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Break it Down with Rick and Tim

News & Politics Podcasts

Tired of the corruption? Tired of the hate? Are you ready to hear two liberal men talk about seeing things through the lens of empathy? The Break it Down with Rick and Tim podcast brings you all the current events and hot topics that we are facing in America. From Critical Race Theory to Women’s Rights. From the overwhelming problems of mental health to out-of-control belief systems with possible solutions. Rictor Riolo and Tim Giardina give their perspective on serious issues and talk weekly about the current state of our rapidly changing world. Every Friday!

Location:

United States

Description:

Tired of the corruption? Tired of the hate? Are you ready to hear two liberal men talk about seeing things through the lens of empathy? The Break it Down with Rick and Tim podcast brings you all the current events and hot topics that we are facing in America. From Critical Race Theory to Women’s Rights. From the overwhelming problems of mental health to out-of-control belief systems with possible solutions. Rictor Riolo and Tim Giardina give their perspective on serious issues and talk weekly about the current state of our rapidly changing world. Every Friday!

Language:

English

Contact:

9716669798


Episodes
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ICE and World War II Parallels (Immigration Part 1)

11/30/2025
In this powerful first installment of our two-part deep dive on immigration in America, Rick and Tim break it down to something startling and increasingly unavoidable: historical parallels. From the early tactics of Nazi Germany to the Japanese American internment camps on U.S. soil, we examine how cruelty becomes policy, how fear becomes a weapon, and how the U.S. immigration system has evolved into something darker than most Americans realize. With humor (because if we don’t laugh, we’ll cry), personal stories, and a mountain of research, we break down: 👉 The rise of state-sanctioned intimidation 👉 Propaganda-driven fear campaigns 👉 ICE’s explosive new funding and militarized tactics 👉 Why modern enforcement resembles 1930s authoritarian playbooks 👉 How legal loopholes are weaponized by people like Stephen Miller, Tom Homan, & Jeff Sessions 👉 The human cost: families separated, communities terrorized, and due process eroded We also look at disturbing recent cases, like the shooting of Marimar Martinez in Chicago, and examine how propaganda, cruelty-as-deterrence, and profit motive collide to shape today’s immigration reality. We’re talking detention expansion, off-shoring asylum seekers, CECOT-style camps, and the cultural normalization of dehumanization. This episode blends history, politics, community experience, and straight-up receipts to show why “it can’t happen here” has never been less true. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about the use of pejoratives. Who gets to say them? Should they even be said by anyone? What about context? Clips included are from CNN, NBC News, ABC News, Sky News, Inside Edition, 60 Minutes, Fox News, Slice Full Doc, South Park, The Boston Globe, ProPublica, Smithsonian Channel, Women’s March Win, Reuters, Rupaul’s Drag Race, Bethenny, Noticias, Tiktokkers: ms_ryan, mollaanbbingtoncompass, julesandjessie, peeberr, marxistajohan, jon59663, and wily_lara. If you appreciate truth, context, and the occasional drag-queen-level read, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down.

Duration:01:16:45

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Red Pens and Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 8

8/30/2025
For this bonus episode of Red Pens & Red Flags, I sit down with alternative school educator Tazz Groffe to discuss what real accountability and care look like for students who the system has failed. We dig into state vs. federal control of curriculum, vouchers and funding, DEI done right, and why “choice” without oversight hurts the most vulnerable. Tazz shares frontline worries, from surveillance creeping into classrooms to National Guard deployments in U.S. cities, and the one thing that still gives him hope: students learning to think critically. If you care about the future of public education, this conversation is a must-listen. Teacher Groffe has a wonderful message to the Trump administration at the end of the podcast.

Duration:00:24:49

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Red Pens and Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 7

7/30/2025
In this powerful season finale of Red Pens and Red Flags, we step outside the classroom and into the heart of the home with parent and advocate Bertha Robinson. A single mother of 14 (and counting), Bertha shares what it’s like raising a neurodiverse, multiracial family in today’s volatile education landscape. From busing and DEI rollbacks to special education funding and Project 2025, Bertha offers a raw, unfiltered view into how political decisions are impacting real families, especially those raising children with disabilities. With humor, passion, and a deep sense of justice, Bertha calls out the hypocrisy of leaders who gut public education while never having relied on it themselves. She questions the morality of autism registries, defends ELD programs, and reminds us that equity isn’t charity, it’s a right. Whether she’s explaining why her autistic son plays 17 instruments or why she checks ParentSquare daily, Bertha shows us what real parental involvement looks like. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who thinks public education should serve all children, not just the privileged few. After the interview, there are some closing thoughts from Rictor Riolo on the current state of public education, which ends with an inspiring quote from poet and teacher Maya Angelou. History is watching.

Duration:00:28:13

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Red Pens and Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 6

7/23/2025
In this powerful sixth episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo steps into the metaphorical (and literal) principal’s office to tackle the deeply unsettling implications of Project 2025 on America’s most vulnerable students. He’s joined by Jennifer Jones, a district administrator for alternative education, and Kaitlen Green, a high school social worker, who offer raw, unfiltered insights into how marginalized students are already fighting to survive in a system that’s stacked against them. Together, they examine the role of trauma-informed education, the erosion of federal protections, and what happens when discipline policies abandon equity in favor of “common sense” punishment. Spoiler: it’s anything but common or sensible. The conversation doesn’t just critique, it galvanizes. Jennifer and Kaitlen bring receipts, personal stories, and decades of experience working with students who’ve been pushed out, written off, and underserved. From the gut-punch reality of the school-to-prison pipeline to the glimmers of hope in Oregon’s DEI resistance, this episode dares to imagine a better way forward, even as the walls seem to be closing in. If you care about public education, civil rights, or the survival of empathy in policy, this episode is required listening. Like what Mr. Rogers once said, "In times of disaster, look for the helpers."

Duration:00:35:34

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Red Pens and Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 5

7/16/2025
In the fifth episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, self-described MAGA conservative high school math teacher, Aaron Megrian, joins the conversation to discuss the shifting landscape of American education. While he presents himself as a champion of neutrality, Aaron openly acknowledges that students may be treated differently based on race and socioeconomic status, yet he resists challenging these disparities. He frames assimilation as the solution, suggesting that tailoring education to meet diverse student needs is inconvenient for the broader community. Aaron advocates for returning power to the states, trusting local values over federal oversight, even though he admits that some states have historically failed marginalized groups. His comments reveal a preference for stability over equity and a belief that equality comes through conformity rather than transformation. Despite insisting that political indoctrination has no place in the classroom, Aaron contradicts himself when discussing religious mandates. He expresses no concern over Bible placements in public school classrooms, arguing that moral instruction aligned with “traditional American values” is beneficial, so long as it reflects his personal ideology. He dodges a direct answer when asked if he supports DEI, opting instead to reframe it as a political buzzword that divides rather than unites. Likewise, when questioned about the educational inequities rooted in the Jim Crow era, he skirts the topic entirely, claiming he can’t speak to it. In doing so, Aaron inadvertently highlights a common tension in education today: the desire to appear apolitical while endorsing ideologies that reinforce existing power structures.

Duration:00:14:36

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Red Pens and Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 4

7/9/2025
In this emotionally charged and deeply human 4th episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with middle school band director Mylo, a fierce advocate, passionate educator, and proud queer non-binary teacher, to talk about what it means to hold space for students during a time when education feels like it’s under siege. Mylo speaks candidly about the realities of being a public school teacher in a system riddled with inequities: from fighting for basic instrument repairs and equitable funding, to protecting students’ identities in a climate where DEI is being politicized and weaponized. They explain the emotional labor behind trauma-informed teaching and the pressure of showing up every day as a safe, nonjudgmental adult when many students don’t have that anywhere else. Through every moment, Mylo’s commitment to student voice, inclusive classrooms, and the power of the arts shines through like a spotlight on a quiet stage. The conversation takes a turn as Mylo reflects on Project 2025, state-mandated religious materials in classrooms, and the frightening possibility of the Department of Education being dismantled. They articulate the heartbreak of having to hide their identity, and the devastation of watching students be told, implicitly or explicitly, that they don’t belong. And yet, despite the fear and the fatigue, Mylo offers hope. Their faith in youth activism, grassroots change, and the sheer tenacity of the next generation is inspirational. Whether you're a fellow educator, a student, or just someone trying to understand what’s at stake in today’s schools, this episode offers honesty, empathy, and a powerful reminder: the fight for inclusive, safe, and equitable education is personal, and it's far from over.

Duration:00:25:24

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Red Pens and Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 3

7/2/2025
In this third episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with Nancy Gonzalez, an ELD (English Language Development) paraprofessional at the middle school level, for an honest and insightful conversation about the realities of supporting multilingual learners in today’s political climate. Nancy discusses her role in guiding newcomer students, those who have recently arrived in the U.S., through their academic day, helping them navigate not only English but also the cultural shift of a new country. She opens up about the linguistic diversity she sees in the classroom, including students from Micronesia, Mexico, Ukraine, and Indonesia, and how tools like Google Translate, push-in support, and personalized assistance are essential in creating an inclusive environment. Nancy also critiques standardized assessments like the ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment), questioning whether they accurately reflect a student’s English ability and expressing concern over how long some students, especially U.S.-born kids, remain trapped in the ELD system, limiting their academic growth. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Nancy addresses the political threats to the Department of Education, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, and dual language immersion. She reflects on the potential dismantling of these systems and what that would mean for vulnerable students who still need support, even if the programs disappear. Nancy passionately advocates for inclusive, integrated classrooms where students can see themselves reflected in their teachers and feel emotionally supported amidst growing national anxiety. She shares her own journey as a former ELD student, her aspirations to become a social studies teacher, and her unwavering hope that, even if the policies change, dedicated educators will continue to show up, speak up, and care deeply for every learner. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of equitable education.

Duration:00:15:07

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Red Pens And Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 2

6/25/2025
In this second episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with Veronica Spedner, a veteran special education teacher working in one of Oregon's most diverse high schools. Veronica shares how her core values—hard work, preparation, and inclusion—guide her daily work with students who have IEPs. She emphasizes the importance of supporting students not just academically, but socially and emotionally, so they can thrive beyond high school, whether in college, the workforce, or independent living. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Veronica critiques the current political climate, expressing deep concern about efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back DEI policies. She argues that the erosion of federal oversight could severely impact students with disabilities, English learners, and other marginalized groups. Veronica shares her fears that without strong federal protections, we risk returning to an era of segregation and exclusion. Her response to Project 2025 is blunt: “It feels like we’re going backward.” But amid these challenges, Veronica remains hopeful. She believes in the resilience of educators and the power of inclusive classrooms where students with disabilities not only belong but also enrich the learning experience for everyone. Her message to policymakers is clear: spend time in public schools, talk to students, and see the impact of inclusive education firsthand. This episode is a powerful reminder that equity in education isn’t a luxury, it’s a legal and moral imperative.

Duration:00:21:04

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Red Pens and Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 1

6/18/2025
In this introductory episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo speaks with Dr. Gina Rogers, a middle school educator, about the emotional and political landscape facing her English Language Development (ELD) students in the United States. As the lead teacher for a newcomer program serving refugee and immigrant students, Dr. Rogers discusses the challenges her students face, from navigating school for the first time in a new country to coping with fears of deportation and housing instability. She describes the heightened stress levels in her classroom after the election and the profound impact of national uncertainty surrounding the Department of Education’s future under Trump’s administration. Drawing from her personal journey as a Romanian immigrant during the Carter era, Dr. Rogers emphasizes the power of safety, stability, and compassion in the classroom. This heartfelt conversation blends policy, pedagogy, and personal experience, showing that in a time of political upheaval, educators like Dr. Rogers are fighting to keep schools a sanctuary for their most vulnerable students.

Duration:00:26:34

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Return of the Trump

1/22/2025
The podcast begins with Rick and Tim's reaction to the 2024 election results of the first election in US history where an adjudicated rapist, convicted felon, and insurrectionist won a presidential election. Topics include Elon Musk, Luigi Mangione, immigration, and what went wrong with Kamala Harris's election campaign.

Duration:01:14:21

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Bye-Bye, Biden

8/16/2024
What did President Biden accomplish during his historic presidential term? Rick and Tim break it all down, covering the highs, the lows, and the Trump controversies. They explore Biden's 50-year career in politics, touching on everything from the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan to the passing of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill. They also discuss Biden's role in key issues like the DACA program, the 2023 railroad strike, and his attempt at the most comprehensive border bill ever proposed to the Senate—only to see it blocked by MAGA politicians who wanted it for Trump's own political gains. The conversation also delves into Biden's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the contentious claim of his part in the so-called "genocide" of Palestinians. Tim highlights Biden's achievements with the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps insulin costs and implements regulations to rein in big pharma, alongside efforts to allocate funds for student loan relief. The discussion turns to the fairness of college loans issued by banks and whether they were given with good intentions. Tim argues that insurance is a scam and suggests, "As a community, we should have the capability to take care of ourselves. Insurance exists to serve their interests, not ours." Rick raises the question of whether the Democratic Party and the media were opportunistic in their handling of Biden's poor debate performance. Tim believes Biden was over-prepared and got lost in his talking points, while Rick thinks Biden was set up as a sacrificial lamb. Who was responsible for the missteps—Biden himself or his team? This week's "Let's Trigger Rictor" is about what Donald Trump says about being a dictator on day one. Clips included are from CNN, NBC News, ABC News, C-SPAN, The White House, TikTokkers: charpmedia, civicsdean, empiricaluniversity, and yahoonews.

Duration:01:23:28

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King Trump and his Supreme Crock.

7/26/2024
Trump’s rogue Supreme Court has done something unthinkable and unimaginable. They have given him immunity with king-like powers. How do we save our country from this radical shift toward autocracy? Did Ruth Bader Ginsburg let us down by not retiring sooner? What kind of court reform must be done if the Democrats win the election? What can be done? Do we stack the court? Impeach the biased and compromised judges? Create term limits? Codify Roe vs. Wade into law? Rick and Tim talk about what they think should happen to bring our nation back to normal and they both have different opinions. Who will these radical Christian nationalists target next? This episode is a comprehensive review of the current unprecedented judicial system that will have a lasting impact on our country for 50 years to come. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about the commercialization of Gay Pride. is it a good thing? This podcast continues the ongoing discussion regarding the evolution of this corrupt and unprecedented Supreme Court in American history. Clips include NBC News, MSNBC, The Washington Post, Al Jazeera English, Black History In Two Minutes Or So, and TikTokkers jordan.thewlis, doingdarciethings, thedemocrats, stormqbreaker, glamourmag, davidpakmanshow, nowthisimpact, matthewcummingsuellar, and bmbempower8. If you wish to write a letter to the Supreme Court, the address is: Supreme Court of the United States 1 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20543

Duration:01:16:31

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Ghost Stories

3/31/2024
For the premiere episode of season 2, Rick and Tim talk about ghosts. Things have made Rick a believer; whereas Tim is still skeptical. Has Rick's involvement with the Bigfoot world ruined any skeptical integrity he may have? Or is he able to see things from a different perspective? Tim and Rick discover they both have a commonality with their experiences... unexplained phenomena affecting their lights and electrical equipment. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about the rematch we never asked for: Biden vs. Trump. God help us. Media clips are included from The Sixth Sense, Ghostbusters, Southpark, Poltergeist, Ghost, and The Shining.

Duration:00:45:20

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The State of Georgia vs. Donald J. Trump

8/23/2023
The twice impeached, quadrupled indicted criminal ex-president, Donald John Trump, is now facing a grand total of 91 felonies that include racketeering and conspiracy charges to steal the 2020 presidential election. Georgia’s Fulton County District Attorney, Fani Willis is playing hardball and brought RICO charges against Trump and his merry band of sycophants. On this podcast, Rick and Tim break down the 13 charges Trump is facing and who his naughty accomplices are. He is charged with violating state racketeering laws and soliciting a public official to violate his oath of office (Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger), conspiring to commit forgery in the first degree, conspiring to file false documents, and making false statements. Trump’s criminal enterprise includes our 911 fallen America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, farting his way into infamy with, like Trump, also has 13 charges. The blond Twitter troll and MAGA blond bimbo, Jenna Ellis, has 2 charges of her own for interfering with the election. The cuckoo lady, Sidney Powell, is facing 7 counts of violating Georgia’s racketeering laws, conspiracy to commit election fraud, conspiracy to commit computer theft, conspiracy to commit computer trespass, conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy, and conspiracy to defraud the state. Attorney Kenneth Chesebro has 7 counts against him because he was the first to suggest the false electors strategy. Trump’s coup architect, John Eastman, has 9 charges, and Trump’s Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, has 2 counts of conspiracy for allegedly being deeply involved in the efforts to keep Trump in power. He organized phone calls with Georgia state officials and communicated with Trump allies as they pushed election conspiracy theories. Justice Department lawyer, Jeffrey Clark, has 2 counts of violating the state’s racketeering laws and a criminal attempt to create false statements and writings. MAGA school teacher Cathy Latham has 11 counts of attempting to steal the election as a fake elector. Georgia State Senator Shawn Still has 7 counts as a fake elector along with David Shafer who has 8 counts for being a fraud. He portrayed himself as the “chairperson” of the Electoral College of Georgia and filed 16 fake electoral votes for Trump. Illinois police officer Stephen Lee has 5 counts for intimidating election workers Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman. Kanye West’s publicist, Trevian Kutti, has 3 counts for trying to intimidate Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman. The Director of Black Voices for Trump Willy Floyd has 3 counts for arranging Trevian Kutti to meet Ruby and Shay. Robert Cheeley has 10 counts going against him, Michael Roman has 7 counts, Ray Stallings Smith the 3rd has a staggering 12 counts, Coffee County election supervisor Misty Hampton has 7 counts of conspiracy for helping Trump supporters access Coffee County’s voting equipment. Last but not least, Trump supporter, Bail Bondsman Scott Graham, has 7 counts for messing with the voting equipment in a restricted area. Tim successfully triggers Rick with this week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment regarding MAGA and what should be done to them. Clips include reformed MAGA insurrectionist Pam Hemphill, testimony from the January 6 Commission, MSNBC, Vice News, and CNN.

Duration:01:14:26

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The United States of America vs. Donald J. Trump

8/10/2023
The United States of America vs Donald Trump indictment includes the accusations that Trump knew he lost the 2020 election even though his officials told him so. It also alleges Trump enlisted the help of six co-conspirators (and we think we know who four of them are). It has the false elector scheme and a top justice department officials’ effort to delay election certification. Trump turned on Pence as January Six approached, and details how Trump reacted to the attack on the Capitol. As of the podcast recording, Trump faces 78 felony charges in total stemming from the Stormy Daniels Case, the stealing classified documents, and the January Six Insurrection. We don’t know what the Georgia indictments will bring just yet. Rick and Tim go over Trump's J6 co-conspirators: Rudy Giuliani (Mr. Farts and Sexual Harassment), John Eastman (Mr. I Plead The Fifth), Sidney Powell (Ms. Dominion Cuckoo), and Jeffrey Clark (Mr. Insurrection Architect). They also try to guess who the other unnamed conspirators are. Who could they be? Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows? Former Senior Advisor Jared Kushner? Attorney Kenneth Chesebro? Wife of Supreme Court Justice Ginni Thomas? And then there’s Steven Miller, Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, and Pillow Boy Mike Lindell. Trump's defense for inciting the insurrection is Freedom of Speech. But his words, “Fight like hell” aren't an opinion, it’s direction. Rick asks Tim why does the Republican Party still put Trump on a golden pedestal? Tim’s answer: Because they can’t afford to lose their base. The recent New York Times/Sienna Poll is discussed and the reason why Republicans still like Trump is because he’s “fun.” Mitch McConnell was booed at a recent political event which brings up the discussion of Republicans abusing our political institutions by not playing fair, and trying to do everything they can to gain power, even if it means exploitation through disruption. That also includes using religion as a tool to gain power and money. For example, what the previous Wyoming representative, Liz Cheney, once claimed Democrats were doing to babies. Mike Pence has finally flipped on Trump, but is it too little too late? Trump’s Mobb-like social media posts are filled with innuendo and are going to be getting him in trouble with the Department of Justice. Republican candidate Chris Christie has a few things to say about Donald Trump and Tim thinks Christie knows he's not going to win and is only doing this to bring down Donald Trump. This week’s “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment is about Jason Aldean and his MAGAtastic song, “In A Small Town.” Clips included are from NBC News, CNN, Politico, and TikTokker TheRealDoubledeemuva.

Duration:01:02:09

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The Final Show?

7/11/2023
We are now at the end of The Break it Down with Rick and Tim Podcast. The goal was to make ten shows. Instead, Rick and Tim made 17. Over the past year, many topics were discussed from Critical Race Theory to UFOS and Bigfoot. Everything was brought to the table to be broken down that mattered to both Rick and Tim. On the last show, the guys go over the different episodes and if they have had a change in opinion on the different topics or not. Numerous clips are shown from the previous 16 episodes. From Caitlyn Jenner on The Ellen Degeneres Show to trans advocate Dylan Mulvaney to White Power Hower Tucker Carlson. But for this episode, we added a few new clips from TikTokkers @Gia_gunn3, @riceandhiabichuelas, and Musclesandnursing. A couple quick movie clips from Pulp Fiction and Napoleon Dynamite were included as well.

Duration:00:51:09

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The Rogue Supreme Court

7/8/2023
Rick and Tim talk about the recent devastating Supreme Court 2023 decisions and how they affect everyone. Gays, blacks, and women. Affirmative Action, President Biden’s Student Loan Relief, and protecting LGBTQ are the three topics struck down. Tim wants to know what is the current student loan debt and Rick gets lost as Tim tries to explain the debt’s numbers and compound interest. They both discuss the hypocritical Clarence Thomas who ruled against the very thing that got him into Yale College: Affirmative Action. Do we still need it? Tim thinks we need to educate ourselves on it and know that it's not perfect. Legacy Students vs Affirmative Action Students. Federalism is explained and is now eroding the federal government through the judicial branch. Lori Smith and her fraudulent manufactured illegitimate court case (which was based on a lie and an unfounded worry) now allows LGBTQ+ people to be discriminated against by religious people. By deciding on a hypothetical, the court set a precedent and opens the door for more bigotry and subjugation against a marginalized community. Tim uses the metaphor of a role-playing game being walked before the supreme court. Redlining is referred to. Tim keeps saying he wants to draw a differentiation with what the law says and Rick keeps reminding him that these hate-filled Christian bigots don't play by the law and are empowered by their renegade Supreme Court. Religious freedom ends when it becomes an excuse to harm other people. Legal advocacy groups are undermining our society in the name of Jesus, like the Alliance Defending Freedom. Rick and Tim discuss what's next with the Supreme Court in the next term: Second Amendment for those on a restraining order, gay marriage, and contraception. Should businesses have the right to vote as an entity is this week's "Let's Trigger Rictor" segment.

Duration:01:05:38

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The Trans Topic

6/9/2023
Rick and Tim talk about the recent new target the Republicans are dehumanizing and radicalizing with their evangelical base, which is trans people. For example, the hate monger Marjorie Taylor Greene calls trans people like Dylan Mulvaney pedophiles. Caitlyn Jenner’s abusive and absurd internalized hate toward young trans advocate, Dylan Mulvaney, is also explored. The “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment is about Ron DeSantis’s Florida bill HB1403 which allows doctors to discriminate against anyone that goes against their religious beliefs. Tim asks, what is the conscientious objection stated in the bill? President Lyndon B. Johnson once said, “If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best-colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you.” Rick and Tim explore ideas to celebrate and protect trans people while addressing the obstacles they face on a daily basis. Clips include Sunny Hostin from The View, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, TikTokker Dylan Mulvaney.

Duration:00:57:22

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The Riff Episode on Elon Musk, Ron DeSantis, Star Wars and Avatar.

5/26/2023
No topic. No structure. That was the goal of this episode. Rick and Tim decided to talk about whatever came to mind, however, the episode was originally recorded in January, so Rick and Tim needed to add a minor update on what has been happening in the country with the topic of Elon Musk and his recent abysmal interview on CNBC. The discussion shifts to what Ron DeSantis has done to Florida with his extreme Christian Nationalist fascist laws targeting LGBTQ+ people. Tim says we are witnessing a "brain drain" from the red states to the blue states because of the restrictions and lack of human rights. The riff topic returns back to the original recording with Rick and Tim’s thoughts on Star Wars, and their shared opinions about what Disney has done to the franchise since George Lucas sold everything to Disney. It turns into a critical commentary on Director Rian Johnson and what he did to the Star Wars Sequels with Episode 8: The Last Jedi. In this week’s “Let’s Trigger Rictor” segment, Tim asked Rictor what his thoughts were on Avatar 2: The Way of Water. Did Rick like it? Does Rick bitch about it as expected? Or does Tim himself get triggered by the topic? Tim refers to the Matrix franchise which he really likes and shares his thoughts on the recent Matrix film Resurrections. Rick and Tim riff on a few serious things they have experienced over the past year. Rick decided to finish college as a middle-aged adult and Tim talked about what he has experienced with gun violence with the tragic loss of his student. Tim breaks down how the military-industrial complex helps our economy. Rick loves the achievements made with the James Webb Telescope and all things science. Why did Tim decide to become an educator? Religion returns as a topic in regard to how divisive it can be. Rick proposes why can’t Christians just forgive Satan? Tim answers because religion is fear-based, and Christians need to fear Satan in order to have an identity as a flock. Why is Rick’s real name Rictor and where does it come from? Clips include CNBC, TikTokkers .allie. Phillips and alawnerrr, NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, clips from The Last Jedi, and The Star Wars Special Edition commercial.

Duration:01:07:31

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Dominion vs Fox News and Elon Musk

5/20/2023
Tim and Rick discuss the historical lawsuit brought on by Dominion voting machines vs the fraudulent Fox News channel. Tim goes through the 20 examples where Fox News was liable, and Rick knows Smartmatic is coming in for the kill. Tim finally sets Rictor off with his “Let's Trigger Rictor” segment with the topic of Elon Musk, whom Rictor despises with tremendous passion. Tim tries to defend Elon Musk as best as possible, but Rictor's contempt for Musk is overwhelming with what he has done with Twitter and reinforcing bigotry and hate on social media. Clips include Jon Stewart, a ridiculous Right-Wing commercial for Relaxium, Rick voting electronically, and multiple clips from Fox News implicating themselves repeatedly with Dominion Voting Systems.

Duration:00:57:56