Best Defector Media Podcasts (2025)

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Ron Filipkowski on Epstein Files, GOP Exodus, and the Year from Hell 47:39

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1d ago47:39

47:39

Jo welcomes back Meidas Touch’s Ron Filipkowski for a brutally honest year-end reality check on American politics. They unpack the newest Epstein documents, what they reveal about power, money, and the protection of the ultra-rich, and why Trump’s promises to his base keep collapsing under the weight of his actual record.Ron explains why dozens of …

1
Exposing the Shady Efforts to Take Public Land From the American People: MeatEater's Ryan 'Cal' Callaghan 57:35

2d ago57:35

57:35

Ryan 'Cal' Callaghan is a conservationist, backcountry hunter, host of the podcast “Cal of the Wild”, and a contributor to MeatEater. In January, he will transition from the Director Of Conservation at MeatEater Inc. to become the president and CEO of the organization Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA). The group's mission is "to ensure North Amer…

1
The Defectors Part 1: A Festive Series - Reg Prentice (Labour to Tories) 36:57

2d ago36:57

36:57

Reg Prentice was a Labour cabinet minister after the 1974 elections, but was threatened with deselection by his local Labour party for being on the right. There were rowdy meetings as Prentice’s cabinet allies spoke in his defence and by the time of the 1979 election Prentice had defected to Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative party. • The first show …

1
What have we learnt at the end of 2025? 51:03

3d ago51:03

51:03

We know more than we think we know … Sometimes what is in front of our eyes is more interesting than speculating about a hazy future. Here is what we know now about Keir Starmer’s fragility and the even more precarious international crisis. • Tickets for my next live show on the 11th of February are available now! Get them here. • My biography of T…

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Why does a 'narrative' matter so much? 55:37

7d ago55:37

55:37

Keir Starmer has endured a rough opening 18 months, but so did Tony Blair in quite similar ways. So why was Blair miles ahead in the polls in his early phase in power? And why is Starmer breaking all records for low ratings? The first show of 2026 is in the main concert hall at Kings Place on the 11th of February. Tickets are the perfect Christmas …

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Williams Sonoma Price Is Right 2025! with Matt Selman 53:18

8d ago53:18

53:18

It’s the most magical time of the year once again! Drew brings Roth and guest Matt Selman, The Simpsons EP and Showrunner, a list of Williams Sonoma’s finest – who is more in tune with the everyman consumer? Does anyone need a $350 Porsche-branded Smeg toaster? No. Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-7…

1
UFO Disclosure, Crash Recovery Teams, Cover-Ups & Secret Programs (Full Documentary) 1:57:57

8d ago1:57:57

1:57:57

Who is hiding the truth about UFOs? Are UAP actually secret government weapon programs?In this full length documentary (created from a supercut of our IRONCLAD Original series, Black Project), Andy Stumpf talks with experts, whistleblowers, and insiders including Dr. Garry Nolan, Rep. Tim Burchett, Chrissy Newton, Richard Dolan, and others to get t…

1
Comeback Kid vs. the Fascist Flame: Tom Malinowski Runs Into the Fire 42:34

9d ago42:34

42:34

Tom Malinowski isn’t just running for Congress again, he’s running straight into the flamethrower Trump has aimed at democracy, foreign policy, and the rule of law. If you’ve been doomscrolling FBI hearings about “Antifa terrorists,” boat strikes in the Caribbean, and Republicans suddenly remembering they have spines, this episode has you covered. …

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Why WNBA Owners Cheated To Help Their Players 36:15

9d ago36:15

36:15

The Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty have both had scandals around their owners paying or otherwise providing benefits to players under the table in an attempt to circumvent salary cap rules, right as women’s sports exploded in popularity. Maitreyi Anantharaman joins us to look at the state of the fight for wage equality in sports, and what …

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Rock & Roll Politics Live - How fragile is Keir Starmer? 1:33:41

10d ago1:33:41

1:33:41

Here’s the last live show of the year, recorded in the main concert hall at Kings Place. There’s a dramatic answer to the question, will Keir Starmer be prime minister this time next year? Plus, making sense of Nigel Farage, Zack Polanski, Jeremy Corbyn and much more… Dream Christmas presents... • Tickets for my next live show on the 11th of Februa…

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Primetime Fascism & Media Too Scared to Fight Back 40:31

10d ago40:31

40:31

Jo sits down with Mehdi Hasan to talk about ICE acting like Trump’s personal secret police, the open, gleeful racism coming out of this White House, and what it does to your brain when the people with the microphones keep pretending this is all normal.We get into why calling fascism “fascism” isn’t hyperbole, it’s homework; how Democrats keep flinc…

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Heather Cox Richardson on How the Hell We Got Here 40:24

13d ago40:24

40:24

Jo sits down with Heather Cox Richardson to connect the chaos in your house to the chaos in American democracy—and spoiler: the mess didn’t start with you, but it sure as hell can end with us.Heather walks us through how we got from “basic civic competence” to “strongman with a merch store,” why Indiana gerrymanders and minority rule are not just b…

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What next as Trump turns away from Europe? 40:01

14d ago40:01

40:01

Trump’s National Security Strategy is scathing about Europe, and in interviews he intensified his attack on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. Where does this leave Britain’s place in the world? Out of the EU and no longer able to claim there’s a reliable ally in the White House, even if that claim was always partly delusional... Plus, what chance of…

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Bad For Your Heart, Bad For Your Soul with Matthew Coller 1:00:33

15d ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Drew and Roth are joined by Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller to talk football as the NFL season heats up. In this brand new world where K-balls are changing the entire game, how do we even tell if a player or a team is good at all? Are the Cowboys actually any good? The Broncos? The Patriots? Is Matthew buying Caleb Williams? Then, they open up the …

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Changing the World Through Stoicism and Discipline (with Ryan Holiday) 1:01:08

15d ago1:01:08

1:01:08

On this episode of Change Agents, Andy Stumpf sits down with author and host of the podcast The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday. He has written several bestselling books, including The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Stillness Is the Key, which blend Stoic philosophy with modern life to emphasize resilience, discipline, and self-awareness.He’s…

1
Brexit- is this the beginning of the end? 44:43

17d ago44:43

44:43

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have started to become more critical of the ‘Brexit Deal’. David Lammy highlights the benefits of a customs union. The Brexit minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, is promoted. But does this mean a cautious government is moving towards the customs union, and when would it make such a move? Looking for the ideal Christmas pre…

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Why are newspapers still powerful? 44:07

20d ago44:07

44:07

Few buy newspapers and not many read them. So why do they shape the political agenda, not least in determining how the current government is perceived? Rock & Roll Politics -The Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 8th.. Get your tickets for Kings Place or the live-stream of the event here. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts…

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Harry Dunn on Trump, Jan 6 & Our Last Chance 42:37

22d ago42:37

42:37

The president can’t recall which body part got scanned; but Harry Dunn can recite a coup attempt beat‑by‑beat and still show up tomorrow. Today we’re joined by Harry Dunn, who remembers every second of January 6. Together they talk about goldfish, why “everything will be fine” is a lie, parenting through democratic decay, and what showing up looks …

1
Batteries Are Woke, Mining is Based with Peter Brannen 55:40

22d ago55:40

55:40

Drew and Roth are joined by Peter Brannen, author of The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything: How Carbon Dioxide Made Our World to talk about CO2’s role in our lives, past and present. Should CO2’s image be rehabbed? Then, they talk about the NBA–with the OKC Thunder at 21-1, how screwed is the rest of the league? Finally, they open up the funb…

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Nick Irving “The Reaper”: How a Failed SEAL Test Led to Becoming One of America’s Deadliest Rangers 1:05:28

22d ago1:05:28

1:05:28

On today's episode, former Army Ranger Nick Irving, aka, The Reaper joins Andy to discuss his journey through elite military service, experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq, emerging threats at home, including the DC National Guard attack, and what these situations reveal about the modern security landscape. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Spons…

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Is It Even Possible to Cheat on The Bachelor? 26:40

23d ago26:40

26:40

What does cheating look like on a reality show where the goal is to find love? In this episode, Emma Gray and Claire Fallon from Love to See It join us to talk through the fiction of "for the right reasons" on The Bachelor franchise. Episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GS4u1CpTtjs7hvdKroTnLZCLRNxd5etfg841_66Y1-8/edit?usp=sharing…

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Could The Conservatives Recover? 40:31

23d ago40:31

40:31

The fickle media and Conservative MPs are hailing Kemi Badenoch’s recent performances, making her more secure in her role as leader. The Tories are still dominant in the media, so could they - not Reform - emerge as the main alternative at the next election? Plus the furore over Rachel Reeves and the OBR, and why is it shocking for a Labour governm…

1
Ronald Young Jr. Comes Clean 36:00

24d ago36:00

36:00

We've talked a lot about trying this season, but not enough about failing. In the season one finale, Ronald Young Jr. comes clean about failing his Try Hard project. Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ysREUJm3-I9T8K6xCGT4Qbtlu1fZfuKETkb1MvaV1c/edit?usp=sharing You can contribute to Radiotopia's fall fundraiser with a tax-…

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Eat As Much As You Can and Get Out 47:52

29d ago47:52

47:52

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s a Drew and Roth solo episode this week, and they talk about Roth’s latest artistic discovery, Drew’s hometown, and, of course, their Thanksgiving food plans. Then, they’re joined by a lucky listener to open up the funbag and answer questions from other lucky listeners. Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? …

1
Andy Stumpf and Green Beret Nate Boyer on Kaepernick, Media Lies, and a Divided America 1:24:45

29d ago1:24:45

1:24:45

On today’s episode, Green Beret veteran, former NFL player, and filmmaker Nate Boyer sits down with Andy Stumpf to tackle America’s growing polarization, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the importance of finding common ground in divisive times. They also explore Nate’s work with veterans and athletes through his organization MVP…

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Has Rachel Reeves calmed the mood of restive Labour MPs… and disillusioned voters? 35:45

29d ago35:45

35:45

After a thousand leaks, speeches and u-turns, Rachel Reeves has delivered her budget. As predicted there were a range of tax rises and some significant spending increases, not least on welfare. For all the feverish coverage, how much does the budget really change? Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on the 8th of Dec…

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Feast Mode: Stephanie Miller Roasts MAGA Turkeys 21:45

1M ago21:45

21:45

Stephanie Miller joins Jo for a wild, uncensored after-dark happy hour: sex scandals, MAGA meltdown, and Fox News takedowns with a side of raucous banter. From RFK Jr.’s bizarre sexts to Trump’s Fox-loving antics, Hannity face-plants, Marjorie Taylor Greene’s latest drama, and the imploding right getting roasted in real time, it’s all on the table.…

1
Rachel Reeves - and consequences 50:05

1M ago50:05

50:05

In spite of the bleak financial inheritance, Rachel Reeves should have some space with a landslide Commons for radical reforms in her budget. Did she partly choose to be trapped, without thinking through the consequences? Plus brilliant questions on how Britain is governed in relation to Covid Inquiry and Shabana Mahmood’s plans for asylum seekers.…

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Unmasking MAGA: Ro Khanna, Receipts & the End of Denial 31:36

1M ago31:36

31:36

What does it actually takes to force accountability in Washington—especially when it comes to the long-shielded Epstein files? Jo sits down with Congressman Ro Khanna in the aftermath of Congress’s seismic vote to crack open the Epstein files—a moment that didn’t just force transparency but shattered the protective wall hiding MAGA’s ugliest secret…

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Nick Thomas-Symonds on Labour prime ministers, leadership threats and Europe 40:36

1M ago40:36

40:36

The Cabinet Office Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, has written several political biographies. The most recent was on Harold Wilson. What are the differences between being in power now compared with previous Labour governments? How did Wilson deal with leadership threats of the type Keir Starmer faces now? He’s also responsible for the Brexit ’reset’…

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Reptile Epicurean Delights with Nathan Thornburgh 1:00:47

1M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Food journalist and founder of the newly-revived website Roads & Kingdoms Nathan Thornburgh returns to the podcast after many many moons. Where’s he been this whole time? Well it turns out, lots of places! Drew & Roth get a rundown of Nathan’s favorite food places in the world, as well asp the surprising challenges involved in preparing an iguana f…

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Why Officials Are Extremely Concerned About the CCP’s Next Move and the China Threat 57:55

1M ago57:55

57:55

On this week's episode of Change Agents, national security journalist Bill Gertz joins Andy to discuss how the United States’ economic entanglement with China has reportedly created a national security risk. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ TacPack …

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Lance Armstrong And The Myth Of The Natural Body 39:06

1M ago39:06

39:06

Lance Armstrong's rise and fall in the cycling world paved the way for a mythology about the "natural body" to proliferate in sports. Today, it's being used to argue for bans of trans athletes. Reo Eveleth of Tested joins us to talk about the unintended consequences of the natural body myth. Episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I…

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Will Mahmood’s asylum policies stop the boats… and the rise of Reform? 50:40

1M ago50:40

50:40

Within weeks of becoming Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood has announced a set of wide-ranging policies aimed at deterring illegal asylum seekers. Will they work practically and politically? Plus, has Rachel Reeves got a coherent vision for the economy? How to define the soft left? And are there too many political journalists? Rock & Roll Politics - …

1
Zakiya Gibbons Goes On A Date 32:28

1M ago32:28

32:28

Zakiya Gibbons is rusty with dating women, so she goes to a queer speed dating event to shake the cobwebs off. Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1THYaMJZoV3e_45wsLsScbYxphcywyMIhltrJN0b4Ygc/edit?usp=sharing You can contribute to Radiotopia's fall fundraiser with a tax-deductible donation here! Send me voice memos about the…

1
Fifteen Is Not Consent: Megyn Kelly Is A Monster 43:24

1M ago43:24

43:24

Jess Piper joins to torch the week’s biggest outrages: the fresh dump of Epstein files implicating Trump and power brokers; Megyn Kelly’s jaw-dropping defense of “degrees” of child abuse; performative Democrats and predatory Republicans both hiding behind “protect the kids” slogans; and the everyday struggles faced by rural families lost in the nat…

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Is Starmer the biggest victim of the 'toxic culture'? 56:39

1M ago56:39

56:39

There's universal consensus that the briefings from Number 10, warning of a leadership challenge from Wes Streeting and the conduct of "feral" Labour MPs, have rebounded badly on Starmer and those involved. Yet the briefings against key Labour figures are part of a pattern under Keir Starmer's leadership… even if he is the biggest victim of these o…

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You Depraved the Manner of Men with Stefan Fatsis 1:06:34

1M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

Stefan Fatsis joins Drew and Roth to talk about dictionaries! For his new book, Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat to) the Modern Dictionary (out now), Stefan embedded with Merriam Webster, and even drafted some new entries. Then, Stefan and Drew discuss the finer points of the letter V’s usage in Scrabble, and they figure out if NFL kickers are…

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Former CIA and FBI Agent Reveals The Rise of Fame-Driven Domestic Terrorists In America (w/ Tracy Walder) 1:15:26

1M ago1:15:26

1:15:26

On today’s episode, former CIA and FBI Agent Tracy Walder breaks down the evolving motivations behind terrorism, from extremist ideology and failed states to a growing desire for media attention and internet fame, and discusses how the next attack on the U.S. could come from within. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Buy Target Intelligence: PSY…

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How to Lose a Win: Dem Defectors and So. Many. Sandwich Puns. (with George Conway) 34:36

1M ago34:36

34:36

Jo is joined by George Conway for a post-shutdown, post-midterm emotional autopsy: Democrats had the voter energy, the polling, and the moral high ground BUT then folded like a bad hand in Vegas, caving to the GOP less than a week after a stinging Trump/MAGA rejection at the ballot box. Together, Jo and George roast the “Gang of Eight,” eviscerate …

1
Why is the BBC so scared of the right wing media? 48:44

1M ago48:44

48:44

Tim Davie, Deborah Turness and other senior BBC managers have gone out of their way to please the right, from the treatment of Gary Linker to the selection of political panels where there is often an imbalance that favours the right. Ironically and predictably the right wing newspapers have shown yet again their bullying muscularity by triggering t…

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MAGA Meltdowns, and the Next Round of Resistance 38:04

2M ago38:04

38:04

Fresh off the blue wave and before the MAGA tears had even dried, Tom Malinowski joins Jo and makes it official—he’s running for Congress in New Jersey. Jo’s got Tom in the studio (and the fire’s on full blast) for a brutally honest debrief on election chaos, why the right’s grift machine is collapsing, and what it’s going to take to defend democra…

1
What do Labour's 'soft left' want? 43:50

2M ago43:50

43:50

Labour's so-called 'soft left' is becoming more muscular and vocal, but what binds this part of the party and how does it want this government to change? Plus, can Rachel Reeves make voters recognise the connection between higher taxes and better public services? A key rule for governments: "Make the connections". Rock & Roll Politics - The Christm…

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An Emergency Private Podcast with Rohan Nadkarni 1:00:23

2M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Rohan is back with Drew and Roth to talk about the Mamdani win and what it could mean for the political future. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of sandwich talk as well! Then, they talk about the Dolphins, the Jets, the World Series, and the real insider secret to getting traded: location, location, location. Do you want to hear your question answe…

1
The Government Is Hiding the Truth About UFOs: U.S. Congressman's Fight for Disclosure 51:11

2M ago51:11

51:11

On today’s episode, Congressman Eric Burlison joins Andy to break down what’s really going on behind UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) disclosure efforts in Congress. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Buy Target Intelligence: PSYOP with Shawn Ryan: http://psyopshow.com/ Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first or…

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Trump’s War Games and the Battle for America’s Soul with Jack Hopkins 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

Jo sits down with Jack Hopkins—a former Republican, Navy vet, and host of The Jack Hopkins Show podcast—to rip off the polite tape and get right to what’s freaking everyone out: Trump playing toy soldier with the National Guard and threatening to turn the military against regular Americans, all for the sake of television optics and a bigger slice o…

1
A Cheating Scandal That Explains The Online Chess Revolution 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

When chess exploded in popularity during the pandemic, it changed — and those changes brought about a new kind of player, and a very new kind of scandal. Joshua Robinson from the Wall Street Journal joins us for this story about cheating, the internet, and uh...receiving vibrating signals through a connected device that is not intended for chess. E…

1
Does Nigel Farage have a credible economic policy? 44:55

2M ago44:55

44:55

Nigel Farage has torn up Reform's 2024 manifesto, pledging big spending cuts and promising tax cuts. Whether on the right or left, has he framed a distinct and credible argument about the economy? Also, is the Royal Family doomed in modern Britain? Plus brilliant questions and a range of notices for the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative. Rock & Rol…

1
Josh Gondelman Plays Basketball 37:42

2M ago37:42

37:42

Josh Gondelman used to love playing basketball, but he can't seem to bring himself to play in his friend's long-running pickup game. Check out Josh's standup special, Positive Reinforcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAvNlgpdKKo Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KPusncOHye0q-x9GVxODOTuG-NMoLMjMUEVWlfg2f4I/edit?usp=s…

1
Let Them Eat Cake, Huh? With Joe Gallina 38:48

2M ago38:48

38:48

Jo connects with Siren host & Call to Activism founder Joe Gallina for a wide-ranging, no-bull conversation about the government shutdown, Trump’s billion-dollar White House ballroom project, and the human cost of GOP cuts to SNAP, healthcare, and rural hospitals. They discuss the consequences of Trump’s games —starving children, shuttering local c…