The RTWJ Podcast

We’re taking a break from discussing politics and news headlines, and instead are reflecting on what this current holiday season means to us, where we’ve been during 2024, and the direction we’re headed in 2025. No matter which holiday(s) you celebrate, we wish all our listeners a happy holiday season, as well as a safe and happy new year. We look forward to returning on January 1, 2025!

December 10, 2024

As President-elect Donald Trump continues to name appointees to his upcoming administration and shares bold plans for his first day in office, we question what policies he will actually be able to implement after Inauguration Day, as well as the extent to which such policies will impact American democracy and society. Based on what we have seen and heard so far, we are more concerned than ever with how the initiatives of Trump and his allies may impede the societal progress we stand for in terms of inclusion and providing opportunities to all. 

December 2, 2024

After a busy October and a delayed episode release schedule, we are happy to be back on track with a new release for November 15th! Having been away during the most critical moments of the race for the White House, we're reflecting on the results, our disappointment with the Harris-Walz ticket not being successful in winning the race, and the initial concerns we have as we approach Inauguration Day in just a little more than two months. 

November 15, 2024

We’re back with a brand new episode, and we start off with a throwback to our days being branded as The Real Talk with JAM Podcast, followed by allowing ourselves to dive into some tangents, including trying to understand why credit card companies sell gift cards. We then briefly reflect about the first presidential debate earlier this month between Harris and Trump (having delayed the release of this episode), as we prepare for an election that is now only 41 days away.

September 25, 2024

For our Labor Day weekend episode, we’re diving deeper into the race for the White House as Election Day is just a little more than two months away. And as the Harris and Trump campaigns continue pushing along this final stretch, one question we explore is whether the electoral college is still the best way to elect the President of the United States, or if it’s time to consider transitioning to the popular vote.

September 1, 2024

We received such great feedback and support for John’s reflection last episode that John took the opportunity to respond and share some additional reflection. In addition, we share a few initial thoughts on Kamala Harris taking the reins from Joe Biden as the Democratic Party’s new candidate for the White House. 

August 10, 2024

John and Marcus start with initial reaction and comments related to the incident involving Former President Donald Trump at a rally the past weekend, but then switch gears with John sharing more of his personal story and the circumstances behind the extended break the RTWJ Podcast took during the first half of 2024. In addition to details of the circumstances themselves, John shares about the personal growth he experienced during this time, the growth between John and Marcus as best friends, and the message he has for the audience based on his journey. 

July 15, 2024

As John and Marcus bring The RTWJ Podcast back to life, they take on new chaos that has recently come up related to the 2024 presidential election, from the first Biden-Trump debate to today's SCOTUS ruling providing Trump with immunity as it relates to official acts he carried out during his first term as President. 

July 1, 2024

After being on hiatus for several months and delaying the relaunch date, The RTWJ Podcast returns just in time for Pride Month 2024, a topic that is close and personal for the show. BOTH John and Marcus are together again to host this relaunch episode, with discussion of the current state of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, as well as a response to those who dismiss the necessity to celebrate LGBTQ Pride. 

June 15, 2024

Marcus continues to run the show for now while John has temporarily stepped away, and provides an update on how things are going, including the recent move which John and Marcus did together to South Orange County. 

December 21, 2023