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Join Rachel and Meseidy for an UnFiltered dive into American history meets modern politics. From the bizarre 1859 Pig War between the US and Britain over the San Juan Islands to Trump’s controversial UFC fight plans on the White House lawn for America’s 250th birthday, we explore how presidential populism has evolved from Teddy Roosevelt’s boxing ring to today’s political spectacle. Plus: our hot takes on Venezuela policy, the White House ballroom drama, and why the first female president will likely be Republican. No topic is off limits in this wide-ranging conversation about tradition, spectacle, and what “presidential” really means in 2025.

Warning: You might leave this episode with a serious case of tool envy and a sudden urge to organize your entire news consumption system.

Episode Highlights

* The Pig War of 1859: How one dead pig nearly sparked an international conflict that lasted 14 years with zero casualties

* UFC on the White House Lawn: Making the case for Trump’s controversial July 4th fight plan through the lens of Teddy Roosevelt’s White House boxing ring

* Venezuela Policy Concerns: Why Trump’s Latin America strategy might be good geopolitics but terrible political messaging heading into midterms

* The First Female President: Why both Democrat and Republican strategists agree it will be a Republican woman—and Sarah Huckabee Sanders tops the list

* White House Ballroom Battle: The real story behind Trump’s demolition plans, donor funding, and Elizabeth Warren’s legal threats

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Location Changes

05:10 DIY Projects and Home Improvements

16:00 The Pig War: A Historical Overview

21:40 Discussion on the San Juan Islands

21:59 The Pig War: A Historical Anecdote

24:23 Political Reflections on Leadership and Legacy

27:33 Spectacle and Populism in Modern Politics

35:31 Connecting Historical Figures: Trump and Roosevelt

39:42 The UFC Fight on the White House Lawn: A Controversial Event

40:16 Trump’s Birthday and the New Ballroom

44:43 Controversies Surrounding the White House Renovations

50:49 Political Messaging and Latin America

56:25 The Future of Female Leadership in Politics