The Chuck ToddCast
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Recent Episodes
In this special Friday episode, Chuck Todd breaks down a striking turn inside the Republican Party as Indiana Republicans openly rebuke Donald Trump’s demand to redraw their congressional maps—an early sign that his once-iron grip on the GOP may be loosening. With voters frustrated by a shaky economy, Trump’s political coalition is showing new cracks. Chuck also explores the Heritage Foundation’s hollow threat against Indiana lawmakers and why Trump’s executive order banning states from regulating AI is unpopular and almost certainly unconstitutional. Taken together, these shifts suggest a pivotal moment: the first real indications that the Trump era may finally be entering its twilight.
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Timeline:
00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction
01:00 Indiana Republicans rebuke Trump’s redistricting demand
03:00 Voters don’t like the economy and it’s weakening Trump’s grip on GOP
04:30 Trump is not a true conservative
07:15 Heritage Foundation made an empty threat against Indiana
08:00 Trump’s EO banning state AI regulation is unconstitutional
09:30 Trump’s coalition is beginning to fray
10:45 This feels like the beginning of the end of the Trump era
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
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.
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.
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.