The Muckrake Political Podcast

A brutal weekend, and a brutal reminder of how broken this moment is. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman unpack the shocking killing of Rob Reiner and Michelle Reiner, then get into Trump’s grotesque response and what it reveals about the rot at the top. They also hit the GOP cracks in Indiana redistricting, another U.S. campus shooting, and the grim drumbeat of violence and paranoia that never seems to stop. Support the show by signing up to our Patreon and get access to the full Weekender episode each Friday as well as special Live Shows and access to our community discord: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts explore a tense climate, with humor that veers into alien theories. They dive into the chaotic situation in Venezuela, discussing the US seizing an oil tanker and the problematic rhetoric from officials. Critiques fly at Pam Bondi's misleading statements and the troubling trend of treating military actions like entertainment. The conversation links the resurgence of measles to broader societal issues, highlighting a political class seemingly out of touch with reality.

Co-hosts delve into Trump's controversial 2025 National Security Strategy, labeling it a crypto-fascist manifesto. They discuss the ramifications for NATO and the shifting balance of power with Russia and China. The conversation touches on Netflix's aggressive expansion and the monopolistic dangers to creativity. They criticize FIFA's disingenuous peace prize for Trump and explore the implications of the Queller pardon as a symbol of political corruption. Finally, they analyze Marjorie Taylor Greene's attempt at image rehabilitation.

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down the rapidly spiraling Pete Hegseth scandal, the September strike on Venezuelan fishermen, and why the second “rescue” mission amounts to a tacit admission of wrongdoing. They dig into how a non-war became a war crime, the crumbling veneer of U.S. legitimacy, and the political panic now radiating through Trump’s cabinet. From there, the guys turn to the FBI’s suddenly convenient arrest in the January 6th pipe-bomb case, the paper-thin evidence behind it, and why incompetence has become the defining feature of every institution now claiming to restore order. Then it’s on to the right wing’s newest manufactured martyr, a Bible-citing psychology student whose zero-point assignment has been weaponized into yet another grift about free speech. They wrap with a dive into Stranger Things, trauma allegories, Ken Burns’s America, and what it means to watch childhood, democracy, and reality all get bent out of shape by the same forces. Support the show by signing up to our Patreon and get access to the full Weekender episode each Friday as well as special Live Shows and access to our community discord: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delve into the controversial double-tap strike on fishermen and the legal implications that classify it as a war crime. Explore Trump’s contradictory responses and the geopolitical tensions surrounding Venezuela. Discover the fallout from a recent DC National Guard shooting linked to CIA operations, highlighting the erosion of public trust. Critique the ethics of access journalism as vital information is turned into exclusive content. Finally, reflect on the true history of Thanksgiving and its cultural significance amidst political power plays.

Support the show by signing up to our Patreon and get access to the full Weekender episode each Friday as well as special Live Shows and access to our community discord: ⁠http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast⁠ On this Black Friday Weekender, Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman pour a post-Thanksgiving drink and dive headfirst into Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film One Battle After Another, a loose adaptation of Pynchon’s Vineland that somehow nails our political moment a little too well. The two break down the French 75 as a failed revolutionary underground, Sean Penn’s Lockjaw as a walking case study in self-loathing authoritarian masculinity, and the Christmas Adventurers Club as a country club for Nazis who also run everything. They get into how the movie stitches together 60s and 70s radicalism, modern fascism, secret societies, ICE raids, false flags, and Benicio del Toro’s quietly perfect sensei, then ask what it all says about living through America’s own near future right now. If you care about politics and movies, this one is basically a Muckrake text. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The co-hosts dive into Trump's controversial 'Thanksgiving peace plan' for Ukraine, revealing how it favors Putin and endangers U.S. support. They discuss Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation, hinting at the fractures within MAGA as Trump's influence grows. A captivating analysis unfolds around Zahra Mamdani's interaction with Trump, showcasing his vulnerability to flattery. Finally, they explore the shocking collapse of DOGE cryptocurrency and the wider implications for federal agencies and international aid.

The hosts dive into the controversial release of Epstein files, speculating that the outcome may be more of a political maneuver than true accountability. They scrutinize Trump’s dramatic reactions and draw parallels to the Mueller report, warning of a doctored narrative. The conversation shifts to the intertwining of organized crime and the national security state, revealing deep-rooted issues in governance. They also touch on the financial implications of tech stocks, like Nvidia, and end on a light note discussing cultural tidbits, from movies to music.

Hosts delve into newly revealed Epstein emails, revealing Trump's frantic attempts to involve the DOJ against Clinton and Summers. They explore the growing evidence implicating powerful figures and the culture of impunity that allows it. The duo discusses Marjorie Taylor Greene's surprising pivot towards civility and critiques Jamie Raskin's big-tent strategy for Democrats. They also speculate on the future of the GOP, highlighting Ted Cruz's ambitions for 2028 and the ideological factions vying for influence in a post-Trump world.

John Cavanaugh, a two-term Nebraska state legislator and congressional candidate, shares insights on his mission for public service. He discusses the ban on congressional stock trading and the repeal of the diaper tax, emphasizing concrete wins for families. Cavanaugh also addresses the impact of erratic trade policies on local agriculture and the ramifications of ICE raids in meatpacking towns. He advocates for nonpartisan redistricting and highlights voter concerns about healthcare and social security, all while aiming to rebuild public trust in government.