On this episode of the Rick Smith Show, Rick explores the fallout from the death of Charlie Kirk and how the reaction is shaping discourse across America’s college campuses. Raw Story reporter Sarah Burris joins to discuss the media narratives and the political exploitation surrounding the tragedy. Bucknell University Professor Matias Vernengo provides perspective on how campuses, already battlegrounds for freedom of speech and rising extremism, are responding to the polarization and grief. Together, they unpack what this moment reveals about the intersection of politics, higher education, and the ongoing struggle for open dialogue in a divided nation.

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On this episode of the Rick Smith Show, Rick reflects on the shocking tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s murder and how moments of violence deepen America’s divides. He shares memories of 9/11, recalling the horror of that day and how the aftermath reshaped the nation, fueling extremism and pushing the country down a darker path. Rick also opens up about the approaching anniversary of his wife’s near-fatal motorcycle accident, recounting the terrifying moment after the crash and the incredible compassion of the community who rallied to help, ultimately saving her life and reminding us of the power of shared humanity.

 

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On this episode of the Rick Smith Show, Rick digs into the latest jobs numbers revision with Sara Estep, economist at the Center for American Progress, who explains what the data reveals about the sinking Trump economy and the widening struggles for working families. Together, they uncover how the administration’s rosy rhetoric hides deep economic pain. Later, Jill Manrique, Executive Director of Chicago Jobs with Justice, joins the conversation to discuss grassroots responses to Trump’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” and how workers are turning backlash into organizing strength to confront authoritarian attacks and reclaim power in their workplaces and communities.

 

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On this episode of the Rick Smith Show, Rick discusses the troubling rise of authoritarianism in America and sheds light on “Operation Midway Blitz,” a push that threatens working people and democracy alike. Lisa Graves of True North Research joins to expose the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of accountability under Trump. Later, Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, breaks down the absurdity of the so-called “Trump Bump” to Social Security, pointing out the cruel reality that, instead of benefits being strengthened, most Americans would ultimately be bumped off the program they worked for and earned.

 

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On this episode of the Rick Smith Show, Rick breaks down Trump’s so-called “winning economy” as job numbers continue to collapse since his so-called “liberation day,” exposing a reality far from the promises. Rick examines the administration’s desperate distractions, from bizarre conspiracy claims that Trump once snitched for the FBI in the Epstein case to inflammatory memes portraying an “Apocalypse Now” showdown with Chicago. Later, John Logan, Professor and Director of Labor and Employment Studies at San Francisco State University, joins to discuss labor’s response to creeping fascism and why worker solidarity is essential in this dangerous political moment.Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org

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On this episode of the Rick Smith Show, Rick is joined by veteran labor reporter Steven Greenhouse to discuss the state of work and organizing in America after Labor Day, as Donald Trump attacks unions while claiming to champion American workers. LIUNA Vice President Mike Hellstrom previews the upcoming New York City Labor Day Parade and highlights labor’s broader push to restore power to working people. Later, Teamsters Local 776 Business Agent Mark Cicak checks in live from the Rise Dispensary picket line, where striking workers are fighting for fair treatment, respect, and a stronger voice on the job.

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On this episode of the Rick Smith Show, Rick talks with historian Peter Cole, Ph.D., Professor at Western Illinois University and Co-director of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project, about Donald Trump’s deployment of troops in Washington, D.C., and threats to send them to Chicago and Baltimore. Cole lays out the troubling historical parallel of National Guard units breaking strikes and suppressing workers’ rights. Later, AFGE District 3 Vice President Phil Glove joins the conversation to explore what federal workers must do in the Trump era to defend their rights, workplaces, and futures.

 

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On the Rick Smith Show, Rick is joined by Army veteran and Common Defense Political Director Naveed Shah to discuss the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, DC, highlighting concerns over militarization and the message it sends to American citizens. Shah draws on his experience to critique the use of soldiers for political purposes. Later, Raw Story reporter Sarah Burris returns to break down the latest chaos and scandals coming from the Trump administration, unpacking the impact of policy moves and distractions on working families across the nation. Thoughtful, no-nonsense analysis for working listeners.

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On the Rick Smith Show, Rick marks Labor Day with a hard look at Trump’s relentless attacks on working people and unions, highlighting how his policies undermine jobs, wages, and worker protections. Rick also calls out the shortsightedness of Trump’s decision to stop the Revolution Wind project and stall other clean energy investments that created thousands of good-paying union jobs. Joining the conversation, Jim Williams Jr., General President of IUPAT, and Brent Booker, General President of LIUNA, share how labor is fighting back and why workers’ voices are essential to building a stronger, cleaner future.

 

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On the Rick Smith Show, Rick talks with David Madland, Senior Fellow at the American Worker Project, about Trump’s abysmal record on labor, from attacking collective bargaining to siding with corporate interests while workers bear the costs. Madland highlights how these policies weaken unions and strip away protections for working families. Later in the show, former NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo joins Rick to discuss the escalating assault on the National Labor Relations Board by Trump and Republicans, exposing how their efforts aim to dismantle decades of worker rights and silence organizing on behalf of working people.

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