Shows
The Lonely LiberalHow Many Countries Has Trump Bombed? Counterterror or Overreach?In under a year, the Trump administration has expanded U.S. military strikes across seven countries — from high-volume campaigns in Yemen and Somalia, to one-off “precision” strikes in Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Nigeria, plus a controversial maritime strike campaign tied to Venezuela.
In this episode, I go country by country (least strikes → most) to answer five questions for each: when did the strikes happen, what was the stated justification, how many people died, are more strikes likely, and were they justified? The headline: strike counts are easier to track than deaths — because official casualty reporting is often incomplete...
2026-01-0820 minThe Lonely LiberalThe U.S. Invades Venezuela and Captures MaduroThis week on The Lonely Liberal: the biggest headline is Venezuela. The U.S. carried out strikes, captured Nicolás Maduro, and President Trump declared America will “run Venezuela” — while also saying U.S. oil companies will be heavily involved. We break down what’s known about the operation, why it’s detonating international-law alarms, and the reality behind the “oil prize” narrative: Venezuela has massive reserves, but its production has been depressed for years and rebuilding capacity would take serious time and money.
Back at home, we hit the politics of power and control: Trump says the National Gu...
2026-01-041h 08The Lonely LiberalTop 10 Craziest U.S. Political Stories of 2025From DOGE to bribes, this year has been absolutely insane for American politics. In this week's episode, Rick and I discuss our top 10 craziest news stories of 2025, covering all of Trump's most insane moments.
2025-12-291h 15The Lonely LiberalWeek of Dec 14th: Epstein Files, Airstrikes, and the Patriot GamesThis week we’re taking a tour through the corners of American power — from missing files and secret wars to Hunger Games-style patriot pageants for kids.
We start with the latest Epstein document dump and the quiet disappearance of 16 files from the Justice Department’s website, including at least one photo of Trump with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Why did Congress pass a transparency law if DOJ can blow the deadline and yank files with no consequences? We dig into what was released, what mysteriously vanished, and what this says about how the system protects the powerful even w...
2025-12-2258 minThe Lonely LiberalFentanyl: Weapon of Mass Distraction?This week on The Lonely Liberal, I’m unpacking the fentanyl crisis with one rule: follow the data, not the rhetoric. After the Trump administration designated illicit fentanyl a “weapon of mass destruction,” I wanted to understand what that label actually changes—and whether the new Venezuela-centered narrative matches what we know about how fentanyl reaches the U.S. The White House+1
We’ll break down the real fentanyl pipeline: how the U.S. entered the “third wave” of the opioid epidemic in 2013, why illicitly manufactured fentanyl rapidly saturated the drug supply, and what public reporting says about the main...
2025-12-1814 minThe Lonely LiberalDec 7th News Roundup & Five Things to Be Optimistic/Pessismitc About 2026On this week’s episode of The Lonely Liberal, Rick and I dig into four stories that say a lot about power, violence, and accountability in 2025 America.
First, we unpack the newest batch of Epstein files and photographs, including tens of thousands of images and a growing list of powerful names. Then we turn to the tragic shooting at Brown University, the first mass shooting in Ivy League history.
From there, we look at Trump’s new $12 billion farm subsidy package: who really benefits, how it ties back to his own tariff and trade policies, and w...
2025-12-151h 06The Lonely LiberalTrump’s Most Egregious Pardons of 2025This week I break down five of the most outrageous pardons Donald Trump has handed out this term—from sitting members of Congress accused of foreign bribery, to crypto executives tied to money laundering, to a former foreign president convicted of running what U.S. prosecutors called a narco-state.
But it doesn’t stop there.
We also dig into the honorable mentions—including George Santos, major crypto fraudsters, and mega-donors whose sentences vanished after conviction. In total, Trump has now issued over 1,600 pardons and commutations this term alone.
This episode isn’t about left vers...
2025-12-1115 minThe Lonely LiberalNSS Drop, Boat Strike #22, and a Very 2025 Culture War
This week, we sprint through the biggest headlines at the intersection of policy, law, and pop culture. The White House releases its 2025 National Security Strategy, with a sharper focus on great powers. The Pentagon confirms the 22nd maritime strike tied to Venezuela, keeping the region on edge. Trump dubs “affordability” a Democratic scam while also collecting a brand-new FIFA “Peace Prize.” In the states, Gov. Tim Walz is under pressure over a widening Minnesota fraud scandal, Texas makes ivermectin available over the counter, and the Supreme Court lets Texas’s contested maps stand for 2026. On the symbolism front, the Park Servi...
2025-12-0859 minThe Lonely LiberalIs Trump's Net Worth Really Up $3 Billion Since January?
Forbes says Donald Trump’s fortune jumped roughly $3B in 2025, peaking near $7.3B before giving some back into late fall. In this 10–15 minute solo breakdown, I unpack what actually drove the swing DJT stock, a new three-part crypto stack (memecoin, World Liberty Financial, and a USD stablecoin), key legal rulings that removed liabilities, and old-school licensing/golf income, and ask how much of it is real cash versus paper gains.
In this episode:
Baseline → peak → where the estimate sits now
What “net worth” means (and why these tallies are volatile)
DJT vs. crypto drivers, separated: memecoin fees, WLFi t...
2025-12-0315 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of Nov 23: DC Shooting, Trump Tantrums, and the AutopenThis week’s rundown hits the biggest flashpoints across Washington and beyond. We start with the DC shooting that sparked a political firestorm and a wave of security and immigration moves. Then we unpack Trump’s rapid-fire posts and policy pronouncements, from autopen “nullification” claims to a call to close airspace around Venezuela, plus an unusual back-and-forth with Caracas that ended with reports of a Trump, Maduro call and possible meeting. We cover the administration’s pause on Afghan visas and asylum adjudications, the FDA’s pivot toward stricter vaccine approvals amid controversy over COVID-vax safety claims, and Northwestern’s $75 million...
2025-12-011h 16The Lonely LiberalWeek of Nov 16: Epstein Files to be Released, Trump & ZohranThis week, we cover a whirlwind of headlines spanning transparency, tech, city–federal politics, national security, immigration, and the 2026 landscape. Congress green-lights the release of the Epstein files. Larry Summers steps off OpenAI’s board. NYC’s new mayor meets President Trump in the Oval—yes, there’s outfit discourse—while the short-lived “DOGE” department quietly shutters months early. We break down Operation Southern Spear in the hemisphere, the administration’s push to pare back the Endangered Species Act, and Laura Loomer’s viral claim that the GOP has a “Nazi problem.” Plus: ICE plans stepped-up operations in New York City, and Republica...
2025-11-241h 25The Lonely LiberalIs U.S. Tourism Getting Crushed?Visa waits, new fees, thin long-haul flight capacity, and a steep Canada pullback are weighing on international travel to the U.S.—even as domestic trips hold up. In this 10–15 minute solo breakdown, I cut through the noise with a quick industry primer, the latest arrivals/spend trends, and what’s driving 2025’s underperformance vs. 2019 and 2024.
In this episode:
How the tourism engine works typically (≈3% of U.S. GDP; $1T+ in traveler spend; who the top source markets are)
The scoreboard: arrivals vs. last year and 2019, spend trends, and air/visa friction
What’s d...
2025-11-2012 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of Novermber 9th: Government Opens and the Epstein Files Get RealThis week’s rundown moves fast: Democrats end the 43-day government shutdown, a new tranche of Epstein files heads for daylight, and the White House floats a 50-year mortgage option that has economists split. We break down what actually changed at the grocery store as the administration rolls back tariffs on dozens of food imports, and we talk through a viral (and bizarre) moment from the Syrian president’s White House visit, the cologne clip. Plus: new State Department guidance that raises alarms about visa denials tied to health conditions like obesity, and a sweeping U.S. designation of seve...
2025-11-171h 17The Lonely LiberalThe Democrats Lost The Shutdown
After weeks of brinkmanship, Democrats ended the standoff with a clean(ish) continuing resolution—no ACA subsidy extension in the bill text—and public patience wore thin. In this 10–15 minute solo breakdown, I walk through what changed, why the leverage didn’t convert, and what it means for the next funding fights.
In this episode:
What the final CR actually did (and didn’t): government reopened at prior-year levels; ACA rider punted to a separate vote later
The scoreboard: policy, shared-blame polling ≈, and real economic/operational costs (with some permanent loss)
The crossover math: 8 Democratic-caucus votes in the Senat...
2025-11-1316 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of Nov 2: Zohran Wins, Mini Blue Wave, and Dick CheneyThis week, we unpack a headline-heavy slate: Zohran Mamdani shocks NYC, Trump thumbs the scale by endorsing Andrew Cuomo, Democrats hold New Jersey with Mikie Sherrill, and Abigail Spanberger makes history in Virginia. We compare what these Democratic wins have in common—and where the coalitions and messages diverge. Plus: Gov. Greg Abbott’s “100% tariff on New Yorkers” trolling, California’s newly approved redistricting maps and what they mean for 2026, Tesla shareholders green-lighting Elon Musk’s eye-popping pay package, and a post-election spat between George Santos and Curtis Sliwa. We close with a Culture Corner on the legacy of Dick Cheney...
2025-11-101h 06The Lonely LiberalAre the US and Venezuela Going to War?Tensions are spiking: F-35s in Puerto Rico, Venezuelan troop surges, boat strikes at sea, and louder great-power echoes. In this 10–15 minute solo explainer, I break down what “war” would actually look like here (hint: incidents and limited strikes, not an invasion), why the standoff escalated, and what to watch next.
In this episode:
What’s happening right now—and what “counts” as war
Why tensions spiked: counternarcotics ops, Essequibo, and Caracas politics
The hard numbers so far on boat strikes, seizures, and casualties
Who’s backing whom: Maduro’s appeals to Russi...
2025-11-0616 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of Oct 26: Graham Platner, Nuke Testing, War with Venezeula?In this week’s roundup, we unpack a wild mix of policy moves and political shockwaves: RFK Jr. wades into the Tylenol–autism debate, the White House signals a restart of U.S. nuclear testing, and Washington flirts with letting South Korea build a nuclear-powered submarine. We also break down a rare-earths “trade truce” with China that comes with a fentanyl-related tariff cut, a first-ever White House visit from Syria’s president on the calendar, New Mexico’s leap to universal free child care, the Fed’s latest rate cut, saber-rattling toward Venezuela, and a Maine Senate race thrown off course by...
2025-11-031h 04The Lonely LiberalAre Democrats Winning the Shutdown?Shutdowns aren’t “bankruptcy”, they’re budget failures. In this solo ep, I break down what actually stops during a federal shutdown, why this one is happening, and whether Democrats are gaining or just burning goodwill. We walk through the latest blame snapshots, the real economic and human costs, and a four-lens scorecard to judge “winning” while the fight is still in progress.
In this episode:
What a shutdown really is (and isn’t), in 30 seconds
What this standoff is about, and why ACA subsidies are in the middle
The current scoreboard: public blame trends, worker impacts, and d...
2025-10-3014 minThe Lonely LiberalNews Roundup (Oct 13-27): Government Shutdown, Israel-Gaza, BallroomWe are back!
This week, we run through the 16 biggest stories in U.S. politics from the last two weeks—what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next.
Government shutdown hits second-longest ever — The funding lapse that began Oct 1 drags on with no clean offramp; core services strain and pressure mounts on leadership.
SNAP pause warning — USDA signals November benefits won’t go out without new funding, raising the stakes for millions of households.
Paying the troops workarounds — The White House explores ways to keep service members paid despite the shutdow...
2025-10-281h 25The Lonely LiberalWhat is the Clean Energy Economy?Today we are joined by Stephanie Gagnon-Rodriguez to talk about the clean energy economy! What it is, where it is, and how all these policy changes that are happening in the Trump Administration are impacting real people, real investment, and real jobs.
2025-10-081h 04The Lonely LiberalWeek of Sept 28: Government Shutdown, Hegseth Fat Speech, Trump Bails Out ArgentinaThis week, we unpack the government shutdown’s real-world fallout, the latest culture-war broadsides from the White House, and fresh signs of alignment with Project 2025. We also dig into claims of targeted funding cuts to “blue” states, a headline-grabbing Argentina lifeline framed as a “bailout,” and a new U.S. strike on a Venezuelan vessel. It’s a fast, sourced tour through politics, policy, and power—minus the fluff.
Topics covered
Government shutdown: who’s furloughed, what closes, and how the economy absorbs the hit
“Punishing blue states?”Reports of federal funding cuts where Kamala Harris won
“Party of hate...
2025-10-061h 14The Lonely LiberalFive Things That Can STOP the U.S. From FascismOn this week's episode, we are joined again by Dr. Eric Grube (also known as Dr. Fascist) to discuss five guardrails, cultural norms, and other mechanisms the US has in place that can prevent it from completely falling into fascism.
2025-10-021h 29The Lonely LiberalWeek of Sept 21: Tylenol & Autism, Antifa, and Comeny IndictmentIn this episode, Rick and I break down a whirlwind week of headlines, examining what was actually announced, what’s being claimed, and what still needs verification. From RFK & Trump’s Tylenol–autism comments and a new “Antifa” designation to Epstein document releases, a reported Comey indictment, and shutdown brinkmanship, we separate signal from noise.
Stories covered
RFK & Trump link Tylenol to autism
White House labels “Antifa” a terrorist group
Plans to send troops to Portland, Oregon
Trump targets an NPR reporter, suggests ties to antifa
Epstein estate documents referencing Peter Thiel, Steve Bannon, and Elon Musk
Reports t...
2025-09-281h 14The Lonely LiberalShould We Be Freaking Out About AI?AI is everywhere: writing articles, creating art, diagnosing diseases, and even helping run our daily lives. But should we be excited, cautious, or downright terrified? In this episode, I chat with PhD researcher Ivo Young for a casual but thoughtful conversation about artificial intelligence: what it actually is, where it stands today, the big opportunities it offers, and the risks that keep people up at night.
We break down the hype versus reality, discuss the pros and cons, and share our own perspectives on whether we should be freaking out or just learning how to adapt. From...
2025-09-2459 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of Sept 14: Kimmel Canned, Kash Patel Testifies, Fed Cuts RatesOn this week's show, Rick and I cover:
Jimmy Kimmel fired over Kirk comments
Vance urges viewers to dox people who celebrated Kirk’s death (on Kirk’s show)
Kash Patel testifies
Ex-CDC Director Susan Monarez testifies
Trump says he may label “antifa” a terrorist group
DOJ removes research about domestic extremism from its website
Trump links potential RICO charges to George Soros
Fed cuts interest rates
U.S. unemployment for ages 16–24 now ~10.5%
Trump admin considering raising Social Security age
Trump signs executive order imposing $100k annual fee for H-1B visas
Trump “Gold Card” officially available for $1 million
BLS po...
2025-09-221h 382025-09-1817 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of Sept 7: Charlie Kirk Assassination, Epstein Card, National GuardOn today's show, Rick and I breakdown this week’s biggest headlines—from the killing of Charlie Kirk and the political aftershocks, to Congress’ Epstein document fight, National Guard plans for Memphis, Missouri’s redistricting, a disputed U.S. strike on a Venezuelan boat, new NAEP scores, a Supreme Court order affecting ICE raids, Bolton search details, and a controversial plan to link child deaths to COVID shots.
Write us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @thelonelyliberal
2025-09-141h 39The Lonely LiberalWhat Is the Dark Enlightenment?A strange new buzzword has been floating from obscure blogs into elite political circles: The Dark Enlightenment. In this episode, I dig into where it came from, who coined it, and why it matters now.
We’ll cover:
The origins — Curtis Yarvin’s 2007 blog and Nick Land’s 2012 essays.
Core ideas — the “Cathedral,” running a state like a company, and why they think exit is better than voice.
The key players — Yarvin, Land, Peter Thiel, J.D. Vance, Patri Friedman, Balaji Srinivasan, and more.
The numbers — $10–15M in Thiel PAC funding to Vance, 2.2M federal employees targeted by “fire-th...
2025-09-1015 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of August 31: Epstein Protests, RFK's Hearing, National Guard to Chicago?This week, Rick and I go through the top news stories, including: Congress dumps 33,000+ pages of Epstein documents as survivors head to Capitol Hill, and the White House reportedly calls a transparency push a “hostile act.” We unpack claims that the FBI flagged every Trump mention (and what’s verified vs. alleged), Speaker Mike Johnson’s informant insinuation, and a leaked tape of DOJ’s Joseph Schnitt, then the DOJ’s denial.
In public health, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. faces a bruising Senate hearing while floating autism links to Tylenol/low folate (contested by mainstream experts). Rand Paul knocks...
2025-09-081h 17The Lonely LiberalThe Top 6 Most Underrated Events in American HistoryOn this episode, we talk with Dr. Jesse Turiel to count down six quietly pivotal moments that reshaped American life and politics—events we rarely headline as “turning points,” but probably should. From the horse-trading that produced the Bill of Rights to the bare-knuckle tactics that rewired Congress in the 1990s, we trace how rules, institutions, and narratives get built—and rebuilt.
Jesse’s “6 Most Underrated Events in American History”
Adoption of the Bill of Rights (1789–1791): Why Madison’s amendments were a political bargain that legitimized the new Constitution—and still frame our liberties today.
Marbury v. Madison (1803): T...
2025-09-041h 39The Lonely LiberalWeek of August 24: CDC Chaos, National Guard Drama, and RFK Must ResignA whirlwind week in health, media, trade, and national security. We break down what’s confirmed, what’s disputed, and why it matters.
Stories covered:
CDC shake-up: Susan Monarez reportedly fired about a month after being sworn in
Senior turmoil at CDC: three additional officials resign
RFK Jr. says HHS will reveal “the cause of autism” in September
RFK Jr. claims he can spot kids with “mitochondrial challenges” on sight
Reports the Pentagon is planning to send military forces to Chicago
Ongoing threats to deploy the National Guard to major U.S. cities
National Guard assignments in Washingto...
2025-09-011h 17The Lonely LiberalDonald Trump Wants a Nobel Peace Prize. Will He Get One?Before you roll your eyes and shout, "God, I hope not!" let's go through Trump's claim that he’s stopped seven wars and deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. In this episode, we stress-test each claim: what actually happened, who did what, whether the outcome was lasting, and whether it aligns with what the Peace Prize is meant to reward (enduring peace, disarmament, and reconciliation).
Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok @thelonelyliberal
2025-08-2812 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of August 17: Texas Map Redrawn, Bolton's House Raided, and RFK & Epstein
On today's episode, Rick and I break down:
Why the Kremlin is publicly rejecting Trump’s peace plan.
Texas Democrats return, and a new GOP map advances
Trump vows an executive order targeting mail-in ballots;
Ghislaine Maxwell, in new comments, says she never saw Trump or Clinton behave inappropriately while highlighting RFK Jr.’s friendship with Epstein.
Trump’s gripe that the Smithsonian “talks too much about slavery,” the headlines about Florida schools pulling versions of The Diary of Anne Frank,
FBI raid at John Bolton’s home,
Trump has bought over $100M in bonds since January,
Elon Musk is back...
2025-08-251h 15The Lonely LiberalIs the U.S. Really Becoming Fascist? Lessons from 20th Century Germany & AustriaIn this episode, I chat with historian Dr. Eric Grube to explore one of the most urgent and unsettling questions today: Is the U.S. really on the path toward fascism?
We trace the rise of fascism in Germany and Austria in the early 20th century, unpacking how fragile democracies collapsed under economic crisis, polarization, and violence. But the story isn’t just about inevitability; it’s about choices, crossroads, and the ways people either defended or dismantled democracy.
Together we ask:
What warning signs from 1930s Europe resonate with the U.S. today?
Wher...
2025-08-201h 06The Lonely LiberalWeek of August 10: Trump vs. Putin, D.C Police, and Gavin Newsom TalkTrump and Putin leave Alaska without a ceasefire but with talk of “NATO-style” guarantees for Ukraine and a floated land-for-peace framework that Kyiv rejects. Trump claims Xi promised no Taiwan invasion during his presidency. In DC, the White House asserts temporary federal direction over the MPD under the Home Rule Act. The administration orders a Smithsonian content review ahead of America 250. Plus: Trump’s Nobel Prize antics, a new petition asking SCOTUS to revisit same-sex marriage, continued silence from the White House on the CDC shooting, Melania v. Hunter, and the BLS nominee controversy.
Email us at thelon...
2025-08-181h 02The Lonely LiberalIs the Heritage Foundation Running the United States?In this episode of The Lonely Liberal, we ask the question no one else is asking loudly enough: Is the Heritage Foundation running the country now? With Donald Trump back in the White House, Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s sweeping blueprint for government overhaul, is no longer a hypothetical. It's happening.
We cover:
The Heritage Foundation’s rise to power
Project 2025's goals: dismantle, centralize, and control
Names you should know: Kevin Roberts, Russ Vought, Stephen Miller, and more
What’s already been implemented in 2025
The quiet failure of the Democratic counter-strategy
What this means for democr...
2025-08-1311 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of August 3: Dems Flee Texas, Trump–Putin Summit, and a $200M Golden BallroomThis week’s episode dives into a whirlwind of political drama, strange headlines, and high-stakes diplomacy:
Texas Democrats flee the state to block a Trump-backed redistricting plan — and the FBI gets pulled into the chase.
Trump announces an August 15th Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin to negotiate a Ukraine ceasefire.
The President calls for an off-schedule Census, excluding undocumented immigrants.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. cancels $500 million in mRNA vaccine grants.
A double-tariff “oops” on Japan leads to refunds and red faces in Washington.
VP JD Vance gets the Army Corps of Engineers to adjust river flows for a kayak tr...
2025-08-111h 17The Lonely LiberalGerrymandering Is How You Steal ElectionsIn Texas, Republicans are orchestrating a mid-decade redistricting push aimed at securing five extra U.S. House seats, turning a slim majority of voter support into overwhelming congressional control. Former President Trump openly endorsed the scheme, calling it something Republicans are "entitled to," triggering allegations of potential Hatch Act violations by senior officials.
In this episode, we break down exactly how gerrymandering, the deliberate manipulation of voting districts, distorts democracy, weakens voters' voices, and entrenches political power. We explain how partisan tactics like "cracking" and "packing" voters into unnatural districts have historically been used to marginalize minority...
2025-08-0714 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of July 27: Gerrymandering, Maxwell Testimony, Trump Fights Stock BanThis week on The Lonely Liberal, Rick and I dive into a packed lineup of headlines that reveal just how chaotic, political, and surreal American life continues to be. From redistricting wars, Ghislaine Maxwell’s bizarre offer to testify, to South Park mocking Trump.
Top Stories This Week:
Deadly Midtown Manhattan Shooting – A gunman opens fire on a NYC office, killing four.
NYC Mayoral Race Heats Up – GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa campaigns on crime after the shooting.
UK & Canada to Recognize Palestine – Global momentum builds as MTG calls Gaza a “genocide.”
Ghis...
2025-08-041h 15The Lonely LiberalDebunking the Top 5 Myths About Gun ControlEvery time gun violence grips America, the same five myths resurface, paralyzing meaningful reform. Today, we dismantle each one with hard facts and the latest data from 2024 and 2025. From debunking the false narrative that gun violence is just a mental health issue to exposing the truth behind the claim that “guns don’t kill people,” we cut through the noise and misinformation.
We tackle misleading arguments about cities like Chicago, the flawed “good guy with a gun” concept, and fears of government tyranny. Finally, we explore the critical question: Why, despite overwhelming public support for common-sense laws, has nothin...
2025-07-3010 minThe Lonely LiberalTrump and Epstein: What We Actually KnowIn this episode of The Lonely Liberal, we cut through the noise to unpack Donald Trump’s long and complicated history with Jeffrey Epstein, from their close friendship in the 1980s and early 2000s to the quiet shielding by Trump allies, including Pam Bondi and Speaker Mike Johnson, in 2025.
We examine the evidence, including newly released DOJ files, flight logs, the infamous “birthday book,” and key allegations. We also examine why the argument that “Biden would’ve leaked it if it were real” doesn’t hold up, and how the GOP has consistently applied a double standard in handling sc...
2025-07-2713 minThe Lonely LiberalIs Nuclear Power a Good Idea?Nuclear power: feared by Boomers, embraced by Zoomers. In this episode, we dig into the shifting attitudes toward nuclear energy — especially why Gen Z and Republicans are suddenly its biggest fans.
We explore:
The rise of pro-nuclear culture
The state of nuclear power in the U.S. today
The massive cost—and low-carbon benefits—of new reactors
What’s real vs. hype in the fusion vs. fission debate
How waste is managed, and whether safety has truly improved
Why the GOP’s love of nuclear doesn’t extend to renewables
And the international equity question: who gets to go nu...
2025-07-2313 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of July 13: Trump's Epstein Meltdown, Trump vs. Powell, and Colbert CanceledThis week’s episode dives deep into one of the most chaotic and revealing stretches of the year so far. From lawsuits and file blocks to energy summits and foreign policy red flags, we break down everything you need to know.
Here’s what we cover:
Trump explodes on Truth Social, calling the Epstein files a “hoax”
Trump sues WSJ, Dow Jones, and Rupert Murdoch for $10 billion
DOJ fires James Comey’s daughter, a prosecutor in the Epstein case
WSJ publishes Trump’s alleged birthday letter to Epstein
NYT reports Trump hosted a party where Epstein was the only g...
2025-07-211h 09The Lonely LiberalTop 10 Political Misconceptions in U.S. PoliticsIn this countdown-style episode, Dr. Jesse Turiel and I discuss each of our top 5 biggest political misconceptions Americans believe.
Nick’s Top 5 Misconceptions
“Trickle-Down Economics Works”
“All Politicians Are the Same” / “Outsiders Aren’t Corrupt”
“If We Just Tax the Rich, We Can Fund Everything”
“Local Politics Don’t Matter / My Vote Doesn’t Count”
“Foreign Aid Is Just Sending Money”
Jesse's Top 5 Misconceptions
“The GOP Is the Party of Small Government and Fiscal Responsibility”
“The President Controls Gas Prices and Inflation”
“Climate Change Will End Human Civilization”
“The Founding Fathers Were a Unified Group”
“Immigration Is a Net Negative for the
2025-07-171h 25The Lonely LiberalWeek of July 6: Epstein List Vanishes, Trump vs. Putin, and Project 2029This week, Rick and I dive into the chaos, conspiracies, and climate headlines you might have missed:
The Trump Administration now claims the long-teased Epstein “client list” doesn’t exist, two weeks after Pam Bondi said it was on her desk.
Trump slaps massive new tariffs on the EU, Mexico, and Brazil, risking trade wars and rising prices at home.
In a dramatic foreign policy twist, Trump and Putin trade insults while the U.S. greenlights Patriot missiles for Ukraine.
Senate Republicans block an attempt to roll back unpopular tax hikes tucked into the Big Beautiful Bill.
Trump loses...
2025-07-141h 08The Lonely LiberalIs the U.S. Really in an Energy Crisis?This week on The Lonely Liberal Podcast, we break down whether America’s so-called “Energy Crisis” is truly about skyrocketing demand or a political “Energy Emergency” that props up fossil fuels while sidelining renewables.
Topics covered:
• Why record-breaking power demand from AI, data centers, and reshored factories is real, but our aging grid can’t keep up.
• Trump’s National Energy Emergency Executive Order: what it does, who it helps, and who it leaves out.
• The Big Beautiful Bill’s cuts to clean energy incentives — and how that contradicts the old “All of the Above” energy mantra.
...
2025-07-0916 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of June 29: The Big Beautiful Bill Passes, Deportation Threats, and Mr. JapanThis week on The Lonely Liberal, we break down all the big stories you need to know:
• Big Beautiful Bill Passes: Permanent Trump tax cuts, massive ICE and defense boosts, $930B cut from Medicaid, $186B slashed from SNAP, and clean energy credits gutted — with a projected $2.8–$3.4 trillion deficit spike.
• Zohran Mamdani Drama: Trump and GOP reps threaten to deport NYC’s first Muslim mayoral nominee, with quotes showing open Islamophobia and red-baiting.
• Elon Musk vs. Trump: Elon fires back at Trump’s deportation threat by floating his own “America Party.”
• Paramount Settlement: Paramount pays Trump $16M to settle...
2025-07-071h 16The Lonely LiberalIs the U.S. Really an Oligarchy?Billionaires and big donors shape our laws — but does that make America an oligarchy? We break down what the Princeton study really found, why 2024–25 election money shattered records, how the “broligarchy” of tech bros fits in, and what a new Supreme Court case could mean for your vote. Real stats. Real examples. And what you can do about it.
2025-07-0210 minThe Lonely LiberalThe Top 10 States Hurt by the Big Beautiful BillMillions are losing health coverage. Rural hospitals are closing. Clean energy jobs are disappearing. Higher utility bills for families already struggling.
In this episode, we break down the real impact of the Senate’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” — state by state. Who pays the price? Where do the cuts hit hardest? And how did your senators vote?
From Texas to West Virginia, we’ll count down the Top 10 states hurt most, with real numbers, shocking stats, and the truth behind the spin.
Key takeaways:
Which states lose the most Medicaid and ACA coverage
W...
2025-07-0108 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of June 22: Iran-Israel Ceasfire, Zohran Wins, and Bernie vs. RoganOn this week's episode, Rick and I break down all the crazy news stories of the week, including:
Iran and Israel agree to a fragile ceasefire — did the nuclear sites get damaged, and will it hold?
Zohran Mamdani wins the New York primary, but Andrew Cuomo stays in the race as an Independent.
Bernie Sanders goes on Joe Rogan’s podcast and argues over climate change and corporate responsibility.
Trump ends all new trade talks with Canada, sparking tension with America’s #2 trading partner.
Senate votes to block a resolution limiting the President’s war powers on Iran.
Biden and...
2025-06-301h 08The Lonely LiberalHow Fake Is The News, Really?Everyone loves to yell “fake news,” but what does that even mean anymore? In this episode, we unpack the difference between bias and misinformation, why fake news went viral first, and how social media turned disinformation into a business model.
We break down:
Where fake news actually comes from (spoiler: it’s not CNN)
How legacy outlets compare to viral social media posts
Who spreads the most misinformation — and who profits from it
The top 5 websites with the most fake news reports in the U.S.
Tips for telling what’s real, what’s spin, and what’s total...
2025-06-2510 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of June 15th: The U.S. Bombs Iran, Tucker Fight Cruz, and Clinton Endorses CuomoThis week, everything changed. President Trump ordered a surprise strike on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities in what’s already being called one of the most aggressive foreign policy moves in decades. We break down what happened, why now, and what could come next, including the real risks of escalation, constitutional overreach, and the global fallout.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration briefed only top Republican leaders before the strike, sparking a fierce debate over executive war powers. Homeland Security issued a "heightened threat environment" warning inside the U.S., as fears over potential cyberattacks and retaliation grow.
Th...
2025-06-231h 14The Lonely LiberalThe U.S. Should Absolutely NOT Go to War with IranAs tensions with Iran escalate and President Trump claims “total control of the skies” over Iranian territory, the U.S. appears to be inching closer to direct military conflict. In this bonus episode, I make the case for why that would be a catastrophic mistake, strategically and economically.
We break down the recent timeline of Israeli airstrikes, Iranian retaliation, and Trump’s veiled threats toward Iran’s Supreme Leader. Then we ask the fundamental question no one seems to be answering: What’s the plan? Because without one, we’re risking a war with no clear objective, no exit stra...
2025-06-2011 minThe Lonely LiberalIs Illegal Immigration Really Out of Control?You’ve heard the headlines: record border crossings, talk of an “invasion,” and political promises of mass deportation. But what do the numbers actually say?
In this episode, we cut through the chaos to look at what’s really happening at the border. Spoiler: while border encounters are at historic highs, the undocumented population in the U.S. has barely changed in over a decade. We dive into why that matters, what Title 42 did, how the U.S. is spending billions on enforcement while underfunding immigration courts, and whether undocumented immigrants are truly fueling crime, or just filling...
2025-06-1811 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of June 8: No Kings Protests, Tensions in the Middle East, and Cuomo is BackThis week was packed with fireworks — and not just the kind Trump wanted at his birthday parade. From dramatic legal battles in California to global tensions in the Middle East, here’s what went down:
Trump says he’d support arresting Gov. Gavin Newsom
More Marines deployed to California as protests intensify
Newsom and California’s AG sue Trump over National Guard takeover
Trump’s military birthday parade faces high costs and low attendance
“No Kings” protests erupt in all 50 states
Two Democratic state lawmakers shot in Minnesota — one fatally
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved...
2025-06-151h 21The Lonely LiberalThe Death of the Republican Party: What Happened to Conservatism?Is the Republican Party still the party of small government, personal responsibility, and traditional values? In this episode, we look at how far the GOP has drifted from its conservative roots—and how much of that shift is intentional.
We compare Reagan and Bush-era policies with Trump’s modern-day agenda, break down the authoritarian pivot of the party, and expose just how deeply Trump’s second term aligns with the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 blueprint. From mass purges of federal workers to the military enforcement of immigration policy, this isn’t the party of your parents—it’s something en...
2025-06-1112 minThe Lonely LiberalIs Donald Trump Really a Fascist?The word fascist gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? In this episode of The Lonely Liberal, we break down the true definition of fascism, explore how it differs from authoritarianism and populism, and examine whether Donald Trump's leadership, especially in his second term, is really crossing that line.
We examine the rhetoric, policies, and power grabs shaping Trump’s current administration and compare them with historical patterns from leaders like Mussolini, Orbán, and Duterte. From the politicization of the Justice Department to attacks on the press and voting rights, we unpack wher...
2025-06-1015 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of June 1: Elon and Trump Breakup, ICE Protests, and Loyalty PledgesThis week on The Lonely Liberal, Rick and I cover a whirlwind of headlines that span the outrageous, the authoritarian, and the just plain bizarre.
In the news:
Elon Musk finally turns on Trump—so naturally, Steve Bannon wants to deport him.
Trump signs a proclamation to restrict student visas and ban entry from 12 countries.
A new investigation into Biden’s cognitive health is underway,
The administration says federal jobs will now go to “Patriotic Americans” first
The National Guard is deployed to LA to crack down on ICE protestors.
The Trump administration moves to remove Harvey M...
2025-06-091h 13The Lonely LiberalWhat Is Going on With the U.S. and Canada?In this special cross-border episode, we are joined by the wonderful Delia, Canadian energy and supply chain maestro, to unpack the complicated, often overlooked dynamics between the United States and Canada. From Trump's past and present jabs at America’s northern neighbor to the surprising ways U.S. politics influence Canadian elections, we ask: What’s really going on here?
We explore:
Trump’s shifting relationship with Canada: trade wars, pipeline politics, and “blame Canada” rhetoric
How U.S. political chaos spills across the border — and what that means for Canadian elections
The clean energy connection: How Canadian...
2025-06-0558 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of May 25th: TACO Tuesdays, Bird Flu Cuts, and Biden the Robot?This week, Rick and I break down the chaos in Trumpworld and beyond:
Serious Headlines
Trump’s tariffs ruled illegal — then reinstated by an appeals court.
Trump claims he lowered China tariffs to protect them from civil unrest.
Steel tariffs are set to double, prompting fears of a trade war rerun.
“TACO” — Trump Always Chickens Out — goes viral (and he’s not thrilled).
Lobbyists reportedly charging for help securing Trump pardons.
Trump cancels a $766 million Moderna bird flu vaccine grant — during an actual bird flu outbreak.
The MAHA report cites studies that don’t exist (including one that links to...
2025-06-021h 19The Lonely LiberalThe GOP’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is TERRIBLE for Red StatesIt’s called the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—but it might just be a big betrayal. In this episode, we break down the GOP’s new budget and how it slashes healthcare, food assistance, and clean energy investments that overwhelmingly benefit red states. If you live in rural America, you might want to tune in—because you’re footing the bill.
2025-05-2910 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of May 18th: Trump's Golden Dome, Harvard Drama, and Polygraphs at The White HouseThis week on the Lonely Liberal, Rick and I break down all the major news. From billion-dollar defense bubbles to billion-dollar visas, we break down the Trump administration’s latest flurry of announcements, controversies, and cartoonish chaos. We also bring you the best of the ridiculous: AI mishaps, polygraphs at the White House, and Marjorie Taylor Greene fighting with a bot.
Major Headlines
Golden Dome Missile Defense: Trump unveils a $175B next-gen missile shield.
"White Genocide" Video: Trump shocks South African President with fake footage.
GOP Reconciliation Bill: Mike Johnson declares Trump the “most respected modern president.”
Qatari Jet Bec...
2025-05-251h 05The Lonely LiberalCrypto King: Inside Trump's Digital Gold RushDonald and Melania Trump have officially turned crypto into a family business — and maybe a political strategy. From $TRUMP and $MELANIA memecoins to the family-backed USD1 stablecoin powering billion-dollar Gulf investments, this episode of The Lonely Liberal unpacks the meme coin presidency, the ethics of crypto deregulation, and what happens when the First Family goes full Web3.
Email us thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram @thelonelyliberal
2025-05-2223 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of May 11: GOP Spending Bill, Tariffs, and RFK Is Not a DoctorIn this week’s episode of The Lonely Liberal, Rick and I break down the latest whirlwind of serious policy updates and absurd political theater. From billion-dollar budget cuts to bacteria-filled PR stunts, here’s what you need to know—and what you wish you didn’t.
News:
Medicaid cuts buried in Trump’s $4.9 trillion tax plan
U.S. denies plan to relocate 1 million Palestinians to Libya
U.S. and China agree to pause on escalating tariffs
Trump signs executive order slashing prescription drug prices
April sees surplus tha...
2025-05-191h 09The Lonely LiberalThe U.S. National Debt is $36 Trillion: Should We Be Freaking Out?The U.S. national debt just crossed $36 trillion — but what does that actually mean? In this episode of The Lonely Liberal, we dig into how we got here, who and what is really driving the debt, and whether it's the crisis some politicians make it out to be.
From trillion-dollar interest payments to pandemic spending, tax cuts, and entitlement programs, we break down the numbers, the myths, and the politics. Is investor confidence cracking? Could rising debt limit future government action? And how do other countries — like Japan — manage even bigger debt loads?
Whether you're debt-p...
2025-05-1516 minThe Lonely LiberalThe GOP Spending Bill is a Complete JokeJoin us for a bonus lunchtime rant about the newly released GOP spending bill, dubbed "The Big, Beautiful Bill."
Don't worry, normal episode still planned for tomorrow as usual.
2025-05-1313 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of May 4th: A New Pope, Trump’s New Jet, and Newark Airport is BrokenFrom presidential interviews to absurd policy proposals, Rick and I go through this week's headlines:
Trump fumbles a question about the Constitution in a new NBC interview
Biden and Jill go on The View about 2024
Meet Pope Leo XIV: the first American pope
19 states sue RFK Jr. over sweeping HHS cuts
Trump freezes $2.2 billion in research grants to Harvard
Newark air traffic controllers temporarily lose signal—again
17 states sue Trump admin over offshore wind ban
Ridiculous Headlines
Jon Voight pitched the idea for a film tariff to Trump
Trump announces plan to reopen Alcatraz
New self-deportation pr...
2025-05-121h 04The Lonely LiberalWhy Are Grocery Prices in the U.S. SO Expensive?On this week's show, we discuss one of the most talked about issues in American politics -- why are groceries so damn expensive? We break it down for you, covering inflation, corporate greed, and what other countries do to fight these things.
Send us an email at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on IG at @thelonelyliberal
2025-05-0816 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of April 27th: Trump's Approval Drops, Ukraine Mineral Deal, and Schumer's Imaginary FriendsOn this week's show, Rick and I discuss the most pressing issues in the news over the past week, including:
Amazon threatens to show the impacts of tariffs
Trump lashes out at Fox News and WSJ for publishing polls about the economy.
Trump's 100-day approval rating drops
U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal
Mike Walz leaving role, moving to new job
Democrat approval ratings drop
Pete Buttigieg goes on Andrew Schultz’s podcast and discusses how Democrats need to do more modern media.
Canada's liberal Party wins
Empire Wind Work Stop Order
Trump fires climate scientists
NSF halts all fu...
2025-05-051h 03The Lonely LiberalIs Trump’s Tariff War Making the Nintendo Switch 2 More Expensive?In this bonus episode of The Lonely Liberal, I dive into a very serious question that has been occupying too much headspace for me: Are Trump’s new China tariffs really driving up the price of the Nintendo Switch 2?
From console hardware and accessories to global supply chains, currency shifts, and manufacturing costs, we break down what’s really behind Nintendo’s surprisingly high price tags — and whether political trade wars are the main culprit or just one piece of the puzzle.
If you love video games, global economics, or just want to understand how politica...
2025-05-0206 minThe Lonely LiberalThe Stock Market is Killing the EconomyWe are back! In this episode of The Lonely Liberal, we unpack one of the most common myths in American life: that a rising stock market means a healthy economy. From the shift away from pensions to 401(k)s, to the rise of stock buybacks and the concentration of market wealth in the hands of the richest 10%, we look at how Wall Street’s obsession with short-term profits has eroded jobs, wages, and long-term security for everyday Americans. Why are we forced to cheer for a system that’s hurting us — and what could a better, fairer economy look like?
2025-05-0114 minThe Lonely LiberalWhy Does Trump Want the Panama Canal?On this week's show, we explore the Trump Administration's newfound obsession with regaining control over the Panama Canal. Are fears of Chinese influence legitimate? Are they going way too far with their rhetoric and potentially behavior (yes)? Let's find out! If you like the show, please like/review/subscribe!
Contact us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @thelonelyliberal
2025-04-2414 minThe Lonely LiberalTrump and Dump: Is Trump Intentionally Hurting the Economy?In this week's episode (a bonus episode!), Rick and I talk about the state of the economy, ending with the final question: Is Trump intentionally taking the economy? It's a fun one!
Contact us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com
2025-04-2026 minThe Lonely LiberalWhy Does Trump Want Greenland So Bad?On this week's episode we take a deep dive into the Trump Administration's obsession with Greenland, why they want it so badly, and what could happen next.
Contact us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @thelonelyliberal
2025-04-1613 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of April 6: Deportations, Measles, and a Penguin Caused a Helicopter CrashOn this week's news round-up, Rick and I discuss some of the most controversial stories, including:
Trump Administration says they paused some USAID programs by mistake
Trump is considering paying 10k to each Greenlander
AP gets allowed back into the White House
Trump discusses potentially deporting American citizens
Trump suggests a $1 trillion defense budget
RFK interview and measles outbreak
And more silly/absurd stories like:
Treasury Secretary Bessent suggests that fired federal workers can work in factories opened through tariffs
National Park services removes Harriet Tubman from Underground Railroad webpage
Egg prices hit an all-time high a...
2025-04-1341 minThe Lonely LiberalWhat Is Going On With the Economy?On today's show, we tackle the ever-pressing topic of... what the hell is going on with the economy? The tariffs are here, no they're not, my stocks look great, I'll never retire...so much drama, and we'll walk you through it!
Contact us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us @theloneyliberal
2025-04-1017 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of March 29th: Trump Flirts with Third Term, Liberation Day, and Taxed PenguinsOn this week's news round-up, Rick and I discuss some of the most controversial stories, including:
•Trump continues to press third term
•WI Supreme Court
•Senator Booker's Long Speech
•Liberation Day and Recession
•Hands Off Protest
•Trump Puts Tariffs on Islands Inhabited Only by Penguins
•Trump pardons a company
•Commerce refers to EU beef as “weak”
Contact the show @loneyliberal on IG or lonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com
2025-04-061h 02The Lonely LiberalWhy are Americans SO Unhappy?The U.S. just received its worst score ever recorded on the World Happiness Index report, and that feels...right? On today's show, we dive into the data, where the U.S. falls short, what happy countries do right, and how the U.S. can design systems that prioritize happiness.
Contact us at thelonleyliberalpodcast@gmail.com or thelonelyliberal.com
Follow us on Instagram @thelonelyliberal
2025-04-0313 minThe Lonely LiberalWeek of March 23rd: Leaked Texts, Free Speech Violations, and EggsOn this week's news round-up, we are again joined by Rick to discuss some of the most controversial stories, including:
•Pete Hegseth and top officials add Atlantic Journalist to secret groupchat
•Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk detained and arrested for op ed and protests
•Tesla vandals may get 20 years in prison, More tariffs on cars
•Trump’s approval reading steady (45-47%) — what would it take to go down?
We also chat and laugh about some of the most ridiculous news of the week, including:
•US asks Lithuania for eggs
•Florida considers repealling child labor laws
•And much more
2025-03-3054 minThe Lonely LiberalThe Democratic Party is Not LiberalOn today's show, we talk about how the Democratic Party isn't really that liberal or progressive of a party...and people like Bernie and AOC are actually not radical at all.
Send in your thoughts to thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com
2025-03-2709 minThe Lonely LiberalTesla Terrorism, Department of Education Dismantled, and Kamala’s the Front Runner?In this week's news round-up, we are joined by Rick to discuss:
•Is vandalizing a Tesla terrorism
•What's happening with the Department of Education
•The Easter egg roll
•Kamala is currently the front-runner
•AOC and Bernie's tour
2025-03-2445 minThe Lonely LiberalWho's to Blame? Federal vs. State vs. Local GovernmentIn today's episode, we do a deep dive into which level of government controls what and how states vary economically.
2025-03-2221 minThe Lonely LiberalThe Democratic Party Needs To Wake UpThis is a more off-the-cuff rant about the current failings of the Democratic Party! I swear future episodes will typically have more structure!
2025-03-1720 minThe Lonely LiberalWelcome to the Lonely Liberal Podcast!Welcome to the show! This is just a quick introduction to this show and what we will discuss!
2025-03-1704 min