The Stakes

This week on The Stakes, Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney sit down with Dr. Steven Hassan, one of the world’s foremost experts on cults. As America faces growing extremism and political radicalization, Dr. Hassan helps us understand the psychology behind cult-like devotion, how manipulation spreads, and what it takes to break free. From his personal story as a former cult member to his decades of research and activism, Dr. Hassan brings unmatched insight into the dangers of authoritarian control—and how we can fight back with truth, compassion, and resilience. 📺 Watch The Stakes with Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney every Thursday live at 7:30 PM ET. 👉 The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

The Stakes hiatus is over! Tara and Michelle were back this week with a jam-packed episode of The Stakes. From the recent school shootings, Pam Bondi’s threats to free speech, doxxing democrats, and the public fallout after the death of Charlie Kirk, there was so much to discuss. The highlight? Our friend Gay Valimont joined us! Gay is a former Florida congressional candidate and longtime gun violence prevention leader. Her personal journey—including caring for her late husband and son—drives her passion for humane, community-focused politics. Through her newly founded Political Action Committee, Engage, Y’all!, Gay is providing funding, training, tools, and boots-on-the-ground support for people ready to run for office in overlooked communities across the South. We talked about all of this and more on this week’s episode. Be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think! SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

WATCH THE STAKES 7:30 PM ET THURSDAYS ON YOUTUBE Guest ✨ Cait Conley — Democratic candidate for Congress in New York’s 17th district. A U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate, Cait served in Iraq and Afghanistan before working at the Pentagon and in national security. Now she’s running to bring integrity, service, and real leadership back to Congress in one of the most competitive swing districts in the country. FOLLOW CAIT CONLEY https://caitconley.com/ https://www.instagram.com/caitconley/ https://x.com/CaitforNewYork Guest ✨ Ilyse Hogue — Co-founder of The All-American and one of the sharpest democracy strategists in the country. As the former president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, Ilyse has long been a leading voice in the fight for reproductive freedom. Today she’s focused on defending democracy itself, with a particular focus on the impact of gerrymandering, voter suppression, and the fight to secure mail-in ballots. FOLLOW ILYSE HOGUE https://x.com/ilyseh https://www.instagram.com/ilyseh 📺 Watch The Stakes with Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney every Thursday live at 7:30 PM ET. The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? 👉 SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

Guests Professor Corey Brettschneider and Democratic Strategist Julie Roginsky -- from the fight to save democracy to the takedown of CNN’s favorite fragile pundit, Scott Jennings. In the first half, we’re joined by Corey Brettschneider, Professor of Political Science at Brown University, where he teaches constitutional law and political theory. He is the author of The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It — winner of the American Bar Association Silver Gavel Award for Best Book — and co-host of the podcast The Oath and the Office. We’ll explore how his work illuminates the threats to democracy we face today. Then, in the second half, Julie Roginsky joins Tara and Michelle for a no-holds-barred breakdown of recent CNN clashes with Scott Jennings. Both Tara and Julie went toe-to-toe with him this week on Abby Phillip’s show — while he melted down, clearly triggered by strong women who won’t back down, won’t tolerate lies, and refuse to be called liars simply because he doesn’t like being challenged. We’ll connect the dots between his spineless grandstanding, his thirst for a Kentucky Senate seat, and the fragile egos of men who crumble when faced with the truth. FOLLOW PROFESSOR COREY BRETTSCHNIEDER: https://x.com/brettschneiderc FOLLOW JULIE ROGINSKY: https://x.com/julieroginsky https://saltypolitics.substack.com/ SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

Tara and Michelle are joined by investigative reporter Vicky Ward, renowned for her groundbreaking coverage of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Ward is the host and co-producer of the acclaimed podcast and docuseries Chasing Ghislaine and a New York Times bestselling author whose work has exposed the dark intersections of power, privilege, and abuse. Vicky is also the author of The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy, co-written by James Patterson. This episode was recorded on July 31, 2025 and aired August 1, 2025. ********************************************************************** The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

This week on The Stakes, Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney are joined by former U.S. Attorney, legal analyst, and Host of Talking Feds Podcast Harry Litman to break down the latest headlines—from the renewed focus and legal implications on Jeffrey Epstein. We also talk about Trump and MAGA's gutting of PBS, and episode of South Park that everyone is talking about -- including us! Talking Feds Podcast: https://www.talkingfeds.com/ Talking Feds Substack: https://harrylitman.substack.com/ Follow Harry on Twitter: https://x.com/harrylitman 📺 Watchlist Picks: Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018) – A deeply moving documentary about the life and legacy of Fred Rogers. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) – A dramatized film starring Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers, based on the true story of journalist Tom Junod. Watch The Stakes with Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney every Thursday live at 7:30 PM ET. The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? 👉 SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

America is in distress. Tara and Michelle are flabbergasted by the detainment of California Senator Alex Padilla and discuss the implications of the shocking moment before moving on to the No Kings protests scheduled for June 14. 📺 Watch The Stakes with Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney every Thursday live at 7:30 PM ET. 💥 The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground—and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? 👉 SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 🔔 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

The Stakes May 22 at 7:30 PM ET with Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney

There's a new Pope! He's from the U.S.. He's from Chicago?! Tara and Michelle discuss what this means for the future of the Catholic Church and MAGA. ************************ Watch The Stakes with Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney every Thursday live at 7:30 PM ET. The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

Seneca co-founders and co-hosts of The Stakes Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney talk Trump's First 100 Days, Democrats' capitulation, Gretchen Whitmer, JD Pritzker, and more. Tune in every Thursday at 7:30 pm ET LIVE on X, Facebook, and YouTube. SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. Through compelling content and powerful conversations, we transform outrage into action.

This Week on The Stakes: We WON The Webby's! We dove into the pro-natalist movement — the push to “persuade” women to have more children, and how it’s tied to eugenics, tech-world obsession, religious extremism, and Opus Dei’s role in selecting the next Pope. We also break down RFK Jr.’s alarming autism registry proposal, Trump’s collapsing approval numbers, the worsening economy, and Pete Buttigieg’s strategic 3-hour appearance on a far-right podcast — and why he’s still one of the most gifted political communicators of our time. Watch The Stakes with Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney every Thursday live at 7:30 PM ET. The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

This week, we’re breaking down the chaos, the cruelty, and the constant drumbeat of authoritarian nonsense — and asking how we fight back without losing our minds (or our rights). No gaslighting. No sugarcoating. Just the truth and what comes next. SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. Through compelling content and powerful conversations, we transform outrage into action. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5704774491439104

VOTE SENECA PROJECT'S "AMERICAN GIRL" FOR A 2025 WEBBY AWARD! https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVo... This week, the red flags are no longer warnings — they’re sirens: 🚨 Treason? Donald Trump revokes security clearances from two former DHS officials — Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor — and orders DOJ investigations into their work. A chilling authoritarian move to punish dissent. 📉 Markets respond as Wall Street finally wakes up to the existential threat of a second Trump term. 🗳️ The SAVE Act is a not-so-subtle voter suppression bill cloaked in “election integrity.” 📕 And Miles Taylor, formerly “Anonymous,” calls it what it is: creeping fascism—and a preview of what’s to come. The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? 👉 SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

Michelle and Tara are joined by former GOP Congressman Denver Riggleman—a senior advisor to The Seneca Project, author of "The Breach" and technical advisor on the January 6 Committee. He’s breaks down the SignalGate scandal, Elise Stefanik’s failed UN nomination, and the chaotic state of democracy. What’s happening behind the scenes in the GOP—and what does it mean for the country? The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

VOTE FOR THE SENECA PROJECT FOR A 2025 WEBBY AWARD! https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/social/features/best-use-of-video 📺 THE STAKES: “The Past is Present: A Warning” A powerful and deeply personal episode about the echoes of history in our present. With democracy under threat and authoritarian rhetoric on the rise, what can we learn from those who have lived through it—or inherited the stories of survival? Joining the show are: 🔹 Julie Roginsky, Democratic strategist, author of the Salty Politics Substack, and co-founder of Lift Our Voices. Julie fled the Soviet Union with her parents in 1980, leaving behind a family history marked by Stalin’s purges and the Gulag. Today, she’s a leading voice on democracy, civil rights, and speaking truth to power. 🔹 Anna Scheumann, Holocaust educator and granddaughter and great-granddaughter of survivors. She works with Living Links and 3GNY to train speakers and preserve the legacy of Holocaust survivors—ensuring future generations remember what hatred and authoritarianism can lead to. Together, we’ll explore the stories they carry, the signs they recognize, and the urgent need to remember before it’s too late. The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. Watch The Stakes with Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney every Thursday live at 7:30 PM ET on YouTube. The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

America has crossed the red line. The warning signs have been there, but now we are living through a moment that will define the future of our country. What we do next will determine everything. Join Tara Setmayer & Michelle Kinney as they break down the latest authoritarian power grabs, the erosion of democracy, and what this moment demands from all of us. This is not just another political show—this is a call to action. The stakes have never been higher.

This week on The Stakes, we break down Trump’s off-the-rails Oval Office press conference that almost no one saw—because it aired on MTG’s boyfriend’s bizarre far-right YouTube channel. From openly negotiating Ukraine land grabs to bizarre rants about eggs, Greenland, and Canada, we’ve got the wildest clips. Plus: 🔥 The White House Car Show—while the GOP pushes more cuts for veterans 🔥 Elon Musk’s emotional meltdowns and his White House gaming habit 🔥 More GOP budget cuts—targeting veterans and student loans 🔥 Trump’s approval rating plummets—even Nick Fuentes is turning on him 🔥 Immigration horror—an America child with brain cancer is deported 🔥 Trump even ruins St. Patrick’s Day 🔥 Spotlight American Girl for Women's History Month

Join co-hosts Tara Setmayer & Michelle Kinney, along with special guest Marcus Flowers from Hold The Line PAC, as we expose Trump’s latest betrayal of America’s veterans. 30% of federal workers are veterans, and Trump is gutting the programs they rely on while using them as political props. We’ll also discuss our latest rapid-response video, “Betraying the Brave,” produced with Hold The Line PAC, calling out Trump’s disgraceful record on veterans. Don’t miss this critical conversation. 📺 Watch The Stakes live every Thursday at 7:30PM ET. 💥 Support the fight: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 🔔 Subscribe & stay updated! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. *************************************************************************** The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.

NBC News Medical Analyst Dr. Vin Gupta joins The Stakes to break down the state of America’s health—measles outbreak, tuberculosis, bird flu update, vaccine access, and the policies shaping our future. What’s really going on, and what do you need to know? You can watch The Stakes with Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney every Thursday night live on YouTube at 7:30 PM ET. The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we cannot continue this fight without you. Are you with us? SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/seneca-thestakes 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads.

You may not know his name, but you should. Curtis Yarvin—also known as Mencius Moldbug—is the architect behind the ultra-right-wing tech bro ideology fueling MAGA’s latest evolution. His vision? A post-democracy America ruled by a ‘CEO king’ with the bodies of the "underclass" used for biodiesel —and his biggest fan? The far-right elite shaping Washington DC and the future of life as we. know it. Join us as we break down who Yarvin is, why Silicon Valley extremists are listening to him, and why his influence on the right should scare the hell out of all of us. Join Tara and Michelle LIVE for The Stakes at 7:30PM ET. We’re cutting through the noise and dissecting the real threats to our democracy. Don’t miss it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Seneca Project is one of the few groups unafraid to stand our ground, and we can​not continue this fight without you. Are you with us? SUPPORT THE SENECA PROJECT: https://www.SenecaProject.Us 📺 Subscribe to The Seneca Project and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest broadcasts, content, and new ads. *********************************************************************************** The Seneca Project is an unapologetic movement—by women, for women—driven by the relentless power of our collective voice. We are galvanizing voters to rise up against the assault on women’s freedoms, the erosion of democracy, and the dangerous threat posed by Donald Trump's presidency. With courage and conviction, we transform our outrage into action, using compelling content, rapid-response videos, and impactful ads to spark the emotional urgency that drives change.