

Krystal Kyle & Friends
Krystal
Krystal Ball, cohost of Breaking Points podcast, and Kyle Kulinski, host of Secular Talk, dive into politics, philosophy and random BS with people they like.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 52min
Episode 246: Ken Klippenstein
Ken Klippenstein, an investigative journalist known for his work on national security, dives into the ramifications of NSPM-7. He explains how this national security memorandum could lead to a new era of repression, akin to McCarthyism. The discussion touches on the vague language that could target dissenters, the potential for misuse by the FBI, and the risks posed by weakened oversight in agencies like DHS and ICE. Klippenstein also critiques mainstream media silence and political inaction, raising alarming concerns for civil liberties.

Sep 29, 2025 • 59min
Episode 245: Chris Hedges
We talk to journalist Chris Hedges about the rise of American fascism.

Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 23min
Episode 244: Cenk Uygur
Cenk Uygur, founder of The Young Turks and a prominent progressive voice, delves into the unsettling realm of Trump-era politics. He assesses the dangers posed by Trump's administration while highlighting potential fractures within the right. The discussion tackles media's capitulation and the vital role of independent voices in shaping narratives. Uygur also advocates for cross-ideological alliances to combat corruption, speculates on political ramifications of the Epstein revelations, and emphasizes the significance of mobilizing independent media for accountability and election integrity.

Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 28min
Episode 243: Joy Reid
Joy Reid talks us through the issues MSNBC didn’t want her to cover, what political convictions inspired her to take on her media role and informed her decision to speak out on Gaza, and how she sees the current media landscape in an age of conservative disasters.

Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 20min
Episode 242: Taylor Lorenz
We talk to journalist Taylor Lorenz about a pro-Dem dark money fund that’s hiring influencers.

Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 19min
Episode 241: Dr. Mohammed Mustafa
Dr. Mo, an ER doctor who has provided lifesaving care to Palestinians during the genocide, tells us about the horrors he’s witnessed and about how the international community needs to stop turning away.

Aug 24, 2025 • 1h 20min
Episode 240: Richard Ojeda
Richard Ojeda, a candidate for North Carolina's congressional seat and a former West Virginia state senator, dives into his political journey and vision for change. He passionately discusses the contradictions of peace and military involvement, while reflecting on wealth disparities in healthcare. Ojeda emphasizes the importance of community engagement, especially for veterans and educators, and critiques systemic issues in local politics. He also highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in today’s political landscape.

Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
Episode 239: Emma Vigeland
Emma Vigeland joins to tackle MAGA's war on women's rights, uncovering the contradictions in 'trad wife' ideology among right-wing influencers. The discussion highlights a worrying decline in support for gender equality, fueled by toxic masculinity and misinformation. The impact of gambling on female athletes and the exploitation in college sports is critiqued, while stark discrepancies in Gaza's death toll reporting reveal media complicity. The episode underscores urgent calls for journalistic integrity in the face of humanitarian crises.

Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 32min
Episode 238: Jennifer Welch
Jennifer Welch, co-host of the I've Had It podcast and an insightful interior designer, dives into the pressing issues of our time. She critiques the Democrats' ties with PACs and examines the media's handling of misinformation, specifically regarding AOC. The discussion also tackles the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, political shifts towards right-wing narratives, and the celebrity factor in politics. Welch reflects on personal experiences with faith and loyalty, emphasizing the complexities of navigating ideology in today's political landscape.

Aug 3, 2025 • 1h 20min
Episode 237: Jamaal Bowman
Jamaal Bowman, former Congressman from New York, dives into the complexities of political influence and societal issues. He boldly discusses the troubling normalization of fascist rhetoric in advertising and its implications. The conversation also touches on systemic inequities in education, reflecting on his own upbringing and the detrimental effects of property tax funding. Additionally, Bowman examines the alarming resurgence of child labor in political discourse and urges proactive voter engagement to protect civil rights and push for social reform.