Hosts Lisa and Jon speak with Ken Harbaugh, a former U.S. naval aviator who flew intelligence missions off North Korea, about the Iran war, the drone warfare gap that is already costing American lives, and what Pete Hegseth's first moves at the Pentagon reveal about where this administration is headed. The conversation examines why America is fighting the wrong war with the wrong strategy, why Ukraine solved the drone problem years ago and Trump turned down their offer to help, and why the lesson every country is drawing from Iran is that the only way to be safe from the United States is to have a nuclear weapon. Ken also shares his experience filming The Drone Hunters of Kherson, a documentary about Ukrainian soldiers shooting down Russian drones with rifles to protect civilian neighborhoods and what it reveals about the future of warfare America is refusing to see.

Hosts Lisa and Jon speak with Napp Nazworth about the growing divide within American evangelicalism and how political identity has reshaped religious belief. The conversation examines how partisanship, media ecosystems, and cultural shifts have influenced faith communities over the past decade. It also looks at the emotional and social consequences, from fractured churches to divided families. The discussion challenges listeners to consider how belief systems evolve under pressure and what it means to stay grounded in core values.

Lisa Senecal sits down with Professor of communication, Jennifer Mercieca,to examine how modern media shapes our understanding of truth. They explore how normalization, propaganda, and algorithm-driven information systems have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a shared sense of reality. Drawing on ideas from Plato’s Cave to the concept of the Overton Window, the conversation connects historical frameworks to today’s media landscape. Mercier also reflects on how these forces affect personal relationships, civic discourse, and the way we process information.

Lisa and Jon examine how recent U.S. foreign policy decisions are reshaping global alliances and shifting the balance of power. They explore the implications of weakening NATO commitments, escalating tensions in Iran, and lifting sanctions that may benefit geopolitical rivals. Their conversation examines how these moves ripple through global energy markets, military strategy, and international trust. They also discuss the broader consequences for America’s reputation and the difficult choices facing allies around the world.

Jon and Lisa reflect on the meaning of protest and argue that speaking out against the government is one of the most patriotic acts in a democracy. They unpack the idea behind the “No Kings” movement, contrasting the role of a president with the dangers of power being treated like personal authority. Drawing on history, they compare modern leadership behavior to the values set by figures like Washington and Lincoln, emphasizing the importance of accountability and restraint. The conversation also explores how civic participation, from protesting to voting, remains essential to keeping the system responsive to the people.

The collapse of local news and the rise of social media have reshaped how people consume information. Tara McGowan explains how Courier Newsroom is building a new model by meeting audiences where they are and delivering news in formats people actually engage with. The conversation digs into the power of platforms, the risks of relying on them, and why owning your audience matters more than ever. It also examines how media infrastructure, not just messaging, has shaped political influence over time. Throughout the episode, the focus stays on a central idea that trust, authenticity, and clear storytelling are essential in an attention-driven world.

How do people process misinformation and why do certain types of language feel persuasive even when they lack meaning? Cognitive psychologist Gordon Pennycook explains the difference between lying and what he calls “bullshitting,” where the speaker is indifferent to whether something is true. The conversation examines why people often share false information online, and why content is focused on engagement rather than accuracy. Pennycook also explains his research with Debunkbot, showing that structured conversations with AI, grounded in facts and evidence, can meaningfully reduce belief in conspiracy theories.

Lisa and John speak with political strategist and author Stuart Stevens, joining from Kyiv after several trips supporting Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. Stevens describes what daily life looks like inside a city at war and reflects on how Ukrainians view shifting American support. The conversation also examines the broader geopolitical moment, from the risks of expanding conflict in Iran to the changing role of the United States in the world. Along the way, Stevens discusses the transformation of the Republican Party, the influence of wealthy tech leaders on politics, and the pressures shaping political power in Washington.

In this episode of Signal Fire, Journalist and Author, James Fallows, joins the conversation to examine the collapse of local news and what it means for democracy. The discussion explores how storytelling shapes national identity, why the State of the Union has transformed into political spectacle, and how media institutions are struggling to adapt in an era of polarization and performance. Fallows reflects on the tension between objectivity and honesty, the economic unraveling of journalism, and the rise of citizen video as both a risk and a corrective.

Lisa Senecal and Jon Zieger sit down with Liz Minnella, founder of Connect Forward, to examine how influencers, algorithms, and culture are reshaping political power. Drawing on her background in marketing and organizing, Liz explains how trusted messengers and lifestyle creators have become central to modern persuasion, often succeeding where traditional institutions fail. The conversation explores how movements build infrastructure through wellness content, cultural flashpoints, and coordinated messaging campaigns that feel organic but are anything but accidental.