Meseidy and Rachel dive deep into the unfolding scandal surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner—a progressive darling whose deleted Reddit posts and controversial Nazi-adjacent tattoo have Democrats scrambling. From his anti-work communist manifestos to his involvement with socialist paramilitary groups, Platner’s past is catching up with his political ambitions. The hosts contrast the left’s defense of Platner with their relentless attacks on Republicans like Pete Hegseth, exposing the glaring double standard in American politics. They also tackle Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones’s text message scandal, Abigail Spanberger’s defensive interviews, and Jen Psaki’s bizarre comments about JD and Usha Vance. With Bernie Sanders still warning about oligarchy after 32 years and progressives embracing candidates they would have canceled last year, this episode reveals the left’s desperate strategy heading into 2026.

Episode Highlights

• Maine’s Nazi Problem: Progressive Senate candidate Graham Platner faces dual scandals—deleted Reddit posts revealing communist sympathies and a chest tattoo closely resembling the Nazi SS Totenkopf symbol used by concentration camp guards
• Socialist Militia Leader: New reporting exposes Platner’s role recruiting for and training members of the Socialist Rifle Association, a far-left paramilitary group, during the 2020 unrest
• The Double Standard: While Pete Hegseth faced weeks of scrutiny over a Jerusalem cross tattoo falsely labeled as extremist, Democrats are defending Platner’s actual Nazi-adjacent imagery as a “drunk mistake”
• Virginia’s Violence Problem: Attorney General candidate Jay Jones continues his campaign despite text messages joking about killing political opponents and their children, with Democratic leaders refusing to call for his withdrawal
• The New Progressive Playbook: As younger, more radical candidates like Platner and Mom Donnie gain traction, Democrats are abandoning their purity tests in favor of a “win at any cost” mentality that mirrors Trump’s political strategy
• 
  

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

04:03 The Rise of Graham Platner

09:48 Controversial Reddit Posts and Political Implications

19:36 Tattoo Controversy and Public Perception

22:48 The Politics of Forgiveness

25:51 The Changing Landscape of Political Accountability

29:20 The Extremes of Political Ideology

30:59 Grassroots Movements and Political Dynamics

38:03 The Role of Media in Political Scrutiny

43:55 The Reckless Politics of Jay Jones

46:56 Normalizing Political Violence

50:58 The Rise of New Political Candidates

54:10 The Importance of Affordability in Politics

56:47 Critique of Political Rhetoric and Media

01:03:30 The Ongoing Fight Against Oligarchy

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Buckle up, friends—this episode is PACKED. Rachel and Meseidy dive into the chaos of New York’s mayoral race where Zuhair Mondani is about to take the wheel (gulp), break down a terrifying discovery about a Hamas-linked illegal immigrant who lied his way into Louisiana, and dissect the “No Kings” protests that somehow managed to be both massive and completely aimless. Oh, and we’ve got to talk about that AI poop video Trump posted because, yes, that’s where we are as a country. From Caroline Levitt’s legendary “your mom” clapback to the Huffington Post, to Karine Jean-Pierre’s delusional book tour, to the rare earth deal with Australia that nobody’s talking about—we’re covering it all. Plus: why the shutdown messaging battle is harder for Republicans than it should be, what the Democrat party’s radical restructuring actually looks like, and why Rachel simultaneously loves and hates everything about this administration’s communication style. It’s exhausting, it’s infuriating, it’s occasionally hilarious, and honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Episode Highlights

• Mondani’s Terrorist-Linked Imam Photo-Op - New York’s mayoral frontrunner poses with a Brooklyn imam connected to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing while refusing to condemn Hamas, and somehow Democrats think this is fine.
• Louisiana’s October 7th Participant - A Palestinian national who participated in the October 7th attacks lied on his visa application, waltzed into the US during the Biden administration, and was finally caught when Trump’s team started re-vetting applications.
• The “No Kings” Protest Data Drop - American University researchers reveal the typical DC protester was a 44-year-old white woman who heard about it on Instagram and literally couldn’t name a policy issue motivating her—just “Trump.”
• Caroline Levitt’s “Your Mom” Heard ‘Round the World - The 27-year-old White House Press Secretary responds to a Huffington Post hit piece setup with the most millennial comeback in political history, and honestly, we’re here for it.
• The Poop Video Discourse - Trump posts an AI video of himself dropping waste on protesters and somehow this becomes a 48-hour news cycle while the rare earth minerals deal with Australia gets completely ignored.

