In this episode of Just Ask the Press, host Brian Karem, along with guests John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid, review a tumultuous week in politics. They discuss the recent government shutdown that was averted, the influence of Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Congress, and the challenges facing the new Speaker of the House. The conversation also touches on Biden's absence during critical negotiations and the implications for the Democratic Party. Additionally, they explore the state of journalism in li...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 311
In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with national security expert Mark Zaid and chief White House correspondent John T. Bennett, delve into the pressing issues of the week, including the mysterious drone sightings in the Northeast and the recent wave of pardons and clemency granted by President Biden. The conversation explores the implications of these drone sightings on national security, the lack of transparency from the government, and the complexities surrounding...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 310
In this engaging conversation, Brian Karem and Hal Sparks delve into the complexities of media's influence on politics, the challenges posed by social media, and the need for transparency in online interactions. They discuss the implications of AI on society, the current political climate, and strategies for navigating conversations across political divides. Sparks emphasizes the importance of questioning and understanding the nuances in political discourse, while also addressing the societal ch...
Dec 13, 2024•57 min•Ep. 309
In this episode of Just Ask the Press, host Brian Karem and guests Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett discuss significant news events of the week, including the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, societal reactions to violence, and the implications of populism in American politics. They also delve into Cash Patel's legal threats against Olivia Troy and the potential future of Trump's administration, highlighting concerns about anarchy and the normalization of extreme actions in political...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 308
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 week's significant political news. They discuss the controversial nomination of Kash Patel as FBI Director, exploring his background and the implications for the rule of law. The conversation then shifts to Charles Kushner's appointment as ambassador to France, highlighting his criminal past and the political motivations behind his nomination. The ep...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 307
In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem discusses the latest political developments with experts Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett. The conversation covers Donald Trump's controversial nomination for Attorney General, the implications of Pam Bondi's potential appointment, the future of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under a second Trump administration, and the importance of the Press Act in protecting journalists' rights. The conversation delves into the complexities of jour...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 306
Brian, John, and Mark break down the headlines from the past week. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast 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 Purchase Brian's book " Free The Press "...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 305
In this episode, Brian and the guys discuss the implications of Donald Trump's recent election victory, exploring his administration's promises, potential cabinet appointments, and the impact of his policies on America. They delve into the themes of retribution, voter fraud, and the influence of key figures like Elon Musk. The conversation also touches on the role of the military and speculations about future Supreme Court appointments, providing a comprehensive overview of the current political...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 304
In this episode, Brian Karem and his guests discuss the current political landscape just days before a pivotal presidential election. They analyze Kamala Harris's appearance on Saturday Night Live and the subsequent FCC controversy, delve into Trump's campaign strategies and polling dynamics, and explore the significance of women's votes in the election. The conversation also touches on the impact of recent events, including Trump's rallies and comments, and how they may influence voter sentimen...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 303
In this episode, the Brian, John, and Mark discuss the current political landscape as the presidential race heats up. They delve into the implications of major newspapers not endorsing candidates, the influence of media ownership on journalism, and the perceived threats to democracy. The conversation also covers the contrasting campaign styles of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, public sentiment towards both candidates, and the double standards in political coverage. The hosts express concerns ab...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 302
In this episode, Brian Karem and his guests discuss various political topics, including the implications of threats against Donald Trump, the recent Al Smith dinner, Kamala Harris's appearance on Fox News, and the current polling trends as the election approaches. The conversation highlights the complexities of political strategy and media representation in the current landscape. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of polling, voter sentiment, and the challenges facing...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 301
In this engaging conversation, host Brian Karem speaks with May Pang, who shares her unique experiences with John Lennon during the 'Lost Weekend' period. May provides insights into John's personality, his humor, and their life together, including a memorable UFO sighting. She also discusses her journey into the rock and roll scene, her first meeting with John and Yoko, and the dynamics of the music business during that era. The conversation highlights the personal and professional aspects of Jo...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 300
In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid, delve into the current political landscape, focusing on Trump's rallies, his controversial statements, and the implications of a potential second Trump administration. They discuss Biden's responses to misinformation, the media's coverage of Hurricane Milton, and the challenges of interpreting polls leading up to the election. The conversation highlights the deep divisions in American society and...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 299
This week on Just Ask the Press Brian, John and Mark break down the headlines.
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 298
In this conversation, Brian Karem speaks with Tom Ortenberg about the challenges of distributing the film 'The Apprentice,' which explores the relationship between Donald Trump and Roy Cohn. Ortenberg discusses the film's reception at Cannes, the corporate cowardice in Hollywood that led to its initial distribution struggles, and the importance of courage in filmmaking. The conversation delves into the character study of Trump and Cohn, the controversies surrounding the film, and the broader imp...
Oct 02, 2024•25 min•Ep. 297
Joel Ruben joins us again this week! In this conversation, Brian Karem and Joel Rubin discuss the recent political debates, focusing on the performances of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, particularly regarding foreign policy issues such as Afghanistan and the Middle East. They analyze the implications of Trump's statements and the challenges of accurately covering complex international relations in the media. The discussion emphasizes the need for expertise in journalism and the importance of u...
Sep 26, 2024•30 min•Ep. 296
This week John Fugelsang joins the podcast! Brian, John and John discuss a range of pressing topics, including the controversial remarks made by North Carolina's Mark Robinson, the implications of escalating violence in the Middle East, and the challenges faced by the press in covering modern politics. They also delve into the intersection of religion and politics, particularly how fundamentalist interpretations of Christianity have shaped contemporary political discourse. Follow us on Twitter: ...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 295
This week we have an exclusive special! Brian Karem and Mark Zaid delve into the complexities surrounding Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), often referred to as Havana Syndrome. They discuss the origins of the term, the role of the CIA, recent FOIA requests, and the ongoing debate about the legitimacy of these incidents. Zaid emphasizes the need for transparency and the importance of addressing the health concerns of affected individuals, while also critiquing the media's handling of the topic....
Sep 19, 2024•32 min•Ep. 294
In this weeks episode, Brian Karem, John T. Bennett, and Mark Zaid discuss the recent debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, highlighting key moments, reactions, and implications for the upcoming election. They analyze the performance of both candidates, the public's response, and the fallout from the debate, including endorsements from figures like Taylor Swift and the Pope. The conversation also touches on pressing foreign policy issues, particularly regarding Ukraine and the Middle Ea...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 293
This week actor and political activist Sean Astin joins us to discuss his career and the impact of his roles, particularly in the movie 'Rudy.' He shares personal stories about the influence of his father, actor John Astin, and the advice he received from him. They also touch on the power of movies and music to connect with people and the importance of empathy and love in today's divisive world. Sean shares stories about his mother's iconic performances and his own personal journey of discoverin...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 292
In this episode of Just Ask the Press, Tom Arnold is back to Join Brian and the gang! They discuss various topics including the upcoming presidential debate, the delay of Donald Trump's sentencing, and the endorsement of Dick Cheney. They also touch on the importance of reaching undecided voters and the impact of access and FOIA requests on the race. The conversation covers a range of perspectives and opinions, highlighting the complexity of the current political landscape. The conversation in t...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 291
In this conversation, Brian and the guys discuss various news topics, including Vice President Harris' first interview on CNN, Donald Trump's controversial visit to Arlington National Cemetery, and JD Vance's speech at a firefighters union event. They analyze Harris' interview, noting that she performed well and didn't give Trump any ammunition. They also criticize Trump for his disrespectful behavior at the cemetery and Vance for his controversial statements and unforced errors. The guys questi...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 290
Joe Walsh joins us this week!! The conversation covers various topics related to the Democratic National Convention (DNC), including the speeches, the impact of the DNC on the election, and the future of the Republican Party. Brian and the guys discuss their thoughts on the best and worst speeches, the potential formation of a center-right party, and the significance of endorsements. They also touch on Donald Trump's response to the DNC and RFK Jr.'s endorsement of Trump. The conversation discus...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 289
Oliver Darcy, former CNN reporter, discusses his decision to start his own newsletter called Status . He emphasizes the importance of independent journalism and holding media outlets accountable. Darcy believes that media reporting is often neglected in mainstream press, leading to the spread of lies and misinformation. He also criticizes the lack of strong leadership and editorial oversight in news organizations. Darcy and Brian discuss the challenges of covering Trump and the need for news out...
Aug 20, 2024•58 min•Ep. 288
This weeks conversation covers various topics, including the preview of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Tim Walz's introduction to a national audience, and George Santos pleading guilty to campaign fraud. The conversation also touches on the importance of accurate and unapologetic reporting in the media and the dangers of living in a world without factual information. The conversation explores the challenges and criticisms faced by the media in today's society. Our hosts discuss t...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 287
In this episode, Brian and the guys discuss Lawrence O'Donnell's criticism of the press, the controversial press conference by former President Donald Trump, and the new Swift boat controversy surrounding Tim Walz. They also touch on the issue of media coverage and fact-checking. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by the media in covering political events and the importance of holding politicians accountable for their statements. In this conversation, the principal themes discussed...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 286
In todays episode, Brian, Mark, and John discuss a number of issues including Trump's appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention, the election interference case, and the return of prisoners from Russia. They also touch on the GOP's circular firing squad and the question of whether Trump gave up too much in the hostage swap. The conversation highlights the emotional nature of these issues and the challenges of reporting on them objectively. In this part of the c...
Aug 05, 2024•53 min•Ep. 285
In this episode of Just Ask the Press, host Brian Karem, along with John T. Bennett and Tom Arnold, discuss various political topics. They start by discussing Kamala Harris taking over the Democratic Party and the potential vice president picks. They also talk about JD Vance and his controversial statements. The conversation covers themes such as the transition of power within the Democratic Party, the challenges Harris may face in swing states, and the authenticity of political figures. The con...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 284
Max Ziegfeld is an L.A. based comedian who may or may not be Satan. He joins us to talk about cancel culture, suicide and the Holocaust. And he makes us all laugh - by offending everyone. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast 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 Purchase Brian's book "...
Jul 28, 2024•54 min•Ep. 283
Hal Sparks joins the show this week! In this conversation, Brian and the guys discuss the recent developments in the 2024 presidential race, including Joe Biden dropping out and Donald Trump's nomination. They explore the reactions and implications of these events, as well as the potential candidates for Biden's vice president. The conversation also touches on the unity and health of both the Republican and Democratic parties. The conversation explores the state of the Republican and Democratic ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 282