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PODCAST

The Politics Guys

Michael Baranowski

The Politics Guys is an independent, bipartisan, ideologically diverse American politics and policy podcast hosted by experts: political scientists, law professors, practicing attorneys, and former government officials. Our mission is to give listeners a much-needed break from conservative and liberal echo chambers through civil, rational, and evidence-based discussion of American politics and policy from multiple perspectives. In addition to our weekly news discussion, we feature regular interviews

news politics

All Episodes

62:22

Democrats Win, Government Shutdown, Senate...

The Politics Guys ·

2025/11/08

Trey and Justin open the show by bypassing the shutdown, at least for a moment, and starting with the 2025 elections. Trey argues that the results are a victory for Democrats, but must be contextualized. His key point is that the economy is becoming an issue for Republicans. Both hosts outline what off-year elections such as this can and don’t mean more generally and how the Democratic Party still faces structural issues facing the midterms.Next, the guys turn to the issue of the government

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61:48

Nations Apart: Colin Woodard on the Regional Cultures...

The Politics Guys ·

2025/11/05

Mike talks with New York Times bestselling author, historian, and journalist Colin Woodard. His latest book is Nations Apart: How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America, which they discuss on this episode. Topics Mike & Colin discuss include: America as a federation of rival regional cultures How early settlers shaped lasting political divides Culture’s role in red and blue state patterns Communitarian vs. individualist visions of freedom Why internal migration

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18:51

AI Bubble, Trump’s Pardons, Biden’s Autopen

The Politics Guys ·

2025/11/04

Mike, Michael, and Tim open with a discussion of the missing economic data and what that means for understanding the current economy. Tim explains that while unemployment remains low and markets are strong, uncertainty looms because key government reports haven’t been released. Mike argues that the apparent strength is concentrated almost entirely in AI and tech stocks, raising fears of an unsustainable bubble. Michael agrees the boom feels narrow and risky, warning that layoffs and overinvestment

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68:32

Shutdown Showdown, Trump’s Asia Trip, the CFPB’s Slow...

The Politics Guys ·

2025/11/01

Mike, Tim, and Michael open with the fifth week of the government shutdown, now poised to become the longest ever. Tim argues that while the disruption is real, the economic impact will be minor and short-lived, suggesting resolution will come after the elections. Michael delivers a fiery critique, calling the shutdown political theater that hurts ordinary people and decrying Republican fiscal hypocrisy. Mike underscores the tangible harm to citizens, emphasizing that the ACA subsidy fight shows how

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68:30

Deprogramming Democrats: Why Insider Lisa Ekman Left...

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/29

Mike talks with former Democratic activist Lisa Ekman, whose recently released book is titled Deprogramming Democrats & unEducating the Elites: How I Escaped the Progressive Cult.Topics Mike & Lisa discuss include: Ekman’s background in Democratic politics government and expert failure during COVID the tension between public health policy and liberty the problem with replacing equality with equity communist thinking in classrooms returning power to the states

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14:06

The Constitution's 26th and 28th Amendments

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/28

This episode marks the finale in Trey and Ken’s three-year journey through the U.S. Constitution! In this final episode of the Constitution series, Trey and Ken discuss the 26th and 27th Amendments, exploring their historical significance and political implications. They also look at the journey of the Equal Rights Amendment and its “almost” status as a 28th Amendment. The hosts close by discussing the possibility of amending the U.S. Constitution in the future. The Politics Guys

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54:15

Shutdown Continued, The East Wing, The 9th Circuit on...

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/24

Trey and Ken start by letting Ken weigh in on the government shutdown. Ken argues that the Democrats are winning and are doing the right thing. Trey disagrees and sees Democrats as eventually the party that will back down and let people get paid. Ken doubles down by saying the shutdown will last until December when Republicans will then back down.Next, the guys overview the demolition of the White House’s East Wing. Trey is concerned about the larger issue of buying favor with the government for

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47:38

John Campbell on Conservative Myths About Tax Cuts...

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/22

Mike talks with John L. Campbell, the Class of 1925 Professor and Professor of Sociology Emeritus at Dartmouth College. He’s the author of the recently released book, Pay Up! Conservative Myths About Tax Cuts for the Rich, which they discuss on this episode.Topics Mike & John cover include: the main conservative tax cut myths the Laffer Curve and “self-funding” tax cuts neoliberalism - intellectual movement or marketing strategy? when are tax rates too high? US taxes

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19:18

Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Test & Trump’s DOJ...

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/21

Mike and Joey open with the Supreme Court’s unusual re-argument in Louisiana v. Calais, a case that could reshape Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Joey outlines the tangled history of Louisiana’s redistricting and argues that race-based districts may themselves violate equal-protection principles. Mike predicts Justice Kavanaugh will be the key vote to end broad race-based redistricting, though he worries about dismantling long-standing anti-discrimination tools. Next, the guys turn to what Mike

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73:15

Shutdown Showdown, Middle East Peace, Portland Protests

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/18

Mike and Joey open with the continuing government shutdown and whether blame is shifting. Mike criticizes Republicans for spreading false claims about Democrats’ immigration spending demands. Joey maintains that Democrats are increasingly seen as the problem, adding that media silence signals their growing liability.Next, the guys debate Trump’s firing of federal workers during the shutdown. Mike condemns the administration’s disregard for legal procedures, framing it as part of a broader “rule of

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58:29

Paul Star on Trumpism, Revolution, and Revenge

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/15

Mike talks with Paul Starr, a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University and the author of multiple books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Social Transformation of American Medicine. His latest book is American Contradiction: Revolution and Revenge from the 1950s to Now, which they discuss in this episode Topics Mike & Paul cover include: Trumpism as ‘total revenge’ why American politics is a ‘tie game Democrats have been losing’ America as a new

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14:58

What is liberalism?

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/14

Trey and Justin continue their series on contemporary political ideologies by examining liberalism. They explore its historical roots, key thinkers like Hobbes and Locke, and the evolution of liberal thought through figures such as Mill and Rawls. The discussion highlights the differences between classical and social liberalism, the implications of social contract theory, and the critique of liberalism by communitarians. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of liberalism and its

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67:21

Shutdown, Gaza, Insurrection, Pam Bondi

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/10

In this episode of The Politics Guys, Trey and Justin discuss what they call an episode on the unilateral presidency and nihilism. The show kicks off the ongoing budget standoff and government shutdown, including Trey’s overarching point that the imperial presidency comes to us one small move at a time and is not limited to President Trump.Next, they turn to the recent Gaza ceasefire brokered by President Trump. Trey argues that the president deserves credit for pressuring Prime Minister

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58:09

Rethinking Economic Growth with Dan Varroney

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/08

Travis talks with entrepreneur and trade industry leader Dan Varroney about his new book, Rethinking Economic Growth: How Small Businesses Can Help Consistently Grow the Economy, in which he writes about some of the biggest challenges facing small business owners and how American policymakers can support these businesses. Topics Travis and Dan cover include: The critical role that small businesses play in the American economy Some of the major challenges small businesses face from

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18:14

Trump’s Gaza Gamble, Pfizer Deal, Economic Policy

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/07

Mike, Joey, and Tim open with President Trump’s ambitious 20-point Gaza peace plan, which envisions Hamas disarming, hostages released, and rebuilding of the region. Mike sees a potential Nobel moment—if it works—but doubts it will; Tim strongly defends Israel and distrusts Hamas, while Joey is cautiously hopeful that Trump’s unconventional style and regional economic incentives could actually shift the paradigm.Next, they turn to Trump’s Pfizer deal and the claim that drug prices will drop

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64:30

Shutdown Blame Game, Military Speeches, Troops to...

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/04

Mike, Tim, and Joey open with the ongoing government shutdown. Joey argues Democrats will be blamed because their messaging is fractured and influenced by the left wing of the party. Tim highlights ballooning deficits and sees rebellious Republicans forcing fiscal discipline. Mike concedes Democrats bear responsibility but stresses that Democrats have a good issue in the extension of ACA subsidies.Next, the guys turn to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Trump’s speeches to assembled

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49:54

Bruce Schneier on AI and the Future of Democracy

The Politics Guys ·

2025/10/01

Mike talks with Bruce Schneier, an internationally renowned security technologist, a lecturer at Harvard’s Kennedy School, and the New York Times bestselling author of 14 books. They focus on his latest book, co-authored with Nathan Sanders: Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship. Topics Mike & Bruce discuss include: Democracy as an information system and what that means for governance. How AI differs from past technologies in shaping

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12:00

What is an Ideology?

The Politics Guys ·

2025/09/30

In this supporter show, Trey and Justin start a new topic: ideologies. The pair dive into the definition of political ideologies, historical context, and the complexities that arise from the interplay between empirical observations and abstract ideas. They discuss the significance of understanding the distinction between 'is' and 'ought' in political science, the relationship between ideologies and political parties, and the philosophical foundations that shape ideological beliefs. The conversation

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72:55

Comey, Tylenol, the United Nations

The Politics Guys ·

2025/09/26

In this episode of The Politics Guys, Trey and Justin discuss the recent indictment of James Comey by the DOJ, analyzing its unusual nature and the implications of President Trump's public statements regarding the legal proceedings. This includes questions about the motivations of the DOJ’s motives and the highly unusual nature of the indictment itself.Next is a discussion of President Trump and RFK Jr’s press conference on Tylenol and autism. Trey outlines the most recent research on the

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64:35

Populism, Power, and the Enduring Global Disorder

The Politics Guys ·

2025/09/24

Mike talks with Jason Pack, host of the Disorder podcast, in this crossover episode. In addition to hosting the Disorder podcast, Jason is an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a Senior Analyst for Emerging Challenges at the NATO Defense College Foundation, and the author of Libya & the Global Enduring Disorder. Topics Mike & Jason discuss include: What “global enduring disorder” means. Why Cold War unity faded. Power: hard, soft, cultural &

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280 results

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