Best Chuck Rocha Podcasts (2025)

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58: Can Jasmine Crockett Win? 21:48

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38m ago21:48

21:48

Jamal Simmons and Antoine Seawright discuss the current landscape of Democratic politics, focusing on the Texas Senate race and the qualities needed in candidates to connect with voters. They explore the dynamics of the MAGA movement, the importance of bridging divides in American politics, and the necessity of diverse voices within the Democratic …

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Latino Pessimism at Record Highs: Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez Reveals Record-Breaking Shifts in Latino Sentiment 37:29

6h ago37:29

37:29

Mike Madrid sits down with one of the most respected voices in Latino research—Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez, Director of Race and Ethnicity at the Pew Research Center—to unpack a brand-new, blockbuster dataset on Latino attitudes on the second Trump administration and their situation in the country. Pew’s October survey of almost 5,000 Latino adults reveals…

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How New Jersey Flipped. Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina on Winning 68% of the Latino Vote 32:23

6d ago32:23

32:23

Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid sit down with Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina — immigrant, labor leader, campaign strategist, and the highest-ranking Latina on Mikie Sherrill's 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial campaign. After New Jersey saw massive Democratic losses among Latino voters in 2024—with Trump gaining up to 24 points in some counties—Mikie Sherrill …

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57: Is Hegseth A War Criminal? 15:32

3d ago15:32

15:32

Jamal and Nayyera Haq discuss the recent military actions taken by the Trump administration, particularly focusing on drone strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. They explore the ethical implications of these actions, the lack of accountability within the military chain of command, and the legal ramifications of using military forc…

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From Platinum Records to Politics: Bobby Pulido Takes On TX-15 44:05

14d ago44:05

44:05

Chuck and Mike sit down with music icon and Texas's 15th congressional district candidate Bobby Pulido for a raw, insightful discussion about culture, politics, and the future of South Texas. The platinum-selling Tejano music star breaks down why this heavily Latino district swung from 60% for Beto O'Rourke to 60% for Trump in just eight years, off…

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56: Marjorie Taylor Greene: Welcome To The Resistance 24:31

20d ago24:31

24:31

Jamal Simmons is joined by his CNN colleague SE Cupp to discuss the evolving political landscape, particularly focusing on Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent shift towards more rational rhetoric. The dialogue explores the internal conflicts within the MAGA movement, the future of conservatism in America, and the need for a coherent agenda from both th…

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54: Digital Media in the Trump Era 17:34

28d ago17:34

17:34

Jamal is joined this week by Ashley Allison discusses her journey from working in the Obama White House to becoming a media entrepreneur with the acquisition of The Root. She shares insights on the challenges of being a CEO, the importance of independent media, and her personal mission to amplify black stories. The discussion highlights the signifi…

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2025 Election Results Analysis - Democrats Win Big with the Latino Vote 45:42

26d ago45:42

45:42

Democrats are celebrating a massive night — and Republicans are reeling. In this post-election episode of The Latino Vote Podcast, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid unpack the surprising 2025 results that reshaped the political landscape across the country. From Virginia to Georgia, New Jersey to California, Democrats didn’t just win — they dominated. La…

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55: Election Aftermath with Chuck Rocha 21:27

1M ago21:27

21:27

Jamal Simmons and Chuck Rocha discuss the recent election results, emphasizing the importance of celebrating victories while remaining cautious about future challenges. They explore the significance of affordability in political messaging, particularly for the Latino community, and the need for Democrats to adapt their strategies for upcoming elect…

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Latino Voters: The Midterms and Beyond - A USC Center for the Political Future Special. With Mike Murphy & Helen Torres 56:43

1M ago56:43

56:43

In this special edition of The Latino Vote Podcast, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid are joined by Helen Torres, CEO of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), and Mike Murphy, veteran Republican strategist, for a dynamic USC Center for the Political Future panel discussion on the fastest-growing and most consequential voting bloc in American …

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53: Jamal Talks to Dem Gov Strategist - High Stakes in VA & NJ 12:56

1M ago12:56

12:56

Jamal is joined this week by Ofirah Yheskel to discuss the critical stakes of the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey, emphasizing the importance of Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikey Sherrill. They highlight the significance of women in leadership roles, particularly those with national security backgrounds,…

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Arizona's Waiting Congresswoman: Interview with Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva 20:36

1M ago20:36

20:36

In this powerful episode recorded during the government shutdown, Chuck Rocha welcomes Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva to discuss the unprecedented delay in her swearing-in. Despite winning her Arizona CD-7 special election 29 days prior, Speaker Johnson has refused to swear her in, leaving 812,000 constituents without representation. Adelita …

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From Homecoming to Hatch Act: Voting Rights Act Under Threat & Middle East Peace 52:46

2M ago52:46

52:46

Check out Gina Hinojosa's interview announcing her run for Texas Governor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kocf9-4zPtw - Chuck Rocha returns from his Texas homecoming with stories about reuniting with his high school buddies and Mexican family, reflecting on how working-class communities have shifted from Democratic strongholds to Republican territ…

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MAKE HUMANITY GREAT AGAIN. Virginia Texting Scandal, Government Shutdown Continues, & The Rise of New Progressive Leaders 57:31

2M ago57:31

57:31

Comment your guess on how long the government shutdown will last! Closest comment will get: The Latino Vote Podcast T-Shirt 'Tío Bernie' book signed by Chuck Rocha: https://www.tioberniebook.com/ 'The Latino Century' book signed by Mike Madrid: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278 *Must comment before …

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Shutdown Standoff & A Race Against Time. Who Wins? Who Loses? 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

Read the September 2025, New York Times/Sienna poll here: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/10/02/polls/times-siena-poll-registered-voter-crosstabs.html - Mike Madrid and Chuck Rocha dive into the escalating government shutdown fight, asking who benefits, who gets blamed, and what it means for Democrats heading into the midterms. From debate…

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Government Shutdown Politics and Arizona's First Latina Elected to Congress 43:23

2M ago43:23

43:23

Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down what a looming government shutdown really means — and why it could hand extraordinary power to Donald Trump, reshaping which agencies stay open and which close. Our hosts also analyze the results of Arizona’s Grijalva special election, revealing how local Latino candidates are outperforming national Democrats.…

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The Promise and Peril: What the Bulwark's latest focus group reveals with Adrian Carrasquillo 33:11

3M ago33:11

33:11

Read The Bulwark's 'Exclusive Focus Group: Trump Bleeding Latino Voters' by Adrian Carrasquillo here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/exclusive-focus-group-trump-bleeding-latino-voters-support - Kicking off our first Hispanic Heritage Month episode, Chuck Rocha welcomes back our good friend (and reporter for the Bulwark), Adrian Carrasquillo, to unpac…

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52: What Trump is Hiding This Week 19:55

3M ago19:55

19:55

Nayyera & Jamal explore the current political landscape, focusing on the Trump administration's impact on foreign policy, economic policies, and the erosion of trust in American institutions. It highlights the tensions in Europe, particularly with Russia, and discusses the implications of corporate transparency and environmental regulations. The di…

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Finding Common Ground - Charlie Kirk, Political Violence, and America's Divide 45:51

3M ago45:51

45:51

Chuck Rocha is back with stories of climbing Yosemite's Half Dome and fishing in Belize, but the tone quickly shifts as he and Mike Madrid confront the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. Together, they reflect on America’s rising political violence, and how social media and polarization are fueling America’s darkest impulses. From Civil War an…

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Fractures over the Immigration Debate: Breaking Down the latest California Voter Poll with Andrea Castillo 41:34

3M ago41:34

41:34

Check out the Los Angeles Times' article on UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies poll: 'Most California voters disapprove of Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, poll shows' - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-24/la-me-latimes-berkeley-poll-on-immigration - Mike Madrid sits down with Los Angeles Times reporter Andrea …

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51: Trump Takes Control 19:29

4M ago19:29

19:29

Nayyera Haq & Jamal Simmons delve into the political landscape surrounding the Federal Reserve, the implications of government control over economic policies, and the militarization of D.C. It highlights the racial dynamics at play and the potential consequences for democracy and elections in America. Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts | S…

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Do Latino Trump Voters Regret Their Decision? Unpacking the Summer 2025 Latino PulseCheck 47:43

4M ago47:43

47:43

Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid dig into fresh polling from EquisLab — the “Memo: Summer 2025 Latino PulseCheck” — and lay out why a sizable slice of 2024 Latino Trump voters are disappointed or regretful, especially on the economy, mass deportations, rising costs, and cuts to social programs. From concerns about ICE's use of 'indefinite detention' to …

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50: Twitter War: Newsom vs. Trump 16:25

4M ago16:25

16:25

Nayyera and Jamal discuss Gavin Newsom's evolving political strategy, the generational differences in political engagement, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the trends in voter registration among young people. They explore how Newsom's approach resonates with younger voters and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in mainta…

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Don't Take the Bait! Trump's Messaging Scheme by Occupying D.C. 48:49

4M ago48:49

48:49

After a week away, Chuck Rocha returns from New Orleans to Washington D.C. where Trump’s show of military force has locals on edge. The two dig into what’s really behind the spectacle—midterm messaging, crime politics, and redistricting battles. Chuck assesses the messaging battlefield for the 2026 midterms, while Mike presses that the key to Democ…

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49: Martial Law In DC 35:12

4M ago35:12

35:12

Nayyera and Jamal discuss various pressing issues facing Washington D.C., including the recent drop in crime rates, the role of the National Guard, economic concerns such as inflation, and the complexities of D.C.'s governance under home rule. They also explore the implications of federal oversight on local governance and the impact of militarizati…

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From Gangs to Capitol Hill: Brandon Loran Maxwell on Latino Culture, Breaking Walls, & Building Power 59:06

4M ago59:06

59:06

Check out Brandon Loran Maxwell's latest works: Bomb the Wall: Musings From The Beltway To The Barrio - https://www.amazon.com/Bomb-Wall-Musings-Beltway-Barrio/dp/B0DTQDFLC2 American Homeboy - https://americanhomeboy.com Inside L.A. Lowrider Club History with Compton David | DEFIANT HISTORY | S1 E1 | Full Episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E…

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48: Trump Knows He's In Trouble with Karen Finney 38:14

4M ago38:14

38:14

Jamal Simmons and Karen Finney, former communications director for the Democratic National Committee, discuss the evolution of politics over the decades. They discuss challenges, changes in political dynamics, coalition building, and their personal journeys into public service. Finney shares her experiences in the Clinton administration and the com…

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Redistricting Roulette: How Texas GOP's Newly Drawn Districts Targets Latino Voters 49:26

4M ago49:26

49:26

From DC and Guadalajara, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid go deep on the redistricting wars heating up across the country. Texas Republicans have unveiled a bold new map designed to create more Latino-majority districts—but is it a strategic play or a dangerous overreach? Chuck breaks down how the new lines threaten key Democratic seats, while Mike warn…

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47: Trump Has Always Been A Scoundrel 29:41

4M ago29:41

29:41

Nayyera Haq and Jamal Simmons discuss the political landscape surrounding Kamala Harris's decision not to run for governor of California, the implications of fear in politics, the impact of AI on the workforce, and the potential for universal basic income in the future. They explore how political decisions are influenced by past experiences and the…

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Where do Latinos stand on the Issues? Analyzing the latest CBS News Poll #ByTheNumbers | LIVE from NALEO Atlanta 51:47

5M ago51:47

51:47

Live from outside the NALEO conference in Atlanta, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid are joined by CNN veteran Nick Valencia and CBS political contributor Fin Gómez to unpack seismic shifts in Latino politics. They unpack the latest CBS News polling on Latino voters, analyze how immigration and economic discontent are driving voters away from both partie…

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46: Trump And The Art Of Distraction 21:54

5M ago21:54

21:54

Nayyera Haq and Jamal Simmons discuss the current state of American politics, focusing on issues such as press freedom, cultural diplomacy, and the distractions created by political figures. They explore the implications of Trump's leadership style and the erosion of trust in government, while also addressing the broader societal impacts of these d…

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Mapping the Future: Texas Redistricting Chaos & Grijalva’s Landslide Win in Arizona 55:49

5M ago55:49

55:49

Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the shocking Arizona special election - that wasn’t so shocking to anyone paying attention. Adelita Grijalva didn’t just win — she crushed her competition — despite the hype around viral social media candidates. What does her landslide win say about the myth of the “progressive takeover”? Our hosts also take y…

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45: The Epstein Files with Merrick Garland’s chief spokesman 41:13

5M ago41:13

41:13

Nayyera Haq & Jamal Simmons are joined this week by their friend Anthony Coley, Attorney General Merrick Garland’s chief spokesman, to explore the media’s role in shaping narratives and public perception, focusing on the Epstein files. We’ll examine how media outlets craft stories and public affairs professionals sway opinions. We’ll also discuss t…

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Two Roosters, One Sh*t Sandwich. Eric Garcia on What Trump's Budget Bill Really Means for Latinos 48:33

5M ago48:33

48:33

Chuck Rocha returns from the mangroves of Mexico, roosters and all, just in time for a deep dive into the "Big, Beautiful Budget Bill" that’s anything but beautiful—especially for Latinos. Joined by Senior Washington Correspondent for The Independent Eric Garcia and co-host Mike Madrid, the trio breaks down what really went down on Capitol Hill, fr…

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44: MAGA Mayhem Over Epstein Files 23:14

5M ago23:14

23:14

In MAGA world. Anger over last night’s U-turn is already starting to flow. Trump’s repeated pledges to end America’s involvement in overseas wars were a big part of his appeal to the MAGA base, and so his decision to start rearming Ukraine — even with purely defensive weapons — is not landing well. At all. You can expect MAGA anger to swell through…

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Is This Really Who We Are? Alligator Alcatraz and Trump's Big Bill 32:25

5M ago32:25

32:25

In this urgent solo dispatch, Mike Madrid unpacks the jaw-dropping implications of the newly passed federal budget — a bill that dramatically expands ICE and Border Patrol into what he calls a “paramilitary operation.” From scenes of federal agents detaining U.S. citizens in churches and Home Depots to the chilling rhetoric of “Alligator Alcatraz,”…

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43: BORED BILLIONAIRES 24:06

5M ago24:06

24:06

Nayyera and Jamal discuss the implications of the recent economic bill, its impact on the working class, and the broader societal issues surrounding wealth distribution and federal programs. They explore the challenges faced by the working poor, the need for national service, and the threats to democracy and citizenship in the current political cli…

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Populism in the Big Apple: Unpacking Mamdani's New York City Mayoral Shockwave with Ruben Navarrette 47:29

6M ago47:29

47:29

Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid are joined by legendary columnist and commentator Ruben Navarrette to unpack the political earthquake in New York City. From Andrew Cuomo's downfall to Zohran Mamdani's insurgent rise, the trio dives deep into why Mamdani winning New York City's Democratic Primary isn't a left vs. right moment—it’s a populist revolt shak…

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42: Tech Bro Colonels 21:23

6M ago21:23

21:23

Nayyera & Jamal explore the intertwining of tech companies and the military-industrial complex, raising concerns about the implications of their collaboration. It discusses the role of the President and Congress in military actions, particularly in the context of Iran, and the potential consequences of such actions. The speakers emphasize the impor…

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ICE vs. We the People. Jack Herrera on CHNV Parole Rollback, ICE Overreach, & the Human Cost to Trump's Deportation Obsession 46:21

6M ago46:21

46:21

Catch up on Jack Herrera's recent articles on ICE deportations: Could You Prove You’re a Citizen? For Americans wrongfully detained by ICE, it can be nearly impossible to escape. (https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/trump-ice-detained-citizenship-proof.html) Trump’s De-legalization Campaign (https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/trumps-de-leg…

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41: Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran? 22:38

6M ago22:38

22:38

Nayyera Haq & Jamal Simmons discuss the potential for war in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the United States' involvement in Iran and Israel's actions. They explore the implications of American foreign policy, the perspectives of younger generations on these issues, and the reactions of global powers. The conversation highlights the com…

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Cruelty Is the Point: How Playing into Trump’s Chaos Helps Him—and Hurts Us 46:52

6M ago46:52

46:52

As tanks roll into D.C. and protesters flood the streets of LA, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the chaos—and the calculated cruelty driving it. Together, they dissect the fear gripping immigrant communities, the optics of waving Mexican flags vs. American ones, and how left-wing agitators are playing right into Trump’s hands. With brutal ho…

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40: LA Riots Aftermath 26:17

6M ago26:17

26:17

Co-hosts Nayyera and Jamal explain the ins and outs of the National Guard deployment to Los Angeles — the history behind deployments to states, who benefits from the military being active on U.S. soil, and how the military parade all tie together as one mission.By Trailblaze

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It's not Turnout, It's Policy. What Democrats should be doing differently 44:58

6M ago44:58

44:58

In this episode of the Latino Vote Podcast, Mike Madrid is back and is here to tackle the hard truth: the Latino voter shift isn’t about turnout—it’s about policy. While Democrats scramble to reconnect with a base that’s drifting right, Chuck and Mike break down the real reasons why working-class Latino voters are leaving the party. Spoiler: it’s n…

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39: Why Black Businesses Matter 38:02

6M ago38:02

38:02

Nayyera Haq & Jamal Simmons are joined this week by Rick Wade to discuss the critical intersection of economics and civil rights, emphasizing the importance of Black-owned businesses in creating jobs and addressing unemployment disparities. He reflects on the political dynamics affecting Black success and the need for a dual focus on both economic …

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The Latino Vote by the Numbers: Unpacking the Catalist Report 1:01:54

6M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Download the Catalist 'What Happened in 2024' Report: https://catalist.us/whathappened2024/ - Chuck Rocha is joined by guest co-host Maria Cardona and Catalist CEO Michael Frias to unpack the hard truths and hidden opportunities in the Democratic Party’s relationship with Latino voters. With Mike Madrid off for the week, Chuck, Maria, and Michael d…

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38: Trump’s Meme Coin Scam 28:58

7M ago28:58

28:58

Nayyera Haq and Jamal Simmons discuss the political implications of meme coins, particularly focusing on Trump’s fundraising and access strategies. They explore pay-to-play politics, the erosion of American exceptionalism, and Trump’s policies on global relations. The discussion also touches on Memorial Day, media access, billionaire influence, and…

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37: Are the DEMOCRATS an OPPOSITION party anymore ? 25:19

7M ago25:19

25:19

Nayyera & Jamal discuss what the Democrats are for, Are thy an opposition party anymore. Also they talk about Kathy Hochul's innovative rebate policy for New Yorkers, the issues of corruption and accountability in politics, the disconnect between political leaders and the public, the struggles of the working poor, the importance of authenticity in …

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Jim Acosta UNFILTERED: A Call for Fearless Journalism in the Face of Tyranny 58:29

7M ago58:29

58:29

If you haven't yet, check out The Jim Acosta Show on Substack: https://jimacosta.substack.com/ - "You have to be fearless, if you want to go into covering politics. This is not a line of work where you're going to get liked." Renown Journalist, Jim Acosta, joins The Latino Vote Podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation with Chuck Rocha and Mike Ma…

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36: Trump's Jet Grift 31:28

7M ago31:28

31:28

From accepting a $400 million plane to welcoming South Afrikaaners, can Trump’s personal ambitions be more clear? Nayyera and Jamal dig into what happens when leaders stop being guided by the ethics and morals of social good, what that means for families, and how do deal with corruption as an everyday occurrence. #trailblazepodcast #nayyerahaq #jam…