Best Chris Ruffini Podcasts (2025)

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17- Dean of No Redeeming Social Value 1:20:54

2d ago1:20:54

1:20:54

On this episode I speak with Dean of No Redeeming Social Value. We discuss his history in music, formation of the band, and how they structure their set list. The conversation also includes his favorite tours as a band, the time they played a wedding in Holland, and his favorite records. Instagram (No Redeeming Social Value): https://www.instagram.…

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16-Mat Rienecker of Stand Still/Humankind 1:10:34

11d ago1:10:34

1:10:34

On this episode, I speak with Mat Rienecker of Stand Still and HumanKind. We discuss his origins of hardcore, Stand Still’s writing process, and his new project, HumanKind. We also review his work as a production manager of The Paramount on Long Island, and what the future holds for his bands. Instagram (Stand Still): https://www.instagram.com/stan…

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15- Sal Lococo of Sworn Enemy 1:02:32

19d ago1:02:32

1:02:32

On this episode, I speak with Sal Lococo of Sworn Enemy. We discuss the formation of the band, writing process, Ozzfest stories, and how they structure their setlist. We also talk about his favorite albums, Castle Heights, and the future of the band. Instagram (Sworn Enemy): https://www.instagram.com/swornenemynyc?igsh=ZmlxbTl2czlscW5q…

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Rahm Emanuel: I Warned the White House Biden Couldn't Run 55:25

21d ago55:25

55:25

Tara is joined by Rahm Emanuel to look at what he feels are the past mistakes of the Democratic Party and what needs to change moving forward. They discuss Joe Biden’s decision to not seek reelection, President Trump invoking antisemitism to defund universities, and Emanuel’s own political aspirations. For more of Tara’s independent journalism, sub…

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14-Scott Jarzombek of Tripface 1:14:01

26d ago1:14:01

1:14:01

On this episode I speak with Scott Jarzombek of Tripface. We discuss his musical history, how the band structured their set list, playing shows, and the upcoming re-release of their demo on vinyl. The discussion ends with his career, favorite records, and other topics. Tripface on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wuG4FTwlu2uHW5v3AlV7d?si=i…

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Maureen Dowd on ‘Claudius' Trump, Whitmer’s Wrecking & Clooney for President? 49:20

23d ago49:20

49:20

Tara Palmeri sits down with Maureen Dowd to talk about her latest release, Notorious. Their conversation covers everything from Elon Musk and Donald Trump to the shifting dynamics of American politics. Dowd reflects on her decades in journalism, offering a look at Washington’s current challenges and the media’s complicated relationship with figures…

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How Long Will Gen Z Stick With Trump? With Rikki Schlott. 34:56

28d ago34:56

34:56

Tara starts the pod with some inside reporting on RFK Jr.’s mismanagement of the Dept. of Health and Human Services. She’s then joined by Rikki Schlott from the New York Post to talk about Donald Trump’s standing with Gen Z. They discuss possible breaking points Trump may be testing with young men, shine a light on the current administration’s war …

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13- Jay Reason of Static Era Records 1:20:15

1M ago1:20:15

1:20:15

On this episode I speak with Jay Reason. We discuss his history in music, his time with Voice of Reason/The Distance/Blackened, his work with various labels, and the formation of Static Era Records. The interview ends with Jay speaking on the future of his label, his record store in Connecticut, and his favorite releases. Instagram (Static Era Reco…

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Inside the Biden Campaign: George Clooney's 'Morning Joe' Meltdown 26:49

1M ago26:49

26:49

Tara is joined by author and journalist Chris Whipple to discuss his latest book, 'Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History.’ During their conversation, they focus on the passages that talk about the inner workings of Team Biden during Joe's chaotic 2024 campaign and discuss how the influence of a cer…

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The Inside Story of the Wild Final Days of the Biden Campaign With Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes 37:13

1M ago37:13

37:13

Tara is joined by NBC senior political analyst Jonathan Allen and senior political journalist for The Hill, Amie Parnes, to discuss their latest book, ‘Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House,’ a behind-the-scenes account of the events surrounding Joe Biden stepping down in the presidential race through the end of Kamala Harris’s unpre…

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12- Mike Gallo of Agnostic Front 1:02:06

1M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

On this episode of the What Lies Ahead, I speak with Mike Gallo of Agnostic Front. We discuss his history in music, the new Agnostic Front record, and how they structure their set list. We also dive into Gallo Originals and the various art shows he has been featured in over the last couple of years. The conversation ends with asking questions on hi…

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Mark Cuban Says Elon Musk Would be Fired from Tech Support 1:00:35

1M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Tara is joined by billionaire entrepreneur and ‘Shark Tank’ co-host Mark Cuban to talk about all the hot political topics currently burning up the Hill. During their wide-ranging conversation, they cover the possible negative effects of Donald Trump’s ambitious tariffs, Elon Musk’s role in the White House, Signalgate, AI, and much more. For more of…

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How Musk Became Addicted to Trump With Teddy Schleifer 36:04

1M ago36:04

36:04

Tara starts the pod with an update on the Department of Defense text chain scandal currently rocking Capitol Hill. She is then joined by Teddy Schleifer from The New York Times in front of a live audience at the Sine Institute to discuss Elon Musk’s rise to the forefront of the Trump administration and subsequent red-pilling of the tech industry. T…

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11- Gary Bennett of Kill Your Idols/Murphy's Law/Deathcycle 1:17:23

2M ago1:17:23

1:17:23

In the episode, I speak with Gary Bennett to discuss his musical history, playing for various bands, the formation of Kill Your Idols, and his future plans with each project. We also discuss, his favorite albums, venues, and how KYI structures their set list.By Chris Ruffini

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Texting War Plans & How Democrats Get Their Shit Together with Matt Bennett 37:56

2M ago37:56

37:56

Tara begins the show by discussing Pete Hegseth accidentally sending war plans in a group chat that included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic; a preview of her newsletter, where she has the details to a secret AI conference; and more. Then she welcomes Matthew Bennett, and they discuss Axios’s Alex Thompson’s list on why the De…

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Alex Isenstadt on Trump's Revenge Tour and Return to the White House 36:44

2M ago36:44

36:44

Tara is joined by political reporter Alex Isenstadt to discuss his new book, ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power.’ He shares his intel on Trump’s political moves, campaign strategy, and cabinet selections. They go over some of Trump’s quotes in the book, and he shares what the Republican campaign team was planning for after Joe Bi…

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10- Nick Picerno of Godseyes 1:06:06

2M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

On this episode, I speak with Nick Picerno of Godseyes. We discuss his history in music, Godseyes releases, tour stories, and what the band has planned for the future. Nick also answers questions on his favorite records, tours, and venues.By Chris Ruffini

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Musk Tea, Schumer Fury, and Tariffs Hit the Heartland With North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong 35:04

2M ago35:04

35:04

Tara is joined by Gov. Kelly Armstrong to discuss Donald Trump’s tariffs and government cuts. They break down the Republican budget resolution decision that the Democrats passed in December, which is now blindsiding them. She asks Gov. Armstrong about Trump and Musk’s DOGE sledgehammer to government agencies, tariffs and how that affects North Dako…

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Why Trump Is Toying With the Market, With Marc Caputo and Teddy Schleifer 41:57

2M ago41:57

41:57

Tara is joined by Marc Caputo and Teddy Schleifer to discuss the state of the White House and the economy. Tara gets their perspective on Elon Musk’s power over Trump’s economic decisions and cabinet, as well as what they expect Democratic and Republican responses to the declining stock market will be. Host: Tara Palmeri Guests: Marc Caputo and Ted…

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09- Alex Dunne of Crime In Stereo 1:33:47

2M ago1:33:47

1:33:47

On this episode of What Lies Ahead, I speak with Alex Dunne of Crime in Stereo. We discuss his history in music, writing songs, how they structure their set list, and future plans for the band. The interview ends with Alex answering questions on his favorite albums, venues from the 90's, and his label House of Commons.…

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Congressman Jason Crow takes on the Democrats' Authenticity Crisis 44:29

2M ago44:29

44:29

Tara is joined by Colorado Rep. Jason Crow to explain his walkout during Donald Trump’s address to Congress last Tuesday. They discuss the Republican decision to extend Joe Biden’s budget, which was passed in December, in hopes to reroute it toward border control and defense. Additionally, they break down the potential repercussions of freezing gov…

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08- John Scanlon of Miles To Go Presents/Dead Last 58:17

2M ago58:17

58:17

On this episode, I speak with John Scanlon of Miles To Go Presents. We discuss his history in hardcore, booking shows, selecting the right venue, and the newly renovated AMH. We also spoke about his band Dead Last, their releases, tour of Europe, and future plans. The discussion ends with rapid fire questions on promoting, music, and his favorite a…

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Republicans Twist Their Talking Points After the Zelenskyy Meltdown 46:26

2M ago46:26

46:26

Tara is joined by political adviser Joe Hack to discuss an eventful and fiery past few days on the Hill. They break down the political fallout from Donald Trump’s contentious Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, preview the president’s State of the Union address, and speculate on the future star of the Democratic Party. For more of Tara’s …

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Biden Insider Michael LaRosa Tells All 21:32

2M ago21:32

21:32

Tara starts the pod by recapping a highly chaotic week for the Trump administration. She’s then joined by Michael LaRosa, former press secretary for Jill Biden, in front of an audience at American University for her Sine Institute seminar on changing media. They discuss and dissect Jake Tapper’s upcoming book about the alleged top-level cover-up of…

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07- Chris Tzompanakis of skycamefalling 1:08:15

2M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

On this episode of What Lies Ahead Podcast, I speak with Chris Tzompanakis of skycamefalling. We discuss his history in music, formation of the band, tour stories, and how they structure their set list. The conversation also includes the reissue of the 10.21 LP, the future of the band, One Day Savior Recordings, and rapid fire questions to end the …

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06- Jay of Last Laugh 54:11

3M ago54:11

54:11

On this episode, I speak with Jay from Last Laugh. We discuss his musical history, formation of the band, their EP on 51st State Records, and past tours. Jay also reviews upcoming plans for the band in terms of shows and releases for 2025. We review his hip hop solo project, Jaysix, and his new band Evil Ways. The podcast ends with Jay answering va…

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MAGA Senator Jim Banks on Short-Term Tariff "Pain," Trump’s Fullback Elon, and How the Midwest Can Grow With MAHA 45:33

3M ago45:33

45:33

Tara is joined by freshman Senator Jim Banks (R-Indiana) to discuss Trump’s policy decisions in the first month of his second term, including whether he views Elon Musk as a conflict of interest for the Trump administration, his level of concern over potential tariffs hitting his home state, what to make of the MAHA movement, and his thoughts on wh…

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05- George and Wes of Deadshot 51:34

3M ago51:34

51:34

On this episode of What Lies Ahead Podcast, I speak with George and Wes of the Long Island Hardcore band, Deadshot. We discuss everything from their new EP, Not a Shot, on 51st State Records, to their introduction to the hardcore scene. We also discuss their influences and song writing process. The interview ends with them answering rapid fire ques…

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04- Christian Mcknight- Promoter 1:10:40

3M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

On this episode of What Lies Ahead Podcast, I sit with Christian Mcknight to discuss his history as a promoter, booking shows in the late 90's, the Long Island scene, and Cleanser. We end with rapid fire questions on his favorite albums, venues, and the NY Mets.By Chris Ruffini

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Rep. Brendan Boyle on the DOGE-Heads and How the Democrats Lost P.A. 55:18

3M ago55:18

55:18

In this special episode, recorded live in front of a group of students at American University in Washington, D.C., Tara Palmeri talks with Pennsylvania representative Brendan Boyle about what went wrong in the state in the 2024 election, Elon Musk's takeover of Washington, Donald Trump's current approval rating, Chuck Schumer's strategies to counte…

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03- Joe Hardcore of This is Hardcore/Shattered Realm 1:42:16

3M ago1:42:16

1:42:16

On this episode of What Lies Ahead Podcast, I have an in-depth discussion with Joe Hardcore about his musical history, the Philadelphia hardcore scene, how he began as a promoter, and This is Hardcore Fest. We also discussed his podcast, This is Hardcore, and his band Shattered Realm's new EP that was just released. We end our discussion with rapid…

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Senator John Fetterman on the Latest in Gaza, "Toxic" Democrats, and Why They Can't Win Over White Men 51:24

3M ago51:24

51:24

Host Tara Palmeri welcomes Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) for a wide-ranging conversation about President Trump's plans for Gaza, how he views Trump's flurry of executive orders in the first three weeks of his presidency, Trump's ties to the tech billionaires, Elon Musk's increasing role in the government, why the Democrats can't secure votes from w…

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02- Rick Jimenez of Extinction AD/This Is Hell 1:25:55

3M ago1:25:55

1:25:55

In this episode, I speak with Rick Jimenez of Extinction AD to discuss his history of music, the formation of his bands (Subterfuge, Soldiers, This is Hell, Extinction AD), playing various instruments, and his favorite albums he released. We also explore how Extinction AD structures their set list, while advice he would give to himself as a teenage…

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All the Tea From the DNC Elections With Party Insider Alex Hoffman 39:05

3M ago39:05

39:05

Host Tara Palmeri begins by discussing the latest moves from the Trump administration and the ripple effects they could send throughout the economy. Then, Democratic insider Alex Hoffman tells Tara about what he witnessed at this past weekend’s DNC elections, where the party selected Minnesota’s Ken Martin to help the Democrats rise from the ashes …

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That Day When Trump Shut Down the Government, With Shanti Stanton 31:32

3M ago31:32

31:32

Tara starts the pod with an update on the fallout from Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze, and Robert Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearings. She’s then joined by lobbyist and consultant with Oxford Strategies, Shanti Stanton, to talk about the legalities of Trump’s executive orders, examine Elon Musk’s role in the chaos, and discuss what this mean…

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01-Mark Scondotto of Shutdown 1:12:58

3M ago1:12:58

1:12:58

On the first episode of What Lies Ahead Podcast, I speak with Mark Scondotto of Shutdown to discuss everything from his origins of New York Hardcore, the formation of his band, their live show, and brand new EP, By Your Side that was just released on Equal Vision Records. The interview ends with Mark answering rapid fire questions on his favorite r…

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Is $TRUMP an Open Wallet for Foreign Actors? With Kevin Cirilli and Natalie Brunell 42:59

3M ago42:59

42:59

Tara is joined by cryptocurrency industry expert Kevin Cirilli and host of the ‘Coin Stories’ podcast Natalie Brunell to discuss the state of digital currency heading into the new Donald Trump administration. They discuss the viability of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin in the U.S. economy, speculate on Trump’s actual geopolitical vision for digital cur…

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Trump’s D.C. Takeover and Obama Love Queries With Meghan McCain 48:05

4M ago48:05

48:05

Tara joins Meghan McCain on her podcast, ‘Citizen McCain,’ to share her firsthand experiences from Donald Trump’s inauguration proceedings and the accompanying events. They then break down all the rumors surrounding Team Trump, discuss the upcoming confirmation hearings, and even spill some tea on the Obamas. To check out more of Meghan on the ‘Cit…

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Trump’s American Carnage Inauguration Sequel With Marc Caputo 44:58

4M ago44:58

44:58

Tara is joined by Axios’ Marc Caputo from Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., to share their instant reactions to the events of the day and over the preceding weekend. They discuss the highlights of Trump’s speech, differentiate the rhetoric from his actual presidential intentions, and talk about their favorite moments from the event. …

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Why the Dirt on Trump's Cabinet Picks Won't Stick With Pat Dennis 34:21

4M ago34:21

34:21

Tara is joined by Pat Dennis, president of the Democratic Super PAC American Bridge 21st Century, to discuss the viability of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and the media’s role in exposing their inefficiencies to the American public. They shine a light on the dark world of political opposition research, speculate on which of Trump’s controversial…

