Podcasts about Devolution

Jon Herold and Burning Bright open the Wednesday show with Trump's True Social feed doing most of the heavy lifting: an Apache helicopter gets shot down over the Strait, Trump announces Iran's military is "completely defeated," and then discloses mid-interview that the US secretly extracted 100 million barrels of Iranian oil through the supposedly closed Strait over the past month. Burning Bright unpacks why that disclosure confirms what financial media had already noticed: oil prices never moved the way they should have if the blockade was real, because it was never real. The Strait has been a narrative operation against the global energy cartel, not Iran. Trump's $1.5 trillion Recon 3 defense budget post lands with the SAVE Act attached, and McConnell and Collins immediately say it won't pass. Burning Bright's war economy switch theory frames the whole thing not as a weapons bill but as a translation layer for funding a domestic technology and manufacturing overhaul modeled on the post-WWII fifties boom. Trump's clip calling out how Steve Hilton got "approved quickly" once heat was applied gets a full breakdown alongside a resurfaced Tim Pool 2021 clip calling election fraud talk "voter suppression." Bill Pulte takes over DNI on June 19 and Trump asks for a FISA 702 extension, while Burning Bright argues Intel is simply being siloed and put in a closet while the real operation runs elsewhere.

Join host Guy Ruddle and guests David Bainbridge, Alison Flood and Rhys Govier from Savills Planning as they discuss the relationship between devolved powers and the planning system across England, Scotland and Wales. Following on from the English Devolution Bill receiving Royal Assent, this podcast discusses what to expect and the lessons that can be learned from the planning systems of Scotland and Wales.

As the Minister of Health in Northern Ireland prepares to update the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Code of Practice, the Supreme Court is called upon to consider the impact any change would have on the right to liberty. https://uklawweekly.substack.com/subscribe Music from bensound.com

Jon Herold and Chris Paul open the Saturday show with the Los Angeles mayoral election slowly being stolen in plain sight, breaking down the New York Post video that tries to explain away helicopter ballot deliveries, six-day postal delays within the same state, and centralized ballot processing as mere quirky California inefficiency. Chris Paul dismantles the "incompetence not malevolence" framing live on air and makes the harder argument: no legitimate government can be formed if no election result is verifiable by anyone. The SAVE Act's chicken and egg problem gets illustrated perfectly by Elon Musk's own posts. Then NSPM 11 drops, revealing two classified directives nobody knew existed, with the AI national security memo prompting a sharp conversation about autonomous warfare and the surveillance implications of AI having access to everything. Trump's pardon of Steven Beyer gets a deep look: it is the only pardon this term where Trump publicly named every recommending official, all current or former elected representatives, and Jon makes the case he is deliberately putting congress members on blast for backing an insider trading conviction. The show closes on the CIA's David Rush, arrested with 303 gold bars, who built a fake continuity of government program inside the CIA while the Washington Post ties itself in knots insisting only five people knew about a program four of them just described to a reporter.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright open the Wednesday show with Anna Paulina Luna's assault press conference, complete with video of the tap on the arm that launched a thousand charges, and use it to make the principled argument the community keeps refusing to hear: if APL is actually a white hat, that should worry you more than it reassures you. From there, breaking news drops mid-episode: Trump announces Todd Blanche moves from acting to permanent Attorney General, and the guys connect it to Kurt Olsen quietly joining the Southern District of Florida under Joe DeGenova for the grand conspiracy Rico probe. Bill Pulte as acting DNI gets the Last Refuge treatment: he is a placeholder while the real target for the role is Rick Crawford, and the intel community itself admits that Ratcliffe is the one actually running Trump's intelligence agenda. Trump's Miranda Devine interview confirms on camera that the 2020 election was rigged 100% and that 2024 had rigging too, and Burning Bright reads Trump's deliberate silence on accountability as the most encouraging signal of the week. The House War Powers Resolution passing with four Republicans leads to the show's sharpest argument: Trump is not working through congress, he is working around it, and anyone still pinning the movement's hopes on midterm seats has misread what Trump is actually doing.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul open the Saturday show with Trump's "I don't care about the midterms" clip still rattling through the community and immediately connect it to Trump's statement that the Great Big Beautiful Bill put four years of legislation into one bill because congress is ineffective and Trump already got everything he needed. Chris Paul delivers a full argument: if you pass everything in one bill and you don't care about the midterms, the logical conclusion is that Trump never trusted congress and never intended to rely on it. The Atlantic's "Trump might already be a lame duck" article gets a thorough dissection as pure narrative seeding, with the guys noting that the outlet is simultaneously running Trump collapse and Trump dominance stories in the same news cycle because they genuinely do not know what the results will be. The NDAA Section 224 US/Israel defense cooperation provision gets a fair reading, with Jon pushing back on the viral "full merger" framing and arguing it is disclosure of an already existing relationship. The Ken Paxton Texas win raises the age of Trump vs. age of Trumpism question. The aliens.gov rug pull, the summer ICE protest cycle, CIA gold bars, Fort Knox, and Polymarket as a measurement of narrative consumption round out the show.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright are back together for the Wednesday show with a week's worth of movement to unpack. The DOJ launches a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll for perjury, and Burning Bright connects it to the SPLC indictment as part of a broader pattern: not just targeting individual liars, but exposing the funded NGO infrastructure that manufactured political narratives against Trump for a decade. Hassan Piker and Code Pink's Medea Benjamin both get subpoenaed for FARA violations tied to their Cuba trip, and Piker accidentally names billionaire Roy Singham, who lives in China, as one of their key funders on a live stream. Trump's "I don't care about the midterms" clip drops, and the guys explore what it means if the story the media tells about who wins in November is simply what Trump decides it will be. John Solomon's "hypersonic clarity" prediction from April 16 gets a timeline audit: missed by weeks and counting. Jill Biden surfaces claiming she had never seen Joe Biden like that at the debate, the same week he sued to block the Hur audio tapes. The Iran deal cycle continues, now sourced to CNN citing Iran's semi-official agency citing someone who heard explosions. Gavin Newsom threatens a 100% tax on anti-weaponization fund payouts to California residents.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul open on yet another Saturday shooting outside the White House, this time involving Nazir Best of Maryland, and spend the first segment dissecting why the total evidence for the event is a sound on a video and a reporter ducking. Chris Paul pivots into the history of the Secret Service, tracing its origins to Lincoln's 1865 national currency centralization project, its function as a financial enforcement body, and why its post-9/11 move under DHS fits a pattern of embedding the global security state inside the American government beyond presidential reach. Then comes the week's biggest news: Tulsi Gabbard resigning as DNI effective June 30, with plans to release reports on Havana syndrome, COVID, and the 2020 election. Chris Paul frames these releases as limited hangouts designed to let the air out of each disclosure balloon and explains why the solution is withholding belief rather than waiting for permission from the government to know what you already know. The Iran peace cycle gets its full treatment: Trump's True Social post announcing a memorandum of understanding, Netanyahu's hair on fire, and the Thursday-peace-Monday-bombs pattern that has repeated without interruption for months. The show closes on the post-Civil War constitutional inversion thesis and George P. Fletcher's argument that the reconstruction amendments were passed at bayonet point.

In all corners of the United Kingdom, parties that back independence are now in charge.The SNP retained control in Scotland and Plaid Cymru took power in Wales for the first time following the May elections. And, with Sinn Fein becoming the biggest party in Northern Ireland back in 2022, it now means all three devolved legislatures in the UK are led by nationalist parties.So, what's behind their rise and are there similarities between them?Niall is joined by Professor Michael Keating, Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Aberdeen and Fellow of the Centre on Constitutional Change at the University of Edinburgh.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

How has England's political landscape changed after the May 2026 elections? How will new local leaders go about their new roles? And what does this mean for the delivery of the government's local government reorganisation (LGR) agenda?   In this special episode of Inside Briefing, Matthew Fright, the Institute for Government's LGR anorak, has been gathering views across three areas - Surrey, Essex and Kent – at the forefront of LGR delivery to see how the government's aims to remove two-tier local government will be impacted by May's elections.  PLUS: An expert panel to unpick the election results and consider the demanding in-tray facing new local leaders as they get up to speed on this once in a generation transformation of local areas.    Featuring:   Ed Hammond, Director of Public Sector Audit at Grant Thornton UK  Heather Jameson, Editor of MJ  Vicky Elliot, Director of the IfG Academy  Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at IfG  Plus interviews with:   Cllr Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council  Mari Roberts-Wood, Chief Executive of Reigate and Banstead District Council  Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford District Council  Cllr Kevin Bentley, former leader of Essex County Council   Cllr Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council  Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council  This podcast was produced with the kind support of Grant Thornton UK.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Professor Murray Pittock to talk about his latest book The Shortest History of Scotland, which is published with Old Street Publishing Ltd.“From Columba to The Corries, the Picts to Paisley, Doggerland to Devolution – here is the unmissable story of Scotland.”Murray tells us how he came to write this book, the challenges in deciding what to include and why (and fitting it into just over 200 pages), and how such restrictions shaped the structure and style. He also explains why he selected quotations from Václav Havel and Edwin Muir for the epigraph, where and why he chose to begin this story, and the challenges in dividing the eras and periods.The two then discuss the relationships with England and the rest of Europe, the Declaration of Arbroath, the importance of the formation of the royal burghs and how they held the key to trade, the economy, and education. They also touch upon the Enlightenment, early Scottish literature, John Knox, the Darien scheme, and so much more.There is also conversation about the present day and what the future may hold, and the complex yet important issue of selling Scotland around the world. It was such a pleasure to be able to talk to Murray, and the result is a fascinating dialogue about the nation's history and more.For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

Jon Herold and Chris Paul open on the morning after Thomas Massie's primary loss with APAC already out celebrating publicly, naming Massie and MTG as the two "detractors" they replaced with pro-Israel voices. The guys break down what Trump's 37 and 0 endorsement record actually means in a fraudulent election system: not that Trump picks winners, but that endorsements are narrative disruption tools in a scripted storytelling war. John Podhoretz drops a stunning clip openly declaring that Jewish money will be deployed against antisemitic candidates as a matter of communal survival, and Chris Paul walks through why what he described, said by any other ethnic group, would end careers instantly. Trump's "He'll do whatever I want" Netanyahu quote drops alongside news of a tense call over a Qatar and Pakistan drafted Iran peace memo. Chris Paul reframes the Taliban, Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas as potentially legitimate people's governance authorities rather than terrorist groups, connecting it to Syria, Venezuela, and the Doha agreement pattern. Spencer Pratt's viral LA mayoral AI ads get a full breakdown. The show closes on Trump's DOJ anti-weaponization fund, a $1.776 billion settlement where the DOJ officially acknowledges the "unlawful raid of Mar-a-Lago."

Jon Herold and Chris Paul open on election night with the Kentucky Massie primary consuming the entire MAGA Twitter ecosystem. Jon walks through Trump's blistering True Social posts calling Massie the worst Republican congressman in history and threatening Lauren Boebert's seat, while both hosts make the principled case that the allegation op being run against Massie uses the exact same playbook as Kavanaugh and Stormy Daniels, and the community is failing its own standards. Chris Paul lays out his theory that Trump's endorsements in an era of fake elections are narrative disruption tools, not predictions of winners. From there the show gets philosophical, with Chris delivering his extended metaphor about systematic reality inversion and what it means to be the person correctly calling heads and tails when everyone around you has been conditioned backwards for life. Trump's "I don't think about American finances" Iran doubledown with Brett Baier gets a principled defense. The Twitter algorithm transparency post, the social incentive structure driving the entire influencer class, and Trump's comments on 500,000 Chinese students and the American university system all get their turns. The show closes on the CNN article about the Trump Hantavirus official who runs a YouTube show called Erection Connection.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright open with live footage from Trump's bilateral summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing. Burning Bright unpacks his multipolar margin call theory: the entire US/China trade war was a coordinated squeeze on the global billionaire class, and the summit is Trump and Xi standing at the head of the table telling those 30 top CEOs exactly who controls the future of their companies. From there the show pivots to The Atlantic's rebuttal of Trump's National Counterterrorism Strategy, which the guys frame as the media confirming exactly what the strategy says about them, that they are instruments of fifth-generation psychological warfare. Seb Gorka's clip calling for the mapping and identification of Americans for their speech draws sharp criticism, including his dual citizenship and what that should disqualify him from holding. The fake CIA raid on Tulsi Gabbard's ODNI office gets a thorough debunking alongside a breakdown of Anna Paulina Luna's pattern of attaching herself to viral MAGA narratives. Trump's Iran quote gets a fair but honest assessment, and Robert Kagan's neocon warning article is read as an unintentional confirmation of Burning Bright's disentanglement thesis. The show closes on Operation Epic Fury potentially being renamed Sledgehammer to dodge the War Powers Act

With a crucial set of local and devolved elections taking place in England, Scotland and Wales on Thursday 7 May, the Institute for Government devolution team hosted an expert webinar the day after to discuss the results so far. What is the likely composition of the new governments in Edinburgh and Cardiff and what will be their policy priorities? What are the implications for UK-devolved relations? And what do election results in county councils, London boroughs, district and unitary authorities across England mean for the government's local government reorganisation and devolution plans? To discuss these questions and more, including from the live online audience, were the IfG's expert devolution and local government team: Matthew Fright, Senior Researcher for Devolution at the Institute for Government Megan Isaac, Research Assistant for Devolution at the Institute for Government Harriet Shaw, Researcher for Devolution at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government.

Chief Executive Andrew Carter is joined by Ant Breach, Director of Policy and Research, to discuss devolution following the passing of the Devolution Act at the end of April. They cover what is included in the Act, what is missing - notably fiscal devolution - and how the Chancellor's Mais lecture has added momentum to the case for it.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul open a looser Saturday show with the UFO file dump that landed with a thud, comparing it directly to the Epstein files as a manufactured mystery with nothing behind the door. The boys break down Trump's announcement of a three-day Russia/Ukraine ceasefire on Victory Day and why every mainstream headline about the "scaled down" parade missed the point entirely. The Presidential Emergency Action Documents resurface in a Daily Beast piece, and Jon walks through the full history of Democrat attempts to access or disclose them since 2020 and why it keeps coming back around election cycles. Trump's announcement that US troops may move from Germany to Poland gets the full treatment as a disentanglement operation, alongside Italy and Spain, framed as the steady unwinding of the US as global police force for the one-world regime. The show closes with a substantive discussion on data centers, the Oliver County, North Dakota community fight against one going in over public objection, the Project Bluebeam/evangelical pastor meeting, Peter Thiel's antichrist lectures, and the Matrix Reloaded parallel to devolution and whether Trump is playing them or playing us.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright spend most of this Wednesday episode reading through Trump's newly released National Counterterrorism Strategy live, and the document delivers far more than expected. Beyond Antifa designations and cartel operations, the strategy explicitly names the US intelligence community as a weaponized political threat, calls the CIA's counterterrorism powers an instrument of persecution against Americans, and dedicates an entire section to calling European governments willful incubators of terrorism against their own people. Jon and Burning Bright connect every section to the broader devolution framework, the Russiagate accountability timeline, NSPM 35 and 36, and the Sovereign Alliance multipolar realignment. The Mexico and Sinaloa governor indictment gets its own breakdown alongside Scheinbaum's impossible position as the DOJ names more governors. The show closes on Trump's perfect endorsement record in Indiana and Ohio versus the synchronized ConInc narrative that MAGA support is collapsing, the Epstein suicide note, and what Trump's Iran True Social post signals when his own negotiators are publicly denying a deal exists.

On Thursday 7 May, voters in Scotland and Wales will elect the members of the devolved parliaments in Edinburgh and Cardiff. A change of government is expected in Wales, where Labour trails both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK in the polls. In Scotland, by contrast, the SNP is forecast to take a fifth successive victory, potentially with an outright majority, which the party will claim provides a mandate for an independence referendum. What are the probable electoral and government formation scenarios? What will the results mean for how Scotland and Wales are governed? What challenges and opportunities will face the incoming first ministers? And what are the potential implications for Westminster and relations between the UK nations? On the eve of these crucial votes, the Institute for Government convened an expert panel to explore what is at stake and what is likely to happen. On the panel: Professor John Curtice, Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde Liz Lloyd, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland, Specialist Partner at Flint Global Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government Jane Runeckles, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Wales, FDA National Officer This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

On Thursday 7 May, voters in Scotland and Wales will elect the members of the devolved parliaments in Edinburgh and Cardiff. A change of government is expected in Wales, where Labour trails both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK in the polls. In Scotland, by contrast, the SNP is forecast to take a fifth successive victory, potentially with an outright majority, which the party will claim provides a mandate for an independence referendum. What are the probable electoral and government formation scenarios? What will the results mean for how Scotland and Wales are governed? What challenges and opportunities will face the incoming first ministers? And what are the potential implications for Westminster and relations between the UK nations? On the eve of these crucial votes, the Institute for Government convened an expert panel to explore what is at stake and what is likely to happen. On the panel: Professor John Curtice, Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde Liz Lloyd, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland, Specialist Partner at Flint Global Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government Jane Runeckles, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Wales, FDA National Officer This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Herold and Chris Paul open with a week-later review of the WHCA Dinner shooting, including new video, conflicting stories between the DOJ, Secret Service, and the DC US Attorney, and a federal judge privately admonishing prosecutors for grandstanding in a session that somehow ended up on CNN anyway. From there the show covers the coordinated Ron DeSantis media rehabilitation push and what it signals about the 2028 positioning race. Then comes a sharp breakdown of the revelation that the NSA and Cyber Command's election security group has not been activated heading into the 2026 midterms, which the guys connect to Jon's Devolution Part 9 research and the broader question of whether the midterms are even going to happen. Trump's True Social posts on the filibuster, cognitive exams and "three terms," and the UNO wildcards card get analyzed as potential DevoComms. The show closes on a substantive conversation about Tucker Carlson's antichrist comments, Trump's weaponized reverse psychology communication strategy, and the dead Internet theory and how manufactured online engagement shapes reality.

Ahead of the elections to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 7 May, Alastair Donald and Rob Lyons talked to Dean Thomson, author of Scotland Undone: Nationalism, Dogma, and Decline in the Devolution Era. In a wide-ranging discussion, topics included: Thoughts on what will happen in the election, including the fall and rise of the SNP, the Reform UK insurgency, the decline of Labour and Conservatives The much-forgotten 'double out' voters who want to leave the UK and voted to leave the EU How devolution came about and how the SNP went from opponents to claiming it as their own The rise of the 'lanyard class' in Scotland The prospects for the future - do we need a more federal UK?  

Jon Herold and Burning Bright open with a live breakdown of the SCOTUS Louisiana redistricting ruling alongside guest Ash, who walks through Justice Alito's 42-page opinion striking down race-based congressional district drawing under section two of the Voting Rights Act, a question courts have been kicking down the road for forty years. From there, the guys turn to newly declassified Grassley documents on the FBI's suppressed Clinton Foundation investigation, including the damning timeline showing it was shut down the same week Crossfire Hurricane was opened. Then comes the Comey indictment for the 8647 Instagram post, and the guys make a principled case for why it is legally weak, potentially counterproductive to future accountability, and why grand juries are not convictions. Burning Bright closes with a tight breakdown of the Strait of Hormuz situation as a financial squeeze not on the US but on Europe, connecting Bessent's Iran shadow banking sanctions, the Trump vs. German Chancellor Mertz feud, and Putin cutting off Russia's Druzhba energy pipeline to Germany in the same week. The show ends on a substantive discussion of why justice must be binary, not incremental.

Ghost opens episode 102 with a striking observation: mainstream outlets are now describing Iran's post-war power structure in terms that amount to an admission of devolution without ever using the word. With Khamenei dead and his son Mashtaba serving as a figurehead, real authority has consolidated inside the IRGC and the Supreme National Security Council. Ghost breaks down what this means for ongoing US/Iran nuclear negotiations and why the enrichment red line is a double standard given Israel's unacknowledged arsenal. The UAE announces it is leaving OPEC effective May 1, a move Ghost frames as a Trump win that could drive oil prices down significantly. Mali's capital is rocked by a massive coordinated terrorist attack, its defense minister is killed, and Russia's Africa Corps pushes back against what Moscow calls a western-backed coup attempt. Ghost also covers Haredi extremists invading an Israeli military police chief's home, Ukraine summoning Israel's ambassador over Russian grain purchases, King Charles's address to Congress, and North Korea deepening military ties with Russia through 2031.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul open an already packed Saturday show to breaking news: a gunman breached security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, setting off a chaotic media response. The guys break down the event in real time, analyzing the official story, the shooter's profile, the lax security setup, Trump's immediate press conference pivoting to the ballroom, and why the level of public skepticism this time appears noticeably higher than after Butler. From there, the conversation shifts to the coordinated influencer campaign manufacturing the illusion that everyone has turned on Trump, including a sharp breakdown of how algorithmic consensus and social reputation pressure drive that behavior. Chris Paul unpacks his "western town" controlled opposition metaphor, illustrating how Trump operates outside the circular firing squad entirely. Trump's True Social post tying the SPLC indictment directly to the 2020 election and calling for it to be wiped from the books gets its own segment. The show closes on a substantive exchange about black pilling, hopium, and what realistic expectations actually look like.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul return for the Saturday edition of the Devolution Power Hour with a packed slate. Trump's Truth Social posts dominate from Iran/Strait of Hormuz confusion to a not-so-subtle dig at JD Vance. The guys break down the coordinated world of paid influence campaigns, prompted by Ashley St. Clair's tell-all revelations about ConInc money and messaging ops. Then it gets heavy: the Florida Rico Grande investigation hits a wall after the lead prosecutor is removed from the Brennan case, and the Russiagate crowd is not happy. Add in a freshly leaked SCOTUS memo tying the EPA Clean Power Plan ruling to the days before Scalia's death, Democratic court-packing plans, and Trump's wild True Social posts about what is actually being built under the White House ballroom. All of that plus an honest conversation about fake elections, political theater, and whether any of these stories ever actually get resolved.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright break down how modern narratives are constructed, challenged, and often weaponized. From dissecting high profile “whistleblower” cases to questioning the legitimacy of anonymous sources, the conversation exposes how stories can be shaped long before facts are fully known. They explore the tension between national security, media influence, and public trust, highlighting how intelligence agencies and press protections can both inform and manipulate the public. The episode also dives into the broader implications of surveillance powers and whether the systems in place are being used as intended or as tools of control. With sharp skepticism and layered analysis, this episode pulls back the curtain on how information flows and why understanding that process matters more than ever.

Broadcasting live from GART 11 in Nashville, Jon Herold, Chris Paul, and Burning Bright dive into a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation on geopolitics, media narratives, and the power of perception. The panel breaks down the optics surrounding Trump, JD Vance, and the Iran situation, exploring whether global events are being shaped more by narrative than reality. They also tackle the influence of energy markets, the petrodollar system, and the role of oligarchs in shaping policy, all while mixing in humor, live audience interaction, and behind-the-scenes moments from the event. From serious debates about sovereignty and power structures to lighter moments with the GART crowd, this episode captures the raw, unscripted energy of a live Badlands panel.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright return to break down the chaos of competing narratives, focusing on recent Iran “decodes,” shifting war narratives, and the broader concept of information warfare. The episode explores how predictions, failed expectations, and narrative reversals may not be mistakes, but part of a larger pattern of misdirection and psychological operations. They examine how quickly online communities adapt when narratives fail, and what that reveals about belief systems, influence, and credibility. With a mix of humor and sharp analysis, the hosts question whether current events are organic or carefully orchestrated to shape perception and reaction.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul dive into the evolving landscape of political narratives, focusing on how information warfare, public perception, and strategic timing play critical roles in shaping outcomes. The episode explores how Trump's actions may be less about immediate wins and more about exposing systemic flaws over time. They analyze the interplay between media narratives, public trust, and government institutions, highlighting how seemingly chaotic events may follow a deliberate pattern. From election integrity to narrative control, the discussion centers on whether current developments are part of a broader long-term strategy to force transparency and accountability.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright break down the evolving narrative around election integrity, focusing on voter rolls, proof of citizenship, and Trump's latest executive order. The conversation explores how federal involvement in voter registration could reshape elections, tying it back to earlier efforts from Trump's first term. They also dig into the broader implications of citizenship debates, the timing of major political narratives, and how these threads may connect to a larger strategic plan. With a mix of analysis and speculation, the hosts examine whether recent moves signal a shift toward centralized election control or something deeper within the “devolution” framework.

This week we're joined by content creator and influencer Tom Tanuki to discuss the March For White Australia, Desmond Philby, and other such matters.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul analyze President Trump's recent statements and the wave of reactions that followed, focusing on how messaging is being interpreted across media and political spaces. They break down the immediate confusion surrounding the narrative, the contradictions in reporting, and how quickly different conclusions are being drawn without full context. The discussion centers on how to read signals in real time, why initial reactions are often unreliable, and the importance of watching how stories evolve rather than locking into early interpretations. Jon and Chris emphasize staying grounded, identifying inconsistencies, and recognizing how perception is shaped as events unfold.

Jon Herold hosts a Friday call-in edition of The Daily Herold, opening with reactions to the much-hyped White House announcement, which turns out to be a new official app offering livestreams and direct updates. Jon critiques the buildup around the announcement, pointing out the recurring pattern of overhyped expectations versus underwhelming reveals. The show quickly shifts into audience participation, with callers driving the conversation into deeper territory. A primary focus centers on Presidential Emergency Action Documents (PEADs), where Jon and a caller discuss their historical roots, their connection to executive orders, and how they may be triggered during national emergencies. The discussion highlights the lack of transparency around these documents, the absence of recent congressional updates, and the difficulty in determining how many currently exist. The conversation expands into broader theories around emergency powers, including FEMA's potential role in crisis scenarios, logistical infrastructure like supply chains, and how these systems could be activated in large-scale events. Jon offers a more measured perspective on “devolution,” expressing skepticism about any clear public disclosure while acknowledging that indirect signs could still emerge over time. Throughout the episode, Jon emphasizes the complexity of connecting fragmented information, encouraging listeners to stay grounded, avoid overinterpretation, and recognize that large systemic shifts, if real, would likely unfold gradually rather than through sudden, dramatic revelations.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright break down Trump's comments on Iran and the immediate reactions that followed, focusing on how the statements are being interpreted across media and political circles. They walk through the conflicting narratives, the speed at which the story is evolving, and the challenge of determining what is actually happening in real time. The conversation highlights how different interpretations emerge simultaneously, why initial reports often lack clarity, and how reactions can shape perception before facts are fully established. They emphasize observing how narratives develop, recognizing inconsistencies, and avoiding premature conclusions as the situation continues to unfold.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul return for Devolution Power Hour to continue dissecting the rapidly evolving situation surrounding Iran and the increasingly fragmented narratives shaping public understanding. As new headlines emerge and prior claims begin to shift or collapse, the hosts focus on how quickly certainty can dissolve in a high-speed information environment. The discussion centers on the gap between what is reported, what is assumed, and what can actually be known. Jon and Chris examine how early reactions often solidify into strong opinions before enough information is available, leading to cycles of confusion as updates contradict initial narratives. They also explore the role of public reaction in amplifying or distorting events, particularly in online spaces where emotional responses can spread faster than verified information. Rather than chasing every update, the hosts emphasize the importance of slowing down, reassessing assumptions, and maintaining discipline when evaluating complex geopolitical developments. Throughout the episode, the focus remains on recognizing how narratives evolve in real time and why maintaining a measured, analytical approach is critical when information is incomplete or actively shifting.

What happens when you take Bigfoot… and drop it into an apocalyptic survival nightmare in Alaska? Yeah—Devils Desk by Mark Tufo goes there. And honestly? I did NOT expect to enjoy this one as much as I did.In today's Fantasy for the Ages review, I'm breaking down why this cryptid horror story completely surprised me, despite being a longtime Tufo fan. If you've read Zombie Fallout, you already know the vibe: sharp humor, great characters, and chaos lurking around every corner. But this one? It leans harder into creature horror, high-stakes survival, and a setting that makes everything feel even more dangerous.We'll cover:• Book details and reception• Why I finally picked this one up (after ignoring it for way too long)• A spoiler-lite synopsis• 9 reasons you might LOVE this book• Reasons it might not be for everyone• And my final verdict—who this is REALLY forPlus, we'll talk about the connection to Devolution by Max Brooks… and why I might actually prefer this one

Jon Herold and Burning Bright return for Devolution Power Hour to unpack the latest developments surrounding the Iran situation and the increasingly chaotic information environment surrounding it. As headlines clash and narratives shift by the hour, the hosts examine how conflicting reports, official statements, and media framing are creating more confusion than clarity. The conversation centers on whether the public is witnessing a traditional geopolitical escalation or a more complex strategic operation unfolding across both military and informational domains. Jon and Burning Bright explore how messaging, timing, and selective disclosures can shape perception just as much as actual events on the ground. They also dig into how audiences process these events in real time, often reacting emotionally to incomplete or contradictory information. Rather than rushing to conclusions, the hosts emphasize the importance of stepping back, identifying patterns, and questioning the intent behind the narratives being pushed. Throughout the episode, the focus remains on navigating uncertainty, recognizing information warfare in action, and maintaining analytical discipline when the stakes and emotions are high.

The country's regional leaders could get a bigger say over what to do with money from central government - Sean Farrington hears what that and some new funding could do for parts of Britain outside London.The meningitis outbreak in Kent has seen pharmacies overwhelmed with demand for vaccines and advice, according to the National Pharmacies Association. Its boss speaks to Wake Up to Money.And as Disney's twice-chief executive Bob Iger makes way for a new successor, we'll find out what that could mean for the global entertainment company.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul return for the Saturday edition of Devolution Power Hour to break down the ongoing confusion surrounding the Iran conflict and the competing narratives shaping public perception. The discussion focuses on the idea that modern geopolitical conflicts often unfold simultaneously in the physical world and the information domain, where messaging, media framing, and narrative construction can influence how events are understood. The hosts examine how contradictory headlines, strategic messaging, and media coverage create an environment where certainty becomes nearly impossible. They argue that much of what the public sees is part of an ongoing narrative battle, with different factions attempting to steer interpretation of global events in ways that benefit their broader objectives. Along the way, Jon and Chris reflect on the analytical framework that has developed within the Badlands community. Rather than demanding agreement or enforcing ideological purity, they emphasize the importance of examining competing narratives, recognizing the limits of available information, and allowing open debate as new ideas and interpretations emerge. The episode ultimately centers on how observers should approach complicated geopolitical events when reliable information is scarce. By focusing on the stories being told, the motivations behind them, and the broader patterns that emerge over time, the hosts encourage listeners to analyze events carefully while resisting the urge to jump to definitive conclusions.

Jon Herold returns from a brief vacation to join Burning Bright for a wide ranging Devolution Power Hour covering the latest developments in the Iran conflict and the confusing media narratives surrounding it. As Jon gets caught up on the week's events, the hosts examine the strange contradiction in the headlines claiming both victory and ongoing escalation, raising questions about whether the public is watching a traditional war unfold or something more complex in the information domain. The discussion explores the idea that modern conflicts may be fought as much through perception and messaging as through conventional military force. Burning Bright argues that the Iran situation could be an example of fifth generation warfare, where psychological operations, narrative management, and strategic messaging shape how events are interpreted by the public. Beyond the war narrative, the hosts also touch on election related developments, including reports involving Maricopa County, and the broader theme of how information is filtered through competing media ecosystems. Throughout the conversation, Jon and Burning Bright challenge listeners to look beyond headlines and consider how modern geopolitical conflicts often involve layers of strategy that are not immediately visible.

>Contributions in appreciation of the show can be sent through Paypal. The only information that's necessary is Dave's personal email at orgustine@gmail.com.Thanks for listening! >Muzak: Isn't It A Pity - George Harrison - 1970 >>>YouTube Link to the Better Bachelor Channel:https://youtube.com/@betterbachelor?si=vCqmrHYqUd83IZtv

Jon Herold and Chris Paul return for another Devolution Power Hour as they unpack the fallout from last week's controversial episode and the growing fractures within the truth movement. Reflecting on the intense reaction to the Iran discussion, the hosts explore why major political events often create ideological purity tests inside communities that were once aligned. The conversation dives into the concept of competing “worldviews” that attempt to explain the same events. Jon breaks down how the Devolution framework differs from other interpretations of the post-2020 political landscape while still arriving at some similar conclusions. Rather than dismissing other perspectives outright, the hosts argue that different analytical paths can lead observers to overlapping but distinct understandings of what may be happening behind the scenes. From there, the discussion broadens into the psychology of truth movements and why they historically fracture over time. Jon and Chris examine the influence of mainstream media narratives, the persistence of the two-party paradigm, and the difficulty many people have in letting go of the political system they were raised to believe in. The episode ultimately challenges listeners to question where their assumptions come from and whether their analysis is truly independent of the same information pipelines they claim to distrust.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright dive deep into the intense debate surrounding Trump, Iran, and the reaction from both the truth community and the broader public. The hosts examine the sudden narrative shifts happening online, particularly the evolving interpretation of the long-discussed phrase “Israel for last,” and how influencers and commentators adapt their positions in real time when major geopolitical events unfold. They also explore the psychology of the truth community, discussing why admitting you were wrong has become so difficult for many commentators, and how narrative control plays a central role in modern information warfare. The conversation expands into Trump's strategic provocations, how public reaction itself may be part of a broader fifth-generation warfare environment, and the role narrative operations play in shaping political perception. Along the way, Jon and Burning Bright unpack how Trump's actions often provoke outrage or confusion in the moment but may later appear strategic in hindsight. The episode ultimately asks whether current events surrounding Iran represent a real military escalation, a narrative operation, or something more complex unfolding beneath the surface.

Jon Herold and Chris Paul dive headfirst into the breaking escalation with Iran, unpacking the overnight strikes, Trump's national address, and the immediate media frenzy that followed. They analyze the justifications being presented, from decades-old grievances to nuclear red lines, and question whether this is a limited military operation, the start of a broader war, or another narrative being strategically unraveled. The hosts explore the constitutional debate around presidential war powers, the role of Congress, and how past administrations set precedents that are now being cited as justification. They also examine the optics of U.S.–Israel coordination, media messaging, and the sudden shift among anti-war voices now cheering escalation. Beyond the battlefield headlines, Jon and Chris zoom out to discuss regime narratives, intelligence pipelines, and the psychology of public consent in times of conflict. Is this a short-term discombobulation of global players, or the doorway to something larger? As always, they challenge viewers to think beyond the screen and resist reflexive reactions.

In Episode 435 of Devolution Power Hour, Jon Herold is joined by Alpha Warrior, filling in for Burning Bright, for a detailed breakdown of President Trump's State of the Union address and the layered reactions that followed. The conversation focuses heavily on optics inside the chamber, timing, and how certain moments may connect to broader narrative positioning. The hosts also revisit Q posts and specific drops, analyzing deltas, language parallels, and how recent events appear to align with themes previously highlighted in the drops. They examine whether the messaging surrounding election integrity, fraud, and institutional resistance reflects coincidence or coordinated signaling. Throughout the episode, Jon and Alpha emphasize pattern recognition, timestamps, and strategic patience, discussing how public events may intersect with a longer-term framework. The discussion blends real-time political developments with Q analysis, asking listeners to consider how narrative, optics, and sequencing fit into a larger operational picture.

Public School Failure In Baltimore: Is It Spreading Like Cancer Across America? In an era where news travels instantly across Facebook, Instagram, and every major digital platform, stories about struggling public schools often fade quickly from the national spotlight. Baltimore City Public Schools operates with enormous financial resources. In 2024 alone, the district managed a $1.7 billion budget. Yet despite the funding, only about 10% of students tested proficient in math, a statistic that shocked parents, policymakers, and educators alike. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. But investigative journalist Christopher Papst believes what is happening inside Baltimore's classrooms is not just a local crisis, it may be a warning sign for the rest of the country. The Podcast is available and shared for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. Papst, widely known for his reporting with Fox45 News Baltimore, spent nearly a decade investigating Baltimore City Public Schools. His findings ultimately became the foundation of his book Failure Factory, a deep dive into what he describes as systemic issues inside one of America's most heavily funded yet lowest-performing school systems. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . “This isn't simply about one city,” Papst has said in interviews promoting the book. “It's about a system that has shifted away from educating children and toward protecting bureaucracy.” Public School Failure In Baltimore: Is It Spreading Like Cancer Across America? A System Under Scrutiny Papst's reporting followed the money trail, examining how funding decisions, administrative policies, and accountability measures impacted real classroom outcomes. His investigation uncovered patterns that he claims prioritize appearances over performance. According to Failure Factory, students were sometimes promoted despite failing grades, academic metrics were adjusted to maintain graduation rates, and disciplinary incidents were underreported to make schools appear safer. Available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major Podcast networks. “Failure Factory raises the question,” wrote Barbara Dezmon, Ph.D., of the Maryland State Conference NAACP, “are children failing school or are schools failing children?” The Cost of Investigative Journalism Papst's reporting did not come without consequences. During his investigation, he faced death threats, accusations, and multiple complaints filed against him, challenges he says often accompany attempts to hold powerful institutions accountable. Public School Failure In Baltimore: Is It Spreading Like Cancer Across America? “Educational institutions have evolved into a new bureaucracy,” Dezmon noted. “Chris Papst demonstrates the courage to challenge powerful bureaucracies by holding those at the top accountable.” For Papst, the backlash reinforced the importance of investigative journalism in modern media. As traditional television reporting merges with podcasts, streaming platforms, and digital news consumption through Apple and Spotify, long-form investigations are finding new audiences eager for deeper context beyond headlines. Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Data Over Students? One of the central arguments presented in Failure Factory is that public education has undergone a significant philosophical shift. Papst argues that schools increasingly value data metrics and funding stability over individual student success. The book details claims that grades were sometimes changed to passing marks, disciplinary actions reduced on paper, and academic standards adjusted to maintain positive statistics. Critics say such practices create the illusion of progress while leaving students unprepared for college or careers. Public School Failure In Baltimore: Is It Spreading Like Cancer Across America? For many educators, teaching remains a calling rooted in service. However, Papst suggests a growing culture within some districts treats education as an administrative enterprise rather than a student-centered mission. “As enrollment declined, budgets increased,” Papst writes, pointing to rising six-figure administrative salaries even as student performance struggled. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. A National Warning? The most controversial question raised by Papst's work is whether Baltimore represents an isolated failure, or a preview of a national trend. Supporters of his reporting argue the issues are not unique to Maryland. Large school districts across the country face similar pressures: declining enrollment, rising costs, political oversight, and demands for improved performance metrics. “What's happening in Baltimore schools is not unique; it's ubiquitous,” Papst warns in his book. “That new educational mindset is spreading across the country with equally dire consequences.” Public School Failure In Baltimore: Is It Spreading Like Cancer Across America? The idea has sparked debate across social media, where discussions about public education regularly trend on Facebook and Instagram. Parents, teachers, and policymakers continue to argue over whether systemic reform or increased funding is the answer. It is discussed across News platforms and shared on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Apple, and Spotify, where audiences continue to get their content. Beyond the Headlines Papst's work extends beyond a single book. Alongside Failure Factory, he has authored Devolution and Capital Murder, continuing his focus on investigative storytelling. His reporting has also expanded into podcast discussions and long-form media conversations, allowing audiences to explore education issues outside traditional television news formats. Many readers have described Failure Factory as both a warning and a call to action, a free exchange of ideas meant to spark community conversations about accountability in education. The Bigger Question If you don't live in Baltimore and think this doesn't apply to you, you may be right, or it could already be spreading like a cancer to a school system near you. As debates about public education intensify nationwide, Papst's investigation leaves communities with a difficult question: Are failing outcomes the result of underfunded schools, or has the structure of public education itself changed in ways that no longer prioritize students? You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. For parents scrolling through news feeds, listening to podcasts on Spotify, or watching investigative segments on television, the conversation is no longer confined to Baltimore. It is becoming a national dialogue about transparency, accountability, and the future of American education. Public School Failure In Baltimore: Is It Spreading Like Cancer Across America? And as Papst's reporting suggests, the answer may determine whether the next generation inherits opportunity, or a system already in decline. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Public School Failure In Baltimore: Is It Spreading Like Cancer Across America? Attributions Amazon Googe Chris Papst Facebook Facebook Group   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 434 of Devolution Power Hour, Jon Herold and Chris Paul break down the political and strategic fallout from the Supreme Court's ruling limiting the use of IEEPA tariffs. They analyze the Court's reasoning, the dissents, and what the decision means for executive authority and economic leverage moving forward. The conversation explores President Trump's rapid response, including alternative statutory pathways for tariffs and the broader implications for trade policy, congressional authority, and institutional power struggles. Jon and Chris examine whether the ruling represents a setback or a calculated pivot point in a larger strategy. They also connect the tariff battle to election integrity concerns, legislative maneuvering, and the long-term structural reforms they argue are necessary. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize patience, pattern recognition, and understanding the “long game” rather than reacting emotionally to single developments. Ep. 434 blends legal analysis with strategic perspective, framing the moment as part of a broader constitutional and political realignment.

In Episode 433 of Devolution Power Hour, Jon Herold and Burning Bright tackle the intensifying Epstein narrative, arguing that mainstream media's sudden “Q was right” tone may itself be a psychological operation designed to weaponize the story against President Trump. They break down claims circulating about Trump's presence in the Epstein files, push back on media framing, and examine how parts of the truth community may be unintentionally amplifying anti-Trump messaging. The conversation shifts to election integrity as they analyze John Solomon's comments suggesting that significant revelations about 2020 vulnerabilities and foreign interference could soon emerge. Jon and BB debate whether the SAVE Act is a meaningful solution or merely a half measure, and what real election reform would require if systemic fraud is exposed. Throughout the episode, they emphasize discernment, resisting rage bait, and refusing to settle for cosmetic fixes. With impeachment narratives resurfacing and midterms looming, the hosts frame the moment as a test of resolve: stay focused on structural reform, not surface validation.

In Episode 432 of Devolution Power Hour, Jon Herold and Chris Paul dig into the evolving political landscape, examining the fractures forming within establishment narratives and the broader implications for the country. The discussion centers on recent developments that signal shifting power dynamics, strategic messaging, and the ripple effects across institutions long considered untouchable. Jon and Chris analyze how media framing, public reactions, and official responses reveal deeper structural tensions. They explore the contrast between surface-level headlines and the underlying currents shaping events, offering insight into how perception management intersects with real-world consequences. As always, the conversation balances detailed analysis with big-picture thinking, connecting current events to larger patterns that have been unfolding over time. This episode continues the show's signature approach: questioning assumptions, identifying strategic inflection points, and challenging the audience to consider what may be happening beyond the obvious.