Podcasts Archives - Page 27 of 31

TMI Show Ep 232: “Killer Squirrel Terrorizes Bay Area”

September 26, 2025•

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan bring you a bizarre and alarming story gripping San Rafael, California. A rogue squirrel terrorizes residents, sending at least two to the emergency room with vicious bites and scratches. Joan Heblack recounts a vicious attack, describing the ferocious rodent clamping onto her leg, its tail thrashing wildly, not unlike a domestic terrorist. Isabel Campoy shares a similar ordeal, the animal launching at her face, leaving her arm as bloodied as a Christian martyr of yore. Flyers now warn Bay Area’s of this “very mean squirrel” attacking over five people, striking without the customary warning. Marin Humane’s Lisa Bloch notes no recent reports, but that’s merely a sign that it’s about to plan an even more brutal assault. Feeding wildlife likely fuels this aggression, so stop feeding animals—including cats and dogs and babies. The good news? Squirrels don’t carry rabies—not yet, anyway.

Plus:

Microsoft stops services to Israel’s Ministry of Defense: After reports of AI-driven Palestinian tracking by the genocidal apartheid state, prompting employee protests and ethical concerns, Amazon cuts loose the Netanyahu regime. But Unit 8200 may shift to Amazon Web Services.

A Secret FBI report: There were 274 armed agents at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, with agents slamming leadership for political bias and poor planning. What does it all mean?

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Death-scalator!”

September 25, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou dissect the undercurrents of power and injustice.

Luigi Mangione’s legal team accuses President Trump of jeopardizing the accused killer’s right to a fair trial through inflammatory Fox News remarks labeling him a “pure assassin” who “shot someone in the back,” with links to “left-wing extremists” as false narratives, alongside social media reposts by DOJ officials. U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett rebukes the DOJ, citing violations of her April order prohibiting prejudicial statements, and warns of potential sanctions including contempt findings or financial penalties.

Anonymous artists from The Secret Handshake erect a 12-foot statue on the National Mall depicting Trump and Epstein joyfully holding hands, complete with a plaque hailing their “long-lasting bond” for Friendship Month, only for the National Park Service to remove it within a day citing permit noncompliance. Artist “Patrick” says the piece honors Trump’s “one and only true friend.”

NORAD scrambles U.S. fighter jets, including four F-16s and an E-3 aircraft, to intercept two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighters entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, marking the ninth such incursion this year amid routine but provocative Russian probing of NATO readiness. The flight, in international airspace abutting U.S. and Canadian borders, follows similar August incidents and coincides with European alerts over unattributed drones disrupting Danish airports and Russian jets breaching Polish and Estonian airspace.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summons hundreds of generals and admirals from global posts to an unprecedented, short-notice meeting at Quantico, Virginia, next week, leaving attendees puzzled over its undisclosed purpose amid his aggressive overhaul slashing 20% of four-star positions.

Trump demands a Secret Service probe into “triple sabotage” at the U.N. General Assembly, alleging deliberate failures of an escalator halting mid-ride with Melania Trump, a 15-minute teleprompter blackout forcing ad-libbed remarks, and faulty audio muffling his nearly hour-long address decrying immigration and global warming as a hoax. U.N. officials attribute the escalator stop to a U.S. videographer triggering a safety mechanism and the teleprompter to White House operation. The uproar, dubbed “Escalatorgate,” underscores Trump’s narrative of institutional dysfunction undermining his global stage.

DMZ America Podcast Ep 215: “Democracy in Distress”

September 25, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 12:00 noon Eastern, and then streaming whenever you wanna hear it:

Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (left-leaning firebrand) and Scott Stantis (right-wing straight shooter) ask why over half of Americans say democracy is on the ropes, unpack Zohran Mamdani’s jaw-dropping poll surge in the NYC mayor’s race, probe if social democratic vibes—like beefed-up welfare and worker protections—can actually work in the USA’s cutthroat system. Plus, they dissect the bizarre Dallas ICE HQ shooting where the official story just doesn’t add up, and break down chaos at Area 51 with shots popping off amid wild conspiracy buzz. Serious stakes, real talk, and that signature left-right sparring keeps it electric.

Democracy in Distress: A Quinnipiac poll reveals 53% of Americans believe U.S. democracy isn’t working, up sharply from earlier surveys, with 74% of Democrats echoing the gloom versus just 22% of Republicans. Amid rising political violence fears—71% call it a “very serious problem”—top voter worry is preserving democracy at 32%. Controversies swirl over partisan rifts and recent events like the Charlie Kirk assassination fueling national pessimism.

Mamdani’s Poll Surge: Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani leads NYC mayoral polls by 20 points over Andrew Cuomo in a Suffolk University survey, with 45% support in Quinnipiac’s four-way race. His edge stems from affordability (21% voter priority) and crime concerns, but critics slam his anti-Israel stance, NYPD critiques, and bold plans like free buses and rent freezes as too radical for the city.

Social Democracy’s U.S. Fit?: Experts debate if Nordic-style policies—universal healthcare, paid leave, active labor markets—can thrive in America’s polarized landscape. Proponents argue flexicurity boosts work and equity; skeptics cite racial divides, weak unions, and GOP resistance as barriers. Recent pushes like Medicare for All highlight feasibility but face extremism and funding hurdles in a capitalist powerhouse.

Dallas ICE Shooting Spin: A sniper fired on Dallas ICE HQ from a rooftop, killing two detainees and critically wounding one in a van; the gunman, Joshua Jahn, died by suicide, supposedly leaving “ANTI-ICE” ammo casings. DHS calls it targeted hate, but narrative gaps—like indiscriminate shots and Jahn’s sparse politics—spark skepticism.

Area 51 Shots Fired: Guards at Nevada’s secretive Area 51 base fired on a gunman blasting the gate in a brazen breach attempt, echoing 2019’s viral “raid” memes. No injuries reported, but the incident reignites UFO conspiracies and security debates over the site’s classified ops, from drone tests to alien lore, in a year of escalating U.S. mass shootings.

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Mass Shooting Targets ICE”

September 24, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou analyze the deadly sniper attack on a Dallas ICE facility, where two detainees lie dead and a third fights for life, YouTube’s reinstatement pathway for creators banned under defunct COVID-19 and 2020 election misinformation policies, visa revocations for foreigners celebrating Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Ben Carson spearheading the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, and Trump promises to Arab and Muslim leaders at the UN that he will block West Bank annexation

Dallas ICE Sniper Attack: A gunman unleashes chaos from a nearby rooftop, firing indiscriminately at the Dallas ICE field office and a van, leaving two detainees dead and another critically injured. FBI Director Kash Patel reveals unused ammunition etched with “ANTI-ICE,” signaling ideological fury in an attack probed as targeted violence, the third against Texas ICE sites this year following an August bomb hoax and July’s officer shooting. Texas Senator Ted Cruz condemns divisive rhetoric that paints opponents as Nazis, urging an end to demonization.

YouTube Reinstatements: Alphabet submits a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, unveiling a pilot program allowing creators banned for COVID-19 and 2020 election misinformation to apply for reinstatement, prioritizing conservative voices. Channels linked to Dan Bongino, now deputy FBI director, Steve Bannon, and RFK Jr.’s group eye return, bolstering monetization for influencers.

Visa Denials Over Charlie Kirk: State Department officials scour social media for foreigners praising or joking about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, revoking visas and deporting visa holders, with dozens queued including a Brazilian congressman and Mexican commentator.

Ben Carson Joins USDA for MAHA: Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson sworn in as USDA’s national adviser on nutrition, rural healthcare, and housing, leading efforts to implement Trump’s Make America Healthy Again initiative through state SNAP junk food prohibitions and overdue Dietary Guidelines revisions.

West Bank Annexation: At a closed UN General Assembly huddle with eight Arab and Muslim nations, Trump vows firmly to prevent Israeli annexation of the West Bank. Turkish President Erdogan labels the talks “fruitful” on Fox News, setting up Thursday’s White House follow-up, while echoing 2020 Abraham Accords’ anti-annexation roots amid far-right Israeli pressures.

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Trump Rages at UN”

September 23, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou update you on the big clash over free speech as ABC battles station giants Nexstar and Sinclair over Jimmy Kimmel’s return tonight, Trump’s bizarre hourlong UN General Assembly address, the massive SIM farm threat 35 miles from UN headquarters, the State Department’s clampdown on Iranian UN delegates, Trump’s war on Tylenol, and ICC charges against ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity.

Jimmy Kimmel Standoff: ABC reinstates “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” tonight. But Nexstar continues to boycott the show, while Sinclair still demands an apology and donation to right-wing Turning Point. If a TV show airs but no one sees it, who wins the free speech fight?

Trump’s UN Tirade: Trump lambasts the UN in a near-hour speech, touting U.S. resurgence while attacking Biden, migration policies, and Ukraine war enablers like Europe’s Russian oil purchasers, threatening more tariffs. Is he OK?

Secret Service SIM Bust: Agents dismantle a sprawling SIM farm network, uncovering 300 servers and 100,000 cards across five abandoned New York sites—poised to create DDoS chaos, tower shutdowns, and 30 million texts per minute targeting UN events. Forensics reveal foreign-state ties to cartels and traffickers, plus cocaine and arms; the Advanced Threat Interdiction Unit neutralizes the plot 35 miles from headquarters, but warns of additional duplicates nationwide.

Iranian Shopping Ban: State Department blocks Iranian UN diplomats from Costco.

Trump’s Tylenol Autism Claim: Trump tells pregnant women not to take Tylenol, booming warnings despite inconclusive studies linking prenatal acetaminophen to autism, as FDA tweaks labels for caution despite a lack of causation proof.

Duterte ICC Charges: Prosecutors charge Duterte with crimes against humanity for 76 drug-war murders, alleging his indirect role via Davao Death Squad hits from 2013-2018, rewarding assassins $875-$17,000 per target.

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Bibi Strikes Back”

September 22, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou explain a cornered Israel’s bizarre threats to get “even” for its increasing isolation following its genocide in Gaza, America’s escalating war against international justice, the Tom Honan bribery scandal, and Trump’s attempt to rein in the H1B visa program.

Palestinian Statehood: At the UN General Assembly, Britain, Canada, and Australia formally recognize Palestinian statehood, coordinating with Portugal, San Marino, Luxembourg and other countries to try to pressure Israel into stopping the brutal humanitarian catastrophe it has created in Gaza, now joined by France. Leaders like Keir Starmer invoke the two-state solution, while a manic Netanyahu shouts that no such state will ever be created.

Israel Threatens to Annex the West Bank: Netanyahu’s far-right allies, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, urge West Bank annexation as “retaliation” for Palestinian recognition. Coalition hardliners demand sovereignty over “Judea and Samaria,” eyeing 22% of the territory—90% in Area C—despite UAE warnings of downgraded ties and Arab backlash threatening the Abraham Accords. Israeli officials consider expulsions of diplomats and full absorption.

U.S. Sanctions on the ICC: The United States considers blanket sanctions against the International Criminal Court as soon as this week, jeopardizing its operations in retaliation for its investigations into Israeli war crimes. Court officials convene emergency meetings to brace for disruptions, including halted staff payments and frozen bank access, prompting advance salary disbursements for the rest of 2025 and hunts for alternative banking providers.

Tom Homan Bribery Scandal: Trump’s border czar faces scrutiny after undercover FBI agents recorded him accepting $50,000 in cash in Texas last September, allegedly for promising immigration contract favors post-election. The Biden-era Justice Department launched a bribery investigation, weighing charges like conspiracy and fraud, but the Trump administration abruptly shuts it down, dismissing findings as a “political witch hunt” lacking credible evidence. The sting originated from a separate counterintelligence probe, underscoring tensions over Homan’s role in mass deportations amid outsourcing to private firms.

Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Hike: The Trump administration shocks employers by slapping a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, targeting skilled workers in tech and beyond to curb “artificially low labor costs” undercutting Americans. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft scramble, advising H-1B holders abroad to rush returns amid confusion, though the White House clarifies exemptions for current holders and no travel bans.

Deprogram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: Guess Who’s Scouring the Dark Web?

September 19, 2025•

Ted Rall

Live 5 pm Eastern and Streaming 24-7:

On Friday’s episode of DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou, where political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou discuss MI6’s launch of a dark-web portal to recruit spies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) massive expansion plans, Trump’s polls showing disapproval of his crime and immigration policies, Israeli airstrikes on a media complex that killed 31 journalists, and a judge dismisses Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.

MI6: MI6 launches a dedicated dark web portal today to recruit spies globally, targeting Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, as announced by outgoing chief Sir Richard Moore in Istanbul. The secure messaging platform Silent Courier aims to bolster security by facilitating anonymous contact, with instructions available on MI6’s YouTube channel. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasizes the portal’s role in keeping the UK ahead of adversaries.

ICE Expansion: ICE is seeking 300 new office spaces nationwide to support hiring over 10,000 immigration officers and lawyers, with the General Services Administration forming special teams to expedite the “ICE Surge.” The expansion targets red states and cities, though no leases are signed yet.

Trump’s Not-Good Polls: A Washington Post-Ipsos poll today reveals public disapproval of Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to cities beyond Washington, with a 10-point margin opposing his crime policies. Americans disapprove of his handling of immigration, economy, and foreign wars by double-digit margins. Despite this, Republicans hold a 2-to-1 edge on crime trust over Democrats. What’s going on?

Israel Kills Dozens of Journalists: Israeli airstrikes on a Yemeni media complex on September 10 killed 31 journalists, the deadliest attack on media since 2009, per a Committee to Protect Journalists report. The strikes targeted Houthi-connected outlets in Sanaa, also killing a child. The IDF claims the site was a Houthi propaganda hub.

Trump’s Lawsuit Tossed: A federal judge in Tampa today dismisses President Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, calling the 85-page complaint “impermissible.” Judge Steven Merryday criticizes the filing’s structure and intent.

Russia Violates Estonia’s Airspace: Three Russian military jets breached Estonia’s airspace for 12 minutes today in a “brazen” act, per Estonian officials. This follows Russian drones entering Polish airspace last week, heightening NATO tensions.

Deprogram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: Trump Talking to the Taliban

September 18, 2025•

Ted Rall

Live 5 pm Eastern and Streaming 24-7:

On Thursday’s episode of DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou, where political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou dissect the news, the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the No Political Enemies Act, U.S. efforts to reclaim Bagram Air Base from the Taliban, hundreds of thousands strike in France.

Jimmy Kimmel: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr states that Kimmel misled the public by linking Charlie Kirk’s killer to MAGA, prompting ABC—with a merger pending before the Administration—to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely. Carr warns of ongoing shifts in the media ecosystem post-Trump’s election. House Democrats are accusing him of abusing power to coerce ABC and Disney, as Trump calls for more media cancellations.

Shield Act for Critics?: Democrats unveil their No Political Enemies Act, creating legal defenses for those targeted for political speech and allowing attorney fee recovery from government harassment. Sponsors like Senators Murphy and Schumer decry the Trump administration’s exploitation of Kirk’s assassination to silence critics, labeling it a path to autocracy and the worst free speech crisis since McCarthyism.

Bagram Air Base Back? Trump announces that the U.S. is working to regain Bagram Air Base from the Taliban, describing it as one of the world’s largest bases and strategically located an hour from China’s nuclear facilities. Trump pushes national security officials for months to negotiate its return, leveraging Taliban needs amid their push for sanctions relief and recognition. Will we normalize relations?

French Strikes and Protests: Hundreds of thousands join strikes against budget cuts, with unions estimating one million participants while officials report 500,000, deploying 80,000 police amid clashes in Paris, Lyon, and Nantes. Disruptions halt metro lines, block roads, and close 98% of pharmacies, as teachers and students protest reduced public services under new Prime Minister Lecornu. Over 140 arrests occur after protesters damage businesses.

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Fed Cut: A Warning Sign?”

September 17, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 5:00 pm Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou read the tea leaves behind the Federal Reserve’s quarter-point rate cut, the FBI director’s testimony on the Epstein files, a new age-verification system for ChatGPT raises questions, men who spike drinks with abortion pills, and a widow’s claim that Alexei Navalny was poisoned.

Is the Rate Cut a Warning?: The Fed approves a quarter-point rate cut, setting the overnight funds rate at 4.00%-4.25%, with two more cuts signaled for 2025 amid labor market concerns. Governor Stephen Miran dissents, pushing for a half-point reduction, while Fed Chair Jerome Powell notes rising downside risks to employment. Is a midterm-election recession imminent?

FBI Director Denies on Epstein Files: Kash Patel testifies he never discussed the Jeffrey Epstein files with Trump. Is he credible?

OpenAI’s Age-Prediction System: A new AI-driven age-prediction system will restrict ChatGPT access for users under 18, prioritizing teen safety. The move follows a lawsuit tied to a teen’s suicide after harmful chatbot interactions. Will it work? Is it smart?

Abortion Pill Spiking: Men face charges for secretly slipping abortion pills to pregnant partners, exploiting relaxed FDA rules on mifepristone. Cases highlight coerced abortions, prompting states like Texas to tighten regulations. Advocates warn of rising risks to women and unborn children.

Navalny Poisoned?: Yulia Navalnaya claims Alexei Navalny was poisoned in an Arctic prison, based on smuggled samples analyzed by two labs. She is accusing Putin of murder.

TMI Show Ep 224: “Tyler Robinson Faces Death Penalty”

September 17, 2025•

Ted Rall

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

“The TMI Show” hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan are joined by guest Tyler Nixon. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announces seven charges against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, including aggravated murder, a death-penalty charge, for allegedly targeting Kirk due to his political expression. Gray is citing Robinson’s act in the presence of children and attempts to obstruct justice by hiding evidence and tampering with witnesses.

Plus:

• Luigi Mangione Case: New York judge drops terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione for the December 2024 killing of United Healthcare executive Brian Thompson. Mangione still faces second-degree murder and weapons charges, with federal prosecutors pursuing the death penalty.

• Robert Redford’s Legacy: Hollywood icon Robert Redford, who died at 89, leaves a cinematic legacy with classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and the Sundance Film Festival. His work as an actor, director, and environmental advocate reshaped independent film.

• Trump’s Defamation Lawsuit: Trump sues The New York Times for $15 billion, alleging defamatory reporting aimed at damaging his reputation. The case, targeting investigative articles and a book, sparks debate over press freedom and legal accountability.

TMI Show Ep 232: “Killer Squirrel Terrorizes Bay Area”

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Death-scalator!”

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Mass Shooting Targets ICE”

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Trump Rages at UN”

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Bibi Strikes Back”

Deprogram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: Guess Who’s Scouring the Dark Web?

Deprogram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: Trump Talking to the Taliban

DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Fed Cut: A Warning Sign?”

TMI Show Ep 224: “Tyler Robinson Faces Death Penalty”

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