Off the Record with Paul Hodes

The economy is sending completely mixed signals right now.GDP is growing.Unemployment is low.The stock market is near highs.…but people feel worse than ever.So what's actually happening?In this episode of Worth Knowing, I sit down with Moody's chief economist Mark Zandi to break down the 5 biggest economic risks that could shape the next 6 months—and possibly the next election.We cover:Why the economy feels broken even when the data looks “fine”Whether we're quietly heading toward a recessionThe real impact of oil prices and global instabilityWhy inflation won't go awayAnd how AI could reshape jobs faster than expectedIf you've been feeling like something doesn't add up with the economy… you're not wrong.

Russia, Iran, U.S. troops, Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio are suddenly at the center of one of the most explosive national security questions in Washington: Is Russia helping Iran target American forces in the Middle East?New intelligence reporting suggests Moscow may be providing Iran with satellite-derived information that could help locate U.S. ships, aircraft, and troop positions. If true, it raises a stunning question: why isn't this the biggest story in American politics right now?On this episode of Political Rehab, Democrat and former congressional staffer Matt Robison and Republican campaign strategist Matt Wylie break down the biggest political and national security stories of the week.Topics include:• Reports that Russia may be helping Iran target U.S. troops• The White House's controversial “war porn” military propaganda videos• A potential national security brain drain after intelligence and national security cuts• Why Trump world may be floating Marco Rubio over JD Vance as the future of MAGA• The coming SAVE Act showdown that could trigger a congressional meltdown• The MAHA movement and RFK Jr.'s vaccine conspiracy conferencePlus our regular segments:Trump Dump – the week's most outrageous Trump storyDeep Dive – the SAVE Act fight that could paralyze CongressThat's Bullsh*t – the political claim that collapses under scrutinyDose of Hope – one reason the future might be brighter than politics suggestsIf you enjoy smart political debate between people who disagree, subscribe and join the conversation.Subscribe for new episodes of Political Rehab every week.00:00 Trump Dump Court Losses02:04 Attacking the Judiciary03:46 GOP Retreat No Agenda06:00 War Porn Propaganda08:50 Brain Drain and Intel Cuts11:34 Russia Aiding Iran14:25 Rubio vs Vance Signals16:52 Save Act and Spineless GOP18:23 Gas Prices Midterm Gamble20:23 Economic Warning Signs21:33 Save Act Deep Dive22:32 Phantom Fraud Evidence23:39 Why GOP Pushes It26:25 Will It Backfire27:28 Inside Republican Thinking30:16 A Possible Compromise32:25 Why Save Act Fails35:39 MAHA Called Out36:19 Vaccine Slide Nonsense39:53 Glyphosate Hypocrisy41:50 Dose of Hope Science43:38 Courts Holding The Line45:39 Closing Thoughts

Big money is reshaping American democracy.In this livestream, political analyst Matt Robison speaks with Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United, about how billionaire money, Super PACs, and the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision transformed U.S. politics — and why some experts believe America may be drifting toward oligarchy.Today, just 300 billionaire families account for nearly 20% of federal campaign donations. What does that mean for democracy, elections, and everyday Americans?We break down:• How Citizens United changed campaign finance forever• The explosion of billionaire money in politics• The rise of Super PACs and dark money networks• Corporate influence over elections and policy• Why many voters feel their voices don't matter anymore• Whether reforms can actually fix the systemMatt and Tiffany also discuss real examples — from Elon Musk's massive political spending to the growing influence of corporate lobbying in Washington.If you care about the future of democracy, campaign finance reform, and the role of money in politics, this conversation is essential.Guest:Tiffany Muller – President of End Citizens UnitedLearn more:https://endcitizensunited.orgSubscribe for more political analysis and livestream interviews:https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowingNew episodes of Political Rehab and Worth Knowing livestreams every week.Timestamps00:00 The billionaire influence problem02:40 Wealth concentration in America07:00 What Citizens United actually did10:30 The rise of Super PACs16:00 How big money shapes policy27:00 Elon Musk and political spending34:00 Can the system be fixed?54:00 The future of campaign finance reformTopics coveredmoney in politicscitizens united explainedbillionaires in politicscampaign finance reformsuper pacs explaineddark money in politicscorporate influence governmentoligarchy united statespolitical corruption united stateselon musk politicselection money influenceamerican democracycampaign finance lawsSEO Tags (for YouTube tag field)citizens united, money in politics, billionaires politics, campaign finance reform, super pacs explained, dark money politics, corporate influence government, oligarchy united states, political corruption, elon musk politics, election money influence, american democracy, campaign finance lawsHashtags#CitizensUnited#MoneyInPolitics#CampaignFinance#Billionaires#PoliticalCorruption#DarkMoney#SuperPAC#AmericanPolitics#Democracy#PoliticalReform#ElectionMoney#EndCitizensUnited

Is Trump's Iran war triggering a MAGA meltdown?In this episode of Political Rehab, Matt Robison and Matt Wylie break down the political fallout from the escalating Iran conflict, Kristi Noem's stunning downfall, and a growing Republican civil war that could reshape the GOP heading into the next election.

In this episode of Worth Knowing, we take a hard look at the war with Iran through constitutional law, military experience, and economic reality. Joining me is Fred Wellman — Army veteran of Desert Storm and Iraq, former Executive Director of The Lincoln Project, and current congressional candidate in Missouri.We examine:• The contradictory justifications offered by Trump, Marco Rubio, and JD Vance• Claims that Iran was “weeks away” from nuclear capability — despite prior assertions it had been “obliterated” • Whether Congress has abdicated its constitutional war powers• The War Powers Act and what qualifies as an “imminent threat”• The risk of launching military action without a Phase IV (post-conflict) plan• Reports of U.S. forces unprepared for retaliation• Whether this was strategy, pressure from allies, or chaotic decision-making• Why the “rally around the flag” effect is failing• How economic pain, inflation, and distrust are shaping public reactionFred speaks candidly about the burden of leadership, the cost of war, and what responsible oversight should look like from Congress.We also address the uncomfortable truth:Even if this war was launched with flawed reasoning and chaotic execution, it could still produce a positive long-term outcome.But that does not erase the legal and constitutional questions surrounding how it began.Fog of war is inevitable.Fog of contradiction is not.If you care about executive power, military accountability, economic reality, and the future of American democracy — this is a conversation worth hearing.Subscribe for serious political analysis without the outrage machine.#IranWar #Trump #WarPowersAct #FredWellman #USPolitics #Congress #MiddleEast #ExecutivePower #WorthKnowing00:00 Welcome and guest intro00:29 Conflicting war justifications02:40 Regime change and protest fallout04:00 Grudge theory and impossible lies05:33 Uncertainty and glimmers of hope09:23 Fred Wellman joins09:51 Why the strike was reckless11:27 Chaos and troop safety failures13:28 No plan and Iraq lessons14:56 Chat reactions and split MAGA15:51 Why are we doing this18:10 War Powers and cost of war22:40 Campaign plug and opponent24:14 Congress abdication and Truman model30:56 TARP story and independence33:09 Representing Missouri voters34:51 Kitchen table issues and trolls37:02 Real World Economic Pain38:11 Campaign Trail Reality Check40:26 Cost of Living Crisis42:00 American Dream Slipping43:25 Trump Promises vs Reality44:59 Chat Break and Independence47:08 Why Wag the Dog Fails50:25 Congress Missing in Action52:25 Running Against Ann Wagner56:30 Pragmatic Representation Pitch58:06 Wrap Up and Where to Follow01:00:36 Final Message and Thanks

Is Donald Trump hitting a political ceiling — or has he overplayed his hand?After a widely watched State of the Union, new polling suggests Trump may be maxing out his base support — even as tariffs rise, surveillance powers expand, Elon Musk influences battlefield outcomes in Ukraine, and new reporting on the Epstein files raises explosive questions.In this episode of Political Rehab, we break down:• The real impact of Trump's State of the Union• Why tariffs are functioning as a tax on American consumers• Whether AI surveillance and FISA expansion threaten civil liberties• Elon Musk's reported role in shaping battlefield conditions in Ukraine• The growing risk of U.S. conflict with Iran• New revelations about withheld Epstein-related files• The SAVE Act and the future of voting rightsThis isn't partisan outrage. It's structural analysis.If Trump is at a ceiling — or if he's overplayed his hand — what happens next for Republicans, Democrats, and the country?Smart politics. No hangover.Subscribe for weekly deep dives on power, policy, and political reality.#Trump#StateOfTheUnion#EpsteinFiles#ElonMusk#UkraineWar#Iran#Tariffs#Midterms#PoliticalAnalysis#PoliticalRehab00:00 Tech Billionaires in War00:53 Trump Dump State of Union04:03 Tariffs and Economic Pain06:19 State of Union Rundown09:25 AI Surveillance and FISA12:09 Ukraine Starlink Shock15:03 Iran War Countdown17:47 Epstein Files Smoking Gun20:41 Good Idea Bad Idea34:11 Math That Is Bullshit37:04 Alternative State of Union40:23 Final Dose of Hope

The Supreme Court just struck down Donald Trump's tariffs. But instead of taking the win, Trump doubled down. In today's livestream, Matt Robison breaks down what may be the most revealing moment of Trump's second term so far — and why it goes far beyond trade policy.The Court ruled that Trump's sweeping tariffs were unconstitutional under the emergency powers he claimed. That decision gave him a political off-ramp: blame the Court, let inflation cool, stabilize markets, and boost economic growth ahead of the midterms.Instead, within minutes, Trump announced new tariffs — escalating economic chaos all over again.Why?We examine:

What happens when Republicans start rebelling against Trump — and the scandals keep piling up? In this episode of Political Rehab, hosts Matt and Matt dive into a week packed with major political shockwaves: a rare GOP rebuke over tariffs, explosive new Epstein file revelations, DOJ overreach that backfired, and Donald Trump's latest “Trump Rx” healthcare announcement — which is not what it claims to be.If you want sharp analysis without the partisan spin (and a little dark humor along the way), this is your weekly reality check.

Political Rehab: The Trump Dump, Epstein Files, and the Future of JournalismWhat happens when two guys talk about Sydney Sweeney? Throw in media vanity, democracy under threat, and political scandals, and you've got an episode packed with insight and controversy. Join Matt and Matt on Political Rehab as they dissect Donald Trump's latest antics, the implications of the Washington Post layoffs, and the fallout from the Epstein file revelations. Plus, dive deep into the push for federalizing elections, Trump's vanity projects, rare stories of hope and unity, and–of course–the celebrity-political intersection with Sydney Sweeney. Tune in for smart politics without the hangover, and stay for the laughs. #DonaldTrump #EpsteinFiles #PoliticalDiscussion #WashingtonPost #MediaCrisis #TrumpDump #PoliticalRehab #SydneySweeney #Election2026 #FreeSpeech #AmericanPolitics00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:52 Trump's Vanity Projects and Political Fallout03:58 Texas Special Election and GOP's Response06:49 Media Layoffs and Impact on Democracy09:53 Trump's Election Interference and Authoritarian Tactics12:37 Epstein Files Release and Political Repercussions15:44 Assault on Free Speech and Comedy18:22 Football's Decline in American Culture19:01 Football's Institutional Problems20:23 The Rise of Soccer and Other Sports21:06 The Sydney Sweeney Controversy22:42 Politics and Celebrity Culture32:26 Debunking Non-Citizen Voting Myths35:53 Faith and Politics in America38:17 The Unifying Power of the Olympics

Anne Kim is an old friend from my Capitol Hill days, but she's also Senior Editor at Washington Monthly and author of Poverty for Profit: How Corporations Get Rich Off America's Poor. We just had a fascinating discussion about the secret world of companies making millions off of shadowy, almost secret contracts with ICE. What they are doing, how they got these contracts, and even who they are is often a mystery. You can watch the full video above or watch/listen to the podcast video here:And then, we tried to get out of the Trump/ICE/corruption doom loop that we've all been living with in recent months and talk about the top ten stories we'd written about in our work for Washington Monthly and Newsweek (and here on Worth Knowing) respectively. We covered topics like:Are Democrats really “out of touch”? Reviving the argument for at-large districts Getting rid of superPACs How can we use state laws to rein in ICE (ok, that was back to ICE)Why Republican healthcare plans are so broken and subversive00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:35 Trump Fatigue and Political Corruption02:25 Introducing the Guest: Economic Policy Expert03:10 Top Stories Worth Knowing03:57 The Melania Movie: Reviews and Reactions08:58 Investigating ICE Contracts and Corruption17:45 Democratic Party's Brand Problem30:16 Eric Schmidt's Controversial Statements30:50 State-Level Legal Actions Against Federal Agents31:25 Empowering States and Legal Analysis32:02 Federal Civil Liability and the Rene Good Civil Rights Act33:11 Democrats' Focus on Federal vs. State Power35:00 At-Large Districts and Depolarizing Congress37:13 Approval Voting vs. Rank Choice Voting43:05 Super PACs and Campaign Finance Reform47:21 Republican Healthcare Plans Critiqued56:43 Concluding Remarks and Viewer Interaction

Blame Storming, Trump, and the Crisis at the White House | Political Rehab. Hosts Matt and Matt dive into the latest political chaos in Washington. They discuss the 'blamestorming' tactics used to shield Trump from accountability, with a particular focus on the backlash following the attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar and the growing backlash to the murder of Alex Pretti. From Trump's impact on swing states to the legal battles facing social media giants like TikTok and Meta, this episode covers the biggest issues of the week.

Massive Political Shifts and Media Accountability with Matt Robison: ICE Tragedies and Trump's InfluenceJoin Matt Robison on the latest Worth Knowing livestream where he breaks down the monumental shifts in the political landscape following recent tragedies involving ICE. Ryan McConaughey, a Congressional Insider, returns to provide an insider's perspective on the dynamic changes inside Congress and among voters since last week. Mark Jacob, former editor of major Chicago newspapers, offers a deep dive into media coverage and its role in shaping public perception of ICE's actions in Minnesota. And Matt starts with a deep dive on three critical things that are NOT part of this story. #Politics #MediaAccountability #ICE #TrumpAdministration #Congress #PublicPerception #Policy #Livestream00:00 Introduction and Current Events Overview01:48 Unpacking the Inevitability of Tragedies02:44 A Lesson from History: Policy and Consequences05:46 The Blame Game: Accountability in the Trump Administration10:42 Democratic Response and Shifting Strategies20:43 Republican Reactions and Political Dynamics28:45 Media's Role and Public Perception33:39 Polite Euphemisms and Political Lies34:27 The Insidious Nature of Right-Wing Disinformation36:56 The Role of Video in Exposing Truth39:55 Fox News and the Trump Administration's Narrative43:05 The Olympics of Lying51:24 Engaging with Differing Viewpoints55:22 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

A Deep Dive into Trump, Political Theater, and Government Chaos | Political RehabHosts Matt and Matt delve into the Trump prosecutor's testimony, Doge's sensitive data, and Democratic drama. This episode kicks off with the weekly 'Trump Dump,' exploring the latest antics of Donald Trump and his administration's moves, including lavish gifts and questionable praise from world leaders. The discussion transitions to the GOP's dilemma with Trump's actions and mindsets, juxtaposing it with Ronald Reagan's vision for America. The episode tackles the troubling implications of government oversight and surveillance, specifically focusing on recent DOJ actions and their impact on American privacy. Wrapping up, 'Hot off the Presses' covers the latest articles by the hosts touching on urgent political issues ranging from Trump's cognitive capacity to the divided state of the GOP. Finally, a look at the legal rights of stingless bees provides this week's dose of hope. #Trump #Politics #Conservatives #GOP #Elections #GovernmentSurveillance #Reagan #PoliticalDrama #Doge #LegalRights #StinglessBees00:00 Introduction: Political Chaos and Exploitation00:28 Welcome to Political Rehab00:45 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Rant01:10 Trump's Parade of Flattery and Gifts04:07 Trump's Temper Tantrum Over Greenland05:26 Davos Conference and Global Trust Issues08:31 Jack Smith's Testimony and GOP's Dilemma11:47 Trump's Corruption and Wealth Accumulation14:56 Government Surveillance Concerns18:03 Federal Spending Review in Democratic States19:40 Trump's View on Dissent and Loyalty20:10 Greenland and Trump's Exploitation Tactics21:20 Reagan vs. Trump: A Comparative Analysis25:42 Trump's Mental Capacity and the 25th Amendment32:38 January 6th and the Aftermath35:37 Bipartisanship in Congress36:57 Legal Rights for Stingless Bees

Matt is joined by Ryan McConaghy — former policy director for Senate Democrats — for a deep, insider breakdown on what can actually be done to rein in President Trump's escalating behavior and ICE's aggressive new actions.We'll explore what's possible, practical, and politically smart when it comes to pushback from Congress, the courts, the cabinet, and the public — including whether the 25th Amendment, cabinet pressure, or congressional oversight could ever work in real life. We'll also discuss Trump's bizarre Greenland episode, his recent public behavior, and what history and constitutional law say about presidential capacity and removal.This conversation builds on Matt's latest article on Worth Knowing: “Can Anything Be Done to Rein In This President?” ➜ https://worthknowing.substack.com/p/can-anything-be-done-to-rein-in-thisTopics We Cover:✔ How Congress can (or can't) check the presidency✔ Why cabinet action is almost impossible — but not unthinkable✔ What the 25th Amendment actually requires✔ What ICE's recent moves signal about power and federal enforcement✔ What's politically viable for Democrats✔ What voters should watch for leading into 2026 and 2028✔ How policy positioning really works behind closed doors00:00 Introduction and Platforms00:16 The Importance of Awareness and Outrage01:06 Breaking Down the Issues01:17 ICE Abuses and Public Misinformation02:59 Decision-Making Challenges for the Coalition03:46 Debating Strategies to Reign in ICE05:07 The 25th Amendment and Trump's Cognitive Decline07:05 Democrats' Strategic Dilemmas10:54 Funding ICE and Legislative Nuances25:16 Local vs. Federal Actions31:08 Discussing the 25th Amendment32:22 Political Strategy and Affordability34:08 Staying on Target: Democratic Focus37:01 The Democratic Party's Internal Debate38:11 Midterm Election Strategies48:33 Speculations and Predictions53:47 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

This week on Political Rehab, we break down one of the worst, most deranged stretches of the Trump presidency yet — and why even Republicans (like Wylie) are saying privately (and sometimes publicly) that the President is “screwing this up.”We kick things off with our weekly Trump Dump, where the big story is Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy U.S. troops to Minneapolis in response to protests over his ICE crackdown. As Wylie puts it: masked ICE agents dragging U.S. citizens off the street and shooting Americans isn't “law and order” — it's a constitutional crisis.Then we hit:Trump's botched attempt to launch a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which triggered global market panic, GOP backlash, and international condemnation.A wave of federal prosecutors resigning from the DOJ after being ordered to investigate…the victim of a police shooting and her widow.A jaw-dropping round of economic gaslighting (no, groceries are not cheaper) and administration messaging blunders.The latest foreign policy absurdity — including a bizarre conflict brewing over Greenland.The right-wing crackdown on dissent, from raiding journalists to subpoenaing the Clintons in the Epstein saga.And Trump's sudden interest in capping credit card rates at 10% — why it might save consumers money but also why it's pure political desperation theater.We wrap with Good Idea / Bad Idea, a brutal new That's Bullshit segment, and a surprisingly heartwarming Dose of Hope featuring Marco Rubio memes and China's favorite Trump impersonator. #PoliticalRehab #TrumpAdministration #ICE #EconomicGaslighting #InsurrectionAct00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:45 Political Commentary and Satire01:21 Trump's Immigration Policies03:41 Insurrection Act and Federal Overreach05:52 Economic Gaslighting and Market Reactions13:26 Foreign Policy and International Relations18:23 Good Idea or Bad Idea?20:18 The Importance of Good People in Government21:19 Clintons Subpoenaed: Good Idea or Bad Idea?23:43 Trump's Ford Plant Incident24:39 Capping Credit Card Rates: Pros and Cons26:23 Tall Title Tales: Misuse of Titles27:40 Abolishing ICE: Strategic Trap or Necessary Action?29:24 Democrats' Optimism and Senate Recruitment30:54 Bullshit of the Week: Renee Nicole Goode's Case33:14 Dose of Hope: Marco Rubio Memes and More#PoliticalRehab #TrumpAdministration #ICE #EconomicGaslighting #InsurrectionAct

We welcome author Shane Almgren (The Trumpland Diary) to unpack a week that feels like it fell out of a dystopian novel: militarized police in Minnesota, deranged propaganda around the Renee Good shooting, a quiet Five-Alarm Fire at the White House involving Big Oil, a sitting U.S. Senator suing the Secretary of Defense, and a full-scale political revolt inside the GOP over Trump's criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell.These five stories, taken together, tell us something essential about the moment we're in, and also about the growing wave of resistance and pushback that may represent a  bright spot ahead.Referenced articles from today's stream: This Is Actually Happening → https://worthknowing.substack.com/p/this-is-actually-happening Does the Trump Crowd Actually Get Off On This? → https://worthknowing.substack.com/p/does-the-trump-crowd-actually-get A Five-Alarm Fire at the White House → https://worthknowing.substack.com/p/a-five-alarm-fire-at-the-white-house The Trumpland Diary → https://trumplanddiary.substack.com/00:00 Introduction and Today's Agenda01:58 Emerging Police State in Minnesota04:59 Sadistic Lies and Psychological Research07:43 Trump's Cognitive Decline and Public Reactions10:34 Resistance and Pushback Against Trump19:54 Trump's Cruelty and Sociopathic Tendencies30:01 Untrained Officers and Trump's Responsibility30:52 RFK Jr.'s Senate Confirmation and Vaccine Stance31:46 Trump's Greenland Obsession and Geographic Misunderstandings33:41 European Allies and Military Presence in Greenland34:46 Trump's Unhinged Military Speech and Illegal Orders37:27 The Impact of Trump's Policies on Science and Foreign Aid44:00 Technocracy and the Influence of Tech Billionaires52:44 The Future of Trump's Administration and Competing Agendas56:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Political Rehab: Trump slapped down, Hegseth's total hypocrisy, Trouble in the House. In our latest episode of Political Rehab, Matt and Matt kick things off with the 'Trump Dump,' exploring the controversial moves by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on vaccines and Trump's role, plus the growing friction within the Republican Party surrounding Trump's recent policies including his aggressive stance on Venezuela and the impacts of the shrinking house majority on GOP's agenda.We also shine a light on tragic events like the killing of a motorist by an ICE agent in Minnesota and discuss the national and political repercussions. The legacy of the January 6th insurrection is another focal point, examining how public perception and political dynamics have evolved over the past five years. How do Mike Pence's actions fit into the grand scheme, and what does this mean for the future of American democracy?In our lighter segments, we present our 'Dose of Hope' with an intriguing update on dietary guidelines favoring red meat and wine, and an exploration of a new AI tool aiding journalism and transparency. Don't miss out as we dissect the week's bullshit and end on a hopeful note. Join us for 'Smart Politics Without The Hangover.'#TrumpPolitics #GOP #VenezuelaCrisis #Vaccines #ICE #January6th #MikePence #AI #PoliticalAnalysis #Podcast #CurrentEvents00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks01:03 Trump's Impact on Vaccination Policies03:54 Trump's Influence on Republican Messaging06:08 Venezuelan Conflict and Republican Response11:28 Republican Majority Challenges14:16 Elon Musk and Trump's Bromance16:42 Tragic Incident in Minnesota19:12 Political Accountability and Law Enforcement22:35 Reflecting on January 6th: A Lasting Legacy24:47 Mike Pence's Role and Republican Reactions33:03 The Hypocrisy of Trump's Military Actions35:42 A Dose of Hope: New Dietary Guidelines and AI in Journalism

Matt Robison (host of Worth Knowing) and Jonathan Larsen (creator and writer of The Fucking News) do a deep dive on the hidden reasons behind Donald Trump's recent attack on Venezuela, based on Larsen's reporting and analysis from his Substack. We break down why Trump ordered strikes in Venezuela and the operation that captured Nicolas Maduro — and what's really driving all of this.

Political Rehab: Trump Dump, Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, and the Future of the GOP. Matt and Matt dive into the week's hottest political topics, starting with the 'Trump Dump'. They then dissect the White House's approach to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, followed by an analysis of the Biden administration's science policy cuts. The episode also explores the DEI regulatory witch hunt, the decline of independent media, and makes bold political predictions for 2026. Don't miss their powerful closing segments on the mishandling of the Epstein files and a hopeful outlook on the resurrection of principled Republican politics. Get insightful, balanced commentary without the hangover – it's Smart Politics at its best! 00:46 Weekly Trump Dump01:18 Marjorie Taylor Greene's Exchange with Trump03:40 Trump's Impact on the Economy06:10 Netanyahu and Trump: Gaza Ceasefire09:33 Trump's Role in the Ukraine Conflict11:09 Assault on Science Policy14:04 DOJ's New Approach to DEI Programs16:47 The Decline of Independent Media19:27 Political Predictions for 202620:57 Predicting the 2026 Midterm Elections21:57 House Retirements: A New Record?23:16 Supreme Court and Trump's Tariffs24:16 Government Shutdown in 2026?25:33 Senate Split After Midterms26:40 First to Go in the Trump Administration27:57 Socialist Mayors in 202629:32 Bold Predictions for 202631:39 The Epstein Files Timeline34:39 A Dose of Hope for the Republican Party36:20 Marjorie Taylor Greene's Transformation39:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

2025 Balance of Power Awards: The B.O.P.s

For my Christmas Special: We had former Associated Press Europe and Middle East editor Dan Perry join to talk about why Bari Weiss and CBS and other major media outlets continue to bow down in fear of Donald Trump even as his power base is straight up evaporating under his feet.At the very end of the show I talked about a topic near and dear to my heart: Jewish Christmas. It's a story of Chinese food, sexy camels, and Hannukah Harry.And I started out with a Spotify wrapped on Donald Trump's 2025 year in review.00:00 Welcome to the Blue Amp Live Stream00:25 Introducing Today's Show and Guests01:58 Spotify Wrapped: Donald Trump's 2025 Year in Review05:08 Economic Report Card: Trump's 2025 Performance11:39 Deportation and Immigration Policies Under Trump15:45 Media and Government: The Bari Weiss Controversy27:28 Trump's Claims of Ending Wars: Fact or Fiction?30:48 The Psychology Behind Trump's Lies31:40 Trump's Stance on Venezuela35:28 Debating Media Credibility38:24 The Polarization of Politics51:39 Holiday Reflections and Sign-Off

It's Political Rehab! This episode, we start with the 'Trump dump' focusing on a chaotic week including Trump's combative speech, then we hit the GOP's EPIC mishandling of healthcare subsidies, and Trump's attempted affordability pivot fail. Then we deep dive the explosive interview with WH Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. "That's Bullshit" hits cannabis legalization. Finally, we pay tribute to the late Rob Reiner by ranking his greatest films. Join us for another fun, fast, upbeat show where a Republican and a Democrat make news fun again: it's smart politics without the hangover! 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Trump Dump: Weekly Recap03:20 Republican Party As Captives06:44 ACA Epic Fail09:54 Venezuela Blockade and Foreign Policy12:40 Affordability Pivot and Economic Policies18:30 Hypothetical 2028 Matchup21:26 Deep Dive Segment: Wiles wily?32:34 That's BS: Cannabis Policy Shift39:03 Top Rob Reiner Movies

Chris Hill on the Strangest Economy Ever. In this episode of 'Worth Knowing' with Matt Robison, joined by business expert Chris Hill, former host of 'Motley Fool Money' and current host of 'Money Unplugged', they dive into the peculiarities of the current economy. They discuss the potential AI bubble, the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs, and ponder the future of media with the Warner-Netflix-Paramount merger. Hill also shares his cautious optimism about the stock market and economy. 02:14 Eight Points of Light: Good News Stories14:09 Chris Hill Joins the Conversation19:15 Gifts and Financial Anxiety25:29 AI Bubble and Economic Lessons35:53 Tariffs and Supreme Court Ruling40:24 Supply Chain Disruptions and Economic Chaos44:21 Media Mergers and the Future of Content47:47 Streaming Services and Consumer Behavior56:21 Economic Resilience and Optimism58:52 Closing Remarks and Announcements

Our latest episode of Political Rehab--the show that MAKES POLITICS FUN AGAIN--with a Democrat and Republican (both named Matt!) breaking down the week's most pressing political stories. This week: we hit  the strange Supreme Court catch-22, fake news about fake news, a Democratic Tea Party?!? another Republican speaker meltdown, and an ugly, ugly Donald Trump political moment. Plus our fun segments ‘Up or Down' and ‘That's Bullshit,' which this week hits the Republican “alternative” to ACA subsidies. And our weekly Dose A' Hope covers SNL's refreshing humor and the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team.00:00 Introduction00:57 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Critique01:39 Trump's Rally and Biden Blame Game03:23 Economic Critique and Affordability Tour05:31 Trump's Immigration Rant08:11 Republican Leadership and Dysfunction13:59 Democratic Tea Party Revolt16:53 Supreme Court Showdown19:47 Up or Down: Quick Takes on Current Events23:14 AI and Instacart: Price Manipulation23:54 Kevin Hassett: Potential Fed Chair24:54 Kamala Harris: Book Tour and Political Future26:11 Gavin Newsom: Rising Favorability27:12 The White House Ballroom: Trump's Latest Project28:09 US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker29:44 That's Bullshit! Affordable Care Act: Republican Alternatives40:46 Political Humor: SNL's Pentagon Sketch42:57 US Men's National Soccer Team: World Cup Hopes

Matt Robison sits down with Howard Monroe to discuss the decline of Donald Trump and his administration. They delve into the incompetence among Trump's cabinet members, the potential expansion of executive power by the Supreme Court, and the concerning signs regarding Trump's health, including his cognitive decline...and the painful saga of enduring Christmas music. 00:00 Introduction and Recent Activities04:54 Supreme Court and Trump's Power08:13 The Keystone Cabinet16:51 Trump's Health Concerns29:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Legal Shocks and Rule of Law: A Deep Dive with Glenn Kirschner. Matt Robison hosts the 'Worth Knowing' livestream to discuss pivotal legal stories shaking US politics with expert guest Glenn Kirschner, a 30-year federal prosecutor and Army veteran. They explore the Trump administration's contentious legal maneuvers, destructive evidence practices, and significant cases like birthright citizenship and presidential powers, all while questioning the endurance of the rule of law. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Theme03:25 Guest Introduction: Glenn Kirschner11:21 Contempt of Court Explained20:33 The Resignation of Alina Haba26:17 Broader Legal Implications30:06 Supreme Court's Stance on Nationwide Injunctions35:00 Military Evidence Destruction Controversy39:40 Trump Administration's Pattern of Evidence Destruction46:41 Birthright Citizenship Debate54:24 Expanding Executive Power and Supreme Court Concerns58:02 Closing Remarks and Future Engagements

Political Rehab: Donny's Angels, Full Bungle!In this episode of Political Rehab, a Republican canary explodes in the coal mine, the Tim Walz Minnesota corruption mess, Trump Accounts get an infusion of right wing billionaire money, Bart Simpson running the Department of WAR! and pardon roulette! ALSO: Karoline Leavitt's two kinds of bullshit about Trump's cognitive health, Matt Robison's big new Newsweek article, and a Dose A' Hope about some actual bipartisan solutions happening. It's all the pressing political issues without the usual partisan hangover!00:00 Intro00:48 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Outrage05:03 Tennessee Special Election Analysis07:53 Trump Accounts and Billionaire Funding10:50 Minnesota Fraud Scandal13:24 Pete Hegseth and Military Embarrassment16:22 Trump's Controversial Pardons19:19 New Segment: Hot Off the Presses--Trump's Self-Made Trap21:17 Government Dysfunction Under Trump28:21 Bullshit Watch: Trump's Health34:31 Weekly Dose of Hope

Matt Robison explores the transformative challenges facing the media industry alongside guest Mike Pesca, a seasoned journalist and host of the longest running news podcast on Earth, The Gist. They discuss the effects of technological advancements, the rise of digital platforms, and the fragmentation of traditional news sources. They also tackle the persistent issues surrounding Donald Trump, the impact of digital trends on sports, and positive societal changes such as the decline in police violence. 00:00 Introduction and Overview03:20 Fragmentation of Mainstream Media05:54 Interview with Mike Pesca: Media Critique09:28 The Trump Dilemma in Media23:04 The Fragmented Media Landscape38:37 The HR-ification of the Democratic Party48:16 The Newt Gingrich Strategy and Media Ecosystem53:16 Positive Trends and Good News57:42 Interesting Author Interviews01:00:34 The Evolution of Sports

Political Rehab: Trump Dumps, GOP Chaos, and Vaccine Controversies.Join hosts Matt and Matt on this week's episode of Political Rehab as they dissect the latest political turmoil, including Donald Trump's controversial actions, Marjorie Taylor Greene's retirement, and the ongoing GOP internal conflicts. It all adds to up one big question: is this all a sign that the actual, long-promised GOP meltdown is here?They analyze key issues like the economy, healthcare, and the dubious changes to the CDC's stance on vaccines and autism. This episode also features viewer mailbag questions and a deep dive into the impact of mysterious 'secret plans,.'00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:51 Trump Dump: Weekly Segment06:34 Doge Disbanded: A Disaster That Will Echo for Years09:29 Ukraine Peace Deal Controversy12:43 DOJ Incompetence and Legal Blunders15:25 Trump's Secret Healthcare Plan18:28 Economic Woes and Consumer Confidence20:36 Political Fallout from Trump's Policies21:37 Mailbag: Viewer Questions Answered27:31 That's Bullshit!: CDC's Controversial Vaccine Stance33:35 A Dose of Hope: Finding Positivity36:41 The Meme That Took Over: Six Seven

Trump's Incompetence, Sedition Accusations, and Surprising Legislative MovesMatt Robison stars out today with a preview of his next Newsweek piece, tentatively titled “Trump Built His Own Trap—Now He's Caught in It.” Then, Matt and Paul Hodes delve into how the Trump team's incompetence is crushing all his plans, from the collapse of key prosecutions to the convoluted Texas redistricting plan. They also address Trump's baseless accusations of sedition against Democrats, the supposed ACA replacement plan that never emerged, and the chaotic handling of the Ukraine peace deal. Matt Wylie joins for a preview of their upcoming political rehab show.00:00 Introduction and Show Overview02:32 New Article Sneak Peek04:47 Trump's Mirage and Trap10:15 Incompetence in Trump's Administration16:26 Legal Missteps and Prosecution Issues27:10 Texas Redistricting and Judicial Challenges32:27 Obamacare Vote and Political Sacrifice37:40 Trump's Sedition Accusations47:56 Trump's Incompetent Appointments51:10 Political Rehab Show Preview53:26 Viewer Questions and Fun Segments58:57 Thanksgiving Wishes and Conclusion

Political Rehab: Fixing Politics and Making It Fun In thispremiere episode of Political Rehab, hosts Matt Robison and Matt Wylie hit the horrible week that Trump never wanted, including the Epstein files release, Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent 180 degree turn, the giant "Wag the Dog" maneuver underway, and hit segments like "Trump Dump" and "That's Bullshit!" Our new show aims to make engaging with politicsenjoyable, informative, and awesome again. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and join the conversation on Substack.00:00 Introduction to Political Rehab03:20 Trump Dump: Weekly Grievances07:38 Epstein Files and Political Implications09:58 Marjorie Taylor Green's Political Strategy13:09 Trump's Wag the Dog Tactics16:09 Democratic Party Dynamics19:13 DOJ Controversies and Political Weaponization21:28 Republican Ideals and Political Hypocrisy22:28 Burning Questions with Matt GPT33:05 That's Bullshit: Affordability and Walmart Thanksgiving33:33 Dose of Hope: Positive Political Changes

***Subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/ for all the new episodes of Political Rehab*** Political Rehab: Fixing Politics and Making It FunIn this premiere episode of Political Rehab, hosts Matt Robison and Matt Wylie hit the horrible week that Trump never wanted, including the Epstein files release, Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent 180 degree turn, the giant "Wag the Dog" maneuver underway, and hit segments like "Trump Dump" and "That's Bullshit!" Our new show aims to make engaging with politics enjoyable, informative, and awesome again. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and join the conversation on Substack.00:00 Introduction to Political Rehab03:20 Trump Dump: Weekly Grievances07:38 Epstein Files and Political Implications09:58 Marjorie Taylor Green's Political Strategy13:09 Trump's Wag the Dog Tactics16:09 Democratic Party Dynamics19:13 DOJ Controversies and Political Weaponization21:28 Republican Ideals and Political Hypocrisy22:28 Burning Questions with Matt GPT33:05 Bullshit Segment: Debunking Political Myths33:33 Dose of Hope: Positive Political Changes

***NEW SHOW COMING FRIDAY! Subscribe to this pod and https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Trump's Epstein Files Debacle and the Brewing Democratic Divide. Matt Robison discusses the latest twists in the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files. Matt also provides insights into the broader implications of this scandal on Trump's political decline. The episode further explores the infighting within the Democratic Party, featuring a conversation with Michaeleen Crowell, former chief of staff to Bernie Sanders, about the party's challenges and potential solutions. AND Matt announces an exciting new show, 'Politics Rehab,' aimed at re-engaging the politically exhausted and making politics fun again.01:01 The Epstein Files Debacle13:43 Trump's Political Decline15:57 New Show Announcement: Politics Rehab18:21 Interview with Michaeleen19:07 Challenges Within the Democratic Party30:13 Addressing the Disconnect in Politics35:30 Economic Challenges and Affordability39:07 Redistribution and Middle-Class Struggles50:11 Inflation and Economic Policies53:58 Democratic Party Unity and Future Strategies57:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Today, I had 15 minutes, So I set out to tackle the one question that's breaking the brains of Democrats right now: why did those eight Senate Democrats make THIS deal to end the government shut down? I wanted to answer three basic questions.What happened here (i.e., why did they do this)? Could they have actually done better? (and I know that one seems obvious but I want to put some shape to that with one suggestion). Where are we going from here? And I really want to get to this third part because it's in our DNA as Democrats to get really dejected and down on ourselves…and I don't think we should, because getting consumed by anger and depression and recriminations plays into the hands of the Trump MAGA authoritarians.00:00 Introduction and Unusual Format03:37 Perception Battle and Polling Insights08:00 Concerns and Reactions to the Deal12:11 Possible Alternatives and Final Thoughts14:45 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Election Day Insights and Policy Debates with Matt Robison and Dan Perry. We started with Ohio House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn on the deal he just helped broker on redistricting on Ohio. Was it Republicans getting away with more predatory gerrymandering, or a sneaky win for Democrats? Then, Dan Perry joined to ask was Trump's big Asia trip and trade deal-a-palooza really just smoke? And we got into Zohran Mamdani, Dick Cheney, and whether Trump thinks people seeking asylum are actually from asylums.0:00 Introduction and Election Day Overview02:30 Ohio Gerrymandering Deal Explained04:24 Interview with Ohio House Minority Leader08:36 Challenges and Criticisms of the Deal19:33 Strategies for Democratic Success in Ohio24:22 Transition to Foreign Affairs Discussion41:54 Respect for Democracy and Rule of Law47:25 The Future of Trump and Republican Politics55:10 Economic Pain and Progressive Policies01:05:31 The Challenge for Democrats01:14:49 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Trump's Military Maneuvers and the Radical Right's AgendaGuest Jonathan Larson of 'The Fucking News' discusses a series of concerning developments surrounding Donald Trump's recent actions with America's military. The discussion delves into Trump's angry, partisan speeches to service members, his illegal attempts to finance military pay through a secretive billionaire during the government shutdown, and questionable military activities aimed at Venezuelan vessels. Larson reveals the involvement of right-wing figures in supplying Trump with dubious intelligence, and examines how these actions could signal a dangerous shift towards using the U.S. military for personal political gain. The conversation further explores the National Prayer Breakfast's problematic connections and changes in the leadership of ICE, providing a comprehensive look into the nefarious underpinnings of current political maneuvers.00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning08:09 The Role of Patrick Byrne and Others13:37 Military Escalation and Media Analysis19:44 Trump's Unhinged Speech and Military Implications21:35 The Impact on Military Leadership28:51 Military Resistance and Cultural Safeguards30:21 Trump Administration as a Platform32:41 ICE Raids and Deportation Panic48:00 National Prayer Breakfast Exposé55:01 Closing Remarks and Future Topics

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Things got even more absurd in Donald Trump's Washington this week: leaked Nazi-loving group texts, an unending government shutdown, and an insane decision to fire most of the people who guard our nation's nuclear stockpile. Joined by guest Andrew Heaton of The Political Orphanage, we delve into the culture within the Republican Party, the debate over centrism versus polarization in American politics, and whether an errant artillery shell in California was a message to Vice President J.D. Vance.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview05:28 Nuclear Stockpile Negligence11:47 Republican Extremism and Nazi Allegations22:31 The Future of the Republican Party27:45 The Dilemma of Democratic Centrism32:11 The Kiss of Death and Moderation39:28 Inflation and Kitchen Table Issues43:12 Government Shutdown and Gridlock51:07 Rescissions and Government Spending57:51 Military Mishap in California

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***This isn't just another breathless AI conversation. Cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier joins host Matt Robison to discuss the truly transformative things that are not just on the horizon, but actually starting to happen today, as artificial intelligence bleeds into politics and government. They look at the hidden upsides for fixing many of our deepest problems, but also some of the staggering problems we could increasingly encounter. They explore some of surprising ways AI is already being used in opinion polls, political campaigns, and voter engagement. Schneier's new book is Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship02:21 AI in Opinion Polls04:50 AI Voting Assistance13:32 AI as a Consensus Builder17:00 The Dark Side of AI in Democracy23:33 Concerns About AI and Dystopia29:48 AI Avatars in Politics33:28 AI in Fundraising and Campaign Efficiency38:19 Challenges and Ethical Considerations of AI44:03 Public AI vs. Corporate AI46:48 Conclusion: The Future of AI in Democracy

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Is the Clock Ticking for Trump? Analyzing Political Dynamics with Fred Wellman. Former Lincoln Project Executive Director Fred Wellman joins to explore whether the walls are closing in on Donald Trump and his Republican allies as various pressures--including economic woes and legal challenges--keep piling up. The conversation delves into recent polling data, the impact of economic policies, and legal problems. Wellman also talks about his just-launched bid for Congress, emphasizing the importance of fighting for the public and the energy and strategy required to win challenging races. 00:25 The Clock is Ticking on Trump04:41 Desperation Moves in Politics06:30 Shutdown and Political Strategy13:50 Marjorie Taylor Greene and Political Dynamics21:42 Fred Wellman's Campaign and Personal Story31:54 Constitutional Conservatism and Federal Power35:49 Redistricting and Candidate Challenges41:01 The Importance of Running Everywhere57:06 Facing Challenges Head-On01:01:19 Call to Action and Conclusion

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Revealing the Reality: Analyzing Trump's Unhinged Militarization On Tuesday this week, Matt was a guest on the morning show hosted by the legendary radio host Howard Monroe, and he threw Howard bit of a curve ball. Howard asked about the unhinged performances from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and US President Donald Trump last week, in which they dragged hundreds of generals and admirals across the world--to a meeting that essentially had no purpose--so that Hegseth could harangue them about personal grooming habits and Trump could go on a meandering campaign rally diatribe. But Matt made the case that what unfolded next was actually good news. And it's connected to Trump's military incursions into U.S. cities. 00:00 Introduction: Silver Linings in Unlikely Places08:33 Trump's National Guard Deployment Controversy16:23 The Legal Battle Over Militarization25:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***  The one election race that gives the most insight into the state of politics in America right now is the campaign for Bucks County District Attorney in Pennsylvania. Bucks County is the true swingiest of swing counties in one of the few--and biggest--swing states in the country. Donald Trump won it by 0.07 percentage points in 2024...less than 300 votes out of more than 400,000 votes cast. We're joined by the Democratic candidate Joe Khan (https://www.bucksunitedpa.com/joe-khan), to talk about what he's seeing, what's resonating, and why, right now, he's winning.00:00 Introduction: The Bellwether Election02:35 Interview with Joe Khan: The Campaign Journey08:14 National Implications and Local Impact12:10 The Role of Courts and Future Prospects33:06 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Matt is joined by former prosecutor and former NBC legal analyst Glenn Kirschner. They discuss why, amid the critical state of American democracy, Kirschner is seeing evidence of positive movement. Kirschner shares insights on legal battles, judicial integrity, and the importance of civic engagement. The episode also delves into the recent Supreme Court term, the importance of economic, legal, and political power in safeguarding democracy, and the controversial Pam Bondi hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.05:33 Legal Developments and Optimism18:08 Judicial Pushback Against Trump27:56 Integrity in the Judiciary34:53 Pam Bondi's Senate Judiciary Committee Appearance38:27 Trump's Criminal Enterprise43:39 Accountability and the DOJ51:30 Supreme Court and Trump's Legal Battles55:38 Call to Action: Engaging for Justice01:01:19 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** With a shutdown looming, Democrats are in a desperate fight to make a stand against President Donald Trump's attack on the rule of law, not to mention his perceived political enemies, universities, law firms, science, and our health. Stanford political scientist and prolific Substack author Adam Bonica (https://data4democracy.substack.com/) joins political analyst Matt Robison (https://worthknowing.substack.com/) to talk about some of the common threads of the shutdown, corruption, and political campaigns. Are Democrats pursuing the right fight? What would a winning approach be? And how are the money wars destroying politics?00:58 The Deeper Implications of the Shutdown04:43 The Right Fight for Democrats?10:04 Polling Data and Shutdown Impact14:57 Democrats as the Anti-Corruption Party33:33 The Ineffectiveness of Campaign Ads43:43 The Impact of Fundraising on Polarization49:41 Unethical Fundraising Practices57:12 Conclusion and Future Outlook

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Matt Robison hits his conservative Republican friend Matt Wylie with the toughest question for Republicans right now: when is all of this too much? When do you have to start fighting your own party? Wylie's answer was... surprising. They also address the erosion of rights and liberties under Trump and the necessity for core conservative Republicans to reclaim their party.04:30 Trump's UN Speech and Its Implications09:17 The MAGA Base and Political Strategy15:46 Challenges Within the Republican Party27:26 Republican Party's Identity Crisis34:10 Trump's Authoritarian Moves37:10 Democrats' Strategy and Future Elections40:30 Free Speech and Government Overreach46:57 The Role of Free Enterprise51:06 Concluding Thoughts on Political Landscape

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Is the Backlash the Beginning? Matt Robison is joined by author Greg Olear to discuss how blatant corruption and abuses of power by Donald Trump might be opening the door to the rise of a more focused opposition. From manipulating law enforcement to target his enemies, attacking free speech, financial corruption tied to his cabinet, the collapse of economic policy, and the erosion of U.S. soft power, the public's increasing disapproval of Trump might also mean an opportunity, if the nearly 50% of Americans who strongly disapprove of him can mobilize and target their energy.00:00 Introduction and Overview05:46 Discussion on Trump's Actions and Consequences12:20 Economic Policies and Public Discontent27:47 Midterms and Gerrymandering Concerns33:18 Trump's UN Speech and Global Reactions40:19 Trump's Corruption and Financial Ties56:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Beyond Politics: The Rapid Shifts in Trump's AmericaMatt Robison discusses the swift changes in the political landscape, focusing on Trump's increasing authoritarianism and its implications. Taken from Matt's recent interview on Howard Monroe's radio show, where they discussed the assassination of Charlie Kirk and Trump's reaction. Plus, Trump's takeover attempts in different sectors, the role of the courts, and the critical state of freedom of speech. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:34 The Charlie Kirk Assassination03:39 Discussion on Robert Redford06:30 Trump's Authoritarian Tactics19:51 The Role of Courts and Media27:17 Future Challenges and Conclusion

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Navigating the Kirk Crackdown: Democracy, Protests, and Vengeance. The Kirk crackdown has started. The shock and outrage that President Donald Trump and his orbit felt after the killing of Charlie Kirk has transformed into an all-out attack on political opponents, media, and people who dare offer any criticism of the administration. Former Congressman, prosecutor, and Obama National Co-Chairman Paul Hodes and political analyst Matt Robison hit provocative questions like whether institutions made a fundamental mistake early in Trump's term that led to disaster; if Americans need an "I Am Spartacus" moment; whether Democrats are walking into a shutdown trap; and will this show and all non-MAGA media get hit in the MAGA crackdown.00:00 Introduction 07:58 Gun Violence and Political Manipulation18:13 Economic Focus and Legal Battles35:14 Government Shutdown Debate49:48 The Role of Age and Experience in Politics57:15 Call to Action

**Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** The Judicial Branch Is Our Last Line of Defense Against Trump. Is It Holding?Join Matt Robison and legal expert Kim Wehle as they explore the judiciary's role in countering the unprecedented consolidation of power and abuse of the law by the Trump administration. Amid the collapse of checks from the executive and legislative branches, the conversation delves into whether the judicial branch can stand firm or if it's on the brink of collapse. This episode is a deep-dive into recent rulings, constitutional law, and the imperative for collective civic engagement to uphold democracy.00:00 Introduction and Overview06:26 The Supreme Court's Abdication of Duty18:25 Emergency Powers and Presidential Overreach26:34 The Role of Lower Courts32:53 The Importance of Rule of Law38:31 Supreme Court Rulings and Their Implications44:47 The Need for Constitutional Protections49:20 Engaging in Constructive Dialogue54:33 Final Thoughts and Call to Unity