American Friction

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Does what’s going on in the American Election scare and bemuse you in equal measure? Want to know what Biden and Trump are up to – without tearing your hair out? Then you need to listen to American Friction – the brand new podcast about the countdown to the big vote in November – from the makers of Oh God, What Now?, The Bunker and Paper Cuts. Every Friday, we’ll speak to leading experts and blockbuster commentators from the United States to explain the latest news and the big issues behind the vote with hosts Jacob Jarvis (ex-Newsweek), Chris Jones (Podmasters) and Nikki McCann Ramirez (Politics Reporter at Rolling Stone). Out every Friday.     

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    • Aug 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 56m AVG DURATION
    • 101 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from American Friction

    Why hasn't Trump stopped Netanyahu?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 39:17


    Trump “broke” with Netanyahu recently by accepting the reality that people, including many children, are starving in Gaza. But despite this slight change in tone, will this lead to any real change in action from the US president? Chris and Jarv speak to Professor Yossi Mekelberg, senior consulting fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, to discuss Trump and Netanyahu's relationship, how Trump could end this if he wanted to and what other leaders should do to stop the atrocities.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's crazy week – Scotland rants, Epstein trouble, the Unabomber and more!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 63:57


    Trump has been getting weirder and somehow MAGA and the GOP are ignoring it. Plus, he's talking himself in knots over Epstein — does he understand how big a problem this is? Nikki and Jarv discuss all that and more in our 100th episode!  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Go to https://surfshark.com/amfric or use code AMFRIC at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Written and presented by Nikki McCanm Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump vs. the media – Has he killed it or is he keeping it alive?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2025 43:48


    Donald Trump continues to bully news outlets in the US, suing Murdoch and seemingly getting Stephen Colbert fired. Why can't the media stand up to him? Is it even trying anymore? Or is it time to declare the mainstream media dead? Jeff Jarvis, media critic and author of the BuzzMachine blog joins Jarv and Nikki to discuss all that and more.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Video Editor/ producer: Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's Epstein distraction plan – Remember Obama and Clinton?!?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 64:44


    Trump's really pulling out all the stops and playing all the old hits to try and distract from the Epstein list. Even though it doesn't exist and he's definitely not on it and even if he was that doesn't mean anything anyway! Nikki, Jarv and Chris discuss his skittishness and attempt to shift focus to Barack Obama instead.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Go to https://surfshark.com/amfric or use code AMFRIC at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio and video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    After Trump and Biden – Can young people reclaim politics?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 36:08


    American politicians are too old. So, how can more young people win? Jarv and Chris speak to Amanda Litman, who is the president of Run for Something, an organisation aimed at getting more young people into politics.  Go to https://surfshark.com/amfric or use code AMFRIC at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    What Trump's massive Epstein meltdown means

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 55:39


    Oh Trump, you can't get the QAnon supporters too upset! They like you! But with his Epstein list denials and combative stance on the whole subject, the president is actually annoying everyone – conspiracy theorist and conspiracy skeptic alike. How's he got it so wrong – and should he have known it'd go this badly? Nikki, Chris and Jarv discuss.  Go to https://surfshark.com/amfric or use code AMFRIC at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    
Trump vs. the climate crisis – Denial, cuts and tragic consequences

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 38:16


    The tragic situation in Texas is bringing into focus the horrific and fatal consequences of Trump's cuts. As he continues to gut agencies focused on the weather and climate change, Chris and Jarv are joined by Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, behavioural scientist and North American CEO of We Don't Have Time, to discuss how we got here and how much worse things could get.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Why Elon Musk's ‘America Party' is doomed – plus, Grok goes full Nazi!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 60:56


    Elon Musk wants to start a new political party – and obviously that's a terrible idea! We discuss why it would fail and why he needs to stop being such a weird egomaniac. Plus, Grok got really racist, Ted Cruz has a holiday while Texas floods, and more, more, more on American Friction with Nikki, Chris and Jarv.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump vs. Iran – Foreign policy led by extortion?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 37:57


    Donald Trump's involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran has got us thinking – does he have any idea how foreign policy works at all? What is leading his administration's strategy, and does it boil down to one thing: extortion? Chris and Nikki sat down with Politico's senior foreign affairs correspondent, Nahal Toosi, to find some answers. Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction   We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod   Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramirez. Audio/video editor: Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The ugly truth behind Trump's Big Beautiful Bill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 61:56


    Donald Trump's trademark Big Beautiful Bill has passed – but not after a whole lot of scrutiny. What state is it in now, and what real-life impacts will it have on ordinary Americans? Plus, what the hell is Alligator Alcatraz? Nikki and Chris explain the GOP's latest inhumane immigration tactic.  Back us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction] – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction   We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod   Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramirez. Audio/video editor: Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Inside America's "lawless" Supreme Court – with Leah Litman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 38:31


    The US Supreme Court hasn't been working well of late. To discuss why it's so malfunctioning, Jarv speaks to Leah Litman, author of Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes. Buy Lawless through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis Audio and video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Zohran Mamdani: What his win means for Democrats

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 72:41


    Zohran Mamdani's primary win has “baffled” establishment Democrats who can't imagine why a young candidate with big new ideas might do well. We discuss what his win means and what it should force the Democratic party to do. Plus, Trump's going off about Iran and bragging about stuff that isn't real – so nothing new there. All that and more with your fave pals Nikki, Chris and Jarv (and Simon!) who are all back together once again.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Video and audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Inside the Republican Party's long war on democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 35:43


    Trump hates democracy – but that's not exactly something new for a leading Republican. To understand the history of the GOP hating people they don't like being able to vote, Jarv is joined by Thom Hartmann, progressive talk show host and the author of The Hartmann Report, who earlier this year wrote a piece called: The GOP's 60-Year Conspiracy to Kill Our Democracy: None Dare Call It Treason—But I Will. Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ten years of Trump – The highs, the lows and the weirdest moments

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 71:19


    How was the last decade for you? Well, I'm guessing Trump made it a little bit worse. Ten years after he descended that golden escalator, we look back on the ups and downs, mainly downs, of his time in politics. Plus, Nikki and Jarv round up other news you might have missed.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramiréz. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    donald trump blue sky artwork highs lows weirdest simon williams jarv podmasters production group editor andrew harrison
    Trump's lapdog – How Congress gave its power away

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 38:30


    With Trump going feral you'd hope that Congress would do something to keep him in check. But that doesn't appear to be the case whatsoever. And, it's not a new thing – Congress has long been diminishing its own authority. Casey Burgat, host of the Mastering the Room podcast and director of the Legislative Affairs program at the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University, joins Jarv and Chris to talk them through what's going on.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio and video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Welcome to Trump's police state

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 59:42


    Trump finally appears to be getting what he wants – a draconian police state he can rule. Jarv, Chris and Nikki are joined by Asawin Suebsaeng, a senior political reporter at Rolling Stone to discuss this and more as they wrap up the increasingly terrifying news from the United States of America.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramirez. Audio and video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Inside the LA protests: “This is a fight for survival”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 27:44


    The news has focused heavily on sensational images from LA, but what is the real feeling among protestors – and how did this all escalate? Ben Camacho is a journalist covering the situation – who was shot by two rubber bullets himself doing so. He joins Jacob Jarvis to give an on the ground perspective of what's happening.  See more of Ben's reporting on LA at The Southlander: https://thesouthlander.com/  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis Audio and video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    protests survival blue sky artwork simon williams podmasters production group editor andrew harrison
    Why Trump wants the Los Angeles protests to boil over

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 34:55


    The scenes in Los Angeles are Trump's fault – and it's clear he wanted the situation to crank up, and he wants to make things worse. Nikki and Jarv discuss why the president is heightening tensions to give himself permission to act more and more like a dictator.     Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction   We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod   Follow us on social media:   BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social   Instagram   TikTok    Written and presented by Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    MAGA vs. the CIA and the FBI – How US intelligence works and why it matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 39:29


    America has the biggest intelligence operation in the world – but that wasn't always the case. And under Trump – it might be completely trashed and pointless anyway. Mark M. Lowenthal, former assistant director at the CIA and author of Vigilance is not enough: A history of United States intelligence, joins Chris and Jarv to discuss the history of US intelligence and its uncertain future.     Back us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction] – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction   We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod   Follow us on social media:   BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social   Instagram   TikTok    Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio and video edit by Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump vs. Musk goes nuclear — The girls are fighting!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 77:09


