The Interview Podcast

In this episode of The Interview Podcast, Craig Weinberg sits down with District 4 House candidate Fred Deutsch for a long-form conversation about why he’s running again, what he sees as dysfunction in the South Dakota Legislature, and what it really means to represent voters instead of just repeating talking points.The conversation digs into some of the biggest issues facing South Dakota right now, including property taxes, school funding, public education, legislative philosophy, and economic development. Fred shares why he believes he’s being called back to Pierre, reflects on his past eight years in office, and explains his desire to focus on restoring functionality, improving education, and delivering real tax relief. Craig presses hard on the deeper questions behind those issues, challenging the assumptions around government funding, taxpayer fairness, and whether elected officials are truly willing to rethink the systems people are frustrated with.This episode offers a candid look at Fred’s thought process, priorities, and convictions, while also modeling the kind of unscripted conversation Craig believes voters need in order to make informed decisions.

Toby Doeden rolls into Milbank on a 66-county bus tour and sits down like an old neighbor—no handlers, no script, just a story about why a CEO decided to trade boardrooms for Pierre. Born in Groton and now in Aberdeen, he talks about growing up on free lunches, building companies from nothing, and the long stretch of years where he missed birthdays to break the chain of poverty. That grind shaped his campaign: run the state like a business, fix culture first, and use real efficiencies and a broader tax base—not higher rates—to pay for schools, roads, and rural healthcare. It’s also why he’s pressing a bigger idea: if you can truly own your land, the government shouldn’t be able to take it when times get hard. “Once you own your property,” he says, “the government should not be able to confiscate it because you can’t pay your property taxes.”On the trail, Doeden bristles at donor-class politics; he says he turns down big checks so he can answer only to voters. His town halls run hours—he speaks, then hands the mic to the room and stays until every question is done. Policy lines emerge plainly: strictly pro-life; parental consent in schools; no new gun restrictions; opposition to eminent domain maneuvers like those tied to carbon pipelines. But between the heavy beats, the human moments land: grilling with a glass of cab and Hank Jr., digitizing old family videos that made him cry, and laughing about South Dakota’s curvy back roads. Whether you agree with him or not, his pitch is clear—govern like a relentless operator, rebuild trust from the ground up, and protect property rights as a cornerstone of freedom.Find Toby’s schedule and policies at TobyDoeden.com. Support this listener-funded show at TheInterviewPodcast.org.

In this episode of The Interview, Craig Weinberg sits down with South Dakota Speaker of the House Jon Hansen and his running mate, Speaker Pro Tem Karla Lems, for a candid, in-studio conversation about faith, family, and freedom—the core of their campaign for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in 2026.Jon and Karla open up about their legislative experience, the battles they've fought on issues like private property rights, abortion, and gender-transitioning minors, and why they believe now is the time to bring bold, principled leadership to South Dakota’s executive branch. From personal stories of loss and resilience to the political trenches of Pierre, they share how faith guides their convictions and how grassroots momentum continues to shape their movement.The conversation also touches on South Dakota’s tax system, eminent domain, COVID mandates, and even license plate design—blending policy, personal belief, and the practical challenges of governing.Find out why they say they're not in this for ambition but out of a sense of calling—and why they believe the fight for South Dakota’s values is just getting started.More at: HansenLems2026.comSupport or stream past episodes at theinterviewpodcast.org

Craig Weinberg sits down with financial expert Andrew Horowitz to break down the real-world impact of Trump’s tariff timeline and economic strategy.In this episode, Andrew explains how flawed assumptions behind the so-called “reciprocal tariffs” led to market disruptions and economic uncertainty. He dives into how tariffs are actually applied at U.S. ports, and why companies like Walmart either absorb or pass those costs to consumers.They also examine the deeper economic implications—like rising national debt, questionable trade policy goals, and the myth of restoring U.S. manufacturing dominance. Andrew draws sharp parallels to past policy blunders and highlights why long-term investment strategy—not reactionary economics—is key to building wealth in an uncertain world.From inflation in Uganda to diamonds vs. beach pebbles, it’s a wide-ranging, no-nonsense conversation on trade, taxes, and truth in investing. Let’s get into it.Support this show at theinterviewpodcast.org

On this episode of The Interview, Craig sits down with Aurora for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about faith, identity, and healing. Together, they explore their experiences growing up in strict religious environments, the challenges of questioning long-held beliefs, and the complicated process of leaving those communities behind. Aurora shares insights from her own journey—both the pain and the freedom—and talks about her podcast, UPC You Later, where she amplifies the voices of others who’ve walked a similar path. It’s an honest, vulnerable look at the power of story, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of finding your own truth.

Today on The Interview, I'm joined by Steve Deace, host of The Steve Deace Show on Blaze TV, best-selling author, and filmmaker. Steve brings his fearless and bold voice to conservative talk, blending insightful political commentary with a deeply personal faith journey. From his challenging upbringing to his rise in media, Steve openly shares the profound experiences that shaped him into the influential figure he is today. Join us as we explore his story, discuss politics, faith, sports, and the transformative power of bold action.In this episode, Steve Deace shares:The dramatic story of his childhood, including family challenges and overcoming profound adversity.His early journey into media, including how he took initiative in an unforgettable way to become a sportswriter.How his life radically changed after attending a Promise Keepers event, setting him on a path toward a deeply rooted Christian faith.Insightful reflections on key political figures and contemporary politics, discussing term limits, incumbent retention, and the challenges facing conservative politics today.Thoughts on the power of sports in American culture, the influence of iconic announcers, and what has changed in professional athletics.Behind-the-scenes insights from creating the successful film "Nefarious," including his experience navigating significant spiritual and practical challenges.Updates on his next book, "Ritchie Meets the Rainbow," set to release this June—a distinctive approach to discussing cultural and spiritual issues during Pride Month.Connect with Steve:Website: stevedeace.comTwitter/X: @SteveDeaceShowBlaze TV: blazetv.comMentioned in the Episode:Nefarious Movie (available on streaming platforms)Upcoming Book: "Ritchie Meets the Rainbow" (June release)Tune in for an episode packed with candid stories, robust dialogue, and thought-provoking commentary with Steve Deace.

You’ve seen him in wild suits covered in question marks — and no, he’s not the Riddler. He’s Matthew Lesko, the energetic and eccentric author and entrepreneur who’s spent decades helping Americans access free money and government grants they didn’t know existed. In this episode, Craig sits down with Lesko to trace his journey from Navy service to bestselling author, his rise to cult fame in the 80s and 90s, and how he became the loudest voice in the country yelling: “There’s free help out there — go get it!” Lesko shares stories from his early career, how he built his persona, and why he believes helping others access public resources is the most fulfilling work he’s ever done. He also drops practical tools and websites to find help, start businesses, and fight medical bills — all while railing against predatory search engines, bloated government programs, and corporate greed. And yes, he still rocks the question mark suits. 📌 Highlights: Why Matthew Lesko never actually “wrote” his first bestsellerThe real reason he started dressing like a human exclamation pointWhere to find real help online (spoiler: it’s not Google)What the government offers that most people have no idea existsHis take on capitalism, community, and the future of workThe one piece of advice he’d give anyone chasing their dreams 🔗 Resources Mentioned: LeskoHelp.com – Matthew’s current community and platformFindHelp.org – Local assistance resourcesSBA.gov/local-assistance – Help starting a businessAPEXAccelerators.us – Support for getting government contractsNeedyMeds.org – Help with medical expenses 💡 Final Thought from Lesko: “Your heart is smarter than your brain. Trust it.” 📣 Subscribe, share, and support the show at TheInterviewPodcast.org. Value-for-value model — if this gave you something meaningful, send something back.

Retired Fire Chief Steve Pendergrass joins The Interview to share insights from his 30+ years in firefighting, from wildland fire management to municipal fire service. He discusses the challenges of wildfire containment, diversity in fire services, and the evolving landscape of fire safety. Steve also opens up about his personal recovery journey after a severe burn injury, offering a powerful perspective on resilience.Remember, you can support the show with your donations at theinterviewpodcast.org

Today’s guest is Rory Groves, a farmer, author, and advocate for family-centered living. A decade ago, Rory and his wife, Becca, left the city to start a new life on a farm, where they now raise their five children and a host of animals. Alongside his family, Rory has been sharing the lessons they've learned about faith, farming, and the value of working together as a family. He's the author of Durable Trades: Family-Centered Economies That Have Stood the Test of Time, a book that inspires families to explore more sustainable, community-focused ways of living and The Family Economy. Through events like The Grovestead Gathering, Rory connects with others who seek a life that aligns family, faith, and work. He’s here to share his story and insights on building resilient households and communities. GatherAndGrowRemember you can help support the show with your donations at theinterviewpodcast.org

Pastor Jimmy Pruitt of Bridge Church in Fredericksburg, Texas, is back on the podcast to discuss the role of Christians and the church in politics and public discourse. Pruitt shares his perspective on believers' responsibility to engage in the civic process and contribute to broader societal conversations.Drawing on his experience as a pastor and community leader, Pruitt explores the balance between faith and politics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a prophetic voice while navigating the complexities of the modern public sphere. Through this discussion, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the Christian's role in shaping the cultural and political landscape, and how the church can positively influence public discourse.Enjoy! Remember you can help support this podcast with your donations here

Curtis Bowers joins Craig to talk about the Marxist agenda in America during this uncertain time... You can follow him on his weekly newsletter, Agenda Weekly, then go check out his films and books HERE.

In this episode of The Interview podcast, we sit down with Adam Francisco, the Director of Academics and Scholar in Residence at 1517. With a DPhil from the University of Oxford and nearly two decades of experience as a Professor of History, Dean, and Assistant Provost in the Concordia University System, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conversation. Join us as we explore his life, education, and the intersection of faith and reason among other things. Enjoy.Remember, you can support the show with your donations at theinterviewpodcast.org

Today, I’m joined by Paul TenHaken, the dynamic mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 with a record 73% of the vote, Paul has been a transformative leader for the city. Before his political career, he founded the successful marketing tech agency Click Rain. Paul is also the author of the inspiring new book, The Code of Contentment. Beyond his professional achievements, he's a dedicated family man, husband, and father of three. Let's dive into his journey and insights today. Get your copy todayRemember, you can support this podcast with your donations HERE

Today, I sit down with Paul Povolni, who shares his journey through creativity, innovation, and technology.Paul discusses overcoming technical challenges in podcasting, capturing "Head Smack" moments that spark big ideas, and the creative processes behind engaging content. We delve into the impact of modern technology on communication and the importance of setting professional boundaries.We also explore AI's potential, risks, and ethical considerations. Paul offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone navigating creativity and innovation.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you with fresh ideas and perspectives.Remember, you can support this show with your donations HERE

Today, we're thrilled to have Karlee Jo, the founder of Unwell Warriors, joining us. Growing up on a South Dakota farm, Karlee faced significant mental health challenges, leading to a pivotal stay in a behavioral unit. Her experiences inspired her to create Unwell Warriors, a platform supporting mental health journeys. Karlee's memoir, Grippy Sock Vacation, details her adventures and lessons learned during her time in the unit and her self-care journey post-discharge. Join us as Karlee shares her powerful story and mission.Pick up your copy of Grippy Sock Vacation HERERemember, you can support the show HERE

I had the pleasure of meeting Peggy Leyden at Tina and Adam Curry's vow renewal celebration this past May. With nearly three decades of experience consulting, coaching, and training professionals, Peggy has built an exceptional career around empowering organizations and individuals to thrive. Her expertise stems from senior leadership roles at major companies like RR Donnelley and Arthur Andersen, as well as facilitating FranklinCovey training. Today, through her firm Leyden Consulting Associates, Peggy partners closely with clients to uncover roadblocks and develop actionable plans for growth. Peggy's high-energy, collaborative style is reshaping how companies approach professional development. She serves on the Illinois Business Consulting Advisory Board, solidifying her as a thought leader in this space. I'm thrilled to have Peggy share her insights on maximizing people's potential. Remember you can help support this show with you donations at theinterviewpodcast.org

Dylan Jordan is running to one of two house seats in the SD State House for District 4. Born and raised in Eastern South Dakota, growing up the oldest of 4 siblings, Dylan witnessed the values that made South Dakota great. He was raised around the Watertown and Sioux Falls areas, graduating from Parker, and settling in Clear Lake, South Dakota. His career has included working in manufacturing, being a delivery driver, and having a side DJ entertainment business. In his free time, Dylan volunteers at his church, participates in activism, attends various community events, and is the Vice-Chair of the Deuel County Republicans. He is passionate and committed to keeping the American spirit alive and well! Hopefully this conversation sheds some light on how he thinks and how he would represent district 4 in the House.Remember you can support the show at theinterviewpodcast.org