Kayal and Company

Dawn's Big Three begins with the aftermath of the Philadelphia boycott targeting Jewish-owned restaurants. We examine the political response and the questions surrounding city leadership, including how officials handled an event that attracted widespread attention. We hear about media coverage of the demonstrations, the reaction from a former mayor, and the continuing disagreement over whether public officials did enough to address the controversy. We also consider the legal consequences that may follow the demonstrations and the growing number of people speaking out against antisemitism.

We turn to Cranbury Township, New Jersey, where officials disclose that approximately $26 million intended for a property purchase disappears in a fraudulent wire transfer. We discuss why residents learn about the theft more than five weeks after it occurs and just three days after local elections. We also examine questions concerning election procedures and a separate memory-card controversy involving hundreds of votes. Then we cover the sentencing of Russell Brand before shifting to New Jersey high school sports, where Paul VI girls soccer coach Karen Anderson faces a suspension after opening a celebratory bottle following her 100th victory. We debate the punishment, the school's responsibilities, and whether the response fits the circumstances.

We close the available portion of Dawn's Big Three with an extraordinarily strange wildlife-smuggling story involving more than 3,000 tarantulas discovered inside socks packed in suitcases at a Peruvian airport. We joke about what would happen if the spiders escaped during a flight before sharing the much happier video of students surprising a teacher with a birthday celebration.

We welcome Harry Mayes into another busy hour and return to Trump's incoming chief of staff, Stephen Miller. We hear Calley Means discuss the change in leadership and his hope that the administration will advance major health-policy priorities. We review his exchange with Margaret Brennan and Attorney General Todd Blanche's defense of Susie Wiles. Our conversation turns into a pointed argument over what qualifies as actual wrongdoing, whether lobbying influence should be investigated, and the distinction between what is legal and what voters consider acceptable. We also discuss corporate ties involving prominent political families and the persistent frustration with Washington insiders.

We continue debating Trump's accountability, lobbying restrictions, and the political consequences of an administration that promises major change while relying on people with longstanding Washington connections. Nick questions whether Trump is keeping his campaign commitments, while Greg argues that widespread lobbying practices require legislative changes rather than selective outrage. We discuss whether Stephen Miller's reputation for strict immigration enforcement conflicts with Trump's willingness to negotiate with Democrats. As the hour progresses, we return to the importance of the next two years for the president and Republicans following their midterm losses.

We turn to a collection of unusual news stories on What's on the Cut Sheet. Harry joins us as we discuss turmoil surrounding Poland's Constitutional Tribunal and the implications of changing a country's judiciary. We examine a frightening near miss involving Air France and American Airlines planes leaving Los Angeles, followed by footage of a basketball fan sinking a long-distance shot for a cash prize. Finally, we return to Nick's run up the Rocky steps, with Tony Bruno preparing to provide commentary and the crew once again questioning Nick's wardrobe choices.

Harry Mayes joins us for What's on the Cut Sheet, bringing the discussion to Trump's appearance on 60 Minutes. We react to the president's comments about deportation policy, workers in landscaping and hospitality, and the possibility of negotiating legal status for certain immigrants. Nick questions why Trump is contemplating this change after campaigning heavily on immigration enforcement, while Greg argues that voters may support removing violent criminals without supporting the deportation of every longtime worker. We also debate whether immigration truly explains Republican losses in the midterm elections or whether the president is overlooking larger political problems.

We continue our argument over Trump's immigration comments, examining the distinction between border security, deportations, legal status, and the economic concerns of American workers. We discuss the effect of immigration enforcement on employers, construction workers, hospitality businesses, and families. Nick questions whether Trump's remarks fit with his campaign promises and the appointment of Stephen Miller, while Greg challenges the assumption that every undocumented worker should face the same outcome. We also question Trump's interpretation of the midterm results and whether his political advisers are providing the correct message about what voters want.

The conversation shifts toward a major White House shakeup as Susie Wiles departs her position and Stephen Miller prepares to take over. We examine former adviser Calley Means' appearance on Joe Rogan, where he accuses officials close to Trump of interfering with health policy on behalf of corporate interests. We discuss glyphosate, ultra-processed foods, sugar industry influence, tobacco and vaping policy, and lobbying firms connected to people surrounding the administration. We also consider how the Make America Healthy Again coalition fits into Trump's political base and whether the president has enough control over competing interests within his own administration.

We dig into the names and allegations raised by Means, including references to Tony Fabrizio, James Blair, Ballard Partners, and Susie Wiles' daughter. We examine the difference between allegations of corruption and lobbying activity that is legal under existing rules, with Greg challenging how much personal responsibility should fall on Trump. Nick argues that a president who campaigns on changing Washington must answer for the people operating around him. Our discussion includes the timing of the allegations, objections from people named by Means, and the larger question of whether either party is willing to restrict lobbying and financial influence in Washington.

We begin the hour with more anticipation for the station's Veterans Day broadcast and Nick's Thursday Rocky steps challenge, including an increasingly ridiculous discussion about the shirt he'll wear afterward. From there, we turn to the serious debate over free speech and public condemnation. We compare the backlash against Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan of the I've Had It podcast with the criticism surrounding Dave Chappelle's comments about Charlie Kirk. The podcasters issue an apology after laughing at an offensive joke, and we examine reports of advertisers withdrawing their support.

We spend much of the hour debating the difference between a comedian making an offensive joke onstage and political commentators appearing to celebrate someone's murder. Greg argues that audiences and sponsors should make their own decisions rather than demanding that every controversial speaker lose the ability to perform or speak. Nick pushes back against what he sees as a disturbing loss of basic human decency. We examine Erika Kirk's response, the reaction to Chappelle's Madison Square Garden performance, and the wider problem of social media clips being circulated without their full context. We also return to the Philadelphia demonstrations and discuss footage of police confronting a protester.

We kick off Monday with a little early-morning absurdity as Nick prepares for his upcoming run up the Rocky steps, complete with the possibility of rain, Tony Bruno handling commentary, and plenty of jokes at Nick's expense. Greg introduces a survey asking which body part people wash first in the shower, setting off a surprisingly detailed conversation about shampoo, conditioner, shower routines, and what happens when someone barely has any hair left to wash. We set up the packed morning before shifting to Philadelphia's weekend news.

Dawn brings us the heartbreaking story of Malayshia Alford, a 10-year-old whose body is discovered in the trunk of a vehicle in South Jersey. We discuss the charges against her foster mother, a community gathering at Morris Park, the allegations of prolonged abuse, and questions about whether child welfare authorities adequately protect vulnerable children. Greg discusses his wife's years investigating child abuse cases as a social worker, giving us a personal perspective on the danger and emotional demands of that work. We then turn to Sunday's planned boycott of Jewish-owned restaurants in Rittenhouse Square, where police separate opposing groups and hundreds of supporters line up to patronize the targeted businesses. We examine the significance of the Kristallnacht anniversary, the importance of Holocaust education, and concerns about another planned demonstration.

Our Monday Big Take focuses squarely on the Philadelphia controversy. We examine the statements of elected officials, hear from Huda owner Yehuda Sichel about his family's experience with antisemitism, and review the solidarity gathering at Dizengoff. We challenge Larry Krasner's comparison involving Donald Trump and examine Governor Josh Shapiro's comments concerning American military assistance to Israel. We then turn to an unusually outspoken response from Reggie Jackson, whose social media statement condemns antisemitism and demands stronger leadership. Dawn brings additional details about possible litigation against the boycott organizers, while we debate the distinction between criticism of the Israeli government and harassment of Jewish business owners in Philadelphia.

We open a packed Monday morning with the disturbing scenes unfolding in Philadelphia, where a planned bicycle boycott targets six Jewish-owned restaurants near Rittenhouse Square on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht. Nick Kayal, Dawn Stensland, and Greg Stocker examine the demonstrations, the enormous outpouring of community support for the targeted businesses, the police response, and statements from Governor Josh Shapiro, Mayor Cherelle Parker, District Attorney Larry Krasner, and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. We hear from a Jewish restaurant owner whose family experienced Nazi persecution and examine an emotional response from baseball legend Reggie Jackson, who condemns antisemitism near his hometown. We also discuss the tragic death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford, the charges against her foster mother, and growing demands for accountability within Philadelphia's foster care system.

We turn to a fierce debate over free speech, political violence, and comedy as Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan face advertiser backlash for laughing at a joke about Charlie Kirk's assassination, while Dave Chappelle draws criticism for his own controversial remarks. We debate whether offensive jokes deserve public condemnation, financial consequences, or simply an audience's decision to walk away. Harry Mayes joins us for a spirited Monday edition of What's on the Cut Sheet, where we examine President Donald Trump's surprising comments during his 60 Minutes interview. Trump acknowledges that his deportation policies may have become too tough and entertains a potential immigration agreement with Democrats. We ask whether the president is abandoning a central campaign promise, misreading the midterm election results, or reconsidering his approach to workers who have spent years living in the United States.

We spend much of the second half examining Trump's decision to replace Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, alongside explosive accusations from former health adviser Calley Means about lobbying influence, corporate interests, and opposition to the Make America Healthy Again agenda. We review Means' appearances with Joe Rogan and Margaret Brennan, Todd Blanche's response, and an increasingly heated disagreement over lobbying, government ethics, and Trump's accountability. Harry stays with us as we turn to Poland's judicial dispute, a dangerous airline near miss, and the latest round of Rocky steps jokes ahead of Nick's Thursday run. Dawn's Big Three brings us back to the Philadelphia protests, a New Jersey township's missing $26 million, and a high school soccer coach suspended following her 100th victory. We also cover thousands of tarantulas discovered in airport luggage and a surprise birthday celebration before turning to Trump's support for Pete Hegseth and questions about political forgiveness.

We begin Dawn's Big Three by returning to the deadly attack at a Philadelphia beauty salon and the arrest of suspect Jamal Pistoria. Dawn discusses the attack on three women, the killing of one victim, the suffering of the survivors, and the impact on the surrounding community. We then provide a detailed update on the murder investigation involving 10-year-old Malayshia Alford, including the timeline of her disappearance, the discovery of her body in New Jersey, and the murder charges against her foster mother. We examine the role of surveillance footage in the investigation, statements from the child's relatives, and the many questions surrounding the foster care system.

We also examine a planned boycott of Jewish-owned Philadelphia restaurants, which draws condemnation from Jewish community organizations and renewed discussion about antisemitism in the city. Dawn brings in comments from the Anti-Defamation League and discusses the importance of protecting local businesses and residents. We scrutinize the responses from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other elected officials, debating whether public statements are sufficient or whether political leaders should take more visible action. The conversation also addresses concerns about intimidation, public demonstrations, and the responsibilities of elected officials when members of a community feel threatened.

We finish with a shocking robbery investigation involving an 81-year-old Delaware man who authorities say is tied up, assaulted, stripped, and burned with hot maple syrup. We discuss the allegations against the suspects and the disturbing circumstances of the attack, which prompt an unexpected detour into movie references. We also examine the October employment report, including 165,000 new jobs, revisions to previous months, and the gap between economic statistics and the pressure Americans feel from inflation. The morning's closing conversation returns to Nick's upcoming Rocky Steps appearance, the 50th anniversary of Rocky, and the political debates that continue after Tuesday's election

We return for the final hour of our main morning broadcast with Shawn Farash and a discussion about what Democrats intend to do with their new congressional power. We examine the possibility of impeachment proceedings, congressional investigations, and divisions between progressive Democrats and party leadership. We also discuss what Republicans need to accomplish before the next presidential election, including addressing the war in Iran and restoring confidence among dissatisfied voters. Our political disagreements continue as we weigh the risks facing both parties.

Then we bring back Friday Fight Club, with a selection of outrageous confrontations caught on video. We begin with a Chicago firefighter defending himself against an aggressive man during an emergency response, leading to a heated debate about self-defense and the risks facing first responders. We follow that with footage of two men trading heavy punches before eventually making peace, then examine another chaotic brawl that leaves the crew questioning just about everybody involved. We debate which encounter deserves to win Friday Fight of the Week, take audience reactions, and compare our own selections with the results of the listener vote.

We wrap up the main program with our predictions for the Eagles' matchup against the Giants, including serious doubts about Joe Milton's first start for Philadelphia. Nick delivers a pessimistic prediction, while Dawn offers more optimism about the Eagles'

Shawn Farash joins us as we assess the Iran war, Republican messaging, and why some conservatives believe the party must make serious changes before voters return. We continue our discussion with Shawn Farash by examining Donald Trump's influence over the Republican Party, the 2028 presidential field, and why Ron DeSantis deserves consideration as a potential nominee. We debate the Florida governor's election history, his ability to deliver policy results, and the shortcomings of his previous presidential campaign. Shawn argues that Republicans need to listen more closely to the electorate and stop assuming that political loyalty guarantees victory. We also examine ballot measures passed in several states, the different directions conservatives could take, and whether a major change in Republican leadership is necessary.

We turn to the war in Iran and the consequences for American politics. We discuss the administration's original military strategy, the inability to reach a timely resolution, the effects on fuel prices, and the question of whether the White House has a credible alternative when diplomatic negotiations fail. We debate the difference between supporting efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and supporting an extended conflict without a clear exit. Shawn and the crew examine the public's growing impatience, the arguments made by JD Vance, and the consequences Republicans face when the war continues to dominate voters' concerns.

We shift from politics to a major courtroom verdict as British comedian Russell Brand is found guilty of rape and sexual assault offenses. We review the verdict, the allegations, and the competing arguments surrounding the trial while debating Brand's public image and past conduct. We also react to protesters disrupting traffic, including one motorist who has little patience for the demonstration. Later, we watch a traffic stop involving a Florida woman who refuses to cooperate with an officer, leading to a confrontation that has the entire crew reacting. The discussion turns to police authority, personal responsibility, and why an ordinary traffic citation can escalate into a far more serious incident.

We begin the second hour with listener reactions to Nick's Big Take, including questions about Republican donors and the influence of established political figures. We compare previous midterm election losses with the 2026 results, examine surprisingly competitive contests in traditionally Republican states, and return to the remarkable voting figures from the Texas Senate race involving James Talarico and Ken Paxton. We also revisit Nick's lost political bet, which requires him to wear a Talarico shirt while running the Philadelphia Museum's famous Rocky Steps. The crew debates whether higher prices and the Iran war explain Tuesday's election results or whether Republicans face a more serious problem with voters.

We look back at the 2025 elections in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia, asking whether those Democratic victories offer an early warning of what happens in the 2026 midterms. We revisit Bernie Sanders' treatment during the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, Trump's influence over Republican nominations, and the risks of party leaders attempting to select their preferred candidates. The conversation also turns to promises from the Trump administration, the public's frustration with repeated delays, and the possibility of further disclosures concerning Jeffrey Epstein. We question whether Republicans understand the anger among voters and whether voters will give them another opportunity in 2028.

We also discuss Republican organizing in Pennsylvania, the difficulty of winning elections in Philadelphia, and the importance of placing capable candidates and campaign workers in competitive districts. We react to comments from Trump and his allies, debate the administration's economic record, and examine whether increases in earnings can keep pace with higher living costs. The conversation gets increasingly spirited as we challenge each other's interpretations of the election and the government's performance.