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

    5h ago

    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

  2. 4d ago

    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
  3. 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

  4. 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
  5. 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

  6. Jun 2

    9 Months to Impact: Trump s Betrayal and America's Coming Crash

    Donald Trump promised lower prices and a stronger economy. Instead, Americans facing a devastating economic shock in the coming months. Matt Robison speaks with Anne Kim and Ira Shapiro, co-editors of Betrayed: America Didn't Vote for This, about the long-term consequences of Trump's second term, the damage to institutions, the rule of law, government competence, medical research, and democracy itself.Then Matt is joined by Lawrence Winnerman to discuss his blockbuster analysis of why rising energy costs, supply-chain disruptions, inflation pressures, and the AI economy may be setting the stage for a major economic downturn. They explore the hidden costs of the Iran conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, the growing gap between Wall Street and the real economy, and whether artificial intelligence could eliminate millions of white-collar jobs.Subscribe to Worth Knowing for independent analysis you won't find anywhere else: https://worthknowing.substack.com#Trump #Economy #Recession #Inflation #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Politics #Project2025 #Substack #WorthKnowing #LawrenceWinterman #AnneKim #IraShapiro #DonaldTrump #EconomicCrisis #WhiteCollarJobs #MiddleClass #Tariffs #Iran #StockMarket00:00 Introduction: Actions, consequences, and America's coming economic shock01:17 Why Trump won in 2024—and why many voters feel betrayed03:35 Introducing Anne Kim and Ira Shapiro04:29 The most destructive thing Trump has done06:26 DOGE, federal workforce cuts, and institutional damage08:17 Elections, democracy, and public trust10:24 What insiders say privately about Trump13:12 The assault on the rule of law15:02 Damage that may never be reversed16:10 Can America's political culture recover?18:07 Why former Trump voters are turning against him19:11 The meaning of "Betrayed"21:18 Trump's legislative legacy and the SALT deduction debate22:05 What the authors hope this book will accomplish23:17 Citizen action and political accountability24:07 Can institutional damage be repaired?25:08 Has Trump created a playbook for future presidents?26:31 The critical choice facing America in 202828:38 Transition to Lawrence Winterman29:42 The economic consequences are coming30:20 Oil tankers, inventory cushions, and delayed inflation33:19 When consumers will begin to feel the impact34:13 Why even reopening the Strait of Hormuz may not help35:18 The long-term "stupidity tax"36:32 Known consequences vs. unknown consequences37:13 AI spending, recession risks, and economic distortion39:34 AI, white-collar jobs, and the coming disruption40:16 Why the stock market is disconnected from the real economy41:11 Are tech CEOs quietly preparing for a major shift?43:04 AI layoffs and corporate adoption44:08 Could AI replace millions of white-collar jobs?45:12 Is the AI boom becoming a bubble?46:06 What AI means for writers, creators, and Substack47:18 How AI is changing work inside major corporations49:39 Could AI create more jobs than it destroys?50:25 The productivity gap explained52:33 What happens during economic transitions?53:37 Ross Perot's "giant sucking sound" revisited54:34 Trump's failure to prepare America for AI55:14 Policy ideas to soften the transition56:20 Universal basic income and other proposals57:24 Why the real problem is that we're not having the conversation58:03 The benefits—and risks—of technological progress59:14 Should AI be taxed?1:00:04 Why America may already be running out of time1:01:00 Final thoughts and next week's episode📚 Guests:Anne Kim — Author and policy expertIra Shapiro — Former Senate staffer and authorLawrence Winterman — Writer at Blue Ant Media📰 Read more from Matt Robison:https://worthknowing.substack.com🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on politics, economics, democracy, technology, and the future of America.

    1h 2m
  7. Trump Is Losing Touch With Reality

    May 30

    Trump Is Losing Touch With Reality

    Trump’s Iran strategy is spiraling, Republicans are openly panicking, Senate confirmations are collapsing, and Donald Trump increasingly appears trapped inside an alternate reality built by loyalty, flattery, and political fear.In this episode of Political Rehab, Matt Robison and Matt Wylie break down:Trump’s chaotic Iran negotiationswhy Republicans fear the economic fallout is only beginningthe shocking Texas Senate result that could backfire on the GOPwhy Trump may no longer control the Senatethe growing questions surrounding Trump’s health and Walter Reed visitsthe increasingly surreal cabinet meetings and authoritarian-style praise ritualsthe Democratic Party autopsy and what Democrats actually need to changewhy inflation, immigration, and branding defeated Kamala Harrishow Democrats could become the party of change againand why AI taxes and sovereign wealth funds may become major political ideas in the futurePLUS:A Dose of Hope on what Americans across BOTH parties still agree on — and why the country may not be as divided as it feels.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro — “Stuck in Neutral”00:22 Trump’s Iran deal confusion begins01:10 Trump claims Iran deal is close01:45 Republicans panic over economic fallout02:25 Commodity shortages and inflation warning03:35 Ken Paxton crushes Cornyn in Texas04:15 Can Democrats actually win Texas?05:10 Why Paxton could hurt Republicans nationally06:00 “Republicans are stupid”06:45 Trump’s Senate confirmation crisis07:30 Tulsi Gabbard resignation fallout08:05 GOP senators turning against Trump09:05 Trump’s Walter Reed visits and health questions10:15 “Superhuman Trump” messaging11:00 Rick Wilson says Trump may be seriously ill12:00 Why the media may be missing the real story12:35 Trump’s cabinet praise spectacle13:20 Is Trump trapped in an alternate reality?14:05 “North Korea tribute video”15:00 Nixon comparisons and informational isolation15:45 Rundown recap — authoritarian feedback loop18:05 Deep Dive — the Democratic autopsy19:00 Why the Democratic report failed20:00 The real reasons Harris lost20:20 Inflation, immigration, and Democratic branding21:10 Why incumbents collapsed globally in 202421:40 Democrats’ identity crisis22:20 Immigration perceptions vs reality23:00 Bill Clinton and the “New Democrat” model23:40 Democrats and the politics of change24:10 “Shock to the system” voters25:00 Matt Wylie on political branding26:05 The McDonald’s McDLT analogy27:00 How Democrats can defuse culture wars28:00 Why voters wanted change more than Trump29:00 What Democrats must learn for 202829:45 AI taxes and sovereign wealth funds31:05 Dose of Hope — Americans may agree more than we think33:30 Stephen Colbert, Walter Reed, and political satire35:00 Final thoughts📩 Subscribe to Worth Knowing with Matt Robison:https://worthknowing.substack.com🎥 Subscribe to the Worth Knowing YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@worthknowing-mattrobison/featured#Trump #Politics #PoliticalRehab #Iran #Republicans #Democrats #KamalaHarris #Election2028 #KenPaxton #JohnCornyn #TexasPolitics #Inflation #Immigration #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #WalterReed #TrumpHealth #Authoritarianism #PoliticalAnalysis #MattRobison #MattWylie #WorthKnowing #USPolitics #Senate #MAGA #GOP #StephenColbert #PoliticalComedy #Economy #News #YouTubePolitics

    36 min

  8. May 27

    The Epstein Trump Russia Connection Nobody's Talking About

    What is Donald Trump really hiding in the Epstein files? Investigative journalist and author Greg Olear joins Matt Robison for a deep dive into the underreported connections between Jeffrey Epstein, Russian organized crime, intelligence agencies, dark money networks, and Donald Trump.Most people think the Epstein story is simply about sex trafficking. Greg argues it was much bigger than that: a sprawling global network involving money laundering, oligarchs, kompromat, intelligence operations, and some of the most powerful people in the world.Drawing from his explosive new book Another Wonderful Secret: Infrequently Asked Questions About Jeffrey Epstein, Olear explains why Trump may still be desperately trying to suppress the Epstein files — and why the real story may have less to do with sex scandals and more to do with corruption, hidden money, and geopolitical influence.This conversation explores:Epstein’s role as a financial fixer and “connector”Russian mob boss Semion Mogilevich and the Russian mafia connectionRobert Maxwell, Ghislaine Maxwell, and intelligence tiesTrump’s long history with Russian money and oligarchsWhy the FBI and DOJ may still be protecting explosive informationHow kompromat and elite influence networks actually workThe hidden architecture of modern kleptocracyWhether Epstein’s infrastructure still exists todayWhy this story matters for democracy itself0:00 Intro — The Epstein story most people are missing1:10 Epstein as fixer, money mover, and intelligence connector2:15 Why the Epstein files are still being suppressed3:05 America’s slide toward kleptocracy3:45 Greg Olear joins the show4:25 Was Epstein more than a sex trafficker?5:20 Dalton School, Bear Stearns, and Epstein’s rise8:00 The hidden importance of the 1980s8:45 Arms deals, offshore money, and intelligence agencies10:10 Ehud Barak and intelligence connections11:20 How Epstein became indispensable to powerful people14:00 Epstein’s networking power and elite access15:30 Enter the Russian connection16:05 Who was Semion Mogilevich?17:15 Robert Maxwell, organized crime, and trafficking networks19:20 Why Epstein’s real business may have been dirty money20:05 Trump, Russia, and 1980s money laundering21:15 Did Trump know the Maxwells earlier than reported?22:10 Trump and Epstein become intertwined23:10 Trust-washing through elite connections25:10 Why Trump’s Russia ties are not really disputed26:15 Was Epstein a Russian asset?27:15 How Epstein accumulated elite secrets28:10 The scale of Epstein’s financial operations29:15 Suspicious transactions and hidden wealth31:00 Kompromat and control32:15 The power Epstein gained from knowing secrets33:05 JPMorgan, Jess Staley, and financial protection35:15 What is Trump really afraid of in the Epstein files?37:00 Theories about what could still be hidden39:30 Allegations involving Trump and minors41:00 The Katie Johnson allegations explained43:10 ICE threats and intimidation patterns44:00 Does Epstein’s infrastructure still exist today?45:00 Jared Kushner and modern influence networks47:00 “Coincidence theory” vs conspiracy theory48:00 Who was really calling the shots?49:00 Where does this story go next?50:15 Global authoritarianism and shifting alliances51:10 What intelligence agencies may still know52:00 Why understanding corruption matters53:15 Signs authoritarians may be hitting resistance54:20 Trump’s growing political vulnerabilities55:00 Greg Olear’s new book and closing thoughts📚 Greg Olear’s book:Another Wonderful Secret: Infrequently Asked Questions About Jeffrey Epstein🔔 Subscribe for more longform political analysis, interviews, and deep dives:Worth Knowing with Matt Robison#Trump #Epstein #Russia #JeffreyEpstein #DonaldTrump #GregOlear #Politics #Kleptocracy #Corruption #RussiaGate #MAGA #Authoritarianism #Podcast #PoliticalAnalysis #WorthKnowing #BeyondPolitics #GhislaineMaxwell #SemionMogilevich #Putin #DarkMoney

    56 min
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4.7
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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
    835
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Matt Robison
  • Show Website
    Beyond Politics

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