The Renegade Rep: Battling Trumpism

It's the home stretch, and something we haven't touched on enough is Trump's love affair with Tariffs. In this episode Rick sits down with Edward Goldberg, an adjunct professor at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs and expert on political economy and trade. Together, they explore the dangers of Donald Trump's proposed tariffs and the broader risks of economic isolationism. Goldberg draws historical parallels, such as China’s decision to burn its fleet in 1433 and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1929, to demonstrate the economic consequences of shutting down global trade. They also discuss the misconceptions around globalization, its connection to job loss, and the vital role of immigration and open trade in driving American innovation and prosperity. And to cap things off, Rick rants about the horror show at Madison Square Garden.

The first part of Chapter 10 introduces the fictional character Dr. Joy Brewer, a dedicated researcher focused on studying cancer clusters affecting Black Americans. Joy learns from her colleague, Dr. Matthias Kunz, that all federal grants linked to race or gender are being canceled, jeopardizing her life’s work. Despite her attempts to advocate for her essential research, the political climate forces her into a corner where she must reconsider her direction. This part of the chapter closes with Joy’s resolute decision to remain true to her mission, suggesting a significant personal and professional loss amidst the disaster of Trump and his ideological allies. In the second part of chapter, the fictional Webster "Web" Powers, addresses a packed ballroom in Washington, D.C., on a day he considers pivotal for his political ambitions. Web, who has transformed from a simple condo salesman into a powerful figure opposing what he sees as “woke” ideologies in education and government, relishes the fear among his audience—representatives from universities and research institutions. He recalls how his concerns about a lack of patriotic historical education for his children led him on a crusade to eliminate anti-American content from schools, which in turn propelled him into politics. After achieving success in Florida by banning critical race theory and related concepts from education, he is ready to extend his efforts nationally. During his speech, he unveils plans to remove references to race, gender identities, and diversity from federal policies and grants, branding the funding of such initiatives as “racism.” His announcement indicates that billions in federal research funds supporting various racial and gender-focused studies will now be terminated, causing dread among established academics who relied on these grants. Web takes pleasure in exerting control, sensing that his audience, once dismissive towards him, is now subservient to his newfound authority. Ultimately, both narratives illustrate what happens when a Trump second term guided by Project 2025 destroys the lives and work of dedicated individuals committed to social justice and scientific integrity. We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode: Danai Gurira and Joel Hurt Jones who read the chapter and others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Jonathan Moser and Marilys Ernst. Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal is written by David Pepper and produced by Pepper, Melissa Jo Peltier and Jay Feldman and is a production of Ovington Avenue Productions and The Bill Press Pod.

In this episode of Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal, we see the real-life effects of this assault on unions and workers. In our fictional story, two legendary high school football players, Turk Foster and DeAndre McCollum, still relish their past glory. But they are struggling to navigate the rule changes proposed by Project 2025 that undercut the power of unions and tilt the playing field in favor of the employers to the detriment of employees. Turk struggles with his job as a union electrician as wages and job security diminish. He feels the weight of expectation on his son, who may soon forgo football to support the family by taking a job, previously off limits to teenagers in a plant in town. DeAndre’s wife, a nurse, has had her hours cut and has to cope with last minute schedule changes that disrupt their family life. In the second half of the episode, Bruce Lipton, the fictional private equity executive, plays golf with his HR consultant Dudley Brennan. Their conversation reveals the ruthless cost-cutting measures undertaken by their firm, Bald Eagle Capital, and the broader privatized economy shaped by the election of Donald Trump and the deregulation as proposed in Project 2025. Dudley lists strategies like eliminating union protections, utilizing young workers—including hiring teenagers for hazardous jobs—and reducing overtime expenses. Despite his discomfort with these practices, Bruce feels pressured to comply with the aggressive corporate tactics that prioritize profit over worker safety and rights, reflecting an uncomfortable tension between his upbringing in a union household and the cutthroat world of private equity. The chapter concludes with Bruce's disillusionment leading him to leave the golf course, symbolizing his internal conflict over the ethical implications of his work. We'd like to thank all the artists who volunteered their time to make this episode: Wendell Pierce and Fisher Stevens who read the chapters and others who contributed character voices. Sound design by Marilys Ernst and Jon Moser

The Christian Nationalist's plan for America in a second Trump term is a masterclass in crafting propaganda. Andra Watkins explores the disturbing world of Project 2025, where all media is manipulated to support the president's agenda.

James Comey writes fiction! On the show today, the former FBI Director joins to discuss his latest novel, "Westport." They explore the inspiration behind Comey's second foray into fiction, drawing from his time at a hedge fund and his experiences in law enforcement. The conversation dives into the current political landscape, focusing on the high-profile trials of Donald Trump and their implications for the rule of law. Comey shares his insights on the importance of the DOJ and FBI's independence, the potential consequences of politicizing these institutions, and his outlook on upcoming legal battles.