Newt's World

Newt is joined by Bishop Robert Barron, the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and the founder of “Word on Fire” with a special Christmas Day message.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Yaakov Katz, the former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post, about the historic collapse of the Assad family's 53-year rule in Syria, marking a significant moment 14 years after the Syrian civil war began. Opposition forces declared Syria liberated from President Bashar al-Assad's rule. Katz provides insights into the Assad family's history, the dynamics of the Syrian civil war, and the implications for Syria and the broader Middle East. Katz discusses the Assad regime's brutal tactics, including the use of chemical weapons, and the complex geopolitical landscape involving various factions and international players like the U.S., Russia, Turkey, and Iran. They also discuss Israel's strategic interests and military actions in the region, the role of Kurdish forces, and the potential future of Syria under new leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Dr. Matthew Petrusek, Senior Director of the Word on Fire Institute about why Americans are rediscovering faith. Their discussion centers around the Word on Fire Institute, a nonprofit global media apostolate supporting Bishop Robert Barron's work to draw people into or back to the Catholic faith. They discuss the significant increase in Bible sales in the United States, attributing it to an organic cultural shift. They also explore the rediscovery of faith among Americans, particularly young people, and the impact of secularism on society. Dr. Petrusek highlights the Institute's mission to evangelize both within and outside the church, using modern digital platforms to reach a broader audience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with former Congressman Chris Cox about his new book, "Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn," which offers a comprehensive reassessment of Woodrow Wilson's life and his controversial roles in the movements for racial equality and women's suffrage. Their conversation covers Wilson's complex legacy, highlighting his deep-seated prejudices and their impact on 20th century America. Cox shares insights from his extensive research, including Wilson's evolving stance on women's suffrage and his staunch support for segregation. The discussion also covers Wilson's health issues, which significantly affected his presidency, and the political dynamics of his era. Cox provides a nuanced view of Wilson, portraying him as a flawed, yet influential figure in American history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Charles Thorngren, founder and CEO of Legacy Precious Metals, about President-elect Donald Trump's recent appointments to key economic roles, including Scott Bessent as Secretary of the Treasury, Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce, and Paul Atkins as the nominee for the Securities and Exchange Commission. The conversation delves into the potential impacts of these appointments on tariffs, trade agreements, and the economy. Their discussion also covers the role of cryptocurrencies in the financial landscape and the importance of a diversified investment portfolio, including precious metals. Thorngren provides insights into these topics and offers a special promotion for listeners interested in diversifying their investments with precious metals. To learn more call 866-484-4043 or visit legacypminvestments.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Congressman Mark Green about his new book, "We Before Me: The Advantage of Putting Others Before Self," which emphasizes the importance of selflessness in healing the divisions within America. Green shares personal stories from his childhood, influenced by his father's perseverance despite a severe handicap, and how these values shaped his career in the military, healthcare, business, and politics. He reflects on his time at West Point, his service in the Army, including his role in capturing Saddam Hussein, and his transition to Congress. Green also talks about founding the Reagan-O'Neill Club to foster bipartisan relationships in the House and his efforts to address border security and immigration issues. Their conversation highlights Green's belief in the power of unity and selflessness to overcome national challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Sarah Parshall Perry, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, about the Supreme Court case United States v. Skrmetti, which involves three transgender teens challenging Tennessee Senate Bill 1. This bill prohibits medical treatments that allow minors to identify with a gender different from their sex assigned at birth. The plaintiffs argue that the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The case has significant implications as it could affect similar laws in 26 other states. Perry provides an in-depth analysis of the legal arguments, the role of the Supreme Court, and the broader implications for parental rights and state authority. The conversation also touches on the evolving science and public policy regarding gender-affirming care for minors, as well as the potential impact of the Supreme Court's decision on future legislation and parental rights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with President-elect Trump’s recent pick to run the FBI, Kash Patel. They discuss his book, “Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy.” The book exposes the deep state within the U.S. government, detailing how entrenched bureaucrats have undermined democratic processes and stripped power from elected leaders. Patel, a former top official in the White House, Department of Defense, and other key agencies, shares his firsthand experiences and insights into the major players and tactics of the deep state. He discusses the challenges he faced in publishing his book, including a lawsuit against the Biden administration to release the manuscript. The conversation also covers Patel's career journey, the weaponization of government agencies, and the interconnectedness of the deep state and mainstream media. Patel emphasizes the importance of educating the public about these issues to preserve democracy and prevent future abuses of power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Daniel Bogado, the executive producer and director of the new National Geographic documentary "Tsunami: Race Against Time." The four-part documentary series marks 20 years since one of the deadliest natural disasters in history and provides a 360-degree view into the heart-stopping events of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that took over 225,000 lives. Bogado shares insights into the unexpected nature of the tsunami, the lack of warning systems, and the extensive research involved in creating the documentary. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact on survivors and the challenges of preserving historical footage. Additionally, Bogado mentions his upcoming project about a baby elephant in Kenya, highlighting his diverse range of his documentary work. "Tsunami: Race Against Time” is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt’s talks with Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of “Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience” and they discuss the history of Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the United States. Kirkpatrick highlights the pivotal role of Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential author and editor, who campaigned for nearly two decades to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Her efforts culminated in President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 proclamation, which set the last Thursday in November as a day for national thanksgiving. Kirkpatrick describes Hale's significant contributions to American culture, including her advocacy for women's education and employment, her influence through Godey's Lady's Book and her personal resilience, literary achievements, and lasting impact on American traditions and holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.