The Back Room with Andy Ostroy

Mallory McMorrow is a Michigan State Senator who in 2018 flipped a district that had previously voted Republican by 16 points, then helped Democrats take control of the Michigan Senate for the first time in 40 years. She’s stood up to extremists to repeal Michigan’s abortion ban, expand voting rights, and pass sweeping gun safety laws, and refuses corporate PAC or AIPAC money. She was thrust into the national spotlight in April 2022 over her incredible viral speech on the Michigan Senate floor in response to being accused of being a “groomer” by a Republican Senator. Last year she released her first book, a follow up to that speech, Hate Won't Win. Mallory is back with us to discuss her U.S. Senate campaign, the economy and affordabilty, Israel and Gaza, Artificial Intelligence, the midterms and the threats to this critical election. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Asha Rangappa is a lawyer, scholar, and media commentator. She’s held senior administrative and teaching roles at Yale University for nearly two decades, where her work including advising deans on governance and strategy helped guide institutional growth during periods of transition, and teaches courses on national security law, Russian information warfare, and leadership and ethics. Prior to Yale, Asha served as a Special Agent in the New York Division of the FBI, specializing in counterintelligence investigations. She's the author of The Freedom Academy, a bestselling online Substack publication that explores how to create democratic resilience in America’s social fabric, and the co-host of the legal podcast, It’s Complicated, with Renato Mariotti. Her next book, UNCOMPROMISED: Activating Your Moral Compass in an Age of Complicity, will be published in 2028. She’s a former legal and national security analyst for CNN and ABC News, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and other outlets. She is an editor for Just Security, a member of the Council of Foreign Relations, and a Security Fellow with the Truman National Security Project. Asha and I discuss the Iran War, Trump's autocratic overreach and DOJ/FBI weaponization, the overall incompetence of the administration, and how Democrats need to fight back and win in November Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is Professor of History at New York University. She writes about fascism, authoritarianism, and propaganda. She is the recipient of Guggenheim and other fellowships; an advisor to Protect Democracy; an MSNBC opinion columnist and television commentator; and publishes Lucid, a newsletter on threats to democracy. Her latest book, Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, looks at how illiberal leaders use propaganda, corruption, violence, and machismo - and how they can be defeated. Ruth's back with us again for a discussion on Trump's second-term autocratic overreach, including his latest brazen act of corruption, the $1.776-billion 'Anti-Weaponization' slush-fund and his IRS immunity 'settlement'. So is Ruth as optimistic as she was back in December? Tune in to see where Ruth currently stands on Trump's threats to democracy; her takeaways from his recent China summit; Viktor Orban's defeat and it's impact on Trump and American politics; and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Kristy Greenberg is the host of "Courtside with Kristy Greenberg" on YouTube, and an MS NOW Legal Analyst. Kristy was a former SDNY Criminal Division Deputy Chief, where she oversaw the work of SDNY's Criminal Division and prosecuted fraud, cybercrime, and sex trafficking cases of national significance. Kristy and I discuss the legality of Trump's $1.776 slush-fund and IRS immunity deal; Todd Blanche's corrupt DOJ; Pam Bondi's upcoming testimony; the Comey indictment; the courts, the midterms; the Epstein cover-up; and...the KNICKS! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jonathan W. Jordan is a historian and an award-winning author of five books, including the New York Times bestseller Brothers, Rivals, Victors: Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, and the Partnership That Drove the Allied Conquest in Europe. He is a regular book critic for The Wall Street Journal and the author of nearly two dozen articles appearing in MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History, World War II magazine, Military History, and World War II History magazine. He has made numerous live, televised, podcast, and radio appearances. Jonathan joins me to discuss his terrific new book, IKE AND WINSTON: World War, Cold War, and an Extraordinary Friendship, and how the events and leadership of that era can be applied to the current international political landscape. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446. Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud Design by Cricket Lengyel

Andrew Weissmann is the co-host of the popular podcast Main Justice and is a frequent legal analyst for NBC/MSNBC. He serves on the board of Just Security and writes frequently for it, as well as The New York Times, The Atlantic, & The Washington Post. From 2017-2019 Andrew served as a lead prosecutor in Robert S. Mueller’s Special Counsel’s Office. His memoir about the Special Counsel investigation, Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation , was a New York Times bestseller. He is also a Professor of Practice at New York University and teaches courses in national security and criminal procedure. He also served as the General Counsel for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and from 2002-2005 he served as the Deputy and then the Director of the Enron Task Force where he supervised the prosecution of more than 30 individuals in connection with the company’s collapse. And he was also a federal prosecutor for 15 years in the Eastern District of New York, where he served as the Chief of the Criminal Division and prosecuted numerous members of the Colombo, Gambino, and Genovese families, including the bosses of the Colombo and Genovese families. Andrew's back to discuss his terrific new book, Liar's Kingdom: How to Stop Trump’s Deceit and Save America, which is on sale May 19. We also discuss Bondi, Blanche, the DOJ SCOTUS, redistricting and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Nate Soares is the President of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute. He has been working in the field for over a decade, after previous experience at Microsoft and Google. He’s the author of a large body of technical and semi-technical writing on AI alignment, including foundational work on value learning, decision theory, and power-seeking incentives in smarter-than-human AIs. Nate joins me for a fascinating yet terrifying conversation about the existential threat of Artificial Intelligence, which is the subject of his 2025 book If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies: Why Superhuman AI Would Kill Us. Don't miss this sobering, eye-opening chat you'll never forget! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jonathan Vigliotti is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award–winning CBS News national correspondent whose work has appeared on numerous platforms including CBS Sunday Morning, Face the Nation, 48 Hours, and more. His reporting has taken him to more than forty countries and territories across six continents. He is the author of Before It’s Gone: Stories from the Front Lines of Climate Change in Small-Town America, and his latest book, Torched: How a City Was Left to Burn, and the Olympic Rush to Rebuild L.A., which went on sale this week. Jonathan discusses the origins of the devastating fires in Los Angeles in early 2025, how they could've and should've been avoided, and what the city must do going forward to prevent such a disaster from happening again. He also describes in harrowing detail his own real-time experience navigating through this nightmarish hellscape as he covered the fires. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elie Honig is CNN’s Senior Legal Analyst. He previously worked for 14 years as a federal and state prosecutor. He is also the national bestselling author of two books, “Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor’s Code and Corrupted the Justice Department” and “Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It”. He writes a weekly column for New York magazine and for Cafe.com, and he hosts two podcasts for Vox Media. He teaches at Rutgers University and is special counsel to New Jersey law firm Lowenstein Sandler. His latest book is, When You Come at the King: Inside DOJ’s Pursuit of the President, From Nixon to Trump, will be published September 16th. Elie and I discuss the latest involving the Epstein cover-up, including Howard Lutnick's recent testimony and Pam Bondi's upcoming interview on the 29th; the mounting Kash Patel troubles; the new James Comey indictment; the SCOTUS Virginia redistricting ruling; the Jimmy Kimmel/ABD/Disney witch-hunt; and Birthright Citizenship. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Pat Ryan represents New York's 18th Congressional District. An Ulster County native and West Point graduate, Congressman Ryan served two tours in Iraq. After returning home, he started a small business before being elected Ulster County Executive in 2019. In Congress, Pat serves on the House Armed Services and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. We discuss the Iran war, Sec Def Pete Hegseth's incompetence, the economy, the midterms and more. And, is he planning to run for president in '28? Tune in to find out his answer! But first, Andy and The Back Room crew discuss the Virginia Supreme Court redistricting ruling, the war, and Trump's time-and-money-wasting vanity projects. They also share their winners and losers for the week, and Andy rants about Hegseth's attempt to strip Sen. Mark Kelly of his rank and pension. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Tara Setmayer is co-founder of the bipartisan superpac The Seneca Project. She’s a former GOP Communications Director on Capitol Hill and most recently served as a Senior Advisor for The Lincoln Project. She’s a political writer and commentator who’s appeared on MSNOW, CNN and other news outlets, The View, and Real Time with Bill Maher. Her writing has been featured on CNN.com, Bloomberg, The Daily Beast, Cosmopolitan, and NBC.com. In November 2020 she left the Republican Party after Donald Trump refused to concede the election to Joe Biden. Tara is sounding the alarm on the upcoming November midterms, fearing that from Trump to Congress to state and local officials the Republican Party is going to do everything humanly possible to steal the election. Don't miss this important conversation on Trump's corruption and self-dealing, his worsening batshit cray-cray behavior, and how voters can stay informed, engaged and focused on flipping Congress. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Congressman James Walkinshaw represents Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. He serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and its Military and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, focusing on protecting the nonpartisan civil service, supporting fair pay for federal employees, and holding the Administration accountable. He also serves on the House Homeland Security Committee and both its Subcommittees on Homeland Border Security the economy, redistricting and the November midterms; and the Iran war, Sec Def Pete Hegseth, and his 'performance' last week before the House and Senate. But first, in celebration of The Back Room's 500th episode, there's a very special shout-out from our very first guest, Paul Rudd! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Olivia Troye spent almost 20 years in national security, working at the Pentagon, the National Counterterrorism Center under President Obama, and the Department of Homeland Security in the first Trump term as Counterterrorism advisor to Vice President Mike Pence. She resigned from the White House in August 2020, and went on to play a pivotal role in the election that year. Over the past decade she’s been an outspoken Trump critic, and spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. She is now running as a democrat for the House in Virginia’s 7th Congressional district. Olivia and I discuss the Iran war and Sec Def Pete Hegseth's testimony before Congress this week; the cost and impact of the war on the American people and homeland security; her campaign for the open House seat in Virginia's 7th Congressional district; the economy and the midterms; and more. But first, The Back Room crew discusses Hegseth's "full Bondi" performance on the Hill, the new indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, and the shameful gutting of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 by the Supreme Court in its Louisiana redistricting ruling. Plus, don't miss our winners and losers, and Andy's rant on the White House Correspondent's Dinner. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mimi Rocah is an attorney who served as District Attorney of Westchester County, NY from 2021-2024. Prior to becoming DA, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York for nearly 17 years where she prosecuted and oversaw cases involving violent crime, organized crime, human trafficking, sex trafficking, child exploitation, frauds and public corruption. She’s a frequent commentator on MSNOW, CNN, The Contrarian, Cafe, and numerous podcasts and radio shows on topics relating to law, justice and women’s issues and has written and published dozens of opinion pieces on those topics. She’s an expert in the rule of law, democracy and the corruption and abuse of the justice system and is currently an adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law. And, Mimi is writing a book, “Justice Under Siege,” about the Trump Administration’s political takeover of the DOJ and the heroes who have stood up, due out in September 2026. Mimi joins me to help unpack the new indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jaclyn “Jackie” Corin is a co-founder and Executive Director of March For Our Lives, a leading youth-led advocacy organization working to end gun violence in the United States. A survivor of the 2018 mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, she helped catalyze one of the largest youth protests in American history and elevate gun violence as a central national issue. In the years since, she has led high-impact campaigns to hold the gun lobby and elected officials accountable and built one of the largest youth organizing networks in the country, supporting hundreds of student-led groups nationwide. As Executive Director, she leads March For Our Lives’ work at the intersection of advocacy, narrative change, and youth organizing, equipping young people across the country to drive political and cultural change in their communities. Jackie and I discuss her organization's efforts to mobilize young people, fight gun violence and achieve gun-reform legislation. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Isabel Vincent is an award-winning investigative journalist currently working for The New York Post and a critically acclaimed author of seven books. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, The Independent, Marie Claire, L’Officiel (Paris), and many other international publications. Her new book, RFK Jr: The Fall and Rise, is now on sale. 'Raccoon penis and bear cub and brain worm, OH MY!' Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s storied life has been filled with both privilege and opportunity as well as tragedy, addiction, controversy and scandal. Isabel and I discuss his very complicated life and the explosive anecdotes and crazy revelations in her bombshell new biography about the Kennedy family's wayward son. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Josh Turek is running for US Senate in Iowa. He is a four-time Paralympian and two-time gold medalist for Team USA in wheelchair basketball. He’s the first permanently disabled member of the Iowa legislature and the Democrat who represents the reddest district won in 2024. He is now running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Republican Joni Ernst. Josh and I discuss the campaign and his incredibly inspiring journey. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Since 2015 Jonathan A. Greenblatt has served as the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, more commonly knows as the ADL…and is its sixth National Director. He leads all aspects of the world’s leading anti-hate organization…whose mission since its founding in 1913 is to fight the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. In 2022, Jonathan released It Could Happen Here, a book that sounds an alarm, warning that hate and systemic violence is gathering momentum in the United States – and that violence on a more catastrophic scale could be just around the corner. Jonathan's back with us to discus the alarming rise of antisemitism and hate crimes in the U.S. and abroad; the impact of October 7, the Israel-Gaza war, and the wars in Iran and Lebanon on this increase; NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response (or lack thereof) to the rise of antisemitism in the city; and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Adrian Fontes was elected in 2022 as Arizona's 21st Secretary of State. He’s a Marine Corps veteran who served from 1992 to 1996. After graduating from law school, he worked as a prosecutor with the Denver District Attorney and then at the Maricopa County Attorney’s office. He later led the International Prosecution Unit at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. He practiced law for 15 years before running for office in 2016 when he was elected Maricopa County Recorder, where he revolutionized the election system through enhanced ballot tracking technology and increased process transparency, winning him recognition and awards from election organizations across the country. In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 crisis and amidst violent protests, Maricopa County saw record voter turnout, as well as record numbers of new voters registered for both parties. He later testified before Congress about threats facing election officials. Adrian and I discuss the lingering 2020 "rigged election" claims; Trump and the Republican Party's current assault on the election process; what he and his state are doing to protect voters in November; and what individual Americans across the country can do to help ensure free and fair midterm elections. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Co-founder and Board Member of The Lincoln Project, Rick Wilson is a renowned political strategist, infamous award-winning ad-maker and podcast host, writer, speaker, and political commentator on MSNBC, CNN, ABC News, NPR, Real Time with Bill Maher, and various American and international news national outlets. A 30-year veteran of national Republican politics, Rick got his start in the 1988 Presidential campaign of George Herbert Walker Bush and has produced groundbreaking and award-winning political advertising, strategic counsel to winning political candidates, SuperPACS, state parties, the national campaign committees, and corporate, association, and government clients across the nation and around the world. Rick has authored two New York Times bestsellers – Everything Trump Touches Dies and Running Against The Devil – A Plot To Save America from Trump And Democrats From Themselves – and often writes for The Washington Post, Politico, Rolling Stone, The Hill, The Bulwark, and the London Spectator. Rick and I discuss the Iran war, Trump's unconscionable 'genocide' threat, the Epstein cover-up, MAGA, the midterms, and the Trump's bizarre assault on the Pope and the Vatican. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Andrew Goldberg is an Emmy Award-winning investigative producer, has directed 14 prime-time documentary specials for PBS, and both long and short-form segments for CBS Sunday Morning, ABC News, Live From Lincoln Center, NPR and others. His films include The Armenian Genocide, Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century: The Resurgence, and The Iranian Americans. His work has appeared on major networks on every continent and has been supported by more than 250 foundations, corporations and major donors around the world. His new film is the documentary WHITE WTH FEAR, which he wrote, produced and directed, and is now streaming on PBS, Apple, Amazon and other platforms. Andrew joins me to discuss the film and the current state of race and fear in America For more info on Andrew, this film, and his other work please visit www.somuchfilm.com Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Cait Conley is a fourth-generation Hudson Valley native, daughter of a postal worker and a construction worker, a decorated combat veteran and national security expert. And she’s running for the House in NY’s 17th Congressional district. Cait and I discuss her campaign, the June 23 primary, the goal of taking on Republican Mike Lawlor and flipping this seat in November. We also discuss the Iran war and how its being illegally and incompetently waged by Donald Trump and SecDef Pete Hegseth and is making America, the Middle East and the world less safe. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Shawn Harris spent 40 years in the military and retired as an Army Brigadier General. He and his wife Karla have five children and four grandchildren. They live in Rockmart, Georgia, where together they run their first-generation grass-fed cattle farm. He's running for Congress in Georgia's 14th district, the seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene. Shawn and I discuss his stellar background, his reasons for running, the issues most important to his district's voters and voters throughout Georgia and the U.S., and how the campaign is effectively reaching across party lines to attract supporters with the goal of flipping this critical House seat. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elie Honig is CNN’s Senior Legal Analyst. He previously worked for 14 years as a federal and state prosecutor. He is also the national bestselling author of two books, “Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor’s Code and Corrupted the Justice Department” and “Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It”. He writes a weekly column for New York magazine and for Cafe.com, and he hosts two podcasts for Vox Media. He teaches at Rutgers University and is special counsel to New Jersey law firm Lowenstein Sandler. His latest book is, When You Come at the King: Inside DOJ’s Pursuit of the President, From Nixon to Trump, will be published September 16th. Elie and I discuss the legality of the Iran war, Birthright Citizenship and this week's Supreme Court arguments, Attorney General Pam Bondi's Epstein subpoena, Trump's relentless pursuit of NY Attorney General Letitia James, and the future impact of last week's META negligence court rulings. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

S.E. is a nationally syndicated columnist, author, podcaster and TV commentator. She hosts Off the Cupp, a podcast which focuses on mental health, and which features interviews with celebrities and newsmakers. She is a columnist at the New York Daily News and has also been published in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Washington Post and many other publications. She is currently a political commentator at CNN. She regularly interviews authors for CSPAN's BookTV, and is a regular guest on The View, Real Time w/Bill Maher, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Watch What Happens Live and others. SE has also consulted on Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom and AppleTV's The Morning Show, and has made cameos on House of Cards and SNL. As an author SE has written two books, Losing Our Religion: The Liberal Media's Attack on Christianity, and co-authored Why You're Wrong About the RIght. She is on the Advisory Board of Cornell University's Institute of Politics and Global Affairs and INARA.org, and is a No Kid Hungry ambassador S.E. and I discuss the Iran war, MAGA, the midterms, and the general chaos, dysfunction and danger of Trump 2.0. But whenever S.E.'s around, there also has to be a some silly fun too, so there's also some chit-chat about AL Gore, French strikes, and her new "Pee Poo" pod with Adam Kinzinger! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jess Michaels is a 3x Founder, TEDx speaker, Advocate, and 1991 Jeffrey Epstein survivor who has lived with PTSD for 30+ years. She is founder and CEO of 3Joannes Inc and the #withyoutoo Social Safety App, which guides users to "know what to do when someone says #metoo”. Jess joins me for another critical discussion of the latest developments involving the Epstein files and the survivors' ongoing quest for accountability and justice. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

For three decades, Bill Kristol has been a leading participant in American political debates and a widely respected analyst of American political developments. He served in senior positions in the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush Administrations and as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. He is the founding director of Defending Democracy Together, an organization dedicated to defending America’s liberal democratic norms, principles, and institutions, focusing on issues ranging from American foreign policy to the future of the Republican Party and the meaning of American conservatism. Bill is editor-at-large of The Bulwark, frequently appears on all the major television talk shows, and also is the host of the highly regarded video series and podcast, Conversations with Bill Kristol. Bill and I discuss Trump's Iran "excursion" (war), how and when it might end, what comes next, and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Alexis Coe is a presidential historian, a senior fellow at New America, and the American history columnist at the New York Times. She's also the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George of Washington and Alice+Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis. She frequently appears on CNN, MSNOW, CBS, History, BBC, and PBS, and has been featured in and published by most major publications, including the New Yorker, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. She is a frequent guest on NPR and hosted the podcasts No Man's Land and Presidents Are People Too! Her next book, Young Jack: A Biography of John F. Kennedy, 1917-1957, will be published next year. Alexis and I discuss Trump's initial 14 months, his continued autocratic overreach and its impact on our democracy, and whether Democrats can and will capitalize on the opportunity Trump and Republicans are handing them for the November midterms. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Graham Nash’s incredible career spans over 60 years. He’s a two-time Rock the genesis of Crosby, Stills his poignant memories of David Crosby; reflections on Woodstock, Joni Mitchell, and the 60's/70's; the importance of protest songs, especially today; and more. And in one of my favorite stories, Graham describes a recent emotional visit back to the Laurel Canyon home he shared with Joni for two years, and where he wrote "Our House" in one hour on a cold, rainy day. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Repeat Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic and a contributor to the Atlantic Daily newsletter. And he's back in The Back Room sharing his thoughts on Trump's war of choice in Iran and what happens next. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Vicky Ward is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, documentary host and producer, former CNN Senior Reporter, magazine editor at large, entrepreneur, and Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford. She uses multi-media to deliver investigative reporting with a specialty in power, money, and corruption in the United States and abroad. Ward is the author of the bestselling Substack newsletter, “Vicky Ward Investigates.” Her most recent book about the 2022 killing of four University of Idaho students, which she co-wrote with best selling novelist James Patterson and which became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller, is The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy. Vicky joins me for an insightful conversation about the latest developments in the Epstein case and cover-up. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic and a contributor to the Atlantic Daily newsletter. And he's back in The Back Room sharing his thoughts on Trump's war of choice in Iran and what happens next. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Alex Vindman and his family left the Soviet Union as refugees when he was three years old. He is a retired 21-year U.S. Army combat veteran who also served as a national security expert working for presidents of both parties. He was wounded in Iraq and awarded a Purple Heart. His military service took him from the battlefield to the Pentagon and the White House, where he served as a Director on the National Security Council staff. During his time on the National Security Council, he witnessed a corrupt and illegal abuse of power by a president intent on undermining an election. As was his duty under the Constitution, he reported the wrongdoing. His decision to blow the whistle led to the 2019 impeachment of President Donald Trump, whose retribution ultimately cost him his military career. After he left the military, Alex dedicated himself to public service outside of uniform, helping veterans run for office so they can serve as a check on corruption and abuse of power. He’s also the author of the Why It Matters Substack and the New York Times bestselling books Here, Right Matters and The Folly of Realism. And he is now running for the U.S. Senate in Florida. Alex and I discuss Trump's illegal Iran War, the overall incompetence of the administration, and his very exciting, very promising U.S. Senate campaign in Florida. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Kara Swisher is the host of the podcast “On with Kara Swisher” and the co-host of the “Pivot” podcast with Scott Galloway. She was the co-founder and editor-at-large of Recode, host of the “Recode Decode” podcast, and co-executive producer of the Code conference. She was a former contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and host of its “Sway” podcast and has also worked for The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She is the author of several books, including her latest, BURN BOOK. Kara shares her keen insights into Nvidia's blowout earnings, the AI trade, and the future of AI; the Paramount/Netflix battle for Warner; SecDef Pete Hegseth's Anthropic threats; Bari Weiss and the trouble at CBS News and 60 Minutes; and the latest Epstein 'missing Trump files' bombshell and massive cover-up. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Joe Walsh is a former Republican Congressman from Illinois elected to Congress in the TEA Party wave of 2010. Following his service in Congress, Joe became one of the most popular syndicated conservative talk radio hosts in the country. In August of 2019 he became a candidate for President of the United States, waging a Republican primary challenge against Donald Trump. He is the author of F*CK SILENCE: Calling Trump Out for the Cultish, Moronic, Authoritarian Con Man He Is. He's currently the Director of The Social Contract and the host of “The Social Contract With Joe Walsh,” podcast. He can also be seen regularly on CNN, MSNBC and News Nation. Joe joins me for a State of the Union preview and a pull-no-punches chat about Trump, the Midterms, and the latest Epstein cover-up BOMBSHELL Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Ricki Lake is an American actress, television host, and producer whose career has spanned more than three decades. She burst onto the scene at just 19 years old as Tracy Turnblad in John Waters' 1988 cult classic Hairspray, earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead. She went on to appear in a string of beloved films including Cry-Baby, Serial Mom, and Mrs. Winterbourne. In 1993, at just 24 years old, she made history as the youngest person to host a syndicated daytime talk show, The Ricki Lake Show, which ran for 11 seasons. She brought the show back in 2012, winning a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host. She has also produced the documentaries The Business of Being Born and Weed the People. Most recently, Ricki is an executive producer of Big Rock Burning, a documentary about the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire, which destroyed her own Malibu home. And, she is an ambassador for Community Access, a New York-based nonprofit providing housing and support for people with mental health challenges. Ricki is living a very rich, successful and open life full of incredible highs and lows. We talk about love, life, loss, and longevity in her nearly 40-year illustrious career. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

We're still on vacation, but there's just too much happening today not to hop on the mic for a few minutes to discuss the breaking news! So, join me as I share some thoughts on SCOTUS's devastating blow to Trump on tariffs, the shitty GDP numbers that just came out, and the latest Epstein news including former Prince Andrew's arrest. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

SPECIAL REPEAT!: We're on vacation! But we'll be back in a week. So in the meantime, we're re-posting our recent terrific chat with Mary Trump in case you missed it the first time. It's super insightful and fun, and is one of our most popular episodes. Enjoy! Mary Trump is an American psychologist and author. Her first book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man which sold nearly one million copies on its first day of publication, is considered a serious game-changer in the 2020 U.S. presidential elections that Donald Trump lost decisively to Joe Biden. She is the author of two other New York Times bestsellers, The Reckoning, (2021), and a memoir, Who Could Ever Love You (2024). Mary holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a Master’s degree in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. She writes The Good in Us, a best-selling newsletter on Substack, and is the founder of Mary Trump Media and the Mary Trump Media YouTube channel. Mary and I discuss her Uncle Donald's rapidly declining mental and physical condition. And as always, Mary and I share more than a few good laughs! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mimi Rocah is an attorney who served as District Attorney of Westchester County, NY from 2021-2024.Prior to becoming DA, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York for nearly 17 years where she prosecuted and oversaw cases involving violent crime, organized crime, human trafficking, sex trafficking, child exploitation, frauds and public corruption. She’s a frequent commentator on MSNOW, CNN, The Contrarian, Cafe, and numerous podcasts and radio shows on topics relating to law, justice and women’s issues and has written and published dozens of opinion pieces on those topics. She’s an expert in the rule of law, democracy and the corruption and abuse of the justice system and is currently an adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law. And, Mimi is writing a book, “Justice Under Siege,” about the Trump Administration’s political takeover of the DOJ and the heroes who have stood up, due out in September 2026. Mimi shares her thoughts on this week's Pam Bondi testimony at the House Judiciary Committee hearing as well as the overall weaponization of, and corruption at, the Justice Department. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Gretchen Carlson is an internationally recognized advocate for women’s rights, whose bold actions against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes helped pave the way for the global #MeToo movement. A former CBS News and Fox News journalist, author, TED talk alum, and champion for workplace equality, she was named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World”. Gretchen is the co-founder of the non-profit Lift Our Voices which works to end silencing mechanisms in the workplace that keep toxic issues secret. She is also a frequent contributor to CNN and MSNBC, a Fast Company contributor and the author of the New York Times bestsellers “Be Fierce” and “Getting Real.” Her story of harassment and retaliation at Fox News has garnered international attention, including the Showtime mini-series “The Loudest Voice” and movie “Bombshell.” Her signature achievement is the passage of the “Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act” in March 2022, one of the biggest labor law changes in the last 100 years. Gretchen joins me to help unpack the latest developments in the Epstein case, from Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie's review of the unredacted files to Ghislaine Maxwell's testimony before the House Oversight Committee and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Tim Heaphy is a former federal prosecutor and founding partner of the new law firm Heaphy Smith Harbach Trump, Bondi, and the weaponizing of the Justice Department; the concern over interference in the midterm elections; SCOTUS , the lower courts and the judicial system serving as the critical check on the administration; and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Ezekiel J. Emanuel, MD, PhD is a vice provost and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. A bioethicist, health policy expert, and oncologist, he was one of the architects of the Affordable Care Act. He is a regular guest on CNN and MSNBC and frequently contributes to the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and Atlantic. His new book is “Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life”. He’s also an author whose new book is “Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life”. Dr. Emanuel and I discuss his terrific new book and the state of healthcare in America today. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Dave Aronberg served three terms as the elected State Attorney for Palm Beach County from 2012 to 2024. He is also a former Assistant Attorney General, White House Fellow and Florida State Senator, where he was elected in 2002. In 2010, he returned to the Florida Attorney General’s Office as a Special Prosecutor for Prescription Drug Trafficking. He frequently appears on cable television as a legal commentator. And he is the managing partner of Dave Aronberg Law, P.A., and a strategic partner with Capital City Consulting in West Palm Beach. Dave and I discuss Trump's DOJ weaponization and AG Pam Bondi's utter lack of independence; Don Lemon's arrest; the Epstein Cover-Up; and more Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Mary Trump is an American psychologist and author. Her first book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man which sold nearly one million copies on its first day of publication, is considered a serious game-changer in the 2020 U.S. presidential elections that Donald Trump lost decisively to Joe Biden. She is the author of two other New York Times bestsellers, The Reckoning, (2021), and a memoir, Who Could Ever Love You (2024). Mary holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a Master’s degree in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. She writes The Good in Us, a best-selling newsletter on Substack, and is the founder of Mary Trump Media and the Mary Trump Media YouTube channel. Mary and I discuss her Uncle Donald's rapidly declining mental and physical condition. And as always, Mary and I share more than a few good laughs! Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of global investment firm SkyBridge, and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. He's a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a board member of the Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation....and the author of five books, including last year’s From Wall Street to the White House and Back and his new book The Little Book of Bitcoin: What You Need to Know that Wall Street Has Already Figured Out…which will be released February 11th. He also hosts the Open Book podcast and along with Katty Kay he co-hosts The Rest is Politics: US podcast. And he’s of course well-known for the 11 rollercoaster days he served in the first Trump WH as Communications Director, after having served on Trump's Finance Committee and then on his Presidential Transition Team. Anthony shares his keen insights into, and concerns over, Donald Trump's chaos and corruption and the impact it's having at home and abroad. And, he makes a prediction for Trump's nominee for new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Special Episode: My 7-minute WTF rant on the new Alex Pretti video and the Georgia FBI raid Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Michelle Goldberg is an author and award-winning NY Times opinion columnist. Her first book, “Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism,” was a finalist for the Helen Bernstein Award for Excellence in Journalism. After that, she wrote “The Means of Reproduction: Sex, Power and the Future of the World,” a book about global battles over gender and reproductive rights. And then in a departure from politics she then wrote “The Goddess Pose,” a book about wellness culture and the long Western fascination with Eastern spirituality. She is a contributor at MSNOW, and her work has appeared in publications including The New Yorker, The New Republic, The Nation and many others. Michelle and I discuss Trump, Noem, Homan, Bovino, DHS and the Minneapolis murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti; the Democrats' Texas US Senate primary showdown between Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and State House Rep. James Talarico; and why the right is so damn furious with liberal white 'wine moms'. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Frank Bruni has been a prominent journalist for more than three decades, including more than twenty-five years at The New York Times, in roles as diverse as op-ed columnist, White House correspondent, Rome bureau chief, and chief restaurant critic. He is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, The Age of Grievance. In July 2021, he became a full professor at Duke University, teaching in the school of public policy. He currently writes his popular weekly newsletter for the Times and produces additional essays as one of the newspaper’s Contributing Opinion Writers. Frank and I discuss the chaos in Minneapolis, the Melania documentary, Trump's nasty middle finger and twisted psyche, and what chicanery he may attempt between now and the midterms Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, Congressman Chris Deluzio represents Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, where he serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He is an Iraq War veteran, voting rights attorney, and union organizer. The Congressman and I discuss the Jack Smith hearing, Trump and Davos, DOJ weaponization, the midterms and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Special Episode: My 8-Minute WTF Rant on Trump at Davos Got somethin' to say?! Email us at [email protected] Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel