Beyond Politics

For my Christmas Special:

• We had former Associated Press Europe and Middle East editor Dan Perry join to talk about why Bari Weiss and CBS and other major media outlets continue to bow down in fear of Donald Trump even as his power base is straight up evaporating under his feet.

• At the very end of the show I talked about a topic near and dear to my heart: Jewish Christmas. It’s a story of Chinese food, sexy camels, and Hannukah Harry.

• And I started out with a Spotify wrapped on Donald Trump’s 2025 year in review.00:00 Welcome to the Blue Amp Live Stream00:25 Introducing Today's Show and Guests01:58 Spotify Wrapped: Donald Trump's 2025 Year in Review05:08 Economic Report Card: Trump's 2025 Performance11:39 Deportation and Immigration Policies Under Trump15:45 Media and Government: The Bari Weiss Controversy27:28 Trump's Claims of Ending Wars: Fact or Fiction?30:48 The Psychology Behind Trump's Lies31:40 Trump's Stance on Venezuela35:28 Debating Media Credibility38:24 The Polarization of Politics51:39 Holiday Reflections and Sign-Off

It's Political Rehab! This episode, we start with the 'Trump dump' focusing on a chaotic week including Trump's combative speech, then we hit the GOP's EPIC mishandling of healthcare subsidies, and Trump's attempted affordability pivot fail. Then we deep dive the explosive interview with WH Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. "That's Bullshit" hits cannabis legalization. Finally, we pay tribute to the late Rob Reiner by ranking his greatest films. Join us for another fun, fast, upbeat show where a Republican and a Democrat make news fun again: it's smart politics without the hangover! 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Trump Dump: Weekly Recap03:20 Republican Party As Captives06:44 ACA Epic Fail09:54 Venezuela Blockade and Foreign Policy12:40 Affordability Pivot and Economic Policies18:30 Hypothetical 2028 Matchup21:26 Deep Dive Segment: Wiles wily?32:34 That's BS: Cannabis Policy Shift39:03 Top Rob Reiner Movies

Chris Hill on the Strangest Economy Ever. In this episode of 'Worth Knowing' with Matt Robison, joined by business expert Chris Hill, former host of 'Motley Fool Money' and current host of 'Money Unplugged', they dive into the peculiarities of the current economy. They discuss the potential AI bubble, the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs, and ponder the future of media with the Warner-Netflix-Paramount merger. Hill also shares his cautious optimism about the stock market and economy. 02:14 Eight Points of Light: Good News Stories14:09 Chris Hill Joins the Conversation19:15 Gifts and Financial Anxiety25:29 AI Bubble and Economic Lessons35:53 Tariffs and Supreme Court Ruling40:24 Supply Chain Disruptions and Economic Chaos44:21 Media Mergers and the Future of Content47:47 Streaming Services and Consumer Behavior56:21 Economic Resilience and Optimism58:52 Closing Remarks and Announcements

Our latest episode of Political Rehab--the show that MAKES POLITICS FUN AGAIN--with a Democrat and Republican (both named Matt!) breaking down the week’s most pressing political stories.

This week: we hit  the strange Supreme Court catch-22, fake news about fake news, a Democratic Tea Party?!? another Republican speaker meltdown, and an ugly, ugly Donald Trump political moment.

Plus our fun segments ‘Up or Down’ and ‘That’s Bullshit,’ which this week hits the Republican “alternative” to ACA subsidies. And our weekly Dose A’ Hope covers SNL’s refreshing humor and the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.

00:00 Introduction
00:57 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Critique
01:39 Trump’s Rally and Biden Blame Game
03:23 Economic Critique and Affordability Tour
05:31 Trump’s Immigration Rant
08:11 Republican Leadership and Dysfunction
13:59 Democratic Tea Party Revolt
16:53 Supreme Court Showdown
19:47 Up or Down: Quick Takes on Current Events
23:14 AI and Instacart: Price Manipulation
23:54 Kevin Hassett: Potential Fed Chair
24:54 Kamala Harris: Book Tour and Political Future
26:11 Gavin Newsom: Rising Favorability
27:12 The White House Ballroom: Trump’s Latest Project
28:09 US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker
29:44 That’s Bullshit! Affordable Care Act: Republican Alternatives
40:46 Political Humor: SNL’s Pentagon Sketch
42:57 US Men’s National Soccer Team: World Cup Hopes

Matt Robison sits down with Howard Monroe to discuss the decline of Donald Trump and his administration. They delve into the incompetence among Trump's cabinet members, the potential expansion of executive power by the Supreme Court, and the concerning signs regarding Trump's health, including his cognitive decline...and the painful saga of enduring Christmas music.

00:00 Introduction and Recent Activities04:54 Supreme Court and Trump's Power08:13 The Keystone Cabinet16:51 Trump's Health Concerns29:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Legal Shocks and Rule of Law: A Deep Dive with Glenn Kirschner. Matt Robison hosts the 'Worth Knowing' livestream to discuss pivotal legal stories shaking US politics with expert guest Glenn Kirschner, a 30-year federal prosecutor and Army veteran. They explore the Trump administration’s contentious legal maneuvers, destructive evidence practices, and significant cases like birthright citizenship and presidential powers, all while questioning the endurance of the rule of law. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Theme03:25 Guest Introduction: Glenn Kirschner11:21 Contempt of Court Explained20:33 The Resignation of Alina Haba26:17 Broader Legal Implications30:06 Supreme Court's Stance on Nationwide Injunctions35:00 Military Evidence Destruction Controversy39:40 Trump Administration's Pattern of Evidence Destruction46:41 Birthright Citizenship Debate54:24 Expanding Executive Power and Supreme Court Concerns58:02 Closing Remarks and Future Engagements

Political Rehab: Donny's Angels, Full Bungle!In this episode of Political Rehab, a Republican canary explodes in the coal mine, the Tim Walz Minnesota corruption mess, Trump Accounts get an infusion of right wing billionaire money, Bart Simpson running the Department of WAR! and pardon roulette! ALSO: Karoline Leavitt's two kinds of bullshit about Trump's cognitive health, Matt Robison's big new Newsweek article, and a Dose A' Hope about some actual bipartisan solutions happening. It's all the pressing political issues without the usual partisan hangover!00:00 Intro00:48 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Outrage05:03 Tennessee Special Election Analysis07:53 Trump Accounts and Billionaire Funding10:50 Minnesota Fraud Scandal13:24 Pete Hegseth and Military Embarrassment16:22 Trump's Controversial Pardons19:19 New Segment: Hot Off the Presses--Trump's Self-Made Trap21:17 Government Dysfunction Under Trump28:21 Bullshit Watch: Trump's Health34:31 Weekly Dose of Hope

Matt Robison explores the transformative challenges facing the media industry alongside guest Mike Pesca, a seasoned journalist and host of the longest running news podcast on Earth, The Gist. They discuss the effects of technological advancements, the rise of digital platforms, and the fragmentation of traditional news sources. They also tackle the persistent issues surrounding Donald Trump, the impact of digital trends on sports, and positive societal changes such as the decline in police violence. 00:00 Introduction and Overview03:20 Fragmentation of Mainstream Media05:54 Interview with Mike Pesca: Media Critique09:28 The Trump Dilemma in Media23:04 The Fragmented Media Landscape38:37 The HR-ification of the Democratic Party48:16 The Newt Gingrich Strategy and Media Ecosystem53:16 Positive Trends and Good News57:42 Interesting Author Interviews01:00:34 The Evolution of Sports

Political Rehab: Trump Dumps, GOP Chaos, and Vaccine Controversies.Join hosts Matt and Matt on this week's episode of Political Rehab as they dissect the latest political turmoil, including Donald Trump's controversial actions, Marjorie Taylor Greene's retirement, and the ongoing GOP internal conflicts. It all adds to up one big question: is this all a sign that the actual, long-promised GOP meltdown is here?

They analyze key issues like the economy, healthcare, and the dubious changes to the CDC's stance on vaccines and autism. This episode also features viewer mailbag questions and a deep dive into the impact of mysterious 'secret plans,.'00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:51 Trump Dump: Weekly Segment06:34 Doge Disbanded: A Disaster That Will Echo for Years09:29 Ukraine Peace Deal Controversy12:43 DOJ Incompetence and Legal Blunders15:25 Trump's Secret Healthcare Plan18:28 Economic Woes and Consumer Confidence20:36 Political Fallout from Trump's Policies21:37 Mailbag: Viewer Questions Answered27:31 That's Bullshit!: CDC's Controversial Vaccine Stance33:35 A Dose of Hope: Finding Positivity36:41 The Meme That Took Over: Six Seven

Trump’s Incompetence, Sedition Accusations, and Surprising Legislative MovesMatt Robison stars out today with a preview of his next Newsweek piece, tentatively titled “Trump Built His Own Trap—Now He’s Caught in It.”

Then, Matt and Paul Hodes delve into how the Trump team's incompetence is crushing all his plans, from the collapse of key prosecutions to the convoluted Texas redistricting plan. They also address Trump's baseless accusations of sedition against Democrats, the supposed ACA replacement plan that never emerged, and the chaotic handling of the Ukraine peace deal. Matt Wylie joins for a preview of their upcoming political rehab show.00:00 Introduction and Show Overview02:32 New Article Sneak Peek04:47 Trump's Mirage and Trap10:15 Incompetence in Trump's Administration16:26 Legal Missteps and Prosecution Issues27:10 Texas Redistricting and Judicial Challenges32:27 Obamacare Vote and Political Sacrifice37:40 Trump's Sedition Accusations47:56 Trump's Incompetent Appointments51:10 Political Rehab Show Preview53:26 Viewer Questions and Fun Segments58:57 Thanksgiving Wishes and Conclusion