Best Eric Extreme Podcasts (2026)

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The Age of Extremes: Eric Hobsbawm and the Problem of Historical Amnesia 28:51

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5d ago28:51

28:51

Episode Summary: In the first episode of 2026, Nick embarks on a year-long exploration of Eric Hobsbawm's monumental work, The Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth Century, 1914–1991. We begin by examining Hobsbawm’s premise: that the 20th century was defined by a binary struggle between ideologies that mutually excluded one another—capitalism vs. …

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Extremely Concerning Off-Hours Behavior 1:26:13

15d ago1:26:13

1:26:13

It’s another holiday-adjacent, slightly sleep-deprived episode of Off The Rails as Eric Jenkins and Aisha Praught-Leer check in from opposite ends of the country. Eric is fresh off Donovan Brazier’s wedding, while Aisha is deep in Midwest holiday chaos. We're always "one coffee away from a menti-b." In this episode: – The fallout from the Grand Sla…

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Drew Allen: Constitutional Role of Government, George Floyd Protests 2.0, and the New Food Pyramid 36:50

4h ago36:50

36:50

Guest Drew Allen, author and podcaster, joins to discuss the mindset of protesters in Minneapolis. Are we seeing a George Floyd 2.0 protest? Democrat lawmakers fuel hatred against ICE, while Trump administration sends more law enforcement to the state. What is the role of federal government vs state government on immigration and crime? Discussion o…

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Emergency Episode: The Murder of Renée Good and the Rise of the American Death Squad 28:52

1h ago28:52

28:52

Episode Summary: In this urgent episode of Explaining History, Nick addresses the breaking news from Minnesota: the execution of 37-year-old Renée Good by ICE agents. This is not just a news story; it is a historical inflection point. We explore the parallels between the unchecked violence of ICE and the early days of the Nazi SA (Brownshirts) in 1…

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Chris Salcedo: ICE Shooting in Minnesota, Democrat Fraud Coverups, and Reforms in the Hispanic Population 36:51

1d ago36:51

36:51

Guest Chris Salcedo, author and host "The Chris Salcedo Show" on Newsmax TV, joins to discuss the latest response in Venezuela after the capture of Maduro. Discussion of Democrats supporting a dictator, protestors advocating for socialism, and working closer with the Hispanic population. ICE agent shoots a woman in Minnesota, with outrage from the …

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Official remembering and forgetting in Xi Xinping's China 30:02

2h ago30:02

30:02

Episode Summary: In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores the complex and often suppressed memory of China's recent past. Drawing on Tania Branigan's Red Memory, we delve into the heart of Beijing—Tiananmen Square—and unpack its layers of history, from the May Fourth Movement of 1919 to the founding of the People's Republic in 1949 and …

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Regime Change and Constitutional Values, America First Agenda, and the Flu Season Pandemic 36:50

2d ago36:50

36:50

Senator Chuck Schumer asks Trump the questions bothering him about the Venezuela reformation. Are they they right questions to be asking? Discussion of the Constitutionality of the move on the nation, the focus of an America first agenda, and more. Doctors call out RFK Jr. on latest CDC guidelines and changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. What…

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The End of NATO? Greenland, Trump, and the Collapse of the Atlantic Alliance 24:59

2h ago24:59

24:59

Episode Summary: In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores the escalating crisis that threatens to destroy the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). With Donald Trump eyeing Greenland as a territorial acquisition and European leaders issuing a rare, unified rebuke, the alliance forged in 1949 to contain Soviet power is facing its gr…

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Troy Miller: Tim Walz out in MN, Maduro Court Hearing Day One, and Religious Persecution 36:50

3d ago36:50

36:50

Guest Troy Miller, National Religious Broadcasters, joins to discuss ongoing efforts to end religious genocide around the world. Discussion of President Trump's efforts in Nigeria, ending terrorism, and how to keep peace around the world. Is it possible? Day One of Nicolas Maduro in court. What can we expect? Democrats lash out against Trump after …

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Was the Russian Revolution Inevitable? Historiography, Myth, and the Collapse of States 25:01

1d ago25:01

25:01

Episode Summary: In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores one of the most debated questions in modern history: Was the Russian Revolution inevitable? Moving beyond the simple narrative of "peace, land, and bread," we delve into the competing schools of historiography that have shaped our understanding of 1917. From the Soviet orthodoxy …

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Is Pre-Race Sex Just 'Woman Propaganda'? 1:41:37

1d ago1:41:37

1:41:37

Off The Rails is officially back for 2026, and Eric Jenkins and Aisha Praught-Leer waste absolutely no time getting comfortable. The episode opens with New Year’s resolutions (or the lack thereof), including Eric’s sudden commitment to mindfulness and Aisha’s accidental discovery that Diet Pepsi might be the key to peak hydration. Also discussed in…

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24 Hours Later: The Reality of Trump's Venezuelan Adventure 34:47

2d ago34:47

34:47

Episode Summary: One day after the shock attack on Caracas, Nick returns with an update on the US intervention in Venezuela. With President Maduro reportedly abducted and Donald Trump promising to "run Venezuela," we delve into the grim logistics of occupying a nation larger than France. Drawing parallels with the Boer War, Vietnam, and the disastr…

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Elizabeth Patton: The Swearing in of Mamdani, The Democrat Platform, and a 2025 Year in Review 36:51

5d ago36:51

36:51

Guest Elizabeth Patton, Regional Director for Americans for Prosperity, joins to recap 2025 with the major legislative wins across the nation. Discussion of the One Big Beautiful bill, tax breaks in 2026, state legislative wins, and more. What can we expect in 2026, and are we ready for the upcoming midterm season? Zohran Mamdani is officially swor…

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Daniel Greenfield: A New Age in Venezuela, America First Agenda, and Battling Social Program Corruption 36:50

5d ago36:50

36:50

Guest Daniel Greenfield, David Horowitz Freedom Center, joins to discuss latest investigations into the Somali fraud in Minnesota. Discussion of fraud and corruption in social program systems, exposing the deep state, and how to clean up the system moving forward. Trump administration kicks off 2026 by collecting Nicolas Maduro in a military operat…

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Emergency Episode: The attack on Venezuela - implications and consequences 24:44

3d ago24:44

24:44

Episode Summary: In this special emergency episode of Explaining History, Nick reacts to the breaking news of US military action in Venezuela. Reports indicate Apache gunships over Caracas and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro by American forces. We explore the profound historical implications of this event. While Maduro may be a "gangster,…

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The Soviet Gulag and Stalin's Great Terror 29:17

7d ago29:17

29:17

Episode Summary: In this episode of Explaining History, Nick takes a deep dive into the grim reality of the Soviet camp system. Drawing on Anne Applebaum’s Gulag: A History, we explore how the camps evolved from disorganized prisons into a vast industrial complex of slave labour. We examine the "Great Terror" of 1937-38 not just as a political purg…

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Jack Bialik: End of Year Recap, Media Montage, Trump Scandals, and Lost Knowledge Through Time 36:49

9d ago36:49

36:49

Guest Jack Bialik, author "Lost in Time", joins to discuss lost knowledge through humanity. Why does humanity continue to lose knowledge and technology, and are we on the same path again? Discussion of ancient cultures, and their understanding of the world compared to ours. It's time for the year in review. How far have we come in the past 12months…

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Fascism, Austerity, and the Class War in 1920s Italy 32:06

7d ago32:06

32:06

Episode Summary: In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores the neglected connection between economic austerity and political repression in the early years of Fascist Italy. Drawing on the groundbreaking work of economist Clara Mattei, we delve into how Mussolini's regime used budget cuts, regressive taxation, and mass layoffs not just to…

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Beyond the Campus: Why the American New Left Failed to Ignite a Working-Class Revolution 31:23

8d ago31:23

31:23

Episode Summary: In this episode of Explaining History, Nick continues his exploration of 1960s radicalism, focusing on the disconnect between the student-led "New Left" and the American working class. While the counterculture is often remembered through images of campus protests and the SDS, the reality was far more complex. Drawing on Kim McQuaid…

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Jim Pfaff: Trump's Foreign Policy, Peace Deals, MAGA Divide, and Fraud Exposed 36:48

