Encore Q & Trey: Explaining The Bryan Kohberger Defense

It’s been more than two and a half years since the brutal murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen—four University of Idaho students whose lives were tragically cut short in Moscow, Idaho. Months after the killings, Brian Kohberger was named the prime suspect when his DNA was discovered on a knife sheath left at the scene. Despite the evidence, Kohberger maintained his innocence. That was until this week, when he shocked Americans by pleading guilty to all four murders. In today's encore episode, Trey revisits his initial reaction to Kohberger’s not guilty plea and explains why he thought Kohberger would pursue a mental health defense. He also explains why depositions aren’t used in criminal trials—and even sneaks in a few unforgettable golf stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Sunday night, devastating news came out of Idaho, as Americans learned that a gunman opened fire on firefighters responding to a call — ultimately killing two of them. Because the heinous news broke during 'Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy,' the interviews he had prepared weren't aired as breaking news rightfully took priority. So today, Trey chose three conversations that didn't make it to air to share — ones that dive into a range of key issues in the country. First, Trey speaks with CIA Director John Ratcliffe about the ongoing war between Iran and Israel, and how badly Iran's nuclear program was damaged by U.S. strikes. Later, he speaks with Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) about whether he believes the 'big, beautiful bill' will end up on President Trump's desk by July 4th, and welcomes U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to break down major Supreme Court decisions recently made in Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Almost 6 months into the second Trump administration, Trey reviews his conversation with George Washington University Law Professor and Fox News Contributor Jonathan Turley on the legal parameters of the executive branch. Professor Turley also shares the judicial advice he would offer incoming presidential administrations. Original air date: February 11, 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a world where senseless violence feels constant, politics are fiercely divisive, and nobody seems interested in having a debate or thinking they could be wrong — it can feel like rationality is becoming extinct. Add to that social media algorithms that tend to feed people content they want to see as opposed to a balanced stream of factual information, and the idea of objectivity can start to feel like a lost cause. So, how do people stay grounded amid all the noise? And is there any value in trying to understand people whose actions seem completely irrational? Author and clinical psychologist Dr. Kevin Gilliland unpacks these complex topics, sharing how to navigate a chaotic world by focusing on your “psychological dashboard” — a set of tools and indicators that help maintain psychological health when things get overwhelming. Plus, Dr. Gilliland and Trey take a walk down memory lane, sharing stories from their college days when their friendship first began.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does it seem like a lot of court verdicts are being overturned lately? And what exactly does it mean to be a "sanctuary city"? Trey tackles these questions and more on today's Q & Trey (and maybe forgets a question, but it happens to the best of us!). He also breaks down how heavy rain can affect golf play and whether he believes Sam Burns should have been granted relief at the U.S. Open.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few figures in modern politics have earned both genuine respect and sharp criticism from across the political spectrum — but former Vice President Mike Pence is a rare exception. Known for his unwavering dedication to the Constitution, his faith, and his convictions, Pence has long prioritized principle over popularity. Today, the former Vice President reflects on the current political climate, the alarming rise in political violence across the country, and the future of the Republican Party. He also shares how his faith continues to shape his path forward — a theme that's guiding his new book that's currently in the works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do protestors in Los Angeles seem to know what moves federal ICE agents are going to make? What are the pros and cons of federal term limits? Today, Trey shares his thoughts on these questions and more on today's Q & Trey! And don't worry sports fans, there's one for you too: Trey answers what team he thinks will take it all after a rollercoaster college baseball season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump and Elon Musk had a close relationship since the President returned to the White House. However, it took Musk disagreeing with a single piece of legislation for their relationship to publicly fall apart. So why did Musk, a powerful man who was given a great deal of access into the federal government, take to X before talking to lawmakers about potentially making changes to the bill? Today, Trey answers this question and discusses a heated topic that has been extensively covered since the weekend: the protests in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What will the political environment be like for the Republican Party after President Trump leaves the White House? And who will step forward to lead it? Are members of Congress able to attend meetings and vote after being censured, and how severe is the punishment? Trey shares his thoughts on these questions and more on today's Q & Trey! Plus, he explains why he's not so happy with Scottie Scheffler at the moment, even if he's still rooting for him.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I'm often asked, as the Chair of the Intelligence Committee, if the threat from China is as bad as it seems. And my answer is always no, it's much worse." Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) joins Trey to discuss how spending over a decade in the Senate has led him to see just how critical of an economic and military threat China is to the United States. He shares why informing the American people of this threat is so important and ultimately drove him to write his new book, 'Seven Things You Can't Say About China,' which further explores why China's rapid military buildup, growing nuclear arsenal, and cyber capabilities should not be ignored. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices