The Contrarian Pod

We have a special edition of the Tea with April Ryan for you today, April took a trip to the annual Congressional Black Caucus conference in DC and chatted with Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and Rep. Angie Nixon (D-FL) from the Convention Center. She also had the chance to sit down with Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) to discuss the upcoming midterms and what he wants to see Democrats fight for if they take over Congress. You can join The Tea with April Ryan, live every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm ET. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

On the Tea with April Ryan, April chatted with vote.org CEO Andrea Hailey. Vote.org helped 8.3 million people vote in 2024 and lets voters check their registration status, find polling locations, and see what’s on the ballot. April and Andrea talked about the importance of making a concrete plan — and even backup plan — to vote, why 18 year olds are registering to vote in droves, and a recent Supreme Court decision protecting mail-in voting from federal limits. You can join The Tea with April Ryan, live every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm ET. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

Contrarian senior editor Tim Dickinson got the chance to sit down with three House candidates who are all fighting to flip swing districts across the midwest: Jake Johnson in Minnesota, Christina Hines in Michigan and Mitchell Berman in Wisconsin. They share strong lived experience in their communities – as a teacher, a prosecutor, and a nurse – that informs their platforms to fight for working class Americans ignored by the Trump administration. We talked about their backstories, why they’re running, what makes their districts unique, and the drumbeat of this election: affordability, affordability, affordability The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

On Coffee with Contrarians earlier this week, editor in chief Jennifer Rubin caught up with independent journalist Jim Acosta. They recapped night one of Trump-a-Palooza and Senator John Fetterman’s (D-PA) cameo at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, why a voting backup plan is so crucial, and the ongoing destruction of CBS’ “60 Minutes” from within. You can join Coffee with Contrarians, live every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:15am eastern time. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

Contrarian senior editor Tim Dickinson got the chance to catch up with Ezra Levin. Ezra is the co-founder of Indivisible, one of the leading organizations behind the No Kings events, which have opposed the Trump Administration’s abuses of power through mass peaceful protest and mobilization efforts He gave us a sneak peak at the next big No Kings action for October 17, a nationwide early voting campaign to boost early turnout and build resistance against a possible authoritarian takeover of the midterm elections. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

On this week’s Let’s do Lunch, economist and Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress Jared Bernstein answered your economics questions with Kyla Scanlon. She’s a contributing columnist for the New York Times opinion page and Foreign Policy, runs her own economics substack which is one of our favorite reads, and is currently working on her second book. They talked about the recent jobs report, whether gas prices will ever come down, and the current state of the vibes-cession You can join Let’s do Lunch with Jared and other renowned economic analysts every other Tuesday at Noon eastern at ContrarianNews.org The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

On the Tea with April Ryan, April chatted with Florida congresswoman Angie Nixon. Angie is running for Senate in the Midterms against MAGA-endorsed Senator Ashley Moody. They discussed seeking justice for Pierre Damas Bel and Haitians who’ve lost legal residency protections under TPS, and Rep. Nixon’s history of fighting Florida’s attempts at undemocratic redistricting through protest. You can join The Tea with April Ryan, live every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm ET at ContrarianNews.org The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

Contrarian senior editor Tim Dickinson got the chance to sit down with Troy Jackson. He’s running for Senate in Maine against faux republican moderate Susan Collins, who perpetually voices concern about Trump’s agenda, and then quietly enables it. Troy Jackson may be new to the Maine Senate race, you might remember he got the nomination after Graham Platner was forced out, but he’s been fighting for everyday people for decades. He’s a former logger, and previous president of the Maine State Senate. The two talked about how Trump’s failed tariffs and Iran War are costing Mainers, and why Maine’s next senator needs to target affordability and Medicare for All. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

On Coffee with Contrarians, Contrarian publisher Norm Eisen chatted with Skye Perryman, the President and CEO of Democracy Forward. The two updated us on recent court cases they’ve partnered on, the protests at East Potomac golf course, and Skye’s new book! It’s called: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times, which Hillary Clinton called, “A manual for people who are tired of wringing their hands and are ready to roll up their sleeves.” Coffee with Contrarians is live every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:15am eastern at ContrarianNews.org The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

On the Tea with April Ryan, April chatted with LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund They talked about the bigger meaning of Friday’s March on Washington, the importance of mobilizing Black voters ahead of the midterms. You can join The Tea with April Ryan, live every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm ET. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

On Coffee with Contrarians this morning, Contrarian publisher Norm Eisen chatted with Juan Proaño, the CEO of LULAC. The League of United Latin American Citizens is the largest and oldest Hispanic and Latin-American civil rights organization in the US. Norm and Juan reflected on the iconic Dolly Parton’s life and legacy. Then, the two revealed how the pending merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. will have real life implications, not just in media and politics, but on the lives of ordinary citizens. They also gave us a sneak preview of the March on Washington, taking place this Friday, August 28th. You can join Coffee with Contrarians, live every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:15am eastern time. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

After Senator Lindsey Graham’s death in July, his sister Darline Graham was appointed to fill the seat and is now campaigning for a full term. But, after her poor performance during a debate against Republican runoff challenger Rep. Ralph Norman, this Republican stronghold now sits on shaky ground. Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democrat in the race, believes that South Carolinians deserve better than MAGA no knothings and Republican extremists. Andrews’ background in pediatric medicine guides her views on freedom, gun violence, and healthcare affordability. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

On Coffee with Contrarians this week, Contrarian publisher Norm Eisen spoke with Adam Klasfeld, the Editor in Chief of All Rise News. First, Norm gave us an update on legal cases made possible by all you Contrarians! Then, Norm and Adam discussed Trump’s lavish vanity projects, checked in on Todd Blanche, and wondered what is up with the Natalie Harp situation. You can join us for Coffee with Contrarians, live, every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:15am eastern time on The Contrarian . The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

Today on The Contrarian Pod, you’ll hear from two Florida nominees for the statewide ballot who exemplify the Big Tent coalition the Democrats are assembling this November. In an upset last night, democratic socialist candidate Angie Nixon won the nomination for Florida’s Senate seat, beating out Alex Vindman with more than 56% of the vote, Nixon’s win underscores the power of organizing. Nixon talked about how she’s preparing for her general election fight against incumbent Ashley Moody, the importance of Medicare for All, and about Cafe Resistance: her thriving bookstore, cafe, and community hub. That wasn’t the only big news out of Florida last night. Former Representative David Jolly [17:48] won the state’s gubernatorial primary and will be running against Trump toady Byron Daniels in the fall. Jolly is a capitalist, and a former Republican who now calls himself a proud Democrat, not a reluctant one. We talked about his vision for defusing the culture wars in Florida and his agenda for championing affordability and the middle class. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

Earlier this week on Coffee with the Contrarians, Contrarian senior editor Tim Dickinson sat down with special guest Juan Proaño, CEO of LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens. They talked about how ICE’s human rights abuses continue to escalate with recent deaths at the Delaney Detention Center in New Jersey, and how Todd Blanche is already a rubber stamp for Trump mere weeks into the job. You can join Coffee with Contrarians, live every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:15am eastern time at ContrarianNews.org The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

Earlier this month, the Secretary of Health and Human Services unveiled the first episode of a new program “that empowers families to make healthy eating practical, approachable, and affordable,” according to the HHS website. And no, there’s not any roadkill involved. Contrarian senior editor Tim Dickinson, culture columnist Meredith Blake and editor Meghan Houser discuss RFK’s foray into food media and what it tells us about the current administration’s food policy, Trump’s fascination with media coverage, and what the deal is with seed oils. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

Economist and Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress Jared Bernstein is back with Let’s Do Lunch! Jared sat down with Devesh Kodnani, an economist working on his PhD at MIT, where he also works with the Institute for Work and Employment Research. He focuses on how to make jobs good and work better for people. This week, they answered all your questions on progressive economic policy, the July jobs report, and whether Trump’s tariff refunds will impact American consumers. You can join Let’s Do Lunch live every other Tuesday at Noon ET on The Contrarian Substack. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

On Coffee with Contrarians earlier this week, April Ryan chatted with former U.S. Attorney, and friend of the Contrarian, Joyce Vance. They looked at how President Trump is using National Parks Funding for his own personal vanity projects and why, on the 1 year anniversary of the National Guard Deployment to Washington, D.C., we absolutely can't forget about the Epstein Files. You can join Coffee with Contrarians live every Monday, Wedbesday, and Thursday at 9:15 AM Eastern. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

Jessica Killin is running for Colorado’s 5th district, which encompasses Colorado Springs. Like many in the district, Killin is a military veteran, and she has also served in leadership roles on Capitol Hill and at the White House. She’s up against Republican incumbent Jeff Crank, who Killin argues is more interested in serving Trump than his constituents. We talked about her priorities for the district, which has never elected a Democrat, and why she thinks she can flip the seat. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe

Last week, The DOJ dismissed its Reflecting Pool “vandalism” case against Olympic Canoeist Davey Hearn. Then, Todd Blanche announced that he officially axed Trump’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization slush fund, as part of Blanche’s bid to become attorney general. Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Contrarian senior editor Tim Dickinson talked about the Administration’s mishandling of these two issues and the broader implications of Blanche’s nomination for the justice system. They also talked about the wildfires raging in the West, the threat climate change poses to the environment and the economy. The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.contrariannews.org/subscribe