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Beyond Politics

Politics may be dismal, but the ideas that swirl around it and shape it are fascinating. This is a show that looks not just at politics, but the deeper ideas from history, science, psychology, economics, and technology that are shaping our world. We feature smart, lively, upbeat discussions with people who know what they're talking about and can help us understand the world better. Hosted by Matt Robison: writer, former senior congressional staffer, and campaign manager.
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Episodes

Nervous Republicans Praying No One Sees the Ugly Hidden Things in Their Budget

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Dissecting the Trump Budget Giveaway: Hidden Perks and Pain Points. Matt dives deep into the recent controversial Trump budget bill. Joined by policy expert Ryan MCConaghy, they uncover the hidden perks for big businesses and special interests, along with devastating cuts to programs for the working and middle class. They discuss the political implications, economic impacts, and the subtly embedded ‘sludge’ designe...

Jul 08, 202558 min

Furious Republicans Think Trump Budget is Their Waterloo

Unpacking the Far-Reaching Impacts of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'. Matt dives into the newly passed Republican budget bill alongside communications expert Mark Bergman. The bill's controversial health and food assistance cuts are set to significantly affect millions of Americans, including the loss of healthcare for 17 million people. With a handful of Republican Senators saying the quiet part out loud--that this is a human and political disaster--the big question is: are they right? 00:34 Intr...

Jul 02, 202556 min

The Three Schisms That Will Determine the Future of America

Recent weeks have made deep-seated schisms in both parties explode to the surface. Whether the parties can figure out how to bridge them -- not to mention the larger chasm between the Democratic and Republican parties -- will determine what happens in the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. On the Democratic side, the split between mainline Democrats and progressives erupted after Zohran Mamdani's victory in the New York City mayoral primary. For the Republicans, the conflict pivots around Donald...

Jun 27, 20251 hr 5 min

Young Voters Revolting Against the Old Guard: Are We Losing Them Forever?

***Please Subscribe to www.worthknowing.substack.com*** One of the hottest conversations in politics, especially for Democrats, is what the heck is happening with young voters, who shifted dramatically toward Trump in 2024. Obama and Biden campaign veteran Amanda Litman has been working with younger voters and candidates for years with her breakthrough organization Run for Something. Now, she says there's a deeper problem in America that's become ingrained in how we work, live, and even how we r...

Jun 24, 202559 min

Live from Tel Aviv: Will the U.S. Join the Iran War?

***Subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Navigating the Complexities of the Iran-Israel Conflict with Dan Perry Dan Perry joins Matt on Substack Live from Tel Aviv to discuss the spiraling conflict between Israel and Iran, and the potential for U.S. involvement. They explore the logistical and geopolitical challenges of dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities, the resulting economic and global security implications, and the internal and external pressures faced ...

Jun 19, 202534 min

After the Protests: What's Our Next Step in the Fight?

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Analyzing Authoritarianism, Trump's Tactics, and the PathForward. It's been a tumultuous, unprecedented three weeks in America. Matt is joined by Lauren Goldstein, polling expert and social psychologist, to discuss the psychological underpinnings of Trumpism, the challenges ofmaintaining democratic values, and how Democrats can effectively combat authoritarian overreach. Do protests work? What do voters need to hea...

Jun 17, 20251 hr 9 min

Dammit, Did We Just Fall Into a Trump Trap?

***Please subscribe to Matt's Substack at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** There's no denying it: Donald Trump is much better off than he was a week ago. Last week, he was getting pummeled by former ally Elon Musk, getting stiffed by wily figures like Putin and Netanyahu, and losing on tariffs, prices, and corruption. This week, the focus has turned entirely to immigration and unrest. So, did he set a trap that we all fell into? Could it have been avoided? And what about the underlying--and...

Jun 11, 20251 hr 3 min

A New New Deal: How Democrats Can Get in the Driver's Seat Again

***Please Subscribe to Matt's Substack at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Revitalizing the Democratic Party: A Path to Embracing Change. Matt Robison joins podcaster and former State Senator Burt Cohen to delve into what the Democratic Party must do to regain momentum and connect with voters, especially recapturing the theme of "change." The episode explores the historical and economic factors contributing to the current political climate, critiques the party’s strategies, and highlights t...

Jun 09, 202558 min

Trump Caught Red-Handed -- Can We Make It Matter?

*** For all of my articles, podcasts, and videos, PLEASE subscribe to my Substack at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Most people have only a foggy recollection of Donald Trump’s lifetime of dirty-dealing, crimes, swindles, and con-jobs. Not ⁠ Greg Olear⁠ of Prevail! He’s literally written the book (several) on it. ⁠ We just had a fascinating discussion about the incredible trail of corruption hiding in plain sight that Trump has left over more than four decades, and what new polling says n...

Jun 03, 20251 hr

Four Places Trump Just Found Out He Was Dead Wrong

Four Major Foreign Policy Failures: In this episode of the Worth Knowing Livestream, Matt discusses a long weekend where President Donald Trump is having to confront how wrong he was on four major world crises. From Ukraine to Gaza to European trade, to attempts to renegotiate a nuclear deal with Iran, the campaign rhetoric is smacking up against the harsh reality of complicated problems that can't just be wished away. He is joined by guest Dan Perry, former Middle East editor for the Associated...

May 27, 202554 min

The Biden Health Narrative: Scandal or MAGA Media Fraud?

Media Narratives, Political Challenges, and Autocracy: Analyzing Coverage of the Biden ControversyIn this live stream episode, Matt Robison and media expert Mark Jacob analyze the challenges surrounding recent allegations from Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book about former President Joe Biden's cognitive abilities and the supposed cover-up by those around him. They discuss the media's handling of the stories, the Democratic party's reaction and strategic considerations, the impact of Biden's ...

May 20, 20251 hr 1 min

Is Reality TV Behind the Move to Suspend Habeas Corpus?

Connecting Reality TV to Habeas Corpus: the surprising connections between reality TV and habeas corpus, sparked by a conversation with radio host Howard Monroe. The discussion centers around the Trump administration's increasing consideration of suspending habeas corpus, a fundamental right protecting against unlawful imprisonment. Is it possible that Donald Trump's reality TV background drives his entire approach to governance, treating political actions as episodic twists designed for maximum...

May 15, 202520 min

Can Dems Use One Proven Idea to Beat The Trump Horror Show?

Unpacking Trump's Corruption and Charting a Democratic Path ForwardIn this episode of the Worth Knowing Livestream, host Matt Robison dives deep into Donald Trump's pervasive corruption, why voters chose Trump in the last election despite it, and what Democrats need to do to reclaim the mantle of change and win back voter trust. With guest Michael Baharaeen, chief political analyst for the Liberal Patriot , the conversation explores how Democrats can leverage themes of economic patriotism, upwar...

May 13, 202548 min

The Impact and Legacy of Quiet Legal Force David Souter

Remembering Justice David Souter: A Legacy of Integrity and Law. Matt Robison and Paul Hodes discuss the life and significance of former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, who recently passed away at the age of 85. Souter was known for his quiet, intellectual persona and impact on American jurisprudence. Paul Hodes reflects on his personal experiences with Souter, highlighting his integrity, deep respect for the Constitution, and non-political approach to law. They explore Souter's unexpected r...

May 09, 202517 min

Financial Market Turmoil: What Will Happen to Our Economy and Our Savings?

***Please subscribe to Matt's Substack at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Matt Robison brings on two top finance experts to dive into the recent financial turmoil and explore what business leaders are thinking, impacts on personal finances, and strategies for navigating uncertainty. Chris Hill, host of Money Unplugged ( www.moneyunpluggedpod.com) , provides insights on market trends and the importance of cash reserves, while Mike Morton, host of Five Minute Finance ( MortonFA.com) , shares...

May 05, 202535 min

Now that Trump is Flailing, What Should Democrats Do?

Democrats' Strategy Amid Trump's Decline. In this episode of the Worth Knowing Live Stream, Matt Robison explores how we can be certain that the public tide has turned on Donald Trump, and what Democrats should do about it. Joined by David Pepper, former Chairman of the Democratic Party of Ohio, the conversation explores the implications of recent polling data that shows Trump's steep decline in favorability, the importance of state-level politics and the need for Democrats to compete in traditi...

May 02, 202550 min

Confused By Trump's Tariffs? It's Easy: He's Lumon Industries from "Severance."

Unpacking Trump's Tariff Policy: Making Sense of Economic NonsenseMatt Robison and conservative economist Jessica Reidl draw parallels between Donald Trump's administration and the fictional Lumon Industries from the TV show 'Severance'. They delve into the seemingly chaotic and inscrutable nature of Trump's economic policies, particularly his tariff strategy. Jessica provides expert insights into the economic ramifications of these tariffs, debunks the justifications given for them, and examine...

Apr 25, 202546 min

Economy Tumbles, Supreme Court Rumbles, Hegseth Fumbles

An Analysis of Trump's Economic Missteps and Their Global ImpactWe hit the economic policies of Donald Trump, particularly his tariffs and their detrimental effects on both the US and global markets. Guest Paul Hodes, former US Congressman and legal expert, joins to discuss emergency rulings by the Supreme Court and the implications of Trump's actions onthe Constitution . And we add Anne Kim's insights into how Trump's fundamental misunderstandings about the US economy are causing a 'train wreck...

Apr 23, 202547 min

Trump Is Crossing The Last Line Right Now

Trump's Last Line Toward Disaster: Is The Constitutional Crisis Here? Matt is joined by Jason Fields, Deputy Opinion Editor at Newsweek, and Substack podcast host Tony Michaels. They delve into the unfolding crisis under the Trump administration, highlighting the alarming disregard for court orders leading to the question of whether the constitutional crisis is here. Jason suggests a compelling parallel to 9/11, and the failure of imagination that is striking us all right now. Matt's Substack : ...

Apr 16, 202543 min

The Myth of Musk: How Elon Conned the World

Exposing the Myths: The Real Elon Musk and the Trump Connection. Matt Robison interviews Shane Almgren about his deep-dive article on the myths surrounding Elon Musk and their startling parallels to the story of Donald Trump. Drawing on extensive research, the conversation reveals Musk's history of leveraging others' ideas and resources, much like Trump, and discusses Musk's current feud with the Trump administration's pro-tariff forces. The discussion also touches upon Musk's ideological leanin...

Apr 08, 202537 min

Is There a MAGA Endgame? Actually There Are Now Three.

***Subscribe for Free to Matt's New Substack *** Exploring the End Game: Trump's Third Term and Hidden Agendas. Matt Robison and Howard Monroe delve into the potential end games of Donald Trump's administration and other hidden agendas influencing it. Building on his article published in Newsweek, they explore three possible end games within the MAGA movement. He and Howard Monroe discuss the feasibility of Trump serving a third term, the role of powerful figures like Elon Musk, and the disrupti...

Apr 03, 202531 min

There's Some Good News Here Democrats: Washington Monthly's Bill Scher

Matt Robison talks to Washington Monthly Bill Scher about why amidst all the awful things happening under Donald Trump there is some good news, and a few things going better than people realize. We cover why the filibuster may be more beneficial to Democrats than commonly believed, why Chuck Schumer may have done ok on his government funding decision, and why the cratering popularity of JD Vance is a big deal. To keep up with all of Matt's work, subscribe at this link : https://substack.com/@mat...

Apr 01, 202549 min

Has Trump Sent NATO Into a Death Spiral? And Does That Still Matter?

The Future of NATO: Is It on the Brink of Collapse? Matt discusses the potential end of NATO with Dan Perry, former Editor for the Associated Press. They explore the implications of the Trump administration's increasingly strained relations with European allies, NATO's role in containing Russia, and the broader impact on global democracy and trade. 01:06 Is NATO in a Death Spiral?05:40 The Importance of NATO Today09:43 US and NATO Relations17:09 Trump's Impact on NATO25:34 Future Scenarios for N...

Mar 28, 202529 min

Inside the Extraordinary Secret Recording On Whether Trump Will Collapse Social Security

ProPublica Journalist Exposes Potential Collapse of Social Security Under Trump Administration: Matt is joined by ProPublica journalist Eli Hager to discuss his reporting on a recent secret recording from a top-level Social Security Administration meeting where the acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, expresses significant concerns that the Social Security system might "collapse" due to high-level directives from President Trump. We discuss the potential catastrophic consequences for 73 million Am...

Mar 18, 202531 min

What AI is Doing to Politics, and What the Future Might Look Like

What happens to politics, to democracy, as AI gets ever more deeply embedded in everything we do? Matt interviews Dr. Michael Cohen, the author of ' Modern Political Campaigns ', about how artificial intelligence is invading politics and how it could soon change American democracy. 01:08 Brain Rot: The Consequences of Consuming Online Drivel01:49 The Fog of Democracy: Challenges in the Information Age03:27 AI in Political Campaigns: Insights from Michael Cohen05:17 The Evolution of Campaign Tech...

Mar 14, 202534 min

The Tide Starting to Turn on Trump?

Did Trump Already Hit His Peak? Matt Robison discusses with legendary radio broadcaster Howard Monroe whether Donald Trump has already hit his high watermark following his address to Congress. They examine polling data and historical context suggesting that it may be all downhill for Trump from here. The conversation also delves into the Democratic Party’s shortcomings in addressing their Trump strategy. 00:00 Introduction: Has Trump Peaked?02:22 Conversation with Howard Monroe03:52 Reactions to...

Mar 07, 202530 min

Is This the Closing Act of the Republican Party?

The Future of the Republican Party: Matt Robison joins A.J. Kirstead from The New England Take and Republican writer Dexter Tarbox to tackle a provocative question: are we about to see the end of the Republican Party? Episode available at https://www.youtube.com/@newenglandtake. 00:00 Introduction: The Republican Party's Closing Act?03:06 Discussion Begins: State of the Republican Party04:57 Coalition or Chaos? Internal GOP Dynamics07:27 Economic Shifts and Political Realignments10:00 Populism a...

Mar 04, 202532 min

The Key Opening Democrats Can Use to Fight Back Right Now

Should Democrats Take Carville's Advice? And How Trump-Zelensky Meeting Unfolded: Democratic political analyst Matt Robeson and Republican political consultant Matt Wylie discuss James Carville's controversial advice for Democrats to 'roll over' against Trump and explore whether there's a better version of that idea that just might work. They also delve into the high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and Trump, along with America's role in global democracy, Republicans' interna...

Feb 28, 202545 min

How Fixing the News Could Help Fix Everything Else

The Exhausting Chore of Engaging with the News and How We Can Fix It: Matt Robison discusses the increasing difficulty and demoralization of modern news consumption and its negative impact on America--including how it empowers Trump. Important Links: Newsweek article Matt's Substack Cliff's Substack 00:00 Introduction: The Exhausting Chore of Getting the News00:39 The Vicious Cycle of News Consumption02:08 Exploring the Change Research Study04:09 The Impact of Avoiding the News08:47 Trust in Med...

Feb 25, 202518 min

Does Musk Have a “Dark Glitch” Plan As His Ultimate Secret Weapon?

Decoding Trump’s Secret Plan to Sabotage the Government:Matt Robison delves into the possibility of a covert Trump strategy to wipe out huge swaths of the government through a "glitch fix.'' Based on his article in Newsweek , available at: https://www.newsweek.com/will-trump-fix-glitch-win-his-war-government-opinion-2031305. If you want to give feedback on the show, you can email Matt directly at robisonmatt@gmail.com. 00:00 Introduction: Trump's War on American Government01:38 Programming Note:...

Feb 19, 202515 min
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