Shows
Check The BalanceCheck the BindersIn this episode of Check The Balance, Jeff and Elliot discuss recent political topics, including Trump's stance on tax reforms and pharmaceutical regulations. They are joined by Kevin Cope, a law professor from the University of Virginia, who delves into the complexities of judicial ideologies and the effects of recent executive orders on law firms. Kevin also shares insights from his upcoming research on American democracy's resilience. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on legal principles, political maneuvers, and the robustness of democratic institutions.
00:00 Welcome Back to Check The Balance
01:33 Discussing Trump's Tax P...2025-05-1658 min
Check The BalanceSay Authoritarianism Three Times FastJoin Jeff Hoffmann and his co-host Elliott Baretz on Check the Balance a political podcast, 'By Everyday Americans For Everyday Americans,' as they delve into a variety of pressing topics. In this episode, they discuss the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Anna Dugan for allegedly obstructing ICE, and the implications of such actions on judicial integrity. They also explore the concept of competitive authoritarianism, referencing Steven Levitsky's analysis from his book 'How Democracies Die.' The episode highlights how various countries like Turkey, India, and Venezuela have struggled with maintaining democratic institutions amidst authoritarian practices. The hosts...2025-04-3035 min
Check The BalanceBe Brave Enough to Have a Conversation That MattersJoin hosts Jeff Hoffmann and his co-host Elliott Baretz on 'Check the Balance' a Political Podcast by Everyday Americans for Everyday Americans as they dive into a discussion on the national budget, shedding light on the $37 trillion debt and the recent budget framing bill passed by the House. Jeff delivers an impassioned budget rant, discussing tax cuts, defense spending, and the implications for healthcare. Later, the hosts welcome guest Steve Fouts, an experienced educator and founder of 'Teach Different.' Steve shares his unique education approach aimed at fostering empathy and trust through structured conversations. The episode wraps up...2025-04-2349 min
Check The BalanceNothing a Little Kim Crawford Can't FixJoin hosts Jeff Hoffmann and Elliott Baretz in this episode of The Balance Political Podcast, where they delve into the complexities of tariffs and the decision-making process under the Trump administration. The discussion transitions to a broad, heartfelt dialogue with guest Jake Schenkein, covering key political and social issues from racial tensions to financial security. They explore the importance of the Constitution, shared values, and the power of common sense in today’s polarized climate. Tune in for a deep, authentic conversation aimed at elevating the middle voice of America.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:02 Tariff Ti...2025-04-1841 min
Check The BalanceBend the Knee
In this gripping episode of Check the Balance, hosts Jeff and Elliott delve into the latest developments surrounding Donald Trump's executive orders targeting law firms and the implications for the stock market and international trade. Special guest Mark Sokol, an alumnus of Jenner & Block, provides an insider's perspective on the coercion and erosion of the rule of law. The discussion spans the impacts on legal advocacy, the role of law firms in maintaining democracy, and broader concerns about executive power. Tune in for a rollercoaster conversation that will leave you questioning the future of America's legal and political landscape.
