Podcast appearances and mentions of mike johnson

Jason Kander and Ravi Gupta break down the Pentagon's escalating showdown with Anthropic, as the Pentagon threatens to cut ties or invoke the Defense Production Act while new war-game research from King's College London shows models from OpenAI, Google, and others recommending nuclear use far more often than humans, alongside a viral video of Sam Altman. They analyze Donald Trump's State of the Union theatrics on the economy and culture wars, the “two-tier economy” warning from McDonald's's CEO, his use of the gallery for viral moments on immigration and trans issues, and stark rhetoric from Mike Johnson. Kander and Gupta also dive into the Epstein files, with NPR reporting missing Trump documents, arrests in the U.K. of Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson, and renewed questions about why there's no U.S. accountability. Plus, they discuss the tariff decision and the fallout from attacks on the Supreme Court, including warnings from National Review's Andrew McCarthy, an ICE training whistleblower, flight delays tied to Kash Patel that Dick Durbin says hampered the FBI, a youth surge for James Fishback in Florida, and House leadership refusing to call on Tony Gonzales to resign. This and more on the podcast that helps you, the majority of Americans who believe in progress, convince your conservative friends and family to join us—this is Majority 54! Smalls: Get 60% off your first order plus free shipping at https://Smalls.com/MAJORITY54. Nutrafol: Find out why Nutrafol is the best-selling hair growth supplement brand at https://Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code MAJORITY. Check out Ravi's Substack: https://realravigupta.substack.com/p/how-to-stay-off-the-island Join Squadra at https://joinsquadra.com Majority 54 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majority_54 Majority 54 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/majority54 Jason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonKander Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonkander/ Ravi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviMGupta Ravi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravimgupta Ravi on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LostDebate Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast 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-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump doubles down on lying about the economy during his State of the Union speech. CBS's Tony Dokoupil fawns over Trump's speech. Polling shows that people were unconvinced by Trump after his State of the Union. Mike Johnson gives a new warning ahead of the midterms. The DOJ allegedly withheld dozens of Epstein documents related to Trump. Host: John Iadarola (@johniadarola) Co-Host: Sharon Reed (@SharonReedLive) ***** SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE TIKTOK  ☞        https://www.tiktok.com/@thedamagereport INSTAGRAM  ☞   https://www.instagram.com/thedamagereport TWITTER  ☞         https://twitter.com/TheDamageReport FACEBOOK  ☞     https://www.facebook.com/TheDamageReportTYT

With the President of the United States Accused of Raping a 13 Year-Old Girl, the Brazen and Shameless Hypocrisy of Mike Johnson's Christian Nationalists and the MAGA Movement | Sasha Linden Cohen With Heather Ann Thompson on a Crucial Turning Point When Rupert Murdoch Stoked White Rage in the Reagan 80's backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia linktr.ee/backgroundbriefing

Ta-ta-ta-da! David Waldman and Greg Dworkin serve up a tasty KITM that you'll prefer to the high-price spread! People are still talking about Trump's boring lying in the SOTU. The bits tying the lies together got some attention, but they weren't the point and weren't why anyone was tuning in or tuning out. Trump voters are so embarrassed, that they are pretending not to be Trump voters. Many are getting sick of pretending that they are winning. Many importers are tired of pretending tariffs worked. At least Mike Johnson only needs to pretend for a few more months. Hey, Cubans are now killing Caribbean boaters! Is that even legal? Whoa! Gops don't know what's going on in Texas, neither do Dems. When in doubt, throw money at it. Things are much more clear in the New York Governor race, and out in Pennsylvania. ICE remain the manifestation of MAGA weenie ethos. The SAVE act is dying, and the talking filibuster won't save it. Howard Lutnick is Trump's favorite dealmaker, so it probably doesn't matter if he can make deals. Jeffrey Epstein remains a concern as more villains are exposed, and more villains try not to be exposed. MAGA are reaching down and finding cognitive dissonance they didn't know they had. Kansas demands that trans residents behave how they want them to, until they do, then they'll demand that they act a different way. The FBI raided Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Alberto Carvalho's home and office in relation to an AI chatbot company, which is the new hot place to do felony scams.

-- On the Show -- Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union address was a low-energy, reality-detached speech filled with false claims, self-praise, and economic distortions -- Right-wing politicians and media figures exaggerate and misrepresent data to portray Donald Trump as dominant and successful despite weak approval numbers -- Attorney General Pam Bondi struggles to defend Donald Trump's State of the Union during a Fox and Friends interview and fails to present a clear argument -- Several voters criticize Donald Trump's State of the Union speech for lacking economic clarity while one swing voter offers vague praise without specifics -- Mike Johnson admits that losing the midterms would expose Donald Trump to renewed investigations and aggressive House oversight -- The United States Department of Justice withholds dozens of tracked FBI pages tied to allegations involving Donald Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein case -- Joe Kernen challenges Senator Markwayne Mullin's inflation claim on CNBC, undercutting a key Republican talking point about economic progress -- Global markets significantly outperform United States markets since Donald Trump returns to office, weakening his economic leadership narrative -- On the Bonus Show: Democrats win three more elections, prices likely won't go down despite SCOTUS's ruling against Trump's tariffs, the US government drops its case against six Democratic lawmakers, and much more...

Dear Humans, NOTE: Jesus was out sick today. Instead, I hung out with "your weirdo friend," Dr. G! They're a community college rhetorician and gender studies teacher who studies how people talk about things and the impact of that. Make sure to follow them here. Today we covered: Why the way we talk about Epstein matters, and why Dr. G wants less "thrill" and more "consequences, please" The dominoes falling faster overseas, and why international paper trails make coverups way harder to pull off Mike Johnson as a haunted Victorian doll, a creepy elf on the shelf, and the Covenant Eyes "accountability buddy" nightmare that turns your stomach for a reason Why they want you stuck in fear mode, and how hopelessness is their favorite drug Dead internet theory, bots, and the idea that likes are being manipulated to make creators feel alone, even when views are still huge "Don't give him oxygen" as a strategy, plus your sanity check on skipping the State of the Union and choosing literally anything else The Duluth power-and-control wheel, and why it maps disturbingly well onto authoritarian tactics What people can actually do: neighborhood-level organizing, mutual aid, taking marching orders from experienced organizers, and letting "big quiet dudes" run interference for community safety Happy Tuesday, humans. Enjoy this episode with Dr. G, your weirdo friend, and please, for the love of Me, I hope you're doing anything else right now instead of giving Tangerine Palpatine more of your precious time. Love, God

He also met everybody! Really, Speaker Mike Johnson, RFK Jr., Chip Roy, Burgess Owens, Sean Duffy, and many, many more. Was this consummate professional starstruck by anyone? Let's find out.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac let you hear part of Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham's interview with The Steakhouse yesterday where he tells Steak and Sandra that he and the Falcons are planning to release quarterback Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year, react to what Cunningham had to say, and explain why they think the Falcons releasing Kirk Cousins after two seasons was always the most likely outcome.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac let you hear part of Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham's interview with The Steakhouse yesterday where he tells Steak and Sandra why the team is franchise tagging tight end Kyle Pitts, react to what Cunning had to say let you hear part of Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski's interview with Dukes & Bell yesterday where he talks about how Kyle Pitts will fit in the Falcons offense, react to what Stefanski had to say, and explain why they think Ian Cunningham's explanation on why the team is franchise tagging Kyle Pitts feels like the tag will serve as a one-year prove it deal for Pitts.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to the news that veteran left tackle Trent Williams and the 49ers are struggling to find a contractual solution and that could result in the 49ers releasing Williams and the All-Pro left tackle becoming a free agent next month. Mike, Beau, and Ali explain why they think Williams is still good enough to be a starting left tackle on a win now team if he becomes a free agent. The Morning Shift crew also reacts to the news that Washington Commanders' linebacker Bobby Wagner announced his plan to play a 15th NFL season next year, and that he's going to be a free agent next month as well.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac let you hear part of Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski's interview with Dukes & Bell yesterday where he's asked if he thinks Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco could be a good fit as the Falcons backup quarterback, react to what Coach Stefanski had to say, and explain why they think the Falcons adding a backup quarterback like Joe Flacco would show belief in Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Mike, Ali, and Beau also let you hear part of Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham's interview with The Steakhouse yesterday where he talks about the importance of the NFL Scouting Combine and makes it known that the Falcons will never have as few as five draft picks again as long as he is the teams' GM. The Morning Shift crew reacts to what Cunningham had to say as well.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to the latest news, rumors, and reports in the NFL as they go In The Huddle!

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham being non-committal on free-agent linebacker Kaden Ellissin his scrum with the local media at the NFL Combine yesterday when asked if Elliss is a guy Atlanta wants back, and explain why they would hate to lose Elliss and want him back, but think the Falcons can find a cheaper option and better system fit at linebacker than Kaden Elliss.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves agreeing on a one-year, $27 million-dollar contract extension that includes a club option, talk about how the Braves still need to sign another starting pitcher, explain why they think the Braves haven't made moves this offseason like a team that feels like they're World Series contenders, and discuss if the Braves' new in-house TV Network BravesVision could ultimately make Liberty Media give Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos more money to spend on their own players and free agents.

HR3 - Kaden Elliss may end up being Falcons cap casualty along with Tyler Allgeier In hour three Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac quickly touch on some of the biggest headlines around the local and national sports scene, react to Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham being non-committal on free-agent linebacker Kaden Elliss in his scrum with the local media at the NFL Combine yesterday when asked if Elliss is a guy Atlanta wants back, and explain why they would hate to lose Elliss and want him back, but think the Falcons can find a cheaper option and better system fit at linebacker than Kaden Elliss. Then, Mike, Beau, and Ali react to Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves agreeing on a one-year, $27 million-dollar contract extension that includes a club option, talk about how the Braves still need to sign another starting pitcher, explain why they think the Braves haven't made moves this offseason like a team that feels like they're World Series contenders, discuss if the Braves' new in-house TV Network BravesVision could ultimately make Liberty Media give Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos more money to spend on their own players and free agents, recap and react to the Atlanta Hawks' 119-98 win over the Washington Wizards last night, react to last night being the first time former Hawks All-Star Trae Young has been back in Atlanta since being traded to the Wizards last month, talk about the tribute video the Hawks played for Trae and how it made them feel, discuss Jonathan Kuminga making his Hawks debut last night since be trading to the team as part of the Kristaps Porziņģis trade, let you hear Hawks Head Coach Quin Snyder talk about how Kuminga showed the things he's been coaching, react to what Coach Snyder had to say, explain why they think Kuminga's Hawks debut was great and now consistency is the next big step, and then close out hour three by answering people's questions about anything in the Morning Mailbag!

HR2 - Falcons next move at quarterback could say a lot about Michael Penix Jr.'s future In hour two Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac quickly touch on some of the biggest headlines around the local and national sports scene, let you hear part of Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski's interview with Dukes & Bell yesterday where he's asked if he thinks Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco could be a good fit as the Falcons backup quarterback, react to what Coach Stefanski had to say, and explain why they think the Falcons adding a backup quarterback like Joe Flacco would show belief in Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Mike, Ali, and Beau also let you hear part of Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham's interview with The Steakhouse yesterday where he talks about the importance of the NFL Scouting Combine and makes it known that the Falcons will never have as few as five draft picks again as long as he is the teams' GM. The Morning Shift crew reacts to what Cunningham had to say as well. Mike, Beau, and Ali also play a round of Which One Wednesday for the halftime portion of the show, react to the news that the Savannah Bananas have furthered their partnership with ESPN and Disney+ on a 25-game exclusive package beginning February 28, and then close out hour two by reacting to the latest news, rumors, and reports in the NFL as they go In The Huddle!

HR1 - Still don't know how Ian Cunningham & Kevin Stefanski feel about 2026 Falcons In hour one Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac quickly touch on some of the biggest headlines around the local and national sports scene, let you hear part of Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham's interview with The Steakhouse yesterday where he tells Steak and Sandra that he and the Falcons are planning to release quarterback Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year, react to what Cunnigham had to say, explain why they think the Falcons releasing Kirk Cousins after two seasons was always the most likely outcome, let you hear part of Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham's interview with The Steakhouse yesterday where he tells Steak and Sandra why the team is franchise tagging tight end Kyle Pitts, react to what Cunning had to say, let you hear part of Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski's interview with Dukes & Bell yesterday where he talks about how Kyle Pitts will fit in the Falcons offense, react to what Stefanski had to say, explain why they think Ian Cunningham's explanation on why the team is franchise tagging Kyle Pitts feels like the tag will serve as a one-year prove it deal for Pitts, react to the news that veteran left tackle Trent Williams and the 49ers are struggling to find a contractual solution and that could result in the 49ers releasing Williams and the All-Pro left tackle becoming a free agent next month, explain why they think Williams is still good enough to be a starting left tackle on a win now team if he becomes a free agent, react to the news that Washington Commanders' linebacker Bobby Wagner announced his plan to play a 15th NFL season next year and that he's going to be a free agent next month as well, and then close out hour one by diving into the life of Dylan Mathews in ‘Dylin wit it'!

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac play a round of Which One Wednesday for the halftime portion of the show!

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac recap and react to the Atlanta Hawks' 119-98 win over the Washington Wizards last night, react to last night being the first time former Hawks All-Star Trae Young has been back in Atlanta since being traded to the Wizards last month, talk about the tribute video the Hawks played for Trae and how it made them feel, discuss Jonathan Kuminga making his Hawks debut last night since be trading to the team as part of the Kristaps Porziņģis trade, let you hear Hawks Head Coach Quin Snyder talk about how Kuminga showed the things he's been coaching, react to what Coach Snyder had to say, explain why they think Kuminga's Hawks debut was great and now consistency is the next big step, and then close out hour three by answering people's questions about anything in the Morning Mailbag!

