The Muckrake Political Podcast

Visit Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to join the Patreon today for exclusive access to the weekend edition every Friday, live specials, and bonus coverage. Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a week filled with corporate raiding and political theater on this edition of The Weekender. The conversation kicks off with Donald Trump nominating former housing executive Bill Pulte to replace Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. They analyze how this appointment signals a private equity approach to governing, where state power is handed directly to the wealth class while cutting out the middle manager. The guys also take a look at the House of Representatives passing a symbolic War Powers resolution regarding Iran, highlighting the conflicting financial incentives between local used-car barons and federal oligarchs. Finally, they investigate the curious disappearance of Representative Tom Kean Jr. from Capitol Hill before diving into a nostalgic review of Planes, Trains and Automobiles and the unexpected creepiness of rewatching The Wonder Years.

Visit patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to join the Patreon, support the ad-free show, and get access to the Weekender, special events, and the Discord server. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman unpack a crucial day of reckoning as Iran officially ends negotiations with the United States. With fuel reserves dwindling and the Strait of Hormuz facing a total shutdown, the inevitable energy and economic crises are poised to deepen. Jared shares insights from a recent security briefing regarding Iran's long-term strategy, backed by China, while Nick analyzes the regional chess moves involving Israel and Lebanon. The duo also pushes back on Donald Trump's latest Truth Social claims regarding his supposed phone calls with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah. The conversation then shifts north to a troubling report from the Global Center for Democratic Resilience. The intelligence reveals that American and Russian influencers are actively collaborating to fuel the separatist debate in Alberta, Canada. Jared and Nick break down how this state-organized crime operates on the margins, drawing historical parallels to the annexation of Texas and Vladimir Putin's use of green little men. Finally, they audit the Democratic Party's newly unveiled Project 2029 platform. From corporate utility monopolies to the annoyance economy, they question why vital working-class issues like billionaire taxation, anti-corruption, and reproductive rights are completely missing from the plan. They close the episode navigating the messy landscape of modern political scandals, including the latest allegations against Maine senate candidate Graham Platner.

Head over to Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to become a patron and support the show and unlock the full episode. Your support keeps us editorially independent and completely ad-free. We have no corporate backing whatsoever, so we need your help more than ever to keep going and give you access to our exclusive Weekender episodes, Discord discussion, and Live Shows. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a seismic shift in Texas politics after Attorney General Ken Paxton handedly unseated longtime Senator John Cornyn in the GOP primary. The hosts analyze how this "shellacking" reflects the radicalization of the Republican party and what it means for the upcoming general election against Democratic candidate James Talarico. They also examine the effectiveness of Talarico’s campaign strategies and the reactionary attacks already being leveled against him. The conversation then shifts to a deteriorating international landscape. The team discusses rumored deals and ongoing military strikes involving Iran as an economic red line approaches on June 1st. They also dive into leaked reports of a potential 48-hour invasion plan for Cuba and the sudden drawdown of U.S. forces intended to bolster NATO in Europe. Later, the show highlights a humanitarian crisis occurring at home. Hundreds of prisoners at an ICE detention center in Newark are currently on a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions. The discussion covers reported suicides within these facilities and the lack of accountability for private prison groups like Geo Group. To wrap up the weekender, Nick shares his thoughts on the miscasting of the new live-action Spider-Noir series. Jared provides a recommendation for the eerie, stylized psychological horror film Broadcast Signal Intrusion

Welcome to the Memorial Day episode of the Muckrake Podcast where co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman examine the Trump administration's claims of an imminent peace deal with Iran. While officials project optimism about an agreement, US fuel reserves are decreasing alongside steadily climbing grocery prices for everyday Americans. Furthermore, global trade dynamics are actively shifting as Iran bypasses sanctions to sell massive volumes of oil to China using ships with disabled transponders. Back in Washington, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has resigned from her post. Her departure highlights a significant power shift toward neoconservatives like Marco Rubio as discussions about a potential invasion of Cuba circulate among top officials. Meanwhile, JD Vance is reportedly reconsidering his political future following recent administrative struggles. Leaks indicate he might delay his presidential ambitions until 2032 to distance himself from current unpopularity, particularly after an awkward appearance at a private dinner hosted by Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. Finally, Pope Leo has published a comprehensive 42,000-word encyclical critiquing the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. The pontiff is demanding strict government regulation to protect the labor market and prevent potential military misuse. This unprecedented document firmly positions church leadership against major Silicon Valley executives. Head over to Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to support the show and keep our coverage editorially independent.

You are listening to a preview of the Weekender. To unlock the full episode, join our community discord, and get exclusive access to live shows, head over to https://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to become a supporter today. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman pull back the curtain on a weekend edition that tackles a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. The guys break down unsettling new details from the Congressional Research Service regarding US aircraft losses in Iran. The illusion of a cease-fire is crumbling as intelligence reports reveal an empowered adversary rearming in plain sight. With the Strait of Hormuz facing a permanent toll system and cyber threats looming over the domestic grid, the crisis is hitting a dangerous new phase. Later, they examine the sudden passing of former Representative Barney Frank and the complex, frustrating legacy left behind by his final public comments.