Podcast appearances and mentions of tom nichols

We're playin' “You'd Never Guess This” by Sam Feldman from Emeryville, California (home of Pixar!); “Dr. Appropriate Farter” by Hannah Thompson from Portland, Oregon; and We're going to play Arzt Spielshow by Tom Nichols from Colorado on this episode of Dr. Gameshow. Supported by: Green Chef! Head to greenchef.com/50gameshow and use code 50gameshow to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  MaxFun members! Join at maximumfun.org/join and choose Dr. Gameshow. Hosted by Manolo Moreno ( moslo.xyz )Insta / bluesky / substack : @drgameshow  Opening theme: “Dr. Hangout” by Manolo Moreno Exit music: “Dr. Gameshow” by Big Huge (  bighuge.bandcamp.com ); performed by Conrad Tao (  conradtao.com   | insta: @conradtao ) 

In this episode of The Hot Dish, Heidi and Joel talk to Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, about the complexities of the U.S. military actions in Iran, the geopolitical fallout, and the state of American politics amid ongoing conflicts. Nichols brings a sharp, clear-eyed perspective on military strategy, foreign alliances, and domestic political implications. This conversation offers valuable insights into how these military decisions were made, their global consequences, and the internal political ripples they stir.Key moments in this episode:Tom Nichols explains the current state of military operations in Iran and evaluates their strategic effectiveness.He discusses the contradictions in Donald Trump's foreign policy, including our strained alliances and his unpredictable decision-making.Tom and Joel discuss the internal U.S. political landscape, especially the disillusionment settling in among MAGA supporters.Tom explains how decades of U.S. foreign policy regarding the influence of foreign powers, such as China and Russia, in Iran and the Middle East have changed overnight.Resources & Links:Tom Nichols at The AtlanticBooks by Tom Nichols Tom Nichols on BlueskyThe Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject). (00:00) - Introduction to the Discussion on Iran (01:12) - Operational Success vs. Strategic Goals (06:12) - The Political Fallout and Internal Conflicts (11:14) - The Role of Allies and International Relations (16:10) - Implications for Ukraine and Global Strategy (21:00) - The Future of Iran and Potential Ground Troops (25:33) - The Power Dynamics of Military Strategy (26:14) - Regime Change and Its Implications (28:35) - The Silence of MAGA Supporters (33:00) - The Exhaustion of the MAGA Movement (36:56) - Concerns Over Election Integrity (39:53) - Trump's Approach to Governance and Elections (44:08) - Closing

March 17, 2026; While President Donald Trump's inner circle continues to defend Trump's decision-making, another top official resigned today, joining the group of former-loyalists turned-dissidents: Joe Kent, once Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, quit today, citing Iran. Nicolle Wallace discusses with Anne Applebaum, John Brennan and Tom Nichols. Later in the hour, the latest in the FCC's censorship efforts with Melissa Murray.  For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trump administration is preparing to deploy a Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East along with more warships. But that development was not Hegseth's highest priority at his Pentagon briefing. His first order of business was attacking the media—even before mentioning the six fallen service members who were killed in a plane crash supporting the war in Iran. And while the administration may have finally narrowed down its reasons for launching the war alongside Israel, it hasn't discussed the risks of the operation, or why it doesn't seem to have an issue with Putin helping Iran in the fight. Plus, JD is skeptical about the war but won't tell Trump to his face, oil prices are soaring while Russia cashes in, and don't forget that the Department of Homeland Security is still down shut down while our country is at war.Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.show notes Tom on 'victory disease' in The Atlantic  French news channel with a split screen of bombs and Trump dancing Tim's playlist Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Event

The new Supreme Leader of Iran vows to fight on, saying the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed. Then, the price of oil spikes as stocks drop: what the economic fallout from the war means for Americans. Plus, urgency over the DHS shutdown ramps up as lines grow at airports and the Iran war continues. Marc Santia, Peter Baker, David Drucker, Tom Nichols, Ron Insana, Dan Dicker, Miles Taylor and Vittoria Elliott join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The first six days of the war with Iran have cost more than $11.3 billion, and 140 US troops have been injured, according to Pentagon officials. Tom Nichols, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College and staff writer at The Atlantic, joins Russell, Mike and Clarissa to discuss military strategy and the costs of war. Since President Trump's inauguration, border crossings at the US's southern border have slowed. Bri Stensrud from Women of Welcome joins talk about how women are responding to the immigration policies of the Trump administration. Then, CT's Bonnie Kristian stops by to discuss the reordering of the global Anglican church, and how to think about evangelicals' approach to staying in or leaving a church or denomination. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter. He is a professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the US Naval War College, where he taught for 25 years, and an instructor at the Harvard Extension School. He has served as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts House and the US Senate. His books include The Death of Expertise and Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy. Bri Stensrud is an author, human dignity advocate, and the Director of Women of Welcome. Her passion is to equip the Church to engage more consistently and tangibly in holistic human dignity issues. Bri holds a Masters of Biblical & Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and has authored two books: Start with Welcome: The Journey toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation, and a children's book: The Biggest Best Light: Shining God's Light into the World Around You. Bonnie Kristian is the deputy editor at Christianity Today. She is the author of Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community and A Flexible Faith: Rethinking What It Means to Follow Jesus Today. Her writing has been published at outlets including The New York Times, The Week, USA Today, CNN, Politico, and others. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Almost two weeks into the war in Iran, Donald Trump's endgame remains elusive.He insists the US has won already, even as the bombs fall and Iran's drones cause havoc in the region.Did the US president misjudge how a war with Iran would play out and how significant the ripple effects would be across the world?Today, staff writer at the Atlantic magazine Tom Nichols on why the Trump administration is 'strategically incompetent' and why he thinks the president is suffering from 'victory disease'.Featured:Tom Nichols, The Atlantic magazine staff writer

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump fires Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. Also, House Republicans reject the bipartisan effort to stop Trump's war in Iran. Plus, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blames the press for the coverage of U.S. solider deaths. And the Iran war is reportedly costing the U.S. one billion dollars a day. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Ro Khanna, Tom Nichols, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic and a contributor to the Atlantic Daily newsletter. And he's back in The Back Room sharing his thoughts on Trump's war of choice in Iran and what happens next. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

We're going to play "Arzt Spielshow" by Tom Nichols from Colorado; “Two Babies and a Funeral” by Zach Willey from Ohio; and “Speed Date Werewolf Elton John” by Jeremiah Kitchen & Kelsey Smith from Ohio on this episode of Dr. Gameshow. Supported by: Zocdoc! Go to https://www.zocdoc.com/GAMESHOW Green Chef! Head to greenchef.com/50gameshow and use code 50gameshow to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  MaxFun members! Join at maximumfun.org/join and choose Dr. Gameshow. Hosted by Manolo Moreno ( moslo.xyz )Insta / bluesky / substack : @drgameshow  Opening theme: “Dr. Hangout” by Manolo Moreno Exit music: “Dr. Gameshow” by Big Huge ( bighuge.bandcamp.com); performed by Conrad Tao ( conradtao.com  | insta: @conradtao ) 

In this emergency episode of The Mona Charen Show, Tom Nichols lays out the tremendous risks Trump has taken with Iran war.Go to https://Quince.com/MONA for free shipping and 365-day returns. That's a full year to wear it and love it. And you will.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) shares the latest plans in Congress to address what she calls an “illegal and unconstitutional war” in Iran; Ali Velshi and Tom Nichols look at the lessons from two centuries of America pushing foreign regime change; plus - what we now know about the events that set the stage for this weekend's attacks on Iran. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump has given plenty of signals recently that he is prepared to take military action against Iran. The exact reasoning, however, is less obvious. The Atlantic staff writers Nancy Youssef and Tom Nichols explain what's next for the United States and Iran, and how Pentagon officials might be planning for another conflict in the Middle East. --- Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You'll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A growing number of Democrats say they will refuse to attend the State of the Union this evening. We're joined by John Dombroski, founder and president of Grand Canyon Planning Associates. A critical analysis of Tom Nichols’ piece at The Atlantic, “The Republican Party Has a Nazi Problem.” Producer David Doll's hopes for this evening's State of the Union address by President Trump. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chick talks with James Rapien and Tom Nichols, plus he breaks down UC's massive road win at Kansas, the Reds' Spring Training opener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chick talks with James Rapien and Tom Nichols, plus he breaks down UC's massive road win at Kansas, the Reds' Spring Training opener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Depuis son retour à la Maison Blanche, il y a un an, Donald Trump précipite les États-Unis et le monde vers le chaos en multipliant les menaces qui se traduisent souvent en actes. « Quand vous y pensez, on ne devrait même pas avoir besoin d'élections », lâchait la semaine dernière Donald Trump auprès d'un journaliste de Reuters. Une plaisanterie, a rassuré la Maison Blanche. Mais la phrase a provoqué l'émoi aux États-Unis. Le président peut-il vraiment annuler les midterms prévues en novembre 2026 ? « Donald Trump peut tout faire : tricher, changer les circonscriptions en sa faveur, constate l'avocat et défenseur des droits de l'homme Reed Brody. Et on se trouve à un moment où les contre-pouvoirs traditionnels ne fonctionnent pas. Les élus républicains sont tétanisés à l'idée d'avoir face à eux lors des primaires un candidat désigné par Trump, les grands médias privilégient leurs intérêts commerciaux… Quant à la justice, plus on monte dans l'appareil judiciaire, plus on trouve des juges acquis à Donald Trump. » Longtemps tétanisé, le camp démocrate semble depuis quelques semaines organiser la résistance. Donald Trump, c'est aussi une saturation de l'espace médiatique, des déclarations intempestives, des provocations permanentes… « Un président ne devrait pas parler comme ça. Il se comporte comme un gangster, observe Olivier Richomme, maître de conférences à l'Université de Lyon II. Il pense pouvoir changer la réalité par les mots. »   Les conséquences d'une rupture avec l'allié européen Sa dernière lubie : acquérir le Groenland. « Un impératif national et mondial », répète à l'envi Donald Trump, qui a menacé de surtaxes douanières les pays européens qui s'y opposeraient. Le sujet est largement traité par la presse du continent, et notamment le Wall Street Journal qui s'interroge : « Qu'est-ce qu'une rupture avec l'Europe signifie pour l'économie états-unienne ? » Car les deux économies sont étroitement liées, avec des milliers de milliards de dollars d'investissements de part et d'autre. Si une guerre commerciale éclatait, elle serait dévastatrice pour l'Europe, prévient le Wall Street Journal. Mais elle aurait aussi de lourdes conséquences pour les États-Unis. La première : une diminution des ventes des entreprises américaines vers l'Europe, ce qui impacterait leurs bénéfices et ouvrirait la voie à la concurrence notamment chinoise. Autre conséquence : une baisse des investissements européens, qui conduirait à un affaiblissement du dollar et une augmentation des coûts d'emprunt. Ce qui pèserait sur les investissements des entreprises et les dépenses des ménages. Et provoquerait un ralentissement de la croissance états-unienne. Mais la menace n'est pas seulement économique. L'option d'une opération militaire est toujours sur la table. Une hypothèse qui, selon The Atlantic, place l'armée états-unienne face à une question existentielle : peut-on attaquer un pays allié ? C'est à lire sous la plume de Tom Nichols, qui écrit : « Certains officiers militaires hausseront les épaules face aux divagations de Trump et diront que les ordres sont des ordres, et que les amis d'hier sont les ennemis d'aujourd'hui ». Mais Tom Nichols en est convaincu : « Les hommes et les femmes des forces armées seront déchirés lorsqu'ils tenteront de transformer les obsessions démentielles de Trump en un plan militaire cohérent. » Pour The Atlantic, Donald Trump vit désormais dans une réalité différente. Ce qui conduit la revue à se demander quand les républicains du Congrès interviendront. « Des années de diplomatie prudente, des milliards de dollars d'échanges commerciaux, sont désormais menacés parce que des sénateurs et des représentants ont refusé d'utiliser les pouvoirs dont ils disposent pour bloquer le président états-unien », semble s'agacer The Atlantic. Qui estime qu'il est donc temps d'agir.   Haïti se prépare à la fin du TPS Avant même son retour au pouvoir, Donald Trump avait menacé les Haïtiens en multipliant les fausses informations. Cela avait contribué à créer un climat de peur, qui s'est considérablement accru avec les traques menées par la police de l'immigration et la fin annoncée du TPS, ce statut de protection particulier accordé aux ressortissants de certains pays. Une suppression prévue dans deux semaines et à laquelle Haïti se prépare, comme l'explique Gotson Pierre, directeur de l'agence haïtienne Alterpresse.

Tom Nichols considers Donald Trump's obsession with Greenland very dangerous. "I think that's his most dangerous fixation because if this turns violent or confrontational, it could blow up NATO. I think Putin and others will say it's time to start taking advantage," Tom told me when we spoke about the first year of Trump's second presidency. He is a staff writer at The Atlantic and a contributor to The Atlantic Daily newsletter. He is also a Professor Emeritus of national security affairs at the US Naval War College. His books include The Death of Expertise and Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault from Within on Modern Democracy. Tom thinks that Trump is an even bigger threat than we thought, but he is also optimistic. Why? Listen to our conversation. And if you enjoy what I do, please support me on Ko-fi! Thank you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/amatisak

Check is on before UC Basketball talking to Tom Nichols on Reds Baseball and more. Also, Jim Breech talks NFL playoff football and the Bengals season that was. Chick is back after the UC game taking your calls and feedback after another tough loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six months ago, MAGA world was strutting around with their chests puffed out. But now, many of them are having a blue Christmas over the infighting, the economy, the DOJ's inability to deliver revenge, and Trump's cover-up of child sex traffickers—one of the key things they really cared about. All Trump can think to do is plaster his name on another large object, including most recently a new fleet of warships. Plus, the bourbon shutdown, Bari's getting burned by Canada also airing "60 Minutes," the president could move Ghislaine out of her cushy prison, and Epstein in his alleged letter to Larry Nassar really sounds like "Access Hollywood" Trump.  Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. Show Notes: Tom on Trump's new ‘golden fleet' of warships Navy Secretary John Phelan Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BULWARK at https://www.oneskin.co/BULWARK #oneskinpod

Our guest is Tom Nichols, partner at the Milwaukee-based Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols, longtime advisor to S-Corp, and author of an excellent new piece exposing the Section 461(l) Excess Business Loss limitation for the money-grabbing fraud it is. Tom walks through the provision's origins, the harm it does to affected businesses, and how flawed revenue estimates drove the policy. We also get into our SALT Parity efforts and how the state laws and legal analysis he drafted helped pave the way for $20 billion in annual tax savings for Main Street businesses. 

Tonight on The Last Word: New polls paint a bleak picture for the Trump economy. Plus, the weekly jobless claims hit their highest level in over four years. Also, Trump's redistricting push fails in Indiana. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Jared Bernstein, Charlie Sykes, Tom Nichols, State Sen. Shelli Yoder, and Rep. Maxwell Frost join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The first classified briefings on the deadly US boat strike that killed two survivors. Then, a grand jury refuses to reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James just weeks after her case was dismissed. Plus, a former MAGA warrior turns his back on the movement; why he's now helping other MAGA diehards defect. Peter Baker, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Tom Nichols, Joyce Vance, Natasha Sarin, Rohit Chopra, and Rich Logis join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our final Espresso Martini of the year, Chris and Matt reflect on the DC National Guard shooting, the alleged Afghan CIA-linked gunman, and what the case says about how America treats its wartime partners once the war ends. They then turn to Trump's latest “final” Ukraine peace offer and growing frustration in Europe as Moscow drags the war out on its own terms. The focus shifts to Venezuela, where Russian advisors, new air defenses, cartel politics, and U.S. forces raise the risk of conflict—and to post-Assad Syria, where ISIS is quietly regrouping amid a tenuous recovery. Finally, listener questions bring them to Pete Hegseth's alleged no-quarter order, Tom Nichols's case for accountability, and the long, dark tradition of animal spies—and some reflections on ten years of Secrets & Spies and where the show goes next. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/36128f YouTube: https://youtu.be/yr-CKl1Z6Tk Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Articles discussed in today's episode "Fellow Unit Member Says Alleged D.C. Shooter Felt Abandoned by CIA" by Kevin Mauer | The Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/alleged-dc-national-guard-shooter-felt-abandoned-cia-1235474835/ "The Ukraine peace deal has stumbled yet again over an inevitable obstacle: Putin" by Andrew Roth | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/03/the-ukraine-peace-deal-has-stumbled-yet-again-over-an-inevitable-obstacle-putin "Russian General In Venezuela Leading Advisory Mission: Ukraine's Intel Chief" by Howard Altman | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-general-in-venezuela-leading-advisory-mission-ukraines-intel-chief Islamic State Wages a Guerrilla Insurgency Throughout Eastern Syria | The Soufan Center Intelbrief: https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2025-october-28/ "Pete Hegseth Needs to Go—Now" by Tom Nichols | The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/12/pete-hegseth-pentagon-department-defense/685098/ "Russia Launches First Brain-Chipped Bird Drones for Surveillance Over Cities" by Roman Kohanets | United24 Media: https://united24media.com/latest-news/russia-launches-first-brain-chipped-bird-drones-for-surveillance-over-cities-13769 Connect with us on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD. Music by Andrew R. Bird Photo by AP & Taylor Crul/USAF Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.

The first classified briefings on the deadly US boat strike that killed two survivors. Then, a grand jury refuses to reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James just weeks after her case was dismissed. Plus, a former MAGA warrior turns his back on the movement; why he's now helping other MAGA diehards defect. Peter Baker, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Tom Nichols, Joyce Vance, Natasha Sarin, Rohit Chopra, and Rich Logis join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Secretary of Defense Hegseth Needs to Step Down Now! | Could the Democratic Underdog Win Today in Deep Red Tennessee? | With Affordability the Big Issue, Why Can We Afford Guns and Not Butter? backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia linktr.ee/backgroundbriefing

As the contours of public debate coarsen, it's easy to brand political rivals with epithets from the worst chapters in history. Tom Nichols, a writer for The Atlantic, warns about doing just that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Manhattan DA announces a second grand jury to investigate asset manipulation within the Trump Org. This new line of inquiry is based on Michael's testimony before Congress. With Trump and his cronies running out in Washington it's these investigations that will most likely put Trump behind bars. Later, Tom Nichols joins Mea Culpa to discuss how a midterm loss for Democrats could spell doom for any hope of accountability for Donald Trump. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump has called a female journalist piggy, labelled another insubordinate and demanded Democratic politicians be arrested, even suggesting they could be executed for seditious behaviour.The US president is no stranger to unconventional acts and confronting statements, but does his recent behaviour go beyond even his usual standards? Today, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine, Tom Nichols, on his analysis that the president's latest outbursts are a sign he's losing control of himself. Featured: Tom Nichols, The Atlantic magazine staff writer

In this Veteran's Day episode, Journalist and professor Tom Nichols joins hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss current leadership at the Pentagon and Justice Department, the state of American democracy, and Republican foreign policy shifts.Listen to gain insight into the impacts of political loyalty, leadership challenges, and shifts in military and governmental norms. You'll learn how these changes affect America's standing in the world and the daily lives of rural communities.Join us on The Hot Dish every week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/. (00:00) - Tom Nichols describes how he sees himself as an Old-School Conservatism (12:11) - Tom Nichols discusses Trump's fascination with the military (18:10) - Heidi and Joel discuss with Tom Nichols how Trump's reelection diminished worldwide trust (28:17) - Joel, Tom Nichols and Heidi discuss how Democrats are acting as gutless leaders (39:29) - Joel points out that if he's in a dogfight, he wants to be able to bark back

