Best Massie Block Podcasts (2024)

1
Crossing The Line: US Immigration Policy 52:59

44m ago52:59

52:59

Mike talks with educator, researcher, and writer Sarah Towle about her latest book, Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands. Topics Mike and Sarah Discuss Include: - the historical roots of our current immigration issues - the connection between trade policy and immigration - why prevention through deterrence hasn’t worked - if “remai…

1
AG Garland vs House Republicans, Project 2025 19:07

1h ago19:07

19:07

In the preview of this midweek supporters’ episode, Jay is joined by Justin Holmes from the University of Northern Iowa (whose opinions, as always are his own and not reflective of his employer, the people of the great state of Iowa, or its 20 Million head of hogs). They open by taking up the failed vote to hold Merrick Garland in contempt of Congr…

1
Booting Biden, Trump’s VP, AOC’s Impeachment Resolution 1:29:49

2h ago1:29:49

1:29:49

Jay is joined by Justin Holmes from the University of Northern Iowa (whose opinions, as always are his own and not reflective of his employer, the people of the great state of Iowa, or its 20 Million head of hogs). The show kicks off with a discussion of the ongoing calls for President Biden to end his campaign. They start with a divide over how ba…

1
Criminalizing Homelessness, Social Media Regulation, Project 2025 19:22

4d ago19:22

19:22

Mike and May open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of the Supreme Court decision allowing municipalities to deal with homeless encampments by bans on outdoor camping. Mike is all over the place on this one, finding something to like (and dislike) on all sides, while May believes that the majority got it right. Next,…

1
Biden Defiant, Presidential Immunity, Overturning 1/6 Convictions 59:26

7d ago59:26

59:26

Biden Defiant, Presidential Immunity, Overturning 1/6 Convictions Mike and May open with a discussion of the fallout from President Biden’s debate performance, including his defiant (and some would say delusional) determination to stay in the race and beat Donald Trump. May thinks the Democrats should have seen this coming and doesn’t expect them t…

1
The Supreme Court on EPA Authority, Bribery, and the OxyContin Settlement 19:50

14d ago19:50

19:50

It’s mostly Supreme Court on the preview of this midweek supporters’ episode, with Mike and Jay discussing whether the EPA can force Ohio to be a “good neighbor” to downwind states, when a bribe isn’t a bribe, whether the Purdue Pharma OxyContin settlement should have been thrown out, and – in a non-court discussion, their thoughts on the Julian As…

1
Biden’s Disastrous Debate and a Bunch of Big Supreme Court Decisions 1:16:10

14d ago1:16:10

1:16:10

Mike and Jay open with a discussion of President Biden’s disastrous performance in the first presidential debate. Mike was actually hoping for a worse outcome that would all but force Biden from the race, which he doesn’t think will happen, despite multiple calls for Biden to step aside. Jay wonders how Biden’s closest confidants and top advisors a…

1
Presidential Leadership From Washington to Biden 56:10

18d ago56:10

56:10

Mike talks with attorney, author, and historian Talmage Boston. His books include Cross-Examining History, Raising the Bar: The Crucial Role of Lawyers in History, and most recently, How The Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents, which is the focus of their discussion. Topics Mike and Talmage cover include: - the “Great 8”: Washin…

1
The 11th Amendment 14:20

18d ago14:20

14:20

Trey & Ken discuss the meaning of the 11th Amendment including: Chisholm v Georgia Hans v Louisiana Ex parte Young Fitzpatrick v Bitzer Seminole Tribe v Florida Central Virginia Community College v Katz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Michael Baranowski

1
Biden's Citizenship Pathway, Moore v United States, Gonzalez v Trevino, United States v Rahimi, Bump Stock Ban Blocked 1:06:08

22d ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Trey & Ken open by delving into President Biden's proposed path to citizenship for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, analyzing its potential impacts and political ramifications. Trey argues the timing is a political bone to the left in the wake of his tougher border policies. Next, they tackle the implications of three major Supreme Court case…

1
Republicans and Democrats Agree – Democracy is Under Threat 1:02:21

25d ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Mike talks with Liam deClive-Lowe, co-founder and co-president of American Policy Ventures. APV is a group that works with people and organizations across the ideological spectrum to make it easier for policymakers to effectively solve critical policy problems. They sponsored the Georgetown Battleground Civility Poll that came out not too long ago,…

1
Contempt for Garland, Ms. Rachel, Trans Men in Women’s Prisons 20:28

26d ago20:28

20:28

Mike and May open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode by discussing the House of Representatives holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for failing to turn over audio of Special Counsel Hur’s interview with President Biden in the classified documents investigation. They agree that this is political on both side…

1
Hunter Biden Verdict, Supreme Court on Mifepristone and Bump Stocks 1:05:15

28d ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Mike & May open with a discussion of the guilty verdict in the Hunter Biden gun trial. They discuss Biden’s defense, the possibility of a pardon or commutation by President Biden, Donald Trump’s reaction, and how this may all play out politically. Next, they turn to two big Supreme Court decisions. In the first of these, a unanimous Court found tha…

1
Has The Supreme Court Undermined Voting Rights? 50:23

1M ago50:23

50:23

Political scientist Travis Taylor talks with law professor Joshua Douglas about his new book The Court v. The Voters: The Troubling Story of How the Supreme Court Has Undermined Voting Rights, in which he writes about the U.S. Supreme Court's recent history of prioritizing the power of states to regulate elections over the rights of voters. Topics …

1
The Constitution: 9th and 10th Amendemnts 14:35

1M ago14:35

14:35

Trey and Ken finish the Bill of Rights by delving into the origins and significance of the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Topics covered include: Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates during and after the Constitution's drafting, addressing concerns that listing specific rights might imply that others were not protected. Does…

1
Biden’s Immigration Order, Merrick Garland, Dr. Fauci 1:05:50

1M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Trey and Ken start the show with Biden’s immigration order. President Biden has announced a sweeping executive action on immigration, authorizing U.S. immigration officials to deport large numbers of migrants without processing their asylum claims. This new policy, seen as one of the most restrictive border policies by a Democratic president, marks…

1
Is Wall Street At War With Workers? 1:01:18

1M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Mike talks with Les Leopold, co-founder and executive director of the Labor Institute, a nonprofit organization that develops and conducts education and policy programs for unions, environmental organizations, community groups, and immigrant worker centers on workplace health and safety, the environment, economics, and movement building. He’s also …

1
NRA, Ukraine, Libertarians, Texas GOP, Biden’s Black Voter Problem 17:50

1M ago17:50

17:50

Mike and Jay open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of the Supreme Court’s decision in NRA v. Vullo, a case in which Jay submitted an amicus brief to the Court. The Justices unanimously agreed with (most of) Jay’s reasoning, as does Mike. From there, they move on to the decision by the Biden administration to allow U…

1
Trump Convicted, Alito Recusal 51:50

1M ago51:50

51:50

Mike & Jay open with a discussion of Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Mike isn’t crazy about the law but believes that the prosecutor, judge, and jury acted reasonably in applying it. Jay discusses possible grounds for appeal. They agree that the effect of the conviction won’t be great, but that any small polit…

1
Talkin’ Politics and Religion with Corey Nathan 55:27

2M ago55:27

55:27

Mike talks with Corey Nathan, host of the most excellent podcast, Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other. Corey shares his unique perspective as a "born-again Christian with a thick Jewish accent" and how his background has influenced his approach to discussing sensitive topics like politics and religion. Topics Mike & Corey Discuss…

1
Can You Help Me give a Sh*t: Unlocking Teen Motivation in School and Life 50:10

2M ago50:10

50:10

Trey talks with Becca Block, author of Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t, in which she discusses the surprising policy implications of listening to student's voices in public education. Topics Trey and Becca Cover Include are we asking too much of the public school system? what it means to listen deeply to student voices the competing policy desires of p…

1
The 7th and 8th Amendments 21:08

2M ago21:08

21:08

Trey and Ken dive into the 7th and 8th Amendments. Topics include: The historic origins of jury trials The lack of contemporary 7th Amendment cases Excessive bail Excessive fines and civil forfiture Cruel and unusual punishment The death penalty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
ICJ and Israel, British Elections, Presidential Primaries, Racial Gerrymandering 1:13:31

2M ago1:13:31

1:13:31

Trey & Ken start the show by delving into the International Court of Justice’s Friday ruling against Israel. Trey and Ken disagree over the scope of the decision as to whether it prohibits further offensive action. Ken believes the ICJ is offering wiggle room and Trey does not. Staying overseas, the guys talk about the surprising call for snap elec…

1
Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace 56:28

2M ago56:28

56:28

Trey talks with Elizabeth Neumann, former Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, about her recently released book Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace. Topics Trey and Elizabeth Cover Include from foreign extremism to domestic extremism the C…

1
CFPB Survives, AT&T Bribery, Stadium Subsidies, Supporting Israel 18:39

2M ago18:39

18:39

Mike and Trey kick off the previeww of this midweek supporters’ episode with a look at the Supreme Court’s upholding the funding structure for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Mike and Trey think this was the right call, with Trey arguing that Justices Alito and Gorsuch are conflating the unconstitutional with what they may believe to be u…

1
China Tariffs, Presidential Debates, Redistricting, Israel Aid 1:00:21

2M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Mike and Trey open with a discussion of the Biden administration’s recently announced tariffs on China. Trey is no fan of protectionism, but he understands Mike’s points concerning US issues with China’s trade practices. They both agree that Donald Trump’s approach to China would almost certainly be more tariff-heavy than Biden’s. Then they turn to…

1
Why Tulsi Gabbard Left the Democratic Party 45:58

2M ago45:58

45:58

Mike talks with Tulsi Gabbard, a military veteran and four-term member of Congress who was Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. She caused a major stir when she left the party, which she’s written about in her recently released book, For Love of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind, which is the focus of their conversation. Topics M…

1
Kristi Noem’s Dog, Civil Forfeiture, Swing State Polling 19:10

2M ago19:10

19:10

Jay and Justin open the preview of this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem revealing in her new book that she shot a dog and lied about meeting Kim Jong Un. They discussed why someone would put that in a book, what this means for the VP contest, and ultimately proposed a third political party whose pl…

1
Israel Weapons Pause, Speaker Johnson, Trump Doc Case, Cuellar Indictment 56:31

2M ago56:31

56:31

Jay and Justin start off discussing President Biden’s proposed pause in sending certain offensive weapons to Israel if they attack Rafah, including the impact on the conflict, potential reverberations in the international community, and the domestic political implications of conflict over Israel within the Democratic party. Next, they turn their at…

1
Abraham Lincoln and Our Ancient Faith 1:02:10

2M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

Mike talks with Allen Guelzo, the Thomas W. Smith Distinguished Research Scholar in the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. Professor Guelzo is a three-time winner of the Lincoln Prize, awarded annually for the finest scholarly work in English on Abraham Lincoln, the American Civil War soldier, or a su…

1
Redistricting, Texas Porn Law, Trump’s Time Interview 20:34

2M ago20:34

20:34

Mike and May open the preview of this midweek supporters’ episode with a look at the Louisiana redistricting plan recently rejected by a three-judge panel. They get into the tension between the Voting Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause, partisan vs racial gerrymandering, and if there’s a better way to set up congressional districts. Next is…

1
Campus Protestors, Antisemitism Awareness, Marijuana Rescheduling 59:15

2M ago59:15

59:15

Mike & May open with a discussion of the escalating pro-Palestine protests on college campuses. May things other schools can learn from Florida’s handling of protests at state institutions. Mike wonders if ‘outside agitators’ are necessarily a bad thing, and if we should be glad that so many people are in a position to protest what they view as sig…

1
Can Capitalism Save the Planet? 32:38

3M ago32:38

32:38

As a cross-interview with Sustainable Planet, Kimberly Weir, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northern Kentucky University and co-host of Sustainable Planet talks with Akshat Rathi, award-winning senior reporter for Bloomberg News and the host of Zero, a climate-solutions podcast for Bloomberg Green and author of Climate Capitalism: Winni…

1
SCOTUS on Homelessness, Trump Immunity, FTC Bans Noncompetes 19:22

3M ago19:22

19:22

Mike and Jay open the preview of this supporters’ exclusive episode with a discussion of oral arguments in Grants Pass v. Johnson, where the Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of a local ordinance that bans sleeping outdoors. Mike has more of a problem with the ordinance than does Jay, and they agree that the Court is likely to issu…

1
Ukraine Aid, TikTok Ban, Campus Protests 1:00:31

3M ago1:00:31

1:00:31

After some brief comments on the ongoing criminal trial of Donald Trump, Mike and Jay discuss the Ukraine aid package, considering how it got to the floor, what it says about the Republican Party, and the arguments against extending more aid to Ukraine. Next, they turn to the recently passed TikTok ban, which would require parent company ByteDance …

1
Bryan Caplan Will Not Be Stampeded! 59:07

3M ago59:07

59:07

Mike welcomes back to the show Bryan Caplan, a Professor of Economics at George Mason University, prolific author, and blogger at Bet on It. They discuss his latest essay collection, You Will Not Stampede Me: Essays on Non-Conformism. Topics Mike and Bryan Discuss Include - disobedience to authority - why the world is wrong and the weird is right -…

1
The Sixth Amendment 10:55

3M ago10:55

10:55

Trey and Ken dive into the Sixth Amendment and the unique protections it provides defendants. Topics of conversation include: The advent of professional police and prosecutors The modern plea bargaining system The right to a prosecutor The ability to produce evidence in your defense The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike and Kimberly's new show spl…

1
Israel, Johnson's Foreign Aid, Uri Berliner, the 1st Amendment 1:02:35

3M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Trey and Ken open with breaking news on Israel’s attack on Iran and Syria. They discuss the appropriateness of the response, the likely message behind the response, and the political implications for U.S. politics. They also briefly consider the timing of the U.S.’s blocking of Palestinian United Nations membership in the Security Council. Next, th…

1
The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age 55:58

3M ago55:58

55:58

Trey talks with author Sasha Issenberg about his new book The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age, in which he talks about the left's campaign strategies to combat "disinformation" and "misinformation." Topics Trey and Sasha Cover Include - why the left is primarily interested in disinformation - …

1
Guns, Table Saws, America Divided (or maybe not) 19:54

3M ago19:54

19:54

Mike and Jay open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of the Biden administration’s move to close the ‘gun show loophole’. Mike argues that it’s a good move and, to his surprise, Jay doesn’t really disagree. From there they move on to a more contentious regulatory issue – whether the government should require all new t…

1
AZ Abortion Law, Student Loan Debt, Trump on Trial 1:20:48

3M ago1:20:48

1:20:48

Mike and Jay open with a look at the ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court upholding a near-total ban on abortions passed in 1864. They consider the legal reasoning behind the decision, what’s likely to happen next, and how they see it playing out politically, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s recent announcement that he believed abortion right…

1
The Uses and Abuses of the Modern University 57:35

3M ago57:35

57:35

Mike talks with historical anthropologist Nicholas Dirks, Chancellor of UC Berkeley from 2013-2017, about his book City of Intellect: The Uses and Abuses of the University. Topics Include: - the public’s decline of faith in higher education - if higher ed is focused on the right kind of diversity - free speech as privileging dominant views - what e…

1
The Fifth Amendment 14:24

3M ago14:24

14:24

Trey & Ken discuss the five major elements of the 5th Amendment: Grand Juries Double Jeopardy Self-Incrimination Due Process Takings The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo we’re @Pol…

1
Israel and Iran, Biden’s Foreign Policy, Florida’s Supreme Court on Abortion Ban, Trump Media & Technology 56:00

3M ago56:00

56:00

Trey & Ken start the episode with a deep dive into Israel’s airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria. This leads to a discussion of the differences between the northern conflict and the Gaza conflict. Next, the discussion moves to Biden’s newest demands of Israel and how Israel has responded. This also includes a discussion of shifting American …

1
NBC and Ronna McDaniel, Truth Social IPO. RFK Jr. and 3rd Parties 17:50

4M ago17:50

17:50

Mike, Jay, and Justin open the preview of this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of NBC’s decision to hire, and then quickly fire, former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel. Was it a bad business decision poorly implemented, an example of anti-Trump bias, or something more than that? Next, they consider whether Truth Social’s IPO makes any sense.…

1
Joe Lieberman, Abortion Pill Access, Eastman Disbarment 57:30

4M ago57:30

57:30

Mike, Jay, and Justin open with a look at the life and legacy of the recently deceased Joe Lieberman, agreeing that the Democrat turned independent is the sort of solutions-oriented moderate we don’t see much of in national politics anymore. Next is a discussion of oral arguments before the Supreme Court concerning access to the abortion drug mifep…

1
Parliamentary America: The Least Radical Means of Radically Repairing Our Broken Democracy 58:35

4M ago58:35

58:35

Trey talks with constitutional law professor Maxwell Stearns about his new book Parliamentary America which argues the U.S. needs to adapt the U.S. House to include proportional representation. Topics Trey and Max Cover Include - how the median voter theory is inaccurate - why American parties are tending in extreme directions - proposals to double…

1
Texas and Immigration, Presidential Fundraising, Alternative to the Bar Exam 18:46

4M ago18:46

18:46

Mike and Jay open the preview of this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of Texas’ SB 4, which allows state judges to deport migrants. Mike argues that it’s plainly unconstitutional and Jay largely agrees, though he makes the case that legislation should be given a presumption of constitutionality. They also discuss how this has moved th…

1
Shutdown Avoided, Apple Lawsuit, OH Senate Primary and Trumpism 1:11:57

4M ago1:11:57

1:11:57

Mike and Jay open with a discussion of bipartisan agreement on a budget that averted a partial government shutdown. Jay thinks it’s good politics, emphasizing once again that Republicans don’t win government shutdowns, and pointing out that Speaker Johnson has a tiny majority to work with. Mike notes that Republicans got a number of things they sho…

1
Should Puerto Rico Become the 51st State? 55:19

4M ago55:19

55:19

Mike talks with George Laws Garcia, a former acting director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration and Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council. Topics Mike and George Cover Include: - how Puerto Ricans aresecond-class US citizens - Puerto Rico and federal income taxes - independence as opposed to statehood - how Puerto R…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Massie Block Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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