Sacred Cows & Spending Cuts: DOGE, Veterans, Entitlements, & the Rhetoric of Other People's Problems

On this episode of Heard Tell, Andrew returns after an extended absence to explain where he has been, and he hasn't been working - publicly at least - lately and some grown folk talk about caregiving and home healthcare that quickly gets lost in policy, politics, and folks talking without understanding.All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Heard Tell, we turn down the noise on on the growing reaction to HHS Sec RFK, Jr's and President Trump's comments on Autism at the recent cabinet meetin. Reporter Eric Garcia, who usually joins us to talk his coverage of congress joins to talk about the danger of losing 50 years of progress in advocating and understanding Autism and related issues due to the revisionist histories, online conspiracies theories, frightened parents, misguided do-gooders, and some maliciously benevolent people who might think they are helping but are doing enormous damage to vulnerable folks. Eric's already written one book on autism, is writing another, and writes and reports every day while being autistic himself. Grown folk talk that cuts through the political agendas, online conspiracies, and news cycle noise on an important topic that is being lost to the crazymakers.All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.Buy Eric's first book "We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation" here:https://www.amazon.com/Were-Not-Broken-Changing-Conversation/dp/1328587843--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Heard Tell, we're back "across the pond" to check in on our United Kingdom friends with Oliver Dean joining us from the UK. What's going on in UK politics with a two-party system that for the first time in hundreds of years faces a real third threat in Reform, the flailing Labour government under PM Keir Starmer, and how there is a real pessimism that has lingered after that last election that has kept Labour from finding its footing, the Tories from finding a unified message, and finds Reform on the rise. Plus, we talk about the policy and backlash about online content censoring and online ID laws, immigration crisis, housing, and the systemic issues inside the UK that won't be solved in just one or two election cycles, and how the once vaunted UK university system is starting to show some real decline. All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Heard Tell, we turn down the noise on US Senator Bernie Sanders visiting West Virginia as part of his current tour with reporter and founder of Wheeling Free Press Justice Hudson who was in the room and working the crowds during the Wheeling rally. Since Justice reports on local issues from city council meetings and homeless ordinance debates to major disasters and election coverage, the perfect person to parse through the hot takes and media narratives. Was the crowd locals or "bussed in" as some accused, why does Bernie Sanders play better even in red states than some of his most ardent supporters do, how did West Virginia get to be so red in the first place, and grown folk talk about the difference between big splashy rallies and viral video moments and the hard work of actually winning elections. Plus, how the recent deadly flooding is present in all other things in Wheeling right now, and Justice’s personal experience of going to cover the flooding as a story, but having to get involved in the clean up himself. All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.Subscribe and follow Justice's work at Wheeling Free Press here: https://substack.com/@justicehudson--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Heard Tell, we turn down the noise on economic headlines and the interwebs and talking head reaction to them, by asking our economist friend Dr. Stephen Popick to explain them so well even host Andrew can understand it. Why wages are what they are including the living wage and minimum wage debates, rent vs mortgage debate, why the housing crisis is also a political crisis, why inflation and high prices are and are not the same thing, why natural ups and downs of the economy are not compatible with politics and news cycles, and much more.All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.DXY chart references: https://w.wiki/EyNNMortgage vs Rent char referenced: MBA Chart of the Week: Mortgage Payment to Rent Ratio --------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Heard Tell, we focus on one of the most strategically important and geopolitically challenging areas of the world: The Black Sea Region. Joining us from Romania is Antonia-Laura Pup, policy fellow with Young Voices Europe and a Fulbright Student at Georgetown focusing on China’s increasing influence on the economy and security of the Black Sea. Antonia talks us through understanding a region that is more than just the dominating Russia-Ukraine war headlines. Turkey’s role, 5G and tech revolution, media influence, economic changes, and cultural shifts that we all need to know about when this important region of the world hits the headlines.All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.Read Antonia's work and watch some of her media appearances here:Antonia-Laura Puphttps://www.joinyv.org/talent/antonia-laura-pup--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Heard Tell, host Andrew talks with Sabine Benoit, the Canadian Policy Associate at the Consumer Choice Center about the current state of affairs on both sides of the US-Canada border. Why tariffs are the overriding issue in relations, how Canadians really feel about their southern neighbors and President Donald Trump, and what's coming next. Plus, the CCC's airport index, how commerce and the economy of Canada is limiting both Canadians and Americans in travel and tourism, Canadian nationalism, Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry as interwebs characters of the day, online privacy policy, and more.All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Heard Tell, host Andrew talks and our film critic friend Luis Mendez of the Mendez Movie Report break out their lifelong wrestling fandom to talk the passing of Hulk Hogan from worldwide superstar, to reality tv star, to viral video infamy of sex tape and racist comments, to Gawker lawsuit, returning to wrestling, and more that lead him to being boo'd and rejected in his last WWE appearance. Plus, Luis talks how the summer box office is doing very well with the success of Superman and Fantastic 4, which brings up the superhero movie debates again and if Marvel and DC can build on the success. Plus, how IMAX is becoming more of a business strategy and why that might start pricing out some folks from the theaters, why Lilo & Stitch succeeded where Snow White failed, 2025 box office top ten breakdown, real talk on how expensive movies are getting, Christopher Nolan's Odyssey project concerns as IMAX tickets go on sale a year in advance, and much more.All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Heard Tell, host Andrew talks with our friend and congressional reporter Eric Garcia who takes us beyond the headlines and inside the halls of Congress. Eric breaks down what Speaker Johnson shutting down the House for August recess really means, how much the "Epstein Files" is really affecting Washington, and how passing the One Big Beautiful Bill exhausted GOP political capital. Plus, the real reason redistricting in Texas is being pushed, what Mamdani's visit to congress means when compared to fellow New Yorker AOC, the "soccer mom" demographic on the political move, GOP spinning the OBBB fallout back home during recess to local media, JD Vance triangulating his 2028 persona and more. Plus, Eric and Andrew remember a lifetime of being fans as Ozzy Osbourne passed away just after taking his final performance bow.All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.00:00 Intro/Congress goes for August recess early, Epstein Files, Speaker Johnson needs a reset, Democrats try to regroup18:00 Redistricting and the Latino vote30:55 Mamdani visits congress, Team Blue's eternal struggle to find "next big thing", midterms, AOC and "the squad" compared to Mamdani hype44:05 Changing demographic of "soccer mom" swing voters, soccer moms, college educated white women49:20 Sen Murkowski & Collins spinning OBBB fallout, how August recess means facing voters back home, midterm repercussions, GOP divisions from Epstein to lame duck Trump Admin, coming shutdown failure theater positioning, potential retirements56:15 JD Vance starting to build his 2028 image and approach1:02:20 Remembering Ozzy Osbourne1:18:20 Real talk about disability and mediaEric's Black Sabbath episode of Political Beatshttps://www.nationalreview.com/podcasts/political-beats/eric-garcia-black-sabbath/--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Heard Tell, host Andrew talks with our friend and certified film critic Luis Mendez of the Mendez Movie Report on why this year's box officeis way up from last year's historically bad Memorial Day weekend to this year's historically great one. Plus, we talk about why live action remakes are controversial with critics but audiences make up their own minds, Snow White's failure vs Lilo & Stitchs success, the upcoming How To Train Your Dragon, and why the genre isn't going away. Also, we talk about the business that is Disney, why cultural currency is vital to movie franchises and IPs, some film reviews, and more.All that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsAll that and more on this episode of Heard Tell.--------------------Heard Tell SubStack Free to subscribe, comes right to your inboxhttps://heardtell.substack.com/Questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or epistles? Email us [email protected] follow @HeardTellShow like the program, comment with your thoughts, and share with others.Support Heard Tell here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/4b87f374-cace-44ea-960c-30f9bf37bcff/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/heard-tell/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy