Newt's World

Newt talks with Kevin Czinger, lead inventor, Founder, and Executive Chairman of Czinger Vehicles and its parent company, Divergent Technologies about his recent visit to the Divergent 3D factory in Torrance, California. They discuss Czinger's impressive background, from his working-class roots in Ohio to his achievements in football, military service, and law. Czinger shares his journey from Yale Law School to becoming a Deputy US Attorney and later joining Goldman Sachs. He explains his transition to founding Coda Automotive and eventually Divergent Technologies, focusing on sustainable production systems. Their conversation highlights Divergent's innovative manufacturing process, which integrates AI, 3D printing, and robotics to create advanced, lightweight structures for various industries, including automotive and aerospace. Czinger also discusses the development of the Czinger 21C, the world's fastest street-legal hypercar, and the potential of Divergent's technology to revolutionize the aerospace and defense industries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Ambassador Gregory Slayton about his new book, "Portraits of Ukraine: A Nation at War," which provides an in-depth analysis of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The book explores Ukraine's history, culture, and the resilience of its people, complemented by hundreds of images. Slayton, a former US Consul General and Chief of Mission to Bermuda, shares his experiences from Kyiv and Washington, emphasizing the importance of peace through strength and the critical role of US support for Ukraine. He highlights the challenges posed by Russian disinformation and the necessity of continued Western aid. Their conversation underscores the significance of supporting Ukraine's fight for democracy and freedom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks about his experience attending President Donald J. Trump's address to the joint session of Congress. He describes the atmosphere, interactions, and preparations leading up to the event, including a reception at Speaker Mike Johnson's office. Newt highlights the strategic seating arrangements and the anticipation of potential disruptions by Democrats, which were effectively managed by Speaker Johnson and the Sergeant at Arms. The address itself is detailed, noting Trump's extensive coverage of various topics, his engagement with the audience, and the contrasting reactions from Republicans and Democrats. Newt emphasizes the positive reception of Trump's speech, its impact on his agenda, and the stark division between the supportive Republicans and the unresponsive "Zombie Democrats."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Dr. Eric Cole, a renowned cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and author of “Cyber Crisis: Protecting Your Business from Real Threats in the Virtual World.” Dr. Cole discusses the pervasive issue of cybersecurity threats, highlighting the frequent breaches by foreign entities such as Chinese, Russian, and Iranian hackers. He emphasizes the need for federal cybersecurity laws in the U.S. and the importance of redesigning systems to protect against vulnerabilities. Their conversation covers the global nature of cyber warfare, the inadequacy of current U.S. cybersecurity measures, and the necessity for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's cyber infrastructure. Dr. Cole provides practical advice for individuals to enhance their own cybersecurity, such as using two-factor authentication, minimizing the use of free apps, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump met separately this week with President Emmanuel Macron of France and Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom to discuss potential terms for a ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russia war. Trump highlighted significant progress in talks with Russia and other parties, aiming to end the conflict. The Trump administration is also negotiating the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Victoria Coates, former Deputy National Security Advisor and current vice president at The Heritage Foundation joins Newt emphasizing the importance of diplomatic progress and criticizing the Biden administration's approach. Coates highlights the need for a strategic and decisive resolution to the war, the significance of defense spending in Europe, and the potential benefits of the US-Ukraine mineral deal. Their conversation also covers the broader implications of US foreign policy and the evolving political landscape in Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with bestselling author Robert D. Kaplan about his new book, “Waste Land: A World in Permanent Crisis,” which explores the current global landscape marked by war, climate change, technological advancements, and geopolitical tensions. Kaplan argues that the interconnectedness of today's world, driven by technology and urbanization, means that crises in one country can quickly become global issues. He suggests that prioritizing order and stable governance over mass democracy could prevent future chaos. Their conversation also delves into historical parallels with the Weimar Republic, the impact of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan on global perceptions, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kaplan emphasizes the importance of constructive pessimism in foreign policy and highlights the unique challenges faced by Israel in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses federal budget spending priorities and the budget reconciliation process with Richard Stern, Director of the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget at The Heritage Foundation. They explore the complexities of the reconciliation bill versus regular spending bills, the historical context and evolution of the reconciliation process, and the challenges of passing significant legislative changes in a divided Congress. Stern emphasizes the importance of bold leadership and public education on fiscal issues, drawing parallels between current political dynamics and historical figures like Andrew Jackson. Their conversation also touches on the impact of pork barrel spending and the need for a cultural shift towards fiscal responsibility and transparency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of opponents to Iran's authorities rallied in Paris, organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), to call for the fall of the government in Tehran. The protest coincides with President Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Iran. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of NCRI, discusses the Iranian resistance, highlighting the regime's use of its space program to camouflage nuclear weapons development and the importance of international support for the Iranian opposition. Their conversation covers the history of Iran's political landscape, the role of the NCRI in exposing the regime's activities, and the potential for significant change in Iran through internal resistance and external pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt’s guest is former U.S. Attorney William Kolibash. They discuss his extensive career in the Northern District of West Virginia, where he prosecuted a wide range of criminals, from moonshiners and drug dealers to sex traffickers and violent gangs. Kolibash shares insights from his new book, “Justice Never Rests: A U.S. Attorney’s Battle Against Murderers, Drug Lords, Mob Kingpins & Cults,” detailing his pioneering use of the RICO statute and multi-jurisdictional task forces. He recounts his journey from a history major at Brown University to a law career influenced by the Vietnam War draft, his experiences in the military's Judge Advocate General Corps, and his eventual appointment as U.S. Attorney by President Reagan. Kolibash also reflects on the importance of collaboration with law enforcement and the challenges of combating organized crime and drug cartels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vice President JD Vance attended an AI summit in France, where he emphasized the Trump administration's commitment to American technological leadership in AI. Newt’s guest is Neil Chilson, head of AI policy at the Abundance Institute. They discuss various emergent technologies, including quantum computing, biotechnology, and small modular reactors. Chilson highlights the shift in focus at the AI Summit from safety concerns to ensuring global competitiveness and inclusion in AI advancements. Their discussion also addresses the regulatory landscape in the US and Europe, the global AI race, and the rivalry between Elon Musk and Sam Altman over OpenAI. Chilson emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pro-innovation environment in the US to stay ahead in the AI race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.