Episode 357: John Ondrasik on Why Afghanistan Still Matters

Newt talks with W. Brian Hubbard, Executive Director of Americans for Ibogaine, about the groundbreaking initiative in Texas to research Ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic, for its potential in treating opioid addiction, traumatic brain injury, and depression. Governor Greg Abbott approved a $50 million dollar investment, marking one of the largest government investments in psychedelic medicine. Hubbard was instrumental in getting the Texas initiative passed and is advocating for similar programs in other states. Hubbard shares his journey from a legal career in Kentucky, witnessing the opioid epidemic's impact, to leading efforts for Ibogaine research. He highlights the drug's potential to revolutionize addiction treatment, citing its success in interrupting addiction and restoring brain function. Their conversation also touches on the political challenges faced in Kentucky and the promising developments in Texas, where a public-private partnership aims to conduct FDA trials. Their discussion underscores the potential of Ibogaine to transform healthcare by offering a restorative treatment for addiction and neurological conditions, with hopes of broader acceptance and integration into the U.S. healthcare system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Gianno Caldwell, a political analyst for Fox News, about his new book, "The Day My Brother Was Murdered: My Journey Through America's Violent Crime Crisis." They discuss the tragic loss of Gianno’s 18-year-old brother Christian, who was an innocent victim of gun violence in Chicago. Their conversation explores the broader issue of urban violence, recounting eight other murders that occurred on the same night, highlighting the human tragedy and offering insights for creating safer communities. Caldwell, a political analyst and founder of the Caldwell Institute, discusses the impact of soft-on-crime policies and the role of progressive prosecutors funded by George Soros in exacerbating crime rates. He advocates for stronger law enforcement, community cooperation with police, and the importance of family and faith in addressing the root causes of violence. The Caldwell Institute aims to support victims' families and promote public safety reforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Yaakov Katz, former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post, about President Trump's decision to deploy B-2 bombers to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, leading to a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Their discussion examines the implications of these bombings on Middle Eastern geopolitics, Israel's military strategy, and the potential for lasting peace. Katz highlights the historic nature of the U.S. and Israeli military actions, the strategic dismantling of Iran's nuclear capabilities, and the broader impact on regional stability. They also talk about the challenges of achieving regime change in Iran, the role of Sunni Arab states, and the future of Gaza post-conflict. Katz emphasizes the need for a new governing entity in Gaza and the importance of deradicalization for lasting peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the recent ICE raids and protests in Los Angeles with Joshua Treviño, Senior Fellow for the Western Hemisphere Initiative at the America First Policy Institute. Their conversation explores the symbolic and political implications of Mexican flags during the unrest, the historical context of leftist mobilization in the U.S., and the influence of Mexican cartels and the Mexican government on immigration and violence. Treviño argues that the protests are part of a broader strategy to undermine American sovereignty and law enforcement, supported by the Mexican regime. Their discussion also covers the operational challenges of mass deportation, the role of employers in immigration enforcement, and the potential for conflict with the Mexican government. Treviño emphasizes the need for decisive action against cartels and suggests that the U.S. must address these issues proactively to avoid a more severe confrontation in the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Iran program, who provides insights into the significance of Israel's bombing campaign, the historical context of the conflict, and the potential involvement of the United States. Their discussion centers on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, marked by Israel's surprise attack on Iranian targets, including nuclear sites, and Iran's retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli cities. Taleblu discusses the ideological and technical challenges within Iran's regime, the impact of Israeli intelligence and military strategy, and the broader implications for regional stability and US foreign policy. They conclude with a discussion on the possibility of regime change in Iran and the role of the Iranian diaspora in rebuilding the nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses President Trump's five major challenges, providing a comprehensive overview of the complexities facing the White House. The challenges include managing a domestic crisis involving opposition groups, navigating the Israeli-Iranian conflict, advancing significant legislation known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," addressing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and reshaping the global trade system through tariffs. Newt emphasizes the multifaceted nature of these issues, highlighting the need for strategic communication, international diplomacy, legislative negotiation, and economic restructuring. He reflects on historical parallels and the potential impact of these challenges on Trump's presidency, offering insights into the political landscape and the administration's efforts to maintain order and progress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Matthew Henderson, Interim Chief Government Affairs Officer at America First Policy Institute, about the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a reconciliation bill that aims to reduce taxes, increase spending on federal programs, and raise the statutory debt limit. Passed by the House with a narrow margin, the bill is now under Senate consideration and faces criticism from figures like Elon Musk. Henderson shares insights on the bill's journey and its implications. He reflects on his past efforts with the Save America Coalition to oppose the Biden “Build Back Better Bill” and how those experiences inform his current advocacy for the new bill. Their discussion highlights the bill's potential to accelerate economic growth, cut taxes, and create jobs, while also addressing issues like border security, education reform, and healthcare. They also discuss the challenges of passing the bill, including opposition from the Congressional Budget Office's economic growth projections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses his new book, "Trump's Triumph: America's Greatest Comeback," which is currently ranked number nine in new releases on Amazon. The book explores the extraordinary journey of Donald J. Trump, highlighting his resilience and the movement of the American people. Newt shares insights from his long acquaintance with Trump, detailing the challenges Trump faced, including impeachment efforts, investigations, and attempts to jail him. Newt emphasizes Trump's mandate, his strategic branding, and his ability to connect with the American public, as demonstrated through various public appearances and media engagements. Trump's policy initiatives, such as controlling the border and making America affordable again, are crucial for his presidency's success. Newt calls attention to the 2026 mid-term election as a critical moment for Trump's presidency, with the need to maintain control of the House to continue implementing his reforms. Newt encourages listeners to purchase “Trump’s Triumph” and offers a personalized autograph for those who send their Amazon receipt to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Anatol Lieven, Director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, about the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting recent drone attacks by Ukraine on Russian aircraft and Russia's subsequent retaliatory strikes. Lieven provides insights into the historical and current dynamics of Russian Ukrainian relations. They discuss the stability of Putin's regime, the impact of military technology on warfare, and the strategic implications for the United States and Europe. They also touch on the potential consequences for neighboring countries and the geopolitical complexities involving China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Gerard Robinson, a professor of practice at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia, about his recent article on how World War II influenced prison policy. Their conversation explores Robinson's experiences mentoring youth in the juvenile justice system and teaching fifth grade, which shaped his views on criminal justice reform. They discuss the impact of high suspension rates on future incarceration, the importance of education in reducing recidivism, and innovative programs like Texas's Prison Entrepreneurship Program. Robinson shares insights from international prison visits, highlighting Norway's principle of normality and its potential application in the U.S. Their discussion also covers historical treatment of prisoners of war in the U.S. compared to Japanese Americans during WWII, and the implications of the 1871 Virginia Supreme Court ruling on prisoners as "slaves of the state." Robinson's work and publications are available through the University of Virginia and the American Enterprise Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.