Breaking Battlegrounds

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-693b7196-3b5c-832f-a919-a589a18299f4-4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we take on three of the biggest issues shaping America's future: national security, education, and taxes. First, Dr. Meg Reiss, founder and CEO of SolidIntel, joins the show to explain how American red tape is strengthening China's dominance over rare earth minerals. Then, National Emmy winning investigative reporter Chris Papst of Fox45 Baltimore joins to discuss his book Failure Factory, which uncovers America's public education crisis, including how billions in taxpayer dollars are spent while student outcomes stagnate and what parents nationwide should be watching for in their own school districts. Finally, Matthew Putnam of the National Taxpayers Union explains how Truth in Taxation laws offer a proven solution to runaway property taxes, highlighting successful reforms in states like Utah, Kansas, and Nebraska and why lawmakers across the country are paying attention.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we examine the state of American institutions, the GOP, and family finances with three great guests. First, Goldwater Institute Senior Fellow Timothy K. Minella joins the show to discuss his new report "Peer Review Gone Wild," which argues that major academic journals are prioritizing ideology over rigorous scholarship, undermining public trust in taxpayer-funded research and evidence-based policymaking. Then, Jesse Arm, vice president of external affairs at the Manhattan Institute, breaks down his new analysis "The New GOP: Survey Analysis of Americans Overall, Today's Republican Coalition, and the Minorities of MAGA," exploring shifting voter coalitions, the emerging Republican base, and what recent Tennessee election results tell us about the party's future. Finally, financial expert Gary Gygi returns to discuss the new proposal for "Trump Accounts," which would provide every child born between 2025 and 2028 with a 1,000 dollar deposit from the federal government and what that could mean for families.

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-69205b89-90ec-8330-a1d7-91e4b0bed4d0-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-22" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone joins National Review columnist and Locked In host Caroline Downey and Manhattan Institute Fellow Daniel Di Martino in person at Arizona State University for a conversation on "Gen Z: The Future of American Politics," exploring cultural trends, campus movements, and the shifting ideological landscape among younger voters. Later in the show, Chuck and Sam are joined by investigative reporter Ben Wieder of McClatchy's Washington bureau and the Miami Herald as he breaks down the newly released Epstein files, what the documents reveal, and the ongoing questions surrounding victims, media relationships, and federal investigations. Tune in for a conversation you won't hear anywhere else.

This Thanksgiving week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're grateful for all our listeners and hope you enjoy a special show filled with history, tradition, and service. We kick things off with best-selling author and historian William Federer, who walks us through the real story behind Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims, and how the holiday became a national celebration. Then Kiley shares the fascinating and nearly forgotten history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, including the years when giant helium balloons were released into the sky for cash rewards and why that tradition suddenly ended. We close the show with Navy veteran and AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver, discussing how veterans are continuing to serve, support wartime allies, and lead humanitarian efforts. It is a meaningful and timely episode, and we are thankful you are part of the Breaking Battlegrounds family.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds we welcome three insightful guests covering education, redistricting, and the economy. Dr. Carol McNamara, Director of the Great Hearts Institute for Classical Education, joins to discuss the growing movement of classical education, how it prepares students for all fields including science and engineering, and the upcoming National Symposium for Classical Education celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Renae Cowley, partner at Foxley, Pignanelli, Cowley, Styler, columnist for the Deseret News and professional barrel racer, breaks down Utah's new congressional maps and their political implications. Finally, financial expert and former mayor Gary Gygi returns to explain why the stock market is soaring even as many Americans still do not feel the economic boost.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we welcome back friend of the show and #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans. Best known for The Christmas Box, Richard has written an incredible 41 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, with more than 35 million copies in print and translations in over 22 languages. His newest novel, The Christmas Stranger, reminds us that sometimes the universe sends us exactly who we need. After losing his family on Christmas Eve, Paul Wanlass has given up on life—until an unexpected visitor appears at his door, setting off a series of events that rekindle hope, healing, and the true meaning of Christmas. Join us as Richard shares the inspiration behind his latest story, the themes of redemption that run through his work, and how faith and connection continue to shape his writing. Find all of Richard's books at richardpaulevans.com/books

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone welcome three distinguished guests offering global expertise and fresh perspective. The Daily Telegraph's Associate Editor Gordon Rayner shares his investigations into the BBC's bias and how the network intentionally edited Trump's speech to make him appear to say things he never did. Then, Zineb Riboua from the Hudson Institute joins to discuss Third-Worldism, ideology, and great power competition shaping the Middle East and North Africa. Finally, Shay Khatiri of the Yorktown Institute weighs in on Trump's remarks about nuclear testing, U.S. treaty limits, and the shifting balance of nuclear power between the U.S., Russia, and China. It's a thought-provoking, globally focused episode you won't want to miss. Stream now!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with John Reid, Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to talk about his "Real Virginia Agenda," from workforce freedom to the gerrymandering Democrats are trying to push this week in Virginia—going against the will of Virginians—and his unconventional AI debate with opponent Ghazala Hashmi, who refused to debate him, so he debated an AI version of her using only her real quotes. Then Gary Gygi joins us to break down the upcoming Federal Reserve System meeting and what it could mean for interest rates and the economy. We're also joined by Anna Giaritelli of the Washington Examiner to discuss her powerful new memoir Under Assault and its message of justice and accountability. We wrap up with Henry Olsen, who explains why Argentina's upcoming elections matter for the United States and what's at stake globally. And stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, where she dives into the chilling story of the Highway Serial Killings. We end the podcast with John Reid's full AI Debate. You can also watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWe1PbGIZw4&t=123s

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're joined by Daniel Di Martino, Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and PhD candidate at Columbia University, for a deep dive into the fiscal impact of immigration. Daniel breaks down his 2025 report showing how education level, age of arrival, and legal status determine whether immigration boosts or strains America's finances—revealing why high-skilled immigrants contribute net surpluses while lower-skilled, older arrivals often bring long-term fiscal costs. We'll also hear how his experience growing up in Venezuela shapes his views on socialism, protest culture, and opportunity. Later, Albert Eisenberg of RedBridge joins us to discuss the future of Pennsylvania, the political trajectory of John Fetterman, how Republicans can lead on healthcare solutions and affordability, and why smart strategic messaging is key to connecting with new generations of voters. And in Kiley's Corner, we're diving into the 2025 Louvre Museum heist as she reveals a Spotify playlist titled "Louvre Museum Heist" that was created four weeks before the crime. Was it the thieves? Tune into this episode to find out more.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're diving into global strategy, national security, child protection, and the economy. First, Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins the show to break down why Venezuela matters beyond narcotics and migration, the geopolitical stakes of regime change, and the implications of U.S. policy options under a potential Trump administration. Then, Mark "Oz" Geist—Benghazi hero, former Marine, and co-chair of the Protect Our Children initiative—discusses his mission to enact common-sense protections for kids and combat child sex trafficking in Colorado and across the country. Finally, financial expert Gary Gygi returns to unpack why gold prices are surging and what it reveals about global trust in central banks.