The Big Ben Show

On this episode of The Big Ben Show, Ben Domenech breaks down President Trump’s renewed push to “acquire” Greenland, framing it as a high-stakes Arctic security play amid China and Russia interest and a potential stress test for NATO. Next, he is joined by DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin for a wide-ranging interview on ICE operations, clashes with sanctuary jurisdictions, officer safety, detention standards, and the administration’s push to change how immigration enforcement is covered and understood. Finally, the episode also features an in-studio conversation with Brad Wilcox on the growing “dumb phone” movement, smartphone addiction, teen mental health, and school phone restrictions. 🎙️ Listen and SUBSCRIBE for more candid conversations on speech, culture, media power and politics. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fRPRZRNC9O7S8u40CSk2D Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ben-show/id1556479134 Follow The Big Ben Show on all social platforms: X: https://x.com/BigBenShowFox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbenshowfox/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran is at a breaking point, and the world is watching. Ben Domenech digs into the scale of Iran’s protests, the regime’s crackdown, internet shutdowns, and what “help is on the way” could realistically mean without U.S. boots on the ground. First, Behnam Ben-Taleblu from The Foundation for Defense of Democracies explains why this moment feels different from past uprisings, how the IRGC may signal cracks, and what U.S. policy tools could matter most.  Then, amid rising antisemitism and collapsing trust in elite institutions, Jordan Hirsch of Palantir lays out a provocative proposal: a Jewish “sovereign wealth fund” investing directly in America’s strategic industries to show tangible national value in a transactional era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Big Ben Show, Ben Domenech breaks down the high-risk U.S. operation to capture Nicolás Maduro and what it could mean for Venezuela’s future, U.S. foreign policy, and America’s posture in the Western Hemisphere. Ben reacts to Democratic criticism in the aftermath and explains why the Trump administration framed the mission as a law-enforcement-style capture instead of an assassination. 🎙️ Listen and SUBSCRIBE for more candid conversations on speech,culture, media power and politics. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fRPRZRNC9O7S8u40CSk2DApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ben-show/id1556479134 Follow The Big Ben Show on all social platforms: X: https://x.com/BigBenShowFox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbenshowfox/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Domenech is joined by Chef Andrew Gruel for a special holiday edition of The Big Ben Show, covering Christmas cooking, last-minute kitchen gifts, and the state of food in America. Chef Gruel breaks down how to cook the perfect prime rib, what to look for when buying a rib roast, and the biggest mistakes home cooks make during the holidays. The conversation also dives into why restaurant supply stores beat fancy retailers, and how food policy, beef prices, and third-party delivery apps are impacting consumers and restaurants alike. Ben also reflects on the meaning of Christmas, family traditions, and why the season is about more than just what’s on the table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Domenech breaks down the Candace Owens vs. Erika & Charlie Kirk feud and how “professionalized spite” and conspiracies are warping the modern right. He’s joined by Robby Starbuck to talk responsibility that comes with big platforms, DEI battles in corporate America, and why Congress is failing on key cultural fights.   Then DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin explains Trump’s immigration crackdown, asylum abuse, and rising threats against law enforcement. Plus, Ben reviews Fallout Season 2 and why the Amazon series nails post apocalyptic politics and dark humor.   Let us know your thoughts: Have political conspiracy theories become too dangerous? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Domenech starts off today’s episode with a deep dive into political discourse in the United States, highlighting the Left's continued tendency to blame Conservative rhetoric while overlooking vitriol within their own party. Next, Miranda Devine joins the show to further explore her reporting on the FBI and reveal what’s really happening behind the scenes with Kash Patel. Finally, Brian Cox, a retired member of the U.S. Army, weighs in with his perspective on the recent Venezuelan narco-boat strikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Big Ben Show, Ben Domenech breaks down the media frenzy over alleged “war crimes” tied to the Trump administration’s crackdown on narco-boats and why key details in early reporting didn’t hold up under scrutiny. Ben examines Senator Mark Kelly’s controversial comments, Pete Hegseth’s fiery response, and the political machine driving these narratives. Later, investigative reporter Ryan Thorpe joins the show to expose the massive Minnesota welfare fraud networks including COVID-era food programs, housing scams, and the flow of stolen taxpayer dollars through Somali remittance channels. Finally, Aimee Huber of First Choice Women’s Resource Centers and ADF attorney Gabby McIntyre discuss their Supreme Court battle against a sweeping New Jersey subpoena targeting donor lists, internal communications, and religious activity. They explain what the case means for free speech, nonprofit privacy, and pregnancy centers nationwide. Question of the Day: What are your thoughts on the stories from this past Thanksgiving weekend? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben breaks down his experience attending an NFL game in Madrid, what international fans get right, what they don’t, and why the league’s global ambitions may never capture the uniquely American spirit of football. Next, ESPN senior writer and bestselling author Seth Wickersham joins Ben to unpack his acclaimed book American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback. Seth reveals the hidden demands and emotional realities of playing the most scrutinized position in sports. Finally, celebrated culinary mind Christopher Kimball joins Ben to talk all things Thanksgiving: cooking in a rental cabin, turkey strategy, pie mistakes, stocking a kitchen, picky-eating kids, the decline of home cooking, and how preparing food can strengthen families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator John Kennedy joins Ben Domenech on The Big Ben Show to discuss his new book “How to Test Negative for Stupid: And Why Washington Never Will.” They dive into the state of American politics, the decline of civility in Congress, and how ideology has replaced common sense in D.C. Ben and Senator Kennedy talk about unqualified judicial nominees, the rise of socialism in the Democratic Party, AOC’s growing influence, and how the MAGA coalition is evolving. Kennedy also shares his trademark humor from dogs to squirrels, and his take on what it takes to lead with principle in Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Domenech breaks down the growing fractures inside the American right and whether we are witnessing the beginnings of a MAGA movement crack-up. He’s joined by Mariam Wahba from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to unpack the Christian persecution crisis in Nigeria, and by Michael Sobolik of the Hudson Institute to analyze Trump’s second-term China policy from TikTok to Taiwan.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Domenech dives into New York City’s shocking election of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani and what it reveals about the far-left takeover of the Democratic Party. National Review columnist Caroline Downey joins to unpack Gen Z’s role, class resentment, and how socialism is reshaping America’s biggest city. Then, author and scholar Charles Murray discusses his new book Taking Religion Seriously exploring faith, science, and why smart people still believe. They also reflect on Thomas Sowell’s legacy, art’s decline, and whether religion is returning to public life. Let us know your thoughts: What are your thoughts on the financial burden with streaming services in order to watch your favorite sports games? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Domenech dives into America’s political and cultural chaos in this episode of The Big Ben Show. He opens with a sharp look at the Democratic Party’s growing internal divide and how progressive elites have lost touch with working-class voters. Next, journalist Ethan Strauss joins to unpack the FBI’s explosive NBA gambling investigation, revealing insider betting, mob ties, and why legalized sports betting may be eroding trust in the game. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares discusses how his race has become a referendum on decency and what rising crime and weak prosecution mean for voters. Finally, Ben breaks down Taylor Sheridan’s move from Paramount to NBC, exploring what it says about the power of creators in today’s streaming wars. Let us know your thoughts: What do you think about the threat of a Democratic Party that is run by its most extreme members?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode of The Big Ben Show, host Ben Domenech sits down with Brent Scher, editor-in-chief at The Daily Wire for a candid discussion on the future of journalism and political media. They explore how the news landscape is shifting, what independent media means for public trust, and how new voices are challenging legacy outlets. From newsroom culture and political coverage to the influence of social platforms, Ben and Brent unpack what’s changing and what journalists, creators, and audiences should expect next. Recorded in Palo Alto, this wide-ranging conversation offers sharp insights into media, politics, and the evolving role of storytelling in democracy. What do you think is the biggest change in journalism today?  🎙️ Listen and SUBSCRIBE for more candid conversations on speech, culture, media power, and politics.   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fRPRZRNC9O7S8u40CSk2D  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ben-show/id1556479134   Follow The Big Ben Show on all social platforms:   X: https://x.com/BigBenShowFox  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbenshowfox/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Big Ben Show, Ben Domenech unpacks a defining question of our time: What happens when you win the war but lose a generation? Ben explores how Israel’s global image is shifting among Gen Z, young Christians, and American conservatives and why social media, faith, and foreign policy are reshaping how a new generation views the Middle East, Trump, and America’s role in the world. Later, Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson joins to break down President Trump’s brokered ceasefire deal in Israel, what it means for Netanyahu, JD Vance, and the future of “America First” foreign policy. Then, journalist Katie Herzog sits down with Ben to discuss her new book Drink Your Way Sober, a science-based approach to recovery that challenges traditional AA methods. They explore the rise of Gen Z sobriety, faith in modern America, and why our cultural relationship with alcohol is changing. Let us know your thoughts: Will JD Vance be the next President of The United States in 2028?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben kicks off with reaction to a breakthrough Middle East deal and why critics are suddenly quiet. Senior Editor of the Daily Caller, Amber Duke, joins to break down Virginia’s governor race, Spanberger’s debate stumbles, the Jay Jones text scandal, and how crime and school policies are driving voters. Peter Navarro then details his Reagan National arrest, his executive privilege fight, and his case against DOJ and the FBI, plus what it means for 2025 and China. Ben closes on cable’s collapse, why the NFL rules the bundle, and where streaming consolidation is headed.  COMMENT DOWN BELOW: which streaming services feel essential vs easy to drop, and how much you’re willing to pay for TV/streaming for your household.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben opens with the Virginia firestorm around attorney general candidate Jay Jones. He details the reported texts, plays the apology, and reacts to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s response. He also lays out why this controversy raises questions about early voting and accountability.Maria Bartiromo joins Ben to talk AI bias, jobs, and how to keep perspective with new tech. She explains why social platforms should be liable when they act like news outlets, and walks through her 3:45 a.m. routine, live breaking news prep, and why her show is beating CNBC in the mornings. She also shares how to teach kids about money with simple habits that build independence.Investigative journalist Luke Rosiak stops by to break down the latest on the Kavanaugh case sentencing and what it means for deterrence and equal justice.Finally, Ben looks at the CBS shake up and what Bari Weiss moving into legacy media could mean for real journalism, independent voices, and reaching audiences beyond the bubble.COMMENT DOWN BELOW: Give us your best tips and tricks on how you save money for your family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben opens on faith, family and the state of men in American life, pushing back on Hillary Clinton's narrative and explaining why a renewed admiration for strong fatherhood is rising. He ties it to recent cultural flashpoints and the reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death. Nancy Mace joins to break down the shutdown fight, why she calls it a left flank problem for Democrats, and how suburban women are moving on women’s sports and Title IX. She also lays out her South Carolina agenda on taxes, immigration and law and order, and reflects on a broader faith revival she’s seeing on the ground. Brian Kilmeade weighs in on the Quantico speech and a reset toward merit in the ranks, then dives into Venezuela, media spin and 2025 politics. Ben closes on the Rowling vs Emma Watson rift, arguing the tide has turned and Rowling had it right as the culture reassesses gender ideology.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben opens with the Kimmel saga and why affiliates, not just the FCC chatter, drove ABC’s decision. He breaks down Disney’s calculations, media double standards, and what this moment says about free speech and accountability. Lee Smith, journalist and author of “The China Matrix,” joins to unpack Gaza politics at the UN, Saudi leverage on a Palestinian state, and Qatar’s influence in the West. He also explains why tariffs and the trade deficit are central to America’s China strategy. Jon Levine, Washington Free Beacon Reporter, weighs in on the online reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death, consequences vs cancel culture, and how campus events and speaker security should change. Ben closes with DC’s plan to bring the Commanders back to RFK Stadium, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s dealmaking, National Guard support, and the sharp drop in crime that followed. DROP A COMMENT: Was the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel the right move? Or cancel culture? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben opens with a personal reflection on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the media spin that followed, then digs into how we got here and what it means for free speech and civic life. Andy Ngo joins to unpack the online radicalization pipeline, Discord and Steam footprints, and why euphemisms for political violence keep spreading. Peter Hasson of the Washington Free Beacon breaks down how prominent voices amplified false claims after the killing, why corrections lag, and what accountability could look like across platforms. Grab Bag wraps with the Bengals’ nightmare after Joe Burrow’s injury and what Cincinnati should do at quarterback right now. DROP A COMMENT:  How do you feel about the Charlie Kirk assassination? Listen and SUBSCRIBE for more candid conversations on speech, culture, media power, and politics. Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3fRPRZRNC9O7S8u40CSk2D⁠ Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ben-show/id1556479134⁠  Follow The Big Ben Show on all social platforms: X: ⁠https://x.com/BigBenShowFox⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigbenshowfox?igsh=bW82Mnk3cTQ5Yjkx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben opens with the Charlotte light-rail killing of Irina Zyrutska, why legacy outlets tried to look away, and what that says about free speech, crime policy, and who gets to control the narrative. He connects the story to the broader fight over platform power and speech. Ben asks where we’d be without X’s openness and a political climate less tolerant of censorship. Winston Marshall, former Mumford and Sons Bandmember, then joins to unpack Britain’s speech crackdown. They also tackle immigration tensions and the long, ugly history of grooming gangs that elites don’t want discussed, plus whether AI can ever replace the soul in music. Finally, Rob Bluey of The Daily Signal, breaks down how the press room now includes voices from legacy outlets long kept out. He and Ben dig into a family-first policy focus from the right (marriage, birthrates, fixing perverse incentives). They also take stock of Trump’s second term so far: a harder border stance cheered by conservatives, with economic risks still looming. Ben closes with a sports-media rant: ESPN’s RedZone “short ads” morph into 45-second overlays that block live cut-ins. Ben argues it undercuts the entire product and he foreshadows a pricey ad-free upsell. DROP A COMMENT:  How do you feel about RedZone adding commercials?  🎙Listen and SUBSCRIBE for more candid conversations on speech, culture, media power, and politics. Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fRPRZRNC9O7S8u40CSk2D Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ben-show/id1556479134  Follow The Big Ben Show on all social platforms: X: https://x.com/BigBenShowFox  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbenshowfox?igsh=bW82Mnk3cTQ5Yjkx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices