Podcasts Archives - Page 27 of 29

TMI Show Ep 222: “Hochul Finally Endorses Mamdani”

September 15, 2025•

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

So late that it no longer matters or helps, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul tries to heel the rift between progressives and corporate Democrats by finally endorsing Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor—who continues to surge in the polls as the billionaire class desperately flails to stop him by supporting Andrew Cuomo—positioning them as united front against Trump. Hochul urges leaders to transcend differences, rallying to combat Trump’s tariffs, attacks on welfare programs, and attempts to seize military control of NYC. Endorsements still elude him from key Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, underscoring internal party tensions—but does it matter now?

Plus:

• TikTok Ban—It Lives!: Trump is still threatening a TikTok ban in the U.S. unless China relaxes tariff and technology demands tied to ByteDance’s forced sale, with a September 17 deadline looming. Madrid talks, involving Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, are flailing. Experts foresee no breakthrough without Trump-Xi dialogue.

• Russia’s Barter Revival: Russia revives barter in foreign trade, swapping grain for Chinese cars or flax for materials to evade Western sanctions, echoing 1990s practices amid Ukraine war disruptions. Over 25,000 sanctions since 2014 cut Russia from SWIFT; barter, hard to trace, fills gaps in deals like yuan-ruble exchanges, with a government guide promoting it as de-dollarisation advances.

• Emmy Awards: The 77th Emmy Awards crown “The Studio” as the top winner, securing 13 Emmys including best comedy series, with Seth Rogen tying records for individual wins—Hollywood loves to talk about itself. “Adolescence” claims eight limited series awards, “The Penguin” adds to Cristin Milioti’s lead actress victory, and “The Pitt” takes best drama; Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” gets its first and last talk series win as a pity vote.

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Charlie Kirk Suspect Arrested”

September 12, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

On the “DeProgram” show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, we dissect the news with unflinching insight and a unique pair of journalistic backgrounds. Today we confront escalating tensions between ICE and city residents, the capture of a suspect and calls for retribution in the Charlie Kirk killing, and California’s defiant stand against the federal government.

ICE Kills Immigrant in Chicago: Federal ICE agents encounter Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez during a routine stop near Grand Avenue and Elder Lane in suburban Chicago, part of ICE’s Operation Midway Blitz targeting undocumented individuals with criminal histories like reckless driving. Villegas-Gonzalez refuses commands, accelerates his vehicle, striking an officer and dragging him, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense, killing the driver while sustaining injuries himself. Community leaders decry the incident as a stark example of militarized enforcement endangering neighborhoods.

Capture of Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Shooter: Authorities apprehend 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Washington City, Utah, accusing him of fatally shooting conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Robinson, a high-achieving former student at Utah State University with no prior criminal record, emerges from a tight-knit Mormon family, his capture facilitated by relatives and a friend after he confesses or implies involvement. Discord messages, surveillance video, and family interviews reveal his recent anti-Kirk sentiments expressed at dinner. Investigators recover a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle in .30-06 caliber from a wooded area, along with casings inscribed with taunting memes, antifascist references like “Bella Ciao,” and gaming allusions such as Helldivers 2 airstrike codes, underscoring a politically motivated act prepared with practice.

Trump Invades Memphis: The President plans to deploy federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, inspired by concerns raised by a FedEx board member about the city’s crime rates. Despite Memphis Police reporting overall crime at a 25-year low, with murders and assaults declining, Trump extends similar rhetoric to New Orleans, vowing military involvement if needed, while the city’s sanctuary status limits ICE cooperation. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee welcomes the support.

California’s Mask Ban for ICE Agents: Lawmakers advance legislation banning federal immigration agents from wearing masks like balaclavas during raids across California, alongside requirements for visible badges or name tags to safeguard public trust and democratic norms. Assemblymember Juan Carrillo frames the bill as essential to prevent “secret police” tactics in an authoritarian vein.

TMI Show Ep 221: “Don’t Worry, Kash Patel Is On It”

September 12, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Tune in to “The TMI Show” with hosts Ted Rall and Robby West filling in for Manila Chan, currently traveling with a Kyrgyz circus troupe, to catch up on the high-stakes manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s killer.

FBI Director Kash Patel faces intense scrutiny after a premature claim of capturing the suspect, revealing cracks in his leadership. Convening 200 agents online, Patel and deputy Dan Bongino express fierce urgency, hinting at pressure to prove their competence amid a purge of seasoned investigators. The episode explores Patel’s profanity-laced frustration over delayed information from Salt Lake City agents and his “Mickey Mouse operations” jab, as reported by insiders. The killing at Utah Valley University tests the FBI’s capabilities, spotlighting Patel’s inexperience and controversial social media antics. Former officials warn that recent firings, including top agents like Brian Driscoll and Mehtab Syed, may cripple complex investigations like this one. Can Patel can restore public confidence in the FBI?

Plus:

Trump Finally Understands Israel Doesn’t Want Peace: Israel’s brazen airstrike against Qatar sabotages White House ceasefire efforts, frustrating President Trump and aides who finally understands that Netanyahu will stop at nothing in order to sabotage the possibility of peace. Secretary of State Rubio works to calm Qatar, with their prime minister visiting the U.S. to address the crisis.

Insomnia Linked to Cognitive Decline: New research reveals chronic insomnia increases cognitive impairment risk by 40%, and improving sleep may mitigate damage. Dr. Diego Carvalho emphasizes insomnia as a modifiable fa

Cruise Ship Gambler Jumps Ship: Jey Gonzalez-Diaz, drowning in $16,000 gambling debt, jumps from Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas with $14,000 in hand. Rescued and detained, his case raises questions about conflicting IDs and cruise line oversight.

Octopuses’ Wild Arms: A comprehensive study reveals octopuses’ eight arms perform complex tasks with flexibility, favoring front limbs for most actions. Findings may inspire soft robotics and deepen understanding of cephalopod behavior across diverse habitats.

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Dragnet for Kirk’s Killer”

September 11, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

The DeProgram show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou gives you the dope on what’s happening across the nation and around the world—deprogramming you from political and corporate media spin.

FBI Manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s Killer: The FBI shares images of a college-aged “person of interest,” seen in a stairwell wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, linked to Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. A $100,000 reward is in effect, while Trump World frames Kirk as a fallen martyr for their political movement. Authorities recover a towel-wrapped Mauser rifle, its cartridges bearing “transgender and anti-fascist” inscriptions, now under forensic scrutiny. Was Luigi Mangione an inspiration?

Bolsonaro Convicted: Brazil’s Supreme Court panel votes to convict Jair Bolsonaro on five counts, including plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election. Prosecutors say his scheme involved plans to assassinate President Lula da Silva, Vice President Alckmin, and a Supreme Court justice. Evidence shows Bolsonaro’s “full knowledge” of efforts to pressure the military and create a parallel crisis office.

U.S. Mass Slaughter on “Venezuela” Boat Was Baseless: Senate Armed Services Committee’s Sen. Jack Reed reports Tuesday’s Defense Department briefing lacked evidence proving a Caribbean boat’s crew were Tren de Aragua members or that the boat was from Venezuela. Briefers note it turned around after spotting a military aircraft. No intelligence confirms the targets were armed or posed an imminent threat. Ted and John discuss this shocking violation of international and U.S. law.

• Iran-Contra Coda: Oliver North, a decorated former Marine and onetime national security aide in the Reagan administration, and Fawn Hall, his former secretary, were married in Virginia last month, four decades after they became central figures in the arms-for-cash scandal known as the Iran-Contra affair. Mr. North, 81, and Ms. Hall, 65, were married on Aug. 27 in a civil ceremony in Arlington County. Ms. North, Mr. North’s wife of 56 years and the mother of their four children, died in November at age 80. Ms. Hall had previously been married to Danny Sugerman, a manager of the rock band the Doors, who died of lung cancer in 2005 at age 50.

TMI Show Ep 220: “What Causes Political Violence?”

September 11, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University is the focus of “The TMI Show” with cartoonist Ted Rall and producer Robby West filing for Manila Chan, who is currently working on the Titanic recovery project. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance pivot from their planned 9/11 memorial trip in New York to visit Salt Lake City, paying respects to Kirk’s family. As investigators race against time, combing the crime scene and surrounding areas for clues about the rooftop shooter, described by former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe as a highly skilled and dangerous individual facing lifelong imprisonment or worse, we try to move past the blame game to answer the question of what causes political violence in America? Is one side to blame more than another?

Guest: CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou

Plus:

Trump’s Hypocrisy on South Korean Workers: The President offers South Korean workers from a raided Georgia battery plant a chance to stay, delaying their return. Is racism why some illegal immigrant workers treated better than others?

Speaking of Which…: Donna Hughes-Brown, a green card holder from Ireland since 1977, fights deportation over a decade-old $25 bad cheque, highlighting Trump’s cruelty to those without political ties to the White House.

The History of Political Murder: From Charlie Kirk to historical cases like the 2001 murder of Mayor Dale Bagley, “TMI” examines a chilling list of ideologically driven attacks from both sides of the aisle.

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Charlie Kirk Gunned Down”

September 10, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Incendiary conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, 31, has been shot in the throat at Utah Valley University, where he was gunned down as he spoke during a “prove me wrong” debate event. Kirk, a Trump ally and Turning Point USA co-founder, was rushed away by security, with a suspect in custody. Former President Trump calls for prayers, highlighting Kirk’s role as a vocal MAGA supporter. Ted and John discuss this shocking act of political violence and what comes next.

Also:

Kamala Harris Comes Clean: In her book 107 Days, the former veep admits she knew Biden was diminished and unable to run again. She also criticizes Biden’s team for fueling negative narratives about her. Is this the beginning of a reckoning among Democrats in denial?

France’s “Block Everything” Riots: Protesters in France disrupt cities, blocking roads and clashing with police amid outrage over Macron’s center-right policies and budget cuts. Over 450 arrests occur as the “Block Everything” movement challenges new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

Canada Rethinking Israel: Even more of a pariah…Canada evaluates its relationship with Israel following a deadly Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, killing a Qatari security officer. Foreign Minister Anita Anand calls the attack unacceptable, as Canada considers severing financial ties.

Quantum Cryptography: Cryptographers Dakshita Khurana and Kabir Tomer develop quantum one-way puzzles, offering a robust alternative to classical encryption. Their work bypasses vulnerabilities, potentially revolutionizing secure communications. The matrix permanent problem anchors this new quantum cryptography framework.

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Will Eric Adams Get His Biggest Bribe Ever?”

September 5, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Tune in for hard-hitting analysis on the DeProgram show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou as they dig into today’s big stories.

Department of War: Trump signs an executive order, renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, reverting to its pre-1947 title to emphasize military strength. Trump wants to project an even more aggressive image, citing U.S. victories in World Wars I and II. Pacifists have wanted this change for years—are they happy?

Eric Adams Offered the Biggest Bribe of All: Advisers to President Trump, including Steve Witkoff, push to nominate NYC Mayor Eric Adams as ambassador to Saudi Arabia to derail his struggling re-election bid and clear the field for Andrew Cuomo. The plan remains fluid, with Adams weighing options amid a federal indictment and rock-bottom poll numbers (10.6%). Could this reshape the race, potentially boosting Andrew Cuomo’s third-party candidacy (23.2%) against Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani (38.2%)? Sliwa is at 16.6%.

Sanctions on Palestinians for Opposing Genocide: The U.S. imposes sanctions against three Palestinian groups—Al-Haq, Al Mezan, and Palestinian Centre for Human Rights—for asking for an ICC probe into alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza. The sanctions, led by Rubio, cite their ICC engagement without Israel’s “consent.”

Trump Sides with Airlines Against Passengers: Trump administration withdraws a Biden-era plan that would have required airlines to pay $200-$775 for delays caused by carriers, screwing beleaguered travelers—who wanted this. Will he pay a political price for opposing the American people?

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “China Has Your Number”

September 4, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Today on “DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou,” look for hard-hitting analysis of cyber espionage, AI warfare, child sabotage, and the intrigue surrounding John Bolton.

China’s Cyberattack:
The Salt Typhoon cyberattack, uncovered last year, targets over 80 countries, infiltrating telecoms and stealing data from nearly every American, per a joint statement by Western allies. Described as “unrestrained,” Salt Typhoon tries to track politicians and activists globally. Experts see it as China’s boldest move yet, rivaling U.S. cyber capabilities.

Doomsday AI:
War games show AI models like GPT-4 tend to escalate conflicts aggressively, even favoring nuclear options, alarming experts. Why this bias? The Pentagon’s rush to deploy AI-driven defenses risks warmongering autonomy without human oversight. DARPA’s $25M program seeks to ensure AI reliability.

Hybrid Warfare with Teen Saboteurs:
Russia and Ukraine exploit teens via Telegram for sabotage, from arson to bombings, with cases like a Russian teen jailed for targeting a warplane. Both nations use blackmail and deception, ruining young lives. Over 175 Ukrainian child dupes face charges.

John Bolton:
Federal agents raided Bolton’s home on August 22, seizing computers, iPhones, and documents over alleged Espionage Act violations. The probe, reopened by FBI Director Kash Patel, questions Biden’s inaction. Bolton faces potential 25-year imprisonment.

TMI Show Ep 190: “World to Israel: Drop Dead”

July 29, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza since October 2023, and at least 145,870 more have been injured. Those numbers are an undercount because Israel has destroyed hospitals and other healthcare infrastructure. Entire families have been wiped out, with 1,860 children under 2 among the dead, and at least 10,000 additional bodies are rotting under rubble. Famine deaths are spiking—130 and counting—because Israel is deliberately starving the civilian population. Once a vibrant territory, Gaza’s cities are now rubble. Diseases like polio are resurfacing. 88% of the population is crammed into a tiny ghetto created by the IDF along the border with Egypt. A ceasefire collapsed because Israel resumed bombing and killing, leaving hope for peace in tatters. Now that the world is turning against the Jewish state, does it have a future?

Tune in to “The TMI Show” as Ted and Manila unpack this tragedy with their signature no-BS analysis, tackling the human cost and global fallout.

Plus:

• Manhattan Mass Shooting: Shane Tamura, 27, killed four, including an NYPD officer, at 345 Park Avenue. The gunman, armed with an AR-style rifle, died by suicide on the 33rd floor after driving his BMW from Nevada. Motive is unclear.

• UK’s Palestinian State Debate: Britain is leaning toward recognizing a Palestinian state, driven by public outrage over Gaza’s starving children. PM Starmer faces Labour Party pressure but hesitates, wary of complicating ceasefire talks. Trump’s neutral stance gives Starmer room to maneuver.

• Trump’s Russia Ultimatum: Trump slashed his 50-day Russia ceasefire deadline to 10-12 days, threatening sanctions on oil buyers like India and China. Russia’s battlefield gains continue, unfazed. Economic escalation risks U.S. alliances and global trade.

• Shaolin Abbot Scandal: Shaolin Temple’s abbot, Shi Yongxin, is accused of embezzlement and “improper relationships.” The “CEO monk” allegedly violated his celibacy vows and stole cash. Investigations are underway, shaking the iconic monastery.

DMZ America Podcast: “Foodless in Gaza”

July 26, 2025•

Ted Rall

Live 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Israel’s War in Gaza is the focus of this to episode of the “DMZ America” podcast with political cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right). There have been some major developments in the war over the last week:

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly this September, becoming the first G7 nation to do so.
The Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists’ union said that its reporters in Gaza are starving to death due to Israel’s aid blockade, with some, like photographer Bashar, too weak to work. AFP, alongside BBC, AP, and Reuters, issued a statement noting that Gaza’s journalists face dire hunger.
Doctors in Gaza, such as those at Nasser Hospital and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, are fainting from hunger while treating malnourished patients, with the UN reporting a massive spike in severe malnutrition cases in children under five. Images of skeletal Gazan children are going viral.
France’s foreign ministry stated that the famine in Gaza is Israel’s fault, joining the UK and Germany in demanding an immediate end to the “humanitarian catastrophe.”
Over 100 aid organizations, including MSF and Oxfam, reported that their staff, including doctors and aid workers, are “wasting away” due to starvation, with 900,000 children facing hunger.
Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain stalled.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called its bombing of an iconic Catholic church a “mistake.”

Scott and Ted are best friends who pride themselves on finding common ground despite the fact that they’re on opposite sides of the political divide. But agreement has been elusive on Gaza. Scott is an ardent supporter of Israel whereas Ted is a harsh critic of what he calls genocide.

Get ready for a thoughtful yet passionate argument about the crisis in the Middle East.

TMI Show Ep 222: “Hochul Finally Endorses Mamdani”

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Charlie Kirk Suspect Arrested”

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Dragnet for Kirk’s Killer”

TMI Show Ep 220: “What Causes Political Violence?”

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Charlie Kirk Gunned Down”

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Will Eric Adams Get His Biggest Bribe Ever?”

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “China Has Your Number”

TMI Show Ep 190: “World to Israel: Drop Dead”

DMZ America Podcast: “Foodless in Gaza”

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