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

    The Year of Gifts - Catie Swenson & Jessica Addie on the 2026 Festival of Trees and Supporting NICU Families

    Zach Rateliff, co‑host Jessica, and co‑host Carrie Swanson dive deep into the heart of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, the nonprofit that delivers blessing bags to NICU families across Texarkana and beyond. The conversation opens with a lively exploration of Psalm 139:14, unpacking the Hebrew nuance of “fearfully” as reverence and how that shapes the organization’s mission to honor every premature infant as a masterpiece of God’s design. Listeners hear vivid stories from the front lines: a six‑hour drive to deliver a backpack filled with essentials—deodorant, cozy socks, a gas card, even a roll of quarters—to a family in crisis; the emotional power of praying alongside parents who are navigating the uncertainty of NICU life. The hosts praise the tireless volunteers, board members, and donors whose modest budgets stretch to provide comfort, care kits, and spiritual encouragement. The episode then shifts to the upcoming Festival of Trees, the group’s flagship fundraiser. Zach and the team detail the “Victories and Visions” tables, share eye‑opening statistics from Chris St. Michael Hospital’s level‑three NICU, and celebrate the behind‑the‑scenes heroes—Barbara Glick, Stacy Glover, Crystal Castillo, and many others—who have been planning the event since February. They issue a heartfelt call to action: buy raffle tickets, spread the word, and most importantly, pray over the ministry and the families it serves. As the conversation winds down, the hosts reflect on future growth, including a potential new building for the organization, and reaffirm their belief that obedience to God’s leading fuels every step forward. The episode closes with a reminder that each blessing bag is more than a collection of items—it’s a tangible expression of God’s love, delivered through a community that truly believes every child is fearfully and wonderfully made. 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

    Election Day Predictions & Consequences

    Zach Rateliff and his crew dive into the urgency of Election Day, urging listeners to back Republican and Christian candidates. A heartfelt text from a longtime friend sparks a raw discussion about extending grace to the GOP while rejecting Democratic policies on abortion, gender‑affirming care, and government overreach. Zach warns that Democrats’ push for unrestricted abortion and expanded gender care is “evil,” and he frames the vote as a battle between good and evil. The panel—Steve, Dale, and co‑host Grok—break down local races in Texas and Arkansas, from Senate hopeful James Tallarico to write‑in governor Leona Lejas, and they call out Democratic platforms: federal abortion rights, stricter gun control, higher taxes, aggressive climate mandates, and DEI agendas. They contrast these with their vision of “equality of opportunity” and “Christian conservatism.” Listeners hear a live call from Leona Lejas, an operations manager turned independent gubernatorial candidate, and Zach’s impassioned plea: “If you haven’t voted, get your butt out and vote.” The episode ends with a rallying cry that the election is a clear‑cut fight between those who would “mutilate your children” and those who protect life and faith. Bold, unapologetic, and driven by personal conviction, this episode is a rallying point for anyone who believes the future of Texas, Arkansas, and the nation hinges on electing Christians and conservatives. 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

    Why Medicine Costs So Much: Steve Breaks Down the Pricing Maze (From a Local Texarkana Clinic’s Perspective) + News of the Day

    Zach Rateliff dives deep into the tangled web of prescription drug pricing, using a live walkthrough from Exceed Medical Clinic in Texarkana. Guest Dixie Robertson breaks down a step‑by‑step simulation that reads like a sports broadcast: a patient, an insurance “bag man,” a middleman, the drug maker, and the pharmacy—all parts of the same corporate family. The conversation reveals how a $5 pill can morph into a $2,000 bill through layered reimbursements, hidden mark‑ups, and the illusion of competition. The episode also weaves in the quirky “candy‑bucket” economics of a local Halloween tradition, a Bowie County Patriots meetup at Big Jake’s Barbecue, and vivid travel anecdotes from New Orleans that illustrate regional differences in cost of living and healthcare access. Listeners get a warning about hidden cameras in home devices, a reminder of community events like the Festival of Trees, and a candid look at how insurance companies, pharmacies, and manufacturers collude to inflate prices. By the end, Zach and Dixie equip listeners with concrete questions to ask their providers and insurers, and a clearer picture of why the pricing maze feels designed to keep patients paying more. This episode is a must‑listen for anyone frustrated by sky‑high medication costs and seeking practical insight from a local clinic’s perspective. 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 28

    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.

  5. Oct 27

    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.

  6. Oct 26

    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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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
    283
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Zrateliff
  • Show Website
    The Zach Rateliff Show