10d ago36:48

36:48

Guest Jim Pfaff, The Conservative Caucus, joins to discuss the state of the GOP, state of the Union, and outlook to 2026. Discussion of Fraud in Minnesota, government spending waste and fraud, how to clean up the system. Should we be concerned about the divide within the conservative movement going into Midterm election cycle? President Trump focus…

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Rationing, austerity and nostalgia 26:52

8d ago26:52

26:52

In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores how nostalgia has become a toxic force in British politics. Drawing on Liam Stanley’s Britain Alone, we examine how the "Blitz Spirit" and memories of WWII rationing have been cynically weaponized to justify modern austerity. Why do politicians suggest that food insecure families should "learn le…

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World Cross Is Turning Into A Tough Mudder 1:38:31

8d ago1:38:31

1:38:31

It’s the final episode of Off The Rails for 2025. In this episode: – The joy of being home, sleeping in your own bed, and why buying a mattress for your in-laws might be elite holiday behavior – Casper vs. Costco mattresses and Aisha accidentally starting a comfortable sleep revolution – Anti-nap club vs. people with the terrifying ability to nap a…

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Bowie in the 90s and 2000s 35:32

9d ago35:32

35:32

Ten years after the death of David Bowie, Nick is joined by author Alexander Larman to discuss his new biography, Lazarus: David Bowie from the Tin Machine to Blackstar. While the 1970s "Ziggy Stardust" era has been endlessly dissected, Larman shines a light on the often-overlooked second half of Bowie's career. From the artistic wilderness of the …

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Trump, India, and the Geopolitical Reset of 2025 31:33

9d ago31:33

31:33

Episode Summary: In the third part of our 2025 Year in Review, Nick shifts the focus to Asia, exploring the dramatic realignment of US-India relations under Donald Trump’s second term. For decades, Washington viewed India as a "natural strategic partner"—a democratic counterweight to China, showered with military aid and technology transfers. But i…

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Christmas Special PT 2 36:49

10d ago36:49

36:49

Merry Christmas from the Voice of Reason! Enjoy the annual holiday episode playing our favorite audio bit, clips, and satire from the years!By Andy Hooser

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Christmas Special PT 1 36:47

9d ago36:47

36:47

Merry Christmas from the Voice of Reason! Enjoy the annual holiday episode with our favorite audio bits, clips, and satire from the year!By Andy Hooser

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American Suburbia and the birth of the Consumer’s Republic 26:01

13d ago26:01

26:01

Episode Summary: In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores the rise of the "Consumer’s Republic" in post-war America. We examine how the dream of the suburban idyll—white picket fences, gleaming appliances, and mass car ownership—became a central pillar of US identity and stability. Drawing on Lizabeth Cohen's A Consumer's Republic, we d…

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Kansas Talk: Saturday December 27th, 2025 1:23:41

10d ago1:23:41

1:23:41

Merry Christmas! The annual holiday episode of Kansas Talk!By Andy Hooser

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Iwo Jima, historical memory and the myth of the Pacific War 33:09

10d ago33:09

33:09

In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores how different nations remember the Second World War, focusing on the stark contrast between American triumphalism and European melancholy. Drawing on Keith Lowe's brilliant book Prisoners of History, we delve into the cultural psychology behind monuments like the Iwo Jima Memorial. Why does Ameri…

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Carl Joseph: The 2025 Festivus Report, Democrat Identity Crisis, and the Ongoing Spiritual Battle 36:50

16d ago36:50

36:50

Guest Carl Joseph, pastor and author "Lionheart", joins to discuss spiritual battle in the US. Are we going through an identity crisis as a culture? Discussion of rejection of God, a spiritual revival, and how to become the warrior needed in society. Democrats begin to backtrack on platform, after policies continue to fail. Did Hunter Biden really …

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The PressProgress Holiday Special 55:04

14d ago55:04

55:04

While, for the first time in decades, there’s a nonzero chance of Canada getting smaller (with Alberta maybe wanting out and the U.S. maybe wanting in), PressProgress, at least, is only getting bigger. That’s… something? On this extra-festive edition of Sources, Eric speaks to Emma, Stephen, Rumneek and Jonathan about some of the favourite stories …

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The American New Left, Cold War Liberals and the Vietnam War 31:55

15d ago31:55

31:55

In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores the emergence of the "New Left" in 1960s America—a movement born from the failure of Cold War liberalism to deliver on its promises. Drawing on Kim McQuaid’s The Anxious Years, we delve into the deep disillusionment that fuelled student radicalism. Why did young activists view "vital centre" libe…

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Stephen Lloyd: AMFest 2025 and Divide in MAGA Movement. Progress and Policy. Battle Against Addiction 36:49

17d ago36:49

36:49

Guest Stephen Lloyd, Reach!! United, joins to discuss ongoing battle against opioid addiction in the country. President Trump declares fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. How do we cut off the supply, while address the need and demand for the illicit drugs? AMFest 2025 from TPUSA wraps up with drama and a divide within the MAGA Movement. Discuss…

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2025 Year in Review Part 2: The End of Europe’s Holiday from History 31:57

15d ago31:57

31:57

Is 2025 the year the European project finally hit the wall? In this episode, we argue that 2025 serves as a massive historical inflection point—comparable to 1933, 1968, or 1989—marking the definitive end of the post-Cold War era. We explore the "perfect storm" battering the continent: the return of Donald Trump and the removal of the American secu…

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Michael Finch: Preserving American Beauty, the Battle for Midterms, and a Refocus of the MAGA Movement 36:48

19d ago36:48

36:48

Guest Michael Finch, author "A Time to Stand", joins to discuss the best ways to advocate for Making America Great Again. Discussion of upcoming 250th birthday of the nation, bringing in a Golden Age under President Trump, and preparing for upcoming midterm elections. President Trump addresses the nation this week, and helps us refocus on the prior…

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Drew Allen: The Battle Against Big Pharma, Reclassifying Marijuana, and Policy vs. Personality in the GOP 36:48

19d ago36:48

36:48

Guest Drew Allen, author "For Christ and Country", joins to discuss the state of the GOP going into 2026. Discussion of wins of the Trump admin, battles in Congress, and the division within conservative ranks. Are we fighting amongst our own too much? Discussion of the legacy of Charlie Kirk and the battle of personality over policy. President Trum…

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The Mirage of Classlessness: Affluence and Labour in 1950s America 27:22

17d ago27:22

27:22

Episode Summary: In this episode of Explaining History, Nick continues his exploration of post-war American affluence. We often think of the 1950s as a golden age of middle-class expansion, where the old divisions of wealth and status melted away under a wave of chrome-plated cars and suburban lawns. But was this "classless society" a reality or a …

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Kansas Talk: Saturday December 20th, 2025 1:24:15

17d ago1:24:15

1:24:15

Happy Saturday! Guest Ben Davis, Political Consultant, joins to discuss upcoming sales tax debate in Wichita. Discussion of city shortfalls, transition from property tax to consumption tax, and potential city budget cuts. Guest Renee Erickson, Kansas State Senator, joins to discuss upcoming legislative session. Will we see redistricting in Kansas? …

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The Accidental Podcast: Reflections on History, Humanity, and You 30:29

17d ago30:29

30:29

As we approach the end of another year, Nick takes a moment to step back from the history books and reflect on the Explaining History podcast itself. What started 13 years ago as a "flipped classroom" experiment by a history teacher in Wales has grown into a global community. In this candid episode, Nick discusses his philosophy of history—why he r…

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Mark Malkoff: AmericaFest with TPUSA, Holiday Break for Congress, and the Evolution of Late Night Shows 36:49

21d ago36:49

36:49

Guest Mark Malkoff, comedian and author "Love Johnny Carson", joins to discuss the legacy and life of Johnny Carson. Discussion of the evolution of late night talk shows, bringing comedy over divisiveness, and the future of the entertainment industry. Turning Point USA holds AmericaFest, and sets the stage for Midterm elections 2026. Congress adjou…

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The Forgotten Revolution: The Young Turks and the Fall of the Ottoman Empire 25:58

18d ago25:58

25:58

In 1908, the Ottoman Empire was on the brink of collapse. The despotism of Sultan Abdul Hamid II had stifled political life for decades, but a military uprising in Macedonia would soon change everything. In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores one of the great forgotten revolutions of the 20th century: the Young Turk Revolution. Drawin…

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Tim Minella: Marijuana Reclassification, Battle Against big Pharma, and Corruption of Academic Journals 36:51

21d ago36:51

36:51

Guest Tim Minella, The Goldwater Institute, joins to discuss latest battle against the woke agenda within academic journals. Discussion of the "Feminist Collective", radical political peer reviewed articles, and the war for the minds of the next generation. President Trump reclassifies marijuana in the nation. What does it mean? Discussion of new p…

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2025 Year in Review Part 1: De-Dollarization, Tariffs, and the End of the "Long 20th Century" 28:14

19d ago28:14

28:14

Episode Summary: As 2025 draws to a close, Nick reflects on a pivotal year in global history. From the economic shockwaves of the Trump tariffs to the accelerating shift of power back to Asia, this episode argues that we are witnessing the terminal decline of the Anglo-American world order. We explore the existential threat of "de-dollarization"—a …

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Alex McFarland: Trump Messaging, Reclassifying Marijuana, and the Culture War During the Holidays 36:48

23d ago36:48

36:48

Guest Alex McFarland, Youth, Religion and Cultural Expert, joins to discuss the ongoing culture war around the world. Update on the Bondi Beach shooting against Jews, the issue of anti-Semitism, fight against nativity scenes, and more. Are we seeing a threat to Jewish and Christian communities by the spread of radical Islamists? President Trump set…

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NAN109: Simplify Your Network Operations with Extreme (Sponsored) 49:28

20d ago49:28

49:28

Today Eric Chou dives deep into network automation and operational simplicity with guest Hardik Ajmera, VP of Product Management at Extreme Networks. In this sponsored episode, they talk about the ‘network fabric’, Extreme Platform ONE, and, of course, what’s next with AI in the world of enterprise networking. Hardik also shares how customers in co…

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Michael Johnson: Economic Growth, Job Numbers, Right Wing Extremism, and Humanitarian Crisis 36:50

24d ago36:50

36:50

Guest Michael Johnson, Slavic Gospel Association, joins to discuss the latest humanitarian crisis in Ukraine during ongoing conflict. Will we see an end to the war anytime soon? Discussion of humanitarian violations from Russia during war, living conditions, religious resolution, and more. Australian Prime Minister responds to Bondi Beach shooting,…

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Abundance, Anxiety and the American Dream: 1945 - 1960 26:05

21d ago26:05

26:05

In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores the unprecedented explosion of wealth and consumption in post-war America. We often focus on the economic decline of the middle class in recent decades, but today we look back at the era of mass abundance that preceded it. Drawing on James Patterson’s Grand Expectations, we delve into the cultura…

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Richard Lyons: Sydney Terror Attack, LA Terror Threat, and Playing the Blame Game 36:50

25d ago36:50

36:50

Guest Richard Lyons, author/screenwriter/poet, joins to discuss lack of vetting process in Australia and US, threats of terror, mindset of those radicalized, and how to keep society safe. Discussion of Rob Reiner murder and politicizing the death. A weekend of two stories. We celebrating the 100th birthday of Dick Van Dyke, while mourning the terro…

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Harold Wilson, MI5, and the Cold War Business of East-West Trade 27:15

22d ago27:15

27:15

Episode Summary: In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores the murky relationship between British intelligence, the Labour government, and the "gentleman capitalists" of the post-war era. Why was Harold Wilson, the most electorally successful British Prime Minister of the 20th century, targeted by paranoid elements within MI5 as a potent…

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One Year of Trump 2.0: The Civil War Within Western Capital 26:24

22d ago26:24

26:24

As we close out 2025, Nick takes stock of the first year of Donald Trump's second term. While some liberal commentators hold out hope that the upcoming 2026 midterms will curb his power, Nick argues that the real conflict isn't between Left and Right, but between two factions of capital: the liberal-democratic establishment and the nativist, protec…