Off The Record With Paul Hodes

Political Rehab: The Trump Dump, Epstein Files, and the Future of JournalismWhat happens when two guys talk about Sydney Sweeney? Throw in media vanity, democracy under threat, and political scandals, and you've got an episode packed with insight and controversy. Join Matt and Matt on Political Rehab as they dissect Donald Trump's latest antics, the implications of the Washington Post layoffs, and the fallout from the Epstein file revelations. Plus, dive deep into the push for federalizing elections, Trump’s vanity projects, rare stories of hope and unity, and–of course–the celebrity-political intersection with Sydney Sweeney. Tune in for smart politics without the hangover, and stay for the laughs. #DonaldTrump #EpsteinFiles #PoliticalDiscussion #WashingtonPost #MediaCrisis #TrumpDump #PoliticalRehab #SydneySweeney #Election2026 #FreeSpeech #AmericanPolitics00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:52 Trump's Vanity Projects and Political Fallout03:58 Texas Special Election and GOP's Response0

Anne Kim is an old friend from my Capitol Hill days, but she’s also Senior Editor at Washington Monthly and author of Poverty for Profit: How Corporations Get Rich Off America’s Poor. We just had a fascinating discussion about the secret world of companies making millions off of shadowy, almost secret contracts with ICE. What they are doing, how they got these contracts, and even who they are is often a mystery. You can watch the full video above or watch/listen to the podcast video here:And then, we tried to get out of the Trump/ICE/corruption doom loop that we’ve all been living with in recent months and talk about the top ten stories we’d written about in our work for Washington Monthly and Newsweek (and here on Worth Knowing) respectively. We covered topics like:Are Democrats really “out of touch”? Reviving the argument for at-large districts Getting rid of superPACs How can we use state laws to rein in ICE (ok, that was back to ICE)Why Republican healthcare plans are so broken and subversive00:00 Welcome

Blame Storming, Trump, and the Crisis at the White House | Political Rehab. Hosts Matt and Matt dive into the latest political chaos in Washington. They discuss the 'blamestorming' tactics used to shield Trump from accountability, with a particular focus on the backlash following the attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar and the growing backlash to the murder of Alex Pretti. From Trump's impact on swing states to the legal battles facing social media giants like TikTok and Meta, this episode covers the biggest issues of the week.

Massive Political Shifts and Media Accountability with Matt Robison: ICE Tragedies and Trump's InfluenceJoin Matt Robison on the latest Worth Knowing livestream where he breaks down the monumental shifts in the political landscape following recent tragedies involving ICE. Ryan McConaughey, a Congressional Insider, returns to provide an insider's perspective on the dynamic changes inside Congress and among voters since last week. Mark Jacob, former editor of major Chicago newspapers, offers a deep dive into media coverage and its role in shaping public perception of ICE's actions in Minnesota. And Matt starts with a deep dive on three critical things that are NOT part of this story. #Politics #MediaAccountability #ICE #TrumpAdministration #Congress #PublicPerception #Policy #Livestream00:00 Introduction and Current Events Overview01:48 Unpacking the Inevitability of Tragedies02:44 A Lesson from History: Policy and Consequences05:46 The Blame Game: Accountability in the Trump Administration10:42 Dem

A Deep Dive into Trump, Political Theater, and Government Chaos | Political RehabHosts Matt and Matt delve into the Trump prosecutor's testimony, Doge's sensitive data, and Democratic drama. This episode kicks off with the weekly 'Trump Dump,' exploring the latest antics of Donald Trump and his administration's moves, including lavish gifts and questionable praise from world leaders. The discussion transitions to the GOP's dilemma with Trump's actions and mindsets, juxtaposing it with Ronald Reagan's vision for America. The episode tackles the troubling implications of government oversight and surveillance, specifically focusing on recent DOJ actions and their impact on American privacy. Wrapping up, 'Hot off the Presses' covers the latest articles by the hosts touching on urgent political issues ranging from Trump's cognitive capacity to the divided state of the GOP. Finally, a look at the legal rights of stingless bees provides this week's dose of hope. #Trump

Matt is joined by Ryan McConaghy — former policy director for Senate Democrats — for a deep, insider breakdown on what can actually be done to rein in President Trump’s escalating behavior and ICE’s aggressive new actions.We’ll explore what’s possible, practical, and politically smart when it comes to pushback from Congress, the courts, the cabinet, and the public — including whether the 25th Amendment, cabinet pressure, or congressional oversight could ever work in real life. We’ll also discuss Trump’s bizarre Greenland episode, his recent public behavior, and what history and constitutional law say about presidential capacity and removal.This conversation builds on Matt’s latest article on Worth Knowing: “Can Anything Be Done to Rein In This President?” ➜ https://worthknowing.substack.com/p/can-anything-be-done-to-rein-in-thisTopics We Cover:✔ How Congress can (or can’t) check the presidency✔ Why cabinet action is almost impossible — but not unthinkable✔ What the 25th Amendment actually requires✔ What ICE’s

This week on Political Rehab, we break down one of the worst, most deranged stretches of the Trump presidency yet — and why even Republicans (like Wylie) are saying privately (and sometimes publicly) that the President is “screwing this up.”We kick things off with our weekly Trump Dump, where the big story is Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy U.S. troops to Minneapolis in response to protests over his ICE crackdown. As Wylie puts it: masked ICE agents dragging U.S. citizens off the street and shooting Americans isn’t “law and order” — it’s a constitutional crisis.Then we hit:Trump’s botched attempt to launch a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which triggered global market panic, GOP backlash, and international condemnation.A wave of federal prosecutors resigning from the DOJ after being ordered to investigate…the victim of a police shooting and her widow.A jaw-dropping round of economic gaslighting (no, groceries are not cheaper) and administration messaging bl

We welcome author Shane Almgren (The Trumpland Diary) to unpack a week that feels like it fell out of a dystopian novel: militarized police in Minnesota, deranged propaganda around the Renee Good shooting, a quiet Five-Alarm Fire at the White House involving Big Oil, a sitting U.S. Senator suing the Secretary of Defense, and a full-scale political revolt inside the GOP over Trump’s criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell.These five stories, taken together, tell us something essential about the moment we’re in, and also about the growing wave of resistance and pushback that may represent a  bright spot ahead.Referenced articles from today’s stream: This Is Actually Happening → https://worthknowing.substack.com/p/this-is-actually-happening Does the Trump Crowd Actually Get Off On This? → https://worthknowing.substack.com/p/does-the-trump-crowd-actually-get A Five-Alarm Fire at the White House → https://worthknowing.substack.com/p/a-five-alarm-fire-at-the-white-house The Trumpland Diary → https://trumplanddi

Political Rehab: Trump slapped down, Hegseth's total hypocrisy, Trouble in the House. In our latest episode of Political Rehab, Matt and Matt kick things off with the 'Trump Dump,' exploring the controversial moves by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on vaccines and Trump's role, plus the growing friction within the Republican Party surrounding Trump's recent policies including his aggressive stance on Venezuela and the impacts of the shrinking house majority on GOP's agenda.We also shine a light on tragic events like the killing of a motorist by an ICE agent in Minnesota and discuss the national and political repercussions. The legacy of the January 6th insurrection is another focal point, examining how public perception and political dynamics have evolved over the past five years. How do Mike Pence's actions fit into the grand scheme, and what does this mean for the future of American democracy?In our lighter segments, we present our 'Dose of Hope' with an intriguing u

Matt Robison (host of Worth Knowing) and Jonathan Larsen (creator and writer of The Fucking News) do a deep dive on the hidden reasons behind Donald Trump’s recent attack on Venezuela, based on Larsen’s reporting and analysis from his Substack. We break down why Trump ordered strikes in Venezuela and the operation that captured Nicolas Maduro — and what’s really driving all of this.

Political Rehab: Trump Dump, Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, and the Future of the GOP. Matt and Matt dive into the week's hottest political topics, starting with the 'Trump Dump'. They then dissect the White House's approach to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, followed by an analysis of the Biden administration's science policy cuts. The episode also explores the DEI regulatory witch hunt, the decline of independent media, and makes bold political predictions for 2026. Don’t miss their powerful closing segments on the mishandling of the Epstein files and a hopeful outlook on the resurrection of principled Republican politics. Get insightful, balanced commentary without the hangover – it's Smart Politics at its best! 00:46 Weekly Trump Dump01:18 Marjorie Taylor Greene's Exchange with Trump03:40 Trump's Impact on the Economy06:10 Netanyahu and Trump: Gaza Ceasefire09:33 Trump's Role in the Ukraine Conflict11:09 Assault on Science Policy14:04 DOJ's New Approach to DEI Programs16:47 Th

2025 Balance of Power Awards: The B.O.P.s

For my Christmas Special: We had former Associated Press Europe and Middle East editor Dan Perry join to talk about why Bari Weiss and CBS and other major media outlets continue to bow down in fear of Donald Trump even as his power base is straight up evaporating under his feet.At the very end of the show I talked about a topic near and dear to my heart: Jewish Christmas. It’s a story of Chinese food, sexy camels, and Hannukah Harry.And I started out with a Spotify wrapped on Donald Trump’s 2025 year in review.00:00 Welcome to the Blue Amp Live Stream00:25 Introducing Today's Show and Guests01:58 Spotify Wrapped: Donald Trump's 2025 Year in Review05:08 Economic Report Card: Trump's 2025 Performance11:39 Deportation and Immigration Policies Under Trump15:45 Media and Government: The Bari Weiss Controversy27:28 Trump's Claims of Ending Wars: Fact or Fiction?30:48 The Psychology Behind Trump's Lies31:40 Trump's Stance on Venezuela35:28 Debating Media Credibility38:24 The Polarization of P

It's Political Rehab! This episode, we start with the 'Trump dump' focusing on a chaotic week including Trump's combative speech, then we hit the GOP's EPIC mishandling of healthcare subsidies, and Trump's attempted affordability pivot fail. Then we deep dive the explosive interview with WH Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. "That's Bullshit" hits cannabis legalization. Finally, we pay tribute to the late Rob Reiner by ranking his greatest films. Join us for another fun, fast, upbeat show where a Republican and a Democrat make news fun again: it's smart politics without the hangover! 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Trump Dump: Weekly Recap03:20 Republican Party As Captives06:44 ACA Epic Fail09:54 Venezuela Blockade and Foreign Policy12:40 Affordability Pivot and Economic Policies18:30 Hypothetical 2028 Matchup21:26 Deep Dive Segment: Wiles wily?32:34 That's BS: Cannabis Policy Shift39:03 Top Rob Reiner Movies

Chris Hill on the Strangest Economy Ever. In this episode of 'Worth Knowing' with Matt Robison, joined by business expert Chris Hill, former host of 'Motley Fool Money' and current host of 'Money Unplugged', they dive into the peculiarities of the current economy. They discuss the potential AI bubble, the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs, and ponder the future of media with the Warner-Netflix-Paramount merger. Hill also shares his cautious optimism about the stock market and economy. 02:14 Eight Points of Light: Good News Stories14:09 Chris Hill Joins the Conversation19:15 Gifts and Financial Anxiety25:29 AI Bubble and Economic Lessons35:53 Tariffs and Supreme Court Ruling40:24 Supply Chain Disruptions and Economic Chaos44:21 Media Mergers and the Future of Content47:47 Streaming Services and Consumer Behavior56:21 Economic Resilience and Optimism58:52 Closing Remarks and Announcements

Our latest episode of Political Rehab--the show that MAKES POLITICS FUN AGAIN--with a Democrat and Republican (both named Matt!) breaking down the week’s most pressing political stories. This week: we hit  the strange Supreme Court catch-22, fake news about fake news, a Democratic Tea Party?!? another Republican speaker meltdown, and an ugly, ugly Donald Trump political moment. Plus our fun segments ‘Up or Down’ and ‘That’s Bullshit,’ which this week hits the Republican “alternative” to ACA subsidies. And our weekly Dose A’ Hope covers SNL’s refreshing humor and the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.00:00 Introduction00:57 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Critique01:39 Trump’s Rally and Biden Blame Game03:23 Economic Critique and Affordability Tour05:31 Trump’s Immigration Rant08:11 Republican Leadership and Dysfunction13:59 Democratic Tea Party Revolt16:53 Supreme Court Showdown19:47 Up or Down: Quick Takes on Current Events23:14 AI and Instacart: Price Manipulation23:54 Kevin Hassett: Potential Fed Chair24:54 Kamala

Matt Robison sits down with Howard Monroe to discuss the decline of Donald Trump and his administration. They delve into the incompetence among Trump's cabinet members, the potential expansion of executive power by the Supreme Court, and the concerning signs regarding Trump's health, including his cognitive decline...and the painful saga of enduring Christmas music. 00:00 Introduction and Recent Activities04:54 Supreme Court and Trump's Power08:13 The Keystone Cabinet16:51 Trump's Health Concerns29:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Legal Shocks and Rule of Law: A Deep Dive with Glenn Kirschner. Matt Robison hosts the 'Worth Knowing' livestream to discuss pivotal legal stories shaking US politics with expert guest Glenn Kirschner, a 30-year federal prosecutor and Army veteran. They explore the Trump administration’s contentious legal maneuvers, destructive evidence practices, and significant cases like birthright citizenship and presidential powers, all while questioning the endurance of the rule of law. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Theme03:25 Guest Introduction: Glenn Kirschner11:21 Contempt of Court Explained20:33 The Resignation of Alina Haba26:17 Broader Legal Implications30:06 Supreme Court's Stance on Nationwide Injunctions35:00 Military Evidence Destruction Controversy39:40 Trump Administration's Pattern of Evidence Destruction46:41 Birthright Citizenship Debate54:24 Expanding Executive Power and Supreme Court Concerns58:02 Closing Remarks and Future Engagements

Political Rehab: Donny's Angels, Full Bungle!In this episode of Political Rehab, a Republican canary explodes in the coal mine, the Tim Walz Minnesota corruption mess, Trump Accounts get an infusion of right wing billionaire money, Bart Simpson running the Department of WAR! and pardon roulette! ALSO: Karoline Leavitt's two kinds of bullshit about Trump's cognitive health, Matt Robison's big new Newsweek article, and a Dose A' Hope about some actual bipartisan solutions happening. It's all the pressing political issues without the usual partisan hangover!00:00 Intro00:48 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Outrage05:03 Tennessee Special Election Analysis07:53 Trump Accounts and Billionaire Funding10:50 Minnesota Fraud Scandal13:24 Pete Hegseth and Military Embarrassment16:22 Trump's Controversial Pardons19:19 New Segment: Hot Off the Presses--Trump's Self-Made Trap21:17 Government Dysfunction Under Trump28:21 Bullshit Watch: Trump's Health34:31 Weekly Dose of Hope

Matt Robison explores the transformative challenges facing the media industry alongside guest Mike Pesca, a seasoned journalist and host of the longest running news podcast on Earth, The Gist. They discuss the effects of technological advancements, the rise of digital platforms, and the fragmentation of traditional news sources. They also tackle the persistent issues surrounding Donald Trump, the impact of digital trends on sports, and positive societal changes such as the decline in police violence. 00:00 Introduction and Overview03:20 Fragmentation of Mainstream Media05:54 Interview with Mike Pesca: Media Critique09:28 The Trump Dilemma in Media23:04 The Fragmented Media Landscape38:37 The HR-ification of the Democratic Party48:16 The Newt Gingrich Strategy and Media Ecosystem53:16 Positive Trends and Good News57:42 Interesting Author Interviews01:00:34 The Evolution of Sports