The Back Room with Andy Ostroy

Sarah Tuttle-singer is a writer, author of the book Jerusalem Drawn and Quartered, and works for The Times of Israel. She was born and raised in Venice beach and has lived in Israel for the past 13 years. She now lives in Jerusalem with her kids where she writes stories about people, climbs roofs, and explores the roads not taken…and loves talking with strangers. Sarah is a friend of mine. A mother of two teenagers and a toddler. And she shares her personal story of what it's like living in this nation at war in the wake of the barbaric terrorist attack last weekend by Hamas. We discuss the shock and horror of that attack; the imminent ground invasion of Gaza; the growing humanitarian crisis and the likelihood of mass casualties on both sides; and the dilemma facing Israel as it mobilizes and goes on the offensive to protect itself and its citizens. An inspiring optimist, Sarah offers her thoughts on compassion, empathy and the long-term prospects for peace in the region. And at one chilling point, our chat is interrupted by gunfire and blaring sirens. It's a riveting 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

David Hogg is a leader in the fight to end gun violence. He is co-founder of the Leaders We Deserve PAC, a grassroots organization dedicated to electing young progressives to Congress and State Legislatures nationwide. He is also co-founder of March for Our Lives, an organization that’s helped lead one of the largest youth movements in America. David rose to prominence during the 2018 gun violence protests as a student survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FL. With his sister Lauren, he wrote the NY Times best-selling book #NeverAgain: A New Generation Draws the Line. He was also included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018. David is an incredibly impressive young man. And our conversation is so compelling. We discuss the gun-violence epidemic in America, what needs to be done to effect real change, and his personal long-term commitment to achieving meaningful gun-reform legislation. 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

The inimitable Rick Wilson's back in The Back Room! Rick's a renowned political strategist, infamous ad-maker, writer, speaker, political commentator, co-founder of the political action committee The Lincoln Project, co-founder of media company Resolute Square and a two-time New York Times bestselling author. It's always uniquely insightful and entertaining when Rick joins the conversation with his razor-sharp wit and wisdom! In this episode he shares his thoughts on Donald Trump's NY State civil fraud trial, Kevin McCarthy's ouster as House Speaker, the GOP House chaos, the 2024 election and a hilarious lightening-round of the presidential candidates. 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

Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the recently released 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 is our first member of The Back Room "Five-Timers" club! And he's back to help unpack Donald Trump's New York State civil fraud trial and his myriad legal troubles going forward. 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

Guy Nattiv is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker originally from Israel. His first American short film, SKIN, won the 2019 Academy Award© for Best Live Action Short, and the feature version, also titled SKIN, was released in 2019. His recent film, GOLDA, stars Academy Award©-winning actress Helen Mirren as the first female Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir. His next feature TATAMI, premiered at the Venice Int Film Festival in September 2023 to much acclaim. He co-directed the film with Iranian filmmaker Zar Amir Ibrahimi, who won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her film HOLY SPIDER. It is the first ever Israeli/Iranian cinematic collaboration. In Israel, Guy wrote and directed three features, including THE FLOOD, MAGIC MEN and STRANGERS. Guy shares his early filmmaking inspirations; the GOLDA backstory; the thrill of winning an Oscar for SKIN; the controversy over actors playing characters of different races, religions, etc; and his exciting upcoming projects. We also get into politics too, discussing the parallels between Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and the right-wing extremism in both America and Israel. And there's a brief cameo from his talented wife and filmmaking partner Jaime Ray Newman! 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

Stephanie Grisham is the New York Times bestselling author of “I’ll Take Your Questions Now, What I Saw in the Trump White House.” During the Trump Administration she served as White House press secretary and director of communications for both the President and First Lady, Melania Trump. She is the only person in history who has held three senior roles at once, while representing both the east and west wings. Steph gives a fascinating window into Donald Trump's current state of mind as he battles his existential political, legal and financial crises which threaten to shut his business and ultimately send him to prison. Is he a flight risk...to Russia? Is America in danger of a "Trump Civil War"? She weighs in on all of this and more, including the GOP debate, a fun lightening-round on the 2024 GOP candidates, MAGA-maniac Peter Navarro and his "Pimp Lady" attack on her, and gives an update on her new animal sanctuary! 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

Victor Shi is a Gen Z speaker, writer, and organizer. He currently hosts the daily show "On the Move with Victor Shi" and co-hosts "iGen Politics" with Jill Wine-Banks. He also serves as Strategy Director for Voters of Tomorrow, is a writer for Resolute Square, and is a rising senior at UCLA. Previously, Victor was elected as the youngest delegate for Joe Biden, organized on presidential, state, and local campaigns, and interned at the DNC and the White House. Victor has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, PBS and has been published by, among others, CNN, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune. Victor shares his keen insights on a number of topical subjects including Donald Trump, Trumpism, 'wokeism', the chaos in the House, the looming shutdown, the Biden 'age' issue, the 2024 election, and the youth vote. Plus an inspiring trip back to his childhood, his early civic engagement and political activity, the critical role teachers played in helping shape his future path, and whether he'd ever run for political office! 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

Al Franken is a former U.S. Senator, podcaster, comedian, and one of the original writers for Saturday Night Live. During his fifteen seasons with SNL, Franken won five Emmy’s for writing and producing. He’s also the author of four #1 New York Times bestsellers, including Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations; Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them – A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right; and Al Franken, Giant of the Senate. The Al Franken Podcast is one of the nation’s top-ten politics and public affairs podcasts. And his political action committee, Midwest Values PAC, supports progressive Democrats, voting rights, economic and social justice, education, clean energy and accountability. Al brings his inimitable Mid-Western charm, keen political insights, and sardonic wit into The Back Room for a truly fun chat about his childhood; his early inspirations; his comedy and political beginnings; his SNL years and how comedy has changed since; his love of the Senate and his regrettable resignation; today's Republican Congressional chaos; Trump's legal troubles; the looming government shutdown; the Biden "age" issue and the 2024 election; and whether he'll run for office again. 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

Peter Frampton is one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. In 2007, he won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Fingerprints and in 2014 was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. His album All Blues was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart. In 2020 Frampton was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list, and his 2021 album Frampton Forgets The Words was released to widespread critical acclaim. Later this year, he will appear on Dolly Parton’s forthcoming album, Rockstar (out November 17), as the only artist featured on two tracks. And after 47 years, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time selling over 17 million worldwide. What an absolute thrill to have this music legend in The Back Room! Peter and I chat about his initial exposure to music and the guitar; his life-long friendship with David Bowie; his early music influences; his days playing in the bands The Herd and Humble Pie; becoming pals with George Harrison and playing on his masterpiece album All Things Must Pass; the phenomenal success of Frampton.Comes Alive!; living and creating with Inclusion Body Myositis; and his current tour. And, rumor has it there might just be a live impromptu "talk box" performance! 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

Ted Hope has been a producer on over 70 films, CEO of a start-up streamer, co-head of 3 production companies, executive director of a film society and festival, and the former co-head of movies at Amazon Studios, leading the company to 19 Oscar nominations and 5 wins. As a producer, his films have received 25 Oscar nominations, with 6 wins. He is the author of the memoir Hope For Film and writes a Substack newsletter of the same name. Ted helped launch the feature film careers of Ang Lee, Nicole Holofcener, Hal Hartley, and many others. His most recent films include CASSANDRO, the first narrative from Oscar-winning documentary director Roger Ross Williams, as well as the documentaries FREEDOM ON FIRE, directed by Evgeny Afineevsky; Marina Zenovich’s JERRY BROWN: THE DISRUPTER; and Vanessa Hope's INVISIBLE NATION. When it comes to producing films, Ted's the real deal...with a stellar career spanning over 35 years. We're thrilled to have him in The Back Room sharing his inimitable wit and wisdom on streamers, the studios and the ever-changing movie ecosystem; the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and the key issues behind them; the impact of AI on content creators; his exciting upcoming film projects; and his love of cheese! He also shares his memories of the early days of indie film, and in particular, working with my late wife Adrienne Shelly and auteur Hal Hartley on THE UNBELIEVABLE TRUTH and TRUST. 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

Zerlina Maxwell is the Senior Director of Progressive Programming for SiriusXM. She is the host of “Mornings w/ Zerlina.” on SiriusXM Channel 127 and hosted “Zerlina.” on MSNBC on PeacockTV for 2 seasons. She’s the author of the book The End of White Politics: How to Heal Our Liberal Divide. She was an MSNBC Political Analyst for a decade. She’s worked on both Barack Obama’s 2008 and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaigns. She’s also a keynote speaker and writer and has written for numerous national publications on subjects including . national politics, policy and culture issues including race, feminism, domestic violence, sexual assault, victim blaming and gender inequality. Join us for this truly fun, revealing chat. Zerlina and I talk in-depth about very serious subjects including the media, the law, politics, Trump, Trumpism, racism, #MeToo and her personal experience as a survivor of sexual assault, and we also have a bunch of laughs too discussing her childhood, Burning Man, Barbie, Beyonce, Taylor Swift 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 Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Yareliz Mendez-Zamora currently serves as the Federal Campaign Lead at the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)…and is earning her Master’s degree at the University of Miami in Community and Social Change. Born and raised in Miami, she grew up listening to her Nicaraguan family’s immigration stories and constantly draws inspiration from them. At the University of Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s in English and history and minored in Latin American Studies, she was a coordinator of the Latin@ Diaspora in the Americas Program, a Student Government Senator, interned at the Broward Public Defender’s Office, was an ambassador at La Casita, a contributor for The Huffington Post Latino Voices, and is 1/6th of the online Latina Rebels collective. Please join us for this compelling conversation about one of the most significant, most complex issues facing America today: immigration. Yareliz explains FLIC's mission and shares her thoughts on immigration reform; the recently enacted draconian Florida Senate Bill 1718; the inhumane treatment and transporting of migrants by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; NYC Mayor Eric Adams' recent inflammatory anti-migrant rhetoric; the existential threat facing DACA/Dreamers; the Hispanic shift to the GOP; and the dangerous impact of Trump and Trumpism on the decades-old immigration debate. 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

Kara Swisher is host of On with Kara Swisher and co-host of the Pivot podcast. She’s also editor-at-large of New York Magazine…and the former host of the Sway and Recode Decode podcasts and the co-founder of the technology website, Recode. Kara has been reporting on the industry since the early 1990s. Once called “Silicon Valley's most feared but revered journalist," she’s established herself as the oracle of the tech world with unrivaled access to the industry's most significant leaders. Her new book, BURN BOOK: A TECH LOVE STORY, is described as “a witty, scathing, but fair accounting of the tech industry and its founders who wanted to change the world but broke it instead”. It’s scheduled for release March 5, 2024. Kara's back in The Back Room for another fun, insightful, no-holds-barred chat about the $8.5-billion Summer of Barbie, Beyonce and Taylor Swift; "Scott-free August" and her very impressive son Louis' recent Pivot appearance; the Burning Man mess; Donald Trump's legal troubles; Elon Musk, his recent anti-Semitic/anti-ADL rhetoric, and the future of Twitter; her upcoming new book, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story (3/5/24) and its bad-ass cover photo; and more! You're gonna love this chat with one of the planet's smartest, most unique, engaging media voices. 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

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. Ruth is back for another insightful, thought-provoking conversation about the increasing threat to democracy from Donald Trump, his corrupt inner circle, his brainwashed cult, and the co-opted Republican Party. We discuss the chilling parallels between their demagoguery and hateful, violence-inciting rhetoric and that of fascist dictators past and present; the rise of fascism and Neo-Nazism; and its impact on American politics and culture. 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

Who the hell is better than the inimitable George Hahn?! This actor, writer, podcaster, MSNBC commentator, social media sensation and quintessential bon vivant Manhattan man about town brings his savory snark into The Back Room for a truly fun chat about his Cleveland childhood, work and life in NYC, his nostalgic love of glamour, his big 2020 viral break, his utter disdain for Donald Trump and his MAGA cultists, his epic man-on-the-street rants, and his recent colonoscopy. Plus, a revealing lightning-round 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

Steven Hassan is an author and mental health professional is considered one of the world's foremost experts on mind control and cults. He is the founder of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center which provides training, consulting and support to individuals who are struggling to leave or recover from a cult and to families and organizations that are concerned about cult behaviors. He has been working in the field of relationship, group, and political cults for over 40 years. His latest book is called The Cult of Trump. Join us for this thoroughly engrossing conversation about the fascinating and dangerous world of cults. Steven shares intimate details of his personal cult journey in 1970's New York City as a 19-year-old college student recruited into Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church, where he spent over two years; provides keen analysis and insights into why people join cults, why they stay, and how they may eventually get out; and discusses the impact of the Trump cult on America's cultural and political landscapes. 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

Mary L Trump is a trained Clinical Psychologist with a PhD from The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies. She’s the author of two New York Times best-selling books… Too Much and Never Enough and The Reckoning. She is host of The Mary Trump Show podcast and is well-known as the niece and outspoken critic of former president Donald Trump. It's always a real-eye-opener when Mary's in The Back Room! Join us for this fun, insightful chat about her 4-time indicted uncle and what may lie ahead for him; the ongoing threat of Trumpism; the first Republican debate; 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

Chrissy Carroll is one of the people I affectionately refer to as my "tragedy buddy". One of the awesome folks I've met and befriended along the way who share with me the loss of a loved one due to a sudden, tragic death such as murder. On a beautiful Summer night in August of 2017, Chrissy and her husband George--both actors and playwrights--were walking along a Brooklyn Street near their home when horror struck. They encountered a group of menacing men loitering outside an apartment building, words were exchanged, and George was fatally stabbed. This is Chrissy's story. From the nightmare of that fateful night, to navigating through the hellish trial, and her ongoing journey of rebuilding her life as a crime survivor. 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

Anthony DiMaria is an actor, director and producer. His New York theatre affiliations include Circle Rep Lab, Actors Studio and The Barrow Group. His film and TV credits include Woody Allen's Cafe Society, Ray Donovan, Deadwood, CSI and The Sopranos. In 2020 he directed and produced the documentary JAY SEBRING....CUTTING TO THE TRUTH, about his uncle who was murdered along with actress Sharon Tate and three others in the notorious Manson Family murders of August 8, 1969. He is currently writing a book on Jay life, legacy and the distortion fallout perpetuated after his murder and the killing of all ten Manson murder victims. Don't miss this riveting conversation which takes us back to Hollywood in the counterculture 60's; the illustrious life and tragic death at 35 of pioneering celebrity men's hair designer and entrepreneur Jay Sebring; and the gruesome LA crimes which shocked the nation, became the definitive end of the 'peace and love' decade, and remain a pop culture obsession fifty-four years later. 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

Mike Richter spent 15 years with the New York Rangers where he was a three-time NHL All-Star, a Stanley Cup Champion, and an Olympic Medalist. He retired in 2003 and was named to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame 5 years later. He is currently the President of Brightcore Energy and a key spokesperson for environmental issues and a leader in the arena of sustainability. Mike is a legendary athlete and truly solid citizen whose life work is now dedicated to conserving and protecting the environment. Join us for this inspiring chat about achieving greatness, overcoming adversity and the successful journey through reinvention. 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

Christine Emba is an opinion columnist and editor at The Washington Post, where she focuses on ideas, society, and culture. She is also a contributing editor at Comment Magazine and an editor at large at Wisdom of Crowds, which includes a podcast and newsletter. Her book, Rethinking Sex: A Provocation, is about the failures and potential of the sexual revolution in a post-#MeToo world. She was named one of the World’s Top 50 Thinkers by Prospect Magazine in 2022. Christine's been in the spotlight recently for her column, "Men are lost. Here’s a map out of the wilderness". Join us for this important, timely and thought-provoking conversation regarding masculinity and the challenges men struggle with as they search for understanding, relevance, direction and what it means to be a "man" in today's ever-changing world. 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

Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is an author, political commentator and educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience. He is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor; former chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University; and former president of the American Academy of Religion. He frequently appears in the media as a columnist for TIME Magazine and regularly appears on MSNBC and Meet the Press. His most recent book is 2020’s Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own. He is also host of the History is Us podcast. Please join us for this brutally honest conversation about race and racism in America today, and the role played by Donald Trump and Trumpism in stoking the flames of hatred. Eddie also takes us back through his childhood, his complicated relationship with his father, the challenges he faced in his youth, his early inspirations and his journey to academic and literary success. 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

Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the just released 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. Amid the media madness of Indictment Week, we're thrilled that Elie was able to hit The Back Room (especially for our 100th episode!) to help unpack Trump's latest legal quagmire and how this new indictment and all the other trials may play out over time...including why Trump will likely never see the inside of a prison. 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

Michael Cohen is host of the Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen podcast and is a two-time New York Times 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. And he’s most notable for having served for many years as Donald Trump’s personal attorney and also as an executive in the Trump Organization. Michael's back in The Back Room unpacking the mounting legal troubles of the Thief-in-Chief, his disgraced former lawyer #Giuliani and his other crooked cronies! 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

Michael Steele is the former Republican National Committee Chairman, former Lt. Governor of Maryland, MSNBC political analyst and host of the Michael Steele Podcast. Join us for this truly fun, insightful, compelling chat about Trump, Trumpism, the GOP, and the 2024 presidential election. We also explore Michael's childhood, his early influences, his initial desire to become a priest and he answers the burning question of why he became a Republican! 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

Donovan X. Ramsey is a journalist and author who writes about issues of identity, justice, and patterns of power in America. His reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, GQ, WSJ Magazine, Ebony, and Essence, among other outlets and he’s been a staff reporter at the Los Angeles Times, NewsOne, and theGrio. He just released to much critical acclaim his debut book When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era, which explores how Black America survived the crack epidemic. Join us for this extremely important, riveting conversation which explores the origins of the crack epidemic of the 1980's and early 90's; the "war on drugs" and "just say no" era; criminal injustice and racism; the current opioid and fentanyl crisis; 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

Eric Swalwell represents California's 14th Congressional District. A former prosecutor, he serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee. He was appointed by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as an Impeachment Manager for Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. Rep Swalwell is known for being tough on his Republican opponents, Trump and Trumpism. He speaks truth to power in this insightful chat about the House, the GOP and its threat to democracy, and where the country is headed as we approach yet another critical election. We also talk about balancing parenting and work, and the benefits of membership in the House Dad's Caucus. 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

Taylor Lorenz is an author and Washington Post columnist covering technology and online culture. Before joining The Post, she was a technology reporter for the New York Times' business section. She was also previously a technology reporter at the Atlantic and the Daily Beast. Her first book Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet, will be released this October and is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, simonandschuster.com, etc. Taylor shares her thoughts on META's new Threads app; the fate of Twitter; the Zuckerberg vs Musk battle (in and out of the cage-match ring!); her own sparring with Musk; Musk's new AI company; the real threat(s) from TikTok; and discusses her book, which is described as "the inside, untold story of what we have done to the internet, and what it has done to us" 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

Lucas Kunce is a 13-year Marine veteran, national security expert, and antitrust advocate running against Missouri’s Republican Senator Josh Hawley. After three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Lucas was stationed at the Pentagon, where he served on the Joint Staff to contain the threat of nuclear and chemical weapons around the globe, and later represented the U.S. in arms control negotiations with NATO and Russia. After active duty, he became the National Security Director for the American Economic Liberties Project, a non-profit which advocates corporate accountability legislation and aggressive enforcement of anti-trust regulations. He currently serves in the Marine Corps Reserves. Join us for this inspiring chat about family and community. About overcoming childhood poverty and family health challenges. About the fight to kick Mr. FistPump McManhoodBook to the curb and take power back for everyday, working-class families in Missouri and across America. About what Democrats can do to defeat Republicans, Trump and Trumpism in the 2024 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 Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Kat Abughazaleh is a senior video producer at Media Matters and a well-known Fox News watcher. She's a prominent social media personality who's become very popular through her TikTok videos and similar political content on Twitter. She regularly posts biting videos citing the dishonest, bizarre and often sexist, homophobic, racist behavior of Fox hosts, the network itself, and ex-Fox host Tucker Carlson. Kat's back in The Back Room for a seriously fun, insightful chat about Threads vs Twitter, Musk vs Zuckerberg, Trump vs reality, Kat vs TikTok 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

Former Trump supporter and "MAGA Granny" Pam Hemphill says she was "brainwashed", in a "cult" and eventually served two months in prison for her role inside the U.S. Capitol during the January 6th insurrection. She's now full of regret and remorse, and is passionately fighting against her former cult leader, his cohorts and minions, and their gaslighting and dangerous rhetoric. This is her fascinating story of how and why she joined the cult, what it was like inside, and how she eventually got the motivation and courage to leave. It's a rare window into the MAGA mind and 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 Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Saverio Guerra is an actor and writer best known for playing Mocha Joe on HBO's CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and Bob on the long-running Ted Danson CBS series BECKER He has appeared on many other television shows including Law & Order, Billions, The Goldbergs and The Detour. His film credits include SUMMER OF SAM, BAD BOYS, SLEEPERS and LUCK YOU. Join us for this truly fun, hilarious chat about acting, growing up in Brooklyn, Larry David and so much more! Come for the CURB, stay for the Pacino impression! 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

Harry Sisson is a 20 year old Gen Z activist. He started his work in politics at a local level by interning with his councilwoman and State Senator. He then began utilizing social media to help get young people out to vote in the 2020 presidential election. Since then, he’s amassed over 800,000 followers across all platforms, he’s worked with President Obama, the White House and more. Young folks like Harry are the future. He's incredibly tough, smart, articulate, passionate and focused like a laser on what's wrong with the Republican Party and how Democrats can capitalize and win everything. Join us for this fun, insightful chat about today's wild political and judicial landscape. 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

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. Join us for this truly fascinating, insightful conversation about Trump, Trumpism, Ron DeSantis and the chilling parallels between their demagoguery and hateful rhetoric and that of Hitler, Mussolini and other dictators past and present. How fascism and Neo-Nazism is on the rise domestically and abroad, and its impact on American politics and culture. 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

David Corn is the Washington, D.C. bureau chief for Mother Jones Magazine, an MSNBC analyst and author of the best-selling book "American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy”. Join us for this informative, insightful chat about Trump, Trumpism, the No Labels dark money group, right-wing extremism and more. He also shares his childhood inspirations and has a helluva funny Nixon encounter as a 13-year-old McGovern supporter! 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

Congressman Jimmy Gomez represents California’s 34th Congressional District. He sits on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and serves as an Assistant Whip of the Democratic Caucus and Deputy Whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus. He is also the Founder and Chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus and is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and Future Forum. Prior to his election to Congress in June of 2017, he served four and a half years in the California State Assembly where he served as Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Rep. Gomez's life and career is the embodiment of the American dream. Born and raised in Southern California, he is the proud son of working-class Mexican immigrants who went from being held back in the 3rd grade to earning his master's degree from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Rep. Gomez's journey from childhood through Congress is a truly fascinating, inspiring story. of overcoming social, cultural and economic challenges to achieve one's goals. He also shares his thoughts on Trump, Trumpism, the Republican-led House craziness, immigration, his incredible Dad's Caucus and more. I absolutely love this conversation, as it's such a positive reminder of how great our country can be. 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

The inimitable Rick Wilson's back in The Back Room! Rick's a renowned political strategist, infamous ad-maker, writer, speaker, political commentator, co-founder of the political action committee The Lincoln Project and a two-time New York Times bestselling author. It's always fun when Rick joins the conversation with his razor-sharp wit and wisdom! In this episode he shares his thoughts on Donald Trump's indictment, Judge Aileen Cannon and the challenges facing the Department of Justice and its Miami trial; the ongoing threat to America of Trump and Trumpism; President Joe Biden and Democrats; and the '24 presidential race. It's a 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 and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jake Tapper is the lead DC anchor and chief Washington correspondent for CNN. He is also an accomplished author who’s written two New York Times bestselling novels, The Hellfire Club and The Devil May Dance, as well as the bestselling nonfiction book The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor, which was turned into a critically acclaimed film in 2020. His latest novel, the thriller All the Demons Are Here, will be released July 11th. It's a real treat to have Jake with us in The Back Room to celebrate our one-year anniversary! He shares his keen insights on Donald Trump, Trumpism and the 2024 presidential race; reflects back on his childhood aspirations (guess who he wanted to be when he grows up?); and takes us through his journalistic and creative-writing journeys. We also get an exciting preview of his page-turning new book, which has an overall story, various subplots and characters with so many fun, fascinating parallels to today's American political and media worlds. And of course, what would a convo with Jake Tapper be without discussing Taylor Swift?! 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

Peter Riegert has been acting, writing, directing and producing for over 50 years. His films include: ANIMAL HOUSE, LOCAL HERO, CHILLY SCENES OF WINTER, CROSSING DELANCEY, TRAFFIC and THE MASK. His television credits include: SUCCESSION, THE SOPRANOS, DAMAGES, LAW AND ORDER SVU, THE GOOD WIFE, ONE TREE HILL, SHOW ME A HERO, UNBREAKABLE KIMMIE SCHMIDT and DISJOINTED. Peter's directorial debut landed him an Academy Award nomination for the short film, BY COURIER. Peter then wrote, directed and starred in his first feature film, KING OF THE CORNER. On Broadway Peter starred in David Mamet’s THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD, AN AMERICAN DAUGHTER, THE NERD and DANCE WITH ME. His Off-Broadway credits include: SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO, THE BIRTHDAY PARTY, MOUNTAIN LANGUAGE, and ISN'T IT ROMANTIC. Please join us for this super-fun, insightful chat about Peter's childhood and early inspirations; his big break landing ANIMAL HOUSE; a behind the scenes look at that film and why it became a cultural phenomenon and cult classic; his overall acting journey and working with legends like John Belushi, Donald Sutherland and Burt Lancaster; living in the Hudson Valley; and more. And, you might just get his thoughts on a certain twice-indicted/arrested former president! 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

Stephanie Grisham is the New York Times bestselling author of “I’ll Take Your Questions Now, What I Saw in the Trump White House.” During the Trump Administration she served as White House press secretary and director of communications for both the President and First Lady, Melania Trump. She is the only person in history who has held three senior roles at once, while representing both the east and west wings. Steph takes us on a fascinating peek inside the minds of Trump, Melania, Ivanka, Eric and Don Jr following the latest indictment of the former Thief-in-Chief. She also shares her keen, first-hand insights into the sycophantic loyalty to Trump that still exists in the Republican Party, and breaks down the pros and cons of the 2024 GOP candidates. 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

Elie Honig is an attorney and CNN senior legal analyst and the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and the just released Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It. He’s a former assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. Honig also hosts podcasts and writes for CAFE and Vox Media. Joe Walsh is a former Illinois Congressman, a former nationally syndicated far-right talk-radio host, 2020 Republican candidate for President, author, host of the White Flag with Joe Walsh podcast and is a frequent political commentator on CNN and MSNBC. It’s a terrific two-fer in The Back Room! First up is Elie, who helps unpack the new Trump indictment, and then the inimitable Joe talks Trump, Trumpism, the Republican Party and 2024. 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

J. Smith-Cameron is an Emmy and Tony-nominated stage, film, and television actress who most recently starred as “Gerri Kellman” on HBO’s SUCCESSION. She can be seen starring in the Peacock film THE YEAR BETWEEN, as well as the miniseries WACO: THE AFTERMATH on Showtime. Her film credits include VENGEANCE, 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD, HARRIET THE SPY, YOU CAN COUNT ON ME and MARGARET. On tv she’s had recurring roles on RECTIFY, TRUE BLOOD and DIVORCE and has appeared in countless others. Her Broadway credits include Lend Me a Tenor, Our Country’s Good, Night Must Fall and After the Night and the Music. Her extensive Off-Broadway work includes As Bees in Honey Drown, for which she won an Obie Award, Fuddy Meers, The Starry Messenger, Sorry, Juno and the Paycock and Peace for Mary Frances. I LOVE this chat! J shares her journey from childhood through the season finale of SUCCESSION. It's a master class in acting and a truly fun-filled conversation with fascinating insights, funny anecdotes and inside tidbits from one of the most beloved, successful television shows 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 and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Associate producer Jennifer Hammoud Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel

Maxwell Alejandro Frost is the U.S representative for Florida's 10th congressional district. Elected in 2022 at the age of 25, he is the youngest and first Gen Z member of Congress. He sits on the powerful Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. As a young, Afro-Latino, he brings a fresh, progressive perspective to an institution formerly out of reach for young, working Black and Latino Americans. He’s previously held leadership roles at ACLU and March for Our Lives, and has made gun reform a top priority He is also focused on housing affordability, healthcare, abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, transportation, justice reform, climate change and more. Join us for this insightful conversation about life and politics, including his childhood, his early influences and activism, his decision at 25 to run for Congress, Trump and Trumpism, Biden's presidency, the debt ceiling, the Republican Party's intransigence, gun violence, immigration, the 2024 election, term limits and Israel. We also talk drums, music and his top 5 artists of all time! (Rumor has it we even chat about the current Taylor Swift tour!) 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 Cruz Kayne is a comedian, actor and writer based in NYC. He is a staff writer on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and is currently performing his one-man show, Sorry For Your Loss, at NYC's Minetta Lane Theater. His acting credits include HBO’s “The White House Plumbers” and “High Maintenance,” as well as Apple TV’s “Severance” and “Helpsters,” among others. Michael also hosts A Good Cry, a Signal Award-winning and Webby-nominated podcast about grief. Michael shares his deeply personal, emotional journey following the 2009 death of his son Fisher just 34 days after he was born. It's a brutally honest, inspirational conversation about unfathomable loss; navigating through overwhelming grief; the concept of 'closure'; the cathartic benefits of humor; 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

S.E. Cupp is a CNN political commentator and most recently host of CNN's SE 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. Join us for this fun, insightful chat about the big DeSantis Twitter disaster; Trump and Trumpism; Tim Scott, Glenn Youngkin, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie and the 2024 election; the GOP culture wars; the future of the Republican Party; and...why S.E. has a huge photo of Al Gore and his kids on her wall! 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

Dawn Porter has emerged in the entertainment industry as a leader in the art of storytelling; directing and producing critically acclaimed films and series. A two-time Sundance film festival director, Porter’s work has been featured on HBO, Netflix, CNN, PBS, MSNBC, ESPN, Discovery, National Geographic and others. Porter’s latest film, "The Lady Bird Diaries," an all-archival documentary about Lady Bird Johnson will debut at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival. Her next project “Supreme,” is a four-part docuseries, exploring the history of the United States Supreme Court, the justices, decisions, and confirmation battles that have shaped America. Her prior films include "Gideon’s Army", "Bobby Kennedy For President", "John Lewis: Good Trouble" and "The Way I See It", about photojournalist and former Obama and Reagan chief White House photographer Pete Souza. Join us for this truly fascinating conversation about Dawn’s successful journey from corporate entertainment lawyer to one of America’s most prominent documentary filmmakers. We also revisit her childhood, her early influences, sexism, racism and the state of the documentary film business today. 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

Ben Smith is a journalist, author, and co-founder of the global news organization Semafor. He’s the former media columnist for the New York Times and founding editor-in-chief of the now-defunct BuzzFeed News. His book Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral has just been released. Ben and I discuss the ever-changing news business and the role of digital journalism; the impact of social media on our culture and the political landscape; Donald Trump; the Durham Report; George Santos; as well as a little trip back in time to childhood, his early influences and what he does with his time when he's not working! 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

Olivia Nuzzi is New York Magazine’s Washington correspondent, covering the White House, presidential campaigns and political media, among other topics. She joined New York in 2017 as its first-ever Washington correspondent and reported on the Trump administration and 2020 election. She’s an award-winning journalist who contributes regularly to Intelligencer, the magazine’s news and politics vertical, in addition to writing features and columns for the magazine. Olivia and I chat about a range of subjects including her childhood, early acting journey, and her early journalism experiences and influences; Donald Trump and Trumpism (and the stunningly appropriate comparison of him to Sunset Boulevard's Norman Desmond); the broken Republican Party; Rudy Giuliani; Ron DeSantis; Watergate, and her hosting gig on White House Plumbers, the companion podcast to the new HBO limited series. And maybe, just maybe, we also get some intel into her hobbies and non-writing passions! . But first up is Peter Strzok, former deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and the architect of the "Crossfire Hurricane" Russia probe, who's back in The Back Room for a quick assessment of the Durham Report which was released this week. 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

Erin Merryn is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and child abuse advocate and activist. She earned her MSW from Aurora University. For six years of her childhood she was sexually abused, keeping her secret locked away in her childhood diary. Before graduating high school Erin published her diary into a book called Stolen Innocence. She has since published 4 more books. In 2013 in her home state of Illinois she succeeded in getting Erin’s Law passed, which requires personal body safety taught in public schools. It is currently in 38 states. Since 2004, Erin has shared her story in over two hundred publications and appeared on Oprah, OWN, Today, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, CNN, Fox, Katie Couric, Tamron Hall, and MSNBC among others. In 2015 she was featured in the documentary Breaking the Silence on TLC. Glamour magazine named Erin Woman of the Year and People magazine named her one of fifteen women changing the world Erin is a truly remarkable woman on an incredibly important, inspiring journey. Her story is one of survival, perseverance and tremendous accomplishment. 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

Rachel Vindman is an Opinion Columnist at USA TODAY and a member of the USA Today Board of Contributors. She co-hosts the Suburban Women Problem podcast, and is an advisory board member for the Renew Democracy Initiative. She’s a prominent activist and plain-spoken political commentator on Twitter, where you can follow her @natsechobbyist. Dr. Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who was most recently the director for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Russia on the White House’s National Security Council. He previously served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as an attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia. He is the author of The New York Times bestselling memoir Here, Right Matters and also frequently appears on NPR, MSNBC and CNN. Please join us for another fun, fascinating chat with these two awesome people that includes Ukraine/Russia, the gun-violence epidemic, Ron DeSantis and the GOP culture wars, "parental rage" and "parental rights", Donald Trump, the 2024 election and…Lizzo! 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