Newt's World

Newt discusses a range of topics including the declining approval rating of President Biden, the rise of populist conservatism in Europe, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Gaza. He also talks about the conviction of Donald Trump in New York, which he believes is a fake conviction, and how it has surprisingly strengthened Trump's position. He also discusses the tension between the establishment and populist wings in Congress, and the need for reform in higher education to counter anti-American sentiments. He encourages listeners to join his Inner Circle Club for more in-depth discussions. Become a member of Newt’s Inner Circle by going to newtsinnercircle.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Florida Everglades, a vast subtropical wilderness and a World Heritage Site, is home to over 1.5 million acres of mangrove forests, the largest continuous sea grass meadow on earth, the oldest cypress trees on the planet, and over 350 different animal species. However, the Everglades have faced challenges due to development pressures and invasive species. The Everglades Foundation has been committed to restoring and protecting the Everglades for over 30 years. The foundation is currently working on the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, the largest ecosystem restoration project in the world, which aims to reconnect Lake Okeechobee water down to the Florida Keys. The foundation encourages people to get involved in the restoration efforts and to visit the Everglades to understand its importance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the Pentagon, its history, and the challenges it faces in modernizing for the 21st century. The Pentagon, built between 1941 and 1943, is the second largest office building in the world and has 27,000 military and civilian employees. The Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024 provided $825 billion in total funding. Newt’s guest, William Hartung, a Senior Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, discusses the influence of large contractors on defense policy and the need for strategic thinking and reform in the defense system. They also discuss the rise of artificial intelligence and the increasing role of Silicon Valley in defense technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Michel Paradis, author of “The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower” which explores General Dwight D. Eisenhower's role in the D-Day invasion during World War II. Paradis highlights Eisenhower's leadership, strategic decision-making, and the immense pressure he faced leading up to the invasion. He also discusses Eisenhower's transition from a military leader to a political figure, becoming the President of the United States. Paradis emphasizes that Eisenhower's success in leading the D-Day invasion was integral to America's rise as a global superpower.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the night of June 6th, 1944, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt went on national radio to address the nation for the first time about the Normandy invasion. His speech took the form of a prayer. Using historical audio, Newt revisits D-Day and President Roosevelt’s prayer to the nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the upcoming election with two experienced pollsters, John McLaughlin and Doug Sosnik. They discuss key issues voters are considering, the six or seven states that could vote either way, and the potential closeness of the election. McLaughlin and Sosnik agree that the race has been stable since last November, with Trump maintaining a narrow lead. They also discuss the potential impact of third-party candidates and the importance of voter turnout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, about the recent helicopter crash that killed Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Parsi discusses the potential implications of this event on Iran's future and its impact on the Middle East. They also discuss the complex political landscape of Iran, including the role of the Supreme Leader and the country's nuclear program. The conversation also touches on Iran's relationships with other countries and organizations, such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Jeremy S. Adams, author of "LESSONS IN LIBERTY: Thirty Rules for Living from Ten Extraordinary Americans". Adams discusses the inspiring lives of extraordinary Americans from the past and what we can learn from them today. He highlights figures such as George Washington, Daniel Inouye, Clara Barton, Thomas Jefferson, Arthur Ashe, Abraham Lincoln, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, James Madison, and Theodore Roosevelt. Adams emphasizes the importance of learning from history to pass on timeless values and principles. He also discusses the importance of understanding that the essence of America is not rooted in the worst things the country has done, but in the ideals and achievements of its past leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with former federal prosecutors and veterans of the United States Air Force, Katie and Andrew Cherkasky. They discuss their new book "Woke Warriors: How the Left Is Destroying America's Ability to Fight and Win Its Wars". They argue that the U.S. military has become a "woke industrial complex", with diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, social justice reform, and preferred pronouns taking precedence over traditional military values and skills. They claim that this shift in culture is causing dedicated service members to lose their careers, retirements, and in some cases, their freedom. The authors also express concern about the military's ability to fight and win wars, given the focus on identity-based promotions and the prioritization of "woke" policies over operational needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt is joined by former CIA analyst, Fred Fleitz, and they discuss his new book with AFPI, "An America First Approach to U.S. National Security". Fleitz argues that the United States needs a decisive and competent commander-in-chief who will use military force prudently to defend national interests and avoid unnecessary wars. He also advocates for a strong U.S. military that is not tied down with social engineering and DEI, and for working with allies and international organizations, but ensuring they carry their own weight. Fleitz believes that the world has become more dangerous and unstable since President Donald Trump left office, and that the deterioration of our foreign policy is due to the abandonment of the America first approach to national security. He also discusses the threat posed by China and the need for decoupling from the Chinese economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American K-12 education system is experiencing a decline in teacher morale, according to a recent survey by EdChoice and Morning Consult. Factors contributing to teacher job dissatisfaction include stagnant wages, the rising cost of post-secondary education and a lack of job security. The survey found that only 39% of teachers believe K-12 education is on the right track in their local school district, and only 15% would recommend the teaching profession to friends and family. Robert Enlow, President and CEO of EdChoice, suggests that the solution lies in school choice, which allows parents to choose the best educational setting for their children. He also highlights the need for better integration of technology in the classroom and warns of a looming fiscal cliff for schools as pandemic funding runs out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World-renowned portrait photographer Platon, joins Newt to discuss his career and his latest book, "The Defenders: Heroes of the Global Fight for Human Rights". Platon has photographed many influential figures, including Vladimir Putin, Muhammad Ali, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. He also worked with Human Rights Watch to document struggles in Burma, Egypt, Russia, the United States, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Platon emphasizes the importance of humanizing subjects in his photographs, regardless of their status or power. He also shares his experiences photographing ordinary people who are fighting for their rights and dignity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Dr. Ben Carson about his new book, "The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture's War on the American Family". He argues that the erosion of traditional marriage, rising divorce rates, radical ideologies, attacks on faith, and government interference are causing a breakdown of the family unit, which he believes is the cornerstone of strong communities and a strong nation. Dr. Carson encourages a return to biblical and familial values. He also discusses his work with the American Cornerstone Institute and the Carson Scholars Fund, which aim to promote academic achievement and humanitarian qualities in young people. He emphasizes the importance of citizens actively participating in the democratic process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Dr. Greg Autry, author of "Red Moon Rising: How America Will Beat China on the Final Frontier". They discuss the new space race between the United States and China, with the moon as the ultimate high ground. Autry highlights the vast lunar resources that could determine the quality of life on earth in the future. He also discusses the potential of space for manufacturing and medical advancements, such as growing stem cells and creating pharmaceuticals in zero gravity. However, Autry expresses concern about the United States’ ability to beat China to the moon, citing a lack of top-level support in the current administration for the space program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen, about her new book "Nuclear War: A Scenario". The book explores the potential aftermath of a nuclear missile launch, based on interviews with military and civilian experts. Jacobsen discusses the concept of "Mad King Logic", where one irrational leader with a nuclear arsenal could trigger a global catastrophe. She also explains the devastating environmental and human impacts of a nuclear war, including nuclear winter and the death of billions. Jacobsen suggests that the way forward is to reduce the number of nuclear weapons and make their use taboo, following the example set by President Reagan. They also discuss how this could be implemented in a world with unpredictable leaders like Kim Jong Un and Ayatollah Khomeini.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Brigadier General Anthony Tata (U.S. Army, Retired) about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli Defense Force has taken control of the border crossing at Rafah and is focusing on destroying Hamas targets. There are also ongoing talks of a ceasefire to free remaining hostages. Tata provides his expert analysis on the situation. He believes that Israel must destroy Hamas to ensure the security of the Israeli people. They also discuss the rise of pro-Palestinian protests in the United States, and Tata's career as a novelist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer, Bertie Gregory, about his experience filming Emperor Penguin chicks in Antarctica for the upcoming National Geographic series, Secrets of the Penguins to be released in April 2025. The footage, which has never been captured for television before, shows the chicks diving off a 50-foot Antarctic ice shelf into the ocean. Bertie discusses the challenges of filming in such a remote and cold location, and the unexpected behavior of the penguins. He also describes how his career began and the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife in his work. Learn more about the historic penguin leap at NatGeo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can current university leaders learn from Governor Ronald Reagan's approach to college protests? Newt discusses the history of student unrest on college campuses, particularly focusing on the role Governor Reagan played in handling the protests at the University of California, Berkeley. He draws parallels between the student protests of the 1960s and the unrest on campuses today, noting that many of the issues are similar. He discusses Reagan's firm and clear approach to dealing with student protests. This episode includes archival audio from Governor Reagan, in his own words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Professor Ajay Agrawal, a key player in the world of Artificial Intelligence and author of Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence. Agrawal discusses the rapid evolution of AI, highlighting the significant advancements made in the last decade. He explains that AI's core function is to improve prediction, but it also requires human clarity for value judgments within those predictions. Agrawal also discusses the potential for AI to dramatically increase productivity and trigger a large reallocation of capital. He predicts that AI will force society to be more explicit about value judgments and trade-offs, leading to increased transparency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Les Leopold about his new book, "Wall Street's War on Workers". He explains how corporations in the U.S. have used mass layoffs and stock buybacks to enrich shareholders at the expense of employees. Leopold argues that these practices have contributed to the decline in support for the Democratic Party among urban and rural workers. He suggests that the party has failed to address the issue of mass layoffs and has instead supported policies that have led to job instability. Leopold proposes solutions such as limiting stock buybacks to 2% and preventing companies with government contracts from laying off workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.