It's A Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky

On this episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the latest polling data shaking up the political landscape—and exposing deep divisions within the Democratic coalition and the broader American public. Drawing on a national survey of over 3,000 registered voters, Ryan walks through the numbers on key transgender-related policies, including youth medical treatments, school sports participation, and bathroom access laws. The data tells a striking story: while Republican voters remain largely unified, Democratic voters are increasingly split—raising serious questions about messaging, priorities, and the future of the culture war. Ryan explores why public opinion appears to be shifting, how activists and media figures are responding to inconvenient data, and what this means for upcoming elections. Plus, Ryan offers a strategic warning to Republicans: even when the numbers are on your side, winning campaigns require more than a single issue. From polling insights to political strategy, this episode delivers a data-driven look at one of the most contentious debates in America today. EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s really happening in Texas politics—and what do the numbers tell us? In this explosive episode, Ryan breaks down the data, timelines, and political impact behind one of the most shocking stories in the country: the allegations surrounding Congressman Tony Gonzalez and the tragic death of a staffer. From early reporting to newly surfaced evidence—including thousands of text messages—this episode walks through what’s known, what’s alleged, and what it could mean for the race. But that’s just the beginning. CurrentRevolt.com's Tony Ortiz also dives into the Texas primary landscape, where razor-thin margins and major endorsements could decide everything: How close Gonzalez already came to losing—and why this scandal could change everything The numbers behind Brandon Herrera’s surge and what it signals for outsider candidates Why Dan Crenshaw may be facing his toughest challenge yet The messy, headline-grabbing controversies surrounding Mayra Flores A high-stakes Senate battle featuring John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and Wesley Hunt Plus, on the Democrat side: The fundraising surge and strategy behind Jasmine Crockett Why some Democrats think James Talarico is the bigger general election threat What voter turnout trends in Texas reveal about where this race is heading This episode connects the dots between scandal, strategy, and polling reality—giving you a clear-eyed look at the numbers shaping one of the most unpredictable political battlegrounds in America. 👉 If you want to understand where Texas—and national politics—may be headed next, this is a must-listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan sits down with Oren Cass—chief economist and founder of American Compass—to unpack one of the most important economic debates in America right now: financialization. Cass explains what financialization means in plain English, why the financial sector has ballooned into a dominant source of corporate profits, and how Wall Street’s incentives can become parasitic on the real economy—extracting value from productive businesses instead of funding long-term growth. They also dig into Cass’s concept of “moral arbitrage,” where investors target industries that weren’t meant to be run for maximum profit—like nursing homes, veterinary practices, and even youth sports—and what that shift means for families, communities, and the future of capitalism. In this episode, Ryan and Oren discuss: What financialization is (and what it isn’t) Why finance attracts top talent—and how it creates a brain drain from engineering and medicine How “moral arbitrage” shows up in healthcare, elder care, and youth sports Whether financialization makes America less competitive globally Why low unemployment doesn’t mean the economy is healthy for workers The conservative debate inside the Right—and why critics often miss Cass’s actual argument AI, bubbles, and what today’s tech frenzy gets right (and wrong) 📌 Learn more at AmericanCompass.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special Ask Me Anything episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky dives into listener-submitted questions covering the biggest political, economic, and cultural debates shaping America today. From media narratives around immigration enforcement to the disconnect between economic data and public perception, Ryan breaks down what’s really driving voter anxiety—and why polling doesn’t always tell the full story. He also tackles ranked choice voting in Alaska, the future of key Senate races, and whether Republican messaging is missing the mark on major issues. Plus, Ryan shares personal stories—from his Queens upbringing to his take on political gossip—and answers thought-provoking questions on topics like the SAVE Act, crime statistics, and the role of institutions in shaping public policy. It’s a fast-moving, unfiltered episode packed with sharp analysis, candid commentary, and direct engagement with the audience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer running out of time? In this data-driven breakdown, pollster James Johnson of J&L Partners joins Ryan to unpack the numbers shaping Britain’s political future—and the warning signs flashing for Labour. From collapsing approval ratings to rising support for Nigel Farage, the polling tells a story of a leader losing authority, a party struggling to unify, and an electorate shifting in unpredictable ways. Johnson explains why Starmer may survive in the short term—but faces mounting pressure from within his own party, especially as key allies exit and potential rivals position themselves. The conversation dives into the real power dynamics inside Labour, including the influence of figures like Peter Mandelson, the fallout from Morgan McSweeney’s departure, and the contenders quietly preparing leadership bids. Plus, what do upcoming by-elections and local races reveal about Labour’s vulnerability? And perhaps most importantly—how does Farage factor into all of this? With Reform UK holding steady in the polls, Labour voters may be forced to choose between sticking with Starmer or rallying behind a new leader who can actually win. EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Texas actually in play for 2026 — or is the “Texas is turning blue” storyline getting ahead of the data? In this episode of The Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky starts with a look at the left’s escalating race-and-identity rhetoric, breaking down viral clips and why mainstream media outlets keep running interference when inflammatory language is aimed at “acceptable targets.” Ryan argues this isn’t random: today’s rhetoric becomes tomorrow’s policy. Then we move to the Lone Star State. After a high-profile special election sparks fresh “Texas is flipping” headlines, Ryan sits down with Kellen Jones, senior investigative reporter at The Dallas Express, to unpack what actually happened on the ground — including weather disruptions, turnout dynamics, local personality politics, and how suburban fault lines can distort national narratives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ryan is joined by political analyst and Wake Up to Politics author Gabe Fleisher to break down the hard data behind Republican loyalty to Donald Trump. Drawing on an original analysis of nearly 500 Republicans who have served in Congress since 2017, Fleisher explains which lawmakers broke with Trump on key votes—and why most of them are no longer in office. The conversation explores impeachment votes, national emergencies, tariffs, war powers, and major legislative battles to reveal how the Republican Party has evolved over two Trump terms. Ryan and Gabe dig into the split between ideological purists and pragmatic moderates, the role of competitive swing districts, and why figures like Susan Collins, Rand Paul, Thomas Massie, and Brian Fitzpatrick land on opposite ends of the spectrum. They also examine what this data says about the post-Trump GOP: whether the party is becoming more ideologically consistent or simply more Trump-aligned—and what that means as Trump’s influence eventually recedes. A must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how power, loyalty, and numbers are reshaping the Republican Party from the inside. Check out Gabe's Substack HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the numbers behind the surprising results of a recent Texas special election and the significant swing toward Democrats that has Republicans on edge. Ryan analyzes what really drove the outcome — from flawed candidate selection and turnout dynamics to messaging failures that don’t always show up in the headlines. He also pushes back on media narratives predicting a Republican collapse in the upcoming midterm elections, offering a data-driven look at what the results actually signal nationwide. The episode wraps with an Ask Me Anything segment, where Ryan tackles listener questions on the 14th Amendment, China’s population statistics, and other timely political debates. EMAIL RYAN HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ryan Girdusky and POLITICO's Jessica Piper break down the financial forces shaping the next election cycle. The conversation focuses on GOP midterm targets and how massive spending from the AI and cryptocurrency sectors is transforming modern political fundraising. They also examine the growing influence of pro-Israel political groups, how strategic investments affect candidate positioning, and what these funding trends mean for voter perception and campaign messaging. From emerging tech money to foreign policy advocacy, this episode digs into the numbers driving power, influence, and outcomes in today’s political landscape. Learn more about Jessica HERE EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the numbers behind the new Melania Trump movie, reviewing its documentary-style approach, soundtrack choices, and where it falls short in offering deeper insight into Melania Trump’s life and public image. He then turns to Florida’s 19th congressional district, unpacking the unusual field of candidates, their backgrounds, and what the race reveals about the evolving political landscape in Florida. The episode wraps with "Ask Me Anything," where Ryan answers listener questions on elections, media narratives, and current political trends. EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this wide-ranging conversation, investigative journalist Lee Fang breaks down how wealthy donors shape modern identity politics and why many of today’s most controversial policies are more symbolic than substantive. Fang examines Democratic leadership failures on immigration, arguing the party owes voters a serious reckoning—and possibly an apology. The discussion also dives into the political maneuvering of figures like Gavin Newsom, the growing influence of social media on public opinion, and the looming economic disruption posed by artificial intelligence. From wealth redistribution in an AI-driven economy to the risks of unchecked technological power, this episode connects elite politics, culture wars, and the future of work in a rapidly changing political landscape. Check out Lee's Substack EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do the numbers actually reveal about Charlie Kirk’s legacy and the future of the conservative movement? In this in-depth conversation, Andrew Kolvert joins Ryan Girdusky and examines the measurable impact of Kirk’s leadership, the rapid growth of conservative youth engagement, and the data behind Turning Point USA’s influence on the next political generation. Kolvert breaks down why winning young voters will be decisive in the 2026 elections, how narrative and cultural momentum now matter as much as policy, and what conservatives must do to sustain and expand the movement beyond Charlie Kirk. From grassroots organizing to messaging strategy, this episode explores what worked, what’s at risk of being lost, and how the next chapter must be written. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ann Coulter breaks down the numbers behind America’s immigration debate, challenging progressive narratives on civil rights, sanctuary cities, and federal enforcement. Coulter critiques how MLK Day and the civil rights movement are framed in modern political discourse, arguing that historical context is often distorted to advance today’s policy agendas. Ryan and Ann examine the Supreme Court’s role in shaping immigration law, the limits of federal authority, and how sanctuary city policies impact public safety and public trust. Coulter also addresses shifting public opinion on immigration enforcement and makes the case for a tougher, more consistent federal response to restore the rule of law. Check out Ann on Substack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Breaking News episode, Ryan Girdusky delivers an instant reaction to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during a confrontation involving ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. Ryan breaks down what is currently known about the incident, the official response from DHS, and the growing political and media firestorm surrounding immigration enforcement. Ryan explores the legal realities of gun ownership, the dangers of activist misinformation, and how escalating rhetoric around ICE operations is shaping public perception and policy. Ryan also examines the broader implications for immigration law enforcement, public safety, and the national debate over border security. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the data driving some of the most consequential political and global trends right now. He examines the sharp decline in China’s birth rate and what it signals for the country’s economic stability, workforce crisis, and long-term foreign policy ambitions. Ryan also dives into fresh polling ahead of the 2026 U.S. elections, unpacking which issues are resonating most with voters and how key demographic shifts could reshape the political map. Ryan continues with a look at newly released census data, revealing population movements across states—and what those shifts mean for representation, policy, and power. EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Aidan Buzzetti, president of the 1776 Project Foundation, to break down a major lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) over racially discriminatory school assignment policies. Aidan explains how LAUSD’s PHBAO program allegedly gives enrollment advantages to schools with predominantly non-white student populations—resulting in discrimination against white and Middle Eastern students. He walks through the historical roots of the policy, tracing it back to desegregation-era court orders from the 1960s and 1980s that have evolved into today’s controversial practices. The conversation also explores the real-world challenges of mounting the lawsuit, including fear of retaliation among parents, the courage required for families to come forward, and what happens next in the legal process. Ryan and Aidan discuss why this case could become a national blueprint for challenging similar policies in other school districts. Learn more about the lawsuit HERE | https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/us/los-angeles-schools-desegregation-lawsuit.html EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Tim Carney, senior columnist at the Washington Examiner and author of Family Unfriendly, to unpack the numbers behind modern family policy. They examine whether government childcare subsidies actually increase birth rates—or simply incentivize workforce participation. Drawing on international examples like France, Carney explains why massive public spending often fails to support family formation and instead benefits political interests, labor unions, and bureaucracies. The conversation explores the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and regulatory barriers that make starting a family harder than ever. Carney argues for policies that genuinely help families—such as expanding the child tax credit—while questioning who truly benefits from today’s childcare and education programs. Follow Tim on X EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt joins the show to break down his latest legislative push to crack down on immigration fraud and reform the denaturalization process for individuals who obtain U.S. citizenship under false pretenses. Schmitt argues that fraud must carry real consequences, including prosecution and the loss of citizenship for those who abuse the system. He highlights recent high-profile fraud cases in Minnesota involving members of the Somali community, emphasizing the need to protect taxpayer dollars and restore accountability in immigration enforcement. The conversation expands to the broader immigration debate in Washington, where Schmitt explains why bipartisan cooperation in the Senate has stalled and why Democrats continue to resist meaningful reform. He also discusses the economic impact of remittances leaving the U.S. and outlines his proposal for a remittance tax designed to reduce incentives for illegal immigration. EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Senator Tom Cotton joins Ryan for a wide-ranging and urgent conversation on the escalating attacks against ICE agents, the growing role of activist NGOs in obstructing federal law enforcement, and the shocking Somali fraud scandal that has rocked Minneapolis. Cotton explains why federal authority must override local obstruction when ICE is targeted, including the possible use of National Guard or active-duty troops to protect officers enforcing immigration law. He also details his new Senate legislation to denaturalize fraudsters who exploited America’s immigration system while stealing billions in taxpayer funds. The discussion expands to the national security risks posed by unassimilated migrant communities, the failure of chain migration, and Cotton’s long-standing push for a merit-based immigration system that prioritizes English proficiency, education, and economic contribution. Ryan and Senator Cotton also examine Venezuela’s role in fueling illegal migration through human trafficking networks, cartel activity, and Maduro’s weaponization of migration against the United States—and how Trump-era policies are reversing that damage. EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down The Numbers Behind one of the most contentious national news stories — the fatal Minneapolis shooting involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent and a civilian during a federal enforcement operation, analyzing available video footage and the conflicting narratives from federal officials and local leaders. From there, Ryan explores how this incident fits into broader debates on immigration enforcement, law and order, and public perception. He then shifts to a deep dive into U.S. demographic trends, unpacking the data on population decline, fertility rates, and the looming implications for Social Security and future economic stability. EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.