Shows
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 234 Audio: Tommy VietorOn KK&F this week, we’ve got Tommy Vietor on the pod to talk about the Dems’ Tea Party moment. About a month after he announced plans to “phase out” FEMA, Donald Trump is now scrambling to back up his policy after the recent flooding disaster in Texas — with over 120 now dead. We discuss the tragedy as one that was profoundly avoidable; nobody should have been abandoned to die by their government. As we get into during our conversation, the lack of preparedness for the floods is a system failure across every level of government, and one that will becom...2025-07-131h 39
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 231 Audio: Cenk UygurThis week we sat down with TYT’s Cenk Uygur to hash out our disagreements on how to approach Trump 2.0. This debate comes in the midst of Trump and Netanyahu’s regime change war in Iran and as we await Trump’s final decision on whether we will start directly bombing Iran ourselves. Notably, a number of MAGA voices have vocally opposed direct engagement. Does this anti-war commentary represent a genuine rift in MAGA which can constrain Trump’s actions and peel off some of his committed base?When Krystal and Cenk last spoke in December (full convo he...2025-06-221h 16
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 227 Audio: Omar BaddarKyle asks our guest Omar Baddar in this week’s episode whether a recent growing consensus in the international community (outside of the U.S) that Israel’s genocidal actions must be stopped is cause for hope. It’s true that countries like the U.K. and France have offered, as Krystal puts it, “strongly worded letters” reacting to the IDF shooting at ambassadors in Jenin, to new and horrifying information about the starvation campaign Israel is imposing on Palestine, and more. Could it be that the world leaders are finally waking up?To Omar, the hard truth is t...2025-05-251h 24
The Kyle Kulinski ShowMay 13, 2025 | Transportation Secretary ADMITS Flying Is No Longer Safe; AOC Puts MAGA ON BLAST; Krystal Ball Verbally Beheads Bill MaherSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and over 1 billion total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2025-05-131h 23
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 219 Audio: Greg PalastInvestigative journalist Greg Palast is rejoining the show to discuss the dire straits into which a recent Trump executive order is putting our country. Each week has its fresh horror, and Krystal’s conversation with Greg delves into the latest. Greg has a seriously impressive background in shining a spotlight on the Republican agenda of making sure people can’t vote so the far-right oligarchs can entrench their minoritarian rule. You hate to see it, and you certainly hate to see the newest policy, which, as Krystal points out, would basically let Elon decide who gets to vote, both in t...2025-03-3056 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 218: Trump Stealing a Third Term?In a special episode featuring your two hosts, we discuss Trump’s long game for a regime: taking the so-called presidency again in ‘28 and continuing to wreak whatever havoc doesn’t fit into the next four years. (Not to be too doomer about it — don’t mourn, organize!) He’s got the usual cast of characters running amok, from Steve Bannon telling Chris Cuomo that Trump will take that third term (and then who knows what, right?) As Krystal brings up, destroying Medicare and Medicaid will be so politically disastrous that Trump will basically have to be in a situation wh...2025-03-241h 18The Kyle Kulinski ShowMarch 12, 2025 | KYLE'S MESSAGE FOR MAGA; Trump Hawks Teslas As Economy IMPLODES; Gavin Newsom Is SCREWED; Bill Burr v Elon Round 2Support The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2025-03-122h 00The Kyle Kulinski ShowMarch 6, 2025 | Elon's Cuts Are KILLING People; Kyle RESPONDS To Tim Pool's SMEARS; Trump CAUGHT Taking Direct BribesSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2025-03-061h 13
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 216 Audio: Rep. Maxwell FrostAs Krystal puts it in this week’s episode during a discussion of the latest in Elon Musk’s quest for world domination, Elon thinks he’s Ready Player One, and we’re all NPCs. Rep. Maxwell Frost joins us to assess the damage. As our conversation takes a deep dive into the insights Maxwell has to offer into the psyches of two billionaire egotists, we talk about one of the biggest shockers of the Trump presidency so far: that Trump has finally found someone he’s willing to play second fiddle to, it seems. Looming over Cabinet me...2025-03-021h 31
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 214 Audio: Greg PalastThis week we get a bombshell report from reporter Greg Palast regarding voter suppression that changed the 2024 election results. In our exclusive interview with him, Greg alleges that the 2024 election results are not valid; without the gross Jim Crow-era abuses of voting rights that predominated during this election, Kamala would have gotten an extra 3.5 million more votes, clinching states like Georgia and Michigan. Part of this episode is Greg’s overview of his work reconstructing on a state-by-state basis how Trump and his people relied on Ku Klux Klan legislation allowing for individual voter status to be challenged, laws th...2025-02-231h 22
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 209 Audio: Mike FigueredoOur expectations were low, but the first terrifying few days of Trump, round two have been worse than anyone could have imagined. Already we’re seeing the rollback of key civil rights legislation, attacks on immigrant communities, cutting immigration opportunities for refugees, and much more. After Elon Musk’s shenanigans on the Trump 2024 campaign trail, we expected oligarchs — Trump’s fellow elites — to bend the knee. And they have: Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos, the three richest Americans, were all in plain sight at the inauguration. What seems even more galling (if not surprising) is that Democrats have bent the knee, too...2025-01-261h 39The Kyle Kulinski ShowJanuary 22, 2025 | AOC TORCHES The ADL; Kyle's Message For Democrats; Trump Pardons Nazis; Bishop CALLS OUT Trump To His Face; Palestinians BETRAYEDSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2025-01-221h 32The Kyle Kulinski ShowJanuary 21, 2025 | Trump's Horrific Executive Orders; THE OLIGARCHY IS HERE; Rogan's Idiocy Breaks KyleSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2025-01-211h 19The Kyle Kulinski ShowNovember 20, 2024 | Jon Stewart POPS OFF On Weak Dems; Kyle DISMANTLES Piers Morgan; Cenk Uygur vs Allan LichtmanSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-11-211h 28The Kyle Kulinski ShowNovember 4, 2024 | Kyle's DEFINITIVE Case Against Trump; Kyle's Election Prediction REVEALED; INSANE Trump Epstein Story SHOCKS AllSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-11-051h 39
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 198 Audio: DEBATE Who wins? Kamala v TrumpListen to our contentious debate with Will Chamberlain on this week’s episode of KK&F. A major point of contention comes up between us and our guest around analysis of the conflict in Israel-Palestine, which Will makes clear he’s unwilling to perceive as a genocide. As we see it, events and tactics like the current starvation strategy Israel’s using in north Gaza make it clear that this event should be perceived as an ethnic cleansing. Will argues that not only does this framing not apply, but his own preferred candidate, Trump, wouldn’t allow for an event li...2024-11-031h 37The Kyle Kulinski ShowOctober 30, 2024 | Kyle REACTS To Kamala's 'Closing Argument'; Republican KICKED OFF CNN Panel; Destiny & Mehdi THROW DOWN With Sarah PalinSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-10-301h 39
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 195 Audio: Omar BaddarWelcome back to Krystal Kyle & Friends! This week’s conversation is on the escalating conflict in Lebanon and the ties we and our guest, Omar Baddar, see between this crisis and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Omar provides insights into the “opportunities” for military escalation and struggle for dominance over Hezbollah that Israel sees in its current campaign in Lebanon. Because the U.S. plays such a major role greenlighting and funding Israel’s military activity, and because Biden refuses to set a true “red line” or rock the boat before the upcoming election, what we see now is Israel’s att...2024-10-121h 23The Kyle Kulinski ShowSeptember 16, 2024 | TRUMP SHOT AT AGAIN?; JD VANCE GOES TO WAR WITH KRYSTAL! KAMALA OPENS BIG LEADSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-09-171h 33The Kyle Kulinski ShowSeptember 11, 2024 | KYLE REACTS TO KAMALA'S BRUTAL TRUMP BEATDOWN! Debate BREAKDOWNSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-09-111h 18
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 186 Audio: Omar BaddarWhen we last convened for an episode of KK&F, Kamala was still looking to fill the VP slot on the Democratic ticket. Since then, VP pick Tim Walz has received an outpouring of enthusiasm from the left-of-center and relief from progressives, but at the same time, the right has looked for weak points to hit him on (and it must be said, Walz doesn’t make it as easy as Vance does). Now, after some comments from J.D. Vance calling Walz’s service and dedication into question, the right is attackingWalz, who served for over twenty years in t...2024-08-111h 33
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 184 Audio: Cenk UygurThe old Kamala is back. That’s our guest Cenk Uygur’s pronouncement as he glosses Kamala’s shifting fortunes over the course of her political career. Initially favored as a rising star in the Democratic Party, Kamala looked like an early favorite for the nomination in the 2020 cycle, sweeping the first debate, before things seemed to go wrong suddenly and without clear cause. As Krystal points out, she’s a cautious kind of politician, and the moves she made for the presidency toward the end of her unsuccessful campaign seemed out of touch and lackluster. Now, she seems to be hi...2024-07-281h 45The Kyle Kulinski ShowJuly 24, 2024 | Republicans Go UNHINGED On Kamala; Kyle PREDICTS Kamala VP Pick; JD Vance BOMBSSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-07-251h 28The Kyle Kulinski ShowMay 22, 2024 | Netanyahu THREATENS ICC; Israel BANS AP News; MSNBC Host TURNS On His Own Network; Bill Maher CONFRONTED; Kyle vs Jordan PetersonSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-05-221h 47The Kyle Kulinski ShowApril 29, 2024 | ISRAEL BOMBS SAFE ZONES; Protests EXPLODE At White House Correspondents Dinner; Dave Rubin SMEARS Krystal; Bill Maher LOSES IT On ProtestersSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-04-301h 34
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 171 Audio: Moataz SalimCodePink activist Moataz Salim is our guest this week, talking about the organizing efforts he’s been part of in support of Palestinian liberation. All eyes are on pro-Palestine organizers right now, as students have set up encampments at Columbia (after months of enduring surveillance, chemical attacks, arrests, and doxxing). They’re making a powerful, highly visible statement against the endless slaughter of Palestinians by Israelis (and with U.S. funding), not to mention the grievous actions of their school to silence students who oppose the genocide. Moataz is on Capitol Hill every day, confronting them with his...2024-04-211h 41The Kyle Kulinski ShowMarch 19, 2024 | Tulsi BEGS To Be Trump's VP; Biden 'Angry & Anxious'; BACKLASH After Texas Bans P*rnhub | The Kyle Kulinski ShowSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-03-1959 minThe Kyle Kulinski ShowFebruary 7, 2024 | MAJOR ISRAEL LIE EXPOSED; Trump Gets NO IMMUNITY; Kyle Breaks Down Border Bill Chaos; Biden's Gaffes Get WorseSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-02-071h 12The Kyle Kulinski ShowJanuary 30, 2024 | RFK JR IS F*CKED; MAGA Rally Interview BREAKS Kyle; Charlie Kirk Breaks Racist-MeterSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-01-301h 07The Kyle Kulinski ShowJanuary 29, 2024 | US ON BRINK OF IRAN WAR; ISRAEL BOMBS UN BUILDING; Nancy Pelosi's New Low; Kyle REACTS To Border CrisisSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-01-291h 22
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 159 Audio: VaushKyle & Vaush get into it on KK&F this week on the upcoming presidential election, debates in left media, and Israel-Palestine. Listen to this episode to hear their thoughts on everything from podcaster solidarity to extremely troubling co-optations of anti-Israel sentiment online.As the ICJ moves to condemn Israeli violence in Gaza but fails to call for a ceasefire, we discuss recent updates on Israel-Palestine along with Vaush’s insights into the forthcoming election and the terrain of independent left media. We hope you’ll enjoy this wide-ranging conversation. You can listen to this episode as a podc...2024-01-281h 15The Kyle Kulinski ShowJanuary 18, 2024 | Media SHREDS 'Boring' DeSantis: 'HE'S DONE!'; Kyle REACTS To 2023's Craziest Trump Supporters; Bernie Blamed For Biden's Bad PollsSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-01-181h 00The Kyle Kulinski ShowJanuary 15, 2024 | 100k Gazans Killed Missing Or Wounded 100 Days In; Kyle's Iowa Caucus Predictions; Trump TURNS On VivekSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2024-01-161h 32
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 156 Audio: Dean PhillipsKrystal and Kyle take on Congressman and Presidential candidate Dean Phillips for a wide ranging interview and debate. Should Trump be kicked off the ballot? Is Israel committing a genocide? What would Dean do as president?For a country that prides itself on upholding democracy (don’t think about those overseas regime changes, please), the U.S. has also revealed itself to be a nation in which you might have to spend $2 million just to get on the ballot if you’re running for president. Anyway, that’s what’s happening to Dean Phillips right now, and he’s got...2024-01-071h 12The Kyle Kulinski ShowDecember 18, 2023 | 10K PALESTINIAN KIDS KILLED; US Goes To WAR With Yemen; Krystal vs RFK On Gaza; Gay Sex In The SenateSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2023-12-182h 16The Kyle Kulinski ShowDecember 14th, 2023 | Nick Fuentes Goes INSANE; Kyle REACTS To John Daly's Politics; Fox News DEBATES Biden ImpeachmentSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2023-12-141h 06The Kyle Kulinski ShowOctober 18, 2023 | GAZA HOSPITAL BOMBED; US PREPARES FOR WAR; Krystal BRUTALIZES NewsNation Host; Vivek vs TYTSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2023-10-181h 34
