The Chuck ToddCast

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, author Wright Thompson joins Chuck Todd to discuss his new book The Barn and the enduring struggle to tell the stories of civil rights in America. Wright delves into the history of Emmett Till, the ongoing battle over how Black history is taught in the South, and the limitations of projects like 1619 in capturing the full scope of systemic racism. He reflects on how the South’s “lost cause” imagery and historical amnesia continue to shape politics, culture, and education, and why remembering Till’s story is essential for understanding the roots of American dysfunction. Along the way, Wright also explores how sports have historically led society in moral leadership, from civil rights breakthroughs to the integrity of figures like LeBron James. Thompson also tackles broader questions about American governance and society, from the failures of individual politicians to the structural incentives that keep the country in political spirals, the challenges of the modern presidency, and the looming threats of drone warfare and algorithm-driven polarization. He offers insights from his journey as a sportswriter, illustrating how cultural narratives—from the 1940s to today—shape our national conversation. This episode is a deep dive into history, morality, and the complexities of chronicling America’s past while grappling with its present and future. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Wright Thompson joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:00 Why Wright wanted to write “The Barn” 02:15 The MAGA project wants to go back to pre civil rights era 03:30 How Emmit Till and civil rights are taught in the south 05:00 The war on black history has been embodied in textbooks 06:15 The biggest flaw of the 1619 Project is it didn’t go far enough 08:00 The barn where Emmit Till was killed isn’t a national landmark 10:15 The south still drapes itself in the “lost cause” civil war imagery 12:30 So many bomb throwing politicians aren’t built for governing 13:30 There was huge overseas money propping up the south in 1860’s 15:00 America required catastrophes to pull out of political death spirals 16:00 The battle against powerful forces just to tell civil rights stories 17:45 Emmit Til is a symbol, but he was also just a boy 19:00 It’s incumbent on Americans to remember Til’s name 20:15 The seeds of our dysfunction were planted between Vietnam & NAFTA 21:15 You have to understand Mississippi to understand America 23:30 If Garfield had lived we may have passed civil rights 80 years sooner 24:30 Separating your own politics from the era you are writing about? 25:30 There were many political fence sitters in World War 2 France 27:15 People are willing to ignore/participate in atrocities during civil war 27:45 How Wright got into sportswriting 29:15 Sports leaned into civil rights before society as a whole did 30:30 Michael Jordan wouldn’t be able to fence sit in modern America 32:45 From the 1940’s-60’s, sports heroes were rooted in morality 35:00 Greatest written sports profiles 36:45 The hubris of wanting to be president should disqualify you for it 38:45 The American tribe has been under relentless assault for 30 years 40:00 The American experiment is an incredibly difficult endeavor 40:45 Individual politicians are less important than incentive structures 42:30 America hasn’t had a recent galvanizing event requiring collective sacrifice 44:15 The coming drone wars are...

Chuck Todd unpacks a seismic moment in Republican politics: Marjorie Taylor-Greene’s break from Donald Trump and her abrupt resignation from Congress. He traces how the split—months in the making—reveals deep fractures inside the “America First” movement, with MTG positioning herself as the true-believer successor to the Bannon wing while accusing both parties of fueling a self-serving “political industrial complex.” Chuck explains why her departure signals growing disillusionment among Trump’s base, how job displacement and economic anxiety are reshaping the electorate, and why MTG’s political instincts make her far more formidable than her critics admit. Then he turns to new confusion surrounding the administration’s Ukraine peace proposal—where even Republicans like Marco Rubio appear uneasy—and how Trump’s handling of Venezuela risks alienating Latin American partners and setting U.S. diplomacy back decades. Then, author Wright Thompson joins Chuck Todd to discuss his new book The Barn and the enduring struggle to tell the stories of civil rights in America. Wright delves into the history of Emmett Till, the ongoing battle over how Black history is taught in the South, and the limitations of projects like 1619 in capturing the full scope of systemic racism. He reflects on how the South’s “lost cause” imagery and historical amnesia continue to shape politics, culture, and education, and why remembering Till’s story is essential for understanding the roots of American dysfunction. Along the way, Wright also explores how sports have historically led society in moral leadership, from civil rights breakthroughs to the integrity of figures like LeBron James. Thompson also tackles broader questions about American governance and society, from the failures of individual politicians to the structural incentives that keep the country in political spirals, the challenges of the modern presidency, and the looming threats of drone warfare and algorithm-driven polarization. He offers insights from his journey as a sportswriter, illustrating how cultural narratives—from the 1940s to today—shape our national conversation. This episode is a deep dive into history, morality, and the complexities of chronicling America’s past while grappling with its present and future. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the year America had TWO Thanksgivings, answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and recaps the weekend in college football. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 04:15 Marjorie Taylor-Greene splits w/Trump and resigns from congress 06:15 MTG’s break with Trump has been months in the making 07:30 MTG is an “America First” true believer 08:30 Trump isn’t as America First as his coalition 10:15 Trump isn’t governing based on the coalition he built 11:00 MTG could be a presidential candidate repping the Bannon wing 12:15 MTG calls out the “political industrial complex” in her statement 13:45 There is truth to the political industrial complex accusation 15:30 For 20 years every election just flips back and forth between parties 17:00 Job displacement is going to be a massive electoral issue 18:00 MTG is a spurned true believer 21:30 Whatever you think of her, MTG understands how congress works 22:15 MTG wants to send the message that she’s the true believer 24:00 MTG wanted to blow up the system & establishment, Trump didn’t 26:00 Trump is...

Chuck Todd unpacks a seismic moment in Republican politics: Marjorie Taylor-Greene’s break from Donald Trump and her abrupt resignation from Congress. He traces how the split—months in the making—reveals deep fractures inside the “America First” movement, with MTG positioning herself as the true-believer successor to the Bannon wing while accusing both parties of fueling a self-serving “political industrial complex.” Chuck explains why her departure signals growing disillusionment among Trump’s base, how job displacement and economic anxiety are reshaping the electorate, and why MTG’s political instincts make her far more formidable than her critics admit. Then he turns to new confusion surrounding the administration’s Ukraine peace proposal—where even Republicans like Marco Rubio appear uneasy—and how Trump’s handling of Venezuela risks alienating Latin American partners and setting U.S. diplomacy back decades. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the year America had TWO Thanksgivings, answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and recaps the weekend in college football. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 00:45 Marjorie Taylor-Greene splits w/Trump and resigns from congress 02:45 MTG’s break with Trump has been months in the making 04:00 MTG is an “America First” true believer 05:00 Trump isn’t as America First as his coalition 06:45 Trump isn’t governing based on the coalition he built 07:30 MTG could be a presidential candidate repping the Bannon wing 08:45 MTG calls out the “political industrial complex” in her statement 10:15 There is truth to the political industrial complex accusation 12:00 For 20 years every election just flips back and forth between parties 13:30 Job displacement is going to be a massive electoral issue 14:30 MTG is a spurned true believer 18:00 Whatever you think of her, MTG understands how congress works 18:45 MTG wants to send the message that she’s the true believer 20:30 MTG wanted to blow up the system & establishment, Trump didn’t 22:30 Trump is always bullshitting, some of his followers are finding it out 24:45 MTG didn’t want to face a Trump-backed primary challenger 28:00 Trump will be at the center of the midterms, that’s bad for the GOP 29:30 If MTG ran for senate in Georgia, she’d probably win 31:00 The MAGA coalition is cracking, Trump won’t be able to fix it 32:45 Confusion between administration and congress over Ukraine peace deal 34:15 Rubio argued the peace proposal was written by the U.S. 35:45 Rubio is clearly uncomfortable with the terms of the deal 36:15 Steve Witkoff just plays stenographer for the Kremlin 37:30 The majority of congress supports Ukraine far more than Trump 39:30 The administration has not made the Venezuela case to congress 41:00 Trump could set us back decades with Latin America w/missteps in Venezuela 46:45 Toddcast Time Machine - 1939 47:15 America had two Thanksgivings after FDR moved it 49:15 FDR changed the date for Thanksgiving to help retailers 50:00 Presidents used to choose the date for Thanksgiving 52:15 Thanksgiving date was always changed for logistical reasons 53:30 FDR moved Thanksgiving up one week & started a culture war 54:45 23 states celebrated “Franksgiving” 55:15 3 states celebrated two Thanksgivings 56:15 In 1941, Congress stepped to make official date for Thanksgiving 58:45 Ask Chuck 59:15 Thoughts on Trump...

Chuck Todd breaks down why Donald Trump’s sudden push for a Ukraine “peace deal” may be more about political retreat than diplomacy, especially as Europe now shoulders most of the war’s cost—leaving Trump with diminished leverage abroad and a base deeply skeptical of foreign interventions. Chuck digs into new polling that shows a steady and significant shift toward Democrats, with a widening generic ballot advantage and Trump’s approval continuing to fall, suggesting the midterms—and even the Senate—are unexpectedly in play. He explores how Trump’s attempts to manipulate the economy could backfire, how a potential “AI bubble” could further weaken him, and why GOP divisions are poised to intensify. Plus, an update on the California governor’s race, where a field of lackluster Democratic contenders has allowed Republicans to overperform, raising questions about whether bigger names—or Rick Caruso—will jump into a race long dominated by the shadows of Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming weekend in college football. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 05:00 Trump’s “peace deal” may be his attempt to walk away from Ukraine 06:00 Europe is funding bulk of the war, Trump has less leverage 07:15 Trump’s plan to make Europe foot bill is working, but diminishes influence 09:15 If Trump gave rationale for removing Maduro, he’d have more credibility 11:00 Trump’s base doesn’t want foreign military interventions 12:30 Polling shows Democrats with large generic ballot advantage 15:30 Every poll has moved in the Democrats direction, and lower Trump approval 17:30 Donald Trump will try to pull levers to fix economy, could make it worse 19:00 Democrats have a huge advantage going into the midterms 19:45 Democrats need a 6-7 point generic advantage to win house 20:15 If current polling holds, the senate is in play 23:00 Applying election and polling trends nationwide, Dems could blowout midterms 24:30 Democrats unpopularity turned out to be meaningless in 2025 elections 26:00 Bad is going to get worse for Trump, GOP will be further divided 27:45 “AI Bubble” could sink Trump if it pops 29:00 Update on the California governor’s race 29:45 Democratic voters crave optimism, Tom Steyer doesn’t offer it 31:30 Candidates for CA governor feel like their all “Tier 2” candidates 34:00 Jerry Brown & Gavin Newsom have hovered over CA politics for decades 36:00 There are only two prominent Republican candidates in CA 37:00 Dem candidates are so weak, GOP candidates performing well 38:00 Will Rick Caruso run for mayor of LA or governor of CA? 40:30 There should be some bigger names jumping into the race 00:46:15 Ask Chuck 00:46:45 Any book recommendations on the fall of the Ottoman Empire? 00:50:45 Thoughts on voter approval for constitutional amendments? 00:56:00 Way to reform the primary system to produce moderates? 01:00:30 Dem voters still motivated to vote despite lower approval of party 01:08:00 College football preview See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck is joined by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Anne Applebaum for a sweeping, unsparing look at the state of the Russia–Ukraine war and the global democratic landscape it threatens. Applebaum breaks down whether a ceasefire is even plausible this year, given Vladimir Putin’s unwavering war aims, the murky negotiators involved in back-channel talks, and Trump’s unusually warm posture toward the Kremlin. She details why Ukrainians refuse to accept a “kick the can” peace deal, how corruption scandals are playing out domestically, and the way drones, energy strikes, and a collapsing Russian economy are reshaping the battlefield. From mysterious elite deaths to China’s strategic support, Applebaum outlines the brittle yet dangerous architecture sustaining Putin’s regime. The conversation widens into a broader examination of the worldwide struggle between democracy and autocracy—from Trump’s Venezuela maneuverings to Saudi Arabia’s complicated role, from Silicon Valley’s unchecked power to Europe’s scramble to recalibrate its alliances. Applebaum warns that the U.S. walking away from Ukraine would reverberate far beyond Eastern Europe, and she explains why the speed and scale of Trump’s attacks on democratic norms have raised historic alarm. It’s a candid, far-reaching assessment of the forces shaping global stability—and the stakes ahead. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Anne Applebaum joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:45 Will we get a ceasefire this year between Russia & Ukraine? 02:15 Putin has never said he’ll give up original war aims 03:30 Serious concerns about negotiators involved in secret peace deal 04:15 Talks have mostly concerned trade deals between U.S. & Russia 05:00 Putin knows he’ll never have a more supportive U.S. president 06:15 Putin holds a special status with Trump 07:00 Ukraine is more reliant on Europe than U.S. for the war 07:45 Is the corruption scandal involving ministers imperiling Zelensky? 08:45 Zelensky hasn’t gotten in the way of corruption investigation 10:15 Ukrainians have no interest in cease fire to kick can down road 11:30 Ukrainians won’t be strongarmed into accepting a bad deal 12:15 Drones have completely changed complexion of the war 14:00 Russians are targeting civilians, Ukraine hitting energy targets 14:45 Russians don’t care about human losses, just financial losses 16:00 At what point will a bad economy put pressure on Putin? 16:45 Russian elite mysteriously committing suicide or dying 17:30 Prigozhin was the only person who could challenge Putin 19:00 The Russian regime seems inevitable until the day it falls 20:00 Putin is completely dependent on China 20:45 China will stick with Russia & support war to weaken U.S. 21:45 Putin still has allies in Iran & North Korea 22:15 What does Russia think they’re accomplishing with Poland incursions? 23:30 Russia trying to create divisions between Ukraine and Europeans 24:15 Russia’s actions are only stiffening the European’s spine 25:00 Status of U.S. aid into Ukraine 26:15 What does it look like if the U.S. walks away from Ukraine? 27:30 Russia is still demanding land they haven’t conquered 29:15 Trump wants the optics of a big peace deal where “he wins” 30:30 Trump’s actions with Venezuela look like Putin’s in Ukraine 32:45 Trump’s Venezuela actions undermining international system 33:45 Is Saudi Arabia a dictatorship and what is our relationship...

Chuck Todd breaks down why Donald Trump’s sudden push for a Ukraine “peace deal” may be more about political retreat than diplomacy, especially as Europe now shoulders most of the war’s cost—leaving Trump with diminished leverage abroad and a base deeply skeptical of foreign interventions. Chuck digs into new polling that shows a steady and significant shift toward Democrats, with a widening generic ballot advantage and Trump’s approval continuing to fall, suggesting the midterms—and even the Senate—are unexpectedly in play. He explores how Trump’s attempts to manipulate the economy could backfire, how a potential “AI bubble” could further weaken him, and why GOP divisions are poised to intensify. Plus, an update on the California governor’s race, where a field of lackluster Democratic contenders has allowed Republicans to overperform, raising questions about whether bigger names—or Rick Caruso—will jump into a race long dominated by the shadows of Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom. Then, Chuck is joined by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Anne Applebaum for a sweeping, unsparing look at the state of the Russia–Ukraine war and the global democratic landscape it threatens. Applebaum breaks down whether a ceasefire is even plausible this year, given Vladimir Putin’s unwavering war aims, the murky negotiators involved in back-channel talks, and Trump’s unusually warm posture toward the Kremlin. She details why Ukrainians refuse to accept a “kick the can” peace deal, how corruption scandals are playing out domestically, and the way drones, energy strikes, and a collapsing Russian economy are reshaping the battlefield. From mysterious elite deaths to China’s strategic support, Applebaum outlines the brittle yet dangerous architecture sustaining Putin’s regime. The conversation widens into a broader examination of the worldwide struggle between democracy and autocracy—from Trump’s Venezuela maneuverings to Saudi Arabia’s complicated role, from Silicon Valley’s unchecked power to Europe’s scramble to recalibrate its alliances. Applebaum warns that the U.S. walking away from Ukraine would reverberate far beyond Eastern Europe, and she explains why the speed and scale of Trump’s attacks on democratic norms have raised historic alarm. It’s a candid, far-reaching assessment of the forces shaping global stability—and the stakes ahead. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming weekend in college football. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 05:00 Trump’s “peace deal” may be his attempt to walk away from Ukraine 06:00 Europe is funding bulk of the war, Trump has less leverage 07:15 Trump’s plan to make Europe foot bill is working, but diminishes influence 09:15 If Trump gave rationale for removing Maduro, he’d have more credibility 11:00 Trump’s base doesn’t want foreign military interventions 12:30 Polling shows Democrats with large generic ballot advantage 15:30 Every poll has moved in the Democrats direction, and lower Trump approval 17:30 Donald Trump will try to pull levers to fix economy, could make it worse 19:00 Democrats have a huge advantage going into the midterms 19:45 Democrats need a 6-7 point generic advantage to win house 20:15 If current polling holds, the senate is in play 23:00 Applying election and polling trends nationwide, Dems could blowout midterms 24:30 Democrats unpopularity turned out to be meaningless...

Interview Only w/ Josh Turek - Why Democrats Struggle…And Can Still Win In Iowa In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Iowa Democratic senate candidate and four-time Paralympian and gold medalist Josh Turek for a deeply personal and politically sharp conversation. Josh shares his remarkable journey—from being born with spina bifida caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange, to discovering wheelchair basketball as a pathway to college, to becoming one of the winningest athletes in Paralympic history. He opens up about the emotional challenge of leaving the sport he loved and what ultimately pushed him toward public service. Together, Chuck and Josh explore how the ADA reshaped life for disabled Americans, why adaptive and women’s sports remain undervalued, and how equal access—not guaranteed equal outcomes—remains the core civil rights debate for the disability community. The conversation widens into an unvarnished look at rural politics, Iowa’s sharp rightward turn, and the policies reshaping life in small towns. Josh breaks down why Medicaid denials have exploded, how school choice is quietly devastating rural school districts, and why tariffs—when used chaotically—are crushing family farms. He tackles complex cultural issues such as religion’s decline, the trans sports debate, and why Democrats shouldn’t cede Christianity or populism to the right. They also cover climate messaging, the stakes for U.S. policy in Israel and Ukraine, and whether Congress should step in to regulate collegiate athletics. With insights on Iowa’s political future, the 2026 Democratic opportunity, and even some NBA talk (yes—Jokić and Jordan both make an appearance), Josh Turek offers one of the most candid, wide-ranging conversations you’ll hear about the Midwest, disability rights, and the future of American politics. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Josh Turek joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Josh’s journey as a gold medal winning Paralympian 02:45 Josh’s fathers exposure to agent orange caused his spina bifida 04:30 Wheelchair basketball was his pathway to college 05:45 What do we not value adaptive & female sports in America? 08:00 How hard was it to walk away from basketball? 09:45 What inspired the decision to go into politics? 11:00 There was a 1000% increase in Medicaid denials in Iowa 12:30 The ADA made things better, still a long ways to go 13:45 The ADA gave disabled Americans an onramp to society 16:30 The debate over equal access vs. equal outcome 17:15 Who is the Turek/Trump voter? 19:45 The difficulty of breaking through as a Democrat in rural America 21:45 Iowa has shifted rightward, but could shift back to swing state status 25:00 The right candidate with the right message can win red Iowa counties 27:15 School choice sounds great, but is a huge problem for rural America 28:45 Rural schools are struggling and closing under school choice policies 30:15 There are no standards for private schools spending tax dollars 33:00 Not all tariffs are bad, but Trump’s tariff regime is chaotic 34:00 Tariffs are crushing family farms 35:00 What’s the plan to keep people in Iowa and reverse brain drain? 37:45 How has the decline in religious participation affected Iowa? 39:00 Pushing back against the narrative that Democrats can’t be Christian 39:30 What’s fair to the trans community when it comes to organized sports? 40:45 Politicians shouldn’t be involved in the trans...

In this episode, Chuck Todd breaks down an extraordinary week in politics marked by a near-unanimous House vote to release the Epstein files and growing signs that Donald Trump’s decade-long grip on American politics may finally be loosening. He examines the cracks emerging in Trump’s coalition, the administration’s tariff pullbacks amid rising food costs, and the mounting Trump fatigue driving Republicans to quietly distance themselves. Chuck also tackles Trump’s escalating attacks on female reporters, his contradictory dealings with Gulf states, and the likelihood that the DOJ may cite an “open investigation” to keep the Epstein files sealed. Beyond the Trump saga, Chuck dissects the troubling implications of the Olivia Nuzzi scandal, the shameful rhetoric surrounding Epstein’s victims, and the broader damage to journalism. He wraps with a preview of the TN-07 special election, the legal upheaval over Texas’s redistricting maps, and why today’s partisan map fights echo battles not seen since the 1840s. Then, Chuck sits down with Iowa Democratic senate candidate and four-time Paralympian and gold medalist Josh Turek for a deeply personal and politically sharp conversation. Josh shares his remarkable journey—from being born with spina bifida caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange, to discovering wheelchair basketball as a pathway to college, to becoming one of the winningest athletes in Paralympic history. He opens up about the emotional challenge of leaving the sport he loved and what ultimately pushed him toward public service. Together, Chuck and Josh explore how the ADA reshaped life for disabled Americans, why adaptive and women’s sports remain undervalued, and how equal access—not guaranteed equal outcomes—remains the core civil rights debate for the disability community. The conversation widens into an unvarnished look at rural politics, Iowa’s sharp rightward turn, and the policies reshaping life in small towns. Josh breaks down why Medicaid denials have exploded, how school choice is quietly devastating rural school districts, and why tariffs—when used chaotically—are crushing family farms. He tackles complex cultural issues such as religion’s decline, the trans sports debate, and why Democrats shouldn’t cede Christianity or populism to the right. They also cover climate messaging, the stakes for U.S. policy in Israel and Ukraine, and whether Congress should step in to regulate collegiate athletics. With insights on Iowa’s political future, the 2026 Democratic opportunity, and even some NBA talk (yes—Jokić and Jordan both make an appearance), Josh Turek offers one of the most candid, wide-ranging conversations you’ll hear about the Midwest, disability rights, and the future of American politics. Finally, Chuck gives his updated ToddCast Top 5 governor’s seats most likely to flip in 2026 and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 00:30 Near unanimous decision in the house vote to release Epstein files 01:15 It feels like Trump’s lame duck period has begun, but impossible to know 02:15 Trump’s coalition is starting to crack 04:00 Trump’s ten year run of dominating politics is starting to end 05:00 Administration is pulling back tariffs to lower costs of food 06:45 Republicans will distance themselves as Trump fatigue sets in 07:45 Trump’s attacks on female reporters are shameful 09:15 Trump’s deals...

In this episode, Chuck Todd breaks down an extraordinary week in politics marked by a near-unanimous House vote to release the Epstein files and growing signs that Donald Trump’s decade-long grip on American politics may finally be loosening. He examines the cracks emerging in Trump’s coalition, the administration’s tariff pullbacks amid rising food costs, and the mounting Trump fatigue driving Republicans to quietly distance themselves. Chuck also tackles Trump’s escalating attacks on female reporters, his contradictory dealings with Gulf states, and the likelihood that the DOJ may cite an “open investigation” to keep the Epstein files sealed. Beyond the Trump saga, Chuck dissects the troubling implications of the Olivia Nuzzi scandal, the shameful rhetoric surrounding Epstein’s victims, and the broader damage to journalism. He wraps with a preview of the TN-07 special election, the legal upheaval over Texas’s redistricting maps, and why today’s partisan map fights echo battles not seen since the 1840s. Finally, Chuck gives his updated ToddCast Top 5 governor’s seats most likely to flip in 2026 and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 00:30 Near unanimous decision in the house vote to release Epstein files 01:15 It feels like Trump’s lame duck period has begun, but impossible to know 02:15 Trump’s coalition is starting to crack 04:00 Trump’s ten year run of dominating politics is starting to end 05:00 Administration is pulling back tariffs to lower costs of food 06:45 Republicans will distance themselves as Trump fatigue sets in 07:45 Trump’s attacks on female reporters are shameful 09:15 Trump’s deals with gulf states undermines his America First agenda 11:00 DOJ might withhold files under guise of “open investigation” 12:30 Neither Biden or Trump leaned on Saudis over Khashoggi’s murder 13:30 Middle east monarchies are dictatorships with different titles 15:00 We’re past the point of holding Saudis accountable for Khashoggi 16:30 Presidents have to deal with less than ideal allies 17:30 Trump’s attacks on the press are abhorrent & dictatorlike 19:00 Olivia Nuzzi sleeping with a source compromises her journalism 21:15 The Nuzzi scandal feels like watching a car wreck 22:00 The scandal brings shame upon the journalism world 23:30 Megyn Kelly trying to differentiate Epstein’s victims is shameful 25:00 Hiring a reporter that sleeps with sources is beyond the pale 25:30 Preview of special election in TN-07 26:45 If TN-07 is within 5 points, it’s a very favorable environment for Dems 28:00 Texas’s new redistricting maps have been thrown out in court 28:45 If CA maps stay but TX is thrown out, it’s a karma moment for Trump 30:45 Last time partisan redistricting happened like this… was the 1840’s 36:00 Toddcast Top 5 - Governor seats most likely to flip parties 37:45 Katie Hobbs is the most vulnerable incumbent governor 39:00 #1 Kansas 40:30 #2 Michigan 42:15 #3 Georgia 44:30 #4 Wisconsin 45:30 #5 Iowa 47:30 Honorable mentions 48:30 Ask Chuck 49:30 Can we trust the Epstein files will be complete if they’re released? 51:15 Are you aware of the Montana vs Montana State football rivalry? 54:15 Has your view on CA redistricting changed after the election result? 56:30 How can you reach people stuck in the Fox News bubble? 01:00:30 Does Amy Acton or Tim Ryan have a better shot at winning OH...

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, historian and author David Lesch joins Chuck to discuss the new book Dodgers to Damascus — an unexpected blend of Middle Eastern politics and baseball. Lesch traces his path from aspiring major-leaguer to one of America’s foremost scholars on Syria, explaining how the fall of the Ottoman Empire, artificial borders drawn by European powers, and a lack of cohesive national identity still shape the region today. He offers candid reflections on his relationship with Bashar al-Assad, why Syria is likely drifting toward a sectarian majoritarian state, and whether any country in the Middle East is truly positioned to attempt democracy. From Iran’s teetering leadership to the Saudis’ complicated partnership with the West, Lesch unpacks the geopolitical moment with clarity and experience. Chuck and David also dive into the surprising ways baseball helped him understand the Middle East — and vice versa. Lesch reflects on the physical toll of pitching, the Braves’ legendary rotation, and why modern sports medicine might have saved his career. The conversation even explores whether the Middle East could ever embrace baseball, the role of Islamophobia in shaping perceptions, and why travel remains one of the strongest antidotes to fear. Ultimately, Dodgers to Damascus is less a sports memoir and more a sweeping look at a region still wrestling with the consequences of history — and this episode brings that complexity to life. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 David Lesch joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:00 Origin of “Dodgers to Damascus” 02:00 It’s weird reading about someone else’s writing about yourself 04:30 What drew David to the Middle East 06:15 Most people don’t understand the Middle East pre 1948 07:00 Fall of Ottoman Empire isn’t covered well in public education 09:00 Artificial divisions in Middle East were to benefit Europe 10:45 Countries in the Middle East lack a national identity 11:30 Davd’s relationship with Bashar Al-Assad 12:30 Assad was raised as an authoritarian and child of conflict 14:30 Any faith in the new leader of Syria to bring about positive change? 16:45 Syria has been helping with counter terrorist operations 18:00 Syria likely on the way to being a sectarian majoritarian state 21:00 Which Middle East country has the best shot at trying democracy? 22:00 Iran’s weakness makes Kurdistan more possible 23:00 Iranian ayatollahs won’t be able hold power when Khamenei dies 24:00 Iran’s government is teetering, and their proxies are weak 25:30 Iran would be an economic power if they became a western democracy 26:15 Israel is at the apex of military power in the region 29:30 The academic case for the Saudis being a partner 30:45 Can the Saudis and Iranians co-exist if Iran moderates? 32:00 How did baseball give you extra perspective on the middle east 34:00 Would modern sports medicine have saved your career? 36:00 The motion for pitching is not meant for human anatomy 37:30 Throwing sidearm is much less damaging for your arm 39:30 The Braves legendary pitching lineup 41:00 David wishes he had at least one year in the majors 42:15 Nolan Ryan’s missing flexor tendon was his superpower 44:30 Teams run the risk of ending pitchers careers early to win a title 46:15 Why is Ohtani so unusual, why haven’t pitchers been able to hit? 48:15 Could you see people in the Middle East getting into baseball? 51:15 Middle East would need a star...

On today’s Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down how Donald Trump is being consumed by the growing Epstein feeding frenzy — from his inexplicable softness toward Ghislaine Maxwell to signs he may be genuinely afraid of what she knows. As Trump lashes out at Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene with the same fury he once reserved for impeachment-backers, his grip on the GOP shows early signs of slipping, even as the DOJ considers whether reopening the Epstein investigation could delay the release of sensitive files. With the economy struggling, tariffs quietly being dropped, and ACA subsidies suddenly in play, Trump’s visible panic comes at a politically vulnerable moment. Chuck also recaps conversations from the Texas Tribune Festival, where potential Democratic contenders like Wes Moore and Tim Walz signaled a return to mainstream, service-rooted politics — and where Moore’s centrist lane and military background set him apart as 2028 speculation slowly heats up. Then, historian and author David Lesch joins Chuck to discuss the new book Dodgers to Damascus — an unexpected blend of Middle Eastern politics and baseball. Lesch traces his path from aspiring major-leaguer to one of America’s foremost scholars on Syria, explaining how the fall of the Ottoman Empire, artificial borders drawn by European powers, and a lack of cohesive national identity still shape the region today. He offers candid reflections on his relationship with Bashar al-Assad, why Syria is likely drifting toward a sectarian majoritarian state, and whether any country in the Middle East is truly positioned to attempt democracy. From Iran’s teetering leadership to the Saudis’ complicated partnership with the West, Lesch unpacks the geopolitical moment with clarity and experience. Chuck and David also dive into the surprising ways baseball helped him understand the Middle East — and vice versa. Lesch reflects on the physical toll of pitching, the Braves’ legendary rotation, and why modern sports medicine might have saved his career. The conversation even explores whether the Middle East could ever embrace baseball, the role of Islamophobia in shaping perceptions, and why travel remains one of the strongest antidotes to fear. Ultimately, Dodgers to Damascus is less a sports memoir and more a sweeping look at a region still wrestling with the consequences of history — and this episode brings that complexity to life. Finally, Chuck hops in the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit several pivotal moments in the history of American conspiracy theories that all fell on the same calendar week, plus he recaps the weekend in college football! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 Trump is being consumed by the Epstein feeding frenzy 04:30 Trump’s leniency towards Ghislaine Maxwell is perplexing 05:15 Trump seems to fear Maxwell…but why? 06:30 There’s something Maxwell knows about Trump that scares him 08:00 Trump goes to war with Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor-Greene 09:15 He’s as mad at Massie and Greene as he was with R’s who voted to impeach 11:00 DOJ can avoid releasing the Epstein files by reopening investigation 12:30 Trump is rattled at a time when the economy is struggling 14:00 Administration dropping tariffs, know they’ve raised costs 14:30 It looks like ACA subsidies will actually have a chance to pass 16:00 Offering cash payouts to pay for premiums is a strange solution 17:30 Trump is letting...

On today’s episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down how Donald Trump is being consumed by the growing Epstein feeding frenzy — from his inexplicable softness toward Ghislaine Maxwell to signs he may be genuinely afraid of what she knows. As Trump lashes out at Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene with the same fury he once reserved for impeachment-backers, his grip on the GOP shows early signs of slipping, even as the DOJ considers whether reopening the Epstein investigation could delay the release of sensitive files. With the economy struggling, tariffs quietly being dropped, and ACA subsidies suddenly in play, Trump’s visible panic comes at a politically vulnerable moment. Chuck also recaps conversations from the Texas Tribune Festival, where potential Democratic contenders like Wes Moore and Tim Walz signaled a return to mainstream, service-rooted politics — and where Moore’s centrist lane and military background set him apart as 2028 speculation slowly heats up. Finally, Chuck hops in the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit several pivotal moments in the history of American conspiracy theories that all fell on the same calendar week, plus he recaps the weekend in college football! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 00:45 Trump is being consumed by the Epstein feeding frenzy 02:15 Trump’s leniency towards Ghislaine Maxwell is perplexing 03:00 Trump seems to fear Maxwell…but why? 04:15 There’s something Maxwell knows about Trump that scares him 05:45 Trump goes to war with Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor-Greene 07:00 He’s as mad at Massie and Greene as he was with R’s who voted to impeach 08:45 DOJ can avoid releasing the Epstein files by reopening investigation 10:15 Trump is rattled at a time when the economy is struggling 11:45 Administration dropping tariffs, know they’ve raised costs 12:15 It looks like ACA subsidies will actually have a chance to pass 13:45 Offering cash payouts to pay for premiums is a strange solution 15:15 Trump is letting America “see him sweat” over Epstein 17:00 Trump’s influence over the GOP is starting to wane 17:30 If Massie wins his primary, it will be a major rebuke of Trump 18:15 Trump only punishes Republicans who don’t go along with his lies 20:00 We are witnessing the lame duck period beginning for Trump 21:00 Chuck’s experience at Texas Tribune fest, multiple Dem ‘28 hopefuls 21:45 Wes Moore fully embraced the centrist lane during interview with Chuck 23:00 Wes Moore didn’t join the military to “check a political box” 24:45 Tim Walz & Wes Moore agree Trump’s penchant for action is a strong trait 28:00 Wes Moore will run more as a mainstream Dem, not a progressive 32:30 ToddCast Time Machine 33:00 Jonestown, JFK assassination, gap in Nixon tapes same calendar week 34:15 Jonestown shows a closed information system can destroy judgement 35:15 Jonestown shows the consequences of conspiratorial thinking 36:00 JFK conspiracy shows what happens when gov’t can’t convince public 37:00 JFK’s death caused boomers to mistrust the government 38:00 Nixon tape gap reinforced public’s mistrust in government 39:30 The public never received justice for Watergate 40:30 Americans now process events through lens of government coverup 42:45 Public is correct to believe they aren’t getting the entire story 44:45 College football recap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special “New Voices” episode of the Chuck ToddCast, political strategist Lucy Caldwell joins Chuck to reflect on her journey from running Joe Walsh’s anti-Trump Republican campaign to registering as a Democrat. She discusses the fractures within the conservative movement, the erosion of space for moderates, and why independent efforts like the Forward Party struggle to gain traction. Lucy and Chuck explore how partisan incentives discourage compromise, why the best candidates often emerge from nonpartisan races, and how her personal battle with cancer reshaped her perspective on healthcare policy. It’s a candid look at what it means to be politically homeless in today’s polarized landscape. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: 00:00 Lucy Caldwell joins the Chuck Toddcast 00:45 Experience of running Joe Walsh’s campaign 02:00 Walsh’s campaign was meant to be a “path back” for Republicans 02:45 Trump is not a small government conservative 04:15 Feeling politically homeless on the right 06:00 There are many fractures within the Never Trump Republicans 08:00 There used to be at least some common cause across the aisle 10:00 The incentive structures don’t reward moderates or compromise 12:00 The threat of MAGA is so great Lucy registered as a Democrat 14:00 Why independent movements struggle to get off the ground 15:00 Independents struggle to build general excitement 16:00 Independent candidates can vary wildly in their politics 17:30 The Forward Party struggles to find an identity & platform 19:00 Rob Sand ran as a Democrat because it’s only viable option 20:45 Races without partisan primaries produce better candidates 21:45 Executives need different skill sets than legislators 22:30 Which past president would you clone and bring back? 23:45 Our great presidents still have complicated legacies 24:45 Any interest in running for office? 25:30 There has to be something wrong with you to run for office 27:15 The draw of running for office? 29:30 Lucy’s cancer battle informed her views on healthcare policy 31:30 MAHA embraces messaging they priorly rejected See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Adam Jentleson, executive director of the new Searchlight Institute, to talk about how Democrats can build a broader, more durable governing coalition. Jentleson explains why Searchlight is designed to promote ideological diversity within the Democratic Party — and why policies that blend progressive and moderate ideas tend to last longer and win in more places. He warns that Democrats’ electoral path to the presidency and a 60-seat Senate majority is narrowing and argues the party’s best hope lies in economic populism — the same force that powered Trump’s rise but could be reclaimed with a focus on kitchen-table issues and fairness for working Americans. The conversation dives deep into the party’s messaging struggles during the government shutdown, the growing divide between “fight Trump” and “look past Trump” factions, and the need for Democrats to recruit candidates who can win in red and purple states — even if they don’t align perfectly on social issues. Jentleson also offers sharp insights on the filibuster’s evolution from a necessary safeguard to a legislative dead end, and why Democrats need to get more strategic — not louder — if they want to govern effectively and outlast Republican populism. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Adam Jentleson joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Why choose the name “Searchlight Institute? 02:30 How is Searchlight different from the Center for American Progress? 06:00 Ideologically diverse policies tend to be more durable 08:00 Democrats must embrace ideological diversity to win in red states 11:00 Democrats have to make trade offs to win in more places 12:00 Democrats electoral path to presidency gets more narrow in ‘32 12:45 What does Democrats’ path to 60 senate seats look like? 13:45 Economic populism is a powerful force, it’s why Trump won 15:00 Economic populism beat out Republican orthodoxy 16:15 Populism hasn’t been transferable from Trump, but it’s durable 17:15 This economy is ok if you have money and horrid if not 19:00 The Kerry/Edwards economic policies are what are popular today 19:45 When Democrats succeed it’s on economic ideas 20:15 Is an economic downturn the only path for Dems to win presidency? 22:15 Democrats give Republicans ammo on cultural issues 23:15 Mamdani won by relentlessly focusing on kitchen table issues 24:30 Why weren’t Democrats able to sell their decision to reopen govt 26:15 Congressional leadership & communication are different skills 27:15 No side demanding a major concession in a shutdown got it 28:00 Dems succeeded in driving a message about healthcare 30:30 Divide on left is “look past Trump” or “fight Trump” 32:00 Democrats need to find issues they can run on in every state 33:45 The litmus test for Dems should be can they take back the senate 34:45 The path for Dems to take back the senate 36:15 Dems will have to embrace candidates with different social views 37:00 Gavin Newsom has been winning lately on tactics not policy 38:00 Dem candidates need to be fighters with broadly palatable policy 39:45 Any worries about an insurgent third party? 42:15 A third party candidate could certainly cause Dems to lose 43:45 The filibuster has become a pocket veto 45:45 The filibuster should require work and not be used passively 47:15 The filibuster started as needed reform, now is a problem 49:00 The origin of budget reconciliation 51:45 The...

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks a tumultuous week for Donald Trump as newly released Epstein emails reignite old scandals — and this time, they may stick. With Speaker Mike Johnson appearing to serve Trump’s interests over his own members, and a worsening economy eroding public patience, Chuck explores whether we’re witnessing the beginning of Trump’s “lame duck” moment. He draws parallels between Trump’s endless stream of controversies, his history of corrupt pardons, and how even “teflon” presidents eventually turn “velcro” when conditions shift. As the cost of living rises and swing voters tune out partisan noise, scandals like Epstein’s are cutting through both sides’ information bubbles — forcing Republicans to reckon with Trump’s baggage. Chuck argues that if Democrats manage a midterm sweep, historians might look back on this very week as the turning point when Trump’s political luck finally began to run out. Then, Chuck sits down with Adam Jentleson, executive director of the new Searchlight Institute, to talk about how Democrats can build a broader, more durable governing coalition. Jentleson explains why Searchlight is designed to promote ideological diversity within the Democratic Party — and why policies that blend progressive and moderate ideas tend to last longer and win in more places. He warns that Democrats’ electoral path to the presidency and a 60-seat Senate majority is narrowing and argues the party’s best hope lies in economic populism — the same force that powered Trump’s rise but could be reclaimed with a focus on kitchen-table issues and fairness for working Americans. The conversation dives deep into the party’s messaging struggles during the government shutdown, the growing divide between “fight Trump” and “look past Trump” factions, and the need for Democrats to recruit candidates who can win in red and purple states — even if they don’t align perfectly on social issues. Jentleson also offers sharp insights on the filibuster’s evolution from a necessary safeguard to a legislative dead end, and why Democrats need to get more strategic — not louder — if they want to govern effectively and outlast Republican populism. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and breaks down the latest in college football. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:00 New Epstein emails released referencing Trump 03:00 Mike Johnson’s actions are in service to WH, not his members 04:45 Trump has a laundry list of scandals & corrupt pardons, none stuck 07:00 Presidents can go from teflon to velcro 08:30 The bad economy could make Trump less resilient to scandals 10:00 JD Vance tweet demanding Epstein transparency has aged horribly 10:45 Trump’s involvement with Epstein has been baked into public opinion 12:00 High prices and bad economy mean less public patience for Trump 12:45 Every presidency hits their lame duck point, this could be the start 14:00 Winning the midterms for the Democrats means winning the senate 15:15 Trump has treated the party like his casinos, leveraged for his benefit 16:15 Trump is only worried about Trump, not the party or the voters* 17:30 Epstein is one of the only stories that breaks through both sides’...

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks a tumultuous week for Donald Trump as newly released Epstein emails reignite old scandals — and this time, they may stick. With Speaker Mike Johnson appearing to serve Trump’s interests over his own members, and a worsening economy eroding public patience, Chuck explores whether we’re witnessing the beginning of Trump’s “lame duck” moment. He draws parallels between Trump’s endless stream of controversies, his history of corrupt pardons, and how even “teflon” presidents eventually turn “velcro” when conditions shift. As the cost of living rises and swing voters tune out partisan noise, scandals like Epstein’s are cutting through both sides’ information bubbles — forcing Republicans to reckon with Trump’s baggage. Chuck argues that if Democrats manage a midterm sweep, historians might look back on this very week as the turning point when Trump’s political luck finally began to run out. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and breaks down the latest in college football. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 00:30 New Epstein emails released referencing Trump 01:30 Mike Johnson’s actions are in service to WH, not his members 03:15 Trump has a laundry list of scandals & corrupt pardons, none stuck 05:30 Presidents can go from teflon to velcro 07:00 The bad economy could make Trump less resilient to scandals 08:30 JD Vance tweet demanding Epstein transparency has aged horribly 09:15 Trump’s involvement with Epstein has been baked into public opinion 10:30 High prices and bad economy mean less public patience for Trump 11:15 Every presidency hits their lame duck point, this could be the start 12:30 Winning the midterms for the Democrats means winning the senate 13:45 Trump has treated the party like his casinos, leveraged for his benefit 14:45 Trump is only worried about Trump, not the party or the voters* 16:00 Epstein is one of the only stories that breaks through both sides’ bubble 18:15 You can’t information silo your grocery bill, or the Epstein story 19:30 If Dems sweep midterms, we’ll point to this week as start of lame duck 20:30 By going soft on Ghislaine Maxwell, it just increases suspicion 23:00 Trump would have been better off playing “he said, she said” w/Maxwell 24:15 Stock market booming, but most of the economy is not succeeding 25:30 Trump doesn’t seem well, has aged quite a bit in past six months 27:30 A steady drip of Epstein stories/files will cause R’s to distance 29:00 Trump isn’t doing what he was elected to do, makes him vulnerable 34:00 Ask Chuck 34:15 Thought’s on Netflix’s Death By Lightning? 41:45 Can anything be done in the short term about electricity costs? 49:00 What is Trump’s motivation for intervening in Venezuela? 54:30 Did NYC Mayoral race show Dems issue with non college voters? 1:00:30 College football committee needs to go 1:07:15 College football preview See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former intelligence officer and Democratic senate candidate from Kentucky Joel Willett joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation — from his post-9/11 path into military service to the experiences that pushed him toward the Democratic Party. They highlight the parallels between his own story and JD Vance’s, offering candid thoughts on Hillbilly Elegy and how addiction, inequality, and disillusionment shape modern politics. He argues that the fentanyl crisis can’t be solved by policing supply alone — the real solution lies in investing in treatment, healthcare access, and rebuilding opportunity in communities like his home state of Kentucky. The conversation turns sharp as Willett critiques senate Democrats’ handling of the recent shutdown deal, calling it a “betrayal of the public,” and weighs in on the Democrats’ leadership struggles, the GOP’s subservience to Trump, and the erosion of national security norms. From the dangers of AI-era inequality to the growing politicization of the intelligence community, Willett warns that without courage and reform, even the institutions built to protect democracy could falter. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Joel Willett joins the Chuck ToddCast 02:00 Joel’s origin story 03:15 9/11 was what led Joel to join the armed services 05:00 Experiences in the military led him to join the Democratic party 07:00 Parallels between Joel’s origin story and JD Vance’s 08:00 Thoughts on Hillbilly Elegy? 09:45 It’s hard to square the JD Vance of 2016 vs Vance now 10:30 Politicians haven’t been able to address the fentanyl crisis 11:45 The conversation is only focused on supply side of overdose crisis 13:45 Investment needs to be made in treatment, not incarceration 15:45 It’s too tough to get access to quality rehab resources 17:30 You never get over the loss of a parent 18:15 Kentucky needs more healthcare facilities writ large 19:15 Administration has shown they don’t care about healthcare access 21:30 How should the government be thinking about future jobs in AI era? 23:30 AI is not the panacea that many think it is 25:15 Fascism grows in the fertile fields of inequality 26:30 Tax policy needs to address historic inequality 27:30 Capital gains should be taxed at least at the same rate as labor 29:45 Most people receiving benefits work or want to work 31:00 The system has been bought and paid for by entrenched interests 32:45 Why did Andy Beshear win and Amy McGrath lose? 34:30 Andy Beshear willing to speak his truth and show up 35:00 How would Joel try to win over Trump voters? 38:00 Shutdown deal struck by Democrats was a betrayal of the public 40:00 The shutdown fight isn’t technically over 41:45 8 Democrats who voted yes aren’t running for reelection in ‘26 42:30 ACA subsidies may actually get Republican votes in January 43:15 Republicans will do whatever Trump says to 44:45 Without a healthcare deal, Dems should shutdown govt in January 46:00 Should Chuck Schumer resign as senate minority leader? 47:15 Thoughts on Rand Paul and his distancing himself from Trumpworld? 49:00 Republicans aren’t governing for the entire country 51:15 Threats are being made to a free and fair election in ‘26 53:00 The state of the American intelligence...

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down the political fallout from the ending of the longest government shutdown in history— and what it revealed about both parties’ internal divides. He also answers listeners’ questions regarding the shutdown. Then, former intelligence officer and Democratic senate candidate from Kentucky Joel Willett joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation — from his post-9/11 path into military service to the experiences that pushed him toward the Democratic Party. They highlight the parallels between his own story and JD Vance’s, offering candid thoughts on Hillbilly Elegy and how addiction, inequality, and disillusionment shape modern politics. He argues that the fentanyl crisis can’t be solved by policing supply alone — the real solution lies in investing in treatment, healthcare access, and rebuilding opportunity in communities like his home state of Kentucky. The conversation turns sharp as Willett critiques senate Democrats’ handling of the recent shutdown deal, calling it a “betrayal of the public,” and weighs in on the Democrats’ leadership struggles, the GOP’s subservience to Trump, and the erosion of national security norms. From the dangers of AI-era inequality to the growing politicization of the intelligence community, Willett warns that without courage and reform, even the institutions built to protect democracy could falter. Finally, he gives his update ToddCast Top 5 Senate seats most likely to flip parties, and answers more non-shutdown related questions in “Ask Chuck” Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:15 Shutdown fight wasn’t only about healthcare, Dems wanted a fight 05:00 Shutdown was impacting people who don’t follow politics & risky 05:45 Democrats are fighting over tactics, not policy 07:30 Democrats need a leadership change, but may not happen right away 08:30 There’s a growing divide amongst Republicans in congress 09:30 The trickle down economy isn’t working for most Americans 10:30 Voters will want more guardrails on economy to help inequality 11:30 Q&A - Shutdown related questions 11:45 Republicans control government, why aren’t they getting more blame? 13:00 Media mistakenly believes the public understands government 15:15 Johnson kept the house adjourned to avoid optics issues 17:15 Journalists need to explain politics in a way that’s accessible 18:15 How do you win a shutdown fight? Is it possible to win one? 20:00 Congress should find a way to make shutdowns impossible 21:30 Shutdowns are purely for partisan actors 24:30 Is a tough vote the only thing Democrats extracted from shutdown? 28:00 Schumer is a terrible communicator and can’t communicate the win 29:30 Why was the legislative process so dysfunctional? 33:45 We need a congressional leader to make the committee process work 39:00 Joel Willett joins the Chuck ToddCast 41:00 Joel’s origin story 42:15 9/11 was what led Joel to join the armed services 44:00 Experiences in the military led him to join the Democratic party 46:00 Parallels between Joel’s origin story and JD Vance’s 47:00 Thoughts on Hillbilly Elegy? 48:45 It’s hard to square the JD Vance of 2016 vs Vance now 49:30 Politicians haven’t been able to...

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down the political fallout from the ending of the longest government shutdown in history— and what it revealed about both parties’ internal divides. He also answers listeners’ questions regarding the shutdown. Finally, he gives his update ToddCast Top 5 Senate seats most likely to flip parties, and answers more non-shutdown related questions in “Ask Chuck” Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Shutdown fight wasn’t only about healthcare, Dems wanted a fight 02:45 Shutdown was impacting people who don’t follow politics & risky 03:30 Democrats are fighting over tactics, not policy 05:15 Democrats need a leadership change, but may not happen right away 06:15 There’s a growing divide amongst Republicans in congress 07:15 The trickle down economy isn’t working for most Americans 08:15 Voters will want more guardrails on economy to help inequality 09:15 Q&A - Shutdown related questions 09:30 Republicans control government, why aren’t they getting more blame? 10:45 Media mistakenly believes the public understands government 13:00 Johnson kept the house adjourned to avoid optics issues 15:00 Journalists need to explain politics in a way that’s accessible 16:00 How do you win a shutdown fight? Is it possible to win one? 17:45 Congress should find a way to make shutdowns impossible 19:15 Shutdowns are purely for partisan actors 22:15 Is a tough vote the only thing Democrats extracted from shutdown? 25:45 Schumer is a terrible communicator and can’t communicate the win 27:15 Why was the legislative process so dysfunctional? 31:30 We need a congressional leader to make the committee process work 36:00 ToddCast Top 5 Senate seats most likely to flip parties 37:15 #1 North Carolina 41:30 #2 Maine 43:30 #3 Georgia 45:15 #4 Michigan 47:30 #5 Ohio 49:30 Democrats can absolutely win the majority in the senate 50:30 Ask Chuck 50:45 How different would America be if we hadn’t ended the draft? 53:45 Which college football head coaching jobs are most attractive? 57:15 Viability of female presidential candidates? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down the latest in Washington as the government shutdown nears its end—and the political fallout begins. Democrats have shown more backbone than expected, while Donald Trump’s strategy has Republicans quietly questioning his grip on power. From his push to cut SNAP benefits for his own voters to his increasingly distorted view of the economy, Trump’s disconnect from reality is starting to cost him. Chuck also looks at the Democrats’ strong showing in the recent elections, what it says about voter sentiment heading into 2026, and whether we’re witnessing the beginning of Trump’s lame duck era. Plus, the ripple effects of Trump’s policies—from affordability to the upcoming World Cup—and what Mike Johnson’s loyalty to Trump means for the GOP’s future. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the surrender of the Ottoman Empire after World War 1 and the lasting implications for peace in the middle east, answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and breaks down the weekend in college football. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 00:30 End of the government shutdown seems imminent 02:15 Democrats have had a stiffer spine than expected 03:00 Surprising that Trump fought to cut SNAP, many were his voters 04:30 Trump ran on protecting benefits, has done the opposite during shutdown 05:15 Trump keeps claiming the economy is better than it is 06:00 Is Trump in an information bubble that’s not giving him reality? 07:00 Trump being out of touch is making Republicans start to distance from them 08:45 Mamdani’s election was not “the most important” result 09:45 New Jersey governor result was more revealing than Mamdani’s 10:30 Democrats win in Nov 4th election showed it was a referendum on Trump 12:00 Democrats should take the win and cut a deal to end shutdown 13:00 Are we entering the lame duck period of Donald Trump’s presidency? 14:45 Trump’s handling of the shutdown has been terrible politics for Republicans 16:15 The affordability message penetrated, culture war didn’t at all 17:30 Trump’s policies are creating a mess ahead of the 2026 World Cup 19:00 Trump is more focused on his image rather than affordability 19:45 Some Republicans are realizing they’ll have to break with Trump 22:15 Mike Johnson has basically become Donald Trump’s puppet 23:30 Trump is either losing his grip on reality, or trying to remake it 25:00 Trump falling asleep in meetings is a big deal 31:30 November 11th, 1918 World War 1 ends 32:15 Surrender of Ottoman Empire is largely forgotten, hugely consequential 33:15 Terms of surrender were incredibly harsh 34:00 European powers began carving up the middle east 34:45 Europe stopped fighting, the middle east didn't 36:15 In the US, World War 1 is only taught as a prequel to WW2 37:15 WW1 is the reason the middle east is still a mess today 39:15 We need to improve how we teach the history of World War 1 40:15 Ask Chuck 40:30 Can you explain why the senate has 60 vs. 50 vote thresholds? 45:45 Should the Virgin islands join with other islands to become a state? 46:45 Love for the election night livestream 48:00 Why haven't the 2026 federal appropriations been approved? 50:30 Chuck's experience at Vets for Tech event 59:45 College football...