Best Paul F Roberts Podcasts (2025)

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Senate votes to overturn Pres. Trump's global tariffs; Pres. Trump touts trade deals he said he made with Chinese Pres. Xi; U.S. gov't shutdown Day 30 57:49

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25m ago57:49

57:49

Senate votes to overturn President Donald Trump's global tariffs; President Trump touts trade deals he said he made in his meeting withChinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea; U.S government shutdown is now 30 days old. Saturday, federal funding will stop for the 42 million people on food aid program SNAP; nominee for head of U.S. Strategic Comman…

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745 Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti (Halloween Fun-Size Edition) 2:14:14

20h ago2:14:14

2:14:14

In the spring of 2022, Jacke dropped everything to plummet into one of the strangest poems he had ever read, "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894). The result was a two-part episode that never quite found its home. In this special Halloween episode, we've combined the best parts of both of those episodes to bring you the full story of a…

1
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates a quarter point; Chair Powell says another rate cut in December is 'not a foregone conclusion' 52:29

8h ago52:29

52:29

Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by a quarter point for the second time this year, but Fed Chair Powell says another rate cut in December is not a foregone conclusion given concerns about the job market. We hear from the Fed chair and talk with Reuters Federal Reserve Correspondent Howard Schneider (5); Federal government shutdown is now at Day …

1
“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon 1:00:57

1d ago1:00:57

1:00:57

It’s Halloween, so we thought it would be crazy not to dive into the legendary artist who brought us the lyric “little old lady got mutilated late last night.” That’s right…this week, we’re diving into the life and career of Warren Zevon and his most famous single, 1978’s “Werewolves of London.” A dark sense of humor paired with a songwriting voice…

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Gov't Shutdown Day 28: Dem-led states sue USDA to release SNAP emergency funds; air traffic controllers miss first paycheck 52:24

2d ago52:24

52:24

On day 28 of the federal government shutdown, Senate fails to advance a temporary government bill to reopen the government for the 13th time. It is supported by most Republicans but opposed by most Democrats because it does not address expiring Affordable Care Act health insurance premium tax credits; two dozen states led by Democrats sue over the …

1
Government Shutdown Day 27, POTUS Trump Travels Asia 44:25

2d ago44:25

44:25

The Senate returned to Washington today with no end to the government shutdown in sight. Meanwhile, the effects are piling up, and food assistance for more than 40 million low-income Americans is at risk. Major airports are seeing more flight delays because of the growing air traffic controller shortage, and the largest federal workers union is urg…

1
744 Love, Sex, and Frankenstein (with Caroline Lea) | #10 Greatest Book of All Time | My Last Book with Geoffrey Turnovsky | A Letter from a Middle School Teacher and Mom 1:26:42

4d ago1:26:42

1:26:42

The year is 1816, and 18-year-old Mary Shelley has fled London with her lover, Percy Shelley, and her sister, Claire. They're on their way to visit Lord Byron's villa in Lake Geneva, Switzerland - and to change the course of literary history. In this episode, Jacke talks to Caroline Lea about her novel Love, Sex, and Frankenstein, which tells the h…

1
Weekend Edition: U.S. Military Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats in Venezuela, President Trump's Meeting with Xi Jinping, and PBS Frontline Film "The RFK Jr." 28:09

6d ago28:09

28:09

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a discussion with Ryan Berg of the Center for Strategic & International Studies, about the recent U-S military strikes on suspect drug boats off the coast of Venezuela. Next – we turn our attention to the Trump administration's trade and tariffs agenda ahead …

1
Pres. Trump starts trip to Asia, will meet Chinese Pres. Xi on trade & tariffs; Day 24 of gov't shutdown; NY Atty Gen James pleads not guilty to mortgage fraud 53:57

6d ago53:57

53:57

President Donald Trump gets ready to fly to Southeast Asia for meetings with leaders of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and one-on-one with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. We will talk about it with Politicotrade reporter Ari Hawkins (3); President Trump ends trade negotiations with Canada after Ontario's government runs a TV ad with form…

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On Day 23 of the federal government shutdown, Senate votes down bill to pay military & federal workers required to work 1:01:20

6d ago1:01:20

1:01:20

On Day 23 of the federal government shutdown, Senate votes down a bill offered by Republicans to pay the military and federal workers who required to work without pay. Senate Democrats offer an alternativeto pay all federal workers, even those on furlough, but that, too, is rejected; President Donald Trump pardons the founder of cryptocurrency exch…

1
743 Fairy Tales (with Jack Zipes) [RECLAIMED] | Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (#11 GBOAT) | Chaucer News 1:02:07

8d ago1:02:07

1:02:07

An early encounter with one of the most famous people in the world initiated Jack Zipes into the world of fairy tales - and he never looked back. In this episode, Jacke talks to the fairy tale expert about his book Buried Treasures: The Power of Political Fairy Tales, which profiles modern writers and artists who tapped the political potential of f…

1
Sen. Merkley (D-OR) speaks for 22 hrs 37 min on Senate floor on what he calls President Trump's 'growing authoritarianism' 54:46

7d ago54:46

54:46

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) speaks all night and all day on the Senate floor about what he calls President Donald Trump's "growing authoritarianism"; He is closing in on the record for the longest Senate floor speech in history; Day 22 of the federal government shutdown, and it appears Republican and Democratic positions have not moved and remain at o…

1
“Flood” by Jars of Clay (f/ Katie Hampton) 1:07:11

8d ago1:07:11

1:07:11

This week, we’re joined by Matt Kelly’s Christian Cringe co-host Katie Hampton to become one with the mud. Yes, we’re exploring the career and music of Jars of Clay, the rare mainstream crossover from the Christian music scene who made their mark in 1996 with the alternative rock radio hit “Flood.” Despite a bit of blowback from their religious fan…

1
Pardoned January 6th attack rioter charged with threatening to kill House Minority Leader Jeffries 56:57

8d ago56:57

56:57

A New York man who was convicted and sentenced to prison on charges related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, then pardoned by President Donald Trump, is arrested on charges he threatened to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (R-NY). We get reaction from Jeffries & Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA); President Donald Trump hosts …

1
House Speaker Calls Government Shutdown a "Political Stunt" 44:03

9d ago44:03

44:03

It is Day 20 of the government shutdown…and there are few signs that lawmakers are close to a deal to end it….The House continues to hold only brief sessions…The Senate is in today….and they have an 11th vote scheduled on the Republicans short term funding bill…But it does not include the extension of federal health care tax credits…Meanwhile, fede…

1
742 Edgar Allan Poe (with Richard Kopley) | Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (#12 GBOAT) | My Last Book with Christopher Herbert 1:17:41

11d ago1:17:41

1:17:41

It's October, the perfect month to celebrate the master of mystery and the macabre. In this episode, Jacke talks to author Richard Kopley about his book Edgar Allan Poe: A Life, a comprehensive critical biography that combines a narrative of Poe's enduring challenges (including his difficult foster father, poverty, alcoholism, depression, and his n…

1
Weekend Edition: "No Kings" Rallies and Impact of the Gov't Shutdown on Payday for Active-Duty Military and Air Travel 23:40

12d ago23:40

23:40

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First: A preview of this week's "No Kings" rallies taking place across the country this weekend with Joel Payne of the group "MoveOn" – one of the progressive groups organizing the events. Then: A conversation with Mike Brest - defense reporter for the Washington Ex…

1
Pres. Trump talks with Ukrainian Pres. Zelensky at White House about long-range missiles, upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Hungary 49:39

12d ago49:39

49:39

President Donald Trump tells Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a White House meeting that if the U.S. gives Ukraine long-range Tomahawk missiles, it would escalate the war between Ukraine & Russia; President Trump expresses confidence his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary will go a long way to ending the war …

1
Pres. Trump speaks with Russian Pres. Putin, says they will meet in Hungary on ending war in Ukraine; Fmr Trump Nat'l Security Adviser John Bolton indicted over mishandled classified info 54:56

14d ago54:56

54:56

President Donald Trump speaks by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and announces they will meet in Budapest, Hungary in the coming weeks to discuss how to end the war in Ukraine. President Trump will be meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday to discuss possibly sending Tomahawk long-range missiles to U…

