Breaking Battlegrounds

This Christmas on Breaking Battlegrounds, we celebrate the history, meaning, and enduring spirit of the season with two beloved guests. First, nationally known speaker, best-selling author, and Amerisearch president William Federer returns to take listeners on a fascinating journey through the true history of Christmas, exploring the real story of Saint Nicholas, the origins of beloved holiday traditions, and pivotal moments when Christmas shaped American history, from Valley Forge to the post–World War II era. Then, #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans joins the show to discuss his newest novel, The Christmas Stranger, a moving story of grief, redemption, and unexpected hope that reminds us how connection and compassion can transform even the darkest moments. Together, these conversations offer a thoughtful and heartwarming look at why Christmas continues to matter across generations, faiths, and cultures.

Scott Johnson, an original contributor to the blog Power Line, joins the show to break down his decade-long reporting on Rep. Ilhan Omar marrying her brother and the extensive fraud issues tied to Minnesota's Somali community. Johnson walks through the documentation, court records, and investigative reporting that underpin the marriage allegations, explains why the story has been ignored or downplayed by much of the media, and connects it to broader patterns of political protection and accountability failures. He also discusses Minnesota's ongoing Somali fraud scandals, how taxpayer dollars have been misused, and why these cases raise serious questions about oversight, enforcement, and public trust.   More about Scott Johnson Johnson is an original contributor to the blog Power Line. Power Line was named Time magazine's first and only Blog of the Year in December 2004 for its role in exposing the Rathergate story. 

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by four expert guests to unpack the biggest issues shaping national security, global stability, media accountability, and the economy. Dr. Mike Waller, national security expert, investigative journalist, and former CIA operative, explains why artificial intelligence is America's most critical strategic asset, how China and Russia deploy espionage and "honeypot" tactics to steal U.S. technology, and why U.S. dominance in AI is essential to national survival. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald journalist and Maria Moors Cabot Prize winner, discusses her reporting on what's happening in Haiti, detailing the horrific toll of gang violence on women and girls and the lasting impact of sexual violence on families and children. Scott Johnson, founder of the Power Line blog, dives into his decade-long reporting on Rep. Ilhan Omar marrying her brother and Minnesota's Somali fraud problem. The episode concludes with Gary Gygi, president of Gygi Capital Management, former mayor, and veteran financial expert, who breaks down warning signs in the global economy, including labor market trends, union pressures, and the deepening economic challenges facing China.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we take on three of the biggest issues shaping America's future: national security, education, and taxes. First, Dr. Meg Reiss, founder and CEO of SolidIntel, joins the show to explain how American red tape is strengthening China's dominance over rare earth minerals. Then, National Emmy winning investigative reporter Chris Papst of Fox45 Baltimore joins to discuss his book Failure Factory, which uncovers America's public education crisis, including how billions in taxpayer dollars are spent while student outcomes stagnate and what parents nationwide should be watching for in their own school districts. Finally, Matthew Putnam of the National Taxpayers Union explains how Truth in Taxation laws offer a proven solution to runaway property taxes, highlighting successful reforms in states like Utah, Kansas, and Nebraska and why lawmakers across the country are paying attention.  

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we examine the state of American institutions, the GOP, and family finances with three great guests. First, Goldwater Institute Senior Fellow Timothy K. Minella joins the show to discuss his new report "Peer Review Gone Wild," which argues that major academic journals are prioritizing ideology over rigorous scholarship, undermining public trust in taxpayer-funded research and evidence-based policymaking. Then, Jesse Arm, vice president of external affairs at the Manhattan Institute, breaks down his new analysis "The New GOP: Survey Analysis of Americans Overall, Today's Republican Coalition, and the Minorities of MAGA," exploring shifting voter coalitions, the emerging Republican base, and what recent Tennessee election results tell us about the party's future. Finally, financial expert Gary Gygi returns to discuss the new proposal for "Trump Accounts," which would provide every child born between 2025 and 2028 with a 1,000 dollar deposit from the federal government and what that could mean for families.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone joins National Review columnist and Locked In host Caroline Downey and Manhattan Institute Fellow Daniel Di Martino in person at Arizona State University for a conversation on "Gen Z: The Future of American Politics," exploring cultural trends, campus movements, and the shifting ideological landscape among younger voters. Later in the show, Chuck and Sam are joined by investigative reporter Ben Wieder of McClatchy's Washington bureau and the Miami Herald as he breaks down the newly released Epstein files, what the documents reveal, and the ongoing questions surrounding victims, media relationships, and federal investigations. Tune in for a conversation you won't hear anywhere else.      

This Thanksgiving week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're grateful for all our listeners and hope you enjoy a special show filled with history, tradition, and service. We kick things off with best-selling author and historian William Federer, who walks us through the real story behind Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims, and how the holiday became a national celebration. Then Kiley shares the fascinating and nearly forgotten history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, including the years when giant helium balloons were released into the sky for cash rewards and why that tradition suddenly ended. We close the show with Navy veteran and AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver, discussing how veterans are continuing to serve, support wartime allies, and lead humanitarian efforts. It is a meaningful and timely episode, and we are thankful you are part of the Breaking Battlegrounds family.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds we welcome three insightful guests covering education, redistricting, and the economy. Dr. Carol McNamara, Director of the Great Hearts Institute for Classical Education, joins to discuss the growing movement of classical education, how it prepares students for all fields including science and engineering, and the upcoming National Symposium for Classical Education celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Renae Cowley, partner at Foxley, Pignanelli, Cowley, Styler, columnist for the Deseret News and professional barrel racer, breaks down Utah's new congressional maps and their political implications. Finally, financial expert and former mayor Gary Gygi returns to explain why the stock market is soaring even as many Americans still do not feel the economic boost.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we welcome back friend of the show and #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans. Best known for The Christmas Box, Richard has written an incredible 41 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, with more than 35 million copies in print and translations in over 22 languages. His newest novel, The Christmas Stranger, reminds us that sometimes the universe sends us exactly who we need. After losing his family on Christmas Eve, Paul Wanlass has given up on life—until an unexpected visitor appears at his door, setting off a series of events that rekindle hope, healing, and the true meaning of Christmas. Join us as Richard shares the inspiration behind his latest story, the themes of redemption that run through his work, and how faith and connection continue to shape his writing. Find all of Richard's books at richardpaulevans.com/books

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone welcome three distinguished guests offering global expertise and fresh perspective. The Daily Telegraph's Associate Editor Gordon Rayner shares his investigations into the BBC's bias and how the network intentionally edited Trump's speech to make him appear to say things he never did. Then, Zineb Riboua from the Hudson Institute joins to discuss Third-Worldism, ideology, and great power competition shaping the Middle East and North Africa. Finally, Shay Khatiri of the Yorktown Institute weighs in on Trump's remarks about nuclear testing, U.S. treaty limits, and the shifting balance of nuclear power between the U.S., Russia, and China. It's a thought-provoking, globally focused episode you won't want to miss. Stream now!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with John Reid, Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to talk about his "Real Virginia Agenda," from workforce freedom to the gerrymandering Democrats are trying to push this week in Virginia—going against the will of Virginians—and his unconventional AI debate with opponent Ghazala Hashmi, who refused to debate him, so he debated an AI version of her using only her real quotes. Then Gary Gygi joins us to break down the upcoming Federal Reserve System meeting and what it could mean for interest rates and the economy. We're also joined by Anna Giaritelli of the Washington Examiner to discuss her powerful new memoir Under Assault and its message of justice and accountability. We wrap up with Henry Olsen, who explains why Argentina's upcoming elections matter for the United States and what's at stake globally. And stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, where she dives into the chilling story of the Highway Serial Killings. We end the podcast with John Reid's full AI Debate. You can also watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWe1PbGIZw4&t=123s  

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're joined by Daniel Di Martino, Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and PhD candidate at Columbia University, for a deep dive into the fiscal impact of immigration. Daniel breaks down his 2025 report showing how education level, age of arrival, and legal status determine whether immigration boosts or strains America's finances—revealing why high-skilled immigrants contribute net surpluses while lower-skilled, older arrivals often bring long-term fiscal costs. We'll also hear how his experience growing up in Venezuela shapes his views on socialism, protest culture, and opportunity. Later, Albert Eisenberg of RedBridge joins us to discuss the future of Pennsylvania, the political trajectory of John Fetterman, how Republicans can lead on healthcare solutions and affordability, and why smart strategic messaging is key to connecting with new generations of voters. And in Kiley's Corner, we're diving into the 2025 Louvre Museum heist as she reveals a Spotify playlist titled "Louvre Museum Heist" that was created four weeks before the crime. Was it the thieves? Tune into this episode to find out more.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're diving into global strategy, national security, child protection, and the economy. First, Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins the show to break down why Venezuela matters beyond narcotics and migration, the geopolitical stakes of regime change, and the implications of U.S. policy options under a potential Trump administration. Then, Mark "Oz" Geist—Benghazi hero, former Marine, and co-chair of the Protect Our Children initiative—discusses his mission to enact common-sense protections for kids and combat child sex trafficking in Colorado and across the country. Finally, financial expert Gary Gygi returns to unpack why gold prices are surging and what it reveals about global trust in central banks.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam is joined by guest host Seth Leibsohn, who opens the show with Robert McClure, President and CEO of The James Madison Institute, to dive into Florida's model for election integrity, tracing the course from Bush v. Gore through to the 2025 reforms and exploring how Florida's verification systems, voting infrastructure, and transparency protocols have become a benchmark for other states. Then, Congressman Addison McDowell of North Carolina's 6th Congressional District joins to break down the government shutdown, expose what Democrats are holding out on, and point out that this is a continuing resolution they have voted for 13 times under President Joe Biden. Tune in now!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds we're doing something different with one guest for the full show, our friend Patrick Byrne, founder and former CEO of Overstock.com. We open with a conversation on education, from school choice to teacher unions, and how Mississippi made the leap from 50th to top 10 in the nation in education. From there, we dive into Patrick's new docuseries The Enemy Within, exploring his journey from being hailed as a Wall Street prophet to resigning in 2019 after claiming he was a covert government asset caught in political espionage. We close with Kiley's Corner, where Kiley unpacks the disturbing case of Christopher Scholtes, a father accused of leaving his two-year-old to die in a hot car while he spent three hours watching adult entertainment, as a judge now approves his request to vacation in Hawaii. You won't want to miss this episode!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are first joined by Jon Levine of the Washington Free Beacon to discuss the latest from Israel, including rising regional tensions and the role of U.S. aid, as well as developments with USAID and the New York City mayor's race. Then journalist and media creator Sagnik Basu shares his journey to the U.S. and unpacks his Pirate Wires piece, "I'm Sorry But You Have to Assimilate." Finally, Jennifer Sey, former national gymnastics champion and CEO of XX-XY Athletics, talks about the Colorado ballot initiative to protect girls' sports and ensure fairness and opportunity for the next generation. Tune in now! www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote www.breakingbattlegrounds.news  Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle  Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds  Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com  Dot Vote - With a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam welcomed a powerhouse lineup of guests covering it all. Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho joined to discuss the 58 Democrats who voted against cracking down on political violence (with another 38 Dems voting "present"), President Trump's push to make D.C. safer, and his work on the House Appropriations Committee. Veteran media insider Ken LaCorte weighed in on the FCC's removal of Jimmy Kimmel, what the agency's responsibility should be, and the inside story of the Murdoch family succession deal. Former NFL kicker and now congressional candidate for Arizona's 5th District, Jay Feely, sat down in studio to talk about the rise of political violence, Arizona's energy future, and his campaign to represent the district. Financial expert Gary Gygi broke down the looming shortage of wealth advisors as America faces a historic wave of retirements and generational wealth transfer. And to close the show, Kiley's Corner explored the wild theories surrounding the body found in singer D4VD's car. Tune in now! www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote www.breakingbattlegrounds.news  Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle  Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds  Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com  Dot Vote - With a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone is joined by Sean Noble, host of Light Beer, Dark Money, who filled in for Chuck Warren. First, independent video creator turned accidental journalist Matt Orfalea exposes Big Tech censorship, from the removal of the Charlie Kirk assassination to platforms censoring the Kyle Rittenhouse footage. Next, Noah Rothman, senior writer at National Review, breaks down escalating tensions as Russian drones cross into Poland and whether they may be preparing for direct involvement. Finally, in Kiley's Corner, Kiley shares a tragic hit-and-run case and the astonishing discovery in New Zealand of three children found alive nearly four years after being abducted by their father. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are first joined by friend of the show Alexander Raikin, Visiting Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss how America has abandoned suicide safeguards and the lessons from Canada's MAID program. Next, David Robinson, a leading voice for Western Canadian independence, breaks down the crises north of the border, from economic instability to cultural tensions, and what they could mean for America. Then, seasoned financial expert Gary Gygi returns to analyze the latest jobs report and what it reveals about the health of the U.S. economy. And stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, as she dives into the latest drama in the small town of London, Kentucky—from a torture chamber investigation to ongoing clashes with the city council. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck and Sam are joined by Anna Giaritelli, Washington Examiner reporter covering homeland security, immigration, and border issues. Anna shares her personal story of being assaulted in Washington, D.C. and later discovering that the attack was never recorded in police crime stats. She also discusses her latest reporting on ICE training facilities, DHS policy changes, and border security. We then hear from J.B. Simko, Chief Civil Society and Underage Prevention Officer at Philip Morris International U.S., about the company's new campaign to prevent underage access to nicotine products, their 10-point youth prevention plan, and their long-term vision for a smoke-free future. To close, in Kiley's Corner, she shares updates on Wisconsin husband and father Ryan Borgwardt's sentencing after faking his disappearance to run away with a woman in Eastern Europe and the latest in former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor's battle to regain his job amid mounting scrutiny over his role in multiple cases, including the high-profile Karen Read case. www.breakingbattlegrounds.vote Twitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_Battle Facebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegrounds Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegrounds LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegrounds Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegrounds Show sponsors: Santa Has A Podcast - This episode of Breaking Battlegrounds is brought to you by Santa Has a Podcast — a show for the whole family filled with kindness challenges, North Pole stories, elf updates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic all year long. Listen now at SantaHasAPodcast.com. Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com Old Glory Depot Support American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly. Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.com Dot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters. Learn more at: dotvote.vote