Welcome to Rivera and Reeves, where we break through the bias and tackle the biggest stories with zero patience for media nonsense! In this episode, Meseidy welcomes back geopolitics commentator Amanda Peterson to dive into Trump's first 100 days on the global stage. From the "not-so-chaotic" beginning of Trump 2.0 to the Department of Defense shake-ups, they analyze how Trump's approach to Russia, Ukraine, China, and Iran is reshaping America's role in the world. Is Trump's "peace through strength" strategy working, or is it just salesman talk?

Plus, get the inside scoop on what those rare earth mineral deals with Ukraine really mean for America's future. Pull up a chair and join this unfiltered conversation on what's actually happening with U.S. foreign policy.

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

• Trump's Foreign Policy Approach Trump's foreign policy makes more sense when you understand his focus on the China threat and his "new school" approach that's forcing allies to take more responsibility for their own defense.
• Ukraine-Russia Progress Despite Putin's aggressive moves before negotiations, the recent rare earth mineral deal between the U.S. and Ukraine could be a significant step toward ending the conflict while giving America strategic access to critical resources.
• Foreign Policy Reality Check Trump's rhetoric about "ending wars on day one" might be hyperbolic, but the podcast hosts argue the world understands Trump should be "taken seriously, not literally" while Democrats do the opposite.
• China Competition Strategy The administration is working to counter China's influence through potential trade deals with countries like India and Japan, moving manufacturing away from China, and securing critical minerals needed for semiconductor production.
• Population Crisis Impact Russia, Ukraine, China, and Western countries all face declining birth rates, creating a long-term challenge for national security and economic stability that's reshaping how countries approach foreign policy and defense spending.

Listen Ad Free

Love what you’re hearing and want even more? Join us as a paid supporter on Substack! As a subscriber, you’ll unlock ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our archives, and exclusive subscriber-only perks like bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and our in-the-moment reaction videos. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our mission to cut through the media spin and deliver sharp, honest analysis every week.

Subscribe now

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 Podcast Overview

00:41 Guest Introduction and Episode Focus

01:13 Trump's Foreign Policy in the First 100 Days

01:55 Department of Defense and Foreign Policy Challenges

02:35 Merch Announcement and Inside Jokes

03:16 Trump's Bold Promises and Realities

05:08 Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Rare Earth Mineral Deal

10:09 China's Influence and Global Dynamics

13:24 US Foreign Policy and Global Partnerships

23:13 Population Decline and Economic Strategies

27:05 India-China Relations and Trade Deals

30:37 Tensions Between CCP and PLA

31:20 China's Propaganda and AI-Generated Videos

31:51 Concerns Over China's Trade Deals and Defense Spending

32:24 American Culture's Global Influence

33:20 Department of Defense Drama and Firings

38:05 Internal Conflicts and Leadership Issues

40:04 Speculations on Iran and Middle East Policies

56:23 Trump Administration's Foreign Policy Challenges

01:00:11 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

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

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

Welcome to Rivera and Reeves, where we're breaking down Trump's first 100 days without the media spin! Meseidy and Rachel dive into the breakneck pace of the new administration - from the immigration crackdown that has border crossings down 99% to the economy's wild ride with "Liberation Day" tariffs. We're tackling the Doge restructuring chaos, analyzing how Democrats are losing their minds with their "dictator" narrative, and questioning why Trump keeps sitting down with media outlets that hate him.

Pull up a chair and join us as we wade through the spin, because the media is trash and we have zero patience for their nonsense!

Episode Highlights:

• Border Enforcement Success - Tom Holman delivered a fire press conference highlighting the 99% decline in illegal border crossings while the media desperately tries to spin deportations as heartless.

• Economy's Mixed Signals - Despite $3 trillion in new investments and commitments from major companies, the "Liberation Day" tariff rollout was sloppy and is causing pain for small businesses dependent on imports.

• Government Restructuring Drama - Doge uncovered millions in wasted government subscriptions and identified serious problems with outdated systems, but Elon's eccentric style created optics issues.

• Media Manipulation Games - CNN blurred the faces of criminal deportees shown on White House lawn signs while pushing misleading headlines about deported "2-year-old Americans."

• Democrats Going Full Apocalyptic - Governor Pritzker called for "mass protests," saying "Republicans cannot know a moment of peace," while others are making Civil War comparisons, signaling their desperate messaging strategy.

Listen for Free

Love what you’re hearing and want even more? Join us as a paid supporter on Substack! As a subscriber, you’ll unlock ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our archives, and exclusive subscriber-only perks like bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and our in-the-moment reaction videos. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our mission to cut through the media spin and deliver sharp, honest analysis every week.

Subscribe now

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 Democrats' Embarrassing Moment

00:18 Introduction to Rivera and Reeves

01:00 Trump's First 100 Days: Overview

03:47 Executive Orders and Fast-Paced Changes

05:27 Media Reactions and Public Perception

11:05 Immigration Policies and Enforcement

31:39 Economic Policies and Challenges

40:13 Government Restructuring and Doge

42:55 Optics and Messaging Challenges

45:10 Government Waste and Reforms

47:30 Democratic Protests and Media Reactions

52:37 Religious Freedom and DEI Criticisms

01:04:55 Trump's Media Strategy

01:12:31 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Connect

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

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

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

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

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

In this no-holds-barred episode, Rachel and Meseidy (who's admittedly on muscle relaxers after tweaking her back) dive into the constitutional controversies rocking education from elementary schools to Ivy League universities. With their signature blend of sharp analysis and unfiltered commentary, they dissect how the mainstream media has completely misrepresented Mahmud versus Taylor as a "book banning case" when it's actually about religious parents seeking opt-out options for elementary curriculum.

They also tackle Harvard's legal battle with the Trump administration over federal funding and antisemitism concerns, delivering the blunt truth about what happens when universities take government money but refuse to comply with oversight.

Episode Highlights

• Media Spin vs. Reality - The hosts expose how the media falsely portrays Mahmud v. Taylor as a "book banning" case when it's actually about diverse religious parents seeking curriculum opt-out options for their young children.
• Supreme Court Showdown - During oral arguments, even Justice Kavanaugh questioned why Montgomery County stands alone in removing opt-out provisions when parents objected to LGBTQ-themed books for children ages 3-10.
• Money Talks at Harvard - The administration froze $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard after the university rejected demands for antisemitism reports and viewpoint diversity audits despite their massive $53 billion endowment.
• Constitutional Balance - Rachel and Meseidy debate the fine line between legitimate government oversight of universities receiving federal funds versus academic freedom and independence.
• Subscriber Perks Announcement - The hosts reveal their new merchandise line with mugs, tote bags and t-shirts, available through links in their Substack for listeners to represent their "new favorite podcast."

Listen for Free

Love what you’re hearing and want even more? Join us as a paid supporter on Substack! As a subscriber, you’ll unlock ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our archives, and exclusive subscriber-only perks like bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and our in-the-moment reaction videos. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our mission to cut through the media spin and deliver sharp, honest analysis every week.

Subscribe now

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 Podcast Overview

00:51 Hosts' Banter and Personal Stories

02:07 Merch Announcement

03:22 Main Topic Introduction: Constitutionality and Education

04:40 Supreme Court Case: Mahmud vs. Taylor

06:46 Parental Rights and Opt-Out Debate

14:28 Media Spin and Public Perception

18:35 Legal Arguments and Courtroom Drama

31:40 Broader Implications and Final Thoughts

35:05 Discussing Sex Education in Schools

36:06 Parental Rights and Religious Liberties

38:44 Harvard's Massive Endowment and Federal Funding

41:32 Government Oversight and University Autonomy

43:01 Addressing Antisemitism and Bias in Universities

46:01 The Debate on Federal Funding for Universities

53:39 Listener Questions and Conspiracy Theories

58:04 Bucket List Items and Fun Questions

01:02:22 Wrapping Up and Merch Announcements

Connect

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

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

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

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

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

Meseidy and Rachel dive into the constitutional drama unfolding around deportations, international diplomacy served with a side of cocktails, and the internal chaos of Democratic party politics. With their signature blend of sharp analysis and unfiltered commentary, the hosts break down how the Supreme Court's midnight ruling temporarily blocking deportations has created tensions between branches of government, while a controversial "Margarita Summit" in El Salvador raises questions about political theatrics and media narratives. The episode delivers a refreshing take on current events with the hosts' characteristic wit and zero patience for political spin.

Episode Highlights

• Supreme Court Drama - The court issued an unprecedented midnight order temporarily blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, with Justices Alito and Thomas as the only dissenters.
• Margarita Summit Theater - Senator Van Hollen's meeting with deported Ilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador became a diplomatic spectacle, complete with contested cocktails and competing photo narratives.
• Constitutional Questions - The hosts explore concerns about judicial enforcement powers and whether the Supreme Court's unusual intervention signals deeper institutional anxieties.
• Democratic Party Tensions - David Hogg's announcement of plans to primary "ineffective" Democrats reveals generational conflicts and strategic confusion within the party.
• White House Easter - The Trump administration's Easter Egg Roll brought a return to tradition with corporate sponsors and a notably different atmosphere from previous years.

Listen for Free

Love what you’re hearing and want even more? Join us as a paid supporter on Substack! As a subscriber, you’ll unlock ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our archives, and exclusive subscriber-only perks like bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and our in-the-moment reaction videos. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our mission to cut through the media spin and deliver sharp, honest analysis every week.

Subscribe now

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

Chapters

00:00 Diversity Voting Backfires

00:34 Welcome to Rivera and Reeves 01:35 Post-Holiday Reset

03:22 SCOTUS Blocks Deportations

04:05 David Hogg Controversy

05:16 Margarita Summit in El Salvador

05:31 SCOTUS Midnight Ruling

21:23 Van Hollen's El Salvador Visit

41:01 Tone Deaf Politics and American Sentiment

42:00 Delegation to El Salvador: A Controversial Trip

45:09 Maxine Dexter's Mission in El Salvador

48:48 David Hogg and the DNC: A Generational Clash

01:00:25 Christie Noem's Purse Theft and Other Earmarks

01:01:56 Pope Francis' Passing and Easter Events

01:06:31 Anti-Trump Protests and Klaus Schwab's Resignation

01:10:34 Pete Hegseth's Alleged Info Leak 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

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

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

In this week's episode, we dive headfirst into the controversial deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia that has dominated headlines and divided political camps. Join us as we untangle the complicated web of immigration law, media narratives, and emerging evidence in our signature no-nonsense style!

We break down how this Maryland father went from being portrayed as an innocent victim to having serious questions raised about potential MS-13 ties, domestic violence incidents, and human trafficking involvement. As legal experts release documents and court records, we analyze how both sides are spinning this story to fit their political agendas—and why the Trump administration might have actually made their lives harder by not following standard deportation procedures.

Episode Highlights:

• Legal Labyrinth - We explore the withholding of removal status that makes Garcia's case legally thorny, despite his unauthorized entry in 2012
• Media Manipulation - We call out how news outlets crafted a sympathetic portrait while conveniently omitting key details about Garcia's past
• Political Posturing - We question why a Maryland senator rushed to El Salvador while seemingly ignoring victims of illegal immigrant crime in his own state
• Domestic Violence Documents - We examine the 2022 protection order filed by Garcia's wife that contradicts her current public statements
• Double Standard Dilemma - We compare the media attention on Garcia versus the minimal coverage of Rachel Morin, murdered by an MS-13 member in the same state

Listen Ad Free

Love what you’re hearing and want even more? Join us as a paid supporter on Substack! As a subscriber, you’ll unlock ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our archives, and exclusive subscriber-only perks like bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and our in-the-moment reaction videos. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our mission to cut through the media spin and deliver sharp, honest analysis every week.

Subscribe now

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Apology for Missed Episode

01:00 Discussion on Ilmar Rego Garcia's Deportation

03:22 Media Narratives and Legal Complexities

05:56 Details of Garcia's Arrest and Legal Proceedings

12:47 Supreme Court Ruling and Political Implications

17:56 Media Bias and Public Perception

24:35 New Revelations and Domestic Abuse Allegations

35:41 Human Trafficking Accusations and FBI Involvement

45:36 Deportation and Due Process

46:51 Media Manipulation and Emotional Responses

47:29 White House Press Briefing and Illegal Immigration

48:17 Rachel Morin's Mother's Testimony

50:38 Guilt by Association and Trafficking

56:36 Political Optics and Media Response

01:02:04 Earmarks and Legal Actions

01:08:35 Personal Reflections and Member Questions

01:16:48 Conclusion 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

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

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

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to travel (and a forgotten microphone adapter), we're releasing this UnFiltered Episode on our public feed for EVERYONE today! Listen ad-free on the Substack App for the full experience.

Paying supporters - we'd love to hear what you enjoy most about UnFiltered episodes in the comments!

Enjoyed this episode? Use our limited-time "Oops Discount" for 30% off annual subscriptions and unlock:

Get 30% Off for 1 Year

• Ad-free Tuesday/Thursday episodes
• Supporter-exclusive chats
• Monthly UnFiltered episodes
• COMING SOON! Monthly Friday Night LIVE with Chat

Thank you to all our paying supporters who make this show possible. We'll be back Thursday with our regular episode!

On This UnFiltered

Welcome to another episode of Unfiltered with Meseidy and Rachel! In this unedited conversation, we dive into a shocking study that found over half of leftists think violence against political figures could be justified (like, what?!). We get into why this kind of thinking has become normalized, the whole assassination culture that's developing, and how the media's constant "Trump is Hitler" messaging might be contributing to this insanity. We also chat about everything from Puerto Rico's potential statehood to Rachel's zoo trip to see pandas and that guy at Waffle House who brings his chihuahua to share pancakes (while open carrying, because America).

This is straight-up truth from your favorite news skeptics - no spin, no fluff, just real talk about the stuff that matters.

Episode Highlights:

• Alarming Survey Results - Meseidy and Rachel discuss a Rutgers University study showing 55% of left-leaning respondents find violence against political figures potentially justifiable.
• Cultural Implications - The hosts explore how media messaging, political rhetoric, and the devaluation of human life may contribute to increased acceptance of political violence.
• Observing Political Asymmetry - The conversation examines why the hosts perceive a difference in how political violence manifests between the left and right sides of the political spectrum.
• Book Recommendations - Rachel recommends "Hannah Coulter" by Wendell Berry and "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, while Mercedes shares her connection to "When I Was Puerto Rican."
• Waffle House Encounters - The hosts share a humorous story about a regular Waffle House customer who arrives with a cowboy hat, an open-carry firearm, and a tiny chihuahua that he feeds bits of pancake while dining.

Chapters

00:00 Chihuahua Breakfast at Waffle House

00:29 Welcome to Unfiltered: Raw and Real

01:07 Morning Chit-Chat: Pandas and Gardening

02:39 Unfiltered Format and Today's Topic

04:14 Survey Findings: Justifying Violence

20:42 Dehumanization and Political Extremes

35:38 Fringe Voices and Political Violence

36:30 Anticipating Protests and Social Unrest

37:21 Hypocrisy in Political Rhetoric

41:11 Social Media and Confirmation Bias

50:17 Cultural Observations and Gun Ownership

01:00:33 Puerto Rico's Political Status Debate

01:05:25 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

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, Mercedes and Rachel dive into the ongoing tariff drama with all its unexpected twists and turns.

First up, we break down the wild world of "Liberation Day" tariffs - how a plan to slap China with massive fees spiraled into market chaos, public Twitter fights between administration officials (including the legendary "Peter Retardo" incident), and ultimately a surprising 90-day pause. Watch as cabinet heavyweights Peter Navarro, Howard Lutnick, Scott Bessett, and Elon Musk duke it out in public while Treasury markets teeter.

Then, we address the elephant in the room: Kristi Noem's questionable aesthetic choices as Homeland Security Secretary.

Finally, we answer a subscriber question.

Hit that follow button so you don't miss next week's episode, and consider becoming a paid subscriber for bonus content, ad-free episodes, and our exclusive community chat. Remember, the media is trash, and we have zero patience for their nonsense!

Episode Highlights:

• Liberation Day Drama - The administration announced sweeping tariffs that created market chaos before pivoting to a strategic 90-day pause.
• Twitter War - Elon Musk and Peter Navarro engaged in a public spat, trading insults like "dumber than a bag of bricks" and "Peter Retardo."
• Boys Will Be Boys - Press Secretary dismissed cabinet officials' public feuding as transparency, saying "you should be grateful for the most transparent administration."
• Treasury Rescue - Scott Bessett quietly met with the president at Mar-a-Lago, shifting strategy toward "bespoke tailored" trade negotiations.
• Homeland Security Barbie - Kristi Noem's performative approach with staged photo ops and full glam raises questions about professionalism in government.

Listen Ad Free

Love what you’re hearing and want even more? Join us as a paid supporter on Substack! As a subscriber, you’ll unlock ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our archives, and exclusive subscriber-only perks like bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and our in-the-moment reaction videos. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our mission to cut through the media spin and deliver sharp, honest analysis every week.

Subscribe now

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:48 Tariff Drama Recap

03:56 Liberation Day and Tariff Announcements

06:58 Key Players and Their Perspectives

11:56 Elon Musk vs. Peter Navarro

32:53 Market Reactions and Treasury Concerns

37:45 Trump's Tariff Strategy and Negotiations

42:51 Real Estate Market in China

43:55 Impact of Tariffs on US-China Relations

44:34 Middle Class and Tariffs

45:05 Restructuring American Consumerism

46:13 China's Response to Tariffs

47:25 Trump's Strategy and Media Perception

52:32 Future of Tariffs and Trade Deals

53:40 Christina's Public Image

01:06:14 Question of the Week: Favorite Vacation Spots

01:20:14 Conclusion 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

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

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

Join Meseidy and Rachel on another episode of Rivera and Reeves, where they break down the Democrats' "Hands Off" protests that swept across the nation this weekend. With over 1,400 events in 50 states, the hosts analyze what these demonstrations reveal about the Democratic party's ongoing identity crisis nearly 100 days into the Trump administration. What does the predominantly older, white demographic at these protests say about Democrats' messaging problems? Plus, they discuss Adam Schiff's controversial "shadow government" hearings, upcoming books exposing the Biden administration's final days, and share their weekly "Earmarks" segment covering Supreme Court rulings, Iran nuclear talks, and Title IX challenges. As always, expect sharp analysis, unfiltered honesty, and just enough sass to keep it fun.

Episode Highlights

• Democratic Identity Crisis - The "Hands Off" protests reveal a fractured party split between the old guard (Pelosi), Gen X middle (Newsom, Booker), and young progressives (AOC), with each faction struggling to define a coherent message.
• Protest Demographics - While Democrats claimed 1,400 events across 50 states, the predominantly older, white demographic at these protests signals potential trouble for the party's future as young voters were notably absent.
• Shadow Government - Adam Schiff is leading controversial unilateral hearings where Democrats are conducting their own investigations without Republican participation, seemingly preparing for potential impeachment proceedings.
• Economic Warning Signs - If Republicans don't solidify Trump's tax cuts and get substantial legislation passed soon, economic uncertainty could give Democrats an opportunity to regain control in the midterms.
• Reimbursed Activism - Documents reveal Indivisible was offering up to $200 reimbursement for protest expenses, raising questions about how "grassroots" these nationwide demonstrations actually were.

Listen Ad Free

Love what you’re hearing and want even more? Join us as a paid supporter on Substack! As a subscriber, you’ll unlock ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our archives, and exclusive subscriber-only perks like bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and our in-the-moment reaction videos. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our mission to cut through the media spin and deliver sharp, honest analysis every week.

Subscribe now

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

Assigned Reading ;)

• In a new book, top Biden aide describes ‘out of it’ president before Trump debate - The Guardian
• Left-Wing Group Indivisible Tells Local Activists: We Will Reimburse Your DOGE Protest Expenses, Including 'Chicken Suits' - Washington Free Beacon
• Behind Sanders and AOC’s Oligarchy Crusade: Billionaires Pull the Strings - “Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The rob…
• Trump's Tariffs - Everyone is talking about tariffs. And I mean everyone. I know many of us supported President Trump's return to office because we believe in America First policies - I for one voted for him, very hopeful about his policies on the border, the economy, and his support for freedom when it comes to parents’ rights. But now that he's actually implementing some change in the economy via big tariff promises, I've been getting lots of questions from readers asking: …

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:57 Birthday Acknowledgements and Listener Appreciation

01:22 Avoiding the Terras Topic

02:10 Protests and Democrat Identity Crisis

03:19 Podcast Housekeeping and Subscriber Benefits

04:38 Hands Off Protest Details

14:03 Protest Demographics and Observations

21:27 Democrat Party's Identity Crisis

29:03 Protest Organization and Funding

37:13 Generational Divide in the Democratic Party

38:32 Tim Walz’s Unyielding Presence

40:31 The Progressive Push and Internal Struggles

42:05 Shadow Government and Democratic Strategies

46:05 Midterm Election Preparations and Challenges

57:00 Books Exposing the Biden Administration

01:01:30 Earmarks: Rapid Fire Headlines

01:07:05 Listener Reviews and 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

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

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

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.

Listen Ad Free

Love what you’re hearing and want even more? Join us as a paid supporter on Substack! As a subscriber, you’ll unlock ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our archives, and exclusive subscriber-only perks like bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and our in-the-moment reaction videos. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our mission to cut through the media spin and deliver sharp, honest analysis every week.

Subscribe now

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

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

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

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

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?

Listen Ad Free

Love what you’re hearing and want even more? Join us as a paid supporter on Substack! As a subscriber, you’ll unlock ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our archives, and exclusive subscriber-only perks like bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and our in-the-moment reaction videos. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our mission to cut through the media spin and deliver sharp, honest analysis every week.

Subscribe now

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

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

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

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