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Chapters

00:00 Busy Day at the White House

03:02 Demolition and Controversy

06:02 Trump’s National Guard Win

09:05 New York Mayoral Race

11:50 Mondani’s Controversial Connections

17:32 Democratic Party Dynamics

22:22 No Kings Protest Overview

32:51 Protests and Participation Dynamics

34:59 The Role of Trump in Political Mobilization

36:11 Violence and Protest Rhetoric

38:20 Signs of Discontent: Analyzing Protest Messages

41:48 Counter-Protests and Public Engagement

44:36 Understanding the Impact of Leadership on Protests

47:44 The Permission Structure for Violence

49:58 Funding and Organization of Protests

54:25 Media Representation and Political Messaging

01:02:46 The Impact of AI in Political Discourse

01:07:48 Democratic Party Dynamics and Internal Struggles

01:08:43 Humor and Controversy in Political Communication

01:16:38 Policy vs. Style: Evaluating Trump’s Administration

01:22:16 Global Politics and Future Implications

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Grab your coffee and buckle up because this episode is a wild grab bag of everything happening right now. We’re doing the weave—connecting all the random chaos from Chicago ICE operations and leaked text threads to Pentagon press passes and the ever-expanding gold takeover of the White House.

Mercedes breaks down what’s really happening with ICE in Chicago (spoiler: the headlines aren’t telling you the whole story), and we dive deep into those leaked Young Republicans messages versus actual calls for political violence from people running for office. Rachel gets fired up about the media’s selective outrage, and we both try to figure out where we stand on the Pentagon’s new press restrictions. Plus, we’re tracking the continued gilding of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and yes, it’s spreading beyond the Oval Office now.

If you’re tired of pearl-clutching double standards and want the full context the legacy media won’t give you, this one’s for you. Also, there’s a cat pillow involved. You’ll see.

Episode Highlights

• Chicago ICE Operations: The Full Story - What really happened with that car accident and pit maneuver that the media conveniently left out of their headlines.
• Pentagon Press Pass Drama - Why legacy media outlets are walking out over new access restrictions, and whether it’s actually the attack on press freedom they’re claiming it is.
• The Leaked Text Thread vs. Jay Jones - Gross racist messages from nobodies get wall-to-wall coverage while a Virginia AG candidate’s violent fantasies get defended by Democrats.
• Media Selective Outrage Masterclass - Tim Kaine performs Olympic-level mental gymnastics trying to justify why Jay Jones doesn’t need to drop out of the race.
• The Gilding Has Escaped - Trump’s gold obsession has officially breached containment and is now spreading through the White House breezeway (and we’re here for it).

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Chapters

00:00 - Intro & Bernie’s Sombrero

03:37 - What Really Happened in Chicago

08:12 - The 30-Minute Chase & Crowd Response

11:11 - Misleading Headlines & Missing Context

15:17 - Portland Antifa Blocks ICE Vehicles

18:22 - Governor Pritzker Threatens Prosecution

23:06 - Pentagon Press Pass Controversy

28:17 - The Spicer vs. Hanna Debate

31:58 - Physical Restrictions & Information Handling

35:25 - The Federalist Calls Out Media Hypocrisy

36:43 - Leaked Young Republicans Text Thread

39:03 - Strategic Reporting & Charlie Kirk

42:51 - Nobody’s vs. Virginia AG Candidate

45:30 - Tim Kaine Defends the Indefensible

51:52 - The News Nation Town Hall Showdown

56:24 - The Denouncement Game

59:32 - Blue Sky Celebrated Charlie’s Death

1:01:08 - The Gilding Has Escaped

1:02:15 - Will He Guild the Entire White House?

1:05:18 - Outro & Wrap-Up

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From McDonald’s to making world peace — Trump just did THAT. While the president was brokering Middle East peace deals and reuniting hostages with their families, progressives back home couldn’t even bring themselves to say his name. We’re breaking down Trump’s whirlwind trip to Israel and Egypt, the ICONIC reception he got from the Knesset (standing ovations for days), and the absolutely surreal moment he asked them to pardon Bibi. Plus, the hostage reunion videos that had us ugly crying, why three real estate developers just accomplished what career diplomats couldn’t, and the deafening silence from the “ceasefire now” crowd who suddenly have nothing to say.

But wait, there’s more! We’re diving into the National Guard deployments that nobody’s talking about, the ICE operations propaganda war, and how DHS just turned an SNL skit into their best recruitment ad yet. Gavin Newsom continues to be the worst, Democrats are trying to rebrand a historic peace deal as “just a ceasefire,” and we’re getting real about what happens when you have leaders who actually know how to close a deal.

Buckle up — this one’s packed.

Episode Highlights

• Three Real Estate Developers Broker World Peace - Trump, Kushner, and Witkoff met directly with Hamas leadership in Egypt to close the Gaza peace deal — proving that sometimes you need dealmakers, not diplomats.
• The Hostage Reunions That Broke Us - Twenty hostages returned home after years in Hamas captivity, including the iconic couple from the motorcycle video and a father whose youngest daughter didn’t recognize him.
• The Ceasefire Crowd Goes Silent - Progressives who spent two years screaming about Palestine can’t even acknowledge the peace deal or say Trump’s name — almost like it was never really about peace.
• From SNL Mockery to DHS Recruitment Gold - The administration flipped Tina Fey’s Kristi Noem impression into a legitimately badass ICE operations ad that has people ready to enlist.
• The National Guard Deployments No One’s Discussing - Memphis has National Guard troops dealing with crime, and unlike Portland and Chicago, nobody’s talking about it — probably because it’s actually working.

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Why This Schedule Works Better

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Presidential Arrival

02:37 Gaza-Israel Peace Deal and Hostage Release

06:15 Trump’s Reception in Israel

08:25 Negotiations and Diplomatic Strategies

11:19 The Role of Real Estate Developers in Diplomacy

14:19 Criticism of Trump’s Peace Declaration

17:09 Humor and Highlights from Trump’s Speech

19:55 Bibi’s Legal Troubles and Trump’s Support

23:13 Conclusion and Reflections on the Event

28:59 The President’s Popularity and Global Perception

30:35 Middle East Peace Negotiations: A New Approach

32:44 Hostage Situations and Humanitarian Concerns

38:02 Reunions and Emotional Responses

39:13 The Silence of Activists and Political Responses

41:27 Internal Conflicts in Gaza

47:17 Political Reactions to Peace Deals

53:37 The Role of Social Media in Political Discourse

56:52 Breaking News and Domestic Issues

57:47 National Guard Deployments and Protests

59:08 Crime and the National Guard’s Role

01:02:24 Political Implications of Crime Management

01:05:05 SNL Skit and Political Satire

01:07:28 DHS and ICE Operations

01:09:31 Media Manipulation and Public Perception

01:12:41 Political Rhetoric and Authoritarianism

01:16:00 Protests and Public Sentiment

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Trump just pulled off what Biden couldn’t in two years—and the media is absolutely melting down about it. We’re breaking down the Israel-Gaza peace deal announcement, why the Nobel Peace Prize suddenly matters again, and how Democrats are literally trying to arrest elected officials for... doing their jobs?

Plus, we’re diving into the National Guard drama in Chicago and Portland (spoiler: federal law still exists, guys), the ACA healthcare disaster that’s about to hit Americans RIGHT before midterms, and oh yeah—California might just hand the House back to Democrats with Prop 50.

And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got the WILDEST interview meltdown you’ve ever seen from California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter. Seriously, you have to see this woman lose it on camera. It’s equal parts horrifying and revealing about how Democrats actually view you.

Buckle up—this one’s a ride.

Episode Highlights

• Trump’s Peace Deal Speedrun – While Obama got a Nobel Prize for “hope,” Trump just brokered peace agreements in seven conflict zones in less than a year, including the Israel-Gaza deal that Biden couldn’t touch in two years.
• The National Guard Showdown – Texas National Guard troops are staged outside Chicago after federal judges played games with deployment orders, and Democrats are screaming “authoritarianism” while literally ignoring federal law.
• Healthcare Sticker Shock Incoming – ACA subsidies are expiring and healthcare costs are about to spike 75% for millions of Americans RIGHT before midterms—and MTG is sounding the alarm while Congress plays chicken.
• California’s House Heist – Prop 50 is polling dangerously close to passing, which would wipe out the five seats Republicans just gained in Texas and potentially hand the House back to Democrats in 2026.
• Katie Porter’s Meltdown – California’s gubernatorial candidate had an absolute breakdown on camera when a reporter dared to ask her actual questions, revealing the entitled, condescending rage that’s been bubbling under the surface all along.

New Schedule

We've completely restructured how we deliver content because you deserve better than the old system. Here's exactly how it works now and what it means for you:

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Why This Schedule Works Better

• For Paid Subscribers: You get the content when you want it, how you want it, without interruptions. While everyone else is reacting to breaking news, you're already three steps ahead in the analysis.
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Our official merchandise store is NOW OPEN! 🛍️ We've launched with our first four items to get things started, including coffee mugs, oversize t-shirt and a tote bag. You can check out everything available right now.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context

02:57 Breaking News: Peace Deal in the Middle East

06:03 Trump’s Diplomatic Efforts and Peace Negotiations

08:56 Domestic Issues: National Guard Deployments

11:58 Federal Law vs. State Law

15:12 Sanctuary Cities and Immigration Policies

17:55 Chicago’s Executive Order and Federal Enforcement

22:40 The Enforcement Dilemma: ICE and Local Law Enforcement

25:31 Confrontations and Community Reactions

30:56 Federal vs. Local Authority: A Legal Tug-of-War

35:43 The Insurrection Act: A Tool for Federal Enforcement?

40:34 Healthcare and Immigration: The ACA Debate

49:23 The Cost of Healthcare: A Double-Edged Sword

50:02 Political Landscape and Midterm Challenges

52:00 Redistricting and Its Implications

53:59 California’s Prop 50 and Its Consequences

56:27 Katie Porter: A Controversial Figure

01:08:43 Political Violence and Rhetoric

01:09:52 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

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Welcome to another episode of Rivera and Reeves where we tackle the biggest news stories with zero filter and maximum memes. This week, Meseidy and Rachel team up with foreign policy extraordinaire Amanda Peterson to break down Trump’s Israel-Gaza peace deal (or is it?), Bibi’s White House visit, and why Hamas keeps hitting snooze on ending their own so-called “genocide.”

Then we pivot to Secretary Hegseth’s epic smackdown of out-of-shape generals, the media’s predictable Hitler comparisons, and why telling military officers to do a pull-up is apparently controversial in 2025.

But wait—the real star of this episode? The Great Sombrero Meme War. Trump posts a spicy AI meme, Hakeem Jeffries throws a struggle session press conference with Maxine Waters nodding in the background, and JD Vance just grins his way through the chaos. We break down why Republicans are winning the meme game and why Democrats are still trying to Brad their way back to relevance with academic think pieces nobody reads.

Spoiler alert: The sombrero wins. It just does.

Episode Highlights

• The Peace Deal That May Not Bring Peace - Trump and Bibi announce a 20-point Gaza plan while Hamas leadership is literally locked in their Qatar hotel rooms deciding whether to stop their own “genocide.”
• Tony Blair: Your New Middle East Peace Czar - Why the former UK Prime Minister is chairing the “Board of Peace” and what Jared Kushner’s investment fund has to do with the whole thing.
• Hegseth’s No-BS Military Makeover - The Defense Secretary tells generals to stop being fat, ditch the pronouns, and maybe do some actual PT—and the media compares it to Hitler.
• Sombrero-Gate Breaks the Internet - Trump posts an AI meme of Hakeem Jeffries in a sombrero, Democrats hold a struggle session press conference, and we explain why this is actually effective political messaging.
• Why the Meme Game Is the New Political Battlefield - From Brat Summer to chubby JD Vance faces, we break down why Republicans are dominating online messaging while Democrats keep writing Atlantic think pieces nobody reads.

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We've completely restructured how we deliver content because you deserve better than the old system. Here's exactly how it works now and what it means for you:

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Why This Schedule Works Better

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• For Free Listeners: You still get the full episode, just with a small delay and some ads. Fair trade for free content.
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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Israel-Palestine Situation

03:05 The Peace Deal Negotiations

09:31 Details of the Proposed Agreement

12:57 Hamas’s Response and Regional Dynamics

16:52 Trust Issues and Future Implications

24:22 Turkey’s Role and International Relations

27:14 Understanding the Dynamics of Israeli Command Structure

29:38 The Geopolitical Landscape: Russia, China, and Military Strategies

33:10 The Shift in Military Warfare: Drones and Modern Defense

41:03 Hegseth’s Speech: A Call for Military Reform

54:34 The Debate on Military Standards and Fitness

55:58 The Subversion of Tradition

56:57 The Military and Gender Norms

57:37 Modernism vs. Postmodernism in Politics

58:28 The Political Meme Game

01:00:25 The Sombrero Meme Controversy

01:05:18 The Role of Humor in Politics

01:11:03 The Evolution of Political Messaging

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Rachel and Meseidy dive into the wildest superintendent scandal you’ve ever heard: a decorated Olympian, multiple doctorates, and... wait for it... a deportation order. How did Iowa’s largest school district manage to hire an illegal immigrant who may or may not have invented half his resume? Spoiler: Nobody did a background check because that would be racist, apparently.

Then we’re heading to “war-ravaged” Portland (Trump’s words, not ours), where the National Guard is deploying to protect ICE facilities from protesters with laser pointers and a lot of feelings. Democrats say it’s fine, everything’s fine, look at these bubbles! Meanwhile, officers are boarding up windows and dodging projectiles. Totally normal stuff.

Plus: Trump brands literally everything (Trump RX, anyone?), veterans and mental health, and why Rachel and Meseidy accidentally showed up with matching nails. Because if you’re going to discuss federal law enforcement, you might as well look cute doing it.

Episode Highlights

• Trump RX Launches Mid-Government Shutdown Drama President Trump announces a direct-to-consumer drug buying website with Pfizer in what may be the most strategically timed announcement ever, considering Democrats are currently screaming about ACA funding.
• The Iowa Superintendent Who Wasn’t Supposed to Exist Ian Andre Roberts—Olympian, multiple doctorate holder, and superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district—gets arrested by ICE after fleeing in his government vehicle, exposing a hiring process that apparently skipped the “is this person here legally?” question.
• Resume Fraud Gets an Olympic Gold Medal Turns out Roberts claimed degrees he didn’t have, may have been born in Ghana OR Brooklyn (depending on which interview you read), and nobody bothered to verify any of it because his resume was just that impressive.
• “War-Ravaged Portland” Gets the National Guard Trump deploys troops to protect ICE facilities in Portland after months of attacks, boarded windows, and laser pointers aimed at helicopters—but sure, everything’s totally fine according to Oregon’s governor doing a TikTok tour.
• Radical Empathy vs. Federal Law Iowa school board chair calls for “radical empathy” for the superintendent who lied about his credentials, fled from ICE, and had an illegal firearm—because apparently following the law is less important than feelings.

New Schedule

We've completely restructured how we deliver content because you deserve better than the old system. Here's exactly how it works now and what it means for you:

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Why This Schedule Works Better

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• For Free Listeners: You still get the full episode, just with a small delay and some ads. Fair trade for free content.
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Our official merchandise store is NOW OPEN! 🛍️ We've launched with our first four items to get things started, including coffee mugs, oversize t-shirt and a tote bag. You can check out everything available right now.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Current Events and Humor

03:33 Trump’s Drug Buying Website Announcement

06:31 Mental Health Crisis Among Veterans

08:57 Illegal Immigration and the Iowa Superintendent Incident

17:35 State Communication Failures and Background Checks

21:57 The Role of Consulting Firms in Hiring Practices

26:25 Media Narratives and Public Perception

31:04 Diversity in Hiring and Accountability

36:21 Protests and Public Response to Law Enforcement

42:13 National Guard Deployment in Portland

42:33 Trump’s National Guard Deployment and Its Implications

46:03 Media Narratives and Public Perception

48:25 Contrasting Perspectives on Portland’s Situation

53:58 The Ongoing Tensions and Safety Concerns

01:00:00 Legal Battles and Political Dynamics

01:01:59 Future Prospects and Broader Implications

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We’re breaking down the “anti-ICE” bullets, the sniper setup, and why Gavin Newsom’s timing with his anti-ICE rhetoric is chef’s kiss perfectly awful. Plus, Rachel and I are DONE with the gaslighting about left-wing violence – especially now that even The Atlantic admits what we’ve been saying all along.

And don’t even get us started on Jimmy Kimmel’s pathetic non-apology while Google literally admits they censored Americans at Biden’s behest. Meanwhile, JD Vance is out here telling people they can “go straight to hell” and we’re absolutely here for it. Oh, and Trump’s new presidential photo display? Controversial doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Your new favorite podcast just delivered another episode of pure, unfiltered truth. You’re welcome.

Episode Highlights

• Dallas ICE Sniper Attack Breakdown - Joshua Jean fired “anti-ICE” inscribed bullets from an apartment rooftop, proving this wasn’t random violence but targeted political terrorism.
• The Atlantic Finally Admits Left-Wing Violence Surge - For the first time in 30+ years, a major left-leaning publication acknowledges that far-left attacks now outnumber far-right ones.
• Google Confesses to Biden Administration Censorship - Internal attorneys admit the company caved to direct pressure from Biden himself, removing over 1 million COVID videos and deplatforming major conservative voices.
• JD Vance’s “Go Straight to Hell” Moment - The Vice President delivered a fiery response to critics questioning his facts about the ICE shooting, and we’re absolutely living for this energy.
• Trump’s Gilded Presidential Photo Trolling - The new White House breezeway display features an auto-pen signing Biden’s signature, and the media meltdown is exactly what you’d expect.

New Schedule

We've completely restructured how we deliver content because you deserve better than the old system. Here's exactly how it works now and what it means for you:

• 4:00 PM (Sometimes Earlier) - Paid subscribers get full episode (audio + video) ad-free on Substack
• 6:00 PM - Free audio with ads goes live for everyone else
• Next Day - Full video episode hits YouTube with our fresh new branding

Why This Schedule Works Better

• For Paid Subscribers: You get the content when you want it, how you want it, without interruptions. While everyone else is reacting to breaking news, you're already three steps ahead in the analysis.
• For Free Listeners: You still get the full episode, just with a small delay and some ads. Fair trade for free content.
• For YouTube Viewers: You get the visual experience and can easily share segments. Plus, every view helps us build toward our goals.

YouTube

Ready to Upgrade?

Paid subscribers get:

• Hours of early access before everyone else
• Dedicated ad-free podcast feed on Substack
• Full video episodes right in your feed
• Monthly Unfiltered Episodes (subscriber favorite - the gloves come off)
• Exclusive video content you won't find anywhere else
• Community access with people who actually think for themselves

Get 30% off for 1 year

The bottom line: While everyone else is waiting for yesterday's news, you'll already be analyzing tomorrow's headlines.

Your subscription helps us stay independent and keep creating the content you love. So why wait? Support the show and subscribe today!

Get R&R Merch!

Our official merchandise store is NOW OPEN! 🛍️ We've launched with our first four items to get things started, including coffee mugs, oversize t-shirt and a tote bag. You can check out everything available right now.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

04:25 Discussion on ICE Field Office Shooting

09:53 Analysis of Media Reporting and Misinformation

15:36 Context of Violence Against ICE Agents

20:51 Political Rhetoric and Its Consequences

28:04 The Complexity of Violence and Martyrdom

28:57 The Impact of Graphic Violence in Media

31:29 Rising Political Violence: A Shift to the Left

33:47 The Atlantic’s Surprising Admission on Political Violence

36:31 Antifa: Designation and Its Implications

40:56 JD Vance’s Strong Response to Violence

47:58 Jimmy Kimmel’s Non-Apology and Media Hypocrisy

52:55 The Humor in Politics

53:50 Critique of Media and Political Figures

54:54 Censorship and Free Speech Concerns

58:00 Government Pressure on Social Media

59:51 The Impact of Censorship on Individuals

01:01:36 Comparing Political Reactions to Censorship

01:03:43 The Role of Media in Political Narratives

01:05:59 The Shift in Political Messaging

01:07:03 The Controversy Surrounding Kamala Harris

01:09:46 Trump’s Political Maneuvering

01:11:41 The Symbolism of Presidential Imagery

01:14:06 A Lighthearted Moment in Politics

01:16:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/rivera-and-reeves/donations

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Starting off with Trump making Macron walk to the UN (and yes, world leaders apparently have each other on speed dial), to the Jimmy Kimmel controversy that's costing Disney half of its affiliates, we're breaking down what's really happening.

But the real meat of this episode? Our deep dive into Charlie Kirk's memorial service that had 200,000 people trying to attend, world leaders sharing the gospel, and the left absolutely losing their minds over what they're calling "Christian nationalism." Spoiler alert: they have no idea what they're talking about, and we're here to set the record straight. Additionally, we'll explain why Erica Kirk's speech about forgiveness went viral and why that terrifies progressives more than anything else.

Episode Highlights

• Marco Rubio Turned Preacher - The Secretary of State delivered one of the clearest gospel presentations at Charlie Kirk's memorial, leaving everyone wondering if he missed his calling as an evangelist.
• Stephen Miller's "Controversial" Speech - The left is calling it Nazi propaganda, but we break down why his message about Western civilization and builders vs. destroyers hit exactly the right note.
• Trump's Honest Moment About Enemies - The President admitted he doesn't like his political opponents and maybe Erica Kirk could convince him otherwise, sending the media into another meltdown over basic human honesty.
• Erica Kirk's Powerful Forgiveness - Charlie's widow forgave her husband's assassin in front of 64,000 people, and progressives are so uncomfortable with real Christianity they're calling it "performance art."
• The Great Christian Nationalism Panic - We expose why the left is terrified of Christians being politically active and why their "theocracy" fears reveal how disconnected they are from actual faith communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

00:57 Work-Life Balance and Productivity

04:02 Home Renovations and Personal Projects

06:43 Current Events and Political Commentary

09:51 Health Concerns and Medication Discussions

14:34 Media and Entertainment Industry Updates

18:55 Media Representation and Predictability

19:44 Violence and Censorship in Media

21:43 Assassination Attempts and Political Violence

23:24 Memorials and Public Gatherings

25:32 Highlights from the Memorial Service

27:17 Political Speeches and Gospel Messages

31:58 The Balance of Faith and Politics

36:18 Stephen Miller's Controversial Speech

44:24 Trump's Presence and Memorial Etiquette

45:13 Analyzing Trump's Speech and Human Moments

47:59 The Role of Humor in Serious Contexts

50:21 Public Reactions to Erica Kirk's Speech

53:57 Understanding Christian Nationalism and Media Narratives

56:45 The Disconnect Between Media and Reality

59:54 The Importance of Faith in Politics

01:04:49 The Revival of Christianity in America

01:07:30 Cultural Perspectives on Christianity

01:13:42 The Need for Representation in Society

New Schedule

We've completely restructured how we deliver content because you deserve better than the old system. Here's exactly how it works now and what it means for you:

• 4:00 PM (Sometimes Earlier) - Paid subscribers get full episode (audio + video) ad-free on Substack
• 6:00 PM - Free audio with ads goes live for everyone else
• Next Day - Full video episode hits YouTube with our fresh new branding

Why This Schedule Works Better

• For Paid Subscribers: You get the content when you want it, how you want it, without interruptions. While everyone else is reacting to breaking news, you're already three steps ahead in the analysis.
• For Free Listeners: You still get the full episode, just with a small delay and some ads. Fair trade for free content.
• For YouTube Viewers: You get the visual experience and can easily share segments. Plus, every view helps us build toward our goals.

YouTube

Ready to Upgrade?

Paid subscribers get:

• Hours of early access before everyone else
• Dedicated ad-free podcast feed on Substack
• Full video episodes right in your feed
• Monthly Unfiltered Episodes (subscriber favorite - the gloves come off)
• Exclusive video content you won't find anywhere else
• Community access with people who actually think for themselves

Get 30% off for 1 year

The bottom line: While everyone else is waiting for yesterday's news, you'll already be analyzing tomorrow's headlines.

Your subscription helps us stay independent and keep creating the content you love. So why wait? Support the show and subscribe today!

Get R&R Merch!

Our official merchandise store is NOW OPEN! 🛍️ We've launched with our first four items to get things started, including coffee mugs, oversize t-shirt and a tote bag. You can check out everything available right now.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/rivera-and-reeves/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week has been absolutely WILD, and we're breaking down all the chaos for you. Jimmy Kimmel's show got the boot from major networks after his tone-deaf comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination, and honestly? It's about time there were consequences. We're diving deep into the text messages between the alleged assassin and his roommate (because these 22-year-olds clearly thought they were criminal masterminds), plus we're calling out Obama for his ridiculous comments about "extremism" - the audacity! Rachel nearly had a coronary over the media's desperate attempts to humanize a literal assassin, and we're not here for any of it. The gaslighting has been STRONG this week, but we're cutting through all the BS to give you the truth. Buckle up, friends - this one's a doozy!

Episode Highlights

• Jimmy Kimmel Gets the Axe - Two major media groups pulled his show indefinitely after his disgusting comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination, and he's refusing to apologize like the stubborn Hollywood elite he is.
• The Assassin's Text Messages - We break down the bizarre text exchange between Tyler Robinson and his roommate that reads like a bad Breaking Bad fanfiction, complete with "my love" and references to his grandfather's rifle.
• Obama's Audacious Comeback - The former president had the nerve to lecture about "extremism" and division while conveniently forgetting his own administration's legacy of racial tension and government overreach.
• Media's Sick Humanization Campaign - CNN panels are literally trying to paint the assassin as a troubled romantic who killed for love, and we're calling out this demonic narrative for what it is.
• JD Vance's Presidential Moment - The VP delivered exactly the kind of passionate, truth-telling response this country needed instead of milk-toast unity platitudes.

New Schedule

We've completely restructured how we deliver content because you deserve better than the old system. Here's exactly how it works now and what it means for you:

• 4:00 PM (Sometimes Earlier) - Paid subscribers get full episode (audio + video) ad-free on Substack
• 6:00 PM - Free audio with ads goes live for everyone else
• Next Day - Full video episode hits YouTube with our fresh new branding

Why This Schedule Works Better

• For Paid Subscribers: You get the content when you want it, how you want it, without interruptions. While everyone else is reacting to breaking news, you're already three steps ahead in the analysis.
• For Free Listeners: You still get the full episode, just with a small delay and some ads. Fair trade for free content.
• For YouTube Viewers: You get the visual experience and can easily share segments. Plus, every view helps us build toward our goals.

YouTube

Ready to Upgrade?

Paid subscribers get:

• Hours of early access before everyone else
• Dedicated ad-free podcast feed on Substack
• Full video episodes right in your feed
• Monthly Unfiltered Episodes (subscriber favorite - the gloves come off)
• Exclusive video content you won't find anywhere else
• Community access with people who actually think for themselves

Get 30% off for 1 year

The bottom line: While everyone else is waiting for yesterday's news, you'll already be analyzing tomorrow's headlines.

Your subscription helps us stay independent and keep creating the content you love. So why wait? Support the show and subscribe today!

Get R&R Merch!

Our official merchandise store is NOW OPEN! 🛍️ We've launched with our first four items to get things started, including coffee mugs, oversize t-shirt and a tote bag. You can check out everything available right now.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context Setting

02:06 The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

03:02 Jimmy Kimmel's Controversial Comments

05:25 Media Reactions and Public Discourse

11:20 The Role of the FCC and Media Regulations

18:45 Consequences of Kimmel's Remarks

26:57 The Broader Implications of Free Speech

28:41 Media Polarization and Misinformation

30:48 Free Speech and Government Regulation

32:51 Cultural Reactions to Violence and Comedy

35:34 The Impact of Political Assassination

39:49 Public Accountability and Cancel Culture

43:36 Disney's Cultural Dilemma

45:50 The Assassination Case of Charlie Kirk

56:10 The Complexity of Exoneration

59:24 Investigating Connections and Motives

01:02:01 Media Narratives and Public Perception

01:05:59 The Role of Ideology in Violence

01:08:53 Political Responses and Accountability

01:11:41 Youth Influence and Cultural Impact

01:14:40 The Need for Justice and Unity

01:18:35 Positive Change and Community Support

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/rivera-and-reeves/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy