Episodes

  • Trump Has Created An Environment That's Ripe For Political Violence

    Trump Has Created An Environment That's Ripe For Political Violence
    Jun 16 2025
    Chuck Todd begins with a solemn observation… that the world and country are both in a very unstable and combustible moment and needs President Donald Trump to offer stable leadership to help turn the temperature down… but is likely incapable of, or unwilling of doing so. He also reflects on Trump’s role in creating an environment ripe for political violence and why he believes we’re living in an Orwellian moment where it’s hard to know what to believe.Then Chuck sits down with Mike Pesca, host of "The Gist," for a deep dive into media, politics, and culture. The conversation kicks off with observations about the podcast industry's shift toward video content and marketing strategies and how news has evolved from reporting to commentary, blurring the traditional lines between journalism and opinion. They explore the trend of audiences gravitating toward partisan content and echo chambers.They discuss cryptocurrency's similarities to collectibles and its role in financial privacy, to Trump's media strategy and the Democrats' failure to match his "everywhere" approach to communication. They examine specific policy proposals like DOGE's potential costs, Trump's penny elimination plan, and his willingness to negotiate with hostile nations. They conclude with an intriguing look at the potential politicization of sports media, Caitlin Clark's unexpected role as a political lightning rod and the rarity of overtly political sports coaches like Auburn’s Bruce Pearl.Finally, he concludes the show by answering listeners’ questions about Elon Musk’s access to government data, what may have been different if Trump hadn’t pulled America out of the Iran nuclear deal and his thoughts on podcasting compared to hosting Meet the Press.Timeline00:00 Introduction00:15 Nats swept by the Marlins01:00 The country and the world depend on Donald Trump’s leadership02:30 The only person who can end the Israel/Iran war is Trump03:30 Trump has infused the Republican Party with isolationism 05:30 Israel can’t end Iran’s nuclear program without direct US support07:15 Trump’s deportation policy is a major driver of instability08:30 Economic damage could cause Trump to back off deportations09:15 Minnesota shooter was radicalized online10:45 Most of the political violence in the country has come from the right12:15 Trump is not interested in lowering the temperature13:30 Trump won’t accept that he’s contributed to the tension14:30 Trump’s parade fell flat, but the No King’s protests were massive15:30 Chuck ended up on the hit list of a radical in 201816:50 Trump has created an environment of violence with the J6 pardons 18:45 We’ve entered an Orwellian moment with disinformation online 19:45 Kristi Noem’s “liberate California” rhetoric was insane21:15 When people don’t know what to believe, it makes democracy unstable23:00 Mike Pesca joins the Chuck ToddCast! 25:00 Is video format actually good for podcasts? 28:00 Video feels like the only good way to market a podcast 30:30 The public hasn't published the podcast industry for not being in real time 32:15 News has become more commentary than news reporting 34:00 The lines between news and opinion have been blurred 37:00 Chuck's take on having two first names 38:30 What topic doesn't make the cut for "The Gist"? 40:25 Comedians are the modern day philosophers 43:00 So many podcasts are just people agreeing with each other 44:30 Audiences gravitate towards partisan content 47:00 AI will make the media ecosystem more efficient 48:45 There's a lack of ideological diversity in the two parties 50:15 The political duopoly has been bad for voters 52:45 Crypto is not much different from baseball cards and comic books 54:00 Crypto is inefficient but it's good for hiding money 58:00 Political criticisms aren't always partisan 59:30 DOGE will cost taxpayers more money than it saves 1:00:30 Trump is great a diagnosing problems but isn't interested in solving them 1:03:30 Democrats haven't adopted Trump's "everywhere" strategy with media 1:04:30 Democrats can learn from Trump without emulating him 1:06:15 Trump's plan to eliminate the penny is a good one 1:07:15 Trump is willing to cut deals with hostile countries 1:09:15 Will sports & sports media end up becoming partisan? 1:10:20 Caitlin Clark is a political lightning rod 1:12:00 Bruce Pearl is the only college coach that's overtly political 1:14:45 What is Mike reading that would surprise people?1:19:00 Ask Chuck 1:19:20 Was Elon Musk's access to government data considered corruption?1:23:15 Where would we be now if Trump didn't withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal? 1:28:15 Long-form podcast format vs Sunday show format?
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Introducing Kamala: Next in Line

    Introducing Kamala: Next in Line
    Oct 5 2020

    As a bonus for Chuck ToddCast listeners, we’re sharing a special preview of Kamala: Next in Line, a six-part podcast from MSNBC and Wondery that goes inside the cross-cultural journey that led Senator Kamala Harris from her humble roots to become the first African-American woman to be the Vice Presidential nominee for a major party. From Oakland to Howard University, and California to Washington DC, experience her story as it has never been told before. Hosted by MSNBC's Joy Reid, the show features exclusive interviews with those who know her best, painting a picture of a woman who has fought her way to the top at every turn. Listen to the first episode, and subscribe to the series now: https://link.chtbl.com/description-kamala
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    6 mins
  • Wondery presents Bunga Bunga

    Wondery presents Bunga Bunga
    Sep 8 2020

    Silvio Berlusconi was a charismatic multi-millionaire real-estate mogul who upended the Italian political order and hypnotized an entire nation. He was the longest-serving prime minister of one of the world’s wealthiest countries, until he was brought down by three powerful women - and two words: “Bunga Bunga.” From Wondery, the makers of Dirty John and The Shrink Next Door, and hosted by comedian Whitney Cummings, “Bunga Bunga” is an eight part series on the incredible true story of the rise and fall of Silvio Berlusconi, told with Whitney’s signature wit and style. 

    Subscribe today: Wondery.fm/BungaBunga_NBCTC
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    6 mins
  • How Does GOP RECLAIM Republican Party From Trump?

    How Does GOP RECLAIM Republican Party From Trump?
    Jun 12 2025
    Chuck Todd criticizes the controversial military birthday parade planned by Trump in Washington, D.C., which marks both the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday. He calls out the event as a politicization of the military, a costly spectacle ($25–$45 million) that could have been spent addressing critical social needs such as homeless veterans, Medicaid funding, or infrastructure repair. He takes particular issue with the military personnel being vetted for political loyalty to Trump, which undermines the traditionally apolitical nature of the military and risks eroding public trust. Chuck examines the broader consequences of Trump’s actions, including his use of military intervention in domestic unrest and harsh rhetoric against protestors, which contributes to the dangerous polarization of Americans and threatens democratic norms.Chuck Todd sits down with former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock to discuss her ongoing efforts to reform the Republican Party from within and the challenges facing the GOP in the Trump era. Comstock argues that the party's fundamental problem isn't ideological but character-based, as Republicans have abandoned character as a voting issue and are now required to lie to their voters to maintain political viability. She believes reform must come from the bottom up through state and local politics, which have been less infected by Trumpism, and warns that MAGA Republicans' indifference to whether government actually works has created a dangerous dynamic where loyalty to Trump is the only qualification that matters.The conversation explores the practical consequences of Republican governance, from potential Medicaid cuts that could devastate rural hospitals and long-term care facilities, to the party's abandonment of Christian principles regarding care for the vulnerable. Comstock sees an opportunity for reform during the eventual succession fight after Trump, arguing that it will take just one person of character to begin rebuilding the party. She's particularly critical of figures like JD Vance, whom she describes as a charlatan who cannot represent the party's future, while expressing cautious optimism about leaders like Glenn Youngkin. Throughout the discussion, Comstock draws parallels to international politics, praising Zelenskyy as the world's greatest leader while condemning the Tucker Carlson wing of the party for siding with Putin, ultimately arguing that voters will punish incumbents of both parties if government continues to fail.00:00 Introduction01:05 The two types of ex-Repubicans03:40 The bleak future of the two-party system04:30 Trump's military birthday parade07:20 Longterm damage of politicizing the military08:55 Conservative's absurd renaming of Confederate bases11:30 The HUGE price of this military parade13:30 What the $45 million COULD have been used to fix15:10 Why politicizing the military would be end of the republic16:00 How this stunt is escalating tensions w/ ongoing protests17:15 Why this Trump scandal is particularly un-American19:45 Barbara Comstock joins the Chuck ToddCast!20:45 Efforts to reform the Republican party from within23:00 State and local level politics have been less infected by Trumpism25:15 Republicans are required to lie to their voters26:15 Reform will come from the bottom up27:00 Character is a bigger problem for Republicans than ideology28:30 Republicans have given up on character as a voting issue30:30 Winsome Earle-Sears has capitulated to the Trump movement33:15 Should Republicans embrace Trump’s ideology but with high character candidates?35:15 MAGA Republicans don’t care if government doesn’t work36:00 Loyalty is the only qualification Trump cares about39:00 Attrition and incentives are a better way of cutting government42:15 Emergency care for illegal immigrants is mandated by law43:00 Christian Republicans want to kick the samaritan to the curb44:00 Medicaid cuts will cause rural hospitals to close45:00 Medicaid sustains the long term care industry46:45 Congress has abdicated its responsibility to govern48:15 It takes one person of character to begin reforming the GOP49:15 There will be opportunity for reform during the succession fight50:45 When you make government work well, voters notice52:00 Could Republicans get wiped out like the Tories in the UK?53:30 Zelenskyy is the greatest leader on the world stage55:00 The Tucker Carlson wing has sided with Putin56:15 Can a non MAGA Republican win over MAGA voters in the future?58:45 Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon have looked clueless1:00:15 The Republican party has become an anti-intellectual party1:01:30 Has JD Vance always been a charlatan?1:03:30 JD Vance can’t be the future of the party1:04:45 Is Glenn Youngkin redeemable?1:07:00 Trump will want to anoint his successor1:07:30 Who are some current Republicans that could reclaim the GOP?1:10:15 The potential GOP reformer needs to be someone new1:13:15 Voters won’t be kind to incumbents ...
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Why MAGA movement went global + 'Prime Minister': MUST-WATCH Documentary Of Jacinda Ardern's INCREDIBLE Story

    Why MAGA movement went global + 'Prime Minister': MUST-WATCH Documentary Of Jacinda Ardern's INCREDIBLE Story
    Jun 11 2025

    Chuck Todd reflects on his recent conversation with Steve Bannon and proposes his theory for what Donald Trump and his MAGA movement's populism is really tapping into not just in America, but as a global phenomenon. Chuck says that the Democrats have an opportunity to position themselves as an opposition party that taps into the American populace's skepticism of concentrated power, and that if the current Democratic leadership isn't equipped to navigate the moment, they could set themselves up to get steamrolled by Trumpism the same way that the George Bush and Mitt Romney wing of the Republican Party did. Chuck goes on to look at some of the races he's most excited for in 2026.

    Chuck Todd welcomes filmmakers Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe to discuss their documentary "Prime Minister," an intimate portrait of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's extraordinary leadership during some of the most challenging moments in recent history. The film, built around Ardern's personal audio diaries that weren't meant to be released until after her death, chronicles her navigation through three defining crises: the Christchurch shooting, the COVID-19 pandemic, and giving birth while in office. The filmmakers had unprecedented access to Ardern, capturing her reflections on leading a nation through tragedy and global upheaval, while New Zealand became the first country to eradicate COVID-19 through decisive leadership and strong public health measures.

    The conversation explores the broader themes of the documentary, including the misogynistic backlash Ardern faced both for her COVID response and her decision to ban semi-automatic weapons after Christchurch. Utz and Walshe discuss the challenge of misinformation during the pandemic, the export of American political mistrust to other democracies, and how Ardern's millennial confidence shaped her leadership style. Despite her international popularity, the filmmakers reveal that Ardern has sworn off politics forever, making this documentary a crucial historical record of her tenure. The film serves as both a case study in crisis leadership and an inspiration for young women considering political careers, showcasing how Ardern became a global role model while navigating the unique pressures facing female leaders in the modern political landscape.

    Finally, he addresses listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!

    00:00 Introduction

    03:50 Steve Bannon's theory about Trump & the global populist movement

    06:10 Why Trump's character is a distraction for Democrats

    08:10 Democrats' advantage as an outsider party

    10:45 New Jersey gubernatorial race

    14:30 Democratic Senate candidates popping up in Iowa

    18:30 Minnesota Senate Democratic primary

    20:45 New candidate alert in Georgia!

    23:00 Louisiana getting rid of runoffs?

    24:10 Mark Green stepping down in Tennesee

    29:30 Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe join the Chuck Toddcast!

    30:30 What was the origin story of their documentary “Prime Minister”

    31:30 How often did they have access to Jacinda Ardern?

    32:50 Ardern’s audio diaries weren’t supposed to be released until she died

    34:00 Ardern showed extraordinary leadership after the Christchurch shooting

    35:30 Adrern’s story wasn’t local and could resonate worldwide

    37:30 Was Ardern surprised when reflecting on her diaries?

    38:30 Ardern had to lead through 2 crises

    39:30 The tentpoles of the documentary are Covid, Christchurch and giving birth in office

    42:30 Great responsibility to get the story right due to historic nature

    44:30 Was Arden’s book coordinated with the release of the documentary?

    45:30 What was the hardest thing to leave out?

    47:30 New Zealand’s great response to Covid relied on strong leadership

    49:30 New Zealand was the first country to eradicate Covid

    51:00 Citizens of every country blamed their leaders for Covid

    52:30 Misinformation was a huge problem during Covid

    53:30 Was there an anti-vax community in NZ prior to Covid?

    54:45 Was the widespread mistrust in the American government exported to NZ?

    55:45 Ardern received terrible misogynistic blowback from the public

    56:30 Was the backlash worse for Covid or for banning semiautomic weapons?

    59:40 Ardern swears she’ll never go into politics again

    1:02:30 Is Ardern more popular outside of New Zealand?

    1:03:45 What do you hope a young female politician takes away from “Prime Minister”?

    1:05:15 Was Ardern’s confidence a byproduct of being a millennial?

    1:07:45 Ardern was a great role model for young women

    1:08:30 Do they have another project planned in the future?

    1:11:40 Where can people see “Prime Minister”?

    1:14:00 Ask Chuck!
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Trump vs. Newsom + DC/DOX Film Festival Kicks Off Its THIRD Year!

    Trump vs. Newsom + DC/DOX Film Festival Kicks Off Its THIRD Year!
    Jun 10 2025
    Chuck Todd reacts to Donald Trump’s escalating conflict with the state of California and Governor Gavin Newsom over the ICE raids and protests. Chuck warns that if Trump makes good on his threats to arrest Newsom, he could make him a powerful martyr. He also weighs in Barack Obama’s lack of presence for the Democrats while they struggle with a leadership vacuum.Then Chuck sits down with Jamie Shor and Sky Sitney, the co-founders of DC/DOX, Washington D.C.'s premier documentary film festival now in its third year. The duo discusses how they merged their individual visions to create a festival that perfectly captures the capital city's unique position as a hub for storytelling about politics, power, and social change. They explore how modern film festivals have evolved from simple showcases to essential curators in an era where the barrier to entry for documentary filmmaking has never been lower, yet the challenge of finding distribution and audience has never been greater.The conversation highlights some of the festival's most compelling offerings, from the visceral war documentary "2000 Meters To Adiivka" to the humorous AI exploration "Deepfaking Sam Altman," and the shocking government surveillance tale "The Spies Among Us." Shor and Sitney discuss the delicate balance between activism and entertainment in documentary filmmaking, the importance of transparency around AI usage in film production, and how their curation reflects the current cultural moment. They also address the ongoing distribution crisis facing independent filmmakers and explain how festivals like DC/DOX provide crucial visibility for smaller creators who lack major studio backing, while partners like Netflix and National Geographic help amplify important voices in documentary storytelling.Finally, he addresses listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!Timeline:00:00 Introduction02:30 Trump is in a showdown with the state of California03:30 The “Newscum” nickname makes Trump look unserious05:30 The first amendment doesn’t only apply to citizens07:30 The Trump recession has begun08:30 The Big Beautiful Bill fight is going poorly for Republicans09:30 Trump wants to make California a political punching bag10:15 Trumpworld wants to make Gavin Newsom the face of the Democratic party11:30 If Trump arrests Newsom, Newsom could become a martyr12:00 Should Barack Obama be filling the Democratic leadership vacuum?13:30 DNC leadership seems to be paralyzed 14:30 Obama is the only leader the entire coalition trusts17:45 There’s not enough faith in the Democratic bench18:45 Obama has stayed above the fray19:20 Obama speaking out would raise the alarm amongst disengaged voters20:30 Biden failed to make the country turn the page on Trump 22:45 If Trump tries to seek a third term, so can Barack Obama24:00 Jamie Shor & Sky Sitney join the Chuck ToddCast! 25:45 What is DC/DOX and how has it evolved over three years? 28:20 How did Jamie and Sky meld their visions into one? 30:00 Why D.C. is the perfect host city for the festival. 32:30 The barrier to entry for making documentaries is lower than ever 34:30 Modern film festivals are a curator for films rather than just a showcase 36:30 Most of the documentaries presented don't have major studio backing 37:45 Netflix and NatGeo were early partners of DC/DOX 40:15 Festivals provide visibility for smaller filmmakers 41:00 Sky's favorite feature length films being featured at DC/DOX? 42:30 "2000 Meters To Adiivka" is a visceral war documentary 44:15 Jamie's favorite films being featured at DC/DOX? 47:00 What is "Andy Kaufman Is Me" about? 49:00 What is "Barbara Walters Tells Me Everything" about? 51:00 "Deepfaking Sam Altman" is a great and funny exploration of AI 53:00 "The Spies Among Us" is a shocking tale of government surveillance 54:15 What are the best documentary shorts featured at DC/DOX? 58:45 Activist documentaries still have to be entertaining to make change 1:00:45 The films curated have to be reflective of the time 1:02:45 Filmmakers must be transparent about their use of AI1:06:15 AI ethics in filmmaking will continue to evolve 1:07:15 What is the state of the industry for documentary filmmakers? 1:10:00 Is there a distribution crisis in the film industry? 1:12:00 Where do you go to buy tickets or get more info for DC/DOX?01:14:40 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Jamie Short & Sky Sitney 01:15:50 Ask Chuck 01:16:05 Should the US consider Sunday voting & a Presidential Reform Act? 01:24:10 National security book recommendations? 01:29:10 Members seem clueless…who is actually writing the legislation in Congress?
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    1 hr and 36 mins
  • Sarah McBride On Becoming First Trans Member Of Congress, Trump LGBTQ Policies, Biden

    Sarah McBride On Becoming First Trans Member Of Congress, Trump LGBTQ Policies, Biden
    Jun 9 2025
    Chuck Todd begins with the apparent de-escalation of the feud between Donald Trump and Elon and why the power imbalance between the two meant that Elon would be forced to back down. Then, he explains why Trump is deliberately manufacturing a crisis by federalizing the National Guard and sending them to LA to deal with protests over ICE raids. He calls it a “political trap” set by Stephen Miller and that the administration has chosen to use California as a political punching bag. He also weighs in on the crisis of leadership at the DNC after an internal call was leaked to the press and why it could be the end of Ken Martin’s time as chair.Then, Chuck welcomes filmmaker Chase Joynt and Congresswoman Sarah McBride to discuss the documentary "State of Firsts," which chronicles McBride's historic journey as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. Joynt explains the origins of the film and the decision to focus on McBride's political coming of age amid the intensifying national debate over trans rights. The conversation explores the broader LGBTQ civil rights movement, the challenges of media coverage around trans issues, and how Trump has weaponized transgender Americans as political scapegoats. They discuss the ongoing tensions within the gay community about whether the fight for trans rights is "worth it," and examine how civil rights have historically advanced incrementally through strategic battles.McBride joins the conversation to reflect on the personal toll of being thrust into the spotlight as a symbol for an entire community while trying to serve her Delaware constituents effectively. She discusses the unique pressures that come with being the "first" of any identity group in Congress, the performance incentives that can bring out the worst in politicians, and her approach to picking battles strategically rather than fighting on every front. The discussion touches on Delaware's distinctive political dynamics, her relationship with President Biden, the complexities of the trans women in sports debate, and whether she would accept a meeting with Trump. Throughout, both guests emphasize the importance of seeing transgender people as whole individuals rather than reducing them to a single issue, while acknowledging the weight of representation in advancing civil rights.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment regarding filibuster reform in the Senate, whether age limits for lawmakers are a good idea, and whether Trump would be best served resigning the presidency in order to receive a pardon from JD Vance.Timeline:00:00 Introduction01:15 Trump backs off when dealing with rich and powerful people02:15 Elon is a bridge between MAGA and the tech elite03:00 Steve Bannon says Musk’s money might have made the difference in election05:00 Trump is always for sale, but the deals aren’t stable 06:15 Musk is powerful but not irreplaceable 07:00 Trump could destroy Musk’s companies before his term ends08:45 The fate of our country hinges on a pissing match between two powerful people10:15 Voters think all politicians are equally corrupt11:00 The Trump administration is trying to manufacture a crisis in Los Angeles12:30 What you’re reading and seeing online isn’t what’s happening on the ground13:30 Majority of voters want immigration enforced, but humanely and with due process15:00 Stephen Miller believes he’s setting up a political trap16:15 The administration wants to use California as a cultural punching bag18:00 DNC chair Ken Martin caught on recording saying he might not be up to the job20:00 Martin defined himself as a placeholder with doubts20:45 Democrats don’t know who’s in charge, or who they want to be in charge21:45 Ken Martin will be defined by this moment24:00 Chase Joynt joins the Chuck ToddCast! 25:00 What was the origin of "State of Firsts"? 26:45 Were there any ground rules or "no goes" when creating the film? 28:00 Sarah's ascent to Congress amidst the brewing fight over trans rights 29:45 Is the debate over trans rights being "worth it" still happening in gay community? 31:00 Does the fight for trans rights feel like two steps forward, one step back? 32:30 The value in unearthing the history of the fight for equal LBGTQ rights 34:20 They chose to tell the story of Sarah's political coming of age 36:15 Frustrations with media coverage of the fight for trans rights? 37:00 Trump understands that he created a scapegoat 38:00 The fight over trans women in sports 39:00 Had Chase ever done a political documentary before "State of Firsts"? 41:00 What did you learn about how politics is conducted? 42:30 Politics dominates the public space in America 44:00 What surprised you most after being around congress? 45:15 Being the "first" of an identity group in congress 47:30 The pressure on McBride of being forced to speak on behalf of an entire community 48:45 Civil rights have always been advanced incrementally 51:...
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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • Donald Trump & Elon Musk In Public FIGHT

    Donald Trump & Elon Musk In Public FIGHT
    Jun 5 2025

    Chuck Todd reacts to the escalating feud brewing between Donald Trump and Elon Musk after Elon’s departure from the administration. He warns the audience… NOBODY can predict where this will go from here.

    Timeline:

    00:00 Trump and Elon attack each other on social media

    01:00 Trump threatens to terminate Elon’s government contracts

    01:20 Elon accuses Trump of being in the Epstein files

    02:30 Trump and Elon think they’ve bought each other's loyalty

    04:15 Trump and Elon are basically the same guy

    05:00 This was the most predictable split

    07:15 Elon doesn’t understand how politics work

    08:45 This feud will run into a reality check at some point

    09:45 They are basically teenagers fighting
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    11 mins
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