This week, Josh and David open with Alabama sports/media/politics crossovers — from Bruce Pearl bowing out to Paul Finebaum’s flirtation with a Senate run — and debate whether “moderate” GOP backers are just trying to block Attorney General Steve Marshall. They also unpack college sports’ power shift: NIL, transfer portal realities, and why contracts (not nostalgia) could fix instability.

Journalist Jennifer Mascia of The Trace joins to explain mass shooter patterns since Columbine and Sandy Hook: isolation, grievance against failed institutions (schools, workplaces, churches), and an ecosystem that celebrates copycats. She addresses race, radicalization, and the internet’s silo effect; and the incel pipeline.

In Alabama politics, the hosts press Democrats to “circle the wagons” after the razor-thin Mobile mayoral loss and the Figures–Drummond rift. They argue party leaders failed to arbitrate, and that Dems must rally around a common foe and a clear message: top vs. bottom, not left vs. right. They close with Right Wing Bonehead of the Week: Rep. Reid Ingram, for pushing a constitutional amendment to mandate Pledge/prayer performatives instead of funding, resources, and real solutions.

• Jennifer Mascia: Senior news writer and founding staffer at The Trace — thetrace.org

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with 10 properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David examine how normalized hate speech endangers everyday people while elite-focused incidents dominate headlines. They call out Alabama’s “big gambling” hypocrisy, defend the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ broader economic impact, and contrast it with corporate harm. They debunk Trump’s Tylenol/autism and “Amish don’t have autism” claims, explore outrage fatigue, and discuss the politicized spectacle at Charlie Kirk’s memorial—juxtaposing the widow’s forgiveness with Stephen Miller and Trump’s grievance politics.

Alabama Democratic Party Vice Chair Tabitha Isner unpacks her “Hall Pass for Hate” op-ed, why “divisive concepts” bans are incoherent, and how speech that incites violence should be confronted. She diagnoses the party’s core issues: top-level paranoia, poor communication, and a choked candidate pipeline — despite hundreds expressing interest.

Dr. Candice Duvieilh, a candidate for Alabama's 5th Congressional District, makes a policy-first case for Congress: coordinating federal-local fixes for North Alabama’s infrastructure, water systems, transit, and Arsenal access — work she says Rep. Dale Strong isn’t doing beyond photo ops and Space Command spin.

Finally, this week's Right Wing Bonehead of the Week: Stephen Miller, for historically illiterate, exclusionary rhetoric at Kirk’s memorial. And the costly GSA firings-and-rehirings fiasco.

• Tabitha Isner: Vice Chair, Alabama Democratic Party
• Dr. Candice Duvieilh: Candidate for Congress in Alabama's 5th District

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with 10 properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David sound the alarm on the Trump administration's escalating attacks on free speech, from the corporate-pressured ousting of late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel to the president's threats to pull the broadcast licenses of critical news outlets. They connect this to a broader pattern of media consolidation and the erosion of journalistic ethics, which makes the press vulnerable to government control.

Then, they address the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, condemning political violence from all sides and urging a return to debate over deadly force. They analyze the cynical political reactions and the mob mentality fueled by social media, calling for a recognition of shared humanity even in the face of deep disagreement.

Later, they welcome Dr. Toni Savage, a government whistleblower who exposed millions of dollars in contracting fraud within the Army Corps of Engineers. Dr. Savage shares her 13-year ordeal of fighting retaliation, which resulted in a landmark legal ruling—the "Savage Standard"—that expanded protections for federal employees. She details the bid-rigging, the cover-ups, and the personal cost of doing the right thing, and she warns how the current administration is dismantling the systems designed to hold government accountable.

Finally, after retiring the "Right Wing Nut" segment in favor of something a little less pejorative, they name FBI Director Kash Patel their first-ever "Right Wing Bonehead of the Week" for his disastrous congressional testimony. They break down his lies and deflections about the Jeffrey Epstein case and discuss how officials are actively covering up the scandal to protect powerful figures, including Donald Trump.

GUEST IN THIS EPISODE

• Dr. Toni Savage: A former contracting officer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and now a full-time minister, Dr. Savage became a government whistleblower when she exposed millions of dollars in contracting fraud. After facing illegal termination and a hostile work environment, her 13-year legal battle resulted in the landmark "Savage Standard" ruling, which expanded protections for whistleblowers under federal law. She now serves on the board of the National Whistleblower Center, advocating for government accountability and transparency.

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ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David tackle the dangerous resurgence of anti-vaccine rhetoric, connecting the dots between political polarization and public health crises. They kick off by dissecting a recent Supreme Court ruling on ICE detentions and critique the Trump administration's selective enforcement of the law, contrasting the focus on low-wage immigrants with the blind eye turned to white-collar crimes like those associated with Jeffrey Epstein. They argue that with failing economic promises, the administration is leaning on fear and hate as its primary political tools.

Then, they welcome Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed to discuss the threat of using the National Guard for domestic policing in cities like D.C. and Chicago. Mayor Reed breaks down why this is a dangerous politicization of the military, a distraction from the administration's policy failures, and an ineffective approach to crime. He advocates for investing in community-based violence prevention and calls out the hypocrisy of targeting certain cities while ignoring systemic issues and other forms of crime, like human trafficking.

Later, Dr. Michael Sagg, a renowned infectious disease expert from UAB, joins the show to provide a masterclass on vaccines. He demystifies the rigorous FDA and CDC approval process, explains the science behind mRNA technology, and debunks common misinformation. Dr. Sagg addresses the unfolding public health disaster in Florida, explains why vaccine mandates exist, and shares his frustration with the politically motivated attacks on science and the firing of dedicated public health officials.

Finally, the hosts name RFK Jr. their Right Wing Nut of the Week for his role in spreading deadly disinformation, warning that his rhetoric and the policies it inspires will lead to preventable deaths from diseases once thought to be eradicated.

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• Send us a question or a voice recording to apwproducer@gmail.com. We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics. Make sure you include your name and the city or county where you live.

Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Thumbnail photo via Gage Skidmore/Flickr

This week on Alabama Politics This Week: Josh and David dig into the fight over Space Command, breaking down why Trump’s decision to move it to Huntsville may be the right call for the wrong reasons. They explore how politics, military readiness, and billions in taxpayer dollars collide — and why both Trump and Biden turned a national security decision into a partisan football.

Then, they welcome Representative Barbara Drummond, who is headed into a runoff in the Mobile mayor’s race. Drummond lays out her vision for the city: tackling youth violence with safe spaces and nonprofits, revitalizing historic neighborhoods, and making sure Mobile’s economic boom benefits all residents. She explains why public safety starts with opportunity, and why she believes her experience makes her the most qualified candidate to lead.

Josh and David also take on the silence of Democrats in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, asking why Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie are leading the charge for transparency while Democratic leaders stay quiet. They connect the dots between accountability, law and order, and political cowardice.

Finally, they name Dustin Beattie — a Walker County pharmacist turned statehouse candidate with a checkered past in the opioid crisis — their Right Wing Nut of the Week.

• Rep. Barbara Drummond: Alabama legislator and candidate for mayor of Mobile. Drummond shares her vision for tackling youth violence, revitalizing historic neighborhoods, and ensuring Mobile’s economic growth benefits everyone.

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David dive into the fallout from Alabama’s municipal elections, breaking down why establishment-backed candidates like Kent Lawrence prevailed in Decatur while longtime councilman Billy Jackson fell short. They explore how money, power, and race intersect in local politics — from city contracts to the “safe candidate” playbook — and what it means for progressive Black leaders across the state.

They also look at the wins: new council members in Decatur who emerged from the Steve Perkins protests, and grassroots candidates like Terrence Atkins and Sarah French who are reshaping local politics. From Birmingham to Mobile to Prichard, Josh and David recap the good, the bad, and the surprising outcomes of election week.

Then, they welcome Matt Hughes, a DNC member from North Carolina and newly appointed member of the Credentials Committee, to unpack the ongoing dysfunction inside the Alabama Democratic Party. Hughes explains why the DNC rejected Alabama’s latest delegate elections, what structural problems keep bringing the state party back before the national committee, and how issues of race, power, and process continue to divide Democrats.

Finally, the hosts turn to U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s latest comments about using the military to police Birmingham and Montgomery, calling out the dangerous echoes of authoritarianism. They name him their Right Wing Nut of the Week and connect the dots between systemic neglect, crime, and political scapegoating.

Matt Hughes: DNC member from North Carolina and newly appointed member of the Credentials Committee. Hughes explains why Alabama’s delegate elections were rejected, why the state party keeps running afoul of national rules, and how dysfunction in Alabama reflects broader challenges for Democrats. He also addresses accusations of outside influence, racial bias, and what it will take to build a winning coalition.

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Please include your name and the city or county where you live. We take time each week to answer listener questions about Alabama politics.

Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David dive into the chaos inside the Alabama Democratic Party, where the DNC has once again invalidated officer elections due to irregularities, mail-in ballot disputes, and power struggles involving Joe Reed and Randy Kelley. The hosts break down why Alabama keeps ending up in conflict with the national party, how this dysfunction distracts from real election prep, and why average Democratic voters are fed up.

Later, they welcome Jeanice Warden-Washington, Chief Consultant for the California State Assembly Committee on Higher Education. Jeanice explains her role shaping higher ed policy in the nation’s largest system, gives updates on the Trump administration’s attempt to strip UCLA of $550 million in research funding, and warns about the broader threat to HBCUs and Hispanic-Serving Institutions. She also unpacks California’s redistricting proposal, Gavin Newsom’s national profile, and the growing fear among educators about Project 2025 and the dismantling of the Department of Education.

Finally, Josh and David debate a new Alabama proposal to ban SNAP recipients from buying sodas and sugary snacks, weighing the health arguments against the hypocrisy and punitive targeting of poor families. They close with their Right Wing Nut of the Week: Donald Trump, for claiming museums focus “too much” on the horrors of slavery.

GUEST IN THIS EPISODE

➡️ Jeanice Warden-Washington: Chief Consultant for the California State Assembly Committee on Higher Education. Jeanice explains her role shaping higher ed policy, details the Trump administration’s attempt to strip UCLA of federal research funding, and warns about the broader implications for HBCUs, HSIs, and the future of higher education under Project 2025. She also breaks down California’s redistricting proposal and weighs in on Gavin Newsom’s national ambitions.

RESOURCES & SOCIALS

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SUPPORT THE SHOW

👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel!
⭐ Leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
📧 Send us a question or a voice recording to apwproducer@gmail.com. We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics. Make sure you include your name and the city or county where you live.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David open with a discussion of a new poll showing Alabama Republican primary voters shifting away from “culture war” issues and toward core concerns like inflation, taxes, jobs, and infrastructure. They explore why voters may be tiring of bathroom bills and trans athlete bans, and how politicians have long used “boogeyman” issues to distract from economic realities.

Then, they sit down with Emily Barfield, a Fort Payne counselor and close friend of Giovanna “Gio” Hernandez, who was detained by ICE after a traffic stop in Leeds, Alabama. Barfield shares how she learned of Gio’s arrest, explains the legal limbo for immigrants brought to the U.S. as children but excluded from DACA, and describes the outpouring of community support — from packed church services to thousands of petition signatures. She also details Gio’s current situation in a Louisiana detention facility, the upcoming August 18th hearing, and what people can do to help keep her story alive.

Finally, Josh and David react to the Leeds Police Department’s dash cam release, calling out the “reckless driving” claims as bogus and the celebratory fist bump as offensive. They also tackle extremist pastor Doug Wilson’s push to strip women of the right to vote, the University of Alabama’s claim that reopening safe spaces for Black and LGBTQ students would be “unlawful segregation,” and name their Right Wing Nut of the Week.

➡️ Emily Barfield: Counselor from Fort Payne, Alabama, and close friend of Giovanna “Gio” Hernandez. Barfield recounts the events leading to Gio’s ICE detention after a Leeds traffic stop, explains the lack of a clear citizenship path for immigrants brought to the U.S. as children but excluded from DACA, and shares the overwhelming community support for Gio. She offers updates on Gio’s detention in Louisiana, the upcoming August 18th hearing, and concrete ways listeners can help keep pressure on officials and national attention on the case.

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👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel!
⭐ Leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
📧 Send us a question or a voice recording to apwproducer@gmail.com. We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics. Make sure you include your name and the city or county where you live.

Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.