Sid & Friends In The Morning

John Catsimatidis, Red Apple Media Owner & Operator, joins Sid for his weekly appearance on the program to discuss the upcoming Barrett Media Conference and his leadership award recognition. John reflects on the summer, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and the Police Athletic League being honored at the event. A major focus was Rudy Giuliani—Catsimatidis expressed relief after Giuliani’s car accident, praised him as “America’s Mayor,” and revealed that even President Trump agreed Rudy should return to WABC. John and Sid also discussed Trump’s role as the event’s honoree, his impact on America and the world, and global leaders’ respect for him compared to President Biden. Catsimatidis criticized rising crime in cities like Chicago and New York, linking it to failed leadership, the decline of mental health institutions, and the influence of socialists in the Democratic Party. He emphasized Trump’s strength, and his concern for New York’s mayoral race. The conversation closed with a critique of fake news, praise for WABC’s commitment to truth, and excitement about Friday’s celebration honoring both Trump and WABC’s growth under John, Margot, and Chad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Traiman, CEO of Jewish News Syndicate, calls in live from Israel to discuss Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas and the challenges facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Traiman discusses how Hamas’s hostage-taking strategy has given the group leverage, eroded global support for Israel, and fueled propaganda that even sways Jewish communities. He argues that criticism of Netanyahu is often a proxy for anti-Israel or anti-Semitic sentiment, while Rosenberg defended Netanyahu’s difficult position. Traiman highlights how U.S. Democrats, including Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton, have pressured Netanyahu to step down, contrasting that with Donald Trump’s steadfast support. He rejects claims that Israel is committing genocide, pointing to efforts to limit civilian casualties despite the war’s toll, and stressed that if Israel intended genocide, the death toll would be far higher. They also examined Israeli politics, noting opposition figures like Yair Lapid but suggesting Netanyahu still has strong chances in the next election despite coalition challenges. Finally, Traiman discusses U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s move to block visas for Palestinian Authority officials, framing the PA as a terrorist-supporting entity unworthy of statehood recognition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Barrett, President & Founder of Barrett Media, calls into the program to talk about the upcoming Barrett Media Conference in New York City. Barrett explains the significance of bringing the event to New York for the first time, highlighting its role as a think tank for talk radio hosts, programmers, and executives. He discusses the evolution of radio talent, including how many sports broadcasters like Clay Travis and Will Cain have successfully transitioned into news talk. Sid reflected on his own career and recognition as a top host, while Barrett emphasized the importance of authenticity, consistency, and audience connection in sustaining long-term success. The duo also previewed conference highlights, including awards for John Catsimatidis and Curtis Sliwa, and panels featuring major figures like Glenn Beck, Eric Erickson, Mike Gallagher, and Mark Simone. Barrett praised WABC’s leadership under John Catsimatidis, Margot Catsimatidis, and Chad Lopez, noting the station’s resurgence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Morano, Councilman of the New York City Council for the 51st district, joins Sid to discuss artificial intelligence, where both Sid Rosenberg and Morano express concerns about its addictive qualities, dangers of delusion, and real-life tragedies linked to AI misuse. Morano describes his proposed legislation to require guardrails for AI platforms, especially to protect vulnerable users. The conversation broadens to politics and media, with criticism of Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, support for Curtis Sliwa’s mayoral campaign, and skepticism toward Andrew Cuomo’s viability. Morano analyzes polling, fundraising, and voter dynamics, debating the prospects of candidates in the upcoming New York City mayoral race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in as Greg Kelly, James Flippin, and David Paterson fill in for Sid Rosenberg on Labor Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Friday edition of Sid & Friends in the Morning, Sid covers all the top headlines in the news today including the Minneapolis Church Shooting and a statement from the family of 8-year-old Fletcher, remembering his life and calling for healing; Governor Wes Moore's Bronze Star controversy and questions over Moore falsely listing a Bronze Star in 2006, years before officially receiving it; Texas Politics and Former MLB player Mark Teixeira announces run for Congress in District 21; New York City politics & crime, Mayor Eric Adams being criticized for missing Al Sharpton’s march on Wall Street, Andrew Cuomo being criticized for crime policies and absence from the march, coverage of candidate Zohran Mamdani (Democratic Socialist) leading fundraising and polling, but facing criticism over DSA’s misdemeanor policy, and Curtis Sliwa (Republican mayoral candidate) attacking Mamdani’s funding sources and crime stance, calling for DOJ investigation. Anthony D'Esposito, Curtis Sliwa, K.T. McFarland, Norm Coleman & Joe Tacopina join Sid on this Friday installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Defense Attorney Joe Tacopina joins Sid for his weekly Friday morning appearance to discuss the tragic Minnesota church shooting, where Tacopina discussed whether parents of the shooter could face charges, stressing that parents bear special responsibility if they ignore clear warning signs. He noted the shooter’s mother had already retained a defense attorney and said he would only represent her if he believed she was not complicit. The discussion then moved to New York politics, with Tacopina criticizing Andrew Cuomo’s defense of cashless bail, calling it a failed social experiment that endangers public safety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norm Coleman, former United States Senator from Minnesota and Sid's first cousin, calls into the show to touch upon the tragic church shooting in Minnesota that claimed the lives of two children and left many others wounded. Coleman expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing faith, prayer, and community as sources of healing, while criticizing political leaders for turning the tragedy into a gun control debate instead of centering on the victims. He condemned the shooter’s hateful motives, describing him as a “monster,” and raised concerns about broader cultural and mental health issues fueling such violence. Coleman argued that strict gun laws haven’t stopped shootings in cities like Chicago and New York, and said difficult conversations about school security, gun-free zones, and allowing teachers to carry firearms may be necessary. He acknowledged bipartisan gestures, such as Gov. Walz thanking Trump, as a sign of needed unity, and concluded with a reflection on Minnesotans’ resilience in balancing grief with everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

K.T. McFarland, Former Deputy National Security Advisor, joins Sid for her weekly Friday morning hit to talk about several television personalities and political figures, expressing her disdain for shows like 'The View' and its hosts, which she considers to be emblematic of what's wrong with modern media. The conversation transitions to a detailed praise of former President Donald Trump, his administration, and specific anecdotes involving Trump, like his Diet Coke habit in the Oval Office. They also discuss the political landscape, including a critique of the Democratic Party, and explore issues surrounding Ukraine, Russia, and China's geopolitical relations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curtis Sliwa, Republican running for Mayor of New York City, joins Sid live in-studio to talk about the mayoral race and his concerns regarding his opponent Zohran Mamdani's fundraising sources, speculating on the involvement of 'dark money' from abroad. Sliwa highlights the significant differences in donor bases, emphasizing that most of his donations come from New Yorkers, while Mamdani's are largely from out-of-state. Sliwa also critiques the current state of New York City under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams and former Mayor Bill de Blasio, calling for a return to better management and public safety. Additionally, he discusses potential future plans, including the appointment of Ray Kelly as police commissioner and the importance of meritocracy over DEI in city policies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices