The Zach Rateliff Show

Zach Rateliff

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. 5d ago

    Dale Huls Is Back - Talarico Part III, Undervoting the Ticket, and the Most Dangerous Voting Bloc - ZRS 271

    Zach Rateliff sits down with longtime guest Dale to dissect the unsettling rise of socialism and Sharia support in America, the paradox of protest voting, and the high‑stakes Texas midterms. They unpack a Gallup poll that shows 43% of Americans now view socialism positively and reveal that 21% of voters aged 18‑35 would back replacing local laws with Sharia. The conversation pivots to the practical dilemma of voting: stick with a flawed Republican ticket, cast a protest vote for a third‑party, or abstain altogether. Both men wrestle with the reality that even a “bad” Republican like Greg Abbott may be the lesser evil, while acknowledging the Democratic Party’s clear agenda. Dale argues that the real threat isn’t the abstract idea of Sharia but the complacency of churches that have embraced a false separation of church and state, surrendering tax‑exempt status to a government that can revoke it at will. Zach pushes back, highlighting how the Republican establishment has become a “best‑of‑two‑evils” choice, especially in the looming Texas Senate race between James Tallarico and Ken Paxton. They also explore the concept of “undervoting” – deliberately lowering the ticket to signal dissent without handing the win to the opposition. The episode blends raw data, personal anecdotes about meeting Governor Abbott, and a candid confession that even a skeptical voter may still cast a ballot for Abbott to keep the alternative from winning. Listeners are left with a stark question: in a landscape where both parties seem compromised, how can a principled voter make a difference without inadvertently empowering the very forces they fear? All of this is delivered with the bold, unapologetic tone that defines The Zach Rateliff Show, urging the audience to confront uncomfortable truths before heading to the polls. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 5d ago

    Joe Teel Is Back - AI, Utopia, and What’s Next - ZRS 270

    Zach Rateliff and returning guest Joe Teal dive deep into the hidden economics of value exchange, AI tools, and the geopolitical tug‑of‑war shaping today’s energy markets. The conversation opens with Joe’s personal shift from traditional money to a barter‑style mindset, illustrating how “value” can be anything from a sponsor’s audience to a laugh that breaks reality. They argue that long‑form content is the antidote to the bite‑size echo chambers of reels and TikToks, and they critique the illusion of impartiality in media, sharing anecdotes from Zach’s own sports broadcasts. The duo then turns to AI, recounting Joe’s experiment with bots that auto‑email contacts and the recent controversy where a collective of bots hacked Hugging Face. They weigh the productivity boost against the uneasy feeling of losing control, highlighting the split between utopian AI dreamers and doomsday alarmists. Their thought experiment underscores the need for balanced consumption of both sides of the debate. Shifting to macro‑politics, Zach and Joe map the tangled web of oil, China, the United States, and the BRICS. They explain how Chinese real‑estate collapse, Trump’s diplomatic moves, and European strikes on Russian refineries have reshaped the global supply‑demand curve, driving U.S. gasoline prices despite domestic growth. The conversation critiques both democracy and republic models, suggesting that true representation is a chess game where minorities become pieces to protect. Throughout, the hosts stress the importance of seeking facts amid propaganda, consuming diverse viewpoints, and building mutually beneficial exchanges—whether in podcast sponsorships, AI productivity, or international trade. Listeners are left with a nuanced roadmap for navigating value, technology, and geopolitics in an increasingly complex world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Oct 4

    Judicial Accountability and the Texas Ballot - Jennifer Lundy & Larry Brock - ZRS 269

    Zach Rateliff and Larry Brock sit down with Jennifer Lundy, Executive Director of Texans for Judicial Accountability, to unpack a wave of reforms targeting Texas’s judicial system. Lundy explains how the State Commission on Judicial Conduct is being reshaped through a recent constitutional amendment, eliminating private reprimands and demanding greater transparency. The conversation shifts to a long‑overdue 25% pay raise for judges, a move Lundy argues is essential to attract qualified attorneys to the bench and to curb the influence of campaign donations. The trio dives into the murky world of judicial campaign contributions, exposing how donors often give to both sides of a case and how those payments surface on tax returns, creating an appearance of bias even when judges act impartially. They stress that full disclosure is the only safeguard against real or perceived corruption. Lundy also highlights the plight of pro se litigants, noting that the state stopped reporting their numbers, a move that likely masks a rising tide of self‑represented Texans who lack affordable legal counsel. By raising judge salaries and tightening donation rules, the guests argue, Texas can improve access to justice for all citizens. A brief, heated segment touches on proposed anti‑Sharia legislation, illustrating how cultural and religious issues intersect with the broader push for judicial reform. Throughout, Zach and Larry let Lundy’s firsthand experience drive the narrative, offering listeners a clear picture of what’s at stake in the upcoming ballot and why ordinary Texans should care. The episode blends policy detail with on‑the‑ground activism, delivering a compelling call to action for voters who want a more accountable, transparent, and equitable Texas judiciary. 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 2

    A&M-Texarkana’s Next Chapter - Dr. Ross Alexander - ZRS 268

    In this episode of The Zach Rateliff Show, host Zach Rateliff sits down with Ross Alexander, president and CEO of Texas A&M University‑Texarkana, to unpack the university’s rapid expansion and bold athletic ambitions. Alexander shares how the school’s laser‑focused recruitment within a 100‑mile radius is delivering affordable, high‑demand degrees that leave 54 % of graduates debt‑free and 69 % with under $10,000 in loans. He details the jump from 12 to 24 varsity teams, the launch of a football program with 90 players, and the addition of women’s flag football, competitive cheer, and expanded track and field. Listeners hear about the university’s partnership with director of athletics Ryan Wall and coaches Joshua Ergel, Brewster, and Lawrence, who are tapping local talent while also attracting national and international athletes. The conversation turns to campus life: new housing options ranging from container‑style apartments to traditional dorms, a planned 400‑bed expansion, and a partnership with Chartwells to bring national and local dining to campus. Alexander outlines future projects—a renovated golf course, a multi‑sport complex, and the RRCU football stadium—while emphasizing that funding comes from state allocations, federal sources, philanthropy, and community support, not from the A&M system. He also highlights the symbiotic growth of Texarkana College and the University of Arkansas Hope Texarkana, creating a regional higher‑education ecosystem that fuels workforce development and attracts industry. Throughout, Alexander’s pride in his hometown shines through as he describes Texarkana as a place where first‑generation students sit beside affluent peers, all united by the university’s mission to provide quality, affordable education and a vibrant athletic culture. The episode offers listeners a vivid picture of how A&M Texarkana is shaping the city’s economic future while giving students a place to learn, compete, and call home. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Sep 30

    Cattle Ranch to the Power Bill - Klark Kent on What’s Hitting Everyday Americans ZRS 267

    Zach Rateliff and guest Klark Kent dive deep into the tangled forces reshaping ordinary lives in America. They expose how big‑beef packers, not the ranchers, reap the bulk of subsidies, leaving producers scrambling for profit while grocery shelves swell with pricey meat. The conversation shifts to a looming public‑health nightmare: over‑regulation that could unleash pathogen risks reminiscent of COVID, prompting a call for smarter, not heavier, oversight. The duo tackles a generational showdown, blasting the entrenched boomer elite for clinging to power and stifling younger voices. Klark’s blunt take on “boomers as the most selfish generation” sparks a heated debate about political disenfranchisement and the need for fresh leadership. Both hosts reject partisan labels, emphasizing personal responsibility, faith, and liberty over party loyalty. Zach shares his own voting strategy—undervoting, writing in libertarians, and refusing to endorse any system that betrays its promises. Automation looms large as they dissect AI‑driven autonomous trucking, which promises massive cost cuts but threatens driver jobs. Klark questions the industry’s silence on worker support, while Zach ties the issue back to broader economic pressures, from natural‑gas‑powered fleets to stagnant refinery investment. Faith anchors the dialogue: Klark leans on Jesus Christ for comfort amid dystopian forecasts, insisting that hope and personal duty can coexist with a realistic view of societal decline. The episode closes with a unifying message—look past left‑right divides, recognize that everyone is wrestling with bills and burdens, and choose compassion over division. Listeners walk away with a clearer picture of how economic policy, regulatory overreach, generational conflict, and emerging tech intersect to shape everyday freedom and prosperity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Sep 29

    Steve Oglesby Returns - Articles of the Day — Headlines You’ve Seen and Ones You Haven’t - The Zach Rateliff Show

    As societal violence escalates, Zach and Steve delve into a poignant reflection on historical precedents, drawing parallels to the wickedness that plagued Noah's time. They discuss a shocking incident involving a teacher mocking Charlie Kirk, underscoring the urgency for a faith-based response to the moral decay around us. The conversation seamlessly shifts to a heated discourse on halal meat and the implications of religious dietary laws, as they unpack a listener's passionate critique of consuming food stamped by Islamic law. Their banter highlights differing perspectives on conscience versus cultural sensitivity, questioning whether halal practices equate to idol worship. The duo also addresses the generational ignorance permeating today's political discourse, lamenting how our educational systems have failed to equip younger generations with historical context about communism’s evils, exemplified through Venezuela's descent into chaos. With insights into capitalism versus communism, they argue the significance of understanding these ideologies in framing our current socio-economic landscape. A remarkable pivot occurs as they analyze how media manipulation shapes perceptions of crises, contrasting everyday realities in America against the stark conditions in communist regimes. Zach and Steve find themselves contemplating the manipulation of narratives and how it becomes evident in everyday life, from consumer experiences to political rhetoric. They leave listeners with bold reflections on the implications of these discussions, encouraging a return to thoughtful examination of societal issues through a faith-centered lens. As they explore various headlines—both known and obscure—it becomes evident that the pulse of society is alive with controversies ripe for discussion, urging listeners to engage and question the narrative. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Sep 28

    Rebecca Hardy (Texans for Vaccine Choice) & Emily’s Heart Attack After the 2020 Vax

    In a thought-provoking dialogue, Rebecca Hardy opens up about her journey as a key advocate with Texans for Vaccine Choice, highlighting the growing tension around vaccine mandates in Texas. She shares her personal experiences as a mother navigating the health system and vaccine schedules, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hardy firmly believes that parental rights and informed consent are non-negotiable, emphasizing that awareness is fundamental to combating government overreach. The conversation also dives deep into the history of vaccine choice advocacy—how Texas mothers began challenging mandates long before COVID awoke a national debate on personal freedoms. Hardy recounts pivotal moments of activism that ultimately empowered Texans to stand against mandatory vaccines and engage with their legislators more effectively. As Zach and Emily tune into her reflections, they break down the potential dangers of a one-size-fits-all vaccine approach, urging listeners to consider the implications of mandatory medicine in a free society. Hardy addresses the complexities of parental decisions regarding vaccines, nurturing a community that values informed choice without the stigma commonly associated with being vaccine hesitant. With references to key legislative battles and personal anecdotes, the episode paints a vivid picture of a grassroots movement dedicated to reclaiming individual liberties. Hardy's story is a call to arms for those who believe that medical decisions should be made by families, not imposed by the government. As they wrap up, listeners are encouraged to engage with their representatives, emphasizing that every Texan has a voice in shaping health policy. An enlightening episode filled with personal stories and insights, it’s designed to inspire action and awareness among all who value their medical freedom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Sep 25

    Jenn Mack - Write-In for Texas Governor - Faith, Both Parties Failed Us - The Zach Rateliff Show

    Jen Mack aims to reclaim governance in Texas, passionately advocating for a return to values that prioritize both faith and the people's power. In a candid dialogue with Zach Rateliff, she explores the pitfalls of current political factions and the urgent need for candidates who prioritize constitutional integrity over party loyalty. Mack highlights how both major parties have failed constituents and calls for a movement away from divisive partisanship to unite individuals from all backgrounds under shared values. As she lays out her vision, she confronts pressing concerns regarding Texas's power grid and the implications of data centers, emphasizing the necessity of decentralizing government functions to safeguard individual freedoms. With refreshing honesty, Mack speaks about voter integrity and the importance of making decisions based on steadfast beliefs rather than political affiliations. Together, Mack and Rateliff dig into the challenges facing Texas, from economic issues to health care, and the dire need for a leader willing to rise above party lines. As they connect varying perspectives, including surprising alliances like that of Bill Maher with constitutional principles, they underscore that amidst the chaos lies an opportunity for collective action. Mack’s candidacy symbolizes a beacon of hope for those disillusioned by the mainstream political landscape, urging ears to the grassroots and eyes on shared governance. With the June primaries around the corner, Mack’s message resonates loudly: it's time for Texans to rally behind a vision that truly reflects their values, prioritizing family, integrity, and the promise of a bright future. Listen in as meaningful solutions unfold and a compelling case for change emerges on The Zach Rateliff Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 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.