Nation States: Canada, China, and the Future of North America

Karol Markowicz sits down with Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, censorship, free speech, faith, family, and the future of artificial intelligence. Dillon shares the unlikely story of how he became involved with The Babylon Bee, taking over the Christian satire site in 2018 and helping transform it into a major cultural force whose audience extends far beyond its original Christian conservative following. He also takes Karol inside one of the most consequential chapters in the Bee’s history: its suspension from Twitter after refusing to delete a controversial joke. Dillon explains why the company was willing to risk losing access to the platform rather than censor itself—and how the controversy caught the attention of Elon Musk as concerns over online speech and censorship intensified. Seth also opens up about fatherhood, the importance of speaking out even when there may be personal or professional consequences, and why serving others is one of his guiding principles. Finally, he looks ahead at how rapidly advancing AI and automation could fundamentally reshape the way people work, live and interact over the next five years.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton explore what they view as a significant divide in public opinion over the Lindsay Clancy case. They discuss reactions from listeners, social media users, and jurors, arguing that many supporters of the verdict are motivated more by identification with Clancy as a mother than by the facts of the case. The hosts repeatedly compare the Clancy verdict to the O.J. Simpson trial, suggesting that both cases reveal deeper societal divisions and identity-based reactions to criminal proceedings. They debate whether gender, ideology, and cultural attitudes toward motherhood influenced the outcome and analyze polling data showing stark differences in how Republicans and Democrats view Clancy's guilt. Clay and Buck discuss the intersection of AI and modern warfare. They talk about reports of autonomous drone technology being utilized in combat zones, examining how AI-powered targeting systems could operate without direct human involvement. The conversation centers on the ethical and military implications of autonomous weapons, facial recognition technology, AI-controlled drones, battlefield automation, and the future of defense technology. They explore scenarios in which AI systems could independently identify and engage targets, raising questions about accountability, military strategy, and global security. China's technological rise becomes another significant topic. Multiple callers and the hosts discuss concerns that China may be rapidly advancing in AI, technology, and strategic innovation. Clay and Buck argue that the United States cannot simply halt AI development because geopolitical rivals would continue pursuing breakthroughs. They compare the AI competition to historical military and nuclear technology races, suggesting that leadership in artificial intelligence may become one of the defining strategic advantages of the twenty-first century. The conversation frequently returns to themes of global competition, innovation policy, national security, technological leadership, and the future balance of power between the United States and China. Clay takes issue with the Republican Party's decision to hold its first-ever midterm convention during the same nights as high-profile NFL games. Clay strongly criticizes the scheduling decision, arguing that NFL opening week dominates American media consumption and will significantly reduce public attention on Republican messaging. The hosts discuss voter outreach, political communication, media strategy, election-year engagement, conservative messaging, and the challenge of attracting attention in a crowded media landscape. They question whether the convention can achieve its intended impact when competing against one of the most-watched entertainment properties in America. 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 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show focuses overwhelmingly on the aftermath of the Lindsay Clancy murder trial verdict, with Clay and Buck delivering an extensive discussion of juror comments, public reaction, media coverage, and broader cultural and political implications surrounding the case. Drawing on newly released interviews with jurors, the hosts sharply criticize the decision to find Clancy not guilty by reason of insanity and argue that she should have been held criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children. They highlight statements from jurors who criticized the lone holdout favoring conviction, expressing disbelief that fellow jurors viewed his focus on the murders themselves as an obstacle to reaching a verdict. The conversation centers on questions of accountability, criminal justice, the insanity defense, jury deliberations, and whether mental illness should excuse acts of extreme violence. Throughout the hour, Clay and Buck explore what they view as a significant divide in public opinion over the Lindsay Clancy case. They discuss reactions from listeners, social media users, and jurors, arguing that many supporters of the verdict are motivated more by identification with Clancy as a mother than by the facts of the case. The hosts repeatedly compare the Clancy verdict to the O.J. Simpson trial, suggesting that both cases reveal deeper societal divisions and identity-based reactions to criminal proceedings. They debate whether gender, ideology, and cultural attitudes toward motherhood influenced the outcome and analyze polling data showing stark differences in how Republicans and Democrats view Clancy's guilt. A major theme of Hour 1 is the hosts' examination of the legal standards surrounding insanity defenses, reasonable doubt, and criminal culpability. Clay argues that the murder of children should be treated as a strict liability offense, eliminating mental-state defenses in such cases. Buck discusses historical uses of the insanity defense and questions whether Clancy's circumstances met the standards traditionally associated with legal insanity. Together, they explore broader questions about personal responsibility, criminal law, sentencing, and how juries evaluate mental health claims in high-profile murder trials. The discussion also branches into cultural and political analysis as the hosts debate whether ideological beliefs influence how Americans interpret violent crimes. They examine polling data showing partisan differences in perceptions of the verdict and speculate about demographic trends related to gender, political affiliation, and attitudes toward criminal justice. The hosts argue that empathy, identity politics, and shifting views on accountability may be affecting public reactions to criminal cases, particularly those involving mothers and mental health issues. Later in the hour, listeners call in to offer their perspectives. One caller with personal experience growing up around severe mental illness discusses the complexity of balancing mental health considerations with criminal responsibility and suggests manslaughter as a compromise verdict. Another caller references the classic film 12 Angry Men while discussing jury dynamics and the role of holdout jurors in deliberations. The hosts continue analyzing the composition of the Clancy jury, including the balance of men and women on the panel, and discuss how jury selection procedures may have influenced the trial's outcome.  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 2 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show shifts away from the Lindsay Clancy trial discussion that dominated the opening hour and focuses primarily on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), technology innovation, robotics, automation, national security, and the global AI race between the United States and China. The hosts briefly touch on Senator Ted Cruz’s appearance on The View, discuss upcoming midterm election activity and political advertising strategies, and then devote most of the hour to a wide-ranging conversation about the future of AI and its potential impact on society, the economy, warfare, and everyday life. A central topic throughout Hour 2 is the emergence of advanced AI systems and humanoid robotics. Clay and Buck discuss the growing capabilities of Tesla’s Optimus robots and the possibility that consumers could soon have robots performing household tasks such as folding laundry and completing chores. The conversation expands into broader questions about automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence development, and the transformative impact AI may have on the workforce, productivity, and daily life. The hosts describe society as being in the midst of an AI revolution and compare the current technological moment to major historical technological breakthroughs. The discussion intensifies after the hosts examine a viral statement from a former AI researcher who warned that the race toward artificial superintelligence could pose serious risks to humanity. Clay and Buck analyze claims that future AI systems could become capable of self-improvement, autonomous decision-making, advanced cyberattacks, scientific breakthroughs, and even acquiring real-world power. Referencing popular science fiction concepts such as Skynet from the Terminator franchise, they debate whether fears of AI-driven extinction are legitimate concerns or exaggerated predictions designed to attract attention. The hosts explore arguments from both AI skeptics and AI optimists, discussing concepts such as superintelligence, autonomous systems, artificial general intelligence (AGI), machine autonomy, and existential risk. Another major focus of Hour 2 is the intersection of AI and modern warfare. Clay and Buck discuss reports of autonomous drone technology being utilized in combat zones, examining how AI-powered targeting systems could operate without direct human involvement. The conversation centers on the ethical and military implications of autonomous weapons, facial recognition technology, AI-controlled drones, battlefield automation, and the future of defense technology. They explore scenarios in which AI systems could independently identify and engage targets, raising questions about accountability, military strategy, and global security. Clay and Buck also examine the critical role of energy production, data centers, and computing power in the future of artificial intelligence. Clay argues that the ultimate limits of AI may be tied to access to affordable and abundant energy, while Buck emphasizes the enormous computing requirements needed to develop and operate advanced AI systems. Together, they discuss whether future AI breakthroughs could unlock new energy technologies and how energy infrastructure may become one of the most important factors shaping the next generation of technological innovation. Themes of energy security, computational power, technological scalability, and infrastructure investment are recurring throughout the hour.   China's technological rise becomes another significant topic. Multiple callers and the hosts discuss concerns that China may be rapidly advancing in AI, technology, and strategic innovation. Clay and Buck argue that the United States cannot simply halt AI development because geopolitical rivals would continue pursuing breakthroughs. They compare the AI competition to historical military and nuclear technology races, suggesting that leadership in artificial intelligence may become one of the defining strategic advantages of the twenty-first century. The conversation frequently returns to themes of global competition, innovation policy, national security, technological leadership, and the future balance of power between the United States and China. Listener calls add further depth to the discussion. One caller working in AI argues that many apocalyptic warnings are being overstated by major AI companies seeking greater regulatory influence. Another discusses concerns about censorship, centralized control of information, and the possibility that government regulation could limit the development of open AI platforms. Additional callers examine the impact of AI on software development careers, workplace automation, and changing labor markets. A software developer explains how AI tools are already reshaping hiring practices and reducing demand for entry-level programming work, while also arguing that current AI systems remain pattern-recognition tools rather than truly conscious thinkers. Conversations surrounding job displacement, workforce disruption, AI governance, open-source technology, and technological freedom feature prominently throughout the hour. The hosts also debate the reliability of modern AI platforms and search tools, contrasting traditional search engines with emerging AI-powered assistants. They discuss issues related to information quality, algorithmic bias, censorship concerns, truth-seeking AI systems, and how AI-generated answers may increasingly replace conventional internet searches. The broader conversation explores whether AI can become a trusted information source and how the quality of AI output depends on the underlying data and programming parameters used to train the models.   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 3 of the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show blends political analysis, election strategy, media commentary, sports, artificial intelligence follow-up, and an extended interview with Ben Shapiro while continuing the show's ongoing discussion of the Lindsay Clancy case. The hour begins with analysis of newly released polling data in key midterm battlegrounds, discussion of President Donald Trump's trip to Dallas for the Republican midterm convention, and debate over the strategic timing of the event as it competes directly with the opening week of the NFL season. A major topic throughout Hour 3 is the Republican Party's decision to hold its first-ever midterm convention during the same nights as high-profile NFL games. Clay strongly criticizes the scheduling decision, arguing that NFL opening week dominates American media consumption and will significantly reduce public attention on Republican messaging. The hosts discuss voter outreach, political communication, media strategy, election-year engagement, conservative messaging, and the challenge of attracting attention in a crowded media landscape. They question whether the convention can achieve its intended impact when competing against one of the most-watched entertainment properties in America. The Lindsay Clancy case remains a recurring theme as listeners continue calling in with reactions to the verdict and the insanity defense. One caller shares personal experiences involving severe postpartum mental health struggles within his own family, prompting a broader discussion of mental illness, criminal responsibility, and how the legal system handles defendants who commit violent crimes while experiencing psychological disorders. Clay reiterates his position that the murder of children should trigger strict criminal liability regardless of mental state, while Buck explores larger philosophical and legal questions about accountability, mental illness, evil, and personal choice. Topics including criminal justice reform, insanity defenses, homicide law, forensic psychiatry, and sentencing standards are discussed at length. The hosts also revisit themes from their earlier artificial intelligence conversation after playing listener feedback supporting continued American leadership in AI development. The discussion reinforces arguments that technological innovation should be embraced rather than feared and suggests that the United States must continue competing aggressively in emerging technologies. Listener commentary highlights concerns about global competition, innovation policy, and the importance of maintaining leadership in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. A significant portion of Hour 3 features an extensive interview with Ben Shapiro, covering politics, culture, social media, media partnerships, and the 2028 political landscape. During the conversation, Shapiro joins Clay and Buck in examining public reactions to the Lindsay Clancy case and argues that social media has amplified performative empathy and emotional identification among some online communities. The discussion explores how social media incentives, internet culture, true crime fascination, and identity-driven narratives can shape public responses to criminal cases. The interview also explores Democratic Party politics and future presidential election dynamics. Clay asks Shapiro about the possibility of Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic presidential nominee in 2028. Shapiro argues that Harris remains a serious contender due to her support among Black voters and the structure of the Democratic primary calendar, particularly in states like South Carolina. The hosts discuss electoral strategy, demographic trends, primary elections, candidate viability, and the evolving political landscape leading toward the next presidential race.[9/9/2026 3:03 PM] Mark Weiner: Another important segment centers on a newly announced partnership between Sport and State and The Daily Wire. Clay and Ben discuss the expansion of conservative media, digital content creation, podcasting, video programming, audience growth, and collaborative opportunities between the two organizations. The conversation highlights efforts to broaden conservative media offerings while reaching new audiences through sports, politics, and cultural commentary. The political discussion continues with forecasts for the upcoming midterm elections. Shapiro provides his outlook on several key Senate and House races, expressing concern about certain Democratic candidates while predicting Republicans may narrowly retain the Senate but face difficulty holding the House. The hosts review battleground states, campaign strategy, congressional elections, voter turnout, polling trends, and broader implications for the 2028 election cycle. The interview concludes with a lighter discussion about parenting, family life, and raising children. Shapiro shares lessons learned from being a father of five, emphasizing the importance of consistent rules, parental involvement, and developing genuine interest in children's individual interests. Clay and Buck discuss fatherhood, family values, child development, parenting philosophies, and balancing family responsibilities with professional life. The closing portion of Hour 3 returns once more to audience reactions regarding the Lindsay Clancy verdict. A listener suggests creating a legal framework similar to "guilty by reason of insanity" rather than "not guilty by reason of insanity," prompting additional debate about mental health treatment, incarceration, public safety, criminal culpability, and whether society should ever fully trust offenders who commit severe acts of violence. Clay ends the hour emphasizing what he sees as the need for accountability in cases involving the murder of children while questioning broader societal trends toward excusing criminal behavior on mental health grounds. 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.

On September 11, 2001, Linda Martin went to work at the World Trade Center expecting an ordinary day. Instead, she found herself trapped high inside the North Tower after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building. In this powerful firsthand account, Linda takes Ryan through the morning of 9/11—from feeling the building shift beneath her and seeing smoke fill her floor to learning that the stairwells appeared blocked. Port Authority employees Frank De Martini and Pablo Ortiz eventually helped clear an escape route, allowing Linda and her coworkers to begin the long journey down the tower. Linda says she would not be alive without them. After making it out of the World Trade Center complex, Linda recalls seeing police officers and firefighters running, turning around and seeing the enormous cloud from the collapsing South Tower, and realizing she couldn't outrun it. She grabbed onto a fire truck and thought she was going to die. Linda also describes the mysterious NYPD officer who found her in the darkness and debris, the emotional phone call that finally let her family know she was alive, and the trauma and survivor's guilt that followed in the months and years after September 11. Twenty-five years later, Linda shares her story so a new generation can understand not only the horror of September 11, but also the courage, sacrifice, and humanity of the people who helped one another that day. Never forget.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Not one inch eastward." That's what James Baker told Gorbachev in February 1990 — and it was never written into a single treaty. This week I did something you don't hear on the news: I read the actual documents. Article 5. Article 10. The Budapest Memorandum. The 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act. Then I walked the 35 years that got us from the fall of the Soviet Union to the meat grinder in the Donbas — and to this week's headlines out of Germany, Moscow, and Leipzig.   What you'll hear: • David reads Article 5 and Article 10 out loud and explains why they matter more than any pundit's opinion • Why Ukraine gave up the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal for "assurances" — and why that one word was chosen on purpose • The 1997 promise NATO made to Russia, and the expansion that came 22 months later • Tuzla Island, 2003: the armed standoff David believes is where the Ukraine clock really starts • What Putin took from the Orange Revolution, and what Bucharest 2008 set in motion • David's read on the AfD's 44% in Saxony-Anhalt, Witkoff and Kushner in Moscow and Kyiv, and the low end of where this goes next This is not a defense of Putin. It's the context you need before you decide what America should do. ✅ Sponsors: ☕️ Black Rifle Coffee: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/ 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan’s 2026 elections could reshape who controls two of the most powerful offices in the state. Tudor Dixon sits down with Republican Attorney General candidate Doug Lloyd and Secretary of State candidate Anthony Forlini to discuss their campaigns, election integrity, public safety and their argument that government has become increasingly weaponized against the people. Lloyd takes aim at Attorney General Dana Nessel’s record and explains how he says he would refocus the Michigan Attorney General’s office on fighting crime, supporting law enforcement, protecting victims and holding government accountable. Forlini discusses his campaign for Michigan Secretary of State, his experience overseeing elections as Macomb County Clerk and his push for greater election transparency. The conversation also examines the battle over the Citizens Only Voting ballot initiative and the controversy surrounding hundreds of thousands of petition signatures submitted to put the proposal before Michigan voters. Tudor, Lloyd and Forlini also discuss Gretchen Whitmer, Jocelyn Benson, Garland Gilchrist, crime and public safety, government overreach, small businesses, election administration and why the Attorney General and Secretary of State races could have consequences far beyond Michigan. Can Republicans restore what Lloyd and Forlini describe as “law and order” and accountability in state government? Tudor gets their case directly from the candidates.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A surprising question at a Canadian security conference sparks a bigger conversation about the future of the U.S.-Canada relationship. Steve Yates looks beyond headlines and political rhetoric to examine Canada's economic stagnation, military readiness, growing interest in deeper ties with China, and why geography, trade, and security continue to bind North America together. The real story is not invasion fears. It is whether two longtime allies can adapt to a changing world while preserving a shared future. Listen now and join the conversation on one of the most important relationships in the Western Hemisphere. Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette joins Lisa Boothe to break down the rapidly changing global energy landscape and how President Trump is using America’s energy strength as an economic and geopolitical weapon. Brouillette explains how U.S. oil and gas production has weakened the power of traditional energy cartels, how the war with Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are reshaping global oil markets, and why new pipelines could dramatically reduce Iran’s leverage over one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. He also examines President Trump’s major Venezuela oil deal, what access to Venezuela’s massive reserves could mean for the United States, and why Americans shouldn’t expect it to bring immediate relief at the gas pump. With gas prices reaching seasonal record highs, Brouillette discusses whether prices could fall before the midterm elections, America’s strained refining capacity, and why greater domestic energy infrastructure may be critical to lowering costs over the long term. Lisa and Brouillette also explore the bigger geopolitical picture—including Russia, China, Iran, Venezuela, and how American energy dominance could give the United States greater leverage over its adversaries.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.