Freedom First Network

What do you do when your 17-year-old son makes a life-changing decision you desperately want him not to make? On this episode of The DeProgram, Ted Rall, Jamarl Thomas and producer Robby West have an unusually personal conversation about Robby’s son Thomas and his decision to join the United States Marine Corps. Thomas sees military service through patriotism, duty, travel and defending his country. Robby sees something very different: a young man surrendering control over his own life to a government that may eventually order him to fight people who have never harmed him. That disagreement has opened a much deeper divide between father and son. Thomas believes countries such as Russia and Iran are America's enemies. Robby argues that if he controlled American foreign policy, he would make peace with both countries, restore diplomatic relations, trade with them and treat their populations as potential friends rather than inevitable enemies. When Thomas calls that “surrender,” the argument becomes a larger examination of American exceptionalism, military recruitment and the romantic mythology surrounding war. For Robby, that mythology collides with lived experience. His son has never missed a meal and has never experienced the country failing him the way his father has. Robby has eaten food from dumpsters and experienced an America very different from the “shining city on a hill” his son believes he is signing up to defend. It also creates a moral conflict. Robby challenges his son's pro-life beliefs against his willingness to accept sanctions and wars that can kill people overseas. If human life has value, does that value end at the American border? The conversation eventually reaches China and Robby's own family history. His father fought Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War and remembered the extraordinary resolve of the soldiers he encountered. Decades later, near the end of his life, he told Robby something his son never forgot: “I think I was fighting for the wrong side.” But underneath the politics is something much simpler: a father trying not to lose his son. Robby believes Thomas is making a terrible decision. He also knows that issuing an ultimatum—choose your father or choose the Marine Corps—would destroy their relationship. So if Thomas signs, Robby will stop trying to make him second-guess himself. He'll love him. He'll support him. He'll hope his son succeeds. And if Thomas someday discovers that he made a mistake, his father will be there to help him put the pieces back together. Because supporting someone doesn't mean agreeing with their decisions. And, because no episode of The DeProgram can remain completely serious, the show eventually tackles another pressing international crisis: whether Li Mei transforming into a panda and eating a vampire in Mortal Kombat 1 constitutes cannibalism, self-harm or an eating disorder. YouTube has apparently chosen its position. The DeProgram remains unconvinced. 🐼 The DeProgram with Ted Rall and Jamarl Thomas — politics, foreign policy, culture and occasionally the dietary classification of vampires.

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork

The United States has crossed $40 trillion in national debt. But after spending that much money, what does America actually have to show for it? On this episode of The DeProgram, Ted Rall, Jamarl Thomas and producer Robby West dig into America's staggering debt, declining infrastructure, political corruption and the growing sense that the country is consuming enormous resources without building anything durable for the people who live here. The conversation expands into a much bigger question: Is America simply going through a difficult period—or are we watching the early stages of institutional and societal decline? Ted argues that extreme concentrations of wealth are themselves a waste of resources, using Elon Musk and the prospect of trillionaires to question whether any individual could possibly make productive use of that much wealth. From there, the discussion turns toward scarcity. When housing, wages, infrastructure and economic security deteriorate, political and social tensions become much harder to contain. The guys debate immigration, xenophobia, capitalism's demand for labor, tribalism and what happens when Americans increasingly see one another as competitors for shrinking resources. And then comes perhaps the simplest analogy for America's spending problem: Imagine a father who blows his entire paycheck immediately and leaves nothing for groceries. Even the idiot who wastes the money on a Lamborghini can at least point to the Lamborghini. America has accumulated $40 trillion in debt. Where is our Lamborghini? Ted, JT and Robby debate whether the United States can reform itself, whether collapse is worse than revolution, and whether a country can ultimately choose its own destruction. Topics include:

• America's $40 trillion national debt
• What Americans received for decades of federal spending
• Political corruption and incentives in Congress
• Elon Musk, trillionaires and extreme wealth
• Infrastructure and declining living standards
• Housing, wages and economic scarcity
• Immigration and capitalism's demand for labor
• Why economic insecurity can fuel xenophobia
• Social cohesion and political tribalism
• Revolution versus societal collapse
• Whether America is repeating patterns seen in declining empires

The DeProgram features Ted Rall, Jamarl Thomas and producer Robby West discussing American politics, economics, foreign policy and the forces reshaping the United States.

