Real Talk with Riggin

On this episode we discuss The Coming Food Crisis with author and attorney-turned-homesteader John Klar, who warns that America’s centralized food system is far more fragile than most consumers realize. Klar explains how consolidation in agriculture, regulatory pressures on small farmers, supply chain disruptions, and global instability are creating the perfect storm for shortages and higher prices. Drawing from his own experience transitioning from law to homesteading, he outlines practical steps families can take to build resilience through local sourcing, food independence, and community-based agriculture. Klar makes the case that restoring small farms and food freedom isn’t just about sustainability — it’s about national security and personal survival.

In a move critics are calling government overreach, the mayor of New York City, is facing backlash over a policy requiring residents to present three forms of identification before shoveling snow from public sidewalks, a rule intended to enforce compliance with municipal codes but viewed by many as excessive and impractical. Author and acclaimed journalist Dennis Kneale argues the mandate reflects a troubling trend of bureaucratic micromanagement, suggesting that everyday civic responsibility is being turned into a regulated privilege. Kneale contends that while public safety and accessibility are important, layering identification requirements onto a basic neighborly duty raises serious questions about proportionality, enforcement, and the balance between order and common sense in city governance.

Springfest is just around the corner, and the community is invited to join in the fun with UJRO Executive Director Kaci Hubbard leading the excitement. Hubbard shares that this year’s Springfest promises something for everyone, from family-friendly activities and live entertainment to local vendors and delicious food. The annual celebration not only highlights the energy of the season but also showcases the important work UJRO does throughout the year. With strong community support and plenty of opportunities to get involved, Springfest is shaping up to be a vibrant event that brings neighbors together and kicks off spring in style.

The Southeast Missouri State University spring season is set to showcase an exciting lineup of performances and exhibits, highlighting the creativity and talent of students and faculty alike. Chairperson and Professor of Music and Art + Design Nick Kenny says the semester will feature dynamic concerts, engaging art exhibitions, and collaborative performances that reflect the vibrancy of the university’s fine arts programs. From ensemble concerts and solo recitals to gallery showcases and interdisciplinary productions, the spring season at Southeast Missouri State University promises something for everyone, celebrating artistic excellence and providing the community with inspiring cultural experiences throughout the semester.

“Cop Shop” welcomes Bobby Newton, PIO Patrolman with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, alongside new Officer Lauryn Sandin to discuss the growing role of women in law enforcement. Sandin shares what inspired her to pursue a career in policing, the training and dedication required to wear the badge, and how today’s departments are creating more opportunities for women to serve and lead. Newton highlights the value female officers bring to community policing — from communication and de-escalation skills to mentorship and representation — emphasizing the department’s commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and protecting the Cape Girardeau community.

United States Parents Involved in Education President and Founder Sheri Few says South Carolina is moving toward the medical institutionalization of government schools, arguing that an increasing reliance on psychological screenings, behavioral health labels, and school-based clinics is reshaping classrooms into quasi-health facilities. Few contends that instead of prioritizing academics and parental authority, school systems are normalizing mental health interventions and data collection on students without sufficient transparency or consent. She warns that this trend risks sidelining parents, expanding government oversight, and redefining routine childhood behavior as medical issues, calling on lawmakers and families to restore educational focus and reinforce parental rights in the state’s public schools.

As debate swirls in Washington over a potential social media ban, the tone and priorities outlined in President Donald Trump’s recent State of the Union address are shaping the broader policy conversation, especially on issues of tech regulation, free speech, and national security. Joining the discussion is Taxpayers Protection Alliance Executive Director Ross Marchand, who weighs in on the economic and constitutional implications of restricting major platforms, the political messaging embedded in the president’s remarks, and how prediction markets are increasingly being used to forecast policy outcomes and election dynamics. Marchand explains how these markets can offer real-time insight into investor sentiment and legislative likelihoods, while also warning about unintended consequences of sweeping regulatory actions that could impact consumers and taxpayers alike.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival in downtown Sikeston promises a full day of family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and Irish-inspired celebration, according to Executive Director of Historic Downtown Sikeston Jason Davis. From festive food and local vendors to live music and activities for all ages, the event brings the community together to celebrate Irish heritage while showcasing the charm and energy of downtown. Davis says the festival not only creates a lively atmosphere filled with green attire and good cheer, but also supports local businesses and highlights the ongoing revitalization efforts in the historic district, making it a can’t-miss celebration for residents and visitors alike.

Landmark Legal Foundation’s Vice President of Legal Affairs, Mike O’Neill, outlined the organization’s focus on several major United States Supreme Court opinions expected this term, including pivotal questions about the scope of executive power, the legal boundaries of redistricting challenges, and the future of birthright citizenship under the U.S. Constitution. O’Neill emphasized how the Court’s decisions in cases involving presidential authority and judicial oversight could reshape the balance between the branches of government, while redistricting disputes may revisit longstanding precedents about how electoral maps are drawn and reviewed. Additionally, Landmark has been active in the litigation surrounding President Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship—a constitutional issue the Supreme Court is set to address this spring, with arguments in Trump v. Barbara scheduled for April 1, 2026, and broader questions about whether children born in the United States retain automatic citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment squarely before the justices

Russia Attacks a NATO Country in a War Game is the focus of a sobering conversation with author and decorated Vietnam combat infantry officer Jared Knott, who outlines a chilling fictional scenario in which Moscow tests the resolve of the alliance by striking a vulnerable member state. Drawing on his military experience and deep knowledge of history, Knott walks through how such a provocation could trigger Article 5, rapidly escalate into a broader European conflict, and expose weaknesses in readiness, logistics, and political will within NATO. He emphasizes that while the scenario is a war game, the lessons are real: deterrence depends on strength, unity, and clarity, and any miscalculation between Russia and the West could have devastating global consequences.

Despite touting what supporters call significant policy and economic achievements, President Donald Trump has seen his approval rating decline in recent polling, raising questions about the disconnect between accomplishments and public perception. MRC External Affairs Manager Jerris Jackson says media coverage and partisan framing have played a major role in shaping voter attitudes, arguing that economic gains, border security efforts, and foreign policy moves have been overshadowed by relentless negative narratives. Jackson contends that while the administration points to job growth, regulatory reform, and international negotiations as successes, the broader political climate and ongoing controversies continue to weigh heavily on how Americans evaluate the president’s performance. An immediate CNN poll showed an over 62% approval right after the speech.