

The Bill Press Pod
BP Pods
Deep dives into the crucial issues and emergencies facing America with the people trying to solve them.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 23, 2025 • 38min
Challenges for the Media in Trump 2.0. The Editors'' Year-end Roundtable. December 23, 2025
In this episode, Bill discusses the challenges faced by the media during Donald Trump's second term with Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief of CQ-Roll Call, Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-chief of The National Journal and Sudeep Reddy formerly a Managing Editor at Politico and now Washington Bureau Chief for MS-Now, the renamed MSNBC. The discussion covers the unprecedented actions taken by Trump, including pardoning January 6th participants, issuing over 200 executive orders, and waging an illegal war in the Caribbean. The editors also examine the pressures faced by the media, including the controversy surrounding CBS News under the leadership of Bari Weiss and how to handle the spread of misinformation. Additionally, they discuss the changes in local media coverage, the role of the press in maintaining democracy, and the difficulty in covering both the Trump administration and Congress.Today. Bill highlights the work of Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen and urges our listeners to consider supporting it with a donation. Check out all the places and people they are helping at WCK.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 19, 2025 • 54min
"People are pissed." The Reporters' Roundtable. December 19, 2025
Trump Unraveling? Too Many Deportations? “Affordability” Sticking. Trump’s Speeches. Why Did Susie Wiles Talk? MTG’s Strategy. Congress’ Very Bad Year. Dem’s 2026 Senate Chances. With Kirk Bado, Editor, National Journal Hotline, Jennifer Bendery, Reporter for HuffPost covering Congress, Trump and authoritarianism, Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors Editor at The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Sam Brodey, National Political Reporter for The Boston Globe.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 16, 2025 • 34min
"Everything is Projection or Confession?" Trump's Cognitive Decline with Dr. John Gartner
In this episode Bill interviews Dr. John Gartner, a former Johns Hopkins professor and founder of Duty to Warn. In his return to the Bill Press Pod, Dr. Gartner provides an in-depth analysis of President Donald Trump’s cognitive health, asserting that Trump exhibits signs of severe cognitive decline and personality disorders such as malignant narcissism. He discusses specific instances that showcase Trump’s deteriorating mental state, including erratic behavior, memory lapses, and lack of empathy. The episode delves into the challenges and dangers posed by Trump's mental condition, its implications on his presidency, and potential future scenarios.Today Bill once again highlights the work of Chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen. While the Trump administration is decimating America's soft power around the world, and our role as a provider of aid to people and countries in peril, the World Central Kitchen goes where they're needed. No matter the war zone nor the danger of a natural disaster. This is one of Carol and my favorite charities and I hope you'll support them at WCK.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 12, 2025 • 43min
"Trump is Faltering." The Reporters' Roundtable. December 12, 2025.
Trump's Power fading: Indiana Fail. Trump Lame Duck? Senate Healthcare Fail. Affordability Fail. James Indictment Fail. Judicial Guardrails Holding. Boat Strike Questions. War in Venezuela? With Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent for 19th News, Arthur Delaney, Senior Reporter for HuffPost and Evan McMorris-Santoro, Reporter and co-author of the Daily Newsletter for NOTUS. Today Bill suggests a Holiday gift: Hand-made, one-of-a-kind scarves from his weaver wife Carol. These are warm, beautiful and works of art. Check them out at CarolPressScarves.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 9, 2025 • 33min
2026: A Reckoning for Trump and the GOP? With Larry Sabato.
In this episode, Bill reconnects with Larry Sabato, Founder and Director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. to discuss the 2026 midterm elections. Sabato shares his insights on why he believes Democrats have the edge going into the midterms, citing dissatisfaction with the current Republican control of the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court. They delve into the implications of redistricting and special elections, recent shifts in voter behavior among Hispanic and Asian communities, and the influence of former President Donald Trump on upcoming elections. The conversation also covers competitive Senate races, the potential impact of candidates like Susan Collins, and the possible future role of J.D. Vance in the 2028 presidential race. The discussion highlights the importance of politics in shaping the future of the nation and reflects on past progress while expressing optimism for the future. Today Bill highlights the work of Jose Andres and The World Central Kitchen. On the front lines of war and natural disasters. Consider adding it to your charitable giving in this Holiday (and Tax planning) season. More information at WCK.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 5, 2025 • 43min
"The Zone of Insanity." The Reporters' Roundtable. December 5, 2025
Drug Boats Strikes. Hegseth Doubles Down. Trump’s Wild Pardons.J6 Bomber Arrest. Affordability Messaging. Tenn Special Election. GOP Healthcare Chaos. Ballroom inflation. With Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor, Kirk Bado, Editor of The National Journal Hotline and Philip Bump, former Washington Post Columnist and current MS-Now(MSNBC), Contributor. Today Bill suggests a Carol Press Scarf as a great holiday gift. Hand woven, each a work of art. Take a look at CarolPressScarves.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 2, 2025 • 34min
The Promise and Peril of AI with Tech Journalist Jacob Ward.
In this episode Bill speaks with Jacob Ward, a longtime technology journalist. He’s worked for NBC News, CNN and PBS. They discuss the origins and development of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on its capabilities and limitations. Jacob explains that AI's power lies in its pattern recognition but emphasizes that it does not truly understand the data it processes. He delves into the societal implications of AI, including job displacement, lack of regulation, and potential psychological impacts. Despite these risks, Ward highlights positive uses of AI in fields like healthcare and astronomy. Finally, he discusses the pressing need for regulatory measures to mitigate the adverse effects of AI and advocates for a balanced approach to AI utilization. You can follow Jacob Ward’s Podcast and Newsletter, The Rip Current, here TheRipCurrent.com and here TheRipCurrent.substack.com. And his book, The Loop: How Technology Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back here. Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers’ International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 28, 2025 • 35min
The Heroines of the French Resistance with Historian Lynne Olson.
In this special episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill interviews historian and author Lynne Olson at The Hill Center in Washington DC. Olson discusses her latest book, 'The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck,' which tells the incredible story of French women in the Resistance who were imprisoned in the Nazis' only all-female concentration camp, Ravensbruck. The conversation highlights the women's bravery, resilience, and defiance under horrific conditions. Olson also shares insights about post-war recognition and controversies surrounding these women's contributions. Additionally, she touches on her book 'Empress of the Nile,' detailing the efforts of Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt to save ancient Egyptian temples. We hope you enjoy this captivating discussion that shines a light on these underrecognized heroines of history.The two books mentioned in detail are: The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis in Hitler's All-Female Concentration Camp. You can buy here.Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from DestructionYou can buy here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 25, 2025 • 38min
Will the "America First" President get us into war? With National Security Analyst, Joe Cirincione.
In this episode, Bill and National Security Analyst Joe Cirincione discuss the implications of recent U.S. foreign policy actions under Donald Trump's administration. They focus on the escalating military actions in Venezuela, the Trump administration's unauthorized and potentially illegal military strikes against alleged drug smugglers, and the broader historical context of U.S. involvement in Latin America. The conversation also touches on the controversial peace plan proposed for Ukraine, which heavily favors Russian interests, and the precarious ceasefire situation in Gaza. Additionally, they examine Saudi Arabia's influence on U.S. policy, highlighting Trump's controversial relationships with foreign leaders like Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The episode underscores the complexities and contradictions of current U.S. foreign policy and raises questions about its legality and effectiveness.Today Bill suggests a great holiday gift, the hand-woven scarves by Carol Press. Check them out at CarolPressScarves.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 21, 2025 • 44min
"Nothing really surprises me anymore ." The Reporters' Roundtable. November 21, 2025
Epstein! Epstein! Epstein! Mike Johnson Spooked.MTG vs DJT.MBS Khashoggi and Trump.The Weakening Congress.Refuse Legal Orders!Trump’s Overreaction.Dick Cheney’s Funeral Guests. Today's Panel: Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief at CQ-Roll Call, Katherine Tully-McManus, Congressional Reporter at Politico, Ledge King, Managing Editor of National Journal Daily and John Bennett, White House Correspondent for CQ-Roll Call.Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