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork

What begins as a freewheeling DeProgram Q&A turns into one of the most heated debates Ted Rall, Jamarl Thomas and Robby West have had on the show. Are people born gay, or is sexuality ultimately subject to human choice? Ted and Jamarl challenge Robby's Christian argument head-on, asking why heterosexual attraction should be considered innate while homosexual attraction is treated differently. Robby argues that human beings have agency over their actions and that Christianity explicitly calls believers to resist their urges, “put off the old man,” and choose how they live. Ted and Jamarl push back, arguing that sexual attraction itself isn't chosen—and that demanding gay people deny their sexuality confuses attraction with action. The argument expands into biology, evolution, culture, free will, natural law, homosexuality in the animal kingdom, religion and the question of whether people can—or should—deny deeply rooted desires. Then the conversation takes another turn into Christian Zionism and biblical prophecy. Why do many evangelical Christians believe the modern state of Israel must exist before Jesus can return? Where does the belief in a rebuilt Third Temple come from? Robby challenges dispensationalist theology, discusses the Scofield Reference Bible, the Antichrist, the destruction of Jerusalem, Revelation and why he believes Christian Zionists are imposing an interpretation onto scripture that the Bible itself doesn't require. Along the way, the guys also get into Tucker Carlson's political manifesto, American foreign policy, immigration, poverty, food and Type 2 diabetes, the nature of sin—and somehow an extended discussion about incest, threesomes and used underwear. Yeah. This one went completely off the rails. DeProgram with Ted Rall, Jamarl Thomas & Robby West.

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork

Is Tucker Carlson preparing to run for president in 2028—or laying the foundation for a new political movement? On America Now with Ben Swann, Ben examines Tucker Carlson's newly released 10-point plan for America and what it could mean for the future of the America First movement. Carlson hasn't announced a presidential campaign or formed an exploratory committee. But his criticism of the direction of MAGA, his conversations with prominent America First figures, and now a detailed vision for rebuilding the country are fueling speculation about what comes next. Natalie Morris, host of Redacted News, joins Ben to discuss Carlson's plan, disaffected MAGA voters, the failures of America's two-party political system, and whether Carlson could ultimately feel an obligation to run—even if he doesn't personally want the job. Also on this episode of America Now with Ben Swann: AI SURVEILLANCE PRICING: Could artificial intelligence use your personal data to determine how much you're willing to pay? Ben examines concerns raised by Senator Josh Hawley over companies potentially using browsing history, shopping habits, location, device data and other information to personalize prices. TARIFF REFUNDS: American consumers absorbed higher prices after tariffs were imposed. Now billions of dollars could be refunded to major corporations. Ben examines reported refunds involving companies including Apple, Walmart, Ford and Amazon and asks the obvious question: if consumers paid the higher prices, where is their refund? America Now with Ben Swann doesn't just tell you what's happening. It provides the context to understand why it's happening, how it's happening and how it affects you. Question everything.

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork

Is the United States running dangerously low on critical missiles as the war with Iran continues? On this episode of America Now, Ben Swann examines new reporting surrounding America’s munitions stockpile, President Donald Trump’s response to claims of shortages, reported tensions involving Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and what depleted missile inventories could mean for the future of the conflict. Ben is joined by Pearson Sharp of One America News to discuss America’s military readiness, Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Israel’s role in the conflict, and whether the United States needs to pursue an aggressive negotiated exit rather than further escalation. Also on this episode: attacks against Christians in Jerusalem have reportedly risen sharply. A report from Jerusalem examines attacks against Christian clergy, including Russian Orthodox nuns who say they were assaulted while returning from a night vigil, and growing concerns about religious hostility in the Holy Land. Finally, Tucker Carlson is laying out a 10-point plan for America, covering issues including immigration, government transparency, manufacturing, health, education and foreign policy. Is Carlson simply describing his vision for the country—or laying the groundwork for a possible presidential run? America Now with Ben Swann is about more than what happened. It’s about understanding why it happened, how it happened and how it affects you. Question everything.

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork

Is the Democratic establishment losing control of its own party? Ted Rall and Jamarl Thomas examine the rise of Wisconsin progressive Francesca Hong and what her campaign could mean for the growing battle between the Democratic establishment and its populist and socialist left. Ted and JT argue that Democrats have spent years defining themselves by opposition to Donald Trump while failing to give voters a compelling agenda of their own. Could Wisconsin become another sign that Democratic voters are ready to revolt against the party establishment? Then The DeProgram goes considerably further off the rails. Producer Robby West tells Ted and JT about his unforgettable encounter with Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke while working for Verizon—including the moment Zinke allegedly asked, “Do you know who I am?” and Robby responded by calling him a California carpetbagger. The show also dives into AOC freezing her eggs, Joe Biden's cancer and political legacy, questions surrounding Biden's health while in office, Israel rejecting the latest Gaza proposal, Hamas disarmament, Trump's struggle to find an off-ramp, Iran's demands, the Strait of Hormuz, and the new Turkey-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defense relationship. On this episode:

• Francesca Hong and Wisconsin's progressive insurgency
• The Democratic establishment vs. the party's left
• Why Democrats can't build their entire identity around Trump
• Hillary Clinton's disastrous 2016 Wisconsin strategy
• Robby's wild Ryan Zinke “carpetbagger” story
• AOC, IVF, egg freezing and political influencing
• Joe Biden's cancer and his political legacy
• What Democrats knew about Biden's health
• Israel, Hamas and the Gaza negotiations
• Trump's disappearing Middle East off-ramp
• Iran and the Strait of Hormuz
• Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan's new defense pact

The DeProgram brings together cartoonist Ted Rall, political commentator Jamarl Thomas, and producer Robby West for an unscripted discussion of American politics, foreign policy and the stories driving the day.

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork

What will Heaven actually be like? In How Heaven Will Be Like Vacation, Pastor Josh Miller opens the King James Bible to examine the "precious things of heaven" and five ways our eternal home with Jesus Christ will resemble some of the things we love most about vacation. Beginning in Deuteronomy 33:13-16, Pastor Miller explores what Scripture reveals about Heaven: • There will be food in Heaven
• There will be no time in Heaven
• There will be a beautiful body of water in Heaven
• We will be with the family of God in Heaven
• The Son—Jesus Christ—will shine forever From the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19 to the pure river of water of life in Revelation 22, this message looks beyond the common picture of people simply sitting on clouds and instead examines the real, eternal home God has prepared. But every vacation requires preparation. Pastor Miller closes with the most important question of the message: Are you prepared for eternity? No one reaches Heaven through wealth, accomplishments, church membership, or good works. Jesus Christ is the way. We must be born again into the family of God through faith in Him. If you knew today were your last day, would you know for certain where you would spend eternity? 📖 Primary Text: Deuteronomy 33:13-16 (KJV) 📖 Scriptures include:
Revelation 19:9
Revelation 10:5-6
Revelation 22:1-2
Acts 9:17
Revelation 21:23-25 Pastor Josh Miller
Flathead Valley Baptist Church
Kalispell, Montana King James Bible (KJV)

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork

Did Hamas really agree to disarm—or is the latest peace proposal nothing more than political theater? Ted Rall, Jamarl Thomas, and Producer Robby West examine the reported Hamas disarmament proposal, the future of Gaza, and whether Israel has achieved its stated military objectives. The discussion expands into one of the show's most thought-provoking debates: what does it actually mean to win a war? The conversation also covers:

• Hamas and the proposed disarmament deal
• Whether Israel can achieve its objectives in Gaza
• The political consequences of the war
• Spain's migration crisis and European immigration policy
• Iran, cybersecurity, and Middle East tensions
• Fauci, COVID-era decisions, and public trust
• The Georgia school shooting case and parental responsibility
• Michigan politics, AIPAC, and the Democratic Party

Join Ted Rall, Jamarl Thomas, and Producer Robby West for another in-depth episode of The DeProgram, where history, politics, and current events collide.

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork

Former CNBC and Fox Business anchor Dennis Kneale joins me to explain why Americans are losing faith in capitalism even as the stock market and GDP keep climbing. We dig into housing costs, inflation, government regulation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and the growing disconnect between the economic numbers celebrated in Washington and the grocery bills crushing actual families. Dennis brings his relentless optimism, I bring the inconvenient questions, and somewhere along the way we determine that socialism still sucks, government is usually standing at the scene of the crime, and Americans may need to stop waiting for politicians to rescue them and start taking responsibility for building their own future.

Order Dennie Kneale's new book Oregoners on Amazon: https://a.co/d/07Kz8y6Y

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork

Did Donald Trump revive a little-known Clinton-era court that was never meant to be used? On this episode of DeProgram, Ted Rall, Jamarl Thomas, and Producer Robby West examine the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a controversial Clinton-era legal mechanism that has suddenly returned to the national conversation. The panel debates whether secret evidence, classified proceedings, and extraordinary executive powers are compatible with due process and constitutional protections. The conversation expands into broader questions about government power, conspiracy law, and criminal intent. Robby challenges Ted and Jamarl over the Oath Keepers, Stuart Rhodes, and January 6, arguing that governments should be extremely cautious about imprisoning people for crimes that never actually occurred, while Ted and Jamarl explore where preparation crosses the line into criminal conspiracy. The second half of the show shifts into culture and entertainment as the panel debates Hollywood's race-swapping trend, Hamilton, historical accuracy, Assassin's Creed Shadows, and whether studios should reinterpret classic characters or focus on creating original stories. The episode closes with a look at escalating tensions in the Middle East following an attack on ships in Egypt, exploring competing theories about responsibility and the broader geopolitical implications as regional instability continues to grow.

Topics Covered

• Alien Terrorist Removal Court
• Due Process & Secret Courts
• Trump Immigration Policy
• Executive Power
• Constitutional Rights
• Conspiracy Law
• Oath Keepers & Stuart Rhodes
• January 6 Debate
• Government Authority
• Hamilton
• Race-Swapping in Hollywood
• Assassin's Creed Shadows
• Historical Accuracy in Film
• Middle East Conflict
• Egypt Shipping Attack
• Geopolitics

Follow DeProgram 🎙️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/v7dh75a-trump-using-secret-terror-court-to-deport-afghan-woman-deprogram-with-ted-r.html 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qaz53gTL7n4

Catch our entire lineup of shows featuring hosts like Jeff Dornik, Shannon Joy, Ann Vandersteel, Patrick Howley, Ted Rall and Dr Michael Scheuer on Rumble, X and your favorite podcast platform.

Pickax is the primary home for Freedom First Network, so be sure to sign up for Pickax, and then follow and subscribe to FFN: https://pickax.com/freedomfirstnetwork