Prevail with Greg Olear

Robbie Harris is a strategic communications and behavior change subject matter expert with over 25 years’ experience working with local influencers, activists, civil society organizations, journalists, and senior stakeholders in Iraq, Syria, Africa, and Central America. She has designed and implemented successful programs for US DoD, DoS and USAID, and UK FCDO and MoD. She’s the co-founder of a small international business; has worked for USAID-OTI; speaks Arabic, Spanish, and English, and has a M.A. in Arab Studies from Georgetown University.In the interview with Greg Olear, Harris discusses her background and how she got into her line of work, which involves strategic communications and behavior change. She shares her experiences working in Iraq and countering ISIS propaganda. The conversation also touches on the legacy of colonialism in the Middle East and its impact on the region today, the situation in Kurdistan, the proxy war in Syria, the refugee camp in Northern Syria, the growing stateless population, and the experience of living in Somalia and Niger. Finally, she shares her advice on messaging to US voters and warns about the potential consequences of a collapse of democracy and of civil war.Prevail is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/greg  Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

In this discussion with Greg Olear, the historian Manisha Sinha discusses her book “The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic: Reconstruction, 1860-1920.” The book explores the period between the Civil War and World War I, highlighting the importance of Reconstruction in shaping the country. Sinha explains her motivation for writing the book and the significance of the Second American Republic. She also draws parallels between Andrew Johnson and Donald Trump, emphasizing the consequences of showing mercy to Confederates. Sinha delves into the horrors of the first Ku Klux Klan and the violent opposition to Reconstruction. The conversation explores the end of Reconstruction, the Compromise of 1877, the nadir of American democracy, the conquest of the West, and the legacy of Reconstruction. It also delves into the question of how a society can atone for its national sins. Plus: coup right, with Coup-Vite!Manisha Sinha is the James L. and Shirley A. Draper Chair in American History at the University of Connecticut and a leading authority on the history of slavery and abolition and the Civil War and Reconstruction. She was born in India and received her Ph.D from Columbia University where her dissertation was nominated for the Bancroft Prize. She is the author of “The Counterrevolution of Slavery: Politics and Ideology in Antebellum South Carolina,” which was named one of the ten best books on slavery in Politico and featured in The New York Times’ 1619 Project. Her multiple award winning second book “The Slave’s Cause: A History of Abolition” was long listed for the National Book Award for Non Fiction. It was named Editor’s Choice in the New York Times Book Review, book of the week by Times Higher Education to coincide with its UK publication, and one of three great History books of 2016 in Bloomberg News.Follow Manisha:https://twitter.com/ProfMSinhaBuy her book:https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Fall-Second-American-Republic/dp/1631498444/ref=zg_bsnr_g_16244141_sccl_1/140-4528258-4376211?psc=1Prevail is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/gregSubscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Lisa Graves is the founder and Executive Director of True North Research, a national investigative watchdog group that exposes the shadowy machinations of dark money funders like Leonard Leo, Barre Seid, Harlan Crow, Charles Koch, Dick Uihlein, and Rob Arkley, and their front groups. She served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Policy Development/Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice under Attorneys General Janet Reno and John Ashcroft, Chief Counsel for Nominations for Senator Patrick Leahy on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Deputy Chief of the Article III Judges Division of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts with oversight of the Financial Disclosure Office and more. She also launched the award-winning ALECexposed.org investigation, KochDocs, and other projects. Her op-eds have run in the most prominent newspapers and magazines in the country, and she is a frequent guest on MSNBC. From 2009-2017, she led the Center for Media and Democracy.In this discussion with Greg Olear, Graves discusses her work with True North Research, how she shares an alma mater with one of the most notorious dark money maestros, all the stuff that went on during Brett Kavanaugh’s FIRST confirmation hearing, the failures of the Roberts Court and John Roberts, the Clarence & Ginni Thomas corruption, and more. Plus: a gift idea!Prevail is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/gregFollow Lisa:https://twitter.com/thelisagravesTrue North Research:https://truenorthresearch.org/Her 2018 Slate piece about Brett Kavanaugh:https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/09/judge-brett-kavanaugh-should-be-impeached-for-lying-during-his-confirmation-hearings.htmlAnd the one in TIME:https://time.com/5398191/brett-kavanaugh-supreme-court-senators/ Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

For 26 years, Rone Tempest was the national and foreign correspondent for the LA Times, based in Paris, New Delhi, Beijing, and Hong Kong, as well as the craziest capital city, Sacramento. After his retirement, he worked for Pro Publica and was the co-founder of the Wyoming nonprofit public policy news site, Wyofile. He’s taught journalism at Berkeley, his alma mater, and has won numerous awards. He’s also the author of two books, including “The Last Western: The Unjustified Killing of Michael Rosa by Ed Cantrell.” Now in Salt Lake City, he lived for many years in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains outside of Lander, Wyoming.   In this discussion with Greg Olear, Tempest discusses his experiences as a foreign correspondent in China, Afghanistan, and Paris; Liz Cheney’s demise and the enigma of Wyoming politics; and his Wyofile profile of Kevin Roberts, head of the Heritage Foundation, thought leader behind Project 2025, and Tempest’s erstwhile Wyoming neighbor. Plus: Amazing Mace!Follow Rone:https://twitter.com/RoneTempestHis website:https://www.ronetempest.com/bioThe Roberts profile at Wyofile:https://wyofile.com/wyomings-catholic-cowboy-could-remake-government-if-trump-wins/Buy his book:https://www.amazon.com/Last-Western-Unjustified-Killing-Cantrell/dp/B08NWWY984  Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

For more than 30 years, Alexandra Hall Hall worked as a diplomat in the British Foreign Office, with postings in Bangkok, Delhi, Bogota,Tbilisi, and Washington. She resigned in December 2019 because she felt unable to represent the Government’s position on Brexit with integrity. She is the co-host, with Jason Pack, of Disorder podcast. In this discussion, she talks to Greg Olear about Georgia, British politics, the monarchy, the role of diplomacy in crisis zones, Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas War, the death of Navalny, and the Baltimore Ravens. Plus: 867-5309 (Ginni) (remix).Follow Alex:https://twitter.com/alexhallhallRead her columns at Byline Times:https://bylinetimes.com/author/alexandrahallhall/Listen to Disorder Podcast: https://linktr.ee/disorderpodPrevail is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/gregSubscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Greg Olear welcomes Dahlia Lithwick, senior editor at SLATE and the author of the bestseller “Lady Justice: Women, The Law, and the Battle to Save Democracy.” They discuss the current state of the Supreme Court and the impact of recent decisions; the dynamics of the court, the influence of confirmation hearings, and the changing ideologies of the justices; the need for structural court reform and the public appetite for court expansion; and the role of dark money groups in pushing cases to the court and the potential consequences of recent rulings. The conversation covers the threat to reproductive rights, the potential impact of the 14th Amendment on removing Trump from the ballot, the consequences of pardons and lack of accountability, and the rise of MAGA in Canada. Plus: a new dating app.Prevail is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/gregFollow Dahlia:https://twitter.com/DahlialithwickBuy her book:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/598207/lady-justice-by-dahlia-lithwick/Dahlia’s SLATE archive:https://slate.com/author/dahlia-lithwickSubscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/about Opening MonologueBeginning of Interview: The Supreme Court and Order MuppetsThe Impact of SCOTUS Confirmation Hearings on Thomas, Alito, and KavanaugThe Alabama IVF DecisionThe 14th Amendment and Taking Trump off the BallotThe Rise of MAGA in Canada Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

In this conversation with Greg Olear, Michael Graetz discusses his book “The Power to Destroy: How the Anti-Tax Movement Hijacked America”' He explores the history and influence of the anti-tax movement, the role of race and xenophobia in shaping it, and the ideological and moral arguments behind it. Graetz also delves into the consequences of irresponsible tax cuts, the significance of taxation in American history, and the challenges of dealing with a GOP that obstructs. He highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of taxation and the importance of addressing the growing national debt. Finally, they discuss the conservative shift of the Court, the corrupting power of money in politics, and the challenges facing American democracy. Plus: a new memory aid.Prevail is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/greg00:00: Introduction12:00: Beginning of interview.17:25: Cultural, Social, and Political Judgments Embedded in Tax Law22:09: The Influence of Libertarianism and Ayn Rand38:43: The Consequences of Irresponsible Tax Cuts57:37: The Failure of Supply-Side Economics and the Divisions in American Politics01:13:03: SCOTUS / Money as Speech in PoliticsAbout Michael Graetz:https://www.law.columbia.edu/faculty/michael-graetzBuy the book:https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691225548/the-power-to-destroyhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Destroy-Antitax-Movement-Hijacked/dp/0691225540 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Tom Carter worked in Washington for years, in journalism and then in PR. For three years, he handled media relations at USCIRF, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, where his boss was one Leonard Leo, a key figure in the conservative legal movement and the capture of SCOTUS. The conversation explores the background, influence, and agenda of Leonard Leo; his management style, his use of dark money, his involvement with the Federalist Society and other organizations; his connections to Clarence Thomas and other influential figures; and the extreme radical Catholic religious beliefs that animate his opposition to abortion and LGBTQ rights. The conversation also delves into the potential ramifications of Leo's actions, his expansion into the media and entertainment industry, and the future of his influence. Overall, it highlights the danger and harm caused by Leo's agenda. Plus: Cole Porter lives!Takeaways:Leonard Leo is a key figure in the conservative legal movement and has significant influence behind the scenes.Leo's use of dark money and his web of organizations have allowed him to boost the conservative legal movement and shape the Supreme Court.His radical Catholic beliefs and agenda drive his opposition to abortion and LGBTQ rights.Leo's expansion into the media and entertainment industry through the Teneo Society raises concerns about his potential influence in these areas.The real-world ramifications of Leo's actions include the erosion of democratic principles and the harm caused to marginalized communities.00:00: Episode introduction10:43: Beginning of the interview22:37: Leonard Leo's Influence and Methods25:28: Dark Money and Leonard Leo's Organizations36:55: Relationship between Leonard Leo and Clarence Thomas47:19: The Libertarian Billionaires and Leonard Leo's Agenda52:19: The Distinction between Radical Catholicism and Mainstream Catholicism1:06:26: Leo’s networks1:17:27: The Virtually Unlimited Financial Resources of Leonard Leo1:32:16: The Danger and Harm Caused by Leonard Leo's ActionsFollow Tom:https://twitter.com/Thcarter5https://www.threads.net/@thcarter123Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Greg Olear welcomes his friend, the novelist, essayist and travel writer Diana Spechler. They discuss the novel as an art form, writing as a profession and vocation, the allure of travel, how the U.S. is perceived abroad, the future of the country, separating art from the artist, the Stendhal effect, and more. Plus: his name is Leo.Prevail is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/gregFollow Diana:https://twitter.com/DianaSpechlerSubscribe to “Dispatches from the Road”:https://dianaspechler.substack.com/Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Aja Raden, author of “Stoned” and “The Truth About the Lies,” returns to PREVAIL. She updates Greg Olear about the changes coming to the diamond industry (which she foretold in the documentary “Nothing Lasts Forever”), and discusses her concerns for 2024, Elon Musk’s destruction of Twitter, contingency plans in case of Nazi takeover, lies people believe and why they believe them, the Epstein files, and her favorite Christmas movie. Plus: a new legal services firm.Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

We know that Donald Trump is a fascist, but what would MAGA fascism look like in a second Trump term? Brynn Tannehill, senior defense analyst and author of “American Fascism” and “My Child Told Me They're Trans...What Do I Do?,” lays out the horrors to expect if Trump is sworn in in 2025. Plus: the Trump Days of Christmas.Follow Brynn:https://twitter.com/BrynnTannehillHer website:http://www.brynntannehill.com/Buy her books:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brynn-Tannehill/author/B07MG4MCX4?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you?http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Greg Olear is joined by the journalist and editor Rachel Slade, author of the new book “Making It in America: The Almost Impossible Quest to Manufacture in the U.S.A. (and How It Got That Way).” They discuss the history of textile manufacturing in the United States, how the towns NAFTA devastated were hidden, the perils of free trade, the Gen X mindset, Prohibition trivia, all things labor movement, how and when organized crime infiltrated unions, the multiplier effect, New Americans, and what the purpose of government actually is. Plus: merry MAGA Xmas.Visit Rachel’s website:https://www.rachelslade.net/Buy her new book:https://bookshop.org/p/books/american-hoodie-the-almost-impossible-quest-to-make-things-in-twenty-first-century-america-and-how-it-got-that-way-rachel-slade/19689023?ean=9780593316887Follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rachelmslade/Thanks HelloFresh! Go to HelloFresh.com/prevailfree and use code prevailfree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short. * Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Greg Olear is joined by the writer, author, professor, filmmaker, and “America, America” columnist Steven Beschloss. They discuss the failure of the media to adequately cover Trump, then and now; the stakes of the next election; Lee Harvey Oswald, childhood trauma, and the making of an assassin; the importance of investing in education and why the GOP opposes it; Biden’s place in history; and the Ritz-Carlton Moscow. Plus: a new dating app.Follow Steven:https://twitter.com/StevenBeschlosshttps://post.news/@/stevenbeschlossSubscribe to “America, America”:https://america.substack.com/Watch “Media Misses”:https://america.substack.com/p/media-misses-the-wall-street-journalBuy his book:https://www.amazon.com/Gunman-His-Mother-Marguerite-Assassin-ebook/dp/B0CN518F1KThanks, HelloFresh! Go to HelloFresh.com/prevailfree and use code prevailfree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short. * Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Greg Olear is joined by Will Bunch, the national opinion columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer. They discuss how the higher education system broke our politics, why the media fails to accurately report on the rise of American fascism, Trump’s ominous re-election plans, the far right’s dream of a Red Caesar, and whether the Eagles are a team of destiny. Plus: a new staffing agency.Follow Will:https://twitter.com/Will_BunchRead his columns:https://www.inquirer.com/author/bunch_will/Subscribe to his newsletter:/inquirer.com/bunchBuy his book:https://www.amazon.com/After-Ivory-Tower-Falls-Politics_and/dp/0063076993Thanks HelloFresh! Go to HelloFresh.com/prevailfree and use code prevailfree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short. * Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

We all remember the keywords of the scandal known as Iran-Contra: Oliver North, Fawn Hall, potted plant, Nicaragua, Sandinista, “I don’t recall.” The Reagan Administration was covering SOMETHING up, but what were they up to, exactly? Jack Bryan, creator of the riveting new podcast “Lawyers, Guns, and Money,” talks to Greg Olear about Iran-Contra, the Vietnam War, the mythologizing of JFK, Nicaraguan politics of the 1980s, the CIA, what Donald Trump is like in person, and more. Plus: a little Cole Porter.Follow Jack:https://twitter.com/jackabryanListen to the podcast - Lawyers, Guns, and Money:https://t.co/x5jJ5IVsdd Thanks HelloFresh! Go to HelloFresh.com/prevailfree and use code prevailfree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short. * Check out ROUGH BEAST, Greg’s new book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47CMX17 Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short