The Lonely Liberal

I'm so sick of the violence

On today's show, Rick and I breakdown this week’s biggest headlines—from the killing of Charlie Kirk and the political aftershocks, to Congress’ Epstein document fight, National Guard plans for Memphis, Missouri’s redistricting, a disputed U.S. strike on a Venezuelan boat, new NAEP scores, a Supreme Court order affecting ICE raids, Bolton search details, and a controversial plan to link child deaths to COVID shots. Write us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @thelonelyliberal

A strange new buzzword has been floating from obscure blogs into elite political circles: The Dark Enlightenment. In this episode, I dig into where it came from, who coined it, and why it matters now. We’ll cover: The origins — Curtis Yarvin’s 2007 blog and Nick Land’s 2012 essays. Core ideas — the “Cathedral,” running a state like a company, and why they think exit is better than voice. The key players — Yarvin, Land, Peter Thiel, J.D. Vance, Patri Friedman, Balaji Srinivasan, and more. The numbers — $10–15M in Thiel PAC funding to Vance, 2.2M federal employees targeted by “fire-the-bureaucracy” talk, and early seasteading investments of ~$500k. Critiques — why strong democracies like the Nordics contradict the theory, and the risks of a “CEO state.” What to watch — staffing, policy drafts, and new “exit” experiments like charter cities or network states. By the end, you’ll see how a once-fringe internet philosophy went from blogs to salons to inauguration parties—and why it’s suddenly brushing up against the halls of power.   Also, thoughts for Charlie Kirk and his family. 

This week, Rick and I go through the top news stories, including: Congress dumps 33,000+ pages of Epstein documents as survivors head to Capitol Hill, and the White House reportedly calls a transparency push a “hostile act.” We unpack claims that the FBI flagged every Trump mention (and what’s verified vs. alleged), Speaker Mike Johnson’s informant insinuation, and a leaked tape of DOJ’s Joseph Schnitt, then the DOJ’s denial. In public health, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. faces a bruising Senate hearing while floating autism links to Tylenol/low folate (contested by mainstream experts). Rand Paul knocks a former CDC leader’s “lifestyle.” Coastal states explore independent vaccine guidance as Florida moves to end mandates, just as Trump says, “some vaccines work,” creating daylight with RFK. On security and law & order, the administration symbolically rebrands Defense as the “Department of War,” and Trump again threatens to send the National Guard to Chicago. The economy cools with a softer jobs report, and Trump jokes, “If it looks bad, blame AI.” Consumer angle: DOT withdraws the rule that would’ve required cash compensation for airline-caused delays (refund rights remain). Tech optics: a hot mic catches Mark Zuckerberg boasting “at least $600B through ’28” in U.S. investment, then, “I wasn’t sure what number you wanted.” Abroad, Xi hosts a show-of-force parade with Putin and Kim. And even Mitch McConnell warns a second Trump term could be the “most dangerous period” since WWII.

On this episode, we talk with Dr. Jesse Turiel to count down six quietly pivotal moments that reshaped American life and politics—events we rarely headline as “turning points,” but probably should. From the horse-trading that produced the Bill of Rights to the bare-knuckle tactics that rewired Congress in the 1990s, we trace how rules, institutions, and narratives get built—and rebuilt. Jesse’s “6 Most Underrated Events in American History” Adoption of the Bill of Rights (1789–1791): Why Madison’s amendments were a political bargain that legitimized the new Constitution—and still frame our liberties today. Marbury v. Madison (1803): The case that said the quiet part out loud—courts can strike down laws—and how judicial review became the judiciary’s superpower. End of Reconstruction (1876–1877): The Compromise that traded a presidency for “home rule,” paving the way for Jim Crow and the long civil-rights backlash. Ida Tarbell vs. Standard Oil (1904): Investigative journalism that shifted public opinion and helped crack a monopoly—an origin story for modern antitrust. The Presidential Election of 1968: Realignment in real time—Wallace, the Southern Strategy, law-and-order politics, and media-savvy campaigning that still echoes. The Rise of Newt Gingrich (1994–1995): Contract with America, message discipline, and made-for-TV confrontation that transformed Congress and normalized permanent campaign warfare. Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @thelonelyliberal

A whirlwind week in health, media, trade, and national security. We break down what’s confirmed, what’s disputed, and why it matters. Stories covered: CDC shake-up: Susan Monarez reportedly fired about a month after being sworn in Senior turmoil at CDC: three additional officials resign RFK Jr. says HHS will reveal “the cause of autism” in September RFK Jr. claims he can spot kids with “mitochondrial challenges” on sight Reports the Pentagon is planning to send military forces to Chicago Ongoing threats to deploy the National Guard to major U.S. cities National Guard assignments in Washington, D.C., now include trash pickup and cleanup The U.S. reportedly takes (or explores) a ~10% stake in Intel Trump urges the FCC to revoke ABC/NBC “licenses” or charge higher fees Appeals court rules parts of Trump’s tariff use illegal Trump says the U.S. would accept 600,000 Chinese students as part of a trade deal Denmark is angry at the U.S. over alleged spying/influence operations in Greenland Executive order targeting flag burning (and the First Amendment questions it raises) U.S. military mobilization/posture around Venezuela “Trump goes missing” rumor watch and what actually happened Tulsi Gabbard's post allegedly exposed the name of an undercover CIA officer Plus: context, legal guardrails, and the real-world impacts behind each headline. If you enjoy the show, tap Follow, drop a 5-star review, and send your questions for next week’s mailbag. Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @thelonelyliberal

Before you roll your eyes and shout, "God, I hope not!" let's go through Trump's claim that he’s stopped seven wars and deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. In this episode, we stress-test each claim: what actually happened, who did what, whether the outcome was lasting, and whether it aligns with what the Peace Prize is meant to reward (enduring peace, disarmament, and reconciliation).  Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok @thelonelyliberal   

On today's episode, Rick and I break down: Why the Kremlin is publicly rejecting Trump’s peace plan. Texas Democrats return, and a new GOP map advances Trump vows an executive order targeting mail-in ballots; Ghislaine Maxwell, in new comments, says she never saw Trump or Clinton behave inappropriately while highlighting RFK Jr.’s friendship with Epstein. Trump’s gripe that the Smithsonian “talks too much about slavery,” the headlines about Florida schools pulling versions of The Diary of Anne Frank, FBI raid at John Bolton’s home, Trump has bought over $100M in bonds since January, Elon Musk is backing away from a third party while signaling support for JD Vance. The push to dismantle Florida’s so-called “Alligator Alcatraz,” An open letter from 750 HHS employees urging RFK Jr. to stop spreading health misinformation U.S. bankruptcies are outpacing pandemic-era levels Kamala Harris’s upcoming book tour DNI Tulsi Gabbard’s revocation of multiple security clearances Trump’s latest “weird heaven” comment is making the rounds.  Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram or TikTok @theloneliberal

In this episode, I chat with historian Dr. Eric Grube to explore one of the most urgent and unsettling questions today: Is the U.S. really on the path toward fascism? We trace the rise of fascism in Germany and Austria in the early 20th century, unpacking how fragile democracies collapsed under economic crisis, polarization, and violence. But the story isn’t just about inevitability; it’s about choices, crossroads, and the ways people either defended or dismantled democracy. Together we ask: What warning signs from 1930s Europe resonate with the U.S. today? Where are the crucial differences? Does the U.S. have guardrails that might hold? And most importantly: what lessons can Americans learn now, before it’s too late? This is a conversation about history, but it’s also about the present. Because, as they say, while history doesn’t repeat itself, it often rhymes. Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @thelonelyliberal     

Trump and Putin leave Alaska without a ceasefire but with talk of “NATO-style” guarantees for Ukraine and a floated land-for-peace framework that Kyiv rejects. Trump claims Xi promised no Taiwan invasion during his presidency. In DC, the White House asserts temporary federal direction over the MPD under the Home Rule Act. The administration orders a Smithsonian content review ahead of America 250. Plus: Trump’s Nobel Prize antics, a new petition asking SCOTUS to revisit same-sex marriage, continued silence from the White House on the CDC shooting, Melania v. Hunter, and the BLS nominee controversy. Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us at @thelonelyliberal on Instagram and TikTok

In this episode of The Lonely Liberal, we ask the question no one else is asking loudly enough: Is the Heritage Foundation running the country now? With Donald Trump back in the White House, Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s sweeping blueprint for government overhaul, is no longer a hypothetical. It's happening. We cover: The Heritage Foundation’s rise to power Project 2025's goals: dismantle, centralize, and control Names you should know: Kevin Roberts, Russ Vought, Stephen Miller, and more What’s already been implemented in 2025 The quiet failure of the Democratic counter-strategy What this means for democracy and policy moving forward From Schedule F to the gutting of climate programs in the Big Beautiful Bill, we walk you through what’s already changed, what’s next, and why this is the most coordinated conservative revolution in modern U.S. history.

This week’s episode dives into a whirlwind of political drama, strange headlines, and high-stakes diplomacy: Texas Democrats flee the state to block a Trump-backed redistricting plan — and the FBI gets pulled into the chase. Trump announces an August 15th Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin to negotiate a Ukraine ceasefire. The President calls for an off-schedule Census, excluding undocumented immigrants. HHS Secretary RFK Jr. cancels $500 million in mRNA vaccine grants. A double-tariff “oops” on Japan leads to refunds and red faces in Washington. VP JD Vance gets the Army Corps of Engineers to adjust river flows for a kayak trip. Trump’s $200 million golden ballroom plan for the White House sparks scrutiny. The U.S. offers $50 million for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. NASA ordered to shut down key climate-tracking satellites. Trump strolls around the White House roof, fueling social media speculation. Apple CEO Tim Cook gifts Trump a gold-based glass piece amid tariff carve-out talks. Former Superman actor Dean Cain joins ICE after the age limit is dropped. Trump reacts to the assault of “Big Balls” Coristine, reigniting debate over juvenile justice in D.C. Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us @thelonelyliberal on Instagram and TikTok

In Texas, Republicans are orchestrating a mid-decade redistricting push aimed at securing five extra U.S. House seats, turning a slim majority of voter support into overwhelming congressional control. Former President Trump openly endorsed the scheme, calling it something Republicans are "entitled to," triggering allegations of potential Hatch Act violations by senior officials. In this episode, we break down exactly how gerrymandering, the deliberate manipulation of voting districts, distorts democracy, weakens voters' voices, and entrenches political power. We explain how partisan tactics like "cracking" and "packing" voters into unnatural districts have historically been used to marginalize minority communities and skew elections, leaving voters feeling helpless. We also dive into the escalating national ramifications, as states like California and Illinois threaten retaliatory redistricting, leading to a political arms race and further eroding democratic principles. Finally, we highlight proven solutions like independent citizen commissions and transparent, nonpartisan mapping models, and argue why federal protections against partisan map-drawing are now critical for protecting American democracy.

This week on The Lonely Liberal, Rick and I dive into a packed lineup of headlines that reveal just how chaotic, political, and surreal American life continues to be. From redistricting wars, Ghislaine Maxwell’s bizarre offer to testify, to South Park mocking Trump. Top Stories This Week: Deadly Midtown Manhattan Shooting – A gunman opens fire on a NYC office, killing four. NYC Mayoral Race Heats Up – GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa campaigns on crime after the shooting. UK & Canada to Recognize Palestine – Global momentum builds as MTG calls Gaza a “genocide.” Ghislaine Maxwell Offers to Testify to Congress – But only if she gets a pardon or immunity. Trump Claims Epstein ‘Stole’ Mar-a-Lago Staff – Including Virginia Giuffre. Scott Bessent Slams Trump’s BBB Plan – Says it’s a backdoor to privatizing Social Security. Senate Democrats Invoke Rare Rule – Forcing release of Epstein documents from the DOJ. Trump Attacks Hawley’s Stock Ban Bill – Then flip-flops under public pressure. FBI Redacted Trump’s Name from Epstein Files – Critics demand transparency. Trump Fires Head of Labor Stats Bureau – After a weak jobs report sparks his outrage. Corporation for Public Broadcasting Shuts Down – Federal defunding ends NPR and PBS as we know them. EPA Proposes Rollback of Clean Air Standards – Major environmental protections under threat. Texas Gerrymandering Escalates – Republicans redraw the map to add 5+ seats amid DOJ concerns. Trump Signs Homelessness Executive Order – Criminalizing street homelessness, defunding care programs. South Park Targets Trump – Season 27 premiere ridicules Trump. Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us @thelonelyliberal on Instagram and TikTok

Every time gun violence grips America, the same five myths resurface, paralyzing meaningful reform. Today, we dismantle each one with hard facts and the latest data from 2024 and 2025. From debunking the false narrative that gun violence is just a mental health issue to exposing the truth behind the claim that “guns don’t kill people,” we cut through the noise and misinformation. We tackle misleading arguments about cities like Chicago, the flawed “good guy with a gun” concept, and fears of government tyranny. Finally, we explore the critical question: Why, despite overwhelming public support for common-sense laws, has nothing changed? Join us as we replace myth with reality, confront the data head-on, and outline real solutions that most Americans agree upon.

In this episode of The Lonely Liberal, we cut through the noise to unpack Donald Trump’s long and complicated history with Jeffrey Epstein, from their close friendship in the 1980s and early 2000s to the quiet shielding by Trump allies, including Pam Bondi and Speaker Mike Johnson, in 2025. We examine the evidence, including newly released DOJ files, flight logs, the infamous “birthday book,” and key allegations. We also examine why the argument that “Biden would’ve leaked it if it were real” doesn’t hold up, and how the GOP has consistently applied a double standard in handling scandals for years.

Nuclear power: feared by Boomers, embraced by Zoomers. In this episode, we dig into the shifting attitudes toward nuclear energy — especially why Gen Z and Republicans are suddenly its biggest fans. We explore: The rise of pro-nuclear culture The state of nuclear power in the U.S. today The massive cost—and low-carbon benefits—of new reactors What’s real vs. hype in the fusion vs. fission debate How waste is managed, and whether safety has truly improved Why the GOP’s love of nuclear doesn’t extend to renewables And the international equity question: who gets to go nuclear? We ask the big question: Is nuclear power the climate hero we need, or an expensive gamble with a radioactive legacy? Subscribe, rate, and follow The Lonely Liberal for open-minded, data-driven takes every week.

This week’s episode dives deep into one of the most chaotic and revealing stretches of the year so far. From lawsuits and file blocks to energy summits and foreign policy red flags, we break down everything you need to know. Here’s what we cover: Trump explodes on Truth Social, calling the Epstein files a “hoax” Trump sues WSJ, Dow Jones, and Rupert Murdoch for $10 billion DOJ fires James Comey’s daughter, a prosecutor in the Epstein case WSJ publishes Trump’s alleged birthday letter to Epstein NYT reports Trump hosted a party where Epstein was the only guest House Republicans block Democratic efforts to release Epstein files Trump calls on AG Pam Bondi to release grand jury materials Trump floats firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, then walks it back U.S. begins deporting immigrants from Latin America to Eswatini Trump falls asleep at an Energy and Innovation summit ACA insurers propose 15% premium hikes — the largest since 2018 Trump shuts down the LGBTQ youth suicide hotline CBS cancels The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Democrats introduce bill to ban price gouging amid Trump’s tariffs U.S. lifts sanctions on Syria as oil & gas firms prepare “master plan” NATO’s new commander says the West must prepare for war with Russia and China Email us at thelonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us @thelonelyliberal on both Instagram and TikTok

In this countdown-style episode, Dr. Jesse Turiel and I discuss each of our top 5 biggest political misconceptions Americans believe. Nick’s Top 5 Misconceptions “Trickle-Down Economics Works” “All Politicians Are the Same” / “Outsiders Aren’t Corrupt” “If We Just Tax the Rich, We Can Fund Everything” “Local Politics Don’t Matter / My Vote Doesn’t Count” “Foreign Aid Is Just Sending Money” Jesse's Top 5 Misconceptions “The GOP Is the Party of Small Government and Fiscal Responsibility” “The President Controls Gas Prices and Inflation” “Climate Change Will End Human Civilization” “The Founding Fathers Were a Unified Group” “Immigration Is a Net Negative for the U.S.”  

This week, Rick and I dive into the chaos, conspiracies, and climate headlines you might have missed: The Trump Administration now claims the long-teased Epstein “client list” doesn’t exist, two weeks after Pam Bondi said it was on her desk. Trump slaps massive new tariffs on the EU, Mexico, and Brazil, risking trade wars and rising prices at home. In a dramatic foreign policy twist, Trump and Putin trade insults while the U.S. greenlights Patriot missiles for Ukraine. Senate Republicans block an attempt to roll back unpopular tax hikes tucked into the Big Beautiful Bill. Trump loses his sex assault appeal in the E. Jean Carroll case — and owes millions more. Texas reels from devastating floods while GOP leaders keep calling it a “hundred-year” event. Democrats unveil “Project 2029” — their early roadmap for the post-Biden era. EPA chief Lee Zeldin fuels fringe theories by saying concerns about chemtrails and weather engineering are “legitimate.” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene doubles down, introducing a weather-engineering conspiracy bill in Congress. Iran’s top brass threatens to kill Trump “while sunbathing” Trump jokes about revoking Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship for “treason.”  And Trump nominates a self-described “alpha male” MAGA influencer as U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia.  From tariffs to weather conspiracies to the floods in Texas — we’ve got all the headlines, context, and a reality check for your week. Write us at the lonelyliberalpodcast@gmail.com Follow us @thelonelyliberal