Podcasts about republicans

Pramila Jayapal accidentally had a moment of honesty about illegal immigration. Far-left Democrats are gushing over NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The men who shot a man at Renton Transit Center will not be charged because prosecutors claim he was engaged in self-defense. The suspect that attacked independent journalist Cam Higby during Seattle’s ‘No Kings’ protest has been arrested. // If Democrats thought the Epstein fiasco was going to hurt Republicans, there’s some very bad new polling for them. // Positivityyy1 on Instagram turns out to be a virulent antisemite.

Vivek Ramaswamy is an American business leader, bestselling author and the 2026 Republican gubernatorial candidate for the State of Ohio. Learn more at https://vivekforohio.org You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber

During an Oval Office meeting with congressional Republicans a few days ago, President Trump showed off the draft of a letter that would fire Jerome H. Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve.It's the latest chapter in a dysfunctional relationship that has major implications for the global economy.Guest: Colby Smith, who covers the Federal Reserve and the U.S. economy for The Times.Background reading: President Trump waved a copy of a draft letter firing Jerome H. Powell at a meeting in the Oval Office with House Republicans.Can Trump fire Powell? It's likely that he lacks a case, legal experts say.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Tom Brenner/The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

On Wednesday's Mark Levin Show, we have a lot of fake MAGA conmen influencers trying to exploit the Jeffrey Epstein matter for financial gain through clicks and subscriptions. These conmen have spread false predictions about the Iran-Israel conflict, such as World War III involvement by China and Russia, and for aligning with dictators while opposing U.S. interests. The left-wing media love these conmen because they think they can damage President Trump over Epstein. This mix of Marxist Islamists and isolation conmen is very dangerous - even Trump isn't good enough for them. You stand with Trump, or you don't. Also, an entire staff at a hospital in Suwayda, Syria, was slaughtered by Islamist terrorists. The Druze, an Arab minority sect, are being attacked by terrorist groups backed by the Syrian military, and only Israel and the IDF are intervening by entering Syria to defend them through attacks on terrorists and Syrian forces. Later, Zohran Mamdani is an anti-Semite, racist, and Islamist Marxist who refuses to denounce the Global Intifada slogan promoting terrorism, wants to tax white neighborhoods more, and seeks to seize private property. His ​ideology ​is ​that ​of ​Lenin, ​Mao, ​Stalin ​and ​Castro but there are Democrats like AOC and Sen Bernie Sander who back him anyway. Afterward, Gov Greg Abbott, with support from Trump and the DOJ, has called a special session in Texas to redraw congressional districts after findings of illegal gerrymandering. This could net Republicans up to five additional House seats. Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, are in panic mode, planning a walkout to deny quorum—similar to their failed 2021 effort—but Republicans are prepared to counter with arrests, fines, or seat vacancies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E. Jean Carroll joins to dish on beating Trump in court, what it was like to go camping with Fran Lebowitz, and how to give the best advice. Erin and Alyssa also round up the latest Epstein files insanity, Elon Musk and Greg Abbott's “intimate” emails, and the future of student loans. Then they take a trip to the sanity corner to discuss Lena Dunham's new show Too Much, and children's TV theme music that goes too hard.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Read Not My Type: One Woman Vs. a PresidentSign up to run for office: votesaveamerica.com/runTexas camp leader waited over an hour after flood warning to evacuate (The Guardian 7/14)What the Republicans' New Policy Bill Means for Higher Education (NYT 7/3)Why Gov. Greg Abbott Won't Release His Emails With Elon Musk (ProPublica 7/14)Wife of Texas AG Ken Paxton files for divorce ‘on biblical grounds' (CNN 7/10)VP Vance visits Disneyland as protesters gather nearby (OC Register 7/12)Trump comes to Pam Bondi's defense on Epstein: ‘She's really done a very good job' (Politico 7/15)

SEASON 3 EPISODE 145: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:45): Trump self-destructs over the Epstein files: now calls his supporters “weaklings” calls Republicans “stupid” for believing the Epstein story HE sold them, now demands reporters don’t cover it, and demands MAGA stops talking about it. And now - most meaningfully - HE is connecting his Epstein Cover-up to his Russia Collusion Cover-up and continually tying Epstein to "The Steele Dossier." And what was the most grotesque part of the Steele Dossier story? Sexual perversion. Video. Blackmail. Trump is himself tying himself and Epstein to the purported pee tape! And that nauseating link and amazing implications (which he alone is making) are on top of the established reality: Donald Trump is president of the Jeffrey Epstein cover-up.Trump is RUNNING the Jeffrey Epstein cover-up. It’s TRUMP’S Jeffrey Epstein cover-up! President Pervert. President Epstein. President Pee Tape. President Pedophile. President cover-up. "TRUMP’S EPSTEIN COVER-UP" - I want to hear that every day, from a leading Democrat. Every day and SIX TIMES on Sunday. Forever. I’m delighted Trump is destroying himself; I want Democrats to finish the job. I want it to destroy MAGA. I want it to bury them all, under a mountain of their own amoral, uncaring, "bullshit" – the word Trump just used in an enraged screed against his own MAGA "weaklings" whose support he now claims he no longer wants. Is pursuing this Shapiro-Steele story disgusting? Yes. Is it sleazy? Yes. Is it what the Trumpist scum would do? Yes. Is it a terrible way to prevent dictatorship and terror? What? There are RULES here? No, there are no rules. Pick up the damn tire iron. This is democracy-saving gold. Every. Damn. Day. Trump's the one who did this. He's the one who has now linked whatever he's choosing to do in covering up the Epstein story, to whatever there was in the Steele Dossier that would destroy him. He's the one who... crossed the streams. B-Block (32:00) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Homeland Security Spokesman Micah Bock with a cleverly phrased bit of dishonesty which actually says Texans calling FEMA during the floods had the same chance of getting through as people buying tickets have of winning the lottery. Mehmet Oz, whose senate bid crashed over crudités, now sees his Medicare disembowlin rationalization not cut it over carrot cake, and what trophies did soccer mogul Gianna Infantino let Trump walk away with this time? C-Block (42:00) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: Twenty years, almost to the day, since I quit smoking and began my MSNBC campaign to get others to quit, too. Which the PRESIDENT of MSNBC naturally responded to...by trying to kill me.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday, July 17th, 2025Today, a federal judge held a hearing in Tennessee on the release of Kilmar Abrego from criminal custody; Democrats scramble to torpedo the confirmation of Emil Bove to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals; Trump continues to lash out over the Epstein files - this time attacking his base as stupid; the Department of Justice requests election data from state officials; the Pentagon retreats from Los Angeles; immigrant activists are suing to stop the arrests of people at their immigration hearings; Republicans are voicing concerns about the government funding bill but will probably vote for it anyhow; a landlord seeks to evict Representative Cory Mills for failure to pay rent. Allison and Dana deliver the good news.Thank You, CBDistilleryUse promo code DAILYBEANS at CBDistillery.com for 25% off your purchase.  Specific product availability depends on individual state regulations.Guest: Adam KlasfeldAll Rise NewsAll Rise News - Bluesky, @klasfeldreports.com - BlueSky, @KlasfeldReports - TwitterKilmar Abrego Garcia case: E. Jean Carroll's ex-lawyer undermines lead investigator StoriesDOJ hits states with broad requests for voter rolls, election data | Washington PostPentagon ends deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles | NPRDemocrats scramble to torpedo controversial Trump judicial nominee | The HillLandlord seeks to evict Republican congressman over unpaid rent at D.C. apartment | NBC NewsGOP senators voice concern about $9B spending-cut bill they say they will vote for | NBC NewsUnlawful ICE Arrests at Immigration Courthouses Prompt Lawsuit by Advocates and Immigrants | Immigrant Justice CenterBooker Demands Answers on Emil Bove's Involvement in DOJ Withholding the Epstein Files | booker.senate.gov Good Trouble: Demonstration and March25Thursday July 17 - 10 a.m. EST Washington, D.C. at Flare USA in front of Union Station with Cliff Cash and Jessica Denson, 50501. Protest at Union Station in Washington DC Our Donation LinksMSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueWhistleblowerAid.org/beans Federal workers - feel free to email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack, BlueSky , TikTok, IG, TwitterDana GoldbergBlueSky, Twitter, IG, facebook, danagoldberg.comCheck out other MSW Media podcastsShows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 podSubscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on SubstackThe BreakdownFrom The Good NewsHeather Cox RichardsonChesterfield Square / South LA | LA Animal ServicesTennessee Democrats have a chance in a looming special congressional election -Tennessee LookoutDANA GOLDBERG - Live at Diversionary Theatre SD. Tickets available Now - or soon, so check backReminder - 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 Donate to the MSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fundhttps://secure.actblue.com/donate/msw-bwc WhistleblowerAid.org/beans Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good TroubleMSW Good News and Good Trouble Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewrote , Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote,Dana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

Harry speaks with Representative Ro Khanna, who's spending the summer fighting Trump on a range of fronts, from the Big Beautiful Bill to the unauthorized bombing of Iran. Lately Rep. Khanna has flashed a maverick streak to go with his progressive bonafides. Can his "Benefits Over Billionaires" tour bring political punishment to Republicans who backed Medicaid cuts? Why is he standing up for professional gamblers? And how come a CA congressman is so excited about an NYC mayoral race? As always with Rep. Khanna—a several-time guest on Talking Feds—it's a discussion filled with thoughtful and provocative opinions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer discusses ongoing Republican-led investigations into Joe Biden’s mental fitness and the legitimacy of executive actions taken during his administration. Comer criticizes the partisan atmosphere in Congress, accuses Democrats of prioritizing opposition to Trump over substantive policy, and raises concerns about the use of autopen signatures on executive orders and pardons. He also highlights media bias in protecting Biden and expresses skepticism about Democratic cooperation in oversight efforts. The Truth with Lisa Boothe is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday & Thursday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Headlines: Israel launched missile strikes on Syria's military HQ in Damascus, potentially destabilizing the new Syrian government amid talks to normalize relations. Despite the Trump administration's request to hold back, Israel is sending more troops to the border, citing threats to the Druze community. Meanwhile, Trump hosted Bahrain's crown prince, who pledged $17 billion in U.S. investments—though details were vague, aside from a symbolic model airplane. Trump also denied plans to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, despite telling Republicans otherwise, and floated the Fed's over-budget HQ renovations as a possible excuse. Separately, the administration fired federal prosecutor Maurene Comey—daughter of James Comey—who had handled the Epstein, Maxwell, and Diddy cases, offering no clear reason. Trump mocked his own supporters who believe Epstein conspiracy theories, calling them “weaklings,” while still refusing to release promised files. And in two more Trump-world twists: DHS deported five migrants to Eswatini, an African country none of them were from, and federal agents arrested nine anti-ICE protesters in Spokane. Lastly, $100 million worth of Trump memecoins are unlocking today, padding the president's net worth. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Israel bombs Syrian capital despite U.S. pressure to "stand down" Bloomberg: Bahrain's PM Vows $17 Billion US Investment During Trump Meeting NBC News: Trump says it's 'highly unlikely' he will fire Fed Chair Powell after broaching idea with GOP reps Axios: Trump says Fed renovations issue might be fireable for Powell WaPo: DOJ fires Maurene Comey, prosecutor involved in Epstein, Diddy cases AP News: Trump slams his own supporters as 'weaklings' for falling for what he now calls the Epstein 'hoax' Axios: DHS sends migrants to Eswatini in new 3rd-country deportation Seattle Time: Federal government accuses nine Spokane protesters of violence against ICE Bloomberg: Trump Memecoin Unlock To Test Crypto Demand Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump is in a rage over his inability to get MAGA to stop talking about the Jeffrey Epstein files. He unleashed a furious Truth Social tirade on it, and then rambled bizarrely about it to reporters for a minute straight. Meanwhile, striking new polls from Quinnipiac and from CNN show wide public dissatisfaction with the whole fiasco—and both show large chunks of Republicans are also unhappy about it, suggesting his shutdown efforts aren't working. Rolling Stone writer Asawin Suebsaeng has a new piece entitled: “Inside Trump's Frantic, Failing Mission to Crush the Epstein ‘MAGA Rebellion.'” It details how efforts by Trump and his lieutenants to get this under control involve all kinds of fraught and complicated intrigues inside the Court of MAGA. So we talked to Suebsaeng about what's really going on here, why it's failing, what's coming next, and how the whole thing reveals Trump's level of contempt for his own voters with uncommon clarity.  Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of Red Eye Radio with Gary McNamara and Eric Harley, the Steve Miller Band announces cancellation of their current tour due to "climate change" (instead of being honest about lagging ticket sales). Also a new deadline looms for Iran for nuclear sanctions, Republican house leaders investigate Jill Biden's role in covering up Joe Biden's condition, Democrats give a warm welcome to Zohran Mamdani and much more! For more talk on the issues that matter to you, listen on radio stations across America Monday-Friday 12am-5am CT (1am-6am ET and 10pm-3am PT), download the RED EYE RADIO SHOW app, asking your smart speaker, or listening at RedEyeRadioShow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

