#423 – Tulsi Gabbard: War, Politics, and the Military Industrial Complex

Embark on a poignant journey through American history with the "Shawn Ryan Show," as host Shawn Ryan dives deep into the life and tales of World War II hero Don Graves. In this episode, Graves reveals the stark realities of growing up during the Great Depression in Detroit, where a combination of sparse resources and simple pleasures paved the road to his military destiny, subsequently leading to acts of valor during the famed Battle of Iwo Jima. His early exposure to the prestige of the Marines, inspired by his father's service in World War I, set the stage for a lifetime of dedication to his country.

Graves's tale extends beyond the war, delving into his challenging reintegration into civilian life while educating the next generation of Marines and facing his own psychological battles. His compelling narrative also offers a critical examination of modern America, lamenting the loss of patriotism and unity he experienced in his youth. The episode not only chronicles Don Graves's sacrifices and those of his contemporaries but also imparts profound reflections on leadership, the essence of service, and the vital importance of honoring our veterans—a stirring reminder of the enduring spirit of the "greatest generation." Join the Shawn Ryan Show for an inspirational account that transcends time, told by a man whose indomitable spirit symbolizes true American resilience and pride.

Explore the depths of mental resilience in the military with former 75th Ranger John Lovell on the "Shawn Ryan Show," hosted by Shawn Ryan, a veteran Navy SEAL. This powerful episode delves into Lovell's boot camp trials and the psychological rigors that surpass physical demands, revealing how one adapts to the urgent readiness for combat and the profound personal growth that unfolds from the day-to-day resilience required by military life. Despite resistance from his inner circle, Lovell's unwavering commitment to serving in the military stands testament to his inner strength and the transformative journey of becoming a soldier.

Join Lovell as he recounts the intense brotherhood and strategic precision required in warzones, from coordinating with the elite Delta Force to facing ethical challenges in combat operations. His stories from life at Bagram Airfield and the Hindu Kush exude the complexity of conflict and the strength found in camaraderie. Listen as he opens up about navigating the transition to civilian life, highlighting the psychological armor that safeguards soldiers and the enduring humor that bonds them even after the battles are over. It's an episode where wit meets wisdom, creating a compelling narrative that honors the veterans' challenges of assimilating back into society and coping with loss.

The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein is a study of the history of economic shock therapy, which aims to quickly improve a country’s economy through rapid privatization, deregulation, and severe cuts in government spending. She also describes how it gave rise to the disaster capitalism complex: a privatized system of destruction and rebuilding that funnels billions of dollars into corporate pockets. The book discusses the incredible harm that economic shock therapy and disaster capitalism have caused to millions of people all over the world.

Klein is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and activist. She’s dedicated her life to studying the personal and environmental harms that result from wars and unchecked capitalism.

Have you ever felt powerless to impact politics? Like the major decisions are all being made by powerful people far away? You’re not alone—and things haven’t always been this way. In The Power Elite, American sociologist C. Wright Mills discusses how a small group of corporate, military, and political leaders has taken over a vast majority of American political and economic decision-making. This class of power elites are unaccountable to the people, can exercise their power broadly, and have exploited many American institutions for their own benefit.

Writing in 1956, Mills explores how the power elite came into existence after the American Civil War and how they solidified their power in the years after World War II. He also discusses who these elites are, how they operate, and what their rule means for the American people. Our guide to The Power Elite will cover his theories while also providing historical examples, dissenting opinions, and context for the era in which the book was written.

In Manufacturing Consent, authors Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman explore how the American media frames events and creates narratives that serve the interests of the nation’s political, economic, and social elite. They argue that control of the media in the United States does not take the form of direct state censorship or a formal conspiracy to manage the news. Rather, there is a powerful set of informal restrictions and controls that limit what journalists cover—and how they cover it.

In this guide, we’ve streamlined and updated the authors’ 1988 analysis of the mainstream media to incorporate themes, topics, and examples that are more relevant for today’s audience, including the internet, social media, and the rise of “fake news.”

Dive into the pulse of American politics with "NPR News Now," where this episode, featuring Kristin Wright, Sarah McCammon, and others, delves into the significant role abortion rights played in the 2023 elections. As states like Kentucky and Ohio take decisive action to protect reproductive freedoms, the narrative unfolds a potentially transformative moment for voter priorities and party platforms. Wright's coverage of Kentucky's gubernatorial race illustrates this shift, where a pro-choice stance contributed to electoral victory, suggesting a wider acceptance of abortion rights' centrality to political success.

In parallel, the episode addresses the continued Republican leadership in Mississippi and the evolving US stance on international conflicts, as described by Jason Rosenbaum's analysis of Representative Cori Bush's advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza. At the intersection of domestic and global policy, controversies such as Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib's remarks spur heated debates over free speech and political conduct. "NPR News Now" invites listeners to a comprehensive examination of how these domestic developments and foreign policy initiatives echo through the halls of governance and across the nation's moral and ethical landscape.

A Promised Land is Barack Obama’s memoir of his early political career and the first two years of his presidency. Obama takes us on his journey from relative obscurity as a biracial kid from Hawaii to becoming a transformative figure as the nation’s first African-American president. At every step of his career, Obama was guided by a deep faith in the fundamental unity of Americans; the potential and promise of America; the necessity of compromise and seeking common ground; and above all, the power of the democratic system to heal our divisions and effect real change for ordinary people.

Join the PBD Podcast for a candid discussion featuring a roster of insightful speakers including Patrick Bet-David, Ana Kasparian, Thomas Ellsworth, and Adam Sosnick, as they delve into a range of pressing political and societal topics. Ana Kasparian, a journalist known for her work with The Young Turks, shares her media journey and stands on authentic reporting. She acknowledges past errors, revealing the nuanced challenges faced by media professionals in today's politically charged environment. The dialogue extends to Kasparian's pointed observations on Donald Trump's presidency and the policy directions under Biden, including scrutinizing the role of biases in the coverage of both administrations.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the nuances of identity, communication, and ethical responsibilities with topics such as inclusive language, medical transitions for transgender youths, and support systems for LGBTQ+ adolescents. As the episode progresses, the examination of power dynamics broadens to discuss corporate influence in politics, with Kasparian critiquing the actions of companies like Pacific Gas and Electric amidst California's wildfire crises. The podcast doesn't shy away from sensitive subjects, touching on the pharmaceutical industry’s role in mental health, perspectives on gun violence, and the importance of diverse viewpoints in media to bridge societal divisions. Concluding on an international note, the speakers explore military power, the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and immigration challenges, creating a compelling tapestry of global and domestic issues.

In NPR News Now's vibrant podcast episode, speakers Korva Coleman, Michele Kellerman, Sushmita Pathak, and Windsor Johnston delve into the major global geopolitical events currently shaping our world. This far-reaching discussion spans from the urgent speeches made by President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelensky at the UN General Assembly to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict that has sent shock-waves through grain-reliant economies.

Furthermore, tune into the podcast for an insightful analysis of the diplomatic tensions between countries, especially the strain between India and Canada triggered by the Khalistan movement, and the U.S Congressional gridlock over a funding plan dispute. The speakers also touch on critical economic policies, including the Ukraine-Russia Sea Route controversy and the U.S Federal Reserve's approach to surging inflation rates. This enlightening episode of NPR News Now brings you one step closer to understanding our complex, interconnected world.

In a pivotal update from NPR News Now, narrated by Korva Coleman and her colleagues, global politics take the center stage. Listeners will be drawn into the heart of diplomatic maneuvers as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for his long-awaited proposal at the UN Security Council, a momentous occasion for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Furthermore, President Biden’s diplomatic discourse extends beyond Europe, with key dialogues involving Brazil and Israel, highlighting the multifaceted nature of international relations and peace efforts steered by the United States.

The podcast also delves into the gripping developments in the Middle East, as Daniel Estrin reports from Tel Aviv on escalating tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinians, offering a sobering account of the current state of conflict and security measures. On the home front, Camila Domonoske sheds light on the U.S. economic scene, from automotive worker strikes to the robustness of car sales amid looming challenges. As noted by the speakers, these diverse narratives from NPR News Now encapsulate a web of interconnected issues from peace propositions, diplomatic engagements, to the pursuit of impartial justice and economic resilience.

In recent months, the White House, Congress, US armed forces, and more than half of US states have banned the Chinese-owned social media app, TikTok, from government-issued devices. There’s broad concern that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could share Americans’ personal data with the Chinese government, or push Chinese propaganda and misinformation. Some experts say the US should treat TikTok the way it wants other countries to treat American social media platforms—and use moderate measures to protect national security and citizens’ personal data. But Congress may not heed this advice.

Tech platforms and the U.S government have increased their surveillance and censorship of the Internet over the past decade, sharply so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Will the Internet ever be truly “free” again?

In American Marxism, Mark Levin argues that Democrats and leftist organizations are fueling a Marxist revolution against American culture and society. They’re indoctrinating the public with radical Marxist ideologies like Critical Race Theory through public education; reinforcing these ideas through the media and entertainment; and censoring opposition with “cancel culture.” Levin asserts that if American patriots fail to expose this left-wing brainwashing, Democrats will gain dominion over the American government and society. Ultimately, they’ll create a totalitarian regime in which American values like freedom of speech, free-market capitalism, and private property rights are non-existent.

This guide will relay Levin’s exposé of the rise of Marxism in America by discussing who the American Marxists are, the ideologies they’re pushing, how they’re indoctrinating the public, and what American patriots can do to maintain their freedom. Throughout the guide, we’ll contextualize Levin’s argument with information from economists, scientists, and other experts.

The election of Donald Trump has sparked a great deal of discussion about the fate of American democracy. How Democracies Die explores some key questions that have become paramount in the Trump era. Does the election of a figure like Trump—an inexperienced outsider with obvious authoritarian instincts—suggest that democracy in the US is backsliding? Are we doomed to suffer the fate of other 21st-century democracies, like Hungary, Venezuela, and Turkey, where true democracy ceased to exist? By what processes was democracy killed in those and other countries—and how might we prevent it here?

Embark on a critical journey through the complexities of the Israeli-Hamas conflict with Ben Shapiro in "The Ben Shapiro Show." Shapiro and his multifaceted panel, including Daniel Hagari, Raf Sanchez, Andrea Mitchell, and others, dissect the untold stories beneath the media's surface. In an episode that probes the strategic use of hospitals by Hamas forces, Shapiro sheds light on the military integration in civilian sanctuaries such as Rantisi Hospital in Gaza Strip, critiquing not only the militant maneuver but also the media and international organizations for their selective reporting and possible complicity with extremist activities.

Furthermore, this incisive episode explores the contentious intersections of American politics, as Shapiro scrutinizes the Biden administration's Middle East strategy, inspects intra-party conflicts within the Democratic Party, and confronts the rising tide of anti-Semitic rhetoric. From the challenges faced by Israel in distinguishing civilian shields from military targets to the ideological biases perpetuating extremist views, Shapiro calls for a reassessment of narrative, bias, and responsibility as expressed through American legislative and judicial processes. Tune in to witness a staunch defense of ethics in the Supreme Court, the stagnation of political change, and why every voice in public discourse warrants a critical ear.

In the latest episode of The Daily, Michael Barbaro and his guests, including former UN ambassador Nikki Haley and political analyst Nate Cohn, take a deep dive into the complexities and shifting fortunes of Haley's bid for the presidential race. From initial struggles defined by voter skepticism, and subdued campaign events to a strategic turnabout via compelling debate performances, the podcast examines the significant resilience and renewed traction Haley gains as she moves through the arduous race to the White House.

While Barbaro and his panel, which feature voices from New Hampshire voters to influential figures like John McCain, paint a portrait of Haley as the 'factional candidate,' they underscore her efforts to balance the fine lines between policy differentiation and broad appeal within the GOP. Through a lens that juxtaposes past election patterns with Haley's current campaign dynamics, this episode offers an insightful look into the inner workings of political candidacy amid the wider, tumultuous landscape marked by regional conflicts and party leadership shifts.

In our modern, more secular world, it can be easy to lose faith in the power of God. Fewer people than ever are religious, the world seems chaotic and without purpose, and for many people, God seems to remain silent. Despite this, journalist and television host Harris Faulkner knows God is watching out for everyone and throughout her life has seen how his power impacts people’s lives.

In Faith Still Moves Mountains, she shares real-life stories about how God responds to prayer and faith, directly and indirectly helping those in need. Our guide will cover the main themes of these stories and how God and faith can impact people’s lives in miraculous ways. Through our commentary, we’ll offer additional advice and perspectives from other spiritual leaders on faith and the importance of religion.

Join Mel Robbins and her guest Amy McGlinn in "The Mel Robbins Podcast" as they delve into personal growth and the intricate maze of relationships. Mel, drawing on conversations with experts like Dr. Russell Kennedy and the everyday wisdom of Dr. Mindy Pelz and Dana K. White, shares her own regimented routines for mental and physical wellness, advocating for the nurturing of both to achieve a comprehensive state of well-being. Whether through morning light exposure or intermittent fasting, see how Robbins applies these lifestyle habits to strengthen mental health and champions intentional actions that bolster self-worth and internal love.

Diving deeper, Robbins grapples with the complexities of digital-era heartache, offering practical advice for those entangled in the web of social media stalking post-breakup. In a heartfelt response to various listeners’ confessions, she provides solace and straightforward solutions, including embracing intimacy in its many forms after life-changing events like childbirth. Mel doesn't stop at relationships; she unpacks her own beliefs in life's interconnectedness, the intricacies of self-promotion in business, and her family's experiences with dyslexia. This episode isn't just about receiving guidance; it's an invitation for active listener engagement and a collective pursuit of mindful improvement, setting "The Mel Robbins Podcast" apart as a participatory beacon for those on the path to betterment.