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 144 Audio: Nina TurnerFrom her work as Ohio State Senator to her leadership on the Bernie campaign and runs for national office, Nina Turner has been a consistent voice in favor of working people. In our interview, we ask her why she’s putting her political efforts into bolstering striking workers right now — rather than into electoral endorsements or runs (which she says aren’t off the table). Because Nina wants to see changes in the material conditions working Americans experience, she’s looking to organized labor as the agent capable of effecting these changes. From raising the minimum wage to improving workplac...2023-10-081h 17
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 137 Audio: Matt KarpWelcome to Episode 137 of Krystal Kyle and Friends, featuring special guest Matt Karp. The focus of our conversation is this: How do we build a party apparatus worthy of support from working-class voters — and capable of making good on its promises? As we’ve discussed in past KK&F convos, the Biden admin’s gambit — making centrist-friendly proposals to begin with, then, in many cases, watering them down in the face of Republican opposition or just plain amenability to austerity — has left many working-class voters wanting more. As we analyze the trend of class dealignment from midterms data, we’r...2023-08-201h 38
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 129 Audio: Emily JashinskyThis week, we are joined by Federalist writer and Counterpoints host Emily Jashinsky to debate the topics of recent anti-trans laws, drag queen story hours, Bud Light boycotts, and more. We also turn to Trump’s indictments and the right’s sudden concern for two-tier systems of justice. We’re grateful to have Emily on as an interlocutor, and we think you’ll find the conversation lively and challenging.Taking a broader view of political debates, we also talk strategy: when do the drawbacks outweigh the benefits? In conversation with this week’s guest, we lay out our case f...2023-06-251h 41
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 126 Audio: FD SignifierOur guest this week, FD Signifier, has done incredible deep dives on black conservatism — the media narrative around it, leading figures in this “niche group,” and the reality of political leanings within the black community. According to FD, while every election cycle since Obama’s second term has seen news stories on whether black voters will break away from the Democratic Party and vote Republican, the truth is that black voters tend to be left of the Democratic Party — and those whose conservative viewpoints are showcased on national media are being used to fit a false narrative in favor of conserv...2023-06-041h 35
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 124 Audio: Jason NicholsMedia fawns and humiliates themselves over Secretary Pete, Ron DeSantis sinks to new lows in his war on trans people, and Kyle reveals that time he almost had to debate Alex Jones. We have a lot to talk about on this week’s episode of KK&F. And we’re thrilled to be joined by Jason Nichols a leftist who frequently appears on Newsmax.Jason discusses his strategy and goals for appearances, his views on “platforming” extremists, and how he stays sane in the face of insanity.Thanks for tuning in! You can listen to this epi...2023-05-211h 23The Kyle Kulinski Show5/17/2023 | Krystal GRILLS RFK Jr; Trump Allegedly Sold Pardons; Marjorie Taylor Greene Has Public MeltdownSupport The Show On Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/seculartalk Subscribe to Krystal Kyle & Friends On Substack!: https://krystalkyleandfriends.substack.comFollow Kyle on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/kylekulinski With over 800,000 subscribers and nearly 670 million total views on YouTube, selling a progressive agenda is clearly something Kulinski knows how to do — even Democracy Now, the long-standing flagship of progressive media, cannot match his reach on the platform. Chapo Trap House can certainly boast a wildly devoted fan base (and a not insignificant degree of media influence), but their audience is roug...2023-05-171h 20
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 121 Audio: Daniel NichanianWith this week’s guest, Daniel Nichanian, we dive into the recent trend of GOP “culture warriors” failing to make successful bids for school board seats in recent Midwestern elections. Krystal points out that given the relatively large pool of resources these candidates often have to draw upon for smaller local elections, many expected the far-right strategy to win these elections through virulent anti-trans and anti-CRT platforms to be more successful. But in fact, these candidates have fallen short, and Daniel’s analysis reveals that while right-wing candidates are still using anti-LGBT messaging to win elections elsewhere in the country...2023-04-231h 15
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 115 Audio: Marshall KosloffThis week, we’re welcoming Marshall Kosloff to Episode 115 of KK&F. Marshall’s pod The Realignment, co-hosted with Saagar Enjeti, covers issues of the country’s political shift relating to mainstream media, national security, economic policy, and much more. We’re thrilled to have Marshall on Krystal Kyle & Friends this week to discuss the latest stories that have interested him and Saagar on The Realignment, what forms of realignment are manifesting in the United States’s political, economic, and social terrain, and why this shift is taking place — as well as our usual coverage of the latest in this week’s...2023-03-111h 43
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 114 Audio: Marianne WilliamsonThis week it’s our pleasure to bring you an exclusive conversation with 2024 presidential candidate Marianne Williamson. Like you, we’re interested in hearing about Marianne’s plans to address class warfare and social injustice in the United States, how her political journey led her to become an advocate for key progressive policies and against rampant economic inequality, and how she plans to take on both Biden and Trump this election — and win. Through her time as an author and a figure on the national political stage, Marianne has gained insight into the intense disparity between the most adv...2023-03-0546 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 113 Audio: Trevor AaronsonWhy would the FBI pay a “violent felon” — who actually managed to fly under the radar because his appearance as a potential fed was so strikingly obvious — to work secretly and internally against racial justice organizers in Denver? With Trevor Aaronson of the Alphabet Boys podcast joining us to lay out the details of this harrowing story, we learn how and why Mickey Windecker got onto the FBI payroll to provide information to the Feds about anti-racist protesting and organizing work in Denver over the summer of 2020.What emerges is the story of a man who strove to stoke...2023-02-251h 15
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 110 Audio: CorinThis week on KK&F, Corin joins Kyle for a “politics and chill” session on gun policy, the Austin food scene, and DeSantis’s politics of conservative outrage. What we note about DeSantis’ militarization of conservatives around this issue is his ability to plug into the “outrage of the day” — harnessing the energy of right-wing opposition to Biden’s perceived attack on their way of life. Kyle makes the case that this is a major point of differentiation between Trump and DeSantis that could make all the difference when it comes to the future leader of the far right. Trump is (believ...2023-02-051h 14
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 104 Audio: Matt BinderIt seems like every few days a new free-speech scandal, UI nightmare, or flame war goes down with Musk at the reins of Twitter. (Maybe you like knowing how many views your Tweets are getting, but it feels like the latest unwanted design nightmare under the leadership of the guy who proposed single-lane car tunnels under Los Angeles.) Matt, along with other journalists from outlets like CNN and the New York Times, found his Twitter account shut down over commentary on the site’s new policy surrounding the sharing of people’s real-time location info.Why did Musk...2022-12-251h 36
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 102 Audio: Thom Hartmann“Real OG” radio host Thom Hartmann joins us for an interview that’s been a long time in the making; Thom is a major influence for Kyle, someone whose coverage of leftist issues inspired him to work in left independent media. He joins us to talk about money in politics, the legal precedent for the treatment of corporations as people (bet you didn’t know that this precedent goes all the way back to 1886), and much more. In our discussion, Thom describes how the constitutional amendments so central to American liberty (freedom of speech, equal protection under the law) became t...2022-12-112h 20
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 96 Audio: Alexandra HuntWe’re grateful to Alexandra Hunt for delving into the tough issues of the “manosphere,” toxic masculinity, and how the left should view and respond to sexual frustration among young men. She considers young men’s increasing radicalization by far-right figures around issues of sexuality to be an issue the left should take on, and one that has major implications for our political system.Alexandra and Kyle lay out how manosphere commentators are able to identify and speak to struggles that we would think of as systemic, but present these struggles as individualistic, offering misogynistic diatribes, self-help advice...2022-10-301h 03
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 89 Audio: Matt ChristmanWelcome back to KK&F, where we’re joined this week by political commentator, comedian, and Chapo Trap House co-host Matt Christman. Following the news of more legal struggles for Trump’s allies, we’re taking a look at how the former president and the members of his political team have survived various attempts at prosecution and alienation from their base of supporters — and why (if at all) that might be about to change.Neither Trump nor his closest associates have faced true legal consequences for crimes committed during Trump’s administration; rather, the potential of political consequenc...2022-09-111h 57
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 88 Audio: Krystal and Kyle Mix It UpWelcome back to Krystal Kyle & Friends — minus the Friends this week, as we’re giving you a special episode of in-depth conversation between our two hosts. This week, we’re focusing on COVID policy, from vaccines and masks to lockdowns, in terms of what health and safety precautions have shaped American life in the past two years. We’re taking this opportunity to examine how the imposition of these health measures has changed public thinking about our collective duty to one another, the way we protect and advocate for kids growing up during and post-COVID, and more ethical questions we’ve fa...2022-09-041h 29
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 84 Audio: Sitch & AdamThis week, we’re bringing you a lively discussion — and some friendly debate — between KK&F host Kyle and our friends Adam and Sitch of the Sitch & Adam show. Adam and Sitch have positioned themselves as enlightened centrists, taking a critical stance on some issues at the core of traditional left politics but embracing progressive ideas like Modern Monetary Theory. That is to say, there’s plenty of room in this conversation for beliefs to be challenged, new ideas to be introduced, and the latest in big news — from the Alex Jones trial to the limitations of Roe v. Wade — to...2022-08-071h 32
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 81 Audio: Gary GerstleThis week, we’ve prepared a conversation for you with the brilliant scholar Gary Gerstle, whose research on what defines the global neoliberal order can also help us understand what might bring that order to a close. We’re sharing this conversation on the heels of the news that Manchin, who’s made no secret of his opposition to Biden’s most meager proposals for social welfare, will oppose the shell of Build Back Better that remains. Specifically, he’s vetoing measures to address climate change and taxing the rich — that is, the watered-down measures that remain on the Biden agenda...2022-07-171h 08
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 80 Audio: Jordan PetersonIn an episode months in the making, Krystal Kyle & Friends’s Kyle Kulinski is joined by psychologist and political commentator Dr. Jordan Peterson. For Kyle, it’s the “perfect situation” of getting to speak with someone whose work in psychology and philosophy has been particularly interesting to him — but who differs from him significantly on most political issues. They’re here for a back-and-forth on everything from Twitter controversies to Trump, economics, liberal versus conservative mindsets, and interpreting the results of Kyle’s personality quiz. We hope you enjoy the episode! It’s also available as a podcast on Spoti...2022-07-101h 19
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 77 Audio: Mike FigueredoWelcome back to Krystal Kyle & Friends, where we’re joined by Humanist Report host Mike Figueredo. Our conversation with Mike is wide-ranging: We talk with him about everything from his experiences as a “veteran” leftist commentator and the way his work has evolved over the years, to the invigorating prospects of the energized labor movement, to the personal story of Mike’s coming out to his family. His trademark wit, candor, and brilliant insight make this episode an essential listen.We hope you enjoy this episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends. Audio is available through Pandora, Spotify, Apple Podcasts...2022-06-1900 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 74: GoodPoliticGuyThe brutal killing of nineteen children and two teachers at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas has left us in national mourning, as the sickeningly familiar news of a school shooting continues to trickle in. As we learn more about the inaction of law enforcement on the scene and the agony of the children seeking help in their final moments, we confront one question above all: What will it take to make sure this never happens again?This is a major topic of discussion for this week’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends. From the policies we’d like...2022-05-2900 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 72 Audio: Harvey Kaye and Alan MinskyProfessor and historian Harvey Kaye and Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America Alan Minsky join us on episode seventy-two of Krystal Kyle & Friends. These two give their sharp insight into how Democrats are doing on the issues we care most about, like economic inequality and poverty — and how they’ve positioned themselves on these issues in the past.Dr. Kaye, whose work focuses on FDR, the Progressive tradition, and the Four Freedoms, among other things, gives us the historical background on the progressive demand for an economic bill of rights, and a survey of how poverty in r...2022-05-1400 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 67 Audio: Paul's EgoThis week, for Episode 67 of Krystal Kyle & Friends, we sit down with Paul’s Ego of Deep Fat Fried. Self-described as “an educational show made by and for the uneducated,” the beloved show offers everything from a review of President Biden’s first year in office to a meticulous takedown of Marjorie Taylor Greene — plus lots of hilarious and thoughtful content on Waffle House, space travel, and “cool sci-fi guns.” With Paul’s Ego, we dive into the topics of class reductionism, voting for the lesser of two evils, how leftist politicians can avoid the pressure of the status quo...2022-04-0200 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 57 Audio: Peter GoodmanIn this conversation with author and journalist Peter Goodman, we delve into Peter’s argument for “how billionaires devoured the world” — how a few people with a lot of money are able to command massive control over our politics, our culture, our society at large. It’s also an opportunity to think about the world we might build instead. What rules and regulations could be implemented to stop our billionaire overlords? Do we need an entirely new political system to ensure that nobody reaches Amazon CEO levels of power ever again? We discuss all of this and more on this week’...2022-01-2300 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 54 Audio: Chris HedgesHappy first birthday, Krystal Kyle & Friends. With guests from Nina Turner and Thomas Frank to Noam Chomsky and beyond, we’ve covered a lot of ground this year, and we’re so grateful to you for joining us. We’ve debated the popularity of today’s socialist project and discussed how it will be successful going forward; we’ve taken stock of today’s Democratic Party, and with this week’s guest, Chris Hedges, we’re thinking about whether we should move beyond that party.In the new year, we’re returning to a familiar question: is it possible to bui...2022-01-0200 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 49 Audio: David DoelThis week, with guest David Doel, we talk about the business of labeling our politics as leftists. For someone like Kyle, who feels terms like “social democrat” might apply alongside elements of terms like “libertarian socialist,” a single label doesn’t necessarily jump out. After all, what is made to seem radical and revolutionary in mainstream U.S. politics is moderate in other industrialized countries, from single-payer healthcare to paid family leave and more.We also cover big-ticket questions of principle and strategy when it comes to building independent platforms. David, as the host of The Rational National...2021-11-2800 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 46 Audio with TJ KirkThis week’s guest, TJ Kirk, gets us to think about atheism, nihilism, morality, and the social role of religion. You might know TJ from his YouTube presence as The Amazing Atheist, where he’s discussed his atheist perspective in front of millions of viewers. Kyle’s conversation with this week’s guest gives us the opportunity to reconsider conventional takes on our value systems: on the topic of nihilism, TJ makes the case that forgoing a greater meaning behind our existence doesn’t require giving up a personal sense of purpose and appreciation of life. In fact, rethinking or freeing...2021-11-0700 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 43 Audio: Ken KlippensteinThis week, Ken Klippenstein joined us for Episode 42 of Krystal Kyle and Friends, giving us the scoop on national security, the political clout of big business, what’s new with the Left’s best friend Kyrsten Sinema, and our current media landscape. Recently, Ken has broken big stories for the Intercept on Kyrsten Sinema’s class on fundraising (leave it to the experts!) and CIA-backed Afghan resistance leaders fleeing the country. In his free time, you can find him filing FOIA requests and cultivating his famous Twitter presence (we discuss how it’s affected his work life). Thanks for joining...2021-10-171h 49
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 41 Audio: David SirotaThis week, David Sirota joined us on Krystal Kyle & Friends to discuss everything from his latest foray into film to his perspective on current events, particularly the holdup of the budget. David explains the strategy corporate lobbyists are pushing to kill the reconciliation bill — breaking its link to the infrastructure bill, which they hope to pass. By joining the bills, however, progressives in the Senate have created a “take it or leave it” situation for Kyrsten Sinema, who will need to support the reconciliation bill in order to keep her corporate donors happy. Pulling a missed lesson from t...2021-10-0300 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 40 Audio: 2008 Crash Experts, Eric Vaughan and Patrick LovellIn this week’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends, we discuss current events alongside the history of corporate greed condoned by the government. This is told through the lens of the 2008 financial crash, a story brilliantly brought together in the documentary The Con by writer/director Eric Vaughan and producer Patrick Lovell. Vaughan and Lovell join us to explain how the story of government regulation figures into the timeline of the crash: How was the corruption of the financial sector enabled by our political landscape, and how are we still paying the price for this setup? Vaughan and Lovell ha...2021-09-2600 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 39 Audio with Russell BrandHi all: here’s a reminder about the weekly Krystal Kyle & Friends posting schedule. Paid subscribers receive videos of our weekly conversation at 9pm on Fridays through Substack. Audio conversations are available through Substack, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Podcasts, and more on Saturday evenings, and we post a weekly sneak peek on Tuesdays at 9pm. To become a paying subscriber, just press the button below.Thanks to Russell Brand for joining us on Krystal Kyle & Friends this week to discuss his political philosophy, the future of struggle against inequality and his current work “infusing political discourse with...2021-09-191h 29
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 37 Audio with Charlie & BenKrystal Kyle & Friends gets psychological this week — with a little help from our friends Charlie and Ben of Charisma on Command. In this episode, we dig into the famous personalities of the 2016 election (and how Hillary’s false. poorly-acted “outsider” role may have cost her public support), Democrats’ poor campaigning tactics for the California gubernatorial recall election, and much more.But Charlie and Ben’s analysis of charismatic, engaging behavior extends beyond politics and into the realm of personal life. What qualities draw other people toward you? How can you strengthen those qualities in order to build your relations...2021-09-0500 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 34 Audio with Steven DonzigerThis week on Krystal Kyle & Friends: updates on the defamation suit filed by Mike Lindell, Sydney Powell, and Rudy Giuliani; the latest in bipartisan corruption and personal gain from government contracts; and, of course, our special conversation with human rights attorney Steven Donziger, on his landmark case against Chevron. This interview offers rare insight into the full story of Donziger’s incredible case against the fossil fuel behemoth Chevron. From start to finish, Donziger explains how he became involved in the fight to hold Chevron to account for destroying the Amazon and poisoning the Ecuadoreans who called it...2021-08-1500 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 33 Audio: Irami Osei-FrimpongThis week, we sit down with your favorite Funky Academic, Irami Osei-Frimpong, to discuss the importance of institutional participation in our social and political lives, the illusion of choice that liberalism supports, and much more.Irami asks you to imagine being a vegetarian who has thirteen choices of meat for dinner. That’s the way we look at the dysfunctional, punishing healthcare programs that are available to most working people in this country. The free-market virtue of choice, embraced by the U.S. ruling class over the evils of socialism, guarantees that we must be free if we...2021-08-0800 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 32 Audio with Bernie SandersOn today’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends, we’re thrilled to bring you a conversation between Krystal and Senator Bernie Sanders. Countless people were drawn into leftist politics and movements through Bernie’s 2016 campaign, which rejected Trump’s empty appeals to the working class and introduced a movement based on class struggle and solidarity. In the Senator’s own words, “If there is going to be a class war in this country, it’s about time the working class won that war.” The reconciliation bill negotiated by Senator Sanders includes significant items like a renewable energy standard, universa...2021-08-0100 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 31 Audio with Dan PriceIn 2015, Dan Price did something we wish would keep happening: as the CEO of Gravity Payments, a credit card company, he raised Gravity’s minimum yearly salary to $70k — and lowered his own salary to $70k from over a million dollars. In this week’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends, we talk to Dan about this choice, from its catalyst to its effects. How does he respond to the CEOs who insist that paying poverty wages is good for business? What kind of ideology was he exposed to as a CEO, and what made him turn away from it? Dan an...2021-07-251h 46
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 30 Audio: Briahna Joy GrayThis week, we were lucky enough to invite Briahna Joy Gray onto Krystal Kyle & Friends. Former senior politics editor for the Intercept and national press secretary for Bernie 2020, current host of Bad Faith podcast and Current Affairs contributing editor, Briahna has brought her gifts to the American left in a number of ways, and we had the opportunity to talk to her about her work and political journey on this week’s episode of the show. Briahna wants to talk about the weakness of the liberal consensus that is held together by the power and riches of the Democ...2021-07-1800 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 29 Audio: Ismail AliYou might be inclined to think that the story of drug criminalization begins with the Reagan administration, or with the culture of substance use in the Sixties. Ismail Ali says otherwise. Ismail is this week’s guest on Krystal Kyle & Friends; he’s from MAPS [Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies], an organization that produces research on the healing and therapeutic potential of psychedelics.The task of reframing our society’s perception of psychedelic use is a big one, but as you’ll hear in this week’s conversation, it offers a great deal of positives — which decades, and even cen...2021-07-1100 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 28 Audio: Gabriel and John ShiptonThis week, we were honored to hold a discussion with Gabriel and John Shipton, the brother and father of American hero Julian Assange. As we mention in our introduction to this conversation, the violations of First Amendment rights and basic human rights that led to Assange’s incarceration have an impact on all of us. We’re humbled to share this episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends with you. In our last post, we discussed the basics of the unjust imprisonment of Julian Assange, founder of whistleblowing org WikiLeaks. Now, Gabriel and John reveal details about Julian’s current...2021-07-0400 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 27 Audio: Hasan PikerWe’re thrilled to report that Hasan Piker — you know him as HasanAbi, the wildly popular leftist Twitch streamer and commentator — joined us for this week’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends. Hasan provided his trademark keen insight on the key leftist struggles of our moment, what’s wrong with the infighting among leftist political commentators, how we can productively critique progressive lawmakers, and much more.We had to kick off the episode by talking about this week’s big story: Britney Spears gave testimony on the cruel, exploitative nature of her thirteen-year conservatorship. With her most bas...2021-06-2700 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 26 Audio: Margaret and David TalbotOn to this week’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends. We brought siblings David and Margaret Talbot onto the show to talk about their work unearthing and portraying leftist history.For historians of the ‘60s and ‘70s, one of the most pressing questions to ask is: What did the revolutionary movements of this period get right, and where did they go wrong? Of course, David and Margaret give us thought-provoking and insightful answers — on modern cynicism toward leadership; movements’ source of direction and inspiration; the importance of coalition-building; and the role of solidarity in the revolution. There’s an unbelie...2021-06-201h 54
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 25 Audio: Pete DavisI’ve come to believe that this is the defining characteristic of my generation: keeping our options open.Pete Davis begins his 2021 book Dedication: The Case for Commitment by describing the modern refusal to commit with a low-stakes example. “Infinite browsing mode” is perfectly captured by an evening spent trawling the full Netflix database, rejecting each movie option in case a better one comes along. But in his appearance on this week’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends, Pete makes it clear that the stakes of indecisiveness are far greater than permanently scrolling through media sites. Our conversatio...2021-06-1300 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 24 Audio: Rose McGowanWe’re honored to be joined by political activist and actress Rose McGowan for this week’s episode, discussing the hypocrisy of the Democratic Party, the culture of fear and violence in Hollywood, and the solidarity of the ruling class — from the CIA to the media. For Rose, the story of the Democratic Party is the story of a cult: Google the definition, she suggests, and it’s all too obvious. The demand of unconditional loyalty sits at the center of this comparison. Leftist organizers know that lobbying the Democrats for universal healthcare, a jobs guarante...2021-06-0600 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsThe cult of the Democratic PartyWith the announcement of Breaking Points, Krystal’s new independent YouTube show and podcast with co-host Saagar Enjeti, it’s been a whirlwind week. Big things are coming on Krystal Kyle & Friends, too. We’re bringing Rose McGowan on the show to discuss the cult of the Democratic Party, the struggle to bring Harvey Weinstein to justice, and the ways that social media platforms protect dangerous people. A talented actress and a tireless advocate for survivors of sexual assault, Rose has used her voice to call out the abusive behavior of men protected by wealth and fame. We’re honored...2021-06-021h 10
Krystal Kyle & FriendsBonus Episode 23: Krystal and Saagar's Big NewsIn a special crossover episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends and Saagar’s podcast The Realignment, Krystal and Saagar reveal why they left The Hill and what they are planning moving forward.2021-06-011h 10
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 22: VaushAs this week’s guest on Krystal Kyle & Friends, Vaush had plenty to discuss with us. Because of his experience as a debater and his political identification as a leftist, we brought up the big issues — how leftists should regard the Biden presidency, the legacy of Bernie or Bust, supporting Palestine — and Vaush didn’t disappoint. Without further ado, here’s the newest episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends.During an age in which we head to YouTube to learn essential skills, enjoy ourselves, and gain some political perspective, Vaush has made a name for himself by delving into timel...2021-05-302h 00
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 21 Audio: Abby MartinAs continued Israeli violence against Palestinians led to a Palestinian general strike, we had the opportunity to speak with Abby Martin about mainstream coverage of the apartheid — and about how Israel, aided by the U.S.’s imperialist interests, has controlled the narrative. This comes at a time when journalists willing to support Palestinian liberation face silencing and punishment. Days after Israeli forces destroyed the AP’s office in Gaza, the AP fired Emily Wilder, a staffer with a history of activism for Palestinian rights and critiques of Israeli leaders. While corporate media outlets restrict coverage of the truth of Palesti...2021-05-2300 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 20 Audio: Rania KhalekWe were so grateful to have Rania Khalek as our guest for Episode 20 of Krystal Kyle & Friends. Rania gave us her insight into Israel’s current ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, taking us through the past history of the Israeli occupation and the conditions of Israeli military rule. At a time when all of our minds and hearts are with the oppressed people of Palestine, we truly appreciated Rania’s thoughtful analysis of the moment, and we think you will, too. Even as the current violence against Palestinians is at the front of so many people’s mind...2021-05-1600 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 19 Audio: James SuzmanFor some, the prospect of an automated future heralds an era of robotic convenience. For others, it is another fateful step on the journey toward a cybernetic dystopia. But for many, the prospect of an automated future raises only one immediate question: what will happen if a robot takes my job?So begins James Suzman’s compelling and thorough history of work, beginning at the dawn of the Stone Age and moving forward to an analysis of current labor conditions in our capitalist society. This passage from Work: A Deep History perfectly captures Suzman’s balancing of techno...2021-05-0900 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 17 Audio: Professor Richard WolffWe were very excited to welcome Professor Richard Wolff to Krystal Kyle & Friends this week. As a prominent Marxist economist and a prolific writer on the crises of capitalism, Professor Wolff is someone we always look forward to hearing from — we know many of you probably feel the same way. That’s why we couldn’t wait to get him on the show to discuss Modern Monetary Theory, how the Biden admin is measuring up to expectations, and even more. If you’re familiar with Professor Wolff’s work, you won’t be surprised to hear that in...2021-04-252h 02
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 16 Audio: Dan KovalikAuthor and longtime Steelworkers labor lawyer Dan Kovalik joined us on KK&F this week to talk cancel culture. Why does cancel culture matter? When should people be “cancelled,” and when is cancellation harmful to the left’s political goals? You’ll find these questions, as well as Dan’s thoughtful answers, in this week’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends. We feel that understanding how to relate to our fellow leftists in a respectful, solidaristic way is key to gaining political power, so we were grateful to bring in Dan, who has thought and written extensively about this topic in Can...2021-04-182h 02
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 12 Audio: Andrew YangWe’re so glad that Andrew Yang was able to join us this week after his recovery from COVID-19. At last, we got to sit down with him and dig into the million-dollar questions about his advocacy for a UBI and how that fight has changed in the last year, his stance on Medicare for All, his thoughts on the NYC political landscape, and more. Yang is currently running for the NYC mayoralty, meaning that he’s spending his time thinking about how to address economic struggle, post-pandemic renewal, and issues of social justice from a position of political powe...2021-03-2800 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 12 Audio: Matt TaibbiThis week on Krystal Kyle & Friends, we chat with Matt Taibbi about being deported from Uzbekistan for criticizing its president, staying at a monastery, and playing professional baseball in Uzbekistan and professional basketball in Mongolia — but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.You’re probably familiar with Taibbi’s work with Rolling Stone, where he’s covered presidential campaigns from an outsider perspective, revealed the corporate evil at the heart of the 2008 financial crisis, and more. As Kyle mentions during our conversation, Taibbi’s fantastic writing captured the full picture of how Goldman Sachs dragged working people i...2021-03-211h 36
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 11 Audio: John NicholsThis week’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends, which brought us into conversation with the journalist and author John Nichols, turns to the history of American progressivism in order to understand how the left can analyze its opportunities in a Biden presidency and strategize to build institutional power. Nichols, whose book The Fight for the Soul of the Democratic Party we strongly recommend, brings up the lessons of the FDR era to show how the American government (no matter what Biden tells you) is capable of making big moves for public welfare. But he also dwells in the present mome...2021-03-1400 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 10 Audio: Dr. Carl HartThis week’s conversation with Dr. Carl Hart gave us the chance to dig into the topics of the U.S.’s racist and dysfunctional criminal justice system, the importance of personal freedoms, and the struggle to legalize drug usage. In books like Drug Use for Grown-Ups, Hart has written about the double standard applied by wealthy Americans who advocate for the normalization of psychedelic usage and the incarceration of heroin users. He’s brought up the way that the prison-industrial complex destroys lives through drug charges, as well as the way that personal liberty becomes a relevant topic in our di...2021-03-071h 41
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 9 Audio: Dylan RatiganWe knew that our conversation with Dylan Ratigan would give us the opportunity to pick the brain of a prominent populist, someone who has used his platform on mainstream media to call out the corruption of a bought Congress and corporations with more political power than working-class people. Episode 9 of Krystal Kyle & Friends focuses on Dylan’s critiques of money in politics, but in order to understand how Dylan became a populist who “flew under the radar” at institutions like MSNBC, we were also eager to hear about his upbringing and political journey. He absolutely didn’t disappoint. For full acces...2021-02-2800 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 8 Audio: Glenn GreenwaldFor our eighth episode, we spoke with Glenn Greenwald to discuss his political work and his philosophical roots. Co-founder of The Intercept and current author of the Glenn Greenwald Substack, Glenn is someone whose opinions we want to know when it comes to important topics, as Kyle points out in the episode. That’s why we were thrilled to sit down with him for the following discussion. If you want to access video of our conversations with Krystal Kyle & Friends guests, we invite you to become a paid subscriber, just by clicking the button below. You can listen to our po...2021-02-2100 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsKrystal & Kyle SPECIAL: Episode 7 AudioFriends,First of all: we were so sorry to hear that Andrew Yang couldn’t join us this week, as he’s currently battling COVID-19. Please join us in sending him well wishes for a speedy recovery.We start off by discussing the impeachment proceedings and the confirmation hearing of Neera Tanden. As Sen. Bernie Sanders has pointed out, it’s worth pondering whether Neera’s time spent securing corporate donations for CAP will bear upon her ability to lead the federal-level Office of Management and Budget. That’s precisely what we ponder, bringing up a past case in which Bloo...2021-02-142h 07
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 6 Audio: Noam ChomskyHow can a new generation of leftists learn from Chomsky’s practice as well as his theory? Our own conversation with Professor Chomsky on this week’s episode of Krystal Kyle & Friends reveals how important this question is to him. Chomsky hopes that his lifetime of work will provide insight into current political struggles — against corporate looting of workers’ wages, against the repression of organized labor, and against imperialism. After speaking with him about these struggles and about how the left can respond to them, it’s clear that the lessons Chomsky offers us are truly indispensable. There is a...2021-02-0700 min
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 4 Audio: Senator Nina TurnerThis was a banner week for liberals making the case for political unity. Make no mistake, though: a long history of unity went unmentioned in Joe Biden’s inaugural speech and in media reports on the new political moment. Biden’s own presidency was made possible by the rallying of fellow establishment candidates around his failing campaign on Super Tuesday. Far from “healing the soul of the nation,” this unity among financial, political, and media elites has had devastating consequences for decades on the majority of Americans and is deployed cynically to maintain a status quo that gave us Trump an...2021-01-241h 30
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 3 Audio: Thomas FrankFirst off, we can’t thank you all enough for the remarkable response to the first episodes of KK&F. We’ve been blown away. This is the last week that the video episode will be free here and on Kyle’s channel. So if you want to continue to get the video, subscribe below. The audio will always be free here on Substack and on all the normal podcasting platforms. Next week we have the incomparable Nina Turner on!In this week’s episode, we sit down with Thomas to flesh out the story of how the Demo...2021-01-171h 57
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 2 Audio: Bhaskar SunkaraDuring our pre-interview conversation on Tuesday with this week’s guest, Bhaskar Sunkara, Bhaskar raised the issue of polarization. What kind of polarization is actually necessary not to harm the left and erode democracy, but to support it? We could not have anticipated how timely this topic would become. A deeply radicalized right-wing group stormed the U.S. Capitol the following day. Whether this insurrection was a direct grab for power or a symbolic maneuver — which we discuss at the start of our second episode — it has brought the political themes of polarization, protecting democracy, and building durable political power...2021-01-101h 46
Krystal Kyle & FriendsEpisode 1: Marianne WilliamsonWhen we were considering who to have on our very first episode, Marianne seemed like the obvious choice. Why? Well she’s maybe uniquely positioned to help make sense of the hell we just lived through in 2020 and situate it in the broader sweep of American history, the current political moment and our own deeply personal experiences with the universe and the human experience. We both also felt like the events of 2020 had brought us closer to some of Marianne’s views, making us more compelled to explore her synthesis of politics with deeper questions about health, happiness, and mean...2021-01-031h 21