Stories That Matter

Dr. Phil is looking back at some of the most controversial and popular viewer topics, discussing why each were so important for him to cover.  To be a part of that conversation, Dr. Phil invites, Dominique Sachse and Fanchon Stinger from Morning on Merit Street, as well as the team from The News on Merit Street, Loni Coombs, Kris Gutierrez, and Lyndsay Keith. Thank you to our sponsor: Preserve Gold:  As an exclusive offer for my podcast, you can also get up to $15,000 in FREE gold and silver with a qualified purchase. Text “DR PHIL” to 50505 to receive this exclusive offer.

In a nation where tensions are running high and tempers are flaring, the escalating levels of anger in America today demand our urgent attention. We will shine a spotlight on the gripping stories of individuals caught in the crossfire of anger-fueled situations that have left lasting scars on their lives and delve into the minds of individuals who staunchly believe that their anger is a justified response to perceived injustices and frustrations. Tonight, compelling stories of anger that have led to death threats, CPS threats, and losing jobs. A bakery owner dealing with demanding, unruly customers, a bus driver of 15 years dealing with students who won’t follow the rules and record her curse-filled rant, a woman trying to cope with uncontrollable anger after having a child. But what happens when that “rage” gets behind the wheel? That’s when things can turn deadly. Data from 2022 revealed that a person was SHOT and either injured or KILLED in a road rage incident every 16 hours! We’ll meet two families all too familiar with that statistic who saw their lives forever changed when rage took aim on Texas interstates. Thank you to our sponsor: Cozy Earth: Wrap the Ones You Love in Luxury with Cozy Earth.  Head to https://cozyearth.com/PHIL and use my code PHIL for up to 40% off!   

America is facing a silent AND growing epidemic: the Adderall crisis. The use of this stimulant (and its generics) has exploded from 35.5 million prescriptions in 2019 to 45 million in 2022. But these numbers only scratch the surface. The DEA warns we're on the brink of our next drug crisis. America is facing a silent AND growing epidemic: the Adderall crisis. The use of this stimulant (and its generics), known by street names like A-Train, Addy, Amps, Christmas Trees, Co-Pilots, Lid Poppers, Smarties, Study Buddies, and Study Skittles has exploded from 35.5 million prescriptions in 2019 to 45 million in 2022. But these numbers only scratch the surface. A dangerous black market has emerged, flooding streets with counterfeit pills indistinguishable from the real thing. Users, often unaware, risk their lives with every dose. Even legitimate prescriptions carry significant dangers. The DEA warns we're on the brink of our next drug crisis. With 5-6 million Americans using Adderall without proper diagnosis and one in four teens in some schools abusing prescription stimulants, we're watching a new generation spiral into un-prescribed/unneeded use and addiction.

The US faces alarming challenges with the Chinese Communist Party, including China's purchase of US land near military sites, growing control over agriculture, and harassment of some American citizens. Notably, over 80% of our medications' active ingredients are imported, largely from China, threatening national security. When it comes to the Chinese Communist Party – the United States could be singing an alarming new tune, "Oh say can you CCP... we’re in trouble?" Tonight we’re breaking down China’s disturbing purchase of US land near key military installations, the CCP’s quietly growing dominance over our agriculture and food supply chain and the harassment of some American citizens on US soil. It doesn’t stop there. We’ll also examine how our prescription medications are closely linked to China. Did you know that more than 80% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients used in our medications are imported, with a significant portion coming from China? That dependence poses a serious risk to our health and national security.  

Sexually explicit books available in public school libraries and teachers allowing students to secretly change their pronouns is becoming more and more common around the country. Many parents are now speaking out saying administrators have a woke agenda and are preying on our children. Imagine you’re in your child’s public-school library and find what appears to be sexually explicit pictures in books. Or imagine your child is secretly changing their pronouns at school with the encouragement of their teacher. This is happening around the country more and more, there are complaints, there are lawsuits, there are school board fights. Some parents might find it acceptable, but many are now speaking out saying administrators have a woke agenda and are preying on our children at a time when they are at their most vulnerable, while their brains are still developing. We’ll hear from a mom who won a lawsuit against her daughter’s school district for secretly transitioning her. We will also hear from guests on both sides of the debate of whether or not sexually explicit books should be allowed in school libraries and classrooms.  

With his execution halted, will Robert Roberson finally have a chance at justice as new evidence, legislative allies, and a growing public outcry push for a retrial? Robert Roberson, who was set to be executed on October 17, 2024, for the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter Nikki, was granted a last-minute stay by the Texas Supreme Court. This unexpected reprieve followed a subpoena from Texas lawmakers requesting Roberson’s testimony before the House Criminal Justice Committee. Roberson’s conviction heavily relied on the now-disputed "shaken baby syndrome" diagnosis, but new evidence suggests Nikki’s death may have resulted from natural causes, like pneumonia. Both the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals previously declined to intervene, and the Supreme Court’s decision has sparked debate over the balance of power between Texas’s legislative and judicial branches.  The case has drawn national attention, bolstered by support from Dr. Phil, who testified before the Texas Legislature on Roberson’s behalf. The debate has also reignited scrutiny of forensic evidence standards and Texas’s 2013 "junk science" law as lawmakers and courts reconsider Roberson’s fate.  Dr. Phil speaks with Terre, a 2003 juror from Roberson’s trial who now believes in his innocence, stating she wasn’t presented with all the evidence. Roberson’s attorney, Gretchen Sween, insists that, despite opposition from the Attorney General’s office, he deserves a new trial. In support, Representatives Joe Moody (D), Lacey Hull (R), and Brian Harrison (R) have joined forces in a bipartisan coalition advocating for clemency and a retrial. Former Los Angeles prosecutor and news anchor Loni Coombs argues that if the Attorney General is confident in Roberson’s guilt, they should welcome a retrial to resolve lingering doubts once and for all.  

Donald Trump's close friend sits down for an in-depth interview about his incredible self-made rise to success, the state of the country, and why the former president should be re-elected. Dr. Phil traveled to Las Vegas to sit down with one of Donald Trump’s closest friends, Dana White, who is the CEO and President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The UFC has revolutionized the fight business, and today stands as a premium global sports brand and media content company. Tonight, in an in-depth interview, Dana will not only discuss his inspiring self-made rise to success, but also his concerns about the state of this great country, and why he believes former president Trump should be re-elected.

In this episode, Dr. Phil speaks with the RNC Spokesperson, Elizabeth Pipko, author, model, media personality, and political operative. Dr. Phil takes you through Elizabeth's journey through various life stages and how that has shaped her identity and values. Her steadfast advocacy against anti-Semitism and her commitment to pro-American values deepens her dedication to her heritage and political beliefs. The discussion also addresses broader societal issues, such as the impact of social media and the complexities of immigration, highlighting how individual narratives intersect with larger global and national dialogues. Elizabeth's story exemplifies resilience, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her beliefs despite significant opposition, and calls attention to a narrative of hope and determination for the future, both personally and collectively.

We’re officially in the presidential election season. The issue of election integrity is deeply contentious with strong arguments on both sides. We’ll examine why the reliability of our voting system is being questioned. We’ve heard everything from claims of fraud to calls for reform. We’ll dig into how much is fact vs fear, and what’s being done to ensure the integrity of our election process. Republican guests will share details of the RNC’s massive effort to monitor voting. Guests from the left downplay widespread election/voter fraud. Both sides are preparing for a contested postelection, with voter confidence and the fairness of election results at stake. Whether you’re on the right, the left, or somewhere in between, the integrity of our elections affects all of us. Join us for the conversation America needs to have—right here, right now.

From cats running on treadmills to monkey’s gambling, these are just some of the shocking ways the government is wasting YOUR money. Dr. Phil takes a hard-hitting look at the outrageous and often ludicrous spending of your tax dollars by our government. With national debt exceeding $34 trillion, the government's spending habits seem more reckless than ever, including $2.7 million on cats running on treadmills and $1.8 million on monkeys gambling. These examples are just a few of the questionable expenditures adding up to trillions of dollars, money that comes directly from the pockets of everyday Americans like you—small business owners, government employees, and hardworking citizens. Dr. Phil is joined by Tareka, a small business owner who says she needs money from the government to continue, but can’t get it, and Venisi, a three-time combat veteran who says that despite his service to the country he could not secure a loan for his small business. Also weighing in is Dr. Monica Crowley, Ph.D., former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Public Affairs, who warns against social programs and small business spending as a threat to the nation's future, and Adam Andrzejewsk, a government watchdog who say the government needs to be held accountable for every penny it spends. Additionally, we hear from Ginger, a military spouse forced to rely on food banks during the government shutdown, and Calvin, a long-time government employee burdened by inefficient mandated purchasing practices. Together with audience guests who bring diverse perspectives, they debate a critical problem impacting us all.