Beyond Politics

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Is the Backlash the Beginning? Matt Robison is joined by author Greg Olear to discuss how blatant corruption and abuses of power by Donald Trump might be opening the door to the rise of a more focused opposition. From manipulating law enforcement to target his enemies, attacking free speech, financial corruption tied to his cabinet, the collapse of economic policy, and the erosion of U.S. soft power, the public's increasing disapproval of Trump might also mean an opportunity, if the nearly 50% of Americans who strongly disapprove of him can mobilize and target their energy.00:00 Introduction and Overview05:46 Discussion on Trump's Actions and Consequences12:20 Economic Policies and Public Discontent27:47 Midterms and Gerrymandering Concerns33:18 Trump's UN Speech and Global Reactions40:19 Trump's Corruption and Financial Ties56:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Beyond Politics: The Rapid Shifts in Trump's AmericaMatt Robison discusses the swift changes in the political landscape, focusing on Trump's increasing authoritarianism and its implications. Taken from Matt's recent interview on Howard Monroe's radio show, where they discussed the assassination of Charlie Kirk and Trump's reaction. Plus, Trump's takeover attempts in different sectors, the role of the courts, and the critical state of freedom of speech. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:34 The Charlie Kirk Assassination03:39 Discussion on Robert Redford06:30 Trump's Authoritarian Tactics19:51 The Role of Courts and Media27:17 Future Challenges and Conclusion

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Navigating the Kirk Crackdown: Democracy, Protests, and Vengeance. The Kirk crackdown has started. The shock and outrage that President Donald Trump and his orbit felt after the killing of Charlie Kirk has transformed into an all-out attack on political opponents, media, and people who dare offer any criticism of the administration. Former Congressman, prosecutor, and Obama National Co-Chairman Paul Hodes and political analyst Matt Robison hit provocative questions like whether institutions made a fundamental mistake early in Trump's term that led to disaster; if Americans need an "I Am Spartacus" moment; whether Democrats are walking into a shutdown trap; and will this show and all non-MAGA media get hit in the MAGA crackdown.00:00 Introduction 07:58 Gun Violence and Political Manipulation18:13 Economic Focus and Legal Battles35:14 Government Shutdown Debate49:48 The Role of Age and Experience in Politics57:15 Call to Action

**Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** The Judicial Branch Is Our Last Line of Defense Against Trump. Is It Holding?Join Matt Robison and legal expert Kim Wehle as they explore the judiciary's role in countering the unprecedented consolidation of power and abuse of the law by the Trump administration. Amid the collapse of checks from the executive and legislative branches, the conversation delves into whether the judicial branch can stand firm or if it's on the brink of collapse. This episode is a deep-dive into recent rulings, constitutional law, and the imperative for collective civic engagement to uphold democracy.00:00 Introduction and Overview06:26 The Supreme Court's Abdication of Duty18:25 Emergency Powers and Presidential Overreach26:34 The Role of Lower Courts32:53 The Importance of Rule of Law38:31 Supreme Court Rulings and Their Implications44:47 The Need for Constitutional Protections49:20 Engaging in Constructive Dialogue54:33 Final Thoughts and Call to Unity

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** The Complex Web of Trump's Global Mess: Unpacking the DamageThe focus starts on the potential for lasting damage from President Trump's mounting failures around the world. Matt Robison is joined by former AP Editor for Europe, Middle East, and Africa Dan Perry to break down the implications of the thorny relationship dynamics exposed at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, and the fallout from Trump's trade policies. But then, as Trump's press conference unfolds live while they were on air, the conversation turned to Trump's five-day disappearance and obvious health struggles, and what that means for the future. 00:14 Trump's Disappearance and Reemergence02:29 Trump's Trade Wars and Consequences07:22 India's Shift Towards China and Russia19:07 Internal and External Damage Under Trump32:06 The Original Sin and Economic Impact40:37 Israel, Gaza, and US Influence52:30 Trump's Health 01:05:06 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Is Gavin Newsom’s Trump-style social media trolling the future of political communications? Is the key to avoid 45 words that are on a new "no-no" list? Or is all of this worry about how we talk overblown? Matt is joined by Democratic media expert Valerie Martin.01:25 Democratic Messaging Challenges04:43 Engaging with the Audience08:19 Reflecting on Past Campaigns27:13 The 2006 Missouri Senate Race33:42 The Importance of Quick, Multi-Platform Content Creation41:06 Thanking the Intern and Reflecting on the Summer45:49 Polling Insights and Democratic Strategies01:02:48 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Trump's Erratic Moves: Political Games, Poll Numbers, and Global Stakes. Matt Robison and "Trumpland Diary" author Shane Almgren delve into Donald Trump's erratic maneuvers as his approval ratings hit record lows. They explore simpering dealings with Russia regarding Ukraine, his renewed push against mail-in voting, and various strategies aimed at maintaining Republican power. The discussion also touches on Trump's historical connections with Russian oligarchs. Worth Knowing Intern Nicholas Olbeter provides insights into voter behavior.01:19 Trump's Erratic Behavior and Ukraine Conflict03:44 Trump's Negotiation Tactics and Public Perception09:12 Media Reactions and Public Commentary27:55 Donald Trump: A Creature of Television30:02 Russian Influence and Trump's Dealings31:37 Trump's Financial Ties and Real Estate Battles39:30 Mail-in Voting and Gerrymandering50:30 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

**Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** The State of Media: Bias, AI Ethics, and the Future of JournalismMatt joins with conservative commentator Dexter Tarbell on A.J. Kierstead's 'The New England Take' to discuss the current state of the media: bias, weird stunts, the shift from traditional news sources to platforms like Substack, and how the business of news is shaping the information and the reality we all experience.00:18 The Media's Decline: A Bipartisan Discussion04:06 AI in Journalism: The Jim Acosta Controversy12:04 The Future of Media: Substack and Beyond28:13 Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Jaime Harrison isn’t messing around. The former DNC Chair is trying to get Democrats to break out of scrubbed down, pre-fabbed MSNBC mode and get real. That’s what he’s doing on his new pod At Our Table with some of the brightest minds in the party. And that’s what we aimed for in our livestream today.So what happened when I put a critic’s comment about the failures of Dem leaders—including Jaime—right up on screen for Jaime to react to? When I asked him if our party had gotten too woke? When I hit him with my plan to cut bait on every election contest in 2026 except for one select list? 00:00 Introduction and Current Political Landscape03:19 Interview with Jamie Harrison07:38 Challenges and Criticisms of the Democratic Party10:07 Inside the DNC and Democratic Strategy24:51 The Complexity of Democratic Messaging28:23 Jamie Harrison's Podcast and Personal Insights42:44 Media and Public Perception48:19 Challenges Facing the Democratic Party58:17 Strategies for Democratic Success01:08:30 Final Thoughts and Farewell

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Trump's Economic Manipulations and Growing Distrust: A Conversation with Howard Monroe. In a special bonus episode of 'Beyond Politics,' Matt Robison joins Howard Monroe's talk show to dive into Donald Trump's manipulations of economic numbers, the ongoing Epstein controversy, and the broader implications of Trump's reality distortions on his MAGA base. Matt also touches on the potential fallout from Trump's actions on trust in government data and the real-world effects on people’s lives. Additionally, Matt previews his Substack 'Worth Knowing' and upcoming livestream guests guests including former DNC Chair Jamie Harrison.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview03:04 Conversation with Howard Monroe03:46 Discussion on Substack and Live Streams07:49 Economic Numbers and Trump's Response20:40 Epstein Files and Trump's Scandals23:45 Grand Jury Probe into Obama Officials27:29 Conclusion and Farewell