Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, host Chuck Warren is joined by guest host Tim Mooney for a packed episode covering Arizona politics, campus protests, election integrity, the 2026 midterms, and the latest true crime case making national headlines. The show begins with Chuck Warren sitting down one-on-one with Elijah Norton, candidate for Arizona State Treasurer. Norton discusses his background as a self-made businessman, his campaign for treasurer, and why he believes Arizona needs a leader with real finance, business, and investment experience managing the state's treasury. The conversation covers the role of the state treasurer, Arizona's $32 billion in assets, investment performance, the Permanent Land Endowment Trust Fund, Prop 123, and Norton's call for a comprehensive review of the treasurer's office and a "Doge-style audit" of Arizona's education system. Follow Elijah Norton on X: @NortonforAZ Website: https://nortonforaz.com/ Next, Chuck Warren and guest host Tim Mooney speak with Jessica Schwalb, staff writer at the Washington Free Beacon and a Columbia University graduate. Jessica shares her firsthand experience covering campus protests at Columbia, the pressure students faced during pro-Palestinian demonstrations, and the growing concerns over intimidation, free speech, and student rights on elite college campuses. She also breaks down the deportation case involving Columbia anti-Israel activist Mohsen Madawi and explains how campus movements connect to broader radical organizations and online networks. Follow Jessica Schwalb on X: @jessicaschwalb7 Then, Don Palmer, Senior Legal Fellow for Election Integrity at The Heritage Foundation, joins the show to discuss mail ballots, voter verification, USPS election regulations, ERIC, citizenship checks, voting system security, and foreign interference concerns. Palmer, a former Commissioner and Chairman of the United States Election Assistance Commission and retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer and judge advocate general, explains what states can do to strengthen election security and public confidence. Follow Don Palmer on X: @VotingGuy In the fourth segment, Tim Murtaugh, Washington Times columnist, founder of Line Drive Public Affairs, former senior advisor to the 2024 Trump campaign, and former communications director for the 2020 Trump campaign, joins Chuck and Tim Mooney to preview the upcoming midterm elections. Murtaugh discusses Republican chances in the House and Senate, redistricting, toss-up seats, healthcare costs, the Maine Senate race, Texas politics, and his recent Washington Times column on climate change. Follow Tim Murtaugh on X: @TimMurtaugh Finally, B's Crime Corner takes a closer look at the viral Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf case, where 17-year-old Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed at a Texas track meet. B breaks down how the incident unfolded, the indictment, the murder conviction, the 35-year sentence, the online rumors surrounding the case, and why this tragedy became one of the most talked-about true crime stories in the country. Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds for conversations on Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about. Tune in to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering the latest news, politics, culture, crime, and the stories shaping America. Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube. Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds: • Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds • Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote • News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news • X: https://x.com/breaking_battle • Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds • Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone is joined by Jonathan Butcher, Scot Mussi, Lou Perez, and John Lee to discuss higher education, Arizona school choice, comedy, culture, and Canada's euthanasia controversy. The show is then turned over to Chuck Warren  who sits down with Dr. John Lee for a one on one talk on China, Iran, critical minerals, and U.S. foreign policy. The episode wraps with B's Crime Corner and a disturbing true crime case unravleing in Ohio. Jonathan Butcher, Acting Director of the Center for Education Policy and Will Skillman Senior Research Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation, joins the show to discuss his book Higher Education in America: It's Worse than You Think. Butcher breaks down the rising cost of college, the unclear pricing behind tuition, the role of federal student loans in tuition inflation, and the ideological imbalance on many campuses. He also discusses threats facing Jewish students, the impact of campus culture on young men and women, declining birth rates, and why lawmakers need to enforce the law on college campuses. The conversation also looks at trade schools, career readiness, and why America needs to rethink the idea that every student must follow the traditional college path. Want a copy of Jonathan Butcher's book, Higher Education in America: It's Worse than You Think? The first five listeners to DM the Breaking Battlegrounds Facebook page with "Higher Education in America" will receive a copy. Make sure to include your mailing address so we know where to send it. Follow Jonathan Butcher on X: @JM_Butcher Scot Mussi, President of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, joins Sam to discuss the fight over Arizona's school choice program and a ballot initiative backed by the Washington, D.C. Teachers Union that could impact more than 100,000 students. Mussi explains why school choice matters for families, including students with special needs, and why the fight over education funding is becoming one of the biggest political battles in Arizona. He also discusses Republican enthusiasm ahead of the November midterm elections, border security, cost of living, local spending, municipal budget increases, tax burdens, and what conservatives need to do to turn voter enthusiasm into turnout. Follow Scot Mussi on X: @ScotMussi Follow Arizona Free Enterprise Club on X: @azfec Website: azfree.org Comedian, producer, and author Lou Perez joins the program to discuss a troubling medical assistance in dying case out of Canada involving a 45-year-old man with inflammatory bowel disease and mental health struggles who was assessed for euthanasia outside a Tim Hortons before dying without his family being informed. Lou and Sam discuss the ethical questions surrounding Canada's MAID system, the consequences for the doctor involved, and the documentary Better Off Dead, which examines euthanasia practices in Canada.  Follow Lou Perez on X: @LouPerez                                                                                              The second to last segment, host Chuck Warren sits down with Dr. John Lee for a wide-ranging foreign policy conversation on China, Trump's strategy, critical minerals, Iran, and America's alliances. Dr. Lee is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute, a senior fellow nonresident at the United States Studies Centre, and an adjunct professor at the University of Sydney. Lee discusses his article in The Hill, "After the Trump-G Summit, China, Not America, is on the Back Foot," and argues that the Trump administration's reindustrialization and rearming agenda has strengthened America's strategic position rather than weakened it. He explains why Xi Jinping is now operating from a less favorable position, why America's allies may need pressure to take defense more seriously, and why critical minerals have become a major national security priority after years of warning signs from Beijing. Dr. Lee also breaks down the Iran situation, arguing that a successful outcome for the United States would mean setting back Iran's nuclear ambitions and reducing its conventional military threat. He explains why China is a more rational negotiating actor than Iran, how regime security shapes Tehran's decision-making, and why the U.S.-Australia alliance remains strategically strong despite political tensions over Trump. Guest: John Lee Article: "After the Trump-G Summit, China, Not America, is on the Back Foot" in The Hill In the final segment, B's Crime Corner returns with a disturbing true crime case out of Ohio, where two parents were convicted after their 11-year-old son, who had Hirschsprung's disease, died in a hotel room after being denied medical treatment. B breaks down the case, the 15-year prison sentences, the unanswered questions, and the psychology behind parents who harm their own children. Tune in to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering the latest news, politics, culture, crime, and the stories shaping America.  Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.  Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds: • Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds • Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote • News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news • X: https://x.com/breaking_battle • Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds • Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by Kamden Mulder, Khosro Isfahani, Cary Davis, and Jon Fleischman for a packed episode covering the Biden DOJ, the FACE Act, pro-life investigations, Iran nuclear negotiations, free speech, FIRE, California politics, and B's Crime Corner.     First, Kamden Mulder, William F. Buckley Jr. Fellow in Political Journalism at National Review, joins the show to discuss her reporting on the Biden Department of Justice and allegations that the DOJ misused the FACE Act to target pro-life groups. Kamden breaks down concerns over dozens of investigations, uneven sentencing between pro-life and pro-choice activists, and what these cases reveal about politics inside the justice system. Kamden also discusses her reporting on Steve Descano, the Commonwealth's Attorney for Fairfax County, Virginia, who has faced criticism for being soft on crime. She highlights cases involving dropped charges, lenient sentencing, violent offenders, illegal immigration concerns, and public safety in Fairfax County. Kamden Mulder:
X: @kamdenmulder_     Next, Khosro Isfahani, Research Director at the National Union for Democracy in Iran, joins the program to discuss his background growing up in Iran, the Islamic Republic, and the current nuclear negotiations with the United States. Isfahani explains why he believes the Islamic Republic is an expansionist regime that cannot be contained through agreements alone. He discusses the possibility of targeted action against regime officials and tools of oppression, arguing that the Iranian opposition can be supported without American boots on the ground. Isfahani also reflects on his Washington Post opinion piece about America being vilified in Iran. He shares how American movies, culture, and values influenced him and many other Iranians, contrasting that admiration with modern criticism of the United States from the political left. Khosro Isfahani:
X: @KhosroIsfahani     Then, Cary Davis, litigation attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, joins the show to discuss a major First Amendment case involving Larry, a retired Tennessee law enforcement officer who was jailed for 37 days after posting a political meme on Facebook. Cary explains how Larry was charged under a school threats statute and held on a shocking $2 million bond, an amount she says is typically associated with extremely serious crimes. After Larry received an $835,000 settlement, the case became a warning sign about political speech, online censorship, excessive bail, and First Amendment rights. Cary also discusses FIRE's broader work defending Americans facing punishment for online speech, including cases that followed the assassination of Charlie Kirk. She encourages listeners to support FIRE, spread awareness about free speech issues, and learn more about FIRE's Free Speech Forum summer program for high school students in Washington, D.C. Cary Davis / FIRE:
X: @TheFIREorg     In the fourth segment, Jon Fleischman, political strategist with Fleischman Consulting Group, publisher of the FlashReport, and former executive director of the Republican Party of California, joins Chuck and Sam to break down California politics, Los Angeles, public employee unions, and the future of the Republican Party in deep-blue states. Jon explains how government spending and public employee unions continue to strengthen Democratic power in California. He also weighs in on the California governor's race, including Steve Hilton's chances of making the runoff and how Donald Trump's endorsement could affect the race. Jon also discusses Spencer Pratt's social media strategy and how affordable AI-generated content may change the way political campaigns communicate with voters. Jon Fleischman:
X: @FlashReport
Website: https://www.sodoesitmatter.com     Finally, the show wraps up with B's Crime Corner, where the hosts dive into the disturbing world of prison groupies, hybristophilia, and the psychology behind people who become attracted to criminals. The segment touches on infamous cases involving Richard Ramirez, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and others, exploring why some women become obsessed with convicted killers and continue supporting them from behind bars. Listen to this episode of Breaking Battlegrounds for political analysis, First Amendment issues, foreign policy, California strategy, true crime, and conversations with Kamden Mulder, Khosro Isfahani, Cary Davis, and Jon Fleischman.     Tune in to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering the latest news, politics, culture, crime, and the stories shaping America.     Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.     Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds: • Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds   • Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote   •News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news   • X: https://x.com/breaking_battle   • Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds   • Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by George Khalaf, founder of The Resolute Group, First Day PR, and Data Orbital, who discusses his campaign for Arizona State House in LD 3 and why he decided to move from political consulting to running for office. Khalaf breaks down the issues facing voters in Anthem, Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and Carefree, including water, affordability, school choice, and growing distrust in elected officials. He also explains the fight over Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts and why he believes protecting ESAs is critical for families across the state. Then, Henry Thomson, Associate Professor in the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University, joins the show to discuss his book Watching the Watchers, which explores how communist dictatorships used secret police to maintain control. Thomson also compares historical surveillance systems to modern authoritarian regimes and discusses his research on off-cycle elections in Arizona, where major bond decisions can be made with extremely low voter turnout. Then, John Rogers, Executive Director of America First Works, joins Chuck and Sam to talk about the upcoming election cycle, Republican strategy, redistricting, the fight to hold the House majority, and what voters can do to help shape the political conversation heading into 2026. Plus, in B's Crime Corner, the hosts cover the viral Mackenzie Shirilla case, involving a 17-year-old who killed her boyfriend and his friend in a deadly crash while claiming she blacked out due to POTS disorder. The segment breaks down the disturbing evidence, including toxic text messages, drugs found in the car, and black box data showing 100% acceleration with no brake usage.   The episode wraps with Gary Gygi, President and CEO of Gygi Capital, who shares his outlook on the economy, inflation, the job market, investment strategy, and what economic indicators Americans should be watching in the months ahead. George Khalaf Website: https://georgekhalaf.com/ X: @George_Khalaf Volunteer for Arizona ESAs: https://azlovesesas.com/ Henry Thomson X: @HenryRThomson Watching the Watchers: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/watching-the-watchers/3E1D781ED93CB15D4324ED2B3EAF68C4 Food and Power: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/food-and-power/A2035AC3A20EE54E9B45183D4C1D2801 John Rogers X: @itsjohnrogers  America First Works: https://americafirstworks.com/ Gary Gygi                                                                                                                                      President & CEO of Gygi Capital                                                                                                Website: https://gygicapital.com/                                                                                               X: @GaryGygi   Tune in to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering the latest news, politics, culture, crime, and the stories shaping America. Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube. Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds: • Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds • Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote • News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news • X: https://x.com/breaking_battle • Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds • Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by Congressman Dusty Johnson to discuss U.S.-China trade, rare earth minerals, energy policy, gas prices, South Dakota agriculture, data centers, and his campaign for governor. Then, Noah Rothman joins the show to discuss his new book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, and explains why he believes left-wing political violence has often been downplayed, excused, or mischaracterized in American discourse. Next, Chuck Flint, President and CEO of the Alliance for IRS Accountability, breaks down a new national poll on taxpayer concerns, including unrealized gains taxes, IRS asset appraisals, customer service failures, and proposals to reform the agency. Plus, B's Crime Corner debuts its new jingle and covers the tragic 2007 murders of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom, along with an update on the Alex Murdaugh case and the Supreme Court's decision to overturn his conviction. Finally, comedian and commentator Lou Perez joins the program to discuss a disturbing legal case involving a convicted child sex offender who was reportedly able to father a child through surrogacy, raising serious questions about gaps in current laws, parental rights, and child protection. Follow the guests: Congressman Dusty Johnson: @RepDustyJohnson Noah Rothman: @NoahCRothman Chuck Flint: @ChuckAFlint Lou Perez: @LouPerez Tune in to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering the latest news, politics, culture, crime, and the stories shaping America. Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.   Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds: • Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds • Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote • News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news • X: https://x.com/breaking_battle • Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds • Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

On this episode of Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone and Chuck Warren dive into the biggest legal, education, and border security stories shaping America today. First, Ilya Shapiro of the Manhattan Institute joins the show to break down the Supreme Court's major 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Calais and what it means for race-based redistricting, judicial independence, and the future of constitutional law. The conversation also explores Justice Clarence Thomas's influence on the Court, upcoming landmark cases involving birthright citizenship and presidential powers, and why public confidence in America's institutions continues to decline. Follow Ilya Shapiro Here: X: https://x.com/ishapiro Substack: https://ilyashapiro.substack.com Check out Ilya's book "Lawless: The Miseducation of America's Elites" https://manhattan.institute/book/lawless-the-miseducation-of-americas-elites Then, school choice advocate Corey DeAngelis joins the program to discuss the growing momentum behind education freedom initiatives across the country. Corey explains why even Democrat governors are beginning to embrace school choice programs, examines the ongoing failures of the Chicago Teachers Union, and argues why parents are increasingly rejecting the traditional public school system in favor of alternatives that put students first. Corey A. DeAngelis X: https://x.com/deangeliscorey?lang=it Later, retired Pinal County Sheriff and Arizona Congressional candidate Mark Lamb joins the podcast to discuss the realities of border security from firsthand experience on the front lines. Lamb shares stories about cartel activity, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and the enormous strain illegal immigration has placed on local law enforcement. He also outlines his campaign priorities for Congress, including border security, election integrity, constitutional rights, and restoring accountability in Washington. Mark Lamb X: https://x.com/sherifflamb1?lang=en Website: https://marklamb.us/home Plus, in B's Corner, the hosts revisit the disturbing D4vd and Celeste case as new evidence emerges involving dismemberment, child abuse material, and chilling foreshadowing hidden within music and social media posts. Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.   Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds: • Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds • Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote • News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news • X: https://x.com/breaking_battle • Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds • Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by Manhattan Institute Cities policy analyst Santiago Vidal Calvo and Washington Free Beacon editor and Middle East Forum junior fellow Alex Welz, plus a special radio edition of B's Corner true crime. Santiago Vidal Calvo Born in Caracas and now leading the Manhattan Institute's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) efforts, Santiago opens with an on-the-ground report from Venezuela following the capture of Maduro — including the first American Airlines flight back to Caracas in nearly a decade — and explains why Trump must press for elections in Venezuela before the U.S. midterms if his policy is to survive a potential shift in Congress. He walks through how government agencies have weaponized "privacy" exemptions and bureaucratic stonewalling to block public records requests, and why Manhattan Institute is willing to take these fights to court when ordinary citizens cannot. Santiago then breaks down his Daily Wire piece on New Jersey Transit's $150 train ticket from Penn Station to MetLife for the 2026 World Cup — versus a $60 Uber on the same route — and contrasts New Jersey's mismanagement with Kansas City's pro-tourism approach of expanded bar and restaurant hours. In the second segment, he unpacks Mayor Zohran Mamdani's "racial equity plan" and the redefinition of poverty in New York City through a $150,000 "true cost of living" benchmark — which conveniently labels two-thirds of the richest city in America as unable to afford it, justifying a massive expansion of government with 400 new indicators and 600 goals. Santiago argues the real diagnosis isn't race but housing supply, the rent freeze, and the cost of opening a business. Follow Santiago on X: @SantiVidalC B's Corner B brings the 1981 disappearance and murder of 6-year-old Adam Walsh from a Sears in Hollywood, Florida — a case that took 27 years to officially close, briefly entangled Jeffrey Dahmer as a suspect, and was ultimately tied to serial killer Ottis Toole. Out of unimaginable tragedy, Adam's father John Walsh launched America's Most Wanted, founded the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and helped drive the creation of the Amber Alert system. The team also revisits the era of the Sears catalog and what that brand once meant to American life. Alex Welz, an editor at the Washington Free Beacon and a junior fellow at the Middle East Forum with a master's in national security from the University of Haifa, walks through the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, why disarming Hezbollah remains a generational challenge despite UN Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement. On Iran, Alex argues the regime turned out far less fragile than Venezuela-style optimists hoped, but ballistic missile capacity, the navy, and oil revenues have all been dramatically degraded, and the latest wave of protests could still force a fold. In the podcast segment, the conversation deepens and Alex shares his prediction for where Iran stands by November 2026. Follow Alex on X: @WelzAlex Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube. Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds: Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news X: https://x.com/breaking_battle Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we cover everything from Supreme Court power struggles and election reform to the Arizona governor's race and the policies shaping America's future. We start with Robert McClure, President and CEO of the The James Madison Institute, who breaks down Florida's rising property taxes and the reforms being considered to rein in local government spending, including homestead exemptions, levy caps, and truth-in-taxation laws. He also discusses a proposal requiring 50% voter turnout for tax increases, the impact of Florida's SAVE Act on voter ID and election integrity, and how school choice policies are expanding opportunity while improving public education outcomes. You can follow Dr. McClure on X at https://x.com/drbobmcclure and learn more about his work at https://jamesmadison.org. We're then joined in-studio by Andy Biggs, who is running for Governor of Arizona. Congressman Biggs discusses his campaign, Arizona's growing affordability challenges, water and resource concerns, and the need for accountability in government. He also weighs in on the recent Southern Poverty Law Center controversy, student debt policy, and what reforms he believes are needed to get the state back on track. Follow Congressman Biggs on X at https://x.com/RepAndyBiggsAZ (official) and https://x.com/andybiggs4az (campaign). Next, Gary Gygi, President and CEO of Gygi Capital, joins the podcast to explain why the U.S. may be experiencing a "stealth manufacturing boom," with productivity and output rising despite fewer jobs in the sector. He also dives into global energy markets, the impact of international conflicts on oil prices, and what's ahead for tariffs and supply chains, including the evolving tariff-refund process. You can follow Gary on X at https://x.com/GaryGygi and learn more at https://gygicapital.com. We also sit down with Mollie Hemingway, Editor-in-Chief of The Federalist, to discuss her new book, Alito: The Justice Who Reshaped the Supreme Court and Restored the Constitution. Mollie shares the inside story of Justice Samuel Alito's influence on the modern Supreme Court, including his role in major decisions like Dobbs, the internal dynamics among justices, and the increasing public pressure and threats facing the Court. She also explains the philosophy of originalism and how it contrasts with more activist approaches to constitutional interpretation. Follow Mollie on X at https://x.com/MZHemingway and check out her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Alito-Justice-Reshaped-Restored-Constitution/dp/1541607139. We wrap things up with another wild installment of B's Corner, diving into a shocking true crime case out of Wisconsin involving disturbing charges that you won't believe. More Info: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote https://breakingbattlegrounds.news Watch full episodes on YouTube (posted every Monday) Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts Follow us: X: https://x.com/breaking_battle Instagram: https://instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we dive into the growing power struggle between Congress and the presidency, the future of the filibuster, and one of the most heated debates in sports today. Jason Willick (Washington Post columnist) joins us to break down his latest piece on military funding and war powers. Should Congress use its power of the purse to limit how military force is used? We discuss the constitutional challenges, the failures of the War Powers Act, and why the current system may actually encourage rushed military decisions—especially when it comes to Iran. X: https://x.com/jawillick Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/jason-willick/ In B's Corner, we tackle the tragic Athena Strand case and the broader debate around the death penalty, accountability, and whether justice in clear-cut cases should move faster. Then, Dan McLaughlin (National Review) returns to discuss the filibuster, why both parties are tempted to eliminate it, and what that would mean for the balance of power in Washington. We also get into Trump's lasting political impact, the future of the GOP, and early 2028 speculation—including J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio. X: https://x.com/baseballcrank National Review: https://www.nationalreview.com/author/dan-mclaughlin/ Finally, Kaylie Ray, former Utah State volleyball captain, shares her firsthand experience leading a team protest against competing against a biological male athlete. She discusses the physical and safety concerns for female athletes, her testimony before the Arizona Senate, and the backlash she faced for speaking out. Kaylie Ray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylierayvb/ More from Breaking Battlegrounds https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Listen on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Watch the full episode on YouTube.

Is America facing the consequences of bad policy? From mass migration out of high-tax states to rising concerns about crime, government overreach, and economic instability, this episode of Breaking Battlegrounds breaks down the biggest issues shaping the country right now. We're joined by top guests to unpack the real-world impact. In this episode: Chuck Flint – President & CEO of the Alliance for IRS Accountability, former Senate Chief of Staff We discuss the growing exodus from high-tax states like California, Washington, and Colorado, the failure of "tax the rich" policies, and why businesses and job creators are leaving. Flint also exposes massive government waste, fraud in federal programs, and the need for IRS accountability and fiscal reform. Follow Chuck Flint: https://x.com/ChuckAFlint Learn more: https://www.irsaccountability.org Anna Giaritelli – Award-winning journalist covering DHS, ICE, and border policy Anna shares her powerful personal story from her new book Under Assault, discussing crime in America, victim advocacy, and the long-term impact of sexual assault. We also cover border security concerns, DHS funding issues, and national security risks. Follow Anna: https://x.com/Anna_Giaritelli Get her book Under Assault: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-assault-anna-giaritelli/1149678470?ean=9781969826344

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're joined by three heavy-hitting voices breaking down media narratives, legal fights in Arizona, and what the data is really telling us about the political landscape heading into 2026. Ken LaCorte, former Fox News executive and host of Elephants in the Room, joins us to unpack how mainstream narratives take hold, and why his fact-based YouTube documentaries are resonating with hundreds of thousands of viewers. From the complexities of America's historical decisions to today's evolving debates on Israel and Iran, Ken challenges conventional thinking and dives into the nuance often missing from modern discourse. Follow Ken on X: https://x.com/KenLaCorte Follow Elephants in the Room: https://x.com/Elephants_Rooms Rodney Glassman, Candidate for Arizona Attorney General, returns to the show to break down the legal and political battles shaping Arizona today. From lawsuits against the Trump administration to rising utility costs and election law disputes, Rodney lays out what's at stake, and why leadership and real legal experience matter in the AG's office. Follow Rodney on X: https://x.com/rodneyglassman Learn more: https://rodneyglassman.com Ryan Tyson, founder of The Tyson Group and one of the country's top political pollsters, joins us to separate perception from reality in today's polling environment. With new data on Trump's approval, voter sentiment on Iran, and key midterm trends, Ryan explains what campaigns should actually be paying attention to, and why affordability and quality-of-life issues will define 2026. Follow Ryan on X: https://x.com/ryan_tyson From media narratives to legal showdowns to the numbers shaping the next election cycle—this episode covers it all. Listen to Breaking Battlegrounds on your favorite podcast platform, Youtube, Rumble, or at BreakingBattlegrounds.vote Catch us live Saturdays at 9 AM on 960 The Patriot in Arizona

Is Canada falling apart? From Canada's internal fractures to rising tensions with Iran—and what it all means for the U.S.—this episode connects the dots on the challenges ahead. Journalist Elie Cantin-Nantel joins the show to break down the growing instability in Canada, from the surprising resurgence of Quebec separatists to a serious push for independence in Alberta. He explains how economic decline, rising crime, and a disconnect between voters and reality are reshaping the country—and why many Canadians still aren't seeing it. We also get into the role media and outside voices—including Donald Trump—may be playing in shaping political outcomes, and why Canada's economy, once stronger than many U.S. states, is now losing ground. Follow Elie on X: https://x.com/elie_mcn Then, Senior Fellow at the Yorktown Institute and researcher at CAMERA, Shay Khatiri joins to break down what's really happening with Iran. Are we heading toward a deal—or something much bigger? Shay explains why Iran's regime is focused on staying in power, what that means for negotiations, and how U.S. strategy could play out in the weeks ahead. He also cuts through the noise on media coverage and lays out what actually matters in this conflict. Follow Shay on X: https://x.com/ShayKhatiri Finally, U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers joins the podcast to talk about how we fix things here at home. A former Army officer, FBI special agent, and Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rogers is running on a simple idea: make the country work again. He talks about bringing back American manufacturing, strengthening the economy for working families, and cutting through the dysfunction in Washington that's holding the country back. Learn more about Mike Rogers and his campaign here: https://rogersforsenate.com/

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone bring together a powerhouse lineup of guests to break down the biggest political, economic, and cultural issues shaping Arizona and the nation. Kicking things off, congressional candidate and former NFL kicker Jay Feely joins the show following a major endorsement from President Trump and backing from national Republicans. He also recently received the NRCC's endorsement as part of a select group of candidates in key battleground districts. With Arizona's 1st Congressional District seen as a key battleground for control of the House, Feely shares what he's hearing from voters on the ground—rising concern over border security, illegal immigration, election integrity, and the economy. Beyond politics, Feely discusses his journey from the NFL to public service and lays out his vision for tackling Washington's spending problem. From cutting waste and fraud to exploring blockchain as a tool for real-time transparency in government spending, he argues that Americans are demanding accountability—and not getting it. He also highlights Arizona's opportunity to lead in AI, data centers, and energy production, making the case for long-term investment in infrastructure to fuel economic growth. See more about Jay Feely's campaign: https://www.jayfeelyforcongress.com/ Economist Richard Salsman joins to take on bigger philosophical questions about capitalism, government intervention, and immigration. He argues that the U.S. has drifted away from true free markets and calls for a return to constitutionally limited government. On immigration, he outlines a more structured, Ellis Island-style system—one that balances opportunity with security and assimilation. See more about Richard's work: https://richardsalsman.com/ Investigative reporter Aaron Sibarium brings a real-world example of government failure, detailing a case in Maryland where a condominium complex was overrun by a homeless encampment while local officials stood by. The result: extensive property damage, displaced residents, and a bureaucratic deadlock that has left homeowners facing financial ruin. See Aaron's latest article here: https://freebeacon.com/america/state-created-danger-condominium-besieged-by-homeless-encampment-heads-to-federal-court-to-take-on-left-wing-county-officials-who-let-it-fester/ The episode also dives into higher education, as Timothy Minella of the Goldwater Institute raises concerns about the growing influence of DEI ideology at Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College. From curriculum shifts to a lack of transparency around course content, the discussion highlights broader questions about trust in institutions and whether students are getting the education they signed up for. See Tim's full story here: https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/arizonas-honors-colleges-hijacked-by-activist-faculty-to-force-dei-on-students/ Finally, Bess Byers joins to explore the intersection of government, technology, and privacy. From delays and complications in the U.S. Postal Service's electric vehicle rollout to the rapid expansion of surveillance tools like license plate readers, the conversation underscores the risks of unchecked technological growth—and the urgent need for clear safeguards to protect civil liberties. See Bess's latest story here: https://x.com/reason/status/2029607508835176884

On this episode of Breaking Battleground, hosts Sam Stone and Chuck Warren talk with a diverse lineup of guests for a wide-ranging discussion covering Cuba and the recent announcement of negotiations, the CIA and conspiracy theories, growing distrust of government, and what they describe as Trump Derangement Syndrome in the media. Carrie Filipetti, Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition, discussed the situation in Cuba and the recent announcements regarding negotiations. She noted that a democratic transition in Cuba would represent a major victory for the administration of Donald Trump. Polling suggests roughly two-thirds of Cubans support some form of political change, while about 30–35% favor a more sweeping or radical transformation. Filipetti also argued that the Cuban regime lacks meaningful moderates, as those in power are focused on maintaining control, making significant movement toward human rights and political reform unlikely. She added that Marco Rubio, serving as Secretary of State, may be one of the strongest figures in recent years to manage negotiations with Cuba. Find more information about The Vandenberg Coalition at https://vandenbergcoalition.org. Next, Stacy Liberatore of the Daily Mail discusses Project Artichoke, a program that explored methods of influencing or manipulating human behavior through substances, including injections and vaccines. Many records related to the program were reportedly destroyed in 1973, just before a major hearing examiningCentral Intelligence Agency activity. Liberatore also highlights public reaction to her recent reporting on claims that the CIA may have withheld information related to a potential cancer treatment. She references a declassified 1951 study that noted similarities between parasitic worms and cancer cells. Researchers in the Soviet Union reportedly tested the concept in mice with tumor tissue and observed reductions in tumor growth. At the same time, some current members of the Central Intelligence Agency have emphasized that the agency today operates very differently from how it did during the Cold War. Follow Stacy on X at  https://x.com/stacyliberatore?lang=en. Later, John Levine discussed what he described as a pattern in which segments of the mainstream media appear to root against U.S. success in conflicts involving Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. He argued that many outlets reflexively oppose policies associated with Donald Trump, often criticizing developments simply because they are tied to the Trump administration. Levine pointed to coverage of Trump's prediction that the conflict with Iran could be resolved within four to five weeks, suggesting that media criticism focused more on attacking the president than than need to intervene in Iran. He also noted the ongoing dispute in Washington over funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arguing that despite Democrats blocking funding measures and the shutdown continuing for weeks, media coverage has still largely placed blame on Trump. Follow Jon on X at https://x.com/LevineJonathan Finally, Gary Gygi joined the discussion to address concerns about a potential oil shock in the United States. Gygi said he believes the recent rise in oil and gasoline prices is likely temporary rather than the start of a sustained surge. He also discussed the February jobs report, which showed a loss of about 92,000 jobs. Gygi noted that the figure may not indicate a broader trend, as the January report could still be revised and labor data often fluctuates month to month. He added that many companies are currently operating under a "no-hire, no-fire" approach, as the high costs associated with recruiting and onboarding new employees are making employers cautious about expanding their workforce. Find more information on Gary at https://x.com/GaryGygi or https://gygicapital.com.

On this episode of Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Sam Stone and Chuck Warren sit down with a wide-ranging lineup of guests to discuss global conflict, national security, state policy battles, and Arizona politics. Journalist Alessandra Hay, reporting from Armenia, joins the show to discuss her recent reporting on Iranian dissidents gathering in exile in Yerevan and the growing instability inside Iran. She shares stories from her article "The Iranian Exiles Bar Where Revolution Is Dreamed Up" and discusses the risks faced by those attempting to defect from the regime. Alessandra also examines how escalating tensions in Iran could affect Russia, Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical landscape. Find Alessandra's reporting at Iran War Dispatches: https://www.iranwar.news Next, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) joins the show to discuss national security concerns surrounding Russia and Iran, the political debate over war powers in Congress, and broader issues facing the American middle class and military leadership. Learn more about his work in Congress at: https://harrigan.house.gov/ Later, California State Senator Tony Strickland discusses the growing energy crisis in California caused by refinery closures and heavy regulations that could dramatically increase gas prices across the state. He also breaks down a major voter ID constitutional amendment effort that has already gathered more than 1.3 million signatures, as well as a recent Supreme Court decision reinforcing parental rights in education. Learn more: https://sr36.senate.ca.gov Voter ID Initiative: https://www.reformcalifornia.org/cavoterid/home Finally, Arizona businessman Elijah Norton, a candidate for Arizona State Treasurer, joins the podcast to discuss his campaign and his plan to bring fiscal discipline to government. Norton outlines proposals to root out waste, protect Arizona investments, expand school choice, and serve as a financial watchdog for taxpayers. Get involved with his campaign at: https://nortonforaz.com Don't forget to subscribe to Breaking Battlegrounds for weekly conversations on politics, policy, and the issues shaping America.

On this episode of Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren sits down with Congressman David Schweikert to discuss his campaign for Arizona governor. Schweikert lays out his vision for the state's future and why he believes his experience in Congress has prepared him for the governor's office. From water policy to inflation and state budgeting, this conversation dives into what's at stake in the race for Arizona's top job.

On this episode of Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone connect the dots between global censorship, financial markets, media power, and geopolitical instability. They tackle the Epstein files fallout, examining political double standards, media silence surrounding certain powerful figures, and what real accountability would look like. The conversation expands into the shifting media landscape, including a major acquisition that could significantly alter CNN and legacy news coverage in America. Mark Pashmfouroush of Holistic Resilience explains how the Iranian regime uses its National Information Network (NIN) to restrict access to information and silence dissent. He also details how activists are using Starlink terminals and VPN technology to bypass authoritarian control—and why internet freedom has become a frontline issue in the fight against totalitarian regimes worldwide. You can support Holistic Resilience here: https://www.holisticresilience.org/donation Financial advisor Gary Gygi joins the podcast segment to break down stock market volatility, AI's disruption of the tech sector, Trump's proposed retirement savings plan, and why Mexico has overtaken Canada as the top destination for U.S. exports. From geopolitics and digital censorship to market strategy and media consolidation, this episode explores the forces shaping the global power structure in 2026. Subscribe for weekly episodes that discuss politics, economics, and international affairs.

This week on Breaking Battleground, we tackle the biggest technological and geopolitical shifts shaping our future. First, Aaron Zelinger, CEO of Closure Intelligence, and Dan Dow, District Attorney of San Luis Obispo County, join us to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming law enforcement and the legal system. From cartel investigations to protecting sensitive case data, they explain how AI tools are improving truth-finding, safeguarding privacy, and helping prosecutors make critical decisions — including in serious child exploitation cases. We also explore compliance concerns, government applications, and the future of AI in enterprise. Next, congressional candidate John Trobaugh (AZ-01) breaks down how Arizona can win the AI revolution. He makes the case for embracing innovation to drive productivity and economic growth — not fearing it. The conversation dives into Arizona's water strategy, data centers, defense manufacturing, small modular reactors, uranium production, and smart regulatory reform to keep America competitive. Finally, in a podcast-exclusive segment, Emilia James and Evan Firoozi of NetFreedom Pioneers share how they're delivering life-changing internet access to Iranians facing regime blackouts and censorship. From VPN networks to deploying over 300 Starlink terminals, they reveal how technology is empowering citizens, reconnecting the diaspora, and challenging authoritarian information control. AI. Economic power. Internet freedom. This episode connects the dots between technology and liberty at home and abroad.

On today's episode of Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone tackle the issues driving today's headlines, from the economy and immigration fights to crime, culture, and the future of education. First, Henry Olsen joins the show to break down Europe's political shocks, including ATM bombings in Switzerland and a coming vote that could cap the country's population. The conversation turns to why Epstein remains in the headlines, shifting Democratic messaging around ICE, and the economic showdown between Trump and Biden, plus why wages and inflation may decide control of Congress in 2026. Then, Ashley Hayek, President of America First Works, discusses falling crime rates, the real consequences of a DHS shutdown, and how culture changes when people stay silent. She highlights Trump-era policy wins, ICE enforcement, the fentanyl crisis, and why many administration successes aren't breaking through in mainstream media coverage. In a podcast-exclusive final segment, Tom Horne, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, lays out his push for stronger academics, AI readiness in schools, expanded school choice, and CTE programs that prepare students for real careers, while addressing teacher shortages, classroom discipline, and the debate over cellphones in schools.

Our first guest is Alex Swoyer, editor-at-large at The Washington Times, where she covers law and politics in Washington. Alex also hosts "The Sitdown with Alex Swoyer" and writes the popular column "Seen, Heard & Whispered." She joins us to break down how House Republicans are currently outpacing Democrats as the midterms approach. While Republicans do not hold a lead in the Senate, they face the challenge of defending their majority while also working to pick up additional seats. Growing frustration among Democratic voters is beginning to show up in fundraising numbers, with money shifting away from the party amid a widening leadership vacuum. Alex also recently authored an article highlighting how Melania Trump has accomplished more in one year than Jill Biden did in four. Melania has focused her efforts on protecting children and working with international leaders to address global challenges, particularly the growing threat social media poses to young people. Her recent documentary underscores both the strength of her partnership with President Trump and the lasting impact of her work on behalf of American families. Next, Jon Fleischman joins us to discuss new polling from the Pew Research Center showing Donald Trump struggling with middle-of-the-road voters. Among all voters, Trump's approval stands at 37 percent, with disapproval at 61 percent. More notably, some of the decline is coming from within the Republican base itself—Republican approval has dropped to 67 percent, with 18 percent of GOP voters now saying Trump is headed in the wrong direction. Jon also explains one of the core challenges facing any president: the Constitution deliberately divides power across branches of government, meaning a president cannot immediately fix issues like interest rates or consumer prices. We also discuss how Trump-era policies are being implemented differently in red versus blue states. One key provision in the "Big Beautiful Bill" is an Education School Choice Scholarship program. Under the plan, taxpayers can direct up to $1,700 of their federal tax liability to a nonprofit that supports school choice, with that amount credited directly against their federal tax bill—creating a substantial new funding stream for school choice. Participation requires approval from a state's governor. So far, 27 states have signed on for the program beginning in 2027, including 25 states with Republican governors and one Democrat, Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Finally, Jessica Millan Patterson joins us to discuss how Governor Gavin Newsom continues to "fail up," remaining fixated on his presidential ambitions rather than governing California. The consequences of Newsom's leadership are increasingly being felt not just within California, but in neighboring states as well. From energy policy to environmental regulations, California's approach is often counterproductive undermining its own goals by restricting access to cleaner domestic natural resources. As Jessica lays out, Newsom has it wrong on: 1.     Housing 2.     Education 3.     Crime 4.     High-Speed Rail 5.     Water

Jessica Anderson joins Breaking Battlegrounds this week to discuss the Trump Accounts for Kids, an innovative public-private partnership included in the Big Beautiful Bill. The program focuses on saving today and investing in the future, with business leaders matching contributions to a modern version of "baby bonds." It represents a meaningful investment in the American Dream for the next generation. Jessica also breaks down the rapid and damaging shift under Abigail Spanberger. Spanberger campaigned as a moderate highlighting her background as a mom and former CIA officer and promising to prioritize affordability. Yet in less than 30 days in office, she has embraced the most extreme elements of the Democratic Party and pushed them into the mainstream. Jessica describes Spanberger as the female equivalent of Mamdani in Virginia. The agenda includes massive tax hikes, new taxes on lawn equipment, cutting off state and local cooperation with ICE and law enforcement, and introducing resolutions to roll back Governor Youngkin's changes to DEI policies—among many other proposals. As a result, business owners are already exploring options to leave the state, while many small businesses may be forced to shut their doors altogether. Chairman Will O'Neill of the Republican Party of Orange County joins us to discuss the massive California fraud quickly unfolding and the staggering $31 billion in unemployment fraud that occurred in 2021 and 2022. During that period, states took out unemployment loans from the federal government to cover shortfalls. California still owes more than $20 billion and remains the only state that has not repaid its federal loan. Because the state has failed to pay it back, employers are now facing higher unemployment taxes—effectively a tax increase driven by Governor Newsom's refusal to retire California's own debt. O'Neill also highlights a recent case in which an individual living in a $7 million home was arrested for allegedly stealing $23 million in homelessness funds from a program overseen by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's department. Gary Gygi joins us to discuss the Trump Accounts for Kids, a new initiative that provides every child with a $1,000 account at birth. The funds become accessible at age 18, though recipients can choose to leave the money invested and allow it to continue growing over time. These accounts will be primarily invested in the stock market, with the possibility of limited additional options. The goal is not only long-term growth, but education—introducing young people to capitalism, helping them understand that risk can be positive, and reinforcing the value of participating in the market. Bess Byers joins us to discuss New York City's $65 million effort to house trans homeless people. When she first saw the story, she immediately thought of the women at a Los Angeles shelter where she previously volunteered women who were seeking refuge after fleeing abuse and domestic violence. Bess raises concerns that legislation affects these women-only shelters by housing women with males and whether it's trans homeless or any homeless shelter, the homeless industrial complex has so much fraud and waste.

Our first guest today is Josh Hammer, senior editor-at-large at Newsweek, host of The Josh Hammer Show, and author of Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West. Josh explores America's long-standing interest in Greenland, dating back to the Lincoln and Truman administrations. While Denmark maintains limited authority over the territory, NATO oversees much of Greenland's day-to-day security—and with the United States serving as the backbone of NATO, Josh explains how this history and reality help frame President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland. Josh also weighs in on the war in Ukraine, examining possible timelines for its conclusion. He argues that it is in America's best interest for Ukraine to remain independent, and notes President Trump's consistent position that the priority must be reducing bloodshed while continuing to support Ukraine. Our second guest is John Trobough, a candidate for Arizona's First Congressional District. John is running for Congress because he believes our nation is at a crossroads, and Arizona has a unique opportunity to lead—but only if we elect leaders who genuinely care. As the epicenter of the next-generation economy, Arizona may not replace Silicon Valley, but it has the potential to become the "Silicon Desert." John joins us to discuss the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, why it's critical that we get ahead of it, and how we can ensure innovation and economic growth truly benefit Arizona's economy. Comedian and writer Lou Perez joins us to talk about his recent piece, "Police Bodycams: The Left's Biggest Self-Own." Lou explores the irony that police body cameras—originally demanded by anti-police activists—have ultimately done more to undermine that movement than anything else. He also discusses his book, "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore: On the Death and Rebirth of Comedy," where he examines how humor has been shaped by woke culture. Lou argues that for years, comedians trying to push back against Donald Trump often relied on the same recycled jokes, which ultimately opened the door for a new wave of comics willing to tackle topics others were afraid to touch.

Our first guest today is Roya Hakakian, author of Journey from the Land of No. Born and raised in Iran, Roya explains that what has unfolded there over the past two weeks is comparable in national trauma and moral consequence to the September 11, 2001 attacks or the October 7 terrorist massacre. She argues that the world's failure to grasp the scale of these events is akin to 9/11 happening and no one paying attention. The reports are horrific—reminiscent of genocidal campaigns of the 20th century—including accounts of security forces in Mashhad beheading teenagers and municipal workers being instructed not to clean blood from the streets, deliberately leaving visible reminders to terrorize the population. We are also joined by Reuel Marc Gerecht, a former CIA Iranian targets officer who spent years identifying, assessing, and attempting to recruit Iranians with access to valuable intelligence. He argues that short of direct military action, the United States can play a far more aggressive role by helping protesters secure communications and cyber capabilities to disrupt the regime's control. The regime, he notes, appears to have taken a "shotgun" approach—systematically eliminating anyone who has demonstrated leadership in street protests—and that targeted repression is strategically significant. Our third guest is Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Iran Program, where he oversees the organization's Iran-related research and analysis. He contends that if President Trump intends to help catalyze the next phase of protests in Iran—to give momentum and protection to those already in the streets—the United States will need to act in a way that is politically consequential. Political pressure and military signaling, he argues, must be fused. While Qatar fears regime collapse, Turkey arguably has the most to lose and has been among the most vocal opponents of an Iranian implosion. The regime's more than 12-day internet blackout, Taleblu notes, is designed to prevent images and videos that violate its own red lines from escaping and saturating the global media environment.  

Our first guest today is Former Ambassador Thomas Shannon, Jr, a Senior International Policy Advisor bringing more than three decades of government service and diplomatic experience to his practice, providing strategic counsel to clients across a range of legislative, foreign police, and national security issues. Thomas explains why France, Italy, and Spain have been hesitant to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, despite its extensive involvement in terrorist activity inside Iran and beyond. He notes that such a designation could complicate future cooperation during a potential political transition in Iran. Thomas also examines the long-standing relationship between Venezuela and Cuba. After Russia withdrew support from Cuba in 1991, Venezuela emerged as Havana's primary lifeline—providing oil and financial support in exchange for Cuban intelligence officers and social programs that helped the Chávez government maintain control over political opposition, monitor the Venezuelan military, and provide security for Chávez himself. As Cuba enters a period of slow political change, the sudden loss of Venezuelan oil, gas, and cash would have profound consequences for the island. Finally, Thomas warns that failed efforts at regime change can leave the international community worse off than before. President Trump has pursued a solution to Venezuela for more than a decade, and Thomas discusses the strategic dilemma facing Trump following plans to capture Nicolás Maduro and his wife: whether to recognize a democratic opposition that claims victory in the 2024 election, or to pursue an alternative pathway for political transition. Our in-studio guest this week is Greg Roeberg, a candidate for Arizona Attorney General. Greg is a husband, father, business leader, and cancer survivor who previously served as President Trump's campaign attorney, working to defend the integrity of our elections. During the discussion, Greg explains the role of the Attorney General and outlines how he would uphold and defend the Arizona State Constitution. He also addresses the controversial lawsuits filed by Kris Mayes and shares his priorities and plans should he be elected as Arizona's next Attorney General. We are joined by actor and director Steven Grayhm, who has just released a new film titled Sheepdog. The movie explores the challenges combat veterans face as they transition back into civilian life. Sheepdog—sheepdofthemovie.com—premieres today, January 16th. The inspiration for the film began when Steven met a tow truck driver who came to his aid after his car broke down. During their conversation, the driver shared his own struggles reintegrating into everyday life after military service. That encounter stayed with Steven. In 2011, he traveled across the country meeting with veterans and quickly realized this was not an isolated experience—many veterans face the same difficult challenges. Those stories became the foundation and inspiration for Sheepdog. Our financial expert, Gary Gygi, joins us once again to break down the state of the economy. While economic growth continues, job creation has lagged. Employers aren't laying workers off—but they also aren't hiring at significant levels. As a result, many Americans are juggling multiple jobs and working 60 to 70 hours a week just to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the U.S. trade deficit has fallen to its lowest level in years, signaling a major reduction in the trade imbalance. If this trend continues, it reflects exactly what President Trump has long emphasized: reindustrializing America and exporting more of what we produce.

Our first guest today is Alessandra Hay, reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine. Alessandra discusses a growing humanitarian crisis: the lack of space to bury the dead. Severe shortages of cemetery plots have forced burials outside designated cemeteries, raising concerns about contamination of local water supplies. Ukraine is now in the final stages of constructing a crematorium in Kyiv to address the issue. Hay also explains that announcements of peace talks have little impact on daily life for Ukrainians, as Russia shows no genuine interest in ending the war. Many Ukrainians believe there is no option but to continue fighting. While the war will not last forever, people are living in uncertainty, waiting to see what comes next—because anything can happen.   Our second guest, Josh Cook, former Regional Administrator for the EPA's Pacific Southwest Region, addresses the Tijuana River sewage crisis and its wide-ranging impacts on the military, schools, and tourism. He explains how criminal gangs from Mexico transported and dumped sewage into the Tijuana River, allowing fecal contamination to flow into the United States and pollute American beaches. Within 100 days, more than 10,000 gallons of sewage were removed and prevented from reaching coastal areas—ending a problem that had persisted for over 20 years. Cook also discusses how Arizona is being penalized due to its geography and how the Clean Air Act has increasingly been used as a tool to stifle prosperity and economic growth.   Joel Pollak is an opinion editor at the California Post, a newly launched, seven-days-a-week digital print newspaper in California. The absence of right-leaning media outlets in the state has allowed Governor Gavin Newsom to shape national narratives without meaningful state-level media scrutiny. Our hosts discuss Pollak's latest piece examining why Newsom has effectively disqualified himself from a presidential run. They also address how the taxpayer-funded press office has been transformed into a political trolling operation targeting President Trump. The conversation further explores the South African Constitution—long admired by the American left and even supported by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—which guarantees a wide range of socio-economic rights such as healthcare and a clean environment.

On today's special, we turn our full attention to Venezuela, exploring the need for intervention with four guests who offer varied firsthand experiences and perspectives on the country and President Trump's role. Our first guest is Santiago Vidal Calvo, a cities policy analyst focused on government accountability and transparency through the Manhattan Institute's Freedom of Information Law initiatives. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Vidal Calvo immigrated to the United States in 2021. He explains why President Trump's actions were lawful under Article II of the U.S. Constitution and justified by national security concerns, noting that more than a century of precedent supports the president's authority to act in this manner. He also challenges claims of international law violations, questioning who defines and enforces international law—and where those protections were during the 27 years Venezuelans were killed, tortured, and kidnapped. Next we speak with Carrie Filipetti who currently serves as Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition. Previously, she held senior roles at the U.S. Department of State, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cuba and Venezuela in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and Deputy Special Representative for Venezuela—earning a Superior Honor Award for her service. Venezuela's collapse is a stark riches-to-rags story: once the wealthiest nation in Latin America, its decline began with the rise of socialism. In just the past few years, roughly 25 percent of the population has been forced to flee. Families have been torn apart, torture and human rights abuses are widespread, and nearly every Venezuelan has been affected—fueling strong domestic support for what is unfolding now. Carrie also examines what this moment means for Cuba, and how these developments will shape the broader Western Hemisphere, including implications for Cuba and Nicaragua. Our third guest is Doral Councilman Rafael Piñeyro, who was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to Miami with his family at the age of 15, carrying hopes and dreams for his future. Today, roughly 40 percent of the Doral community is Venezuelan. This issue goes beyond political parties or ideology—it is about principle, accountability, and justice. What happens in Venezuela matters not only to its people, but to the entire region and the United States. After 26 years of suffering under these regimes, the impact has been felt both in Venezuela and here at home. Councilman Piñeyro believes the United States is now sending a clear and unmistakable message: these regimes will be held accountable, and it is time for a better future for Latin America—while signaling to the world that America is back. Alexa Lavoi, Chief Journalist for Rebel News in Quebec and Ottawa, recounts her on-the-ground reporting from Doral, Florida, where she interviewed Venezuelans who fled their homeland after facing persecution for opposing views or noncompliance with the regime. Through emotional, firsthand stories, Alexa witnessed both the pain and resilience within the community. While hope remains strong, there is also profound worry for the future of Venezuela and for family members still trapped under the regime.

Happy New Year! Our first episode of 2026 we discuss the border and the focus shifting to the interior of country, the American Dream, Australia and the Bondi attacks and positive outlook forecasted for our economy and market. First, Anna Giaritelli, an award-winning journalist and writer whose reporting for the Washington Examiner, shines light on the Trump Administration's latest effort to secure our Southern border - deploying buoys in the Texas river as a marine wall, how the immigration crisis at the border is slowing but the focus is now shifting to the interior of the country with deportations and discusses her debut memoir "Under Assault: A Crime Reporter's True Story Overcoming Sexual Trauma and Exposing Injustice."  Our second guest is Chuong Vo, candidate for US Congress is CA-CD 45. Chuong is a husband, father, former Mayor of Cerritos, and a 28-year-law-enforcement officer. Since then, crime rose, costs climbed, and politics got meaner and less honest. Asked by his friends and community leaders to step up and run, Chuong said yes because service is what he knows and what he is passionate about. Discussing what the American Dream means to him as an immigrant, the value of working hard and his pride of being an American.   Drew Pavlou has reported from the frontlines in Ukraine and survived Chinese government kidnap plots and bomb threat campaigns. Being pressured by the Australian police to delete a tweet about the Bondi attack, getting crushed with fines by the government after peacefully protesting, and how not a single arrest has been made since the Bondi attack, and 2 right-wing extremists have been deported but no one held responsible for the attacks. Gary Gygi is a seasoned financial expert, former mayor, and president of Gygi Capital Management. Gary discusses the FED and the new FED chair, potential for lowering interest rates benefiting the economy and stock market, the tailwinds that show the market and economy look good in 2026.

This Christmas on Breaking Battlegrounds, we celebrate the history, meaning, and enduring spirit of the season with two beloved guests. First, nationally known speaker, best-selling author, and Amerisearch president William Federer returns to take listeners on a fascinating journey through the true history of Christmas, exploring the real story of Saint Nicholas, the origins of beloved holiday traditions, and pivotal moments when Christmas shaped American history, from Valley Forge to the post–World War II era. Then, #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans joins the show to discuss his newest novel, The Christmas Stranger, a moving story of grief, redemption, and unexpected hope that reminds us how connection and compassion can transform even the darkest moments. Together, these conversations offer a thoughtful and heartwarming look at why Christmas continues to matter across generations, faiths, and cultures.

Scott Johnson, an original contributor to the blog Power Line, joins the show to break down his decade-long reporting on Rep. Ilhan Omar marrying her brother and the extensive fraud issues tied to Minnesota's Somali community. Johnson walks through the documentation, court records, and investigative reporting that underpin the marriage allegations, explains why the story has been ignored or downplayed by much of the media, and connects it to broader patterns of political protection and accountability failures. He also discusses Minnesota's ongoing Somali fraud scandals, how taxpayer dollars have been misused, and why these cases raise serious questions about oversight, enforcement, and public trust.   More about Scott Johnson Johnson is an original contributor to the blog Power Line. Power Line was named Time magazine's first and only Blog of the Year in December 2004 for its role in exposing the Rathergate story. 

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by four expert guests to unpack the biggest issues shaping national security, global stability, media accountability, and the economy. Dr. Mike Waller, national security expert, investigative journalist, and former CIA operative, explains why artificial intelligence is America's most critical strategic asset, how China and Russia deploy espionage and "honeypot" tactics to steal U.S. technology, and why U.S. dominance in AI is essential to national survival. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald journalist and Maria Moors Cabot Prize winner, discusses her reporting on what's happening in Haiti, detailing the horrific toll of gang violence on women and girls and the lasting impact of sexual violence on families and children. Scott Johnson, founder of the Power Line blog, dives into his decade-long reporting on Rep. Ilhan Omar marrying her brother and Minnesota's Somali fraud problem. The episode concludes with Gary Gygi, president of Gygi Capital Management, former mayor, and veteran financial expert, who breaks down warning signs in the global economy, including labor market trends, union pressures, and the deepening economic challenges facing China.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we take on three of the biggest issues shaping America's future: national security, education, and taxes. First, Dr. Meg Reiss, founder and CEO of SolidIntel, joins the show to explain how American red tape is strengthening China's dominance over rare earth minerals. Then, National Emmy winning investigative reporter Chris Papst of Fox45 Baltimore joins to discuss his book Failure Factory, which uncovers America's public education crisis, including how billions in taxpayer dollars are spent while student outcomes stagnate and what parents nationwide should be watching for in their own school districts. Finally, Matthew Putnam of the National Taxpayers Union explains how Truth in Taxation laws offer a proven solution to runaway property taxes, highlighting successful reforms in states like Utah, Kansas, and Nebraska and why lawmakers across the country are paying attention.  

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we examine the state of American institutions, the GOP, and family finances with three great guests. First, Goldwater Institute Senior Fellow Timothy K. Minella joins the show to discuss his new report "Peer Review Gone Wild," which argues that major academic journals are prioritizing ideology over rigorous scholarship, undermining public trust in taxpayer-funded research and evidence-based policymaking. Then, Jesse Arm, vice president of external affairs at the Manhattan Institute, breaks down his new analysis "The New GOP: Survey Analysis of Americans Overall, Today's Republican Coalition, and the Minorities of MAGA," exploring shifting voter coalitions, the emerging Republican base, and what recent Tennessee election results tell us about the party's future. Finally, financial expert Gary Gygi returns to discuss the new proposal for "Trump Accounts," which would provide every child born between 2025 and 2028 with a 1,000 dollar deposit from the federal government and what that could mean for families.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone joins National Review columnist and Locked In host Caroline Downey and Manhattan Institute Fellow Daniel Di Martino in person at Arizona State University for a conversation on "Gen Z: The Future of American Politics," exploring cultural trends, campus movements, and the shifting ideological landscape among younger voters. Later in the show, Chuck and Sam are joined by investigative reporter Ben Wieder of McClatchy's Washington bureau and the Miami Herald as he breaks down the newly released Epstein files, what the documents reveal, and the ongoing questions surrounding victims, media relationships, and federal investigations. Tune in for a conversation you won't hear anywhere else.      

This Thanksgiving week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're grateful for all our listeners and hope you enjoy a special show filled with history, tradition, and service. We kick things off with best-selling author and historian William Federer, who walks us through the real story behind Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims, and how the holiday became a national celebration. Then Kiley shares the fascinating and nearly forgotten history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, including the years when giant helium balloons were released into the sky for cash rewards and why that tradition suddenly ended. We close the show with Navy veteran and AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver, discussing how veterans are continuing to serve, support wartime allies, and lead humanitarian efforts. It is a meaningful and timely episode, and we are thankful you are part of the Breaking Battlegrounds family.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds we welcome three insightful guests covering education, redistricting, and the economy. Dr. Carol McNamara, Director of the Great Hearts Institute for Classical Education, joins to discuss the growing movement of classical education, how it prepares students for all fields including science and engineering, and the upcoming National Symposium for Classical Education celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Renae Cowley, partner at Foxley, Pignanelli, Cowley, Styler, columnist for the Deseret News and professional barrel racer, breaks down Utah's new congressional maps and their political implications. Finally, financial expert and former mayor Gary Gygi returns to explain why the stock market is soaring even as many Americans still do not feel the economic boost.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we welcome back friend of the show and #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans. Best known for The Christmas Box, Richard has written an incredible 41 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, with more than 35 million copies in print and translations in over 22 languages. His newest novel, The Christmas Stranger, reminds us that sometimes the universe sends us exactly who we need. After losing his family on Christmas Eve, Paul Wanlass has given up on life—until an unexpected visitor appears at his door, setting off a series of events that rekindle hope, healing, and the true meaning of Christmas. Join us as Richard shares the inspiration behind his latest story, the themes of redemption that run through his work, and how faith and connection continue to shape his writing. Find all of Richard's books at richardpaulevans.com/books

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone welcome three distinguished guests offering global expertise and fresh perspective. The Daily Telegraph's Associate Editor Gordon Rayner shares his investigations into the BBC's bias and how the network intentionally edited Trump's speech to make him appear to say things he never did. Then, Zineb Riboua from the Hudson Institute joins to discuss Third-Worldism, ideology, and great power competition shaping the Middle East and North Africa. Finally, Shay Khatiri of the Yorktown Institute weighs in on Trump's remarks about nuclear testing, U.S. treaty limits, and the shifting balance of nuclear power between the U.S., Russia, and China. It's a thought-provoking, globally focused episode you won't want to miss. Stream now!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with John Reid, Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to talk about his “Real Virginia Agenda,” from workforce freedom to the gerrymandering Democrats are trying to push this week in Virginia—going against the will of Virginians—and his unconventional AI debate with opponent Ghazala Hashmi, who refused to debate him, so he debated an AI version of her using only her real quotes. Then Gary Gygi joins us to break down the upcoming Federal Reserve System meeting and what it could mean for interest rates and the economy. We're also joined by Anna Giaritelli of the Washington Examiner to discuss her powerful new memoir Under Assault and its message of justice and accountability. We wrap up with Henry Olsen, who explains why Argentina's upcoming elections matter for the United States and what's at stake globally. And stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, where she dives into the chilling story of the Highway Serial Killings. We end the podcast with John Reid's full AI Debate. You can also watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWe1PbGIZw4&t=123s  

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're joined by Daniel Di Martino, Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and PhD candidate at Columbia University, for a deep dive into the fiscal impact of immigration. Daniel breaks down his 2025 report showing how education level, age of arrival, and legal status determine whether immigration boosts or strains America's finances—revealing why high-skilled immigrants contribute net surpluses while lower-skilled, older arrivals often bring long-term fiscal costs. We'll also hear how his experience growing up in Venezuela shapes his views on socialism, protest culture, and opportunity. Later, Albert Eisenberg of RedBridge joins us to discuss the future of Pennsylvania, the political trajectory of John Fetterman, how Republicans can lead on healthcare solutions and affordability, and why smart strategic messaging is key to connecting with new generations of voters. And in Kiley's Corner, we're diving into the 2025 Louvre Museum heist as she reveals a Spotify playlist titled “Louvre Museum Heist” that was created four weeks before the crime. Was it the thieves? Tune into this episode to find out more.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're diving into global strategy, national security, child protection, and the economy. First, Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins the show to break down why Venezuela matters beyond narcotics and migration, the geopolitical stakes of regime change, and the implications of U.S. policy options under a potential Trump administration. Then, Mark “Oz” Geist—Benghazi hero, former Marine, and co-chair of the Protect Our Children initiative—discusses his mission to enact common-sense protections for kids and combat child sex trafficking in Colorado and across the country. Finally, financial expert Gary Gygi returns to unpack why gold prices are surging and what it reveals about global trust in central banks.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam is joined by guest host Seth Leibsohn, who opens the show with Robert McClure, President and CEO of The James Madison Institute, to dive into Florida's model for election integrity, tracing the course from Bush v. Gore through to the 2025 reforms and exploring how Florida's verification systems, voting infrastructure, and transparency protocols have become a benchmark for other states. Then, Congressman Addison McDowell of North Carolina's 6th Congressional District joins to break down the government shutdown, expose what Democrats are holding out on, and point out that this is a continuing resolution they have voted for 13 times under President Joe Biden. Tune in now!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds we're doing something different with one guest for the full show, our friend Patrick Byrne, founder and former CEO of Overstock.com. We open with a conversation on education, from school choice to teacher unions, and how Mississippi made the leap from 50th to top 10 in the nation in education. From there, we dive into Patrick's new docuseries The Enemy Within, exploring his journey from being hailed as a Wall Street prophet to resigning in 2019 after claiming he was a covert government asset caught in political espionage. We close with Kiley's Corner, where Kiley unpacks the disturbing case of Christopher Scholtes, a father accused of leaving his two-year-old to die in a hot car while he spent three hours watching adult entertainment, as a judge now approves his request to vacation in Hawaii. You won't want to miss this episode!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are first joined by Jon Levine of the Washington Free Beacon to discuss the latest from Israel, including rising regional tensions and the role of U.S. aid, as well as developments with USAID and the New York City mayor's race. Then journalist and media creator Sagnik Basu shares his journey to the U.S. and unpacks his Pirate Wires piece, “I'm Sorry But You Have to Assimilate.” Finally, Jennifer Sey, former national gymnastics champion and CEO of XX-XY Athletics, talks about the Colorado ballot initiative to protect girls' sports and ensure fairness and opportunity for the next generation. Tune in now! www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote www.breakingbattlegrounds.news  Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle  Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds  Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com  Dot Vote - With a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam welcomed a powerhouse lineup of guests covering it all. Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho joined to discuss the 58 Democrats who voted against cracking down on political violence (with another 38 Dems voting “present”), President Trump's push to make D.C. safer, and his work on the House Appropriations Committee. Veteran media insider Ken LaCorte weighed in on the FCC's removal of Jimmy Kimmel, what the agency's responsibility should be, and the inside story of the Murdoch family succession deal. Former NFL kicker and now congressional candidate for Arizona's 5th District, Jay Feely, sat down in studio to talk about the rise of political violence, Arizona's energy future, and his campaign to represent the district. Financial expert Gary Gygi broke down the looming shortage of wealth advisors as America faces a historic wave of retirements and generational wealth transfer. And to close the show, Kiley's Corner explored the wild theories surrounding the body found in singer D4VD's car. Tune in now! www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote www.breakingbattlegrounds.news  Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle  Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds  Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com  Dot Vote - With a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone is joined by Sean Noble, host of Light Beer, Dark Money, who filled in for Chuck Warren. First, independent video creator turned accidental journalist Matt Orfalea exposes Big Tech censorship, from the removal of the Charlie Kirk assassination to platforms censoring the Kyle Rittenhouse footage. Next, Noah Rothman, senior writer at National Review, breaks down escalating tensions as Russian drones cross into Poland and whether they may be preparing for direct involvement. Finally, in Kiley's Corner, Kiley shares a tragic hit-and-run case and the astonishing discovery in New Zealand of three children found alive nearly four years after being abducted by their father. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are first joined by friend of the show Alexander Raikin, Visiting Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss how America has abandoned suicide safeguards and the lessons from Canada's MAID program. Next, David Robinson, a leading voice for Western Canadian independence, breaks down the crises north of the border, from economic instability to cultural tensions, and what they could mean for America. Then, seasoned financial expert Gary Gygi returns to analyze the latest jobs report and what it reveals about the health of the U.S. economy. And stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, as she dives into the latest drama in the small town of London, Kentucky—from a torture chamber investigation to ongoing clashes with the city council. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck and Sam are joined by Anna Giaritelli, Washington Examiner reporter covering homeland security, immigration, and border issues. Anna shares her personal story of being assaulted in Washington, D.C. and later discovering that the attack was never recorded in police crime stats. She also discusses her latest reporting on ICE training facilities, DHS policy changes, and border security. We then hear from J.B. Simko, Chief Civil Society and Underage Prevention Officer at Philip Morris International U.S., about the company's new campaign to prevent underage access to nicotine products, their 10-point youth prevention plan, and their long-term vision for a smoke-free future. To close, in Kiley's Corner, she shares updates on Wisconsin husband and father Ryan Borgwardt's sentencing after faking his disappearance to run away with a woman in Eastern Europe and the latest in former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor's battle to regain his job amid mounting scrutiny over his role in multiple cases, including the high-profile Karen Read case. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt to discuss his new book, The Last Line of Defense: How to Beat the Left in Court. Senator Schmitt also shares his perspective on President Trump bringing peace around the world and highlights his success in securing a historic FBI investment to combat violent crime in St. Louis. Next, Mariam Wahba of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies unpacks Egypt's war against the world's oldest Christian monastery, the country's record-setting gas deal with Israel, and the rising threat of antisemitic attacks to U.S. national security. Then, Matthew Putnam of the National Taxpayers Union joins to discuss his article, Don't Undermine 40 Years of Success with Tax Hikes. We wrap up with financial expert Gary Gygi, who breaks down today's markets and what comes next. It's an episode you won't want to miss. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more. Use code ‘Battleground' to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after. Learn more at: 4FreedomMobile.com About our guest: U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt is a sixth-generation Missourian who grew up in a working-class family in Bridgeton, Missouri. Inspired by his father's work ethic and his son Stephen's health challenges, Schmitt entered public service to fight for families like his own. He has served as State Senator, State Treasurer, Attorney General, and now as U.S. Senator for Missouri. As Attorney General, he launched initiatives to combat violent crime, address the opioid crisis, and bring justice to victims of sexual assault. In the Senate, Schmitt serves on the Judiciary, Armed Services, and Commerce Committees, where he continues to focus on protecting free speech, securing the border, and strengthening American energy independence. - Mariam Wahba is a research analyst at FDD focused on Egypt and minorities in the Middle East. Previously, she served with FDD's communications team where she booked experts and helped stand up FDD's Arabic X and Instagram accounts. Before coming to FDD, Mariam was the associate director of advocacy with the Philos Project, a Hertog political science fellow, a Tikvah Fund journalism fellow, and a policy associate at In Defense of Christians. She graduated from Fordham University with a BA in Middle East studies, Arabic, and Jewish studies. Born and raised in Egypt, she is a Coptic Christian and an advocate for the persecuted church. Mariam is also the co-founder of American-ish, a digital platform aimed at highlighting ethno-religious minorities of the Middle East and promoting American values. - Matthew Putnam is an Associate of External Affairs with National Taxpayers Union and National Taxpayers Union Foundation. In this role, he works with donors and on strategic partnerships. Originally from Florida, Matthew attended Florida State University and graduated with bachelor's degrees in international affairs and history. Prior to working at NTU, Matthew worked with a small tech-startup based in Washington, DC. Outside of NTU, Matthew also works at the DC institution Red Derby. He enjoys cooking and both watching and playing soccer in DC and Virginia. - Mr. Gary Gygi was hired by the Investment firm Dean Witter (became Morgan Stanley) after college and worked for the firm for about 15 years. During this time he achieved the position of First Vice President, Investment and branch manager of the Midvale, Utah office. Mr. Gygi won numerous sales awards and held the position of Branch Managed Money Coordinator and Branch Insurance Coordinator. Mr. Gygi left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to join the Investment management firm of Smoot Miller Cheney (later became SMC Capital) as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Gygi holds a dual registration so while affiliating with Smoot Miller Cheney; he also was a registered rep with Independent broker/dealer WBB Securities, LLC. In 2008, Mr. Gygi left SMC Capital to found Gygi Capital Management as President and CEO. Gygi Capital serves the Institutional and individual marketplace with investment management solutions. Gygi Capital is a State regulated Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Cedar Hills, Utah. Gygi affiliates with Union Capital Co. which is an independent broker/dealer firm.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with Northwestern University's Gary Saul Morson, co-author of Cents and Sensibility, joins us to explore why revolutions never truly end, Dostoevsky's warnings about nihilism, and what economist Friedrich Hayek might think about artificial intelligence. We wrap up with Satya Thallam, senior advisor at Americans for Responsible Innovation, for an inside look at the political and national security implications of AI policy, from the White House's export control changes to the GOP's divide over state regulation, and what it all means for the future of innovation in America.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Congressman Tom McClintock of California's 5th District discusses illegal immigration, the realities of repatriation and deportation, and his forestry bills, the Put Out the Fire Act and the Proven Forest Management Act, which aim to improve wildfire response and expand successful forest management practices nationwide. Congressman Addison McDowell of North Carolina's 6th District shares his work to combat the fentanyl crisis, including the HALT Fentanyl Act and the BIDEN Act to end the use of automated signing devices for key presidential actions. Finally, Financial expert Gary Gygi joins with insight on whether the Federal Reserve should cut interest rates and what that could mean for the economy.   www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds X: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more. Use code ‘Battleground' to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after. Learn more at: 4FreedomMobile.com About our guest: Tom McClintock represents the people of California's historic Sierra Nevada foothills and fertile Central Valley in a district that stretches from Placerville to Modesto, through the Yosemite Valley and on to Kings Canyon. Often described as "the gold standard" for fiscal conservatism in Congress, the National Taxpayers Union rated him the best vote for taxpayers in the House four times, most recently in 2020. Citizens Against Government Waste recently named him as one of the perfect votes in the House fighting wasteful government spending. McClintock is a member of the House Judiciary Committee where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and also serves on the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government. He is a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee where he serves on the Subcommittee on Federal Lands, which he chaired from 2015 to 2018, and on the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, which he chaired from 2011 to 2015. The Congressman is also a member of the House Budget Committee and has proposed major fiscal reforms to curb unauthorized appropriations, control mandatory spending, balance the budget and protect the nation's credit. Prior to his election to Congress, McClintock served 22 years in the California legislature, where he became one of its most recognized conservative leaders. He twice received the Republican nomination for State Controller, narrowly missing election in 2002 by 23/100ths of one percent. He ran as the conservative standard bearer for Governor in California's historic recall election in 2003. - Addison McDowell proudly represents North Carolina's 6th Congressional District. Motivated by the tragic loss of his younger brother, Luke, to a fentanyl overdose, McDowell's top priority in Congress is to tackle the drug crisis and strengthen border security to protect families and communities from the dangers posed by illegal immigration. Addison currently serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Budget Committee. Through these committee assignments, he is fighting to make sure the critical needs of North Carolina's Sixth District are met. Prior to Congress, Addison's public service included serving on staff for Congressman (now U.S. Senator) Ted Budd and Congressman Richard Hudson, where he spent each day helping constituents in need. Addison earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During this time, he met his wife, Rachel, through YoungLife Ministry. A native of Lexington, North Carolina, Addison and Rachel now reside in Davie County, where they are raising their two daughters and are active in their local church.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are joined by Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota to discuss his latest bills, including the No DOT Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act, the FASTER Act, and legislation to protect women's sports at military academies. Johnson also shares insights from his committee work on Agriculture, Infrastructure, and the China Select Committee and explains why he's running for governor. Next, AEI's Daniel Buck dives into the broken world of American education, from Harvard's “Queering Education” course to why no one actually likes high expectations, laying out how ideology has replaced academics and what real reform could look like. Finally, Congressman Andy Biggs joins us in studio to talk about federalism in the Trump era, what Congress must prioritize before year's end, and why he's running to replace Katie Hobbs as Arizona's governor. And as always, stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, where she discusses the Devil's Den double homicide and what one furious woman did after catching her boyfriend cheating. Don't miss this packed episode! Subscribe at BreakingBattlegrounds.Vote or wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode.www.breakingbattlegrounds.voteTwitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_BattleFacebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegroundsInstagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegroundsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegroundsTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegroundsShow sponsors:Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com.Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.comOld Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.comDot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: dotvote.vote4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground' to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: 4FreedomMobile.comAbout our guest:Dusty Johnson brings an energetic and optimistic style to Washington as South Dakota's lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. An outspoken leader on issues related to border security, countering China, and welfare reform, he serves on the Select Committee on China, Agriculture Committee, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He also chairs the Republican Main Street Caucus, a group of 80 solutions-focused conservatives. Prior to being elected to Congress, he served as chief of staff to the Governor and as vice president of an engineering firm specializing in rural telecommunications. Dusty lives in Mitchell with his wife and three sons.-Daniel Buck is a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), director of the Conservative Education Reform Network (CERN), and an affiliate of AEI's James Q. Wilson Program in K–12 Education Studies, where his work focuses on K–12 education, charter schooling, curriculum reform, and school safety and discipline.Before joining AEI, Mr. Buck was a senior fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an assistant principal at Lake County Classical Academy, and a classroom teacher at Hope Christian Schools, Holy Spirit Middle School, and Green Bay Area Public Schools.His work has appeared in the popular press, including The Wall Street Journal, National Affairs, and National Review. Mr. Buck is the author of What Is Wrong with Our Schools? (2022).Mr. Buck has a master's degree and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. You can follow him on X @MrDanielBuck.-Congressman Andy Biggs is an Arizona native and currently serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Arizona's Fifth District. He lives in Gilbert with his wife of 40 years, Cindy. They have six children and seven grandchildren.Congressman Biggs received his bachelor's degree in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University; his M.A. in Political Science from Arizona State University; and his J.D. degree from the University of Arizona. He is a retired attorney, who has been licensed to practice law in Arizona, Washington, and New Mexico.Before being elected to Congress, Congressman Biggs served in the Arizona Legislature for 14 years – the last four as the Arizona Senate President.Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Oversight and Reform committees. He is chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, co-chair of the Border Security Caucus, co-chair of the War Powers Caucus, and Chief Regulatory Reform Officer of the Western Caucus.Congressman Biggs has a lifetime rating of 100% with the Club for Growth, 98% lifetime score with FreedomWorks, 95% lifetime score with Heritage Action, 100% rating in the 116th Congress for National Right to Life, and a 99% career grade from NumbersUSA.The Arizona Republic named Congressman Biggs as one of its "10 Arizona people you'll want to watch in 2019," arguing that "Biggs makes the public case for the conservative position and often in defense of the Trump administration. He's very good at it. His advocacy tends to be well-reasoned and persuasive, not inflammatory...To keep an eye on what congressional conservatives are thinking and advocating, Biggs is increasingly one to watch." biggsforarizona.com Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe