Get ready for a deep dive into the whirlwind week that was—tariffs, political theatrics, and economic head-scratchers included. This week on Rivera and Reeves, Meseidy and Rachel unpack “Liberation Day,” how it could impact your wallet, and whether anyone actually understands how these numbers were calculated. They break down the pros, the cons, and the PR spectacle of it all, while also tackling the latest Capitol Hill drama over proxy voting for new parents. It’s sharp analysis, side-eye-worthy commentary, and a whole lot of “wait, what?” energy. Whether you’re here for the economics or the political hot tea, you’re in the right place.

Episode Highlights:

• Tariff Turbulence: Meseidy and Rachel unpack Trump’s surprise “Liberation Day” tariff announcement, breaking down what it means for trade, inflation, and your wallet—with a healthy dose of side-eye for the Kinko’s presentation boards.
• Does the Math Math? The duo investigates how the administration allegedly calculated tariff rates—and why it might have less to do with real trade data and more to do with... vibes and deficits?
• Proxy Voting Showdown: A fiery debate erupts over Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s push for parental proxy voting in the House—and whether motherhood should change the rules of Congress.
• Speaker Johnson’s Power Play: Inside the behind-the-scenes maneuvering as Johnson tries to block the proxy vote petition with some classic DC rulebook judo.
• Let It Cook: The hosts remind listeners to take a beat—because while the headlines scream economic apocalypse, this might just be Trump playing the long game.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:56 Band of Brothers and Emotional Reactions

02:08 Discussion on Tariffs and Economic Theory

03:44 Trump's Liberation Day Announcement

05:44 Global Reactions and Implications

11:32 Debate on Tariff Calculations

18:58 Potential Impact on Prices and Industries

25:15 Criticism and Support for Tariff Strategy

42:01 House Politics and Discharge Petition

45:52 Proxy Voting Debate Begins

47:15 House Freedom Caucus Opposition

48:03 Speaker Johnson's Maneuvering

49:02 Arguments for Proxy Voting

51:32 Constitutional Debate

53:19 Impact on Congressional Operations

56:07 Personal Opinions on Proxy Voting

01:12:59 Listener Questions and Reviews

01:13:43 Music Preferences and Personal Anecdotes

01:23:44 Closing Remarks

Connect

Meseidy - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

Rachel - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

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

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In this episode of Rivera and Reeves, Meseidy and Rachel welcome Amanda Peterson from “Amanda Talks Geopolitics” to discuss global geopolitics with a focus on U.S. foreign policy. Highlights include an exploration of the U.S. strategy to counter China—including geopolitical dynamics involving Russia and Ukraine—the curious case of the Panama Canal, and the implications of potential land-grab policies by Trump. The trio dives into the impact of U.S. relations with Taiwan, the role of rare earth minerals in geopolitics, and potential solutions for the Gaza crisis.

Amanda also sheds light on the broader strategy of shifting global alliances and the challenges ahead.

Connect with Amanda!

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandatalksgeopolitics
• X: https://x.com/amandatalks__
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandatalksgeopolitics
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@amandatalksgeopolitics

Episode Highlights:

• China at the Center: Amanda explains how nearly every major foreign policy move—from the Panama Canal to Ukraine—ultimately ties back to countering China.
• Greenland, Gaza, and Expansion Fever: Is Trump going full Monopoly mode on the world map? And would you buy a condo in Gaza if it had beach views?
• Russia and Ukraine, Realism vs. Premises: A sharp breakdown of Trump’s “realist” approach versus traditional neocon strategies—and why the minerals in Ukraine matter more than you think.
• The Syria Situation: Who is Ahmed al-Shara, and is he really a moderate? Amanda untangles the complicated rebel politics in Syria post-Assad.
• The Curious Case of Canada: Could our northern neighbor really become the 51st state? Or are they just being bad friends again?

