A double-episode for the end of the year! Friend of the show Caitlin Clarkson Pereira is back as co-host to talk about the news from around the state, including the new college for all plan in CT, plus a deep dive on a candidate running for Congress who has shown his true colors in all their MAGA glory, and should be jettisoned by the GOP ASAP. Plus, a conversation with Secular Coalition for CT’s Pat McCann on being and doing good without God, and Connecticut’s overall growing lack of belief in the supernatural.  Happy New Year!

A conversation with Chris George, Executive Director of IRIS, from Geneva at the Refugee Conference taking place. He talks about the community sponsorship model, and how his agency’s work has been affected in this Trump-era America. Plus: the House is voting on articles of impeachment, DJT doesn’t recognize the Armenian genocide of 1915 to the delight of Erdogan, and Governor Lamont welcomes refugees to our state.

Executive Director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence, Jeremy Stein, stops by to recap a remarkable year for the organization capped with three pieces of legislation going into effect in October to help promote safe storage, and reduce needless deaths in Connecticut. Plus, articles of impeachment talk, ICE with the tone-deaf tweet of the year, and UCONN tuition skyrocketing over the next half-decade.

Kamala Harris has exited the race, but two billionaires have entered it. James and Ed discuss the field, the path forward for progressive policies, and whether or not Mayo Pete is a legitimate contender, or a paper tiger. Plus, zombie tolls, Trump tries to gut SNAP benefits, and Connecticut divesting from gun manufacturers.

An update on tolls in CT, the Trump impeachment, and more happenings. Plus, A visit with NRA-graded Caitlyn Clarkson Pereira (she gets an “F”) who is running for the state representative seat in the 132nd district.

The dudes wrap up Election Season 2019 with Mike Farina of Blue Edge Strategies in the studio to talk about some of the results across the state, the upcoming 2020 elections in the state plus Trump’s impact on the ballot. Medical marijuana, Harris’ expanded school day legislation, and more!

It’s Election Day 2019! Hear about some of Connecticut’s voter rules and motivational words to get out there and vote today. Plus, some background on key races across the state, and a terrific discussion with outgoing Norwalk City Councilwoman and State Democratic Party Treasurer Eloisa Melendez about Norwalk’s working class roots, an emerging city on the coast, and how to inspire and engage more people in the democratic process.

State Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan joins the pod for some marijuana legalization talk, discussions on LGBTQ rights legislation he pushed last session, and how we can retain and attract younger post-college residents. Plus headlines and more!

James and Ed review some of the latest out of The Nutmeg State, including what AG William Tong is up to, the latest Trump grift, and vaccination rates data is released! Plus, a discussion with outgoing Middletown mayor, Dan Drew, on Medicare for All, economic growth in his city, and what’s next after he leaves office next month. Hint: more Pearl Jam.

James and Ed discuss the recent happenings with our Kurdish allies, a video that was shown at a Trump property featuring a Trump likeness murdering and assaulting the press and political opponents, and more. Plus, a conversation with first-term State Senator, Julie Kushner on pivoting from organizing labor unions to writing legislation in Hartford.