1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,240 Hey everyone, welcome back. 2 00:00:01,240 --> 00:00:04,080 It's January 14th, 2025. 3 00:00:04,080 --> 00:00:06,880 And you guys have sent over a ton of news articles. 4 00:00:06,880 --> 00:00:08,560 Looks like you're really interested in what's happening 5 00:00:08,560 --> 00:00:09,880 in the political world today. 6 00:00:09,880 --> 00:00:11,600 Yeah, definitely a lot to unpack. 7 00:00:11,600 --> 00:00:12,840 We've got near convictions. 8 00:00:12,840 --> 00:00:13,920 The political maneuvering. 9 00:00:13,920 --> 00:00:15,960 Some serious media shakeups. 10 00:00:15,960 --> 00:00:16,840 Should be interesting. 11 00:00:16,840 --> 00:00:18,520 So let's just dive right in, shall we? 12 00:00:18,520 --> 00:00:19,360 Sounds good. 13 00:00:19,360 --> 00:00:22,040 First up, we've got to talk about the, 14 00:00:22,040 --> 00:00:25,240 well, the almost twice convicted felon in the room. 15 00:00:25,240 --> 00:00:27,000 Oh yeah, right. 16 00:00:27,000 --> 00:00:31,040 This first volume of the Jack Smith report, 17 00:00:31,040 --> 00:00:34,560 it just dropped and it's causing quite a stir. 18 00:00:34,560 --> 00:00:35,720 It really is. 19 00:00:35,720 --> 00:00:39,800 This report, it really zeros in on Trump's actions 20 00:00:39,800 --> 00:00:41,080 leading up to January 6th. 21 00:00:41,080 --> 00:00:44,840 And what's so striking is Smith's conclusion. 22 00:00:44,840 --> 00:00:47,160 You know, if Trump wasn't about to be inaugurated 23 00:00:47,160 --> 00:00:50,080 for a second term, there would have been more than enough 24 00:00:50,080 --> 00:00:52,160 evidence to convict him for his role 25 00:00:52,160 --> 00:00:54,680 in the whole January 6th insurrection. 26 00:00:54,680 --> 00:00:56,280 Wow, so it's like winning the presidency 27 00:00:56,280 --> 00:00:57,840 as a get out of jail free card. 28 00:00:57,840 --> 00:00:58,680 Pretty much. 29 00:00:58,680 --> 00:00:59,720 It's wild. 30 00:00:59,720 --> 00:01:03,360 But wait, there's more to the story. 31 00:01:03,360 --> 00:01:06,320 We've got this second volume of the report 32 00:01:06,320 --> 00:01:08,680 and it's dealing with the classified documents case. 33 00:01:08,680 --> 00:01:09,720 What's the latest there? 34 00:01:09,720 --> 00:01:11,480 Well, that's where things get a little dicey. 35 00:01:11,480 --> 00:01:13,720 Judge Eileen Cannon, you might remember her. 36 00:01:13,720 --> 00:01:14,560 Yeah. 37 00:01:14,560 --> 00:01:17,320 From some of her other rulings in Trump related cases. 38 00:01:17,320 --> 00:01:19,320 Well, she's actually trying to block the release 39 00:01:19,320 --> 00:01:20,920 of this second volume. 40 00:01:20,920 --> 00:01:22,920 She's got a hearing scheduled for Friday 41 00:01:22,920 --> 00:01:25,160 to hear arguments from both sides. 42 00:01:25,160 --> 00:01:27,800 Hold on, wasn't Judge Cannon the same judge 43 00:01:27,800 --> 00:01:31,080 who tried to dismiss the entire classified documents case? 44 00:01:31,080 --> 00:01:32,000 That's the one. 45 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:33,200 A while back. 46 00:01:33,200 --> 00:01:35,200 I mean, is this a pattern we're seeing here? 47 00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:38,080 Well, it's definitely raising some eyebrows. 48 00:01:38,080 --> 00:01:39,800 Some legal experts believe that she's 49 00:01:39,800 --> 00:01:41,040 exceeding her authority. 50 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:44,080 But others argue that she's just being cautious. 51 00:01:44,080 --> 00:01:46,680 It's a complex legal situation. 52 00:01:46,680 --> 00:01:49,400 And Friday's ruling, it's going to be closely watched. 53 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:50,880 Even if she tries to block it. 54 00:01:50,880 --> 00:01:52,960 I mean, can't this report still leak? 55 00:01:52,960 --> 00:01:54,720 Leaks happen all the time, especially 56 00:01:54,720 --> 00:01:56,440 with something this politically charged. 57 00:01:56,440 --> 00:01:57,360 Oh, absolutely. 58 00:01:57,360 --> 00:02:01,520 And you have to wonder, from a purely strategic standpoint, 59 00:02:01,520 --> 00:02:04,760 wouldn't it be better for Trump to just release the whole thing? 60 00:02:04,760 --> 00:02:05,240 Right. 61 00:02:05,240 --> 00:02:06,040 Get it over with. 62 00:02:06,040 --> 00:02:08,800 Control the narrative, rip off the band aid. 63 00:02:08,800 --> 00:02:11,960 You deal with one new cycle of bad press and then move on. 64 00:02:11,960 --> 00:02:12,720 Yeah. 65 00:02:12,720 --> 00:02:15,240 He's always been so good at manipulating the media. 66 00:02:15,240 --> 00:02:17,400 But now he's letting this drag on and on. 67 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:18,320 I know. 68 00:02:18,320 --> 00:02:19,800 And who knows what else could come out. 69 00:02:19,800 --> 00:02:22,040 It's like a constant drip, drip, drip 70 00:02:22,040 --> 00:02:24,160 of potentially damaging information. 71 00:02:24,160 --> 00:02:25,320 Exactly. 72 00:02:25,320 --> 00:02:26,480 And think about the timing. 73 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:29,560 With the inauguration next week, releasing it now, 74 00:02:29,560 --> 00:02:31,800 it would totally get lost in the shuffle. 75 00:02:31,800 --> 00:02:35,240 Instead, he's risking a massive news event 76 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:37,800 whenever this second volume does come out, 77 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:40,560 whether it's in a month, a year, just constantly reminding 78 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:41,920 everybody of these allegations. 79 00:02:41,920 --> 00:02:43,920 It's a curious strategy, say the least. 80 00:02:43,920 --> 00:02:45,560 Speaking of curious strategies, let's 81 00:02:45,560 --> 00:02:49,040 move on to a situation where we see a natural disaster being 82 00:02:49,040 --> 00:02:50,520 used as a political football. 83 00:02:50,520 --> 00:02:51,160 OK. 84 00:02:51,160 --> 00:02:52,480 The California wildfires. 85 00:02:52,480 --> 00:02:53,200 Right. 86 00:02:53,200 --> 00:02:55,160 It seems that for a state that's often 87 00:02:55,160 --> 00:02:59,120 portrayed as a liberal paradise, it sure 88 00:02:59,120 --> 00:03:01,480 seems to be a favorite target for Republicans. 89 00:03:01,480 --> 00:03:02,680 It's interesting, isn't it? 90 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:04,520 I think this situation really highlights 91 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:06,880 a recurring pattern in American politics, 92 00:03:06,880 --> 00:03:10,240 using disaster relief as a bargaining chip. 93 00:03:10,240 --> 00:03:12,080 And it raises some serious questions. 94 00:03:12,080 --> 00:03:15,040 What are the long-term consequences 95 00:03:15,040 --> 00:03:16,720 of politicizing aid like this? 96 00:03:16,720 --> 00:03:17,160 Right. 97 00:03:17,160 --> 00:03:20,640 And how does it affect the public's trust in government? 98 00:03:20,640 --> 00:03:20,960 Right. 99 00:03:20,960 --> 00:03:23,320 And we're talking about massive ongoing wildfires 100 00:03:23,320 --> 00:03:24,320 in Southern California. 101 00:03:24,320 --> 00:03:24,720 Right. 102 00:03:24,720 --> 00:03:26,840 And they have the potential to get even worse. 103 00:03:26,840 --> 00:03:29,280 And as you said, the need for federal aid, 104 00:03:29,280 --> 00:03:31,600 it's really opened the door for these different Republican 105 00:03:31,600 --> 00:03:32,120 approaches. 106 00:03:32,120 --> 00:03:32,760 Exactly. 107 00:03:32,760 --> 00:03:36,640 I mean, we're seeing everything from just outright denial 108 00:03:36,640 --> 00:03:38,800 of the problem to really just trying 109 00:03:38,800 --> 00:03:40,720 to push these partisan agendas. 110 00:03:40,720 --> 00:03:42,280 So you have folks like Mike Johnson, 111 00:03:42,280 --> 00:03:45,240 who are echoing Trump's claims about California's 112 00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:47,800 mismanagement of water and forests, 113 00:03:47,800 --> 00:03:51,160 even though there's really no evidence to back that up, 114 00:03:51,160 --> 00:03:54,720 it's a way to deflect blame and avoid taking responsibility 115 00:03:54,720 --> 00:03:58,720 for the federal government's role in disaster relief. 116 00:03:58,720 --> 00:04:01,120 And then there's the blame it on wokeness crowd. 117 00:04:01,120 --> 00:04:02,040 Oh, right. 118 00:04:02,040 --> 00:04:05,440 Like Tommy Tuberville, who somehow is linking the wildfires 119 00:04:05,440 --> 00:04:07,240 to woke inner city policies. 120 00:04:07,240 --> 00:04:07,600 Yeah. 121 00:04:07,600 --> 00:04:08,400 It's a stretch. 122 00:04:08,400 --> 00:04:09,680 It's a stretch. 123 00:04:09,680 --> 00:04:12,200 But of course, the most cynical and perhaps the most 124 00:04:12,200 --> 00:04:15,920 plausible approach, using the aid as leverage 125 00:04:15,920 --> 00:04:18,280 in this upcoming debt ceiling debate, 126 00:04:18,280 --> 00:04:20,440 it's a dangerous game to play. 127 00:04:20,440 --> 00:04:23,440 Really could set a precedent for future disaster relief 128 00:04:23,440 --> 00:04:24,800 negotiations. 129 00:04:24,800 --> 00:04:28,400 You know, will aid become conditional on political favors? 130 00:04:28,400 --> 00:04:29,440 It's a slippery slope. 131 00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:30,160 It is. 132 00:04:30,160 --> 00:04:32,640 And let's not forget the California is putting up a fight. 133 00:04:32,640 --> 00:04:33,240 They are. 134 00:04:33,240 --> 00:04:35,840 They're setting aside funds to sue the Trump administration 135 00:04:35,840 --> 00:04:37,200 and resist deportations. 136 00:04:37,200 --> 00:04:38,520 It's defiance. 137 00:04:38,520 --> 00:04:39,080 It is. 138 00:04:39,080 --> 00:04:43,040 It's a really risky move to publicly punish a state, 139 00:04:43,040 --> 00:04:44,640 even a blue state. 140 00:04:44,640 --> 00:04:46,800 While it's struggling with a natural disaster, 141 00:04:46,800 --> 00:04:49,480 it can generate a lot of sympathy for the victims. 142 00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:51,520 And it can really backfire on those 143 00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:54,000 who are perceived as exploiting the situation. 144 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:56,840 Because I mean, these fires, they affect everyone in the area. 145 00:04:56,840 --> 00:04:58,520 It doesn't matter your political affiliation. 146 00:04:58,520 --> 00:04:59,160 Absolutely. 147 00:04:59,160 --> 00:04:59,920 OK. 148 00:04:59,920 --> 00:05:00,960 Let's shift gears a bit. 149 00:05:00,960 --> 00:05:02,160 Talk about John Federman. 150 00:05:02,160 --> 00:05:05,680 I mean, this guy has gone from blue collar, progressive hero 151 00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:08,120 to, well, something else entirely. 152 00:05:08,120 --> 00:05:09,080 He really has. 153 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:11,480 It's been fascinating to watch this transformation 154 00:05:11,480 --> 00:05:14,160 from rejecting that progressive label 155 00:05:14,160 --> 00:05:17,760 to taking this really strong pro-Israel stance 156 00:05:17,760 --> 00:05:20,280 and then supporting the Lake and Riley Act, which, 157 00:05:20,280 --> 00:05:21,760 for anyone who needs a refresher, 158 00:05:21,760 --> 00:05:24,400 that makes it easier for people to carry concealed weapons. 159 00:05:24,400 --> 00:05:25,360 He's making some moves. 160 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:25,880 He is. 161 00:05:25,880 --> 00:05:29,120 And then you have the visit with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. 162 00:05:29,120 --> 00:05:31,520 I mean, Trump was showering him with praise. 163 00:05:31,520 --> 00:05:33,720 It was like something out of a political satire. 164 00:05:33,720 --> 00:05:34,560 It really was. 165 00:05:34,560 --> 00:05:37,080 And the Philadelphia Inquirer, they even 166 00:05:37,080 --> 00:05:41,040 called it a normalization of Trump, which is, I mean, 167 00:05:41,040 --> 00:05:42,920 that's pretty scathing criticism. 168 00:05:42,920 --> 00:05:43,360 It is. 169 00:05:43,360 --> 00:05:45,880 And they dug up some of Trump's past insults. 170 00:05:45,880 --> 00:05:46,920 Oh, right. 171 00:05:46,920 --> 00:05:50,120 About Federman calling him a radical Marxist. 172 00:05:50,120 --> 00:05:52,000 I mean, it makes the whole thing even weirder. 173 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:54,720 It makes you wonder, what's Federman's end game here? 174 00:05:54,720 --> 00:05:55,040 Right. 175 00:05:55,040 --> 00:05:58,560 Is this about re-election in 2026? 176 00:05:58,560 --> 00:06:01,720 Is he positioning himself for a national run in 2028? 177 00:06:01,720 --> 00:06:03,640 Or is this like a genuine evolution 178 00:06:03,640 --> 00:06:05,440 of his political beliefs? 179 00:06:05,440 --> 00:06:07,200 He's really walking a tightrope here. 180 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:07,680 He is. 181 00:06:07,680 --> 00:06:10,360 He could alienate his left-leaning base 182 00:06:10,360 --> 00:06:11,880 and the Republicans who just might not 183 00:06:11,880 --> 00:06:13,200 trust this sudden shift. 184 00:06:13,200 --> 00:06:15,200 It's a high stakes gamble, for sure. 185 00:06:15,200 --> 00:06:16,000 It is. 186 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:19,560 And his vote could be crucial for Republicans 187 00:06:19,560 --> 00:06:20,800 on some key issues. 188 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:23,280 This is a story we'll definitely be watching closely. 189 00:06:23,280 --> 00:06:24,160 OK. 190 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:25,120 This is wild. 191 00:06:25,120 --> 00:06:25,440 Yeah. 192 00:06:25,440 --> 00:06:27,960 We've got this media frenzy happening just 193 00:06:27,960 --> 00:06:30,120 as a new administration's about to take over. 194 00:06:30,120 --> 00:06:30,520 Right. 195 00:06:30,520 --> 00:06:34,040 I mean, what's the significance of all these big names 196 00:06:34,040 --> 00:06:35,520 making moves now? 197 00:06:35,520 --> 00:06:37,160 It's like someone declared yesterday 198 00:06:37,160 --> 00:06:39,720 the unofficial media trade deadline. 199 00:06:39,720 --> 00:06:41,240 It really is a sign of the times. 200 00:06:41,240 --> 00:06:43,360 You know, we're seeing this reshuffling 201 00:06:43,360 --> 00:06:45,600 of the whole media landscape. 202 00:06:45,600 --> 00:06:48,720 And it's happening right before a new administration takes 203 00:06:48,720 --> 00:06:49,320 over. 204 00:06:49,320 --> 00:06:51,280 Some people see it as a power grab. 205 00:06:51,280 --> 00:06:53,720 Others view it as a natural evolution, 206 00:06:53,720 --> 00:06:56,880 just in response to the changing media consumption habits. 207 00:06:56,880 --> 00:06:58,560 First up, Rachel Maddow. 208 00:06:58,560 --> 00:07:00,920 She's back to full time hosting on MSNBC 209 00:07:00,920 --> 00:07:02,760 for the first 100 days of Trump's presidency. 210 00:07:02,760 --> 00:07:03,080 Yeah. 211 00:07:03,080 --> 00:07:05,080 I mean, you know they're thrilled about that over there. 212 00:07:05,080 --> 00:07:06,640 She's a ratings powerhouse. 213 00:07:06,640 --> 00:07:08,080 And you know news channels. 214 00:07:08,080 --> 00:07:09,880 They often do a lot better when they're 215 00:07:09,880 --> 00:07:11,600 opposition to the party in power. 216 00:07:11,600 --> 00:07:12,360 It's true. 217 00:07:12,360 --> 00:07:13,560 And then there's Chuck Todd. 218 00:07:13,560 --> 00:07:16,480 Who is leaving Meet the Press over at NBC? 219 00:07:16,480 --> 00:07:19,120 This is particularly interesting because of those rumors 220 00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:20,960 about NBC's new leadership. 221 00:07:20,960 --> 00:07:23,760 You know, that they're more open to appeasing 222 00:07:23,760 --> 00:07:25,120 the Trump administration. 223 00:07:25,120 --> 00:07:25,720 I've heard that. 224 00:07:25,720 --> 00:07:26,220 Yeah. 225 00:07:26,220 --> 00:07:28,240 So it raises some concerns, you know, 226 00:07:28,240 --> 00:07:30,720 about the potential for editorial interference 227 00:07:30,720 --> 00:07:33,840 and the erosion of journalistic independence. 228 00:07:33,840 --> 00:07:38,360 So one media star rising, another potentially falling. 229 00:07:38,360 --> 00:07:40,920 What else is shaking up the media world? 230 00:07:40,920 --> 00:07:42,360 Well, we have Jennifer Rubin. 231 00:07:42,360 --> 00:07:45,280 She's the conservative colonist for the Washington Post. 232 00:07:45,280 --> 00:07:46,360 She's resigned. 233 00:07:46,360 --> 00:07:47,960 And she's launching a new venture. 234 00:07:47,960 --> 00:07:50,680 It's called the Contrarian with Norm Eisen. 235 00:07:50,680 --> 00:07:52,000 You know, I always enjoyed her writing, 236 00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:54,120 but I can't say I'm surprised she's leaving. 237 00:07:54,120 --> 00:07:56,160 It's got to be tough being a never-Trumper, 238 00:07:56,160 --> 00:07:59,040 a never-Trump Republican voice, at a paper that seems 239 00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:01,400 to be trying so hard to avoid angering Trump. 240 00:08:01,400 --> 00:08:02,160 Exactly. 241 00:08:02,160 --> 00:08:02,660 Yeah. 242 00:08:02,660 --> 00:08:06,280 The Contrarian, it'll likely be similar to the Bullwark, 243 00:08:06,280 --> 00:08:08,840 another platform for never-Trump conservatives. 244 00:08:08,840 --> 00:08:10,660 Interesting to see how they position themselves 245 00:08:10,660 --> 00:08:11,840 in the media landscape. 246 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:12,840 It will. 247 00:08:12,840 --> 00:08:15,000 And lastly, we have to talk about Fox News. 248 00:08:15,000 --> 00:08:15,920 Of course. 249 00:08:15,920 --> 00:08:19,200 They've named Will Cain as Neil Cavuto's replacement. 250 00:08:19,200 --> 00:08:20,040 Not a shock. 251 00:08:20,040 --> 00:08:22,960 I mean, Fox has a real knack for plugging in these new 252 00:08:22,960 --> 00:08:24,880 personalities without missing a beat. 253 00:08:24,880 --> 00:08:25,520 They do. 254 00:08:25,520 --> 00:08:28,480 It really speaks to the power of their brand, which 255 00:08:28,480 --> 00:08:31,440 seems immune to individual departures. 256 00:08:31,440 --> 00:08:32,800 You know, I think all of these media 257 00:08:32,800 --> 00:08:36,760 shake-ups highlight this immense pressure on outlets, 258 00:08:36,760 --> 00:08:39,320 to either appease the Trump administration 259 00:08:39,320 --> 00:08:41,440 or face some potential consequences. 260 00:08:41,440 --> 00:08:43,000 And it raises a fundamental question 261 00:08:43,000 --> 00:08:45,040 about the future of news consumption. 262 00:08:45,040 --> 00:08:49,040 Are we becoming even more polarized with everyone 263 00:08:49,040 --> 00:08:51,000 retreating to their own little echo chambers? 264 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:51,920 It's a scary thought. 265 00:08:51,920 --> 00:08:53,440 I mean, we need diverse viewpoints. 266 00:08:53,440 --> 00:08:56,640 We need critical analysis, not just partisan cheerleading. 267 00:08:56,640 --> 00:08:57,560 Absolutely. 268 00:08:57,560 --> 00:09:00,120 We need to be able to engage in these thoughtful, respectful 269 00:09:00,120 --> 00:09:03,640 disagreements without resorting to demonization or name 270 00:09:03,640 --> 00:09:04,120 calling. 271 00:09:04,120 --> 00:09:06,480 It's the only way to have productive conversations 272 00:09:06,480 --> 00:09:09,400 and actually find solutions to the complex challenges we face. 273 00:09:09,400 --> 00:09:10,480 Absolutely. 274 00:09:10,480 --> 00:09:12,200 OK, on a slightly less intense note, 275 00:09:12,200 --> 00:09:13,920 let's move on to the military. 276 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:16,360 Specifically, the fact that the army finally 277 00:09:16,360 --> 00:09:18,840 exceeded its recruitment goals for 2024. 278 00:09:18,840 --> 00:09:20,680 After years of struggling with that, right? 279 00:09:20,680 --> 00:09:20,800 Yeah. 280 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:21,400 It is. 281 00:09:21,400 --> 00:09:23,640 It's a big win, especially considering the challenges 282 00:09:23,640 --> 00:09:25,720 they've faced in recent years. 283 00:09:25,720 --> 00:09:29,240 And there's an interesting twist to the success story. 284 00:09:29,240 --> 00:09:32,960 The biggest increase in enlistment, it came from women. 285 00:09:32,960 --> 00:09:33,480 Really? 286 00:09:33,480 --> 00:09:36,560 We're talking about a nearly 20% jump compared 287 00:09:36,560 --> 00:09:38,520 to a much smaller increase for men. 288 00:09:38,520 --> 00:09:39,880 Wow. 289 00:09:39,880 --> 00:09:40,880 That's huge. 290 00:09:40,880 --> 00:09:43,520 And the army doesn't even have a clear explanation for it. 291 00:09:43,520 --> 00:09:44,200 It seems so. 292 00:09:44,200 --> 00:09:47,160 You know, there wasn't a big ad campaign specifically 293 00:09:47,160 --> 00:09:48,320 targeting women. 294 00:09:48,320 --> 00:09:50,240 No special incentives or anything. 295 00:09:50,240 --> 00:09:53,240 Just this sudden surge in female recruits. 296 00:09:53,240 --> 00:09:54,240 That's interesting. 297 00:09:54,240 --> 00:09:56,440 There are some correlations worth noting, though. 298 00:09:56,440 --> 00:09:59,640 Women, they're less likely to have criminal records, which 299 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:01,640 can disqualify you from service. 300 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:04,200 And they're also more likely to pursue higher education. 301 00:10:04,200 --> 00:10:07,400 So that might make ROTC and other tuition assistance 302 00:10:07,400 --> 00:10:08,520 programs more appealing. 303 00:10:08,520 --> 00:10:09,480 That makes sense. 304 00:10:09,480 --> 00:10:11,320 But here's where I'm getting a little worried. 305 00:10:11,320 --> 00:10:15,840 Pete Hegseth, our soon-to-be Secretary of Defense. 306 00:10:15,840 --> 00:10:19,040 He hasn't exactly been a champion for women in the military. 307 00:10:19,040 --> 00:10:21,160 I mean, his views on women in combat roles 308 00:10:21,160 --> 00:10:23,640 are, well, they're well-documented. 309 00:10:23,640 --> 00:10:25,000 To put it mildly. 310 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:27,720 So the question becomes, will he prioritize 311 00:10:27,720 --> 00:10:31,840 his personal ideology or the very real need 312 00:10:31,840 --> 00:10:34,600 for a fully staffed military? 313 00:10:34,600 --> 00:10:37,760 The army needs women to meet its goals. 314 00:10:37,760 --> 00:10:40,320 Will Hegseth accept that reality? 315 00:10:40,320 --> 00:10:41,920 That's a million-dollar question. 316 00:10:41,920 --> 00:10:43,840 This is definitely a story we'll be following closely. 317 00:10:43,840 --> 00:10:44,400 For sure. 318 00:10:44,400 --> 00:10:47,800 Last but not least, we have Eric Adams, the mayor 319 00:10:47,800 --> 00:10:49,120 of New York City. 320 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:51,400 Who, well, he seems to be on thin ice. 321 00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:52,480 He does. 322 00:10:52,480 --> 00:10:55,920 A recent poll showed him with a dismal 6% support 323 00:10:55,920 --> 00:10:57,520 among NYC voters. 324 00:10:57,520 --> 00:10:59,560 And in a simulated ranked-choice election, 325 00:10:59,560 --> 00:11:01,960 he got eliminated in the fourth round. 326 00:11:01,960 --> 00:11:03,080 Those are brutal numbers. 327 00:11:03,080 --> 00:11:04,000 That's got a sting. 328 00:11:04,000 --> 00:11:04,500 Yeah. 329 00:11:04,500 --> 00:11:05,920 Especially for a sitting mayor. 330 00:11:05,920 --> 00:11:06,520 It does. 331 00:11:06,520 --> 00:11:07,360 And you know what? 332 00:11:07,360 --> 00:11:10,200 The poll was topped by, wait for it, Andrew Cuomo. 333 00:11:10,200 --> 00:11:10,920 You're kidding. 334 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:12,600 The disgraced former governor. 335 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:14,160 I mean, that's just, I can't even. 336 00:11:14,160 --> 00:11:14,960 It's true. 337 00:11:14,960 --> 00:11:16,240 It's important to remember, though, 338 00:11:16,240 --> 00:11:18,560 that Cuomo hasn't actually announced his candidacy yet. 339 00:11:18,560 --> 00:11:21,360 And this poll was conducted before Christmas, you know? 340 00:11:21,360 --> 00:11:25,000 Still, trailing behind a guy who resigned in scandal. 341 00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:26,400 Not a good look for Adams. 342 00:11:26,400 --> 00:11:26,900 Not at all. 343 00:11:26,900 --> 00:11:28,040 He's trying to downplay it. 344 00:11:28,040 --> 00:11:31,960 But a 6% approval rating, it's a huge red flag. 345 00:11:31,960 --> 00:11:35,440 Suggests he's facing some, well, some serious challenges. 346 00:11:35,440 --> 00:11:37,600 We'd love to hear from our New York City listeners 347 00:11:37,600 --> 00:11:39,160 on this one. 348 00:11:39,160 --> 00:11:40,840 What's your take on the situation? 349 00:11:40,840 --> 00:11:42,360 Is Adams done for? 350 00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:43,000 Let us know. 351 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:43,520 It really is. 352 00:11:43,520 --> 00:11:45,600 It's a turbulent time in New York politics. 353 00:11:45,600 --> 00:11:47,000 And you know, speaking of turbulent times, 354 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:49,800 you mentioned that media shakeup earlier. 355 00:11:49,800 --> 00:11:52,640 And Jennifer Rubin leaving the Washington Post. 356 00:11:52,640 --> 00:11:53,400 It got me thinking. 357 00:11:53,400 --> 00:11:55,720 A lot of journalists who were critical of Trump 358 00:11:55,720 --> 00:11:57,480 during his last term, they seemed 359 00:11:57,480 --> 00:11:59,640 to be getting pushed out of mainstream media. 360 00:11:59,640 --> 00:12:01,200 Yeah, it's kind of a worrying trend, right? 361 00:12:01,200 --> 00:12:03,720 It makes you wonder if there's like a concerted effort 362 00:12:03,720 --> 00:12:06,000 to silence dissenting voices. 363 00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:08,800 It's hard to say for sure, but the pattern. 364 00:12:08,800 --> 00:12:09,680 Undeniable. 365 00:12:09,680 --> 00:12:12,760 Some are leaving voluntarily, like Rubin, you know? 366 00:12:12,760 --> 00:12:14,320 Seeking more independence. 367 00:12:14,320 --> 00:12:16,160 Others are facing pressure from higher ups, 368 00:12:16,160 --> 00:12:18,320 even their own colleagues who are maybe a little more 369 00:12:18,320 --> 00:12:19,640 sympathetic to Trump. 370 00:12:19,640 --> 00:12:20,680 But why is this happening? 371 00:12:20,680 --> 00:12:22,600 I mean, isn't a range of viewpoints 372 00:12:22,600 --> 00:12:25,720 essential for a healthy media landscape? 373 00:12:25,720 --> 00:12:26,760 You would think so. 374 00:12:26,760 --> 00:12:30,800 But you know, in today's world, it's so hyperpolarized. 375 00:12:30,800 --> 00:12:33,920 Nuance and critical thinking are often seen as weaknesses. 376 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:34,640 You know? 377 00:12:34,640 --> 00:12:38,520 It's easier to just fit into a neat ideological box, 378 00:12:38,520 --> 00:12:40,360 whether you're on the left or the right. 379 00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:42,600 So what happens to those who don't fit neatly 380 00:12:42,600 --> 00:12:43,520 into those boxes? 381 00:12:43,520 --> 00:12:45,480 What about the people who are challenging 382 00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:46,720 the accepted narrative? 383 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:49,800 Yeah, well, they often face being ostracized. 384 00:12:49,800 --> 00:12:52,640 They're labeled as traitors, heretics. 385 00:12:52,640 --> 00:12:55,280 It's a dangerous trend that stifles open debate 386 00:12:55,280 --> 00:12:57,520 and really discourages independent thought. 387 00:12:57,520 --> 00:12:58,480 Yeah. 388 00:12:58,480 --> 00:13:00,200 It's almost as if we're heading toward a world 389 00:13:00,200 --> 00:13:02,400 where there are only two acceptable opinions. 390 00:13:02,400 --> 00:13:05,000 You're either pro-Trump or you're anti-Trump. 391 00:13:05,000 --> 00:13:07,200 And there's just no room for any middle ground. 392 00:13:07,200 --> 00:13:08,120 Exactly. 393 00:13:08,120 --> 00:13:10,040 And that's a recipe for disaster. 394 00:13:10,040 --> 00:13:14,160 I mean, we lose the ability to actually solve complex problems 395 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:17,200 and move forward as a society when we can't engage 396 00:13:17,200 --> 00:13:19,520 in thoughtful, respectful disagreement. 397 00:13:19,520 --> 00:13:20,760 Well said. 398 00:13:20,760 --> 00:13:22,440 That's a sobering thought. 399 00:13:22,440 --> 00:13:24,480 But hey, let's just take a break from the doom and gloom 400 00:13:24,480 --> 00:13:24,960 for a minute. 401 00:13:24,960 --> 00:13:25,440 OK. 402 00:13:25,440 --> 00:13:26,360 Super Bowl's coming up. 403 00:13:26,360 --> 00:13:26,880 It is. 404 00:13:26,880 --> 00:13:27,960 Any predictions? 405 00:13:27,960 --> 00:13:30,760 You know, I'm not much of a sports enthusiast. 406 00:13:30,760 --> 00:13:32,000 But I know you are. 407 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:33,160 What are you thinking? 408 00:13:33,160 --> 00:13:35,520 Well, the Kansas City cheats are looking pretty strong again 409 00:13:35,520 --> 00:13:35,960 this year. 410 00:13:35,960 --> 00:13:36,760 Yeah. 411 00:13:36,760 --> 00:13:41,760 But I have a hunch that maybe, just maybe, 412 00:13:41,760 --> 00:13:44,880 we might see an underdog story unfold. 413 00:13:44,880 --> 00:13:46,960 What about the Detroit Lions? 414 00:13:46,960 --> 00:13:48,840 They've been rebuilding quietly. 415 00:13:48,840 --> 00:13:50,400 Could be a dark horse contender. 416 00:13:50,400 --> 00:13:51,880 We'll have to see how it plays out. 417 00:13:51,880 --> 00:13:55,720 But even if you're not that into sports, the Super Bowl, 418 00:13:55,720 --> 00:13:57,440 it's like a cultural event. 419 00:13:57,440 --> 00:13:58,600 It brings people together. 420 00:13:58,600 --> 00:13:59,200 Absolutely. 421 00:13:59,200 --> 00:14:01,200 It's a chance to escape the everyday, 422 00:14:01,200 --> 00:14:02,680 enjoy some good food and company, 423 00:14:02,680 --> 00:14:05,440 witness some amazing athleticism. 424 00:14:05,440 --> 00:14:06,040 Who knows? 425 00:14:06,040 --> 00:14:07,240 Maybe this year's game will even 426 00:14:07,240 --> 00:14:09,480 spark some, like, unexpected conversations. 427 00:14:09,480 --> 00:14:10,120 Leapy. 428 00:14:10,120 --> 00:14:10,960 Bridge some divides. 429 00:14:10,960 --> 00:14:12,200 We can hope, right? 430 00:14:12,200 --> 00:14:13,160 Well, we can always hope. 431 00:14:13,160 --> 00:14:14,880 OK, back to the news. 432 00:14:14,880 --> 00:14:17,640 Remember when we talked about Judge Cannon and her, 433 00:14:17,640 --> 00:14:20,880 well, let's just say, questionable ruling in the past? 434 00:14:20,880 --> 00:14:23,160 Well, it looks like she's at it again. 435 00:14:23,160 --> 00:14:25,440 This time, potentially delaying the release 436 00:14:25,440 --> 00:14:27,200 of some really crucial information 437 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:29,600 about the classified documents case against Trump. 438 00:14:29,600 --> 00:14:31,120 It's frustrating, you know? 439 00:14:31,120 --> 00:14:34,760 Transparency is so crucial in any legal proceeding, 440 00:14:34,760 --> 00:14:37,160 especially one with stakes this high. 441 00:14:37,160 --> 00:14:40,760 I mean, it feels like she's trying to run out the clock 442 00:14:40,760 --> 00:14:43,080 hoping that public interest in the case 443 00:14:43,080 --> 00:14:45,120 will just kind of fade away. 444 00:14:45,120 --> 00:14:47,240 It's a tactic that's been used before. 445 00:14:47,240 --> 00:14:50,280 And unfortunately, it can be effective. 446 00:14:50,280 --> 00:14:52,800 But hopefully, the media will continue 447 00:14:52,800 --> 00:14:54,920 to shine a light on this case and hold those in power 448 00:14:54,920 --> 00:14:55,440 accountable. 449 00:14:55,440 --> 00:14:57,080 Let's hope so. 450 00:14:57,080 --> 00:14:58,600 Shifting back to California for a moment, 451 00:14:58,600 --> 00:15:01,040 we talked about the political maneuvering surrounding 452 00:15:01,040 --> 00:15:04,840 the wildfires and the use of federal aid as a bargaining chip. 453 00:15:04,840 --> 00:15:06,680 But there's another layer to this story 454 00:15:06,680 --> 00:15:08,320 that I think is really worth exploring. 455 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:08,960 Absolutely. 456 00:15:08,960 --> 00:15:12,080 I mean, we can't overlook the human cost of these disasters. 457 00:15:12,080 --> 00:15:13,720 Thousands of people have been displaced. 458 00:15:13,720 --> 00:15:15,480 Homes have been destroyed. 459 00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:17,960 The environmental damage is significant. 460 00:15:17,960 --> 00:15:21,080 It's just heartbreaking to see the devastation these fires 461 00:15:21,080 --> 00:15:21,880 have caused. 462 00:15:21,880 --> 00:15:25,320 And it's a reminder that climate change, it's real. 463 00:15:25,320 --> 00:15:26,520 It's a present danger. 464 00:15:26,520 --> 00:15:26,840 It is. 465 00:15:26,840 --> 00:15:28,120 You know these fires. 466 00:15:28,120 --> 00:15:29,600 There's such a stark illustration 467 00:15:29,600 --> 00:15:31,680 of the consequences of inaction. 468 00:15:31,680 --> 00:15:35,000 We need to be taking bold steps to address climate change now. 469 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:35,920 Before, it's too late. 470 00:15:35,920 --> 00:15:37,000 Absolutely. 471 00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:38,000 OK. 472 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:40,000 Let's talk about the media shake up again. 473 00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:42,040 You mentioned earlier that some journalists who 474 00:15:42,040 --> 00:15:46,320 are critical of Trump are being pushed out of mainstream media. 475 00:15:46,320 --> 00:15:48,640 What does that say about the state of journalism today? 476 00:15:48,640 --> 00:15:50,280 You know, it's a worrying sign. 477 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:52,400 When journalists are pressured to conform 478 00:15:52,400 --> 00:15:55,840 to a particular narrative, it undermines the public's trust 479 00:15:55,840 --> 00:15:56,520 in the media. 480 00:15:56,520 --> 00:15:57,040 Right. 481 00:15:57,040 --> 00:15:59,280 We need journalists to be holding those in power 482 00:15:59,280 --> 00:16:01,880 accountable, not just parroting their talking points. 483 00:16:01,880 --> 00:16:02,720 Exactly. 484 00:16:02,720 --> 00:16:05,680 Journalism's role is more important now than ever before. 485 00:16:05,680 --> 00:16:08,640 You know, we're living in this era of misinformation, 486 00:16:08,640 --> 00:16:10,120 disinformation. 487 00:16:10,120 --> 00:16:13,680 And we need journalists to help us navigate this complex 488 00:16:13,680 --> 00:16:14,520 landscape. 489 00:16:14,520 --> 00:16:16,720 Speaking of navigating complex landscapes, 490 00:16:16,720 --> 00:16:19,800 we need to talk about the challenges facing the US military. 491 00:16:19,800 --> 00:16:22,040 We celebrated their recruitment success earlier, 492 00:16:22,040 --> 00:16:24,440 but there's another issue that deserves our attention. 493 00:16:24,440 --> 00:16:27,240 This potential clash between Pete Hegset's views 494 00:16:27,240 --> 00:16:30,520 on women in combat roles and the reality of the Army's 495 00:16:30,520 --> 00:16:32,800 increasing reliance on female recruits. 496 00:16:32,800 --> 00:16:36,240 Right, it's a situation rife with tension. 497 00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:38,440 You have Hegset, who's openly criticized 498 00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:40,480 the idea of women in combat. 499 00:16:40,480 --> 00:16:42,800 And then on the other hand, you have the Army, 500 00:16:42,800 --> 00:16:46,000 who's seeing this surge in female enlistment. 501 00:16:46,000 --> 00:16:48,080 And they need those recruits to meet their goals. 502 00:16:48,080 --> 00:16:51,520 It's like a classic example of ideology bumping up 503 00:16:51,520 --> 00:16:52,480 against reality. 504 00:16:52,480 --> 00:16:53,120 It is. 505 00:16:53,120 --> 00:16:55,400 And it's a story that could have some, well, 506 00:16:55,400 --> 00:16:58,520 some significant consequences for the future 507 00:16:58,520 --> 00:16:59,600 of the US military. 508 00:16:59,600 --> 00:17:00,440 Absolutely. 509 00:17:00,440 --> 00:17:02,640 You know, all this talk about power dynamics 510 00:17:02,640 --> 00:17:04,800 and political maneuvering, it makes me wonder 511 00:17:04,800 --> 00:17:06,200 if there's a deeper lesson here. 512 00:17:06,200 --> 00:17:07,240 I think there is. 513 00:17:07,240 --> 00:17:10,000 What we're seeing is this struggle for control, 514 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:11,280 a battle for influence. 515 00:17:11,280 --> 00:17:13,200 It's about who gets to shape the narrative, 516 00:17:13,200 --> 00:17:15,000 who gets to decide what's important, 517 00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:16,360 who gets to define the future. 518 00:17:16,360 --> 00:17:17,160 Exactly. 519 00:17:17,160 --> 00:17:19,720 And it's a battle that's being fought on multiple fronts, 520 00:17:19,720 --> 00:17:22,560 in the courts, in the media, in the halls of government, 521 00:17:22,560 --> 00:17:24,160 even in our own homes. 522 00:17:24,160 --> 00:17:26,360 It's easy to feel overwhelmed by all of this. 523 00:17:26,360 --> 00:17:27,800 But I think it's important to remember 524 00:17:27,800 --> 00:17:30,160 that we're not just passive observers. 525 00:17:30,160 --> 00:17:32,040 You know, we have a role to play 526 00:17:32,040 --> 00:17:33,360 in shaping the future. 527 00:17:33,360 --> 00:17:34,520 Absolutely. 528 00:17:34,520 --> 00:17:36,640 We can choose to be informed, to engage 529 00:17:36,640 --> 00:17:39,960 in thoughtful conversations, to hold our leaders accountable, 530 00:17:39,960 --> 00:17:42,440 and to demand better from our institutions. 531 00:17:42,440 --> 00:17:44,640 We can choose to be the change we want to see in the world. 532 00:17:44,640 --> 00:17:45,520 Exactly. 533 00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:48,560 And that brings us to Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, 534 00:17:48,560 --> 00:17:51,360 who's really facing this crisis of confidence. 535 00:17:51,360 --> 00:17:51,680 Right. 536 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:55,200 That dismal 6% approval rating we talked about, 537 00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:56,480 it's not just a number. 538 00:17:56,480 --> 00:17:58,280 It reflects a deep dissatisfaction 539 00:17:58,280 --> 00:18:00,400 among New Yorkers with the direction of the city. 540 00:18:00,400 --> 00:18:00,920 Yeah. 541 00:18:00,920 --> 00:18:03,320 And the fact that he's trailing behind Andrew Cuomo 542 00:18:03,320 --> 00:18:04,080 in the polls. 543 00:18:04,080 --> 00:18:04,600 I know. 544 00:18:04,600 --> 00:18:06,840 A man who resigned in disgrace. 545 00:18:06,840 --> 00:18:09,120 It's a clear sign that Adams has lost the trust 546 00:18:09,120 --> 00:18:10,120 of many New Yorkers. 547 00:18:10,120 --> 00:18:11,080 He has. 548 00:18:11,080 --> 00:18:13,640 But this isn't just about Adams or even Cuomo. 549 00:18:13,640 --> 00:18:16,760 This is about the challenges facing cities all across America. 550 00:18:16,760 --> 00:18:17,320 It is. 551 00:18:17,320 --> 00:18:20,320 You know, cities are struggling with crime, poverty, 552 00:18:20,320 --> 00:18:22,880 homelessness, lack of affordable housing, 553 00:18:22,880 --> 00:18:25,320 and they're also on the front lines of the climate crisis. 554 00:18:25,320 --> 00:18:26,320 It's a lot to handle. 555 00:18:26,320 --> 00:18:28,760 And it's easy to feel kind of powerless in the face 556 00:18:28,760 --> 00:18:30,000 of these challenges, you know? 557 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:31,080 It is. 558 00:18:31,080 --> 00:18:32,840 But there are things we can do. 559 00:18:32,840 --> 00:18:34,560 We can support organizations that 560 00:18:34,560 --> 00:18:36,560 are working to address these issues. 561 00:18:36,560 --> 00:18:39,720 We can volunteer our time, our resources, 562 00:18:39,720 --> 00:18:42,440 and we can vote for leaders who will actually prioritize 563 00:18:42,440 --> 00:18:43,840 the needs of our communities. 564 00:18:43,840 --> 00:18:45,480 We can't afford to be complacent. 565 00:18:45,480 --> 00:18:48,160 The future of our cities, our country depends on it. 566 00:18:48,160 --> 00:18:49,200 Absolutely. 567 00:18:49,200 --> 00:18:51,280 And you know, that brings us back to this question of power 568 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:52,200 dynamics. 569 00:18:52,200 --> 00:18:54,560 We've seen how individuals and groups 570 00:18:54,560 --> 00:18:58,600 are using their power to try and shape events and influence 571 00:18:58,600 --> 00:18:59,280 outcomes. 572 00:18:59,280 --> 00:19:02,000 But we've also seen that power can be challenged, 573 00:19:02,000 --> 00:19:05,160 that systems can be changed, that progress is possible. 574 00:19:05,160 --> 00:19:06,960 It's a good reminder that we all have a role 575 00:19:06,960 --> 00:19:08,960 to play in shaping the future. 576 00:19:08,960 --> 00:19:11,560 And it's a call to action to be informed, engaged, 577 00:19:11,560 --> 00:19:13,760 and really committed to creating a better world. 578 00:19:13,760 --> 00:19:15,200 You know, one thing that keeps coming up for me 579 00:19:15,200 --> 00:19:16,880 is this importance of critical thinking. 580 00:19:16,880 --> 00:19:18,720 It's like a muscle we need to exercise, 581 00:19:18,720 --> 00:19:20,360 especially in today's world. 582 00:19:20,360 --> 00:19:22,720 Information overload everywhere. 583 00:19:22,720 --> 00:19:23,280 Absolutely. 584 00:19:23,280 --> 00:19:26,760 We need to be able to evaluate information, identify bias, 585 00:19:26,760 --> 00:19:28,480 and form our own opinions. 586 00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:31,920 You know, based on evidence, not just emotion or ideology. 587 00:19:31,920 --> 00:19:34,880 So how do we develop those critical thinking skills? 588 00:19:34,880 --> 00:19:38,520 How do we avoid falling prey to all this misinformation 589 00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:39,640 and disinformation? 590 00:19:39,640 --> 00:19:41,840 It's a process, not a destination. 591 00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:42,680 You know? 592 00:19:42,680 --> 00:19:44,960 We need to be curious, ask questions, 593 00:19:44,960 --> 00:19:47,360 seek out those diverse perspectives, 594 00:19:47,360 --> 00:19:49,480 and be willing to change our minds when presented 595 00:19:49,480 --> 00:19:50,600 with new evidence. 596 00:19:50,600 --> 00:19:54,040 And be wary of those simple solutions 597 00:19:54,040 --> 00:19:55,280 to complex problems. 598 00:19:55,280 --> 00:19:55,960 Exactly. 599 00:19:55,960 --> 00:19:59,200 I mean, there's rarely one single answer. 600 00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:02,720 And we need to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. 601 00:20:02,720 --> 00:20:03,440 OK. 602 00:20:03,440 --> 00:20:04,720 Let's talk about the media again. 603 00:20:04,720 --> 00:20:06,880 We've talked about the challenges facing journalists, 604 00:20:06,880 --> 00:20:10,000 the pressure to conform to a particular narrative, 605 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:12,160 the risk of losing the public's trust. 606 00:20:12,160 --> 00:20:13,960 But what about us, the consumers? 607 00:20:13,960 --> 00:20:16,280 What can we do to be more discerning consumers 608 00:20:16,280 --> 00:20:18,120 of news and information? 609 00:20:18,120 --> 00:20:19,880 That's a great question. 610 00:20:19,880 --> 00:20:22,800 I think it starts with being aware of our own biases. 611 00:20:22,800 --> 00:20:23,080 Right. 612 00:20:23,080 --> 00:20:26,200 We all have biases, whether we're conscious of them or not. 613 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:28,880 And they can really influence how we interpret information. 614 00:20:28,880 --> 00:20:29,680 We all have. 615 00:20:29,680 --> 00:20:31,520 So we need to be mindful of those biases 616 00:20:31,520 --> 00:20:33,680 and try to be as objective as possible when 617 00:20:33,680 --> 00:20:35,480 we're evaluating information. 618 00:20:35,480 --> 00:20:37,480 And be aware of the different ways 619 00:20:37,480 --> 00:20:39,440 that information can be manipulated. 620 00:20:39,440 --> 00:20:40,360 Yes. 621 00:20:40,360 --> 00:20:43,080 Spot the fake news, propaganda, other forms 622 00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:45,200 of disinformation, be on the lookout. 623 00:20:45,200 --> 00:20:47,960 But it's not just about being able to spot the bad stuff. 624 00:20:47,960 --> 00:20:51,040 It's also about seeking out quality information 625 00:20:51,040 --> 00:20:52,560 from reputable sources. 626 00:20:52,560 --> 00:20:53,320 Yes. 627 00:20:53,320 --> 00:20:55,240 Diversify that media diet. 628 00:20:55,240 --> 00:20:57,960 Get your news from a variety of different sources. 629 00:20:57,960 --> 00:21:00,960 And be critical of everything you read, watch, and hear. 630 00:21:00,960 --> 00:21:04,800 Be active consumers of information, not passive recipients. 631 00:21:04,800 --> 00:21:05,680 Exactly. 632 00:21:05,680 --> 00:21:08,960 And be willing to challenge your own assumptions and beliefs. 633 00:21:08,960 --> 00:21:10,800 Always good to reevaluate. 634 00:21:10,800 --> 00:21:12,640 You know, all this talk about the media 635 00:21:12,640 --> 00:21:14,160 and the importance of critical thinking, 636 00:21:14,160 --> 00:21:16,440 it makes me think about the role of education. 637 00:21:16,440 --> 00:21:19,640 Education is fundamental to a healthy democracy. 638 00:21:19,640 --> 00:21:21,880 You know, it's where we learn how to think critically, 639 00:21:21,880 --> 00:21:24,400 how to evaluate information, how to even participate 640 00:21:24,400 --> 00:21:25,600 in civil discourse. 641 00:21:25,600 --> 00:21:28,920 But education is under attack in a lot of parts of the country. 642 00:21:28,920 --> 00:21:31,320 You know, we're seeing these efforts to ban books, 643 00:21:31,320 --> 00:21:34,720 to censor curriculum, to undermine the teaching 644 00:21:34,720 --> 00:21:36,600 of critical race theory. 645 00:21:36,600 --> 00:21:38,800 Yeah, those efforts are deeply concerning. 646 00:21:38,800 --> 00:21:40,480 It's an attempt to control the narrative, 647 00:21:40,480 --> 00:21:42,320 to limit what students are exposed to, 648 00:21:42,320 --> 00:21:44,080 and to just stifle critical thinking. 649 00:21:44,080 --> 00:21:45,360 It's really worrisome. 650 00:21:45,360 --> 00:21:48,440 We need to fight back against these attacks on education. 651 00:21:48,440 --> 00:21:51,480 Support teachers advocate for strong public schools 652 00:21:51,480 --> 00:21:53,360 and ensure that all students have access 653 00:21:53,360 --> 00:21:54,560 to quality education. 654 00:21:54,560 --> 00:21:56,680 Yes, you know, education is not just 655 00:21:56,680 --> 00:21:58,440 about acquiring knowledge. 656 00:21:58,440 --> 00:22:02,320 It's about developing these skills, these habits of mind. 657 00:22:02,320 --> 00:22:05,560 That enable us to be informed, engaged, 658 00:22:05,560 --> 00:22:06,920 responsible citizens. 659 00:22:06,920 --> 00:22:08,880 It's about empowering the next generation 660 00:22:08,880 --> 00:22:12,800 to be the change makers our world so desperately needs. 661 00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:13,920 Absolutely. 662 00:22:13,920 --> 00:22:16,560 And you know, that brings us back to the themes of power, 663 00:22:16,560 --> 00:22:18,240 influence, and the choices we face. 664 00:22:18,240 --> 00:22:18,920 Right. 665 00:22:18,920 --> 00:22:21,360 We've explored a range of stories today. 666 00:22:21,360 --> 00:22:23,640 From those legal battles surrounding Donald Trump 667 00:22:23,640 --> 00:22:27,160 to the political maneuvering around the California wildfires, 668 00:22:27,160 --> 00:22:30,280 the media shake up, the challenges facing the US military. 669 00:22:30,280 --> 00:22:31,800 And throughout all of these stories, 670 00:22:31,800 --> 00:22:34,080 we've seen this interplay of power dynamics, 671 00:22:34,080 --> 00:22:37,040 the struggle for control, and the fight for a better future. 672 00:22:37,040 --> 00:22:37,640 It is. 673 00:22:37,640 --> 00:22:40,600 And it reminds us that we live in a complex world 674 00:22:40,600 --> 00:22:43,960 where the choices we make, both individually and collectively, 675 00:22:43,960 --> 00:22:45,840 they have far-reaching consequences. 676 00:22:45,840 --> 00:22:46,840 They do. 677 00:22:46,840 --> 00:22:48,600 And it's a call to action for all of us 678 00:22:48,600 --> 00:22:52,640 to be informed, to be engaged, and to be committed 679 00:22:52,640 --> 00:22:56,520 to creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. 680 00:22:56,520 --> 00:22:58,520 You know, one thing that's really been on my mind 681 00:22:58,520 --> 00:22:59,920 throughout this whole conversation 682 00:22:59,920 --> 00:23:02,160 is the role of storytelling. 683 00:23:02,160 --> 00:23:03,240 Oh, that's interesting. 684 00:23:03,240 --> 00:23:04,200 Tell me more about that. 685 00:23:04,200 --> 00:23:07,280 Well, you know, we've been talking about facts and figures 686 00:23:07,280 --> 00:23:10,320 and laws and policies, power dynamics 687 00:23:10,320 --> 00:23:12,120 and political maneuvering. 688 00:23:12,120 --> 00:23:13,400 But at the end of the day, I think 689 00:23:13,400 --> 00:23:17,160 it's stories that connect us, that inspire us, 690 00:23:17,160 --> 00:23:18,560 and that move us to action. 691 00:23:18,560 --> 00:23:19,040 I love that. 692 00:23:19,040 --> 00:23:21,120 I mean, we're hardwired for stories, right? 693 00:23:21,120 --> 00:23:22,240 They help us make sense of the world. 694 00:23:22,240 --> 00:23:22,800 Exactly. 695 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:26,080 And they can be these incredibly powerful tools for change. 696 00:23:26,080 --> 00:23:28,160 They can help us see the world through different eyes, 697 00:23:28,160 --> 00:23:31,880 to empathize with others, to imagine a better future. 698 00:23:31,880 --> 00:23:34,840 So how can we use storytelling to actually make a difference? 699 00:23:34,840 --> 00:23:36,840 Well, we can share our own stories, 700 00:23:36,840 --> 00:23:39,960 to connect with others, and build bridges of understanding. 701 00:23:39,960 --> 00:23:42,320 We can amplify the stories of those who are often 702 00:23:42,320 --> 00:23:44,480 marginalized or silenced. 703 00:23:44,480 --> 00:23:46,920 And we can support organizations that are actually 704 00:23:46,920 --> 00:23:50,120 using storytelling to create positive change. 705 00:23:50,120 --> 00:23:53,320 We can be the storytellers, and we can be the story listeners. 706 00:23:53,320 --> 00:23:54,240 Exactly. 707 00:23:54,240 --> 00:23:56,720 And together, we can create this tapestry of stories 708 00:23:56,720 --> 00:24:00,200 that reflects the richness and complexity of our world, 709 00:24:00,200 --> 00:24:02,880 and that inspires us to build a better future. 710 00:24:02,880 --> 00:24:04,720 Beautifully said, I think that's a perfect segue 711 00:24:04,720 --> 00:24:07,800 into our next topic, the power of art and culture. 712 00:24:07,800 --> 00:24:09,920 Art and culture are often seen as separate 713 00:24:09,920 --> 00:24:12,200 from the world of politics and current events. 714 00:24:12,200 --> 00:24:14,800 But in reality, they're deeply intertwined. 715 00:24:14,800 --> 00:24:15,120 Right. 716 00:24:15,120 --> 00:24:17,800 Art can be such a powerful form of protest, 717 00:24:17,800 --> 00:24:19,440 a way to challenge the status quo 718 00:24:19,440 --> 00:24:21,040 and to imagine a better world. 719 00:24:21,040 --> 00:24:23,080 And culture shapes our values, our beliefs, 720 00:24:23,080 --> 00:24:24,680 our understanding of the world. 721 00:24:24,680 --> 00:24:27,120 So how can we engage with art and culture 722 00:24:27,120 --> 00:24:30,680 in a way that is both meaningful and impactful? 723 00:24:30,680 --> 00:24:34,000 Well, we can support artists and cultural institutions 724 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:35,920 that are pushing boundaries, that are challenging us 725 00:24:35,920 --> 00:24:37,280 to think differently. 726 00:24:37,280 --> 00:24:40,280 We can attend performances, visit museums, 727 00:24:40,280 --> 00:24:42,720 read books that expand our horizons. 728 00:24:42,720 --> 00:24:45,040 And we can use art and culture as a springboard 729 00:24:45,040 --> 00:24:47,920 for conversations about the issues that matter most to us. 730 00:24:47,920 --> 00:24:51,440 We can make art and culture a part of our everyday lives. 731 00:24:51,440 --> 00:24:54,160 And by doing so, enrich our own lives 732 00:24:54,160 --> 00:24:57,320 and contribute to a more vibrant, engaged society. 733 00:24:57,320 --> 00:24:59,600 You know, throughout this whole deep dive, 734 00:24:59,600 --> 00:25:01,480 we've talked about a lot of heavy topics, 735 00:25:01,480 --> 00:25:03,960 power struggles, political maneuvering, 736 00:25:03,960 --> 00:25:05,520 media manipulation. 737 00:25:05,520 --> 00:25:08,240 You know, the challenges facing our cities and institutions, 738 00:25:08,240 --> 00:25:10,920 the urgent need to address climate change, 739 00:25:10,920 --> 00:25:12,920 it can feel overwhelming at times. 740 00:25:12,920 --> 00:25:15,160 It's definitely a lot to process. 741 00:25:15,160 --> 00:25:16,480 But I think it's important to remember 742 00:25:16,480 --> 00:25:18,040 that we're not alone in this. 743 00:25:18,040 --> 00:25:18,880 You're right. 744 00:25:18,880 --> 00:25:20,880 There are millions of people around the world 745 00:25:20,880 --> 00:25:22,800 who are working to create a better future. 746 00:25:22,800 --> 00:25:24,680 And there are countless ways to get involved, 747 00:25:24,680 --> 00:25:27,640 to make a difference, to contribute to positive change. 748 00:25:27,640 --> 00:25:30,120 I mean, it can be as simple as just having a conversation 749 00:25:30,120 --> 00:25:32,640 with a friend or family member about the issues that 750 00:25:32,640 --> 00:25:33,520 matter to you. 751 00:25:33,520 --> 00:25:36,200 Volunteering your time at a local organization. 752 00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:38,160 Donating to a cause you believe in. 753 00:25:38,160 --> 00:25:41,680 Even just being more mindful of your own actions and choices. 754 00:25:41,680 --> 00:25:42,760 Every little bit helps. 755 00:25:42,760 --> 00:25:43,480 It does. 756 00:25:43,480 --> 00:25:45,600 And remember, it's not about being perfect. 757 00:25:45,600 --> 00:25:48,400 It's about progress, not perfection. 758 00:25:48,400 --> 00:25:50,920 It's about showing up, doing the work, 759 00:25:50,920 --> 00:25:52,360 and never giving up hope. 760 00:25:52,360 --> 00:25:54,520 You know, one of the things I find most inspiring 761 00:25:54,520 --> 00:25:56,720 is the resilience of the human spirit. 762 00:25:56,720 --> 00:25:57,520 I agree. 763 00:25:57,520 --> 00:26:01,240 I mean, we've faced incredible challenges throughout history. 764 00:26:01,240 --> 00:26:02,760 And we've always found a way to overcome them. 765 00:26:02,760 --> 00:26:03,320 We have. 766 00:26:03,320 --> 00:26:05,720 We have this incredible capacity for innovation, 767 00:26:05,720 --> 00:26:08,840 for creativity, for compassion, for love. 768 00:26:08,840 --> 00:26:11,000 And those qualities will continue to guide us 769 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:12,920 as we navigate the challenges ahead. 770 00:26:12,920 --> 00:26:14,600 I think that's a perfect note to end on. 771 00:26:14,600 --> 00:26:15,640 I agree. 772 00:26:15,640 --> 00:26:18,360 It's been a pleasure diving deep into these stories with you. 773 00:26:18,360 --> 00:26:19,720 And to our listeners, we encourage 774 00:26:19,720 --> 00:26:22,240 you to keep learning, keep exploring, 775 00:26:22,240 --> 00:26:24,160 and keep engaging with the world around you. 776 00:26:24,160 --> 00:26:26,360 Because the future is not something that happens to us. 777 00:26:26,360 --> 00:26:28,480 It's something we create together. 778 00:26:28,480 --> 00:26:31,240 It's easy to get lost in all this, you know? 779 00:26:31,240 --> 00:26:33,920 All the political maneuvering, the power struggles. 780 00:26:33,920 --> 00:26:37,000 Yeah, it can feel like a never-ending cycle. 781 00:26:37,000 --> 00:26:39,800 Just chaos and conflict everywhere you look. 782 00:26:39,800 --> 00:26:42,560 But I think, amidst all that noise, 783 00:26:42,560 --> 00:26:45,080 we got to remember something we talked about earlier, 784 00:26:45,080 --> 00:26:46,880 the importance of human connection. 785 00:26:46,880 --> 00:26:48,200 Exactly. 786 00:26:48,200 --> 00:26:50,760 Can't lose sight of that shared humanity, 787 00:26:50,760 --> 00:26:52,440 even when we disagree. 788 00:26:52,440 --> 00:26:54,960 Which, let's be honest, happens a lot these days. 789 00:26:54,960 --> 00:26:55,880 It really does. 790 00:26:55,880 --> 00:26:59,080 And it's so easy to just demonize the other side, 791 00:26:59,080 --> 00:27:00,880 reduce people to stereotypes. 792 00:27:00,880 --> 00:27:01,880 It is. 793 00:27:01,880 --> 00:27:05,600 But the reality, we all share those same basic hopes 794 00:27:05,600 --> 00:27:06,640 and fears. 795 00:27:06,640 --> 00:27:09,360 That desire for a better future, it's universal. 796 00:27:09,360 --> 00:27:10,400 We do. 797 00:27:10,400 --> 00:27:12,520 We all want safety and security opportunities 798 00:27:12,520 --> 00:27:14,240 for ourselves and our loved ones. 799 00:27:14,240 --> 00:27:16,400 We might have different ideas on how to get there, 800 00:27:16,400 --> 00:27:19,280 but the goals, pretty similar when you get down to it. 801 00:27:19,280 --> 00:27:19,800 They are. 802 00:27:19,800 --> 00:27:21,600 And that's where platforms like this one, 803 00:27:21,600 --> 00:27:22,920 this is where they come in, right? 804 00:27:22,920 --> 00:27:25,640 You mean creating a space for these kinds of conversations, 805 00:27:25,640 --> 00:27:27,040 where we can actually hear each other out. 806 00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:27,800 Exactly. 807 00:27:27,800 --> 00:27:29,840 By diving deep into these issues, 808 00:27:29,840 --> 00:27:32,560 showcasing diverse perspectives, encouraging people 809 00:27:32,560 --> 00:27:35,160 to actually think critically, we can help create 810 00:27:35,160 --> 00:27:37,320 a more informed and engaged citizenry. 811 00:27:37,320 --> 00:27:39,880 And hopefully a more empathetic and understanding one too. 812 00:27:39,880 --> 00:27:40,960 For sure. 813 00:27:40,960 --> 00:27:43,480 Because at the end of the day, we're all in this together. 814 00:27:43,480 --> 00:27:45,640 Remember those California wildfires we talked about? 815 00:27:45,640 --> 00:27:46,080 Yeah. 816 00:27:46,080 --> 00:27:46,680 Yeah. 817 00:27:46,680 --> 00:27:48,600 Sure, there is all that political maneuvering 818 00:27:48,600 --> 00:27:49,840 around the aid. 819 00:27:49,840 --> 00:27:51,840 But there are real people suffering. 820 00:27:51,840 --> 00:27:54,120 Communities devastated by those fires. 821 00:27:54,120 --> 00:27:57,560 It's a good reminder that these issues aren't just abstract 822 00:27:57,560 --> 00:27:58,880 political debates. 823 00:27:58,880 --> 00:28:01,360 They have real world consequences for real people. 824 00:28:01,360 --> 00:28:01,960 They do. 825 00:28:01,960 --> 00:28:04,320 And it's a call to action for all of us 826 00:28:04,320 --> 00:28:07,480 to engage in a more compassionate and constructive way. 827 00:28:07,480 --> 00:28:08,960 So what can we do? 828 00:28:08,960 --> 00:28:11,480 How do we actually bridge these divides? 829 00:28:11,480 --> 00:28:13,560 How do we find common ground? 830 00:28:13,560 --> 00:28:17,400 Well, I think it starts with just being willing to listen, 831 00:28:17,400 --> 00:28:19,680 truly listen to those we disagree with. 832 00:28:19,680 --> 00:28:21,080 Even when it's tough. 833 00:28:21,080 --> 00:28:23,520 Even when it challenges our own beliefs. 834 00:28:23,520 --> 00:28:27,160 Especially then, it takes a certain level of humility, 835 00:28:27,160 --> 00:28:29,960 recognizing that we don't have all the answers. 836 00:28:29,960 --> 00:28:33,200 And that our own perspective, well, it might be limited. 837 00:28:33,200 --> 00:28:34,000 It might be. 838 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:36,240 It's about being open to the possibility 839 00:28:36,240 --> 00:28:37,680 that maybe we'll learn something new. 840 00:28:37,680 --> 00:28:39,480 Maybe we'll even change our minds. 841 00:28:39,480 --> 00:28:40,760 It happens. 842 00:28:40,760 --> 00:28:43,560 And remembering that the other side, 843 00:28:43,560 --> 00:28:46,160 it's not this monolithic entity. 844 00:28:46,160 --> 00:28:49,200 There's a spectrum of viewpoints within any group. 845 00:28:49,200 --> 00:28:51,240 You can't just paint everyone with the same brush, right? 846 00:28:51,240 --> 00:28:51,880 Exactly. 847 00:28:51,880 --> 00:28:55,720 And we can't let fear and anger drive our decisions. 848 00:28:55,720 --> 00:28:56,320 I know. 849 00:28:56,320 --> 00:28:57,200 I know. 850 00:28:57,200 --> 00:28:59,280 Fear and anger are powerful motivators. 851 00:28:59,280 --> 00:28:59,840 Yeah. 852 00:28:59,840 --> 00:29:03,200 But they rarely lead to good outcomes. 853 00:29:03,200 --> 00:29:03,840 They don't. 854 00:29:03,840 --> 00:29:07,160 We need to approach these conversations with curiosity, 855 00:29:07,160 --> 00:29:10,040 with empathy, with a genuine desire 856 00:29:10,040 --> 00:29:12,840 to actually understand where the other person is coming from. 857 00:29:12,840 --> 00:29:14,720 It's not about winning or losing an argument. 858 00:29:14,720 --> 00:29:16,400 It's about finding solutions. 859 00:29:16,400 --> 00:29:17,920 Solutions that work for everybody. 860 00:29:17,920 --> 00:29:18,600 Exactly. 861 00:29:18,600 --> 00:29:21,600 And building a future where everyone feels seen, heard, 862 00:29:21,600 --> 00:29:24,560 and respected, that's what we should be aiming for. 863 00:29:24,560 --> 00:29:26,360 You know, listening to you talk about this, 864 00:29:26,360 --> 00:29:27,920 it makes me think about something we haven't really 865 00:29:27,920 --> 00:29:29,360 touched on yet. 866 00:29:29,360 --> 00:29:31,320 The power of individual action. 867 00:29:31,320 --> 00:29:32,240 Oh, interesting. 868 00:29:32,240 --> 00:29:34,240 Because it's easy to feel overwhelmed, right, 869 00:29:34,240 --> 00:29:36,000 by the scale of all these challenges. 870 00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:38,120 It's like, does my little action even matter? 871 00:29:38,120 --> 00:29:41,840 No, you mean like we're just one tiny drop in a vast ocean. 872 00:29:41,840 --> 00:29:42,760 But you know what? 873 00:29:42,760 --> 00:29:46,000 Every drop contributes to the vastness of the sea. 874 00:29:46,000 --> 00:29:49,080 And even small actions, they can have this ripple effect. 875 00:29:49,080 --> 00:29:52,320 So what can we do as individuals 876 00:29:52,320 --> 00:29:54,080 to actually make a difference? 877 00:29:54,080 --> 00:29:56,520 Well, we can educate ourselves about the issues. 878 00:29:56,520 --> 00:29:58,440 You know, read from a variety of sources, 879 00:29:58,440 --> 00:30:00,960 engage in thoughtful conversations with people. 880 00:30:00,960 --> 00:30:03,640 Support organizations that are working to actually 881 00:30:03,640 --> 00:30:05,040 address these challenges. 882 00:30:05,040 --> 00:30:08,040 Right, whether it's through volunteering, donating, 883 00:30:08,040 --> 00:30:09,560 or even just spreading the word. 884 00:30:09,560 --> 00:30:12,840 Vote for leaders who align with our values 885 00:30:12,840 --> 00:30:14,840 and who are committed to finding solutions. 886 00:30:14,840 --> 00:30:15,400 Absolutely. 887 00:30:15,400 --> 00:30:17,440 And just be mindful of our own choices, 888 00:30:17,440 --> 00:30:20,920 from the products we buy to how we treat other people. 889 00:30:20,920 --> 00:30:23,840 It's about recognizing that we all have a role to play 890 00:30:23,840 --> 00:30:25,680 in creating a better world. 891 00:30:25,680 --> 00:30:28,160 And believing that change is actually possible. 892 00:30:28,160 --> 00:30:29,880 You know, one thing that gives me a lot of hope 893 00:30:29,880 --> 00:30:32,800 is the activism we see happening all over the world. 894 00:30:32,800 --> 00:30:33,520 It's amazing. 895 00:30:33,520 --> 00:30:34,080 Oh, I agree. 896 00:30:34,080 --> 00:30:36,960 I mean, from climate change to social justice 897 00:30:36,960 --> 00:30:40,120 to political reform, people are raising their voices 898 00:30:40,120 --> 00:30:41,400 and demanding change. 899 00:30:41,400 --> 00:30:43,080 And they're not waiting for permission. 900 00:30:43,080 --> 00:30:43,880 They're not. 901 00:30:43,880 --> 00:30:47,040 They're organizing, mobilizing, creating change 902 00:30:47,040 --> 00:30:48,040 from the ground up. 903 00:30:48,040 --> 00:30:51,120 It's a good reminder that power ultimately 904 00:30:51,120 --> 00:30:52,320 resides in the people. 905 00:30:52,320 --> 00:30:53,000 It does. 906 00:30:53,000 --> 00:30:55,160 And when we come together, we can achieve 907 00:30:55,160 --> 00:30:56,600 some extraordinary things. 908 00:30:56,600 --> 00:30:57,560 We can. 909 00:30:57,560 --> 00:30:59,920 So to our listeners, we encourage you to stay informed, 910 00:30:59,920 --> 00:31:02,560 stay engaged, and stay hopeful. 911 00:31:02,560 --> 00:31:04,880 Don't forget that you're not alone in this. 912 00:31:04,880 --> 00:31:07,520 There are countless others who share your concerns 913 00:31:07,520 --> 00:31:09,600 and who are working towards a better future. 914 00:31:09,600 --> 00:31:11,720 Let's keep learning, keep connecting, 915 00:31:11,720 --> 00:31:13,920 and keep fighting for the world we want to see. 916 00:31:13,920 --> 00:31:15,000 I love that. 917 00:31:15,000 --> 00:31:17,080 The journey may be long, and there 918 00:31:17,080 --> 00:31:19,040 will be setbacks along the way. 919 00:31:19,040 --> 00:31:23,080 But progress is possible if we keep working together. 920 00:31:23,080 --> 00:31:25,200 Thank you for joining us on this deep dive. 921 00:31:25,200 --> 00:31:27,520 Until next time, stay curious, staying 922 00:31:27,520 --> 00:31:30,280 engaged, and stay connected.