The Pod Complex with Rick Ungar

How much do you pay for your meds? Given the skyrocketing price of pharmaceutical drugs, probably way too much. So how do we solve that problem? Rick talks with Peter Pitts, former FDA Associate Commissioner and President and co-founder of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest.

Is the Green New Deal a Good Deal? And can a national infrastructure project help the environment? Rick talks with Kevin DeGood about how America's infrastructure and climate change go hand in hand. Kevin DeGood is the director of Infrastructure Policy at American Progress. His work focuses on how highway, transit, aviation, and maritime policy affect America's global competitiveness, access to opportunity for diverse communities, and environmental sustainability.

Rick discusses the tweets of Ilhan Omar on AIPAC and talks with Richard Manning on the state of the economy under Donald Trump. Richard Manning is the President of Americans for Limited Government. He worked directly with President Trump on trade issues during Trump's run for office. Manning also serves on Trump's transition team in the Labor Department. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick delves into the President Trump and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin's recent statements about socialism and talks with Alex Shephard about the possible presidential candidacy of Howard Schultz. Alex Shephard is a staff writer at The New Republic.

How did conservatives respond to Trump's State Of The Union address? Rick talks with Stacy Washington to find out. Stacy Washington, co-chair of the Project 21 National Advisory Board, is a wife and mom of three fantastic kids. She hosts the nationally syndicated Stacy on the Right Show, broadcast on Urban Family Talk and American Family Radio weekdays from 2-4pm Central out of St. Louis, Missouri. Stacy is an Emmy-nominated TV personality and an Air Force Veteran. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick talks about the realities of implementing medicare-for-all and chats with Rick Wilson about the State of The Union Address and the news of the day. Rick Wilson is a Republican consultant and Daily Beast columnist. He's the author of the upcoming book Everything Trump Touches Dies: A Republican Strategist Gets Real About the Worst President Ever.

Why is the Trump Administration reducing the number of drug options with regard to Medicare? Rick exposes stealth Medicare coverage discrimination and talks with William Ogburn about the situation in Venezuela and the Russian nuke treaty. William Ogborn is a strategic communications and public diplomacy expert with a highly successful track record as both a director and strategist for US government entities--the US House of Representatives, the US Departments of Defense (DOD), State (DOS), and Commerce(DOC); and USAID--as well as NATO and other private companies. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Why is Trump fighting with his intel chiefs? Rick examines the state of President Trump's conflict with the facts and has a conversation with Dana Milbank. Dana Milbank is a nationally syndicated op-ed columnist with the Washington Post. He also provides political commentary for various TV outlets, and he is the author of three books on politics, including the national bestseller “Homo Politicus.” You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick delves into the topic of cybersecurity in America with Morgan Wright and asks why Trump is so often at odds with the experts. Morgan Wrightan expert on cybersecurity strategy, cyberterrorism, identity theft and privacy. He previously worked as a senior adviser in the U.S. State Department Antiterrorism Assistance Program and as senior law enforcement adviser for the 2012 Republican National Convention. 

How do we pay for Medicare For All? Rick may have the answer as he talks with guest Merrill Matthews and has some advice for presidential candidates. Dr. Merrill Matthews is a resident scholar with the Institute for Policy Innovation.

Could former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz become president? Rick discusses the question and brings on guest, Salena Zito. Salena Zito joined Washington Examiner in 2016 as a Pittsburgh-based columnist and reporter, and is also a columnist at the New York Post. She is the author of The Great Revolt. She's a CNN contributor. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick compares two wealthy Americans - J.B. Ptizker and Wilbur Ross - and their very different reactions to the government shutdown. Plus, John Solomon joins the show to discuss his investigative reporting into the FBI. John Solomon is an award-winning investigative journalist whose work over the years has exposed U.S. and FBI intelligence failures before the Sept. 11 attacks, federal scientists' misuse of foster children and veterans in drug experiments, and numerous cases of political corruption. He is The Hill's executive vice president for video. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick asks whether Congress should add back earmark funding for members of Congress and talks with Eric Segall about the latest cases coming before the Supreme Court. Eric Segall is the Kathy and Lawrence Ashe Professor of Law at Georgia State University and the author of Supreme Myths: Why the Supreme Court Is Not a Court. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick asks whether political outsiders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will be able to make progress in the swamp that is Washington DC. Alice Stewart joins rick to discuss the government shutdown. She's a CNN Political Commentator, veteran Senior Communications Advisor on numerous presidential campaigns and an Emmy Award winning journalist.

Rick takes a break from politics and talks about... The Beatles! His guest is Ken Mansfield, the Beatles' US manager of their Apple Records label and their personal liaison between the UK and the US. His new book is The Roof: The Beatles' Final Concert.

Was House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrong to suggest the State Of The Union Address be submitted in writing or postponed until after the government shutdown? Rick discusses this and other aspects of our current national morass with Andrew C. McCarthy is a contributing editor at National Review, a senior fellow at the National Review Institute, and a Fox News contributor. He is a former Chief Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York and led the terrorism prosecution against the “Blind Sheikh” (Omar Abdel Rahman). You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

What set off the radical polarization of American politics and why was the year 1974 so critical in out political history? Rick discusses the topic with Julian Zelizer is a historian at Princeton University and a CNN Political Analyst. He's the co-author with Kevin Kruse of Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974.

Rick delves into the questionable tactics that Donald Trump is using against Michael Cohen and discusses Democratic strategy and policy with Chris Hahn, Fox News contributor and former aide to Senator Chuck Schumer. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

It's not just the left that hates the idea of a border wall - libertarians are opposed as well. Rick digs into the arguments against it with David J. Bier is an immigration policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity. 

Could a declaration of national emergency over the border wall be a good move for President Trump? Rick discusses the legal possibilities and talks with Alan Dershowitz about Trump's latest personal legal troubles. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick discusses the battle over the border wall, examines the thoughts of Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) on the topic, and talks with Sam Nunberg, Republican policy analyst and a former Trump campaign aide, the man credited with giving Trump the idea of a border wall to begin with. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

We're familiar with Donald Trump's chaotic view of global relations - now it's time for a progressive approach. Rick speaks with Max Bergmann from the Center for American Progress, who puts forward a more liberal view of the world.

What will 2019 bring to the economy and the political scene? Rick discusses the forecast with Liz Peek, Fox News Contributor, and a columnist for The Hill and FoxNews.com. Prior to becoming a journalist, Liz was a top-ranked research analyst covering oilfield companies and Director of International Research for her firm. She was the first female partner of Wertheim & Company, the first woman to become president of the National Association of Petroleum Investment Analysts and is a CFA.

Was Trump right or wrong to take us out of Syria? Rick discusses the topic with Andrew J. Bacevich, professor emeritus of history and international relations at Boston University. His new book is Twilight of the American Century. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Trump pulls out of Syria - are we leaving our allies in the lurch? Rick talks foreign policy and discusses the latest on Michael Flynn and the Mueller investigation with Danny Cevallos. Cevallos is an attorney and the co-founder of Cevallos & Wong, LLP, and an MSNBC Legal Analyst.You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick speaks with Rep. John Larson about the recent ruling against Obamacare, Social Security, and how healthcare can truly work for Americans. Congressman John B. Larson represents Connecticut's First District. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick says we may need to redefine the term snowflake to accommodate the current occupant of the Oval Office and speaks with Paul Rogers, professor in the department of peace studies at Bradford University, about global security and climate change. Rogers is openDemocracy's international security adviser, and has been writing a weekly column on global security since 28 September 2001. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick has a conversation with Matt Taibbi about the interaction between journalism and politics from a progressive perspective. Matt Taibbi is a contributing editor for Rolling Stone. His new book, Hate, Inc. is available on taibbi.substack.com. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Will the Feds indict Jerome Corsi? Rick speaks with Corsi to find out what he thinks and why has been under scrutiny as government investigators try to determine how Trump campaign associate Roger Stone appeared to have advance knowledge of WikiLeaks' release of stolen Democratic Party emails. Corsi has served as Washington Bureau Chief for Infowars.com. worked as a Senior Staff Reporter for WND.com. His most recent book is "Silent No More: How I Became a Political Prisoner of Mueller's “Witch Hunt,” now available as an e-book". You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick talks with West Virginia State Senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate Richard Ojeda about 2020, his campaign, and why he voted for Donald Trump. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Why does Trump refuse to talk about the national debt? Rick discusses the topic with Kristin Tate, columnist at The Hill and the author of the new book, "How Do I Tax Thee?: The Field Guide to the Great American Rip-Off." You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Malcolm Nance, former naval intelligence and counter-terrorism officer, talks about the latest on the US/Russia relationship. Malcolm's new book is The Plot to Destroy Democracy: How Putin and His Spies Are Undermining America and Dismantling the West. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Why Are Prescription Drug Prices So High? Rick tries to answer the question with Robin Feldman, author of the forthcoming book Drugs, Money, & Secret Handshakes: The Unstoppable Growth of Prescription Drug Prices. Plus the Wisconsin GOP power grab. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick talks about the legacy of President George H.W. Bush, who passed away over the weekend and talks with Elizabeth Slattery of the Heritage Foundation about some critical cases before the Supreme Court. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick discusses how we can fix our healthcare crisis with former Congresswoman Donna Edwards. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick talks issues around the immigrant caravan with Cesar Vargas, co-director of the DREAM Action Coalition. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick discusses the repercussions of the Republican tax cut with Maura Quint. Quint is the Executive Director of Tax March. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick talks with comedian, author, and radio and host Jimmy Dore to discuss why he's just not that into the current Democratic party. Dore is the star of several Comedy Central specials, author of the best seller “Your Country Is Just Not That Into You“, the host of his own weekly radio show in Los Angeles, and host of The Jimmy Dore Show and co-host of The Aggressive Progressives on The Young Turks network. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Is the Republican Party still a place real conservatives can call their political home? Rick discusses this and other topics with Rep. Mark Sanford - yes, THAT Mark Sanford. He represents the First District of South Carolina. He served as Governor of South from 2003 until 2011. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Can we find common ground between Democrats and Republicans? And can capitalism and virtue still co-exist? Rick talks about it with Jimmy Kemp. Kemp is is President of the Jack Kemp Foundation and the son of Congressman, HUD Secretary, Vice-Presidential candidate Jack Kemp. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Why do we have so many people behind bars and how do we change the system? Rick digs into the latest effort at reform with Brett Tolman. Tolman is the former United States Attorney for the District of Utah. Prior to serving as US Attorney, Mr. Tolman served as Legal Counsel to the United States Senate Judiciary Committee.You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick asks why so many conservative states are voting in favor traditionally liberal issues like minimum wage and marijuana legalization and discusses the topic with Matthew Dowd. Dowd is Chief Political Analyst with ABC News the Founder of ListenTo.Us, and the former chief strategist for the Bush-Cheney 2004 presidential campaign. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick discusses the case of a 77-year-old Navy veteran prosecuted for violating the Clean Water Act because he built ponds on his land for fire prevention. Tim Snowball, attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, joins the show to discuss. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick talks about Trump's bad moves on Veteran's Day and speaks with Jerri Ann Henry, the new Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans. She has served as Director of APCO Worldwide, an independent global public affairs and strategic communications consultancy and Campaign Manager for Young Conservatives For the Freedom to Marry. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Has Matt Whittaker been made Attorney General legally? Rick discusses that and a scam company Whittaker was on the board of with Brittany Shammas, staff writer at Miami New Times. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Is a scam artist in charge of the Justice Department? Rick discusses acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker and the political success of women with Jay Newton-Small, a long-serving Washington correspondent for TIME Magazine and a journalist for Bloomberg News. She is author of Broad Influence: How Women Are Changing the Way America Works and the co-founder and chief executive officer at MemoryWell. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick speaks about the tremendous the success of female candidates in the midterm elections with Emily Cain. Cain is EMILY's List' Executive Director. She has a decade of experience as a state legislator and public policy leader, two cycles as one of the country's top ranked Democratic congressional candidates. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick continues his conversation on healthcare and the midterms with Topher Spiro, Senior Fellow for Economic Policy and Vice President of Health Policy at Center for American Progress and Health Care Voter Co-Chair. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Rick reviews the politics of healthcare coming into the midterm elections with Topher Spiro, Senior Fellow for Economic Policy and Vice President of Health Policy at Center for American Progress and Health Care Voter Co-Chair. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Why are so many conservatives leaving the GOP? And why is antisemitism rearing its ugly head again in America. Rick talks with Max Boot about his experiences. Max Boot is a historian, best-selling author, foreign-policy analyst, and columnist for the Washington Post. His latest book is The Corrosion of Conservatism: Why I Left the Right. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.

Mail bombs are in the headlines, but it's our trade relationship with China that may determine your economic fate. Rick talks with George Magnus, Associate with the China Centre at Oxford University. His book is Red Flags: Why Xi's China is in Jeopardy. You can call in to the show any time at (833) 711-RICK. That's (833) 711-7425.