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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

Trump Spouts Hitler While He Sinks in New Hampshire

Donald Trump's continued use of Nazi language and the surging popularity of Republican Nikki Haley in New Hampshire putting the first real pressure on his quest to seize power again -- is there a connection? Also: Vice President Kamala Harris's Reproductive Freedom Tour, should the White House make an immigration deal to win aid for Ukraine, and what does that big Mark Meadows ruling mean? 03:17 Donald Trump's Continuing Nazi Rhetoric 07:14 The Rise of Nikki Haley in New Hampshire Polls 14:33 Ka...

Dec 19, 202345 min

Financial Life Planning: Hire a Fiduciary

If you’ve been a listener to this podcast for some time, you are likely well aware of the things to look for when hiring a financial planner. However, your friends may not be. If the topic of finances comes up, do the right thing: educate your friends and family on how to find a good advisor.

Dec 17, 202327 min

Best of BP: Why Norm Ornstein is So Worried

In our interview with Norman Ornstein -- one of the most famous and respected scholars of American politics and government -- we were struck by how worried he's become for the future of America. ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: After you Hit "Follow" or "Subscribe" Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?*** A trusted voice who often appears on C-SPAN, CBS, CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, NPR, and “PBS NewsHour” and who served as an election analyst for CBS News for thirty years, Ornstein explains the fa...

Dec 15, 202343 min

Part One: What the Heck is Wrong with Congress And How Do We Fix It

In part one of a two-part crossover between the Beyond Politics podcast and The Politics Guys , Matt Robison and Mike Baranowski discuss what's gone so disastrously wrong with Congress and why things have gotten so horribly broken. ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: After you Hit "Follow" or "Subscribe" Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?*** When you're done, jump over to the Politics Guys feed and check out Part Two. 02:05 The Politics Guys Podcast 03:54 The Beyond Politics Podcast 07:01 The Challe...

Dec 13, 202347 min

The Most Critical Supreme Court Trump Decision Yet

Special counsel Jack Smith, who is prosecuting Donald Trump for election interference, is seeking Supreme Court intervention to speed up his case, and all of the prosecutions of Trump likely hang in the balance. Also: University Presidents' insane hypocrisy on antisemitism, House Republicans' upcoming vote to impeach President Biden despite lack of evidence, the"optimally" strong job numbers in the U.S., a shocking situation in Texas related to abortion, and the mysterious disappearance of Alexi...

Dec 12, 202339 min

Financial Life Planning: End of 2023

Tune in to this week's podcast with Mike Morton to learn more about what you can be doing to improve your financial wealth towards the end of this year.

Dec 10, 202330 min

Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings: The Future of the Fight for Equal Rights

***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?*** Kevin Jennings is the CEO of Lambda Legal, the nation's preeminent legal advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals and those with HIV/AIDS. We cover the roots of the struggle over the past fifty years, progress for marriage equality, and the new challenges as Americans consider issues of equality and bias for transgender people. 00:26 The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Rights in America 06:51 The Legal Landscape for LGBTQ+ Americans from 1970s to ...

Dec 08, 202334 min

Liz Cheney Running for President?! Would it Stop Trump, or Help Him Win?

Liz Cheney is floating the idea of a third party presidential run: what impact this could have on the 2024 election? Would this help or hurt Joe Biden. Also: the passing of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, gathering momentum around Nikki Haley as the potential candidate to stop Trump, and the subtle influence of the National Association of Realtors on political decisions. 01:07 Discussing Liz Cheney's Potential Presidential Run 01:34 Analyzing the Impact of Cheney's Candidacy on Biden ...

Dec 05, 202339 min

Crooked Criminal Santos Booted from Congress: Three Things We Know

***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?*** Now that George Santos has been expelled from Congress, we know three things for sure: 1) this is the rule, not the exception, when it comes to Republican insanity, 2) this was not about Republicans doing the right thing, but about something else, 3) Trump had better watch his back. Matt Robison and Cliff Schecter run down what this means in this fast-turnaround "emergency" pod. wDzlFPIL4tpTJBooQghd...

Dec 03, 202317 min

America is Doing Well. So Why Do Americans Feel So Down?

***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?*** The economy is really good by most of the big measures that economists use and that political analysts typically pay attention to -- jobs, unemployment, and economic growth -- and inflation has mostly evaporated. Yet Americans are still downright sullen about not just the economy, but the state of the country overall, and wide open to conspiracy theories in a way they've never been before. Matt and Dr. Debra Osgood explore the...

Dec 01, 202336 min

Does ABC Scoop Change How We Think About Jan 6?

The panel debates whether recent revelations -- scooped by ABC News -- about former Vice President Mike Pence actually deciding to let Donald Trump have his way on counting the 2020 electoral votes on January 6 are an understandable moment of human doubt that only a partisan would criticize, or a major sliding doors moment in American history that changes our understanding of Mike Pence and that day. Also: 00:25 Discussion on Journalists Held Hostage 01:08 Analysis of Israel-Hamas Conflict 03:34...

Nov 28, 202333 min

Dems Dividing, R's Weird Obsession with Minor Celebrities

Part Two of our conversation with Justin Higgins and John Gunnison of the hit podcast Politics+ Media 101 (find Part One in their feed). We dive into the divisions inside the parties, the rise of young educated voters in driving the Dems, and what's up with Republicans' fascination with D-List celebrities? 00:09 How Dems Dealt with Rashida Tlaib's Controversial Statements 03:47 The Role of Young Elites in Shaping the Democratic Party 07:05 President Biden's Legislative Successes and Challenges 0...

Nov 22, 202331 min

Will Trump Be Gagged?

Will a federal appeals court keep a gag order on Donald Trump for the rest of his trial? Also, what's happening with young voters' attitude towards Joe Biden? 01:01 Discussing the Gag Order on Trump 05:27 Trump's Mental and Physical Health 10:35 Young Voters' Attitude Towards Biden and Trump 11:41 The Role of Polls in Politics 28:19 The Influence of Social Media on Politics

Nov 21, 202333 min

Financial Life Planning: Cut the Cord

Let’s start with a simple question: How many services do you subscribe to? Not sure? You’re not alone! Many people experience difficulty keeping track of multiple subscriptions. As the number of available services grows, managing various accounts and remembering which shows or channels each one offers becomes increasingly overwhelming.

Nov 19, 202324 min

Is the Future of Tech, AI, and Politics...good?

Adam Kovacevich, the founder and CEO of the Chamber of Progress gives a center-left perspective on the future of social media, false information on platforms like Facebook/Meta, and the influence of artificial intelligence. 02:12 Is there a Progressive Future of Technology 03:13 Impact of Social Media on Elections 12:01 Concerns about AI and Creativity 18:44 Discussion on President Biden's Executive Order on AI

Nov 17, 202324 min

Trump Goes Full Mussolini

Donald Trump isn't just calling his opponents "vermin," his allies have crafted a detailed plan hundreds of pages long about how they plan a full authoritarian takeover if he ever regains power. The panel runs down the frightening scheme. Also, Biden-Axelrod fight! And can Biden turn around voter perceptions on the economy by the election?

Nov 15, 202339 min

The Most Important Number in Politics Right Now is 10

Matt Robison joins Howard Monroe's radio program to explore Joe Biden's current position in the polls and whether it means he should drop out of the race. Matt argues that the answer is no, and because of the significance of the number 10. Also, are any of the judges in Trump's trials going to hold him accountable for breaking their courtroom rules, or even jail him? 00:17 Discussion on Joe Biden's Political State 02:04 Biden's Potential Replacement? 06:05 Why 10 is the Most Important Number in ...

Nov 13, 202324 min

Financial Life Planning: Ongoing Costs

It is essential to recognize the ongoing responsibilities and costs that come with one-time purchases. By understanding and preparing for the continuous costs – both in terms of money and time – you can enjoy your investments without the constant stress of unexpected expenses. Expect maintenance, be proactive, budget wisely, prepare, and remember – it’s not just the price tag; it’s the ongoing commitment that truly defines ownership.

Nov 12, 202326 min

What Does Democrats Huge Election Night Victory Actually Mean?

De3mocrats ran the table in the 20232 elections, so how does that mesh with all that polling suggesting Joe Biden is down against Donald Trump in 2024? Conservative analyst Alicia Preston suggests Republicans need a 'cleansing fire' to rid them of Trump's shadow. Does this mean we are in for a totally negative re-run of recent campaigns next year? Also, should anyone watch the Republican Presidential debate? And should Democrat Rashida Tlaib have been censured for her comments on Israel? 00:44 A...

Nov 08, 202336 min

Why You Should NOT Freak Out About that Scary NYT Poll

Recent New York Times poll results show President Biden trailing Donald Trump in six key battleground states for the 2024 election. Host Matt Robison welcomes back guest Ian Smith, Director of Polling and Analytics for Navigator Research, to talk about why Democrats should not panic. 00:01 Polling Results 02:03 The Impact of Economic Factors on Voter Sentiment 03:52 The Role of Campaigns and the Potential for Change 07:47 The Influence of Negative News and Criminal Trials 07:47 Why Are Dems Sudd...

Nov 06, 202329 min

The Financial Mystery of the Most Powerful Republican in America

Does Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson not have a bank account? It seems like the answer might be no, and whatever is going on, it only leads to more disturbing questions. Guest Roger Sollenberger, Senior Political Reporter with The Daily Beast, shares insights into a story he broke. 00:01 Why does the most powerful Republican in America seem to have no bank account?...01:48 Comparing Johnson's Finances with Other Politicians...02:37 Exploring Possible Reasons for Johnson's Fi...

Nov 03, 202323 min

Is Election Denier Speaker Mike Johnson REALLY This Crazy?

New House Speaker Mike Johnson literally believes that people rode dinosaurs onto Noah's Ark. Really. But that may not even be the most out-there thing about him. Matt, Paul, and Alicia dive in to the deep right-wing craziness of the man who is second in line to the Presidency. Also, can Republicans pay for Israel support...with a tax CUT? (12:44) Will the investigation into Clarence Thomas go anywhere? (17:06)? Does Dean Phillips run for the Dem nomination matter? (23:49) Will Santos get kicked...

Nov 01, 202336 min

Could One Big Money Group Spoil the Election & Bring Trump Back?

Could Donald Trump walk right back into the White House again? It looks like the answer is, yes. No Labels has $70 million, they're on the ballot in key states, and they just shifted to a new plan that could easily spoil the 2024 election by making it impossible for President Joe Biden to win enough states. No Labels thinks it would then be in a position to have more influence over who wins. But the reality could be much worse.

Oct 30, 202338 min

Financial Life Planning: 3 accounts

What if I told you that you could be paying thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes every year on your savings? You might think I have some savvy financial trick up my sleeve to save you from Uncle Sam, but the opposite is actually true. In this episode, it’s all about the basics. Basic account types, that is: The Three Musketeers: Taxable, Tax Deferred, and Tax Free

Oct 29, 202326 min

Barb McQuade: 3 Flipped Lawyers, Powerful Evidence, Huge Trump Trouble?

For months, the eyes of the political and legal world have been on Georgia, ever since Donald Trump and eighteen alleged co-conspirators were indicted in Fulton County under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Fulton County prosecutor Fani Willis is aiming to prove that there was collusion to overturn the outcome of the 2020 election. The past week has seen a dramatic turn in the case as three of Trump’s former attorneys have plead guilty in rapid succession. T...

Oct 25, 202337 min

Bonus Episode: Matt's Newsweek Article on the Shameful New York Times Incident

Matt Robison joins radio host Matt McNeil to talk about his recent Newsweek article laying out the horrible sequence at the New York Times that may have cost the Times credibility, cost Israel support, and cost lives. The Times has now issued a non-apology apology, and the episode raises questions about what is driving mainstream media to behave this way, and what it will mean if they are falling prey to pressures from extreme voices that undermine their function in America.

Oct 24, 202322 min

MORE Trump Lawyers Guilty, Are Republicans Destroying Themselves?

After a third Trump attorney, Jenna Ellis, pled guilty in the Georgia Trump election interference case, the immediate question became: is the wall around Trump crumbling? And is the entire Republican Party descending into an incoherent melee?

Oct 24, 202335 min

Has tech actually made not just media, but all American politics worse?

The way we communicate in political campaigns, and American politics overall, has changed radically. New media platforms, a fractured media landscape, and innovative techniques for getting political messages across have created opportunities for mischief, misinformation, and misdirection -- along with genuine ways to politicians to engage with voters. Now, artificial intelligence may scramble things even further. Matthew Krayton joins the show to talk about this new environment. He is an accompl...

Oct 23, 202343 min
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