Podcast appearances and mentions of Charlie Sykes

Harry talks with former Senator Barbara Boxer, Charlie Sykes, and Glenn Thrush to make sense of the sudden Republican restiveness, Graham Platner's latest scandal, and Trump's "scariest” appointment yet. Is California's slow vote counting giving the DOJ an opening to claim election abuses? Will Platner doom Democrats' hopes of what Charlie says should've been a “layup” win over Susan Collins? Can Congress finish off Trump's slush fund? And why is everyone ignoring Trump's audit-free guarantee—the most obviously self-enriching part of his corrupt settlement?   Mentioned in this episode: Glenn's reporting: https://www.nytimes.com/by/glenn-thrush#latest  Charlie's Substack: https://charliesykes.substack.com/  Glenn's inside look at how the Trump v. IRS settlement deal came together: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/30/us/politics/trump-irs-lawsuit-deal.html  The New York Times' Graham Platner story: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/04/us/politics/platner-maine-senate-girlfriends-relationships.html  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes stops by to talk about Trump wanting out of Iran and his slush fund.Comedian Rosebud Baker joins us to discuss how Trump has changed America and her new memoir, Fully Baked: A Messy Memoir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Longtime conservative talk show host and political commenter Charlie Sykes joined Patrick to weigh in on Donald Trump's grasp on the GOP and if Democrats can capitalize on Trump's corruption. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Substack LIVE, Charlie Sykes and Matt discussed: — A SHOCKING NEW NYT-Siena Poll: Trump's approval sinks into the 30s, while Democrats surge to D+11 on the generic congressional ballot — the clearest sign yet of a potential midterm bloodbath— Gerrymandering Backfire?: Republicans thought they drew safe maps… this poll suggests their own maps could explode in a big Democratic wave— Cassidy's Humiliating Defeat: Sitting Senator Bill Cassidy (who voted to convict Trump) finishes third in Louisiana — a brutal warning for any GOP member who crosses Trump— A Massie Test in Kentucky: Will Trump successfully primary Rep. Thomas Massie for demanding the Epstein files? Forget Louisiana, Kentucky is the real loyalty test to determine Trump's grip on the GOP— Jared Polis Frees Tina Peters???: Colorado's Democratic governor commutes the sentence of the election-denying clerk — why this move angered both sides and looks like caving to Trump— Trump's Taxpayer-Funded Slush Fund: The $1.7+ billion plan to pay off Jan. 6 rioters, election deniers, and loyalists — plus the outrageous IRS lawsuit settlement— Bonus topics: Eric Metaxas suggests God wants Trump's White House ballroom, Sen. John Fetterman's evolution, why fiscal conservatism is dead, 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

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes stops by to talk about Trump using the Iran war to enrich himself with stock tips.California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer joins us to discuss his plan to make California a better place to live.Plus, as a bonus, Elevate Utah’s Gabi Finlayson and Jackie Morgan stop by to talk about Mr. Wonderful accusing them of being Chinese agents and their work against data centers in Utah.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Russell Moore, Charlie Sykes, and Clarissa Moll break down new polling about Americans' responses to changes in the economy, US involvement in foreign affairs, and their opinions on presidential hopefuls for 2028. Then, CT's Sho Baraka joins to discuss how modern vices of marijuana use, AI porn, gambling look different with an undercurrent of loneliness and isolation. Finally, Sho and Russell discuss NASA's reports that the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are drying up at an alarming rate, and how people are relating this to a prophecy in Revelation. REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE: AtlasIntel Poll GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Charles J. Sykes is a political commentator who hosted a conservative talk show in Wisconsin for 23 years. He was the former editor-in-chief of The Bulwark, and is currently an MSNBC contributor. Sykes has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Salon, and other national publications. He has appeared on the Today Show, ABC, NBC, Fox News, CNN, PBS, and the BBC. Sho Baraka is Christianity Today's Big Tent editorial director. He is a recording artist, performer, culture curator, activist, and writer. He is a cofounder of Forth District and the And Campaign, and he has served as an adjunct professor at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. He was an original member of influential hip-hop consortium 116 Clique, recording with Reach Records. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly news analysis podcast from Christianity Today, with editor-at-large Russell Moore and executive editor of news Clarissa Moll. Each episode offers commentary on current events and headlining news with a roundtable of premier guests, and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's Substack LIVE conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Charlie's Suspension from X/Twitter: Charlie details being locked out after criticizing Elon Musk's racist and antisemitic posts, with his pre-2024 election history erased. — Cultural Satire Mirroring Reality: Charlie is seeing strong parallels between Trump and Homelander from The Boys TV show. — Trump's Distracted Narcissism: Trump is preoccupied with a golden statue at Doral, a blue reflecting pond, and a ballroom renovation while facing a critical summit with Xi Jinping and volatile Iran brinkmanship. — Democratic Strategy for Midterms: My advice: Focus on pocketbook issues like gas prices, inflation, and Trump family corruption (including the failed “Trump Phone” scam). But Charlie also thinks Democrats can channel the Epstein scandal as a way to neutralize the Trans issue…. — Candidate Quality and Gerrymandering Wars: Is Graham Platner really the best choice for Maine Democrats? Plus, Virginia's redistricting battles — and the long-term damage of aggressive gerrymandering. — Broader Political and Moral Concerns: Charlie and Matt lament the loss of America's moral high ground, while Charlie stresses the importance of maintaining open debate and inconvenient truths.— 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

During this week's Substack LIVE, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Trump's Megalomania and Historical Self-Comparison: Donald Trump has reportedly begun comparing himself to Hegel's legendary “heroes of an Epoch”: Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Napoleon Bonaparte. What could possibly go wrong?!?— Trump's Collapsing Polls and Political Damage: Sharp drops in approval, especially among independents; dismal ratings on Iran war handling, economy, inflation, and cost of living tied to gas price spikes, and more;— Scott Jennings' On-Air Meltdown: CNN contributor Scott Jennings dropping an F-bomb and losing his temper against a young liberal YouTuber (Adam Mockler). So why hasn't he been fired?— MAGA Congressman Riley Moore and the New Bishop: West Virginia Congressman Riley Moore — a Catholic Republican who gave a thumbs-up photo in front of El Salvador prison cages with migrants — got a surprise, recently. Pope Leo appointed a new bishop for West Virginia who is a former undocumented immigrant from El Salvador.— Rudy Giuliani's Fallen Legacy: Giuliani in critical condition in hospital; dramatic squandering of his post-9/11 hero status (would have had schools, airports, etc., named after him); comparison to Benedict Arnold as someone whose early heroism was destroyed by later flaws and choices.— 2028 Trump Family Dynasty Speculation: Charlie and Matt agree that Trump might decide to back a family member in 2028 (Don Jr. or Ivanka!) as successor to retain influence and protection; Don Jr. as the more obvious but flawed candidate; Ivanka as potentially stronger (more likable, electable, historic first-woman angle).— 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

Trump's Justice Department targets former FBI Director James Comey a second time after he's indicted for alleged threats against the President. Then, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prepares to go before Congress to make a case for the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion budget request. Plus, a stunning move from the UAE as it annouces plans to leave OPEC. What this could mean for the global energy crisis triggered by war in Iran. Carol Leonnig, Jeff Mason, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, Max Chafkin, Brendan Greeley, Charlie Sykes, and Teddy Schleifer join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes stops by to talk about Trump using political capital for the stupidest reason possible.The New York Times’ Jodi Kantor joins us to discuss her new book, How to Start: Discovering Your Life’s Work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During today's podcast, Matt talks with Charlie Sykes about: — Chaos at the White House Correspondents' Dinner: An attempted shooting turned the glitzy event into near-tragedy, exposing major security gaps and prompting immediate political finger-pointing instead of reflection.— The Bizarre “Build the Ballroom” Pivot: Trumpworld shifted with laser-focused message discipline to demand a $400 million White House ballroom — weaponizing the violence to advance Trump's obsession and keeping the topic of conversation off of Iran.— The 60 Minutes Meltdown: Trump's defensive interview, including unsolicited Nixon-esque denials (“I am not a rapist… I am not a pedophile”) and lashing out at host Norah O'Donnell.— The Security Bubble Problem: From cabinet members living on military bases to calls for presidents never leaving fortified compounds, the Trump administration is increasingly isolated from regular people, worsening governance and public distrust.— Conspiracy Theories Biting Back: The same conspiratorial mindset Trump once fueled (birtherism, Stop the Steal, etc.) is now turning inward. — 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

As scandals shake Trump's cabinet, Harry sits down with Emily Bazelon, Conor Lamb, and Charlie Sykes to discuss the revelations about Kash Patel, a Democratic redistricting win in Virginia, and the administration's latest retaliations. Along the way, the trio discuss what it will take to revive the rule of law and whether there's a path away from endless gerrymandering. They close by digging into the jaw-dropping details from Emily's reporting about how Trump turned DHS into an agency incompetent at real law enforcement but adept at inflicting suffering. Mentioned in this episode: Harry's Substack on the SPLC indictment:  https://harrylitman.substack.com/p/funding-extremism-pleaseEmily's reporting:  https://www.nytimes.com/by/emily-bazelon#latest Charlie's Substack:  https://charliesykes.substack.com/ Emily's DHS article:  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/04/14/magazine/trump-dhs-ice-officers-immigration-deportations.html   Emily's conversation with Harry about her oral history of the DOJ under Trump:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PDKeMe1mXU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Substack convo, Charlie Sykes and Matt break down the latest escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict, plus:— Why it feels like déjà vu and a “kabuki dance,” with the Strait of Hormuz closed, Trump boxed in by markets, and sinking poll numbers— Cabinet drama: Kash Patel's alleged drinking issues and freak-out, and Pete Hegseth's Pulp Fiction “Bible verse” recitation.— Washington elites still don't know “what time it is”: Media nostalgia at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and the death of the old normal— Conspiracy karma: MAGA turning on itself with staged assassination attempt theories, crisis actor claims. — The rise of AI-generated fake Trump supporters— How parasocial relationships and lonely audiences fuel grifty streamers (see Nick Fuentes)— Virginia redistricting referendum, and why unilateral disarmament on gerrymandering is naive in the Trump era— 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 week, Hungarian politician Peter Magyar gathered a politically diverse coalition to win an election against prime minister Viktor Orban, ending a 16-year autocratic rule. Dalibor Rohac joins Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll to talk about Orban's connection with President Trump and what this indicates about the global far-right populist movement. On Tuesday, Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigned from Congress following allegations of sexual misconduct. Charlie Sykes stops by to discuss. Finally, President Trump posted an AI meme of himself dressed as Jesus and healing a man. Matthew Walther joins us to talk about the importance of images and symbols, and the role of the church in speaking truth to power. REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE: Should I Report Church Abuse to the Police? - Russell Moore Is Donald Trump Antichrist? - Matthew Walther - The Lamp Use the code LAMP26 for 20% off your one-year, six-issue subscription to The Lamp. Visit thelampmagazine.com to redeem. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Dalibor Rohac is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, where he studies the political economy of the European Union and transatlantic relations. He is concurrently a research associate at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies in Brussels. Charles J. Sykes is a political commentator who hosted a conservative talk show in Wisconsin for 23 years. He was the former editor-in-chief of The Bulwark, and is currently an MSNBC contributor. Sykes has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Salon, and other national publications. He has appeared on the Today Show, ABC, NBC, Fox News, CNN, PBS, and the BBC. ​​Matthew Walther is editor of The Lamp magazine and a contributing opinion writer at the New York Times. He is currently writing a biography of Saint John Henry Newman for Yale University Press. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes stops by to talk about JD Vance’s presidential aspirations slowly disappearing.Congressman Jared Moskowitz joins us to discuss former AG Bondi refusing to show up to congressional hearings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The IMF warns the Iran war could cause a global recession as the president says the conflict is "very close" to being over. Then, cracks emerge in the MAGA coalition as Americans continue to pay for the administration's policies. Plus, how voters are fighting back against AI data centers. Jeff Mason, Ron Insana, Justin Wolfers, former Ambassador Dan Shapiro, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, Charlie Sykes, and Amanda Hoover join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's LIVE chat, Charlie Sykes and Matt attempted to break down a chaotic news cycle with sharp analysis and dark humor. I think we mostly succeeded. Here's what they covered:— Trump's Blasphemy and Self-Idolatry: Trump's AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus healing or resurrecting someone, combined with his vulgar Easter “bleat,” seen as blatant blasphemy and idolatry that has even some MAGA supporters uneasy.— Trump's Escalating War with the Catholic Church: Personal attacks on Pope Leo, threats of an “Avignon papacy,” criticism of the Pope as “weak on crime,” and the difficult position this creates for conservative Catholics and convert J.D. Vance.— Evangelical Silence vs. Moral Consistency: Why many evangelicals who once criticized bad character now defend or downplay Trump's sacrilegious behavior.— Viktor Orbán's Landslide Defeat in Hungary: A major blow to authoritarianism as Orbán — backed by Trump and Putin — suffers a crushing electoral loss. But will he actually leave office?— J.D. Vance's “Everything He Touches Turns to Sh*t” Record: Vance's failed efforts in Hungary and peace negotiations, reinforcing his reverse-Midas touch.— The Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: Trump's confusing and potentially self-defeating plan to join or escalate the blockade. Is there a method to the madness?— Eric Swalwell's Spectacular Political Collapse: Multiple allegations of sexual assault leading to his withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race, and talk of expulsion from Congress.— Amanda Ungaro, Melania Trump, and the Epstein Files: The Brazilian model's threats to expose secrets tied to Melania and the Epstein world after being detained and deported via ICE at the request of her ex-partner (a Trump ally). Does this explain Melania's bizarre press conference???— Trump's “Freedom 250” Religious Revival: Plans for a large-scale “national jubilee of prayer” and revival on the National Mall, juxtaposed against his recent blasphemous posts.— And MUCH moreSubscribe 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

April 9, 2026: Both polls and midterm elections indicate growing discontent in the Trump coalition as the war in Iran continues into its second month and the MAGA base is still largely unsatisfied with opacity of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Nicolle Wallace discusses with Angelo Carusone, Charlie Sykes, Miles Taylor and Anthea Butler.  For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump's Iran threats crossed a line that even seasoned political observers are calling genocidal. Charlie Sykes joins Pat Kahnke to break down what just happened — and why Christian nationalism is the theological permission structure behind it. In this conversation, Sykes and Kahnke analyze Trump's recent statements targeting Iran — statements that Sykes calls "the most deranged ever issued by a U.S. president" — and trace how evangelical Christian nationalism has moved from the fringes to the center of American foreign policy. From Pete Hegseth's holy war rhetoric to Doug Wilson's "sin of empathy" theology, this is what MAGA Christianity looks like when it has its hands on a nuclear arsenal.

On this week's Substack LIVE, Charlie Sykes and Matt return for a no-holds-barred discussion on controversial left-wing streamer Hasan Piker — and the accelerating chaos of Trump's second term. Along the way, they discuss:— Trump's shocking Easter bleat: The F-bomb threat to bomb Iranian power plants and bridges — is this the most deranged presidential statement ever?— Defining deviancy down: Profanity from the White House on a sacred day, casual talk of infrastructure attacks (war crimes?), and the weird split-screen with the Pope's peace message.— Military purge in wartime: Firing generals mid-conflict, loyalty tests, and fears the U.S. military will obey illegal orders.— The Iran paradox: Impressive tactical wins (like the U.S. airman rescue) under erratic leadership — is Trump getting dangerously cocky?— Democrats' big tent dilemma: Should the party embrace far-left streamer Hasan Piker (with his history of controversial remarks on Israel, Putin, date rape, and more) to energize young voters — or is that the left's Nick Fuentes moment?— Principles vs. power: Why “fight fire with fire” risks turning Democrats into what they hate, the allure of relevance and “cool kids” politics, and whether a moral center can still win.— Plus: Reflections on suck-ups in Trump world, the hackification of commentary, and why irrelevance can be liberating.If you're in the mood for some sharp, independent analysis from two Never Trump conservatives, this is for you.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 President fires Attorney General Pam Bondi; a look at who's on the shortlist to replace her. Then, the U.S. attacks Iran's civilian infrastructure while Iran launches a barrage of missile strikes in the region. Plus, Trump imposes new tariffs on the 1 year anniversary of “Liberation Day”. Catherine Rampell hosts as Peter Baker, Charlie Sykes, Joyce Vance, Ivo Daalder, Natasha Sarin, Brendan Greeley, and Jon Meacham join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Tuesday, March 31, Congressman and Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee Rep. Jim Himes (CT-4) and national security expert Miles Taylor‬ of DEFIANCE.News unpacked the Iran conflict, explaining how geopolitical tensions, media narratives, and domestic politics are intersecting in ways that could increase the risk of escalation. Moderated by Charlie Sykes, speakers emphasized that the human, economic, and global consequences of conflict are often treated too abstractly, underscoring the importance of staying informed and engaged.The discussion also focused on practical ways individuals can take action: diversifying news sources, contacting elected officials about military engagement, backing candidates committed to democratic norms in competitive races, and engaging in informed conversations within their communities.The takeaway was straightforward: understanding the stakes is important, but meaningful change depends on sustained engagement and informed action.Check out BigTentUSA's ACT NOW page: https://bigtentusa.org/act-now/ Learn more about Rep. Himes: https://www.himesforcongress.com/Check out Miles' organization and podcast:https://www.defiance.orghttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-whistleblowers-inside-118528279/Visit Charlie's newsletter and podcast “To the Contrary”:https://charliesykes.substack.com/ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:Jim Himes was elected to Congress in 2008 and has since built a record delivering results for Connecticut families. He has served in key roles including Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee and as a senior member of the Financial Services Committee, focusing on economic growth, national security, and bipartisan solutions. He previously chaired the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth and has a long history of local service, including with the Greenwich Housing Authority and other community organizations.Miles Taylor is a national security expert who works in Washington, DC as Founder of DEFIANCE.org. Taylor previously served as chief of staff at the US Department of Homeland Security, where he published a bombshell “Anonymous” essay in The New York Times, blowing the whistle on presidential misconduct. He later published the #1 national bestseller “A Warning”, revealed himself to be the author, and launched a campaign of ex-officials to oppose Donald Trump's reelection. Taylor is also the author of The New York Times best-selling book Blowback and the host of the iHeartRadio podcast “The Whistleblowers.”Charlie Sykes is the author of the Substack newsletter, “To the Contrary,” and contributes to The Atlantic and MSNBC. His most recent book, “How the Right Lost Its Mind”, published by St. Martin's Press, was released in October 2017.Sykes has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Weekly Standard, The Washington Post, Commentary, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Time.com, USA Today, National Review, The New York Review of Books, the New York Daily News, and other national publications. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigtentnews.substack.com

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes stops by to talk about Trump’s self-inflicted wounds to his presidency.Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek joins us to discuss his very real chances of becoming Iowa’s next senator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the Democrats put an end to Trump & his MAGA cult?Nick Cohen talks to leading U.S. commentator and conservative dissident Charlie Sykes about the continuing collapse of the U.S. Republic under the corruption, authoritarianism and incompetence of the Trump-MAGA regime. Nick asks Charlie the question increasing numbers of people are asking, "Can Democrats save the U.S. from becoming a despotic regime permanently controlled by Trump's MAGA cult?"Trump is desperately trying to get his so-called "Save America Act" passed through Congress and the Senate ahead of the midterm elections in November. The Act is widely seen as a brazen attempt by an unstable and rapidly ageing man to rig future elections to the Republicans' advantage by putting major obstacles in the way of voters' ability to vote. Meanwhile, the media, civic society and important institutions are under relentless assault by Trump and his MAGA minions. Trump's illegal tariffs are helping to impoverish many Americans - and billions more around the world - while his illegal and increasingly catastrophic war threatens to plunge the global economy into chaos and recession. His sinister support for Vladimir Putin not only threatens Ukraine but the security of the rest if Europe.Nick asks Charlie Sykes, "Can the Democrats finally get their act together and end Trump's increasingly toxic tyranny before it's too late?"Read all about it!Charlie Sykes @SykesCharlie is a leading highly respected United States conservative political commentator who was formerly editor-in-chief and founder of the highly influential website The Bulwark. Charlie has been a leading Never Trump Conservative since Trump stood for the presidency in 2015. Charlie's Substack - To the contrary is a must read, and his regular podcast - also called To the contrary - a must listen. He has also been a columnist and author for the progressive channel MSNBC.Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt break down how Trump's character flaws — flaws we've been warning about for 10 plus years — are now endangering everyone.Here are some key moments we cover:— Trump's Truth Social rant: Democrats top Iran as top enemy — what does this mean for half the country?— Trump celebrating Robert Mueller's death (Purple Heart vet) + hypocrisy on grief (the Charlie Kirk murder outrage)— Iran debacle: Power plant threats, Lindsey Graham's Iwo Jima fantasies, market crashes, and war crimes risks— Why Trump treats allies worse than adversaries (Denmark, Japan Pearl Harbor “joke”)— The bubble: No one tells Trump “no” — leading to miscalculations and danger— Vindication for Never Trumpers: Character IS destiny — we warned everyone in 2016!— Plus: Is Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear THE potential 2028 hope? Charlie thinks there's a chance. If you've been saying “we told you so” about Trump's impulsiveness, narcissism, and cruelty — this episode hits hard. Plus, Charlie pulls no punches on the reality of this “mad king,” and what happens if his polls keep tanking.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 week, top US counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigned, saying he could not support the ongoing war in Iran. Charlie Sykes joins Russell Moore, Mike Cosper, and Clarissa Moll to discuss Kent's claims that Iran posed no imminent threat to the US. Then, Rebeccah Heinrichs from the Hudson Institute stops by to talk about global players in the war in Iran and what's going on with US allies. Finally, the Supreme Court recently voted to give California parents the right to be informed if their child chooses to gender transition at school. Adèle Keim from Becket joins us to share why California schools were not communicating critical information to parents, and how the Court affirmed parents' constitutional right to raise their children. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Charles J. Sykes is a political commentator who hosted a conservative talk show in Wisconsin for 23 years. He was the former editor-in-chief of The Bulwark, and is currently an MSNBC contributor. Sykes has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Salon, USA Today, National Review, The Weekly Standard, and other national publications. He has appeared on the Today Show, ABC, NBC, Fox News, CNN, PBS, and the BBC and has been profiled on NPR. Rebeccah Heinrichs is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute and the director of its Keystone Defense Initiative. She specializes in US national defense policy with a focus on strategic deterrence. Heinrichs currently serves as a commissioner on the bipartisan Strategic Posture Commission. She also serves on the US Strategic Command Advisory Group and the National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness. She is an adjunct professor at the Institute of World Politics, where she teaches nuclear deterrence theory and is also a contributing editor of Providence: A Journal of Christianity and American Foreign Policy. Adèle Keim is a senior legal counsel for Becket, a non-profit, public-interest legal and educational institute with a mission to protect the free expression of all faiths. Prior to working with Becket, Adèle was an associate in the appellate practice at Winston & Strawn in Washington, D.C, and she clerked for Hon. Edith Brown Clement on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans. Adèle has been featured on CNN, Fox News, Al Jazeera, EWTN, TheBlaze, and MSNBC. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes stops by to talk about Pete Hegseth’s egregious spending spree on floral arrangements and lobster at the Department of War.Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold joins us to discuss Governor Polis flirting with pardoning election meddler Tina Peters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank you Caroline Henry, Harshi Peiris, Ph.D., Kiwi Rebel, CO, eric, and many others for tuning into my live video with Charlie Sykes and Jim Acosta! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decodingfoxnews.substack.com/subscribe

On this week's LIVE discussion, Charlie Sykes delivers a blistering critique of President Trump's Iran policy from a right-of-center perspective — calling out the chaos, contradictions, and long-term damage.We also dissect how “America First” became the most flexible slogan ever, bad optics (video game sizzle reels, golf caps during dignified transfers), economic fallout (oil spiking to $100+/barrel), and call out the Faustian bargains.Major topics discussed:— Trump's incoherent Iran strategy — No plan, no exit, shifting goals from regime change to “unconditional surrender” to whatever Trump decides that day— “America First” means nothing — It's just a flexible slogan that is defined by Trump's mood— Trivializing war — Video game-style White House reels (Top Gun clips, anime), wearing a golf cap at Dover dignified transfer, lack of solemnity amid fallen troops— Israel's influence & anti-Semitism risks — A war sold as for Israel's security is feeding conspiracy theories, and doing long-term damage to bipartisan support for Israel and Jewish communities— Russia-Iran ironies — Russia is reportedly aiding Iran against U.S. forces; Ukraine is helping intercept Iranian drones— White House hubris — “Yes”-men, repeating failed playbooks (“Mission Accomplished” redux), ignoring red flags— AI/job disruption backlash, generational damage to capitalism, the church, and conservatism— Texas Senate race update — Looks like James Talarico could beat Ken Paxton OR John Cornyn!— And MUCH moreIf you're tired of cheerleading and want honest analysis of Trump's presidency, this episode is a must-watch.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 Lewis discuss: — The Supreme Court's major ruling blocking Trump's broad use of emergency powers for tariffs: A strong reaffirmation of separation of powers, or another way to save Trump from himself?— The looming risk of military conflict with Iran, including the potential for regime-change, and why Iran might prefer war over capitulation— FBI Director Kash Patel's viral celebration in the U.S. men's hockey locker room after their 2026 Olympic gold-medal win, including chugging beer and spraying drinks while domestic crises (like the Mar-a-Lago intruder shooting) were unfolding— The ongoing fallout from the Epstein files, including speculation about radicalization (e.g., the Mar-a-Lago intruder reportedly motivated by frustration over lack of transparency) and Trump's claims of exoneration— Authoritarian-style pressure tactics, such as Donald Trump's reported demand that Netflix fire Susan Rice from its board to secure approval for a major corporate acquisition— The larger theme of hubris, vengeance, and the dangers of an administration increasingly unmoored from constitutional norms, institutional guardrails, and competent governance— 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 © 2025, BBL & BWL, LLC

Today on Mea Culpa, I'm revisiting a September conversation with Charlie Sykes, political commentator, author of “How the Right Lost Its Mind,” and MSNBC contributor. While the specific Trump controversies have changed, the nature of his leadership and the damage he causes have not. Then, the First Amendment alarms centered around Jimmy Kimmel; now, it's Don Lemon and Georgia Fort. We also discussed Trump's UN speech, a speech Trump once again mentioned at yesterday's “Board of Peace” event. And the most consistent through line remains the same: the continued lack of transparency around the Epstein files. The names and moments may shift, but the patterns we identify and discuss remain just as relevant today. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes stops by to talk about CBS cowering to the FCC by refusing to air an interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer Jon Meacham about his latest book, American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: An Anthology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking Feds stalwarts Norm Ornstein, Tara Setmayer, and Charlie Sykes join Harry to review Pam Bondi's flailing theatrics before Congress as well as a raft of other embarrassments for the Trump administration. After panning the DOJ's determination to avoid transparency on Epstein, the group turns to the sudden federal retreat in Minnesota and a searing courtroom humiliation for Pete Hegseth. To close, they break down the stirrings of mutiny within Trump's party and the president's effort to rewrite election rules. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw episode, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis rip into President's Day 2026 — calling it a diluted holiday that now celebrates presidential "awesomeness" amid Trump's cult of personality and Putin admiration. They also discuss:— Trump's escalating cult of personality, as dissected in Peter Baker's latest NYT analysis— Marco Rubio's Munich Security Conference speech: A slick Trojan horse for MAGA ideas?— The second anniversary of Alexei Navalny's murder: Confirmed poisoning with rare dart frog toxin, yet Trump shrugs— Trump's aggressive ICE raids backfire spectacularly: Cratering Hispanic support in South Texas— 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 Substack LIVE conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis discuss...— Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show— Trump's angry reaction and Truth Social meltdown— MAGA counter-programming failure (Kid Rock & TPUSA event)— Trump's blatantly racist post about the Obamas— How ICE is buying off local police departments— J.D. Vance booed at the Olympics!— Sen. Jon Ossoff's great speech in Atlanta— Despite leading in the primary polls, Rep. Jasmine Crockett doesn't seem to be running much of a campaign in Texas— 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 © 2025, BBL & BWL, LLC

In this important episode, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis break down the stunning Texas Senate special election upset: Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips a +17 Trump district by 14 points (31-point swing!) despite massive GOP spending and Trump intervention. Is this the start of a midterm wave driven by ICE overreach, Minneapolis protests/shootings, and cratering Hispanic support?We also discuss:— The heartbreaking-then-hopeful story of 5-year-old Liam Ramos released from ICE detention after a scathing judge's opinion— Fresh Epstein file dumps raising Russian ties and elite scandals— Why Trump's mass deportation chaos is backfiring and supercharging Democratic motivation— 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

Today on the Saturday show, Mike shares a conversation he had with Charlie Sykes, former host of The Bulwark and current host of the new podcast To the Contrary. They discuss how ordinary citizens with cell phones in Minneapolis became Donald Trump's kryptonite, exposing the chaos of his immigration enforcement strategy and forcing a rare retreat from the administration. Charlie and Mike break down why the "chaos as a ladder" theory backfired, why ICE's brutality is finally breaking through to the "normies," and whether Republicans in Congress will ever rediscover their spines and reclaim their Article I powers. Produced by Corey Wara Coordinated by Lya Yanne Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠ For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/ Follow us on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/ X https://x.com/pescami TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagist To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist

Nicolle Wallace covers the surveillance technology ICE has access to due to its increased federal funding. This technology includes biometric trackers, facial recognition, and military drones, which are all used to track protestors and potential candidates for deportation.Later, Ben Terris and Charlie Sykes join Nicolle to discuss the mysterious bruising on Trump's hands as well as his tendency to doze off during his lengthy cabinet meetings.For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MS NOW podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this timely Substack LIVE discussion, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis break down the horrifying Minneapolis shootings by federal agents under the Trump administration. They discuss:-- The Trump administration's pattern of killing + immediate smears-- How video evidence destroys the ICE narrative, and the potential for mischief when no cameras are around-- Why this feels like a true breaking point for many Americans. -- Risks of escalation to Insurrection Act (Is this the tipping point against authoritarian tactics? Or will the chaos ladder continue?)-- Second Amendment hypocrisy, & the NRA's surprising response-- 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

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes examines how Donald Trump is bringing fear to America’s streets.Then Market Scoreboard Report’s Ron Insana details Trump’s erratic NATO negotiations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comCharlie is a journalist and podcaster. From 1993 to 2016, he hosted a conservative talk show on WTMJ in Milwaukee. He was also the editor of Right Wisconsin, the editor-in-chief of The Bulwark, and a commentator on MSNBC. He recently went fully independent with his own substack, “To the Contrary” — subscribe! The author of many books, the latest was 2017's How the Right Lost Its Mind.An auto-transcript is available above (just click “Transcript” while logged into Substack). For two clips of our convo — on the Trump admin's soulless response to the ICE killings, and if the GOP is starting to turn on Trump — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: growing up in a contrarian liberal home; his dad a journalist prof who ran Eugene McCarthy's 1968 campaign in Wisconsin; Charlie converting to Catholicism in college; TS Eliot's influence on his faith; writing his first book based on his dad's essay against academia; getting into talk radio in the early years; the Limbaugh effect; the MSM disdain over talk radio; my early campaign for marriage equality reaching Charlie's show; the lost culture of healthy debate; Gingrich's contempt for the opposition; Vince Foster; Bush discrediting conservatism; the demonization of Obama; the failure of GOP gatekeepers; both parties embracing mass migration; “The Flight 93 Election”; the groups controlling the Dems; Biden empowering Trump on immigration; the Fox News fallacy; the anti-Semite card with respect to Israel and the settlements; Gaza; the war in Ukraine; the ICE killing in Minneapolis; JD's soulless presser; the indecency of Matt Walsh and Megyn Kelly; the threats to Greenland; the persecution of Jerome Powell; civil war rhetoric; the Caribbean boats and Maduro's ouster; our Viking foreign policy; Cardinal Dolan embracing MAGA; Pope Leo replacing Dolan; tariffs as protection money; the abuse of the pardon; ICE recruitment ramping up; and how dogs are the best people.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. Coming up: Kevin Williamson on the devolution of the GOP, Jeffery Toobin on the pardon power, Jason Willick on trade and conservatism, Vivek Ramaswamy on the right's future, and Michael Pollan on consciousness. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

This week, protests continued against the Iranian government with the death count rising to more than 3,000, according to Iranian health officials. Jonathan Schanzer joins Mike, Russell, and Clarissa to discuss why this is such an important moment for the Iranian people and for peace in the Middle East. On Sunday, the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell released a video responding to grand jury subpoenas regarding renovation costs for federal buildings. Charlie Sykes explains the backdrop of the DOJ's investigation and what this could mean for the economy. Then, Christine Emba stops by for a discussion about Grok, Elon Musk's AI chatbot, which has begun granting a large number of user requests to undress images posted by other people.  REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE: -Updates on X's policies regarding Grok's image generation. ABOUT THE GUESTS:  Jonathan Schanzer is senior vice president for research at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), and he is also on the leadership team of FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power. He previously worked as a terrorism finance analyst at the US Department of the Treasury. Schanzer has appeared on CNN, Fox News, Al-Arabiya, and Al-Jazeera. Charles J. Sykes is a political commentator who hosted a conservative talk show in Wisconsin for 23 years. He was the former editor-in-chief of The Bulwark, and is currently an MSNBC contributor. Sykes has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Salon, USA Today, National Review, The Weekly Standard, and has appeared on the Today Show, ABC, NBC, Fox News, CNN, PBS, and the BBC. Christine Emba is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where her work focuses on gender and sexuality, feminism, masculinity, youth culture, and social norms. She is concurrently a contributing writer at The New York Times, and previously was a staff writer at The Atlantic, a columnist and editor at The Washington Post. She is the author of Rethinking Sex: A Provocation.  GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN:  -Join the conversation at our Substack.  -Find us on YouTube.  -Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice.  ABOUT THE BULLETIN:  The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.    The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.    “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today  Producer: Clarissa Moll  Associate Producer: Alexa Burke  Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps  Executive Producer: Erik Petrik  Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this explosive Substack LIVE discussion, Charlie Sykes and I dive deep into the chilling events of early 2026 under Trump's second term. We cover:— A weaponized DOJ, mass deportations turning violent, and warnings that the “resistance libs were right.”— Trump's aggressive threats to seize Greenland, a move that would effectively end NATO.— FBI raiding a Washington Post journalist's home in a classified leaks probe.— Disturbing DHS/DOL slogans echoing Nazi propaganda (“One Homeland, One People, One Heritage”).— The fatal ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old American mom and poet in Minneapolis — called “domestic terrorism” by the Trump administration despite video evidence.— 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comClaire is an American novelist, essayist, and journalist living in Paris. She's the editor-in-chief of The Cosmopolitan Globalist — subscribe! — and the author of many books, including There Is No Alternative: Why Margaret Thatcher Matters, and the novel Loose Lips.An auto-transcript is available above (just click “Transcript” while logged into Substack). For two clips of our convo — on the US returning to the Monroe Doctrine via Venezuela, and if Rubio is gunning for Cuba next — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: Claire's grandpa fleeing Nazi Germany and joining the French Foreign Legion; the new movie Nuremberg; her mom a world-class cellist; Claire raised in California; seeing me debate at Oxford; my 1988 hatchet job on Ben Sherwood; our mutual love of Thatcher and how she wielded femininity; getting the Iraq War wrong; Trump increasingly looking senile; Stephen Miller's fascism; Michael Anton and the new National Security Strategy; debating the war in Ukraine; Russia's threats to Europe; NATO and defense spending; the growing isolationism of Americans; conspiracy theories; AI slop; Trump's threats over Greenland; resource extraction; the Taiwan question; nuclear proliferation and A House of Dynamite; the irrelevant Congress; the poison of the identitarian left; Tom Holland's Dominion; Keir Starmer less popular than Prince Andrew; migrants in France; the last gasps of Macron; AfD and Reform; the tariff war; and the new McCarthyism.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. Coming up: Charlie Sykes on the GOP ditching conservatism, Jason Willick on trade, Vivek Ramaswamy on the right's future, and Michael Pollan on consciousness. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

On this week's Substack LIVE conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis discuss: - January 6th anniversary - Venezuela operation & Trump's ambitions - Stephen Miller's CNN comments: Imperialism & power- Greenland threats & historical parallels- The broader implications for U.S. identity and the loss of moral authority- The Minnesota corruption scandal, and Gov. Tim Walz's decision not to seek re-election- Whether JD Vance is the inevitable GOP nominee in 2028- 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

While Saving Elephants defends the classical conservative position, the loudest voices on the Right today coalesce around different policies, priorities, and goals.  Those that form the dissident Right are comprised of multiple sub-groups with overlapping and, at times, incompatible views.  So who is this disparate group of dissidents?  What holds them together, and how do they differ from conservatives?  Joining Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis is Stephanie Slade to explore the contours of the dissident Right.   About Stephanie Slade From reason.com Stephanie Slade is a senior editor at Reason, the magazine of "free minds and free markets," and a fellow in liberal studies at the Acton Institute. Her writing has appeared in America magazine, The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, the Online Library of Liberty, and elsewhere. She covers the intersection of religion and politics.   Slade is best known for her piece "Why I Am a Pro-Life Libertarian," her magazine feature on booze-producing monks, and her defenses of "fusionism" (which probably isn't what you think!). Don't miss her discussing the differences between comprehensive and political libertarianism on The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie.   In 2013, Slade was named a finalist for the Bastiat Prize for Journalism. In 2016, she was selected as a Robert Novak Journalism Fellow. She serves as a member of the board of advisors for Young Voices and has been a guest on a variety of podcasts, including Jonah Goldberg's The Remnant, Charlie Sykes' The Bulwark Podcast, and The New York Times' Ezra Klein Show.   Prior to joining Reason, Slade worked as a speechwriter and pollster. She's a proud graduate of the University of Florida, where she studied economics and political science. Follow her on X: @sladesr.  

Tonight on The Last Word: New polls paint a bleak picture for the Trump economy. Plus, the weekly jobless claims hit their highest level in over four years. Also, Trump's redistricting push fails in Indiana. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Jared Bernstein, Charlie Sykes, Tom Nichols, State Sen. Shelli Yoder, and Rep. Maxwell Frost join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes examines Donald Trump’s unpopular reign over America.Then Jacob Silverman details his new book Gilded Rage and the latest in crypto grifts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harry talks with a great set of Talking Feds stalwarts—Charlie Sykes, Ali Vitali, and Jacob Weisberg—to get a handle on the fast-changing politics of the shutdown, the worthiness of the case against John Bolton, and the new group chat scandal roiling the GOP. Why is Vice President J.D. Vance calling criticism of leaked racist messages by rising Republicans "pearl-clutching"? Is the indictment against John Bolton just another political prosecution? And are top Republicans gearing up to give into Democrats on healthcare to get the government reopened? Mentioned in this episode: Charlie's Substack: https://charliesykes.substack.com/ Ali's interview with Senate Leader John Thune: https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/news/thune-msnbc-offered-democrats-vote-obamacare-subsidies-rcna237914 Politico's story revealing a Young Republicans groupchat: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/private-chat-among-young-gop-club-members-00592146 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices