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Today, another Beach Talk with Betsey Newenhuyse — writer, thinker, and all-around truth-teller. Together, we dig into the week’s headlines with insight, humor, and a touch of coastal calm.

This week, we’re calling it “The Democrats’ Week” — because, let’s face it, it’s been a rough stretch for the President and his MAGA allies. Speaker Mike Johnson can’t get his team together, government shutdown threats kept swirling, and the so-called “Hate America Rally” has proven to be effective. The President’s ranting about Nancy Pelosi being “an evil person,” but the real story is how Democrats are quietly winning — big.

From Virginia to California, blue victories keep stacking up: Abigail Spanberger makes history, Mikie Sherrill and Zohran Mamdani extend a progressive streak, and Democrats hold the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Even in Mississippi and Georgia, new seats are flipping. And those Moms for Liberty losses? A huge crack in the MAGA culture war machine.

We’ll talk about the President’s latest distractions — from Mar-a-Lago’s Halloween bash to his strange foreign policy obsessions — and why Americans still clearly prefer democracy and a working economy over chaos and grievance.

Betsey brings reflections from her Substack. I’ll share a filmmaker’s angle from my current dive into Leni Riefenstahl and then the new film Nuremberg. Together, we connect the dots between history and today’s headlines.

More about Betsey Newenhuyse

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(REPRISE) Today, my guest is journalist and author Katherine Stewart. I had a compelling conversation with this highly sought-after writer, and we went deep. Known for The Power Worshippers, she’s back with Money, Lies, and God, exposing the dangerous alliance of Christian Nationalism and political power.

We dive into her journey from the Child Evangelism Fellowship to attending rallies and conferences of the religious right. Katherine reveals how dark money, misinformation, and groups like Project 2025, the Federalist Society, and the Claremont Institute are reshaping America.

We discuss Trump’s 2024 win, his first 100 days, and how Christian Nationalism impacts public education, gender issues, race, and democracy itself.

Most importantly, Katherine shares how we can resist and respond.

This is a conversation that matters — for faith, democracy, and our future.

Stewart began her journalism career working for investigative reporter Wayne Barrett at The Village Voice. Since 2011, she has contributed op-eds to The New York Times and written for various publications, including The Guardian, The American Prospect, The Nation, and The Atlantic. Her book was the basis of the documentary film by Rob Reiner, God and Country.

Originally aired May 15, 2025

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The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

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Today’s guest is one of those people you can’t help but love the more you get to know her — Lindy Boone-Michaelis.

You might recognize the name. Lindy is the daughter of legendary musician Pat Boone and Shirley Boone, and one of *The Boone Girls* who sang their way into the hearts of millions. But Lindy’s story is uniquely her own. She’s a musician, songwriter, poet, fitness instructor, advocate, and activist — and, I’m pleased to say, a faithful listener to my podcast.

We talk about what it was like growing up *Boone*, about family, faith, and finding her own voice. We get personal - her life as mom to Jessie, Tyler, and Ryan, and how she turned unimaginable tragedy into a mission of hope.

You’ll hear Ryan’s story — his Traumatic Brain Injury, the birth of *Ryan’s Reach*, and the community Lindy and her family have built for others living with (TBI).

And because music is in her DNA, Lindy shares the inspiration behind her latest work — songs like *Wordlayer* and *Not a Wasted Life*. You’ll feel her heart in every note.

Join us — this one’s powerful, heartfelt, and deeply human.

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Become a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you!

Ken’s Substack Page

The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com