Podcasts about bwl

On today's podcast, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss:— Every traditional midterm indicator points to a Democratic year, so why do the individual races look dicey?— Why toss-up Senate races (Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Texas) almost never split 50-50 — they move together— Michigan: Tucker Carlson says he wouldn't vote for Mike Rogers “at gunpoint.” Serious question: Is Rogers actually a good candidate?— 2028 Democratic calendar: South Carolina going first, what it does to Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear, AOC, and everyone else— Ted Cruz's 2028 theory: the last mainstream-ish Reagan Republican standing if Vance and the rest crash— Texas: James Talarico leading or tied with Ken Paxton for months; Karl Rove, John Cornyn, and John Kennedy all sounding alarms— Trump's midterm strategy: “Pretend I'm on the ballot” — but is this strategy smart or dumb?— Milo Yiannopoulos goes on on Piers Morgan after being deported: hypocrisy, the veil of ignorance, and why “there but for the grace of God go I” matters more than ever.— And a LOT more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Why Elon Musk's midterm cash is both a Republican windfall and a political liability— Hasan Piker vs. Elon Musk: the huge asymmetry Democrats keep ignoring— How Musk's Wisconsin Supreme Court spend spectacularly backfired— “The richest bigot in the world” — documented racism, antisemitism, and why GOP candidates should have to own it— Tech oligarchs, DOGE, data centers, and the populist backlash to billionaire politics— Milo Yiannopoulos deported: when the MAGA revolution eats its own— Pete Hegseth 2028 rumors, Pentagon purges, Stars and Stripes firings, and wartime secrecy— Trump threatens the FCC over Kristen Welker and “Meet the Press”— Mail-in voting rules, chaos as strategy, and laying the groundwork to reject 2026 results— Washington Post ordered to reinstate columnist Karen Attiah after Charlie Kirk posts — plus the larger problem of celebrating political violence— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

At a career crossroads, by choice or by circumstance? Natina Hill, affectionately known as the Pivot Muse, joins Laura with a real strategic framework for making your next move, especially urgent in a moment when over 600,000 Black women have been economically impacted and AI is reshaping what our skills are worth. A serial entrepreneur, ed-tech founder, and self-described polymath, Natina is candid that she is one of the 600,000, having lost significant contract income to the DEI rollback. She and Laura walk through the pivot she teaches: start with the heart work of naming the grief and fear (because fear restricts movement), then move to the head work of taking honest inventory of your mastered skills, skill-stacking them into new roles, and using AI tools as your free personal strategist. It is a grounded, hopeful, practical roadmap for anyone who got the rug pulled out and wants to turn this season into a strategic one. In this episode: Why every strategic pivot starts with a mindset shift, and how to sit with the grief of a layoff before you try to move (heart work before head work) The inventory-and-skill-stacking method: naming what you have mastered over your career, and what actually energizes you, then repurposing it into your next role How to use AI as a free strategist to research how your industry is changing, translate your experience, and find the roles you are missing, plus how to protect your kids by learning it yourself   About Natina Natina Marie Hill is affectionately known as the pivot muse, a perfect name to describe her life and career journey. She attributes her success to learning how to strategically navigate in and out of life's most challenging and rewarding situations. She's a Rochester, New York native and an Atlanta transplant since 2000. Although she's ventured down many paths, her career has been rooted in business and tech advocacy. Hill is the EdTech Founder of AI STEAM Lab and Future Hackathon™, innovation labs supported by Microsoft that advances AI literacy and fluency in underserved communities. With more than 25 years of experience and through her nonprofit organization, Hill Innovation Learning Labs Foundation, she is developing training and workforce development solutions to help individuals and organizations thrive in a digital world by confidently navigating emerging technologies and preparing for the future of work. Hill is also a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and creative. She owns Hill Consulting & Strategy Firm, PenHaus Media, and melanin muse®, where she directs and produces everything from films, global travel journeys, to large conferences. Hill is proud to serve as an advisory board member for the Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project (WEOP).   Connect with Natina Website: https://aisteamlab.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/natinamariehill/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natina.marie   BWL Resources: Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Take the free Future-Ready Leader Assessment - https://futureready.blackwomanleading.com/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

During today's podcast, The Atlantic's David Frum and I discuss:— Why Trump's tariffs on Canadian aluminum are raising costs for everything from airplanes to toilet paper — Why this trade war is “picking up a hammer and hitting yourself in the head."— How America is pushing Canada and others toward “equidistance” from the U.S., China, and India instead of closer partnership — David's conversation with Michigan AG Dana Nessel: What are Jewish voters supposed to do when progressive Democrats treat concern for Israel as a threat to their safety? — Data centers, AI risks, and why the tangible nuisances distract from the real governance problem — Frum's warning to Democrats about misreading a 2026 “mandate” on borders, cultural issues, and the ability to say “no” — Climate reality vs. political disappearance — And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's podcast conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Abdul El-Sayed's association with Hasan Piker derails Michigan Senate unity after Piker's comments blaming American Jews for antisemitism and violence— Democratic critics (including Jeremy Moss) refuse to endorse; Republican Mike Rogers capitalizes— Cultural landmines: Transgender issues in girls' sports (close to an 80-20 public opinion), Seth Moulton's apology, and the risk of learning the wrong lessons from a strong midterm— Economic populism that works (Medicare for All, taxing billionaires) vs. toxic cultural/“socialism” branding that turns off middle America— Trump administration rolling back protections for military families — arrest of a Nicaraguan father of a sailor on the USS Abraham Lincoln and similar cases— Are data centers the sleeper 2026 issue Republicans own while Trump cheers them on?— Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic minority leader, met privately with Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and top outside adviser. But why???— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Bill Scher and Matt discuss El-Sayed's challenges in Michigan, the internecine GOP battle between Marco Rubio and JD Vance, and Natalie Harp's "Love Letters" to Donald Trump.Next, Matt talks with Jackie Gingrich Cushman about the need for a John Adams memorial in Washington, DC. Read Bill Scher's columns in The Washington Monthly https://washingtonmonthly.com/author/bill-scher/And help support a John Adams memorial here https://www.theadamsmemorial.org/Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Most money advice is tactical: budget this, invest that. Dr. Billina Shaw brings something almost no one else does, a psychiatrist's lens. A Yale-educated, triple board-certified psychiatrist turned financial wellness strategist, she joins Laura to go underneath the numbers to the behavioral and psychological roots of how we relate to money. Fresh off her own pivot, laid off from a federal role and ninety days into full-time entrepreneurship, Billina gets vulnerable about discovering that her own anxiety wasn't about the bills, it was about worth and identity. She and Laura name financial trauma and how it shows up, especially for Black women carrying the "slave and save" mentality, and walk through her Aligned Health and Wealth framework: aligning with purpose, identifying with abundance, abolishing limiting beliefs, and acting with authority. A grounding, judgment-free conversation about building wealth from the inside out. In this episode: What financial trauma is, the three forms it takes (history, household, and her story), and how it quietly drives overspending, hoarding, and avoidance Why budgeting alone never fixes it, and how positive reinforcement and abundance, not shame, actually change our relationship with money The Aligned Health and Wealth framework, and why disentangling your worth from your work is the first inside-out move   About Dr. Billina Dr. Billina Shaw is a Yale-educated, triple board-certified psychiatrist turned financial wellness strategist who helps women build aligned wealth from the inside out. Through her coaching practice, Freely Flourish Financial™, she draws on her behavioral health expertise and signature framework to help high-achievers untangle the beliefs and behaviors holding back their personal growth and that of their wallets. A physician and former federal behavioral health Senior Medical Advisor, she brings rare depth to a simple idea: true prosperity starts with alignment.   Connect with Dr. Billina Website: www.freelyflourishfinancial.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-billina Instagram: @drbillina   BWL Resources: Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL. Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0 Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg Take the free Future-Ready Leader Assessment - https://futureready.blackwomanleading.com/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/ Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/ Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

On today's podcast, Chris Cillizz and Matt discuss:— Sen. Jon Ossoff's comment about Trump and Natalie Harp (the “human printer”), the viral speculation, her unusual rise, the fawning notes, and why her role as gatekeeper of information is more consequential than pure personal gossip.— The debt is out of control. Why doesn't anybody care???— The Florida primary results, including Alex Vindman's surprise loss and what it says about the limits of NeverTrump celebrity candidates, the rise of DSA energy in Dem primaries, and the need for more than just anti-Trump messaging.— Darlene Graham's South China Sea / national-security gaffe in the South Carolina Senate runoff and how timing plus pre-existing doubts can turn a moment into a real problem.— Bill Clinton turning 80, his complicated legacy, how his scandals and the political response helped shape later norms around character.— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Reuters poll: Trump approval sinks to 33%, disapproval 64% — lowest of current term, matching December 2017 low— Sen. John Ossoff's sharp speeches: calls out golfing, stock trading, Qatar “flying palace,” and Natalie Harp, while the U.S.S. Lincoln fights his war— The one big Democratic warning: Abdul El-Sayed underwater in Michigan (Fox poll)— Foreign-policy chaos: Trump scales back South Korea joint exercises, cites “good relationship” with Kim Jong-un (who supplies missiles to Iran and Russia)— Simultaneously withdraws the last U.S. carrier from the Pacific and threatens to “bomb the shit out of” ally Oman if it interferes with Iran talks— Closing question for 2026/2028: Do Democrats choose electable fighters like Ossoff who win swing states, or ideological purity that loses independents?— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Washington Monthly writer Bill Scher returns to the pod to talk about what's up with the poll misses in recent Democratic primaries. Then, the new film, “The Brink of War,” in theaters August 14 (today!) and I sit down with Michael Russell Gunn (writer/director/producer) and John Logan Pierson (producer) to talk Ronald Reagan and the making of the movie. Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Neuroscience strategist Keyshawn Hughes joins Laura to explain what's actually happening in the brain when we communicate, and why so many of us feel more connected online yet lonelier than ever. The founder of Neuro Savvy Leadership breaks down her memorable framing of a world running on "dopamine hits" while starving for "oxytocin drips," the slow, in-person bonding that real relationships require. She and Laura explore how threat and reward show up in our tone and body language, what happens neurologically when Black women go silent or shrink in unsafe rooms, and how to build the self-awareness and strategy to communicate with confidence. A fascinating, practical bridge between brain science and everyday connection. In this episode: Dopamine hits versus oxytocin drips: why digital busyness leaves us lonely, and how to rebuild real connection What fight, flight, freeze, and fawn look like at work, and how to move out of them safely Practical tools to communicate clearly and advocate for yourself without shrinking or over-explaining   About Keshawn Keshawn Hughes, M.S. is a NeuroLeadership Strategist, Executive Coach, and Founder of NeuroSavvy® Leadership, equipping HR and corporate leaders with neuroscience-backed tools to boost productivity, retention, and engagement. With a Master's in Strategic Communication, she has facilitated over 400 leadership engagements since 2021, helping organizations build thriving cultures. Keshawn's upcoming book, NeuroSavvy® Storytelling, shares strategies that move people to believe, align, and take action. Based in Atlanta, she brings the same heartfelt approach to life with her husband and child who inspire her daily.   Connect with Keshawn Website: http://www.keshawnhughes.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeuroLeaderKHughes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keshawnhughes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keshawnridgelhughes/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keshawnhughes1576   BWL Resources: Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Take the free Future-Ready Leader Assessment - https://futureready.blackwomanleading.com/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

On today's podcast conversation, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss:— Massive polling misses in Michigan and Wisconsin. One reason this happened?: Under-sampling middle-aged Black voters and rural Democrats— Clear evidence that DSA and DSA-aligned candidates are underperforming with Black voters — the same coalition that blocked Bernie Sanders— Why 2026 is likely a referendum on Trump and the economy, but 2028 could see the “socialism” label stick and drive voters back to Republicans— Trump's recent endorsement flops (Darlene Graham runoff, Mike Lindell, Tennessee) are signs his iron grip on the GOP is loosening (or are they???)— Jeff Flake's arc from pure conservative to endorsing a Democrat Jon Ossoff, and the death of the anti-Trump lane in GOP primaries— Hunter Biden's Tucker Carlson interview, fathers-and-sons dynamics, and the complicated human side of political families— Trump's secret catering-truck plane switch amid Iran threat concerns: security necessity vs. bad optics and press deception— Speculation on the next White House press secretary (Kari Lake, Spencer Pratt, or Scott Jennings?)— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Bas van Gijzen macht sein Weinwissen nicht klein, aber er hat die unfassbare Gabe, die Schwellen dafür klein zu halten. Zwischen Glas und Gast. Zwischen Unsicherheit und Neugier. Zwischen „Ich kenne mich damit nicht aus“ und „Davon hätte ich gern noch ein Glas.“ Keiner weiß genau, wann es begann, dass Wein snobistisch und elitär wurde. Irgendwann wurden aus Gläsern Instrumente, aus Beschreibungen Wissenschaften und aus einem Getränk eine Disziplin, in der manche lieber beeindrucken als genießen. Manchmal genügt ein einziges Wort – „Mineralik“ – und schon nicken alle wissend. Niemand möchte derjenige sein, der fragt, was damit eigentlich gemeint ist. Bas hat etwas begriffen, woran sich erstaunlich viele Menschen vorbeiverkosten. Wein ist selten das eigentliche Thema. Das Thema sitzt auf der anderen Seite des Tisches. Der Mensch. Das Gefühl. Die Beziehung, die entsteht, wenn jemand endlich aufhört, Beeindruckung zu spielen, und einfach trinkt. Das ist vermutlich der Moment, in dem Sommellerie beginnt. Bas van Gijzen ist kein Star-Sommelier im klassischen Michelin-Restaurant-Sinne. Er wird vielleicht keine Bücher schreiben und keine großen Preise gewinnen. Er wird weiter hinter der Theke stehen, Flaschen drehen und Gäste mit seiner unfassbaren Art vom großartigsten Getränk der Welt überzeugen. Die Gäste mögen ihn. Ihn, der als kompletter Quereinsteiger sich bewusst und aus Leidenschaft für den Wein entschieden hat. Zu uns brachte er keine teuren Flaschen mit, aber Geschichten. Und die leichte Verzweiflung eines Menschen, der einfach zu viel über Zahlen und Märkte weiß. Er hat BWL studiert und war in der Finanzbranche, bevor er ausgestiegen ist und sein Hobby zum Beruf gemacht hat. Das erwähnt er gelegentlich, meistens dann, wenn jemand ihn fragt, warum er so nebensächlich auf Zahlen achtet – und warum bei ihm Weinbeschreibungen dann doch ein wenig anders ausfallen. Modern und traditionell zugleich. Mit Herz. Mit Liebe zum Detail. Ohne eben das Business und das Geld in den Vordergrund zu stellen. Er spricht über Winzer, über Reisen in Weinregionen, über den Genuss von Essen und Trinken als Lifestyle, der nicht laut sein muss. Über das Gefühl, wenn eine Flasche endlich geöffnet wird und alles andere nebensächlich wird.

On today's podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:—Why DSA member and failed Wisconsin candidate Francesca Hong was an “absurdly bad candidate” (and why Bernie and AOC stayed away)— How Dems realized they were about to blow a winnable race and hand Wisconsin to an election-denier, so they voted for David Crowley, a candidate who had previously dropped out of the race— Charlie says there are three things every candidate must prove to voters (Hong went 0-for-3)— Matt says 2026 is largely “baked in the cake” as a blue-wave year driven by Trump fatigue, overreach, tariffs, ICE, etc. But! Dems better not take 2028 for granted.— An Independent / Centrist / Unity-Ticket surge has Katie Hobbs (Arizona Democratic governor) picking a Republican running mate, and David Jolly (former Republican Never Trumper congressman) picking a prominent Democrat as running mate in Florida.— Can we trust the polls?— Plus: Trump's catering-truck Air Force One escape, the independent/unity-ticket surge, Minnesota, Michigan, and more.— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

What if you could go back in time and kill baby Hitler? Michael Tomasky's new satirical novel Killing Baby Hitler explores nature vs. nurture, time travel gone wrong, and whether one monster really explains the world's evil. In this conversation with Matt and Tomasky (editor of The New Republic) discuss:• Why democratic socialism is rising (and what popular policies like child care and data-center limits have to do with it)• Rooting for a young Adolf Hitler in fiction• How tragedy can create monsters• The hilarious botched kidnapping scene • Alternate history where there's no Holocaust… but human nature still produces plenty of darkness• Literary influences (Milan Kundera, Kurt Vonnegut) and writing a political novel in today's publishing world Get the book: Killing Baby Hitler by Michael Tomasky https://www.amazon.com/dp/1682194752?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

What does it take to lead well when the ground will not stop shaking? In this solo episode, Laura introduces the Future-Ready Leader Model, a tree-based framework for leading from the inside out, through your roots, your trunk, and your branches. Roots. Your internal foundation: Self-awareness, emotional regulation, values, and grounding. Trunk. Your strategic positioning: The clarity and intentional choices that keep you standing. Branches. Your expansive impact: The influence, relationships, and reach beyond your role. You were not designed to only lead when things are easy. Future-ready leadership is not about becoming someone different. It is about going deeper into who you already are, and growing anyway. "You can have the most impressive branches in the room. But if your roots are shallow, one hard wind takes you down." Take the free Future-Ready Leader Assessment. Fifteen questions, about five minutes, and you get your profile, your scores across all three dimensions, your strengths, your growth edge, and three next steps.   https://futureready.blackwomanleading.com/    About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life.  She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC,  a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.   BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

In a deep and thought provoking conversation, veteran journalist Ron Fournier explains why Michigan's Democratic Senate primary between Rep. Haley Stevens and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is the true bellwether of 2026 politics — and a microcosm of the Democratic Party's identity crisis.According to Ron, there are six important dynamics currently playing out in this race:Status Quo vs. ChangeModerate vs. LiberalIsrael vs. PalestineChristian vs. MuslimWomen vs. MenGrit vs. CharismaWe spent time on all six!Don't miss this terrific conversation. Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

After nearly 30 years in public service, Dawn Pinnock stepped into an entirely new sector as president and CEO of the Center for Urban Community Services, and had to rebuild something she had spent decades earning: her professional relationships. In this episode, she and Laura break down what it takes to recalibrate how you connect when you are deeply established in one world and starting fresh in another. Dawn shares the exact process she used, taking honest stock of her track record, gathering candid feedback from longtime supporters and even former opponents, and turning those themes into a story she could lead with. It is a masterclass for anyone pivoting, by choice or by layoff, who worries the social capital they built no longer counts. In this episode: Why being "known but not networked" is a real distinction, and how to translate a strong reputation into new rooms Dawn's first-90-days playbook: honest self-assessment, feedback focus groups, and positioning yourself as a learner who still brings value How the relationships you build internally with your team become the springboard for the ones you build outside About Dawn Dawn M. Pinnock has spent nearly 30 years in public service driving change. As President and CEO of the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS), she leads one of the city's most effective social service organizations, supporting over 50,000 people each year on their path to housing stability and long-term well-being. Before joining CUCS, she served as Commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). In this role, she created the city's first community-based hiring model, advanced family-forward policies for more than 320,000 employees, managed 22 million square feet of city-owned and leased office space, and made New York greener through fleet electrification and large-scale energy efficiency upgrades. Pinnock serves as a Trustee and adjunct professor at Metropolitan College of New York, and in 2026 was appointed to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Commission on Government Efficiency, a newly formed Charter Revision Commission tasked with modernizing city government. Connect with Dawn Website: https://www.cucs.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cucs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cucs_nyc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUCSnyc   BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

It's a NOTUS on NOTUS conversation, as Matt welcomes veteran columnist Dana Milbank to the podcast to discuss:— Is Donald Trump pulling the Todd Blanche Attorney General nomination... for now?— Fresh Michigan reporting: Dana finds all the energy and enthusiasm behind Abdul El-Sayed, not Haley Stevens — Wildly conflicting polls: Stevens led by 7, now El-Sayed up by 14 — turnout models are the wild card — Why El-Sayed isn't the DSA radical disaster conventional wisdom claims: “I'm not a socialist, I'm a capitalist” — Israel divide looms large: $30M AIPAC money for Stevens vs. El-Sayed's call for full aid cutoff — Broader signal: Is this Democrats' Tea Party moment as left-wing energy overwhelms the establishment? — Implications for the general election against Mike Rogers and the entire Senate map— Plus, Ross Douthat's move to "60 Minutes," Dana's battle against rumble strips, and more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— DSA co-chair Megan Romer outlines an agenda that would abolish Senate/presidency/Supreme Court, ICE, borders, prisons; defund Pentagon; mass amnesty— Wisconsin governor primary flashpoint: far-left DSA candidate Francesca Hong risks handing the state to election-denier Tom Tiffany — with 2028 consequences— Gerontocracy crisis: Mitch McConnell's second “proof of life” photos, and the August 3 deadline for a special election— Sen. John Thune's rare pushback on the filibuster and Trump's “Save America” bill as scapegoat theater— Elon Musk crash-out: SpaceX/Tesla valuation free-fall, that Economist interview, and DOGE hypocrisy (“money won't matter in 10 years”)— White House Correspondents' Dinner disaster: predictable humiliation, Trump's ugly attacks on Kaitlin Collins, and the bad Kristen Welker/Stephen Miller optics:— Matt's broader warning: Democrats must focus on winning the House, Senate, and key governorships — or risk losing the Republic— And much MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Fear never fully goes away, so what if the goal was never to get rid of it? Caressa Bell, a Gulf War veteran, former Fortune 50 executive, and author of Manufactured Fearlessness, joins Laura to reframe fearlessness as something you build, not something you're born with. Drawing on the moment she deployed to war with a newborn at home, Caressa shares how "moving even when you're not ready" became the practice that carried her through a military career, two decades in corporate leadership, and the leap into entrepreneurship. She and Laura dig into leading yourself before you lead others, reading what's really happening "beyond the veil" in a room, and why so many of us are far more ready than we let ourselves believe. A galvanizing conversation for any Black woman standing at the edge of a bold move. In this episode: Why fearlessness is manufactured: how to feel the fear, look back at everything you've already done afraid, and move anyway "Beyond the veil": reading the unspoken dynamics in a room so you can lead and position yourself strategically Why you have to lead yourself first, and how knowing your gifts and triggers is the foundation for leading others   About Caressa Caressa Bell is an Executive Strategist, Leadership & Transformation Coach, Gulf War Veteran, and former Fortune 50 Executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning military service, corporate transformation, and entrepreneurship. Throughout her career, she has led billion-dollar portfolios, enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, and teams of more than 200 professionals. Today, through her work, speaking, and upcoming book Manufactured Fearlessness: Own Your Leadership, Own the Room, she helps leaders build the courage, clarity, and confidence to Lead Yourself. Lead Others. Leave a Legacy. Connect with Caressa Join the waitlist for Caressa Bell's upcoming book, Manufactured Fearlessness: Own Your Leadership, Own the Room, and be the first to receive launch updates, exclusive content, and release announcements: https://www.iamcaressabell.com/manufactured-fearlessness Website: http://www.iamcaressabell.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caressabell/  Instagram: @claritywithcaressa   BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

During today's podcast discussion, Chris Cillizza and Matt discussed:— Rep. Haley Stevens was ambushed by TMZ. She leaned hard into her Matt Foley / “van down by the river” energy — and it worked!— Why leaning into the turn (and her real Michigan accent) is smart politics in the authenticity era— The upcoming Michigan Senate Democratic primary (Aug 4): Stevens vs. Abdul El-Sayed — who actually wins?— The Wisconsin DSA primary threat — and what it signals nationally— Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff's breakout as the fighter Democrats NEED.— The generic ballot reality check (thanks to viewers who informed me that Dems are back up BIGLY in the generic ballot), Trump's low approvals, and why midterms will punish the White House— Ben Sasse's grace, Tim Russert has alrady been forgotten by Gen Z, and MUCH more.*** PLUS: Matt's latest NOTUS column, “In Defense of Nixonmaxxing.” https://www.notus.org/perspectives/in-defense-of-nixonmaxxingSubscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Andrew and Tristan Tate accused of choking women unconscious then raping them — will Trump block extradition to UK?— Why young men (and Barron Trump?) are drawn to these man-o-sphere “dominance” influencers— Trump's pattern: protecting allies, flirting with pardons for Diddy/Maxwell, and his own E. Jean Carroll liability— Democratic 2026 Senate primaries imploding in Michigan & Wisconsin — socialism vs. electability— Those John Fetterman party-switch rumors could flip Senate control— Lindsey Graham's sister running for his seat — Trump plays golf and gets booed at World Cup while Middle East war escalates with U.S. deaths— Todd Blanche confirmation fight, DOJ weaponization fears, and post-truth corruption— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Starting a new role is one of the most pivotal, and most vulnerable, moments in a career. Dr. Ciera Graham joins Laura with a clear, intentional framework for building and activating a strong professional reputation from day one. Drawing on her own journey, Ciera unpacks how to make a strong first impression, build the right relationships early, and manage your visibility and narrative so the right people understand your value. Whether you are stepping into a new job, a new team, or a new level, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for establishing credibility on purpose. In this episode: How to make a strong first impression and establish credibility in a new role Building the right relationships and networks early, before you need them Managing your visibility and reputation so your value is seen   About Dr. Ciera Dr. Ciera Graham is an experienced higher education professional, business owner, and an accomplished career coach. She received her bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's in Community Counseling from Washington State University, and a PhD in Sociology in August 2015 at the University of Cincinnati.  Dr. Graham has been described as tenacious, innovative, forward thinking, impeccable executor a leader who leads with gratitude, and someone empowered to create a win-win situation for everyone she meets. She owns her own business, Dr. C Graham Consulting in which she provides career consulting services to entry to mid-level professionals.  She has over 15 years of experience in the career development and coaching space.  Her specialty is helping millennials and Gen Zers assess their skills, define their strategy, and engage in storytelling to ultimately secure and succeed in the job of their dreams. She also was invited by the CEO of Career Contessa to join their exclusive coaching network, a title only given to the top career coaches in the country. She is a past career columnist for Career Contessa, Best Colleges, The Seattle Times and the Everett Herald, and current contributor to the University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education department. She enjoys writing on topics focused on career and leadership development for Black women and navigating the workforce as a millennial. She has appeared on the following podcasts: Career Contessa, Your Career GPS, and Find your Dream Job.  Connect with Dr. Ciera Website: http://cieragraham.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcieragraham/ Instagram: @drcgrahamconsulting   BWL Resources:   Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

On today's podcast conversation, independent journalist Chris Cillizza and Matt Lewis of NOTUS discuss:— Why Trump's planned primetime speech on election integrity and the Save America Act is the wrong message right now— Wild 2020 conspiracy theories revisited (Italygate, Dominion, etc.) and why they're a political dead end— What he should be talking about: the big beautiful bill, housing, inflation, and Iran— Decision Desk HQ Senate forecast: A 50-50 most likely outcome in the Senate, with Michigan & Maine as must-wins!— Michigan Democratic primary: Abdul El-Sayed vs. Haley Stevens. Stevens is up in the latest poll, but who really has the edge?— Confirmation hearing drama, Pete Hegseth's testosterone testing, and more— Book recs: Joan Didion's Slouching Towards Bethlehem, underrated Stephen King novels.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's podcast, Charlie Sykes joins Matt for a no-holds-barred look at Lindsey Graham's legacy after his death, and much more, including:— Did Graham actually protect Ukraine and NATO—or just rationalize Trump's Putin appeasement?— The sad reality of Graham's “relevance” strategy and what it cost American conservatism— All the conspiracy theories swirling around Graham and Sen. Mitch McConnell— Todd Blanche's Attorney General confirmation hearings are coming up at a time when there's already a slim GOP majority.— The latest ICE shooting in Maine— A preview of Donald Trump's upcoming 2020 “stolen election” speech— Crazy Victor Marx wins Colorado's GOP primary— White House Correspondents Dinner hypocrisy— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Wie sieht ein moderner Controlling-Alltag im Jahr 2026 aus – wenn KI nicht mehr Mitfahrerin ist, sondern aktiv beim Navigieren hilft? Prof. Dr. Nicole Jekel nimmt uns in ihrer aktuellen Kolumne im Controller Magazin Nr. 4/2026 mit durch einen typischen Arbeitstag: vom ersten Gespräch mit der KI am Morgen über Meetings, die sich selbst dokumentieren, bis hin zur Frage, welches Tool wofür wirklich geeignet ist – und womit man am besten anfängt.  Dabei geht es nicht um Zukunftsmusik, sondern um Tools und Routinen, die heute schon verfügbar sind. Wir sprechen aber auch offen darüber, wie weit dieser Alltag in der Praxis wirklich schon angekommen ist – und was Controller tun können, um den Anschluss nicht zu verpassen.  Zu Gast: Prof. Dr. Nicole Jekel, Professorin für BWL und Controlling an der Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Autorin der Kolumne „Controlling rockt!" im Controller Magazin.  Der Performance Manager Podcast ist der führende deutschsprachige Podcast für Controlling, Data & AI und Performance Management. Er richtet sich an alle, die mit Daten besser entscheiden und ihr Unternehmen erfolgreicher steuern wollen. Regelmäßig begrüßt Peter Bluhm Führungskräfte, Experten und Persönlichkeiten, die in ihrem Fachgebiet zu den Besten zählen. Mit ihnen spricht er über Strategien, Inspirationen und Impulse für glasklare Entscheidungen und Erfolg im Business. Peter Bluhm ist Experte für Controlling und Data & AI sowie Buchautor. 2004 gründete er die ATVISIO Consult, eine Data- & AI-Beratung, die 2014, 2019 und 2025 mit dem Gütesiegel "Top Consultant – Die besten Berater des deutschen Mittelstandes" ausgezeichnet wurde. Neben dem "Performance Manager Podcast" ist auch Peter Bluhms Buch "Business Intelligence ganz einfach" als kostenloser Podcast verfügbar.

Dr. Kiki Ramsey brings a positive psychology lens to one of the most important relationships we have: the one with ourselves. In this conversation, she and Laura explore what it means to create your own happiness rather than waiting on circumstances, titles, or other people to deliver it. Kiki shares her leadership journey and the science-backed practices that help Black women cultivate joy as a discipline rather than a destination. It is a grounding, hopeful conversation about tending to your inner life with the same intention you bring to your goals. In this episode: Why happiness is something you build, not something you wait for Positive psychology practices for cultivating joy in everyday leadership How a strong relationship with yourself becomes the foundation for everything else   About Dr. Kiki Dr. Kiki Ramsey is a renowned Positive Psychologist, ICF Master Certified Career Coach, International Keynote Speaker and Best Selling Author. With a commitment to making a positive impact in the world, Dr. Kiki founded The Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute (PPCaDI), a leadership development firm that specializes in diversity and leadership coaching and training. Dr. Kiki is known for her innovative approach to coaching, and DEI called Positively Diverse Leadership, which is an evidence-based approach rooted in positive psychology that fosters the intentional use of strengths to help leaders build better working relationships and communication skills to become more inclusive leaders. This unique approach allows Dr. Kiki to help leaders and organizations create more inclusive and happy work cultures that foster belonging for all. As a leader in her field of positive psychology and DEI, Dr. Kiki has worked with a diverse range of clients, including top-level executives in Fortune 500 organizations and business owners, coaching and delivering keynote addresses for corporations, conferences, and events around the world. Dr. Kiki's dedication and expertise have earned her the recognition of being named Top 50 Women Leaders in Georgia in 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Women We Admire.   Connect with Dr. Kiki Website: http://www.ppcadi.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkikiramsey/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkikiramsey/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiki.ramsey/   BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

Mecca Anderson joins Laura to challenge the assumptions we carry into our personal and professional relationships. Too often we operate on autopilot, repeating old patterns and making unintentional missteps that quietly cost us trust, connection, and opportunity. Mecca shares her own leadership story and her approach to rewiring how we relate to the people who shape our lives and careers, from being more intentional about the connections we build to noticing the small habits that get in our way. It is a candid, practical conversation about relating to others, and to ourselves, with more awareness and less default. In this episode: The common, unintentional relationship mistakes that quietly undermine trust and connection How to move from autopilot to intention in both personal and professional relationships What it looks like to rewire long-held patterns and show up differently   About Mecca Professor Mecca Anderson is a lawyer, law professor, and speaker with more than 15 years of experience spanning civil litigation, criminal prosecution, judicial clerkships, legal entrepreneurship, and appellate practice. She began her legal career clerking at the Supreme Court of Georgia before building a career representing injured clients, teaching future lawyers, and serving communities across Georgia. She currently focuses her practice on personal injury litigation as Of Counsel with Maxwell Tillman + Coleman. Whether advocating for injured clients, teaching future lawyers, speaking to audiences, or mentoring professionals, Professor Anderson explores the intersection of relationships, professionalism, leadership, and human behavior, helping others build careers and lives grounded in trust, purpose, and meaningful connection.   Connect with Mecca Website: https://www.johnmarshall.edu/facultystaff/mecca-anderson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mecca-anderson/ Instagram: @mecca.profesquire and @professormec TikTok: @professormec   BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today!  Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

Who are you being as a leader right now, and did you ever actually choose her? In this solo episode, Laura opens Season 9's work on the relationship with yourself by guiding you through a leadership identity audit. This is not about casting a vision for who you want to become. It is an honest, present-tense look at who you already are. Most of us never consciously designed our leadership identity. We built it in survival mode, in rooms that required it, and we kept performing it long after the room changed. The audit gives you a simple framework to examine what you are carrying, tell the difference between what still serves you and what is just familiar, and reclaim the choice of who you lead as now. In this episode: Why an identity audit is different from vision or goal-setting, and why that distinction matters The three audit questions: what you built to survive, what is still true versus just familiar, and what you are ready to release How honesty with yourself becomes the foundation for every other relationship you cultivate this season   About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life.  She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC,  a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.   BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

Welcome to Season 9 of Black Woman Leading, the podcast!  This podcast is an extension of the Black Woman Leading programs and events.  In this opener, Laura sets the table for a new season built entirely around relationships, the full ecosystem of connections that either sustain us or drain us as leaders.  Coming out of Season 8's work on joy and wholeness, she frames this season as what we build from that grounded place: authentic relationships with ourselves, our teams, our communities, and the people in our personal lives who make our leadership sustainable.  At the heart of the season is one question. How do we cultivate and curate relationships that do not require us to decenter our own experience, abandon our values, or shrink ourselves to belong?  Laura shares where the season is headed and why real relationship, the kind that fuels great leadership, always starts with a grounded, boundaried, fully present you.  About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life.  She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC,  a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.   BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

On this week's Substack LIVE conversation, Chris Cillizza and talk about the following topics:— Graham Platner exits the Maine Senate race after serious sexual assault allegations. We dissect why he won the primary anyway and what it says about populist vetting. — In his 11-minute exit video, Platner takes zero responsibility and blames the establishment— Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized since June 14. We finally got some updates from Sen. John Thune and Scott Jennings, but conspiracy theories are alive and well. Is this the sad end of a consequential career?— Democrats & the “death of expertise”: Do parties need stronger gatekeepers and smoke-filled rooms (Jonathan Rauch style) to avoid another Platner? We debate Trump's one-of-one effect on norms.— Iran strikes & Strait of Hormuz: Gas prices, Trump's foreign policy loop, and why this could haunt the midterms.— Baseball bonus: Orioles buyers or sellers? Nats stand pat? Trade deadline talk.— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Matt shares his interview on MSNOW's "Way Too Early" about his NOTUS column, "Dear Fellow Conservatives: Stop Conflating Socialism with Communism." Then, he interviews political consultant Tad Devine about his new book, "How the Democrats Screwed Bernie." (Note: This author interview was pre-recorded before the latest Graham Platner scandal broke.)Read Matt's NOTUS column: https://www.notus.org/perspectives/dear-fellow-conservatives-stop-conflating-socialism-with-communismGet "How the Democrats Screwed Bernie": https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668232286?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackSubscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's action-packed podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner faces credible rape allegation just weeks after winning the nomination — top Democrats, including Ro Khanna and Elizabeth Warren, are calling on him to drop out. — How this spectacular and predictable collapse could change the battle for Senate control — Democrats' dilemma: Can they replace Platner without looking like they're anointing another candidate? Lessons from 2024— Trump's “curse” strikes again: US Soccer star reinstated after Trump personally lobbies FIFA — America's World Cup goodwill ruined— Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized with cardiac arrest — what his prolonged absence means for the narrow GOP Senate majority— Former Trump fixer Michael Cohen reconciles with Trump after years as a Never Trumper — Charlie and I react!— Plus: Ted Cruz Supreme Court joke, why character & corruption are back on the table, and more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

During this week's LIVE conversation, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss:— Colorado shocker: 29-year-old Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros (lawyer turned barista) defeats 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette— New York results: Multiple DSA-aligned candidates knock off Democratic incumbents — what it really means— The rise of young, outsider, often immigrant or minority Democratic Socialists — is this a national trend?— Why Trump's 2024 victory is pushing Democrats left and making “safe” establishment candidates look riskier— AOC's growing influence and the future of the progressive movement— Generational revolt vs. ideology: Are voters rejecting insiders more than embracing socialism?— American pride at a 25-year low ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary — can we still celebrate July 4th?— Mitch McConnell and Tom Kean Jr. health transparency controversies— Trump's cultural impact on young men, masculinity, COVID lockdowns, and the post-2020 radicalization of politics— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt cover a lot of ground this morning, including:— Trump's botched 250th anniversary events: Embarrassingly low attendance at the “Great American State Fair” (TMZ empty-field footage), reflecting pond fiasco, and shrinking celebrations after Trump seized control from prior Smithsonian plans.— Supreme Court decisions: Major expansion of presidential power (unitary executive theory), mixed rulings including E. Jean Carroll, mail-in ballots, transgender athletes, and upcoming birthright citizenship case.— Immigration and conservatism's shift: Contrast between Reagan's pro-immigrant speeches and today's nativist rhetoric (e.g., Megyn Kelly), plus the “horseshoe theory of me.”— Praise for John Ossoff's effective messaging (“Epstein class”), and concerns about far-left DSA-style candidates.— Reclaiming patriotism and the flag: July 4th and the American flag belong to the people, not Trump/MAGA — celebrate locally with community cookouts, fireworks, and events in small town America, not D.C. spectacles.— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

New bombshell reporting reveals former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was receiving detailed policy directives from her spiritual guru Chris Butler and the Science of Identity Foundation while serving in Congress — and she followed them closely. In this episode, Bill Scher and Matt break down the disturbing implications now that she served as DNI, Trump's chaotic handling of Section 702 reauthorization, his bizarre blockage of a bipartisan housing bill, and JD Vance's audacious revisionist history on Watergate and the “deep state.” We also discuss the surge of democratic socialist wins in New York, Zohran Mamdani's strategic (and risky) moves, what it all means for the midterms, and much more. Don't miss this episode!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Trump is treating a murky reflecting pool like a national emergency — and Dana Milbank says it's the perfect symbol for his entire presidency.In this wide-ranging conversation, NOTUS columnist and Washington Post veteran Dana Milbank joins Matt to discuss:— The hilarious (and telling) Reflecting Pool "vandalism" saga, Trump's builder ego, no-bid contracts, and blame-shifting— Why this tiny scandal hurts Trump more than foreign policy failures— JD Vance's credibility problems on the Iran deal and "agreement to have an agreement"— Marco Rubio's surprising surge as a potential future leader— Tucker Carlson turning on the GOP over the Iran war— Rising antisemitism on both left and right, AIPAC, Netanyahu, and the future of Israel support— Plus: Dana's thoughts on joining the new news outlet Notice (soon to be renamed) and Matt's upcoming role there.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's Substack LIVE conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Taxpayers foot some of the bill for Trump's event. — UFC fighter Josh Hokit thanks Jesus then declares “Michelle Obama is a man” as Trump and Joe Rogan smile— The desecration of sacred ground: motorcycles, cage fights, and Trump Coins grift at America's 250th— Trump's “deal” with Iran: No denuclearization, massive sanctions relief, and a humiliating cut-and-run— A Situation Room meeting on “Nipplegate” from the Epstein files. JD Vance thinks Trump would be OK with releasing the info— Elon Musk becomes a trillionaire after cutting global aid — the satire writes itself— The death of norms, conservative hypocrisy, and cultural collapse— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss:— Oysterman Graham Platner wins Maine's Senate primary with 73% — why this is a neutral-to-good night for him, but still a huge risk for Democrats vs. incumbent Sen. Susan Collins— Rep. Nancy Mace finishes near last in South Carolina governor primary after pushing Epstein files — Trump revenge and whether she now joins the YOLO caucus.— Sen. Lindsey Graham beats back another MAGA challenger — is he a better politician than we thought, or is SC less Trumpy than it seems?— The absolutely WILD Colorado GOP governor primary: Leading candidate claims he killed a man at age 7 and (as a civilian) called in airstrikes on ISIS— Is it fair to blame Trump for the Knicks' loss? (Hint: Chris and Matt are divided over this one.)— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's podcast conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt cover a lot of ground, including:— — Pete Hegseth's disastrous D-Day speech attacking Europe and comparing migrants to Allied invasion.— Why even MAGA allies are furious over the Pentagon's new attack on Mormons— Trump tells Netanyahu “I call the shots” — is the bromance collapsing?— Inside Trump's angry, rambling 'Meet the Press' meltdown with Kristen Welker— Bari Weiss fires 60 Minutes leadership — Scott Pelley's brutal takedown— California's slow-count election chaos, Spencer Pratt drama, and why mail-in voting looks suspicious— Ann Coulter turns on Trump over Knicks game inconvenience and $8,000 tickets— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Chris Cillizza and Matt are back to unpack the results of the latest round of primary elections (in California, Iowa, New Jersey, and more!). On today's pod, they discuss:— Iowa: Josh Turek (Paralympian with an incredible backstory) wins big — and now has a real shot at flipping a Senate seat!— Rob Sand emerges as Democrats' strongest Iowa gubernatorial candidate in decades — Anti-incumbent wave: Sitting congressmen lose or underperform in Iowa, Texas, and South Dakota— California Governor primary: Steve Hilton (R) leads early, but Xavier Becerra will likely win in the top-two system— LA Mayor race: Incumbent Karen Bass heads to runoff against reality TV star Spencer Pratt — a clear protest vote against establishment failure on homelessness and crime— Trump's power tested: Senate Republicans kill the controversial “slush fund” deal and push back on other boundary-testing moves— Media shakeup: Barry Weiss at CBS, Scott Pelley's exit, and what it means for legacy news— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's "DMZ" podcast conversation, Washington Monthly's Bill Scher and Matt break down the chaotic Maine Democratic Senate primary one week before voters decide.Graham Platner has weathered wave after wave of scandals — old Reddit posts mocking a wounded soldier, sexting on a sketchy app, defensive ambush interviews, and more — yet polls have held. With ranked-choice voting and Gov. Janet Mills still on the ballot, Democrats have a real off-ramp — but will they take it?We debate the big questions:— Do voters actually care about character anymore?— Is “authenticity” worth the risk in a must-win Senate race?— Should Democrats lower standards to match the other side, or hold the line?— Broader implications for the party in the Trump era.— Plus: quick hits on California, Iowa, and Trump's foreign policy frustrations.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's podcast discussion, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Trump's shocking transformation of the White House into a gladiatorial arena with a giant UFC-style cage for the 250th anniversary— The symbolism of the pristine vs. ruined White House and what it says about America's cultural decline— Musical artists bail on Trump's “Great American State Fair” — now replaced by a full MAGA rally headlined by Trump himself— Graham Platner's sexts and scandals, Ken Paxton's corruption, and the new “flawed fighter” defense— James Talarico's powerful comments on real masculinity and servant leadership — the exact opposite of the current GOP manhood cult— JD Vance shrinking in Trump's shadow, Mike Pence on Jan 6. “slush fund,” and the scorpion-and-frog reality of Trump World— Bonus: Why AI could take down Trumpism — and the coming anti-tech populist backlash— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

The Atlantic's David Frum helps Matt unpack the biggest political stories of the week under Trump's second term — from shaky foreign policy wins to domestic self-inflicted wounds. During this conversation, David and Matt cover a TON of ground, including:— Trump's tentative Iran deal and the Strait of Hormuz: Why Frum says the U.S. has already lost strategic dominance and Iran remains in control— Shocking Democratic Senate candidate problems: The “Nazi tattoo” contender in Maine and the leading candidate in New Jersey with Al-Qaeda ties — and how this poisons the national brand— Trump's gaudy White House renovations, gold-leaf excess, and the cage-fight spectacle for America's 250th anniversary — a stark contrast to 1876 and 1976 celebrations— The proposed $250 bill featuring Donald Trump and what it reveals about narcissism and drift from founding principles— Jill Biden's “horrified” debate night account — stroke fears, the cover-up, and lessons on vice-presidential succession failures from Obama to Harris— Newt Gingrich now calls the Clinton impeachment a mistake — Frum's takedown of the revisionism and character questions— Pentagon preparations for potential Cuba action — humanitarian opportunity or another Trump distraction/war?— Justice Department investigating E. Jean Carroll's case funders (Reid Hoffman) and the weaponization pattern— J.D. Vance grading the Pope's AI encyclical and why Frum says the VP should stick to non-controversial issues— 2026 Midterm outlook: Democratic popular vote edge vs. GOP gerrymandering advantage — and why candidate quality could cost Dems the SenateSubscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's Substack LIVE conversation with Chris Cillizza, Matt and Chris discuss:— Ken Paxton's massive landslide victory over longtime Senator John Cornyn— Why even early vote numbers signaled a total rout for the incumbent— The power — and limits — of Trump's endorsement in delivering a BLOWOUT— Ken Paxton's long list of scandals, impeachment, affair allegations, and why none of it mattered to GOP voters— The death of Bush-era Texas Republicanism: from compassionate conservatism to full MAGA dominance— What this means for the expensive general election battle against Democrat James Talarico— Signs of a potential Republican rebellion in the Senate: Lame-duck senators (Cornyn, Tillis, Cassidy) plus skeptics like Murkowski and Collins are showing increased pushback, forcing leadership to cancel key votes on Trump's $1.8B slush fund and war powers amid growing internal dissent.— Plus, a preview of next week's California Governor's race + key Iowa Senate primary developments— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

During today's conversation with New York Times columnist David French, Matt and David discuss:— Trump's Iran Limbo & Defensive Strikes: David breaks down the chaos in Iran, Trump's desire to “declare victory and go home,” failed negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, recent U.S. strikes in southern Iran, and why this represents historic levels of foreign policy incompetence.— Texas Senate GOP Primary Showdown: Ken Paxton vs. John Cornyn runoff, what a Paxton win would mean for Republicans, Democrats, and Senate control.— The Platner Trap: David explains his controversial New York Times column on Graham Platner, why he opposes Democrats backing flawed or unstable candidates even to stop Trump, and the dangers of “the stakes are too high” rationalizations.— GOP Healing vs. Rock Bottom: David and Matt debate whether the Republican Party can gradually recover from Trumpism, or if it must suffer major electoral defeats first?— Evangelical Support for Corruption: David's blunt take on white evangelicals backing Ken Paxton — calling him corrupt, an “apostate,” and prioritizing Trump loyalty over character.— Pope Leo XIV's Powerful AI Warning: David's reaction to the new Pope's first encyclical on disarming AI, Big Tech power, human dignity, and avoiding a new Tower of Babel.— Friendship Across Disagreement: Two longtime Never Trumpers attempt to model civil debate on tactical differences while agreeing on core issues.— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's DMZ, Bill Scher and I discuss the current state of American politics, including the following:— The DNC's much-hyped post-2024 “autopsy” report, why it flopped, and Ken Martin's struggles as DNC Chair— What actually caused the 2024 Democratic loss: inflation messaging failures, Biden's age, and the late substitution of Kamala Harris— Trump's rapidly sinking approval ratings (now hovering in the low-to-mid 30s) and the growing signs of a Democratic wave in 2026— Trump's decision to back Ken Paxton over John Cornyn and how it's hurting GOP Senate chances— The Los Angeles mayor's race featuring reality star Spencer Pratt challenging incumbent Karen Bass— The Thomas Massie primary defeat, the role of pro-Israel money, and the difficult line between policy criticism and anti-Semitism— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Cree Scott, clinical psychologist, founder of Serenity Psy Consulting, and our guest for Episode 21. Dr. Scott recorded with us in November 2025 and passed away in December. Her episode aired posthumously in March 2026, timed to the launch of her book. Her wisdom, her warmth, and her work live on. Rest well, Dr. Cree. Twenty-eight episodes. One theme. And more wisdom than could have been anticipated when Season 8 began. In this solo season finale, Laura reflects on the conversations, themes, and light bulb moments that defined Season 8 of Black Woman Leading. Rather than revisiting episodes one by one, Laura organizes her reflections around five powerful themes that emerged across the season — themes that collectively paint a picture of what it truly means to Lean Into Joy as a Black woman leader. The five themes Laura explores are Joy as Resistance and Reclamation, The Identity Reckoning, The Body, Burnout, and the Strong Black Woman Trope, Career Navigation in a Shifting World, and Connection, Community, and Leading Beyond Yourself. Along the way, she weaves in moments from guest conversations across the season, naming what landed, what shifted, and what she will carry forward. Laura also does something she has not done all season: she answers the Leaning Into Joy questions she asked every guest. What is her definition of joy? What does leading with joy look like at this stage of her career? Has she ever had to re-learn joy after a difficult season? And what is bringing her joy right now — and how does she protect it? The episode closes with a warm send-off to the Season 8 community and a first look at what Season 9 will explore: the art of cultivating relationships that are authentic, boundaried, and rooted in who you actually are — with yourself, your team, your community, and the people in your personal life who make sustainable leadership possible. Season 8 was about reclaiming joy. Season 9 is about building from that place of wholeness.  Stay tuned! About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life.  She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC,  a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams.   Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.   BWL Resources: We are now enrolling for the August cohorts of our Early Career and Mid-Career Leadership Development programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/ Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg    Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

Are data centers the devil? On this episode, Matt welcomes land-use expert and County Commissioner for Jefferson County, West Virginia, Cara Keys to unpack the truth behind their impact on our communities.Data centers are popping up everywhere, and with them come mixed feelings. On one hand, they bring jobs and revenue; on the other, they raise concerns about noise, energy consumption, and community impact.In places like Loudoun County, Virginia, data centers have transformed the economy, generating billions in tax revenue. But what about the long-term effects? It turns out, this is a complex topic. Let's dive into the pros and cons. Knowing how they operate can help us make informed decisions about our neighborhoods.#DataCenters #CommunityImpact #TechTrends #LocalEconomy #SustainableDevelopmentSubscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC