"It costs more money to run unconstitutional prisons."This week, Josh and David cover the entire political spectrum — from the hypocrisy of American healthcare arguments to the deep-seated corruption within the Alabama Department of Corrections.

The show begins with a breakdown of Josh’s latest column on the "Socialism" label. Why do Americans denounce socialism while relying on Medicare, Medicaid, and farm subsidies?

Later, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne joins the show to discuss the HBO documentary "The Alabama Solution." She exposes the systemic abuse in Alabama prisons, highlighting the case of Lt. Roderick Gadsden and the culture that promotes abusive officers.

Finally, Jerome Dees from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) stops by to discuss the "Big Beautiful Bill" causing insurance premiums to skyrocket for the middle class and how the SPLC is shifting focus to "kitchen table" poverty issues like food security and waste management fees.

RESOURCES & SOCIALS

• 🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com
• ⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek
• 🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweek

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ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh and David kick off the show by recapping their Thanksgiving holidays, which featured very different experiences. While Josh enjoyed a smooth break, David shares the harrowing tale of losing his home heating system right before the cold snap, forcing him to rely on space heaters for a week.

The CHOOSE Act and Public Education

The hosts dissect the Alabama CHOOSE Act, criticizing the use of public tax dollars to fund private and homeschool curriculums that teach non-scientific concepts, such as dinosaurs living alongside humans.

Interview: Andrew Sneed for Congress

Democrat Andrew Sneed joins the show to discuss his campaign for Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, highlighting his background as a tradesman and small business owner. Sneed explains his goal to reconnect the party with the working class and criticizes incumbent Dale Strong for being inaccessible to constituents.

Bonehead of the Week

The hosts address the recent zoning controversy in Hoover involving a Muslim school, calling out the anti-Muslim rhetoric used by opponents during the hearings.

Senator Katie Britt is named "Bonehead of the Week" for co-sponsoring legislation that would change abortion training for medical students from an opt-out to an opt-in requirement.

RESOURCES & SOCIALS

🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alpoliticsthisweek.com

⚫ X/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/alathisweek

🔵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alathisweek

SUPPORT THE SHOW

👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE

⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

📧 Email questions/voice notes to apwproducer@gmail.com with your name

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David dive into the sudden GOP pivot on releasing the Epstein files and break down the "white victimhood" narrative driving modern political discourse.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed joins the show to discuss the city's recent mass shooting and the data linking permitless carry to a 23 percent spike in gun violence.

Finally, the hosts debate the hypothetical 2026 gubernatorial matchup between Doug Jones, Will Boyd, and Tommy Tuberville — and crown a new "Bonehead of the Week" for attempting to remove PBS programming from Alabama public television.

RESOURCES & SOCIALS

• 🔵 Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/alpoliticsthisweek.com
• ⚫ X/Twitter: twitter.com/alathisweek
• 🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweek

SUPPORT THE SHOW

• 👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE
• ⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• 📧 Email questions/voice notes to apwproducer@gmail.com with your name

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.