
Compact Podcast
Geoff Shullenberger, Ashley Frawley, and Matthew Schmitz discuss current events.
Latest episodes

Jul 2, 2025 • 50min
Rice Guys Finish Last
The Senate passes Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, a musical act leads violent chants at Glastonbury Festival, and Zohran Mamdani ignites a debate over "woke" table etiquette. Ashley Frawley and Anna Wetzel join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Jun 26, 2025 • 48min
From Rainbow to Red
Zohran Mamdani wins the New York Democratic Mayoral Primaries, Obergefell v. Hodges turns 10, and Trump surprises hawks and doves. Ashley Frawley and Stephen Adubato join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe Read Daniel McCarthy's column "How Trump Surprised Hawks and Doves:" https://www.compactmag.com/article/how-trump-surprised-hawks-and-doves/

Jun 19, 2025 • 53min
Hawks and Doves
Trump weighs US involvement in Iran, authorities investigate the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers, and the trial of Sean Combs is underway. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Jun 13, 2025 • 50min
Chaos in the Canyon
The discussion starts with the controversial deployment of U.S. Marines to California amid immigration protests, revealing deep political divides. The hosts delve into how political narratives shape societal threats and explore the grassroots nature of protests. They highlight the complex identities of immigrants in Southern California and the challenges of assimilation. Finally, they reflect on the nostalgic ties between the Beach Boys, American culture, and military interventions, revealing the darker side of iconic music history.

Jun 4, 2025 • 58min
The Last Drag
Twelve people are injured in an antisemitic attack in Colorado, Britain increases its defense budget, the European Union goes after pornographers, and France bans public smoking. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

May 29, 2025 • 55min
Trump Bonds or Bust?
Trump wages war on Harvard, Germany joins the US and other countries in a cautious escalation of the war in Ukraine, and the Trump administration proposes a program to turn every baby into a budding capitalist. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

May 21, 2025 • 55min
The Big Beautiful Podcast
Trump negotiates his big beautiful bill, Biden is diagnosed with cancer, and South African refugees resettle in the United States. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

May 14, 2025 • 47min
Habemus Papam!
The new pope has taken the name Leo, alluding to Pope Leo XIII who developed modern Catholic social teaching, and the Trump administration might accept the gift of a luxury airliner from Qatar. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

May 6, 2025 • 50min
Escape from Hollywood
The AfD gets labelled an extremist organization, and Trump plans to reopen Alcatraz and to impose tariffs on foreign film production. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

May 1, 2025 • 51min
Powering up, powering out
Trump makes a mineral deal with Ukraine, the liberal candidate wins the Canadian election, and Spain faces power outages. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe