Breaking Battlegrounds

Breaking Battlegrounds is a Politics Podcast show that interviews opinion leaders from across the world to discuss politics, culture, and policies that are shaping our day-to-day lives. breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com

Classical Education, Utah’s Redistricting, and America’s Economic Reality 11/14/2025

Richard Paul Evans on The Christmas Stranger: Finding Hope, Healing, and the True Meaning of Christmas 11/14/2025

Gordon Rayner Exposes BBC Bias, Zineb Riboua Explores Third-Worldism, and Shay Khatiri Breaks Down Nuclear Strategy 11/07/2025

John Reid for Virginia Lt. Governor: A Real Agenda for Virginia and a New AI Debate Strategy 10/27/2025

Immigration Economics with Daniel Di Martino and Albert Eisenberg on GOP Strategy for Healthcare Solutions 10/24/2025

Ryan Berg on Venezuela’s Global Impact and Mark Geist Protecting America’s Children 10/17/2025

Florida Sets the Gold Standard for Elections and Washington Remains Shut Down 10/10/2025

Inside The Enemy Within with Patrick Byrne 10/03/2025

Becoming American: Does Assimilation Still Matter? 09/26/2025

Congressman Mike Simpson and Jay Feely: Standing Against Political Violence 09/19/2025

Matt Orfalea Discusses Tech Censoring Political Videos; Noah Rothman Covers Escalations Between Poland and Russia 09/12/2025

Alexander Raikin on How America Abandoned Its Suicide Safeguards 09/05/2025

Anna Giaritelli Shares Her Experience of Assault in D.C. That Was Never Recorded as a Crime Stat 08/29/2025

Anna Giaritelli Shares Her Experience of Assault in D.C. That Was Never Recorded as a Crime Stat This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck and Sam are joined by Anna Giaritelli, Washington Examiner reporter covering homeland security, immigration, and border issues. Anna shares of being assaulted in Washington, D.C. and later discovering that the attack was never recorded in police crime stats. She also discusses her latest reporting on ICE training facilities, DHS policy changes, and border security. We then hear from J.B. Simko, Chief Civil Society and Underage Prevention Officer at Philip Morris International U.S., about the company’s new campaign to prevent underage access to nicotine products, their 10-point youth prevention plan, and their long-term vision for a smoke-free future. To close, in Kiley's Corner, she shares updates on Wisconsin husband and father Ryan Borgwardt’s sentencing after faking his disappearance to run away with a woman in Eastern Europe and the latest in former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor’s battle to regain his job amid mounting scrutiny over his role in multiple cases, including the high-profile Karen Read case. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/38026345

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt on The Last Line of Defense 08/22/2025

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt on The Last Line of Defense This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt to discuss his new book, . Senator Schmitt also shares his perspective on President Trump bringing peace around the world and highlights his success in securing a historic FBI investment to combat violent crime in St. Louis. Next, Mariam Wahba of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies unpacks Egypt’s war against the world’s oldest Christian monastery, the country’s record-setting gas deal with Israel, and the rising threat of antisemitic attacks to U.S. national security. Then, Matthew Putnam of the National Taxpayers Union joins to discuss his article, . We wrap up with financial expert Gary Gygi, who breaks down today’s markets and what comes next. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss. Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at . Invest Yrefy - Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more. Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after. Learn more at: About our guest: U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt is a sixth-generation Missourian who grew up in a working-class family in Bridgeton, Missouri. Inspired by his father’s work ethic and his son Stephen’s health challenges, Schmitt entered public service to fight for families like his own. He has served as State Senator, State Treasurer, Attorney General, and now as U.S. Senator for Missouri. As Attorney General, he launched initiatives to combat violent crime, address the opioid crisis, and bring justice to victims of sexual assault. In the Senate, Schmitt serves on the Judiciary, Armed Services, and Commerce Committees, where he continues to focus on protecting free speech, securing the border, and strengthening American energy independence. - Mariam Wahba is a research analyst at FDD focused on Egypt and minorities in the Middle East. Previously, she served with FDD’s communications team where she booked experts and helped stand up FDD’s Arabic X and Instagram accounts. Before coming to FDD, Mariam was the associate director of advocacy with the Philos Project, a Hertog political science fellow, a Tikvah Fund journalism fellow, and a policy associate at In Defense of Christians. She graduated from Fordham University with a BA in Middle East studies, Arabic, and Jewish studies. Born and raised in Egypt, she is a Coptic Christian and an advocate for the persecuted church. Mariam is also the co-founder of American-ish, a digital platform aimed at highlighting ethno-religious minorities of the Middle East and promoting American values. - Matthew Putnam is an Associate of External Affairs with National Taxpayers Union and National Taxpayers Union Foundation. In this role, he works with donors and on strategic partnerships. Originally from Florida, Matthew attended Florida State University and graduated with bachelor’s degrees in international affairs and history. Prior to working at NTU, Matthew worked with a small tech-startup based in Washington, DC. Outside of NTU, Matthew also works at the DC institution Red Derby. He enjoys cooking and both watching and playing soccer in DC and Virginia. - Mr. Gary Gygi was hired by the Investment firm Dean Witter (became Morgan Stanley) after college and worked for the firm for about 15 years. During this time he achieved the position of First Vice President, Investment and branch manager of the Midvale, Utah office. Mr. Gygi won numerous sales awards and held the position of Branch Managed Money Coordinator and Branch Insurance Coordinator. Mr. Gygi left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to join the Investment management firm of Smoot Miller Cheney (later became SMC Capital) as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Gygi holds a dual registration so while affiliating with Smoot Miller Cheney; he also was a registered rep with Independent broker/dealer WBB Securities, LLC. In 2008, Mr. Gygi left SMC Capital to found Gygi Capital Management as President and CEO. Gygi Capital serves the Institutional and individual marketplace with investment management solutions. Gygi Capital is a State regulated Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Cedar Hills, Utah. Gygi affiliates with Union Capital Co. which is an independent broker/dealer firm. /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37924300

Gary Saul Morson on Revolutions and Satya Thallam on the Future of AI Policy 08/15/2025

Congressman Tom McClintock on Immigration and Wildfire Prevention and Congressman Addison McDowell Tackles the Fentanyl Crisis 08/07/2025

Congressman Tom McClintock on Immigration and Wildfire Prevention and Congressman Addison McDowell Tackles the Fentanyl Crisis joins with insight on whether the Federal Reserve should cut interest rates and what that could mean for the economy. Facebook: Instagram: X: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at . Invest Yrefy - Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more. Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after. Learn more at: About our guest: Tom McClintock represents the people of California's historic Sierra Nevada foothills and fertile Central Valley in a district that stretches from Placerville to Modesto, through the Yosemite Valley and on to Kings Canyon. Often described as "the gold standard" for fiscal conservatism in Congress, the National Taxpayers Union rated him the best vote for taxpayers in the House four times, most recently in 2020. Citizens Against Government Waste recently named him as one of the perfect votes in the House fighting wasteful government spending. McClintock is a member of the House Judiciary Committee where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and also serves on the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government. He is a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee where he serves on the Subcommittee on Federal Lands, which he chaired from 2015 to 2018, and on the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, which he chaired from 2011 to 2015. The Congressman is also a member of the House Budget Committee and has proposed major fiscal reforms to curb unauthorized appropriations, control mandatory spending, balance the budget and protect the nation's credit. Prior to his election to Congress, McClintock served 22 years in the California legislature, where he became one of its most recognized conservative leaders. He twice received the Republican nomination for State Controller, narrowly missing election in 2002 by 23/100ths of one percent. He ran as the conservative standard bearer for Governor in California's historic recall election in 2003. - Addison McDowell proudly represents North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District. Motivated by the tragic loss of his younger brother, Luke, to a fentanyl overdose, McDowell’s top priority in Congress is to tackle the drug crisis and strengthen border security to protect families and communities from the dangers posed by illegal immigration. Addison currently serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Budget Committee. Through these committee assignments, he is fighting to make sure the critical needs of North Carolina’s Sixth District are met. Prior to Congress, Addison’s public service included serving on staff for Congressman (now U.S. Senator) Ted Budd and Congressman Richard Hudson, where he spent each day helping constituents in need. Addison earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During this time, he met his wife, Rachel, through YoungLife Ministry. A native of Lexington, North Carolina, Addison and Rachel now reside in Davie County, where they are raising their two daughters and are active in their local church. /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37723020

Congressman Dusty Johnson on Agriculture and Infrastructure, Congressman Andy Biggs on Federalism and the Arizona Governor’s Race 08/01/2025

Congressman Dusty Johnson on Agriculture and Infrastructure, Congressman Andy Biggs on Federalism and the Arizona Governor’s Race This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are joined by Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota to discuss his latest bills, including the , the , and . Johnson also shares insights from his committee work on Agriculture, Infrastructure, and the China Select Committee and explains why he’s running for governor. Next, AEI’s Daniel Buck dives into the broken world of American education, from Harvard’s “Queering Education” course to why no one actually likes high expectations, laying out how ideology has replaced academics and what real reform could look like. Finally, Congressman Andy Biggs joins us in studio to talk about federalism in the Trump era, what Congress must prioritize before year’s end, and why he’s running to replace Katie Hobbs as Arizona’s governor. And as always, stay tuned for Kiley’s Corner, where she discusses the Devil's Den double homicide and what one furious woman did after catching her boyfriend cheating. Don’t miss this packed episode! Subscribe at BreakingBattlegrounds.Vote or wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode. Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at . Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: brings an energetic and optimistic style to Washington as South Dakota’s lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. An outspoken leader on issues related to border security, countering China, and welfare reform, he serves on the Select Committee on China, Agriculture Committee, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He also chairs the Republican Main Street Caucus, a group of 80 solutions-focused conservatives. Prior to being elected to Congress, he served as chief of staff to the Governor and as vice president of an engineering firm specializing in rural telecommunications. Dusty lives in Mitchell with his wife and three sons. - Daniel Buck is a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), director of the Conservative Education Reform Network (CERN), and an affiliate of AEI’s James Q. Wilson Program in K–12 Education Studies, where his work focuses on K–12 education, charter schooling, curriculum reform, and school safety and discipline.Before joining AEI, Mr. Buck was a senior fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an assistant principal at Lake County Classical Academy, and a classroom teacher at Hope Christian Schools, Holy Spirit Middle School, and Green Bay Area Public Schools.His work has appeared in the popular press, including The Wall Street Journal, National Affairs, and National Review. Mr. Buck is the author of What Is Wrong with Our Schools? (2022).Mr. Buck has a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. You can follow him on X . - Congressman Andy Biggs is an Arizona native and currently serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Arizona's Fifth District. He lives in Gilbert with his wife of 40 years, Cindy. They have six children and seven grandchildren.Congressman Biggs received his bachelor's degree in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University; his M.A. in Political Science from Arizona State University; and his J.D. degree from the University of Arizona. He is a retired attorney, who has been licensed to practice law in Arizona, Washington, and New Mexico.Before being elected to Congress, Congressman Biggs served in the Arizona Legislature for 14 years – the last four as the Arizona Senate President.Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Oversight and Reform committees. He is chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, co-chair of the Border Security Caucus, co-chair of the War Powers Caucus, and Chief Regulatory Reform Officer of the Western Caucus.Congressman Biggs has a lifetime rating of 100% with the Club for Growth, 98% lifetime score with FreedomWorks, 95% lifetime score with Heritage Action, 100% rating in the 116th Congress for National Right to Life, and a 99% career grade from NumbersUSA.The Arizona Republic named Congressman Biggs as one of its "10 Arizona people you'll want to watch in 2019," arguing that "Biggs makes the public case for the conservative position and often in defense of the Trump administration. He's very good at it. His advocacy tends to be well-reasoned and persuasive, not inflammatory...To keep an eye on what congressional conservatives are thinking and advocating, Biggs is increasingly one to watch." Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37679980

Congressman Pat Harrigan Takes on Foreign Threats and RNC Chairman Whatley Defends the Vote 07/25/2025

Congressman Pat Harrigan Takes on Foreign Threats and RNC Chairman Whatley Defends the Vote This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Congressman Pat Harrigan joins Chuck and Sam to discuss his new bill cracking down on foreign espionage from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, his national security wins in the NDAA, and why young Americans should consider joining the military. He also weighs in on U.S. support for Ukraine and removing Chinese influence from defense infrastructure. Next, Zach Fletcher stops by in studio to highlight the America 250 Tour, a patriotic celebration traveling to all 50 states in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Then, RNC Chairman Michael Whatley outlines ongoing election integrity efforts across key states like Arizona and Michigan, including lawsuits to clean up voter rolls and defend ballot deadlines. Finally, financial analyst Gary Gygi breaks down the pros and cons of passive versus active investing. And as always, stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, where she gives an update on Bryan Kohberger and the Idaho 4 case and discusses the verdict of the five hockey players accused of sexual assault after winning the 2018 World Junior Championship. Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Congressman Pat Harrigan brings a lifetime of service, leadership, and innovation to the U.S. House of Representatives. A combat-decorated Green Beret and a successful entrepreneur, Congressman Harrigan has dedicated his career to tackling challenges—on the battlefield, in business, and now in Congress.After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Nuclear Engineering, Congressman Harrigan commissioned as an Infantry officer and was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He deployed to Afghanistan as a young Platoon Leader, commanding a remote combat outpost in the heart of the Arghandab Valley. At just 23 years old, Congressman Harrigan managed over 350 personnel and $100 million in infrastructure and equipment, gaining invaluable experience in high-pressure leadership.Recognizing the need for even greater expertise in unconventional warfare, Congressman Harrigan volunteered for and earned the Green Beret. As a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, he returned to Afghanistan to lead operations in increasingly complex and volatile environments. For his service, he was awarded two Bronze Stars in recognition of his leadership and effectiveness in combat. These experiences shaped his understanding of the critical connection between accountability, mission success, and guiding teams under pressure.While serving in the military, Congressman Harrigan and his wife Rocky launched a small firearms business out of their home. Rooted in North Carolinian values of hard work and ingenuity, the company grew rapidly. What began in their living room quickly scaled into a thriving enterprise, producing American-made defense products that support national security. Today, the company operates out of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Western North Carolina, creating jobs and fostering innovation for the region.The fall of Afghanistan marked a turning point for Congressman Harrigan. Watching the consequences of failed leadership unfold, he knew he had to act. Motivated by his dedication to his country and a desire to restore strength and accountability to Washington, Congressman Harrigan stepped forward to serve in Congress.Now, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Harrigan applies the same principles that guided him in the Army and in business: bold leadership, unshakable integrity, and a commitment to delivering results.Congressman Harrigan and his wife Rocky have been married for 13 years and are the proud parents of two daughters, Reagan and McKinley. As North Carolina’s voice in Congress, Pat is dedicated to serving the hardworking families and communities of the Tenth District. In every role—whether leading soldiers, growing a business, or serving his constituents—Congressman Harrigan remains dedicated to building a stronger, more secure America. - Zachary Fletcher’s love for America runs deep. With over 12 years of marketing experience – including leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies – he now directs the , overseeing national marketing and operations for this historic, state-by-state celebration of our nation’s founding. Inspired by his mother, Kimberly Fletcher, founder of Moms for America, Zachary joined the movement to uplift mothers and preserve America’s core values. He lives in Branson, Missouri, with his wife and two children, and is passionate about faith, freedom, and raising the next generation to love their country. - Michael Whatley has been a Republican activist for 40 years. He has served as the Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party where he has led our Republican Candidates to unprecedented victories in each of the last two election cycles and has been named as General Counsel for the Republican National Committee where he will oversee all national election integrity programs.Since volunteering for Jesse Helms and President Ronald Reagan in 1984 as a sophomore at Watauga High School, Michael has knocked on doors, worked on phone banks, put out yard signs, recruited & trained volunteers and raised money for Republicans in Local, Legislative, Congressional, Senatorial and Presidential races from one end of North Carolina to the other.As a member of the Florida Recount Team, Michael fought to protect George W. Bush’s historically close win and then served President Bush as a Senior Official at the Department of Energy.Michael got to see first-hand how important winning elections is for helping the citizens of North Carolina serving as Chief of Staff for Senator Elizabeth Dole.In 2015, Michael answered the call to help Donald J. Trump in North Carolina and helped deliver the Old North State for President Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 election cycles.Michael has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of North Carolina–Charlotte, a Master’s Degree in Religion from Wake Forest University, a Master’s Degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and a Law Degree from the Notre Dame Law School. He served as a Federal Law Clerk to the Honorable Robert Potter in Charlotte.Michael lives in Gaston County with his wife and three children and serves as a member of the vestry for his church. - Mr. Gary Gygi was hired by the Investment firm Dean Witter (became Morgan Stanley) after college and worked for the firm for about 15 years. During this time he achieved the position of First Vice President, Investment and branch manager of the Midvale, Utah office. Mr. Gygi won numerous sales awards and held the position of Branch Managed Money Coordinator and Branch Insurance Coordinator. Mr. Gygi left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to join the Investment management firm of Smoot Miller Cheney (later became SMC Capital) as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Gygi holds a dual registration so while affiliating with Smoot Miller Cheney; he also was a registered rep with Independent broker/dealer WBB Securities, LLC. In 2008, Mr. Gygi left SMC Capital to found Gygi Capital Management as President and CEO. Gygi Capital serves the Institutional and individual marketplace with investment management solutions. Gygi Capital is a State regulated Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Cedar Hills, Utah. Gygi affiliates with Union Capital Co. which is an independent broker/dealer firm. Contact Gary at : (801) 649-3879 Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37679985

Trump’s Ukraine Strategy, The Epstein Letter Controversy, and Youngkin’s Playbook 07/18/2025

Trump’s Ukraine Strategy, The Epstein Letter Controversy, and Youngkin’s Playbook This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam is joined by guest host Michelle Ugenti-Rita, and they first welcome Henry Olsen of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, who explains what European leaders misunderstand about Trump’s stance on Ukraine and what his transactional approach to foreign policy really means. Then, RealClearPolitics’ Susan Crabtree breaks down Donald Trump’s alleged Epstein birthday letter, raising serious questions about media credibility, source verification, and political motives. Finally, Dominic Pino of National Review explores Governor Glenn Youngkin’s ambitious deregulatory successes in Virginia, the failure of massive K–12 education spending to improve student outcomes, and why FDR was right to oppose public sector unions. Plus, in Kiley’s Corner, Kiley covers two shocking criminal cases: the arrest of 17-year-old Sarah Grace Patrick for allegedly murdering her mother and stepfather while they slept, and an attempted honor killing in Washington state, where two parents are charged with trying to strangle their daughter after she refused an arranged marriage and fled to avoid being sent to Iraq. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss—tune in now! Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Henry Olsen, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, studies and provides commentary on American politics. His work focuses on how America’s political order is being upended by populist challenges, from the left and the right. He also studies populism’s impact in other democracies in the developed world. You can follow him on X . - Susan Crabtree is a political correspondent for RealClearPolitics. She previously served as a senior writer for the Washington Free Beacon, and spent five years as a White House Correspondent for the Washington Examiner. You can follow her on X . - Dominic Pino is the economics editor and Thomas L. Rhodes Fellow at National Review and the host of the American Institute for Economic Research podcast Econception. You can follow him on X . Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37679990

Behind the 2024 Election and the Future of Social Security 07/11/2025

Behind the 2024 Election and the Future of Social Security This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are joined by Tyler Pager, White House correspondent for The New York Times and co-author of 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America. Pager offers a rare look inside both campaigns, including Trump’s disciplined strategy, the behind-the-scenes fallout after Biden’s exit, and even how a Diet Mountain Dew factored into the VP decision. Later, financial expert Gary Gigi explains what Social Security’s future means for your wallet, and Hollywood insider Chris Fenton discusses rebuilding American manufacturing and the high cost of canceling conversations across party lines. Don’t miss this week’s episode! Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Tyler Pager is a White House correspondent at The New York Times. He previously covered the White House at The Washington Post, where he won the 2022 Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency. He graduated as the valedictorian from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, and with distinction from the University of Oxford, where he earned a master’s degree in comparative social policy. He lives in Washington, D.C. - Mr. Gary Gygi was hired by the Investment firm Dean Witter (became Morgan Stanley) after college and worked for the firm for about 15 years. During this time he achieved the position of First Vice President, Investment and branch manager of the Midvale, Utah office. Mr. Gygi won numerous sales awards and held the position of Branch Managed Money Coordinator and Branch Insurance Coordinator. Mr. Gygi left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to join the Investment management firm of Smoot Miller Cheney (later became SMC Capital) as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Gygi holds a dual registration so while affiliating with Smoot Miller Cheney; he also was a registered rep with Independent broker/dealer WBB Securities, LLC. In 2008, Mr. Gygi left SMC Capital to found Gygi Capital Management as President and CEO. Gygi Capital serves the Institutional and individual marketplace with investment management solutions. Gygi Capital is a State regulated Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Cedar Hills, Utah. Gygi affiliates with Union Capital Co. which is an independent broker/dealer firm. - Company Founder, Chris Fenton, served as GM of DMG North America & President of DMG Entertainment Motion Picture Group, internationally orchestrating the creative, investment, and business activities of a multi-billion-dollar global media company headquartered in Beijing. During his tenure he served on the board of Valiant Entertainment, directing its eventual acquisition, and he worked closely with both Marvel and Hasbro, executing various projects to monetize their IP globally. As an author, Fenton chronicled much of his time at DMG in FEEDING THE DRAGON: Inside the Trillion Dollar Dilemma Facing Hollywood, the NBA, & American Business (Simon & Schuster).Most recently, and after three years of serving as President and CEO of Media Capital Technologies (MCT), a specialty finance company focused on strategic investments in premium content, Fenton stepped down to focus on formally advising companies, investors, brands, and Congress on how to best navigate sector disruptions and optimize America's complicated relationship with China and other challenging markets...AND HE LOVES IT!!! Follow him on X . Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37679995

The Fight for Freedom: Then and Now 07/02/2025

The Fight for Freedom: Then and Now This Independence Day, Breaking Battlegrounds celebrates American liberty with a powerful lineup of guests. We kick off the show with Alex Swoyer, legal affairs reporter for The Washington Times, to discuss her new book , which exposes how the justice system has been weaponized to target Donald Trump and his supporters. Then, ASU Professor Donald Critchlow takes us back to the roots of our founding principles—unpacking the meaning behind “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” the truth behind Yankee Doodle, and how the American Revolution stood apart from the rest. We close with Jason Chaffetz, whose new book warns how powerful institutions are quietly building systems of control that threaten our freedoms. This Independence Day, we’re reminded that the fight for liberty lives on—and there’s no better place to defend it than the greatest country in the world. Happy Independence Day from all of us at Breaking Battlegrounds! Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Originally from Texas, Alex Swoyer left the Lone Star State to attend the Missouri School of Journalism where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism with an emphasis in broadcast.She has experience covering stories in the mid-Missouri, Houston and southwest Florida areas where she worked at local affiliate TV stations and received a First Place Mark of Excellence Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.After graduating from law school in Florida, she decided to leave the courtroom and return to the newsroom as a legal affairs reporter for The Washington Times. Follow her on X Purchase her new book on . - Donald T. Critchlow, Katzin Family Professor, teaches courses on American political history, political conspiracy, and contemporary American history. He was awarded the Zebulon Pearce Distinguished Teaching Award in Humanities in 2021. He serves as co-director of the undergraduate certificate Program in Political History and Leadership in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies. The program's mission is to promote a greater understanding of the foundations of democratic society and actual leadership training through undergraduate education and civic involvement. The program sponsors public lectures, academic seminars, internships, and undergraduate scholarships. He is founding editor the Journal of Policy History a quarterly academic journal published by Cambridge University Press.,In 2018, he was named Katzin Family Professor.He published in 2021 "Revolutionary Monsters: Five Men Who Turned Liberation into Monsters" (Regnery Press) appeared. In 2020, "In Defense of Populism: Social Protest and Democratic Change,"(University of Pennsylvania Press) and in 2018, he published "Republican Character: From Nixon to Reagan" (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018), which appeared in paperback in 2020. Other publications include "American Political History: A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford University Press, 2015), and "When Hollywood Was Right: How Movie Moguls, Film Stars, and Big Business Remade American Politics," published by Cambridge University Press in 2013. Other publications include "The Conservative Ascendancy: How the GOP Made Political History" (Harvard University Press, 2007; rev. and updated edition University Press of Kansas. 2011); "Phyllis Schlafly and Grassroots Conservatism" (Princeton University Press, 2005); "Intended Consequences: Birth Control, Abortion, and the Federal Government" (Oxford University Press, 1999, pap. 2001); "Studebaker: The Life and Death of an American Corporations" (Indiana University Press, 1997); and the "Brookings Institution: Expertise and the Public Interest in a Democratic Society" (Northern Illinois University Press, 1989). He is general editor for the new Oxford Encyclopedia of American Political and Legal History. "The Oxford Handbook on American Political History," co-edited with Paula Baker, has been submitted to Oxford University Press.After receiving his doctoral degree in History from the University of California, Berkeley, Critchlow became a professor at the University of Notre Dame and later chair of the History Department at Saint Louis University. He has been a visiting professor at Hong Kong University and Warsaw University. He has lectured extensively in the United States, Europe, and China. He is the founding editor of the Journal of Policy History, a quarterly published by Cambridge University Press.His books are regularly reviewed in the New York Times Book Review, New Republic, National Review, The Nation, The New Yorker, Washington Post Book Review, and other magazines and newspapers. He has appeared on C-Span Books, NPR's Talk of the Nation, BBC World News, and numerous talk-radio programs. He has written for the Washington Post, New York Observer, New York Post, National Review, and Claremont Review of Books.Follow what he’s doing here: Facebook: X: - Jason Chaffetz is a Fox News contributor, bestselling author, and former Chairman of the U.S. House Oversight Committee. He is the author of They’re Coming For You, The Puppeteers, and The Deep State. Based in Utah, Jason is a leading voice on government accountability and conservative policy, and he regularly shares insights on national issues through media appearances and his platform, . Follow him on X . Purchase his new book on . Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37680000

Siding with Iran Is Insane, Hollywood’s Wake-Up Call, and the Path Forward for America 06/27/2025

Siding with Iran Is Insane, Hollywood’s Wake-Up Call, and the Path Forward for America This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren is joined by guest co-host Shay Khatari for a compelling lineup of guests and conversations. Former British soldier and Middle East strategist Andrew Fox kicks things off, diving into his article, With three tours in Afghanistan and firsthand experience with Iranian interference, Andrew explains why Western appeasement isn’t just misguided—it’s dangerous. Next, Hollywood executive and author Chris Fenton joins the show to discuss his RealClearPolitics piece, sharing how his global media career, stand against Chinese censorship, and new American-made film Bad Counselors reflect his deeper concern for freedom, fairness, and national sovereignty. Then, Sarah Hunt, President of the , breaks down why smart energy policy rooted in national security and innovation is essential in the global AI race—especially against China—and how her organization is working to revive the American Dream by empowering emerging leaders. Don’t miss this impactful episode—and as always, stick around for Kiley’s Corner, where Kiley gives an update on the Karen Read trial and shares the shocking story of four fifth graders who were plotting to stab a classmate. Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Andrew Fox is a former soldier; research fellow specialising in the Middle East, Defence, and how Western societies are under attack from authoritarian regimes.I served in the RWF and the Parachute Regiment; three tours of Afghanistan (including one with US Special Forces), as well as the Middle East, Bosnia and N Ireland.Bachelor’s in Law & Politics. War Studies MA, dissertation on strategy in the Middle East. Psychology MSc study on leadership and the psychology of disinformation. Level 7 qualifications in education; leadership & strategic management. PhD study, ongoing. Follow him on X . Read: - Company Founder, Chris Fenton, served as GM of DMG North America & President of DMG Entertainment Motion Picture Group, internationally orchestrating the creative, investment, and business activities of a multi-billion-dollar global media company headquartered in Beijing. During his tenure he served on the board of Valiant Entertainment, directing its eventual acquisition, and he worked closely with both Marvel and Hasbro, executing various projects to monetize their IP globally. As an author, Fenton chronicled much of his time at DMG in FEEDING THE DRAGON: Inside the Trillion Dollar Dilemma Facing Hollywood, the NBA, & American Business (Simon & Schuster).Most recently, and after three years of serving as President and CEO of Media Capital Technologies (MCT), a specialty finance company focused on strategic investments in premium content, Fenton stepped down to focus on formally advising companies, investors, brands, and Congress on how to best navigate sector disruptions and optimize America's complicated relationship with China and other challenging markets...AND HE LOVES IT!!! Follow him on X . - Sarah E. Hunt is a globally focused leader in climate advocacy, technology, and democracy. Her expertise is regularly sought by national publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. As President of the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy, a think tank and leadership community in Washington D.C., Ms. Hunt leads her team to generate new solutions to some of our nation’s most critical challenges and then cultivates a new generation of leaders to actually implement them.Prior to founding the Rainey Center, much of Hunt’s background centered in the areas of climate change and election law. She launched a clean energy program at the American Legislative Exchange Council and a climate change program at the Niskanen Center. Before that, she managed state issues and ethics for a political consulting firm and practiced political law at a boutique law firm in the Pacific Northwest.She currently also serves as Director, Policy & Strategy at the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service at Arizona State University.Ms. Hunt holds a BA in political science from the University of New Mexico, a JD from Willamette University College of Law, an LLM in international environmental law from Georgetown University Law Center, and an MPS in global advocacy from the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. She is admitted to the bar in Washington, DC, Oregon, and the 9th Circuit. Follow her on X . Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37680005

Fighting Big Pharma and Facing Haiti’s Crisis 06/20/2025

Fighting Big Pharma and Facing Haiti’s Crisis We kick things off with former Congressman J.D. Hayworth, now spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance. He joins the show to expose Big Pharma’s runaway profits—with margins more than twice the average of S&P 500 companies—and their outrageous spending, including $36 billion on direct-to-consumer advertising. Hayworth explains how President Trump has assembled a nonpartisan, pro-American team to tackle this crisis head-on. This is an American problem that demands an American solution, and the people are united in their demand for change. 84% blame pharmaceutical companies for high prices, and they overwhelmingly support reforms to force drugmakers to put patients before profits. Then we’re joined by Michael Deibert, journalist and longtime Haiti expert, who just returned from the region. He gives us a look at the current humanitarian crisis, political collapse, and gang violence that has displaced over 1.3 million Haitians. We also hear from Shay Khatiri, a young Iranian-American man who shares his moving personal story of escape and perseverance while raising awareness for the ongoing fight for freedom in Iran. And as always, stay tuned for Kiley’s Corner, where Brennen shares the La Bamba story—the tragic plane crash that took the life of rock and roll legend Ritchie Valens. Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Former Congressman J.D. Hayworth is the spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance, advocating for drug‑pricing reforms and criticizing Big Pharma’s pricing strategies. - My name is Michael Deibert, and I am a journalist, author and Researcher at the Centro de Estudos Internacionais at the Instituto Universitário de Lisboa. For the more than two decades, my work as a reporter and analyst has focused on conflict, peacebuilding, democratic movements and organized crime, with regional focuses on the Great Lakes Region of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, especially Haiti. With my writing here, as with all of my work, I hope to increases awareness of that which binds us together and the common humanity we all share. This kind of reporting, though I believe it is vitally important, is often a struggle financially, being both labour and cost-intensive with very modest remuneration. Please consider supporting this work if you can. - Shay Khatiri is the VP of development and a senior fellow at Yorktown Institute. An immigrant from Iran, he is an alumnus of Arizona State University and the Strategic Studies Department at Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies. He publishes the Substack newsletter, The Russia–Iran File. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37680010

Congressman Fine Fights the Left’s Antisemitism, Congressman Patronis Investigates the Biden Lie 06/13/2025

Congressman Fine Fights the Left’s Antisemitism, Congressman Patronis Investigates the Biden Lie This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with Congressman Randy Fine, who joins us to discuss rising antisemitism and the push to label the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. Then, Congressman Jimmy Patronis joins the show to talk about his transition from Florida CFO to Congressman and filing his first bill to investigate the “Biden Big Lie.” Next, financial expert and former mayor Gary Gygi returns with advice for those in their 50s on how to catch up on retirement savings. And to close the show, Brennen Evans—songwriter of the Kiley’s Corner theme—is filling in this week to share his own take on Kiley’s Corner. Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Randy Fine is a self-made businessman and third-generation Floridian who successfully built and ran three companies, retiring by the age of 40 to spend time with his wife and two sons. As the child of two public educators and a product of public schools, Randy worked full-time while earning his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Harvard College.He later graduated from Harvard Business School as the youngest MBA in his generation and a Baker Scholar, the school’s highest academic honor.In the Florida State House of Representatives, Randy sponsored the largest school choice expansion in U.S. history and has consistently fought for conservative values. As the only Jewish Republican in the Florida Legislature, Randy has championed pro-Israel legislation, leading the fight against antisemitism and promoting a strong U.S.-Israel alliance.Randy's legislative work includes securing hundreds of millions of dollars for infrastructure and environmental preservation, such as hurricane resiliency projects and efforts to stop sewage spills. He is proud to have advocated for individuals with disabilities and assisted in clearing the wait list for services for children with special needs. Randy has pushed legislation to clamp down on illegal immigration, hold insurance companies accountable, lower taxes, and protect the second amendment, which earned him an A rating from the NRA.Committed to advancing the America First agenda, in Congress, Randy will work to cut job-killing regulations, secure the border, strengthen the economy, and ensure future generations can achieve the American Dream. - Jimmy Patronis Jr., a Republican, serves as Congressman for Florida Congressional District 1, encompassing Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties in Florida’s Western Panhandle. As a Panhandle native, Jimmy Patronis is a Christian, supporter of President Trump, a staunch defender of 2nd Amendment rights, and a supporter of first responders, law enforcement and America’s veterans and active military servicemembers. - Mr. Gygi was hired by the Investment firm Dean Witter (became Morgan Stanley) after college and worked for the firm for about 15 years. During this time he achieved the position of First Vice President, Investment and branch manager of the Midvale, Utah office. Mr. Gygi won numerous sales awards and held the position of Branch Managed Money Coordinator and Branch Insurance Coordinator. Mr. Gygi left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to join the Investment management firm of Smoot Miller Cheney (later became SMC Capital) as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Gygi holds a dual registration so while affiliating with Smoot Miller Cheney; he also was a registered rep with Independent broker/dealer WBB Securities, LLC. In 2008, Mr. Gygi left SMC Capital to found Gygi Capital Management as President and CEO. Gygi Capital serves the Institutional and individual marketplace with investment management solutions. Gygi Capital is a State regulated Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Cedar Hills, Utah. Gygi affiliates with Union Capital Co. which is an independent broker/dealer firm. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37680015

Rep. Buddy Carter on the Big Beautiful Bill, SCOTUS Wins with Dan McLaughlin, and Russia-Ukraine Insights from Thomas Grove 06/06/2025

Rep. Buddy Carter on the Big Beautiful Bill, SCOTUS Wins with Dan McLaughlin, and Russia-Ukraine Insights from Thomas Grove This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Congressman Buddy Carter returns to break down the “Big Beautiful Bill,” explain how congressional math really works, and share details on his new legislation calling for a full investigation into the Biden cover-up. Then, Dan McLaughlin of National Review joins us to unpack the five major Supreme Court wins for conservatives this week and what these rulings could mean for the future of key legal battles. Later, Wall Street Journal reporter Thomas Grove checks in from Warsaw to discuss how the war between Russia and Ukraine might end, what Poland’s elections reveal about shifting political dynamics in Europe, and what Russia’s war-focused economy means for the West. Plus, on Kiley’s Corner, Kiley shares the heartbreaking story of two Arcadia High School students whose Memorial Day camping trip ended in a double homicide, drawing chilling parallels to Arizona’s unsolved Bumblebee Road murders. Stream now! Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter is an experienced businessman, health care professional and faithful public servant. For over 32 years Buddy owned Carter’s Pharmacy, Inc. where South Georgians trusted him with their most valuable assets: their health, lives and families. While running his business, he learned how to balance a budget and create jobs. He also saw firsthand the devastating impacts of government overregulation which drives his commitment to ensuring that the federal government creates policies to empower business instead of increasing burdens on America’s job creators. A committed public servant, Buddy previously served as the Mayor of Pooler, Georgia and in the Georgia General Assembly where he used his business experience to make government more efficient and responsive to the people. Buddy is serving his fifth term in the United States House of Representatives and is a member of the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee and the House Budget Committee. He proudly serves as Chairman of the E&C Subcommittee on Health. As a pharmacist serving in Congress, Buddy is dedicated to working towards a health care system that provides more choices, less costs and better services.A lifelong resident of the First District, Buddy was born and raised in Port Wentworth, Georgia and is a proud graduate of Young Harris College and the University of Georgia where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Buddy married his college sweetheart, Amy. Buddy and Amy have three sons, three daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren. - Dan McLaughlin is a senior writer at National Review Online and a fellow at National Review Institute. - Thomas Grove covers the confrontation between Russia and the West for The Wall Street Journal. He is based in Warsaw.Before that Thomas covered Russia for more than a decade and he has traveled to Ukraine regularly since Russia's invasion. He writes on Russia's military, the arms trade and the Russian defense sector as well as great power competition.He started his career in Istanbul with Reuters writing about the economy and the rise of Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP. Thomas has since reported from across Central Asia, the Caucasus region and the Middle East. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37680020

Oren Cass Defines Conservatism and Ashley Rindsberg Exposes Wikipedia’s Propaganda War 05/30/2025

Oren Cass Defines Conservatism and Ashley Rindsberg Exposes Wikipedia’s Propaganda War This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are joined by Oren Cass, chief economist at American Compass and editor of a new book, , to define conservatism and discuss how conservatism needs to return to its roots by focusing on the ends—human flourishing and national well-being—rather than just making sure people have more stuff than they did the year before. Later, Ashley Rindsberg, senior editor at Pirate Wires and author of , joins the show to expose how Wikipedia and Reddit have been manipulated by coordinated left-wing and pro-Hamas influence campaigns. He also brakes down NPR’s media entitlement mindset and how tech platforms are being exploited for data poisoning. Then on Kiley’s Corner, Kiley updates us on her ongoing turf war with a mockingbird and discusses the harrowing story of a mother who shot a man attempting to sexually assault her 12-year-old daughter. Tune in—you don’t want to miss this one! Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Oren Cass is the founder and chief economist of American Compass and editor of the forthcoming The New Conservatives: Restoring America’s Commitment to Family, Community, and Industry (June 3, 2025). He is a contributing opinion writer for the Financial Times and the New York Times. His 2018 book, The Once and Future Worker: A Vision for the Renewal of Work in America has been called “absolutely brilliant” by New York Times columnist David Brooks and “A brilliant book. And among the most important I’ve ever read” by Vice President JD Vance.From 2005 to 2015, Oren worked as a management consultant in Bain & Company’s Boston and Delhi offices. During this period, he also earned his J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was elected vice president and treasurer of the Harvard Law Review and oversaw the journal’s budget and operations. While still in law school, Oren also became Domestic Policy Director for Governor Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, editing and producing the campaign’s “jobs book” and developing its domestic policy strategy, proposals, and research. He joined the Manhattan Institute as a senior fellow in 2015 and became a prolific scholar, publishing more than 15 reports for MI and editing its popular “Issues 2016” and “Issues 2020” series, testifying before seven congressional committees and speaking on dozens of college campuses. He founded American Compass at the start of 2020. You can follow him on X . Purchase his book . - Ashley Rindsberg is the Co-founder and CEO of Alitheum, a technology company dedicated to measuring media reliability. He is also a Senior Editor at Pirate Wires and the bestselling author of The Gray Lady Winked, which explores how misreporting by The New York Times has shaped history. An accomplished investigative journalist, Rindsberg has broken major stories on national security, COVID-19, China, and media influence. A former media executive, he has helped shape some of today's most influential media brands. You can follow him on X . Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37680025

Jon Levine Unmasks Ivy League Activists and Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis 05/23/2025

Jon Levine Unmasks Ivy League Activists and Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Free Beacon reporter Jon Levine joins Chuck and Sam to talk about Biden’s cancer diagnosis, media complicity in Biden's medical cover-ups, and why wealthy private school students—and even a Bloomberg journalist—ended up arrested during the Columbia protests. Then, author and war correspondent Lynne O’Donnell shares the story of Afghan combat pilots who fought alongside U.S. forces and are now driving Ubers in Arizona due to government red tape. Finally, financial expert Gary Gygi, president of Gygi Capital Management, explains what’s behind recent market swings and how smart investors navigated the chaos. Plus, don’t miss Kiley’s Corner for an update on the Team Canada sexual assault case, and tune in to hear the story of the aggressive mockingbird that’s made a home in her yard. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss! Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - Old Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don’t settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: About our guest: Jon Levine is a former political reporter for the Sunday New York Post. Jon has investigated Hunter Biden and worked on the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. A native New Yorker, he previously worked as a media reporter for TheWrap and Mediaite. His work has been featured on Fox News, CNN.com, The Atlantic, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. When he’s not working, he’s thinking about work. You can follow him on X . - is an Australian journalist, author, and broadcaster specializing in South and Central Asian affairs, war, and terrorism. She has served as the Afghanistan bureau chief for both Agence France-Presse (AFP) and The Associated Press between 2009 and 2017. O'Donnell holds a Master's degree in War Studies from King's College London and is a columnist for Foreign Policy. Her work has been featured in various prestigious publications worldwide. In 2007, she authored "High Tea in Mosul: The True Story of Two English women in War-Torn Iraq," which explores the lives of two Englishwomen in Iraq during the war. In 2022, during a reporting trip to Afghanistan, O'Donnell was detained and threatened by the Taliban, an experience she has publicly discussed to highlight press freedom issues in the region. - Gary Gygi is the president and CEO of , a Utah-based investment advisory firm serving institutional and individual clients. A former First Vice President at Morgan Stanley, Mr. Gygi brings over three decades of experience in finance, having held leadership roles at Dean Witter, Smoot Miller Cheney, and WBB Securities. He has been a frequent contributor to national media outlets including Fox Business, KSL TV, and ABC4 News, offering expert commentary on market trends and retirement strategies. In addition to his financial career, Mr. Gygi served as Mayor of Cedar Hills, Utah, and has held various public service and nonprofit leadership roles, including with Prevent Child Abuse Utah and the National Organization for the Self Employed. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37680030

Rep. Mike Kennedy Strengthening Medicaid Integrity and Sen. John Curtis on His Maiden Senate Floor Speech 05/16/2025

Rep. Mike Kennedy Strengthening Medicaid Integrity and Sen. John Curtis on His Maiden Senate Floor Speech This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we’re joined by powerhouse voices from Utah’s political leadership. Congressman Mike Kennedy—a practicing physician, licensed attorney, and business owner—discusses his recent visit to El Salvador’s high-security prison, his legislation to strengthen Medicaid integrity, and efforts to crack down on repeat felons who reenter the U.S. illegally. Then, Marine Corps veteran and VetComm CEO Kate Monroe shares her plan to combat veteran homelessness through transitional basecamps and weighs in on President Trump’s proposal to establish a national center for homeless vets. Finally, U.S. Senator John Curtis reflects on the importance of listening in his maiden Senate floor speech, highlights Utah’s leadership in energy innovation, and discusses his bipartisan forest management bill. Plus, don’t miss Kiley’s Corner, where she dives into the wild story of international gamblers who bought 25 million lottery tickets and won $95 million in Texas. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss! Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: About our guest: Congressman Mike Kennedy, M.D., represents Utah’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Elected in November 2024, he assumed office in January 2025. Kennedy brings a diverse professional background as a practicing family physician, licensed attorney, and experienced legislator.Kennedy has practiced as a family physician in Lindon, Utah, with Premier Family Medical Group. He has also volunteered at the Provo Volunteer Care Clinic, providing free medical care to uninsured Utah residents.Kennedy's political journey began in the Utah House of Representatives, where he served from 2013 to 2019. He then served in the Utah State Senate from 2021 to 2025. In 2018, he ran for the U.S. Senate, winning the Utah Republican Party's convention vote but losing the primary to Mitt Romney.In 2024, Kennedy won the Republican nomination for Utah's 3rd Congressional District and subsequently defeated his Democratic opponent in the general election. He was sworn into Congress in January 2025.In Congress, Kennedy serves on several key committees, including the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. - Kate Monroe was born in Northern California. After High School, she attended Corban University. She decided fairly quickly that she needed a bigger challenge. This need for a challenge led her to pursue going into the military. She made the tough choice to go into the Marine Corps. While serving her country she was injured many times and is a 90% disabled veteran. Kate says the “Marine Corps set her up for a successful life and career.” She says that when people speak with her especially in business, when she says she was a Marine, she can leverage that and it changes the minds of those that she deals with. The entrepreneurial spirit that Kate possesses she would say she got from her father. She has owned many businesses in various vertical market areas from lending, to sales coaching, her own car dealership, and real estate coaching. Kate Had a long tenure in the Automotive business. She climbed up to the GM level and had success in both sales management and the financial aspects of the auto industry. She then became a licensed realtor in the state of Ca, so that she could switch lanes and try her hand in Time Share sales. She was the Rookie of the year for the world for Wyndham. She was then the fastest promoted Director of Sales in the history of the company. She was a strong leader in that industry as well. She learned how to motivate, train and lead others in a high stress high volume sales environment. This year alone Kate is launching two major ventures. The first is to help veterans get the disability rating they deserve. She has a mission to get a million rated. Next is her Realtor Rehab coaching course and reality TV show set for production in June 2021. Bottomline, Kate is a fierce woman with a drive to help others succeed as she has! Her mission is to ensure that she can impart her success onto you. If you need a coach to take your idea or career to the next level, she is your best choice. - In the United States Senate, John R. Curtis proudly represents the citizens of Utah, embodying the pioneer values that shaped the state into an extraordinary place to live, work, and thrive. For Senator Curtis, results matter. Guided by America’s founding principles, he tackles tough issues with innovative approaches, inviting all to the higher ground of common ground. He believes that big ideas, innovation, and consensus can drive transformational change. Senator Curtis is dedicated to crafting principle-centered policies and achieving real results for Utah and America. He leads critical conversations, convenes thoughtful leaders, fosters inclusive collaboration, develops sustainable solutions, and provides a vision of what is possible.During his seven years representing Utah’s Third Congressional District, then-Representative Curtis passed 28 pieces of legislation into law. His accomplishments include better public land management, combating human trafficking, reducing burdensome regulations on small businesses, and more. He founded the Conservative Climate Caucus and was ranked by the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking as the 5th most effective Republican member of Congress. In 2023, his office earned recognition as the best in Congress for constituent accountability and accessibility.Senator Curtis has built an international reputation for advancing American energy solutions that unleash U.S. clean fuels, strengthen the economy, enhance national security, ensure energy independence, and reduce global emissions simultaneously. He believes America must not only achieve energy independence but lead as an energy-dominant nation. Beyond energy, the Senator prioritizes strategic policies addressing China, fiscal responsibility, and solutions for broken social programs.Before his time in Congress, Senator Curtis was a small business owner and a proven problem solver. He served as Mayor of Provo City for eight years, earning a 94% approval rating and being named the “Top Elected Official on Social Media” in 2015. His leadership was recognized with awards such as the Silicon Slopes Community Hero, UVU’s Civic Innovator Award, and Utah Valley Magazine’s Person of the Year.Senator Curtis has been married to his wife, Sue, for 42 years. Together, they have six children and 17 grandchildren. Their family motto, “In Unity There is Strength,” continues to guide how he serves, works, and lives. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37680035

Ari Blaff Breaks Down Challenges Facing Jewish Students in Canada, Rep Burgess Owens Champions American Values and Education Reform 07/02/2022

Ari Blaff Breaks Down Challenges Facing Jewish Students in Canada, Rep Burgess Owens Champions American Values and Education Reform This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are joined by Ari Blaff, features writer at the National Post, who dives into his eye-opening report on rising antisemitism at Toronto Metropolitan University and how Canadian institutions are failing Jewish students—plus his take on how media hype, more than real influence, helped create the Andrew Tate phenomenon. Later, Congressman Burgess Owens returns to share insights on restoring American values through faith, family, and education, as well as his work to codify Trump-era executive orders, defend school choice, and investigate Nike’s involvement in controversial gender studies. And in Kiley’s Corner, a graphic deep-dive into the Canadian hockey scandal—listeners are warned, this segment contains disturbing content and is not for sensitive ears or stomachs. Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: About our guest: Ari Blaff is a reporter with National Post. He writes news and features. Before that, he was a breaking news writer at National Review and a Tablet Magazine fellow. - Burgess Owens is the Congressman from Utah’s Fourth Congressional District. Raised in the segregated South, he saw people of all backgrounds come together to work tirelessly against adversity.As a young man, Burgess was one of the first four black athletes recruited to play football at the University of Miami and the third black student there to receive a scholarship, ultimately earning BS in biology and chemistry. He was the 13th pick in the first round of the 1973 NFL draft and joined the New York Jets, later playing safety for ten seasons in the NFL for the New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders, winning the Superbowl with the 1980 Raiders’ team.After retiring from the NFL, Burgess worked in the corporate sales world and eventually moved the Owens family to beautiful Utah. Before being elected to Congress, he started Second Chance 4 Youth, a non-profit dedicated to helping troubled and incarcerated youth.Burgess now serves as a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Burgess believes in dreaming big and follows the four guiding principles of faith, family, free markets, and education.As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee and Chairman of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, Congressman Burgess Owens is dedicated to fostering the best opportunities for students to learn, workers to succeed, and the job creators of tomorrow to thrive. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/37620090

Congressman Mike Simpson Talks America’s Energy Future and Josh Hammer on Defending Israel and Fighting Anti-Semitism 05/02/2025

Congressman Mike Simpson Talks America’s Energy Future and Josh Hammer on Defending Israel and Fighting Anti-Semitism This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with his shocking discovery of the scale of missing and murdered Indigenous women—over 6,000 annually—and how Congress is finally taking action on justice and jurisdictional reform. He also breaks down the future of nuclear power, America’s path to energy independence, and the urgent need to end our reliance on hostile nations for critical minerals and pharmaceuticals. Then, Newsweek’s Josh Hammer returns to discuss his new book , where he argues that Israel—and the Jewish people—are the West’s first line of defense against rising global threats. He also tackles the disturbing surge of anti-Semitism on college campuses, exposes the failures of higher education, and calls for revoking tax-exempt status for elite universities like Harvard. Don’t miss Kiley’s Corner, where she dives into the chilling mystery of 11 dead women found in New England over the last 60 days—is it the work of a serial killer or 11 separate psychopaths? Tune in now! Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Truth Social: Show sponsors: Invest Yrefy - 4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground’ to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: About our guest: An Idaho native, Mike Simpson was born in Burley and raised in Blackfoot. Mike graduated from Utah State University and earned his DMD from Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduation, Mike joined his father and uncle at the Simpson Family Dental Practice in Blackfoot before serving in the Blackfoot City Council and State Legislature.Mike’s political career began in 1980, when he was elected to the Blackfoot City Council. In 1984, he was elected to the Idaho Legislature where he served until 1998, the last six years serving as Speaker. Mike is currently serving his fourteenth term in the House of Representatives for Idaho’s Second Congressional District.Mike serves as Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations. His position gives him the unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars come back to Idaho instead of going to states like New York or California.Mike also serves on the House Energy and Water Development Subcommittee and the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee on Appropriations. The committees Mike serves on have jurisdiction over funding for several agencies and programs critical to Idaho, including the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, the National Parks Service, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Smithsonian Institute, and the Department of Labor.Mike and his wife Kathy have been married for 50 years and have called Idaho home all their lives. The two enjoy spending time with their poodle, Charley, and enjoying Idaho's beautiful scenery. - Josh Hammer is a friend of the show and the senior editor-at-large at Newsweek. He’s the host of The Josh Hammer Show and the author of a new book, Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West, which recently reached as high as No. 3 on all of Amazon. You can follow him on X . Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at /episode/index/show/breakingbattlegrounds/id/36209915

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