    Musk and Trump's messy breakup hit new nights this week. We recorded a whole episode, then it went nuts — so Nikki and Jarv jumped on for a late night call and unpacked the madness. Listen in then we have a big old chat for the main show, with Chris too! Yay!  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramirez. Audio and video edit by Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Fox News: The Trump propaganda factory explained

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 40:44


    Fox News is weird and it's absolutely huge. To talk about its ties to the Trump admin and how influential it is, Chris and Jarv spoke to Matt Gertz, senior fellow at Media Matters for America.     Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction   We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod   Follow us on social media:   BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social   Instagram   TikTok    Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio and video edit by Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Elon Musk, we hardly knew ye – with special guest Molly Jong-Fast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 65:21


    Elon Musk is packing his bags, he's ready to go and he'd hate to wake you up to say good bye. But, is he really leaving politics, or is he still crawling like a little worm in Trump's ear? (or brain, RFK Jr., let us know) We discuss the Tesla smart guy but maybe kinda dumb guy's departure from frontline politics with Fast Politics host Molly Jong-Fast. Aaaand we wrap up stories you might have missed, from Trump targeting Harvard to the CIA using Star Wars websites to speak to spies. (Molly also has a new book out called How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir, and there's a link to buy it below.)    Buy How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too.    Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction   We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod   Follow us on social media:   BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social   Instagram   TikTok    Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio and video edit by Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How Trump and RFK Jr. are risking a global health crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 32:42


    From cuts to Medicaid to trying to remove fluoride from water – Trump's administration is making America's health worse off. Dr Celine Gounder is the Editor-at-Large for Public Health at KFF Health News and a leading voice on American healthcare – she joins Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones to get into how dangerous Trump's view on health is becoming and how it could be risking another global health crisis. Follow us on social media:  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction   We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod   Follow us on social media:  BlueSky Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The big Trump bill and the big Biden conspiracy theory!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 64:34


    Trump's “big beautiful bill” made it through the House, so we discuss why this caused so many issues for the president and what it means for everyone else. Plus, Biden's cancer diagnosis has got MAGA going crazy. Nikki, Chris and Jarv wade through the latest US news chaos.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis, and Nikki McCann Ramirez. Audio editor: Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    What does it take to fight back against Trump?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 41:42


    Protests are on the rise across the US against Trump and his policies. What impact will they have? What sorts are the most effective? And how do people get involved? Chris and Jarv discuss with Ami Fields-Meyer, senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and former senior policy advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris. Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump: The most corrupt president ever goes on tour!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 62:27


    Trump wants a new plane and why shouldn't he be given one by a foreign state his family also does lots of business with? Oh yeah, there's that thing called corruption. Chris, Jarv and Nikki unpack the latest dodgy dealings from Trump and the gang.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Nikki McCann Ramirez, Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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    How to handle Trump being a "blathering moron" – with Jamelle Bouie of The New York Times

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 48:17


    It's obvious to us all that Trump is terrible – but some people seem to struggle to say that. Jamelle Bouie of the New York Times never pulls his punches, though. He joins Jarv and Nikki to discuss the latest Trump madness, the broader context, how he keeps tabs of it all and more. (Ps. We've wanted him on the show for ages – so hope you love it!) Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramirez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Inside Trump's latest plan to destroy America

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 59:23


    Trump's budget looks like a disaster, as he pledges to cut more spending on anything he doesn't care about. This week he's taking on greedy children with too many dolls, as he tells everyone else to spend less money so he can enjoy his gold-plated office in peace. Nikki, Chris and Jacob Dylan Jarvis aka Jarv pick apart the latest.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramirez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    RFK Jr. is totally wrong about autism. Here's why

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 41:49


    RFK Jr. won't stop talking about autism – and his comments are anti-science, wrong and generally offensive. So, we wanted to speak about just how bizarre and incorrect his stances are. Chris and Jarv are joined by Eric Garcia, The Independent's DC bureau chief and author of We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation. Read Eric's piece “RFK Jr calls autism an ‘epidemic' and a tragedy. As an autistic journalist, I have some comments” Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's horrid 100 days – The worst bits you might have missed!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 71:18


    Trump's first 100 days have been so awful that you'd be forgiven for forgetting some of the worst bits. Nikki, Chris and Jarv recap the horrible moments, and pick out their ‘highlights', if you can call it that. Plus, it's our first birthday – so we celebrate that and answer a load of your questions.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's chaotic economy – An idiot's guide!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 38:52


    Donald Trump's economic chaos is hard to keep track of – even if you're an expert. Well, we're not experts – so we got one in to help us out. Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics, sits down with Chris and Jarv to talk through the madness and to try and make sense of it all.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump vs. America, JD Vance vs. the Pope and Hegseth vs. himself

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 79:52


    It's tough to do this show every week and make sense of what's happening! And this week is one of the wildest yet so we figured we'd just let it rip… Nikki, Chris and Jarv get into everything from the Pope and JD Vance, Trump toppling the economy and his poll ratings, Hegseth calling things he's admitted to the media hoaxes and RFK Jr. being the worst guy in the world! Oh, and Musk's having a rubbish time too, poor bloke.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramirez. Audio and video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump wages war on human rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 66:59


    Donald Trump made it abundantly clear he doesn't care about human rights this week, if it were ever in doubt. Nikki, Chris and Jarv unpack another horrifying week – and put into context just how unbelievably messed up what's happening is.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump and Bukele – Inside the president's disturbing fascination with El Salvador

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 39:07


    Trump's draconian move of deporting people to El Salvador with no due process disgusted onlookers – but unfortunately there could be worse to come. Nikki recently wrote a piece headlined The ‘Judicial Black Hole' of El Salvador's Prisons Is a Warning for American. Her and Jarv are joined by Noah Bullock, executive director of Cristosal, a human rights organization that has represented victims and the families of those displaced and disappeared in Central America for more than 20 years to discuss this warning.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's tariff u-turn — Why is he like this?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 55:19


    Donald Trump's U-turn on global tariffs was his genius strategy all along, according to his most loyal minions. But anyone conscious can see that blatantly isn't true. So what caused Trump to place this 90-day pause on tariffs (apart from China)? And what has been the reaction to it? Chris and Nikki get into all of that and loads more!   Back us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/AmericanFriction Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump third term – Why we need to take his threats seriously

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 35:55


    Trump has said there are ways he could run for a third term. But, are there any which are legal and not insane? Jarv and Chris are joined by Casey Burgat, host of the Mastering the Room podcast to discuss the weird prospect of him sticking around for another few years beyond his current stay…  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Are Trump's tariffs going to break the world?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 70:10


    Trump's tariffs speech was as weird and confusing as you'd imagine – and has ended up causing more frustration than liberation. What's going on and is it good for anyone? Nikki, Chris and Jarv discuss all that and more from the weird world of US politics.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    "Democrats need to grow a f*cking spine!” – Kat Abughazaleh on her run for Congress

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 39:48


    Democrat incumbents are bracing for a raft of primary challengers in upcoming elections. Among those vying for a seat is Kat Abughazaleh, who's appeared on the show in her role as an expert on right-wing disinfo. Now, she's running for Congress and joined Jarv and Nikki to discuss what she'd want to do differently, what Democrats should be doing differently – and who among them should probably just step aside.  For more info on Kat's campaign visit: https://www.katforillinois.com/  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    congress democrats blue sky artwork spine simon williams jarv podmasters production group editor andrew harrison
    Signal sh*tshow gives the Dems some ammunition!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 70:13


    The Pete Hegseth Signal chat disaster has finally put MAGA on the backfoot and given the Dems some ammunition. Nikki, Chris and Jarv discuss the fallout and ask where we go from here.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Pete Hegseth vs. the US Military

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 43:49


    Trump's Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is at the centre of a scandal – so how bad things could things get under his watch? After a journalist was accidentally added to a group chat discussing war plans, all focus is on the former Fox News host we discuss if he'll get fired – or if he'll stick around making things worse. Ben Makuch is a freelance national security reporter who writes for the Guardian among other outlets and joins us for this bonus edition.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump and Musk vs. America's safety net

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 39:22


    Trump and Musk are taking an axe to chunks of America's social security infrastructure – so just how badly will this hurt ordinary citizens? Justin Glawe, independent journalist and founder of American Doom, joins Jarv and Nikki to discuss.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Trump dictatorship begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 66:08


    Donald Trump has been on a power grabbing spree – is he firmly behaving like a dictator? Nikki, Chris and Jarv discuss the latest US political fallout and answer listener questions.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramirez and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    donald trump blue sky artwork chris jones dictatorships simon williams jarv podmasters production group editor andrew harrison
    Why Trump is totally wrong about immigration

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 43:07


    Donald Trump takes being anti-immigration to a new extreme as president. On a human level, it's clear for many to see why his policies are abhorrent. But, on a practical level, are they also just stupid? Alex Nowrasteh, an immigration policy expert and vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute, joins Chris and Jarv to discuss just how damaging his policies could be for the United States.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump tanks the economy and becomes a Tesla salesman!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 78:02


    Donald Trump is tanking the US economy – what's going to go wrong next? And how's his job as a Tesla salesman going? We unpack all the latest American political mayhem.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Do Native Americans have a voice in the United States?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 37:28


    For centuries, Native Americans, Alaskans, and Hawaiians have faced hardship at the hands of the US federal government. Because of that, participation within the federal system is extremely low, with only 0.07 of elected officials being from indigenous heritage. Will that ever change? And what's it like being Native in America today? Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz spent seven years in the Obama administration as a policy advisor focusing on homelessness and Native policy. She's also an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and has authored the book: The Indian Card: Who gets to be native in America? She joins Chris to get into it all. Buy The Indian card: Who gets to be native in America? - HERE   Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction Follow us on social media:  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio/ Video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Why did Trump say that?! – His first major speech unpacked

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 72:55


    Trump's first major speech as president was about as gross as you'd expect. What substance was there – and how much was just dishing out punishment to Democrats? Nikki, Chris and Jarv unpack everything you need to know and answer listener questions.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump and Zelenskyy's Oval Office clash – what happens now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 37:21


    Trump and Zelenskyy's fallout in the Oval Office, egged on by Vice President JD Vance, shocked onlookers and has left the world reeling. So, what comes next? Jarv and Nikki are joined by Matt Duss, executive director of the center for international policy and co-host of the The Un-Diplomatic Podcast, to discuss the fallout and what it means.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio and video editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Is the tide turning on Elon Musk?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 73:04


    Elon Musk seems to be p*ssing off everyone – including members of the Trump cabinet. But, the president is still backing him and he's still ploughing on with his DOGE plans. Nikki, Chris and Jarv unpack the latest mishaps and discuss how long Musk will last. Plus, we round up other news and answer listener questions!  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How to fight the Trump-Musk power grab – with former Alabama senator Doug Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 36:37


    Former Democratic Alabama senator Doug Jones joins us to discuss the latest chaos and how Democrats should push against it. What would he advise legally? How should they communicate? And what makes him hopeful? Back us on Patreon, we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramírez and Jacob Jarvis . Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Donald Trump's first month review!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 66:03


    Well, what a month it's been. Trump was sworn in a month ago and we figured we'd rate his time in office so far. Plus, we discuss the latest Elon Musk weirdness after his and president's love-in on Fox News. All that and more in a bumper panel episode – and we'll be back with our interview episode on Monday!  Back us on Patreon, we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/americanfriction Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Nikki McCann Ramírez and Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Can Trump just ignore the courts? – plus, How to stay hopeful as MAGA ruins everything

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 69:12


    Trump's allies, including JD Vance and Elon Musk, think he should just ignore the courts that try to stop his actions. Can he? What would happen if he did? Plus, while the MAGA movement destroys everything, it's hard to stay hopeful. Reverend Professor Keith Magee joins us to discuss how to bridge political divisions and stay, somewhat, positive in the new Trump era.  Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits, merch and access our chat community: patreon.com/americanfriction  Follow us on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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