The US has been upping its pressure campaign on stopping drug trafficking into the United States and one such tactic is by very illegally bombing "narco-terrorists" in boats off the coasts of Venezuela and Columbia. But this isn't the full story. The US is increasing its pressure campaign against Venezuela, in what appears to be a push for a regime change against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

I'm joined by Henry Ziemer, Associate Fellow of the Americas Program from the Center for Strategic and International Studies to dive into the rapidly escalating maritime tension and how it sits at the intersection of narco-trafficking, regional politics and interventionism. We explore what the U.S. is doing, why now, how Venezuela and regional actors are reacting, and what this means for broader geopolitics.

Across the country, a growing movement is reshaping public education - Christian nationalism. From book bans to parent choice arguments to bibles in schools, public education in America is facing an aggressive religious push that's never been seen before in modern history.

I'm joined by Kevin J. Burke, Professor of Education at University of Georgia, who recently researched and wrote a white paper for the National Education Policy Center about Christian Nationalism and Educational Policy in the United States. This is a sneak peak as to what it's the research before it's release on November 4th.

In this episode, we discuss the history of Christianity in American education, the beliefs of Christian nationalists, and how it's radiating through the nation from local school board meetings to the Supreme Court.

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After two years of devastating war, a fragile ceasefire has finally taken hold between Israel and Gaza. But what comes next? The new 20-point peace plan is vague, lacking any clear roadmap for peace or accountability. What’s certain is that more than 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza, and the enclave has been left in ruins.

I'm joined by Khaled Elgindy, former senior fellow and director of the Middle East Institute’s Program on Palestine and Israeli-Palestinian Affairs, to break down the key details of this plan, Donald Trump’s role in shaping it, and whether this ceasefire can actually last. We also dive into what rebuilding Gaza could look like — and how Palestinians can ensure they have a voice in their own future.

President Trump has ordered National Guard deployments to Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois, claiming they’re needed to protect federal agents and property as his administration intensifies its immigration enforcement raids. The move has ignited a major constitutional showdown over presidential power, state sovereignty, and the limits of federal authority.

In this episode of Beerocracy!, I’m joined by Chris Mirasola, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, who specializes in domestic military and constitutional law. Together, we break down the legal doctrines behind the National Guard deployment, from the Insurrection Act and plenary presidential authority to the controversy over sending one state’s National Guard into another without consent.

Chris also explains how these disputes could soon reach the U.S. Supreme Court — and what’s at stake for the balance of power between states and the federal government.

If you’ve been wondering whether the president can legally deploy the National Guard across state lines, or how the Insurrection Act could reshape the future of civil-military relations in America, this episode has you covered.

We’re in the middle of a government shutdown—and at the center of the standoff is health care. Democrats are refusing to sign onto a Continuing Resolution unless Republicans agree to renew Affordable Care Act subsidies, which make health insurance premiums more affordable for 22 million Americans. They’re also pushing to restore eligibility for legal immigrants who lost access to federal health programs after the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

But here’s the problem: a massive amount of misinformation is clouding the debate about who actually qualifies for federal health insurance programs. And much of that misinformation is being spread by the very top of the Republican Party.

That’s why we’re cutting through the noise. I’m joined by Jenny Sullivan, Director of Health Coverage Access at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, to unpack the real facts about ACA subsidies and Medicaid.

This special edition of Beerocracy! was recorded live at the Clinton Global Initiative Conference (CGI), where world leaders, activists, and NGOs gather to tackle the planet’s biggest challenges. I was lucky enough to have two powerful, off-the-cuff interviews with leaders on the frontlines of change.

First up is Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, the largest labor federation in the United States, representing nearly 15 million workers. We discuss how unions are fighting for workers’ rights, why labor protections are under attack, and what it means for the average American worker today.

Then I’m joined by Jaymes Black, President of The Trevor Project, the leading nonpartisan nonprofit focused on ending suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. We dive into the urgent challenges facing queer young people, especially those who are trans and nonbinary, the harmful narratives in today’s media, and how their organization is providing lifesaving support.

These conversations highlight two of the most pressing issues in America: protecting workers’ rights and supporting LGBTQ+ mental health. Thanks to CGI for bringing together such inspiring leaders who are committed to building a better future.

Political violence in America is no longer confined to the fringes - it’s becoming a dangerous part of mainstream politics. From violent rhetoric at rallies to deadly attacks on public figures, the line between political debate and physical danger is breaking down.

In the wake of the shocking murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Americans are grappling with the reality of rising political violence and deepening division. What does this surge in violence mean for the future of American democracy, and can it be stopped?

I’m joined by Arie Perlinger, a leading expert on political violence and extremism, to break down why political violence is escalating, how it became normalized, and what steps can be taken to de-escalate tensions, defend democracy, and prevent violence from becoming the default language of politics.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long been seen as America’s front line of defense in public health. But during the Covid-19 pandemic—from vaccine rollout to ever-changing guidance—the agency’s credibility took a major hit. Now, under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine activist who has ousted career scientists, the CDC faces a crisis of trust unlike any in its history.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Paul Offit, one of the nation’s leading vaccine experts, to cut through the noise. We break down how scientists determine vaccine safety, what the CDC got wrong during Covid-19, and why skepticism about vaccines has grown. Dr. Offit also warns how RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine rhetoric and policy decisions could put children and communities at greater risk.

It’s an honest, fact-driven conversation that unpacks the failures of pandemic communication, the dangers of politicizing science, and what must change if the CDC hopes to regain public trust and protect Americans in future health crises.

Artificial intelligence is transforming everything from healthcare and education to business. But alongside these breakthroughs come urgent questions about AI ethics, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the massive environmental footprint of training large AI models.

I'm joined by Benjamin Bergen, professor of cognitive science and large language model researcher at UC-San Diego, to unpack the latest in the AI rush. From ethical concerns, to democratization of intelligence, to potential super-intelligence, we break down the positives and negatives of this influential technology. And in case you're wondering, AI helped write this summary.

Gun violence in America is not just a political issue—it’s one of the most urgent public health crises of our time. From mass shootings in schools, churches, and public spaces to the daily toll of community gun violence that rarely makes national headlines, the death toll keeps climbing. The recent mass shooting in Minneapolis—killing two children and injuring 18 others, including 15 kids—shows just how devastating this crisis has become.

In this episode, I’m joined by Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, to break down how we can finally tackle gun violence in America. We discuss closing dangerous loopholes that allow easy access to firearms, banning assault weapons, strengthening background checks, and expanding mental health resources to keep communities safe.

This doesn’t have to be the America we live in. And as Angela makes clear, the majority of Americans—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike—support stronger gun control measures. It’s time to turn that consensus into action.

Vladimir Putin was welcomed on a red carpet in Alaska and Volodymyr Zelensky was flanked by world leaders in the White House with Donald Trump being the key negotiator between the two. Can President Trump actually succeed this time around in putting an end to this nearly 3.5 year old war?

I'm joined by former Ambassador to Ukraine and Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, John Herbst, to unpack what these recent developments mean and what he thinks Trump should do in order to stop Putin's reign of terror. We break down Russia’s demands to be included in security guarantee discussions, Ukraine’s calls for long-term NATO-style protections, and why supporting Ukraine is important to the United States' security.

With the federal control of D.C.’s police force and the deployment of the National Guard to address the Capitol’s so-called “homelessness and crime” problem, the question remains: does former President Donald Trump have any real plan to help people experiencing homelessness? His current approach — relocating unhoused individuals elsewhere — is not only ineffective, it’s inhumane.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisel Petis, Policy Director of Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties at the R Street Institute, to unpack the roots of the homelessness crisis, the policy failures driving it, and evidence-based solutions that actually work. We discuss why simply pushing people out of sight ignores the deeper causes — like affordable housing shortages, mental health care gaps, and systemic poverty — and explore compassionate, sustainable strategies for creating real change.

Gerrymandering has become a darkly ironic cornerstone of American democracy—an undemocratic tactic that’s become business as usual. In Texas, the practice is taking center stage again as Republican leaders move to redraw district lines ahead of the midterms, at the urging of former President Trump in a bid to secure more GOP seats. Now, Democratic strongholds like California and New York are threatening to follow suit, escalating a nationwide redistricting war.

I’m joined by Professor Mike Latner, a leading expert on gerrymandering, to unpack the origins of this strategic manipulation, how it undermines fair representation, and why partisan and racial gerrymandering remain one of the biggest threats to voting rights in America today. The fight for fair maps is far from over—and unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be getting better any time soon.

Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes are back in the spotlight—and this time, they’re shaking up Washington. As Trump’s legal team scrambles to contain mounting pressure from within the MAGA base to release Epstein-related documents, Democrats seize the moment, demanding full transparency. But will the public ever learn the full extent of who was involved?

I’m joined by Florida attorney Spencer Kuvin, who has represented multiple Epstein survivors—including the very first victim to report Epstein to the police. Kuvin takes us inside the decades-long fight for justice - including what is was like confronting Epstein in mediation rooms. Kuvin is adamant that Trump releases all the information the FBI has on Epstein, and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. One thing is for certain, without full transparency, powerful accomplices may evade accountability.

Nearly 2 years into the Israel-Gaza war, and the impact is dire for the residents of Gaza. Palestinians are starving, with children dying from malnutrition. Why? Because Israel has refused to let in aid. And the minimal aid that is let in, at American run distribution sites policed by the Israeli military, nearly 1000 Palestinians have been shot and killed. This is man-made humanitarian crisis. I’m joined by Dr. Ismail Mehr, Chair of the Islamic Medical Association of North America’s Medical Relief Association. Dr. Mehr has been to Gaza 5 times to provide medical support, including as recently as April of 2024. We unpack what his experiences have been like and what his colleagues on the ground are saying. It’s a tough conversation but extremely necessary. Regardless of politics, you should be horrified by what’s going on. Israel is leading a mass starvation campaign against Palestinians, and as a Jewish person, never again is now.

As climate disasters become more frequent and more catastrophic, from record-shattering hurricanes to deadly floods and wildfires, the very agencies responsible for forecasting and responding to these events are facing budget cuts and rollbacks under the current administration.

I'm joined by Alice Hill, Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment at the Council on Foreign Relations, to break down the critical roles of FEMA, NOAA, and the National Weather Service. We dig into why these agencies are essential to national resilience, how federal disinvestment is leaving communities more vulnerable, and what it will take to truly prepare for the climate disasters ahead.

Plus: If you ignore those National Weather Service notifications, you aren't alone. We unpack why the public struggles to understand the severity of natural disasters and what you can do to protect yourself and your community before the next crisis hits.

With the stroke of a pen, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is now law — and its consequences are already rippling across the country. Marketed as a GOP budget breakthrough, the bill delivers deep blows to the most vulnerable Americans.

I'm joined by Mike Konczal, Senior Director of Policy and Research at the Economic Security Project, to break the legislation down into four core areas: massive tax cuts for the wealthy, sweeping rollbacks in Medicaid and SNAP benefits, a gutting of recent renewable energy gains, and a staggering expansion of funding for ICE.

This bill is sprawling, technical, and intentionally confusing — but one thing is clear: everyday Americans are being left behind.

As Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani secures the Democratic nomination for Mayor of New York City, his win has sent political shockwaves across the country. While celebrated by progressives, his ambitious policy platform has sparked fierce debate—drawing skepticism from conservatives, moderates, and even some establishment Democrats.

I'm joined by economist James Parrott, a leading expert on New York City and State economics, to unpack Mamdani's most earth shattering policies and the feasibility of them. We discuss freezing the rent, free buses, raising the minimum wage, city run grocery stores, and universal childcare. If you're curious about what an economist who knows New York economics like the back of his hand thinks, this is the episode for you. And spoiler alert - he's a fan.

After President Trump ordered airstrikes on three key sites in Iran—targeting critical parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure—the world is once again on edge. The strikes marked a sharp escalation, dividing the public - even Trump's own base.

I'm joined by William Wechsler, Senior Director of the Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council, to break down the motivations behind the strikes, the pros and cons of this move, and what comes next. It's a lively discussion on why this felt right to some and like a dangerous escalation to others. Plus, we look ahead to the potential outcomes of the upcoming negotiations. It's a discussion you don't want to miss.

Tensions in the Middle East have exploded. In a surprise move, Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities and military targets—igniting a wave of missile exchanges that has left dozens dead and wounded. Joining me is Vali Nasr—Professor of International Affairs at Johns Hopkins and former State Department advisor—to unpack why Israel chose this moment to escalate, what’s driving Iran’s response, and where the U.S. fits in now. We trace the path to this boiling point, from stalled nuclear talks to shifting regional alliances—and ask: how close are we to a wider war?