37.8K
Downloads
520
Episodes
The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio
Episodes
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Leslie is joined by Roxanne Brown, President-Elect of the United Steelworkers. Currently serving as the Union's international Vice President, Brown will be sworn in to her new position on March 1, 2026. Following the USW's regular four-year nomination and election process that recently took place, Brown was elected to be the Union's new President!
During today's interview, Leslie and Roxanne discuss how working families have taken major hits to their rights and their pocketbooks in 2025, thanks to the Trump administration.
Before President Trump was elected, his advisors laid out a terrifying vision for the nation called, 'Project 2025.' And over the past year, working families have unfortunately borne the brunt of the administration rapidly enacting these policies. On top of this, the administration has failed to rein in – and in many ways added to – costs for necessities like groceries, energy and health care.
Roxanne details how these attacks have hit bargaining rights for workers, veterans' benefits, workplace safety, healthcare and more.
Taken together, we’re seeing an economy in which the rich get a whole lot richer, while everyone else is lucky to scrape by, just as Trump planned.
Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.
Roxanne's handle on X is @BrownRox.
During today's interview, Leslie and Roxanne discuss how working families have taken major hits to their rights and their pocketbooks in 2025, thanks to the Trump administration.
Before President Trump was elected, his advisors laid out a terrifying vision for the nation called, 'Project 2025.' And over the past year, working families have unfortunately borne the brunt of the administration rapidly enacting these policies. On top of this, the administration has failed to rein in – and in many ways added to – costs for necessities like groceries, energy and health care.
Roxanne details how these attacks have hit bargaining rights for workers, veterans' benefits, workplace safety, healthcare and more.
Taken together, we’re seeing an economy in which the rich get a whole lot richer, while everyone else is lucky to scrape by, just as Trump planned.
Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.
Roxanne's handle on X is @BrownRox.
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
The Student Debt Crisis Center takes over the airwaves of 'the Leslie Marshall Show,' where they cover the newest student loan updates, actions folks may need to take, potential changes to repayment plan options and forgiveness programs, and how you can make sure that you have the lowest monthly payment.
This episode's SDCC hosts are President and Founder, Natalia Abrams, Executive Director, Sabrina Calazans, and Communications Associate Ángel Rentería.
The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that centers the needs and voices of borrowers, and partners with allies, to impact public policy and end the student debt crisis.
The SDCC website is www.StudentDebtCrisis.org and their handle on X, Instagram and Facebook is @DebtCrisisOrg.
Their handle on BlueSky is @debtcrisisorg.bsky.social.
This episode's SDCC hosts are President and Founder, Natalia Abrams, Executive Director, Sabrina Calazans, and Communications Associate Ángel Rentería.
The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that centers the needs and voices of borrowers, and partners with allies, to impact public policy and end the student debt crisis.
The SDCC website is www.StudentDebtCrisis.org and their handle on X, Instagram and Facebook is @DebtCrisisOrg.
Their handle on BlueSky is @debtcrisisorg.bsky.social.
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Leslie welcomes back Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, for a preview of the newly released 2025 'Made in America Holiday Gift Guide.' (link: https://www.americanmanufacturing.org/blog/the-2025-made-in-america-holiday-gift-guide/)
This year's guide makes it easier than ever for shoppers to find U.S.-made products and support American workers this holiday season.
New polling released with the Gift Guide shows overwhelming demand for locally made goods, with 81% of Americans saying they’re as likely or more likely to buy American-made products this year. The vast majority (83%) of shoppers say they would buy more Made in USA goods if these products were more widely available. The Gift Guide bridges that gap, connecting consumers with the craftsmanship, quality and well-paid jobs that come from buying Made in America.
In its 12th year, the 2025 Guide features 148 manufacturers and makers from across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There’s an American-made gift for everyone, with finds ranging from model airplane kits and stocking stuffers to jewelry and grills.
Shoppers can browse the guide by state or product category, and a new segment this year highlights brick-and-mortar stores specializing in state-made goods for in-person shopping. Additionally, AAM’s Made in America Directory spotlights 873 companies and their products that are not featured in this year’s Guide.
Leslie and Scott highlight five of the companies and their gift offerings for just a taste of the guide. Here they are:
1 - WicR
Have you always wanted to be a plant parent but were too scared you’d forget to water them every day? Fear no more: WicR is a self-watering product that makes it a lot easier. All you have to do is place the WicR at the bottom of your pot, cover it with soil, and place your plant in. Then, after an initial watering, the WicR will self-water your plant for seven to ten days. A game-changer for plant care!
2 - Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare
Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare draws from its surrounding beauty in Cordova, Alaska, to enhance the quality of the products they make there. This company sources glacial minerals and botanicals for gentle but effective formulas, and all its products are vegan and cruelty-free. Its energy-efficient facility operates on 60-80% community hydropower, and the Certified B Corps company prides itself on a commitment to sustainability. Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare donates 2% of its revenues to organizations that protect the Alaskan environment, such as the Copper River Watershed Project.
3 - Made-Plus Footwear
The vast majority of footwear today is imported. But Alan Guyan, an alum of Under Armour’s shoe division, saw an opportunity to do things differently. That’s why he started Made+, a luxury athletic shoe brand based in Annapolis. All the shoes are made with 100% recycled yarn — and that yarn is made from repurposed plastic water bottles. These shoes come in all sorts of designs; they even sell shoes specially designed for pickleball. If you’re looking to replace those athletic shoes, Made+ is an incredible choice. (And check out their in-person storefront if you’re near Annapolis!) Lastly, be sure to check out AAM's blog post featuring Made+ from last month, where you can find on their website at AmericanManufacturing.org/blog
4 - High Strung Studios
For the music lover on your list, High Strung Studios hits all the right notes. This woman-owned business transforms real guitar strings into beautiful, handcrafted jewelry made right here in the USA. Each bracelet, necklace, and pair of earrings carries a touch of rhythm and a whole lot of heart, making them perfect for anyone who finds joy in a good song. Thoughtful, unique, and full of holiday cheer, these gifts truly strike a chord.
5 - Cycle Dog
Bring some wag-worthy joy to the holidays with Cycle Dog, a woman-owned company in Portland, making eco-friendly gear for dogs who love to play. Every collar, leash, toy and bed is crafted in the USA using recycled materials, keeping millions of inner tubes and bottles out of landfills. Durable, sustainable and made by a team of passionate makers (and their pups), these gifts are perfect for anyone who wants to spoil their dog, spread a little holiday cheer, and do good for the planet all at once.
Lastly, Leslie and Scott talk about Project MFG. What's Project MFG? Think Top Chef — but for welders, machinists and engineers. Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG and creator of the YouTube reality show 'Clash of Trades,' is inspiring the next generation of manufacturers through hands-on competition and community engagement.
AAM's website is AmericanManufacturing.org and their YouTube channel is youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report")
If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast.
Their handles on X and BlueSky are @KeepItMadeInUSA, and @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social, respectively.
Scott's handle on X is @ScottPaulAAM.
This year's guide makes it easier than ever for shoppers to find U.S.-made products and support American workers this holiday season.
New polling released with the Gift Guide shows overwhelming demand for locally made goods, with 81% of Americans saying they’re as likely or more likely to buy American-made products this year. The vast majority (83%) of shoppers say they would buy more Made in USA goods if these products were more widely available. The Gift Guide bridges that gap, connecting consumers with the craftsmanship, quality and well-paid jobs that come from buying Made in America.
In its 12th year, the 2025 Guide features 148 manufacturers and makers from across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There’s an American-made gift for everyone, with finds ranging from model airplane kits and stocking stuffers to jewelry and grills.
Shoppers can browse the guide by state or product category, and a new segment this year highlights brick-and-mortar stores specializing in state-made goods for in-person shopping. Additionally, AAM’s Made in America Directory spotlights 873 companies and their products that are not featured in this year’s Guide.
Leslie and Scott highlight five of the companies and their gift offerings for just a taste of the guide. Here they are:
1 - WicR
Have you always wanted to be a plant parent but were too scared you’d forget to water them every day? Fear no more: WicR is a self-watering product that makes it a lot easier. All you have to do is place the WicR at the bottom of your pot, cover it with soil, and place your plant in. Then, after an initial watering, the WicR will self-water your plant for seven to ten days. A game-changer for plant care!
2 - Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare
Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare draws from its surrounding beauty in Cordova, Alaska, to enhance the quality of the products they make there. This company sources glacial minerals and botanicals for gentle but effective formulas, and all its products are vegan and cruelty-free. Its energy-efficient facility operates on 60-80% community hydropower, and the Certified B Corps company prides itself on a commitment to sustainability. Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare donates 2% of its revenues to organizations that protect the Alaskan environment, such as the Copper River Watershed Project.
3 - Made-Plus Footwear
The vast majority of footwear today is imported. But Alan Guyan, an alum of Under Armour’s shoe division, saw an opportunity to do things differently. That’s why he started Made+, a luxury athletic shoe brand based in Annapolis. All the shoes are made with 100% recycled yarn — and that yarn is made from repurposed plastic water bottles. These shoes come in all sorts of designs; they even sell shoes specially designed for pickleball. If you’re looking to replace those athletic shoes, Made+ is an incredible choice. (And check out their in-person storefront if you’re near Annapolis!) Lastly, be sure to check out AAM's blog post featuring Made+ from last month, where you can find on their website at AmericanManufacturing.org/blog
4 - High Strung Studios
For the music lover on your list, High Strung Studios hits all the right notes. This woman-owned business transforms real guitar strings into beautiful, handcrafted jewelry made right here in the USA. Each bracelet, necklace, and pair of earrings carries a touch of rhythm and a whole lot of heart, making them perfect for anyone who finds joy in a good song. Thoughtful, unique, and full of holiday cheer, these gifts truly strike a chord.
5 - Cycle Dog
Bring some wag-worthy joy to the holidays with Cycle Dog, a woman-owned company in Portland, making eco-friendly gear for dogs who love to play. Every collar, leash, toy and bed is crafted in the USA using recycled materials, keeping millions of inner tubes and bottles out of landfills. Durable, sustainable and made by a team of passionate makers (and their pups), these gifts are perfect for anyone who wants to spoil their dog, spread a little holiday cheer, and do good for the planet all at once.
Lastly, Leslie and Scott talk about Project MFG. What's Project MFG? Think Top Chef — but for welders, machinists and engineers. Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG and creator of the YouTube reality show 'Clash of Trades,' is inspiring the next generation of manufacturers through hands-on competition and community engagement.
AAM's website is AmericanManufacturing.org and their YouTube channel is youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report")
If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast.
Their handles on X and BlueSky are @KeepItMadeInUSA, and @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social, respectively.
Scott's handle on X is @ScottPaulAAM.
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by Sarah Jones, Editor in Chief for Politicus USA.
The two discuss the newly released emails between disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, referencing Donald Trump spending hours with someone who Epstein calls a "victim" at Epstein's house. Epstein also refers to Trump as, "the dog who never barked."
Then, Brad is joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm, and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
The pair examines new data showing that monthly U.S. jobs cuts surged to a 22-year high in October, and new polling showing that 54% of voters blame Trump for the current economy vs. only 21% blaming Biden
Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com.
Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Sarah Jones, Editor in Chief for Politicus USA.
The two discuss the newly released emails between disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, referencing Donald Trump spending hours with someone who Epstein calls a "victim" at Epstein's house. Epstein also refers to Trump as, "the dog who never barked."
Then, Brad is joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm, and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
The pair examines new data showing that monthly U.S. jobs cuts surged to a 22-year high in October, and new polling showing that 54% of voters blame Trump for the current economy vs. only 21% blaming Biden
Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com.
Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.
The two discuss the eight Senate Democrats who caved to the GOP and gave up healthcare tax credits in order to re-open the government.
They also hypothesize Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's role in the eight Senators' decision, and whether it's time to look for a new leader for Senate Democrats.
Finally, Alex explains that it's ultimately the Republicans who have caused the health care catastrophe.
On that front, there’s a list of the 25 most vulnerable House Republicans that people should continue to focus on, and Social Security Works will continue to do protests on these matters.
Then, Brad is joined by Eve Levenson, Senior Director of Political Partnerships and Strategy at Flytedesk, 'the technology that powers college media.'
The pair analyzes last Tuesday's election results across the country, and how young voters played a huge part in determining the outcomes.
Flytedesk's key takeaways showed that young voters remain a stronghold for Democrats: across the country from VA and NJ to CA and NYC, they favored Dems strongly in last Tuesday's elections.
Young voters favored candidates who prioritized affordability. This tracks with Flytedesk's research that the economy and, in particular, costs were a top issue in both 2024 and 2025.
The gender gap among young voters remains, but is shrinking: Abigail Spanberger, Mickie Sherrill, and Zohran Mamdani all won young men by double digits, while winning young women with even larger margins.
The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.
Flytedesk's website is www.flytedesk.com.
Eve Levenson's handle on BlueSky is @eve-levenson.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.
The two discuss the eight Senate Democrats who caved to the GOP and gave up healthcare tax credits in order to re-open the government.
They also hypothesize Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's role in the eight Senators' decision, and whether it's time to look for a new leader for Senate Democrats.
Finally, Alex explains that it's ultimately the Republicans who have caused the health care catastrophe.
On that front, there’s a list of the 25 most vulnerable House Republicans that people should continue to focus on, and Social Security Works will continue to do protests on these matters.
Then, Brad is joined by Eve Levenson, Senior Director of Political Partnerships and Strategy at Flytedesk, 'the technology that powers college media.'
The pair analyzes last Tuesday's election results across the country, and how young voters played a huge part in determining the outcomes.
Flytedesk's key takeaways showed that young voters remain a stronghold for Democrats: across the country from VA and NJ to CA and NYC, they favored Dems strongly in last Tuesday's elections.
Young voters favored candidates who prioritized affordability. This tracks with Flytedesk's research that the economy and, in particular, costs were a top issue in both 2024 and 2025.
The gender gap among young voters remains, but is shrinking: Abigail Spanberger, Mickie Sherrill, and Zohran Mamdani all won young men by double digits, while winning young women with even larger margins.
The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.
Flytedesk's website is www.flytedesk.com.
Eve Levenson's handle on BlueSky is @eve-levenson.bsky.social.
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton.
Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) provides his expert analysis on President Trump restarting U.S. nuclear weapons testing for the first time in 33 years.
They also discuss Trump and Pete Hegseth's missile attacks on fishing boats in foreign waters, the President's East Asia trip, a potential trade deal with China, and more.
Brad is then joined by New York Times investigative reporter Kenneth P. Vogel.
The two discuss Ken's new book, "DEVILS' ADVOCATES: The Hidden Story of Rudy Giuliani, Hunter Biden, and the Washington Insiders on the Payrolls of Corrupt Foreign Interest."
The book shines a spotlight on one of the most shadowy and impactful industries in U.S. politics—the foreign influence business. Drawing on exclusive sources, thousands of documents, and on-the-ground reporting, Vogel pulls back the curtain on this billion-dollar business that spans the partisan spectrum and secretly shapes U.S. foreign policy, while often flouting American values like human rights and democracy.
Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.
You can purchase Ken's new book, "DEVILS' ADVOCATES," here.
His handle on Blue Sky is @kenvogel.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton.
Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) provides his expert analysis on President Trump restarting U.S. nuclear weapons testing for the first time in 33 years.
They also discuss Trump and Pete Hegseth's missile attacks on fishing boats in foreign waters, the President's East Asia trip, a potential trade deal with China, and more.
Brad is then joined by New York Times investigative reporter Kenneth P. Vogel.
The two discuss Ken's new book, "DEVILS' ADVOCATES: The Hidden Story of Rudy Giuliani, Hunter Biden, and the Washington Insiders on the Payrolls of Corrupt Foreign Interest."
The book shines a spotlight on one of the most shadowy and impactful industries in U.S. politics—the foreign influence business. Drawing on exclusive sources, thousands of documents, and on-the-ground reporting, Vogel pulls back the curtain on this billion-dollar business that spans the partisan spectrum and secretly shapes U.S. foreign policy, while often flouting American values like human rights and democracy.
Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.
You can purchase Ken's new book, "DEVILS' ADVOCATES," here.
His handle on Blue Sky is @kenvogel.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Leslie is joined by Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the 63 unions and 15 million members of the AFL-CIO, where he serves as chief lobbyist and director of government affairs.
They discuss the severe toll of the ongoing government shutdown on workers and families—from unpaid federal employees turning to food banks to the ripple effects hitting local economies.
Calemine warns that Congress’s failure to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits could sharply raise health costs for small-business owners and workers. He urges lawmakers to pass relief measures like the True Shutdown Fairness Act and Military and Federal Employee Protection Act, and to end political brinkmanship that’s using American workers as pawns.
The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO.org. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO. Jody's handle on Blue Sky is @guerino.bsky.social.
They discuss the severe toll of the ongoing government shutdown on workers and families—from unpaid federal employees turning to food banks to the ripple effects hitting local economies.
Calemine warns that Congress’s failure to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits could sharply raise health costs for small-business owners and workers. He urges lawmakers to pass relief measures like the True Shutdown Fairness Act and Military and Federal Employee Protection Act, and to end political brinkmanship that’s using American workers as pawns.
The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO.org. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO. Jody's handle on Blue Sky is @guerino.bsky.social.
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Leslie is joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm, and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
The two discuss his latest blog, "The Government Shutdown Is the First Skirmish in the Battle Over Trump’s 2026 Budget."
(Link: https://www.sonecon.com/the-government-shutdown-is-the-first-skirmish-in-the-battle-over-trumps-2026-budget/)
In it, Dr. Shapiro argues that the current federal government shutdown marks the opening move in a much larger struggle over the fiscal direction of the federal government under Donald Trump’s 2026 budget proposal. It contends that what appears to be a short-term fight over spending bills is in fact a strategic effort to reshape federal priorities—cutting large swaths of domestic programs while boosting defense, border security and deregulation. The shutdown is portrayed as both a bargaining tactic to force concessions from Congress and a signalling device to markets and stakeholders about how aggressively the administration intends to pursue its agenda. The blog warns that the deeper economic and institutional damage will come once the shutdown ends and the budget battle truly begins, with Congress and the administration locked in a clash over the size, scope and role of the federal government.
Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.
The two discuss his latest blog, "The Government Shutdown Is the First Skirmish in the Battle Over Trump’s 2026 Budget."
(Link: https://www.sonecon.com/the-government-shutdown-is-the-first-skirmish-in-the-battle-over-trumps-2026-budget/)
In it, Dr. Shapiro argues that the current federal government shutdown marks the opening move in a much larger struggle over the fiscal direction of the federal government under Donald Trump’s 2026 budget proposal. It contends that what appears to be a short-term fight over spending bills is in fact a strategic effort to reshape federal priorities—cutting large swaths of domestic programs while boosting defense, border security and deregulation. The shutdown is portrayed as both a bargaining tactic to force concessions from Congress and a signalling device to markets and stakeholders about how aggressively the administration intends to pursue its agenda. The blog warns that the deeper economic and institutional damage will come once the shutdown ends and the budget battle truly begins, with Congress and the administration locked in a clash over the size, scope and role of the federal government.
Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by Paul Lisnek, Political and Legal Analyst for WGN-TV in Chicago.
The pair examines the ICE invasion of the 'Windy City' by the Trump administration, as well as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's response.
Then, Brad is joined by Tara Devlin, host of the 'TARABUSTER' podcast.
They analyze the impact of the 'No Kings' protest against Trump's imperial presidency, including the staggering turnout of roughly seven million attendees at 2,600 events in all 50 states.
The two also discuss President Trump's pardon of former Congressman George Santos, who was sentenced to 87 months in prison after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds and stealing identities.
Paul Lisnek anchors “Political Report” every Sunday morning at 9am central which looks at national and local issues for Chicago. It can be live streamed on www.wgntv.com/live and watched on the new WGN+ app which can be downloaded thru Apple TV, Roku or Firestick.
Paul has worked as a jury consultant in such cases as OJ Simpson and Whitewater, teaches Constitutional Law and Ethics for the bar review course. He is the author of 15 books including the award winning fiction book: "Assume Treason."
Tara Devlin is a New York City based comedian, writer, and host of the unapologetically-liberal podcast "TARABUSTER.”
Tarabuster is 5-star viewer-reviewed and 100% viewer-supported.
Help keep the REAL liberal media going – and growing – by becoming a Patron of Tarabuster at Patreon.com/TaraDevlin.
You can follow Tara on BlueSky at @tarabuster.bsky.social and on Instagram at @Taradacktyl.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Paul Lisnek, Political and Legal Analyst for WGN-TV in Chicago.
The pair examines the ICE invasion of the 'Windy City' by the Trump administration, as well as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's response.
Then, Brad is joined by Tara Devlin, host of the 'TARABUSTER' podcast.
They analyze the impact of the 'No Kings' protest against Trump's imperial presidency, including the staggering turnout of roughly seven million attendees at 2,600 events in all 50 states.
The two also discuss President Trump's pardon of former Congressman George Santos, who was sentenced to 87 months in prison after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds and stealing identities.
Paul Lisnek anchors “Political Report” every Sunday morning at 9am central which looks at national and local issues for Chicago. It can be live streamed on www.wgntv.com/live and watched on the new WGN+ app which can be downloaded thru Apple TV, Roku or Firestick.
Paul has worked as a jury consultant in such cases as OJ Simpson and Whitewater, teaches Constitutional Law and Ethics for the bar review course. He is the author of 15 books including the award winning fiction book: "Assume Treason."
Tara Devlin is a New York City based comedian, writer, and host of the unapologetically-liberal podcast "TARABUSTER.”
Tarabuster is 5-star viewer-reviewed and 100% viewer-supported.
Help keep the REAL liberal media going – and growing – by becoming a Patron of Tarabuster at Patreon.com/TaraDevlin.
You can follow Tara on BlueSky at @tarabuster.bsky.social and on Instagram at @Taradacktyl.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by Charlie Cook, Founder of the 'Cook Political Report' and Columnist for 'The National Journal,' to discuss the 'playing field' for the 2026 midterm elections in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Then, Senior White House Reporter for 'Bloomberg Government,' Mica Soellner, joins Brad to talk about the new peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, the government shutdown, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent attacks on President Trump.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Charlie Cook, Founder of the 'Cook Political Report' and Columnist for 'The National Journal,' to discuss the 'playing field' for the 2026 midterm elections in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Then, Senior White House Reporter for 'Bloomberg Government,' Mica Soellner, joins Brad to talk about the new peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, the government shutdown, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent attacks on President Trump.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.