Simplifying The State

In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam and Nicholas discuss the recent Democratic primary victory of Zorhan Mamdani in New York, exploring its implications for the Democratic Party's future strategies and potential candidates for the 2028 election. They analyze the lessons that can be learned from Mamdani's campaign, the viability of various Democratic candidates, and the importance of appealing to younger, anti-establishment voters.

The Pentagon’s budget is nearing $1 trillion. A missile that used to cost $25,000 now runs $400,000. And the company that makes your calculator? Yeah, they also build weapons. Adam and Nicholas unpack how the military-industrial complex quietly took over everything from jet engines to software updates—and why five companies basically hold the U.S. military hostage. Plus: a debate over whether we should nationalize the whole thing. Because trust-busting Raytheon might not be enough.

In this episode, we dig into recent protests across the country and how the government is responding with an unprecedented show of force — from thousands of National Guard troops to Marines in the streets. We talk about what it means when peaceful protests meet heavy-handed crackdowns, including the shocking moment a U.S. senator was detained while asking questions. With a military parade planned on the president’s birthday and threats against governors who oppose him, we explore whether these actions mark a shift toward authoritarianism in America.

Republicans push their “One Big Beautiful Bill” through the House by a single vote, but what’s actually inside this thing? Adam and Nicholas break down the bill’s sweeping tax cuts, attacks on clean energy, and new hurdles for Medicaid, SNAP, and asylum seekers. Plus, a senator shrugs off health care cuts with a “we’re all gonna die” defense. Is this the Gilded Age all over again—or just politics as usual? Tune in for the details, the drama, and a few laughs along the way.

Tornadoes tore through the St. Louis area on May 16, leaving behind a billion dollars in damage—so why does it feel like some neighborhoods are being left behind? In this episode, we break down the possibility of uneven disaster response, why the sirens didn’t go off, and what happens when FEMA isn’t there to help. Plus, we ask: are we ready for the next storm?

Trump’s firing off executive orders fast—143 in his first 100 days. But what does that actually mean? In this episode, we break down the history of the first 100 days, how past presidents have used them, and what Trump’s early moves say about where his second term is headed.

The Trump team says they want to deport “the worst of the worst.” But what happens when that starts including student journalists, activists — and possibly U.S. citizens? In this episode, we break down what these escalating deportation plans signal.

Special elections don’t usually grab national headlines—but maybe they should. In this episode, we break down recent races in Florida’s 1st and 6th districts, a surprising result in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, and why Elon Musk’s political bets might not be paying off. From close margins to canceled nominations, we look at what these results might mean for the 2026 midterms.

Tariffs are back—and they’re coming for more than just your wallet. In this episode, we unpack how trade restrictions could drive up prices on everything from burgers to hospital beds. Insurance? That’s going up too. We’re talking short-term inflation, long-term uncertainty, and a policy move that might not even hit its target.

From 19th-century treaties to modern-day tensions, U.S.-China relations have been anything but simple. We’re unpacking the history, the current power struggle, and what might come next.