IS AMERICA A FAILED STATE? The Brutal Reality of the 2026 Shutdown

In this episode of "Just Ask the Press," hosts Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and Nolan Higdon tackle a whirlwind of political chaos and media scrutiny. They dive into the ongoing government shutdown, highlighting the gridlock over DHS funding and critiquing President Trump's leadership. The discussion shifts to Trump's erratic foreign policy, including bizarre claims about Iran and Cuba, with Nolan analyzing the Republican Party's internal struggles. The episode also explores legal battles against Meta and YouTube, questioning the role of algorithms and the need for legislative action. Blending humor with incisive commentary, the hosts offer a thought-provoking perspective on American politics and media.   Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian, Mark and Nolan do a deep dive into recent political developments, including Donald Trump's actions in Iran, the state of U.S. foreign policy, and legal battles involving the government and media.  Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we dissect recent developments in the war with Iran, debates over press freedom legislation, Donald Trump's feeling in his bones,  and the growing influence of AI in political campaigns and misinformation. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this intense and revealing discussion, we unpack the chaos surrounding U.S. foreign policy, where endless wars are driven more by politics and grift than clear threats. You’ll learn why the Iran conflict is a black hole of misinformation, why Trump’s inconsistent justifications lack public support, and how elite interests manipulate conflicts for profit. We also dive deep into the Epstein files — the shocking revelations about powerful figures, the hurdles in bringing justice, and why these secrets threaten to shake the foundations of American politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and Nolan Higdon discuss a range of current events, including military actions in Iran, the implications of regime change, the power dynamics within Congress, the recent State of the Union address, and NASA's cancellation of its moon mission. The conversation highlights the complexities of global conflicts, the accountability of government actions, and the future of space exploration. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Brian, Mark and Nolan, delve into the upcoming State of the Union address by Donald Trump, discussing expectations, potential responses from Democrats, and the implications of Trump's recent actions. They also explore Lex Wexner's testimony regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the Supreme Court's rebuke of Trump's tariffs, and the controversial topic of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) as a distraction from pressing political issues. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges of political bias within intelligence agencies and the broader implications for democracy and governance. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this weeks episode we delve into the recent tumult surrounding government shutdowns, immigration enforcement, the Epstein files, and the alarming rollback of climate protections under the current administration. Brian, Mark, and Nolan analyze the legal battles, political maneuvers, and environmental threats facing America today, providing clarity amid chaos.Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcastFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.socialIntragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcastYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVwThis Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcastPurchase Brian's book "Free The Press"   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we discuss various topics, including the cultural implications of the Super Bowl, the political fallout from the Olympics, the ongoing revelations from the Epstein files, and the challenges facing journalism today. Brian, Mark and Nolan discuss the impact of billionaire ownership on media integrity, the importance of whistleblower protections, and the increasingly polarized political climate, particularly in relation to Trump's controversial remarks.Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcastFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.socialIntragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcastYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVwThis Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcastPurchase Brian's book "Free The Press"  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian, Mark and Nolan discuss the ongoing government shutdown, the implications of Trump's immigration policies, the role of media in shaping public discourse and the arrest of Don Lemon. They delve into the protests surrounding immigration issues and the First Amendment rights of journalists. The conversation also touches on the release of the Epstein files, Melania Trump's documentary, and the potential legal ramifications of Trump's actions against the IRS. The episode concludes with reflections on the current political climate and the future of the Trump administration.Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcastFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.socialIntragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcastYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVwThis Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcastPurchase Brian's book "Free The Press"   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian Karem, along with experts Mark Zaid and Nolan Higdon, delve into the recent ICE shooting incident, its implications on the Second Amendment, and the public's response. They discuss Donald Trump's international engagements, media strategies, and the influence of platforms like TikTok on public discourse. The conversation highlights the current state of American democracy, the challenges it faces, and the potential for future correction.Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcastFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.socialIntragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcastYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVwThis Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcastPurchase Brian's book "Free The Press"  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.