The Chuck ToddCast
The Chuck ToddCast

The Chuck ToddCast

iHeartPodcasts

Overview
Episodes

Details

The Chuck ToddCast is back! If you're looking for smart, no-nonsense political conversation, you've come to the right place. The Chuck ToddCast goes beyond the headlines, featuring conversations with top reporters, insiders, and newsmakers from D.C. to the heartland. No scripts, no spin—just real discussions about what’s shaping our politics and why it matters.

Recent Episodes

Bonus Friday Episode - Indiana GOP REBUKES Trump: Is The Trump Era Finally Ending?
DEC 12, 2025
play-circle icon
13 MIN
Chuck’s Commentary - Trump Fails On Economic Messaging At PA Rally + Democrats Win BIG Again In Special Elections
DEC 11, 2025
Chuck’s Commentary - Trump Fails On Economic Messaging At PA Rally + Democrats Win BIG Again In Special Elections

In this episode, Chuck Todd explores the growing bipartisan momentum to rein in Big Tech, noting that while social media’s unintended consequences have already eroded truth and public trust, AI could amplify those failures without strong guardrails. He breaks down why Americans overwhelmingly support protecting kids from tech harms—and why a public revolt is inevitable once people feel they’ve lost control. Chuck also looks at how massive AI investment is masking broader economic weakness before turning to Donald Trump’s botched economic message in Pennsylvania, a “let them eat cake” tone that echoes the same political trap Biden once fell into. With surprising Democratic wins in Miami and Georgia and a demoralizing trend inside the GOP base, the political landscape is shifting fast, especially as ACA subsidies near expiration and no healthcare compromise is in sight. Chuck then pivots to the rise of prediction markets—how they move on insider information, how they could be manipulated by political actors, and why the “casinofication” of news threatens to reduce all political coverage to a risky, easily gamed horse race.

Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming college football slate.

Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

03:00 There is bipartisan support for pushing back on tech

05:00 AI regulation to protect kids has massive support

06:15 The public will revolt over tech when they feel they lose control

08:00 Social media came with unintended consequences, AI could be similar

08:45 Social media has destroyed truth

09:30 AI needs guardrails that have been missing from social media

10:45 AI investment is masking a recession for much of the country

12:30 Trump botches economic message at PA rally

13:15 Trump has a tone deaf, let them eat cake mindset

14:45 The Trump WH walking into the same trap Biden did on economy

15:30 Elections in Miami and Georgia showed GOP is in real trouble

17:30 First time a Democrat won Miami mayor in nearly 30 years

18:15 Democratic voters are fired up & more reliable

19:45 The base of the Republican party is becoming demoralized

21:00 ACA credits set to expire, no compromise healthcare deal yet

22:15 Question for audience: Do you follow and participate in prediction markets?

24:00 Prediction markets move when they get insider info

25:45 Prediction markets seemed to know fed interest rate cut was coming

27:00 Is it wise to allow people to bet on basically everything?

28:45 Gambling is highly regulated, prediction markets are not

29:30 Certain people will know outcomes in advance and can game the system

30:45 Trump allies could game the system on predictions of his actions

32:15 Predictions that can be manipulated should be outlawed

34:00 Prediction markets could make all political coverage “horse race” style

35:15 The “casinofication” of news comes with risks

40:30 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Julie Scelfo

43:00 Thoughts on a limited TV series on the constitutional convention?

46:30 Favorite movies & Ken Burns doc?

52:00 Outlook on the primary races in Texas and Montana?

1:00:30 What if archduke Franz Ferdinand's driver took a different turn?

1:05:30 College football preview

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

play-circle icon
75 MIN
Interview Only w/ Julie Scelfo - Inside the Movement To Save Childhood From Big Tech
DEC 11, 2025
Interview Only w/ Julie Scelfo - Inside the Movement To Save Childhood From Big Tech

Journalist and founder of MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction), Julie Scelfo, joins the Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most urgent issues facing American families: the collapse of trust in media, the rise of unregulated tech, and its profound impact on children’s mental health. Scelfo explains how the explosion of social media and smartphones—coupled with virtually nonexistent regulation—has left kids exposed to harmful algorithms, addictive design, and misinformation at formative ages. With both the left and right now pushing to get smartphones out of classrooms, she argues that we’re long past due for meaningful guardrails, especially as Big Tech’s lobbying power grows and federal leaders threaten to block states from regulating AI. Chuck and Julie compare today’s fight with Big Tech to the battle against Big Tobacco, explore why recommendation systems effectively make platforms publishers, and discuss the growing bipartisan appetite for banning iPads in schools and returning to books.

They also dig into MAMA’s mission to protect children in a digital world—emphasizing that kids under two should not be exposed to screens, that early childhood development depends on real-world interaction, and that “tech nannies” have emerged because childcare is unaffordable. Scelfo calls for mandatory data transparency from tech companies, stronger child-safety legislation in the states, and a culture shift that prioritizes healthy offline development over the race to dominate AI. With future jobs uncertain and social skills declining, she argues that society must resist sacrificing sensible regulation in the name of innovation—and recognize that too much time online isn’t just unhealthy, it’s shaping a generation.

Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

Timeline: 

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Julie Scelfo joins the Chuck ToddCast

03:00 Erosion of trust in media & news is a massive problem

04:00 Mental health decline in youth correlated with rise of social media

05:00 Both left & right want get get smartphones out of classrooms

05:45 Lack of social media regulation leaves kids vulnerable 

07:00 Regulation is difficult when big tech has unlimited money to lobby

09:00 Threats from Congress & Trump to prevent states from regulating AI

10:30 Executive order from Trump may be last gasp to avoid AI regulation

12:30 AI has been positive for shareholders & owners, not for the public

13:45 What lessons can be learned from the fight against big tobacco?

16:15 Recommendation algorithms turn platforms into publishers

17:45 Advertiser supported speech is different than first amendment speech

18:30 Broadcast networks are liable for misleading ads, social platforms aren’t 

20:00 Momentum building to ban ipads in schools and make kids use books

21:30 MAMA’s mission and goals

23:00 Children under 2 shouldn’t be exposed to screens for entertainment

25:30 Kids know how to find information, but must be taught to filter it

26:30 Most educational building blocks are built during early childhood

27:15 We can’t sacrifice sensible regulation in order to win AI race

28:30 Tech leaders all have very inept and awkward social skills

31:00 Tech must be required to release data for researchers to study

32:30 How to prepare kids for future jobs that may be replaced by AI?

34:00 Real life interactions are critical for a healthy childhood

35:45 We will always need trades, skilled labor and care workers

37:30 What are some near-term activities MAMA is working on?

40:00 States are introducing quality child safety legislation on tech

40:30 There is bipartisan support in congress for regulation

42:00 There hasn’t been one study worldwide on tech at a young age

43:30 We have “tech nannies” because childcare is so expensive

46:00 Too much time online is incredibly unhealthy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

play-circle icon
54 MIN
Full Episode - Trump Fails On Economic Messaging At PA Rally +  Inside the Movement To Save Childhood From Big Tech
DEC 11, 2025
Full Episode - Trump Fails On Economic Messaging At PA Rally + Inside the Movement To Save Childhood From Big Tech

In this episode, Chuck Todd explores the growing bipartisan momentum to rein in Big Tech, noting that while social media’s unintended consequences have already eroded truth and public trust, AI could amplify those failures without strong guardrails. He breaks down why Americans overwhelmingly support protecting kids from tech harms—and why a public revolt is inevitable once people feel they’ve lost control. Chuck also looks at how massive AI investment is masking broader economic weakness before turning to Donald Trump’s botched economic message in Pennsylvania, a “let them eat cake” tone that echoes the same political trap Biden once fell into. With surprising Democratic wins in Miami and Georgia and a demoralizing trend inside the GOP base, the political landscape is shifting fast, especially as ACA subsidies near expiration and no healthcare compromise is in sight. Chuck then pivots to the rise of prediction markets—how they move on insider information, how they could be manipulated by political actors, and why the “casinofication” of news threatens to reduce all political coverage to a risky, easily gamed horse race.

Then, journalist and founder of MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction), Julie Scelfo, joins  Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most urgent issues facing American families: the collapse of trust in media, the rise of unregulated tech, and its profound impact on children’s mental health. Scelfo explains how the explosion of social media and smartphones—coupled with virtually nonexistent regulation—has left kids exposed to harmful algorithms, addictive design, and misinformation at formative ages. With both the left and right now pushing to get smartphones out of classrooms, she argues that we’re long past due for meaningful guardrails, especially as Big Tech’s lobbying power grows and federal leaders threaten to block states from regulating AI. Chuck and Julie compare today’s fight with Big Tech to the battle against Big Tobacco, explore why recommendation systems effectively make platforms publishers, and discuss the growing bipartisan appetite for banning iPads in schools and returning to books.

They also dig into MAMA’s mission to protect children in a digital world—emphasizing that kids under two should not be exposed to screens, that early childhood development depends on real-world interaction, and that “tech nannies” have emerged because childcare is unaffordable. Scelfo calls for mandatory data transparency from tech companies, stronger child-safety legislation in the states, and a culture shift that prioritizes healthy offline development over the race to dominate AI. With future jobs uncertain and social skills declining, she argues that society must resist sacrificing sensible regulation in the name of innovation—and recognize that too much time online isn’t just unhealthy, it’s shaping a generation.

Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming college football slate.

Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

03:00 There is bipartisan support for pushing back on tech

05:00 AI regulation to protect kids has massive support

06:15 The public will revolt over tech when they feel they lose control

08:00 Social media came with unintended consequences, AI could be similar

08:45 Social media has destroyed truth

09:30 AI needs guardrails that have been missing from social media

10:45 AI investment is masking a recession for much of the country

12:30 Trump botches economic message at PA rally

13:15 Trump has a tone deaf, let them eat cake mindset

14:45 The Trump WH walking into the same trap Biden did on economy

15:30 Elections in Miami and Georgia showed GOP is in real trouble

17:30 First time a Democrat won Miami mayor in nearly 30 years

18:15 Democratic voters are fired up & more reliable

19:45 The base of the Republican party is becoming demoralized

21:00 ACA credits set to expire, no compromise healthcare deal yet

22:15 Question for audience: Do you follow and participate in prediction markets?

24:00 Prediction markets move when they get insider info

25:45 Prediction markets seemed to know fed interest rate cut was coming

27:00 Is it wise to allow people to bet on basically everything?

28:45 Gambling is highly regulated, prediction markets are not

29:30 Certain people will know outcomes in advance and can game the system

30:45 Trump allies could game the system on predictions of his actions

32:15 Predictions that can be manipulated should be outlawed

34:00 Prediction markets could make all political coverage “horse race” style

35:15 The “casinofication” of news comes with risks

40:45 Julie Scelfo joins the Chuck ToddCast

43:45 Erosion of trust in media & news is a massive problem

44:45 Mental health decline in youth correlated with rise of social media

45:45 Both left & right want to get smartphones out of classrooms

46:30 Lack of social media regulation leaves kids vulnerable

47:45 Regulation is difficult when big tech has unlimited money to lobby

49:45 Threats from Congress & Trump to prevent states from regulating AI

51:15 Executive order from Trump may be last gasp to avoid AI regulation

53:15 AI has been positive for shareholders & owners, not for the public

54:30 What lessons can be learned from the fight against big tobacco?

57:00 Recommendation algorithms turn platforms into publishers

58:30 Advertiser supported speech is different than first amendment speech

59:15 Broadcast networks are liable for misleading ads, social platforms aren’t

1:00:45 Momentum building to ban ipads in schools and make kids use books

1:02:15 MAMA’s mission and goals

1:03:45 Children under 2 shouldn’t be exposed to screens for entertainment

1:06:15 Kids know how to find information, but must be taught to filter it

1:07:15 Most educational building blocks are built during early childhood

1:08:00 We can’t sacrifice sensible regulation in order to win AI race

1:09:15 Tech leaders all have very inept and awkward social skills

1:11:45 Tech must be required to release data for researchers to study

1:13:15 How to prepare kids for future jobs that may be replaced by AI?

1:14:45 Real life interactions are critical for a healthy childhood

1:16:30 We will always need trades, skilled labor and care workers

1:18:15 What are some near-term activities MAMA is working on?

1:20:45 States are introducing quality child safety legislation on tech

1:21:15 There is bipartisan support in congress for regulation

1:22:45 There hasn’t been one study worldwide on tech at a young age

1:24:15 We have “tech nannies” because childcare is so expensive

1:26:45 Too much time online is incredibly unhealthy

1:32:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Julie Scelfo

1:34:30 Thoughts on a limited TV series on the constitutional convention?

1:38:00 Favorite movies & Ken Burns doc?

1:43:30 Outlook on the primary races in Texas and Montana?

1:52:00 What if archduke Franz Ferdinand's driver took a different turn?

1:57:00 College football preview

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

play-circle icon
127 MIN
Full Episode - Trump Won’t Say It… But He Knows The Economy Sucks + Capitol Hill Is A MESS & The Vibes Are LOW
DEC 10, 2025
Full Episode - Trump Won’t Say It… But He Knows The Economy Sucks + Capitol Hill Is A MESS & The Vibes Are LOW

On today’s ToddCast, Chuck Todd breaks down Donald Trump’s sudden decision to fully engage on the economy—and why his proposals reveal both political vulnerability and economic incoherence. From promising $2.6 trillion in tariff revenue when only a fraction has ever been collected, to floating the idea of replacing income taxes with wildly regressive consumption taxes that would spike prices severalfold, Trump appears more focused on short-term optics than long-term consequences. Chuck also digs into Congress’ scramble to extend ACA subsidies—an issue so politically toxic for Republicans that even Trump may be forced to back the plan—and how the 2026 economic mood will shape the midterms. Plus, he examines the rise of Democratic “fighters” like Jasmine Crockett, the visibility boost for Gavin Newsom and Mark Kelly after their clashes with Trump, and why a politics obsessed with combat over substance leaves both parties drifting away from meaningful policy debates.

Then, Chuck sits down with Reese Gorman and Kate Nocera of NOTUS for a deep dive into what it means to build a truly nonpartisan newsroom in today’s hyperpolarized media landscape. Reese and Kate explain how NOTUS approaches journalism without playing to partisan expectations—or to social media algorithms—and why being outside the legacy-media universe gives their reporters a unique advantage. They discuss Washington’s shifting culture, from the decline in local DC reporting to the increasingly strained relationship between the press and Congress, where competition for scoops is fierce, norms have evaporated in Trump’s second term, and newer members often lack any memory of a functional legislature.

The conversation then turns to the political tensions shaping Capitol Hill, including Steve Scalise’s quiet maneuvering for the speakership, Trump’s latest approval dip, and the surprising lack of Trump fatigue among GOP lawmakers. Reese and Kate also outline the Democratic Party’s mix of opportunity and dysfunction heading into the midterms: strong messaging on affordability and bullish vibes contrasted with an inability to clear primary fields and a continued failure to operate as a true national party. From the dire mood on the Hill to which unknown members could soon be household names, this episode offers a sharp, insider look at journalism, politics, and power in Washington today.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and give his ToddCast Top 5 non-playoff college bowl games that should be played NEXT season.

 

Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!

Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

01:00 NOTUS has filled a gap left by the Washington Post

03:00 The Washington Post has given up covering DC locally

06:00 Donald Trump finally engaging on the economy

06:30 Trump doesn’t accept the premise that the economy isn’t great

07:30 Trump blames Biden for all negative economic news

08:15 Majority of voters blame Trump for the bad economy

09:30 Trump proposes spending $2.6T in tariff revenue, only collected $250B

10:00 If Trump replaces income tax with tariffs, prices will go up 2-5x

10:45 Replacing income tax with consumption tax is incredibly regressive

12:00 Trump proposes farm bailout and cutting checks to taxpayers

13:00 Trump knows the economy is bad and wants to throw money at problem

13:45 The perception of economy in summer ‘26 will be perception for midterms

15:45 Trump worries short term, willing to push all problems off to his successor

16:30 Congress looking to extend ACA subsidies for ACA by two years

17:15 Healthcare is such a bad issue for GOP they are looking for off-ramp

18:30 Trump will have to endorse ACA subsidy extension for it to pass

19:30 Bill will likely have to pass the senate before the house

20:30 Gavin Newsom & Mark Kelly’s fight with Trump boosted their visibility

23:30 Mark Kelly’s bio has more charisma than he does 

26:00 Hegseth threatening Kelly gave Kelly some juice

26:30 Jasmine Crockett announces run for senate, is very savvy candidate

27:15 Crockett’s announcement video is grounded in fight with Trump

28:00 The fastest way to get traction is Democratic politics is to be a fighter

29:00 Being a fighter helps centrists avoid the progressive litmus test*

30:15 Republicans don’t run on policy ideas, they run on “owning the libs”

31:15 If you only run on fighting, you don’t stand for anything

32:30 Major policy debates become more about the fight and lose substance

34:15 There will be “issue” candidates for Democrats, but they likely won’t do well

34:45 Crockett vs Talarico will be “fight vs unite”

35:45 Nancy Mace writes op-ed saying Dems ram through their agenda

36:30 Dems also think Republicans ram through their agenda

37:30 GOP willing to take hard votes to fulfill promises, Dems less so

43:45 Reese Gorman & Kate Nocera of NOTUS join the Chuck ToddCast

45:15 What is NOTUS & how did you end up working there?

47:45 How do you execute being a truly nonpartisan newsroom?

49:15 You can’t balance the truth based on partisan affiliation

52:15 Is NOTUS the only incubator for young journalists in DC?

54:30 How Reese ended up at NOTUS?

57:45 Do you have to play to the algorithms when posting stories?

1:00:15 Being part of the non-legacy media is an advantage

1:02:45 The Washington Post has stopped covering local DC politics

1:04:45 Changes at the Kennedy Center aren’t being covered

1:07:15 Has Trump changed the culture of DC in his second term?

1:09:00 The relationship between the press and congress is more strained

1:11:00 The culture on the hill is very “cliquey”

1:12:00 There’s a lot more competition for scoops on the hill

1:13:00 What’s the mission of your podcast?

1:15:00 How does Steve Scalise continue to maneuver in the Republican party?

1:16:15 Scalise wants the speaker role currently held by Mike Johnson

1:18:00 Trump’s recent approval dip seems different than prior ones

1:19:00 There were still norms in Trump’s first term, there aren’t in 2.0

1:20:30 No sense of Trump fatigue from Republican members of congress

1:21:30 Can you tell which members are too trapped in an information bubble?

1:22:00 Pre-Trump members have a better sense of reality

1:23:45 New members don’t remember a time when congress was functional

1:25:45 How much of a problem could congressional leadership be for Dems?

1:28:15 Democrats could perform well running on affordability message

1:28:45 Democrats feel bullish headed into the midterms

1:30:00 The Dem establishment hasn’t been able to clear primary fields

1:31:45 Democrats aren’t a national party, can’t compete in 1/3rd of the country

1:33:45 The vibes and mood on the hill are terrible right now

1:34:15 If Dems win the TN-07 special, you could see wave of retirements

1:36:45 If you have DSCC questions, do you go to Schumer or Gillibrand?

1:39:00 A joint fundraising committee for Graham Platner is unlikely

1:40:00 Haley Stevens seems like a nervous candidate

1:40:30 Which unknown members could be household names in a year?

1:45:45 Where you can find Reese and Kate’s work

1:49:30 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with NOTUS

1:50:15 Ask Chuck

1:50:30 Will Trump’s policy tank support with latinos & put FL & TX in play?

1:56:00 Will you and Cillizza have a bet on the A&M vs Miami game?

1:58:00 Thoughts on electing the Attorney General independently?

2:04:45 Does Bernie Moreno’s bill ending dual citizenship pass legal muster?

2:07:30 ToddCast Top 5 bowl games that would be better played next season

2:08:30 Multiple schools have bowed out of playing non playoff bowl games

2:13:15 #1 Citrus Bowl - Texas vs. Michigan

2:14:00 #2 Pop Tarts Bowl - BYU vs. Notre Dame

2:14:45 #3 Pinstripe Bowl - Penn State vs. Clemson

2:15:30 #4 Sun Bowl - Arizona vs. Duke

2:16:00 #5 Hawaii Bowl - Cal vs. Hawaii

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

play-circle icon
137 MIN