The government is once again on the brink of a shutdown — but what’s really behind the chaos in Washington? In this episode, the What’s Really Going On team breaks down the political dysfunction, why the man in office doesn't want to give you affordable healthcare, and how liberals seem to be neutral when it’s convenient.

Plus, Bad Bunny is performing at the Super Bowl and we have thoughts. The team debates what it says about pop culture, politics, and America right now.
If you’re looking for real political commentary, sharp analysis of U.S. politics, and a breakdown of how power really works in Washington, this episode has it all.

📲 Follow us on Instagram / TikTok / Twitter: @WRGOPod
 🎧 Watch & listen to all our episodes here: linktr.ee/wrgo

Ezra Klein Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/opinion/charlie-kirk-assassination-fear-politics.html

Ta-Nehisi Coates Article: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/charlie-kirk-ezra-klein-tanehisi-coates?srsltid=AfmBOoqZHZ0_MZj1i26Dt0fNynb7LQ57cj7e7BimFiWpwg3F9zn7l8yn


Gov. Shutdown?!, Bad Bunny & the NFL…and the liberal identity crisis

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.

Brad is first joined by Charlie Cook, Founder of the 'Cook Political Report' and Columnist for 'The National Journal,' to discuss the 'playing field' for the 2026 midterm elections in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Then, Senior White House Reporter for 'Bloomberg Government,' Mica Soellner, joins Brad to talk about the new peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, the government shutdown, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent attacks on President Trump.

Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

Leslie Marshall Show - 10/13/25 - 2026 Midterm Playing Field; Trump's Government Shutdown

I wrote my first rap song!  And it's a banger.

Both sides suck © 2025 by Aaron Davison Music

Both sides suck
Why can’t they see
The lesser of two evils
but only barely
both sides wage wars
and feed the rich
while we just fight
over stupid shit
it's all a game
for those that rule
a façade to keep us
playing the fool
Divide and conquer
is the play
and we eat it up
day after day
year after year
it never changes
it's just the chess pieces
That rearranges
how about a knee to the neck
or a gun to the face
pay us what we want
Or we’ll put you in your place
I thought they worked for us
and they were here to serve
But then why do we work all year
and give away a third
To those that we call servants
of the public kind
it all seems backwards
it’s getting out of line
Both sides suck
why can’t they see

Both sides suck
why can’t they see
the whole thing’s rigged
for the powers that be
they point the blame
and preach their lies
while feeding fear
to blind our eyes
They sell us dreams
that never land
while stealing gold
with the sleight of hand
we scream and post
but change is thin
they built the walls
we’re trapped within

Both sides suck
and that’s the twist
we pick a team
but both exist
to keep us numb
to keep control
divide the world
and steal our soul


Both sides suck

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.

Brad is first joined by Paul Lisnek, Political and Legal Analyst for WGN-TV in Chicago.
The pair examines the ICE invasion of the 'Windy City' by the Trump administration, as well as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's response.

Then, Brad is joined by Tara Devlin, host of the 'TARABUSTER' podcast.
The analyze the impact of the 'No Kings' protest against Trump's imperial presidency, including the staggering turnout of roughly seven million attendees at 2,600 events in all 50 states.
The two also discuss President Trump's pardon of former Congressman George Santos, who was sentenced to 87 months in prison after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds and stealing identities.

Paul Lisnek anchors “Political Report” every Sunday morning at 9am central which looks at national and local issues for Chicago. It can be live streamed on www.wgntv.com/live and watched on the new WGN+ app which can be downloaded thru Apple TV, Roku or Firestick.
Paul has worked as a jury consultant in such cases as OJ Simpson and Whitewater, teaches Constitutional Law and Ethics for the bar review course. He is the author of 15 books including the award winning fiction book: "Assume Treason."

Tara Devlin is a New York City based comedian, writer, and host of the unapologetically-liberal podcast "TARABUSTER.”
Tarabuster is 5-star viewer-reviewed and 100% viewer-supported.
Help keep the REAL liberal media going – and growing – by becoming a Patron of Tarabuster at Patreon.com/TaraDevlin.
You can follow Tara on BlueSky at @tarabuster.bsky.social and on Instagram at @Taradacktyl.

Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Leslie Marshall Show - ICE Invasion of Chicago; 'No Kings' Protest Attracted 7 Million Americans

Leslie is joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm, and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.

The two discuss his latest blog, "The Government Shutdown Is the First Skirmish in the Battle Over Trump’s 2026 Budget."
(Link: https://www.sonecon.com/the-government-shutdown-is-the-first-skirmish-in-the-battle-over-trumps-2026-budget/)

In it, Dr. Shapiro argues that the current federal government shutdown marks the opening move in a much larger struggle over the fiscal direction of the federal government under Donald Trump’s 2026 budget proposal. It contends that what appears to be a short-term fight over spending bills is in fact a strategic effort to reshape federal priorities—cutting large swaths of domestic programs while boosting defense, border security and deregulation. The shutdown is portrayed as both a bargaining tactic to force concessions from Congress and a signalling device to markets and stakeholders about how aggressively the administration intends to pursue its agenda. The blog warns that the deeper economic and institutional damage will come once the shutdown ends and the budget battle truly begins, with Congress and the administration locked in a clash over the size, scope and role of the federal government.

Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.

Government Shutdown Is the First Skirmish in the Battle Over Trump’s 2026 Budget

Leslie is joined by Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the 63 unions and 15 million members of the AFL-CIO, where he serves as chief lobbyist and director of government affairs.

They discuss the severe toll of the ongoing government shutdown on workers and families—from unpaid federal employees turning to food banks to the ripple effects hitting local economies.

Calemine warns that Congress’s failure to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits could sharply raise health costs for small-business owners and workers. He urges lawmakers to pass relief measures like the True Shutdown Fairness Act and Military and Federal Employee Protection Act, and to end political brinkmanship that’s using American workers as pawns.

The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO.org. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO.  Jody's handle on Blue Sky is @guerino.bsky.social. 

Workers Held Hostage: AFL-CIO’s Jody Calemine on the Shutdown Crisis

The Call Tyrone Show is your weekly dose of the truth with the proof in Baltimore and beyond!

The Call Tyrone Show Supports The Dollar House/Dollar Lot Program for the 21st Century. Learn more about it at https://baltimore4homes.org.

Call Tyrone Show 10 29 2025

Trump and the Republicans claim they oppose government spying and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702. They're lying.

When Trump, Republicans tell you they oppose FISA 702, they're lying! - 110325

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.

Brad is first joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works. 
The two discuss the eight Senate Democrats who caved to the GOP and gave up healthcare tax credits in order to re-open the government.
They also hypothesize Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's role in the eight Senators' decision, and whether it's time to look for a new leader for Senate Democrats.
Finally, Alex explains that it's ultimately the Republicans who have caused the health care catastrophe.
On that front, there’s a list of the 25 most vulnerable House Republicans that people should continue to focus on, and Social Security Works will continue to do protests on these matters.

Then, Brad is joined by Eve Levenson, Senior Director of Political Partnerships and Strategy at Flytedesk, 'the technology that powers college media.'
The pair analyzes last Tuesday's election results across the country, and how young voters played a huge part in determining the outcomes.
Flytedesk's key takeaways showed that young voters remain a stronghold for Democrats: across the country from VA and NJ to CA and NYC, they favored Dems strongly in last Tuesday's elections.
Young voters favored candidates who prioritized affordability. This tracks with Flytedesk's research that the economy and, in particular, costs were a top issue in both 2024 and 2025.
The gender gap among young voters remains, but is shrinking: Abigail Spanberger, Mickie Sherrill, and Zohran Mamdani all won young men by double digits, while winning young women with even larger margins.

The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.  

Flytedesk's website is www.flytedesk.com.
Eve Levenson's handle on BlueSky is @eve-levenson.bsky.social.


Eight Senate Democrats Cave to GOP; Youth Vote Powered 2025 Democratic Wins

In Episode 17. We featured a friend of the house, Francis Blessed. He shared his story From the bustling streets of Lagos to the quiet plains of Kansas, this new episode is a wild ride.

Our guest shared his unforgettable journey—growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and navigating his way to Kansas in the middle of a sweltering summer. Things took a turn when he got lost at Chicago O’Hare, only to end up in a remote Kansas town where a suspicious call from a gas station led to a surprise encounter with local police. It’s a story full of twists, laughs, and unexpected lessons.

We also dive into a serious global issue: the controversial remarks from President Donald Trump about potentially sending U.S. military forces to Nigeria in response to the ongoing violence against Christians by extremist groups. It’s a heavy topic, and we unpack it with nuance and care.

Donald Trump recently said he had ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria as he stepped up his criticism that the government was failing to rein in the persecution of Christians in the west African country.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump posted on social media. “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!”

The warning of possible military action came after Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, earlier on Saturday pushed back on Trump announcing the day before that he was designating the west African country “a country of particular concern” for allegedly failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.

The Famos Lentini Pod S7E17 |LAGOS 2 KANSAS, TRUMP THREATENS NIGERIA FT. FRANCIS BLESSED (Podcast)

The crew breaks down Democrats big wins from Zohran Mamdani in New York to Georgia's Public Service Commission. They then spend A LOT of time debating the politics and impacts of a group of Democrats choosing to end the government shutdown. 

📲 Follow us on Instagram / TikTok / Twitter: @WRGOPod
🎧 Watch & listen to all our episodes here: linktr.ee/wrgo

Democrats Win Big...and Lose

Call Tyrone Show 11 12 2025

On WBAL News Now at 6, WBAL's Phil Yacuboski reports on a House and Senate Republican proposal to ban mid-decade Congressional redistricting.  

WBAL News Now in Depth Republicans Offer Redistricting Alternative

O custo de via começou a ter impacto no voto norte-americano? O caso da Geórgia foi paradigmático? Mais do que Nova Iorque? Como é que os custos energéticos podem estar a mudar o cenário político? E a IA ou a nuvem? A vitória democrata em Nova Iorque deve-se a uma alteração do eleitorado? De estratégia? A IRA é uma milícia? Sócrates fica sem defesa? A CNE esteve bem ao decidir a favor do Chega? E os EUA?

Ep. 278 - Ciclo eleitoral nos EUA; Portugal: IRA, defesa de Sócrates, CNE e Chega

O fim do 'shutdown' nos EUA foi bom para os Democratas? Ou deram um tiro no pé? A operação "Lança do Sul" é apenas o início? Para que servem as COP30s? O regime de Maduro tem que cair? Os sindicatos e partidos de esquerda conseguirão demonstrar até 11 de dezembro o mérito da greve geral? A população está a par da proposta da reforma laboral? A Alemanha acha mesmo que vai haver guerra até 2029? E a China?

Ep. 279 - EUA e mais EUA; Outra COP30; Greve Geral em Portugal; China contra Japão

Donald Trump and the Republican Party keep coming up with new ways to use the immigration issue to destroy liberty in America.

Trump and Republicans using immigration to expand their war on liberty - 111825

I love California. I have visited many times, up and down the West Coast. I think my favorite places are La Jolla ( San Diego), Laguna Beach, Manhattan Beach and  Santa Barbara. I have visited 23 of the 50 USA states and still like California the best.
The Golden State is the 3rd largest state after Texas and Alaska, with a population of 39m.It's the 5th largest economy in the world. The pacific coastline is 840 miles long - I've driven up and down many times. Key features include, a fertile central valley, The Sierra Nevada mountains, Death Valley and ancient forests. Silicon Valley is a global technology Centre, home to Apple, Goggle, Meta and Tesla. Hollywood is also the entertainment capital of the world. The Aerospace hub includes Space X ,NASA and Lockheed. The state is a car centric society, but also a center for counter culture activities like the hippy movement and the LGBT community. Of course, it's also the home of Disneyland. ‘Boys with Toys’ ( the name of my song) is part of the culture of high-tech gadgets, computers, venture capital wealth, private jets, helicopters, supercars and billion-dollar toys ( like flying cars and rockets).It’s also a land of surfers and adventure seekers, everything from mountain bikes to skate boarders. ‘Boys with toys’ stereo types depict awkward male programmers  who write algorithms and live in incubator houses. Generally, it's about the pursuit of wealth, and to be on the cutting edge.
The state also gets a bad wrap around the cost of living, the homeless, the housing crisis and disastrous liberal policies enabling tent encampments. It also has high taxes and gas priced and finally it has seen companies leaving for states like Texas e.g. Tesla and  Hewlett Packard. Crime and the nanny sate are common complaints, as are poorly thought through environmental polices. Some refer to it as a  ‘state pf managed decline’
The song is set up nicely with a fairly negative view of California , probably caused by me watching Elon Musk on CNN ! I spent a long time making my lyric video in order to get across the diversity of issues and views. For example, the lines in the song, ‘Rats feast on rubbish, roaming the streets. Stopping pool parties and condo treats. Militant guys are making it worse. May the Lord, have mercy on us. Called the Governor, ain ’t taking my call. Hippy dippy therapies in an urban sprawl  California is on fire, making a noise. The Valley, is run by boys with toys’ The rats in the street refers to San Franscico which suffered badly from the Opioid epidemic, but now seems to be getting its act together. Then the chorus kicks in with,’ California is on fire, making a noise. The Valley, is run by boys with toys. On fire refers to some of the chaos described but also the 9,000 wildfires every year with up to 4m acres burned. This is increasing every year as the fires get bigger and longer and temperatures get hotter, coupled with intense droughts, albeit 95% are human caused. For some its time to go !. The songs says, ‘Modern life, has stubbed out our fun. Mired in no man’s land, it’s time to run’ and then ‘Freedom is not for sale, gotta opt out’. At this point we meet a couple who are ready to move out, singing, ‘I wanna move way out of town Wanna keep three cats, slowdown’. The have a dream and it’s not California, ‘ Buying the farm was always our dream. That's the plan baby, to swim in a stream’ – there is no way they could afford a farm in this state. They are sick of debating liberal democrat versus staunch republican policies and principles, they sing, ‘No wrangling with Damm neighbours Just the wonder of woodland gazes. They conclude, ‘No need to combat an ugly autumn. Blueberry pancakes sound awesome’ They repeat their displeasure with ‘The Valley, is run by boys with toys’





 


Pod 33 Bunch of boys with toys

Subscribe on Patreon and hear this week's full patron-exclusive episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/144323282

Beatrice and Phil discuss how healthcare costs are expected to dramatically spike next year without significant intervention, and how the structure of the Affordable Care Act itself ensures that we’re going to relive moments like the shutdown fight until we can make something fundamentally better.

Runtime 1:26:47

We're testing out a new Bookshop.org page (still under construction), where you can find books by past guests and book recommendations from the hosts. Find it here: bookshop.org/shop/deathpanel

Show links:

Get Health Communism here: bookshop.org/a/118130/9781839765179

Find Tracy's book Abolish Rent here: bookshop.org/a/118130/9798888902523

Unlock full episode

Teaser - The ACA and the Looming Healthcare Crisis (11/24/25)

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.

Brad is first joined by Mabinty Quarshie, White House Reporter for the Washington Examiner.
The two analyze President Trump's 36% approval rating in the new Gallup poll, which is the lowest of his term, and just two points shy of his lowest ever.
They also discuss Trump's handling of the press, and what his low approval rating could mean for Republicans in next year's midterm elections.

Then, Brad is joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton (USAF-Ret.).
The two discuss the Washington Post report that Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, authorized a highly unusual strike to kill all survivors of one of the Trump administration’s attacks in recent months on boats allegedly carrying drugs in international waters.
Next, they talk about Senator Mark Kelly's message to military service members about their duty to the U.S. constitution to not follow unlawful orders.
Lastly, they discuss the prospects for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.

Mabinty Quarshie's handle on X is @MabintyQ.

Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social. 

Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

Trump's 36% Approval Rating in Gallup Poll; Hegseth May Have Committed War Crime in 2nd Strike Order

Brady Kent is a  Song Lyricist 
Books. Songs. Lyric Videos . Podcasts. Guest Muscians

Aaron Davison is a Berklee College of Music alumnus, singer, songwriter, and guitarist with a passion for creating music that blends emotion, melody, and meaning. After years of writing and performing both as a solo artist and collaborator, Aaron’s latest project Future’s Past marks a new creative chapter.

Future’s Past explores themes of awakening, transformation, and renewal through cinematic, ethereal, and emotionally charged songs. Each track invites listeners on a reflective journey that bridges the personal and the universal, reminding us that even in endings, there is always a beginning.

Watch videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FuturesPastMusic

Tune in to the Call Tyrone Show on WOLB 1010 AM Baltimore on Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST. The Call Tyrone Show is hosted by LTC (Ret.)Tyrone Bost, owner of BPPW Piping and Pipe Welding. We talk about real issues and uncover the ‪truth‬ that is hidden in plain sight by discussing the facts behind the poverty, unemployment, the war on drugs, mass incarceration, and politics.


The Call Tyrone Show is your weekly dose of the truth with the proof in Baltimore and beyond!

The Call Tyrone Show Supports The Dollar House/Dollar Lot Program for the 21st Century. Learn more about it at https://baltimore4homes.org.

"A podcast that makes politics fun."

The What's Really Going On Podcast is co-hosted by three Howard University alums - Henry, McKenzie, and Noah - who discuss the intersection of politics and culture with a focus on how it impacts Black and Brown millennials!

The best progressive talk right here, on demand. Always Progressive, Always On!

Politics, culture, and public policy from the left. Stay alive another week.

w/ Beatrice Adler-Bolton, Artie Vierkant, Phil Rocco and Jules Gill-Peterson. 

https://www.patreon.com/deathpanelpod

A realidade a partir de um triângulo que foi vergonha e hoje é Orgulho. Político, sempre. Cultural e Social, quando nos apetecer. Comunitário e atrevido, se estivermos para isso. Um podcast sem linhas de formatação, mas com todas as formas da diversidade.

Correio dos Ouvintes: darkroom@triangulacaodocirculo.pt

“The Strident Conservative” is a two minute daily commentary focusing on the news and issues relevant to Conservatives and the Constitution. With a focus on holding our political and spiritual leaders accountable for the decline of American greatness, we are an equal-opportunity critic, holding members of every political stripe accountable.

Lagos Born, Lagos raised, California living. Founder and host of AfroBeats Los Angeles. The major African party in LA.

New tracks tagged #REPUBLICANS