Former Sen. Doug Jones provides insights into the palpable energy at recent Democratic gatherings in Alabama and the possibilities for the party to gain traction. He shares his views on the current state of the Alabama Democratic Party leadership and emphasizes the critical need for Democrats to concentrate on specific local legislative races to break the supermajority in the state legislature.

Investigative reporter Beth Shelburne joins to discuss her "Blood Money" series, exposing ADOC's astronomical spending on legal fees and settlements for lawsuits, many detailing horrific excessive force by guards, all while state leadership remains largely unresponsive and unaccountable.

This week, Josh and David dive into the blatant hypocrisy surrounding Donald Trump's presidency, from breaking his promise to "end wars" by bombing Iran to the cult-like devotion of his followers who ignore every lie. They explore the dangerous intersection of religion and politics in the Middle East and how it reflects the erosion of religious freedom debates here at home.

Then, in a rare and extended interview, they sit down with the CEO and Tribal Chair of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Stephanie Bryan. She shares the incredible story of the tribe's journey from poverty to a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, her philosophy on leadership and giving back, and what's really holding up a gaming deal in Alabama.

Finally, the show closes with a tragic and infuriating "Right Wing Nut of the Week": a Florida lawmaker who championed a restrictive abortion ban, only to find her own life at risk because of it when she suffered a medical emergency.

👇 JUMP TO A TOPIC (YOUTUBE CHAPTERS) 👇
00:00 Intro: Trump's Broken Promises & MAGA Hypocrisy
09:46 The Iran Bombing & The Politics of Fear
14:54 Freedom of Religion vs. Religious War
23:05 GUEST: Stephanie Bryan, CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians
56:38 The Tribe's $4 Billion Impact & Giving Back
1:07:58 The Future of Gaming in Alabama
1:19:18 Post-Interview Breakdown & The Power of Exposure
1:24:33 Right Wing Nut: The GOP Lawmaker Who Needed an Abortion

GUEST IN THIS EPISODE

➡️ Stephanie Bryan: CEO and Tribal Chair of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. In a wide-ranging conversation, Stephanie details the tribe's history, their business diversification beyond gaming into federal contracting and hospitality, and their guiding principles of community investment and partnership. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the political fight over gaming in the state and shares her vision for a better Alabama.

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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.