TMI Show Ep 168: “Worst Earthlings to Marry”

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Nothing anyone does or says on “The TMI Show with Ted Rall and Manila Chan” will be as tacky as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s lavish wedding in Venice, Italy! Private jets are swarming Marco Polo Airport as gauche 21st century A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Ivanka Trump touch down for the festivities as Gazans starve to death and the corpses of thousands of infants rot under the sun just a hop and a jump away. Kim’s $65M Gulfstream G650, Oprah’s sleek G700, and jets owned by moguls like James Murdoch and Barry Diller are clogging the skies, with over 90 private planes expected at the over-the-top festivities funded by Amazon’s robber-baron model of underpaying and overworking its workers in un-air-conditioned warehouses.

Bezos’ own fleet, including two luxe jets, has been zipping around the Mediterranean, while his $500M superyacht Koru hosted an infantile foam-fueled pre-wedding party off Croatia. As the champagne and caviar flow, environmentalists are fuming over the carbon footprint of these elite joyrides, slamming the hypocrisy of celebs who talk green while pumping greenhouse gases into the skies. Ted and Manila unpack the glam, the guest list, and the growing backlash over this high-flying spectacle that’s fueling the move to ban tourists from Europe.

Plus:

  • Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s belated release from a Tennessee jail leads to renewed imprisonment by ICE goons amid a heated immigration debate.
  • An experimental canoe voyage retraces how Paleolithic ancestors braved the East China Sea 30,000 years ago.

 

EXCLUSIVE on DeProgram: “A Live Interview with Jake Tapper”

LIVE 12:30 pm Eastern time, Friday 6/27, Streaming Anytime:

We’re pleased to announce a special episode of the “DeProgram show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou”!

One year ago on Friday, June 27, President Joe Biden shocked the world with a disastrous presidential debate appearance that marked the beginning of the end of his reelection campaign and withdrawal a few weeks later. In the room where it happened was moderator Jake Tapper.

Today join us for a LIVE interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, diving into his explosive book, “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.” The book, co-authored with Axios’ Alex Thompson, documents a damning account of President Joe Biden’s mental and physical decline during his presidency, based on over 200 interviews. It details how Biden’s inner circle, including aides and family, allegedly concealed his cognitive struggles—such as forgetting the names of longtime aides, failing to recognize famous friends like George Clooney, and confusing key officials—as well as physical challenges, including internal White House discussions about potential wheelchair use due to Biden’s spinal degeneration.

“Original Sin” exposes a tightly controlled Administration that closed off access to Biden, scripted Cabinet meetings, and bullied those who asked about his fitness as enemies and partisan hacks. This is no less than one of the biggest political scandals in U.S. history.

Don’t miss Ted and John’s hard-hitting exploration of these revelations and their impact on the 2024 election. Join us live on YouTube and Rumble to ask Jake Tapper your questions and engage with this critical look at the unraveling of the Biden presidency. Tune in for the unfiltered truth on the “DeProgram show”—where bold insights meet fearless dialogue!

I’ll Be Interviewing Jake Tapper

Tomorrow (Friday, June 27) at 12:30 pm Eastern time LIVE:

On “DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou,” we will be interviewing Jake Tapper, CNN journalist and co-author of “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” about his book. Tapper and Alex Thompson interviewed over 200 Biden and Democratic insiders to document Biden’s physical and mental decline and the way the White House portrayed his condition to the public.

We will be live on YouTube and Rumble.

If you have a question for Jake, put in the chat as we will be taking and passing along questions. Priority will be given to specific questions from readers of the book over general queries, though all will be read and considered by John and I.

 

DeProgram: “A Billion Dollar Hole in the Ground”

LIVE 5 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

The political world, especially among Democrats, is reeling in the wake of the surprise upset victory of 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani over the establishment-backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo, 67. The “DeProgram show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou” delivers fearless analysis of the history-making NYC Democratic primary and other big stories of the week.

First, John and Ted dive into the stunning results of the mayoral race, where outsider Mamdani routed the Democratic establishment by destroying Cuomo. His Mandani campaign, focused on economic issues like freezing rent—median rent for a Manhattan one-bedroom is close to $5,000/month—and free buses, has triggered panic among corporate Clinton Democrats terrified that the progressive majority of their party is finally about to seize control. We’ll explore the fallout within the party and what it means for the city’s political future.

Next, Ted and John turn to the U.S.’ recent military strikes against Iran’s nuclear-research facilities. Leaked DIA reports show that the attacks, meant to cripple Tehran’s ambitions, probably only set back its nuclear program by a few months. Did Trump risk World War III to make a billion-dollar hole in the ground? Was the attack performative? Where does this leave the risk of broader conflict in the Middle East? We’ll unpack the strategic miscalculations, political embarrassment for the president, and the global implications.

Then, we shift to Texas, where the state’s controversial decision to ban red-flag laws has sparked heated debate. Critics argue it endangers public safety, while supporters say it shores up Second Amendment rights. We’ll examine the legal and social ramifications.

Finally, we tackle Shell’s blockbuster acquisition of BP, a deal poised to reshape the global energy sector. As fossil fuel giants consolidate amid climate pressures, we’ll analyze the economic and environmental stakes. Tune in for unfiltered, hard-hitting insights that challenge conventional narratives.

DMZ America Podcast Ep 208: Zohran Mamdani’s Shocking WIn in NYC

In a stunning upset, 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani clinched the Democratic primary for New York City’s mayoral race, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a centrist heavyweight backed by billionaire donors. Mamdani’s victory, declared on June 24, 2025, after Cuomo conceded, marks a seismic shift in the city’s politics, fueled by a progressive surge and ranked-choice voting. His grassroots campaign, emphasizing rent freezes, free public transit, and affordability, resonated with young and marginalized voters, drawing endorsements from figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Despite Cuomo’s early lead and establishment support, including from Bill Clinton and Michael Bloomberg, Mamdani’s momentum—bolstered by over $7 million from 16,000+ donors—overturned expectations.

The race was volatile, with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, indicted on corruption charges, opting to run as an independent after exiting the Democratic primary. Adams’ unpopularity and the dismissal of his charges in April reshaped the contest, setting up a potential four-way general election in November against Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Jim Walden. Mamdani’s lead in the primary, where over 1 million voted, signals a generational revolt against the Democratic old guard. His platform, rooted in social justice and affordability, could redefine New York’s future, though his progressive stance may polarize voters in the general election. This upset underscores the city’s appetite for change amid rising costs and political disillusionment.

TMI Show Ep 167: “The War for the Democratic Party”

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

“The TMI Show with Ted Rall and Manila Chan” called it yesterday—a “democratic socialist” is likely to become New York’s next mayor! Today, Ted and Manila break down the implications of this stunning rebuke of the Democratic establishment by enraged New York voters! Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, declared a landslide victory after Andrew Cuomo conceded in a jaw-dropping referendum on the centrist-run National Democrats. The young, progressive state Assembly member, virtually unknown at the race’s start, built a commanding lead over the scandal-tainted former governor with a campaign laser-focused on high prices, especially rents. Though ranked choice voting will finalize the outcome, Mamdani will become NYC’s first Muslim and Indian-American mayor if he wins the general election. Cuomo, once the front-runner, relied on his political dynasty and hefty corporatist endorsements but couldn’t overcome his past or left-wing anger. Mamdani’s optimistic vision, backed by AOC and Bernie Sanders, rallied the Left, setting up a fierce general election race against incumbent Eric Adams, running as an independent amid federal corruption charges, and Republican gadfly Curtis Sliwa. This race is a snapshot of the Democratic Party’s ideological split. Will the old Clintonite corporatist wing of the party finally give up power to the new left, or will it again resort to the sleazy tricks it has used to kneecap progressives and hand victory to the Right?

Plus:

Trump’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites caused damage but didn’t destroy them, risking World War III over nothing, the US intelligence community believes.

NATO leaders promise to boost war spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, spurred by Trump despite an absence of threats.

Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center nears completion, raising environmental and human rights concerns.

 

TMI Show Ep 166: “Will NYC Go Socialist?”

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Listeners of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your boredom! Today on “The TMI Show with Ted Rall and Manila Chan,” it’s finally the big day of New York City’s primary election. We’ll decide the next mayor of the Big Apple and reshape the future of the Democratic Party! New Yorkers hit the polls today in a high-stakes showdown pitting two wildly different Democrats: Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist backed by progressives like AOC and Bernie Sanders, against Andrew Cuomo, the scandal-plagued former governor propped up by centrists and billionaire donors like Mike Bloomberg. Mamdani’s meteoric rise, fueled by a massive social media following and promises like a rent freeze and free buses, has him edging out Cuomo in recent polls, especially with young voters—60% of 18–34-year-olds rank him first.

The ranked-choice voting system, where voters pick up to five candidates, could deliver Mamdani’s upset victory, with Monday’s poll showing him winning after multiple rounds. Early voting smashed records, with over 380,000 ballots cast, 40% by under age-40 New Yorkers, signaling a leftist surge. Cuomo’s campaign, dodging big rallies for small venues, has unleashed millions in attack ads, some funded by GOP billionaires, as the race tightens—but the reactionary attacks are only helping Mamdani with seriously pissed-off New Yorkers. Mamdani’s cross-endorsement with arrested-by-ICE progressive Brad Lander adds more heat. This primary’s winner is likely NYC’s next mayor, given Democrats’ dominance over city politics. It’s a battle between progressives and corporatists for the party’s soul—don’t miss the drama!

Plus:

Iran-Israel ceasefire teeters amid alleged violations as Trump rages.

Israeli troops kill another 25 starving Palestinians at a Gaza aid site.

Tourist’s selfie damages Uffizi artwork. Are derpy museum visitors out of control?

TMI Show Ep 165: “US At War With Iran”

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Today on “The TMI Show,” Ted Rall and Manila Chan burrow deep into the escalating Middle East crisis as Iran vows retaliation for U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and Trump’s supporters rage over whether the president has betrayed the MAGA movement.

On Sunday, U.S. B-2 bombers dropped a dozen 30,000-pound bunker-buster mini-nuclear bombs in “Operation Midnight Hammer,” severely damaging Iran’s nuclear research facilities, though the extent remains unclear. Iran’s new military chief, Abdolrahim Mousavi, condemned the U.S. for violating sovereignty, while spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that Iran will retaliate, declaring, “Gambler Trump, you may start this war, but we will finish it.” Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel, hitting areas like Ashdod and Lachish, as sirens blared across the country. Trump’s social media post calling for neocon-style “regime change” in Iran provoked controversy, while his officials, including JD Vance and Pete Hegseth, denied any intent to resurrect George W. Bush’s “forever wars.” The massive bombings push the region toward a broader conflict, already ablaze from wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. U.N. nuclear chief Rafael Grossi cautioned that damage assessments are ongoing, while Iran claims it safeguarded its enriched uranium, so the nuclear program can continue.

Plus:
A federal judge ruled Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego García, illegally deported to El Salvador, is eligible for release, rejecting the Trump administration’s “problematic” claims he’s a danger.

The Louvre shut down as striking staff protested overcrowding and “untenable” conditions, leaving thousands of tourists stranded and highlighting global anti-tourism tensions.

DeProgram: “Khalil Freed, Harvard Wins, Israel-Iran”

LIVE 12 noon Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

It’s the weekend! But the news doesn’t take a day off. So it’s time for the “DeProgram show” with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, delivering unfiltered analysis of the biggest issues. First, we celebrate the release of Mahmoud Khalil, the pro-Palestinian Columbia University activist freed from U.S. custody yesterday. Justice belatedly prevailed, but now he faces potential deportation. It’s a big loss for Trump. But what about the chilling effect on free speech and activism?

Next, John and Ted investigate the now-blocked Trump ban against foreign students at Harvard, exploring its implications for academic freedom and immigration policy. As with Khalil, did Trump score a win anyway? The discussion then shifts to the Federal Reserve, dissecting its role in shaping economic policy amid global uncertainty. The Fed held interest rates steady at 4.25%-4.5% in June, signaling two potential rate cuts this year despite concerns over tariffs and Middle East conflicts impacting inflation and growth. What does the real economy look like for everyday Americans?

Finally, the escalating Israel-Iran War enters its second week. Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory drone attacks raise fears of a broader conflict. How long can each side fight? Will Trump drop a bunker-buster bomb over the weekend? Rall and Kiriakou cut through mainstream narratives to deprogram the corporate propaganda about these critical stories. Tune in for a thought-provoking breakdown of power, politics, and justice that challenges the status quo.

DMZ America Podcast Ep 207: “U.S. War Against Iran?”

LIVE 11:30 am Eastern plus Streaming 24-7:

LIVE 11:30 am Eastern, and then streaming whenever you wanna hear it:

Get ready for an explosive episode of the “DMZ America Podcast,” where Left-leaning editorial cartoonist Ted Rall and Right-wing cartoonist Scott Stantis tackle the hottest geopolitical mess of the moment: Should Donald Trump throw the U.S. into Israel’s unprovoked air war against Iran? The past 24 hours have been wild—Israel bombed Iran’s nuclear sites, Iran retaliated with missiles that struck an Israeli hospital, and Trump’s White House announced that the president will decide within two weeks whether to join the war against Iran with 30,000 megabombs. With global powers like Russia and China both sides to de-escalate and Congress pushing to limit Trump’s war powers, insiders like DNI Tusli Gabbard warn that World War III could happen any moment. Ted and Scott break down the situation, slicing through the noise with their no-holds-barred takes and deep dives into historical precedent. Expect a raw, unfiltered clash of perspectives as two friends with very different views of Israel grapple with Trump’s next move and what it means for America and the world. Tune in for a convo that’s as intense as the headlines!

keyboard_arrow_up
css.php