Breaking Battlegrounds

Latest Episodes:

China's AI War, Haiti's Humanitarian Crisis, and Rep. Ilhan Omar Marrying Her Brother Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by four expert guests to unpack the biggest issues shaping national security, global stability, media accountability, and the economy. Dr. Mike Waller, national security expert, investigative journalist, and former CIA operative, explains why artificial intelligence is America's most critical strategic asset, how China and Russia deploy espionage and "honeypot" tactics to steal U.S. technology, and why U.S. dominance in AI is essential to national survival. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald journalist and Maria Moors Cabot Prize winner, discusses her reporting on what's happening in Haiti, detailing the horrific toll of gang violence on women and girls and the lasting impact of sexual violence on families and children. Scott Johnson, founder of the Power Line blog, dives into his decade-long reporting on Rep. Ilhan Omar marrying her brother and Minnesota's Somali fraud problem. The episode concludes with Gary Gygi, president of Gygi Capital Management, former mayor, and veteran financial expert, who breaks down warning signs in the global economy, including labor market trends, union pressures, and the deepening economic challenges facing China.

Inside Gen Z Politics and What the Epstein Files Reveal Nov 21, 2025

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This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone joins National Review columnist and Locked In host Caroline Downey and Manhattan Institute Fellow Daniel Di Martino in person at Arizona State University for a conversation on "Gen Z: The Future of American Politics," exploring cultural trends, campus movements, and the shifting ideological landscape among younger voters. Later in the show, Chuck and Sam are joined by investigative reporter Ben Wieder of McClatchy's Washington bureau and the Miami Herald as he breaks down the newly released Epstein files, what the documents reveal, and the ongoing questions surrounding victims, media relationships, and federal investigations. Tune in for a conversation you won't hear anywhere else.

The Real History of Thanksgiving, American Traditions, and Honoring Our Veterans and Allies Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

This Thanksgiving week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're grateful for all our listeners and hope you enjoy a special show filled with history, tradition, and service. We kick things off with best-selling author and historian William Federer, who walks us through the real story behind Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims, and how the holiday became a national celebration. Then Kiley shares the fascinating and nearly forgotten history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, including the years when giant helium balloons were released into the sky for cash rewards and why that tradition suddenly ended. We close the show with Navy veteran and AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver, discussing how veterans are continuing to serve, support wartime allies, and lead humanitarian efforts. It is a meaningful and timely episode, and we are thankful you are part of the Breaking Battlegrounds family.

Ryan Berg on Venezuela's Global Impact and Mark Geist Protecting America's Children Oct 17, 2025

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This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're diving into global strategy, national security, child protection, and the economy. First, Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins the show to break down why Venezuela matters beyond narcotics and migration, the geopolitical stakes of regime change, and the implications of U.S. policy options under a potential Trump administration. Then, Mark "Oz" Geist—Benghazi hero, former Marine, and co-chair of the Protect Our Children initiative—discusses his mission to enact common-sense protections for kids and combat child sex trafficking in Colorado and across the country. Finally, financial expert Gary Gygi returns to unpack why gold prices are surging and what it reveals about global trust in central banks.

Alexander Raikin on How America Abandoned Its Suicide Safeguards Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are first joined by friend of the show Alexander Raikin, Visiting Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss how America has abandoned suicide safeguards and the lessons from Canada's MAID program. Next, David Robinson, a leading voice for Western Canadian independence, breaks down the crises north of the border, from economic instability to cultural tensions, and what they could mean for America. Then, seasoned financial expert Gary Gygi returns to analyze the latest jobs report and what it reveals about the health of the U.S. economy. And stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, as she dives into the latest drama in the small town of London, Kentucky—from a torture chamber investigation to ongoing clashes with the city council.

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Breaking Battlegrounds Thanksgiving Special Nov 26, 2022

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This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we take a break from politics to put the spotlight on people who are working to make the world a better place. First, we are joined by Jacqueline Way, a world-renowned keynote speaker. Later in the program, Christena Durham of the Huntsman Foundation calls in to discuss their work to combat stigma around mental health challenges.

Jacqueline Way is a world-renowned keynote speaker with one of the most watched TEDx Talks "How to Be Happy Every Day – It Will Change the World." She is a dedicated world changer serving humanity with love every day. Her soul purpose is to teach, inspire and empower the hearts and minds of people globally to create a happy, meaningful life and world together. She expresses her purpose through her global giving movement 365give. The charitable organization was created with her 3-year old son with a simple vision to "Change the World 1 give, 1 day at time." She is committed to living the highest expression of who she is through her work, family and by touching the lives of others.

Christina Durham is the Vice Chairwoman of the Huntsman Foundation. Christena serves on the boards of several charitable organizations, including the Huntsman Foundation, The Road Home, the Huntsman World Senior Games, the Carmen Pingree School for Autism, and the Moran Eye Center, and is committed to serving others. Christena is the mother of seven children and grandmother to several grandchildren.

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David Catanese on Liz Cheney, the Midterms, and What It All Means for Trump Aug 06, 2022

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This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam are joined by David Catanese, a Washington-based political reporter and the author of the blog Too Close to Call. Later in the show, Dan McLaughlin calls in to remember his uncle, legendary broadcaster Vin Scully, who sadly passed away this week. -

David Catanese is a national political correspondent for McClatchy in Washington. He's covered campaigns for more than a decade, previously working at U.S. News & World Report and Politico. Prior to that he was a television reporter for NBC affiliates in Missouri and North Dakota.

Dan McLaughlin is a senior writer at National Review Online and a fellow at National Review Institute. He was formerly an attorney practicing securities and commercial litigation in New York City, a contributing editor of RedState, columnist at the Federalist and the New Ledger, a baseball blogger at BaseballCrank.com, BostonSportsGuy.com, the Providence Journal Online, and a contributor to the Command Post. His writings on politics, baseball, and law have appeared in numerous other newspapers, magazines, websites, and legal journals.

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Tiffany Shedd on the Ugly Truth at the Southern Border Mar 05, 2022

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This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck and Sam sit down with Tiffany Shedd, a Republican running for Attorney General in Arizona, to get an honest look at how an unsecured border has created a humanitarian crisis. Later in the show, Chuck and Sam talk to Justin Clements, spokesman for Project Dynamo, a non-profit organization that is working to evacuate Americans from Ukraine.Tiffany Shedd grew up in Pinal County and worked her way through college and law school at the University of Arizona. She's worked as a bilingual kindergarten teacher, farmer, and natural resource attorney, and owns several small businesses, in addition to being a homeschool mom and an SCTP and 4-H certified pistol and shotgun coach.

Living on a major trafficking route in Pinal County, Tiffany has experienced first-hand the consequences of the failure to secure our border and relies on the 2nd Amendment to protect herself and her family.

Tiffany's personal experiences with the consequences of an unsecured border, and as an attorney, business owner, and mother are why she is firmly committed to conservative principles and dedicated to making sure Arizona stays great for future generations.

Tiffany and her husband Rodney, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, are the fourth generation to farm their land in Pinal County and are proud parents of three children. Connect with us:

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Broken Potholes New Year Jan 05, 2022

Show notes

This week on Broken Potholes, we continue to spread holiday cheer by highlighting a couple wonderful charities that are working hard to improve the lives of others nationwide.

First, we are joined by Rodney Smith Jr of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care. Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service is the union of an ordinary yard maintenance service and the commitment to establish an inspiring program to keep our youth (girls & boys) on a positive path while learning and understanding their value in society. RMLCS/RWLCS provides free lawn care to our elders, those who are disabled, single mothers and our veterans, who do not have the time, resources and/or money to take care of their yards. Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service is a 501(c)(3) organization. To get involved, visit weareraisingmen.com

Later in the show, Eric Snelz of Helping Hands for Freedom. Helping Hands for Freedom has a primary mission of supporting the families of the fallen, wounded and deployed with emergency financial assistance. They provide emergency financial assistance through donated funds to help military and Gold Star families that have lost a loved one or are suffering with injuries from combat, including PTSD, TBI and moral injuries. To get involved, visit www.helpinghandsforfreedom.org

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Frank Montano and Rev. Jarrett Maupin on Racism in America May 27, 2021

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This week on Broken Potholes, Sam Stone is joined by former Navy SEAL Frank Montano and civil rights leader Rev. Jarrett Maupin.Frank Montano was born in Mexicali and, after his father died when he was 7, his mother sent him and his brother to California to live with family who could care for him. At a young age, Frank decided that he would dedicate his life to becoming a SEAL and serving on the front lines for the country that gave him freedom and opportunity. After graduating high school, Frank joined the Navy, became an American citizen, and earned his SEAL Trident. The Reverend Jarrett Maupin has been a minister since he was 12 years old. At 19, he became one of the youngest people to hold elected office in the state of Arizona when he was elected to serve on the Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board. Since then, he has become one of the most prominent community organizers and civil rights leaders in Phoenix.

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