It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Conservatism’s Crossroads: Trump, Tradition, and the Future of the Right

In this episode, Ryan breaks down the real forces shaping today’s conservative movement. Joined by Modern Age editor Daniel McCarthy, Ryan explores the history of the American right, the rise of neoconservatism, and the ongoing struggle between principled conservatism and personality-driven politics. They confront the GOP’s internal conflicts, the lasting influence of Donald Trump, and the dangers of fringe rhetoric—including a clear rejection of anti-Semitism. The conversation also highlights lessons from past conservative thinkers, what young conservatives should prioritize today, and where leaders like Ron DeSantis fit into the movement’s future. It's a Numbers Game is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Monday & Thursday. Email Ryan Your QuestionsFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clay and Buck detail the high-stakes special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, where Republican candidate Matt Van Epps faces a well-funded Democratic challenger. Clay urges voter turnout, warning that Democrats are “playing with house money” to flip a deep-red district for narrative momentum ahead of the midterms. President Trump’s endorsement of Van Epps is featured, along with an analysis of why Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is campaigning in Nashville. The discussion underscores how even one seat could impact the GOP’s razor-thin majority. Clay and Buck feature an exclusive interview featuring Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Republican candidate Matt Van Epps, who are campaigning across the district to ensure a GOP victory. Both stress the urgency of voter turnout, warning that Democrats are investing heavily to flip this deep-red seat and create a national narrative shift ahead of the midterms. President Trump’s endorsement and personal involvement underscore the race’s significance, as does Speaker Johnson’s presence on the ground. Van Epps details his platform and contrasts it sharply with his opponent, Afton Bain, citing her support for defunding police, abolishing prisons, transgender surgeries for minors without parental consent, and higher taxes to fund a socialist agenda. The discussion also highlights the district’s geography—spanning 14 counties from downtown Nashville to rural farming communities—and the cultural values Van Epps vows to defend. The hosts dissect a New York Times exposé on a billion-dollar fraud scheme involving Somali immigrants in Minnesota, raising questions about refugee resettlement, welfare abuse, and cultural assimilation. They argue for a merit-based immigration system that prioritizes highly skilled individuals over low-wage migrants, warning that America’s current policies import “cultural toxicity” and strain resources. Both hosts challenge the notion that “diversity is our strength,” advocating instead for shared Western values and a pause on mass immigration to protect national cohesion. They compare today’s immigration system to Ellis Island, noting how the welfare state has fundamentally changed incentives and created systemic abuse. The guys interview psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, author of Therapy Nation, who discusses the phenomenon of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Alpert explains how extreme political fixation has fractured families, impaired mental health, and created an epidemic of irrational fear and anger. He shares real-world examples of patients losing sleep, fleeing the country, and obsessing over Trump to the point of dysfunction. The discussion explores how social media echo chambers amplify these issues, why the mental health profession resists addressing them, and whether this obsessive behavior will persist beyond Trump’s presidency. Alpert warns that many individuals constantly seek new causes—whether BLM, anti-Israel protests, or other movements—to fill emotional voids, likening these cycles to “group therapy sessions that amount to nothing.”   Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 kicks off with Clay and Buck recapping the Thanksgiving holiday, sharing personal anecdotes about family traditions, football, and travel during one of the busiest weekends of the year. From there, the conversation pivots to major breaking news and political developments shaping the national narrative. The hosts lead with prayers for the West Virginia National Guardsman critically injured in a Washington, D.C. shooting and mourn the loss of a 20-year-old servicewoman. They highlight growing concerns about immigration and security failures tied to the Biden administration’s chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, emphasizing the need for stricter vetting of refugees. A major focus of this hour is the high-stakes special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, where Republican candidate Matt Van Epps faces a well-funded Democratic challenger. Clay urges voter turnout, warning that Democrats are “playing with house money” to flip a deep-red district for narrative momentum ahead of the midterms. President Trump’s endorsement of Van Epps is featured, along with an analysis of why Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is campaigning in Nashville. The discussion underscores how even one seat could impact the GOP’s razor-thin majority. Economic issues dominate the next segment, with gas prices hitting four-year lows, averaging around $3 per gallon nationally. Clay and Buck frame affordability as the defining issue for the 2026 elections, contrasting falling fuel costs with persistent inflation on other goods. They note how energy prices influence voter sentiment and political strategy. International affairs also enter the mix, as the hosts examine reports of potential U.S. action against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. They explore the geopolitical stakes, including oil production, regional stability, and the fight against narco-trafficking, while speculating on whether military intervention or diplomatic pressure is imminent. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show centers on one of the most consequential political battles in the country: the special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Clay and Buck open the hour with an exclusive interview featuring Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Republican candidate Matt Van Epps, who are campaigning across the district to ensure a GOP victory. Both stress the urgency of voter turnout, warning that Democrats are investing heavily to flip this deep-red seat and create a national narrative shift ahead of the midterms. President Trump’s endorsement and personal involvement underscore the race’s significance, as does Speaker Johnson’s presence on the ground. Van Epps details his platform and contrasts it sharply with his opponent, Afton Bain, citing her support for defunding police, abolishing prisons, transgender surgeries for minors without parental consent, and higher taxes to fund a socialist agenda. The discussion also highlights the district’s geography—spanning 14 counties from downtown Nashville to rural farming communities—and the cultural values Van Epps vows to defend. Clay and Buck tackle a major immigration controversy sparked by President Trump doubling down on remarks about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The hosts dissect a New York Times exposé on a billion-dollar fraud scheme involving Somali immigrants in Minnesota, raising questions about refugee resettlement, welfare abuse, and cultural assimilation. They argue for a merit-based immigration system that prioritizes highly skilled individuals over low-wage migrants, warning that America’s current policies import “cultural toxicity” and strain resources. Both hosts challenge the notion that “diversity is our strength,” advocating instead for shared Western values and a pause on mass immigration to protect national cohesion. They compare today’s immigration system to Ellis Island, noting how the welfare state has fundamentally changed incentives and created systemic abuse. Hour 2 closes on a lighter note with Clay and Buck sharing personal Thanksgiving reflections, including Buck’s first holiday as a dad and a playful plug for their YouTube channel featuring Buck’s baby. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hour opens with post-Thanksgiving reflections as Clay and Buck share family stories and humor about holiday indulgence before turning to major headlines. They provide an update from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on the tragic shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House, emphasizing accountability and national security concerns. The hosts also discuss President Trump’s recent full-body MRI scan, which confirmed his strong health, and explore how advanced preventive medicine and AI-driven diagnostics are shaping the future of healthcare. The conversation then shifts to lifestyle trends, including the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are transforming fitness, fashion, and even social behaviors. Clay and Buck note how these medications are influencing body image, travel habits, and birth rates, signaling a cultural shift away from “body positivity” toward health optimization. From there, they tackle a troubling education report from the Wall Street Journal, revealing that only 39% of freshmen at UC San Diego could perform a basic rounding task, a third-grade math skill. The hosts argue that eliminating standardized tests like the SAT has fueled grade inflation and eroded academic standards, leaving students unprepared for STEM careers and threatening America’s meritocracy. They call for reinstating objective metrics to ensure top schools admit the most qualified students, regardless of background. A major highlight of Hour 3 is an in-depth interview with psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, author of Therapy Nation, who discusses the phenomenon of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Alpert explains how extreme political fixation has fractured families, impaired mental health, and created an epidemic of irrational fear and anger. He shares real-world examples of patients losing sleep, fleeing the country, and obsessing over Trump to the point of dysfunction. The discussion explores how social media echo chambers amplify these issues, why the mental health profession resists addressing them, and whether this obsessive behavior will persist beyond Trump’s presidency. Alpert warns that many individuals constantly seek new causes—whether BLM, anti-Israel protests, or other movements—to fill emotional voids, likening these cycles to “group therapy sessions that amount to nothing.” The hour closes with listener calls, including a retired chemistry professor and a parent highlighting the collapse of math education and its impact on engineering programs. Clay and Buck stress the importance of foundational skills and strategic career choices in an era where AI threatens soft-skill jobs. They wrap up by encouraging listeners to subscribe to the podcast and prepare for more analysis on education, culture, and politics in upcoming episodes. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

📍Rut breaks down three of the most explosive stories in America right now: 🇺🇦 The new 28-point peace plan for Ukraine — and why it could end the war immediately.⚠️ An Afghan refugee murders a National Guardsman in D.C. — and the growing danger inside U.S. borders.🗳️ Election corruption & electronic voting manipulation — evidence resurfacing from intelligence veterans who claim the 2020 election was compromised. Rut lays out the stakes clearly: if America loses election integrity, national sovereignty collapses. If peace talks break, nuclear escalation becomes possible. If immigration remains unvetted, violence rises at home. This isn’t fear. It’s reality — and ignoring it won’t make it go away. Next Steps: 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/ 📕 Get David's novel, The Poet Warrior: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/the-poet-warrior 📰 Sign up for David's weekly newsletter for free coaching tips, updates, and more: https://davidrutherfordletter.substack.com/   Timestamps:  00:00 - Intro, Happy Thanksgiving 07:09 - Ukraine Peace Talks 38:52 - The Attack In DC 52:16 - Election Integrity & The Fate of The WorldFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Tudor sits down with royal commentator Kinsey Schofield for a revealing deep dive into the ongoing drama inside the British Royal Family. They break down Meghan Markle’s controversial rise from Hollywood actress to Duchess of Sussex, the tension between Prince Harry and Prince William, and how royal titles continue to shape public perception. Tudor and Kinsey also examine Princess Diana’s lasting impact on her sons, the fallout from Prince Harry’s explosive memoir, and what these scandals mean for King Charles and the future of the monarchy. Packed with insider analysis, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the royal family’s evolving image, internal conflicts, and the challenges facing the Crown in a new media era. The Tudor Dixon Podcast is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network. For more visit TudorDixonPodcast.com Subscribe to Kinsey's YouTube Channel HERE Watch The Tudor Dixon Podcast on YouTube    Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The December 2nd special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District is far more than a routine contest; it is a critical battleground for the conservative movement and the first true federal test following recent national elections. For conservatives, the stakes are existential: this race is a clear choice between Matt Van Epps‘ America First, principled conservatism and the radical, socialist-leaning agenda of the opposition. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck  Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best 80’s song of all time. What’s up with Obama’s presidential library? Buck’s fashion advice for women. Talkbacks roast the hosts. Buck’s close encounter with a shark in Biscayne Bay. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of today’s Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show kicks off with a packed lineup of major political and cultural stories as we head into Thanksgiving week. Clay returns from Italy and shares behind-the-scenes details of his meeting with the Pope, including a surprising plan for the Holy Father to throw out the first pitch at a future Chicago White Sox game.   The hour dives deep into the headline-grabbing Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and New York City’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Clay and Buck analyze Trump’s strategic, upbeat tone during the meeting, highlighting his congratulatory remarks and willingness to work together for a “safe and strong New York.” They discuss why Trump avoided confrontation, the political optics, and what this means for crime policy in America’s largest city. Buck breaks down the role of NYPD leadership under Jessica Tisch and contrasts Eric Adams’ crime reduction record with concerns about Momani’s progressive agenda.   Listeners also get an urgent update on a high-stakes congressional race in Tennessee’s 7th District, which Clay calls his home district. Democrats are pouring millions into this special election scheduled for December 2, hoping low Republican turnout during the holiday season will flip a Trump +20 seat. Clay warns that the Democratic candidate, Aftyn Behn, has an extreme record—supporting defunding police, cheering riots, and even chasing ICE agents—while Republicans must mobilize early voting to prevent a major upset. This race could become a national narrative ahead of the midterms, making turnout critical.   The hour closes with breaking legal news: a judge dismisses DOJ cases against James Comey and Letitia James on procedural grounds, sparking debate over judicial bias and the future of these indictments.   Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.