The Tudor Dixon Podcast: Elizabeth Smart on Survival, Faith, and Healing After Trauma

Why does Syria matter far beyond the Middle East — and what does it reveal about how modern global conflicts actually begin? In this episode of The David Rutherford Show, David sits down with Middle East analyst Kevork Almassian,  @SyrianaAnalysis  Syrian-born political commentator who lived through the war, lost family to jihadist violence, and was forced into exile. Kevork breaks down how Syria became a testing ground for proxy warfare, covert operations, sanctions, and information control — and why these tactics are now shaping conflicts around the world. This conversation goes beyond headlines and media narratives to examine how global powers really compete today, why Syria was never just a civil war, and what lessons governments have already learned from its collapse. If you want to understand how modern conflicts start — quietly, indirectly, and at enormous human cost — this episode is essential. Next Steps: 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/  📕 Get David's novel, The Poet Warrior: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/the-poet-warrior 📰 Sign up for David's weekly newsletter for free coaching tips, updates, and more: https://davidrutherfordletter.substack.com/    Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Elizabeth Smart shares her harrowing story of abduction and her inspiring journey toward healing and recovery. Elizabeth opens up about the critical role of faith, family support, and honest conversations in overcoming trauma. She reflects on resilience, gratitude, and how adversity reshaped her family dynamics, offering hope to listeners facing their own challenges. Elizabeth also introduces her new book, designed to guide and encourage those navigating trauma, healing, and personal growth. Purchase Elizabeth's NEW Book HEREFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation has dropped to 2.7%—the lowest level since spring 2021. Core inflation sits at 2.6%, nearing the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Clay explains why this matters for everyday Americans, connecting the dots between Biden-era spending, skyrocketing prices, and the aggressive interest rate hikes that froze the housing market. He recalls how inflation surged to 9.1% in June 2022 after trillions in stimulus spending, driving mortgage rates above 7% and locking millions of homeowners into historically low rates from 2020–2021. This “housing freeze,” Clay argues, remains one of the biggest drags on economic mobility. Clay then pivots to President Trump’s primetime address, highlighting key announcements that could reshape the economic landscape. 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.

Are you a robe guy? A feel-good red state story. Clay and Buck debate: are Crocs cool? Clay and Buck defend Kim Kardashian, but have strong feelings about former First Lady Michelle Obama complaining about having a glam team. Clay’s Balls almost a NYT bestseller. 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 & Buck Sexton Show kicks off with Buck Sexton’s final live broadcast of the year and a deep dive into major headlines shaping the political and cultural conversation. The hour opens with a sharp critique of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ Vanity Fair interview, which Clay and Buck call a “colossal miscalculation.” They argue that granting extensive access to legacy media outlets like Vanity Fair is a strategic blunder, especially when the piece includes misleading claims about January 6 and cherry-picked quotes.  The discussion highlights lessons learned from Trump’s first term, the administration’s media strategy, and why conservatives should avoid seeking validation from elite publications.The conversation pivots to 2027 GOP dynamics, with Clay noting that Vice President JD Vance is positioned as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination, especially after Marco Rubio reportedly confirmed he won’t challenge Vance. The hosts also dissect internal tensions revealed in the Vanity Fair piece, including Susie Wiles’ harsh criticism of Pam Bondi over the Epstein controversy. Next, the show tackles the Brown University shooting investigation, which remains shrouded in mystery. Clay and Buck express frustration over the lack of progress, limited surveillance footage, and reports that the university may be prioritizing PR concerns over transparency. They explore whether political motives could be involved, given that one victim was a prominent college Republican, and question why a multimillion-dollar institution lacks adequate security measures. The hosts underscore parental concerns about campus safety and the broader implications for law enforcement and higher education. In a cultural segment, Clay and Buck react to a viral clip from the TV series Landman mocking The View, sparking a humorous exchange about media bias and entertainment trends. From there, the discussion turns serious with an in-depth analysis of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies and their impact on hiring practices. Buck cites a powerful essay from Compact Magazine detailing how DEI initiatives discriminated against white men in industries like academia, media, and Hollywood, calling the practice unconstitutional and immoral. Clay adds personal anecdotes from law school, challenging the narrative of “white male privilege” and highlighting generational frustrations. 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 & Buck Sexton Show delivers a packed lineup of political analysis, cultural commentary, and a major Capitol Hill interview. The hour begins with Clay and Buck reflecting on the show’s growth in 2025, thanking listeners for helping expand to over 550 affiliate stations and previewing plans for more video content in 2026. From there, the conversation pivots to Zohran Mamdani’s controversial proposal for free buses in New York City, which he claims reduces assaults on drivers. Clay and Buck dismantle the logic behind this policy, arguing that eliminating fares incentivizes bad behavior and risks turning buses into “mobile homeless shelters.” They also discuss the broader implications of Mamdani’s socialist agenda and predict that any exodus from New York due to his policies will likely occur in spring and summer. The centerpiece of Hour 2 is an in-depth interview with Senator Rand Paul, covering critical issues from foreign policy to domestic economics. Senator Paul strongly opposes what he calls an “offensive war” in Venezuela, warning that U.S. military action to enforce a blockade and target suspected narco-boats amounts to regime change without congressional approval. He stresses constitutional limits on presidential war powers and criticizes the administration’s approach to interdiction, citing high error rates and ethical concerns about targeting unarmed individuals. On Trump’s first year of his second term, Rand Paul gives the administration an “A triple plus” for securing the southern border and maintaining tax cuts, while blasting both parties for runaway spending and ballooning debt. He calls for a balanced budget and entitlement reform as urgent priorities heading into 2026. The discussion then shifts to healthcare policy, where Paul advocates for association health plans, interstate insurance purchasing, and universal health savings accounts to lower costs without taxpayer subsidies. The hour also tackles America’s affordability crisis, with Paul linking soaring housing prices and inflation to reckless government spending and Federal Reserve monetary policy. He warns that rent control and socialist policies—like those embraced by New York’s new mayor—will worsen housing shortages and economic inequality. Clay and Buck underscore that affordability will dominate the 2026 midterms, framing it as a kitchen-table issue for millions of voters. In a lighter moment, the hosts share a viral clip of a 101-year-old World War II veteran praising President Trump, pledging he’d “put on the uniform and fight today.” The segment closes with a preview of upcoming discussions on California’s policy challenges and the latest developments in the Brown University shooting investigation. 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 & Buck Sexton Show dives deep into political intrigue, California chaos, and explosive legal controversies. The hour kicks off with Katie Zacharia, a California-based legal and political strategist, joining Clay and Buck to break down the looming Democratic primary showdown between Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom. Despite Harris’ poor performance as Vice President, national polling shows her edging out Newsom, sparking speculation about the DNC’s strategy and whether South Carolina will once again be the first primary state—a move that could guarantee Harris an early win thanks to James Clyburn’s influence. Katie also exposes California’s education crisis, citing shocking statistics: Los Angeles public schools have lost 26% of their students over the past decade while increasing staff by nearly 20%. California ranks dead last in literacy nationwide, with only 37% of students meeting math standards. Zachariah blames entrenched teachers’ unions and a Democrat supermajority for blocking school choice and vouchers, leaving parents desperate for alternatives. The conversation shifts to the Malibu wildfire aftermath, where nearly a year later, burned lots remain vacant and rebuilding has stalled. Katie alleges that bureaucratic red tape and Gavin Newsom’s rezoning agenda are forcing homeowners out, paving the way for developers and low-income housing projects. She warns that without voter ID and election integrity reforms, Republicans like Steve Hilton face an uphill battle in California despite growing frustration with Democrat mismanagement. In a bombshell segment, Clay and Buck dissect the Fani Willis scandal after her Trump RICO case collapses. Willis faces grilling over hiring her lover, Nathan Wade, and approving hundreds of thousands in taxpayer-funded payments. The hosts highlight her evasive testimony and jaw-dropping claim that Wade billed 160 hours in a single week, calling it blatant fraud and emblematic of systemic corruption. They also connect this to broader Biden DOJ weaponization, revealing reports that FBI agents opposed the Mar-a-Lago raid for lack of probable cause—only to be overruled by political operatives. The hour closes with Treasury Secretary Scott Besson’s remarks on immigration and housing costs, confirming that mass illegal immigration drove rents up nationwide. With Trump’s border enforcement removing over 2 million illegals, rents are finally dropping—a clear example of supply and demand at work. Clay and Buck underscore how immigration policy directly impacts affordability, especially in cities like New York. Listeners also enjoy lighter moments, including Buck’s reflections on his first Christmas as a dad, Clay’s nostalgia for school holiday breaks, and humorous talkbacks debating pronunciation quirks and firearm preferences. The show wraps with heartfelt holiday wishes and gratitude for an incredible year. 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.

In this episode, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer joins the podcast to discuss the city’s rapid growth, evolving demographics, and thriving business climate. Mayor Singer shares how Boca Raton is attracting families, entrepreneurs, and innovators while working to preserve the community’s unique character and quality of life. He reflects on his personal journey into public service, the importance of civic engagement, and why he remains optimistic about the future of Boca Raton—and the enduring promise of the American dream. Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a Year! Clay begins by confirming that the Brown University shooter, Claudio Neves Valenti, is dead after taking his own life in Salem, New Hampshire. Authorities now believe Valenti, a 48-year-old former Brown student and Portuguese national, was also responsible for the assassination of an MIT professor specializing in nuclear science and engineering, raising serious questions about campus security and law enforcement failures. Clay criticizes Brown University for lacking functional cameras in key areas, arguing that this incompetence allowed Valenti to evade capture for days and indirectly led to the MIT professor’s death. The case was ultimately cracked thanks to a homeless man’s tip, which may earn him a $50,000 reward. Clay then pivots to the anticipated release of the Epstein files, noting that the New York Times has already confirmed what he and Buck have long maintained: there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by President Trump despite years of speculation. He frames this as proof of partisan lawfare, contrasting the relentless pursuit of Trump over bookkeeping charges with the absence of any Epstein-related allegations. Just "Don't" Do It - Lessons from Nike A reflection on the show’s growth since 2021, celebrating its expansion to over 550 stations nationwide and thanking listeners for their loyalty. From there, Clay pivots to a major business story: Nike’s stock collapse, which he argues is the inevitable result of the company’s cultural shift from celebrating athletic excellence to embracing woke activism. He traces Nike’s decline from its Michael Jordan era—built on meritocracy and performance—to its 2018 Colin Kaepernick campaign, which prioritized political messaging over sports achievement. Clay underscores that Nike stock has fallen from $85 a share in 2018 to $59 today, even as the broader market surged, framing this as a cautionary tale that “culture wins” and that abandoning core values for virtue signaling leads to failure. Building on this theme, Clay explores the broader implications of cultural erosion, warning that internal decay—whether in corporations, families, or nations—poses a greater threat than external forces. He uses Nike as an example of how woke ideology undermines success and argues that the same dynamic is playing out in American politics and society. This segues into a discussion of conservative principles and truth-telling, highlighted by fiery remarks from Ben Shapiro at AmFest, where Shapiro condemned conspiracy theories and called out grifters within the movement, including former colleague Candace Owens, for spreading baseless claims about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Clay praises Shapiro’s insistence on evidence and principle over populist pandering, warning that the conservative movement must guard against internal frauds who exploit grievance culture. Why Culture Matters Clay closes the program with a passionate reflection on the power of culture in shaping institutions and personal choices, sharing a story about Vanderbilt University’s decisive response to pro-Palestinian campus protests after the Hamas terror attacks. He praises Chancellor Daniel Diermeier for enforcing discipline and protecting free speech without tolerating chaos, noting that such leadership has driven a surge in applications to SEC schools. Clay frames this as proof that “culture wins,” urging listeners to stand firm against woke ideology and defend Western values. The hour ends on an inspiring note with a former Hamas hostage’s testimony that terrorists feared Donald Trump, reinforcing Clay’s argument that strength and resolve are essential in confronting evil. 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 & Buck Sexton Show closes out the year with major breaking news and sharp political analysis. Clay begins by confirming that the Brown University shooter, Claudio Neves Valenti, is dead after taking his own life in Salem, New Hampshire. Authorities now believe Valenti, a 48-year-old former Brown student and Portuguese national, was also responsible for the assassination of an MIT professor specializing in nuclear science and engineering, raising serious questions about campus security and law enforcement failures. Clay criticizes Brown University for lacking functional cameras in key areas, arguing that this incompetence allowed Valenti to evade capture for days and indirectly led to the MIT professor’s death. The case was ultimately cracked thanks to a homeless man’s tip, which may earn him a $50,000 reward. Clay then pivots to the anticipated release of the Epstein files, noting that the New York Times has already confirmed what he and Buck have long maintained: there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by President Trump despite years of speculation. He frames this as proof of partisan lawfare, contrasting the relentless pursuit of Trump over bookkeeping charges with the absence of any Epstein-related allegations. The hour also tackles global headlines, including the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre in Australia, where terrorists killed 15 Jewish worshippers. Clay blasts the Australian government’s response—calling for mass gun confiscation—arguing that criminals ignore gun laws and that stricter regulations only punish law-abiding citizens. From there, he dives into Georgia’s 2020 election fraud revelations, citing reports that 315,000 ballots in Fulton County failed to meet state requirements yet were counted, swinging two Senate seats to Democrats and enabling Biden’s legislative agenda. Clay compares Biden’s unprecedented 81 million votes in 2020 to “steroid-era baseball stats,” noting the sharp drop in turnout for Kamala Harris in 2024 as further evidence of systemic irregularities. He calls for mandatory voter ID and in-person voting as the cornerstone of election integrity. Additional commentary includes Clay’s critique of the FBI’s internal opposition to the Mar-a-Lago raid, revealed through emails showing agents questioned probable cause before Biden’s DOJ ordered the unprecedented action. He also previews a segment on Nike’s collapsing stock, attributing the decline to “woke corporate culture” undermining brand strength. The hour closes with lighter moments as Clay engages listeners on holiday talkbacks, defending his love for Love Actually as a Christmas classic and sparking humorous debates over music and movies. 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.