's approval of a Gaza ceasefire, revealing deep political divides that could threaten its stability and Netanyahu's future. Plus, insights into Trump's bold plans for mass deportations and Biden's potential pardons as his term ends. This episode unpacks the complex interplay of technology, politics, and international relations shaping today's world.Sources:https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-make-europe-great-again-mega-germany-uk-politics-2025-1https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/middleeast/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-deal-netanyahu/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/18/politics/trump-interview-first-week-priorities/index.htmlhttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-expected-issue-pardons-leaving-office-monday-rcna188228Outline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:46) Elon Musk says 'Make Europe Great Again' as he continues his push into European politics(00:04:45) Israel’s approval of the Gaza deal unmasks deep schisms that could threaten the ceasefire and Netanyahu’s political future(00:08:06) Trump says mass deportations will happen quickly, stresses importance of Israel-Hamas deal in wide-ranging NBC News interview(00:11:41) Biden is expected to issue more pardons before leaving office on Monday

Saturday Jan 18, 2025
Saturday Jan 18, 2025
President Biden's bold move to declare the Equal Rights Amendment ratified sets the stage for a significant legal battle over gender equality. Meanwhile, a GOP-led immigration bill gains traction in the Senate with bipartisan support, highlighting shifting political dynamics. We also explore the potential impact of Trump pardons on January 6 rioters and Ohio's new fiscal conservative senator's plans to reshape government intervention. Join us as we delve into these pivotal stories shaping America's political landscape.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/joe-biden-equal-right-amendment/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/laken-riley-act-senate-key-vote/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/judges-sentence-january-6-capitol-rioters/index.htmlhttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/next-ohio-senator-fiscal-conservative-aims-get-government-out-peoples-livesOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:43) Biden says Equal Rights Amendment is ratified, kicking off expected legal battle as he pushes through final executive actions(00:03:59) GOP-led immigration bill on verge of Senate passage after Democrats join with Republicans in key vote(00:07:53) Judges sentence January 6 Capitol rioters, fully aware a Trump pardon could spare them(00:11:06) Next Ohio senator, a 'fiscal conservative,' aims to 'get government out of people's lives'

Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Explore the latest political upheavals as Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership decisions stir tensions within the GOP, and President Biden critiques red states' economic strategies during the pandemic. Delve into the arrest of Georgia Senator Colton Moore and Trump's controversial pick for the Secret Service. This episode unpacks the evolving power dynamics and their implications for American politics.Sources:https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/mike-johnson-headache-narrowly-divided-house-politics-desk-rcna188065https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/biden-says-red-states-really-screwed-handling-economies-covid-years-rcna188080https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/georgia-senator-colton-moore-arrested-rcna188068https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/16/politics/curran-trump-secret-service/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:42) Mike Johnson has a new challenge in the narrowly divided House: From the Politics Desk(00:02:53) Biden says 'red states really screwed up' in handling their economies during Covid years(00:05:55) Georgia senator arrested after he tried to defy a ban on entering the House chamber(00:09:00) Trump taps the leader of his personal detail to run the US Secret Service

Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Dive into the high-stakes political battles shaping the nation: the contentious North Carolina Supreme Court election, Rep. Torres' call for a probe into a $9B Medicaid contract, and the surprising removal of the House Intelligence Committee chair. Explore the implications of these events on democracy, governance, and national security.Sources:https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2025/01/15/north-carolina-supreme-court-riggshttps://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2025/01/16/rep--torres-re-ups-call-for-probe-of--9b-medicaid-home-care-contracthttps://www.kolotv.com/2025/01/16/lombardo-tells-democratic-controlled-legislature-set-politics-aside-find-compromise/https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/15/politics/house-intelligence-committee-chair-removed-turner-johnson/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:43) N.C. Supreme Court election battle could have national impact(00:04:07) Rep. Torres re-ups call for probe of $9B Medicaid home care contract(00:07:05) Lombardo tells Democratic-controlled Legislature to set politics aside, find compromise(00:11:11) Johnson removes Republican chair of House Intelligence Committee

Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Explore the GOP-led House's controversial vote to ban transgender athletes from women's sports, the rise of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance in Germany, and the Biden administration's move to remove Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list. Plus, delve into the political turmoil surrounding the UK's Treasury. This episode unpacks the intersection of sports, politics, and international relations, offering insights into the evolving global landscape.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/house-vote-ban-transgender-athletes-womens-sports/index.htmlhttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-837512https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/biden-remove-cuba-from-state-sponsor-of-terrorism-list/index.htmlhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly90yd1w7woOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:42) GOP-led House votes to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports(00:03:37) The pro-Russia, anti-Israel populist aiming to redefine German politics(00:06:34) Biden administration announces plans to remove Cuba from state sponsor of terrorism list(00:09:27) Chris Mason: Political heat map flashes red over Treasury

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Explore the Biden administration's strategic move to seize $300 billion in Russian assets as leverage for Ukraine peace talks, facing skepticism from European allies. Delve into the complexities of international diplomacy, the transition of U.S. power, and the potential impact on global relations. Understand the stakes and implications for future U.S. foreign policy in this high-stakes geopolitical maneuver.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/biden-russian-assets-ukraine-european-skepticism/index.htmlhttps://www.ajc.com/politics/partisan-politics-dominate-first-day-of-georgias-legislative-session/FM7VQ62AKVCOVNRC3XQNY5P27A/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/ron-desantis-align-florida-law-trump-immigration-overhaul-rcna187424https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/special-counsel-smith-report-trump-2020-election-subversion/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:43) US encounters European skepticism in last-ditch push to seize $300B in Russian assets for Ukraine leverage(00:03:17) Partisan politics dominate first day of Georgia’s legislative session(00:06:19) Ron DeSantis pushes to align Florida law with Trump's expected immigration overhaul(00:09:45) Garland hands over special counsel report on Trump and 2020 election subversion to Congress





