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Radley Balko

Journalist who has written about policing and criminal justice for decades. Author of Rise of the Warrior Cop, The Militarization of America's Police Forces and writes the substack, The Watch.

Top 10 podcasts with Radley Balko

Ranked by the Snipd community
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34 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 51min

Bonus 003: Trump's Cult of Cruelty (w/ Radley Balko and Charlie Sykes)

Radley Balko, an investigative journalist focused on policing and civil liberties, joins Charlie Sykes, a political commentator analyzing the American right. They delve into the implications of Trump's imagery on civil rights, discussing the parallels to past protests. The duo critiques law enforcement's militarization and its effects on society, while debating the rhetoric of fear in media. They analyze the political motivations behind using federal forces and the backlash against meritocracy. Ultimately, they explore pathways to rebuild democratic norms and promote decency.
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Aug 31, 2025 • 50min

How Should We Respond to the MAGA Right's Embrace of the Cult of Cruelty? A Conversation With Radley Balko and Charlie Sykes

In a thought-provoking discussion, Radley Balko, an expert on police militarization, and Charlie Sykes, a political analyst, tackle the MAGA right's embrace of cruelty. They dissect how fear is weaponized in politics, creating a climate that undermines civil liberties. The duo highlights the contradictions in the law-and-order narrative while emphasizing the need for accountability. They also delve into systemic racism and the resistance to civil rights movements, underscoring the urgency for a renewed commitment to democratic values and shared humanity.
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May 8, 2025 • 44min

A Trumped Up Police State Is Coming

Radley Balko, a journalist and author known for his work on police militarization and civil liberties, offers insights into Donald Trump’s controversial executive order on policing. He highlights the alarming shift towards federal control over local law enforcement and the potential for increased militarization. Balko warns about the threats to accountability and civil rights, emphasizing how these moves may be used against critics of the administration. The conversation delves into broader implications for the criminal justice system and the risks of an emerging police state.
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Sep 20, 2024 • 59min

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Needs to ‘Grow a Pair’ and Stand Up to Trump

Radley Balko, an investigative journalist renowned for his insights into criminal justice, joins alongside David Rothkopf, CEO of the DSR Network. They dissect Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's lackluster response to Trump’s conspiracy theories and the alarming prospect of mass deportations. The discussion reveals the ethical and logistical nightmares behind such promises while amplifying the urgent need for brave political leadership. They also address the dangerous rise of authoritarian rhetoric in today’s political landscape, emphasizing the role of media accountability.
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Aug 26, 2024 • 25min

Police and Prosecutor Misconduct Protections and A Possible Path Forward

Radley Balko, a journalist focused on public sector accountability, dives into the pervasive issues of police and prosecutor misconduct. He highlights the struggles victims face in seeking justice, emphasizing the need for reform to enhance accountability. Balko examines the troubling trend of militarization in policing, driven by financial incentives, and discusses landmark cases that illustrate the challenges of holding law enforcement accountable. He advocates for Sentinel Event Reviews to learn from mistakes and foster meaningful change in the criminal justice system.
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Mar 14, 2024 • 2h 2min

Coleman Hughes vs. Radley Balko: Who's Right About George Floyd?

In this thought-provoking discussion, Coleman Hughes, a writer known for his sharp analyses of social issues, debates with Radley Balko, a journalist specializing in criminal justice. They tackle the controversial documentary about George Floyd's death, questioning its claims on police conduct and Chauvin's conviction. Hughes expresses skepticism about the murder verdict, while Balko critiques the documentary's factual accuracy. Their conversation also explores the implications of policing practices, public protests, and the challenges of communicating complex legal issues to the public.
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Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 6min

Trump’s SCOTUS Win Shows Why We Need Federally Run Elections

The podcast discusses Trump's legal battles, Supreme Court decisions, and concerns about democracy erosion. They also cover the retconning of George Floyd's death, challenges in civic engagement, and the dangers of revising police abuse cases. Additionally, they talk about the legal issues surrounding Trump's circle and the ongoing fight for workers' rights against relaxed child labor laws in Kentucky.
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Feb 2, 2023 • 10min

Specialized Police Units Are In The Spotlight, Again

Radley Balko, journalist and author of "Rise of the Warrior Cop," delves into the contentious role of specialized police units following the disbanding of Memphis's SCORPION unit after Tyre Nichols' tragic death. He discusses the aggressive tactics of these units, their questionable effectiveness, and their impact on community trust. Balko highlights the historical patterns of violence associated with these forces and advocates for a shift towards community-oriented policing to prevent future tragedies.
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Jun 13, 2020 • 58min

Ep. #533: Radley Balko, Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian

Radley Balko, an opinion journalist and policing expert, joins Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a leading cardiologist and public health advocate, for a lively discussion. They tackle the complexities of police reform amidst the COVID-19 crisis, questioning the current strategies and emphasizing community-focused solutions. The conversation shifts to the obesity epidemic, where Mozaffarian highlights the urgent need for better nutrition and government action. Larry Wilmore and Matt Welch add comedic insights on Hollywood's cultural responses and the bizarre behaviors observed during the pandemic.
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Aug 11, 2017 • 2h 30min

068 "Criminal Justice, Naughty Texts, Fire & Fury, Diversity Manifesto" (w/ Radley Balko and Thad Russell)

Radley Balko and Thaddeus Russell discuss criminal justice reform under Obama and Trump, government's response to the opioid epidemic, racism in the criminal justice system, death investigations and the media, wealthy individuals' motivations, Trump's rhetoric on North Korea, Trump administration's approach to international conflicts, shifting Cold War ideologies, and controversies surrounding a Google employee's diversity memo.

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