The Karol Markowicz Show: Faith, Family & Education in a Digital Age | Bethany Mandel & John Ashbrook

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the political stories revealing deeper cracks in America’s institutions. From weather-related infrastructure failures in major cities to Marco Rubio’s headline-making congressional testimony, they examine what these moments say about governance and accountability. The conversation widens to the early maneuvering for the 2028 elections, the Democratic Party’s internal struggles, and the high-stakes redistricting wars unfolding in Virginia. Together, these battles offer a preview of the political fights that will define the next decade. EMAIL THE SHOWFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol is joined by writer and cultural commentator Bethany Mandel for a thoughtful conversation on faith, family, and education. They explore how parents can stay flexible while holding firm to traditional values amid changing church attendance, schooling decisions, and cultural pressures. In the second segment, Karol welcomes John Ashbrook of the Ruthless Podcast to discuss conservative media, the importance of strong family bonds, and why unplugging from constant digital noise is essential for building real community.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Life in Cuba Before and After the Revolution At first, many Cubans—including Sonia’s family—believed Fidel Castro would bring hope and equality. Very quickly, Castro imposed strict control, destroyed economic freedom, and made the entire population equally poor. 2. The Reality of Communist Cuba Universal poverty: Everyone was paid the same and had almost nothing—food shortages, basic needs unmet. State surveillance: Every neighborhood had assigned informants who monitored households and reported any anti‑government sentiment. Restrictions on daily life: Cubans were barred from renting boats, traveling, or accessing certain services, even if they had citizenship elsewhere. 3. Persecution and Indoctrination Sonia witnessed the regime executing and imprisoning dissenters. Castro used propaganda to turn children against their families, encouraging them to report relatives critical of the government. Schools were forced to teach pro‑communist, pro‑Castro ideology. 4. Family Resistance Sonia’s mother (a teacher) was ordered to teach communist doctrine. Rather than comply, she pretended to have a mental breakdown so she could be removed from teaching, since quitting was illegal. Sonia herself resisted the regime and was repeatedly detained, imprisoned for days, and disappeared without her family knowing her whereabouts. 5. Life After Leaving Cuba Sonia left in 1962 but returned over the years with suitcases of medicine, food, clothing, and household essentials—items extremely scarce in Cuba. She often left behind even her own clothes because relatives in Cuba lacked basics like underwear and bedsheets. 6. The Illusion Presented to Foreign Visitors Tourists and foreign politicians were only shown “model” schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods. This created a false image of prosperity, hiding the suffering of everyday Cubans who lived in extreme poverty. 7. Misconceptions About Socialism and Communism The conversation highlights how younger Americans often romanticize socialism without understanding its authoritarian outcomes. It emphasizes that socialist regimes destroy incentive, suppress faith, and strip away basic freedoms. The leaders of these systems live in luxury while the people remain impoverished. 8. The Human Cost Sonia stresses that the worst suffering was the inability of families to secure food and basic necessities for their children. Many Cubans survive by drinking sugar water to feel full. Average income was described as around $30 per month, making survival nearly impossible. Please Hit Subscribe to Verdict with Ted Cruz. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump Accounts President Trump joined Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, CEOs and investors at an all-day summit in D.C. Highlighting a new imitative that will encourage fiscal responsibility.  Joe Lavorgna, Counselor to U.S. Treasury Secretary  An in‑depth interview with Joe Lavorgna, counselor to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and former Wall Street economist. Lavorgna explains the Trump administration’s newly announced “Trump Accounts,” a policy initiative designed to provide newborn children with seed investment capital to encourage long‑term wealth building, financial literacy, and participation in the U.S. capitalist system. Clay and Buck explore the power of compound interest, with Lavorgna outlining how early investment contributions—combined with historical stock market returns—could grow into hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over time. The discussion highlights the administration’s broader goal of expanding equity ownership and addressing the fact that millions of American households currently lack any exposure to the stock market. The conversation then expands to affordability, inflation, and economic growth heading into the 2026 midterm elections. Lavorgna argues that Trump‑era policies emphasizing deregulation, domestic energy production, capital investment, and productivity growth are creating what he describes as a “disinflationary boom.” He explains how rising productivity allows wages to increase while prices stabilize or fall, improving living standards and restoring purchasing power. Clay and Buck also question Lavorgna about public versus private markets, access to wealth creation for average investors, and the long‑term implications of the AI boom. Lavorgna expresses optimism that innovation, strong GDP growth, and declining inflation will continue to support market expansion and job creation. FBI Raid in Fulton County FBI agents are reported to be executing a search warrant at an election facility in Fulton County. Clay and Buck frame the raid as potentially tied to lingering questions surrounding the 2020 presidential election, noting that such discussions were once heavily censored on social media. While acknowledging the seriousness of federal involvement, both hosts caution listeners to temper expectations, citing statutes of limitation, institutional reluctance, and the likelihood that any findings—no matter how significant—would still be dismissed by partisan audiences. Election integrity and voter confidence dominate the early portion of Hour 3, with Clay and Buck debating whether meaningful accountability for 2020 is still possible and arguing that the most important outcome now is ensuring future elections are secure. They discuss how political polarization has hardened perceptions on both sides, referencing long‑standing beliefs among Democrats about Russian interference in 2016 and skepticism among Republicans about 2020 results. The hosts emphasize that Trump’s decisive return to the White House in 2024 may represent the most consequential response to past disputes, arguing that his second term has proven more powerful and effective than a hypothetical uninterrupted presidency would have been. The hour also includes updates on law enforcement actions tied to recent unrest, with Buck highlighting announcements from the Department of Justice regarding arrests of individuals accused of assaulting federal officers during anti‑ICE riots in Minnesota. While expressing skepticism about whether meaningful penalties will ultimately be imposed at the local level, both hosts agree that federal arrests represent a necessary step toward restoring order and protecting immigration enforcement personnel. Listener calls follow, including personal stories expressing support for law enforcement and reflections on accountability, responsibility, and respect for police officers doing difficult jobs under intense scrutiny Mark Halperin on the Future of Media An extended interview with veteran political journalist Mark Halperin. Halperin assesses the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, arguing that Trump benefited strategically from four years out of office to plan, staff, and refine priorities. Halperin highlights what he describes as a more energized and deliberate administration, while outlining three major challenges ahead: passing legislation in a divided Senate, managing long‑term competition with China, and navigating the looming midterm elections. The discussion also addresses internal administration tensions, particularly surrounding DHS leadership and messaging failures related to ICE enforcement, with Halperin predicting that while personnel changes are unlikely, visibility and roles may shift. Halperin and the hosts further analyze the spread of anti‑ICE protests beyond Minneapolis, including incidents in New York City, and discuss how the administration must balance maintaining firm enforcement with controlling optics and preventing escalation. Halperin argues that better crowd control and clearer operational perimeters could reduce danger to both agents and civilians while limiting copycat protests. The hour also includes lighter moments, including a viral exchange about generational cultural knowledge involving legendary sports broadcasters John Madden and Pat Summerall, which sparks a humorous debate about media literacy, generational divides, and shared cultural reference points. 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 opens with an optimistic economic headline as Clay Travis and Buck Sexton react to the S&P 500 hitting 7,000 for the first time ever, framing it as a signal of economic confidence under President Donald Trump and a boost for retirement accounts, pensions, and overall market sentiment. The hosts then transition into major breaking political and national security issues, including escalating tensions surrounding ICE enforcement operations, particularly in Minneapolis.  They discuss the White House’s response to organized anti-ICE protests, which they describe as coordinated “sabotage operations,” and analyze President Trump’s decision to send Tom Homan to Minnesota amid criticism of DHS leadership and messaging failures. Clay and Buck argue this represents a tactical shift rather than a retreat on immigration enforcement, while warning that resistance in Minneapolis could embolden similar efforts in cities like New York and Philadelphia. Throughout Hour 1, immigration policy and deportation strategy dominate the conversation, with extensive discussion about the long-term challenge of removing millions of illegal immigrants, the political difficulty of moving beyond deporting violent offenders, and the importance of workplace enforcement. The hosts reference historical precedents, including mass deportations during the Eisenhower administration, and emphasize voluntary self-deportation as a key outcome of stricter enforcement. They also highlight alleged large-scale welfare and childcare fraud in Minnesota, arguing that the lack of public backlash after funding freezes is evidence of systemic corruption rather than legitimate need, and connect this to broader debates about government spending, fraud accountability, and cultural assimilation. A significant portion of Hour 1 is devoted to the fatal shooting of an anti-ICE protester during a confrontation with federal agents. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton examine the evolving facts, including reports that the individual was armed with a loaded firearm and multiple magazines, and debate whether the shooting was a tragic overreaction or an inevitable outcome of deliberately confrontational protest tactics. They criticize media narratives they say manipulate public emotion, including allegations of AI-altered imagery used to generate sympathy, and argue that activist rhetoric from Democratic leaders has encouraged dangerous behavior. The hosts also weigh in on Second Amendment arguments, stressing the difference between what may be legal and what is responsible, particularly when confronting law enforcement. Later in Hour 1, the discussion broadens to culture and politics, including reactions to high-profile support for President Trump at a Treasury-related event, which Clay and Buck frame as evidence of Trump expanding his political coalition. They also preview testimony from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on foreign policy challenges involving Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran, and briefly touch on international tensions as part of the administration’s broader assertive posture. The hour closes with developing news involving Representative Ilhan Omar being assaulted with a liquid substance at a public event, which the hosts condemn while questioning the motives and logic behind the incident, setting up deeper analysis for Hour 2. 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 2 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show continues with an in‑depth discussion of the Ilhan Omar incident, in which the congresswoman was sprayed with apple cider vinegar during a public appearance. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton unequivocally condemn the act while questioning the motive behind it, arguing that the incident appears either to involve a mentally unstable individual or a possible “false flag” designed to generate political sympathy. They note that Omar appeared largely unbothered and continued her remarks, and they emphasize that political violence or disruption of speech is unacceptable regardless of ideology. The hosts frame the incident as emblematic of the broader political climate and media amplification tactics. The conversation then pivots to cultural influence and misinformation, focusing heavily on Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Clay and Buck criticize Kerr for using an NBA‑mandated press conference to make what they argue are demonstrably false claims about ICE arresting five‑year‑olds and U.S. citizens instead of violent criminals. They debate whether professional sports leagues like the NBA should bear responsibility when employees make factually incorrect political statements during required media appearances, distinguishing between protected opinion and provably false assertions. The hosts argue that such claims contribute directly to public hostility toward immigration enforcement and fuel resistance to deportation efforts. Immigration policy remains a dominant theme throughout Hour 2, with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton reiterating that current ICE operations are focused on public safety threats such as violent criminals, gang members, and repeat offenders. They push back strongly against arguments for open borders or partial enforcement, contending that prior legislative compromises have failed and undermined U.S. sovereignty. Buck argues that immigration enforcement is inherently binary—individuals either remain in the country illegally or are removed—and criticizes libertarian and progressive approaches that avoid confronting that reality. The hosts also discuss the political incentives Democrats have regarding census counts and congressional apportionment. A major segment of Hour 2 features an extended interview with veteran political journalist Mark Halperin. Halperin assesses the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, arguing that Trump benefited strategically from four years out of office to plan, staff, and refine priorities. Halperin highlights what he describes as a more energized and deliberate administration, while outlining three major challenges ahead: passing legislation in a divided Senate, managing long‑term competition with China, and navigating the looming midterm elections. The discussion also addresses internal administration tensions, particularly surrounding DHS leadership and messaging failures related to ICE enforcement, with Halperin predicting that while personnel changes are unlikely, visibility and roles may shift. Halperin and the hosts further analyze the spread of anti‑ICE protests beyond Minneapolis, including incidents in New York City, and discuss how the administration must balance maintaining firm enforcement with controlling optics and preventing escalation. Halperin argues that better crowd control and clearer operational perimeters could reduce danger to both agents and civilians while limiting copycat protests. The hour also includes lighter moments, including a viral exchange about generational cultural knowledge involving legendary sports broadcasters John Madden and Pat Summerall, which sparks a humorous debate about media literacy, generational divides, and shared cultural reference points. 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 begins with breaking economic and political news as Clay Travis and Buck Sexton react to the Federal Reserve announcing no change in interest rates, a move they describe as expected but consequential for housing affordability, mortgage rates, and broader economic momentum. The hosts then pivot to a major developing story in Georgia, where FBI agents are reported to be executing a search warrant at an election facility in Fulton County. Clay and Buck frame the raid as potentially tied to lingering questions surrounding the 2020 presidential election, noting that such discussions were once heavily censored on social media. While acknowledging the seriousness of federal involvement, both hosts caution listeners to temper expectations, citing statutes of limitation, institutional reluctance, and the likelihood that any findings—no matter how significant—would still be dismissed by partisan audiences. Election integrity and voter confidence dominate the early portion of Hour 3, with Clay and Buck debating whether meaningful accountability for 2020 is still possible and arguing that the most important outcome now is ensuring future elections are secure. They discuss how political polarization has hardened perceptions on both sides, referencing long‑standing beliefs among Democrats about Russian interference in 2016 and skepticism among Republicans about 2020 results. The hosts emphasize that Trump’s decisive return to the White House in 2024 may represent the most consequential response to past disputes, arguing that his second term has proven more powerful and effective than a hypothetical uninterrupted presidency would have been. The hour also includes updates on law enforcement actions tied to recent unrest, with Buck highlighting announcements from the Department of Justice regarding arrests of individuals accused of assaulting federal officers during anti‑ICE riots in Minnesota. While expressing skepticism about whether meaningful penalties will ultimately be imposed at the local level, both hosts agree that federal arrests represent a necessary step toward restoring order and protecting immigration enforcement personnel. Listener calls follow, including personal stories expressing support for law enforcement and reflections on accountability, responsibility, and respect for police officers doing difficult jobs under intense scrutiny. A major segment of Hour 3 features an in‑depth interview with Joe Lavorgna, counselor to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and former Wall Street economist. Lavorgna explains the Trump administration’s newly announced “Trump Accounts,” a policy initiative designed to provide newborn children with seed investment capital to encourage long‑term wealth building, financial literacy, and participation in the U.S. capitalist system. Clay and Buck explore the power of compound interest, with Lavorgna outlining how early investment contributions—combined with historical stock market returns—could grow into hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over time. The discussion highlights the administration’s broader goal of expanding equity ownership and addressing the fact that millions of American households currently lack any exposure to the stock market. The conversation then expands to affordability, inflation, and economic growth heading into the 2026 midterm elections. Lavorgna argues that Trump‑era policies emphasizing deregulation, domestic energy production, capital investment, and productivity growth are creating what he describes as a “disinflationary boom.” He explains how rising productivity allows wages to increase while prices stabilize or fall, improving living standards and restoring purchasing power. Clay and Buck also question Lavorgna about public versus private markets, access to wealth creation for average investors, and the long‑term implications of the AI boom. Lavorgna expresses optimism that innovation, strong GDP growth, and declining inflation will continue to support market expansion and job creation. 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.

What do the numbers actually reveal about Charlie Kirk’s legacy and the future of the conservative movement? In this in-depth conversation, Andrew Kolvert joins Ryan Girdusky and examines the measurable impact of Kirk’s leadership, the rapid growth of conservative youth engagement, and the data behind Turning Point USA’s influence on the next political generation. Kolvert breaks down why winning young voters will be decisive in the 2026 elections, how narrative and cultural momentum now matter as much as policy, and what conservatives must do to sustain and expand the movement beyond Charlie Kirk. From grassroots organizing to messaging strategy, this episode explores what worked, what’s at risk of being lost, and how the next chapter must be written.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virginia is facing a sharp leftward turn as its new governor and Democratic legislature roll out a slate of policies that were barely mentioned on the campaign trail. Buck Sexton is joined by David Harsanyi of the Washington Examiner to break down the bait-and-switch governance now hitting the Commonwealth, plus the protests in Minneapolis over ICE enforcement, energy policy shifts, protest culture, and the growing influence of DC’s suburbs.  Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!    Connect with Buck Sexton:Facebook –   / bucksexton  X –  @bucksexton  Instagram –   @bucksexton TikTok - @BuckSexton                                                                                   YouTube - @BuckSexton   Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor sits down with author and investigative journalist Peter Schweizer to examine the growing crisis of weaponized migration and its impact on America’s future. They break down the role of foreign actors like China and Mexico, the rise of birth tourism, and the political manipulation of birthright citizenship. Schweizer explains how these forces intersect with national security, demographics, and identity — and why the consequences could reshape the country for generations to come. Purchase Peter's NEW Book HEREFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.