The Muckrake Political Podcast

Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman open with the Iran war, where every incentive now runs against the United States: bases getting hit, stockpiles that were never replenished, the Houthis moving to choke off the Red Sea, and a president who responded to all of it with "I don't really care." Jared deteremines: Iran doesn't need to win anything, it just needs to keep bleeding a country that can't admit it lost. Then it's the Cyclospora outbreak sickening thousands across 34 states, and the FDA's suspiciously timed reversal clearing the mega-producer at the center of it, a case study in what monopolization plus a pay-to-play administration does to something as basic as being able to eat lettuce. Finally, two quieter stories with loud implications: the FBI has been told to stop investigating assaults involving ICE agents, and a new four-year visa cap for foreign students that could quietly demolish American PhD programs. If you want to support the show and get access to the Weekender every Friday, plus specials and live shows, become a patron at http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast. The Muckrake Podcast is independent media with no corporate backing, and it only exists because of listeners like you

This is only a preview of The Weekender. Want the rest? Sign up for our Patreon to hear the full episode every Friday, plus special Live Shows and access to our community discord: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman waited to record until after Trump's Thursday primetime speech, and both came out of it angrier than they expected. They break down what Jared calls one of the most consequential and openly authoritarian speeches an American president has ever given, delivered by a man who can barely read the Stephen Miller script in front of him. The speech claimed China compromised over 200 million voter profiles, that a deep state hid it all from Trump, that Barack Obama personally handled burn bags full of evidence, and that 280,000 noncitizens are on the voter rolls, with WhiteHouse.gov supposedly holding the proof. Nick actually went and checked. The site was down, and when it loaded there was not a single document. The pair walk through why none of this is really about 2020, and everything about building a permission structure to rig the 2026 midterms and beyond, how intelligence agencies purged of anyone competent now feed Trump whatever he wants to hear, and why the echoes of Iraq War cherry-picking should worry everyone. It closes on the media trap where even networks that refused to air the speech will now repeat its claims for months. What we're watching: Nick is working through A History of Violence, the Cronenberg film written by friend of the pod Josh Olson, and enjoying the Viggo Mortensen slow-burn. Jared put on the newish Superman and found it a case study in how wall-to-wall James Gunn quipping drains every scene of tension, though Lois Lane comes out looking great.

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman open on the death of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who came back from Ukraine feeling unwell, skipped medical treatment to go do Meet the Press, and then died at 71. They argue over the legacy: whether Graham was blackmailed into MAGA or was simply a weak, attention-hungry climber who traded his soul for a seat at the club, plus the parade of Democrats falling over themselves to mourn a man who spent a career pushing wars. From there it's the Mitch McConnell proof-of-life photo, the internet hunting for clues in an Adidas logo, and the darker truth underneath the conspiracy talk: a geriatric political class clinging to power long past the point of elder abuse. Then the New York Times bombshell that Israel recruited former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset and planned to install him after toppling the regime, a plan that fell apart when the Revolutionary Guard caught on. It closes on Trump gutting the Election Assistance Commission down to zero members while teasing a primetime speech about 2020, and why November may not be free or fair. Support the show by signing up to our Patreon to hear the full Weekender episode each Friday as well as special Live Shows and access to our community discord: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast

This is a preview of The Weekender. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to the full episode, plus special Live Shows and the community discord: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman open with the collapse of Graham Plattner's Senate run in Maine, and the ugly 11-minute video where the presumed nominee blamed powerful forces instead of taking any responsibility. They dig into what his exit means for the seat, why Susan Collins built her whole strategy around scandal, and the bigger trap facing anyone who tries to carry a genuine class-based movement without getting torched by their own party. From there it's Trump's corruption-mobile, the Qatari jet he abandoned for the old Air Force One over security worries, plus his NATO summit bullying and an instant-classic reference to the Islamic Republic of Japan. Then the main event: Mitch McConnell has been missing for nearly a month, and the pair work through whether he is convalescing, on life support, or being kept afloat by suspiciously identical 20-minute phone calls that his allies keep claiming to have. There is an August 3rd deadline, a Kentucky seat in the balance, and a wife who is somehow still in China. It closes with Mr. Beast admitting he hid GoPros in Walmarts to spy on his own crumbling candy bars, which is either a business story or one more sign the whole country is quietly coming apart.

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down the Graham Plattner Senate campaign finally hitting the wall it was always speeding toward, and neither of them pretends to be surprised. They walk through the accusation that dropped hours before recording, why the red flags were flying for months, and whether Janet Mills can salvage the Maine seat from Susan Collins without dragging the stink along. Then it's on to America's 250th birthday, a flyover-heavy festival of military hardware and stolen riches with a banking trail that runs straight to Trump's personal checking account. Trump also phoned FIFA to un-red-card his way to a better World Cup match, which somehow loops back to Christopher Steele, bribery, and the reliably rotten heart of the beautiful game. It all comes back to the sting of realizing you've been conned: the sudden fall of Freddy the German soccer fan, Michael Cohen angling to be the next Rush Limbaugh, and every "resistance" grifter who turned out to be in it for the money. Plus a check-in on Mitch McConnell's convalescence, and the mystery of why his wife suddenly needed to be in China. Support the show by signing up to our Patreon to hear the full Weekender episode each Friday as well as special Live Shows and access to our community discord: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast

This is a preview of The Weekender. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to the full episode every Friday, plus live shows and our community Discord: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman celebrate America's 250th birthday the only way this era allows: by tallying the $2 billion Donald Trump has pocketed since returning to the White House, most of it in untraceable crypto, plus 327 stock trades disclosed a year late and made conveniently close to his own tariff announcements. They trace the rot downward through emergency fertilizer imports, gutted nuclear safety rules, and Germany quietly shredding its sick leave. Then it's on to the Supreme Court's 6-3 birthright citizenship ruling, a rare win whose dissents double as a how-to guide for undoing it. Plus: Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom start circling Zohran Mamdani, and the guys discuss what political weathervanes tell you about which way the wind is blowing.

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman unpack the latest defensive maneuvers by centrist Democrats. The newly formed Promise to America coalition is scrambling to block progressive momentum following primary victories by politicians like Zohran Mamdani. Freezing rents and embracing class-based politics are proving highly popular but deeply threatening to the traditional party establishment. Shifting to the judicial branch reveals an equally turbulent landscape. A recent 6-3 Supreme Court decision just dismantled a 90-year precedent regarding the executive branch. The ruling allows the president to fire independent regulators at will while conveniently carving out a protective exemption for the Federal Reserve. This stark contrast exposes the underlying economic incentives shaping our current legal framework. Our co-hosts wrap up with a sobering look ahead at the nation's 250th anniversary. Decrepit conditions at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool serve as a grim metaphor for an ongoing existential crisis. Rather than a grand celebration of independence, the crumbling infrastructure perfectly mirrors the current state of the American experiment.

The podcast is entirely independent media with zero corporate backing. To support the show and unlock the full, uncut Weekender episodes, head over to patreon.com/muckrakepodcast. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman kick off the weekend edition of the podcast with a look at shocking election results and the intersection of entertainment and modern politics. The discussion covers progressive primary surges, intense establishment pushback, and a bizarre new theory regarding the death of nu metal. The New York Shift: Leftist candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani secure surprising victories in the New York primaries, including Brad Lander unseating incumbent Dan Goldman. Nick and Jared break down the significance of these primary wins and how a promise to address material conditions is changing the progressive landscape. Establishment Meltdown: The primary results trigger a wave of panic and overreaction from both the right wing and centrist Democrats like Hakeem Jeffries and Jamie Harrison. The discussion outlines an impending stress test for the future principles of the Democratic Party. Trump's Legislative Hostage Situation: Attention turns to the Trump administration as the president blocks a bipartisan housing bill. Jared details how corporate carve-outs allowed the bill to pass, while Trump holds it hostage in a bid to force an end to the filibuster for an anti-voting law. Reflecting Pool Retaliation: Meanwhile, security cracks down at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Surveillance and out-of-state law enforcement are being deployed to manufacture "Antifa culprits" for the peeling paint and algae caused by the administration's own rush job. Tucker's Tweener Turn: Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson makes the rounds claiming he can no longer support the Republican Party. Jared analyzes this shift as a calculated, mercenary move to position himself for a future political comeback. The Woodstock '99 Nu Metal Conspiracy: A viral right-wing theory claims that the elites intentionally killed off nu metal and bands like Limp Bizkit to prevent an angry white male revolution. Nick and Jared debunk this framing, demonstrating how the death of rock was actually driven by corporate monopolies and streaming shifts rather than a cultural Marxist plot. Weekend Reviews & Brain Rot: To wrap up, Nick gives a scathing review of Steven Spielberg's overlong new film Disclosure Day, prompting a trip down memory lane comparing it to Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Arrival. Plus, Jared shares his ongoing psychological torment over a legendary Black Eyed Peas earworm.

Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman review recent shifts in global politics. The discussion begins by examining the legacy of Alan Greenspan. They detail how his monetary policies and devotion to Ayn Rand laid the groundwork for modern neoliberalism. UK Leadership Collapse: Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister amidst plummeting approval ratings. Jared and Nick explore how this signifies a broader rejection of centrist politics. Andrew Burnham is poised to potentially shift the Labour Party leftward. Vetting Failures: Attention then shifts to reports regarding Tulsi Gabbard. Her connections to Chris Butler and the Science of Identity Foundation highlight massive vetting failures within the Democratic Party. The conversation reveals how cult influence mirrors the mechanics of corporate think tanks. Soft Power: The episode scrutinizes Ezra Klein's defense of Peter Thiel's private Dialog conference. Jared breaks down the insidious nature of elite networking. Cults of Denial: Finally, they examine Donald Trump's claims about the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Rather than accepting basic science regarding algae, the former president blames political subterfuge. This serves as a metaphor for the reality-denying nature of political cults. Support independent media by joining the Patreon community. Become a patron at patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to gain access to weekend episodes and keep the podcast editorially independent.

Visit patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to join the Patreon and support independent media. Gain access to the full Weekender episodes to keep the show ad-free. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman analyze Donald Trump's farcical new memorandum of understanding signed at the Palace of Versailles. The administration is suddenly defending Iran's right to ballistic missiles and nuclear programs. Jared explains how foreign adversaries successfully bypassed American interests by appealing directly to Trump's ego and financial greed. Reports even indicate Iranian officials consulted dementia specialists to manipulate the negotiations. A leaked detail exposes a potential dual-toll system on the Strait of Hormuz to enrich political insiders. Blatant corruption hits the legal system as Trump appoints his personal defense lawyer to lead the Southern District of New York. Concurrently, FBI Director Kash Patel faces scrutiny over an alleged slush fund distributed to loyalists. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is weaponizing anti-terrorism laws against citizens in Minnesota as authorities arrested over a dozen local protesters who resisted an ICE operation. Nick and Jared examine a leaked list revealing members of a secret society led by tech billionaire Peter Thiel. High-profile political figures attended these private meetings to discuss global collapse. Finally, Nick reviews the disaster film Greenland while Jared shares his unique obsession with highway infrastructure.

Visit patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to join the Patreon, support the ad-free show, and gain access to the Weekender, special events, and the Discord server. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down Donald Trump's highly publicized 80th birthday peace plan, which is actually just an extension of the ceasefire with Iran. Jared details the staggering public and private costs, including $24 billion in unfrozen assets and a minimum of $300 billion in American-funded war reparations to a nation whose entire GDP matches that amount. While JD Vance takes to the airwaves to compare the deal to the unconditional surrenders of World War II, Nick and Jared expose the framework as a massive vehicle for market manipulation designed to kick economic and energy consequences down the road while bypassing crucial nuclear considerations. The corporate circus continues on the front lawn of the White House, which Trump transformed into an octagon for UFC 250. The duo reacts to the garish spectacle, which included fighter entrances from the Oval Office, flyovers, and fighter Josh Hoke's bizarre post-fight interview antics. They also dig into the deleted tweet controversy involving Eric Trump allegedly hunting for insider fighter data to place bets via direct message. Finally, they confront the reality of unchecked tech capitalism as Elon Musk officially becomes the world's first trillionaire, propped up by billions in government subsidies to form a new tech-military-industrial complex. The hosts close with a look at the quiet, bipartisan surrender to artificial intelligence as the Trump administration readies to buy shares in OpenAI while competitors like Anthropic warn of autonomous self-replication.

To hear the full episode and support the show, become a patron at patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman reunite after Nick's trip to Washington, where the Constitution turns out to be as faded on the page as it is in practice. The two ask the question nobody in power wants asked out loud: if Donald Trump orders a strike on Iran, will the military actually carry it out? They trace the madman theory back to Nixon's Watergate breakdown, poke holes in the suspiciously cinematic tale of the rescued pilot, and follow the Epstein story behind the curtain, where JD Vance, Dan Bongino, and Susie Wiles sang to reporters while Pam Bondi got shoved under the bus for promising files the White House never intended to release. It all points to an administration that can't contain its own contradictions, let alone a war. The guys close with what they're watching, including Bradley Cooper's latest and the marketing blitz around Disclosure Day.

Nick Hauselman is out and about for business, so it's a Professor Jared episode. Jared Yates Sexton runs through recent developments, including a changing paradigm in the Middle East as Iran resumes attacks against Israel, the alliance between the U.S. and Israel strains, the Trump Administration destroying one of the marvels of modern science, and gets into the situation with Graham Platner in Maine. To support the show and gain access to Friday's bonus Weekender show, head over to ⁠http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast⁠ and become a patron. If you're interested in checking out Jared's Dispatches From A Collapsing State, you can find it at ⁠http://jaredyatessexton.substack.com⁠

Visit Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to join the Patreon today for exclusive access to the weekend edition every Friday, live specials, and bonus coverage. Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a week filled with corporate raiding and political theater on this edition of The Weekender. The conversation kicks off with Donald Trump nominating former housing executive Bill Pulte to replace Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. They analyze how this appointment signals a private equity approach to governing, where state power is handed directly to the wealth class while cutting out the middle manager. The guys also take a look at the House of Representatives passing a symbolic War Powers resolution regarding Iran, highlighting the conflicting financial incentives between local used-car barons and federal oligarchs. Finally, they investigate the curious disappearance of Representative Tom Kean Jr. from Capitol Hill before diving into a nostalgic review of Planes, Trains and Automobiles and the unexpected creepiness of rewatching The Wonder Years.

Visit patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to join the Patreon, support the ad-free show, and get access to the Weekender, special events, and the Discord server. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman unpack a crucial day of reckoning as Iran officially ends negotiations with the United States. With fuel reserves dwindling and the Strait of Hormuz facing a total shutdown, the inevitable energy and economic crises are poised to deepen. Jared shares insights from a recent security briefing regarding Iran's long-term strategy, backed by China, while Nick analyzes the regional chess moves involving Israel and Lebanon. The duo also pushes back on Donald Trump's latest Truth Social claims regarding his supposed phone calls with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah. The conversation then shifts north to a troubling report from the Global Center for Democratic Resilience. The intelligence reveals that American and Russian influencers are actively collaborating to fuel the separatist debate in Alberta, Canada. Jared and Nick break down how this state-organized crime operates on the margins, drawing historical parallels to the annexation of Texas and Vladimir Putin's use of green little men. Finally, they audit the Democratic Party's newly unveiled Project 2029 platform. From corporate utility monopolies to the annoyance economy, they question why vital working-class issues like billionaire taxation, anti-corruption, and reproductive rights are completely missing from the plan. They close the episode navigating the messy landscape of modern political scandals, including the latest allegations against Maine senate candidate Graham Platner.

Head over to Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to become a patron and support the show and unlock the full episode. Your support keeps us editorially independent and completely ad-free. We have no corporate backing whatsoever, so we need your help more than ever to keep going and give you access to our exclusive Weekender episodes, Discord discussion, and Live Shows. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a seismic shift in Texas politics after Attorney General Ken Paxton handedly unseated longtime Senator John Cornyn in the GOP primary. The hosts analyze how this "shellacking" reflects the radicalization of the Republican party and what it means for the upcoming general election against Democratic candidate James Talarico. They also examine the effectiveness of Talarico's campaign strategies and the reactionary attacks already being leveled against him. The conversation then shifts to a deteriorating international landscape. The team discusses rumored deals and ongoing military strikes involving Iran as an economic red line approaches on June 1st. They also dive into leaked reports of a potential 48-hour invasion plan for Cuba and the sudden drawdown of U.S. forces intended to bolster NATO in Europe. Later, the show highlights a humanitarian crisis occurring at home. Hundreds of prisoners at an ICE detention center in Newark are currently on a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions. The discussion covers reported suicides within these facilities and the lack of accountability for private prison groups like Geo Group. To wrap up the weekender, Nick shares his thoughts on the miscasting of the new live-action Spider-Noir series. Jared provides a recommendation for the eerie, stylized psychological horror film Broadcast Signal Intrusion

Welcome to the Memorial Day episode of the Muckrake Podcast where co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman examine the Trump administration's claims of an imminent peace deal with Iran. While officials project optimism about an agreement, US fuel reserves are decreasing alongside steadily climbing grocery prices for everyday Americans. Furthermore, global trade dynamics are actively shifting as Iran bypasses sanctions to sell massive volumes of oil to China using ships with disabled transponders. Back in Washington, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has resigned from her post. Her departure highlights a significant power shift toward neoconservatives like Marco Rubio as discussions about a potential invasion of Cuba circulate among top officials. Meanwhile, JD Vance is reportedly reconsidering his political future following recent administrative struggles. Leaks indicate he might delay his presidential ambitions until 2032 to distance himself from current unpopularity, particularly after an awkward appearance at a private dinner hosted by Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. Finally, Pope Leo has published a comprehensive 42,000-word encyclical critiquing the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. The pontiff is demanding strict government regulation to protect the labor market and prevent potential military misuse. This unprecedented document firmly positions church leadership against major Silicon Valley executives. Head over to Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to support the show and keep our coverage editorially independent.

You are listening to a preview of the Weekender. To unlock the full episode, join our community discord, and get exclusive access to live shows, head over to https://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to become a supporter today. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman pull back the curtain on a weekend edition that tackles a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. The guys break down unsettling new details from the Congressional Research Service regarding US aircraft losses in Iran. The illusion of a cease-fire is crumbling as intelligence reports reveal an empowered adversary rearming in plain sight. With the Strait of Hormuz facing a permanent toll system and cyber threats looming over the domestic grid, the crisis is hitting a dangerous new phase. Later, they examine the sudden passing of former Representative Barney Frank and the complex, frustrating legacy left behind by his final public comments.

The worst-case scenario has officially come to fruition. In this episode of the Muckrake Podcast, co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman unpack the devastating fallout from the recent U.S. presidential trip to China. They break down how a historic summit led to total capitulation, with a public agreement that America is a nation in decline and the functional handover of global leadership. The Iran Bloodbath Plan: Deconstructing leaked military intelligence reports detailing an insane, high-risk special operations proposal to excavate buried uranium in Iran. The 1.776 Billion Dollar Slush Fund: A look into the newly announced Truth and Justice Commission, which functions as a political spoils system designed to reward loyalists and allies. The Cuban Pretext: How a catastrophic energy blackout in Cuba is being met with a shoddy intelligence narrative regarding 300 drones targeting American cities. Operation Northwoods and the Church Committee: A historical dive into what congressional investigations previously uncovered about the lengths to which military and intelligence apparatuses will go to manufacture consent for war. Star Wars and Social Media: A hilarious warning from Jared about the unexpected dangers of sharing a casual film critique on the internet.

This is a preview of our Weekender episode. Visit http://patreon.com/muckrakrpodcast to unlock this and every full Friday episode. The boys are back for a humdinger of a weekend edition. We open with a historic and massive moment: Donald Trump has landed in China for a summit with Xi Jinping. The corporate media will not tell you the truth, but the reality is that the United States is there to beg for an exit strategy in Iran. We discuss why this moment feels like the fall of the Berlin Wall or Great Britain leaving Hong Kong—the official beginning of the end for the American empire and the world order as we know it. We also dive into: The Terminal Descent: Why the inextricable link between the decline of American hegemony and a self-serving, incurious tyrant like Trump is no coincidence. The Third Option: Analysis of the high-stakes leverage China holds and the concessions the U.S. might be forced to make regarding Taiwan and rare earth access. The Great American Road Trip: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is filming a reality TV show sponsored by the very airlines and corporations he is supposed to regulate. Chaos in the UK: Keir Starmer and the Labor Party eat shit in local elections, proving that technocratic "Third Way" centrism is a hollow failure. Reviving Camelot: The bizarre campaign of Jack Schlossberg, JFKs grandson, who is currently blowing off fundraisers for naps and paddle-boarding while sitting on a 32 million dollar trust fund. YouTube Face and the Algorithm: A classic Jared rant on how tech oligarchs use thumbnails and quick cuts to domesticate human behavior through fascist algorithms.

This week, co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman examine the crumbling facade of the Trump administration as their one page peace proposal is sent back by Iran. With the Middle East slipping further out of control, Donald Trump is heading to China to prostrate himself before Xi Jinping. But he is not going alone. He is bringing the actual bosses of the United States Elon Musk and Tim Cook, to help beg for an exit strategy (but really to enrich themselves). They also breakdown: The Economic Indicator Trap: Why your Trader Joes bill is a ticking time bomb and what $7 diesel in Indiana tells us about the shipping corridors of the future. The Marco-mentum Mirage: The corporate medias attempt to launder Secretary of State Marco Rubio into the future of the Republican Party despite his history of failure. Gerrymandering the Resistance: A look at the states from Alabama to Virginia scrambling to redistrict and disenfranchise voters following the gutting of the Voting Rights Act. Golden Calves and False Idols: The literal unveiling of a golden Trump statue by evangelicals and the deep psychological wounds driving modern cult worship. Support the show by subscribing to our patreon at http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast and unlock lots of content including our full Weekender episode on Fridays, live shows, and access to our Discord chat.

This is a free preview of our Weekender episode. Unlock the whole podcast and get access to our Discord and Live Show by visiting: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast The Boys are back in town and the world is moving faster than ever. This week, we dive into the "Groundhog Day" nightmare of U.S. foreign policy as the administration begs China to help broker a deal with Iran. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is pushing back against U.S. hegemony, and economic "zero hour" is fast approaching with a potential June 1st deadline for total fiscal meltdown. We also discuss: The Next Pandemic?: A cruise ship quarantine involving human-to-human hantavirus transmission and why firing CDC inspectors was a catastrophic mistake. Betting on Democracy: New reports of campaign staffers using insider information to place bets on elections and the dangerous rise of predictive markets. The Unserious Empire: From Kash Patel's personal bourbon transport to the "Uno card" strategy of modern diplomacy. Culture Watch: Nick's Broadway trip, the decline of There's Something About Mary, and why The Greatest American Hero is a time capsule for special education in the 80s.

Our boy Nick Hauselman is out and about, leaving Jared Yates Sexton to man the Muckrake desk. In this episode he breaks down the worsening energy crisis, escalations In the Strait of Hormuz, as well Right Wing personalities losing backing and a Neo-Neoliberal plot to seize the machinery of the Democratic Party. To support the show and also gain access to The Weekender episodes on Friday, head over to http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast and become a patron.

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a series of national and global collapses in this Weekender edition of the Muckrake Podcast. They analyze the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision regarding Louisiana's voting maps, arguing that the ruling effectively dismantles the Voting Rights Act and signals a return to an era of disenfranchisement. The conversation shifts to the intensifying energy crisis and the indefinite stalemate in Iran. With the UAE withdrawing from OPEC and Saudi Arabia's sovereign fund feeling the squeeze, the duo discusses the fracturing of the petrodollar and the potential for regional conflict. They also take aim at the Democratic Party's recent policy shifts under Hakeem Jeffries, questioning the focus on building data centers for AI while regular Americans face rising energy bills and job insecurity. To wrap things up, the guys find refuge in cinema and comedy. They discuss the brilliance of the Coen brothers, the nuanced acting of Oscar Isaac in Inside Llewyn Davis, and why Fargo remains a perfect lens for viewing the pitfalls of capitalism. Support Independent Media: Become a patron at Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to help keep the show editorially independent.

The surreal nature of Saturday night at the Washington Hilton has left the country in a state of collective dismay. In this episode, co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman analyze the intersection of political violence, the erosion of load-bearing institutions, and the ethical crossroads facing people of conscience. The conversation centers on the manifesto of the thirty-one year old alleged assailant. The hosts explore the rational or extreme moral arguments used to justify such actions. They delve into the widows fantasy and the psychological impact of living under an administration that many experience as an abusive relationship. The discussion also highlights a neo-feudal shift in Washington which includes the literal and metaphorical distance created by top secret bunkers and the removal of authoritarian agents from the general population. Finally, the hosts reflect on the persecution of the good guys and whether the social contract can ever be restored. Support us at ⁠Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast⁠.

This is a free preview of the Weekender Episode. To listen to the whole episode and unlock more features like exclusive live shows and access to our discord, visit http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast and become a patron. Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down the alarming institutional reaction to the Democratic victory in Virginia, where a circuit court judge barred the passage of redistricting despite a clear majority vote. They discuss how this bright spot for democracy was immediately met with a legal stay, reinforcing the reality that citizens may no longer be able to simply vote their way out of a system where the institutions have been co-opted to prevent actual reform. The conversation turns to the Heritage Foundation's white paper that provides a legal roadmap for the GOP to overturn future elections by targeting mail-in ballots in Democratic powerhouses like California and Illinois. Jared and Nick also analyze the wild coyote economy, where global energy shortages are leading to data rationing in the UK and a looming bailout for Spirit Airlines. Finally, the team examines the bid to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell and takes a detour into Marvel's Wonder Man to see if independent creativity can survive corporate capture. This comes even as the train is starting to really wobble on the tracks.

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman dive into the "psychosexual disaster" of the current administration, starting with the total meltdown at the FBI. They break down the bombshell reports regarding Director Kash Patel, whose alleged bouts of excessive drinking have left his security detail unable to wake him—once even prompting a request for "breaching equipment" to reach the director. The guys discuss if Patel's incompetence is actually a weird form of luck, keeping him from making even more disastrous decisions while the "train really starts to wobble on the tracks." The conversation shifts to the crumbling global order as the war in the Middle East intensifies. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and cruise ships "speed running" through the chaos, Jared and Nick analyze the "Humpty Dumpty" state of the petrodollar. As the UAE and Saudi Arabia look for currency bailouts and reconsider their cultural investments, it's clear that the material conditions are rapidly lining up against American interests. Finally, the show examines the leaked Supreme Court memos from 2016 that pull back the curtain on Chief Justice John Roberts. While he cultivates a public image of "care and caution," the papers reveal him acting as a "bulldozer" to protect corporate property rights over climate action. These documents expose how the Court functions as a check on democracy to ensure the economic project of the moneyed class remains untouched. To support the show and keep us editorially independent and ad-free, head over to Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast.

Nick Hauselman is joined by Jason Neidleman, a political science professor at the University of La Verne, to dissect a bizarre week in global diplomacy. While ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran stall out in Pakistan after 21 hours, President Trump and his Secretary of State are nowhere near the table, opting instead to attend a UFC match. The duo discusses the "derangement theory" of Trump's foreign policy, the strategic sidelining of J.D. Vance, and whether Jared Kushner is using high-stakes peace talks to pitch private investment funds. The conversation also covers the surprising defeat of Viktor Orbán in Hungary despite an unprecedented campaign stump from the American Vice President. Nick and Jason explore the "tit-for-tat" escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump's surreal midnight attacks on the Pope, and his sudden pivot against Alex Jones. Finally, they examine the political fallout of Eric Swalwell's sudden exit from the California gubernatorial race following allegations of misconduct. Support the show and get the Weekender at Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast.

Nick Hauselman is out of pocket, so Jared Yates Sexton recorded a Professor Jared episode that's also a joint episode with his series Audio From A Collapsing State getting into Tuesday's apocalypse scare, the "ceasefire" that is secretly a surrender, and what to expect moving forward - spoiler, the fighting likely isn't over. This is a free preview of the Weekender. To hear the whole episode, and to also support the show, head over to http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast and become a patron.

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a chaotic weekend in American foreign policy as the official narrative of a dramatic military rescue in Iran begins to unravel. While the government claims a heroic recovery of a missing weapons officer, the details point toward a massive cover-up of a failed special operations ambush near a nuclear site. The duo explores the staggering loss of military hardware and the purge of knowledgeable experts like General Randy George that has left the U.S. command vulnerable. The episode also tackles Donald Trump's unhinged Easter posts threatening war crimes and his bizarre public disclosure of alleged CIA gun-running operations through the Kurds. With a new 2027 budget proposing a record $1.5 trillion in military spending while gutting domestic agencies, it appears the administration is abandoning diplomacy for a total war footing. From the "peasant mindset" of modern governance to the looming echoes of pre-World War conditions, Jared and Nick examine why the institutions designed to save us are failing in real time. Support the show and get the Weekender at Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast.

This is a free preview of the Weekender edition of the podcast. In order to unlock the full episode, as well as live shows, the mailbag, and exclusive access to our Discord server, head over to Patreon.com/MuckrakePodcast. Your support keeps this project going and keeps us editorially independent. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a national address from Donald Trump that played out like a second-grader trying to fake his way through a book report. Between the threats to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age and the bizarre claim that the Strait of Hormuz will just "naturally" reopen, the performance was a desperate attempt to stall for time as market futures cratered. The conversation digs into the grim reality behind the rhetoric, featuring an administration paralyzed by the choice between a catastrophic ground war and a global economic depression. We also look at the exit of Pam Bondi from the DOJ. Whether it's a mutual destruction pact over the Epstein files or a move to bring in a more aggressive interim AG like Todd Blanche, the corruption is out in the open. The episode also covers the Supreme Court battle over birthright citizenship, the Chinese hack of the FBI's surveillance systems, and the psychosexual disaster of the modern GOP—specifically the "bimbo-ification" and roleplay scandals surrounding Brian and Kristi Noem. To wrap things up, the guys share their Weekender recommendations, including a look at the chaotic documentary chronicling the disaster of Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis.

Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman analyze a flurry of conflicting signals regarding potential boots-on-the-ground operations in Iran. While the Pentagon floats plans for "weeks-long" missions, Donald Trump's recent interviews suggest a far more indefinite and chaotic strategy involving oil seizures and uranium. The duo explores the disconnect between military reality and the "professional" regime change narratives being fed to a leader who seems increasingly lost in the tides of history. The conversation then shifts to the psychological toll of authoritarianism, sparked by reports that the acting head of ICE has been hospitalized twice for stress-related issues. Jared and Nick discuss how the human spirit repels the work of oppression and why the "banality of evil" eventually breaks those tasked with carrying it out. Finally, they look toward Russia, where rumors of a coup against Vladimir Putin highlight the ultimate misery of the modern dictator. In this episode: The "Bar Fight" analogy: Why Iran won't back down and why Trump is locked in. Modern warfare: Drones, robots, and the tragic return of flag-draped coffins. The "Wile E. Coyote" economy and the impending rug pull. A retrospective on 9/11, Al Gore, and how the "Liberal Order" finally broke.

Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a week of absolute cognitive dissonance: a President receiving military briefings via two-minute "action" reels, an economy that seems to be running on Wile E. Coyote physics, and a landmark legal reckoning for the tech giants who built our fractured reality. From charging electric cars at gas stations that sell steak to the "suicide mission" plans for Kharg Island, it's a deep dive into the crumbling facade of the American empire. The Michael Bay Briefing: NBC reveals that Donald Trump's primary source for Iran war updates is a "things blowing up" compilation. The Wile E. Coyote Economy: Why the markets remain eerily calm while the petrodollar system is in flames. The Great Tech Reckoning: Landmark judgments against Meta and YouTube for mental health damages could be the "Big Tobacco moment" for Silicon Valley. The CBS Exodus: Ratings are cratering as the network pivots toward billionaire-friendly propaganda. Culture Corner: Nick struggles through the "dystopian burnout" of Paradise, while Jared survives the 760-page psychological warfare of Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow. If you're listening to this preview, head over to Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to become a patron. You'll get access to the full show, live chats, and Q&A sessions. We remain editorially independent and ad-free because of your support.

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman take stock of a government too broke to staff its own airports and an administration whose solution is to flood them with ICE agents. An idea that originated, no joke, with a caller to the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. From there, the guys trace the authoritarian logic of filling institutional vacuums with paramilitary loyalists, and what that means for the next time you try to catch a flight. They also dig into Trump's Iran ultimatum that expired without consequence, the fake negotiations that briefly bounced the markets back up, and why every country on earth is currently doing the math on going nuclear. And if you think Russia planning a fake assassination of Viktor Orban sounds familiar, Jared and Nick have some thoughts on that too. Support the show by signing up to our Patreon to hear the full Weekender episode each Friday as well as special Live Shows and access to our community discord: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast 00:00 Mercury in Retrograde 01:26 ICE at the Airports 07:23 Fascism Fills the Vacuum 09:20 TSA Was Always Security Theater 16:08 Iran's Ultimatum That Wasn't 20:20 Europe Bails, the Petrodollar Wobbles 27:33 Fertilizer, Fuel, and Food Prices 31:34 Democrats Move Against Schumer 38:05 Operation Game Changer 43:33 Butler PA and the USS Gerald Ford

This is a preview of our Weekender show. To listen to the whole show and unlock lots of extras like access to our Discord discussion and Live Shows, become a patron at http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman dive into the escalating strikes on Iranian oil refineries and the potential death of the petrodollar to the "Two Pricks Protocol" on display during the Markwayne Mullin confirmation hearings, the guys break down the evolutionary progress toward "stupid fascism." 00:00 — Personal Christmas: NCAA tournament talk and Wisconsin's "dreaded" 5-seed. 01:10 — Black Gold: The speed run toward economic collapse via Iranian oil strikes. 10:40 — Event Horizon: How America bet the empire on a finite substance. 20:10 — Nuclear Newt: Gingrich mistakes satire for a viable military strategy. 30:50 — Two Pricks Protocol: A masterclass in punchable pedantry between Paul and Mullen. 40:20 — Watch List: Deep dives into Begonia and the capitalist insanity of Neighbors.

Co-hosts Nick Hauselman and Jared Yates Sexton analyze a world barreling toward escalation as the Trump administration stares down a closed Strait of Hormuz. While the American economy teeters, European allies have begun navigating their own paths, negotiating directly with Iran and signaling a massive fracture in the Western alliance. The duo examines the disconnect between military reality and the hubris of an administration that seems to have ignored the tactical nightmares of Persian topography and drone warfare. From the potential collapse of the petrodollar to the suspicious timing of Chinese military sorties around Taiwan, the conversation maps out the crumbling of the American global order. This episode also dives into the bizarre rift between Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson. With Carlson alleging a CIA-led criminal referral against him, Nick and Jared peel back the layers of deep politics, investigating whether this is a genuine investigation or a shot across the bow in a brewing far-right civil war. Join our patreon and unlock a lot of great content like Live Shows and our Discord discussion: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast

Support the show by signing up to our Patreon and get access to the full Weekender episode each Friday as well as special Live Shows and access to our community discord at patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Nick Hauselman returns to join Jared Yates Sexton just in time to survey a global landscape that grows more barren by the second. This week, the pair dives deep into the worsening quagmire in the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration's "mission accomplished" rhetoric has met the cold reality of an Iranian "kill box." As the economic soil thins and the President takes strategic advice from a Vladimir Putin phone call, Jared and Nick wonder if there's any off-ramp left before the drone footage starts hitting home. These analysts also examine the absurd dominance rituals currently defining the West Wing. This includes Kash Patel's pathetic UFC-inspired FBI training alongside the strange revelation that JD Vance and Marco Rubio are clomping around in oversized $150 Florsheim shoes. The episode wraps with some much-needed cultural escapism. They discuss the perfection of Silence of the Lambs and the disco-country stylings of Johnny Blue Skies. It's a world where the adults have left the building. The guys in charge are more worried about their shoe size than a global supply chain collapse. Buckle in for a bumpy weekend.

Nick Hauselman is out, leaving Jared Yates Sexton to handle operations. In this episode, Jared gets into the weeds regarding the quagmire in Iran, where the U.S. has no plan and things keep trending in the direction of chaos and destruction. With each passing day, off-ramps continue to disappear, so what are we to make of this crisis? To support the show, head over to http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast and become a patron. You'll gain access to the Friday Weekender episode and future live shows, including mailbags where Jared and Nick answer your questions.

The humiliation of Kristi Noem is finally complete as co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman discuss Donald Trump shipping her off to a fake "envoy" role to make room for Senator Mark Wayne Mullen. It is a transition from calculated propaganda to pure, unadulterated incompetence at the head of the DHS. While the administration celebrates the end of "woke" military restraint, the actual war in Iran is turning into a localized catastrophe. A recent strike on an Iranian school has claimed the lives of over 100 children because a hallucinating AI program flagged it as a military target. This is the new face of American warfare where accountability is offloaded to an algorithm while Pete Hegseth postures on cable news. We are burning a billion dollars a day on a conflict that has no exit strategy and a commander-in-chief who treats war crimes like a branding exercise.

The U.S. and Israel have officially decapitated the Iranian leadership. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down the first 48 hours of a conflict that is rapidly spiraling out of control. While the administration claims a swift victory, the reality suggests a massive regional war is only just beginning. Donald Trump is already shifting his timeline for the conflict in every media appearance. The hosts examine his rambling press availability where he discussed military projections and ballroom curtains in the same breath. It is clear that the leader of the free world has no long-term goal for this campaign. The conversation dives into the terrifying logistics of the Iranian response. Iran is currently firing missiles in all directions to test the limits of American munitions. The hosts discuss the high cost of defense and the possibility of running out of interceptors within weeks. This episode also covers growing dissent within the American military apparatus. Leaks from the officer class suggest the Pentagon explicitly warned against this strike. Finally, the duo looks at domestic fallout and the immediate push for authoritarian crackdowns. The empire is flagging and the people at the wheel are currently eating the game piec

Is this the start of a wider war, or just the opening punch of something worse? In this emergency episode, Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman react to the U.S. and Israel launching a joint attack on Iran. They talk through the removal of the Ayatollah, the immediate retaliation across the region, and what it means when the Strait of Hormuz effectively closes. They dig into Trump popping up at Mar-a-Lago looking wrecked, floating regime change fantasies, and shrugging at the idea that Americans might die. They ask what the end game is when missile strikes cannot create a new government and when boots on the ground is the only ugly path that even pretends to answer that question. They also hit the corruption story underneath it, the bipartisan permission structure forming in real time, and the nightmare detail that Kash Patel is running the FBI if blowback comes home. It's Saturday. Everything is fine.

Is this the start of a wider war, or just the opening punch of something worse? In this emergency episode, Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman react to the U.S. and Israel launching a joint attack on Iran. They talk through the removal of the Ayatollah, the immediate retaliation across the region, and what it means when the Strait of Hormuz effectively closes. They dig into Trump popping up at Mar-a-Lago looking wrecked, floating regime change fantasies, and shrugging at the idea that Americans might die. They ask what the end game is when missile strikes cannot create a new government and when boots on the ground is the only ugly path that even pretends to answer that question. They also hit the corruption story underneath it, the bipartisan permission structure forming in real time, and the nightmare detail that Kash Patel is running the FBI if blowback comes home. It's Saturday. Everything is fine.