On this special Ask Me Anything episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky dives into listener-submitted questions covering the biggest political, economic, and cultural debates shaping America today. From media narratives around immigration enforcement to the disconnect between economic data and public perception, Ryan breaks down what’s really driving voter anxiety—and why polling doesn’t always tell the full story. He also tackles ranked choice voting in Alaska, the future of key Senate races, ...
Feb 16, 2026•36 min
Is UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer running out of time? In this data-driven breakdown, pollster James Johnson of J&L Partners joins Ryan to unpack the numbers shaping Britain’s political future—and the warning signs flashing for Labour. From collapsing approval ratings to rising support for Nigel Farage, the polling tells a story of a leader losing authority, a party struggling to unify, and an electorate shifting in unpredictable ways. Johnson explains why Starmer may survive in the short te...
Feb 13, 2026•33 min
Is Texas actually in play for 2026 — or is the “Texas is turning blue” storyline getting ahead of the data? In this episode of The Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky starts with a look at the left’s escalating race-and-identity rhetoric, breaking down viral clips and why mainstream media outlets keep running interference when inflammatory language is aimed at “acceptable targets.” Ryan argues this isn’t random: today’s rhetoric becomes tomorrow’s policy. Then we move to the Lone Star State. After a hig...
Feb 11, 2026•40 min
In this episode, Ryan is joined by political analyst and Wake Up to Politics author Gabe Fleisher to break down the hard data behind Republican loyalty to Donald Trump. Drawing on an original analysis of nearly 500 Republicans who have served in Congress since 2017, Fleisher explains which lawmakers broke with Trump on key votes—and why most of them are no longer in office. The conversation explores impeachment votes, national emergencies, tariffs, war powers, and major legislative battles to re...
Feb 09, 2026•39 min
In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the numbers behind the surprising results of a recent Texas special election and the significant swing toward Democrats that has Republicans on edge. Ryan analyzes what really drove the outcome — from flawed candidate selection and turnout dynamics to messaging failures that don’t always show up in the headlines. He also pushes back on media narratives predicting a Republican collapse in the upcoming midterm elections, offering a data-driven look at wha...
Feb 06, 2026•31 min
In this episode, Ryan Girdusky and POLITICO's Jessica Piper break down the financial forces shaping the next election cycle. The conversation focuses on GOP midterm targets and how massive spending from the AI and cryptocurrency sectors is transforming modern political fundraising. They also examine the growing influence of pro-Israel political groups, how strategic investments affect candidate positioning, and what these funding trends mean for voter perception and campaign messaging. From emer...
Feb 04, 2026•35 min
In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the numbers behind the new Melania Trump movie, reviewing its documentary-style approach, soundtrack choices, and where it falls short in offering deeper insight into Melania Trump’s life and public image. He then turns to Florida’s 19th congressional district, unpacking the unusual field of candidates, their backgrounds, and what the race reveals about the evolving political landscape in Florida. The episode wraps with "Ask Me Anything," where Ryan ans...
Feb 02, 2026•29 min
In this wide-ranging conversation, investigative journalist Lee Fang breaks down how wealthy donors shape modern identity politics and why many of today’s most controversial policies are more symbolic than substantive. Fang examines Democratic leadership failures on immigration, arguing the party owes voters a serious reckoning—and possibly an apology. The discussion also dives into the political maneuvering of figures like Gavin Newsom, the growing influence of social media on public opinion, a...
Jan 30, 2026•43 min
What do the numbers actually reveal about Charlie Kirk’s legacy and the future of the conservative movement? In this in-depth conversation, Andrew Kolvert joins Ryan Girdusky and examines the measurable impact of Kirk’s leadership, the rapid growth of conservative youth engagement, and the data behind Turning Point USA’s influence on the next political generation. Kolvert breaks down why winning young voters will be decisive in the 2026 elections , how narrative and cultural momentum now matter ...
Jan 28, 2026•35 min
In this episode, Ann Coulter breaks down the numbers behind America’s immigration debate, challenging progressive narratives on civil rights, sanctuary cities, and federal enforcement. Coulter critiques how MLK Day and the civil rights movement are framed in modern political discourse, arguing that historical context is often distorted to advance today’s policy agendas. Ryan and Ann examine the Supreme Court’s role in shaping immigration law, the limits of federal authority, and how sanctuary ci...
Jan 26, 2026•40 min
In this Breaking News episode, Ryan Girdusky delivers an instant reaction to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during a confrontation involving ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. Ryan breaks down what is currently known about the incident, the official response from DHS, and the growing political and media firestorm surrounding immigration enforcement. Ryan explores the legal realities of gun ownership, the dangers of activist misinformation, and how escalating rhetoric around ICE oper...
Jan 25, 2026•12 min
In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the data driving some of the most consequential political and global trends right now. He examines the sharp decline in China’s birth rate and what it signals for the country’s economic stability, workforce crisis, and long-term foreign policy ambitions. Ryan also dives into fresh polling ahead of the 2026 U.S. elections, unpacking which issues are resonating most with voters and how key demographic shifts could reshape the political map. Ryan continues...
Jan 23, 2026•31 min
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Aidan Buzzetti, president of the 1776 Project Foundation, to break down a major lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) over racially discriminatory school assignment policies. Aidan explains how LAUSD’s PHBAO program allegedly gives enrollment advantages to schools with predominantly non-white student populations—resulting in discrimination against white and Middle Eastern students. He walks through the historical roots of the policy,...
Jan 21, 2026•36 min
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Tim Carney, senior columnist at the Washington Examiner and author of Family Unfriendly, to unpack the numbers behind modern family policy. They examine whether government childcare subsidies actually increase birth rates—or simply incentivize workforce participation. Drawing on international examples like France, Carney explains why massive public spending often fails to support family formation and instead benefits political interests, labor unions, and bur...
Jan 19, 2026•38 min
U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt joins the show to break down his latest legislative push to crack down on immigration fraud and reform the denaturalization process for individuals who obtain U.S. citizenship under false pretenses. Schmitt argues that fraud must carry real consequences, including prosecution and the loss of citizenship for those who abuse the system. He highlights recent high-profile fraud cases in Minnesota involving members of the Somali community, emphasizing the need to protect tax...
Jan 16, 2026•36 min
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton joins Ryan for a wide-ranging and urgent conversation on the escalating attacks against ICE agents, the growing role of activist NGOs in obstructing federal law enforcement, and the shocking Somali fraud scandal that has rocked Minneapolis. Cotton explains why federal authority must override local obstruction when ICE is targeted, including the possible use of National Guard or active-duty troops to protect officers enforcing immigration law. He also details his new Senat...
Jan 14, 2026•36 min
In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down The Numbers Behind one of the most contentious national news stories — the fatal Minneapolis shooting involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent and a civilian during a federal enforcement operation, analyzing available video footage and the conflicting narratives from federal officials and local leaders. From there, Ryan explores how this incident fits into broader debates on immigration enforcement, law and order, and public perception...
Jan 12, 2026•31 min
In this episode, Ryan is joined by attorney, Marina Medvin to break down the legal and societal implications of the high-profile incident involving ICE agents in Minneapolis. The conversation examines what the law actually says about blocking or interfering with law enforcement, when officers are legally justified in using force, and how civilian actions can escalate already volatile situations. The discussion also explores police training standards, split-second decision-making, and the broader...
Jan 09, 2026•40 min
In this episode, Ryan breaks down the numbers behind the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, analyzing new polling data that reveals sharp partisan divides in American public opinion on Venezuela, U.S. military intervention, and foreign policy priorities. The episode explores why Venezuelans have historically embraced democratic values, how those cultural foundations shape attitudes toward regime change, and what the data says about Americans’ willingness to support military action abr...
Jan 07, 2026•33 min
In this milestone anniversary episode, Ryan reflects on one year behind the mic before diving into breaking global news: the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Ryan breaks down what the turmoil in Venezuela means for American foreign policy, the growing public debate over U.S. military intervention, and how international instability impacts the United States at home. The episode also explores reasons for optimism as the new year begins, highlighting positive political and cultural tre...
Jan 05, 2026•29 min
In this episode of A Numbers Game , Ryan breaks down the numbers behind New Jersey’s political shift —where Republicans are making surprising gains among Latino and working-class white voters. He’s joined by Nalin Haley , son of presidential candidate Nikki Haley , for an inside look at Gen Z’s growing economic frustration , distrust of legacy media , and changing views on immigration . Together, they unpack the generational divide within the GOP , explore how social media is reshaping conservat...
Jan 01, 2026•34 min
In this episode, Ryan welcomes Claire Potter and Tom Rogan to break down the past year in politics—calling out the biggest winners and losers, the defining moments that shaped the national conversation, and the leaders who captured (or lost) public attention. They dig into the power of political charisma, which tactics actually worked, and which media stories were blown out of proportion. The trio also spotlights topics that went under the radar but will matter in the long run. The episode wraps...
Dec 29, 2025•44 min
In this episode, Ryan Girdusky reflects on the meaning of Christmas and breaks down new polling data revealing what registered voters believe about Jesus Christ and faith in America. Ryan expands to the U.S. economy, examining strong GDP growth, consumer spending trends, and what they signal heading into an election year. Girdusky also analyzes growing bipartisan public support for federal AI regulation and what it means for the future of technology and governance. The episode concludes with a d...
Dec 25, 2025•19 min
In this episode, Ryan delivers a sharp critique of Vivek Ramaswamy’s recent remarks on American identity and citizenship. Ryan examines Ramaswamy’s comments about “heritage Americans,” contrasts them with his personal background, and highlights what he sees as deep contradictions in Ramaswamy’s political philosophy. He argues that Ramaswamy’s ideology is less about preserving American values and more about consolidating personal power. Ryan explores how this rhetoric is shaping the conservative ...
Dec 22, 2025•39 min
In this episode of It’s a Numbers Game, Ryan sits down with Father Nick Colalella to explore the deeper meaning of Catholic faith, scripture, and daily spiritual practice. Father Nick shares his personal journey to the priesthood and explains why understanding the Bible in its original languages can transform how Catholics read and live the Word of God. The conversation dives into the importance of regular Mass attendance, the reality of God’s forgiveness, and the essential role the Church plays...
Dec 18, 2025•44 min
In this episode of A Numbers Game , Ryan announces the podcast’s expansion to three episodes per week beginning in January 2026 and dives into the data behind today’s most urgent issues. He examines recent tragedies—a school shooting at Brown University and a terrorist attack at a Hanukkah gathering in Australia—questioning police response, gun laws, and the real-world consequences of failed public safety policies. Ryan breaks down new polling that shows economic anxiety, inflation, and healthca...
Dec 15, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Ryan puts his Gen Z staff to the test with a hilarious pop-culture quiz on Gen X and Millennial music, movies, and major world events—revealing just how wide today’s generational knowledge gaps really are. Ryan then pivots to a data-packed breakdown of new CDC birth statistics, explaining how immigration policy is shaping America’s demographic future. It's a Numbers Game is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Monday & Thursday...
Dec 11, 2025•32 min
In this episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan and Manhattan Institute journalist Ryan Thorpe uncover a massive Minnesota welfare fraud scheme involving Somali immigrants, with more than $1 billion in alleged fraudulent claims and reports that some funds may have reached Al-Shabaab. The conversation breaks down government oversight failures, media bias, and the economic and social consequences of unchecked immigration policies. Thorpe also explores border security, the rise of European populism, and Fl...
Dec 08, 2025•36 min
In this episode, Ryan breaks down the numbers behind the latest political shifts shaping 2026. Using fresh data from Tennessee’s 7th District special election, he examines why Republicans continue to hold strong in gerrymandered districts and where Democratic “overperformance” may have hit its ceiling. Ryan also tackles the myths around abortion as a top voter motivator, explains the growing problem of insurance “social inflation,” and puts current trends in the context of long-term Trump-era re...
Dec 04, 2025•22 min
In this episode, Ryan breaks down the real forces shaping today’s conservative movement. Joined by Modern Age editor Daniel McCarthy, Ryan explores the history of the American right, the rise of neoconservatism, and the ongoing struggle between principled conservatism and personality-driven politics. They confront the GOP’s internal conflicts, the lasting influence of Donald Trump, and the dangers of fringe rhetoric—including a clear rejection of anti-Semitism. The conversation also highlights l...
Dec 01, 2025•44 min