Chuck Todd breaks down why Donald Trump’s sudden push for a Ukraine “peace deal” may be more about political retreat than diplomacy, especially as Europe now shoulders most of the war’s cost—leaving Trump with diminished leverage abroad and a base deeply skeptical of foreign interventions. Chuck digs into new polling that shows a steady and significant shift toward Democrats, with a widening generic ballot advantage and Trump’s approval continuing to fall, suggesting the midterms—and even the Senate—are unexpectedly in play. He explores how Trump’s attempts to manipulate the economy could backfire, how a potential “AI bubble” could further weaken him, and why GOP divisions are poised to intensify. Plus, an update on the California governor’s race, where a field of lackluster Democratic contenders has allowed Republicans to overperform, raising questions about whether bigger names—or Rick Caruso—will jump into a race long dominated by the shadows of Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom.

Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming weekend in college football. 

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

05:00 Trump’s “peace deal” may be his attempt to walk away from Ukraine

06:00 Europe is funding bulk of the war, Trump has less leverage

07:15 Trump’s plan to make Europe foot bill is working, but diminishes influence

09:15 If Trump gave rationale for removing Maduro, he’d have more credibility

11:00 Trump’s base doesn’t want foreign military interventions 

12:30 Polling shows Democrats with large generic ballot advantage

15:30 Every poll has moved in the Democrats direction, and lower Trump approval

17:30 Donald Trump will try to pull levers to fix economy, could make it worse

19:00 Democrats have a huge advantage going into the midterms

19:45 Democrats need a 6-7 point generic advantage to win house

20:15 If current polling holds, the senate is in play

23:00 Applying election and polling trends nationwide, Dems could blowout midterms

24:30 Democrats unpopularity turned out to be meaningless in 2025 elections

26:00 Bad is going to get worse for Trump, GOP will be further divided

27:45 “AI Bubble” could sink Trump if it pops

29:00 Update on the California governor’s race

29:45 Democratic voters crave optimism, Tom Steyer doesn’t offer it

31:30 Candidates for CA governor feel like their all “Tier 2” candidates

34:00 Jerry Brown & Gavin Newsom have hovered over CA politics for decades

36:00 There are only two prominent Republican candidates in CA

37:00 Dem candidates are so weak, GOP candidates performing well

38:00 Will Rick Caruso run for mayor of LA or governor of CA?

40:30 There should be some bigger names jumping into the race

00:46:15 Ask Chuck

00:46:45 Any book recommendations on the fall of the Ottoman Empire?

00:50:45 Thoughts on voter approval for constitutional amendments?

00:56:00 Way to reform the primary system to produce moderates?

01:00:30 Dem voters still motivated to vote despite lower approval of party

01:08:00 College football preview

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck Todd breaks down why Donald Trump’s sudden push for a Ukraine “peace deal” may be more about political retreat than diplomacy, especially as Europe now shoulders most of the war’s cost—leaving Trump with diminished leverage abroad and a base deeply skeptical of foreign interventions. Chuck digs into new polling that shows a steady and significant shift toward Democrats, with a widening generic ballot advantage and Trump’s approval continuing to fall, suggesting the midterms—and even the Senate—are unexpectedly in play. He explores how Trump’s attempts to manipulate the economy could backfire, how a potential “AI bubble” could further weaken him, and why GOP divisions are poised to intensify. Plus, an update on the California governor’s race, where a field of lackluster Democratic contenders has allowed Republicans to overperform, raising questions about whether bigger names—or Rick Caruso—will jump into a race long dominated by the shadows of Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom.

Then, Chuck is joined by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Anne Applebaum for a sweeping, unsparing look at the state of the Russia–Ukraine war and the global democratic landscape it threatens. Applebaum breaks down whether a ceasefire is even plausible this year, given Vladimir Putin’s unwavering war aims, the murky negotiators involved in back-channel talks, and Trump’s unusually warm posture toward the Kremlin. She details why Ukrainians refuse to accept a “kick the can” peace deal, how corruption scandals are playing out domestically, and the way drones, energy strikes, and a collapsing Russian economy are reshaping the battlefield. From mysterious elite deaths to China’s strategic support, Applebaum outlines the brittle yet dangerous architecture sustaining Putin’s regime.

The conversation widens into a broader examination of the worldwide struggle between democracy and autocracy—from Trump’s Venezuela maneuverings to Saudi Arabia’s complicated role, from Silicon Valley’s unchecked power to Europe’s scramble to recalibrate its alliances. Applebaum warns that the U.S. walking away from Ukraine would reverberate far beyond Eastern Europe, and she explains why the speed and scale of Trump’s attacks on democratic norms have raised historic alarm. It’s a candid, far-reaching assessment of the forces shaping global stability—and the stakes ahead.

Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming weekend in college football. 

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

05:00 Trump’s “peace deal” may be his attempt to walk away from Ukraine

06:00 Europe is funding bulk of the war, Trump has less leverage

07:15 Trump’s plan to make Europe foot bill is working, but diminishes influence

09:15 If Trump gave rationale for removing Maduro, he’d have more credibility

11:00 Trump’s base doesn’t want foreign military interventions 

12:30 Polling shows Democrats with large generic ballot advantage

15:30 Every poll has moved in the Democrats direction, and lower Trump approval

17:30 Donald Trump will try to pull levers to fix economy, could make it worse

19:00 Democrats have a huge advantage going into the midterms

19:45 Democrats need a 6-7 point generic advantage to win house

20:15 If current polling holds, the senate is in play

23:00 Applying election and polling trends nationwide, Dems could blowout midterms

24:30 Democrats unpopularity turned out to be meaningless in 2025 elections

26:00 Bad is going to get worse for Trump, GOP will be further divided

27:45 “AI Bubble” could sink Trump if it pops

29:00 Update on the California governor’s race

29:45 Democratic voters crave optimism, Tom Steyer doesn’t offer it

31:30 Candidates for CA governor feel like their all “Tier 2” candidates

34:00 Jerry Brown & Gavin Newsom have hovered over CA politics for decades

36:00 There are only two prominent Republican candidates in CA

37:00 Dem candidates are so weak, GOP candidates performing well

38:00 Will Rick Caruso run for mayor of LA or governor of CA?

40:30 There should be some bigger names jumping into the race

46:00 Anne Applebaum joins the Chuck ToddCast

47:45 Will we get a ceasefire this year between Russia & Ukraine?

48:15 Putin has never said he’ll give up original war aims

49:30 Serious concerns about negotiators involved in secret peace deal

50:15 Talks have mostly concerned trade deals between U.S. & Russia

51:00 Putin knows he’ll never have a more supportive U.S. president

52:15 Putin holds a special status with Trump

53:00 Ukraine is more reliant on Europe than U.S. for the war

53:45 Is the corruption scandal involving ministers imperiling Zelensky?

54:45 Zelensky hasn’t gotten in the way of corruption investigation

56:15 Ukrainians have no interest in cease fire to kick can down road

57:30 Ukrainians won’t be strongarmed into accepting a bad deal

58:15 Drones have completely changed complexion of the war

01:00:00 Russians are targeting civilians, Ukraine hitting energy targets

01:00:45 Russians don’t care about human losses, just financial losses

01:02:00 At what point will a bad economy put pressure on Putin?

01:02:45 Russian elite mysteriously committing suicide or dying

01:03:30 Prigozhin was the only person who could challenge Putin

01:05:00 The Russian regime seems inevitable until the day it falls

01:06:00 Putin is completely dependent on China

01:06:45 China will stick with Russia & support war to weaken U.S.

01:07:45 Putin still has allies in Iran & North Korea

01:08:15 What does Russia think they’re accomplishing with Poland incursions?

01:09:30 Russia trying to create divisions between Ukraine and Europeans

01:10:15 Russia’s actions are only stiffening the European’s spine

01:11:00 Status of U.S. aid into Ukraine

01:12:15 What does it look like if the U.S. walks away from Ukraine?

01:13:30 Russia is still demanding land they haven’t conquered

01:15:15 Trump wants the optics of a big peace deal where “he wins”

01:16:30 Trump’s actions with Venezuela look like Putin’s in Ukraine

01:18:45 Trump’s Venezuela actions undermining international system

01:19:45 Is Saudi Arabia a dictatorship and what is our relationship with them?

01:20:30 The Saudi’s primary interest isn’t undermining the U.S. unlike Russia

01:22:00 Trump’s family has enormous conflicts of interest with the Saudis

01:23:15 Why security guarantees for Qatar but not Saudi Arabia?

01:25:15 Trump’s deals in the Gulf seem to benefit him more than U.S.

01:26:00 Is democracy losing the worldwide fight against autocracy?

01:28:00 Due to state of U.S. it feels like democratic argument is losing

01:29:30 Role of silicon valley in fight between democracy & autocracy

01:30:45 Tech has power to shape opinions and public perception

01:33:00 Government has never outsourced major tech shift to private sector

01:34:00 How dangerous is the concentration of corporate power in America?

01:35:00 The EU is the only entity that could regulate big tech

01:36:00 Trump’s isolation has been a wake up call to Europe, can it hold?

01:38:00 Europe was so sure of alliance with U.S. they let things slide

01:39:00 Level of concern with state of American democracy is very high

01:40:00 The speed of Trump’s attacks on democracy is unprecedented

01:42:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Anne Applebaum

01:42:15 Ask Chuck

01:42:45 Any book recommendations on the fall of the Ottoman Empire?

01:46:45 Thoughts on voter approval for constitutional amendments?

01:52:00 Way to reform the primary system to produce moderates?

01:56:30 Dem voters still motivated to vote despite lower approval of party

02:04:00 College football preview

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck is joined by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Anne Applebaum for a sweeping, unsparing look at the state of the Russia–Ukraine war and the global democratic landscape it threatens. Applebaum breaks down whether a ceasefire is even plausible this year, given Vladimir Putin’s unwavering war aims, the murky negotiators involved in back-channel talks, and Trump’s unusually warm posture toward the Kremlin. She details why Ukrainians refuse to accept a “kick the can” peace deal, how corruption scandals are playing out domestically, and the way drones, energy strikes, and a collapsing Russian economy are reshaping the battlefield. From mysterious elite deaths to China’s strategic support, Applebaum outlines the brittle yet dangerous architecture sustaining Putin’s regime.

The conversation widens into a broader examination of the worldwide struggle between democracy and autocracy—from Trump’s Venezuela maneuverings to Saudi Arabia’s complicated role, from Silicon Valley’s unchecked power to Europe’s scramble to recalibrate its alliances. Applebaum warns that the U.S. walking away from Ukraine would reverberate far beyond Eastern Europe, and she explains why the speed and scale of Trump’s attacks on democratic norms have raised historic alarm. It’s a candid, far-reaching assessment of the forces shaping global stability—and the stakes ahead.

