The Zach Rateliff Show

Zach Rateliff
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The Zach Rateliff Show is a conservative podcast grounded in a Christian worldview, based in Texarkana, Texas. Where faith and conviction meet the pressing questions of the day. With a steady voice and an unwavering commitment to truth, Zach shines a light on the state and national issues that shape the lives of ordinary Americans. He speaks as one of them, not from behind a polished corporate curtain, and gives listeners an honest, unvarnished perspective drawn from the heart of everyday life. Each episode is an invitation to cut through the noise and see the news with clarity, courage, and a firm foundation.

  1. 2d ago

    Working Through the Talarico Dustup Like Men - Brandon Cowan, Joe Teel & George - ZRS 281

    Zach Rateliff gathers his regular crew—George, Joe, Brandon, and a surprise guest, a 16‑year‑old high‑school reporter—to dissect the chaotic Tallarico rally and its aftermath. The panel walks through the teenager’s on‑the‑ground interview, highlighting how the candidate’s evasive tactics turned a potentially authentic moment into a media misstep. Zach admits his own slip‑up: a social‑media post that blended observation with opinion without clear labeling, prompting a public correction and apology. The conversation then pivots to the broader struggle for journalistic integrity, with Zach and George debating the impossibility of pure objectivity in political coverage and the responsibility to flag bias. The group also tackles partisan dynamics, from Adam Hamilton’s pastor‑politician paradox to the murky “Republicans for Paxton” label that obscures the real party structure. They argue that campaign money flows—like the $92 million spent against Paxton—should be scrutinized, and they voice support for outsider candidates such as Jen Mack. Later, the dialogue shifts to policy hot‑buttons: data‑center development on public land, the controversial castle doctrine, and the push for military bases to become self‑sufficient for 90 days in the event of an EMP or nuclear attack. Both veterans on the show weigh the practicality versus the fear‑mongering of such measures, questioning who truly benefits from the spending. Throughout, Zach emphasizes accountability: when a mistake is pointed out, he owns it, apologizes, and vows greater self‑awareness. The episode ends on a hopeful note, urging listeners to demand transparent coverage, thoughtful policy, and leaders of character. Listeners will walk away with a clearer picture of how media bias, political theater, and security policies intersect, and why holding both journalists and politicians to higher standards matters. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 3d ago

    Natalie Debenport - 16-Year-Old Texas High Student on Podcast Dreams, What Drives Her & the Talarico Rally Interview That Never Happened - ZRS 280

    In this candid conversation, teenage journalist Natalie Davenport shares the inside story of covering Senate candidate James Tallarico’s rally for Texas High School Publications. Natalie explains how her advisor urged her to chase an interview, how she documented the event with an OSMO, and why the 13‑minute speech left her cringing. She breaks down the rally’s thin messaging, the repetitive talking points about opponents, and the strategic “Republican‑Democrat” dance that felt more like a whistle‑stop show than a policy forum. Natalie also reflects on how her Christian conservative values shape her view of the candidates. She calls out the lack of substance on abortion, gender‑transition policies, and other hot‑button issues, saying she wants future voters to hear concrete plans, not vague platitudes. Her faith informs three personal principles—Christ as savior, being a good father, and honoring her parents—that filter her political lens. Zach Rateliff probes the rally’s media tactics, the role of local sponsors, and the broader implications for a 16‑year‑old who will be eligible to vote in two years. The dialogue weaves together teenage journalism, faith‑based critique, and a behind‑the‑scenes look at how political rallies are staged for a Texas audience. Listeners get a rare glimpse of a high‑school reporter’s hustle, the challenges of unbiased reporting, and a heartfelt testimony about resilience, faith, and the desire to see real leadership when Natalie eventually steps into the voting booth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 4d ago

    Dale Huls Is Back - Ilhan Omar’s Troubles, the Talarico Race, and What’s Really at Stake in Texas

    Zach Rateliff steers a high‑octane conversation that cuts through the noise surrounding the Texas Attorney General showdown between Ken Paxton and John Tallarico. The host pulls no punches, calling out what he sees as left‑wing polling tricks and Fox News bias while defending the legitimacy of voter‑roll purges under existing state law. The episode weaves in the perspectives of local political actors – libertarian gubernatorial hopeful Colt Shelby, mayoral candidate Tammy Waters, and community organizer T.J. Wall – to illustrate how third‑party voices are trying to break the two‑party stranglehold. Zach also reflects on the surge of urban, “blue‑power” turnout, questioning whether the intensity of that vote can outweigh the sheer volume of rural, red Texas. A recurring thread is the controversy over Tallarico’s alleged Epstein deal and the broader narrative of PAC money shaping both campaigns. Zach argues that even a grain of truth can be weaponized into a full‑blown lie, especially when the media amplifies sensational claims. Beyond the race, the show tackles DEI as a divisive tool, the plight of Haitian migrants, and the constitutional limits on rights for illegal immigrants, all framed through Zach’s lens of biblical honesty and personal experience in Texas politics since the Tea Party era. The episode ends with a call to action for listeners to stay engaged, vote, and hold their representatives accountable. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Oct 22

    George Is Back - Responding to the Talarico Texarkana Rally & Yesterday’s Coverage - The Zach Rateliff Show - ZRS 278

    Zach Rateliff and his longtime sidekick George dive deep into the controversial reporting of the Tallarico rally in Texarkana. The duo tears apart the media’s narrative, calling out what they see as inaccurate language and selective storytelling. George recounts the on‑the‑ground vibe—peaceful signs, no violence, and a handful of confused veterans who felt “intimidated” by a few elderly protesters—while Zach argues the coverage was deliberately skewed to paint a hostile picture that never existed. The conversation shifts to the broader political landscape in Texas. Both hosts dissect early‑voting trends, the looming Paxton race, and the potential ripple effects on the Senate and House races. They warn that a mismanaged Republican strategy could hand the opposition a “cliff event” that reshapes the state’s political future. The SAVE Act, Paxson supporters, and the role of mail‑in ballots become focal points in their forecast. Interwoven with political analysis are personal anecdotes: Zach’s gratitude for his growing audience, George’s single‑dad life, and a heartfelt nod to their families and faith. Listeners get a raw, unfiltered look at how local events, media framing, and grassroots activism intersect in the fight for Texas’ next election cycle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Oct 21

    Inside the Talarico Texarkana Event - Crowd, Substance, and Did It Change Our Minds - Brandon Cowan & Joe Teel

    Zach Rateliff sits down with guests Brandon and Joe to unpack the chaotic Tallarico rally in Texarkana and the ripple effects on local politics. The trio walks listeners through the crowd’s makeup—long‑time city officials, out‑of‑state supporters, and a handful of vocal dissenters—while noting how the event’s atmosphere felt more like a staged showdown than a genuine town hall. They critique the Bowie County Republican Party’s organization, calling it “disorganized at best” and questioning whether the rally’s optics translate into any real influence on voters who already lean heavily Republican. The conversation pivots to the upcoming Ken Paxton appearance at the Texas Chuckwagon. Zach, Brandon, and Joe speculate on possible pushback, venue logistics, and how the presence of a high‑profile figure might shift the local dynamic. They weigh free‑speech arguments against the risk of turning the event into a spectacle, comparing the expected “Kool‑Aid‑man” moment to a Friday Night Lights‑style rally. Betting markets also enter the mix as a barometer of political sentiment. The hosts explain how wagering odds on Tallarico’s chances differ from traditional polls, offering a glimpse into how money can signal voter mood even when the bettors themselves won’t cast a ballot for the candidate. Throughout, Zach emphasizes his free‑speech absolutism while acknowledging the limits of rally‑day persuasion when crowds are already polarized. Listeners get a vivid sense of the Texarkana political landscape: a community split between entrenched Republican loyalty, skeptical independents, and a fringe of anti‑Tallarico activists. The episode ends with the crew planning to attend Paxton’s talk, promising a follow‑up analysis of the crowd’s reaction and any emerging grassroots resistance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Oct 20

    All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints Day & Purgatory - Catholic & Protestant Common Ground with Fr. William Burmester

    Zach Rateliff sits down with Father William, a nine‑year‑veteran priest serving three rural Arkansas parishes, to rethink Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and the mysteries of purgatory through a shared Christian lens. The conversation opens with vivid stories of farm blessings—600 cows in Ashdown, a pilgrimage‑style walk of parish boundaries, and the everyday presence of holy water and anointing oil in homes. Father William explains how these ancient practices still shape the domestic church, where parents act as spiritual leaders, echoing Protestant ideas of household authority. The duo then traces the historical roots of saints, martyrs, and the three‑fold church (militant, suffering, triumphant), showing how medieval “All Hallows” celebrations once honored those who died for the faith. They suggest reframing modern Halloween as a “celebration of saints,” swapping ghosts for holy role‑models and using the day to teach children about the body of Christ extending from earth to heaven. Both hosts affirm core Christian doctrines—baptism, the Nicene Creed, and the communion of saints—while acknowledging differences in how Catholics and Protestants approach intercession. Father William shares why Catholics pray to saints: not as rivals to Christ but as companions in a perfected relationship with God. Zach highlights the growing popularity of the Hallow app, which brings rosary prayers to a digital audience, and they discuss how technology can bridge tradition and culture. The episode also tackles the cultural “demonic” narrative surrounding Halloween, arguing that the fear can be transformed into a sanctifying practice when families intentionally bless their homes and teach the true purpose of the season. Community outreach stories—homeless ministry, prison visits, and local farm blessings—illustrate how shared faith actions can root good fruit in a world often overrun by negative influences. The conversation closes with a joint prayer for unity, the Overton window of religious dialogue, and a call to let every day, not just October 31, become a holy encounter. Listeners will walk away with practical ideas for household blessings, a fresh theological perspective on purgatory and saintly intercession, and a hopeful vision of Catholic‑Protestant collaboration around the most haunted time of year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Oct 19

    Fighting for East Texas - Susan Conway (SREC SD-1) & Casey Conway on Water Rights and the Marvin Nichols Reservoir - ZRS 275

    Zach Rateliff sits down with ranch‑wife Susan Conway and her husband Casey Conway to unpack the looming Marvin Nichols Reservoir. The Conways paint a vivid picture of life on East Texas ranches—horse‑back trail rides, family‑run cattle, and a deep‑rooted connection to the Sulphur River that feeds their groundwater. They argue that damming the river threatens not only their farms but the entire aquifer that sustains regional agriculture. Zach pushes the conversation toward the political arena, linking the reservoir debate to Republican Party priorities, the controversial Sharia‑law claim, and the upcoming 90th Texas Legislature session. The guests stress the importance of the Texas Water Development Board’s public‑comment process, urging listeners to testify online or via Zoom and to hold their representatives accountable. Throughout the interview, the trio ties water policy to food security, warning that dependence on distant supply chains makes the state vulnerable to external threats. They champion local self‑sufficiency—home‑grown gardens, stored meat, and resilient ranch practices—as a bulwark against a future where concrete‑filled reservoirs drown the very resources Texans rely on. Listeners leave with a clear call to action: monitor regional water plans, attend meetings, and make their voices heard before the next water‑rights bill hits the floor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Oct 14

    Rapid Fire News - Ilhan Omar Raid, Talarico’s, Disappearance, & Russian Diesel Hitting the US - Zach Rateliff Show - 274

    Zach Rateliff barrels through a barrage of headlines, stitching together a conservative take on today’s political chaos. He opens with a scathing rebuke of Kamala Harris for defending voter‑purge policies, then pivots to Texas poll numbers that show Ken Paxton, Greg Abbott and James Tallarico surging in a race he calls a media‑manufactured toss‑up. Rateliff slams the judge who signed a search warrant for Ilhan Omar as a partisan Democrat, and he applauds the new 10‑day deadline for refugees, framing it as common‑sense immigration enforcement. The host then links a Russian diesel shipment to soaring U.S. gas prices, blaming globalist interference and praising Trump’s energy moves, including the Alaska pipeline. A segment from Benny Johnson is used to debunk myths about Muslim signers of the Declaration of Independence, while Rateliff denounces “halal schools” and cultural decay. He rounds out the show with a Treasury‑Secretary‑led penalty on Bank of America for alleged Chinese money‑laundering, a warning about French election odds, and a rallying cry to back Ken Paxton and other GOP candidates. The episode is a nonstop, opinion‑driven sprint that ties election odds, immigration policy, energy strategy and cultural battles into a single, unapologetically bold narrative. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The Zach Rateliff Show is a conservative podcast grounded in a Christian worldview, based in Texarkana, Texas. Where faith and conviction meet the pressing questions of the day. With a steady voice and an unwavering commitment to truth, Zach shines a light on the state and national issues that shape the lives of ordinary Americans. He speaks as one of them, not from behind a polished corporate curtain, and gives listeners an honest, unvarnished perspective drawn from the heart of everyday life. Each episode is an invitation to cut through the noise and see the news with clarity, courage, and a firm foundation.

Information

  • Creator
    Zach Rateliff
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    280
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Zrateliff
  • Show Website
    The Zach Rateliff Show