Federalist Radio Hour

What was the biggest story of the year? Join the Federalist staff, including Executive Editor Joy Pullmann, Assistant Editor Joshua Monnington, Staff Writer Jordan Boyd, and Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle, as they dissect the news cycles that defined 2025, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the DOGE project, and rogue judges. They also name the worst person of the year and dive into the top issues that will carry over into 2026.  The Federalist is a nonprofit, and we depend entirely on our listeners and readers — not corporations. If you value fearless, independent journalism, please consider a tax-deductible gift today at TheFederalist.com/donate. Your support keeps us going.

Amanda Bauch, an author and pastor's wife, shares her compelling journey from a manipulative cult to embracing Lutheran ministry. She discusses the inspiration behind her devotional, One Nation Under God, which transforms headlines into prayer prompts. Amanda recounts escaping a high-control church environment, including the challenges she faced in leaving. She highlights how her health struggles led her to write about women's wellness, emphasizing the importance of caring for the body as a temple.

Mollie and Mark dive into the fallout from a CBS 60 Minutes segment featuring Bari Weiss, discussing internal pushback against balanced reporting. They then tackle Fulton County's explosive admission about illegally certified ballots in the 2020 election. Shifting gears, the couple critiques the cultural commentary in the film Late Night and its portrayal of millennial white men facing discrimination. They also debate the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, examining its messages and aesthetics.

Kenneth Calvert, a history professor at Hillsdale College, delves into the rich historical roots of Christmas. He contrasts the shepherds' humble visit to Jesus with the later arrival of the Magi, offering insights into early Christian beliefs about Christ's nativity. Calvert discusses December 25's connections to pagan festivals, while emphasizing the significance of Jesus' birth over imperial claims to divinity. He encourages viewers to remember the true meaning of Christmas through the lens of sacrifice and reflects on the nativity's miraculous events.

Rep. Jim Jordan, a leading figure in congressional oversight, and Sen. Ron Johnson, known for his scrutiny of federal agencies, delve into pressing political issues. They discuss inflation and GOP strategies to address affordability. Jordan reveals details on investigations into Biden’s actions against conservatives and outlines historical corruption patterns. Johnson shares concerns over vaccine-related deaths and accountability issues within health agencies. Together, they express frustrations about deep state resistance to investigations and the implications for national governance.

In this engaging discussion, Ericka Andersen, a Christian wife and author of "Freely Sober," opens up about her fight against alcohol addiction. She highlights how 'wine mom' culture pressures women into drinking and explains why sheer willpower often fails. Ericka shares her transformative journey, crediting community support, faith, and practical tools for her recovery. The conversation dives into the unique health risks for women, the importance of grace over shame in recovery, and how churches can better support those struggling with addiction.

Dive into the controversial topics surrounding the Trump White House's engagement with Vanity Fair. The hosts tackle the alarming Bondi Beach terrorist attack and its implications for Jewish safety. They scrutinize the FBI's hesitance regarding the Mar-a-Lago raid and reflect on Rob Reiner's legacy in film and politics. Cultural discussions range from immigration assimilation challenges to their take on holiday movies like Hamnet. Plus, poignant debates on media representation and the impact of DEI programs add depth to their lively conversation.

Sean Davis, co-founder of The Federalist, and Margo Cleveland, its Senior Legal Correspondent, dive into their award-winning investigation of the Russia collusion narrative. They discuss the courage required for real journalism, the origins of their reporting from 2017, and the role media played, particularly CNN's Jake Tapper. They unpack the challenges of obtaining classified materials and examine government and media coordination against Trump. Amidst debates on accountability, they express optimism for independent journalism and the impact of citizen reporters.

Brian Blase, president of Paragon Health Institute and former White House economic policy aide, dives deep into the consequences of Obamacare. He critiques how the subsidy structure shifts costs to taxpayers and fuels inflation. The conversation explores the political battle over extending COVID-era subsidies, revealing alarming trends like phantom enrollments and fraud schemes. Blase emphasizes the need for Republican reform opportunities and a free-market approach to reshape healthcare policy, stressing accountability in the face of industry and government cronyism.

Walt Heyer, an author and speaker who transitioned for eight years, shares his journey of rediscovering his true identity as a man after experiencing deep regret. He emphasizes how childhood trauma shaped his path, discussing the impact of cross-dressing and the confusion surrounding gender identity. Walt also critiques the current approach to gender dysphoria in therapy, advocating for trauma-informed alternatives instead. With insights on faith, recovery, and support for others, his story aims to inspire hope and understanding in the complex conversation around gender.