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Anne Applebaum joins the Chuck ToddCast

01:45 Will we get a ceasefire this year between Russia & Ukraine?

02:15 Putin has never said he’ll give up original war aims

03:30 Serious concerns about negotiators involved in secret peace deal

04:15 Talks have mostly concerned trade deals between U.S. & Russia

05:00 Putin knows he’ll never have a more supportive U.S. president

06:15 Putin holds a special status with Trump

07:00 Ukraine is more reliant on Europe than U.S. for the war

07:45 Is the corruption scandal involving ministers imperiling Zelensky?

08:45 Zelensky hasn’t gotten in the way of corruption investigation

10:15 Ukrainians have no interest in cease fire to kick can down road

11:30 Ukrainians won’t be strongarmed into accepting a bad deal

12:15 Drones have completely changed complexion of the war

14:00 Russians are targeting civilians, Ukraine hitting energy targets

14:45 Russians don’t care about human losses, just financial losses

16:00 At what point will a bad economy put pressure on Putin?

16:45 Russian elite mysteriously committing suicide or dying

17:30 Prigozhin was  the only person who could challenge Putin

19:00 The Russian regime seems inevitable until the day it falls

20:00 Putin is completely dependent on China

20:45 China will stick with Russia & support war to weaken U.S.

21:45 Putin still has allies in Iran & North Korea

22:15 What does Russia think they’re accomplishing with Poland incursions?

23:30 Russia trying to create divisions between Ukraine and Europeans

24:15 Russia’s actions are only stiffening the European’s spine

25:00 Status of U.S. aid into Ukraine

26:15 What does it look like if the U.S. walks away from Ukraine?

27:30 Russia is still demanding land they haven’t conquered

29:15 Trump wants the optics of a big peace deal where “he wins”

30:30 Trump’s actions with Venezuela look like Putin’s in Ukraine

32:45 Trump’s Venezuela actions undermining international system

33:45 Is Saudi Arabia a dictatorship and what is our relationship with them?

34:30 The Saudi’s primary interest isn’t undermining the U.S. unlike Russia

36:00 Trump’s family has enormous conflicts of interest with the Saudis

37:15 Why security guarantees for Qatar but not Saudi Arabia?

39:15 Trump’s deals in the Gulf seem to benefit him more than U.S.

40:00 Is democracy losing the worldwide fight against autocracy?

42:00 Due to state of U.S. it feels like democratic argument is losing

43:30 Role of silicon valley in fight between democracy & autocracy

44:45 Tech has power to shape opinions and public perception

47:00 Government has never outsourced major tech shift to private sector

48:00 How dangerous is the concentration of corporate power in America?

49:00 The EU is the only entity that could regulate big tech

50:00 Trump’s isolation has been a wake up call to Europe, can it hold?

52:00 Europe was so sure of alliance with U.S. they let things slide

53:00 Level of concern with state of American democracy is very high

54:00 The speed of Trump’s attacks on democracy is unprecedented

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Chuck Todd breaks down an extraordinary week in politics marked by a near-unanimous House vote to release the Epstein files and growing signs that Donald Trump’s decade-long grip on American politics may finally be loosening. He examines the cracks emerging in Trump’s coalition, the administration’s tariff pullbacks amid rising food costs, and the mounting Trump fatigue driving Republicans to quietly distance themselves. Chuck also tackles Trump’s escalating attacks on female reporters, his contradictory dealings with Gulf states, and the likelihood that the DOJ may cite an “open investigation” to keep the Epstein files sealed. Beyond the Trump saga, Chuck dissects the troubling implications of the Olivia Nuzzi scandal, the shameful rhetoric surrounding Epstein’s victims, and the broader damage to journalism. He wraps with a preview of the TN-07 special election, the legal upheaval over Texas’s redistricting maps, and why today’s partisan map fights echo battles not seen since the 1840s.

Finally, Chuck gives his updated ToddCast Top 5 governor’s seats most likely to flip in 2026 and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

00:30 Near unanimous decision in the house vote to release Epstein files

01:15 It feels like Trump’s lame duck period has begun, but impossible to know

02:15 Trump’s coalition is starting to crack

04:00 Trump’s ten year run of dominating politics is starting to end

05:00 Administration is pulling back tariffs to lower costs of food

06:45 Republicans will distance themselves as Trump fatigue sets in

07:45 Trump’s attacks on female reporters are shameful

09:15 Trump’s deals with gulf states undermines his America First agenda

11:00 DOJ might withhold files under guise of “open investigation”

12:30 Neither Biden or Trump leaned on Saudis over Khashoggi’s murder

13:30 Middle east monarchies are dictatorships with different titles

15:00 We’re past the point of holding Saudis accountable for Khashoggi

16:30 Presidents have to deal with less than ideal allies

17:30 Trump’s attacks on the press are abhorrent & dictatorlike

19:00 Olivia Nuzzi sleeping with a source compromises her journalism

21:15 The Nuzzi scandal feels like watching a car wreck

22:00 The scandal brings shame upon the journalism world

23:30 Megyn Kelly trying to differentiate Epstein’s victims is shameful

25:00 Hiring a reporter that sleeps with sources is beyond the pale

25:30 Preview of special election in TN-07 

26:45 If TN-07 is within 5 points, it’s a very favorable environment for Dems

28:00 Texas’s new redistricting maps have been thrown out in court

28:45 If CA maps stay but TX is thrown out, it’s a karma moment for Trump

30:45 Last time partisan redistricting happened like this… was the 1840’s

36:00 Toddcast Top 5 - Governor seats most likely to flip parties

37:45 Katie Hobbs is the most vulnerable incumbent governor

39:00 #1 Kansas

40:30 #2 Michigan

42:15 #3 Georgia

44:30 #4 Wisconsin

45:30 #5 Iowa

47:30 Honorable mentions

48:30 Ask Chuck

49:30 Can we trust the Epstein files will be complete if they’re released?

51:15 Are you aware of the Montana vs Montana State football rivalry?

54:15 Has your view on CA redistricting changed after the election result?

56:30 How can you reach people stuck in the Fox News bubble?

01:00:30 Does Amy Acton or Tim Ryan have a better shot at winning OH governor?

01:04:30 Suggestion to make a conspiracy theory documentary

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Chuck Todd breaks down an extraordinary week in politics marked by a near-unanimous House vote to release the Epstein files and growing signs that Donald Trump’s decade-long grip on American politics may finally be loosening. He examines the cracks emerging in Trump’s coalition, the administration’s tariff pullbacks amid rising food costs, and the mounting Trump fatigue driving Republicans to quietly distance themselves. Chuck also tackles Trump’s escalating attacks on female reporters, his contradictory dealings with Gulf states, and the likelihood that the DOJ may cite an “open investigation” to keep the Epstein files sealed. Beyond the Trump saga, Chuck dissects the troubling implications of the Olivia Nuzzi scandal, the shameful rhetoric surrounding Epstein’s victims, and the broader damage to journalism. He wraps with a preview of the TN-07 special election, the legal upheaval over Texas’s redistricting maps, and why today’s partisan map fights echo battles not seen since the 1840s.

Then, Chuck sits down with Iowa Democratic senate candidate and four-time Paralympian and gold medalist Josh Turek for a deeply personal and politically sharp conversation. Josh shares his remarkable journey—from being born with spina bifida caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange, to discovering wheelchair basketball as a pathway to college, to becoming one of the winningest athletes in Paralympic history. He opens up about the emotional challenge of leaving the sport he loved and what ultimately pushed him toward public service. Together, Chuck and Josh explore how the ADA reshaped life for disabled Americans, why adaptive and women’s sports remain undervalued, and how equal access—not guaranteed equal outcomes—remains the core civil rights debate for the disability community.

The conversation widens into an unvarnished look at rural politics, Iowa’s sharp rightward turn, and the policies reshaping life in small towns. Josh breaks down why Medicaid denials have exploded, how school choice is quietly devastating rural school districts, and why tariffs—when used chaotically—are crushing family farms. He tackles complex cultural issues such as religion’s decline, the trans sports debate, and why Democrats shouldn’t cede Christianity or populism to the right. They also cover climate messaging, the stakes for U.S. policy in Israel and Ukraine, and whether Congress should step in to regulate collegiate athletics. With insights on Iowa’s political future, the 2026 Democratic opportunity, and even some NBA talk (yes—Jokić and Jordan both make an appearance), Josh Turek offers one of the most candid, wide-ranging conversations you’ll hear about the Midwest, disability rights, and the future of American politics.

Finally, Chuck gives his updated ToddCast Top 5 governor’s seats most likely to flip in 2026 and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

00:30 Near unanimous decision in the house vote to release Epstein files

01:15 It feels like Trump’s lame duck period has begun, but impossible to know

02:15 Trump’s coalition is starting to crack

04:00 Trump’s ten year run of dominating politics is starting to end

05:00 Administration is pulling back tariffs to lower costs of food

06:45 Republicans will distance themselves as Trump fatigue sets in

07:45 Trump’s attacks on female reporters are shameful

09:15 Trump’s deals with gulf states undermines his America First agenda

11:00 DOJ might withhold files under guise of “open investigation”

12:30 Neither Biden or Trump leaned on Saudis over Khashoggi’s murder

13:30 Middle east monarchies are dictatorships with different titles

15:00 We’re past the point of holding Saudis accountable for Khashoggi

16:30 Presidents have to deal with less than ideal allies

17:30 Trump’s attacks on the press are abhorrent & dictatorlike

19:00 Olivia Nuzzi sleeping with a source compromises her journalism

21:15 The Nuzzi scandal feels like watching a car wreck

22:00 The scandal brings shame upon the journalism world

23:30 Megyn Kelly trying to differentiate Epstein’s victims is shameful

25:00 Hiring a reporter that sleeps with sources is beyond the pale

25:30 Preview of special election in TN-07 

26:45 If TN-07 is within 5 points, it’s a very favorable environment for Dems

28:00 Texas’s new redistricting maps have been thrown out in court

28:45 If CA maps stay but TX is thrown out, it’s a karma moment for Trump

30:45 Last time partisan redistricting happened like this… was the 1840’s

38:00 Josh Turek joins the Chuck ToddCast

39:30 Josh’s journey as a gold medal winning paralympian

40:45 Josh’s fathers exposure to agent orange caused his spina bifida

42:30 Wheelchair basketball was his pathway to college

43:45 What do we not value adaptive & female sports in America?

46:00 How hard was it to walk away from basketball?

47:45 What inspired the decision to go into politics?

49:00 There was a 1000% increase in medicaid denials in Iowa

50:30 The ADA made things better, still a long ways to go

51:45 The ADA gave disabled Americans an onramp to society

54:30 The debate over equal access vs. equal outcome

55:15 Who is the Turek/Trump voter?

57:45 The difficulty of breaking through as a Democrat in rural America

59:45 Iowa has shifted rightward, but could shift back to swing state status

01:03:00 The right candidate with the right message can win red Iowa counties

01:05:15 School choice sounds great, but is a huge problem for rural America

01:06:45 Rural schools are struggling and closing under school choice policies

01:08:15 There are no standards for private schools spending tax dollars

01:11:00 Not all tariffs are bad, but Trump’s tariff regime is chaotic

01:12:00 Tariffs are crushing family farms

01:13:00 What’s the plan to keep people in Iowa and reverse brain drain?

01:15:45 How has the decline in religious participation affected Iowa?

01:17:00 Pushing back against the narrative that Democrats can’t be christian

01:17:30 What’s fair to the trans community when it comes to organized sports?

01:18:45 Politicians shouldn’t be involved in the trans sports conversation

01:19:30 Why have many Democrats turned to socialism over capitalism?

01:20:30 We need regulated capitalism and a progressive tax structure

01:21:15 We are living in a country of have’s and have nots

01:22:45 Addressing climate change without scaring voters about the economy

01:24:15 What’s your position on Israel?

01:25:15 The U.S. should stand in solidarity with Ukraine & aid them

01:26:15 Does Congress need to get involved in regulating collegiate sports?

01:29:30 We need more genuine populists in congress to push back against oligarchs

01:31:15 Nikola Jokic is Josh’s favorite basketball player to watch

01:32:45 Michael Jordan is the GOAT

01:33:45 Historic opportunity for Democrats in Iowa in ‘26

01:35:00 Democrats focused too much on identity in Iowa

01:37:30 Public schools will be a huge issue for Iowa voters

01:39:15 If Democrats can’t win Iowa in this environment, it could take a generation

01:43:30 There are three great candidates for the Iowa Democratic senate seat

01:44:30 Primaries sharpen candidates and improve party registration

01:45:00 Toddcast Top 5 - Governor seats most likely to flip parties

01:46:45 Katie Hobbs is the most vulnerable incumbent governor

01:48:00 #1 Kansas

01:49:30 #2 Michigan

01:51:15 #3 Georgia

01:53:30 #4 Wisconsin

01:54:30 #5 Iowa

01:56:30 Honorable mentions

01:57:30 Ask Chuck

01:58:30 Can we trust the Epstein files will be complete if they’re released?

02:00:15 Are you aware of the Montana vs Montana State football rivalry?

02:03:15 Has your view on CA redistricting changed after the election result?

02:05:30 How can you reach people stuck in the Fox News bubble?

02:11:30 Does Amy Acton or Tim Ryan have a better shot at winning OH governor?

02:13:30 Suggestion to make a conspiracy theory documentary

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview Only w/ Josh Turek - Why Democrats Struggle…And Can Still Win In Iowa

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Iowa Democratic senate candidate and four-time Paralympian and gold medalist Josh Turek for a deeply personal and politically sharp conversation. Josh shares his remarkable journey—from being born with spina bifida caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange, to discovering wheelchair basketball as a pathway to college, to becoming one of the winningest athletes in Paralympic history. He opens up about the emotional challenge of leaving the sport he loved and what ultimately pushed him toward public service. Together, Chuck and Josh explore how the ADA reshaped life for disabled Americans, why adaptive and women’s sports remain undervalued, and how equal access—not guaranteed equal outcomes—remains the core civil rights debate for the disability community.

The conversation widens into an unvarnished look at rural politics, Iowa’s sharp rightward turn, and the policies reshaping life in small towns. Josh breaks down why Medicaid denials have exploded, how school choice is quietly devastating rural school districts, and why tariffs—when used chaotically—are crushing family farms. He tackles complex cultural issues such as religion’s decline, the trans sports debate, and why Democrats shouldn’t cede Christianity or populism to the right. They also cover climate messaging, the stakes for U.S. policy in Israel and Ukraine, and whether Congress should step in to regulate collegiate athletics. With insights on Iowa’s political future, the 2026 Democratic opportunity, and even some NBA talk (yes—Jokić and Jordan both make an appearance), Josh Turek offers one of the most candid, wide-ranging conversations you’ll hear about the Midwest, disability rights, and the future of American politics.

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Josh Turek joins the Chuck ToddCast

01:30 Josh’s journey as a gold medal winning Paralympian 

02:45 Josh’s fathers exposure to agent orange caused his spina bifida

04:30 Wheelchair basketball was his pathway to college

05:45 What do we not value adaptive & female sports in America?

08:00 How hard was it to walk away from basketball?

09:45 What inspired the decision to go into politics?

11:00 There was a 1000% increase in Medicaid denials in Iowa

12:30 The ADA made things better, still a long ways to go

13:45 The ADA gave disabled Americans an onramp to society

16:30 The debate over equal access vs. equal outcome

17:15 Who is the Turek/Trump voter?

19:45 The difficulty of breaking through as a Democrat in rural America

21:45 Iowa has shifted rightward, but could shift back to swing state status

25:00 The right candidate with the right message can win red Iowa counties

27:15 School choice sounds great, but is a huge problem for rural America

28:45 Rural schools are struggling and closing under school choice policies

30:15 There are no standards for private schools spending tax dollars

33:00 Not all tariffs are bad, but Trump’s tariff regime is chaotic

34:00 Tariffs are crushing family farms

35:00 What’s the plan to keep people in Iowa and reverse brain drain?

37:45 How has the decline in religious participation affected Iowa?

39:00 Pushing back against the narrative that Democrats can’t be Christian

39:30 What’s fair to the trans community when it comes to organized sports?

40:45 Politicians shouldn’t be involved in the trans sports conversation

41:30 Why have many Democrats turned to socialism over capitalism?

42:30 We need regulated capitalism and a progressive tax structure

43:15 We are living in a country of have’s and have nots

44:45 Addressing climate change without scaring voters about the economy

46:15 What’s your position on Israel?

47:15 The U.S. should stand in solidarity with Ukraine & aid them

48:15 Does Congress need to get involved in regulating collegiate sports?

51:30 We need more genuine populists in congress to push back against oligarchs

53:15 Nikola Jokic is Josh’s favorite basketball player to watch

54:45 Michael Jordan is the GOAT

55:45 Historic opportunity for Democrats in Iowa in ‘26

57:00 Democrats focused too much on identity in Iowa

59:30 Public schools will be a huge issue for Iowa voters

01:01:15 If Democrats can’t win Iowa in this environment, it could take a generation

01:05:30 There are three great candidates for the Iowa Democratic senate seat

01:06:30 Primaries sharpen candidates and improve party registration

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down how Donald Trump is being consumed by the growing Epstein feeding frenzy — from his inexplicable softness toward Ghislaine Maxwell to signs he may be genuinely afraid of what she knows. As Trump lashes out at Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene with the same fury he once reserved for impeachment-backers, his grip on the GOP shows early signs of slipping, even as the DOJ considers whether reopening the Epstein investigation could delay the release of sensitive files. With the economy struggling, tariffs quietly being dropped, and ACA subsidies suddenly in play, Trump’s visible panic comes at a politically vulnerable moment. Chuck also recaps conversations from the Texas Tribune Festival, where potential Democratic contenders like Wes Moore and Tim Walz signaled a return to mainstream, service-rooted politics — and where Moore’s centrist lane and military background set him apart as 2028 speculation slowly heats up.

Finally, Chuck hops in the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit several pivotal moments in the history of American conspiracy theories that all fell on the same calendar week, plus he recaps the weekend in college football!

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

00:45 Trump is being consumed by the Epstein feeding frenzy

02:15 Trump’s leniency towards Ghislaine Maxwell is perplexing

03:00 Trump seems to fear Maxwell…but why?

04:15 There’s something Maxwell knows about Trump that scares him

05:45 Trump goes to war with Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor-Greene

07:00 He’s as mad at Massie and Greene as he was with R’s who voted to impeach

08:45 DOJ can avoid releasing the Epstein files by reopening investigation

10:15 Trump is rattled at a time when the economy is struggling

11:45 Administration dropping tariffs, know they’ve raised costs

12:15 It looks like ACA subsidies will actually have a chance to pass

13:45 Offering cash payouts to pay for premiums is a strange solution

15:15 Trump is letting America “see him sweat” over Epstein

17:00 Trump’s influence over the GOP is starting to wane

17:30 If Massie wins his primary, it will be a major rebuke of Trump

18:15 Trump only punishes Republicans who don’t go along with his lies

20:00 We are witnessing the lame duck period beginning for Trump

21:00 Chuck’s experience at Texas Tribune fest, multiple Dem ‘28 hopefuls

21:45 Wes Moore fully embraced the centrist lane during interview with Chuck

23:00 Wes Moore didn’t join the military to “check a political box”

24:45 Tim Walz & Wes Moore agree Trump’s penchant for action is a strong trait

28:00 Wes Moore will run more as a mainstream Dem, not a progressive

32:30 ToddCast Time Machine

33:00 Jonestown, JFK assassination, gap in Nixon tapes same calendar week

34:15 Jonestown shows a closed information system can destroy judgement

35:15 Jonestown shows the consequences of conspiratorial thinking

36:00 JFK conspiracy shows what happens when gov’t can’t convince public

37:00 JFK’s death caused boomers to mistrust the government

38:00 Nixon tape gap reinforced public’s mistrust in government

39:30 The public never received justice for Watergate

40:30 Americans now process events through lens of government coverup

42:45 Public is correct to believe they aren’t getting the entire story

44:45 College football recap

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down how Donald Trump is being consumed by the growing Epstein feeding frenzy — from his inexplicable softness toward Ghislaine Maxwell to signs he may be genuinely afraid of what she knows. As Trump lashes out at Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene with the same fury he once reserved for impeachment-backers, his grip on the GOP shows early signs of slipping, even as the DOJ considers whether reopening the Epstein investigation could delay the release of sensitive files. With the economy struggling, tariffs quietly being dropped, and ACA subsidies suddenly in play, Trump’s visible panic comes at a politically vulnerable moment. Chuck also recaps conversations from the Texas Tribune Festival, where potential Democratic contenders like Wes Moore and Tim Walz signaled a return to mainstream, service-rooted politics — and where Moore’s centrist lane and military background set him apart as 2028 speculation slowly heats up.

Then, historian and author David Lesch joins Chuck to discuss the new book Dodgers to Damascus — an unexpected blend of Middle Eastern politics and baseball. Lesch traces his path from aspiring major-leaguer to one of America’s foremost scholars on Syria, explaining how the fall of the Ottoman Empire, artificial borders drawn by European powers, and a lack of cohesive national identity still shape the region today. He offers candid reflections on his relationship with Bashar al-Assad, why Syria is likely drifting toward a sectarian majoritarian state, and whether any country in the Middle East is truly positioned to attempt democracy. From Iran’s teetering leadership to the Saudis’ complicated partnership with the West, Lesch unpacks the geopolitical moment with clarity and experience.

Chuck and David also dive into the surprising ways baseball helped him understand the Middle East — and vice versa. Lesch reflects on the physical toll of pitching, the Braves’ legendary rotation, and why modern sports medicine might have saved his career. The conversation even explores whether the Middle East could ever embrace baseball, the role of Islamophobia in shaping perceptions, and why travel remains one of the strongest antidotes to fear. Ultimately, Dodgers to Damascus is less a sports memoir and more a sweeping look at a region still wrestling with the consequences of history — and this episode brings that complexity to life.

Finally, Chuck hops in the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit several pivotal moments in the history of American conspiracy theories that all fell on the same calendar week, plus he recaps the weekend in college football!

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

03:00 Trump is being consumed by the Epstein feeding frenzy

04:30 Trump’s leniency towards Ghislaine Maxwell is perplexing

05:15 Trump seems to fear Maxwell…but why?

06:30 There’s something Maxwell knows about Trump that scares him

08:00 Trump goes to war with Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor-Greene

09:15 He’s as mad at Massie and Greene as he was with R’s who voted to impeach

11:00 DOJ can avoid releasing the Epstein files by reopening investigation

12:30 Trump is rattled at a time when the economy is struggling

14:00 Administration dropping tariffs, know they’ve raised costs

14:30 It looks like ACA subsidies will actually have a chance to pass

16:00 Offering cash payouts to pay for premiums is a strange solution

17:30 Trump is letting America “see him sweat” over Epstein

19:15 Trump’s influence over the GOP is starting to wane

19:45 If Massie wins his primary, it will be a major rebuke of Trump

20:30 Trump only punishes Republicans who don’t go along with his lies

22:15 We are witnessing the lame duck period beginning for Trump

23:15 Chuck’s experience at Texas Tribune fest, multiple Dem ‘28 hopefuls

24:00 Wes Moore fully embraced the centrist lane during interview with Chuck

25:15 Wes Moore didn’t join the military to “check a political box”

27:00 Tim Walz & Wes Moore agree Trump’s penchant for action is a strong trait

30:15 Wes Moore will run more as a mainstream Dem, not a progressive

35:00 David Lesch joins the Chuck ToddCast

36:00 Origin of “Dodgers to Damascus”

37:00 It’s weird reading about someone else’s writing about yourself

39:30 What drew David to the Middle East

41:15 Most people don’t understand the Middle East pre 1948

42:00 Fall of Ottoman Empire isn’t covered well in public education

44:00 Artificial divisions in Middle East were to benefit Europe

45:45 Countries in the Middle East lack a national identity

46:30 David’s relationship with Bashar Al-Assad

47:30 Assad was raised as an authoritarian and child of conflict

49:30 Any faith in the new leader of Syria to bring about positive change?

51:45 Syria has been helping with counter terrorist operations

53:00 Syria likely on the way to being a sectarian majoritarian state

56:00 Which Middle East country has the best shot at trying democracy?

57:00 Iran’s weakness makes Kurdistan more possible

58:00 Iranian ayatollahs won’t be able hold power when Khamenei dies

59:00 Iran’s government is teetering, and their proxies are weak

1:00:30 Iran would be an economic power if they became a western democracy

1:01:15 Israel is at the apex of military power in the region

1:04:30 The academic case for the Saudis being a partner

1:05:45 Can the Saudis and Iranians co-exist if Iran moderates?

1:07:00 How did baseball give you extra perspective on the middle east

1:09:00 Would modern sports medicine have saved your career?

1:11:00 The motion for pitching is not meant for human anatomy

1:12:30 Throwing sidearm is much less damaging for your arm

1:14:30 The Braves legendary pitching lineup

1:16:00 David wishes he had at least one year in the majors

1:17:15 Nolan Ryan’s missing flexor tendon was his superpower

1:19:30 Teams run the risk of ending pitchers careers early to win a title

1:21:15 Why is Ohtani so unusual, why haven’t pitchers been able to hit?

1:23:15 Could you see people in the Middle East getting into baseball?

1:26:15 Middle East would need a star from that region to rise in MLB

1:27:00 Islamophobia exists on both sides of the isle

1:27:30 Travel helps to cure phobias

1:28:45 Islamophobia is a harder barrier to break than people realize

1:32:15 Dodgers to Damascus is more of a middle east book than baseball

1:33:00 Chuck’s thoughts on the interview with David Lesch

1:33:15 ToddCast Time Machine

1:33:45 Jonestown, JFK assassination, gap in Nixon tapes same calendar week

1:35:00 Jonestown shows a closed information system can destroy judgement

1:36:00 Jonestown shows the consequences of conspiratorial thinking

1:36:45 JFK conspiracy shows what happens when gov’t can’t convince public

1:37:45 JFK’s death caused boomers to mistrust the government

1:38:45 Nixon tape gap reinforced public’s mistrust in government

1:40:15 The public never received justice for Watergate

1:41:15 Americans now process events through lens of government coverup

1:43:30 Public is correct to believe they aren’t getting the entire story

1:45:30 College football recap

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, historian and author David Lesch joins Chuck to discuss the new book Dodgers to Damascus — an unexpected blend of Middle Eastern politics and baseball. Lesch traces his path from aspiring major-leaguer to one of America’s foremost scholars on Syria, explaining how the fall of the Ottoman Empire, artificial borders drawn by European powers, and a lack of cohesive national identity still shape the region today. He offers candid reflections on his relationship with Bashar al-Assad, why Syria is likely drifting toward a sectarian majoritarian state, and whether any country in the Middle East is truly positioned to attempt democracy. From Iran’s teetering leadership to the Saudis’ complicated partnership with the West, Lesch unpacks the geopolitical moment with clarity and experience.

Chuck and David also dive into the surprising ways baseball helped him understand the Middle East — and vice versa. Lesch reflects on the physical toll of pitching, the Braves’ legendary rotation, and why modern sports medicine might have saved his career. The conversation even explores whether the Middle East could ever embrace baseball, the role of Islamophobia in shaping perceptions, and why travel remains one of the strongest antidotes to fear. Ultimately, Dodgers to Damascus is less a sports memoir and more a sweeping look at a region still wrestling with the consequences of history — and this episode brings that complexity to life.

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 David Lesch joins the Chuck ToddCast

01:00 Origin of “Dodgers to Damascus”

02:00 It’s weird reading about someone else’s writing about yourself

04:30 What drew David to the Middle East

06:15 Most people don’t understand the Middle East pre 1948

07:00 Fall of Ottoman Empire isn’t covered well in public education

09:00 Artificial divisions in Middle East were to benefit Europe

10:45 Countries in the Middle East lack a national identity

11:30 Davd’s relationship with Bashar Al-Assad

12:30 Assad was raised as an authoritarian and child of conflict

14:30 Any faith in the new leader of Syria to bring about positive change?

16:45 Syria has been helping with counter terrorist operations

18:00 Syria likely on the way to being a sectarian majoritarian state

21:00 Which Middle East country has the best shot at trying democracy?

22:00 Iran’s weakness makes Kurdistan more possible

23:00 Iranian ayatollahs won’t be able hold power when Khamenei dies

24:00 Iran’s government is teetering, and their proxies are weak

25:30 Iran would be an economic power if they became a western democracy

26:15 Israel is at the apex of military power in the region

29:30 The academic case for the Saudis being a partner

30:45 Can the Saudis and Iranians co-exist if Iran moderates?

32:00 How did baseball give you extra perspective on the middle east

34:00 Would modern sports medicine have saved your career?

36:00 The motion for pitching is not meant for human anatomy

37:30 Throwing sidearm is much less damaging for your arm

39:30 The Braves legendary pitching lineup

41:00 David wishes he had at least one year in the majors

42:15 Nolan Ryan’s missing flexor tendon was his superpower

44:30 Teams run the risk of ending pitchers careers early to win a title

46:15 Why is Ohtani so unusual, why haven’t pitchers been able to hit?

48:15 Could you see people in the Middle East getting into baseball?

51:15 Middle East would need a star from that region to rise in MLB

52:00 Islamophobia exists on both sides of the isle

52:30 Travel helps to cure phobias

53:45 Islamophobia is a harder barrier to break than people realize

57:15 Dodgers to Damascus is more of a middle east book than baseball

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special “New Voices” episode of the Chuck ToddCast, political strategist Lucy Caldwell joins Chuck to reflect on her journey from running Joe Walsh’s anti-Trump Republican campaign to registering as a Democrat. She discusses the fractures within the conservative movement, the erosion of space for moderates, and why independent efforts like the Forward Party struggle to gain traction. Lucy and Chuck explore how partisan incentives discourage compromise, why the best candidates often emerge from nonpartisan races, and how her personal battle with cancer reshaped her perspective on healthcare policy. It’s a candid look at what it means to be politically homeless in today’s polarized landscape.

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! 

Timeline:

00:00 Lucy Caldwell joins the Chuck Toddcast

00:45 Experience of running Joe Walsh’s campaign

02:00 Walsh’s campaign was meant to be a “path back” for Republicans

02:45 Trump is not a small government conservative

04:15 Feeling politically homeless on the right

06:00 There are many fractures within the Never Trump Republicans

08:00 There used to be at least some common cause across the aisle

10:00 The incentive structures don’t reward moderates or compromise

12:00 The threat of MAGA is so great Lucy registered as a Democrat

14:00 Why independent movements struggle to get off the ground

15:00 Independents struggle to build general excitement

16:00 Independent candidates can vary wildly in their politics

17:30 The Forward Party struggles to find an identity & platform

19:00 Rob Sand ran as a Democrat because it’s only viable option

20:45 Races without partisan primaries produce better candidates

21:45 Executives need different skill sets than legislators

22:30 Which past president would you clone and bring back?

23:45 Our great presidents still have complicated legacies

24:45 Any interest in running for office?

25:30 There has to be something wrong with you to run for office

27:15 The draw of running for office?

29:30 Lucy’s cancer battle informed her views on healthcare policy

31:30 MAHA embraces messaging they priorly rejected

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.