Mike, Trey, and guest host Terry Casey, a political scientist at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, open with the still-unresolved U.S. conflict with Iran, the closed Strait of Hormuz, and the Trump administration’s attempt to frame military pressure and uncertain negotiations as progress. Trey argues that the administration still lacks a clear win condition and…

Mike, Justin, and Kirby open this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode with the fight over DHS funding, where a bipartisan deal appears to keep most of the department funded while leaving ICE and Border Patrol outside the agreement for now. Mike argues that Democrats didn’t get the statutory limits on raids, masks, and body cameras they…

Mike, Justin, and special guest Kirby Goidel, a professor of political science at Texas A&M, open with the Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act decision and what it means for racial representation, partisan gerrymandering, and the future of congressional redistricting. Justin argues that the ruling effectively makes racial vote-dilution claims nearly impossible to prove, especially…

Mike is joined by special guest Corey Nathan, creator and host of the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other podcast. They discuss why the coming midterm elections are likely to leave most Americans dissatisfied, even under optimistic partisan scenarios, arguing that while Democrats may plausibly retake the House and even have an outside…

In this supporter-exclusive midweek episode, Trey is joined by Justin, and begin their discussion of modern ideologies with a deep dive into Feminism. On this week’s show, Trey and Justin discuss: The different waves of Feminism  The evolution of Feminism from an early struggle for political recognition and personhood to a focus on social structures…

In a rare three-person show, Trey is joined by Justin and Mike. They start by looking at the United States’ standoff with Iran. The trio explores the strategic confusion of mission accomplished with the ongoing naval blockade. They also point to the not-well-publicized 30-day sanctions relief granted to Russia to mitigate global oil shortages. Next,…

Trey and Ken explore Federalist Papers No. 9 and 10, focusing on the arguments for a large republic and the dangers of faction. Topics discussed include: The role of factions in democracy Montesquieu and the Anti-Federalist arguments for small republics Hamilton and Madison’s overview of the advantages of a large republic Madison’s theory of interest…

This week, Trey & Ken begin with Representative Eric Swalwell’s resignation from Congress and his suspended gubernatorial bid. Ken and Trey find themselves at odds over the institutional response. Ken argues that if Swalwell maintains his innocence, he should have stayed to fight the charges, suggesting his presence was a net positive for the Democratic…

In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Michael examine political behavior through coalition dynamics rather than broad public opinion, using Fenno’s framework of multiple constituencies to show why smaller, more engaged groups—especially base voters, donors, and close advisors—often exert disproportionate influence. The discussion explores how electoral incentives like primaries, safe seats, turnout differences, and…

Mike and Jay open with the Iran conflict, debating whether the U.S.-Israel war achieved meaningful strategic gains or left America in a weaker position. Mike argues the ceasefire looks like a premature declaration of victory that strengthened Iran’s leverage, while Jay contends degrading Iran’s military and leadership are meaningful steps toward long-term goals like regime…