Best Dig on America Media Podcasts (2025)

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10/03/25 Cartels, Pentagon Crackdowns & The Shutdown: Trump’s Triple Play 1:30:30

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2h ago1:30:30

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Trump declares “armed conflict” with drug cartels, the Pentagon clamps down with NDAs and polygraphs, and the shutdown grows more dangerous by the day. Add a surprising NATO-style pledge to Qatar, and Trump’s triple play turns into a global power gamble.

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A Frankly Psychotic™ Analysis of North America's 50 Best. Plus, Baby Bistro impressions, Bub & Grandma's Pizza, New York eats, and Zohran Mamdani the foodie. 1:12:27

1d ago1:12:27

1:12:27

On this week’s LA Food Podcast, Luca Servodio and Father Sal recap recent eats in NYC and LA before diving into Tejal Rao’s review of Baby Bistro — is it really the perfect encapsulation of LA dining in 2025? We also break down the new North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list: Atomix takes #1, New York dominates, Canada surges, and LA lands just th…

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When The Commander In Chief Loses The Military 14:47

2h ago14:47

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Hear the full Weekender every Friday, plus Live Shows and our community Discord. Support us at http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down the bizarre Trump–Hegseth meeting with America’s top generals. Instead of commanding respect, Trump rambled through grievances and half-baked ideas while Hegseth…

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10/02/25 Shutdown Day 2: Democrats Dig In, Trump & Vought Look to Purge 55:25

5h ago55:25

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The shutdown enters its second day with Democrats refusing to bend, while Trump and Russ Vought openly use the crisis as a chance to purge federal workers and reshape Washington. Cruz admits it’s straight out of Project 2025 — and the fallout is just beginning.

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October 2025 Q&A: Post-Trump America, Zohran Mamdani as Mayor, and more 27:34

1d ago27:34

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Your support for Open Book has been overwhelming. As an expression of my gratitude, I am committed to recording monthly Q&A sessions where I answer all your questions. If your question hasn't been answered yet, please keep submitting it, and I promise that I will get to it. This Q&A covers a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, cryp…

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10/01/25 Shutdown Politics, Shadow Government 1:25:26

2h ago1:25:26

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As the government grinds to a halt, Schumer and Thune trade blame while the Senate’s hollowed-out center leaves Washington stuck in crisis. We break down the failed votes, the fight over healthcare subsidies, and what a shutdown means for federal workers, the economy, and the Fed. Plus—Russell Vought, one of the Project 2025 mastermind, resurfaces …

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Why Malala Yousafzai is a hero in the West but not back home 41:34

3h ago41:34

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Why is Malala Yousafzai so revered in the West while being much less popular in her home country of Pakistan? On this week's Code Switch, we unpack how Pakistani skepticism of Malala extends from a suspicion of U.S. and other foreign interests. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

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CNN Legal Analyst Elie Honig: Trump’s War on the Rule of Law 33:29

3d ago33:29

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Elie Honig is CNN’s Emmy-nominated Senior Legal Analyst, writes a weekly column for New York Magazine and Cafe.com, hosts podcasts on the law and true crime for Vox Media, is a Rutgers University scholar, and is special counsel to the law firm Lowenstein Sandler. His book is one of the must-read political books of the fall, get it here: When You Co…

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09/30/25 Trump & Hegseth Confront the Generals as the Shutdown Looms 1:06:45

4h ago1:06:45

1:06:45

Trump and Hegseth push the military to crush “woke” culture and prepare for domestic deployment, even as Washington edges toward a government shutdown.

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Yeah, This Ain’t Workin’: Dems Keep Folding to Authoritarians 47:53

1h ago47:53

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Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman unpack a jaw-dropping Trump admission—governing off TV images and staff spin—and how that fantasy politics becomes policy: talk of sending “full force” into blue cities, a rebranding of domestic terror to target dissent, and an FBI focus that ignores the deadliest threats. They contrast right-wing viol…

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09/29/25 Comey Indicted: Trump’s Retribution in Full Force 54:52

12h ago54:52

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Former FBI Director James Comey faces indictment in a move raising alarms about political retribution. We break down Trump’s growing “list,” reactions from DOJ veterans, and what’s next as the government barrels toward a shutdown.

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Is Santa Barbara California’s most underrated dining city? Plus, an interview with the Dom’s Taverna dream team. 2:16:32

8d ago2:16:32

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Santa Barbara might be known as the American Riviera, but its food scene is finally demanding the spotlight. This week on The LA Food Podcast, we recap 72 hours of eats — from surprisingly great Mexican food to a bao joint everyone’s obsessed with — and explain why SB might just be California’s most exciting dining city right now. Plus, we sit down…

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The FBI's Kash-tration Of The Truth 18:04

6d ago18:04

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Support the show on Patreon to hear the full Weekender and get access to special live shows, our community Discord, and more: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman dig into a grim week of authoritarian chest-thumping and reality-warping. They start with the Dallas ICE detention-center shooting—three immig…

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09/25/25 Comey on the Clock 54:22

5d ago54:22

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The DOJ is preparing a possible indictment of ex-FBI Director James Comey before the 5-year statute of limitations runs out. Trump’s hand-picked prosecutor Lindsey Halligan now controls the case, raising alarms about political interference, even as safeguards remain in place.

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James Holland is Back: The Forgotten Campaign That Shaped the World We Live In 43:50

9d ago43:50

43:50

James Holland is the author of Cassino ’44, The Savage Storm, Brothers in Arms, Sicily ’43, Normandy ’44, Big Week, The Rise of Germany, and The Allies Strike Back in the War in the West trilogy, Burma ’44, and Dam Busters. He has written and presented the BAFTA shortlisted documentaries Battle of Britain and Dam Busters for the BBC. He is also the…

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09/24/25 Crypto, Chips & Conflicts: Trump’s UAE Dealings Exposed 6:07

7d ago6:07

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A New York Times investigation uncovers how Donald Trump’s inner circle blurred business and government, linking a $2 billion crypto investment into Trump’s family venture with the UAE’s bid for hundreds of thousands of U.S.-designed A.I. chips. From Steve Witkoff’s dual role as envoy and businessman, to David Sacks’s ethics waiver, to Sheikh Tahno…

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Historian James Holland: What World War II Teaches Us About Today 37:46

10d ago37:46

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James Holland is the author of Cassino ’44, The Savage Storm, Brothers in Arms, Sicily ’43, Normandy ’44, Big Week, The Rise of Germany, and The Allies Strike Back in the War in the West trilogy, Burma ’44, and Dam Busters. He has written and presented the BAFTA shortlisted documentaries Battle of Britain and Dam Busters for the BBC. He is also the…

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Is the American dream a scam? 33:10

7d ago33:10

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This week on the pod: author Edgar Gomez talks about what it was like growing up poor, queer, and Nicaraguan Puerto Rican in Florida. His new memoir, Alligator Tears, chronicles his dreams of making it big, the various mini-scams he got into along the way, and his realization that a rich life might not ever come with bundles of money. Learn more ab…

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09/23/25 Tylenol, Autism & the War on Truth 55:15

11d ago55:15

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Trump targets Tylenol, the FDA relabels a new autism treatment, and Dr. Oz profits on the side. Meanwhile, the Pentagon clamps down on journalists with restrictive new pledges. Brett unpacks the collision of bad science, corporate interests, and attacks on free press.

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Charlie Kirk's Memorial Would've Been Better In The Original German 41:54

11d ago41:54

41:54

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down how Charlie Kirk’s Glendale “memorial” morphed into a full-blown Authoritarian Christian Nationalist pep rally: Stephen Miller’s “I am the storm” theatrics, Tucker Carlson’s martyr-making dog whistles, and Donald Trump turning grief into a campaign stump behind bulletproof glass. They unpack Trump’s …

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09/22/25 Power, Faith, and Fear Collide 55:50

11d ago55:50

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At a memorial meant for healing, Trump preached hate, loyalty, and retribution. Across government, the same spirit is reshaping justice, immigration, and power. Is vengeance becoming the new national vision?

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09/19/25 Free Speech vs. Trump’s FCC 55:32

14d ago55:32

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Jimmy Kimmel is pulled off the air as Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr threaten networks that criticize him. Is this the start of government-driven censorship? Plus, Dr. Susan Monarez blows the whistle on RFK Jr.’s anti-science demands at CDC.

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Boycott brewing at Enrique Olvera’s Damian? Plus, 2 LA restaurants win Bon Appétit honors, 4 endangered LA restaurants find lifelines, and the NYT dunks on Alinea. 1:05:09

15d ago1:05:09

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This week on The LA Food Podcast, we dive into one of the most heated debates in the LA dining scene: why are Angelenos calling for a boycott of Enrique Olvera’s acclaimed downtown restaurant Damian? Is the backlash justified, or has a whistleblowing media outlet (LA Taco) gone too far? Father Sal joins the conversation as we unpack the Damian cont…

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Weekender Preview: The Regime Comes For It All 9:39

15d ago9:39

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Nick Hauselman has scheduling issues, so Jared Yates Sexton dives into ABC censoring Jimmy Kimmel on behalf of the Trump Administration and the Right, detailing how past authoritarian regimes wrote the playbook and where all of this is likely heading. This is a preview of the Weekender episode, which is a patron-exclusive. To hear the entire episod…

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09/18/25 Free Speech Under Fire: FCC Silences Kimmel 1:11:26

15d ago1:11:26

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The FCC forces Jimmy Kimmel off the air, with Chairman Brendan Carr threatening fines and license revocations against networks that don’t toe the line. Trump celebrates the suspension—just years after vowing to “bring back free speech.” Critics call it blatant state repression. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel faces fire in Congress for refusing …

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09/17/25 Patel on the Hot Seat & Trump’s Drug War at Sea 54:13

16d ago54:13

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Kash Patel stormed into the Senate swinging — clashing with lawmakers, defending mass FBI firings, and leaving critics blasting “broken trust” inside the bureau. At the same time, Trump is making waves (literally) by sinking Venezuela’s drug boats, sparking cheers from hardliners and outrage from critics who call it a war crime. Rand Paul and JD Va…

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What Benjamin Franklin Taught Me About Money, Mistakes, and Meaning I Mark Skousen 31:00

17d ago31:00

31:00

Mark Skousen holds the Doti-Spogli Chair of Free Enterprise at Chapman University in California. As an eighth-generation direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin, he has had a lifelong interest in the “grandfather” of our nation. Dr. Skousen’s career has often followed that of his illustrious ancestor, as a publisher, author, financial advisor, teach…

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The stakes of calling Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide 43:50

18d ago43:50

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This week: why the term "genocide" matters when talking about Israel's actions against Palestinians in Gaza. On Tuesday, a UN commission said it found that Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, as more people, groups and countries are alleging the same. We break down what the word genocide means on both a personal and geopolitical level,…

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09/16/25 From Tragedy to Crackdowns on Free Speech 55:58

17d ago55:58

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Kirk’s assassination has unleashed a storm of political retribution—from threats to liberal groups, to journalists fired, to constitutional debates on free speech. Meanwhile, the Fed battle continues: Miran confirmed, Cook survives Trump’s purge attempt.

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What This Literal Turning Point Means for America 45:49

14d ago45:49

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Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down the chaotic aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and how the right is exploiting it. They unpack the instant anti-trans scapegoating, JD Vance’s open calls to wield state power against political opponents, Stephen Miller’s “domestic terrorism” dragnet fantasy, and a media ecosystem alre…

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09/15/25 Dark Chapter or Darker Days Ahead? Kirk Fallout, Job Losses & Fed Power Grab 56:29

19d ago56:29

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The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination grows darker—suspect motives, Trump’s escalated rhetoric, and warnings of more violence ahead. Workers lose jobs over social media posts, Brian Kilmeade faces backlash for on-air remarks, and the Trump administration pushes sweeping powers to oust Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Is this the end of a dark chapte…

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09/12/25 Fear, Fury & the Epstein Files 54:15

22d ago54:15

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From Nancy Mace’s slurs to Trump’s threats, the Kirk assassination fallout shows Washington at its ugliest. At the same time, Epstein’s massive email dump exposes connections powerful people wish stayed buried—including one that just cost the U.K. its ambassador.

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And Dave Beran took that personally. Plus, Food & Wine snubs LA, three LA restaurants score major NYT praise, and our favorite CA pizzas outside of LA. 2:16:50

22d ago2:16:50

2:16:50

Today on The LA Food Podcast, Dave Beran—the award-winning chef behind Santa Monica’s Pasjoli and the tasting-menu temple Seline—sits down for his most candid interview yet. We talk about stepping into roles before you feel ready, the line between an intense kitchen and a toxic one, fundraising and vision, and how he truly feels about Seline not ea…

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Soft Targets, Hard Narratives 12:24

18d ago12:24

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This is a free preview of our Weekender. Get the full episode, every Weekender, special live shows, and our community Discord by supporting us here: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman pick up after their emergency pod on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, sorting what’s real from what’s useful to the …

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09/11/25 Charlie Kirk Assassinated: America at the Breaking Point 56:38

23d ago56:38

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was gunned down at 31, and the nation is spiraling into familiar—and dangerous—patterns. Tonight we break down what we know about the shooter, the flood of rhetoric from both sides, and the ugly truth: some are already weaponizing this tragedy for clicks and clout. From Trump’s blame-shifting to calls for restrain…

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Charlie Kirk Assassinated: America on the Brink 30:30

20d ago30:30

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In an emergency broadcast, Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down the shocking assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Beyond the tragedy itself, they explore the dangerous ways this moment could be weaponized by the Right, the potential for escalating sectarian violence, and how America’s cultur…

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09/10/25 Epstein’s Money Trail and a Weaponized SCOTUS 1:01:18

24d ago1:01:18

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The NYT exposes how JPMorgan enabled Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, as Congress battles over subpoenas for his hidden bank records and Goldman’s lawyer shows up in his will. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court takes up Trump’s tariffs, foreign aid cuts, and regulator firings—turning into a powerful weapon in today’s political fights.…

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This One Decision Stopped Russia From Controlling Everything 24:51

24d ago24:51

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Benn Steil is a senior fellow and director of international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is the author of The Marshall Plan: Dawn of the Cold War, winner of the New York Historical Society’s Barbara and David Zalaznick Book Prize in American History and the American Academy of Diplomacy’s Douglas Dillon Award. Get a copy of his…

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How calls for mass deportations went mainstream 43:10

20d ago43:10

43:10

Calls to ban “third world immigration” in favor of “remigration” -- or, mass deportation -- went from fringe ideas in far right circles to ones pedaled by mainstream conservatives. Now, those ideas are mirrored in government policy. On this week's Code Switch, we track how these ideas got their start among white nationalists and neo-Nazis in the U.…

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09/09/25 Shadow Dockets, Epstein Pages & Immigration Raids 57:10

25d ago57:10

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Epstein’s “Birthday Book” surfaces with Trump’s disputed signature and grotesque entries. At the same time, the Supreme Court’s shadow docket clears the way for ICE raids in Los Angeles, while the Georgia Hyundai raid rattles the EV industry and U.S.–South Korea relations.

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If The Democrats Ever Figure It Out... 53:16

21d ago53:16

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Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton (fighting off an Oasis-induced cold) and Nick Hauselman break down a 6–3 Supreme Court move that lets ICE ramp up racial profiling in Los Angeles and what that signals for Chicago, protest crackdowns, and a country drifting into a “soft civil war.” They dig into reports of banning trans people from buying firearms under …

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09/08/25 Power Without Oversight 55:57

26d ago55:57

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A failed SEAL Team 6 mission in North Korea, Trump’s surprise “War Department” rebrand, and his accelerating push to control the Federal Reserve.

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Church Art & Woke Modernism! STEVE AUTH, Art Historian, Author & Wall Street businessman, examines centuries of uplifting & sacred Church art —& the powerful forces that eventually held it back 59:56

25d ago59:56

59:56

In Visions of the Divine (Sophia Institute Press), Catholic evangelist, author, and a top Wall Street executive STEPHEN F. AUTH, reunites the art of the Eucharist with the Eucharistic liturgy itself. Much splendid art adorns and magnificently beautifies Churches throughout the globe, a phenomenathat came under great stress during the Reformation, a…

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09/05/25 RFK Jr. in the Hot Seat: Senators Grill Kennedy 55:03

29d ago55:03

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In a tense three-hour Senate Finance Committee hearing, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced fierce bipartisan scrutiny over his leadership decisions at HHS, the chaotic shake-up at the CDC, and sweeping shifts in vaccine policy. Senators demanded accountability—from firing key officials like CDC Director Susan Monarez to curbing access to …

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Nancy Silverton, y’all. Plus, did our first visit to Kato live up to the hype? 1:42:29

25d ago1:42:29

1:42:29

Today on The LA Food Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Nancy Silverton — LA’s Queen of Carbohydrates, President of Pizza, and Secretary of Sourdough. Recorded at Osteria Mozza, our free-flowing conversation covers Nancy’s legendary career, her impact on multiple eras of Los Angeles dining, and why she continues to bring new and exciting conc…

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The Death of Expertise, Long Live Disease 13:52

25d ago13:52

13:52

This is a preview of the Weekender. Get full access to the entire episode on our Patreon: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Co-hosts Nick Hauselman and Jared Yates Sexton unpack a wild week: The Epstein survivors speak and the right tries to launder Trump’s proximity. RFK Jr. does the “don’t trust experts” routine, while Florida moves to end schoo…

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