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
Jan 29, 2025 • 10min
RFK Jr.’s combative hearing has both parties nervous
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s fiery Senate hearing highlights startling contradictions in his views, especially concerning vaccines and ethics. Tensions rise as divided opinions clash, creating a dramatic political atmosphere. His shifting positions on climate change and healthcare could sway swing state voters, complicating party dynamics. Unpredicted support from Republicans adds to the intrigue, while personal and political tensions intertwine. The discussion even lightens up with a quirky push for a seasonal wine club.
Jan 29, 2025 • 38min
Inez Stepman: Trump is the most competent Republican in decades
Inez Stepman, a legal expert and contributor to the Independent Women’s Forum, argues that Trump’s executive actions represent the long-awaited Republican revolution. She elaborates on how these actions align with conservative values and challenge bureaucratic overreach. The discussion includes the implications of Trump’s executive orders on federal funding and birthright citizenship, along with a critique of the bureaucracy's reliance on taxpayer money. Stepman emphasizes the need for accountability in governance and the importance of merit-based systems.
Jan 28, 2025 • 17min
Karoline Leavitt escalates MAGA war on legacy media
A young White House press secretary faces tough questions about immigration and rising egg prices. Her confrontational style raises eyebrows as she navigates traditional and social media dynamics. The discussion highlights the shift in press relations with influencers now in the mix. Insights into new FAA drone authorizations bring transparency concerns to light, while the complexities of federal aid funding are scrutinized. Balancing honesty and media relations proves challenging in this evolving landscape.
Jan 28, 2025 • 27min
Geoffrey Cain: DeepSeek has embarrassed Silicon Valley
Geoffrey Cain, the Policy Director of the Tech Integrity Project and author of The Perfect Police State, shares his insights on the rise of DeepSeek, a new Chinese language model challenging AI giants like ChatGPT. He discusses the implications of DeepSeek for U.S.-China tech relations, including market disruption and national security concerns. Cain also analyzes the contrasting views of tech leaders on AI development and the balancing act U.S. companies face between cooperation and competition with China.
Jan 27, 2025 • 23min
Juan David Rojas: Trump’s Colombia tariff threats may backfire
Juan David Rojas, a Colombian-American columnist, shares insights on the escalating tensions between Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro over migrant deportations. He warns that Trump's tariff threats could inadvertently push Colombia closer to China. The conversation dives into the evolving U.S.-Colombia relations, highlighting the impact of social media and the geopolitical shifts in Latin America. Rojas also discusses the implications of U.S. immigration policy and the frustrations experienced by migrants amid changing American public opinions.
Jan 24, 2025 • 29min
Zaid Jilani: It’s time for Democrats to work with Trump
Zaid Jilani, an independent journalist known for his insightful political analysis, makes a compelling case for Democrats to team up with Republicans and even Donald Trump. He discusses the need for flexibility in political strategies, highlighting opportunities for bipartisan collaboration on issues like trade, labor, and immigration. Jilani emphasizes finding common ground amid culture wars and argues that addressing shared challenges is essential for future political success.
Jan 23, 2025 • 28min
Carl Cannon: The media can’t afford to botch Trump 2.0
Carl Cannon, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Washington bureau chief at RealClearPolitics, dives into the media's challenges during Trump’s potential second term. He discusses how Trump's return may energize the cultural dynamics reminiscent of the Reagan Revolution. Cannon also analyzes the media's role in shaping narratives around Trump and immigration, emphasizing the need for authenticity. He reflects on the complexities of Trump's political identity and how it contrasts with the past, posing implications for both journalism and American society.
Jan 22, 2025 • 21min
Shelby Talcott: Why Vivek Ramaswamy got booted from DOGE
Shelby Talcott, a White House reporter at Semafor known for her coverage of the Trump administration, discusses Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial exit from the DOGE initiative. She reveals insights from Trump insiders about the political maneuvering behind Ramaswamy's shift from cabinet hopes to gubernatorial aspirations. The conversation uncovers the influence of Dogecoin in federal budgeting, legal challenges, and the dynamic power play between Trump and Musk. It's a deep dive into the interplay of politics, technology, and ideology.
Jan 21, 2025 • 8min
Trump hits back at bishop's divisive prayer on migrants, LGBT kids
The podcast dives into a recent prayer service at the National Cathedral, where Bishop Mariann Budde addressed the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and undocumented immigrants. It discusses Trump's immediate dismissal of these poignant remarks, highlighting the ongoing cultural tensions. Additionally, the conversation critiques the media's portrayal of public sentiment on immigration, revealing the intricate layers of American opinions on this contentious issue.
Jan 21, 2025 • 19min
Sohrab Ahmari: Trump's MAGA coalition takes back DC
Sohrab Ahmari, a contributing writer at UnHerd known for his keen political insights, shares exhilarating firsthand accounts from Trump's inauguration. He discusses the palpable energy among supporters and how the MAGA movement's identity has shifted in Washington. Ahmari highlights a jubilant atmosphere, contrasting it with past events, and delves into the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party. He also touches on America's perceived renaissance amid global challenges, showcasing the rising influence of tech-oriented populists.
