Undercurrents
UnHerd
Undercurrents is the brand new news show brought to you by UnHerd. Every episode we uncover the stories and ideas taking place beneath the surface — either not well covered by the establishment media, or covered without the analysis and details you need to better understand the world. We bring no agenda other than seeking truth and representing reality.We’ll be publishing twice a week, on the Undercurrents YouTube channel — with additional episodes and content for our subscribers.Don’t miss out — sign up today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 30min
Mark Moyar: USAID whistleblower SPEAKS OUT
Mark Moyar, a military history chair at Hillsdale College and former USAID senior appointee, shares his harrowing experiences of facing retaliation after exposing corruption at USAID. He reveals the inner workings of the agency and discusses the challenges of maintaining integrity within a compromised system. Moyar also delves into the evolving shadows of USAID's relationship with intelligence agencies and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. His insights call for urgent reforms in a bureaucracy long plagued by mismanagement and a lack of accountability.
Feb 12, 2025 • 7min
Tulsi Gabbard triumphs over GOP critics, secures confirmation
Breaking news unfolds as Senators confirm Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence. The discussion highlights the political fallout and divided opinions stemming from her shift from Democrat to Republican. Insights into her challenges amid Trump’s ongoing influence emerge. Additionally, the podcast reveals shifting dynamics within the Republican Party, including Mitch McConnell’s position and the adoption of new foreign policy ideas. The backdrop of weather chaos adds drama to this pivotal moment.
Feb 12, 2025 • 28min
Gene Healy: Is DOGE doing more good than harm?
Gene Healy, Senior Vice President of Policy at the Cato Institute and an expert on executive powers, discusses the complex relationship between Dogecoin and government authority. Healy argues that while DOGE brings some benefits, it also raises concerns about expanding presidential power. The conversation touches on the implications of executive actions in the cryptocurrency realm and the challenges of governance tied to social media influence. Healy urges a careful examination of these dynamics through a lens of limited government principles.
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 9min
Richie McGinniss: What happened to the Resistance?
Richie McGinniss, an author known for his book 'Riot Diet,' discusses the struggle of the left to create effective resistance during Trump's second term. He reflects on his experiences covering significant events like the antifa protests, Kyle Rittenhouse's actions, and January 6th, shedding light on political polarization. The conversation addresses the impact of disillusionment among youth, the role of media in shaping perceptions, and the complexities behind recent protests, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding amidst political chaos.
Feb 10, 2025 • 18min
Shelby Talcott: Trump’s Super Bowl visit was a victory lap
Shelby Talcott, White House correspondent at Semafor, shares inside intel on Trump's Super Bowl visit, describing it as a strategic media win. She discusses polling trends indicating Trump's approval among younger voters and his unwavering support for Elon Musk. Talcott also delves into the future of political figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, while highlighting the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party and the impact of returning federal workers.
Feb 7, 2025 • 9min
Democrats rage at DOGE outside Education Department
Democrats staged a dramatic protest outside the Department of Education, demanding greater transparency. Tensions escalated as lawmakers sought to confront the Acting Secretary over critical reform discussions. The conversation shifted to the controversial Doge initiative and its potential influence on education policy. Challenges arose in forming a united opposition amidst changing public sentiment and the pressures of Project 2025 reforms. Emotions ran high as political stakes continued to rise.
Feb 7, 2025 • 26min
Jason Willick: Donald Trump smashed the status quo in Israel
Jason Willick, a foreign policy columnist for The Washington Post, joins to dissect Donald Trump's recent proposal for U.S. control over Gaza. The conversation enhances understanding of the new dynamics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Trump's unique negotiation strategies. Willick analyzes how Trump's trust among Israeli leaders contrasts with Biden's approach and discusses the implications for U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Iran. He explores the transactional nature of Trump's relations, particularly with countries like China.
Feb 6, 2025 • 43min
Ioan Grillo: How MAGA’s good intentions could worsen cartel violence
Ioan Grillo, a seasoned journalist based in Mexico, explores the unintended consequences of U.S. immigration policies on cartel violence. He delves into the intricate links between narco-corruption and U.S.-Mexico relations during Trump's tenure. Grillo discusses how cartels adapt to shifting dynamics at the border, the risks of U.S. military intervention, and the ripple effects of aggressive crackdowns in Latin America. His insights highlight the complexities of sovereignty and security amid escalating cartel activity.
Feb 5, 2025 • 30min
Michael Toscano: Will Trump conquer the Big Tech oligarchs?
Michael Toscano, the Executive Director of the Institute for Family Studies, dives into the intertwining of conservative politics and Big Tech. He discusses Trump's resurgence with Silicon Valley support and how conservatives should navigate tech regulation. Toscano emphasizes a moral framework for technology that prioritizes human well-being. He also explores key initiatives like age verification and the ethical challenges posed by AI and deepfakes, advocating for a balanced relationship between family dynamics and technological advancements.
7 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 25min
Christian Parenti: Elon Musk is right to dismantle USAID
Christian Parenti, a professor of economics and author known for his expertise on USAID, dives deep into the agency's controversial history. He argues that figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are justified in their criticism of USAID, framing it as a tool for regime change rather than a benevolent entity. Parenti reveals the complex ties between USAID and U.S. foreign policy, highlighting its dubious operations that often destabilize nations. He calls for a complete dismantling of the agency, advocating for accountability and transparency in global affairs.
