<![CDATA[Armchair Politics]]>Instead of keeping politics out of sports, we're talking politics like it's sports. Alex Smith, Dr. Christopher Carter, and David Coe sit down and talk about politics and culture through the perspective of sports fans. 

New Episode every Thursday.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 18:34:51 GMTMon, 02 Feb 2026 06:02:28 GMT60David<p>Instead of keeping politics out of sports, we're talking politics like it's sports. Alex Smith, Dr. Christopher Carter, and David Coe sit down and talk about politics and culture through the perspective of sports fans. </p><p></p><p>New Episode every Thursday.</p>episodicDaviddadavidcoe@gmail.comyes<![CDATA[Building the corporate Democratic All-Star team]]>We are locked in on two things: The state of the Democratic Party and the NBA playoffs. So we put together our very own Corporate Democratic All-Star  team. Who did we miss that deserves a roster spot?

Apologies for the echo. Will sort that out before next week.

Chapters:

00:00 Victor Wembanyama already a gaot

3:29 Tottenham Hotspur, the mets of the Premier League

6:16 Knicks are in the finals!

9:42 James harden typifies a corporate Democrat 

12:18 Kamala Harris’s role

15:12 Nancy Pelosi is the coach

15:48 Starting point guard, Hakeem Jefferies

17:06 Defining a corporate democrat

26:28 Cory Booker, the volume shooter

32:31 Kirsten Gillibrand is Dillon Brooks

34:29 Elissa Slotkin is first person off the bench 

39:54 California is the Mecca for corporate Dems

47:24 Steny Hoyer at center

49:37 Mark Werner, the stretch four

52:47 How to look into corporate donations

54:57 Jon ‘hack a’ Fetterman

56:40 All the senators that caved in the shutdown

57:37 Terri Sewell

1:00:45 Respectability politics in the black community 

]]>3b0447e5-c3ec-43d9-854f-f0fdb67eaad8Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>We are locked in on two things: The state of the Democratic Party and the NBA playoffs. So we put together our very own Corporate Democratic All-Star  team. Who did we miss that deserves a roster spot?</p><p></p><p>Apologies for the echo. Will sort that out before next week.</p><p></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Victor Wembanyama already a gaot</p><p>3:29 Tottenham Hotspur, the mets of the Premier League</p><p>6:16 Knicks are in the finals!</p><p>9:42 James harden typifies a corporate Democrat </p><p>12:18 Kamala Harris’s role</p><p>15:12 Nancy Pelosi is the coach</p><p>15:48 Starting point guard, Hakeem Jefferies</p><p>17:06 Defining a corporate democrat</p><p>26:28 Cory Booker, the volume shooter</p><p>32:31 Kirsten Gillibrand is Dillon Brooks</p><p>34:29 Elissa Slotkin is first person off the bench </p><p>39:54 California is the Mecca for corporate Dems</p><p>47:24 Steny Hoyer at center</p><p>49:37 Mark Werner, the stretch four</p><p>52:47 How to look into corporate donations</p><p>54:57 Jon ‘hack a’ Fetterman</p><p>56:40 All the senators that caved in the shutdown</p><p>57:37 Terri Sewell</p><p>1:00:45 Respectability politics in the black community </p>yes01:03:55117Building the corporate Democratic All-Star teamfull<![CDATA[Stock up, stock down: Which politicians are impressing. Which are imploding. ]]>As primary season and the NBA playoffs heats up, the Armchair guys sit down with political commentator and content creator Jordan Uhl to discuss which politicians are on a hot streak, and which are throwing up bricks.  

Chapters:

00:00 Intro 

00:47 The best song about Cleveland

2:17 Alexandria Ocasio Cortez

5:51 The Argument for president AOC

9:38 Chuck Schumer and the Bailey’s

14:45 In defense of Chuck Schumer

15:59 DNC Chair Ken Martin

17:56 Democratic Party’s lack of vision

18:57 The Football comp for the Democratic Party 

24:48 Democrats outdated views of politics 

27:26 Summer Lee 

33:17 Summer Lee is like Cade Cunningham 

34:55 James Talarico

37:47 How Zohran won over the black community

43:14 Michelle Obama’s take on MAGA

46:16 Chris Van Hollen

49:38 Next democratic senate leader

52:14 Jon Ossof 

54:41 Jack Schlossberg taken down by Crackhead Barney

57:14 Cory Booker

59:01 Chris Rabb and Ron Sand

]]>ff4a4c69-c60f-43e3-9219-ab16b9ad4d16Thu, 21 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>As primary season and the NBA playoffs heats up, the Armchair guys sit down with political commentator and content creator Jordan Uhl to discuss which politicians are on a hot streak, and which are throwing up bricks.  </p><p></p><p></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Intro </p><p>00:47 The best song about Cleveland</p><p>2:17 Alexandria Ocasio Cortez</p><p>5:51 The Argument for president AOC</p><p>9:38 Chuck Schumer and the Bailey’s</p><p>14:45 In defense of Chuck Schumer</p><p>15:59 DNC Chair Ken Martin</p><p>17:56 Democratic Party’s lack of vision</p><p>18:57 The Football comp for the Democratic Party </p><p>24:48 Democrats outdated views of politics </p><p>27:26 Summer Lee </p><p>33:17 Summer Lee is like Cade Cunningham </p><p>34:55 James Talarico</p><p>37:47 How Zohran won over the black community</p><p>43:14 Michelle Obama’s take on MAGA</p><p>46:16 Chris Van Hollen</p><p>49:38 Next democratic senate leader</p><p>52:14 Jon Ossof </p><p>54:41 Jack Schlossberg taken down by Crackhead Barney</p><p>57:14 Cory Booker</p><p>59:01 Chris Rabb and Ron Sand</p>yes01:03:36116Stock up, stock down: Which politicians are impressing. Which are imploding. full<![CDATA[The next Sheriff of Los Angeles should be..]]>Not enough people are talking about the LA county Sheriff’s race, so the guys sat down with award winning Angeleno journalist Cerise Castle to break down all the candidates in the 2026 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s race, and discuss if anything can be done about the prevalence of organized gangs within the department. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introducing Cerise Castle

2:15 Growing up black in Los Angeles during D.A.R.E.

6:18 Person experience with Police violence 

8:47 Press interaction with police

11:15 Scope of deputy gangs

13:01 All the candidates for Sheriff

15:19 Long shot candidates

18:02 Alex Villanueva

25:28 The incumbent Robert Luna

31:03 LEO surveillance of journalists 

35:52 Eric Strong a hope for reform

40:08 Continuing the tradition of black journalism 

41:50 What do deputy gangs do?

46:10 Challenges in reforming the sheriffs dept 

49:13 County board of supervisors role

52:03 What we can do 

]]>d4431757-e0f9-456c-89ae-27424199cbcaThu, 14 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>Not enough people are talking about the LA county Sheriff’s race, so the guys sat down with award winning Angeleno journalist Cerise Castle to break down all the candidates in the 2026 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s race, and discuss if anything can be done about the prevalence of organized gangs within the department. </p><p></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Introducing Cerise Castle</p><p>2:15 Growing up black in Los Angeles during D.A.R.E.</p><p>6:18 Person experience with Police violence </p><p>8:47 Press interaction with police</p><p>11:15 Scope of deputy gangs</p><p>13:01 All the candidates for Sheriff</p><p>15:19 Long shot candidates</p><p>18:02 Alex Villanueva</p><p>25:28 The incumbent Robert Luna</p><p>31:03 LEO surveillance of journalists </p><p>35:52 Eric Strong a hope for reform</p><p>40:08 Continuing the tradition of black journalism </p><p>41:50 What do deputy gangs do?</p><p>46:10 Challenges in reforming the sheriffs dept </p><p>49:13 County board of supervisors role</p><p>52:03 What we can do </p>yes00:57:15115The next Sheriff of Los Angeles should be..full<![CDATA[Who’s getting our votes in the Ca primary ]]>We’re joined by progressive political strategist Clara J Cox to break down the candidates in all the pivotal races in the June 2nd California primary, both statewide and locally in Los Angeles.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

2:32 Governor's Race

5:25 Does the jungle primary work?

7:41 Pros and cons: ranked choice voting

9:51 Butch Ware is not a serious candidate 

11:55 The Katie Porter conundrum 

16:49 Tom Steyer connects w/ pocketbook issues

18:50 Katie Porter BBQed Becerra on single payer

20:17 Tom Steyer - Class traitor

24:14 Xavier Becerra’s pattern of ignoring criticism 

29:35 Jane Kim for Insurance commissioner

35:12 Challenges in implementing insurance reform

38:55 Attorney General, Controller, Secretary of State 

39:12 Treasurer, Superintendent of public education

40:55 Oliver Ma or Michael Tubbs for Lt Governor

42:15 Lt Governor could divest from Israel

44:12 Kenneth Mejia is the best LA Controller

46:40 Mejia’s republican appeal

50:26 Heidi Feldstein Soto is a terrible City Attorney 

53:12 Marissa Roy for City Attorney 

56:13 Spencer Pratt is baby Trump

59:48 Karen Bass: good congresswoman, terrible mayor

1:05:42 Rae from a theological perspective

1:10:54 Nithya Raman is an honest leader

1:15:51 Wide angle perspective on the primary

Who we’re voting for:

Governor

Tom Steyer

Insurance Commissioner

Jane Kim

Lt Governor

Oliver Ma

Michael Tubbs

Attorney General

Rob Bonta

Controller

Malia M. Cohen 

Secretary of State

Shirley N. Weber

Treasurer

Anna M. Caballero

STATE Superintendent

Nichelle M. Henderson

Member of State Board of Equalization (3rd District)

Samuel P. Sukaton

Los Angles Mayor

NITHYA RAMAN

LA City Controller 

KENNETH MEJIA

LA City Attorney

MARISSA ROY

County Assessor

Still researching

LA Sheriff

Eric Strong

Mike Bornmann

(Check back next week ep focuses on this race)

County Supervisor

1st: Maria Elena Durazo

3rd: Lindsay Horvath

CITY COUNCIL:

DISTRICT NO. 1

EUNISSES HERNANDEZ

NO. 3

BARRI WORTH GIRVAN

NO. 5

HENRY MANTEL

NO. 7

MONICA RODRIGUEZ

NO. 9

ESTUARDO MAZARIEGOS

NO. 11

FAIZAH MALIK

NO. 13

HUGO SOTO-MARTINEZ

NO. 15

TIM MCOSKER

LAUSD 

District 2

Rocio Rivas

District 4

Nick Melvoin

District 6

Kelly Gonez

LA county Assembly, State Senate, Congressional, and Judge of the Superior Court races coming soon. 

]]>dd20a7df-469d-4a48-ab75-9084f261d360Thu, 07 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>We’re joined by progressive political strategist Clara J Cox to break down the candidates in all the pivotal races in the June 2nd California primary, both statewide and locally in Los Angeles.</p><p></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Intro</p><p>2:32 Governor's Race</p><p>5:25 Does the jungle primary work?</p><p>7:41 Pros and cons: ranked choice voting</p><p>9:51 Butch Ware is not a serious candidate </p><p>11:55 The Katie Porter conundrum </p><p>16:49 Tom Steyer connects w/ pocketbook issues</p><p>18:50 Katie Porter BBQed Becerra on single payer</p><p>20:17 Tom Steyer - Class traitor</p><p>24:14 Xavier Becerra’s pattern of ignoring criticism </p><p>29:35 Jane Kim for Insurance commissioner</p><p>35:12 Challenges in implementing insurance reform</p><p>38:55 Attorney General, Controller, Secretary of State </p><p>39:12 Treasurer, Superintendent of public education</p><p>40:55 Oliver Ma or Michael Tubbs for Lt Governor</p><p>42:15 Lt Governor could divest from Israel</p><p>44:12 Kenneth Mejia is the best LA Controller</p><p>46:40 Mejia’s republican appeal</p><p>50:26 Heidi Feldstein Soto is a terrible City Attorney </p><p>53:12 Marissa Roy for City Attorney </p><p>56:13 Spencer Pratt is baby Trump</p><p>59:48 Karen Bass: good congresswoman, terrible mayor</p><p>1:05:42 Rae from a theological perspective</p><p>1:10:54 Nithya Raman is an honest leader</p><p>1:15:51 Wide angle perspective on the primary</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Who we’re voting for:</b></p><p>Governor</p><p>Tom Steyer</p><p></p><p>Insurance Commissioner</p><p>Jane Kim</p><p></p><p>Lt Governor</p><p>Oliver Ma </p><p>Michael Tubbs </p><p></p><p>Attorney General</p><p>Rob Bonta </p><p></p><p>Controller</p><p>Malia M. Cohen  </p><p></p><p>Secretary of State</p><p>Shirley N. Weber </p><p></p><p>Treasurer</p><p>Anna M. Caballero </p><p></p><p>STATE Superintendent </p><p>Nichelle M. Henderson </p><p></p><p>Member of State Board of Equalization (3rd District)</p><p>Samuel P. Sukaton </p><p></p><p>Los Angles Mayor</p><p>NITHYA RAMAN</p><p></p><p>LA City Controller </p><p>KENNETH MEJIA </p><p></p><p>LA City Attorney</p><p>MARISSA ROY </p><p></p><p>County Assessor</p><p>Still researching</p><p></p><p>LA Sheriff</p><p>Eric Strong</p><p>Mike Bornmann</p><p>(Check back next week ep focuses on this race)</p><p></p><p>County Supervisor</p><p>1st: Maria Elena Durazo</p><p>3rd: Lindsay Horvath</p><p></p><p>CITY COUNCIL: </p><p>DISTRICT NO. 1</p><p>EUNISSES HERNANDEZ</p><p></p><p>NO. 3</p><p>BARRI WORTH GIRVAN</p><p></p><p>NO. 5</p><p>HENRY MANTEL</p><p></p><p>NO. 7</p><p>MONICA RODRIGUEZ</p><p></p><p>NO. 9</p><p>ESTUARDO MAZARIEGOS</p><p></p><p>NO. 11</p><p>FAIZAH MALIK</p><p></p><p>NO. 13</p><p>HUGO SOTO-MARTINEZ</p><p></p><p>NO. 15</p><p>TIM MCOSKER</p><p></p><p>LAUSD </p><p>District 2</p><p>Rocio Rivas</p><p></p><p>District 4</p><p>Nick Melvoin</p><p></p><p>District 6</p><p>Kelly Gonez</p><p></p><p>LA county Assembly, State Senate, Congressional, and Judge of the Superior Court races coming soon. </p>yes01:19:21114Who’s getting our votes in the Ca primary full<![CDATA[Uncapping the House of Representatives W/ Mr. Beat]]>American history nerd Matt Beat joins the guys to breakdown how Congress’s effective cap on representatives is continually eroding our democracy, and how uncapping the House would change that. 

You can find Matt’s work at iammrbeat.com or @iammrbeat on most socials. 

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:35 Matt Beat, the Andy Dufresne of Uncapping the house

4:37 How we got here

7:15 Power dynamics in representation 

10:24 When the House stopped expanding

11:10 George Washington’s thoughts on representation

17:13 Comping Bear Bryant to uncapping the house

19:17 Polarization would decrease

22:43 This is the issue that helps fix every other issue

28:50 LA County Board of Supervisors finally expanding

31:54 The racial impact

36:49 State of the movement

42:25 Bipartisanship

45:10 The history of multi-representative districts 

47:23  Uncapping the house is easier to pass 

48:48 Moving forward 

55:27 Moderate Democrats are like film studio execs

]]>5a1a0030-0b48-4423-8822-8debc81f08aaThu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p><b>American history nerd Matt Beat joins the guys to breakdown how Congress’s effective cap on representatives is continually eroding our democracy, and how uncapping the House would change that. </b></p><p></p><p><b>You can find Matt’s work at </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://iammrbeat.com" target="_blank"><b>iammrbeat.com</b></a><b> or @iammrbeat on most socials. </b></p><p></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p><b>00:00 Intro</b></p><p><b>00:35 Matt Beat, the Andy Dufresne of Uncapping the house</b></p><p><b>4:37 How we got here</b></p><p><b>7:15 Power dynamics in representation </b></p><p><b>10:24 When the House stopped expanding</b></p><p><b>11:10 George Washington’s thoughts on representation</b></p><p><b>17:13 Comping Bear Bryant to uncapping the house</b></p><p><b>19:17 Polarization would decrease</b></p><p><b>22:43 This is the issue that helps fix every other issue</b></p><p><b>28:50 LA County Board of Supervisors finally expanding</b></p><p><b>31:54 The racial impact</b></p><p><b>36:49 State of the movement</b></p><p><b>42:25 Bipartisanship</b></p><p><b>45:10 The history of multi-representative districts </b></p><p><b>47:23  Uncapping the house is easier to pass </b></p><p><b>48:48 Moving forward </b></p><p><b>55:27 Moderate Democrats are like film studio execs</b></p>yes01:05:47113Uncapping the House of Representatives W/ Mr. Beatfull<![CDATA[Democratic Congressional Leadership Fantasy Draft]]>Who do you want to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives? 

The guys are joined by Eliza Orlins and Brittany Mahler to draft their democratic leadership team in the next congress, and to opine about where the future of the party resides. 

You can find Brittany and Eliza on instagram @theblondeseyeview and @eorlins respectively.

Chapter List

00:00 Intro

1:47 Picking old speakers of the house for draft order

Our picks

4:37 AOC

6:37 Elizabeth Warren

10:18 Liz Warren is Jalen Brunson 

11:57 Ayanna Pressley 

14:25 Gavin Newsom

20:36 Martha Stewart 

16:59 Current House leadership

22:24 Lauren Underwood

24:21 Pramila Jayapal

26:29 Ilhan Omar

27:54 Jon osseff

31:40 Maxwell Frost

35:16 Joe Neguse

37:30 John Stewart

42:40 Current Senate leadership

46:47 Chuck Schumer and ‘The Baileys’

47:53 Dean withers

50:54 Raphael Warnock

54:31 Amy Klobuchar

56:20 Summer lee

57:17 Brad Lander

58:37 Rachel Maddow

1:01:12 Angela Alsobrooks

1:03:25 Ms Rachel

]]>dcffcbd5-800a-43f5-8ffc-95244874e88bThu, 23 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>Who do you want to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives? </p><p></p><p>The guys are joined by Eliza Orlins and Brittany Mahler to draft their democratic leadership team in the next congress, and to opine about where the future of the party resides. </p><p></p><p>You can find Brittany and Eliza on instagram @theblondeseyeview and @eorlins respectively. </p><p></p><p>Chapter List</p><p>00:00 Intro</p><p>1:47 Picking old speakers of the house for draft order</p><p>Our picks</p><p>4:37 AOC</p><p>6:37 Elizabeth Warren</p><p>10:18 Liz Warren is Jalen Brunson </p><p>11:57 Ayanna Pressley </p><p>14:25 Gavin Newsom</p><p>20:36 Martha Stewart </p><p>16:59 Current House leadership</p><p>22:24 Lauren Underwood</p><p>24:21 Pramila Jayapal</p><p>26:29 Ilhan Omar</p><p>27:54 Jon osseff</p><p>31:40 Maxwell Frost</p><p>35:16 Joe Neguse</p><p>37:30 John Stewart</p><p>42:40 Current Senate leadership</p><p>46:47 Chuck Schumer and ‘The Baileys’</p><p>47:53 Dean withers</p><p>50:54 Raphael Warnock</p><p>54:31 Amy Klobuchar</p><p>56:20 Summer lee</p><p>57:17 Brad Lander</p><p>58:37 Rachel Maddow</p><p>1:01:12 Angela Alsobrooks</p><p>1:03:25 Ms Rachel</p>yes01:09:55112Democratic Congressional Leadership Fantasy Draftfull<![CDATA[Fixing LA’s housing crisis with Henry Mantel]]>The guys are joined by city council district 5 candidate Henry Mantel to discuss Los Angeles’s crushing housing crisis, and his vision for how we can turn the city around.

00:00 Intro

00:26 Henry Mantel Angeleno/tenant rights lawyer 

5:08 Why Henry is running for city council 

10:02 LA big housing issue: Single family zoning

14:28 Los Ángeles in the Sam Darnold of cities

15:29 Municipal matching campaign funds

16:41 How owning a home is like owning a sport franchise

18:08 Changing public housing

24:05 Anger over our poor leadership

28:20 Single family zoning as a remenent of segregation 

32:01 Good governance is dangerous

35:00 Voting against more housing near transit - SB79

40:33 Making LA a more transit friendly-walkable city

47:10 Preserving green space in our city

53:39 Priority bus lanes are like Kyler Murray

55:39 Urgency of the housing crisis

]]>a56be1a6-6f5e-42d1-90b0-1c24f65fcdfbThu, 09 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>The guys are joined by city council district 5 candidate Henry Mantel to discuss Los Angeles’s crushing housing crisis, and his vision for how we can turn the city around.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Intro</p><p>00:26 Henry Mantel Angeleno/tenant rights lawyer </p><p>5:08 Why Henry is running for city council </p><p>10:02 LA big housing issue: Single family zoning</p><p>14:28 Los Ángeles in the Sam Darnold of cities</p><p>15:29 Municipal matching campaign funds</p><p>16:41 How owning a home is like owning a sport franchise</p><p>18:08 Changing public housing</p><p>24:05 Anger over our poor leadership</p><p>28:20 Single family zoning as a remenent of segregation </p><p>32:01 Good governance is dangerous</p><p>35:00 Voting against more housing near transit - SB79</p><p>40:33 Making LA a more transit friendly-walkable city</p><p>47:10 Preserving green space in our city</p><p>53:39 Priority bus lanes are like Kyler Murray</p><p>55:39 Urgency of the housing crisis</p>yes00:58:21111Fixing LA’s housing crisis with Henry Mantelfull<![CDATA[What does the United States spend its money on?]]>It’s Tax Season and the Armchair guys are breaking down America’s budget. From defense spending, to Medicaid,the IRS, and more, they’re discussing what are the best and worst investments of our tax dollars. 

Check Dr. Carter’s book: The Spirit of Soul Food: Race, Faith, & Food Justice

Chapter list:

00:00 Intro

14:10 Episode overview 

00:20 Our budget is a statement of our values

1:53 Tax day PSA 

3:18 Iran War spending

6:25 using religion to justify war

8:19 Defense spending

8:46 Run military like a business

11:20 Monopoly in defense spending 

12:28 General Mattis exemplifies defense lobbying 

16:24 Dan Campbell 4th down decision making

18:02 Juan Soto contract as a comp for defense spending 

20:14 Frustrating part about DOGE

26:00 Child income tax credit

30:00 Cost of defense v cost of child welfare

36:42 Myth that people don’t want to work

39:19 SNAP

42:56 Food justice / growing up food insecure 

47:41 Farm subsidies 

51:26 Jerry Jones roster building like subsidies /segregation 

53:18 Tax breaks

53:35 Corporate welfare and regressive taxes

55:42 Tax brackets when “America was great”

58:48 Healthcare spending

59:44 An cent of prevention is worth a dollar of cure 

1:04:17 Social security 

1:04:57 Sandwich generation 

1:06:32 Life needs a purpose 

1:07:55 Waste and fraud 

1:09:46 IRS

1:13:13 Deficit payments and spendings

1:15:39 Unemployment benefits 

1:17:00 Argument for Universal Basic Income 

]]>f0a2c64b-4eaf-4edf-9c8f-fdc868da59c8Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT<p>It’s Tax Season and the Armchair guys are breaking down America’s budget. From defense spending, to Medicaid,the IRS, and more, they’re discussing what are the best and worst investments of our tax dollars. </p><p></p><p>Check Dr. Carter’s book: <b>The Spirit of Soul Food: Race, Faith, &amp; Food Justice</b></p><p></p><p>Chapter list:</p><p>00:00 Intro</p><p>14:10 Episode overview </p><p>00:20 Our budget is a statement of our values</p><p>1:53 Tax day PSA </p><p>3:18 Iran War spending</p><p>6:25 using religion to justify war</p><p>8:19 <b>Defense spending</b></p><p>8:46 Run military like a business</p><p>11:20 Monopoly in defense spending </p><p>12:28 General Mattis exemplifies defense lobbying </p><p>16:24 Dan Campbell 4th down decision making</p><p>18:02 Juan Soto contract as a comp for defense spending </p><p>20:14 Frustrating part about DOGE</p><p>26:00 <b>Child income tax credit</b></p><p>30:00 Cost of defense v cost of child welfare</p><p>36:42 Myth that people don’t want to work</p><p>39:19 <b>SNAP</b></p><p>42:56 Food justice / growing up food insecure </p><p>47:41 <b>Farm subsidies </b></p><p>51:26 Jerry Jones roster building like subsidies /segregation </p><p>53:18 <b>Tax breaks</b></p><p>53:35 Corporate welfare and regressive taxes</p><p>55:42 Tax brackets when “America was great”</p><p>58:48 <b>Healthcare spending</b></p><p>59:44 An cent of prevention is worth a dollar of cure </p><p><b>1:04:17 Social security </b></p><p>1:04:57 Sandwich generation </p><p>1:06:32 Life needs a purpose </p><p>1:07:55 Waste and fraud </p><p>1:09:46 <b>IRS</b></p><p>1:13:13 <b>Deficit payments and spendings</b></p><p>1:15:39 <b>Unemployment benefits </b></p><p>1:17:00 Argument for Universal Basic Income </p>yes01:22:40110What does the United States spend its money on?full<![CDATA[America’s biggest political idols and the damage they’ve done]]>From our founding fathers to Donald Trump, the Armchair guys tier the biggest cult of personality figures in American  political history. 

00:00 Intro / Leon let it be!

00:29 ICE at airports

3:46 Comping the Trump Administration to the Jets

6:14 Defining Cult of personality 

10:10 Trump 45 v Trump 47

12:43 Cult of personality origins

16:53 Effects of Trump’s Presidency

19:12 Why cult leaders break down social services 

22:09 George Washington and Thomas Jefferson

22:57 Lane Kiffin is the Thomas Jefferson of CFB

28:03 MLM’s are absolutely cults

29:57 Abraham Lincoln

35:40 Franklin Delano Roosevelt 

44:32 Interest convergence

46:14 Martin Luther King

53:28 Ronald ‘Mister throat goat’ Reagan

54:44 Margaret Thatcher 

55:48 Barack Obama

59:49 Zohran Mamdani

1:03:05 Final thoughts

]]>d5e45c41-8535-4db1-b511-d50f19c80582Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>From our founding fathers to Donald Trump, the Armchair guys tier the biggest cult of personality figures in American  political history. </p><p></p><p>00:00 Intro / Leon let it be!</p><p>00:29 ICE at airports</p><p>3:46 Comping the Trump Administration to the Jets</p><p>6:14 Defining Cult of personality </p><p>10:10 Trump 45 v Trump 47</p><p>12:43 Cult of personality origins</p><p>16:53 Effects of Trump’s Presidency</p><p>19:12 Why cult leaders break down social services </p><p>22:09 George Washington and Thomas Jefferson</p><p>22:57 Lane Kiffin is the Thomas Jefferson of CFB</p><p>28:03 MLM’s are absolutely cults</p><p>29:57 Abraham Lincoln</p><p>35:40 Franklin Delano Roosevelt </p><p>44:32 Interest convergence</p><p>46:14 Martin Luther King</p><p>53:28 Ronald ‘Mister throat goat’ Reagan</p><p>54:44 Margaret Thatcher </p><p>55:48 Barack Obama</p><p>59:49 Zohran Mamdani</p><p>1:03:05 Final thoughts</p>yes01:05:3919America’s biggest political idols and the damage they’ve donefull<![CDATA[How dark money Super PACs are crushing America]]>Using the Illinois Democratic primary as a launching point, David and Alex break down how the Citizens United Supreme Court case has lead to the oligarchy class using Super PACs to reshape our politics the way prop bets have reshaped the way we watch sports.

Chapters:

00:00 Super PAC spending 2010 v now

00:36 Reaction to Kat Abughazaleh, Julia Stratton and the Illinois Primary

5:36 AIPAC boosting Bushra Amiwala to divide progressives

7:30 Citizens United: The Super Pac’s origin 

11:24 David Comps The FEC to Adam Silver stopping cap circumvention, and the creation of Super PACs to the introduction of online sports gambling and the prop bet.

13:35 The Free Town project: The libertarian utopia as a metaphor for campaign finance deregulation

17:41 Increase in dark money spending over time

18:40 The local effect

19:22 How Super PACs changed lawmakers constituents 

21:44 The attention economy elevating social media stars like Zohran Mamdani

24:36 Elon Musk and billionaire ROI on Super PAC donations

30:50 How Super PACs have mutated

36:10 Phone time is a reason congresspeople like SuperPACs

39:51 Virginia’s data centers fight

43:31 The Ai and tech lobby

44:39 Why all of this is bad for Democrats

53:55 How do we fix this?

56:00 How it’s a form of voter suppression

58:12 Get involved locally

]]>e72e9d9b-a0db-448e-8496-26571357682bThu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Using the Illinois Democratic primary as a launching point, David and Alex break down how the Citizens United Supreme Court case has lead to the oligarchy class using Super PACs to reshape our politics the way prop bets have reshaped the way we watch sports. </p><p></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Super PAC spending 2010 v now</p><p>00:36 Reaction to Kat Abughazaleh, Julia Stratton and the Illinois Primary</p><p>5:36 AIPAC boosting Bushra Amiwala to divide progressives</p><p>7:30 Citizens United: The Super Pac’s origin </p><p>11:24 David Comps The FEC to Adam Silver stopping cap circumvention, and the creation of Super PACs to the introduction of online sports gambling and the prop bet.</p><p>13:35 The Free Town project: The libertarian utopia as a metaphor for campaign finance deregulation</p><p>17:41 Increase in dark money spending over time</p><p>18:40 The local effect</p><p>19:22 How Super PACs changed lawmakers constituents </p><p>21:44 The attention economy elevating social media stars like Zohran Mamdani</p><p>24:36 Elon Musk and billionaire ROI on Super PAC donations</p><p>30:50 How Super PACs have mutated</p><p>36:10 Phone time is a reason congresspeople like SuperPACs</p><p>39:51 Virginia’s data centers fight</p><p>43:31 The Ai and tech lobby</p><p>44:39 Why all of this is bad for Democrats</p><p>53:55 How do we fix this?</p><p>56:00 How it’s a form of voter suppression</p><p>58:12 Get involved locally</p>yes00:59:4918How dark money Super PACs are crushing Americafull<![CDATA[The Political Oscars]]>In honor of the 2026 Academy Awards the Armchair guys nominate politicians to their made up, sometimes unhinged Oscar Award categories. They celebrate the worst and best of our political system, and reflect on what has lead us to this moment in American history.

Chapters:

00:00 INTRO

1:04 SINNERS is the best film of the year. It’s running neck and neck with One Battle After Another, like the LA marathon finish. 

4:33 The New beginnings, late bloomer award: Senator Chris Van Hollen

8:44 Name that old white Senator

10:21 The Paul Giamatti, character actor award: Congressmen John Conyers 

13:33 Drew Brees’s and the saints playoff heartbreaks

14:00 The Illinois Senate race, and the Congressional Black Caucus 

18:53 The Miles Canton, who is this guy award: Justin Pearson and Justin Jones

27:24 The exciting whites: Cooper Dejean and 

28:46 James Clyburn and his succession plan

29:55 The Zone of interest, Best Performance as a Representative of Israel: Mike Huckabee, Lindsey Graham

37:37 Liberal Zionism in America and the civil rights movement

46:11 Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin

49:10 The Green Book award: Cory Booker and Bernie Sanders

52:53 The intersection of economic populism and race

58:45 Chase Infiniti, breakout person of the year: Summer Lee.

1:01:42 Democrats are holding their young talent back

1:04:41 The NFL’s socialism

1:05:31 Graham Platner on Pod Save America

1:09:32 Wrap up: Lack of accountability 

Justin Pearson Exchange-

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetnholler/video/7615673433086643469

]]>fa9020ce-437a-4fcf-844f-945bb1039e6dThu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In honor of the 2026 Academy Awards the Armchair guys nominate politicians to their made up, sometimes unhinged Oscar Award categories. They celebrate the worst and best of our political system, and reflect on what has lead us to this moment in American history.</p><p></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 INTRO</p><p>1:04 SINNERS is the best film of the year. It’s running neck and neck with One Battle After Another, like the LA marathon finish. </p><p>4:33 The New beginnings, late bloomer award: Senator Chris Van Hollen</p><p>8:44 Name that old white Senator</p><p>10:21 The Paul Giamatti, character actor award: Congressmen John Conyers </p><p>13:33 Drew Brees’s and the saints playoff heartbreaks</p><p>14:00 The Illinois Senate race, and the Congressional Black Caucus </p><p>18:53 The Miles Canton, who is this guy award: Justin Pearson and Justin Jones</p><p>27:24 The exciting whites: Cooper Dejean and </p><p>28:46 James Clyburn and his succession plan</p><p>29:55 The Zone of interest, Best Performance as a Representative of Israel: Mike Huckabee, Lindsey Graham</p><p>37:37 Liberal Zionism in America and the civil rights movement</p><p>46:11 Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin</p><p>49:10 The Green Book award: Cory Booker and Bernie Sanders</p><p>52:53 The intersection of economic populism and race</p><p>58:45 Chase Infiniti, breakout person of the year: Summer Lee.</p><p>1:01:42 Democrats are holding their young talent back</p><p>1:04:41 The NFL’s socialism</p><p>1:05:31 Graham Platner on Pod Save America</p><p>1:09:32 Wrap up: Lack of accountability </p><p></p><p>Justin Pearson Exchange-</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thetnholler/video/7615673433086643469" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@thetnholler/video/7615673433086643469</a></p>yes01:11:36The Political Oscarsfull<![CDATA[America's biggest war mongers and the wrestlers who encapsulate them]]>Since the United Staes went to war with Iran, the Armchair guys explain how we got here by breaking down the biggest warmongers in American history and compare them to the professional wrestler they most encapsulate. 

00:00 Intro

1:58 Texas and North Carolina primary recap

13:41 defining the rules and setting the theater

Intercontinental division:

18:23 John Foster Dullus

21:05 Teddy Roosevelt

24:35 Henry Kissinger

28:55 Alan Dullus and Richard Bissell

32:22 Stephen Miller

36:04 Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld

39:21 John Bolton

Heavyweights champion war mongers:

39:31 George W Bush

42:40 Americans may finally be anti-war

45:47 LBJ

49:06 Richard Nixon

53:25 Ronald Reagan

55:27 America and Trump currently in the Iran war

]]>d7932994-ea23-4ada-bacc-0f19bb7ebce0Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Since the United Staes went to war with Iran, the Armchair guys explain how we got here by breaking down the biggest warmongers in American history and compare them to the professional wrestler they most encapsulate. </p><p></p><p>00:00 Intro </p><p>1:58 Texas and North Carolina primary recap</p><p>13:41 defining the rules and setting the theater </p><p></p><p>Intercontinental division:</p><p>18:23 John Foster Dullus</p><p>21:05 Teddy Roosevelt </p><p>24:35 Henry Kissinger </p><p>28:55 Alan Dullus and Richard Bissell</p><p>32:22 Stephen Miller</p><p>36:04 Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld </p><p>39:21 John Bolton</p><p></p><p>Heavyweights champion war mongers:</p><p>39:31 George W Bush</p><p>42:40 Americans may finally be anti-war</p><p>45:47 LBJ</p><p>49:06 Richard Nixon </p><p>53:25 Ronald Reagan </p><p>55:27 America and Trump currently in the Iran war</p>yes01:10:4416America's biggest war mongers and the wrestlers who encapsulate themfull<![CDATA[California Governors race: How the Democrats avoid disaster]]>The Armchair guys break down the California governor’s primary and tell you which democratic candidates are viable and which need to drop out ASAP to keep a Republican from getting into the runoff..

Episode chapters:

Intro 0:01

Overview of the primary 1:25

State Superintendent Tony Thumond 6:15

Congressman Eric Swallwell 14:38

State controller Betty Yee 24:30

Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra 27:15

Former mayor of LA Antonio Villlaraigosa 28:45

Former congresswomen Katie Porter 30:15

The good news in all this 40:15

Mayor of San Jose Matt Mahan 42:10

Billionaire Tom Steyer 48:45

Wrap up 1:01

Link to Emerson College Poll:

https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-hilton-swalwell-bianco-lead-nonpartisan-primary-for-governor/

]]>863eddef-91d4-4870-9c0c-0ce673395565Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>The Armchair guys break down the California governor’s primary and tell you which democratic candidates are viable and which need to drop out ASAP to keep a Republican from getting into the runoff..</p><p></p><p>Episode chapters:</p><p>Intro 0:01</p><p>Overview of the primary 1:25</p><p>State Superintendent Tony Thumond 6:15</p><p>Congressman Eric Swallwell 14:38</p><p>State controller Betty Yee 24:30</p><p>Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra 27:15</p><p>Former mayor of LA Antonio Villlaraigosa 28:45</p><p>Former congresswomen Katie Porter 30:15</p><p>The good news in all this 40:15</p><p>Mayor of San Jose Matt Mahan 42:10</p><p>Billionaire Tom Steyer 48:45</p><p>Wrap up 1:01</p><p></p><p>Link to Emerson College Poll:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-hilton-swalwell-bianco-lead-nonpartisan-primary-for-governor/" target="_blank">https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-hilton-swalwell-bianco-lead-nonpartisan-primary-for-governor/</a></p>yes01:12:4115California Governors race: How the Democrats avoid disasterfull<![CDATA[Winter Olympic Edition: Pairing politicians with winter sports]]>The Armchair guys debate which politicians would win the gold medal in different winter olympic events.  While deciding their podium of politicians, they recount Cory Booker’s 25 hour marathon speech, break down how Bill Clinton always skis past accountability, pitch how Zohran Mamdani could be the metaphorical future of American figure skating, more. 

The five Winter Olympic events covered are:

  1. Cross country skiing 
  2. Curling
  3. Figure skating
  4. Moguls skiing 
  5. Bobsled

Episode links:

Julian bond story - https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/georgia-state-house-refused-to-seat-julian-bond/

Eillen Gu’s interview answer of perspective - https://x.com/alvinfoo/status/2023955713760850190?s=46

Bill Clinton playing the sax on Arsenio Hall Show - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_WuGDYawFQ

Amber Glenn’s statement after winning gold - https://x.com/pinknews/status/2021890808383717758?s=46

]]>f75ddd10-c08c-43a6-acd2-a39e7e2d293aThu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>The Armchair guys debate which politicians would win the gold medal in different winter olympic events.  While deciding their podium of politicians, they recount Cory Booker’s 25 hour marathon speech, break down how Bill Clinton always skis past accountability, pitch how Zohran Mamdani could be the metaphorical future of American figure skating, more. </p><p></p><p>The five Winter Olympic events covered are:</p><ol><li>Cross country skiing </li><li>Curling</li><li>Figure skating</li><li>Moguls skiing </li><li>Bobsled</li></ol><p></p><p>Episode links:</p><p>Julian bond story - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/georgia-state-house-refused-to-seat-julian-bond/" target="_blank">https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/georgia-state-house-refused-to-seat-julian-bond/</a></p><p></p><p>Eillen Gu’s interview answer of perspective - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/alvinfoo/status/2023955713760850190?s=46" target="_blank">https://x.com/alvinfoo/status/2023955713760850190?s=46</a></p><p></p><p>Bill Clinton playing the sax on Arsenio Hall Show - </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_WuGDYawFQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_WuGDYawFQ</a></p><p></p><p>Amber Glenn’s statement after winning gold - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/pinknews/status/2021890808383717758?s=46" target="_blank">https://x.com/pinknews/status/2021890808383717758?s=46</a></p>yes00:57:3314Winter Olympic Edition: Pairing politicians with winter sportsfull<![CDATA[Tiering the biggest choke jobs and fumbles in modern politics]]>Alex, Chris, and David sit down to tier the biggest choke jobs and fumbles in modern politics:

Jimmy Carter in the 1980 election, Ted Kennedy not knowing why he wanted to be president, Hillary in 2016 election, Alabama GOP party for nominating Roy Moore for senate, Rick Perry's debate oops, Obama's Wall st bail out,

John Edwards cheating on dying wife w/ on the campaign trail, Mark Sanford's 'Appalachian Trail', Newt Gingrich impeachment of Bill Clinton, George HW Bush going to a grocery store, Michael Dukakis tank picture, and

Nixon debating JFK.

Link to HW Bush at Grocery store and Ted Kennedy's answer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akLjzTisZoI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDh2iKzBh4E

]]>b2ff3144-19ac-41a4-b885-856c83f6da71Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Alex, Chris, and David sit down to tier the biggest choke jobs and fumbles in modern politics: </p><p>Jimmy Carter in the 1980 election, Ted Kennedy not knowing why he wanted to be president, Hillary in 2016 election, Alabama GOP party for nominating Roy Moore for senate, Rick Perry's debate oops, Obama's Wall st bail out, </p><p>John Edwards cheating on dying wife w/ on the campaign trail, Mark Sanford's 'Appalachian Trail', Newt Gingrich impeachment of Bill Clinton, George HW Bush going to a grocery store, Michael Dukakis tank picture, and</p><p>Nixon debating JFK. </p><p></p><p></p><p>Link to HW Bush at Grocery store and Ted Kennedy's answer:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akLjzTisZoI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akLjzTisZoI</a></p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDh2iKzBh4E" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDh2iKzBh4E</a></p><p></p>yes01:02:0413Tiering the biggest choke jobs and fumbles in modern politicsfull<![CDATA[Comparing Politicians to Athletes: Racists and Radicals edition]]>Alex, Chris, and David sit down to see who can make the best athlete comparisons to racist and radical US politicians. The politicians they comp are: George Washington, Bernie Sanders, John Lewis, Bull Conner, Shirley Chisholm, Ted Cruz, Joe McCarthy, and Ronald Reagan. 

]]>c729d5e0-8635-4bb0-a70e-ba95aeeaf434Sun, 08 Feb 2026 22:27:47 GMT<p>Alex, Chris, and David sit down to see who can make the best athlete comparisons to racist and radical US politicians. The politicians they comp are: George Washington, Bernie Sanders, John Lewis, Bull Conner, Shirley Chisholm, Ted Cruz, Joe McCarthy, and Ronald Reagan. </p>yes01:10:1412Comparing Politicians to Athletes: Racists and Radicals editionfull<![CDATA[2028 Democratic Presidential primary tier list]]>Alex, Chris, and David sit down and make a way too early tier list of the 2028 potential democratic presidential nominees. Jokes and sports metaphors abound as they break down how the following politicians fit into the upcoming presidential primary:

Pete Buttigeig, Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, AOC, Josh Shapiro, Kamala Harris, Andy Beshear, Cory Booker, Gretchen Whitmore, Raphael Warnock, Stephen A Smith, John Fetterman, Chris Murphy, Ro Khanna, Rahm Emanuel, Wes Moore, Mark Cuban, James Talarico, Jasmine Crockett, and Mark Kelly. 

Yes, we've changed the name of the podcast since recording this episode.

]]>c1a2ec68-baba-43b1-a876-03229d487104Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:21:59 GMT<p>Alex, Chris, and David sit down and make a way too early tier list of the 2028 potential democratic presidential nominees. Jokes and sports metaphors abound as they break down how the following politicians fit into the upcoming presidential primary:</p><p>Pete Buttigeig, Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, AOC, Josh Shapiro, Kamala Harris, Andy Beshear, Cory Booker, Gretchen Whitmore, Raphael Warnock, Stephen A Smith, John Fetterman, Chris Murphy, Ro Khanna, Rahm Emanuel, Wes Moore, Mark Cuban, James Talarico, Jasmine Crockett, and Mark Kelly. </p><p></p><p>Yes, we've changed the name of the podcast since recording this episode. </p>yes01:05:14112028 Democratic Presidential primary tier listfull