1
741 Gabriela Mistral 1:04:27

15d ago1:04:27

1:04:27

In 1945, the Nobel Committee awarded its prize for literature to Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) "for her lyric poetry which, inspired by powerful emotions, has made her name a symbol of the idealistic aspirations of the entire Latin American world." Born in a rural Andean valley and abandoned by her free-spirited father at the age of three, Mistral s…

1
OMB Director Vought suggests at least 10,000 federal workers will be fired during government shutdown, but U.S. District Judge in California puts temporary hold on layoffs 53:59

15d ago53:59

53:59

White House Budget Director Russell Vought suggests at least 10,000 federal workers could be fired during the government shutdown, now in Day 15, but a federal judge in California temporarily blocks the layoffs as a violation of the law; Senate again votes down the Republican-drafted temporary government funding bill for a ninth time, with Senate D…

1
“You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead Or Alive 58:07

15d ago58:07

58:07

This week, our Patreon voted for us to explore the music and career of Dead or Alive, the British pop band responsible for the endlessly catchy and danceable 1985 single, “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Led by the eccentric and androgynous Pete Burns, Dead or Alive were a perfect mix of the end of disco and the start of new wave. Their rise up…

1
Federal gov't shutdown Day 14; Pres. Trump says of Hamas 'we'll disarm them' if they don't do it; PA Gov. Shapiro on sentencing of man who firebombed his home 1:00:12

16d ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Federal government shutdown reaches Day 14, and Republicans and Democrats seem to be digging in for the long haul; Air traffic controllers union president talks about the first missed full-paycheck for his members; Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says despite no official economic data due to the government shutdown, the outlook for employment a…

1
President Trump addresses Israeli Knesset, signs Gaza ceasefire in Egypt with world leaders; Hamas releases all living hostages 35:44

16d ago35:44

35:44

President Donald Trump proclaims, "dawn of a new Middle East" in a speech to the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem; world leaders sign the Gaza peace deal; Hamas frees the 20 living Israeli hostages, while Israel released nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners; U.S. government shutdown is entering its third week with no end in sight. Learn more about your ad…

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740 Mel Brooks and Other Eminent Jews (with David Denby) | War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (#13 GBOAT) 1:03:56

18d ago1:03:56

1:03:56

In this episode, Jacke talks to author David Denby about his new book, Eminent Jews: Bernstein, Brooks, Friedan, Mailer, a group biography (loosely inspired by Lytton Strachey's Eminent Victorians) that describes how four larger-than-life figures upended the restrained culture of their forebears and changed American life. PLUS in honor of War and P…

1
Weekend Edition: Speaker Mike Johnson Takes Calls From Viewers, The Impact of the Gov't Shutdown on Federal Employees, and Preview of New Supreme Court Term 30:14

20d ago30:14

30:14

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, House Speaker Mike Johnson talks about the government shutdown and answers questions from our viewers. Then, a closer look at how the shutdown is impacting federal workers with Randy Erwin -- National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees.…

1
OMB Director announces start of federal employee layoffs as government shutdown reaches Day 10; President Trump does not win the Nobel Peace Prize 48:51

20d ago48:51

48:51

White House Budget Office Director Russell Vought announces on X that federal worker layoffs have begun, with the federal government shutdown now 10 days old and expected to continue through the weekend; Conservative commentator Benny Johnson says the Democratic Party is 'mainstreaming violence as a political tool', as he appears with Attorney Gene…

1
Israel & Hamas agree to first phase of ceasefire, including release of hostages; U.S. government shutdown in Day 9; NY Attorney General Leticia James indicted for bank fraud 1:01:41

21d ago1:01:41

1:01:41

President Donald Trump & Secretary of State Marco Rubio talk about Israel & Hamas agreeing to a pause in their two-year-old war and the release of hostages held by Hama in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, what President Trump calls Phase One of his Gaza ceasefire plan; Federal court hearings today challenging President Trump's deployment of Nati…

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739 Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (#14 GBOAT) | Johannes Gutenberg (with Eric Marshall White) 1:34:01

22d ago1:34:01

1:34:01

Thanks to his invention of Europe's first typographic printing method, and his pioneering work on the first printed Bible, the fifteenth-century German inventor Johannes Gutenberg has a fame and reputation that continues to this day. In 1997, Time magazine credited him with the most important innovation of the past one thousand years. However, due …

1
Fmr FBI Dir James Comey pleads not guilty in federal court in Alexandria, VA to two felony charges related to Congressional testimony 54:11

21d ago54:11

54:11

Former FBI Director James Comey pleads not guilty in federal court in Alexandria to two felony charges related to previous testimony before Congress. We will talk with The Hill's courts reporter Ella Lee, who was in the courtroom, about the arraignment and what is next in this case (1); President Donald Trump holds a roundtable at the White House w…

1
“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton (f/ Eric Taft) 1:17:18

22d ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Whether you were rockin’ out to it in 2002 or watching Terry Crews sing every word to it a few years later, Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” is a song that can stir up a lot of feelings and emotions for those who lived it. Even though the song’s earnest delivery and theater-kid presentation SHOULD make it an artifact from the turn of the centur…

1
WH says furloughed federal workers not entitled to backpay, AG Bondi testifies before Senate Judiciary Cmte, SCOTUS hears challenge to CO law banning conversion therapy for minors 51:12

22d ago51:12

51:12

By C-SPAN

1
Senate returns with still no deal to end the 6-day-old gov't shutdown; Chicago Mayor signs Exec. Order to create 'ICE-free zones' on city property 38:14

23d ago38:14

38:14

By C-SPAN

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738 Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (#15 Greatest Book of All Time) 1:16:09

25d ago1:16:09

1:16:09

Emily Brontë only published one full-length book before dying at the tragically young age of 30. But that book, Wuthering Heights, which tells the story of obsessive and vengeful love on the rugged moors of Yorkshire, is still considered one of the pinnacles of English literature, landing at #15 on the list of Greatest Books of All Time. In this ep…

1
Weekend Edition: Government Shutdown, Secretary Hegseth's Address to US Admirals & Generals, Political Extremism in the United States 28:43

27d ago28:43

28:43

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a discussion about the government shutdown and its impact on federal workers, with Max Stier – President & CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. Then, Retired Army Colonel Peter Mansoor – now a military historian at Ohio State University - discusses Pres…

1
Government shutdown to run through the weekend after Republican & Democratic bills to end the shutdown again fail in the Senate; Pres. Trump says Hamas has agreed to peace plan with Israel 48:21

27d ago48:21

48:21

On Day Three of the federal government shutdown, the Senate votes for a fourth time on the same Republican and Democratic proposals and again each fails to reach the 60 votes required to pass; President Donald Trump posts a video depicting OMB Russell Vought as the Grim Reaper as the president considers widespread layoffs of federal workers now on …

1
Day Two of federal government shutdown. Pres. Trump posts he has 'unprecedented opportunity' to cut 'Democrat Agencies'. Rep. Jeffries (D-NY) says, 'Democrats are in this fight until we win this fight ... 50:00

28d ago50:00

50:00

Day Two of the federal government shutdown and zero chance it will be settled today, with the Senate not conducting votes because of the Jewish holiday. Republicans and Democrats are again trading accusations over which party is at fault for the impasse, and debate over health care continues, including the Republican accusation that Democrats want …

1
737 "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs 42:21

29d ago42:21

42:21

It's October! Jacke kicks off his favorite month with a classic tale of horror, "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs. Perhaps you know the general contours of the paradigmatic "be careful what you wish for" story from the Simpsons or another popularization - but just how scary was the original story? And who was W.W. Jacobs? Join Jacke on a trip throu…

1
Day One of the federal government shutdown, Democrats & Republicans blame each other; White House says federal worker layoffs are 'imminent' 52:17

28d ago52:17

52:17

Day one of the federal government shutdown, with hundreds of thousands of federal workers on furlough, White House preparing for layoffs, some government services suspended and both parties blaming the other. We will hear from the Vice President JD Vance, Congressional leaders, and some rank-and-file Members of Congress explaining the situation to …

1
The 2005 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft 1:13:10

29d ago1:13:10

1:13:10

The DREAM TEAM of Chris Fafalios, Matt Kelly, Matthew Milligan, and Tony Hartman are BACK to draft the very best albums from the year 2005. From the launch of YouTube to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, these albums were the soundtrack to a year filled with highs, lows, and in-betweens. Who will draft the very best collection of records with t…

1
Pres. Trump says federal government shutdown 'likely' with GOP & Democrats still far apart on what should be in funding extension 53:39

29d ago53:39

53:39

A federal government shutdown is looking like it is going to happen with President Donald Trump and Republicans and Democrats in Congress sticking to their positions about what must be included and not included in a funding extension, and no compromise agreement in sight that can get the needed 60 votes in the Senate to pass; President Trump and Pf…

1
Vice Pres. Vance predicts federal government 'headed into a shutdown' after GOP & Democratic Congressional leaders meet with Pres. Trump 41:29

1M ago41:29

41:29

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority LeaderHakeem Jeffries (D-NY), along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) all meet at the White House to try to reach a deal to keep the federal government open past Tuesday night. President Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetan…

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736 Jane Austen's Favorite Brother, Henry (with Christopher Herbert) | A Letter from the South of France | My Last Book with Nicholas Jenkins 1:00:29

1M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Jane Austen had six brothers, but her older brother Henry was her favorite. Kind and witty, Henry has long been appreciated by Austen fans for his devotion to Jane and his championing of her novels. But Henry was a fascinating figure in his own right, capering through risky financial schemes and marrying an enigmatic French countess before ending h…

1
Weekend Edition: Political Polarization in the U.S., Jimmy Kimmel & the FCC, and FDA's new approach on vaccine policy and autism research 31:28

1M ago31:28

31:28

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a discussion with former Democratic Congressmen Tim Roemer – and Republican Congressman Charles Boustany from the non-profit group Issue One -- on efforts to reduce political polarization in the U.S. Then, Former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler discusses the Jimmy Kimm…

1
Former FBI Dir James Comey indicted and other top stories this week 56:52

1M ago56:52

56:52

While Congress is out of session, and President Donald Trump spent the day in New York at the Ryder Cup golf tournament, Washington Today look at some of the major stories this past week, including: *Former FBI Director James Comey is indicted for lying to Congress. President Trump says it is justice and not revenge against a political opponent. *D…

1
Congressional Democratic Leaders say they will not be intimated by threat of large-scale federal worker layoffs if government shuts down 58:02

1M ago58:02

58:02

White House prepares for widespread layoffs of federal workers at government agencies if there is a government shutdown starting October 1st, the new fiscal year. We will hear from the House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, President Donald Trump, and talk with Reuters congressional reporter Bo Erickson (10); President Trump signs a deal tofacili…

1
“The Rain” by Oran “Juice” Jones (f/ Zak Shaffer) 48:29

1M ago48:29

48:29

This week, we're diving into one of the most bizarre R&B hits of the 80s. With its slick production and dramatic monologue, “The Rain” by Oran “Juice” Jones became a Top 10 smash in 1986 before fading into obscurity. Not EVERYONE forgot the track, however, as Donald Glover and the cast of Saturday Night Live resurrected it in 2018 with a spot-on an…

1
Sen. Cruz (R-TX) says "politically motivated violence is wrong" and "this must stop" after anti-ICE message found on ammunition near gunman in deadly shooting at ICE facility in Dallas 53:39

1M ago53:39

53:39

A gunman kills two detainees at an U.S. Immigration and CustomsEnforcement facility in Dallas in what the FBI Director Kash Patel says lookslike a politically motivated attack. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) says of this, andother recent attacks, "This violence is wrong and needs to stop"; ABClate night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel returns to the airwaves aft…

1
Pres. Trump in UN speech rails against migration, clean energy, UN ineffectiveness; Pres. Trump cancels meeting on gov't funding with House & Senate Dem leaders to avoid shutdown 50:42

1M ago50:42

50:42

President Donald Trump speaks at the opening the 80th session of the United Nations on his “America First” agenda, criticizing the UN for being ineffective at preventing or stopping wars and Europe for his immigration policies; President also meets in New York City with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and in a post said Ukraine should be abl…

1
Pres. Trump & FDA link autism rise to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and that drug Leucovorin is a potential treatment for autism 59:37

1M ago59:37

59:37

President Donald Trump joins federal health officials to announce that pain reliever acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, used by pregnant women, is linked to rising cases of autism, and that the drug Leucovorin is a potential treatment for autism; Disney says late night host Jimmy Kimmel is returning to the air on ABC, less than a week…