Andy sits down with Steve Schmidt for a conversation that is as urgent as it is unflinching. Steve Schmidt is one of the most consequential figures in modern American politics. He ran John McCain's presidential campaign, architected Arnold Schwarzenegger's come-from-behind re-election, served as a top strategist in the Bush White House, and co-founded the Lincoln Project — the most politically effective Super PAC of the 2020 election cycle. He was the first person on American television to predict that Donald Trump could win in 2015 and he accurately predicted the political violence of January 6th more than three months before it happened.

Today, Steve is the founder of The Warning and co-founder of the Save America Movement, a national organizing effort operating across all 50 states with more than 250,000 grassroots donors behind it.

In this conversation, Andy and Steve get into the state of American democracy, the Iran war and what it means for the Trump administration's political future, SAM's Villains campaign and the strategy behind holding bad actors accountable by name, Operation Liberty and what SAM has documented at ICE detention centers across the country, and what Steve believes this moment, as painful and frightening as it is, ultimately means for the future of the country.

Steve Schmidt doesn't do spin. He doesn't do comfortable. And this conversation is no exception.

Then Andy and the Jo(h)ns recap the news of the week. From Artemis II to the Pope vs. Donald Trump online, it was a big week in American politics. Plus, a litte behind-the-scenes as Andy talks about his recent appearance with Rev. Al Sharpton and a quick trip down to Atlanta for the Carter-Lewis Dinner where Andy delivered a message to Georgia Democrats: it's time to get the dirt on our boots and get to work.

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Kentucky has always had a way of finding people who are undeniably, authentically themselves and this week's guests are proof of that.

In this episode, Andy sits down with two Kentuckians who have taken their talent and grit and turned them into something extraordinary.

RaeShanda Lias is one of the most dynamic voices online and you may recognize her catchphrase "Let's check the board." She's an influencer, entrepreneur and storyteller who has spent her career sharing what matters to her most. RaeShanda joins Andy for a conversation about her incredible journey, what it means to talk about poltiics online today, ignoring the comments and the responsibility that comes with having a microphone and a platform in a divided world. Plus, Andy gets a little free fashion advice. 👔

Then, JD Shelburne stops by to talk about a life built on music, persistence, and Kentucky pride. Growing up in Taylorsville, Kentucky, JD didn't pick up a guitar until college but once he did, there was no looking back. More than 3,000 shows later, a Grand Ole Opry debut, his own bourbon in over 60 stores across the commonwealth, and a cover of the Kentucky Tourism Official Visitors Guide, JD has become one of the most beloved independent voices in country music and a great ambassador for Kentucky – and our bourbon.

🤝 Two remarkable people. Two incredible stories. One great conversation.

Because at the end of the day, that's what this podcast is about – the people who make America the place it is.

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In this episode, Andy sits down with the host of The David Pakman Show to talk about what it takes to stay grounded in the truth when the truth feels harder than ever to find. They dig into the current political moment, the state of American media, the rise of independent journalism, and why an informed public is one of the most powerful forces in a democracy.

It's an honest conversation about politics, press, and the responsibility we all share; as citizens, as leaders, and as people who still believe this country is worth fighting for.

Next up, Andy and the Jo(h)ns break down the biggest stories of the week: First, the Iran War. What started as airstrikes has become something far more complicated. The Pentagon is now preparing for weeks of potential ground operations, Iran is warning against any U.S. ground invasion, and regional diplomats are scrambling in a race to find an off-ramp before the conflict escalates further. Meanwhile, back home, the economic consequences are already being felt. And after a month of war, the GOP's political reality is beginning to sink in, with no clean exit strategy and no easy answers.

Then, the No Kings Protests: the biggest nationwide demonstrations in recent memory. Organizers say more than 8 million people turned out across all 50 states to rally against the Trump administration, from small towns to major cities.

Airports, TSA & the SAVE Act: A saga that just won't end. A record number of TSA employees called out sick last Friday, and even after Trump's directive to pay them, officers are still calling out. Making things more complicated: the Border Czar suggested ICE may not leave airports even once TSA workers are back on the payroll. All of this is tangled up with the SAVE Act, the voter ID legislation Trump has made a condition of any deal, which mean long drives and major hurdles for millions of American voters trying to register. It was a... revealing week for the Republican Party. Trump skipped CPAC for the first time in a decade, and his absence spoke volumes. The Iran war cast a shadow over the entire conference with MAGA anxiety on full display and Steve Bannon warning from the stage that the war is just getting started and that American sons and daughters could end up on Kharg Island. And amidst all of it, observers couldn't help but notice: CPAC itself seems to be shrinking. In good news, Andy announces it was Kentucky's best first quarter ever for new investment. It's a sign that the work being done to grow the Kentucky economy continues to pay off, even in the middle of national uncertainty.

Plus, a Daily Show shoutout and maybe even a challenge, to Kentucky's own, Desi Lydic – recent friend of the pod. Let's get going.

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