Podcasts about Capitol Hill

Political drama is reaching a fever pitch!

As social media influencers increasingly displace traditional media as primary sources for political commentary, concerns are growing over covert foreign propaganda and dark money fueling online discourse. In response, bipartisan momentum is building behind new legislation aimed at closing foreign disclosure loopholes and requiring online personalities to disclose financial ties to foreign governments.Jessica Rosenthal spoke with Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) about her bipartisan Foreign Propaganda Disclosure Act. They discussed how foreign entities and bot networks leverage paid influencers to manipulate digital algorithms and steer American political debates, as well as the enforcement mechanisms needed to hold violators accountable through the Department of Justice.Rep. Luna shares her perspective on updating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) for the digital age, addressing First Amendment concerns, and why she believes transparency is critical to protecting national security and American voters.We often have to cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might like to hear this one in full. Today on the Fox News Rundown Extra, we share our complete conversation with Representative Anna Paulina Luna as she dives deeper into foreign influence in the creator economy, legislative battles in Capitol Hill, and the state of American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Music festivals are a great way to see a ton of music and discover new artists. For the past five years Black & Loud Fest has celebrated alternative Black artists with a lineup that’s got something for everyone. This Saturday Black and Loud will take over Capitol Hill’s Neumos, Barboza, and The Runaway. We’ll talk to festival organizer and King Youngblood band leader Cameron Lavi-Jones. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online or on the KUOW App.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new personalised vaccine given in combination with a drug has stopped skin cancer returning in patients during a trial, representing a potentially watershed moment in cancer treatment. Scientists used mRNA technology, which was used for some Covid-19 vaccines.But that technology - and vaccines more generally - have become increasingly controversial in the United States since the Covid-19 pandemic. The Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, is a vaccine sceptic. In August 2025 cancelled $500m (£376m) in funding for mRNA vaccine research. The move impacted 22 projects being led by major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, for vaccines against bird flu and other viruses, according to Kennedy's department. We speak to Tom Whipple, host of the BBC's Inside Science programme, about the science of this new vaccine. And we ask how funding cuts for vaccine research could impact health outcomes not just for Americans, but for the world.Producers: Lucy Pawle and Sam ChantarasakDigital producer: Sam GruetMix: Travis EvansEditor: James ShieldSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during the Senate Finance Committee's hearing on The President's Health Care Agenda on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, USA, 04 September 2025. Credit: Shawn Thew/EPA/Shutterstock

How to Improve EVERY Aspect of Your Life: An Interview with J.R. Briggs (Episode 297)   Proverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.   *Transcription Below*   J.R. Briggs (DMin) possesses four passions: following Jesus, equipping and investing in hungry kingdom leaders, growing fruit on other people's trees, and creating good kingdom mischief. In short, his calling is to partner with people who are called to follow Jesus while they lead others.   In 2011 he started Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to help leaders overcome their unique leadership challenges through leadership coaching, consulting, speaking, and writing.   For more than 15 years, J.R. served in pastoral roles in mega-churches, church plants and house church networks. Since starting Kairos Partnerships, he has served and invested in ministry leaders in over 40 denominations throughout North America. In addition to ministry leaders, he has invested in a wide variety of leaders, including business owners, college presidents, military leaders, Division 1 basketball coaches, and non-profit directors.   He serves as a guest instructor in the Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation program at Friends University and the Master of Arts in Leadership program at Taylor University. He has lectured, taught and spoken at over a dozen colleges, universities, and seminaries around the U.S.   He also serves as the Director of Leadership & Congregational Formation for The Ecclesia Network and as a National Trainer & Strategist for Fresh Expressions U.S.   In addition to writing several books on a wide variety of topics, he has also published articles in Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Preaching Today, American Bible Society, N.T. Wright Online, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine.   He hosts the Resilient Leaders podcast.   J.R. and his wife Megan have two sons and live in the greater Philadelphia area. J.R.'s Website J.R.'s Book   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management   Questions and Topics We Cover: Can you contrast Jesus' teaching with field trips to the way we structure a typical Sunday morning in America?  Will you also share how you arrived at asking yourself two questions that have opened numerous doors for you? Once we put this into practice for ourselves, how can we begin to cultivate it in our children as well?   Other Savvy Sauce Episode Mentioned: 219. Training Our Children in Biblical Financial Stewardship with Matt Bell   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 1:44) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook.   J.R. Briggs is one of the most intriguing humans I've encountered, and it's hard to sum up his bio, as he's had so many experiences in his past through various pastoral roles, and then he became the founder of Kairos Partnerships, where he invests in leaders. He's also a podcast host, in addition to his work as an author. His most recent book is The Art of Asking Better Questions, and it's summed up in the intro, where he writes, "I have a bone-deep conviction that all of us need to ask more questions and better questions. Doing so can change your life and the lives of those around you." So now we get to actually learn how to make this happen with my guest, Reverend Dr. J.R. Briggs.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, J.R.   J.R. Briggs: (1:44 - 1:45) Thanks for having me. I'm looking forward to this, Laura.   Laura Dugger: (1:46 - 2:00) Well, I'd love to go back and first hear a little bit more of your origin story. So, do you attribute your love of questions and your skill for asking great questions more to nature or nurture?   J.R. Briggs: (2:01 - 5:04) That's a fantastic question. No one has ever asked me that, Laura. So, right off the bat, well done. I love good questions like this. I think it's a little bit of both, and I'm not just wimping out on that answer. Here's what I mean.   I grew up in a wonderful home, still great friends with both my parents, and my parents, especially my dad, they were great question askers, and I saw them model this really well in the home. And I think in previous generations, it was, you know, kids are to be seen but not heard. That was not how my parents operated. They very much said, "You know what, we want to know what you think." And so, dinner times were great. Even hearing the way, especially my father would ask questions of people in the lobby at church or our neighbors, or we'd be at some party, and the way he would ask questions, I would just listen and say, "Wow, this is fascinating, the kind of conversations that are happening because of this."   So, modeled really well, but also observed a lot, and more is caught than taught. And I observed my parents doing this really well. And I thought, these are really fun conversations to just eavesdrop in on as a kid. And then also, I began to notice that there were people that were really fun and lived inspiring lives, and they asked great questions. And I noticed the people that had, that lived really small, uninspiring lives, I realized they weren't asking very many questions. And I began to say, "Well, which kind of person do I want to be? I kind of want to be in the first group. Well, what's the difference? These people are asking questions, regular questions, quality questions." And I thought, "Ooh, I need to pay attention to this and actually lean in to do this more."   So, I often learned how to do it too. So, there was the nature piece, the nurture piece, or the nurture, the nature piece there, the nurture piece, I did study. I'm kind of a nerd. And so, I would watch people who ask great questions and say, "Why was that a good question? What did they do? Why did they ask it that way? How did they know to ask that question as opposed to something else?" And so that was really helpful.   But then I began to notice as I read my Bible, I got a red-letter edition of my Bible and began to notice how many red question marks there were. And I began to take a pen and circle all of the red questions, question marks that Jesus asked. And I thought, "Wow, the way the truth and the life, who had all the answers, yet he asked a ton of questions." So that sent me on a deep dive that eventually I studied. And my doctorate, my dissertation for my doctorate was on learning to equip leaders to ask better questions in the way of Jesus. And so, using him as that model. So, there's a very long answer, Laura, to a very short question, is it nature or nurture? I really believe it's both. And I hope I can continue to learn in my own life until my last breath to how to be a better question asker, because it's that powerful.   Laura Dugger: (5:04 - 5:57) Mm-hmm. I agree with that. And I love the humility in that response. Also, as you share it, it reminds me of a scripture from Proverbs 11:24, the Message version, which I believe previous guest Matt Bell had shared this as it relates to finances. But J.R., I hear it through your lifestyle of generosity with questions. And the verse says, "The world of the generous gets larger and larger. The world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller." So, I love how you illustrated that. But you're also the first person that I heard articulate this beauty of asking questions for connection rather than just for information. So, can you explain more of why questions are such a generous gift and an offering of hospitality?   J.R. Briggs: (5:58 - 8:36) Mm-hmm. Yeah. Well, one of the things that really hit me, I touched on this earlier, that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, the second member of the Trinity, who knows everything. Why would he ask so many questions? Well, he also said, "I only do what I see my Father doing." What did he see his Father doing? If you look in the Old Testament, God asks a ton of questions too. So, I said, "Wait a second. Okay. The all-knowing, all-powerful God of the universe, why does God ask so many questions when he already knows the answer?" And that drove me to say, maybe it wasn't just for information.   And I began to think about Adam and Eve in the garden and say, when he says, "Where are you?" It wasn't because God didn't know. And it wasn't a geographical question as much as I think it's a relational and theological question that he wants Adam and Eve to answer. And so, as a result of that, I said, "Why then would God do that?" Well, God already knows, but he desires connection with us. And then I thought, "Ooh, yeah, that isn't just God to us. There are times where I ask questions of my kids when they were younger, or of other little kids at church, where I know the answer already, but I'm asking it as a way of building trust and shared story and connection with them."   And I thought, yeah, there's real connection when it comes to questions. And when we do that, when we offer our full selves, the French philosopher, Simone Weil, she said, "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." And as a result of that, that's the hospitality piece. And I think, let's not forget that the word hospital is in the word hospitality, that our questions and our attention can actually be a form of healing that we offer to other people. When we think of hospitality, we often think of, I don't know, making a fresh pie or laying out doilies and sweeping the house before someone comes over. That can be part of it. But the real definition of hospitality is making new people feel comfortable in new situations. And so, what do good questions do? They help people who might feel new or an outsider feel like they're an insider. And I believe that's one of the beautiful benefits of questions where people say, "Man, thank you. No one has ever asked me that." Or "I feel seen. Wow, you really want to care. You care enough to know what I'm thinking." That is an unbelievable gift that we can give to others as a form of hospitality.   Laura Dugger: (8:36 - 8:55) And I think that illuminates what you even say up front in your book, that you do believe that these questions can change our life and the lives of those around us, and especially through this powerful book that you've written. So, can you elaborate on that claim?   J.R. Briggs: (8:56 - 10:33) Yeah, the dimensions of your life expand or contract depending upon the questions that you ask. So, when we refrain from asking good questions, our world gets smaller. And when we start to ask better questions, and more frequently, our worlds begin to expand. And so, what I tell people is we don't have a shortage of information. We have a shortage of wisdom and curiosity and wonder. And so, what we need to kindle in that is that desire for and that ability to ask the right questions at the right time for the right reason to the right people.   And if we want more information, we should just Google it. But if what we're after is wisdom and connection and engagement, we need questions. And questions are, I think we all would admit, Laura, questions are important. I don't think that we would realize just how powerful they actually are. And so, the goal of the book was to unleash and wake up the sleeping giants that exist and say, this can be used for good. There's so many, again, we don't have a shortage of information. But asking good questions is a lost art. And the goal is to try to help people realize its power, that it's more accessible. They're free. They can be used at any time. They don't have a shelf life. But we just need to cultivate the desire for it and then have some skills to lean in, because it really can be such an unbelievable gift. The questions that we ask often reveal the values that we hold. And so that's another way that we can press into that as well.   Laura Dugger: (10:34 - 10:49) Okay, so let's say that the desire is there. Maybe for all of us, probably the skill is a little lacking. How can we begin to get a little bit better at this or just get started with asking better questions today?   J.R. Briggs: (10:49 - 14:18) Yeah, well, we got to start, Laura, by admitting that there are a lot of obstacles that exist that our culture puts in front of us to make it hard to do that. One is we're in an attention-seeking age, right? I mean, the joke says enough about me, what do you think about me? And so, because we live in the social media, look at me, look at me reality that we're in, it's really hard because questions are the opposite. I'm putting the spotlight on you rather than on my own life. But we also are in a culture of great efficiency, and so questions feel inefficient. They feel really inefficient, like it slows things down. How many of us have been in a meeting and we're about to get up and someone says, "Any questions?" And someone, "Oh," and we just say, "No, no, no, we were just about to leave, you're slowing us down." And so that in the business world and in sales, that's the number one thing is questions. We got stuff to do and things to sell. But if we can just slow down, it's better.   But those are some of the obstacles that exist. So, if we're assuming we have curiosity, we have wisdom, we have humility, and we have courage, which are the four components. If those are there, then there are some things that we can engage in that can help us and several practices, like the simplest practice we can do when we hear a good question, write it down. A lot of people feel like two things. They have to come up with all the questions themselves. You don't. I love questions. I'm pretty good at questions, but I don't generate all my questions. I've read them on billboards or heard them on a podcast or overheard somebody in line at Starbucks behind me. And you go, "Man, that's a really good question. Write it down." We think we're going to remember later, Laura, and that's the second thing. We won't. We have to write it down. And I just encourage people, open up the notes section of your phone and just have something on there that says great questions. When you hear of one, think of one, read of one in a good novel, write it on the list. You can always return to it later. So, just awareness, number one, that my radar is up, listening for good questions, can be a great start.   And then also just to reflect later to say, "What was the best question I asked today or in that conversation or in that meeting or over dinner with my family? What was the best question I asked?" So, that's a little bit of reflection, but also preparation. Anytime we go into a meeting, anytime we go into any sort of connection, even if it's coffee with a friend, to always see if I can come with two questions ahead of time. Now, sometimes I write them down, sometimes I don't. I may not even get a chance to ask them, but just coming prepared where I say, "Oh, I'm meeting with my friend, Sam. Oh, Sam's dad just had significant surgery. So, here's an important question. Sam, how's your dad doing? And how are you doing as you care for your dad?" It's a little bit of preparation. It's not an hour. I'm just spending five minutes on my drive to the coffee shop to say, "My first question is going to be, Sam, how's your dad? And how are you doing caring for your dad?" So, just a little bit more thought. It doesn't require three times the amount of effort. Sometimes it's just five or 10% more effort and intentionality that can improve our question asking.   Laura Dugger: (14:19 - 16:29) So much thoughtfulness there. Appreciate that.   And now a brief message from our sponsor.   With over 1,700 apartment units available throughout Pekin, Peoria, Peoria Heights, Morton, and Washington, and with every price range covered, you will have plenty of options when you rent through Leman Property Management Company. They have townhomes, duplexes, studios, and garden style options located in many areas throughout Pekin. And make sure you check out their newest offering; the McKinley located in Pekin is a new construction addition to their platinum collection. Featuring nine-foot ceilings, large spacious layouts, beautiful finishes such as quartz countertops and garages, you won't want to miss this outstanding new property.   In Peoria, a historic downtown location and apartments adjacent to OSF Medical Center provide excellent choices. Check out their brand-new luxury property in Peoria Heights, overlooking the boutique shops and fine dining on Prospect. And in Morton, they offer a variety of apartment homes with garages, a hot downtown location, and now a brand-new high-end complex near Idlewood Park. If you want to become part of their team, contact them about open office positions. They're also hiring in their maintenance department. So, we invite you to find out why so many people have chosen to make a career with them. Check them out on Facebook today or email their friendly staff at leasing@lemanprops.com. You can also stop by their website at lemanproperties.com. Check them out and find your place to call home today.   Clearly J.R., Jesus has been a role model for asking questions. So, can you contrast what you describe as Jesus's field trips that he takes his disciples on versus the way that you view Sunday mornings in a lot of churches in America? Can you kind of contrast those two?   J.R. Briggs: (16:29 - 18:42) Yeah, oftentimes when I'm talking to pastors or leaders, faith leaders, I remind them of this. But yeah, Jesus loved to take his listeners on three field trips, three kinds. First one, he took them on physical field trips. We see that where Jesus says, "You know, look at the birds of the air, look at the lilies of the field," or "Look at the woman putting in two mites in the temple treasury." Life is a classroom. And so, he loved taking people on literal field trips.   Number two, he took them on emotional field trips by telling them stories, not in abstract ways of thinking, but the kingdom of God is like a woman kneading dough. It's like a fisherman who caught fish. It's like a father with two sons. And I think we're wrapped up in that when we watch a good movie, and we cry and laugh and we're scared. Those are all because a beautiful story did something to us. It took us on some sort of emotional field trip.   And then third is a mental field trip, which we're talking about here by asking questions. Jesus asked a ton of questions. And as a result of that, got people thinking in new ways. Now, if the way, the truth and the life, if anyone had the right to just give answers, it would be Jesus. But instead, he chose to ask a lot of questions. And so those three field trips, literal by going on walks, getting outside of a classroom, the mental field trip of asking questions and the emotional field trips of telling stories. Jesus did that all the time. Once you know that and you read the gospels, you'll see it everywhere.   The problem is, as you were referring to, Laura, on Sunday mornings, what do we do? We sit people in a church in pews. Almost all of the teaching or formation happens in the same room. Instead of telling stories, we give abstract information. And instead of asking questions, we just give answers. And then we sit around and wonder, "Why is no one changing?" And my gentle encouragement is, what would it look like if we actually learned to teach others the way Jesus actually taught? Imagine that. So, it's a bit of a stretch because culturally we're kind of drawn in to the way we've always done it in church. And yet oftentimes Jesus did almost the opposite of the way in which we teach today.   Laura Dugger: (18:44 - 18:55) And so, if you see that as an opposite, do you have any practical ideas of just a small tweak that we could make on Sunday mornings to be more like Jesus?   J.R. Briggs: (18:56 - 20:32) Sure. I always try to say, is there any way I can get people's bodies or their hearts up out of the seat? So, "Hey, I want you to stand up and turn to the person next to you." Or, "Hey, we're going to move around the room." Some of you say, "What? We would never do that at our church." And I would say, take a risk. Jesus did all sorts of things that surprise people. So, how can I get their hearts and their bodies up out of their seat? Number one.   Number two, can I tell a few more stories than I have in the past in my teaching or preaching or Sunday morning? And then also, can I engage with questions by asking them questions at the beginning? Can I leave them with some reflection questions in the bulletin or on the website the next week? Or can I actually have them asking questions of each other or of the text itself? And so oftentimes, why do I feel like I'm the one that has to speak the whole time when I'm preaching? What if instead I allow them to ask questions of each other, of God, and even of myself? And sometimes when I preach, I allow the last five or 10 minutes for people to ask questions about the text to myself and everyone else. Now, is that a change? Yeah. Would that freak out some churches? Maybe. But it can be a way that people walk away and say, "Wow, I learned, I was engaged, I was formed, and I encountered God in a new way that I haven't in the past." Which is the whole goal, that we don't just learn more about the Bible, is that we know the God of the Bible. That's the whole point of why we gather together as a church.   Laura Dugger: (20:33 - 20:46) And that would be so memorable. But also, as you're speaking about stories, are you willing to share the story of one of the times that you asked a question, and it turned out better than you could have ever asked or hoped for?   J.R. Briggs: (20:47 - 22:27) Yeah. I could think of several, but sometimes just asking people, "Why is that?" Just as a follow-up. It's amazing what can spill out. And I go, "Oh, that confronted my biases. That confronted my assumptions and what I thought about them." And so sometimes just asking some of that has been incredibly helpful to just ask that follow-up question.   I won't tell the whole story that I recounted in the book, but oftentimes when there are tears, it was Charles Spurgeon that said that tears are like liquid prayers. And so, when people are showing some emotion, I sometimes will say to them, even if they're not a follower of Jesus, even if they're not religious, "I'm curious. It's been said that tears are liquid prayers. Can you put words to the prayers that your face is praying right now?" And I've had some of the most unbelievable conversations where people can identify the prayers that their face is praying. And even in my own life, where I just step back and go, "Why am I, why was I so moved by that novel? Why was I so moved by that movie? Or what just happened in front of me? Or why, where are these tears coming from?" As Frederick Buechner said, we'd be best to pay attention to our tears. And so that question of what are the liquid prayers, can I put words to the prayer that my face is praying has been an unbelievably meaningful and eye-opening thing for me and also with people that I've been with.   Laura Dugger: (22:29 - 22:37) Will you also share about how you arrived at asking two questions that have opened numerous doors for you?   J.R. Briggs: (22:38 - 25:21) Yeah. Yeah. When I was in college, I had the privilege of studying in Israel for the semester. This is fall of my junior year. Absolutely loved it. And our class was on a four-day field trip up around the Sea of Galilee. One night I was down by the lake and happened to notice as the sun was about to set that there was a big fishing vessel that had just come in. And I had always wanted to go fishing on the Sea of Galilee, not just take a boat, not just see fishermen, but like be on the boat and fish with fishermen. I don't even love fishing myself, but I just wanted to experience what Jesus and his disciples experienced on the lake.   And there was a big industrial ship that came in. They brought in their day's catch. And I thought, "Oh, I should ask them if I can go fishing with them." And Laura, and then, you know, the realistic brain in me said, "Why would they ever allow a college, American college student and a study abroad program to go fishing with them tomorrow?" And I had these two questions that hit me, Laura. "Well, what's the worst they could say? No, or heck no, or get out of here. You're crazy." And number two, "Can I handle that? If they were to say that." Those two questions, I thought, "You know, I can handle it now. Let me ask what's the worst he could say. Let me ask."   So, I went up and I said, "Excuse me, can I talk to your captain?" And they said, "Menachem is over here." So, I introduced myself to him and I said, "Menachem, I've always wanted to go fishing on the Sea of Galilee. I'll pay you $50. If I can go fishing for the day, use me as, as I mean, any work me to death. If you want, like I'm here, I just want to." And he looked at me, he said, "I don't want your money." He said, "Join me tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. And you can come fishing with us." And I walked away and went, "Unbelievable. My dream is coming true." And I had an unbelievable day, but I realized I can't say no for someone else. What's the worst they could say? No. Can I just ask and handle it if they said no? Yep, I can handle it. Those two questions, Laura, have shaped me immensely throughout my lifetime. I've really, I've done that in a lot of different ways. And a lot of times people say no, and I can handle that. But a lot of times people said yes. And some doors have opened simply because I asked. And I actually think of that verse often, Laura, where it says you do not have because you do not ask. It's not name it and claim it prosperity gospel. But we just have to realize that sometimes we just need to ask to put ourselves out there and see what people say.   Laura Dugger: (25:23 - 25:55) That is so good. And I have applied those questions since reading that in your book, even as I reach out to ask you if you would do two recordings. So, I'm so grateful that that you said yes, I'm delighted that today's not our only conversation. But I'm curious also, J.R., when you had that experience, a lot of us may not ever get to go fish on the Sea of Galilee. So, did you learn anything that brought the Bible to life or anything about Jesus or anything that you can share with us from that incredible experience?   J.R. Briggs: (25:55 - 27:37) Oh, there's so many, but I'll limit it to one. When we started out that morning, the sea was so calm. I mean, it was like glass. It was beautiful. The sun was rising, not a cloud in the sky. And it was great. But I've always wondered these like storms. You know, the Sea of Galilee is not a sea. It's a lake. It's 10 miles by six miles. It looks like a harp. And that's why it's called Lake Kinneret. In Hebrew, that means harp. So, it's harp lake is the way that we could call it. But I thought it's still a lake. How can there be storms that would have professional fishermen that would be screaming, thinking they were going to die? How is that possible?   Well, wouldn't you know it, Laura? As beautiful as it was, the clouds rolled in. And then later that afternoon, there was a squall of a storm. I have never been in more intense in my life. And it happened right there. Now we're in a maybe two-ton, three-ton fishing vessel. But even that, we had to go below deck because it was so brutal. The waves, the wind, we couldn't see more than 10 feet in front of us. And I thought, "Ah, now I get it. If I'm just in a wooden boat with my fellow, you know, disciples here, I can see why this could get a little panicky." And that was, I think, a little God wink for me to be able to experience both the peace and calm, but also this treacherous storm and go, "Ah, now I won't read my Bible the same again when I hear about the, you know, the disciples freaking out with the storm or seeing Jesus walk on the water approaching them." So, that's one of many, but that sticks out to me a great deal that I got to experience a very intense storm.   Laura Dugger: (27:38 - 28:27) That is so incredible. Even just going back, so those two questions that you were willing to ask led to this incredible experience. And now people from around the world get to benefit from the lessons that you learned at that time. So, I think you're giving us so much encouragement for asking questions.   Guess what? We are no longer an audio only podcast. We now have video included as well. If you want to view the conversation each week, make sure you watch our videos. We're on YouTube and you can access videos or find answers to any of your other questions about the podcast when you visit thesavvysauce.com.   What happens to our brain or within our brain when we're asking or being asked a question?   J.R. Briggs: (28:28 - 30:19) Yeah, this was an incredibly fun part of the research for me was what does this do neurobiologically to us? And so, what neurologists have found is when they put nodes all over your brain to kind of see how the brain activity happens, when you're given information, your brain lights up. But what they found is when someone is asked a question, your brain explodes like fireworks, the synapses that are firing, and it just lights up like crazy, like fireworks in the night. And one of the things they said, as much as we think we can multitask, we can't. We do a lot of switching, task switching, but not multitasking. But they said what happens is they use the word hijack. You can hijack someone's brain when you actually are asking a question of someone, even if it's for two seconds.   And so, if I were to ask your listeners, Laura, "What are the color of the shoes you're wearing right now?" Whether your listeners liked it or not, I just hijacked their brain for a split second there, and they went, "What are the color of my shoes?" And so that's immense amount of power to, quote unquote, hijack someone's brain. So, we need to use that power wisely. But it's an immense amount of power that we can have when we ask someone a question, not just give them an answer, which I love when current neurobiological research matches up with scripture and with the way Jesus taught. How did Jesus teach? A ton of questions. What happened? He engaged with people. They participated with him. They were forced to learn and be participants, not just talking theoretically about faith. And I thought, isn't that just like Jesus? He knew how our brains are wired. And so, he uses questions as a way of maximum connection, challenge, engagement, and formation.   Laura Dugger: (30:20 - 30:43) Wow. And you've cultivated, like you say, this holy curiosity. So, I am curious for you, J.R., when you're in a conversation and you find yourself asking question after question, have you been in a situation like this where they don't reciprocate, they don't ask any questions back? And how do you handle that internally and externally?   J.R. Briggs: (30:44 - 32:41) Yeah, it's hard because we live in a culture that hasn't modeled that well to ask good questions. And sometimes it's been hard. And I admit that sometimes there's a sense of loneliness. When I have a lunch meeting and my wife will say, "How was your lunch meeting today?" We have a code word where I say either waiter or waitress. And it means the waiter or waitress came and took my plate away because I was done with my meal before they had taken one or two bites of their food. And oftentimes that happens where we leave a meal and we realize, "I don't think I was asked a single question this whole lunch." Or we go to a dinner party, no one asked me a single question. And that can be really hard.   And I love asking people questions. And it's not like I'm just ramming it down their throats to ask question after question like Elf with his brother walking through Central Park where he's just rattling off question after question. I was giving pause, I was taking a bite of my food, allowing them to ask a question or two, and they never did. And sometimes people say, "Well, I don't really know, I'm not good at questions." And I say, one of the simplest things you can do is what I call the way question, W-A-Y. It's just to say, "What about you?" I've been talking. What about you? To just hit the ball back over the net and to allow us to engage in some conversational pickleball. It's been on my side, let me hit it. Now it's on your side and you hit it back. That's how all healthy relationships exist. And so, it's been a little disappointing at times to realize you can go, and I'm sure you and others have experienced that. That's really hard. And to have people that can just say, "What about you? What do you think? Have you ever experienced that?" Or "I have another question for you." That's how healthy relationships are cultivated when there's that back and forth in conversation.   Laura Dugger: (32:42 - 32:51) Okay. And so, if we want to cultivate that back-and-forth conversation, can you just share a few more tips for ways that we can level up our questions?   J.R. Briggs: (32:52 - 34:24) Sure. Yeah. There's a unique, almost universal principle when it comes to question asking. If you ask a generic unthoughtful question, you will almost always get a generic unthoughtful answer. "How are you?" "Fine." "How's your weekend?" "Good." But if you ask a thoughtful, specific, engaging question, you almost always get a thoughtful, specific, engaging answer. It's as predictable as a communist election. It's amazing how that works, where we can just, if we can just level up.   So, if a lazy question would be, "How was your weekend?" I encourage people to say, what would 10 or 15 percent of a more thoughtful, specific, or focused question be? So, you could say, "Of your whole weekend, how would you describe your weekend in two or three adjectives?" That's a little bit different than just, "How was your weekend?" Or, "Hey, how are you doing?" That's good. You might say, "What has been the most interesting thing about your day so far?" It just takes a little bit more intentionality. When you ask it that way, you won't get the fine, good. You'll get the, you know, "I had a really interesting sales meeting today at 10 a.m. You know, I bumped into my neighbor, and we had the best conversation at the mailbox." Those are the kinds of answers you get because we ask the more specific, thoughtful question. We'll get more specific and thoughtful answers. So, that's what I encourage people to do. Just level up to be just a little bit more pointed by 10 or 15 percent and see what happens.   Laura Dugger: (34:26 - 34:40) Okay. So, hopefully we're all going to put this into practice. But then also, if we have children in our home, what can we do to be teaching them this same goal of reciprocity and asking great questions?   J.R. Briggs: (34:40 - 37:02) Yes. I'm so glad you brought this up, Laura. There's so much that we can do. I try to do this. We try to do this with our kids when they were younger. Our kids are 19 and 16 now and we still engage in good questions with them. But when they were little, we would do things. I would crawl into bed with each of them at bedtime and we would do question of the night. And so, I would say, "You get to ask dad any question you want and then I get to ask you any question that you want." And so, age appropriate, you know, what's your favorite ice cream color or ice cream flavor or your favorite color? But sometimes they would pull out some really fascinating ones. Like one time, my youngest son said, "Dad, what does God smell like?" And it just made me laugh. I just thought, what a great question from a five- or six-year-old about that. And so just being intentional there at bedtime has been really good.   Car time is really important. And I really try to see if I can ask some questions that I can't ask in other places because now I've got their full attention. We're in the car together. And even as my sons are now older, when they're in the car together, something about staring out the windshield together to be able to talk through some things has been really good. It could be about school, could be about life, could be something trivial, but to know that this is a place where we can talk. And so, car time, bedtime, and the last one I'll give is dinner time. We have a big chalk wall next to our dining room table. And we'll just randomly put up questions, thoughtful questions. And then we'll sometimes say after prayer, "Okay, boys, when they were little, you know, you each get to pick one question off the wall that we talk about tonight." And it just became a real easy way. And you can make up one if you want, or there are questions here. We also found a deck of cards that actually had questions on each one. It was like a questions deck. And so, we'll say, "Great, like you can pick off the wall, you can make up your own, or just pick a question that's in the deck." And just doing that where everybody got a chance to share around the table became such a way, such a rich conversation but a way to remind them questions are okay, encouraged, and a wonderful part of being a part of a family.   Laura Dugger: (37:03 - 37:32) Those are such great ideas. I love that and that we can implement some of that right away. But as we're starting to wind our time down together, I would love to hear one more story about a time that a question dramatically changed the outcome of a friendly gathering that you write about on the back patio of a Capitol Hill home in Washington, D.C. Yeah, I remember reading this story, Laura, and I was so moved.   J.R. Briggs: (37:32 - 39:52) I was moved to tears that I ran over to my wife and I said, "Listen to this story." And we both just sat there crying. Yeah, these families were on the back porch on a wonderful summer evening enjoying some stuff on the grill. And all of a sudden a gunman came up behind one of the teenage girls and held a gun to her head and said, "Nobody move, give me your money or I'm going to shoot." Everyone froze, rightfully so, the terror that they experienced. And one woman just blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. She said, "Why don't you sit down and have some wine with us?" Which is not something that has ever come to my mind if someone were to walk in and rob me. And sure enough, he put his gun in his belt and sat down and had some wine. And he said, "Boy, this is really good wine." And I said, "Why don't you enjoy some more to eat?" And then afterwards, she said, "Can I give you a hug?" And the guy was totally startled. Yeah. And then afterwards, everyone else decided to give him a hug. And as they enjoyed food, you know, they're all tense and not sure what to do or what's going on. At the end, he said, "Can I have a group hug together?" And then he slipped out the back and even the glass, the wine glass that he had, it wasn't even broken. He just set it up right behind the back gate.   And I just was so moved by that. Like, "Do you want a glass of wine? Do you want a hug?" Not things that would come to my mind, but it was so jolting and surprising. I think it humanized him. And before he left, the robber said, "I think I've come to rob the wrong house tonight." It's amazing what a question can do. That was a question of immense hospitality. You're welcome here. That's the last thing that this robber ever expected. So, I just love that story. I love that story because it reminds us once again how powerful questions actually are.   Laura Dugger: (39:53 - 40:09) And I think it illustrates at the heart of questions is love. And that motivates so much of the work that you get to do, J.R. So, can you just share a little bit more about the work you do get to do and share how we can be connected after this conversation?   J.R. Briggs: (40:10 - 41:07) Sure. Yeah. I've been a pastor for 15 years, but in 2011, I started what's called Kairos Partnerships. And it was passionate about leaders because leadership can be lonely, overwhelming, and sometimes leaders feel ill-equipped. And so actually our organization was started based on three questions. Who pastors the pastor? Who leads the leader? Who shepherds the shepherd? So, we work with some pastors, but we work with all sorts of entrepreneurs and businesspeople and Chick-fil-A operators and college presidents and division one men's basketball coaches, anyone who's following Jesus, but leading others. And so, we do that through coaching, through consulting, through writing, speaking, spiritual direction. And so, our team, I have a wonderful team, and the team really walks alongside of leaders who are wanting to be equipped so they can lead with clarity and confidence moving forward.   Laura Dugger: (41:08 - 41:27) I love that. Well, we will put a link to your website and the show notes for today's episode, but J.R., you may be familiar. We are called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   J.R. Briggs: (41:28 - 42:03) One of the prayers that I pray regularly is, "Lord, would you grant me wisdom, courage, and compassion?" And all three of those are important because if I have wisdom and courage, but no compassion, I'm careless. If I have wisdom and compassion, but no courage, I'm riskless. And if I have compassion and courage, but no wisdom, that can be reckless. But if I have wisdom, courage, and compassion together, that's priceless. And so, I just try to pray that regularly because I say, "Lord, I want to be a wise, compassionate, courageous person for you." And I would encourage your listeners to pray that prayer for wisdom, courage, and compassion as well.   Laura Dugger: (42:05 - 42:20) Those are great words that I would use to describe you, J.R. And you are humble and warm and engaging. And I have greatly appreciated your book. I've already told people it's my favorite book that I've read in recent history.   J.R. Briggs: (42:20 - 42:22) So, thank you.   Laura Dugger: (42:22 - 42:31) Well, thank you. That's very kind of you. Yes, very easy to compliment it. But thank you for being my guest, and I look forward to hosting you again next time.   J.R. Briggs: (42:31 - 42:33) Sounds great. Looking forward to that as well.   Laura Dugger: (42:35 - 45:49) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Today, after staying on Jon Ossoff's email list for eight years, I finally hit unsubscribe. This is my Dear Jon letter, and in some ways, the moment I will really be saying goodbye to the Democratic Party once and for all.I will admit I held on too long with Ossoff. Try as I might over the past six years since leaving the party to extricate myself from their relentless email machine, I didn't mind when Ossoff's emails flew into my mailbox. In 2017, I saw in Ossoff what the Democrats needed as they tried to find their next Obama stand-in. He fit the bill perfectly. I also liked how he didn't seem to buy into the party's increasingly crazy extremes but was comfortably moderate, at least for a time. My record with Federal political donations tells the tale. If anyone looks at my record, they'll see I continued donating to ActBlue through 2025. Except that I didn't. I just didn't realize they were charging me all that time. That's how relentless they are and how stupid I am. The Glow-UpBefore the expensive makeup, strategic lighting and tight shirts, Ossoff looked like what Steve Bannon would call a “pencil-necked geek.” He was too skinny, even if he was an Obama clone. He seemed too good, too clean for dirty politics back then. I fell for the lie that Ossoff really was a self-made man, a “filmmaker who turned to politics,” per this Wall Street Journal video.He is hardly self-made. More like a hot house flower.Ossoff grew up in a political household. Both parents were heavily involved in politics. At just 19, he began working on Capitol Hill for Rep. Hank Johnson while attending Georgetown's School of Foreign Service and continued working for him until 2012. His email list was mostly the kind of thing you'd get in the old days of the Democratic Party, the kind of thing you'd expect from the Obama clone factory. But that isn't really where Ossoff is now in his political career. He is determined not to go down as a squeaky-clean beta male. No, Ossoff has gotten SWOLE. He appears to have brought in a team to fix the look to be camera-ready. The makeup, the hair, the dimples. Ossoff finally looks the part. He can do alpha. All of a sudden, he's the guy everyone is talking about. He's the guy who is suddenly the hottie on tap. True, he's Jewish, and that's a problem for the Democrats, but no one really talks about that. Instead, they're selling the matinee idol on TikTok. The truth is, I didn't think about Jon Ossoff much until he went viral for channeling his inner sexist in a desperate bid to get attention and rise to the top of the pile. And it worked. He went viral! He's in the headlines now, and everyone knows his name. But this version of Jon Ossoff will never be president. He's abandoned what made him exceptional in the first place, his decency and his goodness. The sharks demanded flesh and blood, and he gave it to them, but it will come at a cost. One of the main reasons Democrats have failed for the past ten years to gain any purchase in this country has been their obsessive fixation on Trump, which is pretty much all Ossoff is doing.It's a race to the bottom to see who can out-Trump Trump, to be more confrontational, more bullying, more vulgar, and tougher. They believe this will solve their “man problem,” and who knows, maybe it will. I look at Ossoff now, and I don't see someone tough or brave. I see a coward.Ossoff, like James Talarico and almost every Democrat, is now leaning into the party's extremes. Because of course he is. He has to. In his viral speech in Atlanta, he referenced his daughters and said they will ask him one day how he let things get so bad, and, in the same sentence, dismiss the concerns of little girls and women in sports.Guess what, Jon: thousands of little girls will one day ask you why you let it happen, why you allowed so many of them to believe they should amputate their breasts when they could not consent. They will look to you, Jon. You will have to tell them why you pretended biological males had no advantage in sports because you were too cowardly to stand up to your own party. I once thought Ossoff was a good man. Now I see him as a desperate man, no different from any other Democrat, so much so that he's given himself over to what has become an uncontrollable fetish on the Left to dehumanize Donald Trump and his supporters. They slut-shamed Melania's modeling photos, splashing them all over social media. They suggested Trump was having an affair with his own daughter. They took a bath in Karoline Leavitt's Vanity Fair photos, which splashed all over TikTok and led to her being called KKKaroline.They mocked Kellyanne Conway's age and her face, and Sarah Huckabee Sanders' makeup. It's grotesque and repulsive, but it is typical and ongoing. Even now, Rosie O'Donnell is out there on primetime television calling Trump a “serial pedophile and rapist.” It doesn't matter if it's true. It only matters if it happened in their imagination.They spent whole seasons giggling about the particulars of the Stormy Daniels affair, and they were willing to forgive lusty E. Jean Carroll's sexy talk at Anderson Cooper and envision instead a ridiculous, implausible, violent rape incident that most likely never happened.They call Trump a rapist so they can kill him. They call him a racist so they can kill him. They call him a fascist so they can kill him. They call him a pedophile so they can kill him. They just want to kill him, and every day the hungry beast must be fed.Before you say “But Trump says…” there's a difference. No one on the Right, least of all Trump, pretends to be morally superior to the other half of the country as they have on the Left. There are no death fantasies. They don't go “no contact.” They don't destroy your career if you even so much as like a post by the other side. The price of admission in their world is that you have to want Trump dead too. You must forsake him, and then they will welcome you with open arms. That's who they are and what they've become and why I could not and will never be a part of that world anymore.Now, Ossoff has become one of them.The party of women knows destroying a woman like Natalie Harp isn't a good look, because she is sympathetic. She's a homeschooled bone cancer survivor whose father committed suicide. And Ossoff, to paraphrase Aaron Sorkin, gets on television and calls her a w***e.And that, more than anything, defines the men of the Left, too. They can't stand up to those crazy, crazy women. They have no real courage to stand up to the extremists either. They know they are muzzled and must do as they're told. Cowardly beta males like musician Bill Madden, a keyboard warrior whose fingers tingle every day when he has the chance to say the worst things he can as long as it's aimed at women on the Right. It kind of helps to see what he really looks like, just a fading nobody clinging to his youth.This quote is on his Wikipedia: “… when it comes to inequality, historically, no group of people has been discriminated against more than women. Men have been f*****g up the world for thousands of years. It's time we give more women a chance to lead.”Oh really? I guess you have to say which women, eh Bill? Not all of them. It's possible the Democrats overplayed their hand and have realized the Natalie Harp story is not a win for them. You can see them now reeling it in, trying to say Trump amplified it as a distraction because it makes the Democrats look bad. Oh no, my friends, you did that all on your own. The problem is that where there is chum in the water, there are hungry sharks. The lower the Democrats go, like Jennifer Welch and Hasan Piker, the more the candidates seeking office must feed the hungry beasts. The Party of Crazy, Crazy WomenThey might think the Great Feminization has made society better, but it has left them like a women's prison, or stranded on a desert island with the only men in sight being the weak, flaccid, pandering, ineffectual men of the Left. And that has left the women, shall we say, a bit unhinged.Can you blame the women stuck on that island for losing their minds when they saw Zohran Mamdani's TikToks? Most of what he does now seems directly related to how much women on TikTok will swoon over him. Parents' night out? Free helmets? Doxing millionaires? Free groceries? Rent freeze!Abdul El-Sayed is following the same sales pitch of aiming his TikTok videos at the young ladies, flexing his muscles and waving his backside at the camera in a way no white man could ever get away with, certainly not while positioning themselves as a sexy “Daddy” figure. They don't just want sexy back; they also want to be the party of fun and are working on a TikTok rebrand. The problem is that the base of the Democratic Party, mostly white women, are nuttier than a five-pound fruitcake. We found out just how nutty this past week as a movement began to form in support of child murderer Lindsay Clancy. There they were again, those crazy, crazy women showcasing their pathology on TikTok. They weren't shaving their heads this time or wearing blue bracelets. They were elevating Lindsay Clancy as the victim, even after she confessed to strangling the life out of her three kids.These are the kinds of lunatics whose votes Jon Ossoff needs. And that is why he has finally given them exactly what they want.The irony of all of this is Natalie Harp was hurled into the arena for unending mockery, slut-shaming, and fantasies. Doesn't she count as a woman, too? Isn't she worthy of support? A Feeding FrenzyThe media was all too ready to devour the bloody chum Ossoff threw into the water. It's just that, as with everything they do, it's not real. It's fake news. There is no bottom when it comes to how they report on Donald Trump and especially the women who surround him. But some of the lows have been extraordinary, like dragging out Harp's wayward, socialist hippie brother to exploit the tragedy of their falling out after the death of their father. It doesn't get much darker than that. Or more desperate.Here is Larry O'Connor on Townhall:O'Connor again with Mark Halperin and Kevin Walling on Next Up:Scott Jennings had no trouble setting the record straight.Ossoff's sleazy attack on Harp reveals his biggest weakness. He wants it too bad, and he sold himself out. And maybe that makes him ready to be the democratic nominee. Want those big donations? Trash women, trash working-class voters, dehumanize your fellow Americans. Sell women and girls down the river. Pander to the extremists. Smear the character of a young woman like Natalie Harp just to go viral, just to please the unhinged women on the Left who don't even know what a woman is. For his part, Trump flicked Ossoff away like a speck of dust on his suit, calling him Pee Wee Herman. And if we know one thing about Donald Trump, once you get hit with a nickname, it sticks. //Become a paid subscriber or leave a tip.Manage subscription This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sashastone.com/subscribe

Subscribe to This Week in Hospitality wherever you get you podcasts: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233 Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality   On this week's episode the guys are joined by Alice Sherman, CEO of HVS Executive Search! Alice Sherman has placed some of the most powerful executives in hospitality. As CEO of HVS Executive Search, she's seen thousands of resumes, sat across from hundreds of owners, and walked the halls of Congress to lobby for the industry. Her message to the business? You're still hiring wrong.   Years of experience is the most overrated qualifier in the industry. Cover letters are dead. And the best talent isn't chasing the big brands anymore — they're running toward independent, luxury, and boutique properties where they can actually build something. Alice breaks down what a modern resume should look like, why the Chief Commercial Officer is the new CEO succession play, and what happened when she went to Capitol Hill and realized most lawmakers had no idea hospitality employs more hourly workers than any other industry in America. Then the crew gets into the stories. Google just scooped up Spirit Airlines' entire operational data set — pricing models, booking curves, 100 million emails — for $10 million. That's less than Spirit spent building its headquarters. Why didn't anyone in travel bid $11 million? Timeshares are back, and Gen Z is driving the bus. 92% satisfaction. 80% occupancy. And the generation that hates commitment is apparently fine with shared vacation ownership. And Disney just invented a new metric to make sure Wall Street sees what's really happening: the cruise business is surging, and $12 billion says they're just getting started.   About the Guest: Alice Sherman Alice Sherman is the CEO of HVS Executive Search, where she leads the firm's global executive placement practice across hospitality, restaurants, and private equity. She started her career on the floor, running operations in fine dining restaurants and boutique hotels, before moving through recruitment, training, openings, development, and brand communications. She joined HVS as an Associate and worked her way up, eventually overseeing the entire Americas practice before stepping into the global CEO seat in 2026. Alice advises ownership groups, C-suites, and boards on leadership architecture, succession planning, and organizational design, and is always glad to be a resource for stakeholders navigating an executive change. Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicesherman5    Your Hosts: Zach Busekrus — Journey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestays/   Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/   Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambenwolff/   Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinkramer/  

August 20, 2026: 7am — GOP quiet on Trump family business dealings  To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're sharing an episode from another series we think will be of interest to our listeners -- one that's closely related to our Season 8 series, The News: The Battle for Free Speech. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, our most basic freedom — the freedom of speech — is under attack. This immersive series takes you on a journey to look at the threats to free speech, from Trump to Silicon Valley. Series co-hosts Michael Fox and Marc Steiner explore the history of the fight for free speech and the battle being waged over it today, within the United States and abroad.In this episode, Michael Fox is joined by Real News investigative journalist and Capitol Hill correspondent Taya Graham to map the assault on the American press.The Battle for Free Speech is produced by The Real News Network. To hear the rest of the 8-part series, go here.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Former CIA intelligence analyst and targeter Sarah Adams joins Tudor Dixon for a warning about foreign influence operations targeting American politics and elections. Adams breaks down what she describes as the growing alliance between Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Islamist political organizations, and political candidates—and explains why Americans should pay closer attention to the organizations, money, and influence networks operating behind campaigns. Tudor and Sarah examine concerns surrounding Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, the Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR Action, campus organizations, and the role social media influencers can play in amplifying foreign-backed narratives—sometimes without even realizing where the messaging originated. They also explore why Adams believes the threat isn't limited to the political left. Could similar influence operations fracture Republicans and conservatives by pushing voters toward third parties or convincing them to stay home? Plus, Adams reveals a stunning vulnerability inside Washington: congressional staffers aren't universally required to undergo background checks. She explains what she witnessed while working on Capitol Hill and why she believes Congress needs stronger counterintelligence safeguards. It's a wide-ranging conversation about foreign influence, election interference, political extremism, national security, and whether Americans recognize the threat before it becomes too powerful to ignore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Core Medical Group: https://linktw.in/zJucWt?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=sidney-session-aug2026&utm_content=ep1-mandate-contradictionSydney Gordon, CEO of Core Medical, joins me to discuss the fight to improve hormone testing and treatment for active-duty service members and veterans.We break down outdated VA protocols, testosterone, comprehensive blood work, and what recently happened on Capitol Hill.

President Trump ordered the Navy to swap modern electromagnetic catapults for older steam power on its carriers. The Associated Press’s Konstantin Toropin explains why the change would be a huge undertaking. Congress remains gridlocked on regulating AI, even as lawmakers quietly turn to chatbots for everything from speeches to legislation. The Washington Post’s Anna Liss-Roy breaks down the murky rules governing AI use on Capitol Hill. A wave of American tourists is overwhelming cities across Europe. The Wall Street Journal’s Rachel Ensign discusses what’s fueling the wanderlust, and why locals are pushing back. Plus, Jared Kushner is set to meet Netanyahu to salvage the Gaza peace deal, Democrats overhauled their 2028 primary calendar, and MLB pitcher Tommy John, namesake of the elbow surgery, has died. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

A massive sculpture stirred up neighborhood drama in Capitol Hill. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about what happened. Plus, would you pay $100 to attend this Draper wedding? Resources and references: After a Utah neighborhood fought his ‘Grand Liberty Arch,' here's where the artist says he'll build it instead [Salt Lake Tribune] Opinion: Looking back at what Utah gave me as I prepare to leave [Deseret News]  Be a wedding guest at this Draper wedding for $100.  Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It's the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Utah Museum of Fine Arts Harmons Salt Lake Sewciety Canada Chiropractic

*Texas corn harvest is moving forward, but the condition of the crop is going down.   *Farmer sentiment improved in July.  *The Texas Animal Health Commission published a list of certified screwworm inspectors.   *Capitol Hill has long been a tough place for agricultural advocacy.  *Beef export values were up in June.  *The USMCA review continues.  *Alfalfa fields are an oasis in the West Texas desert landscape.  *Elastic resistance band training is used on horses.  

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Federal credit unions are limited to investing 1% of their assets, in the aggregate, in credit union service organizations. That number went into the Federal Credit Union Act in the 1970s, and when NACUSO went back and researched it, they found no legislative history explaining why 1% was chosen. It is, as NACUSO general counsel Brian Lauer puts it, truly an arbitrary number — and it is now colliding with the capital requirements of artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and stablecoin.In this episode, Mark Treichel is joined by Brian Lauer, general counsel to the National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations (NACUSO) and a partner at Messick Lauer & Smith P.C., for a wide-ranging conversation on where CUSOs stand and where the rules governing them are headed.Brian explains why NACUSO has shifted from a defensive posture on Capitol Hill — largely a response to NCUA's push for vendor authority — to an offensive one. Over roughly the last 18 to 24 months the association has been on the Hill four times and returns in September, as its own organization rather than as part of an industry fly-in, pushing for changes to the Federal Credit Union Act that would eliminate the 1% cap and let credit unions manage CUSO investments on a balance-sheet-by-balance-sheet basis, the same way boards already manage capital above the statutory prompt corrective action floor.The conversation also covers a second statutory issue that gets less attention: the "primarily serves" limitation. As Brian describes it, "primarily serves" is not a limitation on investment powers in the Act, but when NCUA wrote the modern CUSO regulation in the 1990s it conflated investment and lending and applied the standard to both. The practical effect is that a credit union asking for a strategic seat at the table with a technology company has to tell that company half its business must be with credit unions — and the company is usually the one that walks away.Elsewhere in the episode: why NCUA's CUSO numbers are unreliable, with the most recent registry list dating from 2024 and no verification of the self-reported data, even as Brian's own practice forms 30 to 40 CUSOs a year; the consolidation and acquisition activity now visible in the CUSO space, including third-party vendors buying CUSOs that fit their lanes and regional CUSOs merging across geographies; and what a one-member NCUA board does to the regulatory pendulum — faster swings, Brian argues, with less compromise built in.The episode closes on the GENIUS Act. CUSOs are named in the legislation, which Brian calls a real win, and federal credit unions that want to issue a payment stablecoin will need to do it through a CUSO. He makes the case that credit unions need a stablecoin of their own for the same reason they needed shared branching, that the only way it works is through collaboration among a large group of credit unions — he estimates closer to 1,000 than 100 — and that adoption will likely be slower than the conversation suggests, with the payments side mattering most. Mark adds the argument that moved him from skeptic to something closer to convinced: if stablecoin helps keep the dollar the world's reserve currency, that is a reason to want it developed here rather than somewhere else.Brian can be reached through his firm at cusolaw.com and on LinkedIn. NACUSO's annual conference is in Las Vegas in the spring of 2027, and the association also runs the VentureTech event for credit unions focused on technology.Concise version — social and discoveryFederal credit unions can invest only 1% of assets in CUSOs. That number went into the Federal Credit Union Act in the 1970s, and there is no legislative history explaining where it came from.Brian Lauer, general counsel to NACUSO and a partner at Messick Lauer & Smith P.C., joins Mark Treichel to explain why that arbitrary ceiling now matters more than it ever has — and what NACUSO is doing on Capitol Hill about it.Inside the episode: the 1% cap and the campaign to remove it; the "primarily serves" limitation that keeps credit unions out of strategic fintech investments; why NCUA's CUSO count cannot be trusted; CUSO consolidation and acquisition activity; what a one-member NCUA board does to the pace of regulatory change; and why any credit union stablecoin under the GENIUS Act will have to be issued through a CUSO — and will only work through collaboration.

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace has unveiled a heavily-tattooed look on her newly launched YouTube podcast. The 48 year-old has now unveiled the ink to the world on her Get Maced show, sporting a sleeveless top strikingly different to her attire on Capitol Hill. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Direct Selling under threat.. or entering its biggest era of opportunity?In this episode, we sit down with Dave Grimaldi, President and CEO of the Direct Selling Association, to unpack the future of the industry and why what's happening in legislation today could impact direct sellers around the world.Dave shares his journey from funding his college education through direct selling to leading the industry's most influential advocacy organisation. We discuss how technology and AI are transforming the profession, why relationships remain the heart of direct selling, and the biggest misconceptions that continue to shape public perception.Most importantly, Dave explains why the industry needs to come together now more than ever, how real stories are driving change, and why your voice matters in protecting the future of direct selling.If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, freedom, and the future of this profession, this is an episode you won't want to miss!WE'LL BE TALKING ABOUT:➡ [01:28] Meet DSA CEO Dave Grimaldi➡ [04:42] Dave's First Direct Selling Business➡ [09:20] Skills That Changed His Life➡ [12:35] How the Industry Has Evolved➡ [17:20] The Biggest Opportunity Ahead➡ [20:45] Common Misconceptions About Direct Selling➡ [25:35] The Fight for Independent Contractors➡ [30:15] Why Your Story Matters➡ [34:00] DSA's Storytelling Campaign➡ [40:30] How You Can Protect the IndustryABOUT OUR GUEST: Dave Grimaldi is President and CEO of the Direct Selling Association, where he leads advocacy efforts on behalf of direct selling companies and the independent sellers they support. He is focused on advancing fair, evidence-based policy and helping policymakers understand how modern direct selling operates, including the flexibility it provides for individuals to build businesses on their own terms.Before joining DSA, Dave held senior advocacy roles at the Blockchain Association, the Interactive Advertising Bureau, and Pandora, and previously served on Capitol Hill and at the Federal Communications Commission. He holds a bachelor's degree from Loyola Marymount University and a J.D. from The Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.RESOURCES: JOIN OUR FREE WEBINAR: Learn why your Conversations aren't turning into Customers https://auxano.meBook Recommendation: Charlie Wilson's War by George Crile https://tinyurl.com/4j94jv5n Favourite Quote: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." - African ProverbLooking for more? Head to our earlier episode or check out:Show Up Anyway by Sam Hind: https://a.co/d/8rk0QthFree Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialmediafordirectsellerswithgregandsam/CONNECT WITH DAVE GRIMALDI: ➡ You can reach out to Dave directly to share your Direct Selling story (202 3802203)➡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-grimaldi-06a21a112 ➡ America at 250 - Be a Part of the Story: https://www.dsa.org/submit-my-story➡  Facebook: facebook.com/DSAssn➡ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directsellingassn/CONNECT WITH US:➡ Visit our website: https://www.auxano.global/➡ Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirectSellingAccelerator➡ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxanomarketing/➡ Sam Hind's Instagram: https://instagram.com/samhinddigitalcoach➡ Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/auxanomarketing ➡ Email us: community_manager@auxano.globalIf you have any podcast suggestions or things you'd like to learn about specifically, please send us an email at the address above. And if you liked this episode, please don't forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.Are you ready to join the Auxano Family to get live weekly training, support and the latest proven posting strategies to get leads and sales right now - find out more here: https://go.auxano.global/welcome

It's a rare sight on Capitol Hill for an agency to request less funding, but that's exactly what the EPA did earlier this year - and according to the head of the department, they're more productive than ever. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joins The Rundown to explain the department's pivot under his leadership, from the legal reasoning behind the repeal of the Obama-era Endangerment Finding to the EPA's current stance on PFAS. Later, former DHS adviser and Secret Service special agent Charles Marino gives an insider's perspective on President Trump's plane swap while departing from a NATO summit in Turkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adrienne Elrod is a political strategist, government affairs expert and communicator with over 25 years of experience working on Capitol Hill, the executive branch and advising corporate, political and non-profit organizations. She most recently served as Sr. Advisor and Sr Spokesperson to Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. She held this same position for President Biden's re-election campaign. A veteran of the Biden Administration, she served as Director of External and Government Affairs for the CHIPS Program Office. During the 2020 general election, she served as a top aide to Biden's general election campaign. A native of Arkansas, she began her political career in President Bill Clinton's Administration, serving in both the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. On the 2016 presidential campaign, she served as Hillary for America's Director of Strategic Communications. She was a senior communications aide to Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. She's also a frequent contributor to NBC News and MS NOW. Adrienne and I discuss the democrats' establishment vs progressive/DSA rift and It's impact on the November midterms. We also discuss the possible reasons behind White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's sudden announcement that she'll be leaving her job at month's end. But first, The Back Room gang discusses how significant the subject of Israel may be on the campaign trail these next 2 1/2 months. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

It's a rare sight on Capitol Hill for an agency to request less funding, but that's exactly what the EPA did earlier this year - and according to the head of the department, they're more productive than ever. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joins The Rundown to explain the department's pivot under his leadership, from the legal reasoning behind the repeal of the Obama-era Endangerment Finding to the EPA's current stance on PFAS. Later, former DHS adviser and Secret Service special agent Charles Marino gives an insider's perspective on President Trump's plane swap while departing from a NATO summit in Turkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The progressive left wants your vote. But some candidates for major races have a lot of online baggage. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic lawmakers took a knee on Capitol Hill on June 8, 2020 to observe a moment of silence for George Floyd and other victims of police brutality. Photo by Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

THE AMERICAN BOOK OF FABLES and that headline isn’t some I made up, it’s the title of a really cool book and I’m talking to the author today at 2:30. Dr. Matthew Mehan is the Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Government for the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C., right on Capitol Hill and he’s also the author of a beautiful new book full of reworked fables like the ones we read as kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can the freight agent model and rigorous carrier vetting safeguard your logistics operations against skyrocketing freight fraud?  An absolute industry legend, Greg Sanders from RDS Capacity Solutions, dives directly into the heavy-hitting topics, from navigating the true financial cash flow risks of modern freight brokerage to understanding why mid-sized companies are increasingly exploring the freight agent model to offset rising operational and tech costs! Greg brings that built-to-last mentality, unpacking exactly how we can fight back against organized freight fraud and explaining why getting involved with TIA advocacy on Capitol Hill is non-negotiable if we want to establish baseline safety standards and clean up our supply chains. Tune in to this episode about carrier vetting, liability management, and building a logistics empire that is actually designed to survive the long haul!   About Greg Sanders Greg Sanders is the founder, Chairman, and CEO of RDS Logistics, a leading 3PL in Southern California. RDS Logistics provides capacity solutions to a blue-chip customer base throughout North America. Over his 35-year career in the Transportation and Logistics industry, Sanders has held several key executive positions with Landstar, Schneider, Geodis, Redwood, and ITS Logistics.  Sanders most recently served as CEO of RDS Logistics Group before spinning off the Brokerage business he founded in 2019. Sanders also serves on the TIA board and currently serves as Chair of the TIA Services board.   Connect with Greg Website: https://rdscapacitysolutions.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-sanders-29a4b5b/   

On this Salcedo Storm Podcast:Bradley Jaye is the Politics Editor at Breitbart News. Before joining Breitbart in 2023 he had a long career on Capitol Hill, so he knows the ins-and-outs of how Washington works. An Alabama native, Jaye's first job was in the office of then Senator Jeff Sessions. As Politics Editor at Breitbart News, Jaye plays a major role in shaping insider-coverage and narratives that you won't see on any other news outlet.

In today's episode of Common Good Podcast, Doug Pagitt and Robb Ryerse dive deep into the unraveling center of the current administration. When a political movement relies on a single leader's ability to drive the narrative, what happens when that leader can no longer hold the storyline together? Doug and Robb examine the mounting evidence of Donald Trump's declining cognitive focus and his increasingly fractured grasp on the key talking points that once united his base. From contradictory foreign policy signals to forgotten legislative promises, the story is slipping through his fingers—and the administration is feeling the shockwaves. We discuss: The Broken Narrative: How losing track of the core storylines is causing total message breakdown inside the White House and across the MAGA coalition. The Congressional Fall: Why Republican leaders in Capitol Hill are finding it impossible to defend an ever-shifting, erratic reality—and how this loss of discipline is setting the stage for a dramatic shift in control of Congress this fall. The Path to the Common Good: What a post-chaos political landscape looks like for voters seeking moral clarity, stability, and actual governance over theatrical confusion. Tune in for an urgent, sharp, and necessary reality check on where the administration stands, why the wheels are coming off, and what it means for the upcoming midterms.

In this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast, host Mark Ledlow continues his conversation with national security leader Dexter Ingram about why the most complex security challenges are better addressed through strong international coalitions. Dexter explains that even the most powerful countries benefit from partners with regional expertise, unique capabilities, and a willingness to contribute where others cannot. In national security, every partner has a role to play, and effective leadership means bringing those strengths together toward a common mission. Dexter also reflects on his time serving as a navigator aboard the E-6 Mercury, an aircraft connected to America's nuclear deterrence mission. He describes the uncertainty of responding to alerts without knowing whether they were exercises or real-world emergencies, his reaction to 9/11 while working on Capitol Hill, and the importance of teamwork when operating in dangerous environments. Those experiences reinforced a lesson he now passes on to younger professionals: high-stakes service is not about appearing tough—it is about doing your job, protecting your team, and taking care of the people beside you. The conversation then turns to mentorship and the next generation of national security professionals. Dexter discusses bringing 11 young people to the Whitefish Summit, the growth of the IN Network, its internship program, and his book National Security Careers. He and Mark also reflect on the humility and servant leadership they encountered at Whitefish, where genuine relationships led to mentorship opportunities and even job offers. Dexter emphasizes that meaningful professional relationships are built through trust and human connection—not by treating every interaction as a transaction. Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.KEY TAKEAWAYSComplex national security challenges are stronger when addressed through coalitions.Every coalition partner can contribute unique expertise and capabilities.High-stakes missions require teamwork, preparation, and trust.Leadership under pressure is about taking care of the people around you.The next generation of national security professionals needs guidance and real-world exposure.Humility creates stronger environments for mentorship and collaboration.Relationships should be built around people, not transactions.QUOTES “Everybody plays a role.”“You are doing what you gotta do, and you're a part of a team and you're taking care of each other.”“If they're given the right direction, [they] could really, really make a difference.”“For me, it was the people I met.”“Open those doors, make those relationships.”“You just gotta develop that trust with people.”“Everybody's human, not because of what anybody can do for you.”Get to know more about Dexter Ingram through the link/s below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/dexteringram/To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

Katy Talento ran healthcare at the White House Domestic Policy Council and helped push through the price transparency executive order. Now she runs health plans for a living, including for the convent where she once lived as a nun.She spends this episode on why a post-network world keeps hitting the same wall: the three-way contracts between carrier, TPA, and provider that make the network Plan A by force. She explains why she thinks those provisions violate the Sherman Act, what DOJ has started doing about it, and why the workarounds employers use today amount to an underground railroad rather than a functioning market.We also cover the 2026 CAA and the DOL rule that together make PBMs fiduciaries and may do the same to TPAs, her four-part "school choice for healthcare" plan to scale cash pay nationally, and the AI upcoding wave she thinks is breaking stop-loss actuarial models right now.If you've ever wondered why the obvious fix isn't available to you, this is the episode. Tune in."Nobody in the entire town understands employer-sponsored care. All the oxygen is on 20 million people on the ACA. But 180 million people over here, we're not doing any policy for." - Katy TalentoThank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:05) From Epidemiologist to Capitol Hill(00:05:37) The Nun Years and Her First Client(00:10:50) Inside the Price Transparency Executive Order(00:16:58) Why Washington Ignores 180 Million People(00:20:33) What Transparency Data Can Actually Do Now(00:25:55) The Plantation Contracts(00:29:01) DOJ, the Sherman Act, and Anti-Competitive Provisions(00:33:04) The CAA and the DOL Rule That Reset Fiduciary Duty(00:39:16) Why the Big Three PBM Model Is Now Illegal(00:46:53) RBP's Access Problem: The Nuns at NYU Langone(00:54:54) The Holy Grail: One Cash Price(00:57:46) School Choice for Healthcare(01:13:43) AI Upcoding and Why Stop-Loss Models Broke(01:21:15) Closing Thoughts: Tell Your StoryKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

Panels, seminars, conferences, reports, speeches, and emotion do not build a navy. Even shipyards do not build a navy. In the American system of government, if you want a navy you have to go up to Capitol Hill and get Congress to fund it.Without money, everything else is just a PDF.What is the state of play in bringing the argument for sea power to Congress?Returning to the Midrats Podcast just in time for the Senate's August recess is Brent Sadler, CAPT, USN (Ret.).Brent is a Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology in the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation, and a retired U.S. Navy Captain.Show LinksSHIPS for America ActSal's exchange with Tom KarakoBooks by Brent SadlerBrent Sadler on LinkedInBrent Sadler on XSummaryIn this episode, Mark and Sal discuss with their guest Brent Sadler the legislative process behind maritime security, the SHIPS for America Act, and the importance of industrial capacity in national defense. Brent emphasizes the need for bipartisan support and strategic planning to strengthen America's maritime industrial base and national security.Chapters00:00: Introduction02:14: The legislative process and seasonality in Congress08:05: Status and details of the Ships for America Act12:13: Bipartisan support and legislative challenges17:00: The role of congressional staffers in policy making21:54: Strategic importance of maritime industrial capacity27:07: The impact of recent Navy funding and shipbuilding efforts34:00: The need for reform in defense organizational structures43:10: The importance of strategic communication and advocacy

Our August meeting, hosted by CCL Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Flannery Winchester, will debrief CCL's 2026 Summer Conference and Lobby Day. From the impact and impression we made on Capitol Hill, to the insights and inspiration we got during conference programming — this call will catch you up on it all!  Skip ahead to the following section(s):  (0:00) Intro and Road Map  (4:22) Conference Recap  (20:10) Mindy Ahler's Reflections and First Time Lobbyists  (31:10) Volunteer Highlights  (33:23) August Action Sheet  (36:43) Inclusion Conference 2026  (41:19) Live Action  (46:50) BRIDGE Training  August Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet   Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1216233409   BRIDGE Training: https://cclusa.org/BRIDGE 

Following her self-imposed two-term limit, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst is officially bringing her time in the upper chamber to a close. She joins The FOX News Rundown for a candid exit interview to reflect on her nearly 12 years in the U.S. Senate and offer her perspective on the future of Capitol Hill. In this wide-ranging conversation, Senator Ernst defends the Senate's slow, deliberative design and the critical role of the filibuster, issues a strong warning against deepening political polarization, and highlights the unique bipartisan unity among female lawmakers. Plus, she opens up about how social media has fundamentally reshaped how elected officials operate in Washington, D.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our in-house Republican strategist just said MAGA is "breaking and being exposed for the fraud that it was." This week, on Political Rehab, all five stories were the same story: Republicans at war with Republicans.Trump's cabinet turned on itself in public — Jeanine Pirro's office dropped every reflecting pool vandalism case after admitting the damage was botched no-bid contractor work, and she and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are now openly blaming each other. Trump reportedly exploded at Pete Hegseth over severe missile and interceptor shortages, Hegseth blamed his own deputy, and Trump is threatening prison for whoever leaked it. The online right turned on its own DHS Secretary, Mark Wayne Mullen, for the sin of saying "legal immigration" out loud. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson convened a cabin meeting in Maine that has MAGA talking openly about a third party and a Carlson 2028 run. And Trump demanded the Senate cancel its August recess over the SAVE Act — only for John Thune to walk out the door anyway.Then in The Battlefield: the generic ballot hits Democrats +7.2 — ahead of where they were at this point in 2018 — Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan primary win scrambles the Senate map, and 61,000 Michigan Democrats voted for a candidate who had dropped out a month earlier. That last number tells you something important about American politics.Matt Robison is a former Chief of Staff to three Democratic Members of Congress. Matt Wylie is a longtime Republican campaign strategist. Political Rehab is where PTI meets The Daily Show.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 — "MAGA is breaking" 00:28 — This week on Political Rehab 00:50 — Cabinet knife fight: Pirro vs. Burgum, Trump vs. Hegseth 04:05 — A House Republican scandal blows up in Ohio 06:40 — MAGA turns on its own Homeland Security Secretary 09:05 — Tucker Carlson, MTG, and the third-party cabin meeting 12:40 — Trump vs. Thune: the SAVE Act and the recess fight 15:35 — THE BATTLEFIELD 16:15 — Michigan: does El-Sayed's win save the GOP Senate? 18:45 — "Helping the boss": the ad that shows the GOP misread its own polling 21:15 — DCCC expands the map by 12 seats 22:45 — The scorecard: every structural indicator this week 23:30 — Generic ballot: Democrats +7.2, ahead of 2018 pace 25:30 — The low-information voter trap: 61,000 votes for a dropout 27:40 — The weekly verdict 29:20 — Dose of Hope: why August recess actually matters 31:05 — Dose of Hope: three science stories (and an eclipse) 33:00 — Until next week━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

A.M. Edition for Aug. 7. A New Mexico judge orders Meta to pay more than $900 million—upping the cost of a landmark child safety verdict. Plus, new U.S. intelligence finds Russia could try to launch a limited assault on a NATO ally in coming years. WSJ national security reporter Lara Seligman says that comes amid a shortfall in critical munitions the military would need in a potential future war. And WSJ's Bertrand Benoit reports that while most of Europe has embraced seven-day retail, Germany has largely stuck to its longtime ban—until now. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of the Carl Jackson Show is a wake-up call for Americans who are oblivious to the threat of Islamization in the United States. The speaker discusses the alarming rise of Islamist politicians in the country, citing the recent election of Abdul al-Sayed in Michigan as a prime example. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the dangers of Sharia law and its implications for American society. The conversation delves into the world of Islam and its relationship with authoritarianism, communism, and socialism. The speaker's guest, Robert Spencer, a renowned expert on Islam, shares his insights on the Koran and its teachings, highlighting the supremacist and violent aspects of the Islamic worldview. They also discuss the Islamization of Europe and the use of migrants as a weapon of warfare. The episode touches on the topic of the Muslim Brotherhood's partnership with the Democratic Socialist Party and the dangers of communism and socialism being used as a Trojan horse to usher in Islamic law in the United States. The speaker and his guest also discuss the importance of understanding the difference between Islam and other religions, and the need to address the cancer of Sharia law in America. If you're concerned about the future of America and the threat of Islamization, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation with Carl Jackson and his guest Robert Spencer as they explore the complex issues surrounding Islam and its impact on American society. Follow Carl Jackson:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradioX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshowWebsite: http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.comStore: https://CarlJacksonStore.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kayna Whitworth has the latest after authorities say an armed man was arrested by federal agents at Pres. Trump's golf club in Palos Verdes, California, during a security check ahead of Trump's visit;  Rachel Scott has details on the family scandal erupting on Capitol Hill after Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno called his former son-in-law Ohio Rep. Max Miller a "madman;" amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, Tom Soufi Burridge reports on the video appearing to show a Russian drone in Kherson hunting and chasing a Ukrainian street vendor around his van, before diving down and exploding; and more on tonight's broadcast of World News Tonight with David Muir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With August underway, voters are roughly three months from Election Day as primary voters set the stage for crucial midterm matchups. From presidential endorsements and the influence of the Democratic Socialists of America to economic concerns at home and the war in Iran, key primary battles—such as Michigan's high-stakes Democratic Senate race between Congresswoman Haley Stevens and DSA-backed candidate Abdul El-Sayed—are coming into focus. Former Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush and FOX News contributor Karl Rove joins the Rundown to discuss the high-stakes midterm primary landscape, key congressional battles in swing states, and the major national issues shaping the fight for control of Congress. Five months after the launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, key questions remain regarding military strategy and the impact of the conflict on upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Capitol Hill is facing renewed debates over the response to the COVID-19 pandemic following Dr. Anthony Fauci's recent Senate testimony. Founder of Advancing American Freedom and former Vice President Mike Pence joins to discuss the ongoing military campaign in Iran, Dr. Fauci's invoke of Fifth Amendment rights, and the future direction of the conservative movement heading into the midterms. PLUS, commentary by Jason Chaffetz, FOX News contributor and the host of the Jason In The House podcast on FOX News Radio.  PHOTO CREDIT: AP IMAGES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark explains the Michigan Primary tonight, which will be a huge test for Progressives and the Democratic direction. President Trump has spoken out about U.S. Attorney Judge Jeanine Pirro after her office dropped a high-profile vandalism case involving the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at the White House. Donald Trump is firm on giving Iran one last chance to sign a good deal before major military escalation happens. NFL star Aaron Rodgers had some words to say about Dr. Anthony Fauci testifying on his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. An electric Ferrari? Yes, it exists! The NYC Parks Department wants to start a new program for camping in Central Park in NYC.  Mark explains the reasoning that the guy who got naked and jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge survived. More hearings are happening today with many Senators about the budget. President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein didn't have much of a relationship when it comes to the Epstein files.  Mark interviews Boston radio host Howie Carr. Mark and Howie try to understand the reasons that some liberals and Dems hate America so much. The Michigan primaries are tonight, and the guys explain the chances of antisemitic politicians winning the primaries. Is there a master plan by Trump for the war in Iran with the constant back-and-forth bombing that could continue to happen?  Remember Myspace? It may be making a comeback! Mark explains what they could do to revive it. Cuba is in darkness right now due to an electric grid collapse. Habit Burger and Grill is at the top of the list right now for one of the most popular burger chains.  Mark interviews streaming host Bill O'Reilly. Bill argues that Dr. Anthony Fauci will be finished now after his statements last week on Capitol Hill while testifying. He claims that the left admired the kind of power Fauci wielded, comparing it to socialism. Bill also believes Bernie Sanders is currently the most dangerous man in the country. He notes that the chances of more liberal candidates winning today's primaries are very close.

Remember Myspace? It may be making a comeback! Mark explains what they could do to revive it. Cuba is in darkness right now due to an electric grid collapse. Habit Burger and Grill is at the top of the list right now for one of the most popular burger chains.  Mark takes your calls!  Mark interviews streaming host Bill O'Reilly. Bill argues that Dr. Anthony Fauci will be finished now after his statements last week on Capitol Hill while testifying. He claims that the left admired the kind of power Fauci wielded, comparing it to socialism. Bill also believes Bernie Sanders is currently the most dangerous man in the country. He notes that the chances of more liberal candidates winning today's primaries are very close.

Bill argues that Dr. Anthony Fauci will be finished now after his statements last week on Capitol Hill while testifying. He claims that the left admired the kind of power Fauci wielded, comparing it to socialism. Bill also believes Bernie Sanders is currently the most dangerous man in the country. He notes that the chances of more liberal candidates winning today's primaries are very close.

Dr. Anthony Fauci's explosive appearance on Capitol Hill is still reverberating in Washington after he repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right during questioning about COVID-19. Now, some Senate Republicans are considering holding Fauci in contempt of Congress as Democrats push back. Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall, also a physician, joins the Rundown to weigh in on the fallout and the lingering questions surrounding the pandemic. Plus, with the August recess approaching, Senator Marshall discusses what Congress still needs to accomplish and the issues he's hearing about from voters back home. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes industries, medicine is emerging as one of its fastest-growing frontiers. Dr. Peter Najjar of Johns Hopkins Health System joins the Rundown to explain how AI is already helping doctors reduce administrative burdens, improve patient care, and could one day transform the way diseases like cancer are diagnosed and treated. PLUS, commentary by Ronna McDaniel, CEO of the Michigan Forward Network and the former chair of the Republican National Committee. PHOTO CREDIT: AP IMAGES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Started this week with the absolute illegal immigrant chaos in the Spanish territory in Morocco, and then talked about the deadly earthquake in Japan. Plus the Iranian war drawing in more countries, Dr. Fauci on Capitol Hill, renowned British-Nepali climber killed in Pakistan avalanche, Michigan family annihilation, and a guy in Texas was caught by his neighbor getting banged by the neighbor's pit bull.

Dr. Anthony Fauci is finally cornered on Capitol Hill— but pleads the Fifth more than 100 times rather than defend his actions during the COVID era.The Anchormen revisit the draconian rituals, shifting mandates, and fear-driven policies imposed on the American public. Was Fauci a psychopath, a mad scientist, a megalomaniac—or all of the above?President Biden may have pardoned him, but could Fauci still face prosecution?

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Megan McArdle to discuss the growing popularity of socialism on the left and Anthony Fauci's testimony on Capitol Hill. The Agenda: —What is socialism? —Polling on American sentiment toward socialism —College dorm life as an ideology —Tea Party redux —When to start panicking —Anthony Fauci's testimony —NWYT: Living too long Show notes: —Kevin on socialism —Kevin on democratic socialism —Occupy Wall Street's puppet guild —Jonah: We're Not One Election Away From Ruin The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠click here⁠. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the integrity of American elections. Joining the speaker is Jim Path, president of the Conservative Caucus, to discuss the Save America Act and the importance of securing our elections. With his extensive experience working on Capitol Hill, Jim shares his insights on the inner workings of Washington, DC, and the challenges of getting legislation passed. The conversation covers the Save America Act, which aims to restore the gold standard of elections that the US had for its first 230 years. Jim explains how this bill would take us back to a time when elections were secure and free from manipulation. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of the Democratic Party, which he believes is too liberal and out of touch with mainstream America. Jim's expertise and experience on Capitol Hill provide a unique perspective on the challenges of getting legislation passed, particularly the Save America Act. He discusses the obstacles that lie ahead, including the opposition from Senator John Thune and the Democratic Party. With his passion for constitutional liberty, Jim emphasizes the importance of educating Americans on the principles that make this country great. Don't miss this episode to learn more about the Save America Act and the efforts to secure our elections. Listen to the full conversation with Jim Path to understand the importance of this legislation and how you can make a difference. Follow Carl Jackson:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradioX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshowWebsite: http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.comStore: https://CarlJacksonStore.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of John Solomon Reports, host John Solomon delves into the aftermath of Dr. Anthony Fauci's recent testimony on Capitol Hill, exploring its implications for public trust in health authorities. Solomon kicks off the show with an exclusive interview featuring Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the current director of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bhattacharya shares insights from Fauci's diary and outlines a reform agenda aimed at restoring confidence in the public health system, addressing issues such as vaccine injuries and the development of a new pandemic playbook.In the second segment, Congressman Mary Miller from Illinois joins the conversation to discuss the ongoing fallout from Fauci's tenure and the government's handling of critical health information. Solomon and Miller reflect on the importance of transparency in health communications and the need for informed consent, emphasizing the voices of scientists who were censored for challenging the prevailing narrative.The episode also features a significant update regarding election integrity, as Solomon reveals a statement from intelligence agency chiefs confirming that China interfered in U.S. elections by accessing voter registration files. This revelation marks a pivotal moment in understanding foreign influence on American democracy.Finally, listeners can look forward to the weekly health update brought to you by our good friends at NativePath, where Dr. Chad Walding will provide insights into current health trends and issues. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday, July 30, 2026 Today, Senator Cornyn cancelled a meeting with Todd Blanche Wednesday morning because Blanche didn't have the Slush Fund rescission in hand; Dr. Fauci hears Republican conspiracy theories in a hearing on Capitol Hill and refused to answer questions; Senate Republicans confirmed Jay Clayton as the Director of National Intelligence; a judge has ordered the release of a key witness in an ICE shooting; a judge kills a Republican ballot measure that would gut unions declaring it unconstitutional; former DOJ Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer says she's been getting death threats since her testimony about Todd Blanche; Comey files his motion to dismiss for vindictive and selective prosecution in the seashells case; videos show ICE agents using racial slurs to refer to Latinos; plus Allison delivers your Good News. Thank You, MINT MOBILE Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/DAILYBEANS The Trump Epstein Memorial Bookmobile The Daily Beans is proud to partner with Miles Taylor and our friends at DEFIANCE.org For a limited time, members of the Daily Beans community can receive a FREE 3-month full membership to DEFIANCE.org and gain access to one of the fastest-growing pro-democracy movements in America. Join here: https://www.defiance.org/beans Join The Daily Beans and give a gift today to ensure The Trevor Project can continue its crucial work in the face of continued challenges. Donate to The Trevor Project - Daily Beans Podcast The Latest Breakdown→ DOJ Must Hand Over Internal Emails About NYT Subpoenas StoriesComey asks judge to ‘86' seashells case, alleges he was surveilled at Trump's direction | MS NOW Former DOJ lawyer spotlights death threats after Blanche testimony | MS NOW ICE agents used racial slurs to refer to Latinos, videos and texts appear to show | ABC News Judge orders immigration officials to release key witness in Texas ICE shooting | NBC News Judge: GOP ballot measure aimed at teachers union unconstitutionally guts police, fire unions too | AZ MirrorGood Trouble Comment on proposed Medicaid requirements: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/CMS-2026-2047-0002Medicaid Work Requirements: Learn More and Take Action! - Autistic Self Advocacy Network Check your voter registration and deadlines → Voter Registration Deadlines - Vote.org →Blue Wave California- secure.actblue.com/donate/msw-bwc →Help save Texas from Ken Paxton! →Urge Democrats to Oppose and Stop Trump's Crypto Corruption | Indivisible Guide →Defiance.org/beans →Stand With Minnesota →iceout.org Good News Ohiopride.org dana-goldbergs-southwest-funnyfest Oct 9 -Email Dana@DanaGoldberg.com for sponsorship informationTickets for Dana Goldberg: Outrageous - Sep 23 - Den Theater - Chicago  →Share your Good News & Good Trouble - The Daily Beans   →Beans Talk audio -beans-talk.simplecast.com →Email Dana LGBTQ Owned eating establishments in your area - hello@mswmedia.com Subject: “Dana's Project” Subscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTube Our Donation Links The Trevor Project - trevorproject.org/beans Blue Wave California - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/msw-bwc Donate to Public Citizen - https://citizen.org/beans/ Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans Fundraiser Pathways to Citizenship - https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation Join Dana and The Daily Beans in support of Human Rights Campaign http://onecau.se/_ekes71National Security Counselors - Donate, ActBlue.com/donate/msw-bwc, WhistleblowerAid.org/beans Dr. Allison Gill - The Breakdown | Allison Gill, Mueller, She Wrote @muellershewrote.com - Bluesky, MSW & The Daily Beans Podcast @muellershewrote - Instagram, MSW Media - YouTube →Federal workers - email AG - fedoath@pm.me Dana Goldberg - Dana is on Patreon! At Dana's Dugout, @dgcomedy - Bluesky, @dgcomedy - IG, Dana Goldberg - Facebook,  DanaGoldberg.com More from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | Allison Gill Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions at a combative Senate hearing about the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wall Street Journal’s Liz Essley Whyte explains the tension behind the clash. The Democratic National Committee faces a cash shortage less than 100 days before the midterms. NOTUS’s Elena Schneider breaks down how Chair Ken Martin’s rocky tenure could complicate the party’s plans to flip Congress. FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors, angering soccer’s biggest institutions. The Times of London’s Martyn Ziegler explains the plan and its ties to Trump’s circle. Plus, the Fed held rates steady in a divided vote, wildfires continue to burn across southern Europe, and why BTS won’t submit music for the 2027 Grammys. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.

It’s been a shocking and disturbing Senate committee hearing on Capitol Hill today with Senator and fellow Doctor Rand Paul leading the charge against Dr. Anthony Fauci. Before testifying, Fauci acknowledged what he called Paul’s “unhinged obsession“ with him and said because of Paul’s repeated public pledges to put Fauci behind bars, he had to invoke the Fifth Amendment. As Senators hurled insults and accusations at Fauci, at one point, Paul threw Fauci’s attorney out of the hearing, repeatedly telling him to stop talking. While Fauci received a preemptive pardon from outgoing President Biden, he could still be held liable for anything he testified to during today’s hearing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Anthony Fauci returns to Capitol Hill tomorrow under subpoena as lawmakers investigate the government's COVID response and newly released diaries raise fresh questions about his private conduct. A knife-wielding attacker stabs three women in Paris and claims Allah commanded him to do it as French authorities resist identifying an Islamist motive. A California sailor survives more than a month adrift in the Pacific by improvising repairs, rationing food and steering his disabled boat back toward shipping lanes. Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino steps down nearly one year after customers forced the chain to abandon her widely rejected overhaul of its traditional brand.   Birch Gold: Text MK to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold   Supersure Insurance: Upgrade your business insurance to a year-round SuperAgency at https://Supersure.com/Megyn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump travels to Dover Air Force Base today to receive the bodies of service members killed in the Iran war, as he insists Iran is desperate for a deal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth got a grilling from both parties on Capitol Hill as he asked for billions more to fund a war Congress never voted to authorize, with 18 troops now dead and nearly 500 wounded. And Arizona has picked its candidates for the fall, with Trump ally Andy Biggs, who tried to overturn the 2020 election, winning the Republican nomination for governor and setting up what could be one of the closest races in the country against Democrat Katie Hobbs.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Jason Breslow, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adriana Gallardo.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia DumasOur director is Christopher ThomasWe get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(01:59) Trump Receives Fallen Troops(05:35) Hegseth Grilled On The Hill(09:15) Arizona Primary ResultsSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The war between the U.S. and Iran keeps widening as Yemen's Houthi rebels announce a blockade of Saudi Arabia that would choke off another key oil route, even as Iran signals it may be open to talks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth heads to Capitol Hill today to ask lawmakers for a nearly 90 billion dollar funding boost for the war with Iran, in a rare chance for senators to question him after the Pentagon admitted 100 troops were wounded in the past two weeks and hasn't briefed reporters since May.And it's the last day of primary voting in Arizona, a swing state that's become ground zero for election denialism, with big fall races taking shape for governor, a toss-up House seat, and secretary of state.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Andrew Sussman, Larry Kaplow, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia DumasOur director is Christopher ThomasWe get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott. And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:53) Iran And Yemen's Houthis Blockade(05:31) Hegseth On Capitol Hill(09:20) Arizona Primary DaySee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy