Épisodes

  • Introducing Kamala: Next in Line

    Introducing Kamala: Next in Line
    Oct 5 2020

    As a bonus for Chuck ToddCast listeners, we’re sharing a special preview of Kamala: Next in Line, a six-part podcast from MSNBC and Wondery that goes inside the cross-cultural journey that led Senator Kamala Harris from her humble roots to become the first African-American woman to be the Vice Presidential nominee for a major party. From Oakland to Howard University, and California to Washington DC, experience her story as it has never been told before. Hosted by MSNBC's Joy Reid, the show features exclusive interviews with those who know her best, painting a picture of a woman who has fought her way to the top at every turn. Listen to the first episode, and subscribe to the series now: https://link.chtbl.com/description-kamala
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    6 min
  • Wondery presents Bunga Bunga

    Wondery presents Bunga Bunga
    Sep 8 2020

    Silvio Berlusconi was a charismatic multi-millionaire real-estate mogul who upended the Italian political order and hypnotized an entire nation. He was the longest-serving prime minister of one of the world’s wealthiest countries, until he was brought down by three powerful women - and two words: “Bunga Bunga.” From Wondery, the makers of Dirty John and The Shrink Next Door, and hosted by comedian Whitney Cummings, “Bunga Bunga” is an eight part series on the incredible true story of the rise and fall of Silvio Berlusconi, told with Whitney’s signature wit and style. 

    Subscribe today: Wondery.fm/BungaBunga_NBCTC
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    6 min
  • New Voices - Politically Homeless: Why Traditional Conservatives Can’t Embrace MAGA

    New Voices - Politically Homeless: Why Traditional Conservatives Can’t Embrace MAGA
    Nov 15 2025

    On this special “New Voices” episode of the Chuck ToddCast, political strategist Lucy Caldwell joins Chuck to reflect on her journey from running Joe Walsh’s anti-Trump Republican campaign to registering as a Democrat. She discusses the fractures within the conservative movement, the erosion of space for moderates, and why independent efforts like the Forward Party struggle to gain traction. Lucy and Chuck explore how partisan incentives discourage compromise, why the best candidates often emerge from nonpartisan races, and how her personal battle with cancer reshaped her perspective on healthcare policy. It’s a candid look at what it means to be politically homeless in today’s polarized landscape.

    Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

    Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!

    Timeline:

    00:00 Lucy Caldwell joins the Chuck Toddcast

    00:45 Experience of running Joe Walsh’s campaign

    02:00 Walsh’s campaign was meant to be a “path back” for Republicans

    02:45 Trump is not a small government conservative

    04:15 Feeling politically homeless on the right

    06:00 There are many fractures within the Never Trump Republicans

    08:00 There used to be at least some common cause across the aisle

    10:00 The incentive structures don’t reward moderates or compromise

    12:00 The threat of MAGA is so great Lucy registered as a Democrat

    14:00 Why independent movements struggle to get off the ground

    15:00 Independents struggle to build general excitement

    16:00 Independent candidates can vary wildly in their politics

    17:30 The Forward Party struggles to find an identity & platform

    19:00 Rob Sand ran as a Democrat because it’s only viable option

    20:45 Races without partisan primaries produce better candidates

    21:45 Executives need different skill sets than legislators

    22:30 Which past president would you clone and bring back?

    23:45 Our great presidents still have complicated legacies

    24:45 Any interest in running for office?

    25:30 There has to be something wrong with you to run for office

    27:15 The draw of running for office?

    29:30 Lucy’s cancer battle informed her views on healthcare policy

    31:30 MAHA embraces messaging they priorly rejected

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    37 min
  • Chuck’s Commentary - From Teflon To Velcro: Why The Epstein Files Could Trigger Trump’s Lame Duck Presidency + Mike Johnson Has Put Republicans In A Terrible Spot

    Chuck’s Commentary - From Teflon To Velcro: Why The Epstein Files Could Trigger Trump’s Lame Duck Presidency + Mike Johnson Has Put Republicans In A Terrible Spot
    Nov 13 2025

    On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks a tumultuous week for Donald Trump as newly released Epstein emails reignite old scandals — and this time, they may stick. With Speaker Mike Johnson appearing to serve Trump’s interests over his own members, and a worsening economy eroding public patience, Chuck explores whether we’re witnessing the beginning of Trump’s “lame duck” moment. He draws parallels between Trump’s endless stream of controversies, his history of corrupt pardons, and how even “teflon” presidents eventually turn “velcro” when conditions shift.

    As the cost of living rises and swing voters tune out partisan noise, scandals like Epstein’s are cutting through both sides’ information bubbles — forcing Republicans to reckon with Trump’s baggage. Chuck argues that if Democrats manage a midterm sweep, historians might look back on this very week as the turning point when Trump’s political luck finally began to run out.

    Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and breaks down the latest in college football.

    Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

    Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!

    Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

    Timeline:

    (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

    00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

    00:30 New Epstein emails released referencing Trump

    01:30 Mike Johnson’s actions are in service to WH, not his members

    03:15 Trump has a laundry list of scandals & corrupt pardons, none stuck

    05:30 Presidents can go from teflon to velcro

    07:00 The bad economy could make Trump less resilient to scandals

    08:30 JD Vance tweet demanding Epstein transparency has aged horribly

    09:15 Trump’s involvement with Epstein has been baked into public opinion

    10:30 High prices and bad economy mean less public patience for Trump

    11:15 Every presidency hits their lame duck point, this could be the start

    12:30 Winning the midterms for the Democrats means winning the senate

    13:45 Trump has treated the party like his casinos, leveraged for his benefit

    14:45 Trump is only worried about Trump, not the party or the voters*

    16:00 Epstein is one of the only stories that breaks through both sides’ bubble

    18:15 You can’t information silo your grocery bill, or the Epstein story

    19:30 If Dems sweep midterms, we’ll point to this week as start of lame duck

    20:30 By going soft on Ghislaine Maxwell, it just increases suspicion

    23:00 Trump would have been better off playing “he said, she said” w/Maxwell

    24:15 Stock market booming, but most of the economy is not succeeding

    25:30 Trump doesn’t seem well, has aged quite a bit in past six months

    27:30 A steady drip of Epstein stories/files will cause R’s to distance

    29:00 Trump isn’t doing what he was elected to do, makes him vulnerable

    34:00 Ask Chuck

    34:15 Thought’s on Netflix’s Death By Lightning?

    41:45 Can anything be done in the short term about electricity costs?

    49:00 What is Trump’s motivation for intervening in Venezuela?

    54:30 Did NYC Mayoral race show Dems issue with non college voters?

    1:00:30 College football committee needs to go

    1:07:15 College football preview

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h et 16 min
  • Full Episode - From Teflon To Velcro: Why The Epstein Files Could Trigger Trump’s Lame Duck Presidency + The Democrats’ Roadmap To Becoming A Majority Party Again

    Full Episode - From Teflon To Velcro: Why The Epstein Files Could Trigger Trump’s Lame Duck Presidency + The Democrats’ Roadmap To Becoming A Majority Party Again
    Nov 13 2025
    On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks a tumultuous week for Donald Trump as newly released Epstein emails reignite old scandals — and this time, they may stick. With Speaker Mike Johnson appearing to serve Trump’s interests over his own members, and a worsening economy eroding public patience, Chuck explores whether we’re witnessing the beginning of Trump’s “lame duck” moment. He draws parallels between Trump’s endless stream of controversies, his history of corrupt pardons, and how even “teflon” presidents eventually turn “velcro” when conditions shift. As the cost of living rises and swing voters tune out partisan noise, scandals like Epstein’s are cutting through both sides’ information bubbles — forcing Republicans to reckon with Trump’s baggage. Chuck argues that if Democrats manage a midterm sweep, historians might look back on this very week as the turning point when Trump’s political luck finally began to run out. Then, Chuck sits down with Adam Jentleson, executive director of the new Searchlight Institute, to talk about how Democrats can build a broader, more durable governing coalition. Jentleson explains why Searchlight is designed to promote ideological diversity within the Democratic Party — and why policies that blend progressive and moderate ideas tend to last longer and win in more places. He warns that Democrats’ electoral path to the presidency and a 60-seat Senate majority is narrowing and argues the party’s best hope lies in economic populism — the same force that powered Trump’s rise but could be reclaimed with a focus on kitchen-table issues and fairness for working Americans. The conversation dives deep into the party’s messaging struggles during the government shutdown, the growing divide between “fight Trump” and “look past Trump” factions, and the need for Democrats to recruit candidates who can win in red and purple states — even if they don’t align perfectly on social issues. Jentleson also offers sharp insights on the filibuster’s evolution from a necessary safeguard to a legislative dead end, and why Democrats need to get more strategic — not louder — if they want to govern effectively and outlast Republican populism. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and breaks down the latest in college football. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:00 New Epstein emails released referencing Trump 03:00 Mike Johnson’s actions are in service to WH, not his members 04:45 Trump has a laundry list of scandals & corrupt pardons, none stuck 07:00 Presidents can go from teflon to velcro 08:30 The bad economy could make Trump less resilient to scandals 10:00 JD Vance tweet demanding Epstein transparency has aged horribly 10:45 Trump’s involvement with Epstein has been baked into public opinion 12:00 High prices and bad economy mean less public patience for Trump 12:45 Every presidency hits their lame duck point, this could be the start 14:00 Winning the midterms for the Democrats means winning the senate 15:15 Trump has treated the party like his casinos, leveraged for his benefit 16:15 Trump is only worried about Trump, not the party or the voters* 17:30 Epstein is one of the only stories that breaks through both sides’ bubble 19:45 You can’t information silo your grocery bill, or the Epstein story 21:00 If Dems sweep midterms, we’ll point to this week as start of lame duck 22:00 By going soft on Ghislaine Maxwell, it just increases suspicion 24:30 Trump would have been better off playing “he said, she said” w/Maxwell 25:45 Stock market booming, but most of the economy is not succeeding 27:00 Trump doesn’t seem well, has aged quite a bit in past six months 29:00 A steady drip of Epstein stories/files will cause R’s to distance 30:30 Trump isn’t doing what he was elected to do, makes him vulnerable 35:45 Adam Jentleson joins the Chuck ToddCast 37:15 Why choose the name “Searchlight Institute? 38:15 How is Searchlight different from the Center for American Progress? 41:45 Ideologically diverse policies tend to be more durable 43:45 Democrats must embrace ideological diversity to win in red states 46:45 Democrats have to make ...
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    2 h et 24 min
  • Interview Only w/ Adam Jentleson - The Democrats’ Roadmap To Becoming A Majority Party Again

    Interview Only w/ Adam Jentleson - The Democrats’ Roadmap To Becoming A Majority Party Again
    Nov 13 2025
    On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Adam Jentleson, executive director of the new Searchlight Institute, to talk about how Democrats can build a broader, more durable governing coalition. Jentleson explains why Searchlight is designed to promote ideological diversity within the Democratic Party — and why policies that blend progressive and moderate ideas tend to last longer and win in more places. He warns that Democrats’ electoral path to the presidency and a 60-seat Senate majority is narrowing and argues the party’s best hope lies in economic populism — the same force that powered Trump’s rise but could be reclaimed with a focus on kitchen-table issues and fairness for working Americans. The conversation dives deep into the party’s messaging struggles during the government shutdown, the growing divide between “fight Trump” and “look past Trump” factions, and the need for Democrats to recruit candidates who can win in red and purple states — even if they don’t align perfectly on social issues. Jentleson also offers sharp insights on the filibuster’s evolution from a necessary safeguard to a legislative dead end, and why Democrats need to get more strategic — not louder — if they want to govern effectively and outlast Republican populism. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Adam Jentleson joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Why choose the name “Searchlight Institute? 02:30 How is Searchlight different from the Center for American Progress? 06:00 Ideologically diverse policies tend to be more durable 08:00 Democrats must embrace ideological diversity to win in red states 11:00 Democrats have to make trade offs to win in more places 12:00 Democrats electoral path to presidency gets more narrow in ‘32 12:45 What does Democrats’ path to 60 senate seats look like? 13:45 Economic populism is a powerful force, it’s why Trump won 15:00 Economic populism beat out Republican orthodoxy 16:15 Populism hasn’t been transferable from Trump, but it’s durable 17:15 This economy is ok if you have money and horrid if not 19:00 The Kerry/Edwards economic policies are what are popular today 19:45 When Democrats succeed it’s on economic ideas 20:15 Is an economic downturn the only path for Dems to win presidency? 22:15 Democrats give Republicans ammo on cultural issues 23:15 Mamdani won by relentlessly focusing on kitchen table issues 24:30 Why weren’t Democrats able to sell their decision to reopen govt 26:15 Congressional leadership & communication are different skills 27:15 No side demanding a major concession in a shutdown got it 28:00 Dems succeeded in driving a message about healthcare 30:30 Divide on left is “look past Trump” or “fight Trump” 32:00 Democrats need to find issues they can run on in every state 33:45 The litmus test for Dems should be can they take back the senate 34:45 The path for Dems to take back the senate 36:15 Dems will have to embrace candidates with different social views 37:00 Gavin Newsom has been winning lately on tactics not policy 38:00 Dem candidates need to be fighters with broadly palatable policy 39:45 Any worries about an insurgent third party? 42:15 A third party candidate could certainly cause Dems to lose 43:45 The filibuster has become a pocket veto 45:45 The filibuster should require work and not be used passively 47:15 The filibuster started as needed reform, now is a problem 49:00 The origin of budget reconciliation 51:45 The judiciary was designed to be non-partisan 53:00 Vote threshold for judges should be higher to avoid partisans 55:30 If you raise the threshold too high there will be judicial backlogs 57:45 Do you see Searchlight as an incubator for policy, tactics or both? 59:00 What does Graham Platner’s staying power say about him? 1:01:00 Democratic aligned groups need to be smarter about their asksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h et 7 min
  • Chuck’s Commentary - Both Parties Showing Cracks After Government Shutdown + Top 5 Senate Seat Most Likely To Flip Parties

    Chuck’s Commentary - Both Parties Showing Cracks After Government Shutdown + Top 5 Senate Seat Most Likely To Flip Parties
    Nov 12 2025

    On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down the political fallout from the ending of the longest government shutdown in history— and what it revealed about both parties’ internal divides. He also answers listeners’ questions regarding the shutdown.

    Finally, he gives his update ToddCast Top 5 Senate seats most likely to flip parties, and answers more non-shutdown related questions in “Ask Chuck”

    Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST

    for 30% off your first order.

    Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!

    Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.

    Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

    Timeline:

    (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

    00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

    01:00 Shutdown fight wasn’t only about healthcare, Dems wanted a fight

    02:45 Shutdown was impacting people who don’t follow politics & risky

    03:30 Democrats are fighting over tactics, not policy

    05:15 Democrats need a leadership change, but may not happen right away

    06:15 There’s a growing divide amongst Republicans in congress

    07:15 The trickle down economy isn’t working for most Americans

    08:15 Voters will want more guardrails on economy to help inequality

    09:15 Q&A - Shutdown related questions

    09:30 Republicans control government, why aren’t they getting more blame?

    10:45 Media mistakenly believes the public understands government

    13:00 Johnson kept the house adjourned to avoid optics issues

    15:00 Journalists need to explain politics in a way that’s accessible

    16:00 How do you win a shutdown fight? Is it possible to win one?

    17:45 Congress should find a way to make shutdowns impossible

    19:15 Shutdowns are purely for partisan actors

    22:15 Is a tough vote the only thing Democrats extracted from shutdown?

    25:45 Schumer is a terrible communicator and can’t communicate the win

    27:15 Why was the legislative process so dysfunctional?

    31:30 We need a congressional leader to make the committee process work

    36:00 ToddCast Top 5 Senate seats most likely to flip parties

    37:15 #1 North Carolina

    41:30 #2 Maine

    43:30 #3 Georgia

    45:15 #4 Michigan

    47:30 #5 Ohio

    49:30 Democrats can absolutely win the majority in the senate

    50:30 Ask Chuck

    50:45 How different would America be if we hadn’t ended the draft?

    53:45 Which college football head coaching jobs are most attractive?

    57:15 Viability of female presidential candidates?

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h et 2 min
  • Full Episode - Both Parties Showing Cracks After Government Shutdown + How Democrats Can Win In Appalachia

    Full Episode - Both Parties Showing Cracks After Government Shutdown + How Democrats Can Win In Appalachia
    Nov 12 2025
    On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down the political fallout from the ending of the longest government shutdown in history— and what it revealed about both parties’ internal divides. He also answers listeners’ questions regarding the shutdown. Then, former intelligence officer and Democratic senate candidate from Kentucky Joel Willett joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation — from his post-9/11 path into military service to the experiences that pushed him toward the Democratic Party. They highlight the parallels between his own story and JD Vance’s, offering candid thoughts on Hillbilly Elegy and how addiction, inequality, and disillusionment shape modern politics. He argues that the fentanyl crisis can’t be solved by policing supply alone — the real solution lies in investing in treatment, healthcare access, and rebuilding opportunity in communities like his home state of Kentucky. The conversation turns sharp as Willett critiques senate Democrats’ handling of the recent shutdown deal, calling it a “betrayal of the public,” and weighs in on the Democrats’ leadership struggles, the GOP’s subservience to Trump, and the erosion of national security norms. From the dangers of AI-era inequality to the growing politicization of the intelligence community, Willett warns that without courage and reform, even the institutions built to protect democracy could falter. Finally, he gives his update ToddCast Top 5 Senate seats most likely to flip parties, and answers more non-shutdown related questions in “Ask Chuck” Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:15 Shutdown fight wasn’t only about healthcare, Dems wanted a fight 05:00 Shutdown was impacting people who don’t follow politics & risky 05:45 Democrats are fighting over tactics, not policy 07:30 Democrats need a leadership change, but may not happen right away 08:30 There’s a growing divide amongst Republicans in congress 09:30 The trickle down economy isn’t working for most Americans 10:30 Voters will want more guardrails on economy to help inequality 11:30 Q&A - Shutdown related questions 11:45 Republicans control government, why aren’t they getting more blame? 13:00 Media mistakenly believes the public understands government 15:15 Johnson kept the house adjourned to avoid optics issues 17:15 Journalists need to explain politics in a way that’s accessible 18:15 How do you win a shutdown fight? Is it possible to win one? 20:00 Congress should find a way to make shutdowns impossible 21:30 Shutdowns are purely for partisan actors 24:30 Is a tough vote the only thing Democrats extracted from shutdown? 28:00 Schumer is a terrible communicator and can’t communicate the win 29:30 Why was the legislative process so dysfunctional? 33:45 We need a congressional leader to make the committee process work 39:00 Joel Willett joins the Chuck ToddCast 41:00 Joel’s origin story 42:15 9/11 was what led Joel to join the armed services 44:00 Experiences in the military led him to join the Democratic party 46:00 Parallels between Joel’s origin story and JD Vance’s 47:00 Thoughts on Hillbilly Elegy? 48:45 It’s hard to square the JD Vance of 2016 vs Vance now 49:30 Politicians haven’t been able to address the fentanyl crisis 50:45 The conversation is only focused on supply side of overdose crisis 52:45 Investment needs to be made in treatment, not incarceration 54:45 It’s too tough to get access to quality rehab resources 56:30 You never get over the loss of a parent 57:15 Kentucky needs more healthcare facilities writ large 58:15 Administration has shown they don’t care about healthcare access 1:00:30 How should the government be thinking about future jobs in AI era? 1:02:30 AI is not the panacea that many think it is 1:04:15 Fascism grows in the fertile fields of inequality 1:05:30 Tax policy needs to address historic inequality 1:06:30 Capital gains should be taxed at least at the same rate as labor 1:08:45 Most people receiving benefits work or want to work 1:10:00 The system has been bought and paid for by entrenched interests 1:11:45 Why did Andy Beshear win and Amy McGrath lose? 1:13:30 Andy Beshear willing to speak his truth and show up 1:14:00...
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    2 h et 7 min