In this all-new episode of The Really American Podcast, host Chip Franklin sits down with veteran political strategist and Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson to dissect the chaos at the heart of American politics and the GOP. As Trumpism continues to reshape the political landscape, Chip and Rick take a hard look at the GOP’s crumbling identity, the mounting economic fallout from their ill-conceived policies, and the cultural battles they stoke that keep the nation divided.

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Rick Wilson lays it out bluntly: the Republican Party has lost its way. Once driven by conservative principles, it now revolves around a cult of personality—Trump’s.

With no coherent economic or social agenda to fall back on, the GOP is increasingly defined by opportunism and extremism. Whether it’s debates over transgender rights in sports or other divisive issues, Chip and Rick argue that these distractions are deliberately engineered to derail serious policy discussions.

Wilson also warns of the disastrous consequences behind Trump’s tariff strategies and reckless budget policies. What might seem like short-term political theater carries long-term risks—job losses, staggering debt, and even the specter of stagflation.

Looking forward, the duo turns their attention to the future challenges facing the Democratic Party. Both agree that the key to success in 2028 lies in choosing a moderate, broadly appealing candidate who can steer clear of extreme positions while tackling Trumpism’s influence in the GOP.

Ultimately, Franklin and Wilson offer more than a dissection of today’s chaos—they deliver a rallying cry for empathy, informed dialogue, and decisive action. In an era marked by deep divides, their conversation is a reminder that only a united, thoughtful populace can steer us toward a fairer, more resilient future.

Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to join us again next time on The Really American Podcast for more deep insights into the forces shaping our nation.

Broadcaster / comedian Chip Franklin is joined on the Really American Podcast by Rich Logis, a former MAGA supporter, discusses his journey of leaving the movement and founding the organization "Leaving MAGA". He explains how he became involved in MAGA, initially believing Trump was disrupting the political status quo, and gradually realized the movement's harmful rhetoric and misinformation.

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Franklin and Logis dive deep into the personal and political transformation that led Logis to embrace the MAGA community—a community he initially valued for its bold challenge to the political establishment. Logis recounts how Trump’s magnetic persona and campaign promises promised real change—a break from a Washington dominated by a tired duopoly. For many like him, the allure was simple: someone outside the "world of Washington" could truly shake things up.

However, as the movement progressed, that initial appeal began to unravel. Logis observed a disturbing shift marked by divisive rhetoric and unfounded claims—especially surrounding the 2020 election and the COVID-19 crisis. During the conversation, he candidly reveals the pivotal moments that spurred his decision to leave, including the spread of COVID-19 misinformation and the assault on democratic institutions on January 6th.

While many label MAGA a cult, Logis prefers to call it a "community"—a tightly-knit group bound by shared fears and mutual adversaries, particularly against liberal ideals. He explains that this sense of belonging makes it incredibly difficult for members to leave. Instead of dehumanizing language, he calls for empathy and open dialogue as the true bridges to mending our divided nation.

Franklin and Logis also explore the creation of "Leaving MAGA," the organization Logis founded to help former supporters exit the movement with dignity and acceptance. He details how the contradictions—both personal and public—such as politicians’ embrace of COVID misinformation and a tacit tolerance for political violence, gradually opened his eyes.

The podcast highlights how Leaving MAGA provides a safe haven for ex-supporters to share their experiences without judgment, creating a networking platform for those ready to start a new chapter and reconcile with friends and family fractured by political divides.

Franklin and Logis then tackle the broader implications of America’s deepening polarization, emphasizing that effective communication and empathy are essential. Logis underscores that many in the MAGA universe, despite their misguided beliefs, are fundamentally decent people who have been overwhelmed by misinformation. Their conversation demonstrates that personal stories and emotional connections—rather than cold facts alone—are key to healing familial and community rifts.

Ultimately, the Really American Podcast challenges divisiveness and champions unity. For anyone worried about the future of American democracy and social harmony, Rich Logis’s eye-opening journey and Chip Franklin’s incisive probing serve as a vital wake-up call for introspection and action.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Join the Really American Podcast for ongoing discussions designed to enlighten and inspire. Tune in next week as we continue to challenge divisiveness and work together toward a more united future.

Broadcaster / comedian Chip Franklin is joined on the Really American Podcast by author Max Brooks discusses global geopolitical tensions, focusing on potential nuclear risks, the challenges of international alliances like NATO, and the complex dynamics between nations. Brooks explores the consequences of withdrawing from NATO, the risks of small countries developing nuclear weapons, and the intricate power struggles between racial ideologues and business interests within the Trump universe.

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In this episode, Franklin and Brooks discuss the haunting question: What happens when governments are run by those without true knowledge or competence? Drawing from examples in Michael Lewis’s The Fifth Risk, the duo explores how dismantling essential institutions poses significant risks to global stability.

One of the central themes of their discussion is the potential danger facing small countries as powerful alliances like NATO confront existential threats. Brooks warns of the increased likelihood of these nations resorting to developing nuclear weapons—a scenario that could drastically alter global peace and security. The concept of mutually assured destruction, once a cornerstone of Cold War deterrence, could become dangerously seductive for countries feeling isolated and threatened.

Brooks further critiques the disarray within the Trump universe, where the struggle between racial ideologues and business opportunists creates a volatile mix of agendas. On one side, there are those who see globalization as a necessary evil, and on the other, those who advocate for a return to isolationist policies.

The discussion also touches on China’s growing influence and ambitions. Brooks provides a chilling reminder of the authoritarian measures China employs domestically—such as its infamous "tiger chair" torture devices and an aggressive surveillance state. In exporting this model, China presents a direct challenge to Western notions of democracy and individual liberty.

Brooks’s book, "Tiger Chair," offers a provocative narrative portraying a hypothetical occupation of Los Angeles, inviting audiences to ponder the deeper implications of international power struggles and potential military conflicts on American soil. His insights encourage listeners to consider the broader geopolitical stakes involved in current global dynamics, including China’s strategic patience and bid for dominance —a dominance pursued without a direct military confrontation with the United States.

Throughout the episode, Franklin and Brooks emphasize the importance of education and awareness. They argue that understanding the role of institutions like NATO and the historical context of America’s foreign policy empowers citizens to push back against misinformation and geopolitical aggression.

For those concerned about the erosion of democratic values and the destabilization of international order, this episode of the Really American Podcast serves as a critical wake-up call. Franklin and Brooks highlight the urgent need for informed citizens to advocate for transparency, better leadership, and global collaboration.

Stay connected with vital discussions on the Really American Podcast. Remain informed, stay vigilant, and join the fight for a future where informed action and international cooperation ensure lasting peace and prosperity.

Stay informed. Stay active. And join us again next week right here on Really American.