Shows
Beyond PoliticsThe Three Schisms That Will Determine the Future of AmericaRecent weeks have made deep-seated schisms in both parties explode to the surface. Whether the parties can figure out how to bridge them -- not to mention the larger chasm between the Democratic and Republican parties -- will determine what happens in the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. On the Democratic side, the split between mainline Democrats and progressives erupted after Zohran Mamdani's victory in the New York City mayoral primary. For the Republicans, the conflict pivots around Donald Trump's influence and the emerging tensions between traditional political conservatives and the MAGA faction.Matt Robison is joined by...2025-06-271h 04Beyond PoliticsA New New Deal: How Democrats Can Get in the Driver's Seat Again***Please Subscribe to Matt's Substack at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Revitalizing the Democratic Party: A Path to Embracing Change. Matt Robison joins podcaster and former State Senator Burt Cohen to delve into what the Democratic Party must do to regain momentum and connect with voters, especially recapturing the theme of "change." The episode explores the historical and economic factors contributing to the current political climate, critiques the party’s strategies, and highlights the importance of addressing middle-class concerns such as healthcare, childcare, and housing costs. The discussion also touches on the Democratic Party's challenges with messaging, overreach in...2025-06-1057 minBeyond PoliticsFinancial Market Turmoil: What Will Happen to Our Economy and Our Savings?***Please subscribe to Matt's Substack at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Matt Robison brings on two top finance experts to dive into the recent financial turmoil and explore what business leaders are thinking, impacts on personal finances, and strategies for navigating uncertainty. Chris Hill, host of Money Unplugged ( www.moneyunpluggedpod.com), provides insights on market trends and the importance of cash reserves, while Mike Morton, host of Five Minute Finance (MortonFA.com), shares strategies for personal investing during volatile times. Key topics include the influence of major tech companies, the role of international investments, and the significance of...2025-05-0534 minBeyond PoliticsNow that Trump is Flailing, What Should Democrats Do?Democrats' Strategy Amid Trump's Decline. In this episode of the Worth Knowing Live Stream, Matt Robison explores how we can be certain that the public tide has turned on Donald Trump, and what Democrats should do about it. Joined by David Pepper, former Chairman of the Democratic Party of Ohio, the conversation explores the implications of recent polling data that shows Trump's steep decline in favorability, the importance of state-level politics and the need for Democrats to compete in traditionally red areas to reshape their image and hold Republicans accountable.***Subscribe*** to Matt Robison's Substack: https://worthknowing...2025-05-0249 minBeyond PoliticsThe Myth of Musk: How Elon Conned the WorldExposing the Myths: The Real Elon Musk and the Trump Connection. Matt Robison interviews Shane Almgren about his deep-dive article on the myths surrounding Elon Musk and their startling parallels to the story of Donald Trump. Drawing on extensive research, the conversation reveals Musk's history of leveraging others' ideas and resources, much like Trump, and discusses Musk's current feud with the Trump administration's pro-tariff forces. The discussion also touches upon Musk's ideological leanings towards the 'Dark Enlightenment' movement and his potential endgame. Subscribe to Matt Robison's Subtack: https://worthknowing.substack.com/Subscribe to Shane Almgren's...2025-04-0837 minBeyond PoliticsIs There a MAGA Endgame? Actually There Are Now Three.***Subscribe for Free to Matt's New Substack***Exploring the End Game: Trump's Third Term and Hidden Agendas. Matt Robison and Howard Monroe delve into the potential end games of Donald Trump's administration and other hidden agendas influencing it. Building on his article published in Newsweek, they explore three possible end games within the MAGA movement. He and Howard Monroe discuss the feasibility of Trump serving a third term, the role of powerful figures like Elon Musk, and the disruptive agendas aimed at redefining U.S. government. Additionally, they explore the Democratic response to these challenges and strategies...2025-04-0331 minBeyond PoliticsThere's Some Good News Here Democrats: Washington Monthly's Bill ScherMatt Robison talks to Washington Monthly Bill Scher about why amidst all the awful things happening under Donald Trump there is some good news, and a few things going better than people realize. We cover why the filibuster may be more beneficial to Democrats than commonly believed, why Chuck Schumer may have done ok on his government funding decision, and why the cratering popularity of JD Vance is a big deal. To keep up with all of Matt's work, subscribe at this link:https://substack.com/@mattrobison2?utm_campaign=unknown&utm_medium=web00:00 Introduction: Taking a Deep...2025-04-0148 minBeyond PoliticsHow Fixing the News Could Help Fix Everything ElseThe Exhausting Chore of Engaging with the News and How We Can Fix It: Matt Robison discusses the increasing difficulty and demoralization of modern news consumption and its negative impact on America--including how it empowers Trump. Important Links: Newsweek article Matt's Substack Cliff's Substack00:00 Introduction: The Exhausting Chore of Getting the News00:39 The Vicious Cycle of News Consumption02:08 Exploring the Change Research Study04:09 The Impact of Avoiding the News08:47 Trust in Media and Institutions09:22 Potential Solutions and Media Examples13:52 Conclusion: Fixing Trust First16:39 Personal Reflections and Future Plans2025-02-2518 minBeyond PoliticsDoes Musk Have a “Dark Glitch” Plan As His Ultimate Secret Weapon?Decoding Trump’s Secret Plan to Sabotage the Government:Matt Robison delves into the possibility of a covert Trump strategy to wipe out huge swaths of the government through a "glitch fix.'' Based on his article in Newsweek, available at: https://www.newsweek.com/will-trump-fix-glitch-win-his-war-government-opinion-2031305.If you want to give feedback on the show, you can email Matt directly at robisonmatt@gmail.com.00:00 Introduction: Trump's War on American Government01:38 Programming Note: Changes to the Show03:34 Office Space Analogy: Fixing the Glitch04:42 Elon Musk's Role: Government Efficiency07:43 Legal Implications: Trump's Executive Authority11:58 Conclusion: The Ongoing As...2025-02-1915 minBeyond PoliticsHow Dems Can Beat the "Trump Onslaught"Democrats vs Trump's Tactics: How to Beat the Flood the Zone Strategy. Matt Robison, Matt Wylie, and Paul Hodes discuss how Democrats should respond to the outpouring of pronouncements and Executive Orders from Donald Trump's administration. Democrats may be falling into the trap that Trump's team intended--but it's not that hard to see it and stay out of it.
01:06 The Spending Freeze Saga
06:51 Democratic Exhaustion and Disengagement
10:45 Trump's Performative Politics
15:15 Immigration and the Bigger Picture
22:42 The TV Presidency: Trump's Media Strategy
27:56 Republican Opportunities and Challenges
36:19 The Chaos and Its Consequences
42:23 The Absurdity of Trump Loyalty2025-01-3149 minBeyond PoliticsThe Trump Fallacy, AI, and Banning FraternitiesMatt Robison and radio legend Howard Monroe separate the real, subtle threats posed by artificial intelligence from the kinds of things we stress about in movies. Then: why Democrats need to avoid falling into the "Trump fallacy." And finally, an audio adaptation of Matt's most recent Newsweek column on why Congress needs to step in and ban fraternities and sororities on college campuses.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
03:00 Howard Monroe Radio Show: Health and Humor
06:43 The Real Danger of AI: Distorting Reality
13:16 Trump's Press Conference: World Domination or Bluster?
15:15 Navigating Trump's Statements: Picking Battles
29:12 Fraternities and Sororities: Time for a Ban2025-01-1436 min
Beyond PoliticsWar to Win Minds Ep. One: How Emotional Ads HIJACK BrainsEpisode One of The War to Win Minds: The Hidden Psychology of Political Persuasion. A limited series where PhD psychologist Lauren Goldstein and veteran campaign manager Matt Robison break down political ads to show the science behind how political campaigns fight and win the battle for our brains. In this episode: how one brilliant Kamala Harris ad explains the two pathways into our minds, and which one really works to win elections.
*** WATCH ON YOUTUBE at https://youtu.be/ZDbNEHJ_pV4?si=9f4lHui08g0WG3je ***
00:00 Introduction: The Battle for Minds2024-08-2726 minBeyond PoliticsTrump is Beating Biden Right Now. Why That Probably Won't Last.How on earth is Trump beating Biden right now? It's the question that has baffled and enraged Democrats for months. And it's the question that Matt Robison tackled in his new article for Washington Monthly. Matt lays out one of the biggest reasons, something that analysts tend to overlook, and adds material that didn't make it into the article.
00:05 The Puzzling Popularity of Donald Trump
02:07 The Low Information Trap: Unpacking Voter Awareness
03:45 The Stark Contrast: Trump's Failures and Crimes
10:49 High vs. Low Information Voters: Bridging the Gap
17:48 The Impact...2024-03-2028 minBeyond PoliticsBiden Just Took His Strategy From A Hollywood MovieBeyond Politics: Biden's Impact, Trump's Troubles, and Democratic Strategies
Biden's recent turn in tone, language, and strategy that he started at the State of the Union seems ripped from the pages of a Hollywood script. Political analyst Cliff Schecter thinks it comes right out of "The American President," but Matt Robison has a couple other movie moments in mind. Also, does Trump's decision to appoint Lara Trump to head the RNC a hint o how deep his financial troubles are? And when will Nikki Haley bend the knee to Trump??
01:54 The Rise...2024-03-1133 minBeyond PoliticsHow Republicans Disatrously Broke CongressRepublicans have officially broken the US Congress to the most dysfunctional, dangerous, and even absurd degree in American history. Congressional expert Laura Rodriguez of the Center for American Politics Action Fund joins to Matt Robison to run down just how severe the madness has gotten, and why people should care about how much damage they are doing. ***Please leave us a great review in Apple Podcasts App!!***
01:44 The Impact of Trump on American Politics
03:03 The New York Special Election: A Turning Point?
07:37 The MAGA Mind Virus: Is It Real?
2024-02-1933 minBeyond PoliticsBonus Episode: Trump CAN Run, But He AIN'T ImmuneTwo cases in the federal courts this week had very different outcomes for Donald Trump. A Federal Appeals Court demolished Trump's claims of immunity from prosecution, but the US Supreme Court seemed poised to allow him to remain on the ballot despite a constitutional challenge over his role in the Insurrection. Matt Robison joins radio legend Howard Monroe to break it down.
***Don't forget to rate and review us!!***
***Check out another great podcast at Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other ***
02:51 Discussion on Court Rulings and Presidential Immunity
08:3...2024-02-1024 minBeyond PoliticsPart 2: Can We Talk Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other?Corey Nathan of the hit podcast Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other joins Matt Robison for Part Two of their conversation about whether the divides in America are really that big for the vast majority of people, and how to connect with people who seem to have major differences with you.
If you haven't heard Part One yet, click on the link for Corey's pod and check it out (and then come right back here)! And PLEASE hit follow on both of our shows, and if you're on the Apple Podcast app especially, scroll to the...2024-02-0747 minBeyond PoliticsNo, You're Not Taking Crazy Pills -- The Trump Story Is Really WrongMatt Robison and Paul Hodes join renowned radio host Matt McNeil to talk about how the media narrative is spinning Trump's results into political capita, the challenges facing Biden, and the curious political campaign of Dean Phillips.
00:42 Critique of Media's Role in Politics
02:25 Analysis of Trump's Performance in Iowa
03:12 Media's Misrepresentation of Trump's Success
06:29 Impact of Media Narrative on New Hampshire Polls
09:28 Understanding New Hampshire's Political Landscape
16:28 Discussion on Dean Phillips' Campaign
20:34 Analysis of Write-in Campaign for Biden
2024-01-1922 minBeyond PoliticsThings Are Moving Fast In New Hampshire NowWhat's it like behind the scenes in the New Hampshire Primary, and what should people watch for in the coming days. Matt Robison and Paul Hodes join Howard Monroe to take us inside a fast-moving an unpredictable race.
00:43 Media's Role in Shaping Perceptions
03:46 Understanding New Hampshire Primary
04:32 The Role of Independent Voters in New Hampshire
08:08 The Unusual Year for New Hampshire
09:21 The Impact of Media on Election Results
15:45 The Potential Impact of Undeclared Voters
22:48 The Future of American Politics2024-01-1824 minBeyond PoliticsA Light at the End of the Tunnel in the Israel-Hamas War?Matt Robison welcomes back Dan Perry, a former lead AP editor for the Middle East. They discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and a big step that might signal some light at the end of the tunnel.
01:49 Discussion on Genocide Charges Against Israel
03:38 Potential Ceasefire Proposal from Qatar
13:00 Netanyahu's Role in the Conflict
23:45 Potential Outcomes of Genocide Charges
28:42 Pathway to Peace2024-01-1432 minBeyond PoliticsWhat Does Michigan's MAGA Meltdown Mean for The Rest of UsMatt Robison and Jason Sattler (aka @LOLGOP), a former USA Today columnist, describe how the insane (and hilarious!) MAGA implosion in Michigan is a window into the real political problem that we all face as a country in 2024.
01:14 The Michigan MAGA Meltdown: Christina Caramo's Saga
03:24 Caramo's Controversial Statements: A Tournament of Absurdity
10:08 The Bigger Picture: Michigan as a Microcosm
16:20 The Muslim Community's Political Influence in Michigan
21:25 Analyzing Biden's Stance on Israel and Its Political Implications
24:55 The Role of Recency Bias in Voter Perception
2024-01-1243 minBeyond PoliticsWill Trump Acutally Be Barred from the Ballot?Matt Robison speaks with legendary West Virginia radio host Howard Monroe about the recent rulings which preclude Trump from appearing on Maine and Colorado ballots, and dive into what the key factorsd will be in the 2024 Presidential race.
04:16 Predictions for the 2024 Presidential Election
10:40 The Economic State of the Nation
12:31 The Impact of Third Party Candidates
18:37 The Role of the 14th Amendment in the 2024 Election
26:16 The Future of Donald Trump: Jail, Presidency, or Other?2024-01-0430 minBeyond PoliticsPart One: 2023's BIGGEST End of Year Awards Show!Matt Robison, Alicia Preston, and former U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes celebrate the world's greatest annual end of year awards show - 'The Boppies'! ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Five-Star Review?***
01:32 Reflections on 2023: Trump's Influence and the Economy
06:22 The Boppies Awards: Democratic MVP Nominees
12:55 The Boppies Awards: Republican MVP Nominees
18:23 Prosecutor of the Year
22:32 Best Achievement in Legislation
26:37 News Story of the Year
2023-12-2831 minBeyond PoliticsPart One: What the Heck is Wrong with Congress And How Do We Fix ItIn part one of a two-part crossover between the Beyond Politics podcast and The Politics Guys, Matt Robison and Mike Baranowski discuss what's gone so disastrously wrong with Congress and why things have gotten so horribly broken. ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: After you Hit "Follow" or "Subscribe" Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?***
When you're done, jump over to the Politics Guys feed and check out Part Two.
02:05 The Politics Guys Podcast
03:54 The Beyond Politics Podcast
07:01 The Challenges of Running for Congress
08:58 The Reali...2023-12-1346 minBeyond PoliticsCrooked Criminal Santos Booted from Congress: Three Things We Know***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?***
Now that George Santos has been expelled from Congress, we know three things for sure: 1) this is the rule, not the exception, when it comes to Republican insanity, 2) this was not about Republicans doing the right thing, but about something else, 3) Trump had better watch his back. Matt Robison and Cliff Schecter run down what this means in this fast-turnaround "emergency" pod.
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2023-12-0316 minBeyond PoliticsThe Most Important Number in Politics Right Now is 10Matt Robison joins Howard Monroe's radio program to explore Joe Biden's current position in the polls and whether it means he should drop out of the race. Matt argues that the answer is no, and because of the significance of the number 10. Also, are any of the judges in Trump's trials going to hold him accountable for breaking their courtroom rules, or even jail him?
00:17 Discussion on Joe Biden's Political State
02:04 Biden's Potential Replacement?
06:05 Why 10 is the Most Important Number in Politics
17:04 Will Trump Be Jailed for His...2023-11-1324 minBeyond PoliticsWhy You Should NOT Freak Out About that Scary NYT PollRecent New York Times poll results show President Biden trailing Donald Trump in six key battleground states for the 2024 election. Host Matt Robison welcomes back guest Ian Smith, Director of Polling and Analytics for Navigator Research, to talk about why Democrats should not panic.
00:01 Polling Results
02:03 The Impact of Economic Factors on Voter Sentiment
03:52 The Role of Campaigns and the Potential for Change
07:47 The Influence of Negative News and Criminal Trials
07:47 Why Are Dems Suddenly losing young, Black, and Latino voters?
11:01 The Importance of...2023-11-0629 minBeyond PoliticsBonus Episode: Matt's Newsweek Article on the Shameful New York Times IncidentMatt Robison joins radio host Matt McNeil to talk about his recent Newsweek article laying out the horrible sequence at the New York Times that may have cost the Times credibility, cost Israel support, and cost lives. The Times has now issued a non-apology apology, and the episode raises questions about what is driving mainstream media to behave this way, and what it will mean if they are falling prey to pressures from extreme voices that undermine their function in America. 2023-10-2421 minBeyond PoliticsChaos in the House: Will Dems Do a Deal to Save McCarthy?Kevin McCarthy maneuvering to try to save his speaker-ship against a Matt Gaetz-led charge to remove him after the surprise weekend deal for a continuing resolution that's keeping the government open. Democrats are trying to figure out whether can they cut a deal here to gain themselves more power and to get rid of this impeachment inquiry. Republicans are scrambling to figure out whether Gaetz actually has the votes to actually remove Kevin McCarthy? And is there an alternative if they do manage to get rid of them? Matt Robison and Cliff Schecter quickly hit all the key points...2023-10-0218 minBeyond PoliticsFinancial Life Planning: Be more AggressiveThis week, Matt Robison and I discuss the concept of being aggressive in your investment strategy, especially when you have time on your side.
2023-09-1826 minBeyond PoliticsFinancial Life Planning: Inflation is a dragInflation has a way of eroding the purchasing power of our money over time, making it essential to plan smartly to ensure financial security. In this episode, Matt Robison and I delve into the intricacies of managing finances in the face of rising inflation. Most notably, we talk about the importance of aligning investment strategies with specific timeframes to make the most of your assets.
2023-09-1021 minBeyond PoliticsAre Republicans Finally Ready to Take On Trump Or Were They Never Really Trying?New reports suggest that Republicans may be ready to attack Donald
Trump, but what if they were NEVER actually trying to beat him? Former Congressman Paul Hodes, New Hampshire Republican Political consultant Alicia Preston, and political analyst Matt Robison break down whether Republicans are ready to execute the only possible winning strategy against Trump, or is it the more intriguing possibility that none of them were actually trying to win in 2024 in the first place?
2023-09-0535 minBeyond PoliticsFinancial Life Planning: The Logistics MatterIn this week’s episode, Matt Robison and I dive into an often-overlooked aspect of job selection: logistics. While most people prioritize salary and job responsibilities, we emphasize the significance of considering the logistical details that contribute to job satisfaction and work-life balance.
2023-09-0322 minBeyond PoliticsAn Amazing Scene at the January 6 Trump TrialOn the surface it seemed like just a lot of legal maneuvering, but underneath, the entire course of the January 6th trial of Donal Trump played out in a federal courtroom yesterday. Matt Robison joins radio host Howard Monroe to dissect what we heard and what it means. Also, the 14th Amendment cascade is about to begin.2023-08-2924 minBeyond PoliticsFinancial Life Planning: Your Life Doesn’t Matter, and That's Good News!As part of our financial life planning series, financial planner Mike Morton and Matt Robison explore why it is liberating to embrace the idea that individual lives may not hold significant meaning in the grand scheme of things. In fact, embracing that notion can help you do things that are more fulfilling, spend your time more wisely, and make better decisions.2023-08-2125 minBeyond PoliticsHow to Shut Down Stupid Politics Myths, with Media Star Matt McNeilSo many myths and lies come out of political mouths these days (especially, let's face it, from the leader of a party whose name rhymes with "Bepublican") it's hard to keep track. Then, they get reported by willing journalists who act as stenographers. The result is a doom-scroll narrative that hurts Democrats' ability to win and Republicans who want to defeat Donald Trump. Veteran radio host Matt McNeil has Matt Robison on to talk about some of the biggest ones going right now, and how to debunk them. MORE MATT MCNEIL:
https://www.am950radio.com/events/the-matt-mcneil-show/
2023-08-1318 minBeyond PoliticsDevastating New Trump Indictments Set Up Even More Tantalizing QuestionsSpecial Prosecutor Jack Smith just dropped four new charges on Donald
Trump, indictments for conspiring to overturn American democracy and
ultimately causing January 6. Former prosecutor and US Congressman Paul Hodes joins Matt Robison and Republican political consultant Alicia
Preston to walk through the three biggest questions from the new
charges: how strong are they, can Trump's defense work, and how will all
of these mounting legal cases get done before the 2024 election?
0:00 The Charges
1:43 How Strong IS The Case?
4:44 Trump's Defense: Will It Work?
10:11 The Co-Conspirators
11:59 Why No Sedition Charge?
13:41 Republicans' Lame Response
15:50 Trump's Insane Response
18:13 Trump's Other Problem...2023-08-0225 minBeyond PoliticsPART TWO Horrible and Embarrassing: DeSantis Actually Running the Worst Campaign Ever?Following Part One on the Ron DeSantis campaign catastrophe,
Kartik Krishnaiyer, one the the nation's leading experts on Florida
politics and proprietor of The Florida Squeeze and Matt Robison discuss whether a reboot is possible. ALSO: the biggest Senate race in the country that you probably should be paying more attention to. And another incredible, undemocratic, anti-democracy power grab. And if you want to see Kartik's book, check it out here. And come support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=74117812023-07-3024 minBeyond PoliticsOne Insane Day: A President, Prison, and Unprecedented Political Peril.Matt Robison joins legendary radio broadcaster Howard Monroe to analyze the American crossroads that we reached yesterday: a twice indicted former President - whose case is being overseen by a political crony who could let him off the hook - and a minefield of bad outcomes ahead. What do we know from legal scholars, polling, and history about what could happen next?2023-06-1427 min
Beyond PoliticsMORE Mailbag Questions! How Do You Turn Family Away From the MAGA Right Wing?Matt Robison and Cliff Schecter tackle listener questions in part two of our mailbag. Can MAGA family members be persuaded? What is happening with the Supreme Court Clarence Thomas scandal since it disappeared from the news? Is Casey DeSantis even crazier than Ron? Did Mark Meadows flip? Can we, or should we, have Congressional term limits? What happened to Sydney Powell? Can we recall Congressman George Santos? Will a Trump conviction matter? All this and more!2023-06-1244 min
Beyond PoliticsA Republican Governor Issues A Devastating Warning to His PartyNew Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu didn't just decline to run for President. He issued a dire plea to fellow Republicans to turn away from their current course of culture war and wedge issue politics, before they destroy themselves. Also: why is Biden so accomplished and yet so unpopular? The panel unpacks Matt Robison's Newsweek article on that question, and the eerie rise of RFK Jr. First of a Two Part Episode.2023-06-0625 minBeyond PoliticsFinancial Life Planning: PART TWO How to teach your kids about money (without driving yourself crazy)This is PART TWO of our show on how do you teach your kids about money, without making it a chore for you?
We're once again bringing you an episode from Financial Life Planning with Matt Robison and Financial Advisor Mike Morton. Do you offer an allowance? Is it tied to chores or some other ‘work?’ Do you give your kids the freedom to spend their money with abandon or try to control what they buy? Have you had an honest discussion about college and the immense expense associated with higher education? Plus:
Giving freedom to kids...2023-06-0423 min
Beyond PoliticsDemocrats Won the Big Showdown. Now What Happens Next?Congressional insider and former Chuck Schumer right hand man on policy Ryan McConaghy joins to grade Matt Robison's argument that the debt ceiling deal was a huge win for President Biden, and also evaluate whether it was a win for Kevin McCarthy as well, and what the real world impact will be. Then: can Congress accomplish anything else after this? And will Senate Democrats finally do away with an arcane procedure that is slowing down judicial confirmations?2023-06-0129 minBeyond PoliticsFinancial Life Planning: How to teach your kids about money (without driving yourself crazy)How do you teach your kids about money, without making it a chore for you? We're once again bringing you an episode from Financial Life Planning with Matt Robison and Financial Advisor Mike Morton. Do you offer an allowance? Is it tied to chores or some other ‘work?’ Do you give your kids the freedom to spend their money with abandon or try to control what they buy? Have you had an honest discussion about college and the immense expense associated with higher education? Plus:
Giving freedom to kids to spend their own money - and allowing the ‘failur...2023-05-2819 minBeyond PoliticsSunday Financial/Life Planning: Interest Rates Are Surprisingly Interesting!On Sundays, we post shows from Financial Life Planning with financial advisor Mike Morton and man-in-need-of-advice Matt Robison. This week: we have interest rates now, so what does that mean, in a nutshell, for our daily lives. And is there anything we need to, you know, DO about it?
The answer is: YES! We cover:
Mortgage Rates - How the increase affects your payments (not in a good way!)
Home Equity / Construction Loans - You might want to think twice about borrowing for renovation projects and why I paid off my HELOC.
Savings - You will...2023-05-0719 minBeyond PoliticsFinancial Life Planning: When Should I Borrow Money to Pay for Stuff Like Cars?Financial advisor Mike Morton and Matt Robison dive into when it makes sense to borrow money to pay for stuff (like cars) vs. digging deep into your savings. And does it make sense to use a HELOC? And what the #$%^ IS a HELOC anyway? 2023-04-3026 min
Beyond PoliticsThe Top 5 Enormous Flaws that Will Make DeSantis Crash Down and BurnRon DeSantis was the Fox News "Great White Cope" (cope with their soured love affair with Trump, that is)...until things started going south. Now questions are swirling about whether he's been a paper tiger all along. Columnist Jason Sattler and host Matt Robison debate the top five flaws that are most likely to complete DeSantis' flameout, and try to figure out whether he can ultimately turn things around and defeat Trump. 2023-04-2029 min
Beyond PoliticsIs the Devastating Trump Felony Indictment Way Worse Than He Imagined?In a word: YES. Here's why this is potentially so devastating...with a read of the indictment itself hot off the presses from former prosecutor Paul Hodes and political operatives Alicia Preston and Matt Robison.2023-04-0433 min
Beyond PoliticsDonald Trump Arrest Preview Spectacular! Will He Doom the GOP?Will the increasingly likely indictment of Donald Trump somehow help him and the Republicans, or set them up for political misery? Matt Robison joins legendary radio broadcaster Howard Monroe to figure out the answer. Also, what about Trump's call for protests--how dangerous is that? What about the other pending legal cases?2023-03-2022 min
Beyond PoliticsKevin McCarthy Falls Deeper Into the Right Wing's ClutchesThe ongoing Kevin McCarthy Speaker saga seemed to make a little progress on Friday, as McCarthy lost a 13th round by a little less. But actually, he's walked right into a trap where the far-right band of nihilists in Congress is only gaining power, and McCarthy's future in the Republican Party is getting hazier by the hour. Matt Robison and former Biden admaker Cliff Schecter of the Blue Amp channel run through why things have gotten so dicey not just for McCarthy, but for all of us. 2023-01-0625 min
Beyond PoliticsThe Agonizing Humiliation of Kevin McCarthy and What the GOP Meltdown MeansDemocrat and former Congressional staffer Matt Robison and conservative political consultant Alicia Preston unpack one of the wildest days in Congressional history and what it means. We hit questions like: what’s the scene usually like Congress on swearing in day? What is driving House Republicans' bizarre tantrums? Why the difference between McCarthy and McConnell? Do actually have a Congress right now? What does all this say about the Republican Party?And what’s going to happen next?2023-01-0452 min
Beyond PoliticsEmergency Pod: Sinema Bolts, What Do Dems Do NowArizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema's decision to leave the Democratic Party made Kari Lake jump for joy. But is it really huge news for Republicans? Former Biden admaker Cliff Schecter and former Dem congressional staffer Matt Robison run down the biggest questions and threats, and discuss what Dems need to do next on an emergency Beyond Politics mini podcast.2022-12-0920 min
Beyond PoliticsBig Black Friday, China Repercussions, and A Huge Hollywood Reboot at DisneyMatt Robison and Chris Hill of Motley Fool Money tackle:
Black Friday/Cyber Monday – A record $9 billion in sales on Black Friday! It’s encouraging, with one caveat: the percentage of purchases bought with a “buy now, pay later” plan is very much on the rise.
China protests – Everyone has something in their home made in China. From manufacturing to U.S. businesses with expanding operations in China (e.g., McDonald’s, Starbucks, Yum Brands) these protests affect American businesses (and not in a good way).
CEO 2: The Return of Bob Iger! – Just….wow. Four months af...2022-11-3024 min
Beyond PoliticsThe Huge Part of the Midterms You Haven't Heard AboutIn 1984, Ronald Reagan won a landslide re-election as President on a message of economic recovery, despite prices and unemployment being higher than when he took office. This year, President Biden and Congressional Democrats have a record of achievements that absolutely dwarfs Reagan's, and not just on the economy -- though the greatest one year job growth in history is a good start. Yet, you probably haven't heard anything about it. Based on Matt Robison's article for The Editorial Board, former Biden ad-maker Cliff Schecter and Matt go through what that record is, and why the accomplishments that should make...2022-11-0427 minBeyond PoliticsThe Question No Republican Can Answer on Trump, the FBI, and Those Secret FilesOur panel of former US Congressman Paul Hodes, conservative columnist Alicia Preston, and former staffer/campaign manager Matt Robison unpacks what we've learned in recent days about Donald Trump's hidden stash of top secret files, and identifies the one big question that no Republican Trump defender seems able to answer. Also, are things truly turning in Dem's direction politically?2022-08-1543 min
Beyond PoliticsEmergency Pod: The Shocking Raid on Mar-a-LagoFormer Democratic Congressman and prosecutor Paul Hodes, conservative consultant Alicia Preston, and host Matt Robison break down the early legal and political fallout from the surprise FBI raid on former President Trump. Paul explains from a prosecutor's standpoint what the behind-the-scenes mechanics are of getting a warrant like this, Alicia analyzes the Republican reaction, and Matt runs through the short and longer term political implications. 2022-08-0944 min
Beyond PoliticsHas the 2024 Picture Fundamentally Changed?Recently, legendary West Virginia broadcaster Howard Monroe has been wondering: has something deeply changed about the 2024 picture? It seems like both Donald Trump and Joe Biden's position has been softening in measurable ways. So what is the trajectory of the next presidential race? Matt Robison joins him to walk through what the indicators are -- and aren't -- telling us. 2022-08-0224 min
Beyond PoliticsRoe is OverturnedAs we were recording another show, news broke about the Dobbs decision that overturns the right to abortion in America. Our panel -- featuring former Democratic Congressman Paul Hodes, conservative commentator Alicia Preston, and political analyst Matt Robison -- immediately switched in real time to discussing the decision. Alicia provides a pro-life view, but with an empathetic response from those who will be enraged by the decision. Paul weighs in to ask what rights are next? And Matt raises the question of just how radical the strict originalist cult on the Supreme Court is.2022-06-2431 min
Beyond PoliticsBonus pod: Unpacking the Senator Whitehouse Dark Money InterviewAfter we finished recording a really terrific, eye-opening episode with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on how dark money drives Republican candidates and conservative judges to the hard right on issues like guns and abortion, former Congressman Paul Hodes and Matt Robison had a short follow up conversation to digest what we had just heard, why it matters so much, and to provide a little insight from Paul into what goes on behind the scenes in Congress on an issue like this.
Photo by Sivani B on Unsplash2022-05-1719 min
Beyond PoliticsThe "Libs of TikTok" Story Perfectly Captures the Current "Crapnado" of PoliticsMatt Robison joins AJ Kierstead on WKXL's The New England Take to break down why the Taylor Lorenz / Washington Post Vs. "Libs of Tiktok" story became such a fact-free partisan spin cycle of stupid. Also, Matt defends his take on President Biden's first year grade (yep, the grade was A+) in light of continuing revelations about the end of the Trump presidency. 2022-04-2743 min
Beyond PoliticsThe Plot to Steal the PresidencyFour months ago, our co-host Matt Robison wrote an article in Newsweek arguing that it was time for America to panic. He quoted from the government scholar Robert Kagan: "the United States is heading into its greatest political and constitutional crisis since the Civil War, with a reasonable chance over the next three to four years of incidents of mass violence, a breakdown of federal authority, and the division of the country into warring red and blue enclaves." Last week, a powerful and respected Washington voice published a comprehensive and detailed breakdown of how all of this is unfolding...2022-02-0740 min
Beyond PoliticsHow Do We Get Government to Pay Attention When Technology Impacts Our Health?Today, we wanted to bring you portions of a conversation that Matt Robison had on the Healthier Tech Podcast with host R Blank. Some of you may recognize that name from my previous conversation with him in which we talked about the science behind electromagnetic radiation and some of the effects that that type of radiation -- which comes from everything in the world around us that runs on electricity -- has on our bodies, our brains, and our health. There is some pretty compelling science that suggests it's a problem. There are direct effects that are measurable in...2022-02-0343 min
Beyond PoliticsThe Big End of Year Awards ShowThe most fun show of the year where our panel hands out end of year awards: MVP for Dems and for Republicans, most important news story, surprising polling finding, under-reported news story of the year, and more. Our panel is Republican political columnist Alicia Preston, former Democratic Congressman Paul Hodes, and host and former Congressional staffer Matt Robison.
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash2021-12-2942 min
Beyond PoliticsDeck the Halls with Broken Congress!The outstanding think tank The Concord Coalition has its own podcast and radio show called Facing the Future, and recently, they hosted Beyond Politics hosts Matt Robison and former Congressman Paul Hodes for a lively discussion about how screwed up things are, and what can be fixed (and what can't). There's a little friendly dunking on Congress, plus some practical talk about how to make things work on the side. 2021-12-2419 min
Beyond PoliticsWhy Isn't There a Liberal Fox News?Or Rush Limbaugh? Or the same media echo chamber that exists on the right. Longtime West Virginia radio host Howard Monroe and Matt Robison dive into where the right wing dominance of slanted media comes from (and make no mistake, the right wing does dominate), and whether it is ultimately fixable. 2021-12-0724 min
Beyond PoliticsRight wing extremism, Manchin says no to democracy reform, and media bias in the covid lab leak theoryExcerpts from Matt Robison's recent interviews with West Virginia broadcaster Howard Monroe on some of the most controversial topics in the news2021-06-1044 min
Beyond PoliticsUFOs: Can We Explain the Navy Videos Seen on 60 Minutes?Is there an explanation for the Navy UFO videos, as seen on 60 Minutes? We take a serious, respectful, rational approach in this discussion among former Congressman Paul Hodes, former congressional staffer Matt Robison, and top expert in UFO video analysis, Mick West -- featuring a careful breakdown of the videos and Hodes' own experience.
If you like this kind of lively discussion of current events, subscribe to the Beyond Politics podcast with Paul Hodes and Matt Robison on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2foIjClIUWCFdJl9ogdMtA or wherever you get your podcasts.2021-05-3141 min
Beyond PoliticsThe Way Back From Trump's America: A Conversation with PoliticusUSA Editor-in-Chief Sarah JonesWe’ve got something a little different for you: a conversation between Beyond Politics host Matt Robison and PoliticusUSA Editor-in-Chief Sarah Jones, available as a podcast, a video, and an excerpt on PoliticusUSA. Matt and Sarah are both fascinated by the same question: how did we get to this pretty awful place in American politics and society…and how do we get out of it? In other words, what is way back from Trump’s America?2021-05-0443 min
Beyond PoliticsSarah Jones of PoliticusUSA: why we need great ideasMatt Robison sits down with Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA.com, to talk about how the Great Ideas show came about, why they both feel it is so important to explore serious, positive ideas for change, how the show and website are planning to collaborate, and why it's so important to hear constructive ideas from across the ideological spectrum -- even the ones you don't agree with. Great Ideas is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, Anchor, Breaker, PocketCasts, RadioPublic, and Stitcher. Excerpts from the first show available on PoliticusUSA.2021-02-1943 min
Politics PulseWhy We Need to Hear Great Ideas from All PerspectivesIn this episode of the show Politics Pulse, Matt Robison sits down with Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA.com, to talk about how the new podcast Great Ideas came about, why they both feel it is so important to explore serious, positive ideas for change, how the show and website are planning to collaborate (the first article on PoliticusUSA is here), and why it's so important to hear constructive ideas from across the ideological spectrum -- even the ones you don't agree with.2021-02-1843 min
Great IdeasWhy We Need to Hear Great Ideas from All PerspectivesIn this episode of the show Politics Pulse, Great Ideas host Matt Robison sits down with Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA.com, to talk about how the Great Ideas show came about, why they both feel it is so important to explore serious, positive ideas for change, how the show and website are planning to collaborate, and why it's so important to hear constructive ideas from across the ideological spectrum -- even the ones you don't agree with.2021-02-1643 minBeyond PoliticsThe Balance of Power RoundtableFormer Congressman Paul Hodes, columnist/radio host Alicia Preston, and former congressional staffer/political analyst Matt Robison break down the politics and policy of Covid rescue negotiations, Republican infighting, and Jewish space lasers from the left, right, and center. 2021-02-0344 min
Beyond PoliticsThe Roundtable: Executive Orders, Rescue Plans, & the Post-Trump WorldRepublican political analyst Alicia Preston, two-term Democratic Congressman Paul Hodes, and center-left political analyst Matt Robison break down Biden's rescue plan, his flurry of executive orders, and how Republicans plan to move strategically away from Donald Trump (and whether they even can).2021-01-1944 min
Beyond PoliticsPolitics Roundtable: What Do We Do Now?Alicia Preston, Matt Robison, and Paul Hodes debate the 25th amendment, impeachment, and where the parties go from here.2021-01-1244 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 8/28/20Paul Hodes and Matt Robison speak with James Pindell of the Boston Globe then talk the latest in news and politics.2020-08-2847 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 8/21/20Paul Hodes and Matt Robison talk with Lanae Erickson of Third Way. Learn more about her at https://www.thirdway.org/about/staff/lanae-erickson2020-08-2147 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 7/24/20The latest in news and politics with Paul Hodes and Matt Robison2020-07-2451 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 6/26/20The latest in politics, COVID19, and presidential race with Paul Hodes and Matt Robison2020-06-2649 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 6/12/20Latest in news and politics with Paul Hodes and Matt Robison, of amoreperfectunion.com2020-06-1246 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 5/29/20The latest in news and politics with Paul Hodes and Matt Robison2020-05-2947 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 5/8/20Paul Hodes and Matt Robison catch up with NH Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky and NH State Senator Dan Feltes.2020-05-0847 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 4/17/20Paul Hodes and Matt Robison talk politics, news, and the economy2020-04-1746 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 3/20/20The latest in news and politics with Paul Hodes and Matt Robison2020-03-2250 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 3/13/20Paul Hodes and Matt Robison, of amoreperfectunionforum.com, talk the impact of coronavirus and the latest political news2020-03-1547 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 3/6/20Paul and Matt Robison, of amoreperfectunionforum.com, talk politics and the impact of the coronavirus2020-03-0846 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 2/28/20Paul talks politics with Matt Robison of amoreperfectunionforum.com2020-03-0146 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 2/14/20Paul talks politics with Matt Robison of amoreperfectunionforum.com2020-02-1946 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 1/24/20Paul talks politics with Matt Robison of https://amoreperfectunionforum.com2020-01-2645 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 1/10/20Paul talks politics with Matt Robison of amoreperfectunionforum.com2020-01-1146 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 11/22/19Paul is joined by Matt Robison of amoreperfectunionforum.com2019-11-2347 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 10/25/19Paul and Matt Robison, of amoreperfectunionforum.com, talk the latest in politics2019-10-2748 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 10/11/19Paul speaks with Matt Robison of amoreperfectunionforum.com2019-10-1645 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 10/4/19Paul is joined by Matt Robison of amoreperfectunionforum.com2019-10-0645 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 9/13/19Paul is joined by Matt Robison of amoreperfectunionforum.com2019-09-1544 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 8/2/19Matt Robison of amoreperfectunionforum.com returns to the show2019-08-0445 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 7/12/19Paul talks with Matt Robison of http://amoreperfectunionforum.com2019-07-1345 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 6/14/19Paul speaks with Matt Robison of AMorePerfectUnionForum.com2019-06-1544 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 5/4/19Paul is joined by Matt Robison who runs amoreperfectunionforum.com2019-05-0444 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 3/29/19Paul is joined by Matt Robison who runs amoreperfectunionforum.com2019-03-3145 min
Beyond PoliticsOff The Record 1/11/19Paul is joined by Matt Robison who runs http://amoreperfectunionforum.com2019-01-1244 min