Is Donald Trump okay? From his rambling, nonsensical answers in that Laura Ingraham interview, to forgetting the words to “God Bless America,” the signs of cognitive decline are hard to ignore. Then, we'll be joined by The Atlantic's Tom Nichols to break down the other headache of the week, the eight Senate Democrats who voted with Republicans to reopen the government without securing a deal on healthcare subsidies. Was this a strategic move…or just another cave? Don and Tom dig into what this means for the Democratic Party, the base, and the road ahead. This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://zbiotics.com/LEMON and use LEMON at checkout for 15% off first time orders. This episode is brought to you by Ollie. Take the guesswork out of your dog's well-being. Go to https://ollie.com/lemon and use code lemon to get 60% off your first box! This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Go to https://cozyearth.com/DON for up to 40% off! This episode is brought to you by Graza. Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/DON and use promo code DON today for 10% off your first order! This episode is sponsored by Lean. If you want to lose meaningful weight at a healthy pace and keep it off... Add LEAN to your diet and exercise lifestyle. Get 20% OFF WHEN YOU ENTER LEMON at https://TAKELEAN.com For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial 212-931-0855 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/don DISCLAIMER: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Average potential savings are based on realized premium, co-pay, and out of pocket savings estimates self-reported by consumers that worked with Chapter Advisory LLC to enroll in a Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and/or Part D Prescription Drug Plan. The average is limited to consumers that chose to self-report. Savings information is subject to periodic updates and corrections. There is no guarantee of savings and any savings may vary by policy type, state, or other factors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, I'm joined by Tom Nichols—staff writer at the Atlantic, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, and all-around nuclear arms expert—to discuss Kathryn Bigelow's new nuclear war film A House of Dynamite. On this episode, we discuss how his students reacted to previous nuclear panic films like The Day After and Threads, what the new film from Bigelow and writer Noah Oppenheim gets right about the current state of our nuclear preparedness, and what keeps Tom up at night about the current White House's nuclear posture.  You can read Tom's pieces on A House of Dynamite here and here, and he has another up about what the Trump White House doesn't understand about nuclear weapons here. You can read my review of the film here. And if you have thoughts, please sound off in the comments or share this episode with a friend!

It's been a day, y'all. First up, Katie Miller, wife of the creepy, xenophobic architect of America's worst immigration policies, Stephen Miller, had an absolute meltdown after being called out. We'll unpack what set her off and what it says about the MAGA victim complex in full display. Then, we'll turn to the looming end of SNAP benefits. What does this mean for families already struggling to put food on the table, and what can be done about it? Don's joined tonight by political strategist Keith Edwards and The Atlantic's Tom Nichols to break down the outrage, the economics, and the stakes for everyday Americans. This episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving. Go to https://hensonshaving.com/LEMON and enter LEMON at checkout to get a free pack of 100 blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the blades and the razor for the discount to apply.) This episode is sponsored by Ollie. Take the guesswork out of your dog's well-being. Go to https://ollie.com/lemon and use code lemon to get 60% off your first box! This episode is brought to you by RadioActive Media. Visit https://RadioActiveMedia.com, or text the word, “PODCAST” to 511511. Start planning for 2026 now to get the lowest rates in Podcast and Radio. RadioActive Media can surpass your current strategies with new and innovative ways that “SOUND” better. Message and Data Rates May Apply. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Kathryn Bigelow's new movie, A House of Dynamite, the clock is ticking. The film's fictional president of the United States has less than 20 minutes and very little information to decide whether or not to retaliate against a nuclear missile, launched at the United States, from an unknown source. As with Bigelow's other war movies, the story is disturbingly plausible. During the Cold War, the likely scenario was a war with the Soviet Union. Now there are nine nuclear powers, which makes the possibility of error, rogue actors, or a total information vacuum more likely. We talk with “A House of Dynamite” screenwriter Noah Oppenheim and Tom Nichols, a national-security writer at the Atlantic, who consulted on the movie. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You'll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at theAtlantic.com/listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National security scholar Tom Nichols argues that Trump has taken control of the nation's intelligence and justice systems and is now testing the military's independence. He speaks to NPR's Andrew Limbong. Support NPR and hear every episode of Trump's Terms sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Are we staring down another civil war? The country feels like it's on the edge with more troops being deployed to U.S. cities, ICE ramping up its inhumane raids, and MAGA politicians fanning the flames every step of the way. Tonight, Don is joined by The Atlantic's Tom Nichols to break down how we got here, what this moment means, and where we go next. Then, the one and only D.L. Hughley joins the show to bring the fire. MAGA is unhinged, and D.L. is saying what everyone else is too afraid to say. Buckle up. It's going to be a night of truth, chaos, and no filters. This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://zbiotics.com/LEMON use LEMON at checkout for 15% off first time orders. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by Graza. Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co and stock up during our sitewide sale! This episode is brought to you by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. Don't let your rights be rewritten. Go to https://FFRS.US/school or text “DON” to 511511 This episode is sponsored by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://shopify.com/lemon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump's loyalty purges continue. Prosecutors are fired from the U.S. attorney's office in Eastern Virginia, including people who had nothing to do with the Comey case. And Kash Patel pushes out an FBI agent in training for displaying a rainbow flag in his workspace. Meanwhile, reports surface that Marco Rubio is leading a push among Trump's top aides to topple Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. The Atlantic's Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller to discuss. Bulwark Live in DC (10/8) with Sarah, Tim and JVL. Tickets on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events. Tim's playlist

In this explosive discussion, Tom Nichols, Atlantic staff writer, joins Matt to break down Pete Hegseth's controversial speech to over 800 generals and admirals at Quantico, Virginia. From calling out "woke" policies and toxic leadership to fat-shaming officers and banning anonymous complaints, Hegseth's address is dissected as performative nonsense dripping with grievance. Nichols pulls no punches, comparing it to a Fox News clip reel and warning of real dangers to military readiness. We dive deep into Hegseth's warrior ethos rant and why it's "idiotic" -- Fitness standards, fat generals, and excluding the Commander-in-Chief? -- Scrapping anti-bullying policies – A Few Good Men vibes gone wrong (-- No more complaints: Silencing women, racism issues, and beard exceptions -- Is the military too soft? Nichols says NO – Evidence from Russia-Ukraine -- Trump's Ukraine flip-flop: From quick win to "wish both countries well" -- Government shutdown showdown: Trump owns it, Democrats' messaging fail? Nichols also touches on Trump's retribution obsession, Putin's humiliations, and why Hegseth is the least qualified Defense Secretary ever. Is this just theater, or a threat to national security?Subscribe for more hard-hitting political analysis! Like if you agree Hegseth's speech was cringeworthy, comment your thoughts on the "woke" military debate, and hit the bell for notifications.Follow Tom Nichols on X: @RadioFreeTomRead his work at The Atlantic: theatlantic.com/author/tom-nicholsSupport "Matt Lewis & The News" at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFollow Matt Lewis & Cut Through the Noise:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattklewis/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's book: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416Copyright © 2025, BBL & BWL, LLC

This week the walls closed in a little further on the Former Guy as New York Attorney General ‘Tish James announced her department would be investigating the Trump Organization in a criminal capacity. This significant development comes with sweeping powers for the investigators to root out fraud and spells doom for the former president who fears prison above and beyond all else. Matt Gaetz's wingman Joel Greenberg pleads guilty to six counts including underage sex trafficking and agrees to flip on Gaetz. Details of a cocaine and hooker fueled party at a Trump defense fundraiser in Orlando adds to the Congressman's trouble. Finally, Tom Nichols joins Mea Culpa to discuss the GOP's drift into insanity and authoritarianism.    To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices This week the walls closed in a little further on the Former Guy as New York Attorney General ‘Tish James announced her department would be investigating the Trump Organization in a criminal capacity. This significant development comes with sweeping powers for the investigators to root out fraud and spells doom for the former president who fears prison above and beyond all else. Matt Gaetz's wingman Joel Greenberg pleads guilty to six counts including underage sex trafficking and agrees to flip on Gaetz. Details of a cocaine and hooker fueled party at a Trump defense fundraiser in Orlando adds to the Congressman's trouble. Finally, Tom Nichols joins Mea Culpa to discuss the GOP's drift into insanity and authoritarianism. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The assassination Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, has raised new questions about escalating political violence in the country. Join moderator Jeffrey Goldberg, Peter Baker of The New York Times, Laura Barrón-López of MSNBC, Susan Glasser of The New Yorker and Tom Nichols of The Atlantic to discuss this and more.

Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump administration struggles to dismiss the latest weak jobs report. Also, Donald Trump threatens to send the National Guard to Chicago. Plus, Trump reportedly cancels U.S. aid to Baltic states amid Russia's aggression. A boat from Venezuela is hit by a U.S. military strike. And Trump plans to eliminate a Biden-era flight delay refund rule. Kenneth Rogoff, Rep. Lauren Underwood, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman (ret.), Tom Nichols, Rep. Adam Smith, and Rep. Steve Cohen join Ali Velshi.

Trump is like a dysfunctional 8-year-old whose parents are always in the principal's office arguing that their son is a good boy. The media, CEOs, and Wall Street keep giving him a pass for his behavior while his supporters and apologists explain why he just had to set the school on fire. At the same time, he's empowering ideologues behind the scenes who are dismantling the government and executing their policy wet dreams. Plus, Joni Ernst's Senate tenure has been a sham, Vance tries Mickey Mouse Stalinism on for size, and what's going on with the bruising on Trump's right hand? The public has the right to know about the health of a president. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Tom's newsletter installment, "President Homelander" JVL's Thursday 'Triad' The film, "The Death of Stalin" Felicia Schwartz's piece on Steve Witkoff Tim's playlist Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events. Toronto is SOLD OUT

Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter, talks about national politics, including Democratic messaging strategies, like California Gov. Newsom's efforts to 'troll' Trump on social media.

Trump's recent meetings with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have raised urgent questions about America's role in global affairs and the future of the war in Ukraine. Atlantic staff writer and national security expert Tom Nichols joins Preet to break down what's at stake: the fragility of Western unity, the history behind Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and whether Trump can—or even wants to—deliver peace. They also discuss Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom's recent social media tactics and what effective opposition to Trump looks like. Then, Preet answers your questions about Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer to a minimum-security prison, and asks for your thoughts on Newsom's posting. In the bonus for Insiders, Nichols discusses the redistricting battles happening around the country. Join the CAFE Insider community to stay informed without hysteria, fear-mongering, or rage-baiting. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website.  You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE's Youtube channel and subscribe. Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 833-997-7338 to leave a voicemail. Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

August 19th, 2025, 5pm: The House Oversight Committee says it will get documents from the Department of Justice starting Friday. Nicolle Wallace talks with lawyers and reporters about the ways the scandal continues to haunt Donald Trump. Then later, Nicolle talks through the implications of an in-person meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin with Tom Nichols.For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. 

President Trump meets with Ukraine's President and several other European leaders for hours at the White House just days after his Alaska summit with Putin. Then, Trump renews his attacks against mail-in voting, suggesting he'll sign an executive order to end it. Plus, the Department of Justice tells lawmakers it will hand over records related to Jeffrey Epstein at the end of this week. Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, Amb. William Taylor, Tom Nichols, Brendan Greeley, Rohit Chopra, Doug Jones, and Bobby Djavaheri join The 11th Hour this Monday night.

Nicolle Wallace is joined by Glenn Thrush, Tara Palmeri, Claire McCaskill, Harry Litman, Anne Applebaum, Rep. Jim Himes, Tom Nichols, Miles Taylor, Molly Jong-Fast, and Rick Stengel.

If anyone in America was still thinking that Trump's ties to Epstein were a nothingburger, Trump's own behavior this week has probably disabused them of that notion. His panicking and flailing around sure seem exactly like how a guilty man would act. And the sudden firing of Jim Comey's daughter, Maurene—who worked on the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases at the DOJ—isn't helping to tamp down the conspiracy theorizing. Meanwhile, Tulsi and Kash are trying to ferret out the unfaithful, and there are still adults in the room when it comes to the Fed. Plus, our nuclear command and control system was organized around the assumption that we would have a sane president, not somebody who has psychotic fantasies about the Unabomber. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Tom on the McCarthyist moves by Patel and Gabbard The president and the nuclear button, part of The Atlantic's August issue Tom on Hollywood and the fear of nuclear catastrophe James Clapper was banned from a service dog graduation at the CIA Tim's playlist

Alicia Menendez - in for Nicolle Wallace - on the passage of Trump's tax and spending megabill, flooding at the brand new detention center in the Florida Everglades, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' record breaking speech.Joined by: Melanie Zanona, David Jolly, Zerlina Maxwell, Teddy Schleifer, Matt Dixon, Alex Jacquez, Angelo Carusone, Julian Castro, Tom Nichols, Jasmine Garsd, Jose Antonio Vargas, and Harry Litman.

Nicolle Wallace on the GOP's continued disregard for the impact of Medicaid cuts, the stunning result of the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, and the Trump administration's plan to limit Congress's access to classified information.Joined by: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Basil Smikle, Sen. Chris Murphy, Tom Nichols, Paul Rieckhoff, Marc Elias, and Kristy Greenberg.