Reference S...2025-04-1438 min
Check The BalanceEvery Fourth SoybeanIn this episode of 'Check the Balance', hosts Jeff and Elliott dive into the lasting impacts of tariffs on the U.S. economy and the various sectors affected. They discuss insights from a podcast featuring the President of the American Soybean Association and how tariffs influence farmers and rural America. The conversation shifts to broader political issues, touching on the evolving values of conservatives and liberals, and the role of social media in shaping modern politics. Special guest Jeff Schwartz joins to share his perspective on the importance of history, the rise of cultural wedge issues, and the need...2025-04-0944 min
Check The BalanceDemocrats Need an Agenda Worse Than Cory Needed a BathroomIn Episode 6 of 'Check the Balance' hosts Jeff and Elliott discuss Senator Cory Booker's record-breaking 25-hour speech, highlighting the yearning for change within the minority party. The conversation then pivots to the challenges facing the Democratic Party, such as the debate over student loan forgiveness and the controversy around transgender athletes in sports. The hosts emphasize the need for a clear, refined agenda and the importance of electability. They also touch on Gavin Newsom's approach to engaging with polarized individuals and the significance of having inclusive yet firm political messaging. Join Jeff and Elliot as they navigate through the...2025-04-0728 min
Check The BalanceTerrifying TariffsIn Episode 5 of 'Check the Balance,' Jeff and Elliott dive into the recent sweeping tariffs announced by President Donald Trump and their immediate impact on the stock market. They discuss the ensuing plummet of the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500, analyze the reasons behind the tariffs, and debate the potential long-term effects. The hosts question the strategic thinking of the Trump administration and ponder the broader implications for American manufacturing, global trade, and political dynamics. They also touch on bipartisan reactions and the importance of balanced dialogue in mitigating economic volatility. Join the conversation as they navigate...2025-04-0430 min
Check The BalanceMessy MattersIn this episode of Check the Balance, hosts Jeff and Elliott are joined by Dr. Megan Remmel from Bradley University's Political Science Department. They delve into the evolution of presidential power in the United States, examining historical precedents, and how modern presidents, particularly Donald Trump, have interpreted and expanded executive authority. The discussion also touches on the concept of the unitary executive theory, judicial review, and the potential for constitutional crises. Dr. Remmel provides insights into the impact of term limits and the extreme political polarization currently affecting American politics. With a focus on institutional knowledge and the role...2025-04-0155 min
Check The BalanceThose Damn AnchoviesWelcome back to 'Check The Balance,' a political podcast by everyday Americans for everyday Americans. In this episode, hosts Jeff and Elliot are joined by Andy, a lawyer and long-time friend, known for his thoughtful insights and willingness to listen. The trio dives deep into a variety of current political topics, including the disbanding of USAID by the Trump administration, the implications of the 'Doge' project, and the ever-present polarization in American politics. Andy highlights the importance of understanding different perspectives and emphasizes the need for coherent political discourse. They discuss the historical context of executive power, the...2025-03-3138 min
Check The BalanceThe Fear FactorIn this episode of 'Check the Balance,' hosts Jeff and Elliott tackle the complexities of political discourse in America. They delve into a significant New York Times article discussing the recent transfer of Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador and the subsequent disregard of a federal judge's order by the executive branch. This event triggers a broader discussion on respect for judicial decisions, and how inflammatory remarks can instill fear and lead to dangerous actions. The hosts also examine the effects of fear on public discourse and the importance of maintaining open communication about the nation's future. Join...2025-03-3120 min
Check The BalanceThe 50 Yard LineIn the inaugural episode of 'Check the Balance,' host Elliot Baretz and guest Jeff Hoffmann discuss their mission to restore balanced dialogue in American politics. They explore the meaning behind the show’s title, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution and the rule of law. They talk about the need for respectful conversations between differing viewpoints and reflect on historical documents like the Federalist Papers to highlight the founders' concerns that are still relevant today. They also touch on the issues of media bias, political action committees, and the erosion of democratic principles. Join them on this journey to...2025-03-3125 min
Insight TechTalkTechTalk | Microsoft 365 for Small to Medium Businesses, Part ThreePreparing your small business for future growth and change requires smart technology investments. In Part 3 of this TechTalk series, Insight’s Elliott Baretz and Jesse Anderson discuss how Microsoft 365 helps minimize complexity in your IT environment. Want to catch up on the full conversation? Check out Part 1 of this TechTalk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJe-1MtDSh0&t=2s and Part 2 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwZFLkPYLRk.2021-07-2711 min
Two Guys and the CloudEpisode 1 - Lets Talk Cloud!Welcome to our podcast launch. In our podcast series, Elliott Baretz and Bob Agno combine their years of technology experience to give you their view on new and exciting things happening with Cloud technology today!2020-12-1026 min