It Matters

Dive into the world of politics and culture with It Matters with Michael Starr Hopkins. Join a born and bred Washingtonian as we explore our changing landscape with insights from your favorite political and cultural icons. It Matters is a Burn the Playbook production.

Lee Gottsch and Michael Starr Hopkins met in college, roomed together more than once, and can still pick up where they left off after a year without really talking. They disagree about plenty of politics and stay friends anyway.

The episode opens on the problem as they see it. They were taught to chase the money and the house. They did it, and ended up spread out, with 3,500 square feet and not enough people nearby to watch football on Sunday.

From there they talk about the Sunday dinners that faded, the social contract, and the argument that money drives most of politics. Lee describes five years with Dallas Fire and the homeless people he met on calls, most of them, as he tells it, fighting addiction or severe mental illness. They trade views on what it would mean for someone in office to do the right thing when nobody is looking, and on what fatherhood changes. Michael says he just wants to raise a good person.

Recorded October 6, 2026.

Chapters

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It Matters is a Burn the Playbook production.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1726685275 and Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KtREnHboYhD9CFBQogrLA

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Cate Costa discusses the profound impact of the current political climate on mental health, particularly anxiety and depression. She shares alarming statistics about mental health issues in America and offers practical coping strategies based on expert recommendations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, mindful consumption of news, and the need for community support while also addressing the pro’s of seeking professional help.

Takeaways

The political climate is significantly affecting mental health.

Many Americans report feeling exhausted and angry due to politics.

Coping strategies include staying informed while setting limits on news consumption.

Mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial but may not work for everyone.

Physical activity is crucial for improving mood and reducing anxiety.

Connecting with safe individuals can provide emotional support.

Self-care should focus on preservation rather than indulgence.

Social media can amplify stress; limiting usage is advisable.

Community involvement can empower individuals but should not add to their burden.

Professional help is vital, but access can be a challenge for many.

You can find Cate on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dexy.gram/

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Josh and Barry cover the appointment of Kash Patel and his threats to prosecute politicians that have been involved in charges vs. Trump, centering on revenge as well as potentially dismantling the FBI. Josh talks about the pros and cons of this possibility whether you are on the left or right. This could enhance local control but could also see less coordination as a nation. National security is of utmost importance and pros and cons will have to be evaluated without making ourselves more vulnerable with this being decentralized.

Trump’s main theme is putting in place those that are loyal to Trump. Questions have been asked if this is at risk of actual leadership experience and merit.

Also discussed is the idea of Tariffs that Trump is going to put in place. These tariffs can lead to inflation, and ultimately the costs are passed on to the consumer. Rather than lower prices at supermarket, it may affect the lower and middle class having to pay higher prices.

Josh and Barry discuss all sides, but bring to light what has been happening over the last week.

Keep up on the news. It Matters.

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Whether you voted for Donald Trump or not, all eyes are on the President-elect and

what his agendas and process look like. We want to give an overview of what we see so far and

potential signs of trying to bypass the normal checks and balances within our government, what

that means, and what are some ways you can keep watch on that.

Barry and Joshua talk about some of the prospective nominees and some thoughts about them

and also the process by which they would be nominated. Post-election, Donald Trump is

aggressively pushing forward with Cabinet nominations and administrative plans for his second

term. His appointees largely consist of loyalists and individuals aligned with his policies, such as

Stephen Miller and Thomas Homan in key roles. High-profile picks like Elise Stefanik for U.N.

ambassador and Marco Rubio for Secretary of State reflect his intent to prioritize loyalty to his

agendas.

The Trump administration’s claim to act as disruptors by reshaping systems like immigration

and healthcare does not inherently mean abandoning the Constitution or democracy. However,

concerns arise if disruption undermines constitutional principles such as checks and balances,

equal protection, or due process.

The preservation of the U.S. checks and balances system relies on several mechanisms:

Congressional Oversight, Judicial Review and Media and Public Accountability.

Monitoring these actions and advocating for transparency for all of us, independent of who you

voted for is critical to maintaining institutional checks.

Here are tools and organizations to help in voicing concerns about government not adhering to

checks and balances and our Constitution if this ever arises.

1.Indivisible: Provides scripts for contacting Congress and organizing grassroots

advocacy. Indivisible.org

2.Common Cause: Advocates for democracy reforms and offers resources for civic

engagement. CommonCause.org

3.OpenSecrets: Tracks political appointments and campaign funding. OpenSecrets.org

4.Call Your Representatives: Use tools like 5 Calls to connect with elected officials.

5.FreedomWorks: Focused on accountability and smaller government, offering templates for

letters and outreach campaigns.

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In this conversation, Michael interviews Anthony Coley, a former DOJ and Treasury official,about the current political landscape and the importance of voting. They discuss Kamala Harris'srise in popularity, the strength of the Democratic bench, the threat of a second Trump term, andthe need for Democrats to engage with the Republican media ecosystem. They also touch onthe role of the DOJ and the importance of preserving voting rights. Overall, the conversationhighlights the significance of the upcoming election and the need for Democrats to mobilize andprotect democracy.TakeawaysKamala Harris has gained popularity through her hard work and connection with voters,particularly on issues like reproductive rights.The Democratic Party has a strong and diverse bench of talented individuals who are ready tolead.Voting rights are crucial, and efforts to restrict access to the ballot must be fought against.The threat of a second Trump term is concerning, as it could lead to the further weaponizationof the DOJ and erosion of democratic norms.Democrats need to engage with the Republican media ecosystem to reach a wider audience andmake their case.The Biden presidency represents a returnto decency and a fight for the soul of the country.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Kamala Harris09:33 Importance of Voting Rights12:24 Threat of a Second Trump Term and DOJ Weaponization16:05 Engaging with the Republican Media Ecosystem23:30 The Biden Presidency and Conclusion

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ROY WOOD JR. is a comedian, an Emmy-nominated documentary producer, a correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy-nominated The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and host of Comedy Central’s award-winning podcast, The Daily Show: Beyond the Scenes. Spring of 2023, Wood guest hosted The Daily Show and headlined the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Wood co-starred alongside Jon Hamm in Paramount Pictures' long-awaited Fletch remake, Confess, Fletch and has guest appearances in ‘Only Murders in the Building’, ‘Better Call Saul’, ‘The Last O.G.’ & ‘Space Force.’

He has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyer, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He also performed on numerous USO Tours for our Troops stationed everywhere from Guam to Iraq to the Philippines.

At the height of the pandemic, Roy raised money for the displaced staff of comedy clubs through tipyourwaitstaff.com and Laugh Aid.

On this episode of It Matters with Michael Starr Hopkins, Roy shares his unique perspective on politics and comedy, shaped by his upbringing in Alabama and his father's influence as a journalist. He discusses the impact of racism, inequality, and the fight for justice in Birmingham, as well as his transition into social commentary in comedy. The conversation delves into the role of race, politics, and the media in shaping public opinion and voter behavior. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including voter rationalization, media consumption, political awareness, the changing landscape of politics, and the dynamics of legacy media. Roy Wood Jr. shares insights on the role of young voters, and the challenges of disinformation.

Takeaways

Roy Wood Jr.'s upbringing in Alabama and his father's role as a journalist significantly influenced his perspective on politics and social issues.

The impact of racism, inequality, and the fight for justice in Birmingham shaped Roy Wood Jr.'s sense of optimism and informed his social commentary in comedy.

The role of race, politics, and the media in shaping public opinion and voter behavior is a complex and influential factor in contemporary society

Understanding voter rationalization and the complexities of voting against self-interest.

The impact of new media on political awareness and the challenges of disinformation.

The role of young voters and the future of the country.

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Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow discusses the political landscape in Michigan and the impact of the Biden-Harris campaign. She highlights the importance of Michigan in national politics and the fear of losing the state to Republicans. McMorrow also talks about the excitement and hope surrounding the Biden-Harris campaign and the need for a functional two-party system. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing and down-ballot races. McMorrow discusses the significance of reproductive rights, particularly in light of the Dobbs decision, and the need for access to safe and legal abortion. She reflects on the rise of Trumpism and the importance of standing up against hate and bullying.

Takeaways

Michigan is a crucial state in national politics, and the fear of losing it to Republicans has been a concern for many voters.

The Biden-Harris campaign has brought excitement and hope to Michigan, with people feeling a sense of relief and a chance to move on from the past few years.

Grassroots organizing and focusing on down-ballot races are key strategies for Democrats to maintain momentum and ensure long-term success.

The Dobbs decision and the threat to reproductive rights have mobilized many people in Michigan, who are fighting to protect access to safe and legal abortion.

The rise of Trumpism has highlighted the need for a functional two-party system and the importance of standing up against hate and bullying.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pronunciation

00:39 The Importance of Michigan in National Politics

03:10 Excitement and Hope in the Biden-Harris Campaign

06:03 Grassroots Organizing and Down-Ballot Races

08:54 Protecting Reproductive Rights in Michigan

11:57 The Rise of Trumpism and the Need for a Functional Two-Party System

14:49 The Importance of Organizing and Not Taking Anything for Granted

18:25 The Focus on Abortion and Its Impact on Elections

22:12 Moving Beyond Trumpism and Fostering Unity

24:30 The Significance of Kamala Harris and the Potential for Change

26:24 Lessons from Trumpism and the Importance of Standing Up Against Hate

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In this episode, guest host Cate Costa discusses the profound impact of the current political climate on mental health, particularly anxiety and depression. She shares alarming statistics about mental health issues in America and offers practical coping strategies based on expert recommendations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, mindful consumption of news, and the need for community support while also addressing the pro’s of seeking professional help.

Takeaways

The political climate is significantly affecting mental health.

Many Americans report feeling exhausted and angry due to politics.

Coping strategies include staying informed while setting limits on news consumption.

Mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial but may not work for everyone.

Physical activity is crucial for improving mood and reducing anxiety.

Connecting with safe individuals can provide emotional support.

Self-care should focus on preservation rather than indulgence.

Social media can amplify stress; limiting usage is advisable.

Community involvement can empower individuals but should not add to their burden.

Professional help is vital, but access can be a challenge for many.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Mental Health and Politics

02:46The Impact of Political Climate on Mental Health

05:52Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression

08:50Engaging with Others and Self-Care

12:00Navigating Social Media and Community Involvement

14:49Seeking Professional Help and Conclusion

You can find Cate on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dexy.gram/

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Summary: Kurt Bardella talks about his journey from a rising star in the GOP, to his moving to the Democratic party in 2016. He talks about his intro to politics, working on Capitol Hill, and his time with Darrell Issa. He reflects on the changing dynamics of Capitol Hill and the rise of Trump. Bardella and Michael discusses the 2016 election and the impact of Hillary Clinton's campaign. He shares his thoughts on the current state of politics and the importance of understanding the power dynamics at play. The conversation covers various topics including the potential outcomes if Al Gore had been president during 9/11 and the Iraq War, the role of the Clintons in the Democratic Party, the treatment of Monica Lewinsky, the media's bias and failure to hold Trump accountable, the erosion of truth and the rise of authoritarianism, the need for Democrats to build their own media infrastructure, and the importance of messaging and confronting Trump effectively.

Takeaways

Bardella discusses the impact of Hillary Clinton's campaign and the 2016 election

He reflects on the changing dynamics of Capitol Hill and the rise of Trump.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding power dynamics in politics. The outcome of 9/11 and the Iraq War may have been different if Al Gore had been president instead of George W. Bush.

The Clintons' role in the Democratic Party is questioned, particularly in relation to issues of women's empowerment and MeToo.

The media's failure to hold Trump accountable and its bias towards false equivalencies is a major concern.

The erosion of truth and the rise of authoritarianism pose a threat to democracy.

Democrats need to build their own media infrastructure to effectively communicate their message.

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