1. Recent Meetings & Political Context Ben has been in Washington, D.C., meeting with the Treasury Secretary, appearing on Fox News Sunday, and meeting Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of the upcoming State of the Union address. These meetings emphasized what they consider President Trump’s accomplishments, such as tariffs, economic gains, and prioritizing American jobs. 2. Importance of Trump’s Upcoming State of the Union Trump aims to sell voters on his first year back in office, highlighting economic and immigration actions. The speech is viewed as crucial for setting the stage for his next four years and midterm election momentum. 3. Challenges Facing Trump Recent polls showing low approval ratings. The Supreme Court striking down his tariff policy, though Trump reportedly has a workaround. Concerns that if Democrats win back either chamber, his second-term agenda could be paralyzed. 4. Tensions Within the Democratic Party Significant internal division over: Who should respond to Trump’s speech. The direction of their policy messaging. Some Democrats plan to boycott the speech; others push for a coordinated walkout. Multiple separate Democratic responses highlight fractured internal unity. 5. Expected Themes in Trump’s Speech Economy: Claiming reduced inflation, economic revival, and new policies like no tax on tips or overtime. Immigration & Crime: Border security, crackdowns on criminal activity, lowering crime in major cities. Foreign Policy: Rising tensions with Iran, U.S. military buildup, Middle East issues, Ukraine/Russia, and wars he says he has ended. Angel Families: Honoring families of Americans killed by undocumented immigrants. 6. Media & Public Perception The White House event with Angel Families received little coverage from mainstream networks, which is criticized in the text. Trump dismisses negative media polls as “fake.” 7. High Stakes of the Midterms The speech will stress that a Democratic-controlled Congress could: End Trump’s legislative agenda. Lead to new investigations. Potentially result in a third impeachment. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Bryan Hayes, Jeff O'Neill and Jamie McLennan for Hour 2 on OverDrive! TSN Hockey Analyst Mike Johnson on Canada's gold medal defeat to the United States, the NHL players returning back to play and contenders in the league. Hockey Hall of Famer and Olympic Medalist Jeremy Roenick on USA's gold medal win, the foundation for USA Hockey and Auston Matthews' legacy and Bryan hands out his FanDuel Best Bets.

HR2 - With limited draft picks & cap space Falcons had to franchise tag Kyle Pitts In hour two Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac quickly touch on some of the biggest headlines around the local and national sports scene, continue to react to the news that the Atlanta Falcons plan to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., explain why they think the Falcons franchise tagging Pitts is a bad idea because Pitts doesn't co-exist well with Drake London and Bijan Robinson and doesn't help bring the best out in London and Robinson. Then, Mike, Beau, Ali, and Dylan Mathews play two truths and a lie during the halftime portion of the show, and then close out hour two by reacting to the latest news, rumors, and reports in the NFL as they go In The Huddle.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to the news that the Atlanta Falcons plan to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., explain why they think the Falcons franchise tagging Kyle Pitts is them overpaying for an inconsistent one trick pony, but also explain why they think Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski didn't have a choice but to franchise tag Pitts with the lack of draft picks and limited amount of cap space that they have.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to Jason La Canfora saying that an anonymous NFL General Manager told him that the Atlanta Falcons won't just be pursuing a quarterback to man the position while Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. recovers, but attempt to find a superior option to him if possible and prepare for a scenario in which Penix Jr. is not their top choice in 2026. Mike, Beau, and Ali also react to La Canfora saying that an anonymous NFL General Manager told him that the Falcons will be in the market for a new quarterback, are looking for a starting quarterback, and that it's not good there with Penix Jr.. The Morning Shift crew explains why they are taking what La Canfora said with a grain of salt, and explain why they think the Falcons are only looking for a starting quarterback that is good enough to possibly win a few games if Penix Jr. isn't ready to start week one.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to the news that the Atlanta Braves have signed former Auburn left handed pitcher, Peyton Glavine, son of Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, to a minor league deal, and explain why they think if any team will be able to get the most out of Peyton Glavine it's the Braves because of their ability to develop pitchers well.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac continue to react to the news that the Atlanta Falcons plan to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., and explain why they think the Falcons franchise tagging Pitts is a bad idea because Pitts doesn't co-exist well with Drake London and Bijan Robinson and doesn't help bring the best out in London and Robinson.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, Ali Mac, and Dylan Mathews play two truths and a lie during the halftime portion of the show!

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to the latest news, rumors, and reports in the NFL as they go In The Huddle!

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac continue to react to the news that the Atlanta Falcons plan to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., explain why they think Pitts hasn't been consistent enough to get the franchise tag, explain why they think a new offense won't automatically fix the hole in Pitts' game, react to the breaking news that the Atlanta Braves have announced the launch of BravesVision, a new television network owned and operated entirely by the organization, and that beginning this season, BravesVision will become the official local television home of the Braves.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac continue to react to Jason La Canfora saying that an anonymous NFL General Manager told him that the Atlanta Falcons won't just be pursuing a quarterback to man the position while Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. recovers, but attempt to find a superior option to him if possible and prepare for a scenario in which Penix Jr. is not their top choice in 2026. Mike, Beau, and Ali also react to La Canfora saying that an anonymous NFL General Manager told him that the Falcons will be in the market for a new quarterback, are looking for a starting quarterback, and that it's not good in Atlanta with Penix Jr. The Morning Shift crew also explains why they think this report from La Canfora is just him trying to break some news to be able to say he broke some news.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac let you hear Georgia Bulldogs Head Football Coach Kirby Smart and Miami Hurricanes Head Football Coach Mario Cristobal troll each other and poke fun at each other while they were both at an event together, and talk about how it's nice to see two premier college football head coaches be able to do that with each other.

HR3 - Braves new TV network BravesVision could be what turns team into top spender In hour three Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac quickly touch on some of the biggest headlines around the local and national sports scene, continue to react to the news that the Atlanta Falcons plan to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., explain why they think Pitts hasn't been consistent enough to get the franchise tag, explain why they think a new offense won't automatically fix the hole in Pitts' game, react to the breaking news that the Atlanta Braves have announced the launch of BravesVision, a new television network owned and operated entirely by the organization, talk about the U.S. Men's National Hockey team being out in Miami living their best life and celebrating them taking home the gold medal in this year's winter olympics after being Canada in the gold medal game, continue to react to Jason La Canfora saying that an anonymous NFL General Manager told him that the Atlanta Falcons won't just be pursuing a quarterback to man the position while Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. recovers, but attempt to find a superior option to him if possible and prepare for a scenario in which Penix Jr. is not their top choice in 2026. Mike, Beau, and Ali also react to La Canfora saying that an anonymous NFL General Manager told him that the Falcons will be in the market for a new quarterback, are looking for a starting quarterback, and that it's not good in Atlanta with Penix Jr. The Morning Shift crew also explains why they think this report from La Canfora is just him trying to break some news to be able to say he broke some news. The Morning Shift crew also lets you hear Georgia Bulldogs Head Football Coach Kirby Smart and Miami Hurricanes Head Football Coach Mario Cristobal troll each other and poke fun at each other while they were both at an event together, and talk about how it's nice to see two premier college football head coaches be able to do that with each other.

HR1 - Kyle Pitts' play style doesn't fit long term vision Matt Ryan has for Falcons In hour one Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac quickly touch on some of the biggest headlines around the local and national sports scene, react to the news that the Atlanta Falcons plan to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., explain why they think the Falcons franchise tagging Kyle Pitts is them overpaying for an inconsistent one trick pony, but explain why they also think Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski didn't have a choice but to franchise tag Pitts with the lack of draft picks and limited amount of cap space that they have. Mike, Beau, and Ali also react to Jason La Canfora saying that an anonymous NFL General Manager told him that the Atlanta Falcons won't just be pursuing a quarterback to man the position while Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. recovers, but attempt to find a superior option to him if possible and prepare for a scenario in which Penix Jr. is not their top choice in 2026. The Morning Shift crew also reacts to La Canfora saying that an anonymous NFL General Manager told him that the Falcons will be in the market for a new quarterback, are looking for a starting quarterback, and that it's not good in Atlanta with Penix Jr. Mike, Beau, and Ali also explain why they are taking what La Canfora said with a grain of salt, explain why they think the Falcons are only looking for a starting quarterback that is good enough to possibly win a few games if Penix Jr. isn't ready to start week one, react to the news that the Atlanta Braves have signed former Auburn left handed pitcher, Peyton Glavine, son of Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, to a minor league deal, explain why they think if any team will be able to get the most out of Peyton Glavine it's the Braves because of their ability to develop pitchers well, and then close out hour one by diving into the life of Ali Mac in Ali's Mac Drop!

With the recent passing of Rev. JesseJackson, many have been concerned at the lack of celebration and respect being shown by the current administration, including lack of official direction to fly flags at half-mast, and Mike Johnson's flat refusal to consider Jackson's potential for interment in the Capital Rotunda.  Lack of respect or outright erasure of civil rights can contribute to advocacy burnout, or stress from the current political climate. Along with many other forms of action, openly celebrating causes or individuals is a form of self-care. Today I want to share a brief story about Jackson's skill as a diplomat and negotiator, and how he used these talents to successfully aid in the release of hostages on the international stage.  Please go check out www.lavenderproject.org, our highlighted nonprofit for this month, to support this wonderful organization helping Black Trans Americans. Share, support, and celebrate their important work.

HR3 - Next season will be perfect time for Bralen Trice to have breakout year In hour three Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac quickly touch on some of the biggest headlines around the local and national sports scene, recap and react to Tyler Reddick winning the AutoTrader 400 at Echo Park Speedway here in Hampton, Georgia over the weekend, talk about how it was a great brand of racing at Echo Park Speedway over the weekend, recap their weekend at Echo Park Speedway, switch gears and talk about which Atlanta Falcons player they think needs to make the biggest jump next season besides Michael Penix Jr., explain why they think Bralen Trice has a chance to be an impact player on the Falcons defensive line this season with the uncertainty surrounding James Pearce Jr., continue to recap and react to the Atlanta Braves' first two spring training games, talk about what their biggest takeaways were, talk about how it was promising to see some of the Braves big bats and pitchers start off hot in their first two spring training games over the weekend, explain why they think the Braves need Spencer Strider in Cy Young form more than ever this season, talk about secret menus at fast food restaurants, and then close out hour three by answering people's questions about anything in the Morning Mailbag!

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac talk to WWE Superstar Gunther ahead of tonight's WWE Monday Night RAW in Atlanta's State Farm Arena that will feature the return of Brock Lesnar, crucial Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, and a special tribute to Georgia's own AJ Styles. Mike, Beau, Ali, and Gunther discuss him being a career ender, whose career he'll end next, his role as a heel being more of a lifestyle than a role he plays, and if he'll potentially ruin Georgia's own AJ Styles' special tribute.

HR1 - Tyler Reddick led beautiful brand of racing at EchoPark Speedway this weekend In hour one Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac quickly touch on some of the biggest headlines around the local and national sports scene, recap and react to Tyler Reddick winning the AutoTrader 400 at Echo Park Speedway here in Hampton, Georgia over the weekend, talk about how it was a great brand of racing at Echo Park Speedway over the weekend, and recap their weekend at Echo Park Speedway. Then, Mike, Beau, and Ali spend some time with WWE Superstar Gunther ahead of tonight's WWE Monday Night RAW in Atlanta's State Farm Arena that will feature the return of Brock Lesnar, crucial Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, and a special tribute to Georgia's own AJ Styles. Mike, Beau, Ali, and Gunther discuss him being a career ender, whose career he'll end next, his role as a heel being more of a lifestyle than a role he plays, and if he'll potentially ruin Georgia's own AJ Styles' special tribute. The Morning Shift crew also recap and react to both the U.S. men's and women's hockey teams achieving a historic milestone by winning gold medals at the same Olympics for the first time ever this year at this year's Winter Olympics in Milan, talk about if they think this will help hockey's popularity become more global and less regional, and then close out hour one by reacting to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield downplaying there being any issue with his former head coach and now Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski.

HR2 - Braves showed some promising signs in first two Grapefruit League games In hour two Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac quickly touch on some of the biggest headlines around the local and national sports scene, recap and react to the Atlanta Braves' first two spring training games, talk about what their biggest takeaways were, talk about how it was promising to see some of the Braves big bats and pitchers start off hot in their first two spring training games over the weekend, switch gears and talk about which Atlanta Falcons player they think needs to make the biggest jump next season besides Michael Penix Jr., hit the halftime portion of the show where they talk about some of the crazy and funny stories that happened over the weekend that you may've missed, including Punch the Monkey continuing to steal the hearts of people around the world, and then close out hour two by reacting to the latest news, rumors, and reports in the NFL as they go In The Huddle.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac recap and react to Tyler Reddick winning the AutoTrader 400 at Echo Park Speedway here in Hampton, Georgia over the weekend, talk about how it was a great brand of racing at Echo Park Speedway over the weekend, and recap their weekend at Echo Park Speedway.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac recap and react to both the U.S. men's and women's hockey teams achieving a historic milestone by winning gold medals at the same Olympics for the first time ever this year at this year's Winter Olympics in Milan, and talk about if they think this will help hockey's popularity become more global and less regional.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac recap and react to the Atlanta Braves' first two spring training games, talk about what their biggest takeaways were, and talk about how it was promising to see some of Braves big bats and pitchers start off hot in their first two spring training games over the weekend.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac hit the halftime portion of the show where they talk about some of the crazy and funny stories that happened over the weekend that you may've missed.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac react to the latest news, rumors, and reports in the NFL as they go In The Huddle.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac talk about which Atlanta Falcons player they think needs to make the biggest jump next season besides Michael Penix Jr., and explain why they think Bralen Trice has a chance to be an impact player on the Falcons defensive line this season with the uncertainty surrounding James Pearce Jr.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac recap and react to the Atlanta Braves' first two spring training games, talk about what their biggest takeaways were, talk about how it was promising to see some of Braves big bats and pitchers start off hot in their first two spring training games over the weekend, and explain why they think Braves need Spencer Strider in Cy Young form more than ever this season.

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac close out hour three by talking about secret menus at fast food restaurants and answering people's questions about anything in the Morning Mailbag!

Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram. You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for February 20, 2026. 0:30 Today, we reflect on the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson — civil rights leader, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, two-time presidential candidate, and a man who undeniably shaped America’s political and cultural conversation for decades. But the debate today isn’t about whether he mattered. It’s about whether he meets the historic threshold for one of the nation’s highest ceremonial honors: lying in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. After Mike Johnson declined a request to grant that distinction, critics cried partisanship. We slow the conversation down and ask a deeper question: What is the standard? The Rotunda is reserved for figures deemed central to the constitutional story of the United States — a rare honor previously extended to individuals such as Rosa Parks, Billy Graham, and even Pierre Charles L'Enfant. So where is the line between influence and national consensus? Between impact and constitutional significance? We discuss Jackson’s contributions, his controversies, and the broader principle at stake: preserving the Rotunda as sacred civic space — not a stage for popularity or partisanship. 9:30 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. The US Supreme Court struck down President Trump's use of Tariffs without congressional authorization. The United States and Indonesia finalized a bilateral trade agreement today that will lower tariffs between the two countries to 19%. Jesse Jackson's body will not lie in state under the Capital Rotunda.Jackson's family had requested that his body be allowed to lie in state, but that request was denied by Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. 12:30 Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 13:00 The Supreme Court of the United States handed down a 6–3 decision striking down President Donald Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Court made clear: that particular statute can’t be used as the vehicle for those tariffs. But that didn’t end the story. Within hours, the administration pivoted — announcing a new 10% tariff under the Trade Act of 1974, a separate law that explicitly grants the president temporary tariff authority. In fact, even members of the Court noted there are other statutory paths available. So what are we witnessing — constitutional chaos or constitutional chess? 16:00 We got a question for the American Mamas: “I’m so glad I grew up in the ’80s. How can you keep up with all the trends today?” It sparks a lively (and hilarious) walk down memory lane as Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson join us to compare the universal “just knew it” culture of the 1980s with today’s lightning-fast, social-media-driven world. From slang that changes overnight to the pressure of documenting everything online, we explore how growing up before smartphones may have been a hidden blessing. The conversation turns to modern milestones — over-the-top weddings, pricey bachelorette trips, elaborate gender reveals — and how platforms like TikTok and Twitter have transformed private celebrations into public productions. What used to be punch, mints, and a phone call has become curated content and camera-ready moments. It’s a funny, relatable look at generational shifts, cultural pressure, and why some of us are grateful our most embarrassing moments weren’t captured in 4K. Got a question for the American Mamas? Visit americangroundradio.com/mamas and click “Ask the Mamas.” 23:00 President Donald Trump has directed the Secretary of Defense and other agencies to begin identifying and releasing government files related to UFOs, unidentified aerial phenomena, and any potential information connected to extraterrestrial life. Laugh if you want — but for years, trained Navy and Air Force pilots have reported aerial objects performing maneuvers that appear to defy conventional aerodynamics. These aren’t backyard videos or internet hoaxes. They’re encounters documented by military aviators asking a serious question: what exactly are we seeing? We explore the long shadow of Area 51, Cold War-era secrecy, and how government disinformation about experimental aircraft may have fueled decades of alien speculation. We also separate fact from fiction when it comes to so-called “chemtrails” versus ordinary condensation trails — and why conspiracy theories persist. 26:00 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis traveled to Kentucky this week with a bold message: Congress won’t fix itself — and it’s time for the states to step in. Testifying before Kentucky lawmakers, DeSantis urged them to support an Article V constitutional convention aimed at passing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. With the national debt approaching $40 trillion, he argued that without permanent structural changes, Washington’s “muscle memory” of spending and compromise will continue — no matter which party is in power. We Dig Deep into break down how an Article V convention works, why 34 states are required to trigger it, and where the effort currently stands. Twenty states have already signed on — mostly Republican-led — but even if every remaining red state joined, supporters would still need buy-in from purple or Democrat-led legislatures. 32:00 Get Performlyte from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 32:30 A social media post from Congressman Randy Fine has gone viral — and sparked a firestorm. Fine responded to comments tied to New York political circles suggesting restrictions on dogs in public housing, referencing concerns rooted in Islamic views that consider dogs unclean. Fine pushed back bluntly, arguing that if Americans were ever forced to choose between their pets and accommodating religious restrictions, it wouldn’t be a difficult decision. Critics immediately labeled the remarks Islamophobic. Supporters say the point wasn’t about religion — it was about culture, assimilation, and whether American traditions should bend to accommodate beliefs that conflict with everyday life in the U.S. In this segment, we unpack the controversy, the statistics behind America’s deep attachment to pets — including service and therapy dogs — and the broader debate over cultural expectations in a free society. We also discuss Fine’s proposed “Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act” and what it symbolizes in the larger conversation about immigration, religious freedom, and preserving American norms. 35:30 Plus, it's Fake News Friday! We're putting you to the test with our weekly game of headlines—are they real news, fake news, or really fake news? From cowboys and Gavin Newsom's dyslexia, to the airport being named after President Trump can you spot the fake news? Play along, keep score, and share your results with us on Facebook page: facebook.com/AmericanGroundRadio. 39:30 We talk about Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling on presidential tariff authority and what it means for the balance of power in Washington. When former Vice President Mike Pence praised the decision as a win for the Constitution, was it a straightforward defense of separation of powers—or a subtle jab at Donald Trump? And we end today's show with the powerful Olympic story of Alysa Liu—an American gold medal victory with international intrigue and a reminder of the opportunities and freedoms that define the American dream. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy. Articles US and Indonesia finalise deal to cut tariffs to 19% Major Defense Contractor Flees Spanberger’s Virginia Just Weeks After She Takes Office. Why was Ron DeSantis in Kentucky? What he wants from state lawmakers @ReOpenChris X Post: "Governor DeSantis pitches Federal Balanced Budget Amendment to Kentucky Legislature." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta Description: Kentucky financial advisors discuss Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh’s impact on interest rates, market volatility, and retirement portfolios. Dupree insights on portfolio management. When market uncertainty meets changing Federal Reserve leadership, retirees need clear guidance on protecting their portfolios. In this episode of The Financial Hour, Tom Dupree Jr., James Dupree, and Mike Johnson provide direct access to portfolio managers who explain how Kevin Warsh’s nomination as Fed Chair could reshape your retirement strategy through interest rate changes and market positioning. Understanding Kevin Warsh’s Approach to Federal Reserve Policy The nomination of Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chair has created significant market implications for retirement portfolios. As Tom Dupree explains, “Warsh is gonna have to deal with this stuff and the stock market is not gonna be his only problem.” His unconventional stance differs from traditional dovish or hawkish approaches, creating both opportunities and challenges for income-focused investors. Mike Johnson notes that Warsh “has kind of an odd view” because “he’s been critical of the size of the Fed’s balance sheet.” This critical perspective on quantitative easing could fundamentally alter how markets price risk and opportunity, particularly for those managing retirement income portfolios in Kentucky and beyond. Interest Rate Environment and Portfolio Impact The Yield Curve Steepening Effect The current interest rate environment shows a steepening yield curve, where long-term rates rise while short-term rates decline. Mike explains: “You’ve seen the yield curve steep… long-term rates have been going up, while short-term rates are going down.” This creates distinct opportunities across different market segments. Small-cap stocks, which are “more tied to shorter term interest rates,” could benefit from Fed rate cuts on the short end. Meanwhile, high-multiple growth stocks face valuation pressure as long-term rates normalize. Treasury Bonds and Market Positioning The 30-year Treasury currently sits at 4.77%, having fluctuated based on market expectations. As our team discusses, the real question becomes: “Trump wants this guy to get rates lower so that housing will start moving… but rates may end up going higher.” This uncertainty requires active personalized portfolio management rather than passive acceptance of market direction. Market Rotation: From Growth to Value and Income Dividend-Focused Strategy in Volatile Markets Since October, markets have experienced significant rotation from growth expectations into cash-flow-predictable companies. As Mike observes, “You’ve seen a rotation out of growth expectations, high multiple stocks and into things where the cash flow is more predictable.” For retirees seeking consistent income, this shift validates the investment philosophy of focusing on dividend-producing assets. “Regardless of what the price is doing, all else being equal, the dividend, the income stream is still there,” Mike emphasizes. The Speed of Information and Investment Decisions The acceleration of market information flow through technology and AI creates both opportunities and risks. “Every second of every day is the market agreeing with you or disagreeing with you,” Mike notes, highlighting the double-edged nature of instant market feedback. This rapid information environment requires discipline in distinguishing between noise and actionable intelligence. As Tom points out regarding their investment approach: “We started doing in the last several years is buying more things that are just common sense type names… that works better.” Technology Sector Volatility: AI and Memory Chip Stocks Navigating the AI Investment Landscape The artificial intelligence sector has dominated headlines while creating extreme volatility. Recent examples include software stocks experiencing significant drawdowns followed by rapid 16-25% single-day gains. James observes: “An average day with no news, a stock going up 25%… that’s ridiculous.” The team’s approach involves gradual averaging into AI-related positions since September, following detailed sector analysis. “We’ve had calls with them. We wanted to understand the sector better,” Mike explains, demonstrating the value of direct access to portfolio managers who conduct primary research. Memory Chip Stock Opportunities Memory chip manufacturers present compelling valuation opportunities despite recent volatility. The team recently added a position with a forward P/E of just 12, significantly below the S&P 500’s average of approximately 22. Tom notes the stock is “up 300% in the last year” but maintains “earnings to back it.” This disciplined approach to high-growth sectors exemplifies how personalized investment management differs from mass-market strategies that either avoid volatility entirely or chase momentum without fundamental analysis. Learning from Market History: Avoiding Value Traps The Dot-Com Bubble Comparison Drawing parallels to the dot-com bubble provides perspective on current AI valuations. Tom recalls: “People were making fun of Warren Buffett towards the end of the tech bubble… ultimately he had kind of the last laugh.” Not all survivors of market corrections recover equally. Intel, for example, “survived but it took 20 plus years for it to get back to where it was” after the tech bubble burst. This underscores the importance of selectivity even within promising sectors. Management Quality Matters The discussion of Kraft Heinz illustrates how management quality impacts long-term results. Despite being “considered one of the top companies around” with Warren Buffett’s backing, “their management is horrible,” leading to poor strategic decisions and shareholder disappointment. As James concludes: “There’s a reason why CEOs and extremely well, highly talented staff are so highly paid, they’re hard to find.” Key Takeaways for Retirement Investors Kevin Warsh’s Fed leadership could mean higher long-term rates despite lower short-term rates, requiring portfolio adjustments Yield curve steepening creates opportunities in small-cap stocks while pressuring high-multiple growth names Dividend-focused strategies provide income consistency regardless of price volatility Technology sector selectivity matters more than broad exposure, with valuations and earnings fundamentals guiding decisions Management quality and business fundamentals trump thematic investing for long-term success Common sense investments in recognizable companies often outperform obscure “deep value” plays Active portfolio management adapts to rapid market changes while maintaining long-term discipline Frequently Asked Questions How will Kevin Warsh’s Fed leadership affect my retirement portfolio? Warsh’s critical stance on the Fed’s balance sheet and quantitative easing could lead to different interest rate dynamics than previous Fed chairs. Long-term rates may remain elevated even as short-term rates decline, impacting bond valuations and stock multiples. Retirement portfolios should emphasize dividend income and fundamental value rather than relying on Fed accommodation. What is a steepening yield curve and why does it matter? A steepening yield curve occurs when long-term interest rates rise relative to short-term rates. This environment typically benefits small-cap companies that rely on shorter-term financing while pressuring high-valuation growth stocks. For retirement investors, it suggests favoring income-producing assets over growth speculation. Should retirees invest in AI and technology stocks despite volatility? Technology exposure should be sized appropriately for your risk tolerance and income needs. Our approach involves gradual position building in fundamentally sound companies with reasonable valuations, never risking retirement income needs on speculative positions. Direct access to portfolio managers helps navigate these decisions. How do I know if I’m in a value trap versus a true opportunity? Value traps lack the three essential elements: quality management, sustainable earnings, and reasonable business prospects. True opportunities combine all three elements with temporarily depressed valuations. This requires ongoing research and analysis rather than simple valuation metrics. What makes dividend-focused investing effective in volatile markets? Dividend income provides cash flow independent of price fluctuations. As Mike explains, “regardless of what the price is doing… the income stream is still there.” This creates portfolio stability while volatile prices create rebalancing opportunities for patient investors. Take Control of Your Retirement Portfolio Market transitions create both risk and opportunity. The difference between portfolio growth and disappointment often comes down to having personalized investment management with direct access to portfolio managers who actively research positions and adapt to changing conditions. At Dupree Financial Group, our team-based approach means you benefit from comprehensive analysis rather than a single perspective. We focus on income-producing investments, transparent fee structures, and strategies designed specifically for retirees and pre-retirees aged 50 and above. Don’t navigate Fed policy changes and market volatility alone. Call (859) 233-0400 for a complimentary portfolio review or schedule your appointment directly on our website at dupreefinancial.com. Listen to more episodes and insights in our Market Commentary archive. The post How Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Could Impact Your Retirement Portfolio: Interest Rates, Market Volatility, and Investment Strategy appeared first on Dupree Financial.

Building a Financial Advisory Firm That Puts Clients First: An Inside Look at the Process Meta Description: Discover why Tom Dupree founded Dupree Financial Group in Lexington, Kentucky—focusing on personalized investment management, team accountability, and retirement planning for local clients. For pre-retirees and retirees in Kentucky searching for personalized investment management, understanding the “why” behind your financial advisor matters just as much as the “how.” In this special episode of The Financial Hour of The Tom Dupree Show, Tom Dupree Jr. and Mike Johnson share the founding story of Dupree Financial Group—a journey that began with a simple walk in the woods near Natural Bridge in Kentucky in February 2002 and evolved into a comprehensive wealth management approach designed specifically for Lexington-area retirement investors. The Origin Story: From Brokerage Dissatisfaction to Independent Registered Investment Advisor Tom Dupree recalls the pivotal moment that sparked the creation of Dupree Financial Group. Walking through the woods with his young son James on his shoulders, he realized the traditional brokerage firm model wasn’t aligned with the future he envisioned for his family and clients. “I got this joy, this excitement in my heart thinking about doing this,” Tom explains. “I was in no position to do it at all. I didn’t have any money. Strangely, my banker approved me for a loan to actually go get the office space and get it fitted up. And that fit-up is still the same fit-up we’re using. We have not changed it.” The firm officially opened in 2003, but Tom identifies 2010 as the true beginning of Dupree Financial Group as it exists today. That’s when the firm disassociated from an outside brokerage and became an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). “In 2010, we disassociated ourselves with an outside brokerage firm and became what’s called an RIA, a Registered Investment Advisor, which meant that now we’re not paying 25% of our revenues to an outside firm,” Tom shares. “That enabled us to do a lot more internally, and it really was the beginning of the firm that we know today.” Key Takeaways: Why Dupree Financial Group Started Client-focused mission: Created to serve average retirement investors who wouldn’t necessarily get attention from major brokerage firms Cost structure advantage: Lower overhead means smaller accounts receive meaningful attention and personalized service Local accountability: Designed specifically to respond to clients in Lexington, Kentucky, and the surrounding region Team approach: Built from the ground up to provide collaborative service rather than single-broker relationships Independence: Becoming an RIA in 2010 eliminated the pressure to use proprietary products and allowed true fiduciary responsibility Personalized Investment Management vs. Mass-Market Approaches One of the core distinctions Tom emphasizes is the difference between Dupree Financial Group’s model and the mass-market approach taken by larger national firms. Rather than assigning clients to investment counselors within a large hierarchy, Dupree Financial Group provides direct access to portfolio managers who actually research and select the investments. “When you’re talking to somebody, to one of us, the team that you’re talking to is also the team that is designing your investment portfolio, actually helping pick stocks and bonds to own in the portfolio,” Tom explains. “Now why is that a big deal? Well, when I was with Brand X, they had a guy in New York who was brilliant, and he really was brilliant, and he was a stock picker. You didn’t ever talk to him, but he would publish a list of things that you ought to buy.” That approach failed catastrophically during the 2001-2002 market downturn, when many clients saw portfolios decline 50% with little communication or accountability from their advisors. “It wasn’t so much the fact that everything went down, although that was a big part of it, but it was the lack of communication,” Tom notes. “It was not being willing to be accountable for what really had happened, and they just clammed up.” The Dupree Difference: Direct Access and Transparency Mike Johnson highlights several critical advantages of the Dupree Financial Group model: Team collaboration: Multiple professionals work together on research and portfolio management, producing better outcomes than single-advisor approaches Direct communication: Clients speak directly with the team members who make investment decisions Own investment selection: The firm conducts its own research and calls companies directly rather than relying on buy lists from headquarters Local presence: All revenues stay local and are reinvested in client services rather than flowing to Wall Street firms “The service team is way more aligned with the investment team,” Mike explains. “It’s not two separate functions sitting in the same room.” Investment Philosophy: Focus on Income and Risk Mitigation for Kentucky Retirement Planning Unlike money managers competing to beat specific indices, Dupree Financial Group takes a different approach focused specifically on retirement investors’ needs. This investment philosophy prioritizes income generation and risk mitigation over performance rankings. “We’re not trying to beat any index. We’re just investing in things that we see are good that we think meet our parameters for what we’re looking for,” Tom states. “The why is it’s a focus on risk mitigation, and it’s a focus on income. Those things actually make it pretty easy for us once we tie down the parameters of what we’re looking for.” Mike Johnson references a quote from investment manager Howard Marks that encapsulates a key industry problem: “If you want to be in the top 5% of money managers, you have to be willing to be in the bottom 5% too.” That statement, Mike explains, highlights the perverse incentives created when advisors chase index performance rather than focusing on actual client needs. Real Portfolio Examples: How the Strategy Works The team shares several examples of their investment approach in action: The 6.5% Dividend Stock: “We bought it in June. This company, our listeners would be familiar with. At the time, it had a six-and-a-half percent dividend yield, and the valuation was attractive when you look at the hard assets that they had. We felt some things could go right for the company over the next couple of years. And in the meantime, the stock had gone down significantly, so there was a lot of bad news priced in already. Since then, the stock has gone up to what we thought it would go up to over the next two to four years. It just did it in four months.” The Grocery Company: “We invested in a company the other day—it was a grocery company well known within Central Kentucky. It’s gotten cheap. We just knew it as being a household name that pays a small dividend.” The Clothing Brand: “It’s kind of a clothing company, well-known. It puts out some major, well-known brands. The thing’s gone from a hundred dollars to 30-something, so we decided to take a look there. That one pays a pretty good dividend.” These examples demonstrate the value-focused, income-oriented approach that differentiates Dupree Financial Group from index-chasing strategies. The Team Approach: Building Long-Term Relationships Over Transactions A fundamental principle at Dupree Financial Group is the shift from transactional relationships to ongoing partnerships. Tom explains how his years at major brokerage firms taught him what he didn’t want to replicate. “One thing that I learned in the big firms was that it’s always about the transaction. It’s about the trade,” Tom recalls. “You were constantly having to pursue that trade, do this trade with this client, do that trade with that client. I didn’t want it to be about the trade anymore. I wanted it to be about the relationship.” This philosophy manifests in several concrete ways: Regular review process: Unlike transactional brokerage relationships, Dupree Financial Group built systematic client reviews into the firm’s DNA from the beginning No pressure to sell: Because clients have already committed to the process, meetings focus on education and information rather than sales Team accountability: Multiple team members take responsibility for each client rather than the single-broker model Transparent communication: When investments don’t work out, the team explains why openly rather than avoiding difficult conversations “When our clients come in for a review or they call with a question, they know we’re not trying to sell them anything,” Mike emphasizes. “It’s informational. It’s actually something they can use.” Direct Company Research: An Uncommon Practice One aspect of Dupree Financial Group’s approach that sets them apart is their practice of directly contacting companies they invest in—something Tom notes is rare among medium and small-sized investment advisors. “We do calls with these companies. In some cases, we’ve gone to visit them—the actual company itself that we’re investing in,” Tom explains. “That would’ve been unheard of in our previous setup. A big part of what we do is talk to the clients—I say clients, the businesses that we invest in. We talk to them, we want to find out what they’re doing, learn a little bit about management and do the best we can to really do our due diligence.” This hands-on research approach provides insights that buy lists and analyst reports simply cannot match. Four Generations of Financial Service: The Dupree Family Legacy The commitment to serving clients runs deep in the Dupree family history. Tom shares how his grandfather entered the investment business around 1920 in Louisville, Kentucky, selling preferred stock for Louisville Gas and Electric directly to the public before moving into municipal bonds. “My grandfather was the first one of our line that was in the investment business,” Tom explains. “Then my dad got into the business after being in the navy, I think it was around 1955 in Harlan, Kentucky. Then me and now my two sons are in the business.” Tom’s father moved the family to Lexington in 1963 and founded Dupree and Company, which managed municipal bond issues and eventually started the Kentucky Tax Free Mutual Fund in 1979. “Their idea was always to make a thing for clients that the clients could use, that was a retail thing,” Tom notes. “And so I carried that concern for the clients into what I did when we started Dupree Financial Group.” This multi-generational focus on creating client-centered investment solutions forms the foundation of the firm’s culture today. Tom’s sons, Clark and James, are involved with Dupree Financial Group, making the fourth generation of Duprees in the investment business. The Evolution: Early Struggles to Established Success Tom is refreshingly transparent about the challenges of the firm’s early years. After opening in 2003, success didn’t come easily or quickly. “It certainly was frightening during those early days of opening the firm and wondering if anybody would ever show up,” Tom recalls. “We did all these seminars, lots of them, over a hundred. People would show up, and now and then we’d get a client out of it. It took a lot of work.” The firm began regular radio broadcasts around 2008, which helped build awareness and credibility in the Lexington community. But the real transformation came in 2010 with the transition to RIA status. “When we became an RIA, it opened up possibilities for investment options that we didn’t have before,” Mike reflects. “It got the pressure of the heavy hand off to use proprietary products. That hand was always on you. And so that was lifted. It was like the skies opened up that you had this flexibility now.” Mike adds a crucial point about this transition: “At the same time, that was a sobering feeling. Now it was on you. You can’t blame it on anybody. But from our client’s standpoint, that was something that was a positive because the accountability increased for the firm.” Client Retention: The Ultimate Validation Perhaps the strongest validation of Dupree Financial Group’s approach is client retention. Tom notes that the firm keeps clients longer and longer—a testament to the relationship-building model. “We seem to be keeping clients longer and longer, so evidently we did something right,” Tom observes. “Once we got the buggy built, we really haven’t fooled with it much. We’ve tried to do some tweaks here and there, but the basic chassis has served us pretty well.” Why the “Why” Matters for Kentucky Retirement Investors For pre-retirees and retirees evaluating financial advisors, understanding the “why” behind a firm’s approach provides crucial insight into what kind of service you’ll receive. Dupree Financial Group’s founding principles remain consistent today: Serve retirement investors who might not get attention from large brokerage firms Maintain local presence and accountability in Lexington, Kentucky Provide team-based service rather than single-advisor relationships Focus on income and risk mitigation rather than index performance Conduct independent research and select individual investments Build long-term relationships rather than pursuing transactions Communicate transparently about both successes and setbacks As Tom reflects: “It really wasn’t about the investment performance. It’s about the touch, it’s about the accountability, those sorts of things. And that’s the kind of thing we’ve set up. That was what I envisioned when I started this thing—that we would give the clients more of what they should have been getting at the Wall Street firms.” Ready to Experience the Dupree Financial Group Difference? If you’re approaching retirement or already in retirement and want a local financial advisor who prioritizes transparency, accountability, and personalized service, Dupree Financial Group invites you to experience the difference that a client-first approach makes. Schedule your complimentary portfolio review today: Call: (859) 233-0400 Visit: www.dupreefinancial.com Get Personalized Analysis: Request your portfolio consultation Don’t settle for mass-market investment approaches or impersonal service from distant Wall Street firms. Work with a team of Kentucky financial advisors who do their own research, communicate directly with you, and keep your retirement goals at the center of every decision. Explore more insights on Kentucky retirement planning strategies and listen to additional episodes in our Market Commentary archive. Frequently Asked Questions About Dupree Financial Group What makes Dupree Financial Group different from large brokerage firms? Dupree Financial Group operates as an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), meaning the firm doesn’t pay commissions to Wall Street parent companies and doesn’t face pressure to use proprietary products. The team that meets with clients is the same team that researches and selects investments, providing direct accountability and transparency. All revenues stay local and reinvest in client services rather than flowing to distant corporate headquarters. Why did Tom Dupree start his own financial advisory firm? Tom founded Dupree Financial Group in 2003 after 19 years with a major brokerage firm, where he witnessed the limitations of the transactional, sales-focused model. He envisioned creating a firm that would serve average retirement investors with personalized attention, team-based accountability, and a focus on long-term relationships rather than individual trades. The firm became truly independent in 2010 when it transitioned to RIA status. What is the investment philosophy at Dupree Financial Group? Unlike money managers competing to beat specific indices, Dupree Financial Group focuses on income generation and risk mitigation for retirement investors. The team conducts its own research, including direct calls to companies they invest in, and selects individual stocks and bonds based on dividend yield, valuation, and margin of safety rather than trying to match or beat market benchmarks. How does the team approach at Dupree Financial Group benefit clients? The team model means clients receive the collective expertise of multiple professionals rather than relying on a single advisor’s perspective. Multiple team members share responsibility for each client account, improving service levels and ensuring continuity. This collaborative approach produces better research outcomes and provides clients with consistent access to knowledgeable professionals. What types of clients does Dupree Financial Group serve? Dupree Financial Group specializes in serving pre-retirees and retirees, particularly those who might not receive personalized attention from large brokerage firms. The firm’s cost structure allows them to provide meaningful, customized service to clients with retirement accounts of various sizes, with a focus on the Lexington, Kentucky area and surrounding regions. How often does Dupree Financial Group communicate with clients? Regular client reviews are built into the firm’s DNA from the beginning. Unlike transactional brokerage relationships where communication happens only when making trades, Dupree Financial Group maintains ongoing dialogue with clients through systematic review processes. These meetings focus on education and information rather than sales, since clients have already committed to the firm’s investment process. Does Dupree Financial Group charge fees or commissions? As a fee-based Registered Investment Advisor, Dupree Financial Group operates under a fiduciary standard, meaning it’s legally required to act in clients’ best interests. This fee-based structure eliminates conflicts of interest inherent in commission-based brokerage relationships and aligns the firm’s success with client outcomes. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Please consult with a qualified financial professional regarding your specific situation. The post Why Independent Financial Advisors Choose Income Over Index Performance for Retirement Portfolios appeared first on Dupree Financial.

Our good friend and host of The Fast Politics Podcast, Molly Jong-Fast, returns to the show! Molly's recent writing in the New York Times has covered the Epstein files and why only a fraction of them have been made public. We tackle the Prince Andrew arrest, Howard Lutnick's lies, and the DOJ's blatant attempt to scrub the files that have been made public.We also get into the SAVE Act and how this is just another attempt by Republicans to subvert democracy. Republican Senators know that the midterms spell trouble for them, so suppressing votes is their best strategy. Will the GOP blow up the filibuster? Does John Thune care more about democracy than Mike Johnson?Plus, we get Molly's thoughts on the latest CBS vs. Stephen Colbert saga, Trump's EPA destroying climate progress, ICE crackdowns around the country, and MUCH more.LISTEN to Molly's podcast, Fast Politics: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-politics-with-molly-jong-fast/id1645614328READ Molly's writing in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/by/molly-jong-fast