Hot Mics From Left To Right - podcast cover

Hot Mics From Left To Right

Two Squared Media Productionswww.spreaker.com
Go behind the scenes with two of CNN’s leading commentators and fan favorites
as they discuss what they didn’t have time to get on air but is badly needed
conversation at an unprecedented time of partisanship and politics. Alice
Stewart and Maria Cardona have a unique ability to bring hot topics of
conversation to the fore, with respect, civility and intellectual honesty. Each
week, the “Hot Mics from Left to Right” duo will discuss the intersection of politics
and culture to give listeners a better understanding of where and how they have
come to their beliefs, offering a much needed view of a deeper perspective on
lifestyle and values and how they impact politics. Hot Mics will wrap with some
warm words of inspiration.
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Episodes

Insurrection and the Next Election

Kicking off 2022, Maria and Alice mark the one-year anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, efforts to hold people accountable, and make sure it never happens again. Plus, they discuss Maria's prediction that Democrats will fare well in the midterm elections. In this week's Meaningful Moment, we hear inspiring messages from the late Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier and words from Mitch Albom's latest novel, "The Stranger in the Lifeboat." Please listen, like, and s...

Jan 09, 202233 min

End of the Year and No End in Sight for COVID

Alice and Maria break down President Biden's meeting with Governors and the effort to depoliticize COVID and work together to speed up testing. They discuss the breakdown of the Build Back Better plan and what the future holds for the transformational package. And - the hosts highlight the top stories of 2021 from the insurrection at the Capitol to deadly tornadoes in the heartland. In this week's meaningful moment, Maria and Alice share messages of hope from the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Dec 29, 202139 min

Congressional Gridlock in Full Swing on BBB, 1/6, and the Crime Wave

Maria and Alice discuss the back and forth in D.C. on the Build Back Better plan, the search for answers on 1/6, and the search for solutions to the crime wave across the country. In this week's Meaningful Moment, the two highlight spot-on views on pre-vacation routines, and hear from the founder of Potter's House.

Dec 18, 202134 min

The Blame Game, Bitter Squabbles, and the great Bruno Mars

Maria and Alice discuss the current Biden blame game and ask the question: Does the buck really stop with the president? Also- the bitter intra-party squabbles within the GOP as well as with Democrats. Plus, some highlights and takeaways from the Bruno Mars concert. In this week's meaningful moment, the duo shares insightful comments of the late, great Senator Bob Dole.

Dec 09, 202139 min

Palace Intrigue: The Current Public and Private Beltway Banter

Alice and Maria discuss the current palace intrigue conversations surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris and Transportation Secretary Buttigieg compared to the very public beltway banter between Republican Congresswomen Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Nancy Mace. What does all this say about the current state of play in Washington D.C.? And the latest jobs report is being met with mixed reviews. In this week's Meaningful Moment we hear inspirational words from musical theater legen...

Dec 03, 202136 min

Michael Cohen Unfiltered: Trump's Former Fixer on Politics, Payouts, and Prison

Alice and Maria speak with Michael Cohen, the former attorney and personal fixer for former President Donald J. Trump. In the final hours of home confinement for his conviction on tax evasion and campaign finance violations, Cohen talks about the latest with the January 6th Commission, Steve Bannon's guilty plea, and the quest for information on the insurrection. Cohen reveals some news about his involvement in National Enquirer coverage of Senator Ted Cruz. The former Trump loyalist sheds light...

Nov 18, 202149 min

The Polling Geeks and the Long-Awaited Infrastructure Week

It's infrastructure week, really; Maria and Alice discuss Congress passing the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. And - the hosts are geeks about polling numbers, and break down recent data on the make-up of the Republican and Democratic party. Plus - a major legal blow to Donald Trump's efforts to shield documents related to the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In this week's meaningful moment, we hear from Mother Teresa and music sensation Bruno Mars.

Nov 10, 202135 min

Goldilocks and the Two-Step: Lessons Learned in Post-Trump Elections

Alice and Maria discuss the recent upset victory of Republican Glenn Youngkin over Democrat Terry McAuliffe in the Virginia Governor's race. The lessons learned for Republicans in navigating campaigns in the Post-Trump era. And Democrats can learn to tailor the message to the electorate, with a focus on the issues. Also, Groundhog day on the hill as members of Congress make progress on the spending bills. In this week's Meaningful Moment, Executive Director of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, T...

Nov 05, 202129 min

Special Guest Kirsten Powers and her book, "Saving Grace"

Alice and Maria are joined by friend and colleague, CNN Senior Political Analyst Kirsten Powers to talk about her new book: "Saving Grace - Speak Your Truth, Stay Centered, and Learn to Coexist with People Who Drive You Nuts." The New York Times bestselling author opens up about navigating the toxic division in our culture without compromising your own convictions and emotional well-being.

Nov 02, 202145 min

A Dead Heat in Virginia and Deadlock in DC

Maria and Alice discuss the razor-thin margins in the final days of the Virginia Governor's race between Glenn Youngkin and Terry McAuliff. And we have an agreement on a framework for a transformational spending plan in Washington D.C. Plus- Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger announces he won't run for re-election. What does that say about the Grand Old Party? And in this week's meaningful moment, Alice and Maria set up next week's interview with encouraging words from their friend and collea...

Oct 29, 202132 min

Setting the Record Straight

Maria and Alice go behind the headline and correct the record on election integrity and who's to blame. They also discuss the latest progress on infrastructure talks among Democrats. Plus, with the tragic death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Alice and Maria talk about his impact far beyond his life in public service.

Oct 19, 202129 min

Casino With My Cousin: A Lesson in Politics

Alice and Maria talk about Alice's recent trip to the casino with her cousin and the intersection of gambling and politics. The duo discusses the high stakes game for Democrats amid the current spending stalemate, the crap shoot for some Republicans trying to "save the party from pro-Trump extremists," and the wild-card at play in the race for governor of Virginia.

Oct 12, 202134 min

So Close But Yet So Far

Maria and Alice respectfully disagree on the current stalemate on the infrastructure and Build Back Better spending bills. They also discuss the impact of Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema and their moderate views. Plus- the trend of tell-all "burnin down the house" books by television news icon Katie Couric and former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham.

Oct 02, 202135 min

It's Do or Die for Democrats

Maria and Alice discuss the fact that it's "do or die" for Democrats as they seek consensus on a budget deal. Plus they share views on the ongoing crisis at the border as thousands of people from Haiti seek asylum in the United States. And Steve Bannon joins other Trump officials now a part of the Jan 6 probe. In this week's meaningful moment, we hear messages of strong women and how they deal with struggles.

Sep 25, 202135 min

The Trump Effect from California to Midterms and Beyond

Maria and Alice discuss the impact Fmr. President Trump had on the California recall election and what, if any, role he will play in 2022 and 2024. They also weigh in on the weekend protests at the U.S. Capitol and whether 9/18 will be 2.0 of 1/6. And in this week's meaningful moment, we hear from Christopher Ullman's book, "Find Your Whistle" and a special message of Yom Kippur.

Sep 17, 202134 min

Life, Leadership, and Leaving People Behind

Alice and Maria discuss the controversial Texas abortion ban and its impact on midterm elections in 2022. They duo also weigh in on the pending recall election for California Governor Gavin Newsom and what that could mean for control of the Golden State. And the two take a look at the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing effort to evacuate U.S. citizens. In this week's meaningful moment, we hear words of inspiration from Writer and Feminist Audre Lorde and Hillbilly Eulogy author and U.S....

Sep 08, 202135 min

The ABC's of the Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Afghanistan

Maria and Alice discuss the ABC's of the historic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan after 20 years of boots on the ground. Both agree that many mistakes were made but it's high time for our military heroes to come home. They discuss the past, present, and future of terrorism, our troops, and the Taliban. God bless our troops.

Aug 31, 202133 min

A Line in the Afghan Sand - Is it Too Little, Too Late?

Alice and Maria discuss President Biden standing firm on the August 31 deadline for full U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Plus, the Democratic divide on the budget plan and the spirited language out of last minute talks. And - what does Donald Trump and Pope Francis have in common? Support for the COVID vaccine. Maria talks about an important campaign with the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative called "It's Up to You" focused on educating Latinos about COVID-19 vaccines.

Aug 24, 202135 min

A Tangled Web of Taliban Troubles

Maria and Alice discuss the recent troubles with the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan as U.S. troops withdraw from the region. This adds to a growing list of challenges for the Biden administration, including the border crisis, COVID vaccines and inflation. Plus, they discuss the new census figures and the impact on redistricting. In this week's meaningful moment, Alice and Maria share thoughts on early risers and scriptures on medical care.

Aug 15, 202134 min

Long and Winding Road: Progressives, Infrastructure, and Gov. Cuomo

Maria and Alice discuss the progress of Progressives in Washington DC and the future of AOC, paving the road for a bipartisan infrastructure agreement, and time for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to go. In this week's meaningful moment, we hear words of wisdom from the late-great football coaching legend Bobby Bowden and Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw.

Aug 09, 202131 min

Olympic-sized Health Concerns and the Offensive Armchair Quarterbacks

Maria and Alice discuss the decision by Olympic Gold-Medalist Gymnast Simone Biles to withdraw from Olympic events to focus on her mental health. Also- the call for mandatory COVID-19 vaccines is heating up, and there is progress on the bi-partisan infrastructure talks. In this week's Meaningful Moment, we hear inspiring words from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Disney character Christopher Robin, and series character Ted Lasso.

Jul 31, 202136 min

Who's rocket will go higher, deeper, and faster?

Alice and Maria discuss the billionaire's race to penetrate space. They also talk about the newfound push by conservatives to promote the COVID vaccine, and Congress' mission to probe the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In this week's meaningful moment, Maria and Alice share words of inspiration from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and Space advocate Robert C Jacobson.

Jul 24, 202134 min

The Tale of Two Agendas: President Biden and CPAC

Alice and Maria break down the Biden memo and the vast array of issues facing the current administration. They also discuss the latest CPAC gathering with a focus on cancel culture and false claims of election fraud. In this week's meaningful moment, they discuss the value of service and inspirational words from the music of actress and singer Chrissy Metz.

Jul 10, 202135 min

Heartache in Florida and Legal Peril in Trumpworld

Alice and Maria discuss the pain and heartbreak surrounding the building collapse in Florida. They also talk about the tax crime charges filed against the Trump Organization and Speaker Pelosi announcing details of a January 6th commission. In this week's meaningful moment, Maria and Alice share comments of hope in times of struggle and loss.

Jul 01, 202133 min

At a Crossroad, On the Border, and In The Heights

Maria and Alice discuss the recent bipartisan infrastructure deal, Vice President Harris' trip to the border to address immigration reform, and the DOJ filing suit against the state of Georgia for recently-passed election laws. In this week's meaningful moment, Alice and Maria discuss the screening of "In the Heights" and share powerful comments from the inspiring musical film.

Jun 25, 202136 min

New holiday, new Obamacare ruling and new target of social conservatives

Maria and Alice discuss the first official Juneteenth holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, they talk about the latest Supreme Court Ruling to uphold Obamacare and the latest and surprising target of social conservatives - former Vice President Mike Pence. In this week's meaningful moment, Alice and Maria quote American poet Maya Angelou and the late Civil Rights leader Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

Jun 19, 202133 min

The Road to Somewhere....

Alice and Maria discuss the ongoing discussions on President Biden's infrastructure proposals, former President Donald Trump and false claims of re-claiming the White House this year, and the need to instill confidence in our election system. Plus- in this week's meaningful moment, we hear comments from Harvey Milk and Elon Musk. Please like and share!

Jun 04, 202134 min

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Politics and Fan Feedback

Maria and Alice discuss the GOP voting against creation of a 1/6 Commission, Reps. Gaetz and Greene as the grifters of the GOP, and President Biden's massive $6 Trillion dollar budget proposal. They share some nice, and not so nice, fan feedback. And in this week's meaningful moment, the two share their idea of the meaning of civility.

May 29, 202140 min

The Choice Is Yours.... Or Maybe It's Not

Maria and Alice discuss the possibility of a bi-partisan January 6 Capitol riot commission, states opting out of federal COVID funds, and the U.S. Supreme Court reviewing a Mississippi abortion law. In this week's meaningful moment, we hear from Ruth Bader Ginsburg and a special message about Moms.

May 19, 202137 min

On The Job Straining

Maria and Alice discuss the disappointing April jobs report that is straining employers, Congresswoman Liz Cheney is straining to keep her job as in the GOP, and for the toughest job of them all - Happy Mother's Day. In the Meaningful Moment, they share words of inspiration from mothers. (With a special appearance from Maria's daughter, MayaLuna!)

May 08, 202135 min
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