Getting It Right: History, Politics & Power with Rick Wagner

Rick Wagner
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What can history teach us about the political battles of today? On Getting It Right, Rick Wagner examines politics, history, government, and the struggle for power from a conservative and classical-liberal perspective. From local controversies to national politics and international affairs, the program explores the larger forces behind the news: how institutions succeed or fail, how political decisions shape our lives, and why the lessons of history still matter. Independent-minded commentary, historical perspective, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom—including our own.

  1. 2d ago

    The Cost of Convenience: What Are We Giving Up?

    Your paycheck buys less, the American Dream costs more, free speech is increasingly negotiable, and artificial intelligence may be teaching the next generation how not to think. From inflation and generational frustration to government censorship and AI in the classroom, we examine the hidden costs of modern progress. Are we trading away our prosperity, our freedoms, and our ability to think for ourselves—all in the name of convenience?

  2. Oct 2

    Are We Losing the Ability to Live Together?

    From political messaging embedded in popular entertainment to social media algorithms that reward anger, something is changing in American culture. In this episode of The Wagner Report/Getting It Right, Rick Wagner examines the growing influence of ideology in entertainment, including shows like For All Mankind, and the increasingly volatile nature of everyday interactions. Why do minor disagreements so readily escalate into hostility? What happens when clicks, confrontation, and outrage become more valuable than reason and restraint? A look at the cultural forces reshaping public behavior—and whether the unwritten rules that once helped hold a civil society together are beginning to unravel.

  3. Sep 25

    The Wagner Report: Media, AI, and the Battle for an Informed America

    Rick Wagner examines the decline of local journalism, the rise of sensationalized media, and how social platforms can reward performance over substance. He also looks at weakening literacy and critical-thinking skills, the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare, and why technological strength and an informed public are increasingly important to national stability.

  4. Sep 18

    When the Foundations Erode

    From Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to crime, education, and cultural conflict at home, this episode looks at what happens when the foundations of a society begin to weaken. Rick Wagner examines personal responsibility, moral authority, family, and the lessons of history—and asks what holds a civilization together when those supports begin to disappear.

  5. Sep 11

    Judgment Under Pressure: Murder Trials and Modern War

    How do we judge responsibility—in a courtroom or on the world stage? Rick Wagner examines the Lindsay Clancy case, explaining the distinctions among murder, manslaughter, and criminal responsibility when severe mental illness is at issue. He then turns to Pete Hegseth’s leadership and the debate over military readiness, lethality, and social priorities. Russian provocations and Iran’s economic troubles round out a conservative assessment of how legal standards, institutional decisions, and national power shape events—and their consequences.

  6. Sep 4

    The State of Texas and the Fragile Republic

    Rick Wagner examines the Texas Senate race, questioning recent polling and candidate viability before turning to broader concerns about debt, regulation, and America’s economic competitiveness. He also discusses the strategic importance of AI and robotics, rising tensions with Russia, Ukraine’s manpower challenges, and the growing threat posed by increasingly aligned U.S. adversaries.

  7. Aug 22

    Economic Shifts and the Modern Labor Landscape

    Radio host Rick Wagner discusses the economic challenges facing Iran and Cuba, suggesting that these authoritarian regimes maintain control by suppressing their populations despite long-term sanctions. He explores China’s growing global influence, noting how its support for these nations serves to distract and stretch United States military resources. Shifting to domestic issues, Wagner examines the realities of inflation, explaining that while the rate of increase may slow, prices remain high and continue to burden families. He criticizes the Federal Reserve's limited tools and argues that rising labor costs and government regulations create significant obstacles for small businesses and restaurants. Additionally, the host addresses voter apathy in primary elections, asserting that low turnout allows extreme candidates to win in one-party urban areas. Ultimately, the text highlights the interconnectedness of global politics, local governance, and personal financial stability.

  8. Jul 16

    Forecasting the Fallout: Why the News Repeats Itself and What Happens When Expectations Outpace Opportunity

    Synopsis In this episode, Rick Wagner dives deep into the underlying mechanics of history, challenging the idea that the repetitive nature of our modern news cycle is just a coincidence. Moving past simple predictions, Rick explores the science of forecasting social and political cycles through the lens of cliodynamics—a field pioneered by evolutionary biologist and complexity researcher Peter Turchin. The conversation centers on the critical concept of "elite overproduction," explaining how societies historically trigger their own unrest by producing more highly credentialed, ambitious individuals than there are positions of influence and leadership to absorb them. Rick traces this volatile pattern through the fall of Rome, the French Revolution, and the Russian Revolution, drawing striking parallels to our modern landscape.

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About

What can history teach us about the political battles of today? On Getting It Right, Rick Wagner examines politics, history, government, and the struggle for power from a conservative and classical-liberal perspective. From local controversies to national politics and international affairs, the program explores the larger forces behind the news: how institutions succeed or fail, how political decisions shape our lives, and why the lessons of history still matter. Independent-minded commentary, historical perspective, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom—including our own.

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