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The Back Room with Andy Ostroy

The Back Room with Andy Ostroy

542 episodes — Page 8 of 11

Ep 192Stephanie Mencimer

Stephanie Mencimer covers legal affairs and domestic policy in Mother Jones’ Washington Bureau. She is the author of Blocking the Courthouse Door: How the Republican Party and Its Corporate Allies Are Taking Away Your Right to Sue. She appeared in the documentary “Hot Coffee,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 and was based in part on her book. She is also a contributing editor of the Washington Monthly, a former investigative reporter at the Washington Post and senior writer at the Washington City Paper. She was nominated for a National Magazine Award in 2004 for a Washington Monthly article about myths surrounding the medical malpractice system. Join us for this fun, insightful chat about Stephanie's new piece, “From Laddie Mag Model to RNC Co-Chair: Lara Trump, Nepo-Spouse”; Donald Trump; MAGA extremism; the GOP crazy caucus; and RFK Jr and the November election. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Apr 15, 2024

Ep 191Sarah McCammon

Sarah McCammon is a National Political Correspondent for NPR and cohost of The NPR Politics Podcast. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including the intersections of politics and religion, reproductive rights, and the conservative movement. She is also a frequent guest host for NPR news magazines, and has appeared on the BBC, CNN, PBS, and MSNBC. During the 2016 election cycle, Sarah was NPR’s lead political reporter assigned to the Donald Trump campaign and previously reported for NPR Member stations in Georgia, Iowa and Nebraska. Sarah is the author of the terrific new book The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church. In this fascinating conversation, Sarah shares her deeply personal journey of faith to freedom; explains white evangelical support for Trump; and offers compelling insights on religion in America today. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Apr 13, 2024

Ep 190Paul Begala

Paul Begala is a CNN political commentator, consultant and NY Times best-selling author. Along with his partner James Carville, he was one of the masterminds behind Bill Clinton's winning presidential campaign in 1992 and later served as Counselor to the President, serving as one of President Clinton's closest aides, and coordinating policy, politics, and communications. In the 2012 campaign, Paul was a senior adviser for the pro-Obama Super PAC, making Begala one of the few people to play a critical role in electing two different presidents. Paul is back in The Back Room, and as always, he brings his inimitable wit and wisdom on a range of critical subjects including Trump and his existential threat to democracy; right-wing religious extremism and its Orange Jesus worship; RFK Jr and his VP pick Nicole Shanahan; Liz Cheney, the November election and the latest polling; the economy; and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Apr 11, 2024

Ep 189Miles Taylor

Miles Taylor is a national security expert who served in the Trump administration as chief of staff at the US Department of Homeland Security, where he published an “Anonymous” essay in The New York Times, blowing the whistle on presidential misconduct. He later published the #1 national bestseller A Warning, revealed himself to be the author, and launched a campaign of ex-officials to oppose Donald Trump’s reelection. He’s worked as an advisor in both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations, on Capitol Hill, and as a CNN contributor. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, Blowback, and the host of the “The Whistleblowers” podcast. Miles is back in The Back Room to discuss his revised paperback edition of Blowback (out April 9) and the intensifying threats of a Donald Trump 2.0, including his promises of dictatorship and weaponizing of the government to exact revenge on his opponents and perceived enemies. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Apr 8, 2024

Ep 188Ian Bremmer

Ian Bremmer is a political scientist, Columbia University professor and president and founder of geopolitical risk advisory firm Eurasia Group, and GZERO Media, which covers international affairs. He is the author of eleven books, including the New York Times bestsellers “Us vs. Them: The Failure of Globalism,” and his latest book, “The Power of Crisis: How Three Threats—and Our Response—Will Change the World”. Ian serves as rapporteur of the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence and is the foreign affairs columnist and editor at large for Time magazine. He is the host of GZERO World with Ian Bremmer, a global affairs program that airs weekly on US public television. Ian is also a frequent guest on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and many other news outlets globally. Ian and I get into it all: Putin, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, Israel, Trump, Biden, the November election and its impact on American foreign policy. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Apr 6, 2024

Ep 187Jonathan Vigliotti

Jonathan Vigliotti is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award–winning CBS News national correspondent whose work has appeared on numerous platforms including CBS Sunday Morning, Face the Nation, 48 Hours, and more. His reporting has taken him to more than forty countries and territories across six continents. His just released debut book is Before It’s Gone: Stories from the Front Lines of Climate Change in Small-Town America. Join us for this important conversation about the climate crisis, its devastating consequences, and what we can do to protect and preserve the environment. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Apr 3, 2024

Ep 186Jocelyn Benson

Jocelyn Benson is Michigan's 43rd Secretary of State, and has become one of the nation’s most prominent leaders in ensuring elections are secure and accessible. Her work overseeing Michigan’s 2020 and 2022 general elections, earned her national recognition, including the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and the Presidential Citizens Medal. She also implemented new voting rights for all eligible Michiganders prior to the 2020 election, including the right to vote absentee, and oversaw more than 250 audits after the election, all of which affirmed its integrity and accuracy. At 36 she was appointed dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, becoming the youngest woman in U.S. history to lead a top-100, accredited law school, and continues to serve as vice chair of the advisory board for the Levin Center at Wayne Law, which she founded with former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. She is the author of the book State Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, and is a frequent tv news commentator. Join us as the Secretary discusses the past, present and future of election integrity and security in Michigan and across the United States. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Apr 1, 2024

Ep 185Don Lemon

Don Lemon is a best-selling author, journalist and former anchor of the long-running CNN primetime program, Don Lemon Tonight. He made headlines recently when his newly launched The Don Lemon Show, originally set to launch on X, formerly Twitter, was cancelled by Elon Musk after his interview with the testy billionaire tech-bro. The show is available on YouTube and all audio and video platforms. Don has won a variety of distinguished awards including an Edward R. Murrow award, multiple Emmys and a Peabody award, among others. He’s also been recognized as a leading influential figure by Ebony magazine, The Advocate, Out and others. And in 2011, he broke barriers by revealing he was gay in his auto-biographical book Transparent. His 2021 book This is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was inspired by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Join us as Don and I get into it all...the old show, the new show, Musk and more. It's a truly don't-miss conversation. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 30, 2024

Ep 184Katie Rogers

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Katie Rogers is a White House correspondent for The New York Times, where she has worked since 2014. She has traveled the world covering two presidential administrations, writing extensively about domestic policy, foreign policy and the complicated dynamics of first families. Her just published first book is American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden . Join us for this fun, insightful chat about the role of the First Lady, and the best and worst moments of the last several decades! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 27, 2024

Ep 183Tom Nichols

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Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic. He’s an expert on international security issues who taught national security affairs for 25 years at the U.S. Naval War College, as well as at the Harvard Extension School, Dartmouth College, and Georgetown University. He is the author of several books on Russia, the Cold War, and international politics. A new, updated edition of his most recent book, Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy, will be released in April. Tom brings his inimitable wit and wisdom back into The Back Room to discuss Putin, Ukraine and the recent Russian 'election'; Trump's legal troubles; the Biden administration; the November election and the existential threat to democracy; "campus culture" and the youth vote; the MAGA cult; and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 25, 2024

Ep 182Jennifer Rodgers

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Jennifer Rodgers is a Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School, an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Law at the NYU School of Law, and a Legal Analyst for CNN. She teaches, writes, and speaks about government ethics, public corruption, sports corruption, and criminal law issues. Between 2000-2013, Jennifer worked at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where she served in numerous capacities, including as a Deputy Chief Appellate Attorney, the Chief of the Organized Crime Unit, and a Chief of the General Crimes Unit. She serves on the Board of Directors for the New York City Bar Association. Join us for this informative, insightful chat as Jennifer helps unpack each of Donald Trump's civil and criminal cases and how and when he may finally be held accountable...or not. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 23, 2024

Ep 181Brian Karem

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Brian Karem is a weekly columnist for Salon. He is the former executive editor for The Sentinel newspaper group and the former senior WH correspondent for Playboy Magazine. He’s also a regular columnist for The Washington Diplomat and appears frequently on the country’s top-rated news shows. He has covered every presidential administration since Ronald Reagan, sued Donald Trump 3 times successfully to keep his press pass, spent time in jail to protect a confidential source, covered wars in the Middle East and is the author of seven books. His latest is Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It. He is also the host of the podcast, “Just Ask the Question”. Brian brings decades of experience and his humor into The Back Room for a fun, insightful chat about Trump and his existential threat to democracy; the GOP's complicity; the current political landscape; the upcoming presidential election; and more. We also discuss his rock band, and, he reveals his top 5 musical artists of all time! (finally, someone names the right #1!). Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 20, 2024

Ep 180Rachel Bitecofer

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Rachel Bitecofer is a political scientist and election forecaster turned political strategist. Bitecofer’s interviews and analysis have been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Salon, Politico, The New Republic, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, MSNBC, and many other prominent news sources. She's worked with Democratic Party candidates and organizations to implement negative partisanship strategy in the 2022 midterms. Her latest book is Hit ‘Em Where it Hurts: How to Save Democracy By Beating Republicans At Their Own Game. Rachel is wicked smart, funny AF and super-engaging. And she's in The Back Room discussing her new book, the current political landscape, the 2024 election, and what President Joe Biden and Democrats need to do between now and then to ensure victory. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 18, 2024

Ep 179S.E. Cupp

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S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and most recently host of CNN's S.E. Cupp Unfiltered. Before joining CNN she co-hosted MSNBC's The Cycle. She's a nationally syndicated political columnist, culture critic, author and consultant who regularly writes for the New York Daily News, Glamour and CNN.com. She was previously a consultant for Apple TV+'s The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell and HBO's hit series, The Newsroom. S.E.'s back in THE BACK ROOM discussing her new Daily News opinion piece about President Joe Biden, Donald Trump and the November election. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 16, 2024

Ep 178Pete Souza

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Pete Souza was the Chief Official White House Photographer for the entire tenure of the presidency of Barack Obama. He is the author of several books, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Obama: An Intimate Portrait and Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents. A photojournalist since the late 1970s, Souza was also an official White House photographer during the Reagan administration, a freelance photographer for Life and National Geographic, and the Washington-based natural national photographer for the Chicago Tribune. A documentary about his work at the White House, The Way I See It, was nominated for an Emmy, and its Premier was the highest rated non-news, non-live program in MSNBC history. He is a professor emeritus at Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication. In 2021, Souza was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame. As Obama‘s photographer, Pete had one of the coolest jobs on the planet. And when he left the White House, he for years threw shade on Donald Trump through his humorous and sarcastic Twitter posts. Join us for this captivating look back on Pete's illustrious life and career. He also has some interesting insights into how the Biden Administration could be handling the "age" issue more effectively through its photos. It's a truly don't-miss conversation! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 14, 2024

Ep 177Jane Lynch

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Jane Lynch is a five-time Emmy winner and is known for her portrayal of Sue Sylvester on Glee. She currently hosts NBC’s revival of Weakest Link and appears in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Additional television credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Good Fight, Criminal Minds, Two and a Half Men and hosted Hollywood Game Night. Lynch’s film credits include Wreck It Ralph I and II, The Three Stooges, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, Role Models, Julie & Julia, A Mighty Wind and Best In Show. Join us for this truly fun chat as Jane takes us on an insightful ride through her illustrious career in theater, television, film and commercials. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 12, 2024

Ep 176Barbara Res

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Barbara A. Res is an attorney, author, engineer and 40+ year veteran of the Construction and Real Estate Development industries. Res was an executive vice president in charge of construction at the Trump Organization and has spoken out publicly against her former boss, Donald Trump, particularly about his treatment of women. In October 2020, Res released her memoir, Tower of Lies: What My Eighteen Years of Working With Donald Trump Reveals About Him about her experiences at the Trump Organization. Barbara shares some pretty fascinating, highly-revealing insights into Donald Trump, his family, his administration, his company and his massive legal troubles. Come for the Trump insanity, stay for her singing "All of Me"! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 9, 2024

Ep 175Thom Zimny

Thom Zimny is an Emmy and Grammy award-winning filmmaker, renowned for directing, producing, and editing critically acclaimed documentaries about some of the greatest artists of our time. Recently, he’s co-directed "WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY”, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and is now streaming on Paramount +. He also directed the HBO documentary, "ELVIS PRESLEY: THE SEARCHER,”, Netflix’s doc "SLY," which explores Sylvester Stallone's 50-year legacy in Hollywood, and he co-directed "The Beach Boys," which will premier later this year. Thom’s also collaborated with Bruce Springsteen for 25 years, which includes winning an Emmy for outstanding director for 2018’s "SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY.” And he’s directed music videos for Bob Dylan and John Cougar Mellencamp. Thom takes us back to childhood, his early inspirations, and shares his thoughts on his iconic film subjects and the business of making docs today. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 7, 2024

Ep 174Danny Bonaduce

Over the course of his 60-year career Danny Bonaduce’s been an actor, reality tv star, radio host, author, and professional wrestler. He’s most famous for his role as the wisecracking red-headed bass-playing middle son Danny Partridge on the iconic 70’s sitcom THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY. He’s starred in or appeared in several TV series and films, including Corvette Summer starring Mark Hamill, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Drew Carey Show and the VH1 reality show Breaking Bonaduce. He also co-hosted the daytime talk show The Other Half and has hosted radio shows in LA, Philly, and Seattle. He retired from show biz late last year. This just might be the most fun we've EVER had in The Back Room! Danny is not only funny AF, he's also brutally honest about his experiences with child abuse, addiction, crime, unemployment, homelessness, three marriages and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 6, 2024

Ep 173Elie Honig

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Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and last year's Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. He also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media. Once again, Elie's in The Back Room helping us unpack Donald Trump's myriad court cases, especially the controversial decision by the Supreme Court this week to decide Trump's criminal immunity claim. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mar 2, 2024

Ep 172Alan Zweibel

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Alan Zweibel was an original Saturday Night Live writer who’s won numerous Emmy and Writers Guild of America awards for his work in television which includes It's Garry Shandling's Show (which he co-created and produced), The Late Show with David Letterman, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. In the theater, he collaborated with Billy Crystal on the Tony Award winning play "700 Sundays”, Martin Short's "Fame Becomes Me”, and the off-Broadway hit "Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner - Sort of a Romantic Comedy" which he adapted from his bestselling book. In total, Alan has written 11 books including his Thurber Prize-winning novel "The Other Shulman" and, most recently, a cultural memoir titled "Laugh Lines - My Life helping Funny People Be Funnier." Because of his diverse body of work, the Writers Guild of America, East has honored Alan with a Lifetime Achievement Award". What a truly fun chat listening to Alan's riveting memories of childhood; the early days of SNL; his cherished relationship with Gilda Radner; his various television and theater collaborations with the most legendary comedians; his books; comedy's new boundaries; and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 29, 2024

Ep 171Kara Swisher

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Kara Swisher is the host of the podcast “On with Kara Swisher” and the co-host of the “Pivot” podcast with Scott Galloway, both distributed by New York magazine. She’s also a regular panelist on CNN’s “The Chris Wallace Show.” She was the co-founder and editor-at-large of Recode, host of the “Recode Decode” podcast, and co-executive producer of the Code conference. She was a former contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and host of its “Sway” podcast and has also worked for The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Her new memoir BURN BOOK is out tomorrow, Tuesday February 27th. With her inimitable wit and wisdom, Kara's back in THE BACK ROOM discussing the new book...talkin' tech, tech-bros, Trump, and her personal journey from the loss of her father at five to becoming Silicon Valley's top journalist and a hugely successful podcaster. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 26, 2024

Ep 170Adrienne Elrod

Adrienne Elrod is a political strategist, government affairs expert and communicator with over 25 years of experience working on Capitol Hill, the executive branch and advising corporate and political organizations. A native of Arkansas, she began her political career in President Bill Clinton’s Administration, serving in both the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. On Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign, Adrienne served as Regional Press Secretary, Texas Communications Director, and Deputy Director of the Congressional Delegate Selection office. On the 2016 presidential campaign, she served as Hillary for America’s Director of Strategic Communications. Most recently she served in the Biden Administration as Director of External and Government Affairs for CHIPS for America at the Department of Commerce. She also served as Biden for President’s Director of Surrogate Strategy and Operations during the 2020 campaign. She’s also a frequent contributor to NBC and MSNBC News. Adrienne and I talk Bill and Hillary Clinton, President Joe Biden and the success of Bidenomics, Donald Trump, the 'almost dead' GOP, and the November election. She also takes us back to childhood, her early political years, and reveals her Top 5 musical artists of all-time! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 24, 2024

Ep 169Daniel-Ryan Spaulding

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Daniel-Ryan Spaulding is a stand-up comedian, writer, and influencer who's performed in over 50 countries worldwide. He is Canadian, but lived in Europe for 12 years with his comedy career mainly overseas. He moved to New York City last year, where he’s performed his popular one-man Off-Broadway show Power Gay. He has been an advocate against Antisemitism, against Hamas, and against extremism on the left and right. He believes in a Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestinian, Pro-Peace agenda! Join us for this fun, revealing and inspiring chat about using humor to navigate through and overcome life's personal challenges while trying to understand and reconcile the complicated geopolitical landscape Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 22, 2024

Ep 168Chely Wright

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Chely Wright is country-music artist, author and LGBTQ+ activist. Named "Top New Female Vocalist" by The Academy of Country Music, she rose to fame as a commercial country singer in the '90s, and has since released 9 studio albums and charted more than 17 singles on the Billboard charts, including "Shut Up and Drive," "Single White Female," and "The Bumper of My S.U.V." She made history by being the first country music star to publicly come out as gay, which she wrote about in her 2010 memoir Like Me. The documentary film about her coming out process, "Wish Me Away", was nominated for an Emmy Award. Subsequently, her life’s changed to include advocacy and corporate engagement around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and she currently serves as Chief Diversity Officer at Unispace--a global strategy, design, and delivery firm. She is also Vice-Chair of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network Board of Directors, which is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. She was also recognized as a 2023 Crain's New York Business Notable LGBTQ Leader. Her latest book is 2022’s My Moment: 106 Women on Fighting for Themselves. Chely shares her incredible journey from Wellsville, KS to the Grand Old Opry and her courageous decision to acknowledge her sexuality at the height of her career. This is her brutally honest and inspiring story. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 20, 2024

Ep 167Matt Friend

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Matt Friend is an incredibly talented stand-up comedian, actor, and impressionist whose repertoire spans more than 250 flawless vocal and physical impressions of celebrities, politicians, business tycoons and other notables. So join this hilarious party in The Back Room with Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, Mitch McConnell, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bradley Cooper, Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler, Paul Giamatti, Michael Buble, Patrick Mahomes and others! Matt also shares his Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe red carpet experiences; meeting his idols including Steve Martin, Martin Short, Billy Joel and Jack Antonoff; doing CNN with Jim Acosta; and offers Howard Stern's thoughts on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 17, 2024

Ep 166Molly Roden Winter

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Molly Roden Winter is a Brooklyn-based based writer, author and musician. Her personal essays have appeared in The Cut, Time Magazine, Romper, and elsewhere. Her just-released NY Times best-selling book is titled, More: A Memoir of Open Marriage. Is it possible to enjoy guilt-free sex with whoever you want and still have a loving relationship with your spouse? Molly shares her personal journey through open marriage and polyamory, the inherent benefits and challenges of this unconventional lifestyle, and her experience with not just having multiple lovers, but being in love with multiple people. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 14, 2024

Ep 165Michael Cohen

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Michael Cohen is the former personal attorney for Donald Trump and served for years as an executive in the Trump Organization. He is host of the Mea Culpa With Michael Cohen podcast and co-host of Political Beatdown with Michael Cohen and Ben Meiselas podcast, and is a 2x NYT best-selling author. His latest book is “Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. He’s also Principal of crisis management firm Crisis-X. Michael shares his thoughts on Trump's big loss in the DC Appeals Court's immunity ruling; the Supreme Court's oral arguments in the 14th Amendment case; the latest in the Stormy Daniels hush-money case; Rep. Elise Stefanik's shocking VP audition; MAGA Mike Johnson and the derailed border deal; Nikki Haley and the campaign; Trump's 'Elvis' delusions; and more. And, he unveils his awesome new Trump impression! This is a truly fun chat you don't wanna miss! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 10, 2024

Ep 164Josh Mankiewicz

For almost 30 years Josh Mankiewicz has been a correspondent for Dateline NBC, the longest running primetime show in NBC history, and has reported on a variety of stories the 25th anniversary of the O.J. Simpson bronco chase, the Jonestown massacre, and Jon Benet Ramsey investigation. Since 2020, he’s reported for the #1 podcasts Dateline: Missing in America, Motive for Murder and Internal Affairs. Join us as Josh takes us on a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Dateline and explains the massive popularity of the true crime genre. He also shares some childhood memories, influences and inspirations and his early years as a journalist. And, we have some fun discussing the friendly rivalry with the other "Dateline Daddy" Keith Morrison! So, come for the Keith impressions, stay for the surprising Taylor Swift revelation! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 7, 2024

Ep 163Alexis Coe

Alexis Coe is a presidential historian and a fellow at New America, where she is thinking about the presidency in anticipation of America's 250th. She is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George of Washington and Alice+Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis. She frequently appears on CNN, MSNBC, CBS, History, BBC, and PBS, and has been featured in and published by most major publications, including the New Yorker, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. She is a frequent guest on NPR and hosted the podcasts No Man's Land and Presidents Are People Too! Join us for this fascinating chat about American political history, George Washington and the presidency, Donald Trump, the current political landscape, and the future of democracy. This insightful and witty historian also shares her personal history, her exodus from Brooklyn to the Hudson Valley, and her Top 5 musical artists of all-time! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 5, 2024

Ep 162Anthony Scaramucci

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Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of global investment firm SkyBridge and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. He’s also an author, hosts the OPEN BOOK podcast, and is best known for the 11 roller-coaster days he served in the Trump White House as Communications Director. As a former insider, Mooch never fails to provide astute and unique insights into Donald "The Orange Maniac" Trump's deranged dictatorial mindset and motivations, Trumpism, and the current political landscape as we race towards the critical November election. We also get his thoughts on President Biden, Nikki Haley, the RNC, the economy, public education, and Republicans' insanely antagonistic obsession with Taylor Swift. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Feb 3, 2024

Ep 161Pamela Paul

Pamela Paul is an Opinion columnist for The New York Times. For nine years, she was the editor of The New York Times Book Review and oversaw all books coverage at The New York Times. She was also the longtime host of the weekly Book Review podcast. She is the author and editor of 8 books including The Starter Marriage and the Future of Matrimony, Pornified, Parenting, Inc. and the picture book Rectangle Time. She’s a former contributor to Time and former correspondent for The Economist, and has been a columnist for the Styles section of The Times, Worth magazine and The Economist. Join Pamela and I for this fun, spirited chat about her latest NY Times column, "'Barbie' is Bad. There, I Said It", and the controversial Oscars snub of the film's director Greta Gerwig and star Margot Robbie. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 31, 2024

Ep 160Ruth Ben-Ghiat

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is Professor of History at New York University. She writes about fascism, authoritarianism, and propaganda. She is the recipient of Guggenheim and other fellowships; an advisor to Protect Democracy; an MSNBC opinion columnist and television commentator; and publishes Lucid, a newsletter on threats to democracy. Her latest book, Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present looks at how illiberal leaders use propaganda, corruption, violence, and machismo - and how they can be defeated. This is our first live-audience podcast taping! And it's a truly riveting conversation about America's chilling flirtation with fascism, Donald Trump's dangerous authoritarian behavior, the ongoing threats to democracy of Trumpism, the death of the Republican Party, and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 28, 2024

Ep 159Frank Rich

Frank Rich is a journalist, author, and television producer. A writer-at-large for New York magazine, he was previously chief drama critic and an OpEd columnist for the New York Times. He executive produced the long-running HBO series Succession and Veep as well as the limited series White House Plumbers and the documentaries Six by Sondheim and Becoming Mike Nichols. Frank's books include The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina and the memoir Ghost Light. He has been awarded 6 Emmys, 3 Peabody Awards, 3 Golden Globe Awards, and a Producer’s Guild Award. His journalism honors include the George Polk Award for Commentary and the Goldsmith Career Award for Excellence in Journalism from Harvard University. He has twice been a Pulitzer Prize finalist. In 2015, he was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. His new limited series for HBO, The Regime, starring Kate Winslet and directed by Stephen Frears, is scheduled to premiere in March 2024. Join us as Frank takes us on a riveting ride through his celebrated life and illustrious career, sharing memories of childhood, his early theater inspirations (including his relationship over the years with iconic composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim), his tenure at the New York Times, and his award-winning work in television. He also shares his thoughts on the state of the media, AI, the comparisons to Succession's Roy family with the Trumps, and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 25, 2024

Ep 158Edie Falco

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Edie Falco is a television, film and stage actor whose roles on HBO's Oz, Showtime's Nurse Jackie and the iconic HBO series The Sopranos have earned her multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards. She currently stars in the hit Peacock series Bupkis as Pete Davidson's mother. Her Broadway credits include the Tony Award-winning play Sideman, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune, ‘Night Mother, and The House of Blue Leaves, for which she received a Tony Award Nomination. Off-Broadway she’s appeared in The Madrid, This Wide Night, The True, and Morning Sun. Her work in feature film includes Cost of Living (American Film Institute’s Best Actress Award), Laws of Gravity (Independent Spirit Award nomination), Sunshine State, Landline, Hurricane, The Funeral, The Addiction, Freedomland, The Land of Steady Habits, Judy Berlin, and the Avatar sequels. …as well as indie film pioneer Hal Hartley’s classics The Unbelievable Truth and Trust, which also starred my late wife Adrienne Shelly. Edie and I intimately chat for an hour about childhood, life, family, addiction, her illustrious career, The Sopranos, a possible Nurse Jackie re-boot, Trump and politics, the Knicks, her animal-welfare work and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 23, 2024

Ep 157Rep. Jasmine Crockett

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Jasmine Crockett is an attorney, former member of the Texas House of Representatives and currently serves as the US Representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District, which covers much of the city of Dallas and parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties. She is a member of the House Oversight and Agriculture Committees. Rep. Crockett is back in THE BACK ROOM discussing her home state's draconian abortion and immigration laws, the chaos and dysfunction of the Republican House Crazy Caucus, the Trump crazy train, and more! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 20, 2024

Ep 156Caitlin Keating

Caitlin Keating is a New York City based filmmaker, journalist, and co-founder of Wise Fool Films. She produced 'Take Care of Maya' ,which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and released on Netflix last year. She previously spent over a decade as a reporter and writer at People magazine, having covered hundreds of exclusve human interest and crime stories across the country. She also hosted People's first episodic human interest series, and has contributed to The New York Times, among many other leading publications, and has appeared on NBC’s Today, ABC’s Good Morning America, Investigation Discovery’s hit show People Magazine Investigates, and People Now. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 18, 2024

Ep 155Gary Gulman

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Over 25 years in comedy, Gary Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer whom the New York Times said is “finally being recognized as one of the country’s strongest comedians.” He’s made five TV specials, including the critically-acclaimed new stand-up special for MAX, Born on 3rd Base. He recently released his memoir, Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the 80’s…and can also be seen in the 2019 international blockbuster Joker and the Hulu comedy series Life & Beth, alongside Amy Schumer. Gary's an incredibly funny stand-up comic and a brilliant comedy writer. Our conversation is both hilarious and insightful, and inspiring, as we discuss his HBO/Max stand-up comedy specials, his hilarious new book, his childhood, mental health, and overcoming challenges. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 15, 2024

Ep 154James Kirchick

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James Kirchick is a journalist, historian, columnist for Tablet magazine, writer at large for Air Mail, and the author of the NYT bestseller, SECRET CITY: The Hidden History of Gay Washington. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the Atlantic, the New York Review of Books, New York and Rolling Stone among others. He’s a frequent speaker at colleges and universities across America and at venues including the National Security Agency, the U.S. Department of State, the Oslo Freedom Forum and the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. He’s also appeared on Good Morning America, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, the BBC and NPR. Jamie shares his childhood, the evolution of his political thinking and early career, and discusses Israel, antisemitism, campus free speech, homophobia, transphobia, his book about gay DC, and what it's like being a gay conservative in America today. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 13, 2024

Ep 153Tina Nguyen

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Tina Nguyen is a national correspondent for Puck, covering the world of Donald Trump and the American right. Previously, she was a White House reporter for Politico, a staff reporter for Vanity Fair Hive, and an editor at Mediaite….and was nominated for a James Beard Award for her coverage of the restaurant industry while working at The Braiser. She is the author of the new book The MAGA Diaries: My Surreal Adventures Inside the Right-Wing (And How I Got Out), an explosive, first-person account chronicling the rise of the MAGA movement . Join us for this fascinating conversation as Tina shares her journey through the ground levels of the conservative recruiting machine and into Donald Trump's MAGA cult. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 9, 2024

Ep 152Michael Gerhardt

Michael J. Gerhardt is the Burton Craige Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Scholar in Residence at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, and the foremost scholar on impeachment in the United States. He is one of only two legal scholars to testify in three different presidential impeachment hearings and served as Special Counsel to the Presiding Officer in Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. He is the author of six books, including his latest, THE LAW OF PRESIDENTIAL IMPEACHMENT: A Guide For the Engaged Citizen, is on sale January 9th. Join us for this compelling chat about Donald Trump, his two impeachments, and his ongoing threat to democracy; the Republican-led evidence-free Biden impeachment inquiry and the partisan weaponization of the impeachment process; the Constitution and the history of impeachments; and the motivation for his new book. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 6, 2024

Ep 151Jo "JoJo From Jerz" Carducci

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Jo Carducci, also known as "JoJo From Jerz", is a mom living in the Jersey suburbs who, in the wake of the 2016 election, was looking for an outlet to share her frustrations and fears about Donald Trump, so she joined Twitter (X). And she hasn’t looked back since. What once was a sounding board to vent with like-minded people, has turned into a full-time commitment to standing up for democracy and against tyranny in her signature snark and sass. You can find her on all the socials, at http://Patreon.com/JoJoFromJerz, on her Are You F’ng Kidding Podcast, and on Substack with her newsletter of the same name. Join us for this fun, lively conversation about Jo's fascinating journey from her childhood in Morristown to suburban single mom to social media sensation! Jo shares with us how and when she found her political voice, and how as a 'resister' she uses it to speak out against Trump, Trumpism and the Republican Party. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jan 2, 2024

Ep 150Michael Cohen

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Michael Cohen is the former personal attorney for Donald Trump and served for years as an executive in the Trump Organization. He is host of the Mea Culpa With Michael Cohen podcast and co-host of Political Beatdown with Michael Cohen and Ben Meiselas podcast, and is a 2x NYT best-selling author. His latest book is “Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. He’s also Principal of crisis management firm Crisis-X. Michael's back in The Back Room helping unpack Trump's latest political and legal troubles, the threat to democracy of Trump 2.0, and answers the chilling question, 'Is mob boss Trump capable of putting out a "hit" on his enemies?'. And of course, we discuss Rudy "Colludy" Giuliani, "Melanoma" Trump's whereabouts, and Michael's pending pardon application. It's another compelling Cohen convo you don't wanna miss! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dec 30, 202358 min

Ep 149Jonathan Karl

Jonathan Karl is the chief Washington correspondent for ABC News, co- anchor of This Week and the author of the just released NY Times best-selling book TIRED OF WINNING: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party. He's covered every major beat in Washington, DC, and reported from the White House under four presidents and fourteen press secretaries. He's also a former president of the White House Correspondents’ Association. His prior books, Front Row at the Trump Show and Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show, were also instant New York Times bestsellers. Join us as Jonathan and I get into his new book, which is packed with incredibly detailed reporting and fascinating, shocking, and at times chilling inside information about Trump and what another Trump presidency would be like. We also discuss his prior books, Nikki Haley and the 2024 election, and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dec 26, 2023

Ep 148Michael Steele

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Michael Steele is the former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman, former Lt. Governor of Maryland, MSNBC political analyst and host of the Michael Steele Podcast. Join us for this insightful, entertaining chat about Trump and his 14th Amendment and immunity cases; the ongoing threats from Trumpism; the slow death of the GOP; RNC chair Ronna McDaniel's failure, and how he'd fix that broken organization; Joe Biden, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Liz Cheney and the 2024 presidential election; and the fall of Rudy Giuliani. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dec 23, 2023

Ep 147Naysa Woomer

Naysa Woomer served as the former Communications Director for the now former and disgraced, indicted U.S. Congressman George Santos. She’s a Republican communications advisor who previously worked for former Massachusetts Gov Charlie Baker, the Republican Party of Massachusetts and Reps. Ryan Costello (PA), Thomas Massie (KY) & Tim Huelskamp (KS). She’s made various media appearances on MSNBC's The Beat with Ari Melber, CNN This Morning & with CNN’s Jim Acosta. Join us for a fun, fascinating look inside the wild and wacky world of George Santos from someone in the chaotic front seat of this unprecedented political roller-coaster! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dec 19, 2023

Ep 146Elie Honig

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Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and this year's book Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. He also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media. Elie's back in The Back Room helping unpack the week's legal developments regarding Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani and the Texas abortion case. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dec 16, 2023

Ep 145Rep. Ritchie Torres

Rep. Ritchie Torres, at 25, became New York City's youngest elected official, and the first openly LGBTQ person elected in the Bronx. He currently represents New York’s 15th Congressional District and is a member of the Financial Services Committee and the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party. Rep. Torres' life personifies the true American success story. It's an inspirational narrative of overcoming socioeconomic, health/mental health and sexuality struggles to great accomplishment at an unprecedented young age. He shares with us his impoverished childhood and his meteoric ascent to the City Council in 2013 and into the United States Congress eight years later. He's been called 'Israel's loudest House supporter' and has become a powerfully outspoken voice against the tidal-wave of antisemitism sweeping across the country. Join us for this incredibly important and moving conversation. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dec 13, 2023

Ep 144Rep. Dean Phillips

Rep. Dean Phillips is a third-term Democratic Congressman from Minnesota’s 3rd District and is running for president against Joe Biden. He serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Small Business Committees, and the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. Known for his bipartisan approach to governing, he is a current member of the House Problem Solvers Caucus and served as vice chair. We discuss his childhood and background, his early inspirations, his business success, his decision to enter politics in 2018, and why he's decided to take on Biden in an unorthodox primary bid against an incumbent president. It's a conversation you don't want to miss... Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dec 11, 2023

Ep 143Tom Nichols

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Tom Nichols is an author, staff writer at The Atlantic, and an expert on international security issues who taught national security affairs for 25 years at the U.S. Naval War College, as well as at the Harvard Extension School, Dartmouth College, and Georgetown University. He is the author of several books on Russia, the Cold War, and international politics. His most recent book is Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy. Tom joins me for an insightful, compelling conversation about Donald Trump's continuing existential threat to democracy, and his chilling new piece in The Atlantic's 'all-Trump' issue, "A Military Loyal to Trump". He also shares some entertaining anecdotes about his days as a five-time Jeopardy! champion 30 years ago! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dec 9, 2023