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Trump’s Ex-Border Chief Ken Cuccinelli on Deporting 20 Million People 51:51

4M ago51:51

51:51

Tara is joined by ex-deputy secretary of Homeland Security Ken Cuccinelli to talk about the viability of Donald Trump’s ambitious immigration reforms on the eve of his inauguration. They discuss the legality of using the military to execute mass deportations, debate the effects they will have on the American people, and break down the national and …

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Trump Manifests Greenland, Canada, and the Gulf With Matthew Bartlett 35:00

4M ago35:00

35:00

Tara is joined by former Trump administration appointee and political consultant Matthew Bartlett to discuss the viability of Donald Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda as we approach Inauguration Day. They analyze Trump’s provocative Mar-a-Lago press conference from earlier in the week, speculate on what his first days in office will be like, and…

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Elon Eyes European Domination With Raheem Kassam 49:32

4M ago49:32

49:32

Tara is joined by British political activist and adviser Raheem Kassam to discuss and compare the current states of right-wing populism in England and the United States. They shine a light on the rising influence of the Reform party and its ideological leader (Nigel Farage) in U.K. politics, analyze Elon Musk’s political moves in Europe, and talk a…

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How History Will Judge Joe Biden with Presidential Historian Doug Brinkley 50:18

4M ago50:18

50:18

As President Biden prepares to leave American politics after 50 years of service, presidential historian Douglas Brinkley joins Tara Palmeri to reflect on Biden’s legacy. Will the history books remember him fondly for his dedication to the American people, or will a controversial final year in office overshadow President Biden's lifetime of work? P…

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Measuring the Limits of Trump’s Power With Constitutional Scholar John Yoo 50:22

5M ago50:22

50:22

Tara is joined by legal scholar and former political advisor John Yoo to discuss the parameters of Donald Trump’s executive power as we head closer to his upcoming presidency. They examine the myriad ways Trump can manipulate the justice system, talk about the ways he can strengthen his influence further, and shine a light on the viability of some …

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Trump’s Former Political Director on How He Wields His Political Capital 36:52

5M ago36:52

36:52

Tara is joined by political strategist and Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign manager, Bill Stepien, to dissect Trump’s mindset as he gets his cabinet ready for his upcoming presidency. They examine his current level of power in D.C., break down the paths forward for his legislative agenda, and examine his mercurial relationship with pollsters. For more …

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Pete Hegseth's War on the Pentagon 37:34

5M ago37:34

37:34

Tara is joined by writer, Iraq War veteran, and host of the ‘Independent Americans’ podcast Paul Rieckhoff to discuss Pete Hegseth’s bid to be secretary of defense in Donald Trump’s upcoming administration. They break down the tactics MAGA devotees are employing to pressure senators into accepting Pete’s nomination, examine the culture wars develop…

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Dylan Byers on How to Cover Trump 2.0 39:09

5M ago39:09

39:09

Tara is joined by Puck’s own Dylan Byers to talk about Donald Trump’s relationship with the media and investigative journalism. They discuss how Trump’s previous administration altered modern political discourse, speculate on the future of big cable news after the last election cycle, and shine a light on how the media has to change the way it cove…

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What’s Left of Joe Biden’s Legacy? With Michael LaRosa and Chris Cillizza. 1:01:08

5M ago1:01:08

1:01:08

Tara is joined by political commentator Chris Cillizza and former press secretary for Jill Biden Michael LaRosa to analyze Joe Biden’s presidential résumé as we head toward the end of his administration. They speculate on the effect Hunter Biden’s controversial pardon will have on Joe’s legacy, shine a light on Jill Biden’s influence on the preside…

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Will the Republican Senate Deny Trump His Carnival Cabinet? 51:05

5M ago51:05

51:05

Tara is joined by adviser and lobbyist Joe Hack to discuss the most recent developments within President-Elect Donald Trump’s increasingly controversial cabinet selection process. They profile the parade of nominees, break down the systematic nomination process, and take a look at some of the GOP members of the Senate who could stand in the way of …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Chris Ruffini Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen