Podcasts about lobbyists

Insider accounts from political aides, bureaucrats, and diplomats have long illuminated the workings of power—but even more enigmatic were the lobbyists. Operating in the shadows, often invisible to public scrutiny, they were intimately privy to clandestine negotiations, back-channel discussions, and subtle bureaucratic skirmishes. In his new roman-à-clef For No Reason At All, Ramjee Chandran shines a light on this hidden world. Chandran—well‑known in Bangalore as a journalist, publisher, and podcaster—has, until now, remained silent about his time as a lobbyist in 1980s New Delhi, a pivotal era just before major economic reforms took hold. Drawing from real events, the novel charts the journey of a young lobbyist caught in a high-stakes conflict over silicon metal—a material deemed strategically vital. Central to the drama is Metkem Silicon, which, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, devoted 17 years to developing indigenous silicon metal technology. Yet their efforts collided with a rival scheme spearheaded by the Department of Electronics, which wanted to bypass local innovation and import U.S. technology. What ensued was a four‑year bureaucratic war: media leaks, secret memorandums, and the covert involvement of the Soviets and other intelligence agencies—culminating in a final decision placed in the hands of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Set against the backdrop of Cold War Delhi on the cusp of liberalisation, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a nation—and capital—torn between ideologies and ambitions. The Soviet Union may have vanished, lobbyists have receded from public corridors, and few can claim first‑hand knowledge of that era. In Confessions of a Lobbyist, Siddharth Raja—a lawyer, historian, and bibliophile—sits down with Ramjee Chandran to peel back the layers of this story, offering an insider's glimpse into a world that feels at once distant and disarmingly relevant. In this episode of BIC Talks, Ramjee Chandran will be in conversation with Siddharth Raja. This is an excerpt from a conversation that took place in the BIC premises in Aug 2025. Subscribe to the BIC Talks Podcast on your favourite podcast app! BIC Talks is available everywhere, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Castbox, Overcast, Audible, and Amazon Music.

You want to bring people with you to the top, but you just can't. Some people-and things- have to be left in the lobby.

The food stamp program is a way for Pepsico and the Coca-Cola company to legally rip off the taxpayers.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/how-food-industry-lobbyists-keep-food-stamp-gravy-train-going

The food stamp program is a way for PepsiCo and the Coca-Cola company to legally rip off the taxpayers.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/how-food-industry-lobbyists-keep-food-stamp-gravy-train-going

Mit seinem Masarati hat er die Wiener Innenstadt unsicher gemacht, gewohnt hat er in einem Penthouse in der besten Innenstadt-Lage, er hat Millionen verdient und Verbrechen begangen. Peter Hochegger, ehemaliger Lobbyist und Meinungsmacher. In der Causa Telekom und Buwog wurde er verurteilt, er ist im Gefängnis gesessen und hat für seine nächste Haftstrafe die Fußfessel beantragt. Kürzlich hat er ein Buch veröffentlicht, in dem er schonungslos über seine Machenschaften spricht. DER STANDARD hat ihn zum Interview getroffen.

Ken Vogel talks about his new book, Devils' Advocates: The Hidden Story of Rudy Giuliani, Hunter Biden, and the Washington Insiders on the Payrolls of Corrupt Foreign Interests.Follow Ken Vogel on Twitterhttps://x.com/kenvogel Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Karen Greenberg on Twitterhttps://x.com/KarenGreenberg3Follow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substack https://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This Day in Legal History: PATRIOT Act IntroducedOn October 23, 2001, just six weeks after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the United States House of Representatives introduced H.R. 3162, the bill that would become the USA PATRIOT Act. Officially titled the “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act,” the legislation represented one of the most significant expansions of domestic surveillance and law enforcement powers in modern U.S. history. The bill was drafted rapidly, largely by the Department of Justice under Attorney General John Ashcroft, and was introduced with bipartisan support.Key provisions of the act included expanded authority for wiretaps, the ability to access business and personal records through National Security Letters, and increased surveillance of internet and email communications. Section 215, in particular, allowed the government to obtain “any tangible things” relevant to a terrorism investigation, a phrase later scrutinized for its vagueness. Civil liberties organizations quickly raised concerns about the law's impact on privacy, due process, and the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches.Despite these objections, the bill moved swiftly through Congress. The House passed it on October 24, and the Senate followed on October 25. President George W. Bush signed it into law on October 26, 2001. In the years that followed, the PATRIOT Act would become a focal point in debates over national security versus individual rights, particularly as revelations of mass surveillance by the NSA surfaced in the 2010s.Some provisions were later challenged in court, amended by Congress, or allowed to expire. Nevertheless, the PATRIOT Act reshaped the legal framework for counterterrorism in the U.S., leaving a legacy still felt in debates over surveillance, transparency, and executive power today.Several major lobbying firms in Washington, D.C., posted record or near-record revenues in the third quarter of 2025, driven by policy shifts under President Donald Trump and rising client demand for regulatory guidance. Ballard Partners led the surge, reporting a 400% year-over-year increase and nearly $25 million in lobbying revenue. Other top performers included BGR Group ($19.1 million), Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck ($18.9 million), Holland & Knight ($13.9 million), and Hogan Lovells ($4.4 million), each claiming their best quarter yet.The increase in lobbying activity was largely fueled by the Trump administration's aggressive moves on tariffs, trade, and the implementation of a sweeping tax-and-spending bill signed in July. Lobbyists noted that even during the early October government shutdown, regulatory deadlines such as public comment periods on tariffs kept work moving. Akin Gump reported $16.3 million, its best third quarter ever, and K&L Gates earned $5.4 million.Overall lobbying expenditures have continued to climb, with companies spending over $2.53 billion by late July 2025. Industries like pharmaceuticals, health products, and tech accounted for a significant share of that spending, reflecting ongoing regulatory and legislative uncertainty.Lobbying firms record 3rd quarter gains amid Trump policy shifts | ReutersPaul Ingrassia, nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, withdrew from consideration after losing Republican support in the Senate. He announced his withdrawal ahead of a scheduled confirmation hearing, citing an insufficient number of GOP votes. The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee had already postponed a prior hearing in August amid growing concerns.Senate Republicans distanced themselves from Ingrassia after Politico published alleged chat messages from him. His connections to controversial figures — including his legal work for Andrew Tate and attendance at a rally for White nationalist Nick Fuentes — drew additional scrutiny. Senator Thom Tillis labeled him “unfit to serve,” and Majority Leader John Thune confirmed the nomination was unlikely to move forward.The Office of Special Counsel plays a crucial role in enforcing civil service protections, particularly amid Trump's push to reshape the federal workforce. It also oversees Hatch Act compliance, which limits political activity by federal employees. With the Merit Systems Protection Board now restored, a new nominee will be needed to confront upcoming legal battles over career employee protections.Trump's Special Counsel Nominee Withdraws After GOP BlowbackIn Delaware court, tensions escalated between bidders and creditors over who should win control of Citgo Petroleum's parent company, PDV Holding, as part of a court-ordered auction aimed at compensating creditors tied to Venezuela's defaults and expropriations. The case, which has dragged on for eight years, now faces a decisive moment after three bidding rounds.A $5.9 billion offer from Amber Energy, affiliated with Elliott Investment Management, has been recommended by the court-appointed auction officer. However, Citgo's legal team and Venezuelan representatives argue the offer is too low, especially compared to a $7.9 billion bid from a Gold Reserve subsidiary. They also allege flaws in the auction process itself.Amber's bid includes a key side deal to pay $2.1 billion to holders of a disputed Venezuelan bond, making timing crucial since the agreement expires in early December. Gold Reserve, on the other hand, seeks to distribute more of the proceeds among a wider group of creditors, raising concerns over whether bondholders should benefit at all given unresolved legal questions about the bond's validity.Judge Leonard Stark also heard motions from Venezuela and Gold Reserve to disqualify him, court officer Robert Pincus, and two advisory firms over alleged conflicts of interest. The U.S. Treasury Department's approval is still required to finalize the auction, and both the Maduro government and Venezuela's opposition oppose the sale.Bidders, creditors battle in US court over who should win Citgo auction | Reuters This is a public episode. 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Politics reporters Jesse Paul and Taylor Dolven discuss their recent reporting on a retreat in Vail where a group of Democratic state lawmakers mingled with lobbyists. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/17/colorado-opportunity-caucus-one-main-street/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum and his guests tackle the latest craziness in North Carolina politics.  Following Texas, California and others, the North Carolina is set to pass another new Congressional map this week.  The state's most powerful politician is facing a primary.  Finally, the 2026 U.S. Senate race continues to garner all kinds of attention and money. Tim is joined by Brian Lewis, a lobbyist and podcaster, along with Billy Warden, a marketing expert and journalist, to discuss everything.

Audit ATX speaks with Auditor Mateo Macias about a recent audit that evaluated whether City departments and offices are complying with City Code lobbying requirements.

A Zen practice is not something we typically associate with a Washington insider and healthcare lobbyist. But, our guest today has not only made that his personal mission, but his ...

A professor discusses the legality of federal workers being fired amid a government shutdown, a state lawmaker says she wants to stop school districts from hiring lobbyists, another public school district denies a religious organization's application for "moral instruction" classes, and what to know about changes coming to the student loan process.

Washington's MAGA government is shoveling massive giveaways of public money to corporate elites. Worse, though, are its takeaways of people's power to battle the abuse of those same plutocratic corporations. Consider just three recent examples:Travel. Perhaps your family plans a holiday flight to visit grandma. Flying itself has become dicey, but at least the government is requiring airlines that cause long delays or cancellations to compensate us passengers for our loss. Uh… no, no more. Trump's transportation secretary (who was previously a LOBBYIST for the big airlines!) is “loosening” the rules so monopolistic airlines owe nothing to abused customers.Job opportunities. One of the nastiest wage suppression tactics of corporate bosses has been their collusion to make employees sign “noncompete” contracts. These amount to indentured servitude, preventing workers from quitting to take a better job with a competing firm. This corporate lockdown costs American workers some $40 billion a year in wages they could get in an open job market. The FTC was finally moving to ban these noncompete gimmicks – but Trump installed a corporate lackey at the FTC to snuff out this spark of workplace liberty.Pollution. Corporate lobbyists and MAGA lawmakers are rigging the rules to let industrial giants escape responsibility for their massive environmental contamination. For example, the profiteering greedheads who've deceptively caused tons of deadly “forever chemicals” to be spread on our land, water, communities, and families are to be let off the hook by the new, corporate-hugging EPA honcho. He says we taxpayers must pay for the toxic cleanup, not the polluters.If you're unclear about the meaning of “plutocracy,' there it is: Government by and for the despotic rich.Fighting plutocracy on multiple fronts is challenging work, and that's why we recommend getting involved with Public Citizen—they're strategic and have a long track record of protecting Americans on many issues. Check them out at citizen.org.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

In this powerful episode of The David Watson Podcast, world-renowned cardiologist and author Dr. Peter R. Kowey exposes the truth behind the growing crisis in American healthcare. Drawing from his new book, Failure to Treat: How a Broken Healthcare System Puts Patients and Practitioners at Risk, Dr. Kowey reveals how decades of political lobbying, pharmaceutical greed, and insurance control have created a system that harms both patients and doctors. We break down the key reasons why U.S. healthcare is failing — and what must change to fix it. In this episode: How lobbyists and politicians shaped today's broken system The hidden influence of pharmaceutical companies on doctors and prescriptions. How health insurance companies limit care and increase costs. Why lawsuits and corporate pressure drive doctors out of medicine. The systemic failures built into the U.S. healthcare model since its creation Real stories from Dr. Kowey's experience treating patients inside a flawed system. Practical insights on how to protect yourself and advocate for better care. About Dr. Peter Kowey: Dr. Kowey is an internationally recognized cardiologist, medical researcher, and author. He currently serves as Professor of Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology at Thomas Jefferson University and holds the William Wikoff Smith Chair in Cardiovascular Research at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research. His decades of experience have made him one of the most respected voices in modern medicine. About the book: Failure to Treat is a revealing exploration of how money, politics, and bureaucracy have corrupted American medicine — and what can be done to restore trust and integrity in healthcare. Listen to this episode if you're interested in: Healthcare reform and policy Big Pharma and political lobbying The U.S. medical system's hidden costs Doctor burnout and malpractice issues Patient advocacy and healthcare ethics Guest: Dr. Peter R. Kowey Home | Peter Kowey Author Host: David Watson Podcast: The David Watson Podcast

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On October 7, Beyond Plastics released a new report, “Follow the Money: The David vs. Goliath Battle to Pass the New York Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.” Reports filed with the state showed that the bill was the most lobbied on during the section, with 107 lobbyists paid to defeat it. 21 of the 50 highest-paid lobbying firms in New York were retained by industry opponents to defeat a bill that was supported by 73% of New Yorkers. We hear from Judith Enck of Beyond Plastics and Blair Horner of NYPIRG. This has been Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine (I will note that I am married to Judith Enck.)

Jim breaks down the investigative journalism behind the story Plus – Who are Canada’s 25 most wanted fugitives? GUESTS: Jon Woodward - CTV investigative reporter Steve Ryan - CP24 Crime reporter Prabmeet Sarkaria - Ontario Transportation Minister

California, really has a unique circumstance when it comes to interior design legislation. Despite popular belief they do not have occupational regulation for Interior Design. This episode with Mary Oliver and Amanda Humphrey dispels a lot of the myths surrounding the state, and really talks about the hurdles faced by Commercial Interior Designers who work there. Enjoy!Timestamps:Welcome & Intro: 00:13Disclaimer & General Background: 3:27California Interior Design Legislation History:Current Structure in California: 17:00Current Draft Bill Language: 1:13:06Working with a Lobbyist, Why this is an Important Issue & What Comes Next:Action Items: 1:30:10Outro: 01:137:40Show Notes:Show notes from this episode can be found on our website.Thanks for listening!Design Over Drinks is Hosted by Kendra Shea Produced and Edited by Kendra Shea and Simon Shea Season 3 Graphics and Cover Art by Tano Design Season 3 Music is by Qreepz Email: DesignOverDrinksPod@gmail.com Socials/ Patreon: @DesignOverDrinksPod BlueSky: @DesignOverDrinks

Jerry opens the show with commentary on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel. Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Washington to meet with Donald Trump. CTV News Senior Political Correspondent, Mike Le Couteur, speaks with Jerry about what to expect today. $100 million in Skills Development Fund grants are traced to lobbyists with ties to Premier Ford. Plus - Gavin Tighe weighs in on the legality of MarineLand's threat to euthanize 30 belugas if the Federal Government doesn't provide funding.

Greg Brady spoke with David Piccini, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Northumberland - Peterborough South about Ford government picked low-scoring projects pushed by lobbyists for training fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke with David Piccini, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Northumberland - Peterborough South about Ford government picked low-scoring projects pushed by lobbyists for training fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode: A billionaire hedge fund manager and a New York City charter network lobbied to expand a school privatization program in Florida, according to records obtained by Seeking Rents.Editor's note: A written version of this story first appeared in the Seeking Rents newsletter: Lobbyists for a billionaire and a charter network pushed Florida lawmakers to expand a school privatization program, records showShow notesSenate Bill 2510 — Prekindergarten Through Grade 12 EducationA few examples of key Florida lawmakers who have had personal and financial ties to the charter school industry:Firms belonging to wife of Rep. Donalds grabbed millions in charter school contractsNew disclosures only deepen mystery of Rep. Donalds's wife's charter school companiesA South Florida charter school network now runs a small district 500 miles away. Legislators with close financial ties to charters helped make that happen.Incoming speaker Corcoran says bill that would benefit his wife's charter school is part of broader reformA few stories about the failure of Florida's first ‘School of Hope':Federal grand jury investigates bid-rigging in DeSantis' education departmentFlorida officials tried to steer education contract to former lawmaker's companyJefferson gets its schools back following bid shenanigans and efforts to keep it with a charter operatorAnd some of the stories and resources referenced in the pod:Commentary: Florida doubles down on failed Schools of Hope experimentThis link will download an spreadsheet from Florida Department of Education with 2025 list of public schools that are now classified as “persistently low-performing.”A billionaire is showering cash on Florida politiciansLobbyist for a billionaire-run hedge fund wrote a bill allowing longer non-competes, records showThe Secret to Success Academy's Top-Notch Test ScoresAt a Success Academy Charter School, Singling Out Pupils Who Have ‘Got to Go'At Success Academy School, a Stumble in Math and a Teacher's Anger on VideoFiling Alleges Bias at Success Academy Network Against Students With DisabilitiesQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

Send us a textWhew, credit unions dodged the threat of loss of their tax exemption - but don't think all is smooth sailing for credit unions in today's turbulent Washington DC.  Lots is happening that may impact credit unions, large and small.On the show is repeat guest Elizabeth Eurgubian, a lobbyist - with the Defence Credit Union Council among her clients - who also has served as NCUA Director of the Office of External Affairs and Communications and Policy Advisor to Chairman Harper.  Before that  she was deputy chief advocacy officer at CUNA and before that she was a vice president and a lobbyist for ICBA.Her specialty is regulatory matters and that means NCUA, but also CFPB and other agencies.In this episode she talks about what's up with NCUA's one person board, the shrinking of CFPB, the GENIUS Act and the opportunity presented by stablecoins, and NCUA's Central Liquidity Enhancements Act and why this matters to smaller credit unions in particular, and also NCUA's recurring paperwork review and how it's an opportunity for credit unions to seek changes at the agency.See: there's a lot happening inside the Beltway.Listen upLike what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

Medicare at risk due to lobbyists.  Proposed law mandates enrollment in Medicare Advantage.  Top 20 Hospitals in the United States. United American is most stable, including rates.

Send us a textIn this episode of Cannabis Legalization News, the hosts dive into the latest updates on cannabis legalization and discuss the ongoing developments in the industry. They kick off with a New Year's greeting and address the slow progress of cannabis legislation, reflecting on the hurdles and delays faced over the past few years. A highlight of the discussion is the exploration of cannabis issues in the UK with guest Dave Barton, who provides insights into the country's medical cannabis market, regulatory challenges, and public perception. The conversation covers the complexities of importing cannabis, the limited number of patients accessing medical cannabis, and the stringent regulations in place. The episode also touches on international legalization efforts, the influence of political dynamics, and the overarching need for better education and awareness about cannabis. #CannabisNews #Legalization #CannabisCommunity #MedicalCannabis #UKCannabis #PolicyChange #CannabisEducation00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings00:20 Cannabis Legalization Updates01:42 Challenges in the Legalization Process03:39 Federal and State Regulations21:42 International Perspectives on Cannabis41:09 The Power of Misinformation42:18 Political Grandstanding and Legalization43:38 Comparing US and UK Cannabis Policies45:58 Challenges in Cannabis Legalization48:07 Medical Cannabis and Public Perception51:45 International Cannabis Trade and Regulations01:15:35 The Role of Lobbyists and Future Prospects01:16:37 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the showGet our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu

Ralph interviews New York Times reporter, David Gelles, about his new book, “Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away.” Then, we welcome back former IRS commissioner, John Koskinen, to update us on how the Trump Administration is dismantling the IRS and stealing your personal information.David Gelles is a reporter on the New York Times climate team and he leads the Times's “Climate Forward” newsletter and events series. He is the author of The Man Who Broke Capitalism: How Jack Welch Gutted the Heartland and Crushed the Soul of Corporate America—and How to Undo His Legacy, and his new book is Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away.He [Yvon Chouinard] saw Patagonia as a role model for other corporations and believed that by running Patagonia in a different way, he could show that capitalism just didn't have to suck so much.David GellesThere's a paradox that runs through the pages of Dirtbag Billionaire and it's never fully resolved…It's the fact that Chouinard is an environmentalist who wants to reduce the impact of mankind on planet earth, and yet he runs a big, complicated clothing company that is taking a toll on the environment that he's trying to protect. He runs a company that in theory, he says, and in practice is largely doing, the work of funding grassroots activists and environmental conservation. But he's doing it by participating in the very capitalist system that is responsible for so much of the damage to our natural world. And the list goes on. These contradictions are what really has animated Chouinard and his executive team for all these years. They understand their own perfections. But unlike most, they are willing to really examine their own failings, to look it square in the eye, straight in the mirror, and try to figure out how to make things better.David GellesChouinard being a “dirtbag” is something he always identified as and he still does at a certain level. The great insult in his mind is being called a “billionaire.”David GellesJohn Koskinen served as the IRS Commissioner from 2013 to 2017.Lobbyists and corporations are very good at making sure that [tax advantages] always stayed. You never hear too often of tax advantages taken out of the code, what everybody argues about as new ones being put into the code.John KoskinenThese (IRS workers) are very skilled people who in fact have given up the opportunity to make two or three times more money in the private sector because they believe in public service.John KoskinenNews 9/19/25* Just weeks after David Ellison's Skydance Media completed their $8 billion takeover of Paramount Global, Ellison is setting his sights even higher – a proposed $70 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Variety reports. If this deal proceeds, it would mean that Ellison would control CNN in addition to CBS news, the latter of which he seemingly plans to place under the supervision of “anti-woke” arch-zionist media personality Bari Weiss. While true that cable news does not possess nearly as much clout as it did just a few years ago, this would represent a nearly unprecedented consolidation in that sector. Ellison and his lieutenants would wield a tremendous amount of influence in the media, which would translate to real impacts on the political process. It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration media regulators will take any action to block this deal. Based on their actions so far, it seems unlikely.* In more media news, ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which the comedian has hosted since 2003, after he criticized Trump and his allies for “capitaliz[ing]” on the murder of Charlie Kirk to score political points, CNN reports. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr threatened action up to and including revoking the broadcast license for ABC, which airs the program, or possibly blocking their merger with Nexstar. While Rolling Stone reports multiple executives at ABC and its parent company Disney, felt that Kimmel “had not actually said anything over the line,” they folded immediately under the threat of retaliation by the administration. This move represents a major contradiction of Carr's previously stated belief that “[the FCC] must dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.” Democrats are incensed at this attack on free speech, Congressman Ro Khanna is seeking to subpoena Carr to testify to the House Oversight Committee. Trump, feeling confident after claiming the scalp of both Kimmel and Colbert – two outspoken critics – is now calling for NBC to remove Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, via Truth Social. Variety reports conservative media conglomerate Sinclair will “replace the Friday timeslot of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!' with a Charlie Kirk tribute special on its ABC affiliate stations — and is offering the special to all other ABC stations across the country.”* Regarding social media, the Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. and China are nearing a deal on control of TikTok, under a framework in which “an investor consortium including Oracle... Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowitz” would acquire an 80% stake. Oracle is of course run by David Ellison's father, Larry Ellison, one of the richest men in the world, while Andreessen Horowitz is the venture capital firm of Trump ally Marc Andreessen. Silver Lake is another Silicon Valley private equity firm. This deal would finally put an end to the nebulous legal limbo created by Congress passing the TikTok ban and Trump refusing to enforce it. According to this report, the new company that would be created to run TikTok in America, “would also have an American-dominated board with one member designated by the U.S. government.”* The administration is seeking to shore up support in corporate America in other ways too. Trump has renewed his 2018 push to eliminate the reports businesses are mandated to issue on a quarterly basis, moving to a biannual reporting system. Trump argues that this shift would “cut costs and discourage shortsightedness on the part of publicly traded companies.” Others however believe that this change could be harmful to the economy, making companies less transparent and therefore increasing potential investor risk. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it is “making Trump's proposal a priority.” This from Reuters.* More troubling signs are emerging in the U.S economy. Per Bloomberg, “Consumers in the top 10% of the income distribution accounted for 49.2% of total spending,” in the second quarter of 2025. This is the highest percentage of consumer spending accounted for by that demographic going back to 1989, according to an analysis of the Federal Reserve's Financial Accounts and Survey of Consumer Finance data conducted by Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's. Chandan Economics reports a spike in late rent payments in August, suggesting stress in the “financial health of renter households,” while for homeowners, Polymarket reports that even more people are searching "help with mortgage" on Google than during the 2008 housing crisis. This comes as only 1.3 million home building permits were issued in August, the lowest level since the Spring of 2020, according to economist and Washington Post columnist Heather Long. Taken together, this data paints a picture of an economy flailing, and kept afloat only by the very rich.* Speaking of the very rich, the first American Pope, Leo the XIV, condemned the precipitous rise in CEO pay compared to their employees. Leo remarked that CEOs now make “600 times more than what average workers are receiving," adding "What does that mean…If [money] is the only thing that has value anymore, then we're in big trouble." Specifically, Leo was referring to the proposed new compensation package for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, which could turn the billionaire into a trillionaire. This from Yahoo! Finance. Senator Bernie Sanders echoed this sentiment, writing “The Pope is exactly right. No society can survive when one man becomes a trillionaire while the vast majority struggle to just survive — trying to put food on the table, pay rent and afford health care. We can and must do better.”* Turning to Israel and Gaza, AP reports Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's is resigning from the company after 47 years. In a letter, Jerry explains that he could not “in good conscience” remain at Ben & Jerry's because their parent company – the British conglomerate Unilever – has been constraining his ability to advocate against the genocide in Gaza. Jerry writes “For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry's stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world…It's profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.” This is the largest, but by no means only, rupture between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever; this report notes “In March Ben & Jerry's said that its CEO was unlawfully removed by Unilever in retaliation for the ice cream maker's social and political activism.” However, as Greenfield's departure illustrates, the founders have little recourse besides their public platform and resignation.* In a sign of Israel's waning influence in the Democratic Party, POLITICO reports Democratic public affairs “megafirm” SKDK has ended their $600,000 contract with the state of Israel which was supposed to run from April 2025 through March 2026. The firm's recent focus had been “pitching guests for news shows to hear Israel's side of the war in Gaza.” The firm has been tight-lipped on this decision, saying only the work “had run its course.” Yet, this decision comes directly on the heels of reporting that Stagwell, the parent company of SKDK, was involved in “setting up a bot program ‘to amplify pro-Israel narratives on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other platforms,'” as revealed in a Foreign Agents Registration Act filing.* On Wednesday, Senator Bernie Sanders crossed a major rhetorical rubicon, labeling Israel's actions in Gaza a “genocide.” In an op-ed appropriate titled “It Is Genocide,” Sanders cites the casualty totals – noting that “The full toll is likely much higher, with many thousands of bodies buried under the rubble” – along with the Israeli blockade on the enclave and their systematic destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals, water and sanitation facilities and schools. Sanders also cites the genocidal intent expressed by Israeli leaders, through quotes like “the Gaza Strip should be flattened, and there should be one sentence for everyone there — death. We have to wipe the Gaza Strip off the map. There are no innocents there.” Sanders concludes this piece by warning that if the world fails to act, as during the Holocaust, Netanyahu and other “demagogues” will feel emboldened. History, Sanders writes “demands that the world act with one voice to say: enough is enough. No more genocide.” After Sanders' announcement, Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint came out with her own statement accepting the genocide label. Zeteo reports a total of 20 members of Congress now say Israel is committing genocide.* Finally, to end on a positive note, on Monday the House passed the bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act, which seeks to “break down…barriers and support the mental health of our aviation workforce by changing the current rules which prevent aviation professionals from seeking mental health care by imposing unfair penalties on those who do,” according to a press release by the bill's Republican sponsor Pete Stauber. A press release from the Democratic sponsor, Sean Casten, reads “Aviators should not be unfairly penalized for seeking mental health care…The current system perpetuates a culture of silence, and it's past time that changes.” Some observers have attributed some credit for the passage of this bill to the comedian Nathan Fielder's series The Rehearsal, the latest season of which dealt extensively with the issue of aviators' mental health. While congressional staff have downplayed the show's influence, it seems hard to deny that at the very least it raised the profile of this pressing issue. Either way, hopefully this bill will make it safer to fly by removing the stigma from pilots seeking mental healthcare. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Meta's lineup of smart glasses could soon get a lot more capabilities. The company will begin allowing outside developers to bring their apps to its RayBan and Oakley smart glasses, Meta announced on the second day of its Connect event. The FTC and seven states sued Ticketmaster owner Live Nation on Wednesday. The lawsuit accused the company of knowingly allowing brokers to buy tickets in bulk. Ticketmaster allegedly then let them resell the tickets at a significant markup on its own second-hand market. The FTC claims Ticketmaster was aware that resellers routinely bypassed its security measures for these purchases. A former lobbyist for Meta is now in charge of the EU's chief regulator for big tech firms, according to reporting by The Irish Times. Niamh Sweeney has been named commissioner of the Data Protection Commission, which is one of the largest EU data protection authorities. Prior to this, she worked at Meta for six years. Sweeney was director of European public policy at WhatsApp and head of Irish public policy at Facebook for many of those years. She becomes the third active commissioner of the regulatory body. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the secret to keeping up with rapid change isn't just better strategy—but joining the right ceo peer advisory or networking groups? In a world where technology is evolving faster than organizations can adapt, you need more than just headlines to guide your decisions. This episode dives into how networking groups for CEOs and executives create the conversations, connections, and peer learning that help leaders stay ahead of disruption. Alan Murray—former CEO of Fortune Media and now leading the Wall Street Journal's Leadership Institute—shares why these groups are becoming essential for tackling today's toughest challenges. Here's what you'll take away: How networking groups provide real-time insights into AI, geopolitics, and workforce shifts that no report can match. Why connecting with peers outside your company helps you solve problems faster and see blind spots sooner. The specific ways top executives use networking groups to strengthen leadership and drive business transformation. Listen now and learn how the right networking group can give you the clarity, confidence, and edge to lead in uncertain times. Check out: [12:45] – Alan Murray explains why large organizations struggle to adapt as fast as technology and how networking groups help close that gap. [28:10] – A candid look at how CEOs are using networking groups to navigate AI adoption, geopolitics, and supply chain risks. [44:30] – The future of leadership: how peer exchange and networking groups shape smarter strategies for today's unpredictable business environment. About Alan Murray Alan Murray is the former CEO of Fortune Media. He oversaw the business and editorial operations of the independent media company and is known for expanding its digital and conference franchises. Until April 2024, Murray also wrote a closely-read daily newsletter for Fortune, CEO Daily. Prior to joining Fortune in 2015, Murray led the rapid expansion of the Pew Research Center's digital footprint as president of that organization. Before that, Murray was at the Wall Street Journal for many years, serving as deputy managing editor, executive editor online, Washington bureau chief, and author of the Political Capital and Business columns. He served for several years as Washington bureau chief for CNBC, and cohost of the nightly show Capital Report. He is the author of multiple books, including Showdown at Gucci Gulch: Lawmakers, Lobbyists, and the Unlikely Triumph of Tax Reform.

Michelle Rempel Garner lays it bare and gives a peak behind the curtain of how these issues get dealt with in Ottawa.Send a one-time contribution to the show - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XARF5X38AMZULListen to our Podcast on the go: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elev8podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elev8podcast X: https://twitter.com/TheElev8Podcast0:00 - Intro1:20 - Response from the Public6:00 - You Can't Reform The Temporary Foreign Worker Program8:25 - International Mobility Program12:00 - Lobbyist's Impact on Ottawa16:25 - CBC Tries to Re-frame the issue of TFWP

Political Science professor Chris Cooper (Western Carolina University) joins Brian for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of North Carolina politics in 2025. They unpack what to expect from the legislative session, the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of gerrymandering, and how Governor Josh Stein is navigating the political landscape. The two also discuss the rise of a new Speaker of the House, Senator Phil Berger's high-stakes primary, the brewing U.S. Senate race, and much more. Plus, Skye and Brian kick things off by breaking down the week's news: a new AI panel takes shape, the September session looms large, a former senator is remembered, the Bill Belichick Era begins, and more. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

On this episode of “The Liz Wheeler Show,” Liz reveals a hidden deep-state actor attempting to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from his position as secretary of Health and Human Services. Also, Dr. Joseph Ladapo joins the show to discuss the big news that all vaccine mandates in Florida are eliminated. Finally, more Epstein documents were just released, and Liz has a theory about why politicians are so afraid of revealing the truth. SPONSORS: ALL FAMILY PHARMACY: Because you're part of this movement, use code LIZ10 at checkout for an exclusive discount. Check out https://allfamilypharmacy.com/LIZ, code: LIZ10. KINDRED HARVEST: Visit http://www.KindredHarvest.co and use code LIZ for 20% off. Kindred Harvest. Cultivating Goodness Daily. BLAZETV: Join BlazeTV today at http://www.BlazeTV.com/Liz and get $20 off right now. For as low as $8 a month on the annual plan, you can be part of shaping the future. -- Get the full audio show on all major podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-liz-wheeler-show/id1567701295 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LhlHfocr5gMnLj4l573iI iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-liz-wheeler-show-82737301/ Subscribe to The Liz Wheeler Show newsletter: https://lizwheeler.com/email Get VIP access to The Liz Wheeler Show on Locals: https://lizwheeler.locals.com/. Stay in touch with Liz on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizwheeler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLizWheeler Twitter: https://twitter.com/Liz_Wheeler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OfficialLizWheeler Rumble: https://rumble.com/LizWheeler Website: https://lizwheeler.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dental & Vision Plans.  Dental coverage explained.  July 4th and USA.  Inflation Reduction Act.  Rising Deductibles.  Co-pay VS Co-Insurance.  Lobbyists and their role.  United Healthcare Fraud Case.

Terry Szmagala is founder and principal at TGS Advisory and former executive vice president and chief legal officer for Eaton. He speaks to Vanguard about how companies can benefit from cultivating a more proactive relationship with the government.

How Alberta's insider lobbyists delivered for gambling companies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode: The largest private landowner in Florida is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Better known as the Mormon Church, it owns more than 600,000 acres around the state. About half of its land holdings are cattle ranchlands east of Orlando — where the the church has long-term plans to build the equivalent of a new city of 500,000 people. But voters in Orlando recently approved new rules meant to slow suburban sprawl on rural land. So the Mormon Church turned to Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature to step in. And the church had help.Show notesThe bills discussed in this show:Senate Bill 1118 — Land Use and Development RegulationsSenate Bill 180 — EmergenciesTime is a flat circle: Lobbyists for developers pushed Florida lawmakers to block rules meant to save rural lands from sprawlThe top 10 landowners in Florida: Land LordsReach more about the Mormon Church's long-term development plans in central Florida (stories from the August 2017 issue of Florida Trend magazine):Ranchland to rooftops in central FloridaDeseret Ranch — the LandRural Florida's players and their projectsTavistock's Role in Developing Rural FloridaDuda's agribusiness development reachThis the second episode to come out of public records we obtained after the end of the Florida Legislature's 2025 session. Here's the first episode:Florida Passed Bills for Pigeon Shooters?! (YouTube)A Republican megadonor got caught hosting a pigeon shoot. Then he got Florida politicians to change the law. (audio)And here's the podcast mentioned in this show about the erosion of home rule happening Florida and other Republican-controlled states:Your Town, Their Rules: How States Are Stealing Local Power (YouTube)Your town, their rules (audio)Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

Documents the Health Ministry tried to keep secret show alcohol lobbyists pushed policy makers to not raise tax on alcohol, restrict its availability or replace industry sponsorship of sport. Guyon Espiner spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today's episode, Sawyer and Tork are opening up the barn doors and getting real with a good old-fashioned Q&A session. From farm life to local politics—and even makeup tips—nothing's off the table. The guys kick things off with a lively market update, diving into the latest prices and trends for corn, beans, livestock, and more, before shifting gears to tackle your burning questions.You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of running a family farm, supporting a direct-to-consumer meat business, and what makes their farm-to-table operation unique. Sawyer and Tork also take a hard look at the bureaucracy plaguing small-town America, candidly sharing a recent situation in their own community that left their heads shaking. Plus, find out just how many weaner pigs, fat hogs, and tons of feed you can fit on a semi, and why truckers are truly the backbone of American agriculture.If you've ever wondered what it takes to stick to your core values as a business owner, when to pivot or power through a tough idea, or the real story behind meat labeling and marketing in the U.S., this episode is for you. Sprinkle in some classic Barn Talk humor, relationship advice, and serious takes on AI's impact on our lives, and you've got an episode that's just as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.So pull up a seat, grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a ribeye—and join us for an episode full of honesty, laughs, and some straight talk from inside the barn.Shop Farmer Grade

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Moab Times-Independent, about the city's decision to hire a lobbyist to help secure federal funding for flood mitigation and other infrastructure projects, as well as the city's plan to replace solar panels on city hall before the end of the year. We start off the conversation with a story about Glen Richeson, a longtime Moab resident who passed away earlier this summer. - Show Notes - • Moab hires federal lobbyist https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-hires-washington-d-c-lobbyist/ • Remembering Glen Richeson's lifetime of service in Moab https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/remembering-glen-richesons-lifetime-of-service-in-moab/ • Moab City Council approves $500k to reinstall, replace solar panels on City Hall https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-city-council-approves-500k-to-reinstall-replace-solar-panels-on-city-hall/

This episode, recorded from RDH Under One Roof, is the epitome of commitment. These hygienists have undertaken the almost impossible responsibility that has been left unchecked in the state of Washington for dental hygienists and they are showing what true leadership in advocacy looks like. Join us as we catch up with Jennifer Frame, Christi Holbrook, and Colleen Gaylord to learn what they are up to and how you can support the efforts! Resources: Dhaofwa.com Dental Hygiene Advocates of Washington on Facebook

Salvation through Jesus.  Contact Paul 3 months before turning 65.  MEDPAC - Medicare Payment Advisory Commision.  Breakdown of Medicare Advantage Plans.  Not efficient.  HMOs.  Role of Lobbyists.

In this episode Pablo Escoball and Jokicjoestar talk about REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED28:00 Ball talk starts44:00 Beal and Dame1:00:00 Lobbyist requests

Plastic is killing the planet — or so we've been told. In this episode, Scott Groves sits down with Dr. Chris DeArmitt — the scientist behind The Plastics Paradox — to dismantle myths we've been fed for decades. From the “floating island” that doesn't exist, to the lie that you're eating a credit card of plastic every week, Chris backs every claim with real data — 5,000 studies deep. This is the truth about bags, bottles, microplastics panic, and why billionaires, NGOs, and headlines keep feeding the fear. If you think you know the truth about plastic, this episode will challenge everything.Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome and Bold Kickoff00:00:56 - Accents, Upbringing, and Humor00:02:54 - Meet the Myth-Buster: Chris DeArmitt00:03:39 - Kicking Open the Plastic Controversy00:05:10 - How a Scientist Fell for Plastics00:06:14 - What Really Happens When Plastic Breaks Down00:11:09 - The Real Lifecycle Impact Nobody Tells You00:21:02 - Microplastics Panic: Fact vs Fiction00:24:41 - The Fake Floating Island Exposed00:33:02 - Why Plastic Waste Is a People Problem00:37:13 - The Hidden Materials in Your Home00:37:49 - Surprising Praise for the Plastic We Hate00:39:29 - Burying the Biggest Plastic Myths00:40:42 - Are Alternatives Worse for the Planet?00:45:58 - Microplastics: The Truth and the Hype00:58:54 - What's Actually Threatening Our Health?01:08:01 - Why Science and Evidence Matter01:10:20 - Final Thoughts and Real TakeawaysLinks and Resources:Phantom PlasticsFree Book — Shattering the Plastics IllusionConnect with Dr. Chris DeArmitt on LinkedIn------------This podcast is paid for and brought to you by.... by me, Scott Groves :-) Because I think these kind of long form conversations are valuable, I pay for 100% of the production of this show out of my pocket. This channel is FAR from monetization and because of the subject matter, may never be monetized. I am a Mortgage Loan Officer & Loan Officer Coach in real life. It's the money that I earn, from helping home-buyers and home-owners obtain home-loans, that pays for this show. If you, your friends, or your family are looking for a home loan from an honest Loan Officer, please contact me at Scott@ScottGrovesTeam.com or find all my links to connect HERE:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.LinkTr.ee/ScottLGroves⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I can do the loan for you (our team is licensed in 8 states) - OR - I can refer you to an amazing loan officer in the state where you're searching. ON WITH THE SHOW!!!New Full Episodes are released every other Tuesday at 10:00am and clips are released frequently throughout the week. SO MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE!!! -------------Thank you for checking out the Podcast. We're building our community AS WE SPEAK and would love it if you checked us out in one of our communities:On The Edge Podcast Community & Facebook Group on Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/ontheedgepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Edge Podcast Page on Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/MeetScottGroves⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On The Edge Podcast on Locals:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://reddotbluestate.locals.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.Instagram.com/ScottLGroves⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.OnTheEdgePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----------Do YOU or SOMEBODY YOU KNOW want to be featured in the podcast? Questions, inquiries, booking a show? Any topics or people you'd like us to cover?Send us an email: ⁠scott@ontheedgepodcast.com⁠-----------Spread the word and help us out! It doesn't cost a thing to hit that Like Button, Subscribe, and turn on the notification bell.----------

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" is still in the Senate, with some significant changes happening over the weekend, including Senator Mike Lee pulling his controversial bill to sell public lands. Greg and Holly discuss this with Lobbyist, Adam Gardiner and other changes to the spending bill.

In this episode of Cannabis Unlocked, Representative La Shawn Ford of the Illinois state Congress, and John Donovan, a lobbyist for Dykema join KEY Founding Partner Jordan Youkilis. In this conversation, Rep. Ford, Donovan and Youkilis discuss how the government of Illinois has shaped their cannabis legislation.They start the conversation covering the structure of the Illinois General Assembly including the challenges of passing meaningful reform. From there, they discuss the successes of the state's cannabis legalization, and specifically the benefits of social equity initiatives.Next, they address the threat posed by unregulated hemp-derived products and emphasize the importance of consistent testing, taxation, and oversight. Looking ahead, they consider emerging reforms around psychedelics, hemp beverages, and delivery licenses, with a focus on public health and equity. Please enjoy the episode!

This episode of The BS Show features "Wrong About Everything" co-hosts Amy Koch and Brian McDaniel, uber-fan Bernie Bomberg, and psychic Ruth Lordan.

Once upon a time, gambling was something done in back rooms and smoke-filled basements. Now? One in five Americans has a sports betting app — right next to their Bible app. In 2024 alone, Americans legally wagered nearly $150 billion on sports. Nearly all of it — 95% — was done online. No dice, no bookie. Just tap, swipe, lose.For over a century, both American law and Christian conscience agreed: gambling was a vice. Not merely a private sin, but a public threat. It corrupted sports — from the 1919 Black Sox scandal to Pete Rose. It bankrupted homes. It bred addiction. So in 1992, Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, barring states from legalizing sports betting. The goal was to shield young people, uphold the integrity of sports, and slow the spread of a morally corrosive practice. That restraint lasted 26 years — until the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018. Since then, we've witnessed a cultural transformation: not a thoughtful reappraisal of risk and reward, but a full surrender to the gods of revenue, entertainment, and ease.And that surrender has been lucrative. Lobbyists promised lawmakers untold tax revenue. Tech companies engineered betting apps that are frictionless, addictive, and nearly impossible to close. Now, children can stream an NBA game and place a live bet on who misses the next free throw. The app encourages it. So does the league.But is it just harmless fun? A little added thrill to the game? Or is it something deeper — a system designed not to entertain, but to exploit? When gambling apps track your every wager, target your weaknesses, and make it easier to bet than to withdraw, is that still freedom — or is it a new form of bondage?And what happens when Christians get pulled into that system? For centuries, the church understood games of chance as morally precarious, if not downright dangerous. Not because randomness is sinful — after all, “the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” — but because gambling treats chance as profit, and profit as providence. It tempts us to see fortune as fate, and risk as recreation.So what are we really looking at here — a neutral technology that needs guarding? Or a predatory industry that preys on disordered loves, promising fast money and delivering slow ruin?This episode is brought to you by our premier sponsors, Armored Republic and Reece Fund, as well as our Patreon members and donors. You can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rightresponseministries or donate at rightresponseministries.com/donate.Today we trace the long Christian view of gambling — from biblical cleromancy to digital entrapment — and ask whether the modern church has fallen silent just as Mammon found a new app store. Let's get into it.MINISTRY SPONSORS: Squirrelly Joe's Coffee – Caffeinating The Modern Reformation Get a free bag of coffee (just pay shipping): https://squirrellyjoes.com/rightresponse Kingsmen Caps Carry the Crown with Kingsmen Caps — premium headwear made for those who honor Christ as King. https://kingsmencaps.com Western Front Books Publishing for men on the right. Not churchy. Christian. https://www.WesternFrontBooks.com Reece Fund Christian Capital. Boldly Deployed. https://www.reecefund.com Private Family Banking Receive a FREE e-book: How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street Schedule a free 30-minute appointment: https://www.liberationeconomy.com Heaven's Harvest Get 10% off your order using code RRM at checkout: https://heavensharvest.com/rrm

Story at-a-glance Fluoridated water provides little dental benefit but carries serious neurological risks, including lower IQ and disrupted brain development in children Most developed countries have rejected fluoridation and still have similar rates of dental health, while 62.8% of Americans receive it without informed consent A North Dakota investigation revealed federally funded officials using deceptive tactics to override local authority when communities attempted to end water fluoridation programs Beyond cognitive impacts, fluoride exposure has been linked to skeletal fluorosis, increased fracture risk, thyroid issues, and muscle atrophy To reduce your fluoride exposure, install specialized filtration systems, use fluoride-free oral products, avoid hidden sources in food and beverages, and advocate for policy changes

Hold onto your sweet tea—this episode is a wild ride through the underbelly of Washington, D.C.! Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett doesn't hold back as he spills the tea (and maybe a little Mountain Dew) on government dysfunction, shady lobbyists, and how politics really works behind the scenes.From hilarious Capitol Hill stories and surprise call-ins to serious hot takes on Ukraine, China, government spending, and staffer influence Tim delivers it all with honesty, humor, and that unmistakable Southern charm. You'll laugh, you'll shake your head, and you might even feel a little hopeful about the future.