In this darkly comic and cutting installment of The Actual News, our host takes a sobering, irreverent stroll through the chaos of American legislation, media distortion, and existential dread. As a sweeping new bill barrels through Congress, we ask: Who actually benefits, and who gets left in the dust?With economic inequality rising, cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, and more cash for immigration enforcement, the episode explores the cruel math of modern governance — where austerity meets aristocracy. Along the way, we dive into the absurdity of media narratives, and the illusion of political compromise.Notable Quotes:“Hi, this is The Actual News. Easy listening for the end of the world.”“Are things actually bad? Are they actually getting worse, or is it just me being a little baby about everything?”“Skeletons we have in Congress complain about young people... I understand that sometimes when young people are complaining to them, it just doesn’t have a lot of teeth.”“It gets passed back like a lateral for you sports fans.”“Imagine if you made cuts and then you didn’t actually save money — ’cause that’s what this bill does.”“Now you can’t arrest somebody because they sent you a video of Baby Joe Rogan talking to Baby Theo Vaughn, which frankly I think should be illegal.”“Josh Hawley’s like, well, this thing is just going to shut down a bunch of rural hospitals. Anyway. I will vote for it.”“Maybe they won’t affect it much for you. I would have a lot of trouble seeing how it would positively affect the majority of Americans.”Cynical, reflective, and unflinchingly honest — with sharp political insight and grim humor for an audience navigating late-stage capitalism with earbuds in.Follow & SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...DM on Instagram: / theactualnewsclips Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

In this darkly comic and cutting installment of The Actual News, our host takes a sobering, irreverent stroll through the chaos of American legislation, media distortion, and existential dread. As a sweeping new bill barrels through Congress, we ask: Who actually benefits, and who gets left in the dust? With economic inequality rising, cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, and more cash for immigration enforcement, the episode explores the cruel math of modern governance — where austerity meets aristocracy. Along the way, we dive into the absurdity of media narratives, and the illusion of political compromise. Notable Quotes: “Hi, this is The Actual News. Easy listening for the end of the world.” “Are things actually bad? Are they actually getting worse, or is it just me being a little baby about everything?” “Skeletons we have in Congress complain about young people... I understand that sometimes when young people are complaining to them, it just doesn’t have a lot of teeth.” “It gets passed back like a lateral for you sports fans.” “Imagine if you made cuts and then you didn’t actually save money — ’cause that’s what this bill does.” “Now you can’t arrest somebody because they sent you a video of Baby Joe Rogan talking to Baby Theo Vaughn, which frankly I think should be illegal.” “Josh Hawley’s like, well, this thing is just going to shut down a bunch of rural hospitals. Anyway. I will vote for it.” “Maybe they won’t affect it much for you. I would have a lot of trouble seeing how it would positively affect the majority of Americans.” Cynical, reflective, and unflinchingly honest — with sharp political insight and grim humor for an audience navigating late-stage capitalism with earbuds in. Follow & Subscribe Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... DM on Instagram: / theactualnewsclips Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

This week on The Actual News, we’re back from hiatus and the world hasn’t slowed down. The U.S. is bombing Iranian nuclear sites, Trump is declaring premature ceasefires, and Israel is playing puppet master with American foreign policy. It’s geopolitics as usual—absurd, aggressive, and deeply unserious. Domestically, Zoran Ani wins the Democratic primary for NYC mayor, and conservatives lose their minds over the rise of a “Muslim socialist.” We break down the panic, the polling, and the patterns behind why progressives keep winning—even when the right swears it’ll be the end of civilization. From foreign aggression to local elections, it’s another calm, rational episode of easy listening for the end of the world. “Easy listening for the end of the world. And as usual, we don't mean the end of the world per se, just more so the world as we know it.” “Obama had a deal with Iran... that we would essentially pay them so that they would not develop nuclear weapons. 'Cause see, we have the nuclear weapons. We don't want other people to have them.” “Trump came into office and one of the main things that Trump ran on... was that everything Obama did was gay.” “Conservatives are freaking out... like, ‘Oh my God, it’s a Muslim socialist! You guys remember the other person you said was gonna cause the total collapse of the city? The Latina socialist—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. And then it didn’t.” “The money never trickles down. You cut taxes for very wealthy people—shockingly, they don’t give that money to anyone poorer than them.” “Eric Adams is like openly just texting some Turkish officials like, ‘Yes, let’s do corruption crimes together. I love you.’” Follow & Subscribe Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... DM on Instagram: / theactualnewsclips Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

This week on The Actual News, we’re back from hiatus and the world hasn’t slowed down. The U.S. is bombing Iranian nuclear sites, Trump is declaring premature ceasefires, and Israel is playing puppet master with American foreign policy. It’s geopolitics as usual—absurd, aggressive, and deeply unserious.Domestically, Zoran Ani wins the Democratic primary for NYC mayor, and conservatives lose their minds over the rise of a “Muslim socialist.” We break down the panic, the polling, and the patterns behind why progressives keep winning—even when the right swears it’ll be the end of civilization.From foreign aggression to local elections, it’s another calm, rational episode of easy listening for the end of the world.“Easy listening for the end of the world. And as usual, we don't mean the end of the world per se, just more so the world as we know it.”“Obama had a deal with Iran... that we would essentially pay them so that they would not develop nuclear weapons. 'Cause see, we have the nuclear weapons. We don't want other people to have them.”“Trump came into office and one of the main things that Trump ran on... was that everything Obama did was gay.”“Conservatives are freaking out... like, ‘Oh my God, it’s a Muslim socialist! You guys remember the other person you said was gonna cause the total collapse of the city? The Latina socialist—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. And then it didn’t.”“The money never trickles down. You cut taxes for very wealthy people—shockingly, they don’t give that money to anyone poorer than them.”“Eric Adams is like openly just texting some Turkish officials like, ‘Yes, let’s do corruption crimes together. I love you.’”Follow & SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...DM on Instagram: / theactualnewsclips Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

In this week’s episode of The Actual News, we navigate a barrage of real headlines: escalating immigration crackdowns, swelling protests, and even a political assassination. Host Alex Giampapa unpacks the media’s obsession with fear and spectacle, the Trump administration’s immigration theater, and the dangerously effective power of perception over reality. What happens when policy becomes performance and fear becomes currency? And more importantly—how do we respond?Notable Quotes:“It seems like it’s not necessarily the end of the world, but perhaps just the end of the world as we know it.”“They’re not after your money necessarily. They’re after your attention.”“If Trump is able to get enough people to believe that, then he won’t have to improve the economy—because he, in hand with legacy media, will simply make people feel scared.”“Just because you get rid of undocumented immigrants...does not mean there’s going to be more money in your pocket.”“Communism has never worked. Okay. Has fascism ever worked?”Follow & SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...DM on Instagram: / theactualnewsclips Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

In this week’s episode of The Actual News, we navigate a barrage of real headlines: escalating immigration crackdowns, swelling protests, and even a political assassination. Host Alex Giampapa unpacks the media’s obsession with fear and spectacle, the Trump administration’s immigration theater, and the dangerously effective power of perception over reality. What happens when policy becomes performance and fear becomes currency? And more importantly—how do we respond? Notable Quotes: “It seems like it’s not necessarily the end of the world, but perhaps just the end of the world as we know it.” “They’re not after your money necessarily. They’re after your attention.” “If Trump is able to get enough people to believe that, then he won’t have to improve the economy—because he, in hand with legacy media, will simply make people feel scared.” “Just because you get rid of undocumented immigrants...does not mean there’s going to be more money in your pocket.” “Communism has never worked. Okay. Has fascism ever worked?” Follow & Subscribe Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... DM on Instagram: / theactualnewsclips Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

On this week’s Actual News, the chaotic bromance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump officially goes up in flames — and the internet's loving every minute of it. From mutual love fests on Hannity to trading bombs on Twitter, this breakup is more TMZ than CSPAN. But beyond the spectacle lies a deeper story about power, influence, and a splintering GOP.Host Alex Giampapa breaks down:The real reasons behind the Musk–Trump feudElon’s chaotic role in the U.S. government and the myth of “cutting the budget”The unspoken war between tech billionaires and MAGA populistsAnd a wild claim about the Jeffrey files that’s turning heads (and sparking lawsuits?)Also discussed: ketamine rumors, Starlink vs. the FAA, JD Vance’s loyalties, and why the tech sector is quietly taking over Washington.This isn’t just beef. It’s a political realignment — with ketamine sauce on top.Notable Quotes"Elon Musk literally said, ‘I love Trump as much as any straight man could.’ It was like watching one of those couples on social media that are all over each other — right before the spectacular breakup.""Trump basically gave Elon carte blanche to do whatever he wanted with the finances of the U.S. government… and somehow the budget still went up.""Elon comes out and calls Trump a PDF file. This is Kendrick vs. Drake all over again."Follow & SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-actual-news/id1807113259DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactualnewsclips/Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

On this week’s Actual News, the chaotic bromance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump officially goes up in flames — and the internet's loving every minute of it. From mutual love fests on Hannity to trading bombs on Twitter, this breakup is more TMZ than CSPAN. But beyond the spectacle lies a deeper story about power, influence, and a splintering GOP.Host Alex Giampapa breaks down:The real reasons behind the Musk–Trump feudElon’s chaotic role in the U.S. government and the myth of “cutting the budget”The unspoken war between tech billionaires and MAGA populistsAnd a wild claim about the Jeffrey files that’s turning heads (and sparking lawsuits?)Also discussed: ketamine rumors, Starlink vs. the FAA, JD Vance’s loyalties, and why the tech sector is quietly taking over Washington.This isn’t just beef. It’s a political realignment — with ketamine sauce on top.Notable Quotes"Elon Musk literally said, ‘I love Trump as much as any straight man could.’ It was like watching one of those couples on social media that are all over each other — right before the spectacular breakup.""Trump basically gave Elon carte blanche to do whatever he wanted with the finances of the U.S. government… and somehow the budget still went up.""Elon comes out and calls Trump a PDF file. This is Kendrick vs. Drake all over again."Follow & SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-actual-news/id1807113259DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactualnewsclips/Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

On this week’s Actual News, the chaotic bromance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump officially goes up in flames — and the internet's loving every minute of it. From mutual love fests on Hannity to trading bombs on Twitter, this breakup is more TMZ than CSPAN. But beyond the spectacle lies a deeper story about power, influence, and a splintering GOP. Host Alex Giampapa breaks down: The real reasons behind the Musk–Trump feud Elon’s chaotic role in the U.S. government and the myth of “cutting the budget” The unspoken war between tech billionaires and MAGA populists And a wild claim about the Jeffrey files that’s turning heads (and sparking lawsuits?) Also discussed: ketamine rumors, Starlink vs. the FAA, JD Vance’s loyalties, and why the tech sector is quietly taking over Washington. This isn’t just beef. It’s a political realignment — with ketamine sauce on top. Notable Quotes "Elon Musk literally said, ‘I love Trump as much as any straight man could.’ It was like watching one of those couples on social media that are all over each other — right before the spectacular breakup." "Trump basically gave Elon carte blanche to do whatever he wanted with the finances of the U.S. government… and somehow the budget still went up." "Elon comes out and calls Trump a PDF file. This is Kendrick vs. Drake all over again."

In this week’s episode of The Actual News, we cut through the noise and dive into the real economic story no one’s covering deeply enough: how artificial intelligence is about to upend the job market—and not just for coders or creatives. From the fading impact of Trump’s tariff yo-yoing to the looming disappearance of entry-level white collar work, host Alex Giampapa explores how AI is replacing everything from stand-up comedians (yes, even the yuck-yucks) to college essays, and potentially reshaping society as we know it. With a mix of brutal honesty and dry humor, we examine the myth that AI isn't "there yet," why Gen Z’s trust in institutions is crumbling, and what happens when machines do all the labor but people still need jobs to survive. Spoiler alert: the future might look a lot more like “Fully Automated Luxury Communism” or a trillionaire-run dystopia than anyone's prepared for. Topics Covered: The real impact (or lack thereof) of Trump’s tariff tactics How AI is replacing creative labor faster than expected Entry-level white collar jobs on the chopping block The death spiral of the college-to-career pipeline What happens when no one needs to work to produce The political future: communism rebranded? Notable Quotes: "The second I graduated, they were like, why did you go to college? That was so stupid of you. Who fooled you into that?" "It’s crazy to see the slow progression of school becoming more pointless every day." "To not think that AI will take a significant number of jobs is—how you say—fucking stupid." "We work or we die. That’s the deal. And that deal is about to break." Follow & Subscribe Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-actual-news/id1807113259 DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactualnewsclips/ Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

In this week’s episode of The Actual News, we cut through the noise and dive into the real economic story no one’s covering deeply enough: how artificial intelligence is about to upend the job market—and not just for coders or creatives. From the fading impact of Trump’s tariff yo-yoing to the looming disappearance of entry-level white collar work, host Alex Giampapa explores how AI is replacing everything from stand-up comedians (yes, even the yuck-yucks) to college essays, and potentially reshaping society as we know it.With a mix of brutal honesty and dry humor, we examine the myth that AI isn't "there yet," why Gen Z’s trust in institutions is crumbling, and what happens when machines do all the labor but people still need jobs to survive. Spoiler alert: the future might look a lot more like “Fully Automated Luxury Communism” or a trillionaire-run dystopia than anyone's prepared for.Topics Covered:The real impact (or lack thereof) of Trump’s tariff tacticsHow AI is replacing creative labor faster than expectedEntry-level white collar jobs on the chopping blockThe death spiral of the college-to-career pipelineWhat happens when no one needs to work to produceThe political future: communism rebranded?Notable Quotes:"The second I graduated, they were like, why did you go to college? That was so stupid of you. Who fooled you into that?""It’s crazy to see the slow progression of school becoming more pointless every day.""To not think that AI will take a significant number of jobs is—how you say—fucking stupid.""We work or we die. That’s the deal. And that deal is about to break."Follow & SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-actual-news/id1807113259DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactualnewsclips/Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

DescriptionFrom Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” to Biden’s reportedly hidden cancer diagnosis, we’re digging into the week’s wildest headlines and what they actually mean. Plus: why taxes on tips might disappear, how crypto is being used as a political play, and why no one seems to care if politicians are lying anymore. This week on The Actual News, Alex Giampapa takes on government dysfunction, economic gaslighting, and the illusion of growth—with his signature no-BS clarity and just enough sarcasm to stay sane.This episode hits everything from missile defense domes to meme coins backed by foreign investors. No panels. No propaganda. Just what actually matters, in under 15 minutes.What We Cover● What’s actually in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill—and why it’s not what it seems● Biden’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis and the implications of hiding it● Why taxes on tips might get eliminated—and who that actually helps● Trump’s crypto dinner, meme coin scandal, and Caroline Leavitt’s press briefing lies● How manufacturing tax breaks tie into tariffs and small business struggles● Why “cutting the deficit” is the new political lie everyone believes● The labor market, live events, and why the economy feels broken (because it is)Quotes & Moments“I’m not the kind of guy who turns down dome, but golden?”“Gerontocracy—look it up. Or just scroll through Congress.”“If Biden had hosted a crypto dinner, Fox would’ve combusted.”“They cried wolf so many times, and now there’s a real wolf—and nobody cares.”Mentioned This Week● Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and tip tax changes● Caroline Leavitt, meme coin donors, and deficit lies● Biden’s health and media transparency● Crypto politics, stock buybacks, and the real effects of tariffsFollow & SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-actual-news/id1807113259DM or hate-watch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactualnewsclips/Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

From Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” to Biden’s reportedly hidden cancer diagnosis, we’re digging into the week’s wildest headlines and what they actually mean. Plus: why taxes on tips might disappear, how crypto is being used as a political play, and why no one seems to care if politicians are lying anymore. This week on The Actual News, Alex Giampapa takes on government dysfunction, economic gaslighting, and the illusion of growth—with his signature no-BS clarity and just enough sarcasm to stay sane. This episode hits everything from missile defense domes to meme coins backed by foreign investors. No panels. No propaganda. Just what actually matters, in under 15 minutes. What We Cover ● What’s actually in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill—and why it’s not what it seems ● Biden’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis and the implications of hiding it ● Why taxes on tips might get eliminated—and who that actually helps ● Trump’s crypto dinner, meme coin scandal, and Caroline Leavitt’s press briefing lies ● How manufacturing tax breaks tie into tariffs and small business struggles ● Why “cutting the deficit” is the new political lie everyone believes ● The labor market, live events, and why the economy feels broken (because it is) Quotes & Moments “I’m not the kind of guy who turns down dome, but golden?” “Gerontocracy—look it up. Or just scroll through Congress.” “If Biden had hosted a crypto dinner, Fox would’ve combusted.” “They cried wolf so many times, and now there’s a real wolf—and nobody cares.” Mentioned This Week ● Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and tip tax changes ● Caroline Leavitt, meme coin donors, and deficit lies ● Biden’s health and media transparency ● Crypto politics, stock buybacks, and the real effects of tariffs Follow & Subscribe Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-actual-news/id1807113259 DM or hate-watch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactualnewsclips/ Stand-up special live now: @Giamdaddy on YouTube

From Elon Musk’s potential quiet exit from federal service to shady government messaging apps, we unpack what’s actually happening behind the headlines. Plus: updates on Ukraine aid deals, the myth of bipartisan loyalty, and a spicy health tip about why your hydration game might be making you feel worse. This week on The Actual News, Alex Giampapa dives into the political mess of the moment—with his signature no-BS clarity and just enough sarcasm to stay sane. This episode hits everything from rare earth mineral politics to blue ketchup flashbacks—and still wraps in under 13 minutes. No yelling. No spin. Just vibes and verified facts.What We Cover* Why it actually matters that Elon Musk might be out of his government role* The Signal and Telem messaging app fiascos, Pegasus software, and security threats* Mike Waltz’s reassignment and what it means for Ukraine policy* How the U.S. may benefit from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals—and why that matters* Trump’s actions vs. rhetoric when it comes to Russia and aid deals* What dehydration, minerals, and 17 daily pee breaks have in common* Why “fixing yourself” might be as basic as morning sunlight and some magnesiumQuotes & Moments* “You should judge people by their actions—not the color of their party.”* “Rare earth minerals: because we still haven’t found a war that can’t be sponsored by rocks.”* “Sometimes it’s not capitalism. Sometimes it’s you.”* “No one wants to die from blue ketchup, but here we are.”Mentioned This Week* Signal / Telem / Pegasus surveillance tech* Elon Musk’s short stint as a federal employee* U.S.–Ukraine aid and mineral resource agreements* Collagen, salt water, and why Liquid Death might be good for youFollow & Subscribe* Watch on YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@TheActualNews)* DM or hate-watch on Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/theactualnewsclips/)* Stand-up special dropping:  @Giamdaddy  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCaCDhsdabFYPQQ45mbmvNeA) on YouTube

Trump's campaign promises were spending cuts through DOGE, a successful trade war, and major immigration reform - and they've all fallen miserably. Also: an attempt at a baby boom and how Trump's failures may pave the way for a progressive candidate in 2028.

Alex reviews the Kilmar Abrego Garcia story as well as some of the Trump Administration's other recent deportations via ICE and how they're used to expand the US government's power over its citizens. A very bedheady episode. Enjoy! Episode #3 for April 21, 2025

Alex digs into how the weirdos who run our society use the news to make the economy work in their favor. Free bonus episode for April 14th, 2025.

Alex Giampapa introduces the podcast: the 24 hour news cycle is pointless to follow, and you don't really need more than 15 minutes of news a week. He digs into how mainstream news lost so much credibility over the past few years that people are now willing to listen to a comedian recording from his basement. Episode #1, April 14, 2025

This week! We discuss Trumps impeachment (filmed before he was acquitted sorry), The government investigating both right wing and left wing extremist groups, and Andrew Cuomo killing tons of senior citizens. Also special guest Emma Schmidt stops by to discuss Britney Spears! Enjoy All episodes available at theactualnews.org please support us at theactualnews/patreon #comedy #news #impeachment #andrewcuomo #freebritney

Biden approves a $15 per hour minimum wage by 2025 and won't send out relief checks until March. Reddit users from the subreddit r/wallstreetbets are holding GameStop's stock en masse to expose a Hedge Fund shorting selling it. More stuff too! TheActualNews.org Patreon.com/TheActualNews