The Back Room with Andy Ostroy

Stuart Stevens is a Senior Advisor to the Lincoln Project. For twenty-five years he was the lead strategist and media consultant for some of the nation's toughest political campaigns including the presidential bids of Bob Dole, George W. Bush and Mitt Romney. He is the author of eight books, including the New York Times bestseller It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump (2020). His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Esquire and Outside, among other publications. He has written extensively for television shows, including Northern Exposure, Commander in Chief, and K Street. Join us for fascinating, in-depth political chat with Stuart about Trump, Trumpism, Democrats & Republicans, the midterms & the existential threat to our democracy. And, a brief campaign update from NY-18 candidate Rep. Pat Ryan. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michael Fanone served as a DC Metropolitan Police Department Officer for twenty years. He spent the majority of his career as a vice cop, participating in over 2,000 arrests for violent crimes and narcotics trafficking. He served as a special task force officer for the FBI, ATF, and DEA and has earned over three dozen commendations for his work. But Michael's best known as one of the many law enforcement heroes who nearly lost his life defending our Congresspeople, Capitol and democracy during the insurrection of January 6, 2021. He’s the author of the new book, “Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop's Battle for America's Soul”. He currently serves as an analyst for CNN, a security consultant and a firearms instructor. Hear Michael's personal story as never told before. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Soledad O’Brien is a multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker, journalist, speaker, author, philanthropist and founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions, a multi-platform media production company dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues. She anchors and produces the Hearst TV political magazine program "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien" and is a correspondent for HBO Real Sports. Soledad's documentaries have appeared on HBO, Discovery Plus, Peacock, BET, PBS and elsewhere. She has over 1.3-million followers on Twitter, where she’s a frequent critic of the mainstream media. Her Op-Eds have appeared in the New York Times and Huffington Post. She's anchored shows on CNN, MSNBC and NBC, and reported specials for Fox, BET, A&E and others. She's won three Emmy awards, two George Foster Peabody Awards, three Gracie Awards, two Cine Awards and an Alfred I. DuPont Award. Her most recent series, “Black and Missing” available on HBO, won an Independent Spirit Award. Join us for a truly entertaining, insightful, thought-provoking chat on subjects including family, the media, politics, the fate of our democracy and the October 19 Peacock release of the documentary "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks", on which she serves as Executive Producer. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who most recently served on the National Security Council. He was thrust into the national spotlight in October 2019 when he testified before Congress during former president Donald Trump's first impeachment hearing. He is the author of the book "Here, Right Matters: An American Story". Rachel Vindman is an opinion columnist at USA TODAY and a member of the USA Today Board of Contributors. She's an activist and political commentator and also co-hosts the Suburban Women Problem podcast. Join me and this smart, fascinating, funny, charming dynamic power-couple as we talk about life, love, family, the Republican Party, Trump, Biden, Putin, Russia, Ukraine, Curb Your Enthusiasm/Larry David, Harry Styles and more! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Join us this week for an incredibly entertaining chat with the very talented, very funny comedian and impressionist Matt Friend! Matt, just 24-years-old, is an indisputable comedy sensation, having launched like a rocket from social media apps TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter where he's built a loyal following that'll soon reach 1-million fans. In addition to his transcendent Donald Trump impression, Matt has an impressive repertoire of 250 flawless political and celebrity impressions including Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, Ron DeSantis, Barack Obama, Gavin Newsom, Bernie Sanders, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Howard Stern, Liev Schreiber, Rami Malek, Jennifer Coolidge, Timothee Chalamet, Sebastian Maniscalco, John Oliver, Paul Giamatti, Andy Cohen, Johnny Carson and Jeff Goldblum. And he does a ton of them in this week's episode! Matt's appeared everywhere from The Today Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live to Good Day LA. He performs stand-up across the country and will be headlining November 10 at The Stand as part of the 2022 New York Comedy Festival. And he'll be voicing the role of Baby Goldblum on an upcoming episode of The Simpsons. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Radio Free Rhinecliff and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Finneas is a singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. His sister is Billie Eilish, with whom he co-writes, produces and collaborates. Their 2020 theme song "No Time to Die" for the James Bond film of the same name is a Grammy, Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Academy Award winner for best film song. Overall he's won eight Grammys and received 13 nominations. Join us for a truly fun chat about his childhood musical journey, the songwriting process, his passion for women's rights, gun reform and climate and his thoughts about Twitter. And, you'll also find out whether he's a dog or cat person, who his top 5 comedians are and what he secretly wishes he could do all day long... Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Radio Free Rhinecliff and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rick Wilson is a renowned political strategist, infamous ad-maker, writer, speaker, political commentator and co-founder of the political action committee the Lincoln Project. He’s the author of two New York Times bestsellers, writes for The Washington Post, Politico, Rolling Stone, The Hill, The Bulwark and the London Spectator and frequently appears on CNN, MSNBC, NPR and HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher. The inimitable, irrepressible former Republican heats up The Back Room with his brutally honest, penetrating insights and razor-sharp witticisms on Trump, Trumpism, the GOP, the midterms, the existential threat to democracy and his personal journey in choosing country over party. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Radio Free Rhinecliff and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Join us this week in The Back Room for a brutally honest, insightful, lively chat with Stephanie Grisham, former Trump White House Press Secretary and Communications Director for both the former president and First Lady. She also served as Melania's Chief of Staff. Through genuine contrition and a true desire to prevent the Trump era's ugly history from repeating itself, Stephanie pulls no punches in sharing her thoughts and experiences working in the most unethical, corrupt, treasonous, batshit crazy administration in American history and what needs to happen going forward. We also learn the truth about my awesome viral moment five years ago when Melania "liked" my tweet which mocked her husband and their troubled marriage! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Join us this week in The Back Room for an insightful conversation with California Congressman Ro Khann, currently serving his third term representing District 17 in the heart of Silicon Valley. Rep. Khanna shares his views on a range of critical subjects including America's biggest socio-economic challenges, President Biden. Trump and Trumpism, the midterms, the 2024 election, climate and whether he’s a dog or cat person… Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci is founder and managing partner of global investment firm SkyBridge and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio...but he's best known for his roller-coaster 11 days as former President Donald Trump's Communications Director in 2017. Join us for a brutally honest, insightful, behind-the-scenes look into The Mooch's life, career, major successes and mishaps, his wild days in the White House, his thoughts on Trump and the Republican Party today, his economic outlook and crypto crusade. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Judd Apatow has directed, produced and written many of the most iconic films and hit TV shows over the last couple of decades. The film's he's directed include THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN, KNOCKED UP, THIS IS 40 and the current HBO documentary GEORGE CARLIN'S AMERICAN DREAM. The movies he's produced include ANCHORMAN, THE BIG SICK, BRIDESMAIDS, SUPERBAD, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, and FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. His notable television work includes GIRLS, FREAKS AND GEEKS, THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW, THE BEN STILLER SHOW and CRASHING. Join us for a fun, insightful chat about Judd's life, his career and, yes, politics! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Join us for a very important conversation with New York Congressional candidate Pat Ryan in one of the most closely-watched bellwether races in the country. Pat’s running in the August 23rd Democratic primary to fill the remaining four months of the District 19 seat formerly held by Lt Gov Antonio Delgado. He’s a West Point graduate, former Army Captain, entrepreneur and Ulster County Executive. He served two tours in Iraq and earned two Bronze Stars. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Join us for an important, insightful conversation with Florida Secretary of Agriculture and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, who's fighting to ultimately unseat fascist-dictator-wannabe Gov. Ron DeSantis. She faces Charlie Crist in their August 23rd primary. Nikki explains why she's best suited to lead the Sunshine State through it's current, economic, housing, healthcare, insurance, crime, gun reform, abortion challenges and more and, more so, why it's time for the state's first-ever woman governor. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Katie Couric is an award-winning journalist, author, documentarian, television host, podcaster, newsletter publisher and founder of Katie Couric media. Following the death of her husband Jay Monahan from colon cancer in 1998, Katie co-founded Stand Up to.Cancer and has received numerous awards for her cancer advocacy work. Join Katie and I for a truly insightful chat about life, love, loss, work, today’s political landscape and a look back on her sensational and revealing 2008 interview with Sarah Palin. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

A special bonus episode dedicated to the chilling revelations...and the comic relief...of the January 6th Committee's Thursday night hearing. This was the 8th and final hearing before their August break and return in September. Join us as we break down the key takeaways of the session, including the hilarious (and somewhat terrifying?) outtakes from Trump's January 7th video message. Who knew the word "Yesterday" could be so challenging?! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

A lively, insightful chat with the always astute & entertaining Paul Begala...renowned political consultant, author, teacher, CNN commentator and one of the chief architects of Bill Clinton's 1992 winning presidential campaign. We discuss the January 6th hearings, the November midterms, Trump, Democrats and Republicans, gun reform....and....we go back in time to chat about what it was like being an integral part of the Clinton campaign and administration. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

This week’s episode has very special meaning to me, as it’s a deeply personal, heartfelt conversation with an incredible man who’s been to hell and back and is harnessing his grief, anger, emotion and passion into helping others. I am in awe of Fred Guttenberg…gun reform and political advocate and father of Jaime, who at 14-years-old was murdered in the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School mass-shooting in Parkland, Fla., in which 16 other students and teachers were killed. Fred is also founder of Orange Ribbons For Jaime (orangeribbonsforjaime.org) and author of the book “Find The Helpers”. Fred shares his memories of Jaime, his pain and what drives him in his quest to achieve major gun-reform legislation. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

A fascinating chat with attorney and author Spencer Schneider, who discusses his new book "Manhattan Cult Story", detailing his 23 years in a secret NYC cult through which every aspect of his life was controlled. We explore how he got in, what it was like inside and what eventually led to his exit. Jill Schlesinger, CBS News Business Analyst & Host of Jill On Money, also joins us for a truly insightful conversation about the direction of the economy, recession fears, the stock market, crypto and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

A discussion of the short and long-term ramifications of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe vs Wade with filmmaker Annie Sundberg, co-director/producer of the 2018 Netflix Original documentary "Reversing Roe". We also chat with actor, producer, tv host, author and entrepreneur Hilarie Burton about her personal infertility and abortion experience. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) joins us in The Back Room for a lively, in-depth chat about the January 6th hearings, his Trump lawsuit, the midterms, the Republican Party, gun reform and his top five musical artists (you may be surprised.) Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Thrilled to welcome into The Back Room the awesome Paul Rudd, who joined us for a fun, insightful 50-minute chat about a broad range of topics ranging from the Washington political scene, Hollywood and films and life in New York's Hudson Valley. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by radiofreerhinecliff.org and Andy Ostroy Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

The Backroom with Andy Ostroy offers an unscripted, humorous no-holds-barred take on politics and pop culture along with interviews with smart, funny and engaging politicians, celebrities, entertainers, journalists, media personalities, businesspeople/entrepreneurs and other prominent folks. Each week we’ll dissect the unprecedented madness in the world and try to make sense of it all. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel