Chapter Two of Trump’s Project 2025: Up Close and Personal depicts the personal story of Eve, a nurse struggling with infertility, whose treatment is threatened by the new president's executive order banning certain fertility treatments. The episode explores how the president's policies would impact everyday Americans, particularly women and families, by interfering with reproductive freedom and the right to self-determination. The author of the serialized novel “2025,” upon which this podcast series is based, David Pepper, highlights how the fictional story is directly based on the policies outlined in the Trump’s Project 2025 and the president's own words, underscoring the very real and devastating consequences a second Trump term and the implementation of Project 2025 could have. You can read Chapter Two of David Pepper’s “2025: A Novel” at davidpepper.substack.com/p/2025-a-novel-chapter-2Trump’s Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is produced by David Pepper and available on all the podcast apps and at 2025 pod.com. We'd also like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode. J. Smith Cameron read the chapter and audio finishing by Marilys Ernst. This series is produced by David Pepper, Melissa, Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman. Trump’s Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and the Bill Press Pod.SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7or5...APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...STITCHER: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...Follow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Pepper, a pro-democracy activist from Ohio, dives into the unsettling possibilities of Trump's Project 2025. The podcast unveils stories of individuals like Aemon, an Egyptian immigrant, as they navigate a post-election chaos filled with protests and deportation fears. Pepper emphasizes the emotional struggles against bureaucratic threats, highlighting the dehumanizing experiences faced under harsh political measures. These fictional narratives reveal the stark realities that could arise from a second Trump term, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged.

History is our greatest teacher. In this episode Rick speaks with historian David Brown, author of A Hell of a Storm: The Battle for Kansas, the End of Compromise, and the Coming of the Civil War. They explore the significance of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, a pivotal moment that led to the collapse of the Whig Party and fueled tensions that made the Civil War inevitable. Together, they discuss the cultural and political shifts of the time, drawing connections to today's political divisions and the rapid pace of change in American politics.David's book, A Hell of a Storm: The Battle for Kansas, the End of Compromise, and the Coming of the Civil War, available now.Timestamps:(00:02:06) A Hell of a Storm(00:07:51) The signals of a party collapsing(00:10:37) The culture of the civil warFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The framers envisioned a judiciary whose role was to check the power of the executive and legislative branches and ensure constitutional integrity. But what happens if corruption creeps its way into the most powerful court in the land? On today's episode Rick interviews David Brock, a veteran in the political and media landscape, about his new book Stench: The Making of the Thomas Court and the Unmaking of America. They dive into how Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has influenced major rulings like the Dobbs decision and presidential immunity, and explore the broader ethical concerns surrounding the court. Brock discusses the decades-long conservative efforts to reshape the judiciary, Thomas’s entanglement with wealthy donors, and the urgent need for judicial reform to address the court’s corruption and accountability issues.David's book, Stench: The Making of the Thomas Court and the Unmaking of America, available now.Timestamps:(00:01:50) Stench(00:04:04) A vast right wing conspiracy(00:08:53) Clarence Thomas(00:17:18) Corruption beyond ThomasFollow Resolute Square:InstagramTwitterTikTokFind out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Michaels, an author analyzing state actions on democracy, and David Noll, who explores legal and political control intersections, dive into the concerning rise of state-sponsored vigilante activities. They highlight the chilling implications of laws like Texas SB8, discussing how these measures threaten democratic institutions and can manipulate elections. The conversation also addresses the tactics of the MAGA movement and the need for vigilance in protecting civil liberties. Their insights are a warning of the urgent challenges facing democracy today.

Historian Timothy Shenk, author of "Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics?", discusses the evolving Democratic Party landscape. He highlights the party's shift from working-class roots to a more affluent, educated base, and the struggle to reconnect with alienated voters. Shenk addresses the challenges of technocratic strategies in politics and the need for authentic engagement. He also examines the impact of economic narratives on voter sentiment and the dangers of misinformation in today's political climate.

A recent presidential debate raised eyebrows as one candidate failed to connect, leading to significant political fallout. The analysis dives deep into how this disastrous performance transformed public perception. In a contrasting highlight, Trump's faltering presence was examined alongside Harris's effective delivery, marking a crucial shift in the debate landscape. The conversation spotlights the broader implications of these moments for the upcoming election.

Mitch Landrieu, former Mayor of New Orleans and Senior Advisor to President Biden, discusses the critical role of character in political leadership. He highlights the significance of Biden’s infrastructure bill and its potential to foster unity in a divided nation. The conversation dives into the need for empathy in campaigns, contrasting it with self-interest, especially around issues like healthcare and women's rights. Landrieu also addresses the evolving GOP and the importance of bipartisan cooperation for effective governance.

David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and author passionate about the U.S. presidency, shares his insights from personal experiences and conversations with historians. He discusses pivotal figures like FDR and Lincoln, and the leadership challenges they faced. The importance of voting and voter engagement is emphasized, alongside the art of speechwriting and its impact on history. Rubenstein evaluates Obama's transformative presidency and reflects on how past presidents have shaped today's political landscape.

Kamala Harris, a key political strategist, and Donald Trump, a former president embroiled in controversies, provide a gripping analysis of the upcoming election. They discuss electoral college dynamics, emphasizing crucial swing states and shifting voter sentiments. Trump’s declining favorability and legal challenges are also under the spotlight. Rick adds a personal touch with reflections on becoming a grandfather while advocating for deeper political discourse and listener engagement.