It's A Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky

iHeartPodcasts
  • 4.9 (121)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dive into the world of data with Ryan Girdusky, an acclaimed American political commentator and writer, on "It’s a Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky." In each episode, Ryan breaks down the most crucial data on politics, economics, and culture, providing you with the insights you need to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Whether you're a data enthusiast or just looking to understand the numbers behind the headlines, Ryan is your go-to source for in-depth analysis and engaging discussions. Listen to new episodes released every Monday and get the facts that matter - subscribe now and never miss an episode! Join the conversation and follow Ryan for exclusive insights on X.com/RyanGirdusky and Instagram.com/Ryan.James.Girdusky. Listeners of the podcast also receive a free 30-day trial to Ryan’s National Populist Newsletter at natpopnewsletter.com.

  1. It's a Numbers Game: Oren Cass on Financialization—How Wall Street “Grifts” the Real Economy

    1D AGO

    It's a Numbers Game: Oren Cass on Financialization—How Wall Street “Grifts” the Real Economy

    On this episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan sits down with Oren Cass—chief economist and founder of American Compass—to unpack one of the most important economic debates in America right now: financialization. Cass explains what financialization means in plain English, why the financial sector has ballooned into a dominant source of corporate profits, and how Wall Street’s incentives can become parasitic on the real economy—extracting value from productive businesses instead of funding long-term growth. They also dig into Cass’s concept of “moral arbitrage,” where investors target industries that weren’t meant to be run for maximum profit—like nursing homes, veterinary practices, and even youth sports—and what that shift means for families, communities, and the future of capitalism. In this episode, Ryan and Oren discuss: What financialization is (and what it isn’t) Why finance attracts top talent—and how it creates a brain drain from engineering and medicine How “moral arbitrage” shows up in healthcare, elder care, and youth sports Whether financialization makes America less competitive globally Why low unemployment doesn’t mean the economy is healthy for workers  The conservative debate inside the Right—and why critics often miss Cass’s actual argument AI, bubbles, and what today’s tech frenzy gets right (and wrong) 📌 Learn more at AmericanCompass.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 min
  2. It's a Numbers Game: Ask Me Anything: Trump Strategy, Immigration, Polling Myths & Ranked Choice Voting

    3D AGO

    It's a Numbers Game: Ask Me Anything: Trump Strategy, Immigration, Polling Myths & Ranked Choice Voting

    On this special Ask Me Anything episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky dives into listener-submitted questions covering the biggest political, economic, and cultural debates shaping America today. From media narratives around immigration enforcement to the disconnect between economic data and public perception, Ryan breaks down what’s really driving voter anxiety—and why polling doesn’t always tell the full story. He also tackles ranked choice voting in Alaska, the future of key Senate races, and whether Republican messaging is missing the mark on major issues. Plus, Ryan shares personal stories—from his Queens upbringing to his take on political gossip—and answers thought-provoking questions on topics like the SAVE Act, crime statistics, and the role of institutions in shaping public policy. It’s a fast-moving, unfiltered episode packed with sharp analysis, candid commentary, and direct engagement with the audience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  3. It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Starmer’s Collapse, Farage’s Rise & Labour’s Leadership Crisis

    6D AGO

    It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Starmer’s Collapse, Farage’s Rise & Labour’s Leadership Crisis

    Is UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer running out of time? In this data-driven breakdown, pollster James Johnson of J&L Partners joins Ryan to unpack the numbers shaping Britain’s political future—and the warning signs flashing for Labour. From collapsing approval ratings to rising support for Nigel Farage, the polling tells a story of a leader losing authority, a party struggling to unify, and an electorate shifting in unpredictable ways. Johnson explains why Starmer may survive in the short term—but faces mounting pressure from within his own party, especially as key allies exit and potential rivals position themselves. The conversation dives into the real power dynamics inside Labour, including the influence of figures like Peter Mandelson, the fallout from Morgan McSweeney’s departure, and the contenders quietly preparing leadership bids. Plus, what do upcoming by-elections and local races reveal about Labour’s vulnerability? And perhaps most importantly—how does Farage factor into all of this? With Reform UK holding steady in the polls, Labour voters may be forced to choose between sticking with Starmer or rallying behind a new leader who can actually win. EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min
  4. It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Texas Going Blue in 2026: Cornyn’s Poll Slide, Paxton Factor & GOP Turnout Alert

    FEB 11

    It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Texas Going Blue in 2026: Cornyn’s Poll Slide, Paxton Factor & GOP Turnout Alert

    Is Texas actually in play for 2026 — or is the “Texas is turning blue” storyline getting ahead of the data? In this episode of The Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky starts with a look at the left’s escalating race-and-identity rhetoric, breaking down viral clips and why mainstream media outlets keep running interference when inflammatory language is aimed at “acceptable targets.” Ryan argues this isn’t random: today’s rhetoric becomes tomorrow’s policy. Then we move to the Lone Star State. After a high-profile special election sparks fresh “Texas is flipping” headlines, Ryan sits down with Kellen Jones, senior investigative reporter at The Dallas Express, to unpack what actually happened on the ground — including weather disruptions, turnout dynamics, local personality politics, and how suburban fault lines can distort national narratives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
  5. It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Republican Loyalty to Trump—and What It Means for the GOP’s Future

    FEB 9

    It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Republican Loyalty to Trump—and What It Means for the GOP’s Future

    In this episode, Ryan is joined by political analyst and Wake Up to Politics author Gabe Fleisher to break down the hard data behind Republican loyalty to Donald Trump. Drawing on an original analysis of nearly 500 Republicans who have served in Congress since 2017, Fleisher explains which lawmakers broke with Trump on key votes—and why most of them are no longer in office. The conversation explores impeachment votes, national emergencies, tariffs, war powers, and major legislative battles to reveal how the Republican Party has evolved over two Trump terms. Ryan and Gabe dig into the split between ideological purists and pragmatic moderates, the role of competitive swing districts, and why figures like Susan Collins, Rand Paul, Thomas Massie, and Brian Fitzpatrick land on opposite ends of the spectrum. They also examine what this data says about the post-Trump GOP: whether the party is becoming more ideologically consistent or simply more Trump-aligned—and what that means as Trump’s influence eventually recedes. A must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how power, loyalty, and numbers are reshaping the Republican Party from the inside. Check out Gabe's Substack HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  6. It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind the Texas Election Shock, the GOP’s Warning Signs & What Comes Next

    FEB 6

    It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind the Texas Election Shock, the GOP’s Warning Signs & What Comes Next

    In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the numbers behind the surprising results of a recent Texas special election and the significant swing toward Democrats that has Republicans on edge. Ryan analyzes what really drove the outcome — from flawed candidate selection and turnout dynamics to messaging failures that don’t always show up in the headlines. He also pushes back on media narratives predicting a Republican collapse in the upcoming midterm elections, offering a data-driven look at what the results actually signal nationwide.  The episode wraps with an Ask Me Anything segment, where Ryan tackles listener questions on the 14th Amendment, China’s population statistics, and other timely political debates. EMAIL RYAN HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min
  7. It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind GOP Midterm Targets, Ato Cash, and Pro-Israel Political Spending

    FEB 4

    It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind GOP Midterm Targets, Ato Cash, and Pro-Israel Political Spending

    In this episode, Ryan Girdusky and POLITICO's Jessica Piper break down the financial forces shaping the next election cycle. The conversation focuses on GOP midterm targets and how massive spending from the AI and cryptocurrency sectors is transforming modern political fundraising. They also examine the growing influence of pro-Israel political groups, how strategic investments affect candidate positioning, and what these funding trends mean for voter perception and campaign messaging. From emerging tech money to foreign policy advocacy, this episode digs into the numbers driving power, influence, and outcomes in today’s political landscape. Learn more about Jessica HERE EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
  8. It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Florida’s Wildest House Race

    FEB 2

    It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Florida’s Wildest House Race

    In this episode, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the numbers behind the new Melania Trump movie, reviewing its documentary-style approach, soundtrack choices, and where it falls short in offering deeper insight into Melania Trump’s life and public image. He then turns to Florida’s 19th congressional district, unpacking the unusual field of candidates, their backgrounds, and what the race reveals about the evolving political landscape in Florida. The episode wraps with "Ask Me Anything," where Ryan answers listener questions on elections, media narratives, and current political trends. EMAIL RYAN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
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About

Dive into the world of data with Ryan Girdusky, an acclaimed American political commentator and writer, on "It’s a Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky." In each episode, Ryan breaks down the most crucial data on politics, economics, and culture, providing you with the insights you need to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Whether you're a data enthusiast or just looking to understand the numbers behind the headlines, Ryan is your go-to source for in-depth analysis and engaging discussions. Listen to new episodes released every Monday and get the facts that matter - subscribe now and never miss an episode! Join the conversation and follow Ryan for exclusive insights on X.com/RyanGirdusky and Instagram.com/Ryan.James.Girdusky. Listeners of the podcast also receive a free 30-day trial to Ryan’s National Populist Newsletter at natpopnewsletter.com.

Information

  • Creator
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    It's A Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky

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