The 1600

On this episode of The 1600, Carlo Versano sits down with Georgetown professor Dr. Charles King to explore the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. They discuss what modern America can learn from Ancient Rome, examining its culture, political institutions, and the challenges facing democracy.

Dr. Charles King’s NYT Op-ed: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/opinion/edward-gibbon-empires-fall.html

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Environmentalist and author Bill McKibben joins Carlo to break down the politics surrounding the current climate crisis. They discuss why the debate of climate change continues to circle in and out of public attention. McKibben explains the importance of energy independence and why the clean energy transition is both an economic opportunity and environmental necessity.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why is ICE increasingly using traffic stops—and are they making immigration enforcement more dangerous?

In this episode, Carlo speaks with former Acting ICE Director John Sandweg about the recent fatal ICE shootings in Maine and Texas, the agency's evolving enforcement tactics, and the pressure to increase arrest numbers under the Trump administration.

Sandweg, who led ICE during the Obama administration, explains why vehicle stops have historically not been a core immigration enforcement tactic, how arrest quotas can influence operational decisions, and what questions should be asked following recent deadly encounters. The conversation also explores officer safety, use-of-force standards, and the challenges facing immigration agents on the ground.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

America's family farms are disappearing—and the people who grow our food are feeling the pressure.

Brian Reisinger, a fourth-generation Wisconsin dairy farmer and author of Land Rich, Cash Poor, joins The 1600 to discuss the economic realities facing farmers today. From rising costs and trade disputes to labor shortages and outdated farm policy, Reisinger explains why thousands of family farms are vanishing every year and what that means for rural America. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carlo breaks down the failings of the Democratic and Republican parties with Lauren Hall, author of “The Radical Moderate’s Guide to Life”. The two chat what it means to reject partisan politics and navigate a two-party system.

Read more on Hall's Substack: https://radicalmoderatesguide.substack.com/about

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Medal of Honor recipient Col. Jack Jacobs joins The 1600 to discuss heroism, duty and the values that have defined America through its greatest challenges. From his time in Vietnam to his views on service today, Jacobs explains why the Medal of Honor is ultimately a tribute to others who answered the call.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why does it still feel impossible to buy a home? With mortgage rates elevated and homeowners locked into cheap pandemic-era loans, the market has stalled. Economist Daryl Fairweather explains the forces behind the housing crunch — from supply shortages to stalled policy — and what it means for buyers in the years ahead.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Lewis Black joins Carlo for an honest conversation about the state of America, from politics and rising costs to everyday frustrations. Black jokes through why everything feels more chaotic than ever, what’s not working in Washington and how people are reacting to it all. 

The Daily Show vet reveals why he's as angry as ever, and why you should be, too. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dads are doing more than ever — so why are they still treated like they’re not? This Father’s Day, Carlo talks with Lisa Britton about the gap between perception and reality, the evolution of fatherhood, and the bigger conversation around men’s mental health.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who gets to tell America's story?

Press freedom, political pressure, and the future of journalism take center stage as Ali Velshi joins Carlo for a conversation on what it means to “bear witness” in today’s America. From being hit by a rubber bullet during protests to covering ICE detention centers and calling out political interference in legacy newsrooms, Velshi breaks down the growing tension between media and the levers of power in Trump's second term.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.