Just Ask the Question Podcast - podcast cover

Just Ask the Question Podcast

Just Ask the Question is a unique and provocative look at the news in today’s headlines. Playboy White House correspondent and CNN political analyst Brian Karem hosts a conversation with newsmakers across the spectrum, asking the hardest questions and engaging them in deep conversation about issues that matter to all of us. Just Ask the Question is an unedited conversation with those in the public eye who influence life in the United States. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard.
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Episodes

Just Ask the Press - Did the Big Beautiful Bill kill the US?

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with guests Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett, delve into the implications of the recently passed 'One Big Beautiful Bill' signed by Donald Trump. They discuss the political ramifications, particularly concerning Medicaid changes and ICE funding, as well as the broader context of environmental issues and the current state of American democracy. The conversation also touches on Trump's health and the potential for a third party in Ameri...

Jul 07, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 341

Just Ask the Press - Trump, The BBB, and the Supreme Court

Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" threatens to destroy many social safety nets, environmental regulations and America's renewable energy sector. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast ...

Jul 01, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 340

Just Ask the Press - WAR?

In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent military actions taken by President Trump against Iran, analyzing the implications of these strikes, the messaging surrounding them, and the potential for retaliation from Iran. They also delve into the War Powers Act and the role of Congress in authorizing military action, as well as the media's influence in shaping narratives around these events. Expert insights are provided on the aftermath of the strikes and the broader geopolitical context. The ...

Jun 24, 202550 minEp. 339

Just Ask the Press - Escalating Tensions: Iran and Israel's Conflict

In this episode, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the implications for U.S. foreign policy, and the political landscape in America, including Trump's recent birthday parade and the protests that followed. The conversation highlights the complexities of international relations, the role of public opinion, and the challenges of political engagement in a divided nation. The conversation delves into the recent protests in Los Angele...

Jun 16, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 338

Just Ask the Press - ICE, Trump, and Newsom

In this episode of Just Ask the Press, host Brian Karem, along with guests Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett, delve into the recent political turmoil surrounding the White House, including the deployment of the National Guard in response to immigration protests in Los Angeles. The conversation explores the implications of escalating tensions, the hypocrisy in political responses, and the potential for martial law. Additionally, the discussion shifts to the fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk,...

Jun 09, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 337

Just Ask the Press - Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill"

In this episode, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss the recent press availability by Donald Trump, where he made controversial statements regarding tariffs and his relationship with Elon Musk. The conversation delves into the implications of Trump's policies, the judicial challenges he faces regarding tariffs, and the public perception of both Trump and Biden as they approach the 2024 election. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the current political landscape, focusing ...

Jun 02, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 336

Greg Olear - Jake Tapper, The Crypto Dinner, and Stephen Miller

In this episode, Brian Karem and Greg Olear discuss the implications of Jake Tapper's new book, the media's role in political coverage, and the current state of the Biden administration. They critique the moderation of debates, Biden's mental acuity, and Trump's foreign policy decisions. The conversation also delves into the controversial crypto meme dinner hosted by Trump and the influence of Stephen Miller on immigration policies. In this conversation, Brian Karem and Greg Olear discuss the im...

May 29, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 335

Just Ask the Press - Trump's War on Reality

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett, discuss the latest political developments, including Trump's speech at West Point, his controversial meeting with the South African president, the passage of a significant bill by House Republicans, and Trump's actions against foreign exchange students at Harvard. The conversation highlights the disinformation tactics used by Trump, the challenges faced by the Republican party in passing legislat...

May 28, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 334

Joanne Carducci (JoJofromjerz) - How has new media reshaped reporting?

In this engaging conversation, Brian Karem and Jo Jo from Jersey explore the evolution of new media, the challenges it presents to traditional journalism, and the importance of maintaining a commitment to factual information. Jo shares her personal journey from a suburban life to becoming an advocate in the new media landscape, emphasizing the need for voices that resonate with everyday experiences. They discuss the current political climate, the necessity of finding common ground, and the impac...

May 24, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 333

Just Ask the Press - Trump's Bribe, Biden's Health, and Transactional Politics

In this episode, host Brian Karem, along with guests John T. Bennett and Hal Sparks, delve into the recent political landscape, focusing on Donald Trump's trip to the Middle East, his relationships with authoritarian leaders, and the implications of these interactions. They also discuss Jake Tapper's revelations about Joe Biden's health and the media's role in covering these issues. The conversation highlights the transactional nature of politics and the challenges faced by current leaders. The ...

May 19, 20251 hr 13 minEp. 332

John Fugelsang - Rock, The Beatles, and Cultural Protest

In this engaging conversation, Brian Karem and John Fugl discuss the legacy of the Beatles and their impact on modern activism. They explore how John Lennon would likely respond to today's political climate, the evolving activism of Paul McCartney, and George Harrison's humanitarian efforts. The discussion highlights the importance of protest music and the cultural significance of the Beatles in addressing social issues. In this engaging conversation, Brian J. Karem and John discuss the enduring...

May 17, 202558 minEp. 331

Just Ask the Press - Is Stephen Miller the REAL shadow president?

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem and his guests discuss the week's significant political events, including the arrest of Newark's mayor, the implications of having an American Pope, and the ongoing dynamics within the MAGA movement. The conversation delves into the controversies surrounding these topics, exploring themes of legality, political strategy, and the evolving landscape of American politics. In this episode, the hosts discuss the ongoing political drama surroun...

May 12, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 330

Just Ask the Press - The Future of Executive Power in America

In this conversation, the guys discuss the evolving landscape of journalism, emphasizing the critical role of copy editors and the decline of factual reporting. They delve into the implications of misinformation in political discourse, particularly in the context of recent statements made by political figures. The discussion also covers legal challenges against executive orders, the future of executive power, and the necessity of civic education to foster informed citizenship. Additionally, they...

May 05, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 329

Just Ask the Press - Trump the FIRST 100 days

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with experts Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett, delve into the tumultuous first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency. They discuss the implications of Trump's actions on democracy, the chaos within his administration, and the role of Congress and the judiciary in maintaining checks and balances. The conversation also touches on voter suppression, the future of the Democratic Party, and the recent White House Correspondents' Dinner, hi...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 328

Just Ask the Press - The Supreme Court vs Trump

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid, discuss the significant news events of the week, focusing on the Supreme Court's ruling against President Trump's immigration policies, the implications of his defiance of the court, and the controversial use of crime victims in political narratives. The conversation highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding t...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 327

Just Ask the Press - Constitutional Crisis

In this episode, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss the week's significant news events, including Bill Maher's visit to the White House, the ongoing trade war with China, and recent Supreme Court rulings on immigration. The conversation delves into the implications of Maher's visit, the volatility in the stock market due to tariffs, and the complexities of immigration law as interpreted by the Supreme Court. The hosts provide insights into the political landscape and the strateg...

Apr 15, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 326

Just Ask the Press - Tariffs and the end of the Pax Americana

In this episode, Brian Karem, John T. Bennett, and Mark Zaid discuss the significant news of the week, focusing on tariffs introduced by Trump and their implications for the economy. They explore the political strategy behind these tariffs, the public's response through protests, and the potential consequences for the market. The conversation also touches on the role of dissent within the administration and the future of Trump's policies. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the current po...

Apr 07, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 325

Just Ask the Press - Signalgate: National Security Crisis

In this episode, the hosts discuss the implications of the recent Signalgate incident involving high-level government officials and the use of Signal for classified discussions. They explore the accountability of government officials, the role of the judiciary, and the potential impact of Trump's policies on international relations and the economy. The conversation also touches on the upcoming tariffs and their expected effects on the market, as well as the broader implications for law and order...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 324

Just Ask The Press - Trump vs Judiciary: The Ongoing Battle

In this episode, Brian Karem, Dean Obeidallah, and John T. Bennett discuss the ongoing battle between Donald Trump and the judiciary, the state of the Democratic Party, and the importance of voter engagement. They explore the challenges faced by Democrats in communicating their message and the need for a strong response to Trump's actions. The conversation also touches on upcoming elections and the implications for both parties. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the implications of rece...

Mar 26, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 323

Just Ask the Press - Trump, The DOJ, and The Rule of Law

In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent political landscape, focusing on Donald Trump's unprecedented speech at the Department of Justice, where he made alarming claims about the press and the legal system. They explore the implications of his rhetoric on press freedom and legal accountability, as well as the internal strife within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding Chuck Schumer's leadership. The conversation highlights the challenges facing Democrats as they navigate their stra...

Mar 18, 202550 minEp. 322

Just Ask the Press - It's been a LONG six weeks

In this episode, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss the recent political landscape, focusing on Donald Trump's joint address to Congress, the implications of his speech for Democrats, and the ongoing legal challenges Trump faces. The conversation highlights the inaccuracies in Trump's address, the Democrats' response, and the broader implications of Trump's executive actions and legal battles. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various themes surrounding free speech, the...

Mar 11, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 321

Just Ask the Press - The Fallout from Trump's Meeting with Zelensky

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with national security expert Mark Zaid and editor John T. Bennett, delve into the recent events surrounding Donald Trump's administration, particularly focusing on his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and JD Vance. The conversation explores the implications of Trump's diplomatic approach, reactions from various political figures, and the ongoing legal challenges faced by the administration. The discussion also touches on ...

Mar 05, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 320

Alexander Vindman - Is Trump a Russian Asset?

In this conversation, Brian Karem speaks with Alexander Vindman about his new book, 'The Folly of Realism,' which critiques the West's approach to Russia and its implications for Ukraine. Vindman discusses the historical context of US-Russia relations, the current state of the war in Ukraine, and the impact of Trump's foreign policy. He emphasizes the need for a long-term strategy that prioritizes democratic values and alliances over short-term gains. The conversation also touches on the interna...

Mar 02, 202547 minEp. 319

Just Ask the Press - Is Trump's Honeymoon Period Over?

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with guests John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid, delve into the current political landscape, focusing on Donald Trump's controversial statements regarding Ukraine and Russia, the Republican Party's response to his actions, and the implications of Elon Musk's influence in the political arena. The conversation highlights the complexities of Trump's relationships with allies and adversaries, as well as the potential fallout from his decisio...

Feb 25, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 318

Just Ask the Press - Legal Battles and Executive Orders: What's Next?

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with guests Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett, delve into the recent actions of Donald Trump, including his ban on the Associated Press from the press pool and the implications of his controversial statements. The discussion covers the dynamics of the press pool, the media's response, First Amendment rights, and the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump's executive orders. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by journalis...

Feb 16, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 317

Just Ask the Press - Trump makes it personal again!

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with guests Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett, delve into the personal vendettas of Donald Trump, the evolving dynamics of his relationship with Elon Musk, and the successes of litigation against the Trump administration. The conversation highlights the politicization of national security and the media's role in shaping political narratives, while also addressing the challenges faced by Congress in investigating powerful figures like M...

Feb 10, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 316

Just Ask the Press - Trump, Musk, and the future of the free world

In this episode, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss the latest news, including Elon Musk's controversial access to federal data, the implications of Trump's trade war, and the changing dynamics of media access within the Department of Defense. The conversation highlights concerns over national security, the potential impact of Trump's policies on his supporters, and the broader implications of these developments for democracy and governance. In this conversation, the speakers di...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 315

Just Ask the Press - Trump: The First 100 Days

A preview of things to come. Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss what could happen in Donald Trump's First One Hundred Days in office. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequesti...

Jan 20, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 314

Just Ask the Press - Wildfires, Carter, and Trump 2.0

In this episode, Brian Karem and his guests discuss the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the federal response, and the misinformation surrounding the crisis. They reflect on the recent funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, highlighting the themes of decency and hope. The conversation shifts to Donald Trump's sentencing, examining the implications of his legal challenges and the political landscape as he prepares for a potential return to the presidency. The conversation delves into the ...

Jan 15, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 313

Just Ask the Press - 2024 year-end review!

In this year-end review, host Brian Karem and guests John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid reflect on the major stories of 2024, including the legacy of Jimmy Carter, Donald Trump's legal challenges, the assassination of a healthcare CEO, parental responsibility in school shootings, the influence of billionaires in politics, and the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party. They also discuss the unprecedented political power of Elon Musk and the potential future relationship between Musk and Trump....

Dec 31, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 312
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