Tom Ackerman - College Football Shakeups and Cardinals’ Rebuilding Season

Marc Cox and Dan Buck deliver a full show that begins with a tribute to Charlie Kirk, reflecting on his assassination, his impact on Turning Point USA, and Erica Kirk’s powerful memorial speech. They revisit a June 2024 interview with Kirk, highlighting his views on youth engagement, “woke” culture, and Trump’s appeal to young voters. The hosts also break down new polling on poverty and gender, Missouri’s redistricting bill, and leadership changes in the state legislature. Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation joins to discuss presidential powers, Supreme Court rulings, immigration enforcement, and international trade. State Rep. Chad Perkins explains Missouri’s new congressional map and initiative petition reform requiring 50 percent plus one statewide and in five of eight districts. James Hawkins and Mark Kim of Golden Oak Lending review interest rate cuts, housing market trends, and debt consolidation strategies. Tom Ackerman covers the weekend in sports, including Alabama’s loss to Florida State, Georgia’s dominance over Tennessee, Missouri football, Illinois vs. Indiana, Notre Dame’s 0-2 start, and the Cardinals’ struggles as they shift focus to rebuilding. The show wraps with Drew Chostner, James Thomas, and Lauren from the St. Louis Bourbon Society previewing the St. Louis Bourbon Festival at the Lemp Mansion, featuring over 600 whiskey samples, VIP experiences, and Code Three Response support for first responders.

In Hour 4, Marc Cox and Dan Buck pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, reflecting on his assassination, his impact on Turning Point USA, and Erica Kirk’s moving speech. Tom Ackerman joins to recap the weekend in sports, including Wisconsin vs. Alabama, Georgia vs. Tennessee, Mizzou football, and the Cardinals’ difficult season. The hour wraps with Drew Chostner, James Thomas, and Lauren from the St. Louis Bourbon Society previewing the St. Louis Bourbon Festival at the Lemp Mansion, featuring over 600 whiskey samples, VIP experiences, and support for first responders through Code Three Response.

Marc Cox and Dan Buck are joined by Drew Chostner, James Thomas St. Louis Bourbon Society and Lauren Gilliam to preview the St. Louis Bourbon Festival, the largest in the Midwest, happening October 3 at the Lemp Mansion. With more than 600 whiskey samples, a cocktail competition, VIP rooms, and industry guests like Mark Carter and Andrea Wilson, the event highlights bourbon, scotch, Irish whiskey, and select tequilas. A portion of ticket sales will support Code Three Response, which provides grants to first responders injured in the line of duty.

Marc Cox and Dan Buck talk with Tom Ackerman about a big weekend in college football, including Alabama’s loss to Florida State and the impact on their playoff chances, Georgia’s continued dominance over Tennessee, and notable SEC matchups. They also cover Missouri’s performance, Illinois vs. Indiana, and Notre Dame’s 0-2 start despite maintaining a ranking through brand recognition. The conversation shifts to the St. Louis Cardinals, who are struggling and likely to miss the playoffs, focusing on rebuilding through the minor league system while looking at the Milwaukee Brewers as a model for player development.

Marc Cox and Dan Buck cover Missouri’s new congressional map and initiative petition reform with State Rep. Chad Perkins, which now requires 50 percent plus one statewide and in five of eight congressional districts. They discuss the Charlie Kirk shooting, the shooter’s background, political leanings, and media coverage. James Hawkins and Mark Kim from Golden Oak Lending break down expected Federal Reserve rate cuts, a 4.5 percent fixed loan rate, and the impact on the housing market and refinancing opportunities. To wrap the hour, “Buck Don’t Give A” Minorities honoring Charlie Kirk.

Marc Cox and Dan Buck talk with James Hawkins and Mark Kim of Golden Oak Lending about expected Federal Reserve rate cuts and a 4.5 percent fixed rate on 15-year loans. They discuss how lower rates could reduce mortgage payments, encourage a “buy and wait” strategy, and create refinancing opportunities. The conversation also covers debt consolidation, with home loans helping customers save an average of $1,100 per month, and Golden Oak’s streamlined digital process for quick approvals and long-term savings.

Marc Cox and Dan Buck talk with State Rep. Chad Perkins about Missouri’s new congressional map requiring 50 percent plus one statewide and in five of eight districts. Perkins explains changes to initiative petition reform that make constitutional amendments harder to pass and reduce outside influence. He also discusses the Fifth District expansion to cover all of Kansas City and the I-70 corridor, along with the governor’s special session and possible ballot timing in 2026.

In Hour 2, Marc Cox and Dan Buck pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, reflecting on his passing, Erica Kirk’s emotional memorial speech, and the explosive growth of Turning Point USA with 32,000 new chapters formed. The hosts highlight his legacy of Christian conservative values before turning to media commentary on the Emmy Awards, including criticism of political statements, Stephen Colbert’s win, and Hollywood’s liberal leanings. Hans von Spakovsky joins to discuss presidential powers, recent Supreme Court rulings, immigration enforcement, ICE policies, and trade challenges abroad. Nicole Murray follows with business and economic news, covering stock market trends, FAA fines against Boeing, and China’s NVIDIA investigation. The hour wraps with “In Other News,” touching on Elon Musk’s Tesla stock purchase, the psychology of credit card spending, and celebrity updates including Mike Wolf’s car accident, Brad Pitt’s daughter changing her last name, and yacht ownership in Hollywood.

Marc Cox and Dan Buck talk with Hans von Spakovsky about crime in Washington DC, the president’s authority to deploy the National Guard, and the limits of federal power in the capital. They examine broader presidential powers, including sending troops to cities, imposing tariffs, and firing federal officials. The conversation turns to immigration after a recent Supreme Court ruling on immigration stops, covering reasonable suspicion, ICE worksite checks, and concerns about profiling. Hans also weighs in on trade barriers with the EU, the U.S. trade deficit, potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, and the president’s upcoming trip to the UK to discuss the war in Ukraine and international trade.

In Hour 1, Marc Cox and Dan Buck reflect on Charlie Kirk’s passing and his lasting impact on Turning Point USA, including 32,000 new chapters formed after his wife’s emotional speech. They revisit a June 2024 interview with Kirk on youth engagement, “woke” culture, and Trump’s appeal to young voters. The hosts also review new polling on poverty and gender, highlight Missouri’s redistricting bill, Lincoln Hough’s removal from Senate leadership, and a potential county executive race with Steve Elman.