Beyond Politics

Matt Robison

Politics may be dismal, but the ideas that swirl around it and shape it are fascinating. This is a show that looks not just at politics, but the deeper ideas from history, science, psychology, economics, and technology that are shaping our world. We feature smart, lively, upbeat discussions with people who know what they're talking about and can help us understand the world better. Hosted by Matt Robison: writer, former senior congressional staffer, and campaign manager.

  1. Trump Fires Pam Bondi After Supreme Court Stunt

    1D AGO

    Trump Fires Pam Bondi After Supreme Court Stunt

    Trump just fired Pam Bondi—AND showed up at the Supreme Court in a move that injected total chaos into the justice system.In this episode of *Political Rehab*, we break down a chaotic week in politics: Trump’s unprecedented appearance at a Supreme Court hearing on birthright citizenship, the legal battle over executive power, a federal judge halting construction at the White House, and new warning signs for Republicans as internal divisions grow.We also dig into Trump’s confusing Iran strategy following his Oval Office address, and what new polling says about his collapsing approval ratings—and why Democrats may not be benefiting as much as you’d expect.Plus:⚖️ The truth behind Trump’s birthright citizenship case🏛️ Why a judge blocked the White House ballroom project📉 Trump’s approval rating vs. the 2026 political landscape🔥 CPAC fractures and the future of the Republican Party🚀 A dose of hope: America heads back to the moon⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 Trump fires Pam Bondi + Supreme Court appearance2:00 Trump at the Supreme Court (birthright citizenship)6:30 National voter database controversy10:30 Trump’s Iran speech breakdown15:30 White House ballroom blocked by judge18:30 Birthright citizenship case analysis21:30 Polls: Trump underwater, Democrats underperforming24:30 CPAC fractures and GOP infighting42:00 Deep dive: executive orders and presidential power48:30 That’s Bullsh*t segment50:30 Dose of Hope: Artemis moon mission🎯 ABOUT THE CHANNELWorth Knowing / Political Rehab breaks down the forces shaping power in America—politics, policy, and the real-world consequences—without the noise.Subscribe for sharp, fact-based analysis you won’t get anywhere else.#Trump #PamBondi #SupremeCourt #Politics #USPolitics #BirthrightCitizenship #Iran #CPAC #Republicans #Democrats #Election2026 #PoliticalNews #BreakingNews

    1h 2m
  2. 4D AGO

    Big Tech Is Spending Millions to Control AI...And Politics

    Big Tech is spending millions to shape the future of AI—but what are they trying to control, and why now? Former Congressman and Americans for Responsible Innovation President Brad Carson joins us to break down the growing fight over AI regulation, including the role of companies like Meta, the influence of Mark Zuckerberg, and the stakes for jobs, energy costs, and national security. As tech giants invest heavily to influence policy ahead of the 2026 elections, the battle over artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a battle over political power. Then: a deep dive into money and influence in Washington. ProPublica reporter Corey Johnson joins us to discuss new reporting on Trump administration financial disclosures, revealing how industry ties, private equity, and political power intersect behind the scenes. What do more than 3,200 disclosure records tell us about corruption, conflicts of interest, and the revolving door between government and business? Two conversations. One theme: who controls AI, who controls Washington—and who pays the price. 00:00 Big Money Meets AI01:10 AI Impacts Everywhere02:15 Meet Brad Carson03:03 The 200 Million War Chest03:46 Mad Max Sandbox Plan05:02 Federalism Versus Preemption07:24 Industry Split On Rules09:17 States Push Back10:59 Liability And Section 23015:01 Preemption Disaster Lessons16:45 Host AI Brain Filibuster21:30 Why This Fight Matters23:55 AI And Military Risks25:56 How To Win And Help28:41 Money Thread in Politics32:31 Prediction Markets War Profits36:54 ProPublica Database Stakes41:04 Guest Joins Corey Johnson43:02 Scale of Conflicts Guardrails46:37 Todd Blanche Crypto Case53:32 Who Pulls the Strings55:47 Where to Watch Next59:26 How to Use the Database01:00:02 Wrap Up and Call to Action

    1h 3m
  3. This Isn’t Strategy — It’s Trump’s Chaos Playbook

    MAR 27

    This Isn’t Strategy — It’s Trump’s Chaos Playbook

    Trump’s chaos isn’t random—and it’s not strategy. In today’s episode of Political Rehab, we break down how Donald Trump repeatedly creates crises—on immigration, Iran, and the economy—and then uses the chaos as leverage while avoiding accountability. From the Department of Homeland Security shutdown to escalating tensions with Iran and a Supreme Court case that could reshape voting rights before the midterms, this episode connects the dots on what’s really happening—and why it matters now. PLUS:👉 Are the massive “No Kings” protests actually working?👉 Is Trump manipulating markets—or being manipulated by them?👉 And why both parties may be misreading the political moment 00:00 – Cold Open: Chaos, Strategy, and What’s Really Going On00:01:00 – Trump Dump: DHS Shutdown, ICE Controversy, and GOP Tensions00:04:00 – Mail-In Voting Hypocrisy and Republican Strategy Backfire00:06:00 – DHS Crisis Hits Real Life: TSA Shortages, Airport Chaos00:08:00 – Supreme Court Case Could Reshape Voting Before Midterms00:11:00 – Iran Escalation: Mixed Signals, Red Lines, and Strategic Confusion00:14:00 – Market Volatility: Is Trump Driving Markets—or Vice Versa?00:17:00 – MAGA vs MAHA: Cracks Inside Trump’s Coalition00:20:00 – Deep Dive: Do “No Kings” Protests Actually Work?00:32:30 – That’s Bullsh*t: “Military Operation” vs War (George Carlin Breakdown)00:39:30 – Dose of Hope: Why Voter Turnout Still Matters00:41:00 – Democrats’ “Hotness Strategy” (Yes, Really) ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

    44 min
  4. MAR 25

    You’re Not Crazy — Something Is Deeply Wrong in America

    You’re not imagining it. Something is off — and the pattern is bigger than any one headline. In this episode of Worth Knowing, Matt Robison and Shane Almgren break down the top 5 warning signs that something has gone very wrong in American politics — not as isolated incident, but as a connected system. From media pressure to voter suppression to the normalization of extreme behavior, this is about seeing the pattern clearly — before it’s too late. 📊 This conversation is grounded in data, documented reporting, and real-world examples — not speculation. If you’ve ever looked at the news and thought, “this isn’t normal” — this video is for you. 00:00 – Opening: “You’re not crazy” — why this matters now02:30 – Why Americans feel something is wrong (polling + reality gap)05:45 – Honorable Mentions: corruption, pardons, and “what didn’t make the list”10:30 – #5: Whitewashing History — rewriting the past in real time19:45 – #4: Media Suppression — controlling the narrative27:30 – #3: ICE Tactics & Government Power Expansion37:45 – #2: Cult of Personality — loyalty over principle48:15 – #1: Voter Suppression — the most dangerous shift57:30 – Final Takeaway: how democracies actually break down Most coverage focuses on individual stories.This video connects them into a pattern you can’t unsee. ✔ Data-backed✔ Historically grounded✔ Designed for clarity, not outrage This episode draws from ongoing documented reporting in:👉 🔴 Deep dives, breakdowns, and weekly analysis:👉 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@worthknowing-mattrobison 📰 Written analysis + behind-the-scenes insights:👉 https://worthknowing.substack.com Drop a comment:Which of these warning signs do you think matters most — and why? This is not about left vs. right.It’s about recognizing patterns that history has shown — over and over again. #YoureNotCrazy #AmericanPolitics #Democracy #BreakingDownPolitics #PoliticalAnalysis #CurrentEvents #NewsAnalysis #Fascism #VoterSuppression #MediaBias #GovernmentPower #WorthKnowing #MattRobison ⏱️ CHAPTERS🧠 WHAT THIS VIDEO DOES DIFFERENTLY📚 SOURCE MATERIAL📺 WATCH NEXT💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION⚠️ IMPORTANT🔥 HASHTAGS

    1h 3m
  5. Trump Hits Us All With a $1000 Tax

    MAR 20

    Trump Hits Us All With a $1000 Tax

    🔥 Gas prices are rising fast—and the real cost could hit $1,000 per American. Is this a hidden “Trump oil tax”? We break down the economic shock, the Iran war fallout, Tulsi Gabbard’s stunning reversal, and a growing threat to press freedom. Welcome to Political Rehab—where politics is smart, fast, and actually fun. In today’s episode:• Why rising oil prices could quietly cost you hundreds (or more)• The real economic risks from the Iran conflict• Tulsi Gabbard’s dramatic flip-flop on war with Iran• FCC threats to media and what the First Amendment actually says• The global fallout as allies distance themselves from the U.S.• And a dose of hope from March Madness 🇺🇸🏀 👇 Subscribe for more sharp, no-nonsense political analysis:https://www.youtube.com/@worthknowing-mattrobison?sub_confirmation=1 ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening Hooks (Duck & Cover, Economic Shock, MAGA Fractures)01:00 – Trump’s “Hidden Oil Tax” Explained02:00 – How Oil Prices Hit Every American (Gas, Food, Goods)03:00 – The Real Cost of War (Trillions & Long-Term Impact)04:00 – Why This War Lacks a Clear Strategy05:00 – Republicans Defending Higher Gas Prices?!06:00 – Global Shockwave: Are We Headed for an Economic Crisis?07:00 – Iran Strategy: Economic Warfare vs Military War08:00 – Historical Oil Shocks & Ripple Effects09:00 – DC in “Duck & Cover” Mode (Kent, Gabbard, Vance)10:00 – MAGA Fractures Begin to Show11:00 – America “Unfriended” by Allies12:00 – Democracy Rankings & Global Perception13:00 – Homeland Security Crisis & TSA Breakdown14:00 – DHS Chaos, Staffing Shortages & Airport Delays16:00 – Democrats in Disarray? Primary Takeaways19:00 – Deep Dive: Can the FCC Control War Coverage?20:00 – First Amendment Explained (Speech, Press, War)22:00 – History: Sedition Act → Fairness Doctrine → Today24:00 – Reagan, Rush Limbaugh & Free Speech Legacy25:00 – Is the Government Pressuring the Media Today?26:00 – Why This Threat Matters for Democracy33:00 – That’s Bullsh*t: Tulsi Gabbard’s Flip-Flop34:00 – Testimony Breakdown: “Imminent Threat” Question35:00 – Old Tulsi vs New Tulsi (Regime Change Wars)36:00 – The Bigger Pattern: Loyalty Over Principles37:00 – MAGA Alignment & Political Reversals38:00 – Dose of Hope: March Madness & Shared American Experience41:00 – Why Competition Can Still Unite Us 📊 KEY TOPICS & SEARCH TERMSgas prices, oil prices, inflation, Iran war, Trump oil tax, hidden tax, economic shock, recession risk, Tulsi Gabbard Iran, FCC media regulation, First Amendment, free speech, MAGA politics, global economy, March Madness 🧠 ABOUT THE SHOWPolitical Rehab is a fast-paced political talk show featuring a Republican and Democrat breaking down the biggest stories of the week—with sharp analysis, real disagreement, and a sense of humor. 📬 Want deeper analysis?Subscribe on Substack (optional, no spam):https://worthknowing.substack.com #GasPrices #Inflation #Trump #Iran #Politics #News #Economy #TulsiGabbard #FirstAmendment #FreeSpeech #PoliticalRehab #USPolitics #BreakingNews #MarchMadness

    43 min
  6. MAR 17

    5 Economic Risks That Could Hit in the Next 6 Months

    The economy is sending completely mixed signals right now.GDP is growing.Unemployment is low.The stock market is near highs.…but people feel worse than ever.So what’s actually happening?In this episode of Worth Knowing, I sit down with Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi to break down the 5 biggest economic risks that could shape the next 6 months—and possibly the next election.We cover:Why the economy feels broken even when the data looks “fine”Whether we’re quietly heading toward a recessionThe real impact of oil prices and global instabilityWhy inflation won’t go awayAnd how AI could reshape jobs faster than expectedIf you’ve been feeling like something doesn’t add up with the economy… you’re not wrong.👇 Subscribe for more clear, data-driven political and economic analysis👉 https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowing⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 – The economy’s biggest contradiction1:05 – Growth vs reality: what the data says2:30 – Jobs: strong or secretly stalling?4:10 – Why people feel worse (consumer sentiment collapse)6:05 – Mark Zandi: Is the economy actually weak?9:00 – The “fragile economy” explained10:45 – Is AI already killing hiring?13:30 – Stock market vs real economy disconnect16:30 – Are we in a bubble?18:00 – Why inflation won’t go away22:00 – Why prices never come down25:30 – Oil shock risk (and why it matters)29:00 – How energy prices hit everything32:00 – Are we heading into a recession?35:00 – Why economists struggle to explain reality40:00 – Why people feel so negative42:30 – What happens over the next 6 months46:30 – The 3 indicators to watch now50:30 – Final outlook: fragile or breaking?🔍 KEYWORDS (SEO BOOST – NATURALIZED)economy 2025, recession warning, inflation explained, oil prices impact economy, economic outlook 2025, stock market vs economy, why economy feels bad, consumer sentiment, jobs report analysis, AI job impact, economic risks, US economy forecast, Mark Zandi interview, political economy analysis🔥 HASHTAGS#Economy #Recession #Inflation #EconomicOutlook #StockMarket #JobsReport #OilPrices #AI #Politics #WorthKnowing

    55 min
  7. Russia & Iran. The Most Underreported Story of the Year?

    MAR 13

    Russia & Iran. The Most Underreported Story of the Year?

    Russia, Iran, U.S. troops, Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio are suddenly at the center of one of the most explosive national security questions in Washington: Is Russia helping Iran target American forces in the Middle East?New intelligence reporting suggests Moscow may be providing Iran with satellite-derived information that could help locate U.S. ships, aircraft, and troop positions. If true, it raises a stunning question: why isn’t this the biggest story in American politics right now?On this episode of Political Rehab, Democrat and former congressional staffer Matt Robison and Republican campaign strategist Matt Wylie break down the biggest political and national security stories of the week.Topics include:• Reports that Russia may be helping Iran target U.S. troops• The White House’s controversial “war porn” military propaganda videos• A potential national security brain drain after intelligence and national security cuts• Why Trump world may be floating Marco Rubio over JD Vance as the future of MAGA• The coming SAVE Act showdown that could trigger a congressional meltdown• The MAHA movement and RFK Jr.’s vaccine conspiracy conferencePlus our regular segments:Trump Dump – the week’s most outrageous Trump storyDeep Dive – the SAVE Act fight that could paralyze CongressThat’s Bullsh*t – the political claim that collapses under scrutinyDose of Hope – one reason the future might be brighter than politics suggestsIf you enjoy smart political debate between people who disagree, subscribe and join the conversation.Subscribe for new episodes of Political Rehab every week.00:00 Trump Dump Court Losses02:04 Attacking the Judiciary03:46 GOP Retreat No Agenda06:00 War Porn Propaganda08:50 Brain Drain and Intel Cuts11:34 Russia Aiding Iran14:25 Rubio vs Vance Signals16:52 Save Act and Spineless GOP18:23 Gas Prices Midterm Gamble20:23 Economic Warning Signs21:33 Save Act Deep Dive22:32 Phantom Fraud Evidence23:39 Why GOP Pushes It26:25 Will It Backfire27:28 Inside Republican Thinking30:16 A Possible Compromise32:25 Why Save Act Fails35:39 MAHA Called Out36:19 Vaccine Slide Nonsense39:53 Glyphosate Hypocrisy41:50 Dose of Hope Science43:38 Courts Holding The Line45:39 Closing Thoughts

    46 min
  8. MAR 10

    How Billionaires Took Over American Politics (w_ End Citizens United’s Tiffany Muller)

    Big money is reshaping American democracy.In this livestream, political analyst Matt Robison speaks with Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United, about how billionaire money, Super PACs, and the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision transformed U.S. politics — and why some experts believe America may be drifting toward oligarchy.Today, just 300 billionaire families account for nearly 20% of federal campaign donations. What does that mean for democracy, elections, and everyday Americans?We break down:• How Citizens United changed campaign finance forever• The explosion of billionaire money in politics• The rise of Super PACs and dark money networks• Corporate influence over elections and policy• Why many voters feel their voices don’t matter anymore• Whether reforms can actually fix the systemMatt and Tiffany also discuss real examples — from Elon Musk’s massive political spending to the growing influence of corporate lobbying in Washington.If you care about the future of democracy, campaign finance reform, and the role of money in politics, this conversation is essential.Guest:Tiffany Muller – President of End Citizens UnitedLearn more:https://endcitizensunited.orgSubscribe for more political analysis and livestream interviews:https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowingNew episodes of Political Rehab and Worth Knowing livestreams every week.Timestamps00:00 The billionaire influence problem02:40 Wealth concentration in America07:00 What Citizens United actually did10:30 The rise of Super PACs16:00 How big money shapes policy27:00 Elon Musk and political spending34:00 Can the system be fixed?54:00 The future of campaign finance reformTopics coveredmoney in politicscitizens united explainedbillionaires in politicscampaign finance reformsuper pacs explaineddark money in politicscorporate influence governmentoligarchy united statespolitical corruption united stateselon musk politicselection money influenceamerican democracycampaign finance lawsSEO Tags (for YouTube tag field)citizens united, money in politics, billionaires politics, campaign finance reform, super pacs explained, dark money politics, corporate influence government, oligarchy united states, political corruption, elon musk politics, election money influence, american democracy, campaign finance lawsHashtags#CitizensUnited#MoneyInPolitics#CampaignFinance#Billionaires#PoliticalCorruption#DarkMoney#SuperPAC#AmericanPolitics#Democracy#PoliticalReform#ElectionMoney#EndCitizensUnited

    59 min
4.7
out of 5
111 Ratings

About

Politics may be dismal, but the ideas that swirl around it and shape it are fascinating. This is a show that looks not just at politics, but the deeper ideas from history, science, psychology, economics, and technology that are shaping our world. We feature smart, lively, upbeat discussions with people who know what they're talking about and can help us understand the world better. Hosted by Matt Robison: writer, former senior congressional staffer, and campaign manager.

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