President Trump wasted no time beginning 2026 by dominating headlines with the capture and arrest of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro. Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, and Columnist at the Washington Examiner and Washington Post, Salena Zito, explain the political fallout of the President's swift move, including the media and lawmakers' reaction. Salena and Colin discuss a major domestic scandal out of Minnesota and Governor Tim Walz's involvement. They also share their projections for the Midterm Elections later this year.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Colin and Salena look ahead to tax day and NFL playoffs. Who is Dana rooting for this season?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While 2026 is just around the corner, so are the Midterm Elections. Meanwhile, next month will mark the first anniversary of President Trump's second term in office. To reflect on this year and look ahead to next, Dana revisits her conversation with Yemisi Egbowole, founder of Podium Strategies and former Chief of Staff and advisor to the Biden White House Press Office. Yemisi discusses challenges facing the current Democratic Party and shares her projections for who may lead the Party in the future.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Yemisi highlight a messaging issue shared by both Democrats and Republicans. Has that changed since they recorded in August?  This episode originally aired on Monday, August 18th, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As 2025 comes to an end, Dana revisits her conversation with the founder of the bipartisan government relations firm, Mehlman Consulting, and the author of The Age of Distribution Substack, Bruce Mehlman, about foreign policy and what would become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Dana and Bruce spoke in October, on the heels of President Trump's major announcement on the war in Gaza and amid other key issues in the headlines around the world.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: For more political updates, visit Bruce's Substack, The Age of Distribution Substack.  This episode originally aired on Monday, October 13th, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shocking violence ensued over the weekend following a trio of violent attacks that left many on edge at the height of the holiday season. Founding partner at Cavalry LLC and Co-Host of the Ruthless Podcast, Josh Holmes shares how this past weekend's tragedies amplified growing concerns about terror across the globe.  Josh breaks down the primary health care dilemma in Congress and the need for Republicans to develop a strong, unifying message on the economy before the 2026 Midterm Elections.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Josh share their three Christmas wishes for American politics.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a memorable election win for Republicans, Americans are looking at Congress and its cost-cutting efforts. Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors Matt Whitlock describes President Trump's efforts to address an affordability issue in America. Matt also shares some of the upcoming Supreme Court cases he's paying attention to, including arguments over presidential power and birthright citizenship. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Matt discusses how President Trump's tariffs are affecting trade with Europe.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bethany Mandel, a homeschooling mother of 6, a writer and host of 'The Mom Wars' podcast, shares how she is surviving travel with her children, teaching them about religion, architecture across history, and the world. She also discusses her view on teenagers and smartphones. Later, Dana and Bethany highlight a special election in Tennessee that has the entire Congress watching and the growing concerns of congressional members' personal safety.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Bethany describes the concerns that American moms have about the economy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana is on assignment this week, but host of the Getting Hammered and Naturally podcasts, Mary Katharine Ham, taps host of the Trey Gowdy Podcast, Trey Gowdy, to examine the political impact of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation, including how it affects the Republican majority in the House and the shifting dynamics inside the GOP.   Mary Katharine and Trey discuss the divide within the party over Ukraine, Russia, and U.S. foreign policy, and the confusion surrounding the State Department’s proposed peace plan.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Trey weighs in on how social media is reshaping political narratives heading into 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the White House gears up to host Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, President Trump is ready to make another 'big' deal. Managing Director and Partner at Beacon Global Strategies, Michael Allen unpacks the President's current foreign policy plans. Dana and Michael discuss global issues and the complex state of geopolitics. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Michael highlights the high amounts of fentanyl entering through the U.S. Southern border.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history could come to an end with a few Democratic Senators joining Republicans to vote "yes" to reopen the government. Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, and Columnist at the Washington Examiner and Washington Post, Salena Zito, explain the political repercussions for Democrats. They discuss the division within the Democratic Party and whether more Progressive candidates will emerge and be welcomed by voters in upcoming election cycles. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: While the 2026 Midterm Elections are top of mind, Salena and Colin also highlight potential contenders for the 2028 Presidential Election.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the eve of Election Day, and a few key races have caught Americans' attention. Former GOP strategist and Host of "The Rich Zeoli Show," Rich Zeoli shares his take on the New Jersey and Virginia Gubernatorial Elections. He describes the issues that matter to voters as they head to the polls.  Meanwhile, Rich notes the challenges the Democratic Party is facing. He explains why they are in a perpetual state of primarying one another while they continue to search for their base.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Rich discuss how President Trump is holding both the Democratic and Republican parties together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The government shutdown continues, with very few people outside of Washington, D.C., feeling its impact. Meanwhile, Election Day is a little over a week away for the New York City Mayoral Race, and Democrats are split on whether they support the Democratic Candidate Zohran Mamdani.  Co-host of the Ruthless Podcast, John Ashbrook, describes the growing divide within the Democratic Party, which he calls a "civil war" within the party. He also examines the lack of authenticity among Democrats, which could be why young socialist candidates are creeping into more races around the country. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: John discusses President Trump's trip to Asia this week, and the results Americans could potentially see.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the weekend, the 'No Kings' protests stretched across the country, as some Americans voiced their frustrations with the current administration. Meanwhile, the government shutdown reached its twentieth day, and Congress continues to argue about who is responsible. FOX News Chief Political Anchor and Executive Editor of Special Report, Bret Baier, discusses some of President Trump's current foreign policy initiatives.  Bret explains how the President's potential accomplishment of a Middle East peace deal could make critics look at the President in a completely different light.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Bret shares some exciting news! His new book, To Rescue The American Spirit: Teddy Roosevelt And The Birth Of A Superpower, is available wherever books are sold on Tuesday, October 21st.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, President Trump celebrates a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, which led to the release of twenty Israeli hostages. Founder of the bipartisan government relations firm Mehlman Consulting and author of The Age of Distribution Substack, Bruce Mehlman, discusses the President's involvement in brokering a deal and the difficulty of his job. Bruce also describes where Congress stands on day thirteen of the government shutdown. He explains why health care remains a significant focus.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Bruce takes a look at the impact of artificial intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the Trump administration expands its crime crackdown into new cities, Congress can't compromise on a deal to restart the government. FOX News Audio Political Analyst and Editor-in-Chief of Jewish Insider, Josh Kraushaar, breaks down why the shutdown could last longer than expected.  As the second anniversary of October 7th approaches, the day the terrorist organization Hamas perpetrated attacks on the Israeli public, Josh discusses a possible deal on the table to end the war in the Middle East. He also shares the latest on why Jewish American voters are moving away from the Democratic Party.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Josh examine why Democrats are excited about up-and-coming Progressive candidates.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a potential government shutdown hangs in the balance, Republican strategist and Executive Vice President at Targeted Victory, Matt Gorman, discusses previous shutdowns and why no one wins in this scenario. He breaks down the White House's efforts to stop it, explaining the dynamics of why some Congressional leaders are allowing it to happen. Matt also details the fallout surrounding former Vice President Kamala Harris's book tour, as he ponders her potential political future. Later, he describes President Trump's plan to correct crime in major U.S. cities. I Wish Someone Told Me: Dana and Matt discuss the importance of keeping up with pop culture news.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump and thousands of Americans gathered to remember Charlie Kirk on Sunday. Only time will tell if his legacy and movement will help energize Republicans in the coming months. Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy describes his relationship with Kirk and his unique ability to rally young voters towards the Republican Party.  Speaker McCarthy discusses the significance of President Trump's trip to the United Kingdom last week. He also details how the President stabilized significant conflicts in the world and continues to fix others.   I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Speaker McCarthy explains why he is keeping an eye on California Governor Gavin Newsom.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie Kirk's assassination continues to reverberate around the country as many Americans speculate on why this happened and ask if the country is more divided than ever. Host of The Guy Benson Show on FOX News Radio, Guy Benson, and Outkick Columnist and Host of the Getting Hammered podcast, Mary Katharine Ham, step in for Dana to discuss Charlie's impact on American politics, his legacy, and the emotional response to his death.  Guy and Mary Katharine highlight New York Governor Kathy Hochul's endorsement of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and weigh in on why extreme candidates could lead to enormous problems for the future of the Democratic Party.   I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Mary Katharine notes that despite the darkness the country has experienced over the past few weeks, Charlie Kirk's message for faith lives on.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following President Trump's crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., public attention has increasingly turned to issues of crime and safety. At the same time, New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is actively seeking endorsements ahead of the upcoming election. As the race intensifies, some question whether mainstream Democrats will seek to distance themselves from this progressive faction.   Republican Strategist and Co-Founder of South and Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, discusses the current issues Democrats face as they head into the 2026 Midterm Elections and the 2028 Presidential Election.    I Wish Someone Had Told Me: President Trump and California Governor Newsom go head-to-head. Who will have the last laugh?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a few sleepy weeks in Washington, D.C., Congress returns from recess, where a budget battle is already brewing. Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors Matt Whitlock explains why a funding fight won't work in the Democrats' favor; however, he notes that nobody wins in a government shutdown. Matt describes the current messaging problem that Democrats face and highlights President Trump's approval ratings, which are significantly better at this point in his term than it was during his first term. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Matt touches on the rise of unaffiliated voters as the 2026 Midterm Elections inch closer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back to school means back to the basics, and this year, that might mean banning phones in schools as concerns grow over kids' learning and plummeting reading rates. The founder of En Avant Strategies and former staff director of the Senate Republican Communications Center, Antonia Ferrier, explains why parents and legislators have growing concerns about technology in the classroom.  Antonia highlights the current crime issue Washington, D.C. is facing and why President Trump's crackdown is working. She also discusses whether President Trump will take similar action in other U.S. cities, which are overrun by crime.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Antonia recap some of their experiences working on Capitol Hill and discuss the importance of having strong women leaders in the government.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices