Becoming American: Does Assimilation Still Matter?

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with John Reid, Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to talk about his "Real Virginia Agenda," from workforce freedom to the gerrymandering Democrats are trying to push this week in Virginia—going against the will of Virginians—and his unconventional AI debate with opponent Ghazala Hashmi, who refused to debate him, so he debated an AI version of her using only her real quotes. Then Gary Gygi joins us to break down the upcoming Federal Reserve System meeting and what it could mean for interest rates and the economy. We're also joined by Anna Giaritelli of the Washington Examiner to discuss her powerful new memoir Under Assault and its message of justice and accountability. We wrap up with Henry Olsen, who explains why Argentina's upcoming elections matter for the United States and what's at stake globally. And stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, where she dives into the chilling story of the Highway Serial Killings. We end the podcast with John Reid's full AI Debate. You can also watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWe1PbGIZw4&t=123s  

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're joined by Daniel Di Martino, Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and PhD candidate at Columbia University, for a deep dive into the fiscal impact of immigration. Daniel breaks down his 2025 report showing how education level, age of arrival, and legal status determine whether immigration boosts or strains America's finances—revealing why high-skilled immigrants contribute net surpluses while lower-skilled, older arrivals often bring long-term fiscal costs. We'll also hear how his experience growing up in Venezuela shapes his views on socialism, protest culture, and opportunity. Later, Albert Eisenberg of RedBridge joins us to discuss the future of Pennsylvania, the political trajectory of John Fetterman, how Republicans can lead on healthcare solutions and affordability, and why smart strategic messaging is key to connecting with new generations of voters. And in Kiley's Corner, we're diving into the 2025 Louvre Museum heist as she reveals a Spotify playlist titled "Louvre Museum Heist" that was created four weeks before the crime. Was it the thieves? Tune into this episode to find out more.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're diving into global strategy, national security, child protection, and the economy. First, Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins the show to break down why Venezuela matters beyond narcotics and migration, the geopolitical stakes of regime change, and the implications of U.S. policy options under a potential Trump administration. Then, Mark "Oz" Geist—Benghazi hero, former Marine, and co-chair of the Protect Our Children initiative—discusses his mission to enact common-sense protections for kids and combat child sex trafficking in Colorado and across the country. Finally, financial expert Gary Gygi returns to unpack why gold prices are surging and what it reveals about global trust in central banks.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam is joined by guest host Seth Leibsohn, who opens the show with Robert McClure, President and CEO of The James Madison Institute, to dive into Florida's model for election integrity, tracing the course from Bush v. Gore through to the 2025 reforms and exploring how Florida's verification systems, voting infrastructure, and transparency protocols have become a benchmark for other states. Then, Congressman Addison McDowell of North Carolina's 6th Congressional District joins to break down the government shutdown, expose what Democrats are holding out on, and point out that this is a continuing resolution they have voted for 13 times under President Joe Biden. Tune in now!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds we're doing something different with one guest for the full show, our friend Patrick Byrne, founder and former CEO of Overstock.com. We open with a conversation on education, from school choice to teacher unions, and how Mississippi made the leap from 50th to top 10 in the nation in education. From there, we dive into Patrick's new docuseries The Enemy Within, exploring his journey from being hailed as a Wall Street prophet to resigning in 2019 after claiming he was a covert government asset caught in political espionage. We close with Kiley's Corner, where Kiley unpacks the disturbing case of Christopher Scholtes, a father accused of leaving his two-year-old to die in a hot car while he spent three hours watching adult entertainment, as a judge now approves his request to vacation in Hawaii. You won't want to miss this episode!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are first joined by Jon Levine of the Washington Free Beacon to discuss the latest from Israel, including rising regional tensions and the role of U.S. aid, as well as developments with USAID and the New York City mayor's race. Then journalist and media creator Sagnik Basu shares his journey to the U.S. and unpacks his Pirate Wires piece, "I'm Sorry But You Have to Assimilate." Finally, Jennifer Sey, former national gymnastics champion and CEO of XX-XY Athletics, talks about the Colorado ballot initiative to protect girls' sports and ensure fairness and opportunity for the next generation. Tune in now! www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote www.breakingbattlegrounds.news  Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle  Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds  Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com  Dot Vote - With a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam welcomed a powerhouse lineup of guests covering it all. Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho joined to discuss the 58 Democrats who voted against cracking down on political violence (with another 38 Dems voting "present"), President Trump's push to make D.C. safer, and his work on the House Appropriations Committee. Veteran media insider Ken LaCorte weighed in on the FCC's removal of Jimmy Kimmel, what the agency's responsibility should be, and the inside story of the Murdoch family succession deal. Former NFL kicker and now congressional candidate for Arizona's 5th District, Jay Feely, sat down in studio to talk about the rise of political violence, Arizona's energy future, and his campaign to represent the district. Financial expert Gary Gygi broke down the looming shortage of wealth advisors as America faces a historic wave of retirements and generational wealth transfer. And to close the show, Kiley's Corner explored the wild theories surrounding the body found in singer D4VD's car. Tune in now! www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote www.breakingbattlegrounds.news  Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle  Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds  Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com  Dot Vote - With a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone is joined by Sean Noble, host of Light Beer, Dark Money, who filled in for Chuck Warren. First, independent video creator turned accidental journalist Matt Orfalea exposes Big Tech censorship, from the removal of the Charlie Kirk assassination to platforms censoring the Kyle Rittenhouse footage. Next, Noah Rothman, senior writer at National Review, breaks down escalating tensions as Russian drones cross into Poland and whether they may be preparing for direct involvement. Finally, in Kiley's Corner, Kiley shares a tragic hit-and-run case and the astonishing discovery in New Zealand of three children found alive nearly four years after being abducted by their father. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are first joined by friend of the show Alexander Raikin, Visiting Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss how America has abandoned suicide safeguards and the lessons from Canada's MAID program. Next, David Robinson, a leading voice for Western Canadian independence, breaks down the crises north of the border, from economic instability to cultural tensions, and what they could mean for America. Then, seasoned financial expert Gary Gygi returns to analyze the latest jobs report and what it reveals about the health of the U.S. economy. And stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, as she dives into the latest drama in the small town of London, Kentucky—from a torture chamber investigation to ongoing clashes with the city council. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck and Sam are joined by Anna Giaritelli, Washington Examiner reporter covering homeland security, immigration, and border issues. Anna shares her personal story of being assaulted in Washington, D.C. and later discovering that the attack was never recorded in police crime stats. She also discusses her latest reporting on ICE training facilities, DHS policy changes, and border security. We then hear from J.B. Simko, Chief Civil Society and Underage Prevention Officer at Philip Morris International U.S., about the company's new campaign to prevent underage access to nicotine products, their 10-point youth prevention plan, and their long-term vision for a smoke-free future. To close, in Kiley's Corner, she shares updates on Wisconsin husband and father Ryan Borgwardt's sentencing after faking his disappearance to run away with a woman in Eastern Europe and the latest in former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor's battle to regain his job amid mounting scrutiny over his role in multiple cases, including the high-profile Karen Read case. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote