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Mark Merry's SoulSermonMixUpSoulSermonMix 200725Stay Away (Previously Unreleased) – Fred Ross Band – Athens Of The North 45 – 2025Surprise Surprise – Today, Tomorrow, Forever – (Gold Coast Records 1981) Surprise Surprise LP Numero Reissue 2025Love You Like That – The Altons – 2025Tried So Hard (Previously Unreleased Alternative Mix) – Barbara Mason – Hit & Run 45 - 2025If You Want Me – The Womack Sisters – Forthcoming Daptone 45 – 2025Victim Of A Man – Katie Love - Forthcoming Reserva Especial Muscle Shoals Sound – 2025Paradise (Phil Ward Ext Mix) – Nimbiss – (Shye Backe Records 12”) - Forthcoming IZIPHO Soul45 – 2025Love's Vibrations – Jokers Y-Ilde – Forthcoming Super Disco Edits Gold Spill 45 – 2025B...2025-07-211h 57
Cyber FocusCyber Warfare, Workforce, and Fixing the System: Top House Chairmen on the Digital ThreatIn this special Independence Day episode of Cyber Focus, we bring together highlights from three influential House leaders shaping U.S. cyber policy: Chairman Mark Green (Homeland Security), Chairman Mike Rogers (Armed Services), and Chairman Rick Crawford (Intelligence). From digital warfare and offensive cyber capabilities to workforce development and interagency reform, this episode offers a rare look into how Congress is working to strengthen national security in the digital age. Listen to their full interviews: • Rick Crawford – We Are in a State of Digital Warfare https://mccraryinstitute.com/podcast/cyber-focus/76/we-are-in-a-state-of-digital-warfar/ • Mike Rogers – Cyber, S...2025-07-0131 min
Cyber FocusTo the Point: Iran’s Cyber Threat After Israel’s StrikesAs tensions explode between Israel and Iran, what cyber threats could hit the U.S. next? In this urgent episode of To the Point, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery—cybersecurity expert and longtime Solarium Commission leader—to assess the growing risk of Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure. With Iran and its proxies already escalating digital aggression against Israeli targets, Montgomery warns that water systems, energy grids, and transportation networks in the U.S. could soon face similar threats. The conversation explores: The vulnerabilities across U.S. critical infrastructure...2025-06-2009 min
Cyber FocusSplitting Commands, Building Capabilities: DefenseScoop’s Mark Pomerleau on the DoD's Cyber Future In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Mark Pomerleau, senior reporter for DefenseScoop, to discuss the evolving landscape of U.S. cyber operations and military doctrine. Pomerleau unpacks the ongoing debate over splitting NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, the rising role of offensive cyber capabilities, and what “Cybercom 2.0” might look like in practice. He also explores the integration of cyber, electronic warfare, and space as part of a new operational triad, and shares lessons learned from Ukraine that are reshaping U.S. strategy. Together, they examine whether U.S. deterrence efforts are keeping pace...2025-06-1037 min
Pro Politics with Zac McCraryCongressman Mike Quigley, Why He Called on Biden to Step Aside, & Why It Remains A Necessary ConversationSend us a textCongressman Mike Quigley is in his 9th term representing Chicago's North Side and Lakefront as a Democrat in the House. He made waves last year after the first presidential debate as one of the first elected Democrats to publicly urge President Biden to step aside as the party's nominee. In this conversation, we talk through what led him to speak out, the reaction from the White House and his colleagues, and why he believes it's an important conversation for the party to have now. We also discuss his path in politics as a...2025-06-0347 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryChecking Back in with Dr. Michael Cohen on the New Edition of His Book, Modern Political CampaignsSend us a textCatching up this week with return guest Dr. Michael Cohen, who just released a new edition of his book Modern Political Campaigns this month. He studied under iconic pollster Bill Hamilton as a student, worked in the trenches in Republican campaigns, spent time at Gallup, apprenticed under renowned GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio and worked with famed Dem strategist Mark Penn when Michael was an in-house pollster at Microsoft. Along the way, Michael started his own firm (Cohen Research Group), built the successful Congress in Your Pocket tech app, and wrote Modern Political Campaigns...2025-04-221h 09Pro Politics with Zac McCrarySenator Pat Leahy, the Third Longest Serving Senator in US HistorySend us a textPat Leahy is a giant of the US Senate...the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Vermont...the third longest serving Senator in US history...the Senate President Pro Tem...Chair of Appropriations, Agriculture, and Judiciary...and 8 terms in the US Senate. In this conversation, we talk his roots in small town Vermont, overcoming the state's deep Republican roots in a 1974 upset, entering the Senate in his mid 30s, and his favorite stories, lessons, and proudest moments from nearly 50 years in the US Senate.IN THIS EPISODE2025-04-0848 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDocumentary Filmmaker Yoav Attias & The American Housing CrisisSend us a textYoav Attias is a documentary filmmaker whose projects include Brick City chronicling the inner-workings of Newark, NJ under then-Mayor Cory Booker and CNN's Chicagoland featuring then-mayor Rahm Emanuel. His most recent role is as Director on the new documentary film Fault Lines - which examines the issue of affordable housing in American cities through the prism of several storylines in San Francisco where the housing crisis is especially acute. In this conversation, Yoav talks starting a legal career in South Florida before following his passion to become a documentary filmmaker...what he learned...2025-03-2546 min
Cyber FocusPriorities and Challenges for the Trump Administration with Matt Hayden and Mark MontgomeryOverview: In the first episode of Season Two of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo welcomes Matt Hayden, former Assistant Secretary at DHS, and RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, former Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Together, they discuss the evolving cyber landscape under the incoming Trump administration. The conversation covers critical cybersecurity challenges, including regulatory reform, military mobility infrastructure, the separation of Cyber Command and NSA, and strategies to counter adversarial cyber threats. Hayden and Montgomery provide insight into potential policy shifts and the role of public-private partnerships in safeguarding national security. Main Topics Covered: Cybersecurity...2025-01-1546 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRyan Davis, Co-Founder of People First, on Why 2024 Was "The Influencer Election"Send us a textRyan Davis, co-founder of the digital political firm People First, has long been at the cutting edge of digital politics and the rise of digital influencers and has dubbed 2024 as "The Influencer Election". In this conversation, Ryan talks his roots in politics, a detour through the NYC theater community, being part of the influential 2004 Howard Dean campaign, and eventually starting the first firm focused on digital political influencers. And Ryan goes deep on the 2024 race...how the campaigns' strategies differed, the role of influencers and podcasts, which platforms are on the ascent versus...2025-01-1459 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMark Harris, General Consultant for Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania, on 2024's Lone Senate UpsetSend us a textMark Harris, co-founder of ColdSpark strategies, was the General Consultant for the successful Dave McCormick 2024 Pennsylvania Senate race - arguably the lone true upset of the '24 Senate cycle. In this conversation, Mark talks his roots in PA politics - including running for office himself, ousting a sitting legislator in a GOP primary, and multiple stints helping elect and re-elect GOP Senator Pat Toomey. Then Mark goes deep on his role helping elect Dave McCormick to the US Senate - starting with McCormick's ill-fated '22 race...getting back on the horse in '24...2025-01-071h 14Pro Politics with Zac McCraryInside the 2024 North Carolina Governor's Race with Josh Stein Senior Strategist Morgan Jackson & Campaign Manager Jeff AllenSend us a textSenior Strategist Morgan Jackson & Campaign Manager Jeff Allen helped guide Democrat Josh Stein to a historic win in the 2024 open-seat North Carolina Governor's Race over GOP lighting rod Mark Robinson. In this conversation, they both discuss how Stein went from trailing in many of the early polls to winning on Election Day by a historic 15-point margin. They talk the initial phase of the race with Robinson leading the polls, the Stein strategy to define Robinson early, the power of using Robinson's own words against him, the infamous "Nude Africa" scandal, the impact...2024-12-171h 08
Cyber FocusBridging the Cybersecurity Gap: Congressman Mark Green on Workforce, Regulation, and ResilienceIn this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo interviews Mark Green, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. Congressman Green, a combat veteran and healthcare entrepreneur, discusses key cybersecurity challenges, including workforce shortages, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and economic models that incentivize cybercrime. The conversation highlights the importance of initiatives like the Cyber Pivot Act, designed to address critical workforce gaps, and the need for harmonizing regulatory requirements. Green also explores strategies for protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing state-level cybersecurity, and leveraging public-private partnerships to bolster national resilience. Main Topics Covered: Addressing the cybersecurity workforce gap through the...2024-12-0429 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryPro Politics Re-Release: Maggie Haberman on the Political Rise of Donald TrumpSend us a text[Originally released 11/22]Maggie Haberman is, of course, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who's covered the political rise of Donald Trump for the New York Times...and her book, CONFIDENCE MAN: The Making of Donald Trump & The Breaking of America became an immediate best seller. In this conversation, Maggie dives into all things Trump...from his formative influences in the New York City of the 70s and 80s, to his political ascent, time in the White House, her take on the likelihood of another Trump run, what a Trump...2024-11-1240 min
Cyber FocusA Look Inside McCrary Institute's Presidential Transition ReportIn this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo discusses cybersecurity priorities for the incoming administration with Mark Montgomery, co-author and leader of the Cyber Solarium 2.0 Commission, and George Barnes, former deputy director of the NSA. They delve into the McCrary Institute's new presidential transition report that presents a strategic roadmap to maintain the progress achieved in cybersecurity. The report highlights eight lines of effort, ranging from regulatory harmonization and collaboration to building workforce capacity and securing emerging technologies, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding national security and economic resilience. Main Topics Covered: The purpose and...2024-10-2335 minPro Politics with Zac McCrarySenator Mark Udall & A Life in PoliticsSend us a textMark Udall, former Democratic US Senator and House member from Colorado, comes from the famed Udall family of the Mountain West - including his father, Congressman Mo Udall, and uncle, former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall under both JFK & LBJ. But Mark Udall largely stayed away from politics until his mid 40s - having an entire career within the outdoor leadership organization Outward Bound. However, once he flipped the switch to politics, his ascent was rapid: elected to the Colorado State House in 1996, the US House in 1998, and the US Senate in 2008. In this...2024-10-0159 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryCaleb Smith on Working for 3 GOP House SpeakersSend us a textCaleb Smith may be the only political operative who's worked for three consecutive US House Speakers. During over a decade on Capitol Hill, he worked with Speakers Boehner, Ryan, and McCarthy. In this conversation, Caleb talks his path to politics from managing a legislative race in small-town Kentucky to working in some of the most prime real estate at the US Capitol building. He goes in-depth on his time on the Hill - being in the early wave of digital political staffers, joining Speaker Boehner's staff, strengths and weaknesses of the last 3 GOP...2024-09-171h 02Pro Politics with Zac McCrary2024 Digital Trends & Best Practices with Mark Jablonowski, President & CTO of DSPoliticalSend us a textMark Jablonowski is the President and Chief Tech Officer of DS Political - one of the leading digital ad firms for Democratic campaigns and progressive causes. Mark's roots in campaign tech go back to 2004 and he was deeply involved in the Obama 2008 primary and general election digital innovations. In this conversation, Mark talks his own path to politics starting in Alaska to Maine to the Obama '08 Chicago HQ and continuing to be on the front lines of the digital political evolution. In addition to his own story, Mark gives his takes on...2024-09-0347 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryTucker Eskew, Political & Corporate Comms ExpertSend us a textCommunications expert Tucker Eskew has been a participant in some of the most seminal moments in American political history over the course of the past 30+ years...a protege of the famed Republican strategist Lee Atwater, senior aide to the Bush 2000 win over John McCain in the fractious South Carolina primary, working in the White House the morning of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a stint representing the Bush Administration at 10 Downing Street in London, one of Sarah Palin's lead handlers during her whirlwhind 2008 VP experience...among many other momentous experiences during his decades in and...2024-08-061h 04Pro Politics with Zac McCraryCongressman Mickey Edwards...From Conservative Insurgent to House Leadership to Nonpartisan IconoclastSend us a textMickey Edwards served 16 years in Congress, as the first Republican to represent his Oklahoma City-based district in almost 50 years. Prior to his time in the House, he'd already made a mark as a leader in early days of "New Right" conservative organizations like the Young Republicans and Heritage Foundation. In this conversation, he talks his early days as a conservative political outsider in a Democratic state, the upset victory that propelled him to 8 terms in the House, his ascent within the GOP House Leadership, and how conservatism and Congress have changed since he...2024-06-1157 min
Cyber FocusMinimizing Cyber Risks: Steve Kelly on Secure StrategiesIn this episode of Cyber Focus, Frank Cilluffo hosts Steve Kelly, Chief Trust Officer at the Institute for Security and Technology. With a rich background that includes roles at the National Security Council and the FBI, Steve shares his deep insights into the cybersecurity landscape. The discussion covers the expanding attack surface due to emerging technologies, the convergence of physical and cyber domains, and the critical importance of trust and security in today's digital world. Main Topics: The increasing attack surface from consumer devices, industrial IoT, clean energy tech connecting to the grid Rethinking network architecture...2024-05-2945 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRemembering Political Innovator Hal Malchow, with Trish Hoppey & Rich SchlackmanSend us a textHal Malchow was the incredibly innovative Democratic direct mail and fundraising consultant, who passed away several weeks ago. His final chapter was chronicled by Sasha Issenberg in Politico recently. Hal's was truly a creative mind, including breaking new ground on sophisticated political microtargeting and "social pressure" tactics to generate increased voter turnout. Joining this conversation are two of Hal's longtime business partners and friends - fellow direct mail consultants, Trish Hoppey and Rich Schlackman. We discuss Hal's political roots in progressive politics out of the Deep South, his innovative and curious political mind...2024-05-1441 min
Business Partner PartnersHollowed Earth Pottery: Pottery for All, Art as a Business, Knowing Your Turf, One Try isn't a Success or a Failure.Mark and Sarah Batory may have gone to high school together, but their real connection began on Facebook (thanks Marky Z!). In this episode you'll hear the beautiful story of Mark and Sarah moving to Wisconsin for grad school two weeks after getting married, but ending up working at a pottery studio and learning how you can take studio art and make it a job. After experience a tragedy about a month after moving back to South Carolina, they explain how their business plan was put even further into motion with all of their priorities aligning with the vision...2024-05-0748 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryTalking Washington Books, with NYT Columnist Carlos Lozada...author of The Washington BookSend us a textCarlos Lozada is currently an Opinion columnist at The New York Times, after spending nearly 20 years at The Washington Post - where he earned the Pulitzer Prize in 2019 for criticism as The Post's nonfiction book critic. He's also an author, with his second book - The Washington Book - recently published: a collection of essays exploring what books by and about D.C. power players reveal about the people and political conflicts that define Washington. In this conversation, Carlos talks his path from Peru to South Bend to D.C., his accidental route t...2024-04-1649 min
Cyber FocusUnraveling Cybersecurity's Key Challenges with Mark MontgomeryOn this week's Cyber focus, Frank Cilluffo interviews Mark Montgomery, the Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. They address the commission's history and role in shaping U.S. cybersecurity policies. They also outline unfinished business in the field, and explore the challenges posed by China and TikTok.2024-04-101h 00
Cyber FocusTom Fanning's Vision for U.S. CybersecurityCyber Focus is where we explore the people and ideas shaping and protecting our digital world. In this episode host Frank Cilluffo speaks with Tom Fanning, the now retired CEO of The Southern Company. The two discuss the best ways private businesses need to approve their digital security, and why company leaders are too often missing the mark.2024-02-2152 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJim Margolis, Founding Partner of Democratic Media Firm GMMBSend us a textJim Margolis, partner at GMMB media, is a pioneering Democratic media consultant who is featured in the new documentary, The Bigger Hammer, by filmmaker Keith Gaby that focuses on the message war behind the Obama vs. McCain 2008 race (now available on Amazon). In this conversation, Jim talks his path to politics through student activism in Kalamazoo, managing House campaigns, and working on the Hill before partnering with Frank Greer to start GMMB. He also goes in depth on his work for the Obama Presidential campaigns and shares some of his favorite stories and...2024-02-0654 min
The Comics That We LoveEp.107: Behold, 90s Hero Shoulder Pads!The finale of the 2024 New Year's Comic Spree! Zach concludes his quest to catch up on all the new books he didn't finish or didn't get to in 2023.This week on the docket: #1Dr. AxoThe Dining Room of Doom and The Tank of Terror Written by Aaron SillsArt by Bethany Carroll#2Local Man (Image Comics)Issues 1-8Written and created by Tony Fleecs and Tim SeeleyArt by Tony Fleecs and Tim SeeleyCo...2024-01-3121 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMark Z. Barabak, L.A. Times Political Columnist, on the Changing Politics of the New WestSend us a textMark Barabak, the veteran political reporter and columnist for the L.A. Times, has just helmed a six-part series analyzing the political evolutions across the New West - Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon. In this conversation, Mark talks his recent series, touches on the politics in all six of these states, and breaks down what it says about the trajectory of the region and the impact on the national landscape. He also mines his reporter's notebook to talk some of his favorite stories and personalities from 35+ years covering politics.2023-11-2156 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRemembering Dianne Feinstein, with her former Chief Media Strategist Bill CarrickSend us a textBill Carrick was the longtime chief media strategist for Senator Dianne Feinstein, as well as helping elect President Bill Clinton, multiple LA mayors, Congressman Jim Clyburn, and many more. In this conversation, Bill discusses his early political roots in South Carolina, his time working for Senator Ted Kennedy, his pivot to political media, and a deep dive on his time as chief strategist for Dianne Feinstein. We talk her early activist days in the 60s, the assassination that led to her becoming mayor of San Francisco, their first lunch meeting in 1989, how she...2023-10-2444 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRemembering Governor Bill Richardson, with his former Campaign Manager & Chief of Staff Dave ContarinoSend us a textDave Contarino was Bill Richardson's 2002 gubernatorial campaign manager, his first term Chief of Staff, and manager of his 2008 presidential campaign. Very few are better equipped to remember the life and legacy of Governor Richardson than Dave. In this conversation we talk Dave's own path to politics and mine his expertise specifically about New Mexico, then go in depth about the inspiration, impact, and influence of Bill Richardson...from his unconventional lifestory, to his time as a rising star in the House, stint in the Clinton cabinet, two terms as Governor, groundbreaking presidential campaign...2023-09-261h 04
Balancing the Christian LifeA quick trip to PalawanPrepare to embark on an inspiring journey as Mark McCrary, Wyatt Taylor, and I weave tales of our life-altering missionary trip to the Philippines. Our tales are a testament to the power of faith, the richness of diverse cultures, and the deep bonds formed when you step outside your comfort zones. Our discussion takes you from the planning stages, through unforeseen hurdles and fascinating cultural experiences, to the profound impact this expedition had on our Christian walk.Our conversation delves into the poignant moments that left an indelible mark on our hearts, such as witnessing baptisms influenced by...2023-09-251h 02Pro Politics with Zac McCraryRich Schlackman, Democratic Direct Mail PioneerSend us a textRich Schlackman is best known as a pioneer of all things direct mail - and he continues to hit the mail box and also spearheads important efforts as a GC and has expanded his reach to digital messaging. In this conversation, Rich talks his early activist roots at the '68 Democratic Convention and with names like Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden...why he gravitated to political direct mail in the mid 70s...how he took the "California Style" of mail national in the 80s and 90s...diving deep into his best practices and...2023-09-1255 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryBill Knapp, Partner at SKDK, on 40+ Years as an AdmakerSend us a textBill Knapp is in his fifth decade as a top Democratic media consultant and is the first K in the mega-media firm SKDK. In this conversation, Bill talks his NYC roots, the 1980 Senate campaign that launched his professional career, lessons from his mentor & eventual partner Bob Squier, key races in his development as a strategist, the '96 Clinton re-elect, 20 years as part of Mike Bloomberg's political orbit, advice for budding media consultants, and much more. IN THIS EPISODEBill’s roots on the Upper Wes...2023-08-2954 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDemocratic Pollster Lisa Grove on the Power of a Question MarkSend us a text[EPISODE ORIGINALLY RECORDED FEBRUARY 2021]Lisa Grove has been a leading Democratic strategist and pollster for 25+ years, helping elect a President, Senators, Governors, and more. She also developed a reputation for winning tough ballot measures and helped refine messaging to advance the cause of marriage equality. In this conversation (recorded February '21), she talks her roots in Oregon politics and activism, being drawn to polling, her early days in the business, starting her own firm in the mid 90s, and stories & insight from a successful career that has spanned several decades.2023-08-0845 minBalancing the Christian LifeBalancing the Christian Life Conference, Good character with Mark McCrarywww.balancingthechristianlife.com/conferenceEver wondered what constitutes good character from a Christian perspective? Buckle up as Mark McCrary and I, Dr. Kenny Embry, unpack the good character track of the Balancing the Christian Life conference, using Galatians 5 as our guide. We delve into the nine aspects of the fruit of the spirit, spotlighting love as the cornerstone of Christianity. Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as we stress on love as an action, not an emotion, and the significance of epitomizing love, irrespective of our feelings.In this enlightening conversation, Mark and I continue...2023-07-1237 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAndi Johnson, Trailblazing Democratic Media Consultant & Partner at GPS ImpactSend us a textAndi Johnson, a partner at GPS Impact, is a veteran Democratic media strategist who has been a trailblazer as one of the first women in Democratic media. She's worked for leading Democratic political figures for over 30 years...names like Obama, Klobuchar, Leahy, Inslee, Bob Casey Jr, and many more. In this conversation, Andi talks growing up in a political family in Eugene, OR, how she somewhat accidentally found a path into political media, mentoring under the late Democratic admaker Joe Slade White, some of her favorite races she's worked on...from Ben Nighthorse...2023-07-0453 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryLegendary Democratic Strategist Bob ShrumSend us a textBob Shrum is a platonic ideal of a guest for this podcast…someone who, as a teenager, met JFK at the 1960 Democratic Convention and decades later worked as a strategist for several presidential candidates, big city mayors, Governors, and Senators. In this conversation, we talk his early passion for politics, the fortuitous chance to get his foot in the door as a speechwriter for a NYC mayor, how he connected with Senator Ted Kennedy and helped write his famous ’80 Convention Speech, and Bob’s 3 decades as a leading Democratic admaker and strategist – plus his curr...2023-06-1354 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryInside Election Analysis with Stu RothenbergSend us a textYou almost certainly know that, for decades, Stu Rothenberg and his Rothenberg Political Report (now Inside Elections) penned among the most influential political analysis in Washington. But you probably don't know the origin story...his initial academic career track, how he cut his political teeth at the conservative Heritage Foundation, and what led to launching his own newsletter. In this conversation, we talk through all of that plus his most memorable interactions with candidates, biggest surprises, savviest politicians, and when he knew it was time to pass the newsletter baton to his partner...2023-06-0647 min