<![CDATA[The M&M Debrief]]>Twice a week, Mike and Maggie discuss the top stories in politics, sports and culture. We ask the big questions and try to get to the truth behind the headlines.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 16 May 2026 17:51:31 GMTTue, 07 Apr 2026 22:50:53 GMT60Dalgan Pods<p><b>Twice a week, Mike and Maggie discuss the top stories in politics, sports and culture. We ask the big questions and try to get to the truth behind the headlines.</b></p>episodicDalgan Podsdalganpods@gmail.comyes<![CDATA[Episode 11: A Chinese Nothingburger, Pool Reflections, and a (maybe?) CIA Raid]]>The episode provides updates on the tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. visit to China, mismanagement of the D.C. Reflection Pool clean-up, and rising gas prices. It delves into the changes in refugee policy which focus on white South Africans and the rising number of Americans choosing to renounce their citizenship. This episode also shares recent scuttlebutt regarding a CIA raid on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Takeaways

  • Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
  • Impact of rising gas prices on citizens
  • Renouncing US citizenship and refugee admissions

Chapters

  • 00:00 Geopolitical Tensions in the Middle East
  • 18:55 Impact of Rising Gas Prices on Citizens
  • 32:01 Renouncing US Citizenship and Refugee Admissions
]]>c9a8e4e0-82e7-46f9-8a18-82ed735e6ffbFri, 15 May 2026 18:41:25 GMT<p>The episode provides updates on the tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. visit to China, mismanagement of the D.C. Reflection Pool clean-up, and rising gas prices. It delves into the changes in refugee policy which focus on white South Africans and the rising number of Americans choosing to renounce their citizenship. This episode also shares recent scuttlebutt regarding a CIA raid on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East</li><li>Impact of rising gas prices on citizens</li><li>Renouncing US citizenship and refugee admissions</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Geopolitical Tensions in the Middle East</li><li>18:55 Impact of Rising Gas Prices on Citizens</li><li>32:01 Renouncing US Citizenship and Refugee Admissions</li></ul>yes00:32:051Episode 11: A Chinese Nothingburger, Pool Reflections, and a (maybe?) CIA Raidfull<![CDATA[Episode 10: Israel, China, and Honduras-Gate]]>The conversation covers a range of topics including IDF soldiers' systemic sexual abuse of Palestinians, tensions between the US and Iran, ceasefire in the Ukraine Russian war, and domestic issues related to the UFO files. The conversation delves into global political dynamics, including China-US relations, Honduras-Gate, and Asia-Pacific tensions.

Takeaways

  • IDF soldiers torturing Palestinians
  • China Visit Strategy
  • European Union freed up to take action
  • Tensions between the US and Iran
  • Honduras-Gate: Look it Up
  • Temporary ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russian war
  • UFO files and the Virginia Redistricting Fight

Chapters

  • 00:00 IDF Soldiers' Actions
  • 05:48 Tensions Between US and Iran
  • 15:34 Ceasefire in the Ukraine Russian War
  • 21:28 International Power Dynamics
  • 30:02 Surveillance and Espionage
  • 37:18 Asia-Pacific Tensions
]]>8e849bee-5285-4a92-a215-140ca1cf9a32Wed, 13 May 2026 01:04:13 GMT<p>The conversation covers a range of topics including IDF soldiers' systemic sexual abuse of Palestinians, tensions between the US and Iran, ceasefire in the Ukraine Russian war, and domestic issues related to the UFO files. The conversation delves into global political dynamics, including China-US relations, Honduras-Gate, and Asia-Pacific tensions.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>IDF soldiers torturing Palestinians</li><li>China Visit Strategy</li><li>European Union freed up to take action</li><li>Tensions between the US and Iran</li><li>Honduras-Gate: Look it Up</li><li>Temporary ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russian war</li><li>UFO files and the Virginia Redistricting Fight</li></ul><p></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 IDF Soldiers' Actions</li><li>05:48 Tensions Between US and Iran</li><li>15:34 Ceasefire in the Ukraine Russian War</li><li>21:28 International Power Dynamics</li><li>30:02 Surveillance and Espionage</li><li>37:18 Asia-Pacific Tensions</li></ul>yes00:36:30110Episode 10: Israel, China, and Honduras-Gatefull<![CDATA[Episode 9: Iran, the National Debt, and New Risks to the Economy]]>The conversation covers updates on the Iran war and its impact, as well as a discussion on the national debt and its implications for the economy. Mike and Maggie discuss risks and pressures to the US economy from rampant government spending, global trade threats, interest rates, rising prices, the public health and global perception of the US.

Takeaways

  • Iran War Update
  • National Debt and Economy Financial impact of interest rates
  • Impact of global trade on the US economy

Chapters

  • 00:00 Iran War Update
  • 28:34 National Debt and Economy
  • 34:54 Financial Impact of Interest Rates
  • 42:23 Power of Consumerism
  • 01:03:09 Global Perception of the US
]]>a0be9f93-b61f-4756-b41c-eeaedb32db01Sat, 09 May 2026 19:49:33 GMT<p>The conversation covers updates on the Iran war and its impact, as well as a discussion on the national debt and its implications for the economy. Mike and Maggie discuss risks and pressures to the US economy from rampant government spending, global trade threats, interest rates, rising prices, the public health and global perception of the US.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Iran War Update</li><li>National Debt and Economy Financial impact of interest rates</li><li>Impact of global trade on the US economy</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Iran War Update</li><li>28:34 National Debt and Economy</li><li>34:54 Financial Impact of Interest Rates</li><li>42:23 Power of Consumerism</li><li>01:03:09 Global Perception of the US</li></ul>yes00:56:1919Episode 9: Iran, the National Debt, and New Risks to the Economyfull<![CDATA[Episode 8: Project Freedom, Golden Ballrooms, and Falling Dominoes]]>The conversation covers the Iran War, Project Freedom, strategic military moves, and the irresponsible spending of tax payer dollars. It delves into the costs of the war, impacts on our economy, and the controversy surrounding the 'renovation' of the East Wing and the East Potomac public golf course in D.C. The discussion provides insights into the ongoing military actions, political maneuvering, and public opinion on these critical topics.

Takeaways

  • Costs of the war
  • Project Freedom - Strait of Hormuz
  • Billion Dollar Golden Ballroom
  • East Potomac Public Golf Course 'Renovation'?
  • Censorship and free speech limits
  • Impact of rising fuel prices

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Iran War and Project Freedom
  • 18:59 Strategic Moves and Military Actions
  • 27:40 Environmental Impact of Ballroom Construction
  • 33:00 Rising Fuel Prices
  • 44:29 Censorship and Free Speech
  • 50:10 Political Alignment and Common Ground
]]>f14d259d-19b7-44a6-8aa0-ce0f2bcab169Wed, 06 May 2026 01:14:34 GMT<p>The conversation covers the Iran War, Project Freedom, strategic military moves, and the irresponsible spending of tax payer dollars. It delves into the costs of the war, impacts on our economy, and the controversy surrounding the 'renovation' of the East Wing and the East Potomac public golf course in D.C. The discussion provides insights into the ongoing military actions, political maneuvering, and public opinion on these critical topics.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Costs of the war</li><li>Project Freedom - Strait of Hormuz</li><li>Billion Dollar Golden Ballroom</li><li>East Potomac Public Golf Course 'Renovation'?</li><li>Censorship and free speech limits</li><li>Impact of rising fuel prices</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Iran War and Project Freedom</li><li>18:59 Strategic Moves and Military Actions</li><li>27:40 Environmental Impact of Ballroom Construction</li><li>33:00 Rising Fuel Prices</li><li>44:29 Censorship and Free Speech</li><li>50:10 Political Alignment and Common Ground</li></ul>no00:44:2918Episode 8: Project Freedom, Golden Ballrooms, and Falling Dominoesfull<![CDATA[Episode 7: War Updates, Fears for Our Future Economy, and SCOTUS is 'Cracking & Packing']]>The conversation covers the Iran War updates related to the War Powers Act and delves into the economic uncertainty caused by the war and rising oil prices. It also explores the SCOTUS Voting Rights Act decision on gerrymandering and its impact on fairness and ethics in our voting system in the United States. There must be a better way.

Takeaways

  • War Powers Act and Updates on the War
  • War's Impact on the economy and Economic Uncertainty
  • Gerrymandering is unfair whether done for partisan or racial bias

Chapters

  • 00:00 War Powers Act and Presidential Authority
  • 21:13 Economic Impact of the Iran War
  • 30:25 Gerrymandering and Voting Rights
]]>b1b920fd-495b-4a92-8cc6-2ff0d03aa73fSat, 02 May 2026 17:20:20 GMT<p>The conversation covers the Iran War updates related to the War Powers Act and delves into the economic uncertainty caused by the war and rising oil prices. It also explores the SCOTUS Voting Rights Act decision on gerrymandering and its impact on fairness and ethics in our voting system in the United States. There must be a better way.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>War Powers Act and Updates on the War</li><li>War's Impact on the economy and Economic Uncertainty</li><li>Gerrymandering is unfair whether done for partisan or racial bias</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 War Powers Act and Presidential Authority</li><li>21:13 Economic Impact of the Iran War</li><li>30:25 Gerrymandering and Voting Rights</li></ul>yes00:40:4117Episode 7: War Updates, Fears for Our Future Economy, and SCOTUS is 'Cracking & Packing'full<![CDATA[Episode 6: The Iran Ceasefire, Low Government Credibility, and Don't Be Surprised if..]]>The conversation covers a range of topics including the ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz, unprecedented presidential actions, and the assassination attempt with associated conspiracy theories. The conversation delves into the impact of political leadership on public sentiment, the potential impact of midterms on the political landscape, and the proposed federal surveillance of people in cars.

Takeaways

  • Ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz
  • Impact of Iran war on global trade Impact of political leadership on public sentiment
  • Potential impact of midterms on political landscape

Chapters

  • 00:00 Assassination Attempt and Conspiracy Theories
  • 28:02 Midterms and Political Change
  • 34:46 Federal Surveillance in Cars
  • 42:57 World Cup Controversy
  • 50:01 AI and Employment
]]>e60c3152-9e6b-4d3e-be40-63c9ce9a6607Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:38:33 GMT<p>The conversation covers a range of topics including the ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz, unprecedented presidential actions, and the assassination attempt with associated conspiracy theories. The conversation delves into the impact of political leadership on public sentiment, the potential impact of midterms on the political landscape, and the proposed federal surveillance of people in cars.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz</li><li>Impact of Iran war on global trade Impact of political leadership on public sentiment</li><li>Potential impact of midterms on political landscape</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Assassination Attempt and Conspiracy Theories</li><li>28:02 Midterms and Political Change</li><li>34:46 Federal Surveillance in Cars</li><li>42:57 World Cup Controversy</li><li>50:01 AI and Employment</li></ul>no00:41:0816Episode 6: The Iran Ceasefire, Low Government Credibility, and Don't Be Surprised if..full<![CDATA[Episode 5: The Erosion of Trust and Impact of AI on Society]]>This episode features an in-depth discussion on current geopolitical tensions, the impact of AI on society, and the erosion of trust in institutions. The hosts analyze recent events, technological shifts, and political developments to provide a comprehensive understanding of today's complex landscape.

]]>b7fe3fed-575e-4f82-9faf-4f939f54727eSat, 25 Apr 2026 19:01:11 GMT<p>This episode features an in-depth discussion on current geopolitical tensions, the impact of AI on society, and the erosion of trust in institutions. The hosts analyze recent events, technological shifts, and political developments to provide a comprehensive understanding of today's complex landscape.</p>no00:44:1915Episode 5: The Erosion of Trust and Impact of AI on Societyfull<![CDATA[Episode 4: The New World Order, Corporate Responsibility, and the Missing Scientists]]>The conversation delves into the global instability and uncertainty caused by political and military actions, the impact of AI on jobs and the economy, and the lack of government planning for the future. It highlights the lack of leadership and courage in politics, the incompetence and poor behavior of cabinet members, and the investigation into the deaths and disappearances of scientists.

Takeaways

  • Global instability
  • Impact of AI
  • Lack of government planning Political leadership and courage
  • Cabinet members and their behavior

Chapters

  • 00:00 Global Instability and Uncertainty
  • 08:05 Shift in World Power Dynamics
  • 14:36 Impact of AI on Jobs and Economy
  • 20:39 Government and Corporate Responsibility
  • 28:23 Political Leadership and Courage
  • 39:38 Scientists and Mysterious Circumstances
]]>29007115-e8f3-4dc4-9f24-6fa07f2be6b6Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:48:13 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the global instability and uncertainty caused by political and military actions, the impact of AI on jobs and the economy, and the lack of government planning for the future. It highlights the lack of leadership and courage in politics, the incompetence and poor behavior of cabinet members, and the investigation into the deaths and disappearances of scientists.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Global instability</li><li>Impact of AI</li><li>Lack of government planning Political leadership and courage</li><li>Cabinet members and their behavior</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Global Instability and Uncertainty</li><li>08:05 Shift in World Power Dynamics</li><li>14:36 Impact of AI on Jobs and Economy</li><li>20:39 Government and Corporate Responsibility</li><li>28:23 Political Leadership and Courage</li><li>39:38 Scientists and Mysterious Circumstances</li></ul>yes00:40:3214Episode 4: The New World Order, Corporate Responsibility, and the Missing Scientistsfull<![CDATA[The Pope, Political Corruption, and Sports]]>Episode 3 features a deep discussion on geopolitical events, market manipulation, political ethics, and the role of religion in current affairs. The hosts analyze recent wars, political scandals, and international sports, providing insights into the complex interplay of power, money, and morality.

]]>1fc4e04c-ff59-45cb-a4ac-42512054ded4Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:43:04 GMT<p>Episode 3 features a deep discussion on geopolitical events, market manipulation, political ethics, and the role of religion in current affairs. The hosts analyze recent wars, political scandals, and international sports, providing insights into the complex interplay of power, money, and morality.</p>yes00:32:2913The Pope, Political Corruption, and Sportsfull<![CDATA[Orban, Corruption, and the Epstein Class]]>Today's conversation covers the defeat of Orban and Trump in Hungary and its positive implications; delves into U.S. political corruption; the "Epstein Class" and lack of accountability; and the shift in political divides from Red-Blue to Have-Can't Haves... and hope for the future?

Programming Note: Moving to a twice weekly schedule, Tuesday's and Saturdays.

]]>09d44748-d45d-451c-b341-724065af0678Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:44:56 GMT<p>Today's conversation covers the defeat of Orban and Trump in Hungary and its positive implications; delves into U.S. political corruption; the "Epstein Class" and lack of accountability; and the shift in political divides from Red-Blue to Have-Can't Haves... and hope for the future?</p><p></p><p>Programming Note: Moving to a twice weekly schedule, Tuesday's and Saturdays.</p><p></p>no00:30:4812Orban, Corruption, and the Epstein Classfull<![CDATA[Iran, War Crimes and NATO]]>The conversation delves into the Iran War, Iran's strategic goals in the Middle East, and the potential impact of the conflict on global politics. It also explores the existential conflict in the Middle East, the implications of a rescue mission, considerations of war crimes, the future of NATO, and the 25th Amendment and its implications for the future.

Takeaways

  • Iran's strategic goals in the Middle East
  • The potential impact of the Iran War on global politics

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Iran War and Strategic Goals
  • 07:44 The Rescue Mission and its Implications
  • 23:55 NATO and International Relations
]]>45400a1e-0dff-41ef-a1e2-a1ddba9c48deWed, 08 Apr 2026 01:32:56 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the Iran War, Iran's strategic goals in the Middle East, and the potential impact of the conflict on global politics. It also explores the existential conflict in the Middle East, the implications of a rescue mission, considerations of war crimes, the future of NATO, and the 25th Amendment and its implications for the future.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Iran's strategic goals in the Middle East</li><li>The potential impact of the Iran War on global politics</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Iran War and Strategic Goals</li><li>07:44 The Rescue Mission and its Implications</li><li>23:55 NATO and International Relations</li></ul>no00:34:3011Iran, War Crimes and NATOfull