Beyond Politics

Matt Robison
  • 4.7 (111)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    Socialists Won. Democrats Are Panicking. Is Everyone Missing the Real Story?

    After Zohran Mamdani's endorsed slate swept three New York primaries, headlines screamed that the Democratic establishment is in crisis. Fox News is thrilled. Trump's calling it a "communist" surge. And today, as Colorado votes in primaries being framed as the next test of a Democratic civil war, Matt makes the case that everyone — right-wing media, mainstream media, and panicked Democrats alike — is missing what's actually going on.Jonathan Larsen of The F*****g News (and former producer for Chris Hayes, Keith Olbermann, and Rachel Maddow) joins Matt to dig into whether this is really an ideological shift toward democratic socialism, or a hunger for fighters and change that cuts across ideology — and Jonathan pushes back hard, making the case that you can't separate "change" from what people are actually fighting for.Plus: today's three blockbuster Supreme Court rulings — birthright citizenship, transgender athletes, and a campaign finance decision that could quietly help Democrats more than it hurts them — and a closing conversation on what Jonathan calls "ideological corruption" on the Supreme Court, plus Trump's chaotic 250th-anniversary State Fair.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Cold open: today's Supreme Court rulings teased00:24 – Monologue: is the "Democratic civil war" story being misread?05:00 – Jonathan Larsen joins the show06:00 – The core debate: change and fighters, or rising progressivism?12:00 – Organizing, incumbency, and getting "out-organized"19:00 – Live chat: AOC vs. MTG — why the comparison doesn't hold24:00 – Supreme Court: birthright citizenship ruling27:00 – TPS, mass deportations, and Stephen Miller30:00 – Supreme Court: transgender athletes ruling40:00 – Supreme Court: the campaign finance ruling that could help Democrats50:00 – Jonathan's Substack picks: corruption, the State Fair fiasco, and mail-in voting58:00 – Closing thoughts🔗 Jonathan Larsen — The F*****g News → https://thefuckingnews.substack.com🔗 Jonathan Larsen's original reporting → https://jonathanlarsen.substack.com🔗 Matt Robison — Worth Knowing → https://worthknowing.substack.com🔗 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowingwithMattRobison🎧 Beyond Politics Podcast → search "Beyond Politics" on Spotify#Mamdani #DemocraticParty #DSA #DemocraticSocialism #Politics2026 #Midterms2026 #SupremeCourt #BirthrightCitizenship #TransgenderAthletes #CampaignFinance #ColoradoPrimary #TPS #Immigration #TrumpAdministration #WorthKnowing #TheFuckingNews #JonathanLarsen #MattRobison #NYCPolitics #ProgressivePolitics #AOC #ZohranMamdani

    1h 2m
  2. Trump Just Blew Up His Own Party

    5d ago

    Trump Just Blew Up His Own Party

    Donald Trump just blew up his own party. This week on Political Rehab, Matt Robison and Republican strategist Matt Wylie break down Trump's stunning decision to derail his own housing bill just before its signing ceremony, the explosive shouting match inside the Senate Republican lunch, a major court defeat for Trump's voting agenda, and the new strategy Republicans may be pursuing ahead of the midterm elections.They also examine growing Democratic anxiety after New York's progressive primary victories, launch another edition of The Battlefield with the latest midterm analysis, and finish with a Dose of Hope celebrating America's 250th birthday and remarkable new medical breakthroughs.If you want analysis based on facts, evidence, polling, and campaign strategy—not partisan talking points—subscribe and join us every week.📬 Read Matt's Substack:https://worthknowing.substack.com▶️ Subscribe to Worth Knowing with Matt Robison:https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowingMattRobisonChapters00:00 Introduction00:43 Trump Blows Up the Housing Bill03:34 Trump's Senate Meltdown06:07 Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Voting Order09:13 USPS, Mail Ballots & Trump's Election Strategy12:08 Democrats' Progressive Problem?15:16 The Battlefield Begins15:50 Why Republicans Love the New York Results17:30 Ohio Fundraising Surprise19:16 Why Congressional Republicans Are This Week's Biggest Losers20:33 Midterm Dashboard: What the Data Says22:48 Three Republican Hopes Collapse25:42 This Week's Dose of Hope28:35 Medical Breakthroughs You Probably MissedIn this episodeDonald TrumpTrump housing billSenate Republican fightBill CassidySAVE America ActVoting rightsMail-in ballotsUSPS controversyFederal court rulingVoter suppressionMidterm elections2026 electionDemocratic PartyZohran MamdaniDemocratic SocialistsRepublican strategyOhio governor raceVivek RamaswamyCampaign fundraisingPolitical pollingCharlie CookPolitical RehabMatt RobisonMatt WylieSubscribe for new episodes every week covering:U.S. politicsCongressElectionsPollingCampaign strategyPolitical analysisDemocracyPublic policyBreaking political news#PoliticalRehab #Trump #Politics #Midterms #Congress #Election2026 #VotingRights #Republicans #Democrats #PoliticalAnalysis #MattRobison #WorthKnowing #CampaignStrategy #USElections #NewsAnalysis

    30 min

  3. Jun 23

    A Constitutional Scholar Warns: Democrats Aren't Ready for What's Coming

    Senate Democrats are already war-gaming scenarios involving ballot seizures, armed federal agents at polling places, voter intimidation, and election interference ahead of the 2026 midterms.But constitutional law professor and former federal prosecutor Kim Wehle says those preparations may not be enough.In this conversation, Matt Robison and Kim Wehle examine the real risks facing the 2026 elections, the limits of existing legal safeguards, the role of state prosecutors, what the Supreme Court may do next, and why she believes Americans need to start thinking differently about defending democracy.Kim Wehle is an ABC News legal contributor, former Assistant U.S. Attorney, former Associate Independent Counsel in the Whitewater investigation, and author of How to Read the Constitution—and Why, What You Need to Know About Voting—and Why, and Pardon Power.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Is America Prepared?02:14 Senate Democrats' Election Defense Plan04:48 Why Kim Wehle Isn't Optimistic07:15 Voting Rights, Gerrymandering & Mail Ballots10:00 Trump's "Election Integrity Army"12:00 "We're Already There"15:20 Federal Agents at Polling Places?17:00 Could Troops Be Deployed?20:00 Why Denial Is Dangerous22:00 Fighting Back Without Fear24:00 Lessons from the Declaration of Independence27:00 What Citizens Can Do Right Now30:00 Election Protection Efforts Explained34:00 Why Lower Courts Still Matter37:15 The State Prosecution Theory40:00 Can States Go After Trump Officials?45:00 Mail Ballots and Postal Service Concerns47:45 Supreme Court Postal Service Ruling52:00 Supreme Court Cases to Watch53:30 Birthright Citizenship Case55:00 Final ThoughtsFollow Kim WehleKim's Substack:https://kimwehle.substack.comFollow Worth KnowingSubstack:https://worthknowing.substack.comYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@worthknowing-mattrobisonTopics2026 Midterms, Election Protection, Kim Wehle, Constitutional Law, Supreme Court, Birthright Citizenship, Voting Rights, Mail Ballots, Democracy, Trump Administration, Rule of Law, Federal Courts, Election Interference, Voting Access, State Prosecutors, Election Security, Constitutional Crisis#KimWehle #Midterms2026 #ElectionProtection #Democracy #Constitution #RuleOfLaw #VotingRights #BirthrightCitizenship #SupremeCourt #WorthKnowing #MattRobison

    56 min
  4. Trump Is Leaving Republicans Confused (Plus: The Battlefield)

    Jun 21

    Trump Is Leaving Republicans Confused (Plus: The Battlefield)

    Did Donald Trump just have his worst week of his second term?This week on Political Rehab, Matt Robison and Matt Wylie break down Trump's controversial Iran deal, the bizarre FISA standoff that left Congressional Republicans openly confused, a strange and meandering G7 summit performance, Trump's latest public-relations disasters at home, and the increasingly active 2028 presidential shadow primary.Plus: We debut our new segment, The Battlefield, where we track the key indicators shaping the 2026 midterms and explain what political insiders are actually watching right now.Subscribe for weekly analysis where facts matter more than spin.Subscribe to Worth Knowing with Matt Robison:https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowingMattRobisonRead Matt's Substack:https://worthknowing.substack.comTimestamps00:00 Introduction01:00 Trump's Iran Deal: Peace Agreement or Surrender?03:54 The FISA Standoff Leaves Republicans Mystified06:20 G7 Summit: Managing Trump or Leading Allies?08:57 Cleanup on Aisle Trump12:15 The 2028 Presidential Shadow Primary Begins15:25 The Battlefield: Where the Midterms Stand Right Now16:02 Georgia, Jon Ossoff, and the Senate Map17:35 Republican Affordability Messaging Tests20:12 Follow the Money: What GOP Spending Reveals21:56 Midterm Dashboard and Key Indicators25:36 Is Ohio Becoming a Democratic Opportunity?27:04 Dose of Hope: The World Cup's Love Letter to America28:57 Trump's Reflecting Pool Becomes a Literal Swamp30:40 Closing ThoughtsTopics CoveredDonald TrumpTrump Iran DealIran Peace AgreementVersailles TreatyFISA ReauthorizationSAVE ActBill PulteJay ClaytonJohn ThuneCongressional RepublicansG7 SummitUkraine AidNATOGavin NewsomJon OssoffJ.D. VanceMarco Rubio2028 Presidential ElectionMidterm ElectionsHouse ElectionsSenate ElectionsGeorgia PoliticsOhio Senate RaceSherrod BrownPolitical AnalysisPolitical RehabMatt RobisonMatt Wylie#Politics #PoliticalRehab #Trump #Iran #G7 #FISA #JDVance #GavinNewsom #JonOssoff #Midterms #Congress #Ukraine #Democrats #Republicans #WorthKnowing #MattRobison #PoliticalAnalysis #Election2026 #Election2028New episodes of Political Rehab every week.Facts. Context. Evidence. No partisan talking points.

    31 min

  5. Jun 17

    The People Who Broke American Politics Are Finally Leaving

    Ten years ago, a faction of Republicans set out to stop Donald Trump. They were right about nearly everything. And they failed.This week, Matt Robison is joined by writer and former Never Trump ghostwriter Melissa Amour for an inside look at why the movement failed, what she learned working behind the scenes, and what happens next as the Baby Boomer generation that shaped modern American politics begins to leave the stage.Along the way, Matt and Melissa discuss Trump's Iran deal, the collapse of traditional Republican opposition, Democratic branding problems, AI, Social Security, generational change, and whether Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z can build something better than the political system they've inherited.If you're interested in the future of American politics—not just the next election—this conversation is for you.Subscribe to Worth Knowing with Matt Robison:https://worthknowing.substack.comSubscribe to Melissa Amour:https://theinsideoutsider.substack.comXYZ: Politics After the Boom:https://xyzpolitics.substack.comCHAPTERS0:00 Introduction: Failure and Hope2:30 The political failure that gave us Trump5:40 Melissa Amour joins the show7:00 Why Never Trump failed9:00 The moment Republicans lost control of the party12:00 Why Melissa left the Republican Party13:30 From political movement to media business16:00 Did Never Trump lose the plot?17:00 What Melissa learned as a ghostwriter20:00 Why political insiders are more scared than they seem21:00 Can Democrats persuade Republicans?24:00 Democratic branding and the 2024 election29:00 Introducing XYZ: Politics After the Boom30:00 Will younger generations change politics?35:00 AI, jobs, and generational conflict39:00 Social Security, Medicare, and the coming fiscal crisis49:00 Building politics beyond red versus blue52:00 Is there hope after Trump?54:00 Final thoughtsABOUT MELISSA AMOURMelissa Amour is the author of The Inside Outsider on Substack and spent years working behind the scenes inside the Never Trump movement as a political ghostwriter. Her new project, XYZ: Politics After the Boom, explores what American politics looks like when Generations X, Y, and Z inherit leadership from the Baby Boom generation.ABOUT WORTH KNOWINGWorth Knowing with Matt Robison explores politics, economics, technology, history, science, and the ideas shaping America's future.New episodes every week.Subscribe:https://worthknowing.substack.comYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowingwithMattRobison#NeverTrump #Trump #Politics #AmericanPolitics #MelissaAmour #GenX #Millennials #GenZ #BabyBoomers #PoliticalAnalysis #Democrats #Republicans #Election2026 #Midterms #SocialSecurity #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Iran #ForeignPolicy #WorthKnowing #MattRobison #Substack #PoliticalRehab #PoliticalPodcast #Democracy #FutureOfPoliticsSEO keywords: Never Trump movement, Melissa Amour, Trump opposition, Republican Party, Democratic Party strategy, Gen X politics, Millennials politics, Gen Z politics, Social Security crisis, AI and jobs, Iran war, Trump foreign policy, political realignment, future of American politics, Worth Knowing with Matt Robison.

    55 min
  6. Trump Says He Loves Inflation?!?

    Jun 14

    Trump Says He Loves Inflation?!?

    Donald Trump says he loves inflation. Seriously. This week on Political Rehab, Matt Robison and Matt Wylie break down one of the strangest weeks of Trump's presidency as rising prices, a growing conflict with Iran, election conspiracy theories, media battles, and Trump's expanding sports empire all collide.The bigger question: is Trump betting against reality—and expecting voters to go along with it?In this episode:🔹 Trump responds to rising inflation with a shocking comment: "I love the inflation"🔹 The economic fallout from the Iran conflict and why Americans may soon feel it at the gas pump🔹 A major New York Times investigation into Trump's efforts to use the FBI, DOJ, and intelligence agencies to prove the "deep state" existed🔹 Why intelligence professionals are increasingly leaving government service🔹 Trump's explosive interview meltdown and walkout after being challenged on election claims🔹 California vote counting, election conspiracies, and the playbook Republicans may use in 2026🔹 Jill Biden's new memoir and why both parties may regret reopening the 2024 debate🔹 The Epstein story that neither party can seem to escape🔹 Deep Dive: Why Trump keeps showing up at the UFC, the World Cup, golf tournaments, and major sporting events🔹 The surprising connections between politics, sports, branding, power, and money🔹 FIFA, the World Cup, Dana White, professional golf, and the business of presidential accessIf politics increasingly feels like a reality show, this episode asks an uncomfortable question:Is Trump responding to reality—or creating his own version of it?📩 Subscribe to Worth Knowing with Matt Robison:https://worthknowing.substack.com🎥 Subscribe to the Worth Knowing YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowingMattRobisonCHAPTERS0:00 Intro — Trump Says He Loves Inflation0:58 Inflation, Iran, and the growing economic threat4:08 Trump's war with the intelligence community6:48 Trump's interview meltdown9:51 Election conspiracies and California12:40 Jill Biden, Epstein, and political baggage16:31 Deep Dive: Trump, sports, power, and money28:31 Dose of Hope: Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and the lost art of rivalry31:11 Dose of Hope: What the World Cup can teach AmericaABOUT POLITICAL REHABPolitical Rehab is where PTI meets The Daily Show.Every week, Matt Robison and Matt Wylie break down politics, policy, elections, media, and the biggest stories shaping America—with analysis, humor, facts, and a healthy dose of skepticism.#Trump #Politics #PoliticalRehab #MattRobison #MattWylie #Inflation #Iran #Election2026 #FIFA #WorldCup #UFC #DanaWhite #Media #IntelligenceCommunity #DOJ #FBI #PoliticalNews #PoliticalAnalysis #PoliticalPodcast #MAGA #ElectionNews #CampaignPolitics #YouTubePolitics

    33 min

  7. Jun 12

    America's Team Has a Chance to Change the World : The Story Behind the 2026 World Cup

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here — on American soil for the first time since 1994.And the U.S. Men’s National Team may be on the verge of something historic.In this episode, Matt Robison sits down with acclaimed soccer journalist and author Leander Schaerlaeckens (The Guardian, The Ringer) to explore why this World Cup matters far beyond sports. From Christian Pulisic and America’s “golden generation” to FIFA politics, ticket controversies, Donald Trump, and the future of soccer in the United States, this conversation explains why the biggest event on Earth could reshape American sports for decades.Leander is the author of The Long Game: U.S. Men's Soccer and Its Savage Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts, one of the most insightful books ever written about the rise of American soccer.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Why the World Cup may be the biggest human event on Earth04:15 Meet Leander Schaerlaeckens and The Long Game05:00 Why the World Cup matters even if you don't follow soccer07:00 How global the World Cup really is09:00 Messi, Ronaldo, and the final chapter of two legends10:40 Spain, France, England, and the favorites to watch12:00 Political controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup13:00 How the 1994 World Cup transformed soccer in America16:00 Why FIFA took control of the 2026 tournament17:45 Did FIFA work over U.S. Soccer?19:00 The ticket price controversy and accessibility problem21:00 Why 2026 may not leave the same legacy as 199422:00 The story of Weston McKennie and American player development24:00 The pay-to-play problem in U.S. youth soccer27:00 Why Texas could be producing far more elite players29:00 Gio Reyna, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and America’s stars30:15 How far can the USMNT realistically go?32:00 What success actually looks like for Team USA33:00 Why this World Cup could shape the next generation of players34:00 The opportunity America cannot afford to miss36:00 FIFA, Trump, money, and power39:00 Gianni Infantino’s relationship with Donald Trump41:00 Why soccer may be the ultimate capitalist sport43:30 The community and human connection behind soccer45:00 The most surprising story uncovered while writing The Long Game47:00 Team America and one of the strangest failures in U.S. soccer history49:00 The turning point that eventually led to today's USMNT50:00 Why every American should pay attention to this World Cup51:00 What makes the World Cup unlike anything else in the world52:30 Final thoughts and why the moment mattersAbout Leander SchaerlaeckensLeander Schaerlaeckens is a columnist for The Guardian, contributor to The Ringer, senior lecturer at Marist University, and one of America's leading soccer writers. He has covered multiple World Cups and authored The Long Game, the definitive history of the U.S. Men's National Team.Subscribe📩 Subscribe to Worth Knowing on Substack: worthknowing.substack.com🎙️ More interviews, analysis, politics, history, economics, technology, and ideas that are Worth Knowing.Keywords2026 World Cup, FIFA World Cup, USMNT, United States Men's National Team, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, Donald Trump, soccer politics, World Cup America, World Cup 2026 USA, soccer history, American soccer, Major League Soccer, MLS, youth soccer, pay to play soccer, World Cup economics, Leander Schaerlaeckens, The Long Game, soccer book, World Cup preview, Team USA soccer#WorldCup2026 #USMNT #ChristianPulisic #Soccer #FIFA #WorldCup #AmericanSoccer #MLS #Football #WorthKnowing #LeanderSchaerlaeckens #LionelMessi #CristianoRonaldo #SportsPolitics #TeamUSA

    53 min
  8. Is Trump Now Running Out of Minions?

    Jun 6

    Is Trump Now Running Out of Minions?

    Trump's inner circle is shrinking, Republicans are showing signs of independence, and Democrats may be in a stronger position than most people realize heading into the 2026 midterms.In this episode of Political Rehab, Matt Robison and Matt Wylie break down the week's biggest political stories:🔹 Trump appoints Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence despite no intelligence background🔹 George Santos, prediction markets, crypto, and "Casino Washington"🔹 The growing CBS / 60 Minutes controversy and what it says about media and power🔹 Trump's Iran negotiations continue to unravel as Congress begins pushing back🔹 The escalating AI arms race and whether Washington is already losing control🔹 A deep dive into the real state of the 2026 midterm elections🔹 Why moderate Democrats may be stronger than many progressives realize🔹 Iowa, Alaska, South Carolina, California, Maine, and the races that could decide control of Congress🔹 Why Republicans may finally be showing signs of resistance to Trump🔹 And Trump's spectacular Freedom 250 concert embarrassmentIf you care about where American politics is heading next, this is one you won't want to miss.📩 Subscribe to Worth Knowing with Matt Robison:https://worthknowing.substack.com🎥 Subscribe to the Worth Knowing YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowingMattRobisonCHAPTERS0:00 Intro — Is Trump Running Out of Minions...and Friends?0:45 The Acting Government: Bill Pulte and Trump's loyalty test3:00 Housing crisis, intelligence failures, and why qualifications no longer matter4:00 Casino Washington: George Santos and prediction markets5:00 Trump crypto profits and insider trading concerns7:05 Who Killed CBS?8:00 Scott Pelley, 60 Minutes, Colbert, and media capitulation10:00 The Art of No Deal: Iran negotiations unravel11:00 Congress starts pushing back on Trump's war powers13:00 AI Arms Race: Is Washington already losing?15:00 AI taxes, worker displacement, and the future economy16:40 Deep Dive: The real state of the 2026 midterms17:00 Trump's approval, economic sentiment, and the generic ballot19:00 Why Democrats are favored to flip the House20:00 Senate races: Maine, Alaska, North Carolina, Ohio21:00 Special elections and Democratic enthusiasm22:00 The strongest evidence Democrats are gaining ground22:40 South Carolina and Trump's endorsements24:20 California and the politics of change25:00 Why moderate Democrats may be stronger than people think27:00 Graham Platner, Susan Collins, and Maine28:20 Alaska, Dan Sullivan, and the Senate map29:20 Dose of Hope: Republicans finally show signs of life31:10 Trump's Freedom 250 concert disaster33:00 "The Earth's most disliked man"34:00 Final thoughtsABOUT POLITICAL REHABPolitical Rehab is where PTI meets The Daily Show.Every week, Matt Robison and Matt Wylie break down politics, policy, elections, media, and the biggest stories shaping America—with analysis, humor, facts, and a healthy dose of skepticism.#Trump #Politics #PoliticalRehab #MattRobison #MattWylie #Midterms #Election2026 #Democrats #Republicans #Congress #Iran #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #CBS #60Minutes #GeorgeSantos #BillPulte #TrumpAdministration #PoliticalNews #PoliticalAnalysis #USPolitics #WorthKnowing #NewsAnalysis #PoliticalPodcast #MAGA #ElectionNews #Campaign2026 #Trump2026 #YouTubePolitics

    34 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Robison
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    838
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Matt Robison
  • Show Website
    Beyond Politics

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