Conservatives in America are not typically known as lovers of environmental advocacy. Well, our guest bucks that trend. Benji Backer, an environmental advocate and author of "The Conservative Environmentalist" joins Rick to discuss the urgent need for practical and innovative solutions to environmental challenges, critiquing both extreme denial and radical approaches currently dividing the political landscape. Backer emphasizes a historical bipartisan approach to environmental issues and propose...
Apr 15, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast It feels like all anyone wants to talk about these days is how AI is taking over. Well, we thought it time to have an expert on to break it all down. In this episode Rick speaks with AI expert Daniel Faggella in a comprehensive discussion on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. They speak to the implications of AI on the workforce, economy, and society, examining both the current state and future possibilities. Faggella brings insights from his experience in market research, discus...
Apr 10, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast The participation of talented young people is a critical element in a functioning democracy. On this episode, Rick sits down with Gevin Reynolds, a rising figure in Democratic politics with experience in the Biden White House. They dive into the 2024 campaign landscape, focusing on Biden's presidency and the strategic positioning of the Democratic party. Reynolds shares insights on the administration's handling of crises like COVID-19, economic challenges, and racial justice issues. The discussi...
Apr 08, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast From polls and pundits to dramatic headlines, sorting through the chaos of the presidential election is no easy task. To help parse madness, Rick had a conversation with Elaine Kamarck, political expert and senior fellow at the Brookings Institute. The two give their view of the current state of American politics and the presidential election. They discuss the dynamics of the primary elections, voter demographics, and the strategic approaches of both political parties. The discussion also touche...
Apr 03, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Big tech collects our data, this much we know. But to what extent? To explore this question Rick speaks with Byron Tau, a former Wall Street Journal reporter and author of "Means of Control." Together, they unravel the complex alliance between technology companies and government agencies, exposing how this partnership has birthed a new American surveillance state. They explore the evolution of data brokers, the commercialization of personal data, and the implications for individual privacy and p...
Apr 01, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast America is no stranger to extremist political groups, a phenomenon further highlighted on January 6th. However, one thing we don't understand clearly enough is the overlap with our veteran community. On this episode Rick speaks with Ken Harbaugh, veteran and co-producer of "Against All Enemies," a documentary exploring why veterans are drawn into extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Harbaugh discusses the search for belonging post-military service, the political endorsement of ...
Mar 27, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Many Americans are asking the question "what's going on with Trump's legal battles?" Today on the show Rick speaks with author and legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin to dissect the intricate legal battles Trump faces in Georgia, Florida, and D.C., scrutinizing their procedural complexities and wider implications. Their discussion extends to the repercussions of Trump's actions on American democracy, examining themes of executive power and the rule of law. They discuss the societal impact of Trump's rh...
Mar 25, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Barbara Comstock is a former Republican Congresswoman and longtime RNC veteran. We were excited to have her on the show to discuss the dramatic shifts within the Republican Party and the repercussions of its current trajectory. Together, the two discuss the challenges posed by aligning the party too closely with Trump, the impact on election integrity, and the future of the party. Comstock shares insights from her work on bipartisan efforts to combat election denialism, underscoring the conversa...
Mar 20, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In a time when it can be difficult to find common ground in American politics one thing feels widely agreed upon, our collective dread for the upcoming presidential election. This week on the show we discuss just that with Time Magazine's Charlotte Alter, dissecting the current political landscape and the looming "Dread Election." Rick and Charlotte examine the widespread political fatigue among activists, the crucial role of young voters, and the influence of cancel culture on political discour...
Mar 18, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s difficult to tell where white Evangelicalism ends and Trumpism begins, so we’re excited Rick is joined by Sarah McCammon, NPR's national political correspondent and co-host of the NPR Politics podcast, about her book "The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church." McCammon shares her personal narrative of growing up within the evangelical movement in the Midwest, her gradual estrangement from its teachings, and her eventual departure. The two discuss the compl...
Mar 13, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by former Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson. As a Republican who ran in the primary against Donald Trump, Hutchinson shares his unique perspective on the state of the Republican Party, emphasizing the importance of returning to its traditional values of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and integrity. The discussion explores the challenges and strategies for reviving these core principles in today's insane political climate. The two also d...
Mar 11, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Michael Cohen, former attorney and fixer for Donald Trump, to dive into the complex web of legal and financial troubles surrounding the former president. With Cohen's insider knowledge, the conversation illuminates the recent legal developments, including Alan Weisselberg's guilty plea and its limited impact on Trump. Cohen provides a candid look at Trump's precarious financial situation, debunking myths of his wealth and detailing the challenges ...
Mar 06, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Jonathan Martin, Senior political columnist at Politico, for a pointed conversation on the state of American politics. They dive into the legacy of Mitch McConnell and the future of Senate leadership, analyzing potential successors and the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party. They cover the impact of Donald Trump on the party, examining his influence over potential leaders and the direction of the GOP. Furthermore, they discuss the presi...
Mar 04, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick rants on the Michigan republican primary and its implications for the GOP, spotlighting Trump's failure to solidify the Republican base and the notable dissatisfaction among Republican voters. He calls out CPAC for embracing extremist elements (including neo-Nazis), arguing it has lost significance and has become part of the extreme MAGA ecosystem. He dissects Trump's CPAC speech, casting it as a harbinger of divisive and revenge-driven politics. The episode r...
Feb 28, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by author political commentator Tara Dublin for a cheeky, candid discussion on the challenges and absurdities of the current political climate. They touch on their experiences with online trolling, the inefficacy of the GOP, and the impact of Donald Trump's legal troubles. Despite the serious subject matter, their conversation is laced with wit and humor, offering insightful commentary on American politics with a satirical edge. For more information ...
Feb 26, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and RNC Chairman, Michael Steele. Together, they discuss what they describe as a tumultuous week for the Republican Party. Both former Republicans who have been vocal critics of the party's direction in recent years, they dissect the various political missteps and internal conflicts within the GOP. They touch on the leadership challenges faced by Mike Johnson, the party's stance on immigration, the GOP's approac...
Feb 21, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by journalists Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman, authors of the new book "Find Me the Votes," to explore the Georgia investigation led by Fani Willis into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The conversation highlights the case's breadth and complexity, from pressure campaigns on state officials, intimidation tactics against election workers, and the strategic use of RICO charges. The episode also details the challenges facing Willis, T...
Feb 19, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by writer and former speechwriter for the administrations of three Republican U.S. presidents, Peter Wehner. Together they engage in a deep discussion about the significant ideological and moral shifts within the Republican Party, particularly under Trump's influence. They contrast the party's past values of compassionate conservatism and dignified leadership with its current populist nationalism, marked by malice and division. Timestamps: [00:01:23]...
Feb 14, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton. Together, they dive into the transformation of the Republican Party, particularly highlighting its shift towards pro-Putin and authoritarian tendencies. Ambassador Bolton offers insights into the future of US foreign policy, expressing concerns about Ukraine's security and the potential consequences of a second Trump term. The discussion touches on the importance of upholding NATO...
Feb 12, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by political strategist and commentator Rina Shah, a prominent figure in the "Never Trump" movement. Together, they cover a range of political topics, reflecting on their experiences and challenges within the Republican Party, particularly in the context of opposing Donald Trump. They discuss the lawsuit victory against Mike Flynn, the implications of political strategies in Washington, and the future of the Republican Party amidst the rise of author...
Feb 07, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by television host and political commentator S.E. Cupp. Together, they discuss the profound transformation within the Republican Party as it shifts from traditional conservatism to a populist, personality-centric movement, heavily influenced by Donald Trump. They explore the role of media and celebrities in political discourse, the rise of conspiracy theories among the party base, and the departure from intellectual conservatism. The conversation cri...
Feb 05, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast After stints in Washington DC and Central America, Sarah Ashton-Cirillo is back in Kyiv. On this episode she joins Resolute Square executive editor Lisa Senecal to discuss her personal experiences and military involvement, and the broader geopolitical implications of the strength and stability of the US and NATO. With Ukraine fighting "a war we thought we'd won in 1945," Sarah and Lisa delve into U.S. domestic politics, Congress's stance on Ukrainian aid and the destructive influence of Trump. S...
Feb 01, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Political Strategist and Commentator Simon Rosenberg. Together, they discuss the current political landscape, examining Trump's declining appeal and its potential consequences for the Republicans, while expressing optimism for the Democrats. They also touch on the impact of the MAGA movement and strategic considerations for both parties in future electoral battles. Timestamps: [00:01:47] The state of the race [00:06:02] How the economy factors in ...
Jan 31, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Tim Alberta, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." Together, they discuss the evolution of the evangelical movement, its increased political involvement, and its complex relationship with Trump's Republican Party. Alberta shares personal insights from his upbringing in an evangelical family and his observations as a political writer, highlighti...
Jan 29, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by his Resolute Square and Lincoln Project colleague, Stuart Stevens, former GOP strategist and author of “It Was All A Lie” and “The Conspiracy To End America.” They shine a light on the massive shadow cast by Donald Trump over the Republican Party and the primaries, as well as the futility of the Nikki Haley campaign. Stuart and Rick also dive into national issues like abortion rights, gun safety, and more that expose the absurdities and cont...
Jan 24, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by former US Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Michael J. Moore. Together, they discuss Georgia's political landscape and the legal challenges facing Donald Trump. Moore, an experienced prosecutor, analyzes the complexities of Trump's Georgia case, highlighting its broad scope and the strategy of the defense. They also explore Georgia's conservative political dynamics, the impact of recent elections, and the Republican Party's response to ...
Jan 22, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by attorney Tristan Snell, known for prosecuting Trump University during his time as Assistant Attorney General for New York State. Together, they discuss Snell's upcoming book, "Taking Down Trump," and explore the myriad legal cases involving Trump, including the civil fraud trial in New York and the January 6th case. Snell provides insights into Trump's legal strategies and the challenges of prosecuting such a high-profile figure. The conversation ...
Jan 17, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by journalist, and national correspondent for Puck, Tina Nguyen to discuss her journey through the right-wing political sphere and her eventual departure from it. Tina discusses her early interest in conservative ideologies, influenced by her upbringing and academic pursuits. The conversation covers her experiences in conservative media and think tanks, leading to her disillusionment with their tactics, particularly during the Trump era. They also to...
Jan 15, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin. Together, they discuss Raskin's efforts to uphold the Constitution in bizarre Trump-infected America. They dive into the Trump presidency, particularly his financial gains from foreign entities and violations of the emoluments clause. The two discuss the authoritarian movement central to the Republican Party. Timestamps: [00:01:35] 7.8 million dollars in Trump's pocket [00:08:25] The truth about January 6th [00:1...
Jan 10, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by author Brad Meltzer to discuss his children's book series "Ordinary People Change the World," marking its 10th anniversary. Together, they speak to the importance of providing young readers with real role models through stories of historical figures like Amelia Earhart, Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Rogers, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Meltzer emphasizes the significance of teaching children about selflessness and kindness, and how his books, which portray the...
Jan 08, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