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Political Banter

00:20 Welcome to Rivera Reeves Podcast

00:56 Introducing Amanda Peterson

02:48 Geopolitics Discussion: Trump's Foreign Policy

05:22 Ukraine and Russia Conflict Analysis

18:33 Syria's Political Landscape

30:09 Gaza and Middle East Dynamics

38:15 Clarifying BlackRock and Blackwater Confusion

38:38 Private Military Companies and African Recognition

39:02 Gulf States Funding and Trump's Gaza Plans

39:53 Moral Superiority and Progressive Views on Gaza

40:46 Abraham Accords and Expanding Alliances

42:03 Canada as the 51st State and Tariff Wars

43:02 China's Influence and Fentanyl Crisis

49:31 Trump's Foreign Policy and Military Strategy

53:09 Concerns Over China and Taiwan

01:01:50 Immigration Policy and Campus Agitators

01:08:09 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect

Meseidy - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

Rachel - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

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

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In this deep dive on the "Signal Gate" national security controversy, we examine the new developments since Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic was accidentally added to a White House Signal chat about Yemen strikes. We break down what was actually in the leaked messages that Goldberg called "war plans," analyze Pete Hegseth's response, and discuss the Congressional testimony from intelligence leaders. Why is everyone from the Trump administration to The Atlantic handling this situation poorly? We explore our theories on how this security breach happened in the first place.

Plus, we answer a listener question about meeting our husbands that reveals just how different our approaches to romance truly are!

Episode Highlights

• The Real "War Plans" - We analyze the actual contents of the Signal thread published by The Atlantic and whether it contained sensitive "war plans" as initially claimed
• Capitol Hill Testimony - We discuss Marco Rubio and Tulsi Gabbard's testimony that the information wasn't classified, despite the administration's mistake
• How Did This Happen? - We explore our theory on how Jeffrey Goldberg accidentally got added to the chat (hint: inherited contact lists may be to blame)
• PR Nightmare - We debate whether anyone in this saga—from Goldberg to the administration—has handled the PR fallout well
• Love Stories - We share our vastly different love stories and proposal tales, revealing who forgets anniversaries and who's the romantic one

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Signal Gate: The Infamous Signal Chat

02:08 Upcoming Guest: Amanda Talks Geopolitics

03:35 TikTok Trends and Algorithm Insights

06:37 White House Breach: The Adorable Incident

07:36 Signal Gate: New Developments and Reactions

13:05 Jeffrey Goldberg's Media Circuit 1

8:15 War Plans or Attack Plans?

39:53 Signal App and Government Communications

44:19 Addressing Recent Mistakes in the Administration

44:40 Comparing Mistakes of Past Administrations

45:20 The Afghanistan Debacle

47:06 Critique of Democratic Leadership

47:41 The Radcliffe CIA Agent Controversy

48:29 Signal App and Security Breach Theories

54:42 Brit Hume's Take on Handling Scandals

01:04:43 Listener Questions: How We Met Our Husbands

01:18:48 Podcast Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Connect

Meseidy - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

Rachel - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

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

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In this episode, Meseidy and Rachel break down the shocking Atlantic report revealing Trump administration officials accidentally added editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a sensitive Signal chat discussing Houthi strike operations. The hosts dissect the security implications of conducting national security business via messaging apps with emojis rather than in secure facilities, question how this breach occurred, and analyze the administration's contradictory responses. They close with their "Earmark" segment, covering other developing stories across politics, technology, and education.

Episode Highlights:

• White House Signal Scandal: The hosts unpack how Jeffrey Goldberg was mysteriously added to a high-level chat, including war plans and emoji reactions to military operations.
• Security Questions: Rachel repeatedly asks the burning question - why would National Security Advisor Mike Waltz have The Atlantic editor's contact information?
• Administration Response: Trump claimed ignorance despite his own National Security Council confirming the chat's authenticity.
• Media Handling: Despite their dislike for Goldberg, the hosts acknowledge his restraint in reporting by waiting until operations were complete.
• Earmark Updates: Coverage of U.S. delegations in Greenland, Elon Musk's SBA loan claims, Illinois homeschooling restrictions, Tesla dealership attacks, and upcoming tariff plans.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:30 Pre-Game Discussion: Technology Misuse

02:07 Breaking News: The Atlantic Article

06:04 Signal Chat Controversy

11:03 Debating the Houthis Strike

14:06 Journalistic Integrity and Reactions

31:29 Security Concerns and Legal Implications

35:42 Security Violations and Skiffs

37:13 Comparing Hillary's Emails and Current Issues

38:24 Modern Communication Challenges in Government

40:29 Potential Political Fallout and Conspiracy Theories

49:00 Media Narratives and Administration Dynamics

01:03:41 Homeschooling Laws and Other News

01:12:13 Concluding Thoughts and Community Engagement

Connect

Meseidy - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

Rachel - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

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

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

In this jam-packed episode of Rivera and Reeves, we dive headfirst into the wild world of domestic terrorism—specifically, the bizarre wave of attacks on Tesla dealerships and owners. Is this a coordinated effort? Are far-left activists treating Elon Musk like their personal dartboard? We also tackle the latest flurry of injunctions from activist judges hell-bent on slowing down the Trump administration. Plus, a government agency dedicated to “peace” somehow found itself in a full-blown mutiny (spoiler alert: barricades were involved). And because we like to end things on a high note, we answer a listener-submitted question: If you could have dinner with three historical figures, dead or alive, who would they be? Tune in for the facts, the laughs, and the occasional coffee-spitting moment.

Episode Highlights

• Tesla Under Attack – Why are activists targeting Tesla dealerships, setting cars on fire, and vandalizing charging stations? Is this a coordinated effort?
• Judicial Activism on Overdrive – With 15 injunctions in a single month, are activist judges using the courts to stall Trump’s agenda?
• The "Peace" Institute Mutiny – A government agency literally barricaded itself inside its own building to resist new leadership. You can’t make this up.
• Tim Walz vs. Elon Musk – A sitting governor openly celebrates Tesla’s stock decline while his state’s retirement fund is heavily invested in the company. Smart move?
• Dinner With the Greats – If you could invite three historical figures, dead or alive, to dinner, who would make the guest list? We give our picks and debate the best table talk.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:34 Today's Hot Topics: Domestic Terrorism and Tesla

03:39 Tesla Under Attack: Vandalism and Violence

11:43 Political Reactions and Media Coverage

19:42 Economic Boycotts and Government Waste

38:46 Debate on Political Violence and Accountability

41:11 Tesla Dealerships and January 6th Comparisons

42:47 Pam Bondi's Statement on Tesla Attacks

44:08 DOJ's Investigation and Coordination

46:09 Judicial Activism and Injunctions

48:14 Trump's Legal Battles and Judicial Responses

01:09:10 Dinner Guests: A Fun Thought Experiment

01:18:13 Listener Questions and Podcast Wrap-Up

Connect

Meseidy - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

Rachel - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]om

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

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Busy weekend! This week, we break down Biden’s autopen scandal—who’s really signing these documents? Trump’s airstrikes on the Houthis (while still in golf gear) spark international debate, and the Democratic Party is eating itself alive as Chuck Schumer faces an all-out rebellion. Plus, did the Trump administration really defy a judge’s order on deporting Venezuelan gang members? Buckle up, because the media won’t tell you the full story, but we will.

Episode Highlights

• Biden’s Autopen Controversy – Is the president actually signing official documents, or is someone else running the show? Trump’s viral post brings the issue to light, and now the media is scrambling.
• Trump’s Golf Course Airstrikes – While in full golf attire, Trump orders major airstrikes on the Houthis in response to attacks on Red Sea shipping. But the real headline? His warning that Iran will be held directly responsible for future aggression.
• Deportation Drama – A judge tries to stop Trump’s mass deportation of Venezuelan gang members, but were the planes already in the air? The administration says no laws were broken, while the left is desperate to frame this as a constitutional crisis.
• Schumer’s Worst Week Ever – Democrats turn on their own Senate leader, slamming him for allowing a Republican-backed funding bill to pass. His book tour gets canceled, AOC hints at a primary challenge, and The View is ready to grill him.
• The Left’s Summer of Rage? – With riots, swattings, and rising political tensions, is 2024 about to see a repeat of 2020’s chaos? Plus, Trump’s new warning to protestors: this time, he won’t be passive.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome

02:13 Trump's Weekend Bombshells and Media Reactions

03:30 Deportation Saga: Venezuelan Gang Members

04:39 Legal Battles: Alien Enemies Act and Deportations

06:59 Judicial Interference: Judge Bosberg's TRO

24:45 Media Narratives and Administration's Response

32:44 Follow Us for Breaking News

33:04 Trump's Autopen Controversy

35:39 The History and Use of the Autopen

37:13 Biden's Cognitive Concerns and Autopen Usage

45:56 Schumer's Political Dilemma

56:20 Earmarks and Quick Updates

01:02:29 Conclusion and Farewell

Connect

Meseidy - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

Rachel - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]om

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

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Trump’s first 50 days—let’s talk about it. From executive orders flying faster than a Tesla on the South Lawn to the media’s collective meltdown over government workers having to… work, we’re breaking it all down. Is the economy stabilizing or are we all doomed? What’s the deal with the Alien Enemies Act? And will Pam Bondi ever release the Epstein files, or was that just a fever dream? Plus, we debate the real MVP of the administration—Team Vance or Team Rubio? Join us for a chaotic and completely unfiltered rundown of the first 50 days.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Initial Banter

00:23 Welcome to Unfiltered

01:13 Chaotic Week Recap

01:34 First 50 Days of Trump's Presidency

05:03 Executive Orders and Their Impact

09:39 Media Reactions and Public Perception

12:25 Border Control and Immigration Policies

16:54 Alien Enemies Act Discussion

21:08 Tariffs and Trade Policies

26:23 Media Struggles and Public Confusion

33:54 Elon Musk and Political Dynamics

39:41 Summer Protests and Tesla Vandalism

40:05 Political Protests and Public Reactions

44:16 The Epstein Files Controversy

55:13 Trump's Economic Policies and Challenges

01:00:45 Reflections on Political Leadership

01:07:50 Unfiltered Opinions and Personal Anecdotes

01:12:30 Fashion Critiques and Final Thoughts

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

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Hold onto your pantalones, folks! This episode is a wild ride. We kick things off with the latest drama surrounding the Department of Education, the massive layoffs, and whether or not its days are numbered. Rachel, our in-house homeschooling expert, lays down the case for why she wouldn’t shed a tear if the DOE disappeared, while Meseidy plays devil’s advocate (and occasional wrestling commentator).

Then, we dive into the controversial case of Mahmoud Khalil—the former Columbia protest leader facing deportation—and break down the legal, political, and popcorn-worthy reactions. Plus, tariffs, the economy, and the ever-important topic of whether Cheez-Its and Sour Patch Kids should be considered a food group. Don’t miss it.

Episode Highlights:

• Department of Education Shakeup – Why nearly half the DOE staff just got pink slips and what this means for American education.
• Deportation Drama – Breaking down the case of Mahmoud Khalil, his ties to radical activism, and why the Biden administration is treating this like the biggest free speech case of our time.
• Tariff Wars & Trade Tensions – Is this just another round of political poker, or is there something deeper going on with Canada and U.S. trade?
• Inflation & Economic Wins – Egg prices are down, inflation is dipping, and regulations are getting slashed—so why is everyone still stressed out?
• Guilty Pleasures & Mafia Fascination – From Sour Patch-fueled reality TV binges to Rachel’s deep (possibly concerning) knowledge of organized crime, we end things on a much lighter note.

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Connect

Meseidy - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

Rachel - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]om

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In this jam-packed episode of Rivera and Reeves, Rachel and Meseidy dive deep into the religious persecution in Syria that mainstream media is reluctant to fully report, unpacks the alleged "drama" within Trump's cabinet (spoiler: it might just be normal business discussions!), and examines the suspicious mass resignations at ActBlue. They also tackle the ongoing anti-Semitic protests at Columbia University and the detention of protest organizer Mahmood Khalil.

Finally, they wrap up with their rapid-fire "Earmarks" segment covering everything from USAID cuts to the CBP Home app and government funding battles. Join them as they wade through the media spin!

Episode Highlights

• Syria Crisis Breakdown - Rachel and Meseidy provide a crucial explanation of the complex situation in Syria, including the persecution of religious minorities by the HTS terrorist group that has taken control following Assad's fall.
• Trump Cabinet Meeting Analysis - The hosts cut through media spin about "tension" between Elon Musk and Marco Rubio, explaining how normal business discussions are being weaponized to create narratives about administration fractures.
• ActBlue Investigation - A deep dive into the suspicious mass resignation of seven long-term executives from ActBlue and questionable small-dollar donation patterns that raise serious concerns about Democrat fundraising.
• Columbia University Protests - Detailed breakdown of the anti-Semitic protests at Columbia/Barnard and the legal justification behind DHS's detention of protest organizer Mahmood Khalid.
• CBP Home App Rollout - Exclusive insight into the Trump administration's clever repurposing of the CBP One app to "CBP Home" for facilitating self-deportation with added incentives for compliance.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:26 Today's Topics: Syria, Trump's Cabinet, and Columbia University

02:55 Deep Dive: The Syrian Conflict

15:59 White House Drama: Cabinet Tensions

29:16 ActBlue Controversy: Fundraising Issues

39:33 Gavin Newsom's Political Maneuvering

41:23 Protests at Columbia University

45:37 Trump's Executive Order on Anti-Semitism

49:13 Debate on Free Speech and Detainment

01:02:08 Earmark Segment: Quick News Highlights

01:02:45 Cyber Attack on X and Rumble

01:04:23 USAID Program Cuts

01:06:00 CBP One App Revamp

01:10:46 Government Funding and Continuing Resolution

01:14:47 Biden's Autopen Controversy

01:18:09 Conclusion and Community Engagement

Connect

Meseidy - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

Rachel - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]om

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

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In this episode of Rivera and Reeves, Meseidy and Rachel dive into the highs and lows of the longest joint address to Congress in history. From the hilarious realities of getting camera-ready for live streams ("Jeans before 7 a.m.? A choice!") to an in-depth breakdown of the speech, they pull no punches.

Rachel shares behind-the-scenes insights from her breakfast with Speaker Mike Johnson, including his sleep-deprived charm and Musk’s late-night meeting schedule.

The duo tackles everything from political theater, like the Democrats' pink suit protest, to the touching moment with DJ Daniel, the honorary Secret Service agent, and dissects the media’s wild reactions. Of course, it wouldn’t be Rivera and Reeves without a random tangent—this time about childhood misconceptions and sharks in swimming pools. Tune in for a sharp analysis, a few laughs, and a reminder that "the media is trash, and we have no tolerance for it!"

Episode Highlights:

• Jeans vs. Leggings Debate: Meseidy and Rachel hilariously debated the merits of "hard pants" (jeans) versus "soft pants" (leggings), with Meseidy revealing her aversion to leggings being "too close to her skin."
• Congressional Chaos: The duo dissected the spectacle of the State of the Union (or Joint Address) with sharp commentary on Democratic disarray, paddle-waving, pink suits, and Al Green's outburst about Medicare cuts.
• DJ Daniel's Big Moment: The story of young cancer survivor DJ Daniel being named an honorary Secret Service agent by Trump had both hosts cheering—while the Democrats sat stone-faced.
• Rachel's Breakfast with Speaker Johnson: Rachel shared her surreal experience having breakfast with House Speaker Mike Johnson, offering behind-the-scenes insights and how the administration values independent voices.
• Sharks in the Pool and Childhood Beliefs: To wrap things up, Rachel and Meseidy shared their funniest childhood misconceptions—including Rachel’s fear of pool sharks and Meseidy’s literal interpretation of “good genes.”

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Rivera and Reeves Podcast

02:52 Discussion on Joint Address to Congress

07:07 Democrats' Response and Speculations

16:52 Al Green's Outburst and Decorum Issues

25:52 Trump's Speech Highlights and Reactions

43:05 Border Policies and Administration Achievements

47:05 Ukraine Peace Talks and Speculations

48:49 Golden Dome Missile Defense and Shipbuilding Initiatives

49:20 Reclaiming the Panama Canal

51:53 Greenland and National Security

54:20 Tariffs and Economic Strategies

57:35 Media Reactions and Political Commentary

01:08:44 Breakfast with the Speaker of the House

01:23:47 Childhood Beliefs and Imagination

01:29:05 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Connect

Meseidy - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]

Rachel - Instagram | X | Email - [email protected]om

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

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

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