Prices Rising, MAGA Drowning: An Unhappy White House New Year

Matt Robison (host of Worth Knowing) and Jonathan Larsen (creator and writer of The Fucking News) do a deep dive on the hidden reasons behind Donald Trump’s recent attack on Venezuela, based on Larsen’s reporting and analysis from his Substack. We break down why Trump ordered strikes in Venezuela and the operation that captured Nicolas Maduro — and what’s really driving all of this.📌 Jonathan Larsen brings decades of hard-earned political media experience: TFN creator and writer Jonathan Larsen co-created Up w/ Chris Hayes and wrote for Countdown with Keith Olbermann at MSNBC, helped launch CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360° and Air America Radio, and has also worked at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Young Turks.📌 Your host, Matt Robison, is the founder and host of Worth Knowing, a newsletter and analysis hub focused on politics, big ideas, and power flows. Matt writes for Newsweek and hosts the Beyond Politics podcast, bringing a clear-thinking, evidence-forward lens to the biggest stories shaping our world.00:00 Introduction and Overview01:16 Trump's Venezuela Attack: Four Explanations01:37 Explanation 1: The Drug Case Against Maduro04:31 Explanation 2: Access to Oil06:36 Explanation 3: Political Distraction08:13 Explanation 4: No Coherent Plan09:44 Interview with Jonathan Larson: Hidden Agendas10:41 The Role of two operatives14:02 Election Denial and Anti-Maduro Campaign19:20 Complexities and Conspiracies22:33 Debating the Justifications and Consequences30:32 Audience Interaction and Final Thoughts31:35 Debating the Legality of Military Actions33:44 Congress's Role and Responsibilities35:56 Media Influence and Public Opinion38:09 Theories Behind the Venezuela Situation47:48 Domestic Political Implications55:15 Future Predictions and Legal Challenges01:01:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Political Rehab: Trump Dump, Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, and the Future of the GOP. Matt and Matt dive into the week's hottest political topics, starting with the 'Trump Dump'. They then dissect the White House's approach to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, followed by an analysis of the Biden administration's science policy cuts. The episode also explores the DEI regulatory witch hunt, the decline of independent media, and makes bold political predictions for 2026. Don’t miss their powerful closing segments on the mishandling of the Epstein files and a hopeful outlook on the resurrection of principled Republican politics. Get insightful, balanced commentary without the hangover – it's Smart Politics at its best! 00:46 Weekly Trump Dump01:18 Marjorie Taylor Greene's Exchange with Trump03:40 Trump's Impact on the Economy06:10 Netanyahu and Trump: Gaza Ceasefire09:33 Trump's Role in the Ukraine Conflict11:09 Assault on Science Policy14:04 DOJ's New Approach to DEI Programs16:47 The Decline of Independent Media19:27 Political Predictions for 202620:57 Predicting the 2026 Midterm Elections21:57 House Retirements: A New Record?23:16 Supreme Court and Trump's Tariffs24:16 Government Shutdown in 2026?25:33 Senate Split After Midterms26:40 First to Go in the Trump Administration27:57 Socialist Mayors in 202629:32 Bold Predictions for 202631:39 The Epstein Files Timeline34:39 A Dose of Hope for the Republican Party36:20 Marjorie Taylor Greene's Transformation39:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

2025 Balance of Power Awards: The B.O.P.s 🎉 We've got an exciting show lined up as we bring back our annual tradition: the Balance of Power Roundtable Awards, aka the B.O.P.s. Joining Matt Robison are former U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes and Republican political consultant Alicia Preston. We'll be handing out end-of-year awards in categories like 'Most Valuable Democratic Player,' 'MVP for the GOP,' 'Perp of the Year,' and 'Most Interesting Science and Tech Story,' among others. Plus, we take live input from our viewers through the chat. This episode is packed with insightful discussions, humorous moments, and even some surprising nominations. Don't miss out on this engaging end-of-year special!00:00 Welcome to Worth Knowing Live Stream00:18 Introducing the Hosts and Show History01:19 The Return of 'The BOPPIES' - Year-End Awards01:34 Interactive Live Streaming and Viewer Engagement01:47 Special Guest Appearance and Surprise Video03:20 Year-End Awards Categories and Nominees04:19 Most Valuable Player - Democratic Side09:19 Most Valuable Player - Republican Side14:26 Perp of the Year - 202519:58 Best Achievement in Legislation24:59 News Story of the Year - 202529:06 The Role of Free Speech and Media Integrity30:02 AI's Impact on Society and Economy31:49 Public Opinion Research Highlights38:59 First-Time Ever Events of 202542:31 Most Interesting Science and Tech Stories49:32 Best Good News of the Year54:27 Who Won the Year?

For my Christmas Special: We had former Associated Press Europe and Middle East editor Dan Perry join to talk about why Bari Weiss and CBS and other major media outlets continue to bow down in fear of Donald Trump even as his power base is straight up evaporating under his feet.At the very end of the show I talked about a topic near and dear to my heart: Jewish Christmas. It’s a story of Chinese food, sexy camels, and Hannukah Harry.And I started out with a Spotify wrapped on Donald Trump’s 2025 year in review.00:00 Welcome to the Blue Amp Live Stream00:25 Introducing Today's Show and Guests01:58 Spotify Wrapped: Donald Trump's 2025 Year in Review05:08 Economic Report Card: Trump's 2025 Performance11:39 Deportation and Immigration Policies Under Trump15:45 Media and Government: The Bari Weiss Controversy27:28 Trump's Claims of Ending Wars: Fact or Fiction?30:48 The Psychology Behind Trump's Lies31:40 Trump's Stance on Venezuela35:28 Debating Media Credibility38:24 The Polarization of Politics51:39 Holiday Reflections and Sign-Off

It's Political Rehab! This episode, we start with the 'Trump dump' focusing on a chaotic week including Trump's combative speech, then we hit the GOP's EPIC mishandling of healthcare subsidies, and Trump's attempted affordability pivot fail. Then we deep dive the explosive interview with WH Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. "That's Bullshit" hits cannabis legalization. Finally, we pay tribute to the late Rob Reiner by ranking his greatest films. Join us for another fun, fast, upbeat show where a Republican and a Democrat make news fun again: it's smart politics without the hangover! 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Trump Dump: Weekly Recap03:20 Republican Party As Captives06:44 ACA Epic Fail09:54 Venezuela Blockade and Foreign Policy12:40 Affordability Pivot and Economic Policies18:30 Hypothetical 2028 Matchup21:26 Deep Dive Segment: Wiles wily?32:34 That's BS: Cannabis Policy Shift39:03 Top Rob Reiner Movies

Chris Hill on the Strangest Economy Ever. In this episode of 'Worth Knowing' with Matt Robison, joined by business expert Chris Hill, former host of 'Motley Fool Money' and current host of 'Money Unplugged', they dive into the peculiarities of the current economy. They discuss the potential AI bubble, the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs, and ponder the future of media with the Warner-Netflix-Paramount merger. Hill also shares his cautious optimism about the stock market and economy. 02:14 Eight Points of Light: Good News Stories14:09 Chris Hill Joins the Conversation19:15 Gifts and Financial Anxiety25:29 AI Bubble and Economic Lessons35:53 Tariffs and Supreme Court Ruling40:24 Supply Chain Disruptions and Economic Chaos44:21 Media Mergers and the Future of Content47:47 Streaming Services and Consumer Behavior56:21 Economic Resilience and Optimism58:52 Closing Remarks and Announcements

Our latest episode of Political Rehab--the show that MAKES POLITICS FUN AGAIN--with a Democrat and Republican (both named Matt!) breaking down the week’s most pressing political stories. This week: we hit  the strange Supreme Court catch-22, fake news about fake news, a Democratic Tea Party?!? another Republican speaker meltdown, and an ugly, ugly Donald Trump political moment. Plus our fun segments ‘Up or Down’ and ‘That’s Bullshit,’ which this week hits the Republican “alternative” to ACA subsidies. And our weekly Dose A’ Hope covers SNL’s refreshing humor and the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.00:00 Introduction00:57 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Critique01:39 Trump’s Rally and Biden Blame Game03:23 Economic Critique and Affordability Tour05:31 Trump’s Immigration Rant08:11 Republican Leadership and Dysfunction13:59 Democratic Tea Party Revolt16:53 Supreme Court Showdown19:47 Up or Down: Quick Takes on Current Events23:14 AI and Instacart: Price Manipulation23:54 Kevin Hassett: Potential Fed Chair24:54 Kamala Harris: Book Tour and Political Future26:11 Gavin Newsom: Rising Favorability27:12 The White House Ballroom: Trump’s Latest Project28:09 US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker29:44 That’s Bullshit! Affordable Care Act: Republican Alternatives40:46 Political Humor: SNL’s Pentagon Sketch42:57 US Men’s National Soccer Team: World Cup Hopes

Matt Robison sits down with Howard Monroe to discuss the decline of Donald Trump and his administration. They delve into the incompetence among Trump's cabinet members, the potential expansion of executive power by the Supreme Court, and the concerning signs regarding Trump's health, including his cognitive decline...and the painful saga of enduring Christmas music. 00:00 Introduction and Recent Activities04:54 Supreme Court and Trump's Power08:13 The Keystone Cabinet16:51 Trump's Health Concerns29:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Legal Shocks and Rule of Law: A Deep Dive with Glenn Kirschner. Matt Robison hosts the 'Worth Knowing' livestream to discuss pivotal legal stories shaking US politics with expert guest Glenn Kirschner, a 30-year federal prosecutor and Army veteran. They explore the Trump administration’s contentious legal maneuvers, destructive evidence practices, and significant cases like birthright citizenship and presidential powers, all while questioning the endurance of the rule of law. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Theme03:25 Guest Introduction: Glenn Kirschner11:21 Contempt of Court Explained20:33 The Resignation of Alina Haba26:17 Broader Legal Implications30:06 Supreme Court's Stance on Nationwide Injunctions35:00 Military Evidence Destruction Controversy39:40 Trump Administration's Pattern of Evidence Destruction46:41 Birthright Citizenship Debate54:24 Expanding Executive Power and Supreme Court Concerns58:02 Closing Remarks and Future Engagements

Political Rehab: Donny's Angels, Full Bungle!In this episode of Political Rehab, a Republican canary explodes in the coal mine, the Tim Walz Minnesota corruption mess, Trump Accounts get an infusion of right wing billionaire money, Bart Simpson running the Department of WAR! and pardon roulette! ALSO: Karoline Leavitt's two kinds of bullshit about Trump's cognitive health, Matt Robison's big new Newsweek article, and a Dose A' Hope about some actual bipartisan solutions happening. It's all the pressing political issues without the usual partisan hangover!00:00 Intro00:48 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Outrage05:03 Tennessee Special Election Analysis07:53 Trump Accounts and Billionaire Funding10:50 Minnesota Fraud Scandal13:24 Pete Hegseth and Military Embarrassment16:22 Trump's Controversial Pardons19:19 New Segment: Hot Off the Presses--Trump's Self-Made Trap21:17 Government Dysfunction Under Trump28:21 Bullshit Watch: Trump's Health34:31 Weekly Dose of Hope