Beyond Politics - podcast cover

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.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Russia-Republicans Swindle America AGAIN

Tell me if you heard this before--the whole impeachment case against President Biden was based on a Russian disinformation operation. AGAIN. Also, what is the impact of an Alabama State Supreme Court ruling regarding in-vitro fertilization? 00:00 Introduction: The Russian Disinformation Operation 01:12 The FBI's Role and Suspicion 01:59 The Hillary Clinton Investigation and Russian Intelligence 08:00 The Alabama State Supreme Court Ruling on Embryos 19:24 The Ezra Klein Controversy: Should Biden...

Feb 23, 202426 min

They Publicly Protested the President. He's Their Boss.

***Please share our show with a friend!*** What do you do if you disagree with your boss, when your boss is one of the most powerful people in the world? Recently, 17 Biden campaign staffers publicly wrote a letter to the president disagreeing with his position on the war in Gaza, which followed a letter anonymously sent by over 500 staffers back in November. Our guest Jim Papa is a former White House and Congressional staffer and host of the podcast "Staffer," and he says that this kind of prot...

Feb 21, 202427 min

How Republicans Disatrously Broke Congress

Republicans have officially broken the US Congress to the most dysfunctional, dangerous, and even absurd degree in American history. Congressional expert Laura Rodriguez of the Center for American Politics Action Fund joins to Matt Robison to run down just how severe the madness has gotten, and why people should care about how much damage they are doing. ***Please leave us a great review in Apple Podcasts App!!*** 01:44 The Impact of Trump on American Politics 03:03 The New York Special Election...

Feb 19, 202434 min

A Prosecutor + Her Boyfriend = Get Out of Jail Free for Trump?

Could Fani Willis' relationship kill the Georgia Trump case? Also, Trump's total meltdown on NATO and Putin, MAGA Republicans try to kill Ukraine aid, gun violence in Kansas City, and an easy solution for the patriarchy. ***Don't forget to rate and review us!!*** Check out another great podcast at ⁠⁠Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other⁠ *** 02:03 Introducing 'Rent-a-Dude': A Solution to Gender Bias 04:07 The Fani Willis Hearing 07:15 Trump Legal Watch: A Look at Ongoing Cas...

Feb 16, 202431 min

$17 Billion in Political Ads. Does It Even Work?

US political campaigns are expected to spent $17 billion on ads in 2024. But there's little evidence about how much of it works, if any does at all. John Halpin, Executive Editor of The Liberal Patriot, explains what we know and what we don't know about political advertising, and why the best solution for winning campaigns in 2024 might be a back-to-the-future approach. ***Don't forget to rate and review us!!*** ***Check out another great podcast at ⁠⁠Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Kill...

Feb 14, 202431 min

"Disenfranchisement and Chaos": Inside the Supreme Court's Biggest Case

ProPublica's star investigative reporter Andy Kroll takes us behind the scenes, inside the issues and internal debates within the Supreme Court as it hears the 14th Amendment case against former President Donald Trump. ***Don't forget to rate and review us!!*** ***Check out another great podcast at ⁠⁠Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other⁠ *** 01:17 Case Overview: Donald J. Trump vs Norma Anderson 05:54 The Debate on the 14th Amendment 11:40 The Tension Between Strict Constru...

Feb 12, 202450 min

A Disaster Day for Democrats: Sunday Roundtable Edition

A Bad Day for Democrats, the 14th Amendment, and Questions about Joe Biden's Fitness for Office. A special Sunday bonus roundtable discussion with Matt, Paul, and Alicia on how the Supreme Court is crushing Democrats dreams of getting saved from Trump, while the Special Counsel crushed Biden's age and memory in a way that could have lasting echoes throughout the Presidential race. ***Don't forget to rate and review us!!*** ***Check out another great podcast at ⁠⁠⁠Talkin' Politics & Religion ...

Feb 11, 202431 min

Bonus Episode: Trump CAN Run, But He AIN'T Immune

Two cases in the federal courts this week had very different outcomes for Donald Trump. A Federal Appeals Court demolished Trump's claims of immunity from prosecution, but the US Supreme Court seemed poised to allow him to remain on the ballot despite a constitutional challenge over his role in the Insurrection. Matt Robison joins radio legend Howard Monroe to break it down. ***Don't forget to rate and review us!!*** ***Check out another great podcast at ⁠⁠Talkin' Politics & Religion Without...

Feb 10, 202424 min

Top Expert's Election Forecast Is In, And the Winner Is...

Top forecaster Mark Zandi, Chief Economist of Moody's Analytics and the host of 'Inside Economics' has released his election forecast model. We dive into the factors that will truly matter in 2024, and announce the predicted winner. ***Don't forget to rate and review us!!*** ***Check out another great podcast at ⁠Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other *** 02:49 The Impact of the Economy on Voter Behavior 04:40 The Influence of Voter Turnout 07:00 The Significance of Election ...

Feb 09, 202427 min

Part 2: Can We Talk Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other?

Corey Nathan of the hit podcast Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other joins Matt Robison for Part Two of their conversation about whether the divides in America are really that big for the vast majority of people, and how to connect with people who seem to have major differences with you. If you haven't heard Part One yet, click on the link for Corey's pod and check it out (and then come right back here)! And PLEASE hit follow on both of our shows, and if you're on the Apple...

Feb 07, 202448 min

Why 2024 Might Be the Most Important Year

2024 may be the most pivotal year in decades, one that could shape the world's future in profound ways. Xenia Wickett, a geopolitical expert who has worked at the White House, State Department, Chatham House, and the Harvard Kennedy School explains what the big drivers of instability and change are, and suggests how to think about the complicated cross currents in the world in 2024. 02:57 The Key Challenges in 2024 06:02 The Pillars of Global Structure 16:11 The New Role of Corporations Across S...

Feb 05, 202440 min

Who Actually Won the Hollywood Bloodbath?

Smart insights on the future of streaming and entertainment with Chris Hill, the former host of Motley Fool Money. Now that Netflix seems to have come out on top int he streaming wars, what does the mix of emerging company strategies mean for various forms of media that Americans watch, including television, movies, and sports. 🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: After you Hit "Follow" or "Subscribe" Can You Please Leave Us a Rating & Review in the Apple Podcasts App? 02:02 The Future of Streaming and Entert...

Feb 02, 202441 min

Why Taylor Swift Is Driving Republicans Insane

Also, what does Donald Trump's move to kill an immigration deal tell us about shifting power centers in America? And, what will the latest developments in the Middle East and changes in voter perceptions of the economy do to the political landscape in 2024? 00:09 Taylor Swift and the Political Landscape 02:55 The Politics of Jealousy 08:27 The Impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas 13:32 The Border Issue and Political Power 18:32 The Power Shift in the Republican Party 25:57 The Current State of the ...

Jan 31, 202440 min

A Sneaky New Supreme Court Case Could Upend the Trump Trial

Renowned Constitutional scholar and law professor Kim Wehle explains how an unheralded Supreme Court case could eliminate the core of the election subversion case against Donald Trump, and give him many more paths to delay and escape justice. 03:04 Discussion on Kim's New Book on Pardon Power 07:10 How Fisher vs United States Could Upend the Trump Trial 15:26 Critique of the Supreme Court's Approach to Precedent 21:47 Unpacking the Legal Implications for Donald Trump 30:56 The Role of Regulatory...

Jan 29, 202442 min

Trump Won New Hampshire. Why's He Hopping Mad About It?

A special late-night discussion on the results of the New Hampshire primary. Donald Trump won, but showed continued vulnerability which seemed to send him into a meltdown. Should Trump be encouraged or nervous after this supposedly big win? 00:32 Analyzing Trump's Victory and Haley's Performance 04:16 The Future of the Republican Party 06:57 The Democratic Side of the Race 11:39 The Impact of Trump's Misogyny 26:04 The Future of the New Hampshire Primary...

Jan 24, 202432 min

Chris Matthews: Behind the Scenes from a Lifetime in Politics

On New Hampshire Primary day, an in-person discussion with Chris Matthews, best known for his political analysis on the show Hardball. He shares his experiences with House Speaker Tip O'Neill and shares inside stories about politics and lessons from a lifetime rubbing shoulders with some of the best-known politicians in America. 00:58 The Impact of Hardball: The Book and The Show 01:44 Analyzing the Political Landscape and Key Players 04:24 The Impact of Personal Presence in Politics 08:03 The R...

Jan 23, 202439 min

Is Trump a Done Deal? We Asked New Hampshire's Top Pollster.

New CNN polling from Andy Smith, the director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, is out with new figures and for those hoping to stop Trump, things are not looking good. What happened, why, and what do the coming months look like? 01:03 Interview with Andy Smith, Director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center 02:32 The Influence of Trump on New Hampshire Politics 03:36 The Rise and Fall of Ron DeSantis 04:25 The Impact of Indictments on Trump's Support 09:42 The Role of...

Jan 22, 202445 min

No, You're Not Taking Crazy Pills -- The Trump Story Is Really Wrong

Matt Robison and Paul Hodes join renowned radio host Matt McNeil to talk about how the media narrative is spinning Trump's results into political capita, the challenges facing Biden, and the curious political campaign of Dean Phillips. 00:42 Critique of Media's Role in Politics 02:25 Analysis of Trump's Performance in Iowa 03:12 Media's Misrepresentation of Trump's Success 06:29 Impact of Media Narrative on New Hampshire Polls 09:28 Understanding New Hampshire's Political Landscape 16:28 Discuss...

Jan 19, 202423 min

Things Are Moving Fast In New Hampshire Now

What's it like behind the scenes in the New Hampshire Primary, and what should people watch for in the coming days. Matt Robison and Paul Hodes join Howard Monroe to take us inside a fast-moving an unpredictable race. 00:43 Media's Role in Shaping Perceptions 03:46 Understanding New Hampshire Primary 04:32 The Role of Independent Voters in New Hampshire 08:08 The Unusual Year for New Hampshire 09:21 The Impact of Media on Election Results 15:45 The Potential Impact of Undeclared Voters 22:48 The...

Jan 18, 202425 min

The Media Got Its Iowa Trump Story Outrageously Wrong

How the media's lazy, glib reporting managed to distort the story of Trump's win in Iowa, and why that could have disastrous consequences for this election and America's future. See Matt's companion op-ed in Newsweek . ***Please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and a review on Apple podcasts*** 02:18 The Media's Misrepresentation of Trump's Victory 09:37 The Impact of Iowa Results on New Hampshire 11:18 The Role of Media in Shaping Election Narratives 22:16 The Importance of the New Ham...

Jan 16, 202437 min

A Light at the End of the Tunnel in the Israel-Hamas War?

Matt Robison welcomes back Dan Perry, a former lead AP editor for the Middle East. They discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and a big step that might signal some light at the end of the tunnel. 01:49 Discussion on Genocide Charges Against Israel 03:38 Potential Ceasefire Proposal from Qatar 13:00 Netanyahu's Role in the Conflict 23:45 Potential Outcomes of Genocide Charges 28:42 Pathway to Peace

Jan 14, 202433 min

What Does Michigan's MAGA Meltdown Mean for The Rest of Us

Matt Robison and Jason Sattler (aka @LOLGOP), a former USA Today columnist, describe how the insane (and hilarious!) MAGA implosion in Michigan is a window into the real political problem that we all face as a country in 2024. 01:14 The Michigan MAGA Meltdown: Christina Caramo's Saga 03:24 Caramo's Controversial Statements: A Tournament of Absurdity 10:08 The Bigger Picture: Michigan as a Microcosm 16:20 The Muslim Community's Political Influence in Michigan 21:25 Analyzing Biden's Stance on Isr...

Jan 12, 202444 min

Trump Says He Can Murder His Oppenents

***PLEASE take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple podcast app!*** Donald Trump's lawyers just argued that he could assassinate a political opponent and get away with it (that he could only be prosecuted if impeached and convicted in the Senate). Will federal jusdes agree? Also, should Meet the Press anchor Kristen Welker be fired? And are we seeing the craziest Republican ever? 00:00 Introduction and Trump's Lawyer's Argument 02:12 Historical Context and Legal Analysis 04:51 Trump's Med...

Jan 09, 202440 min

America's Top Expert on Impeachment: Inside the Broken Laws and Nasty Politics

A deep conversation about presidential impeachment -- one of the most important drivers in American politics today -- with Michael J. Gerhardt, a distinguished constitutional law scholar and has been part of several impeachment proceedings. He is the author of The Law of Presidential Impeachment: A Guide for the Engaged Citizen . 00:16 The History and Evolution of Presidential Impeachment 01:57 Understanding the Framers' Vision of Impeachment 04:20 Early Experiments with Presidential Impeachment...

Jan 09, 202441 min

Best of BP: Top Five Mind-Blowing Images from the James Webb Telescope

fmmrnf3EScfCXYKZDIzR We welcome back UNH Observatory Director John Gianforte to talk about what the James Webb Space Telescope has discovered in it's first year, and run down the top five most mind-blowing images. 🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: After you Hit "Follow" or "Subscribe" Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?*** Find a short summary video with images on YouTube here . Or if you want to pull up those images yourself, here they are: 5) James Webb Space Telescope time travels billions of years...

Jan 05, 202437 min

Will Trump Acutally Be Barred from the Ballot?

Matt Robison speaks with legendary West Virginia radio host Howard Monroe about the recent rulings which preclude Trump from appearing on Maine and Colorado ballots, and dive into what the key factorsd will be in the 2024 Presidential race. 04:16 Predictions for the 2024 Presidential Election 10:40 The Economic State of the Nation 12:31 The Impact of Third Party Candidates 18:37 The Role of the 14th Amendment in the 2024 Election 26:16 The Future of Donald Trump: Jail, Presidency, or Other?...

Jan 04, 202430 min

Two of the Biggest Months in American Political History?

Why the upcoming two months could change everything about the future of America. But first, an in-depth analysis of the ruling that Donald Trump can't appear on the ballot because of his involvement in instigating an insurrection 00:57 Legal Analysis of the Ruling 05:50 Debate on the Constitutionality and Implications of the Ruling 23:58 The Impact of Legal Cases on Trump's Campaign 26:37 Upcoming Key Dates in Politics 28:49 The Significance of the Supreme Court's Ruling on Trump's Immunity 29:5...

Jan 02, 202441 min

Part Two: 2023's BIGGEST End of Year Awards Show!

Part two of the biggest end of year awards show in all podcastdom...we discuss the most interesting public opinion research story, debate medical advancements and breakthroughs in various fields, and decide who was the biggest 'idiot' of the year. ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Five-Star Review?*** 00:23 Recap of Previous Awards 00:52 Discussion on Public Opinion Research 11:13 Most Interesting Science Story of the Year 18:11 Best Piece of Good News 24:40 Biggest Idio...

Dec 29, 202334 min

Part One: 2023's BIGGEST End of Year Awards Show!

Matt Robison, Alicia Preston, and former U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes celebrate the world's greatest annual end of year awards show - 'The Boppies'! ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Five-Star Review?*** 01:32 Reflections on 2023: Trump's Influence and the Economy 06:22 The Boppies Awards: Democratic MVP Nominees 12:55 The Boppies Awards: Republican MVP Nominees 18:23 Prosecutor of the Year 22:32 Best Achievement in Legislation 26:37 News Story of the Year...

Dec 28, 202331 min

Financial Life Planning: Rollover IRA

There are many different types of IRAs, from rollover to Roth, traditional to back door, and everything in between. The one key thing to remember is that they all share a common thread—they end in ‘IRA.’ Each Individual Retirement Account comes with its own set of rules for things like transfers, withdrawals, and contributions, and has its own tax implications.

Dec 24, 202334 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android