Best Matt Sommer Podcasts (2025)

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971 - The Years of Whatever feat. Will Sommer (9/22/25) 1:17:39

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1d ago1:17:39

1:17:39

Will Sommer of The Bulwark returns to Chapo to talk about the right’s reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirk as well as his funeral proceedings in Arizona. We recap the Groyper War that preceded the assassination and the pressure it put on Kirk to move right, as well as the conspiracies surrounding his shooting. Was Israel involved? Why was …

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969 - Pablo Torre Fucks Around and Finds Out feat. Pablo Torre (9/15/25) 1:31:47

8d ago1:31:47

1:31:47

In today’s two-parter, we start off with more coverage of the assassination of Charlie Kirk: what it means, possible motives, and the tidal wave of right-wing cancel culture it has wrought. Will then interviews journalist Pablo Torre of Pablo Torre Finds Out about recently unearthed collusion in the NFL, with a story that starts with Deshaun Watson…

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967 - Whitehat feat. Derek Davison (9/8/25) 1:14:41

15d ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Chapo Senior Foreign Policy correspondent Derek Davison is back once again to talk about the escalating possibility of war in Venezuela. We discuss the recent strike on a Venezuelan boat by Trump and his newly-Christened Department of War, a botched raid into North Korea, our collapsing relationship with India, China’s SCO summit with Russia, and c…

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The Players Club Episode 1: Metal Gear Solid (1998) - Am I My Brother’s Streaker? 2:11:46

20d ago2:11:46

2:11:46

In 1998, the world was ruled by Rayman. You could not go anywhere without seeing Rayman street art. Thousands of children died attempting to cut their own limbs off and suspend them from midair. All that changed when Solid Snake was brought into the third dimension.Brendan and Felix kick off their journey through the greatest story ever told by sur…

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965 - A Chorus Line feat. Alex Nichols (9/2/25) 1:24:10

21d ago1:24:10

1:24:10

Alex is back for some speculation about the health of Donald Trump (after his disappearance) and Rudy Giuliani (after his “not targeted” car crash). Then we turn to the weird world of Democratic Party influencers and the dark-money group secretly funding their American Girl Doll memes. Finally, we chat a little about phones in schools and Adam Frie…

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E90 - Local Music Business Roundtable, w/ Pam Taylor, Ephraim Sommers and Nicholas Rhodes 2:28:24

23d ago2:28:24

2:28:24

This month on episode 90 the QCMP has its first rountable! We're talking the business of music as a local musician. Host Matthew Ablan is joined by Ephraim Scott Sommers, Pam Taylor and Nicholas Rhodes. It's an interesting discussion between four musicians who are navigating the Charlotte scene. Featuring the songs "Man Enough" by Ephraim Sommers, …

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963 - Distractions feat. Prem Thakker (8/25/25) 1:13:57

30d ago1:13:57

1:13:57

Zeteo’s Prem Thakker joins us for a look at Trump’s takeover of Washington D.C. We talk about the impetus for the takeover, what day-to-day life in occupied D.C. looks and feels like for its immigrant communities, and the Democratic Party’s impotent response. We then look more broadly at Trump’s Fortress America, ICE’s country-wide renditions, and …

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961 - The Dogs of War feat. Seth Harp (8/18/25) 1:33:17

1M ago1:33:17

1:33:17

Journalist and author Seth Harp returns to the pod to talk about his horrifying and expansive new book The Fort Bragg Cartel. We talk with Seth about America’s forever-war machine and the global drug empire it empowers, with a special focus on the case of Delta Force officer William Lavigne, who killed his best friend before turning up dead near Fo…

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959 - The Bopper’s Lair (8/11/25) 1:03:14

1M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

We begin by reading the last will and testament of Anas al-Sharif, a 28-year-old journalist for Al-Jazeera that was among those slain in Gaza by Israel yesterday. We then resume our Epstein coverage, including a look at his Manhattan lair and celebrity dinner guests. Then, two pieces on venture capitalists driven insane by The Computer and a story …

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957 - Democracy Soon! feat. Osita Nwanevu (8/4/25) 1:02:47

2M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Osita Nwanevu stops by to discuss his new book The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding. Osita leads us through his case that American “democracy” as it currently stands isn’t that democratic at all. We discuss the real intentions of the founders, the actual American revolution of the Civil War, and the stalled re…

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E89 - Philip Funderburk, cover artist 2:05:28

2M ago2:05:28

2:05:28

This month on episode 89 cover artist Philip Funderburk who can be found tickling the ivories as a soloist and dualing pianist. Philip digs into his background as a pianist, what brought him to Charlotte and a whole lot more! __________________________________________ Donate to the QCMP _________________________________________________ Philip Funde…

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BONUS - The Bitter Buddha feat. Eddie Pepitone 1:02:36

2M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Will welcomes comedian Eddie Pepitone to the show for a bonus interview. They rap on keeping comedy political, celebrity sell-outs, veganism, Bill Maher vs. Billy Joel, trying to calm the rage, and of course, being Just Kids From New York. Check out Eddie’s new special at: https://veeps.com/eddiepepitoneIt is your last day to pre-order YEAR ZERO: A…

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955 - Memory (7/28/25) 1:24:47

2M ago1:24:47

1:24:47

Will & Felix discuss the dire starvation crisis now gripping Gaza, and the rapidly changing attitudes among certain political & media elites now that this has all apparently finally “gone too far.” We also try to keep up with Trump’s Epstein trouble as the President attempts to drown the whole thing off with old scandals and some showstopping showt…

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953 - The Hills Have Eyes feat. Jasper Nathaniel (7/21/25) 1:18:50

2M ago1:18:50

1:18:50

TWO WEEKS LEFT to pre-order YEAR ZERO: A Chapo Trap House Comic Anthology at badegg.co/products/year-zero-1Journalist Jasper Nathaniel joins us to discuss his reporting on the West Bank and Israel’s second front in the war on Palestine. We look at the increasingly violent settler movement, Israel’s flagrant violation of international laws, the use …

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951 - My Boys And In Some Cases Gals feat. Alex Nichols (7/14/25) 1:07:56

2M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Alex back on the show today to look at the continuing fallout of Trump’s attempts to wash his hands of Epstein. From the baffled & betrayed Trump-curious internet trend-seekers, to the dyed-in-the-wool loyalists, the admin seems to have picked the absolute worst way to disarm this bomb. Plus: Greg Abbott makes a why-even-bother play to cover up Mus…

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949 - Big Beautiful Swill feat. Tim Faust (7/7/25) 1:09:17

3M ago1:09:17

1:09:17

Tim Faust returns to the show to look at the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its dire consequences for American medicine. We discuss Medicaid as a load-bearing feature of our healthcare infrastructure, how this bill will affect millions of Americans using the program, and the potential ways forward in the wake of its evisceration. We also look at la…

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Season 2 - Episode 30 - Eileen and Brett Collins 1:19:50

3M ago1:19:50

1:19:50

Send us a text Matt, Jillian, and Jay welcomed back Brett Collins to the podcast, but this time with his wife Eileen. Eileen gave us a glimpse of her life as a former athlete herself, but also as a spouse and parent along with Brett. Juggling family life and the demands of Brett's racing schedule is a challenge. Eileen shares her experience and tip…

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Movie Mindset Bonus - Interview With Director Ari Aster 52:45

3M ago52:45

52:45

Will & Hesse sit down with Ari Aster, director of Hereditary, Midsommar, Beau is Afraid, and the upcoming Eddington. They rap on evil movies, mixing stupid slapstick humor with pain & discomfort, creating a contemporary western out of the recent past, some of Ari’s favorite films & filmmakers, and of course…the all-consuming sense of impending doom…

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E88 - Big Greg, rap artist 1:44:03

3M ago1:44:03

1:44:03

This month on episode 88 rap artist Big Greg also known as PLK “The Punch Line Kid”stops by to talk. Big Greg can best be described as "genre less" and has been cited as one of the most diverse artists in the south. Not to mention he’s received accolades from: Charlotte Music Awards, Carolina Music Video Awards (CMVA) and Indie Grind Music Awards (…

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947 - Laugh Now, Cry Later feat. Larry Charles (6/30/25) 1:35:37

3M ago1:35:37

1:35:37

Comedy legend Larry Charles (Fridays, Seinfeld, Borat, Curb Your Enthusiasm & much more) returns to the show to discuss his new book Comedy Samurai: Forty Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter. We have a wide ranging discussion of Larry’s life in comedy including post-war Brooklyn as a comedy incubator, grinding out avant-garde sketch comedy with Andy…

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Season 2 - Episode 29 - Pre-race Jitters, Preparations, and Habits 1:00:54

3M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Send us a text With the racing season for North America in full swing, Matt, Jillian, and Jay discussed how they experience pre-race jitters and handle their preparations for race day in the 24 hours leading up to the race. For Matt and Jillian, when recording this pod, are 12 hours away from starting their race at Ironman 70.3 Coure d'Alene. Jay a…

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Movie Mindset Bonus - Interview With Director Lexi Alexander 1:07:32

3M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

Will & Hesse sit down with director Lexi Alexander, whose works include Green Street Hooligans (2005), Punisher: War Zone (2008) & the new film Absolute Dominions (2025). We discuss how her experience in combat sports influences her filmmaking, creating comic book movies within the studio system, working as an outspoken Palestinian in Hollywood, an…

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945 - Hashtag Fordow Fail feat. Libby Watson (6/23/25) 1:27:39

3M ago1:27:39

1:27:39

Libby Watson returns to the show! We discuss the weekend’s limited US strike on Iran and Trump’s baffling behavior around what already may be a winding-down conflict. We also talk Democratic & media responses, and where Iran might go from here. Then: all eyes are on Zohran in the NYC mayoral primary, voting is tomorrow, we discuss Zorhan’s campaign…

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BONUS: LA ICE Raids, Protests and Immigration Justice feat. Hugo Soto-Martinez 41:18

3M ago41:18

41:18

LA City Councilmemeber Hugo Soto-Martinez joins Will to discuss ICE raids in Los Angeles, how city government and community groups are responding, the recent protests, and marine deployments to the city. They also discuss the possibilities for a more positive rhetoric and policy around immigration, and the necessity for turning the framing back on …

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Season 2 - Episode 28 - Our Favorites for SBR 1:04:25

3M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Send us a text We are all creatures of habit and the things we love in triathlon. Matt, Jillian, and Jay go around the horn of swim, bike, and run and talk about their routines, favorite warm-ups, nutrition, and other tidbits of training and racing. We are getting pumped up for the heart of our triathlon season so we hope your training is going wel…

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Season 2 - Episode 27 - Triple T & Zwift 1:07:49

3M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Send us a text It's been a few weeks since your hosts Jillian, Matt, and Jay could get together to record, so this week we are dropping two episodes! In Episode 27, we recap the amazing weekend Matt and Jillian had competing at the Triple T Triathlon in Ohio. Then they put a cherry on top of this episode by diving into their Zwift stats, favorite c…

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943 - The Tehran Offensive feat. Séamus Malekafzali (6/16/25) 1:09:19

3M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Seamus joins us to discuss last week’s “preemptive” Israeli strike on Iran, the damage done to Iranian command and infrastructure, Iran’s retaliation, America’s potential involvement. We also look at Trump’s big birthday Parade, one of the most pathetic & hilarious spectacles of American Military prowess any of us have ever seen. Read Seamus on the…

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941 - Sister Number One feat. Aída Chávez (6/9/25) 1:23:07

4M ago1:23:07

1:23:07

We’re joined by The Nation’s Aída Chávez for her report from WelcomeFest, the abundapalooza dedicated to staking the technocratic claim for the future of the Democratic party. We review the fairly directionless and unenthusiastic vibes of the centrist shindig, but also discuss the explosion of police violence during protests against ICE in Los Ange…

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939 - Boom Times For Goons feat. Adam Friedland (6/2/25) 1:14:19

4M ago1:14:19

1:14:19

Host of The Adam Friedland Show Adam Friedland joins us to catch up on today’s news and discuss his new season. We look at the return of Matt Miller, Jake Tapper’s take on Israel/Palestine discourse, the kidnapping of a crypto whale in Manhattan, and new reports of Elon Musk’s rampant drug use. Adam also gives us his takes on engaging with the new …

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E87 - Desmond McDonald, bassist 1:29:23

4M ago1:29:23

1:29:23

This month on episode 87 of the QCMP I'm speaking with bassist Desmond McDonald who recently finished a tour with blues/rock guitarist Eric Gales. Dez fills us in on his music background, what attracted him to the bass, plugging into the Charlotte music scene, the pressure of jumping into a tour and a whole lot more. _______________________________…

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937 - Killing Santa feat. Arjun Singh & David Sirota (5/27/25) 1:31:28

4M ago1:31:28

1:31:28

Will & Felix catch up on Democrats’ commitment to burning millions of dollars in search of a crumb of clout from the pod-mano-sphere, and John Fetterman’s chronic senate absenteeism as he searches for good vibes. Then, we’re joined by Lever News’ David Sirota & Arjun Singh to discuss their new podcast series Tax Revolt & the “Big Beautiful Bill” wo…

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UNLOCKED 936 - Permanent Midnight feat. Ryan Grim & Jeremy Scahill (5/22/25) 1:36:40

4M ago1:36:40

1:36:40

Drop Site’s Ryan & Jeremy join us for an update on Israel’s war on Gaza. We discuss yesterday’s attack on Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington D.C. and its potential ramifications, Trump’s recent trip to the Gulf and potential shifts in U.S. relations in the region, and the brutal escalations of violence in Gaza over the recent weeks. Ryan and Je…

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935 - It’s Joever feat. David J. Roth (5/19/25) 1:22:20

4M ago1:22:20

1:22:20

We planned this episode to cover the spate of stories revealing just how out of it and diminished Joe Biden was during his term, and new details about the political flunkies and media stooges who were complicit in covering it up. But yesterday Biden’s team announced an almost certainly life-ending cancer diagnosis. So we’re joined by David Roth to …

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933 - We Can Grok It For You Wholesale feat. Mike Isaac (5/12/25) 1:23:44

4M ago1:23:44

1:23:44

Tech reporter Mike Isaac returns to the show for a round-up of the latest AI news. From collegiate cheating to funeral planning, Mike helps us make some sense of how this wonderful emerging technology is reshaping human society in so many delightful ways, and certainly is not a madness rune chipping away at what little sanity remains in our populat…

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E86 - Tara Taylor, vocalist 1:57:26

5M ago1:57:26

1:57:26

This month on episode 86 of the QCMP vocalist and good friend Tara Taylor stops by to discuss her musical history, plugging into the Charlotte music scene and the various groups she performs with. _________________________________________________ Donate to the QCMP _________________________________________________ Tara Taylor Instagram Facebook Buf…

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931 - Studies in Stupid feat. Sam Seder (5/5/25) 1:13:37

5M ago1:13:37

1:13:37

The Majority Report’s Sam Seder joins us today to share some deep research into American Stupids. We look at Trump’s weekend announcements regarding American film production & re-opening Alcatraz, both seemingly inspired by a TV broadcast of “Escape From Alcatraz” in West Palm Beach last Saturday. We also discuss Sam’s recent debate appearances inc…

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BONUS: Michigan Raids on pro-Palestine Students 1:34:07

5M ago1:34:07

1:34:07

Felix speaks with Nora Hilgart-Griff from the TAHRIR Coalition and Liz Jacob from the Sugar Law Center for Social and Economic Justice about the Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel collaborating with the Trump DOJ in a series of raids on pro-Palestine students at the University of Michigan on April 23. Liz and Nora give background on Nessel's pre…

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#167 Christology in Chalcedon & the 1689 31:32

5M ago31:32

31:32

Join me as I walk through the Chalcedonian Definition along with our own Confession, the 2LCF. Striking similarities remind us of rich orthodox truths.Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Antelope Valley: grbcav.orgthebaptistbroadcast.org

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Season 2 - Episode 26 - Managing Expectations 58:22

5M ago58:22

58:22

Send us a text Where are you in your journey related to managing expectations? Your own? Others of you? Does social media motivate you to perform better or worse? Have you experienced expectations robbing you of the joy of triathlon? Matt, Jillian, and Jay expose all of their inner thoughts on this topic in the hopes it might help you learn from th…

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929 - Given feat. Alex Nichols (4/28/25) 1:12:08

5M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Fighter jets are just falling off the back of our aircraft carriers now in yet another Keystone Kops-ass bungle in the Red Sea. Gerry Connolly announces he’ll step down from the oversight committee in another moment of glory for the funeral home waiting room of Democratic leadership. Will reads us a profile of a new up-and-coming conservative influ…

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Movie Mindset 33 - Casino feat. Felix 1:53:50

5M ago1:53:50

1:53:50

The first episode of this season of Movie Mindset is free for all listeners as always. To listen to the rest of the season, subscribe at www.patreon.com/chapotraphouseWhen you love movies, you’ve got to watch them. There’s no other way…Movie Mindset Season 3 commences with our first ever single feature on the most referenced movie in Chapo Trap Hou…

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927 - Americas, The Beautiful feat. Greg Grandin (4/21/25) 1:25:39

5M ago1:25:39

1:25:39

Historian and author Greg Grandin joins us to discuss his new book America, América: A New History of the New World, which looks at the five century history of colonization & conquest of the New World, and how North & South America developed their distinct identities through a long history of mutual interaction and opposition. We also catch up with…

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Season 2 - Episode 25 - Triathlon Q&A 1:03:55

5M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Send us a text Matt, Jillian, and Jay compiled a list of ten triathlon related questions that they have received from athletes of varying experience level. We had fun sharing our perspectives and we hope you enjoy listening and maybe learn something too! Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/noise-cake/off-the-wall License code: XBQ8CESDZBIL695C…

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925 - Banshee, PA Chamber of Commerce feat. Kath Kreuger (4/14/25) 1:09:01

5M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

Before addressing the news of the day, Will & Kath catch up with Felix on their re-watch of beloved series BANSHEE, which segues nicely into discussion of the baffling firebombing of the Pennsylvania governor's mansion. We then move on to the increasingly horrific and blatantly illegal renditions of American residents into foreign prisons, and the …

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923 - The Banks Are Out of Money feat. Dave Weigel (4/7/25) 1:15:42

6M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Semafor reporter Dave Weigel returns to the show to look at the political angles to Trump’s tariff regime and the global economic shocks. We discuss the various attempts to backfill justifications, responses from GOP and Democrats, and how this is all somehow about wokeness and masculinity or something. We also discuss last week’s special election …

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Season 2 - Episode 24 - Handling Hard Sessions 1:03:34

6M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Send us a text We all have them. Those sessions that make us question our life decision of participating in triathlon. What do you do when your mind and body say, "QUIT!" Matt, Jillian, and Jay discuss their approach to those tough sessions as well as some grit building mindsets that might help you take it to the next level! If all else fails, just…

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Bonus: Ukrainian Politics Deep Dive feat. Peter Korotaev 2:02:01

6M ago2:02:01

2:02:01

Felix sits down with writer & journalist Peter Korotaev for a wide ranging conversation on the state of the Russo-Ukranian War in the wake of the Trump administration’s spat with Zelensky & attempts at a peace deal, and loads of context on the politics of Ukraine, Russia, various oligarchs, the Atlantic Council, and other non-state actors that have…

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E85 - Matt Stratford, cover artist 2:38:57

6M ago2:38:57

2:38:57

This month on episode 85 of the QCMP local cover artist Matt Stratford stops by to discuss his musical background, the local Charlotte scene, live sound and lots more! _________________________________________________ Donate to the QCMP _________________________________________________ Matt Stratford Instagram Facebook Chunky Daddy ________________…

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921 - Health Scare feat. Tim Faust (3/31/25) 1:15:29

6M ago1:15:29

1:15:29

Tim “T-Bone” Faust makes a long overdue return to the program to brief us on the series of guerilla town halls on Medicaid he’s been doing in Wisconsin. But first, we start with a brief roundup on one of the most important health issues facing the nation today: Soda, and the role it plays in keeping Americans healthy. Tim then takes us through the …

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919 - Abruendance Agenda feat. Madinah Wilson-Anton & Matt Bruenig (3/24/25) 1:21:56

6M ago1:21:56

1:21:56

Delaware state rep Madinah Wilson-Anton returns to the show to brief us on Elon Musk’s attempts to rewrite the state laws of Delaware to help him secure a $50 billion+ compensation package. We discuss the “race to the bottom” in state business laws, and the new wave of assaults on basic legal legitimacy in pursuit of complete oligarchical control.T…