01:02:21 – 01:05:19Elon Musk's Grok AI Fails to DeliverDespite lofty claims, Musk's Grok 4 trails behind competitors in AI rankings. Its performance is criticized as underwhelming and full of PR spin. 01:09:26 – 01:11:24Virtual Girlfriends Fuel Loneliness CrisisNew AI “waifu” avatars promote fantasy relationships, worsening isolation and mental health—especially for men withdrawing from real-life interaction. 01:16:09 – 01:17:19AI Deployment Expands into Warfare and Tax EnforcementPlans emerge to use AI in federal bureaucracy, drone warfare, and the IRS—raising concerns over automated surveillance and punitive actions. 01:18:38 – 01:20:12Efficiency in Government Can Be a ThreatWhile bureaucratic inefficiency has historically shielded citizens from rapid overreach, AI threatens to replace it with swift, unchecked enforcement. 01:20:37 – 01:21:00No Compassion in AI EnforcementAlgorithms can't show mercy or discretion, applying rules mechanically regardless of context or consequence. 01:39:15 – 01:42:20WEF's Agentic State: AI Rule Without HumansA WEF proposal calls for AI-run governance systems with minimal human oversight. The initiative raises alarms about digital tyranny. 01:51:31 – 01:52:41Algocracy: Rule by Machine, Without MercyA future governed by algorithms means citizens lose all appeal to empathy. Errors, hallucinations, and overreach become unstoppable. 02:17:01 – 02:17:16Smart Fridges, AI Diets, and Biometric RestrictionsA satirical warning about AI-enabled appliances like “lockdown fridges” highlights concerns over biometric surveillance controlling personal behavior. 02:17:17 – 02:18:33Trade Skills and AI AutomationSkilled trades like plumbing and mechanics may be safer from automation, but propaganda has pushed youth away from blue-collar work—leaving society more vulnerable to technocratic control. 02:45:26 – 02:48:49America's Unsustainable Debt SpiralThe U.S. debt has accelerated exponentially, doubling roughly every decade. Global players like Russia are now stockpiling silver, hinting at the coming monetary reset. 02:48:50 – 02:51:14Tariff Theater and Economic DeceptionCriticism of Trump's tariff policies suggests they are more about image than substance, benefiting multinationals while failing to revive U.S. industry. 02:55:06 – 02:56:10CBDC Alert: Republicans Cave, Democrats UnitedBills to stop the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) failed in Congress. Every Democrat voted against blocking it, and some Republicans supported its implementation. 03:31:00 – 03:33:16DOJ Denials Fuel Epstein ConspiraciesDespite claims there was no Epstein client list or murder, multiple contradictions and media spin raise more suspicion—especially as mainstream outlets mock “conspiracies” while refusing basic transparency. 03:42:16 – 03:43:16DOJ Video Shows 3 Minutes Missing from Epstein Prison ClipNew forensic analysis reveals nearly 3 minutes were cut from the prison footage—more than the one-minute “glitch” initially reported. Experts confirm multiple edit points in what appears to be a doctored video. 03:45:47 – 03:47:11Ghislaine Maxwell Reportedly Willing to TestifyMaxwell says she's never been asked to testify but is willing to reveal the truth—though skepticism remains. Her plea deal and elite ties make her unlikely to expose anything that could jeopardize powerful clients. 03:51:48 – 03:53:10Trans Influencer Promotes Gender Confusion and InfantilizationA popular YouTuber discusses “found family” and being called “mom” by a recently transitioned teen. The speaker's exaggerated mannerisms and self-identification are criticized as performative and deceptive. Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHTFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

Thursday, July 17. The seven stories you need to know today. Read today's briefing.If you're not a subscriber, click here to start.

Republicans are finally moving forward with defunding the trash that is NPR and PBS, James Comey's daughter gets fired after botching two high profile trials plus the new arms deal with Ukraine could benefit the US military.

Donald Trump said he would not sack Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, after reports that he discussed the plans with Republican congressmen on Tuesday.

Steve Forbes warns Republicans and policymakers in general that the failure to confront the immigration crisis through a measured approach that protects Americans and bolsters the economy could cause far-reaching irrevocable damage.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Millions of people living along the Gulf Coast are getting ready for severe flooding as a tropical storm approaches. Republicans are racing to get DOGE cuts approved. We'll tell you why the US is set to destroy 500 metric tons of food meant to go to starving people. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing his fifth lawsuit in 2 weeks. Plus, rules could be changing around how much liquid you can take on a flight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's UNCOVERED Ron and Anthony discuss Trump's mishandling of the Epstein files that is driving MAGA crazy. Plus, tariff insanity, Texas redistricting, FEMA fallout, Trump stealing the FIFA World Cup trophy - and much more! Go to https://MackWeldon.com and get 25% off your first order of $125 or more, with promo code UNCOVERED Former Federal Prosecutor Ron Filipkowski and British journalist Anthony Davis expose the epidemic of false propaganda pushing Republican politics to the extreme far-right. A new episode every Wednesday. Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meida... Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-p... The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-i... Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-c... The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-w... Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-... Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/major... Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/polit... On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-de... Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-... Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More grocery stores in Seattle might close up shop due to rampant crime and drug use. Starbucks is trimming down its remote work, which could require employees to relocate. You won’t believe how much Washington has forked over in lawsuit payouts.  President Trump wants people to drop their obsession with the Jeffrey Epstein story. NBC News was grasping at straws to downplay the Biden autopen scandal. // It appears NPR and PBS are still on the Republicans’ chopping block.

The Senate voted to claw back $1.1 billion that Congress allocated for public broadcasting. That is expected to decimate particularly rural public radio stations. We hear from Scott Smith, general manager for Allegheny Mountain Radio. Then, reporter and author Zeke Faux talks about how Republicans in Congress and the White House want to regulate cryptocurrency, in particular, a form called stablecoin, as the cryptocurrency industry becomes a force in big money donations. And, as pressure builds on President Trump over the Jeffrey Epstein files, Trump is now lashing out at his own supporters who have criticized his handling of the affair. Jared Holt, senior research analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, joins us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Biden's use of the autopen. On Tuesday, Fox News reported that the White House Counsel's Office — in coordination with the Justice Department — is investigating former President Joe Biden's use of an autopen while in office. The Trump administration says the investigation will examine how Biden used the autopen, a machine that reproduces a person's signature, over his presidential term, and whether the Biden administration had a policy in place to regulate its use. The Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee is also investigating whether Biden understood the actions he authorized with the autopen. Ad-free podcasts are here!Many listeners have been asking for an ad-free version of this podcast that they could subscribe to — and we finally launched it. You can go to ReadTangle.com to sign up!You can read today's podcast⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, our “Under the Radar” story ⁠here and today's “Have a nice day” story ⁠here⁠.Take the survey: What do you think of Biden's use of the autopen? Let us know!Disagree? That's okay. My opinion is just one of many. Write in and let us know why, and we'll consider publishing your feedback.You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by: Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Hunter Casperson, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Cox, Chairman of the New York Republican State Committee, calls in to talk about New York State's energy policies, contrasting them with those of Pennsylvania. Cox criticizes New York's lack of energy independence due to its restrictions on fracking and the closure of nuclear plants, pointing out the economic benefits Pennsylvania enjoys from its energy production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

01:02:21 – 01:05:19Elon Musk's Grok AI Fails to DeliverDespite lofty claims, Musk's Grok 4 trails behind competitors in AI rankings. Its performance is criticized as underwhelming and full of PR spin. 01:09:26 – 01:11:24Virtual Girlfriends Fuel Loneliness CrisisNew AI “waifu” avatars promote fantasy relationships, worsening isolation and mental health—especially for men withdrawing from real-life interaction. 01:16:09 – 01:17:19AI Deployment Expands into Warfare and Tax EnforcementPlans emerge to use AI in federal bureaucracy, drone warfare, and the IRS—raising concerns over automated surveillance and punitive actions. 01:18:38 – 01:20:12Efficiency in Government Can Be a ThreatWhile bureaucratic inefficiency has historically shielded citizens from rapid overreach, AI threatens to replace it with swift, unchecked enforcement. 01:20:37 – 01:21:00No Compassion in AI EnforcementAlgorithms can't show mercy or discretion, applying rules mechanically regardless of context or consequence. 01:39:15 – 01:42:20WEF's Agentic State: AI Rule Without HumansA WEF proposal calls for AI-run governance systems with minimal human oversight. The initiative raises alarms about digital tyranny. 01:51:31 – 01:52:41Algocracy: Rule by Machine, Without MercyA future governed by algorithms means citizens lose all appeal to empathy. Errors, hallucinations, and overreach become unstoppable. 02:17:01 – 02:17:16Smart Fridges, AI Diets, and Biometric RestrictionsA satirical warning about AI-enabled appliances like “lockdown fridges” highlights concerns over biometric surveillance controlling personal behavior. 02:17:17 – 02:18:33Trade Skills and AI AutomationSkilled trades like plumbing and mechanics may be safer from automation, but propaganda has pushed youth away from blue-collar work—leaving society more vulnerable to technocratic control. 02:45:26 – 02:48:49America's Unsustainable Debt SpiralThe U.S. debt has accelerated exponentially, doubling roughly every decade. Global players like Russia are now stockpiling silver, hinting at the coming monetary reset. 02:48:50 – 02:51:14Tariff Theater and Economic DeceptionCriticism of Trump's tariff policies suggests they are more about image than substance, benefiting multinationals while failing to revive U.S. industry. 02:55:06 – 02:56:10CBDC Alert: Republicans Cave, Democrats UnitedBills to stop the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) failed in Congress. Every Democrat voted against blocking it, and some Republicans supported its implementation. 03:31:00 – 03:33:16DOJ Denials Fuel Epstein ConspiraciesDespite claims there was no Epstein client list or murder, multiple contradictions and media spin raise more suspicion—especially as mainstream outlets mock “conspiracies” while refusing basic transparency. 03:42:16 – 03:43:16DOJ Video Shows 3 Minutes Missing from Epstein Prison ClipNew forensic analysis reveals nearly 3 minutes were cut from the prison footage—more than the one-minute “glitch” initially reported. Experts confirm multiple edit points in what appears to be a doctored video. 03:45:47 – 03:47:11Ghislaine Maxwell Reportedly Willing to TestifyMaxwell says she's never been asked to testify but is willing to reveal the truth—though skepticism remains. Her plea deal and elite ties make her unlikely to expose anything that could jeopardize powerful clients. 03:51:48 – 03:53:10Trans Influencer Promotes Gender Confusion and InfantilizationA popular YouTuber discusses “found family” and being called “mom” by a recently transitioned teen. The speaker's exaggerated mannerisms and self-identification are criticized as performative and deceptive. Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHTFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

From the minute Donald Trump came down the golden escalator, the Republican establishment has hated his guts. In the 2016 primary, the brash New York billionaire was treated by mainstream GOP leaders and commentators as a joke responsible for degrading the political process. As the real estate tycoon gained momentum, establishment figures had two choices: Declare yourself "never Trump" or pretend to have seen the light. Many fled to organizations like the Bulwark or the Lincoln Project, but others stayed around waiting for their moment to recapture the Republican Party from the MAGA populists. Now that Trump has come to define the GOP, the establishment figures who loathed him from the beginning have a new strategy. If you can't beat MAGA, co-opt the movement. Follow on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-auron-macintyre-show/id1657770114 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S6z4LBs8Fi7COupy7YYuM?si=4d9662cb34d148af Substack: https://auronmacintyre.substack.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuronMacintyre Gab: https://gab.com/AuronMacIntyre YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/AuronMacIntyre Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-390155 Odysee: https://odysee.com/@AuronMacIntyre:f Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auronmacintyre/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jeffrey Epstein news cycle is here to stay. And that's increasingly frustrating President Donald Trump, who has grown accustomed to being able to exert control over the news cycle for much of the past decade. There's a policy side to this, of course, as a number of prominent Republicans and MAGA figures are calling for a special counsel to investigate the files and the DOJ's handling of them. But there's also a pop cultural aspect to this, as the story has spilled over into the zeitgeist. Contributing author Adam Wren and chief Playbook correspondent Dasha Burns discuss how we got here and what comes next.

On this episode of ABL Live, we covered a variety of topics, including the ongoing backlash over the Jeffrey Epstein files including President Trump lashing out at Republicans, Dan Bongino storming off Capitol Hill over Epstein only to allegedly return days later without a peep, Gavin Newsom's interesting interview with Shawn Ryan in which he stated his reason for supporting illegal aliens, the possible next Mayor of Minneapolis going viral, and much more!

Severe summer storms continue across the country as a group of people in New Jersey are struck by lightning. Also, Republican calls for more information on Jeffrey Epstein grow. Plus, the liquid rule for carry-on bags could be the next airport security measure overhauled by the TSA. And, new shark warnings and safety measures are in place after a series of sightings at beaches along the East Coast.

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

It's Thursday, July 17th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark West Bank Christian communities attacked by Israeli settlers Christian communities in the West Bank are experiencing increasing attacks from Israeli settlers. Last Monday, Jewish extremists targeted the Palestinian Christian town of Taybeh. They attacked houses and started fires near the community's historic church building. The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem released a statement, saying, “The attacks by the hands of settlers against our community, which is living in peace, must stop, both here in Taybeh and elsewhere throughout the West Bank. This is clearly part of the systematic attacks against Christians that we see unfolding throughout the region.” Church of England affirms sexual perversion for clergy … again The Church of England voted Tuesday to remove a 1991 teaching document on sexuality from its ordination process. The document, entitled Issues in Human Sexuality, said that clergy should not live in homosexual relationships.  However, church leaders said the document now appears “prejudicial and offensive.”  The Church of England has allowed clergy to enter homosexual civil partnerships since 2005. Last year, it approved services of blessing for homosexual couples. Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” Christian non-profit victorious in case against ChatGPT In the United States, a Christian non-profit won a religious freedom lawsuit against one of the biggest artificial intelligence organizations around. OpenAI offers a 20% non-profit discount for a ChatGPT subscription unless an organization is religious. A Christian non-profit named Holy Sexuality challenged this policy with the help of Alliance Defending Freedom. In response, OpenAI reversed course and offered the discount. It also removed religious discrimination language from its policy.   Dr. Christopher Yuan, the founder of Holy Sexuality, said, “Some corporations—especially tech companies—emboldened by intersectional ideology and anti-Christian sentiment, choose to unlawfully discriminate based solely on religion. We are grateful for this victory.” Fourth Circuit upholds West Virginia ban on abortion kill pill On Tuesday, the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld West Virginia's ban on the Abortion Kill Pill called mifepristone. The challenge to the ban came from GenBioPro, a company that produces the killing drug.  The case marks the first time a federal appeals court has allowed states to restrict access to mifepristone.  West Virginia Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey responded to the ruling, “West Virginia can continue to enforce our pro-life laws and lead the nation in our efforts to protect life. We will always be a pro-life state!” Senate Republicans pass $9 billion budget cut U.S. Senate Republicans advanced a $9 billion rescission bill on Tuesday with the tie-breaking vote of Vice President J.D. Vance. The measure follows President Donald Trump's agenda to cut spending on foreign aid and public broadcasting. Republicans must have the bill ready to be signed by Friday for the rescissions to be enacted.  Listen to comments from Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune. THUNE: “Later today, the Senate will begin consideration of the Trump administration's rescissions package reining in waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government is a priority shared by President Trump and by Senate Republicans. “I appreciate all the work the administration has done in identifying wasteful spending. And now it's time for the Senate to do its part to cut some of that waste out of the budget. It's a small but important step toward fiscal sanity that we all should be able to agree is long overdue.” Christian and Gospel music seeing a resurgence Christian and Gospel music is seeing a resurgence, according to a report on music streaming trends by Luminate.  The Christian/Gospel genre moved up to seventh place in the top 10 U.S. music genres this year. And Christian music ranked fourth among the highest-growth genres. The report found Christian music listeners are mostly female, and the top generation listening to Christian music is Millennials. Deacon given free truck after protecting church from gunman And finally, WXYZ reports a church deacon in Michigan received a new truck recently after preventing a mass shooting at his church last month.  On Sunday, June 22, a shooter opened fire outside CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan. In God's providence, Deacon Richard Pryor was running late. He saw the gunman heading to the church's front door, dressed in camouflage and bearing an AR-15 style rifle as well as  more than a dozen fully-loaded magazines. That's when Pryor ran the shooter over. However, his truck was totaled in the process as the shooter shot up the truck.  Fortunately, Pryor was not injured.  Another person, acting as a volunteer security guard, shot the gunman dead. In response, a local Ford dealership gifted the hero a brand new truck on a two-year free lease. Pryor said he was “thankful for everybody's support. The Lord was definitely involved in the events of that Sunday.” Psalm 121:4 and 7 says, “Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. … The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, July 17th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Being Jewish podcast host Jonah Platt—best known for playing Fiyero in Broadway's Wicked—joins People of the Pod to discuss his journey into Jewish advocacy after October 7. He reflects on his Jewish upbringing, challenges media misrepresentations of Israel, and shares how his podcast fosters inclusive and honest conversations about Jewish identity. Platt also previews The Mensch, an upcoming film he's producing to tell Jewish stories with heart and nuance. Recorded live at AJC Global Forum 2025. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC. Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: Untold stories of Jews who left or were driven from Arab nations and Iran People of the Pod:  Latest Episodes:  Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: The Dinah Project's Quest to Hold Hamas Accountable Journalist Matti Friedman Exposes Media Bias Against Israel John Spencer's Key Takeaways After the 12-Day War: Air Supremacy, Intelligence, and Deterrence Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman:   Jonah Platt: is an award winning director of theater and improv comedy, an accomplished musician, singer and award winning vocal arranger. He has been on the Broadway stage, including one year as the heartthrob Fiyero in Wicked and he's producing his first feature film, a comedy called The Mensch. He also hosts his own podcast, Being Jewish with Jonah Platt:, a series of candid conversations and reflections that explore the many facets of Jewish identity.  Jonah is with us now on the sidelines of AJC Global Forum 2025. Jonah, welcome to People of the Pod. Jonah Platt:   Thank you so much for having me, happy to be here.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So tell us about your podcast. How is being Jewish with Jonah Platt: different from Jewish with anyone else? Jonah Platt:   That's a great question. I think it's different for a number of ways. I think one key difference is that I'm really trying to appeal to everybody, not just Jews and not just one type of Jews. I really wanted it to be a very inclusive show and, thank God, the feedback I've gotten, my audience is very diverse. It appeals to, you know, I hear from the ultra orthodox. I hear from people who found out they were Jewish a month ago. I hear from Republicans, I hear from Democrats. I hear from non Jews, Muslims, Christians, people all over the world. So I think that's special and different, especially in these echo-chambery, polarized times online, I'm trying to really reach out of that and create a space where the one thing we all have in common, everybody who listens, is that we're all well-meaning, good-hearted, curious people who want to understand more about our fellow man and each other.  I also try to really call balls and strikes as I see them, regardless of where they're coming from. So if I see, let's call it bad behavior, on the left, I'll call it out. If I see bad behavior on the right, I'll call it out. If I see bad behavior from Israel, I'll call it out. In the same breath that I'll say, I love Israel, it's the greatest place.  I think that's really unfortunately rare. I think people have a very hard time remembering that we are very capable of holding two truths at once, and it doesn't diminish your position by acknowledging fault where you see it. In fact, I feel it strengthens your position, because it makes you more trustworthy. And it's sort of like an iron sharpens iron thing, where, because I'm considering things from all angles, either I'm going to change my mind because I found something I didn't consider. That's going to be better for me and put me on firmer ground.  Or it's going to reinforce what I thought, because now I have another thing I can even speak to about it and say, Well, I was right, because even this I checked out, and that was wrong. So either way, you're in a stronger position. And I feel that that level of sort of, you know, equanimity is sorely lacking online, for sure.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Our podcasts have had some guests in common. We've had Dara Horn, Sarah Hurwitz, you said you're getting ready to have Bruce Pearl. We've had Coach Pearl on our show. You've also had conversations with Stuart Weitzman, a legendary shoe designer, in an episode titled Jews and Shoes. I love that. Can you share some other memorable nuggets from the conversations you've had over the last six months? Jonah Platt:   I had my dad on the show, and I learned things about him that I had never heard about his childhood, growing up, the way his parents raised him. The way that social justice and understanding the conflict and sort of brokenness in the world was something that my grandparents really tried to teach them very actively, and some of it I had been aware of, but not every little specific story he told. And that was really special for me. And my siblings, after hearing it, were like, We're so glad you did this so that we could see Dad and learn about him in this way. So that was really special.  There have been so many. Isaac Saul is a guy I had early on. He runs a newsletter, a news newsletter called Tangle Media that shows what the left is saying about an issue with the right is saying about an issue, and then his take. And a nugget that I took away from him is that on Shabbat, his way of keeping Shabbat is that he doesn't go on social media or read the news on Shabbat. And I took that from him, so now I do that too.  I thought that was genius. It's hard for me. I'm trying to even start using my phone period less on Shabbat, but definitely I hold myself to it, except when I'm on the road, like I am right now. When I'm at home, no social media from Friday night to Saturday night, and it's fantastic.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   It sounds delightful. Jonah Platt:   It is delightful. I highly recommend it to everybody. It's an easy one.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So what about your upbringing? You said you learned a lot about your father's upbringing. What was your Jewish upbringing? Jonah Platt:   Yeah, I have been very blessed to have a really strong, warm, lovely, Jewish upbringing. It's something that was always intrinsic to my family. It's not something that I sort of learned at Hebrew school. And no knock on people whose experience that is, but it's, you know, I never remember a time not feeling Jewish. Because it was so important to my parents and important to their families. And you know, part of the reason they're a good match for each other is because their values are the same.  I went to Jewish Day School, the same one my kids now go to, which is pretty cool. Manya Brachear Pashman:  Oh, that's lovely. Jonah Platt:   Yeah. And I went to Jewish sleepaway camp at Camp Ramah  in California. But for me, really, you know, when I get asked this question, like, my key Jewish word is family. And growing up, every holiday we spent with some part of my very large, amazing family. What's interesting is, in my city where I grew up, Los Angeles, I didn't have any grandparents, I didn't have any aunts or uncles or any first cousins. But I feel like I was with them all the time, because every holiday, someone was traveling to somebody, and we were being together. And all of my childhood memories of Jewish holidays are with my cousins and my aunts and my uncles and my grandparents. Because it was just so important to our family. And that's just an amazing foundation for being Jewish or anything else, if that's your foundation, that's really gonna stay with you. And my upbringing, like we kept kosher in my house, meat and milk plates. We would eat meat out but no pork, no shellfish, no milk and meat, any of that. And while I don't ascribe to all those things now, I'm grateful that I got sort of the literacy in that.  In my Jewish Day School we had to wrap tefillin every morning. And while I don't do that now, I'm glad that I know how to do that, and I know what that looks like, and I know what that means, even if I resisted it very strongly at the time as a 13 year old, being like what I gotta wrap this up every day. But I'm grateful now to have that literacy. And I've always been very surprised to see in my life that often when I'm in a room with people, I'm the most observant in the room or the most Jewish literate in the room, which was never the case in my life.  I have family members who are much more observant than me, orthodox. I know plenty of Orthodox people, whatever. But in today's world, I'm very grateful for the upbringing I had where, I'll be on an experience. I actually just got back from one in Poland. I went on a trip with all moderate Muslims from around the North Africa, Middle East, and Asia, with an organization called Sharaka. We had Shabbat dinner just this past Friday at the JCC in Krakow, and I did the Shabbat kiddush for everybody, which is so meaningful and, like, I'm so grateful that I know it, that I can play that role in that, in special situations like that.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So you've been doing a lot of traveling. Jonah Platt:  Yes. Manya Brachear Pashman:   I saw your reflection on your visit to Baku, Azerbaijan. The largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. And you went with the Jewish Federation's National Young leadership cabinet. Jonah Platt:   Shout out to my chevre. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And you posted this reflection based on your experience there, asking the question, how much freedom is too much? So can you walk our listeners through that and how you answered that question? Jonah Platt:   Yes. So to be fair, I make very clear I don't have the answer to that question definitively, I just wanted to give people food for thought, and what I hoped would happen has happened where I've been getting a lot of people who disagree with me and have other angles at which they want to look and answer this question, which I welcome and have given me a lot to think about.  But basically, what I observed in Azerbaijan was a place that's a little bit authoritative. You know, they don't have full freedom of the press. Political opposition is, you know, quieted, but there's no crime anywhere. They have a strong police presence on the streets. There are security cameras everywhere, and people like their lives there and don't want to mess with it.  And so it just got me thinking, you know, they're an extremely tolerant society. It's sort of something they pride themselves on, and always have. It's a Muslim majority country, but it is secular. They are not a Muslim official country. They're one of only really two countries in the world that are like that, the other being Albania. And they live together in beautiful peace and harmony with a sense of goodwill, with a sense of national pride, and it got me thinking, you know, look at any scenario in our lives. Look at the place you work, look at the preschool classroom that your kid is in.  There are certain rules and restrictions that allow for more freedom, in a sense, because you feel safe and taken care of and our worst instincts are not given space to be expressed. So that is what brought the question of, how much freedom is too much. And really, the other way of putting that is, how much freedom would you be willing to give up if it meant you lived in a place with no crime, where people get along with their neighbors, where there's a sense of being a part of something bigger than yourself. I think all three of which are heavily lacking in America right now that is so polarized, where hateful rhetoric is not only, pervasive, but almost welcomed, and gets more clicks and more likes and more watches. It's an interesting thing to think about.  And I heard from people being like, I haven't been able to stop thinking about this question. I don't know the answer, but it's really interesting. I have people say, you're out of your mind. It's a slippery slope. The second you give an inch, like it's all going downhill. And there are arguments to be made there.  But I can't help but feel like, if we did the due diligence, I'm sure there is something, if we keep the focus really narrow, even if it's like, a specific sentence that can't be said, like, you can't say: the Holocaust was a great thing. Let's say we make that illegal to say, like, how does that hurt anybody? If that's you're not allowed to say those exact words in that exact sequence, you know. So I think if it's gonna be a slippery slope, to me, is not quite a good enough argument for Well, let's go down the road and see if we can come up with something. And then if we decide it's a slippery slope and we get there, maybe we don't do it, but maybe there is something we can come to that if we eliminate that one little thing you're not allowed to say, maybe that will benefit us. Maybe if we make certain things a little bit more restrictive, it'll benefit us. And I likened it to Shabbat saying, you know, on Shabbat, we have all these restrictions. If you're keeping Shabbat, that's what makes Shabbat special, is all the things you're not allowed to do, and because you're not given the quote, unquote, freedom to do those things, you actually give yourself more freedom to be as you are, and to enjoy what's really good about life, which is, you know, the people around you and and having gratitude. So it's just something interesting to think about.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   It's an interesting perspective. I am a big fan of free speech. Jonah Platt:   As are most people. It's the hill many people will die on. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Educated free speech, though, right? That's where the tension is, right? And in a democracy you have to push for education and try to make sure that, you know, people are well informed, so that they don't say stupid things, but they are going to say stupid things and I like that freedom. Did you ever foresee becoming a Jewish advocate? Jonah Platt:   No. I . . . well, that's a little disingenuous. I would say, you know, in 2021 when there was violence between Israel and Gaza in the spring over this Sheik Jarrah neighborhood. That's when I first started using what little platform I had through my entertainment career to start speaking very, you know, small things, but about Israel and about Jewish life, just organically, because I am, at the time, certainly much more well educated, even now, than I was then.  But I was more tuned in than the average person, let's say, and I felt like I could provide some value. I could help bring some clarity to what was a really confusing situation at that time, like, very hard to decipher. And I could just sense what people were thinking and feeling. I'm well, tapped into the Jewish world. I speak to Jews all over the place. My, as I said, my family's everywhere. So already I know Jews all over the country, and I felt like I could bring some value. And so it started very slowly. It was a trickle, and then it started to turn up a little bit, a little bit more, a little bit more. I went on a trip to Israel in April of 2023. It's actually the two year anniversary today of that trip, with the Tel Aviv Institute, run by a guy named Hen Mazzig, who I'm sure, you know, well, I'm sure he's been on the show, yeah.  And that was, like, sort of the next step for me, where I was surrounded by other people speaking about things online, some about Jewish stuff, some not. Just seeing these young, diverse people using their platforms in whatever way, that was inspiring to me. I was like, I'm gonna go home, I'm gonna start using this more.  And then October 7 happened, and I couldn't pull myself away from it. It's just where I wanted to be. It's what I wanted to be spending my time and energy doing. It felt way too important. The stakes felt way too high, to be doing anything else. It's crazy to me that anybody could do anything else but be focusing on that. And now here we are. So I mean, in a way, could I have seen it? No. But have I sort of, looking back on it, been leaning this way? Kinda. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Do you think it would've you would've turned toward advocacy if people hadn't been misinformed or confused about Israel? Or do you think that you would've really been more focused on entertainment.  Jonah Platt:   Yeah, I think probably. I mean, if we lived in some upside down, amazing world where everybody was getting everything right, and, you know, there'd be not so much for me to do. The only hesitation is, like, as I said, a lot of my content tries to be, you know, celebratory about Jewish identity. I think actually, I would still be talking because I've observed, you know, divisions and misunderstandings within the Jewish community that have bothered me, and so some of the things I've talked about have been about that, about like, hey, Jews, cut it out. Like, be nice to each other. You're getting this wrong.  So I think that would still have been there, and something that I would have been passionate about speaking out on. Inclusivity is just so important to me, but definitely would be a lot lower stakes and a little more relaxed if everybody was on the same universe in regards to Israel. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You were relatively recently in Washington, DC. Jonah Platt:   Yeah. Manya Brachear Pashman:   For the White House Correspondents Dinner. I was confused, because he just said he was in Krakow, so maybe I was wrong. Jonah Platt:   I flew direct from Krakow to DC, got off the plane, went to the hotel where the dinner was, changed it to my tux, and went downstairs for the dinner.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Wow. Jonah Platt:   Yeah. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Are you tired? Jonah Platt:   No, actually, it's amazing. I'll give a shout out. There's a Jewish businessman, a guy named Andrew Herr, who I was in a program with through Federation called CLI in LA, has started a company called Fly Kit. This is a major shout out to Fly Kit that you download the app, you plug in your trip, they send you supplements, and the app tells you when to take them, when to eat, when to nap, when to have coffee, in an attempt to help orient yourself towards the time zone you need to be on. And I have found it very useful on my international trips, and I'm not going to travel without it again. Yeah. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Wow. White House Correspondents dinner. You posted some really thoughtful words about the work of journalists, which I truly appreciated. But what do American journalists get wrong about Israel and the Jewish connection to Israel?  Jonah Platt:   The same thing that everybody who gets things wrong are getting wrong. I mean, we're human beings, so we're fallible, and just because you're a journalist doesn't make you immune to propaganda, because propaganda is a powerful tool. If it didn't work, people wouldn't be using it. I mean, I was just looking at a post today from our friend Hen Mazzig about all the different ways the BBC is getting things horribly, horribly wrong. I think part of it is there's ill intent. I mean, there is malice. For certain people, where they have an agenda. And unfortunately, you know, however much integrity journalists have, there is a news media environment where we've made it okay to have agenda-driven news where it's just not objective. And somehow it's okay for these publications that we've long trusted to have a story they want to tell. I don't know why that's acceptable. It's a business, and I guess maybe if that, if the dollars are there, it's reinforcing itself. But reporters get wrong so much. I'd say the fundamental misunderstanding that journalists as human beings get wrong, that everybody gets wrong, is that Jews are not a group of rich, white Europeans with a common religion. That's like the number one misunderstanding about Jews. Because most people either don't know Jews at all on planet Earth. They've never met one. They know nothing about it except what they see on the news or in a film, or the Jews that they know happen to maybe be white, rich, European ancestry people, and so they assume that's everybody. When, of course, that's completely false, and erases the majority of Jews from planet Earth. So I think we're missing that, and then we're also missing what Israel means to the Jewish people is deeply misunderstood and very purposefully erased.  Part of what's tricky about all of this is that the people way behind the curtain, the terrorists, the real I hate Israel people agenda. They're the ones who plant these seeds. But they're like 5% of the noise. They're secret. They're in the back. And then everybody else, without realizing it, is picking up these things. And so the vast majority of people are, let's say, erasing Jewish connection to Israel without almost even realizing they're doing it because they have been fed this, because propaganda is a powerful tool, and they believe it to be true what they've been told.  And literally, don't realize what they're doing. And if they were in a calm environment and somebody was able to explain to them, Hey, here's what you're doing, here's what you're missing, I think, I don't know, 75% of people would be like, holy crap. I've been getting this wrong. I had no idea. Maybe even higher than 75% they really don't know. And that's super dangerous. And I think the media and journalism is playing a major role in that. Sometimes things get, you know, retracted and apologized for. But the damage is done, especially when it comes to social media. If you put out, Israel just bombed this hospital and killed a bunch of doctors, and then the next day you're like, Oops, sorry, that was wrong. Nobody cares. All they saw was Israel bombed a bunch of doctors and that seed's already been planted. So it's been a major issue the info war, while you know, obviously not the same stakes as a real life and death physical war has been as important a piece of this overall war as anything. And I wouldn't say it's going great. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Did it come up at all at the Correspondent's Dinner, or more of a celebration? Jonah Platt:   No, thank God. Yeah. It was more of a celebration. It was more of just sort of it was cool, because there was no host this year, there was no comedian, there was no president, he didn't come. So it was really like being in the clubhouse with the journalists, and you could sense they were sort of happy about it. Was like, just like a family reunion, kind of a vibe, like, it's just our people. We're all on the same page. We're the people who care about getting it right. We care about journalistic integrity. We're here to support each other. It was really nice. I mean, I liked being sort of a fly on the wall of this other group that I had not really been amongst before, and seeing them in their element in this like industry party, which was cool.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Okay, so we talked about journalists. What about your colleagues in the entertainment industry? Are you facing backlash from them, either out of malice or ignorance?  Jonah Platt:   I'm not facing any backlash from anybody of importance if I'm not getting an opportunity, or someone's written me off or something. I don't know that, you know, I have no idea if I'm now on somebody's list of I'm never gonna work with that guy. I don't know. I don't imagine I am. If I am, it says way more about that person than it does about me, because my approach, as we've discussed, is to try to be really inclusive and honest and, like, objective. And if I get something wrong, I'll delete it, or I'll say I got it wrong. I try to be very transparent and really open that, like I'm trying my best to get things right and to be fair.  And if you have a problem with that. You know, you've got a problem. I don't have a problem. So I wouldn't say any backlash. In fact, I mean, I get a lot of support, and a lot of, you know, appreciation from people in the industry who either are also speaking out or maybe too afraid to, and are glad that other people are doing it, which I have thoughts about too, but you know, when people are afraid to speak out about the stuff because of the things they're going to lose. Like, to a person, maybe you lose stuff, but like, you gain so many more other people and opportunities, people who were just sort of had no idea that you were on the same team and were waiting for you to say something, and they're like, Oh my God, you're in this with me too. Great, let's do something together, or whatever it is. So I've gotten, it's been much more positive than negative in terms of people I actually care about. I mean, I've gotten fans of entertainment who have nasty things to say about me, but not colleagues or industry peers.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So you would declare yourself a proud Zionist. Jonah Platt:   Yes. Manya Brachear Pashman:   But you wrote a column in The Forward recently over Passover saying, let's retire the word Zionist. Why?  Jonah Platt:   Yes. I recently wrote an op-ed and actually talked about on my pod as well about why I feel we should retire the word Zionism. Not that I think we actually are. It's pretty well in use. But my main reasoning was, that the way we all understand Zionism, those of us who actually know what it is, unlike a lot of people –is the belief that Jews should have self determination, sovereignty in some piece of the land to which they are indigenous. We have that. We've had it for almost 80 years. I don't know why we need to keep using a word that frames it as aspirational, that like, I believe we should have this thing. We already have it.  And I feel by sort of leaving that sentence without a period, we're sort of suggesting that non-existence is somehow on the table. Like, if I just protest enough, Israel's going to stop existing. I want to slam that door closed. I don't think we need to be the, I believe that Israel should exist people anymore. I think we should be the I love Israel people, or I support Israel people. I'm an Israel patriot. I'm a lover of Israel, whatever the phrase may be. To me, the idea that we should continue to sort of play by their framework of leaving that situation on the table, is it only hurts us, and I just don't think we need it. Manya Brachear Pashman:   It lets others define it, in their own terms.  Jonah Platt:   Yeah, we're playing, sort of by the rules of the other people's game. And I know, you know, I heard when I put that out, especially from Israelis, who it to them, it sort of means patriot, and they feel a lot of great pride with it, which I totally understand. But the sort of more universal understanding of what that word is, and certainly of what the Movement was, was about that aspirational creation of a land, that a land's been created. Not only has it been created, it's, you know, survived through numerous wars, it's stronger than ever. You know, third-most NASDAQ companies in the world. We need to just start talking about it from like, yeah, we're here. We're not going anywhere, kind of a place. And not, a we should exist, kind of a place. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So it's funny, you said, we all know what Zionism is. And I grinned a little bit, because there are so many different definitions of Zionism. I mean, also, Zionism was a very inclusive progressive ideology packaged in there, right, that nobody talks about because it's just kind of not, we just don't talk about it anymore.  So what else about the conversation needs to change? How do we move forward in a productive, constructive way when it comes to teaching about Jewish identity and securing the existence of Israel? Jonah Platt:   In a way, those two things are related, and in a way they're not. You can have a conversation about Jewish identity without necessarily going deep down the Israel hole. But it is critical that people understand how central a connection to Israel is, to Jewish identity. And people are allowed to believe whatever they want. And you can be someone who says, Well, you know, Israel is not important to me, and that's okay, that's you, but you have to at least be clear eyed that that is an extreme and fringe position. That is not a mainstream thing. And you're going to be met with mistrust and confusion and anger and a sense of betrayal, if that's your position.  So I think we need to be clear eyed about that and be able to have that conversation. And I think if we can get to the place where we can acknowledge that in each other. Like, dude, have your belief. I don't agree with it. I think it's crazy. Like, you gotta at least know that we all think you're crazy having that idea. And if they can get to the base, we're like, yeah, I understand that, but I'm gonna believe what I'm gonna believe, then we can have conversations and, like, then we can talk. I think the, I need to change your mind conversation, it doesn't usually work. It has to be really gently done. And I'm speaking this as much from failure as I am from success. As much as we try, sometimes our emotions come to the fore of these conversations, and that's–it's not gonna happen. You know, on my pod, I've talked about something called, I call the four C's of difficult conversation. And I recently, like, tried to have a conversation. I did not adhere to my four C's, and it did not go well. And so I didn't take my own advice. You have to come, like, legitimately ready to be curious to the other person's point of view, wanting to hear what they have to say. You know, honoring their truth, even if it is something that hurts you deeply or that you abhor. You can say that, but you have to say it from a place of respect and honoring. If you want it to go somewhere. If you just want to like, let somebody have it, go ahead, let somebody have it, but you're definitely not going to be building towards anything that. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So before I let you go, can you tell us a little bit about The Mensch? Jonah Platt:   Yeah, sure. So the Mensch is one of a couple of Jewish entertainment projects I'm now involved with in the last year, which, you know, I went from sort of zero to now three. The Mensch is a really unique film that's in development now. We're gonna be shooting this summer that I'm a producer on. And it's the story of a 30 something female rabbi in New Mexico who, life just isn't where she thought it would be. She's not connecting with her congregation. She's not as far along as she thought things would be. Her synagogue is failing, and there's an antisemitic event at her synagogue, and the synagogue gets shut down. And she's at the center of it. Two weeks later, the synagogue's reopening. She's coming back to work, and as part of this reopening to try to bring some some life and some juzz to the proceedings, one of the congregants from the synagogue, the most eccentric one, who's sort of a pariah, who's being played by Jennifer Goodwin, who's a fantastic actress and Jewish advocate, donates her family's priceless Holocaust-era Torah to the synagogue, and the rabbi gets tasked with going to pick it up and bring it. As things often happen for this rabbi, like a bunch of stuff goes wrong. Long story short, she ends up on a bus with the Torah in a bag, like a sports duffel bag, and gets into an altercation with somebody who has the same tattoo as the perpetrator of the event at her synagogue, and unbeknownst to the two of them, they have the same sports duffel bag, and they accidentally swap them. So she shows up at the synagogue with Jennifer Goodwin, they're opening it up, expecting to see a Torah, and it's full of bricks of cocaine. And the ceremony is the next day, and they have less than 24 hours to track down this torah through the seedy, drug-dealing, white nationalist underbelly of the city. And, you know, drama and hilarity ensue. And there's lots of sort of fun, a magic realism to some of the proceedings that give it like a biblical tableau, kind of sense. There's wandering in the desert and a burning cactus and things of that nature.  So it's just, it's really unique, and what drew me to it is what I'm looking for in any sort of Jewish project that I'm supporting, whether as a viewer or behind the scenes, is a contemporary story that's not about Jews dying in the Holocaust. That is a story of people just being people, and those people are Jewish. And so the things that they think about, the way they live, maybe their jobs, even in this case, are Jewish ones. But it's not like a story of the Jews in that sense. The only touch point the majority of the world has for Jews is the news and TV and film. And so if that's how people are gonna learn about us, we need to take that seriously and make sure they're learning who we really are, which is regular people, just like you, dealing with the same kind of problems, the same relationships, and just doing that through a little bit of a Jewish lens. So the movie is entertaining and unique and totally fun, but it also just happens to be about Jews and rabbis. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And so possible, spoiler alert, does the White Nationalist end up being the Mensch in the end? Jonah Platt:   No, no, the white nationalist is not the mensch. They're the villain.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   I thought maybe there was a conversion moment in this film. Jonah Platt:   No conversion. But sort of, one of the themes you take away is, anybody can be a mensch. You don't necessarily need to be the best rabbi in the world to be a mensch. We're all fallible, flawed human beings. And what's important is that we try to do good and we try to do the right thing, and usually that's enough. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, I thought that kind of twist would be… Jonah Platt:   I'll take it up with the writer.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, Jonah, you are truly a mensch for joining us on the sidelines here today. Jonah Platt:   Thank you. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Safe travels, wherever you're headed next.  Jonah Platt:   Thank you very much. Happy to be with you.   

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is talking tough on the campaign trail. Recently in Savannah, he called out the Trump administration for its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Ossoff also lashed out at Trump for his so-called 'big, beautiful bill.' Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam to dissect all this. Plus, prominent Georgia Republican Brant Frost IV is apologizing for his $140M Ponzi scheme, and a federal judge ordered his assets frozen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.